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Biomedical subjects

P Seth

Publications and source records attributed to P Seth.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

A simple and efficient method of protein delivery into cells using adenovirus.

Human adenovirus type 2 has been previously shown to increase the delivery of a variety of proteins into cells when Ad is co-internalized with the protein ligands. To increase the efficiency of adenoviral-mediated delivery of proteins, I have linked adenovirus, separately with two proteins, epidermal growth factor and an antibody against human transferrin receptor through disulfide and thioether linkages. Competition experiments indicate that the conjugates are taken up into the cells through adenovirus receptor. During the internalization of adenovirus-protein conjugates into KB cells, the conjugates were equally effective as the native adenovirus in disrupting endocytic vesicles and releasing their protein content into the cytosol. This implies the possible use of adenovirus to deliver a large number of protein molecules into the cells.

Adenoviruses, Human↗

Alterations in the bioantioxidants following thrombosis.

The role of free radicals in rat thrombosis has been demonstrated by studying its scavenging enzyme system. Changes in the bio-antioxidants (GSH-redox cycle, total thiol groups, vitamins E and C) that also offer protection against the free radicals, have, however, not been studied so far. This investigation was undertaken to understand the involvement of these antioxidants during thrombosis. The tissues investigated following thrombosis were blood, platelets, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs), heart, and lung. Glutathione (GSH) content in the platelets was observed to be depleted. However, oxidized glutathione (GSSG) contents in the platelets, PMNLs, and blood remain unaltered. In addition, in the whole blood GSH levels were increased significantly, whereas there was no change in the GSSG level. Activity of glutathione reductase (GR) was decreased significantly in platelets and lungs with an increase in the total thiol groups in the lung homogenate. Activity of Glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) remained unaltered in all the tissues studied. In addition, 24% and 15% decrease in the alpha-tocopherol concentration was observed in thrombocytes and PMNLs, respectively, with no change in the ascorbate levels in these cells. Results of this investigation suggest alterations in the GSH-redox cycle in blood, platelets, and lung after thrombosis in the rat.

Animals↗

Gene transfer to freshly isolated human respiratory epithelial cells in vitro using a replication-deficient adenovirus containing the human cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator cDNA.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) results from mutations of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene and subsequent defective regulation of cAMP-stimulated chloride (Cl-) permeability across the apical membrane of epithelial cells. In vitro transfer of normal CFTR cDNA corrects this defect, and studies in experimental animals have shown successful gene transfer to airway epithelium in vivo using a recombinant adenoviral vector containing the human CFTR cDNA (AdCFTR), supporting the feasibility of in vivo AdCFTR-mediated gene therapy for the respiratory manifestations of CF. One step in applying this therapy to CF patients is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of AdCFTR-mediated gene transfer in the actual target for human gene therapy, human airway epithelium. The present study demonstrates that AdCFTR restores cAMP-stimulated Cl- permeability in human CF bronchial epithelial cells. In addition, the study utilizes freshly isolated human airway epithelial cells from the nose and/or bronchi of normal individuals and/or individuals with CF to demonstrate that after in vitro AdCFTR-mediated gene transfer: (i) AdCFTR DNA does not replicate as a function of dose and time; (ii) CF epithelial cells express AdCFTR-mediated normal human CFTR mRNA; and (iii) CF epithelial cells, including terminally differentiated ciliated cells (the most common airway epithelial cell type), express the normal human CFTR protein. Together, these data support the use of AdCFTR in human gene therapy trials and suggest that biologic efficacy should be achievable in vivo.

Adenoviridae↗

Adenovirus-dependent release of choline from plasma membrane vesicles at an acidic pH is mediated by the penton base protein.

It has been suggested that during receptor-mediated endocytosis of human adenovirus (Ad) type 2 into cells, Ad disrupts the membrane of endocytic vesicles to enter the cytosol. To understand the mechanism of Ad-mediated disruption of the endocytic vesicles, I exposed Ad to plasma membrane vesicles derived from KB cells. Ad caused release of choline from the plasma membrane vesicles preloaded with [3H]choline. The efflux of choline was dependent on (i) the concentration of Ad, with a half-maximal effect at 0.5 microgram/ml; (ii) the pH of the buffer, with the optimum pH of the reaction ranging from 5.5 to 6.0; (iii) the length of the incubation, with a half-maximal release at 2 min; and (iv) the temperature of the incubation, with the optimum temperature being 37 degrees C. The Ad-dependent release of choline was inhibited by anti-penton base, while antihexon did not block the effect. These results suggest roles for a low-pH environment and the penton base protein in the Ad-dependent efflux of choline from plasma membrane vesicles.

Acids↗

Mechanism of enhancement of DNA expression consequent to cointernalization of a replication-deficient adenovirus and unmodified plasmid DNA.

Given the knowledge that replication-deficient adenoviruses can mediate the delivery of unlinked plasmid DNA into eukaryotic cells (K. Yoshimura, M. A. Rosenfeld, P. Seth, and R. G. Crystal, J. Biol. Chem. 268:2300-2303, 1993), this study focuses on the role of receptor-mediated endocytosis in this process. AdCFTR (an E1- E3- adenovirus type 5-based replication-deficient adenovirus containing the 4.5-kb human cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator cDNA) was added to Cos-7 cells together with plasmid pRSVL (containing the Rous sarcoma virus long terminal repeat promoter followed by the luciferase cDNA), and luciferase activity was quantified as a measure of the expression of the plasmid DNA. When AdCFTR was bound to Cos-7 cells at 4 degrees C and the cells were subsequently incubated at 37 degrees C in the presence of pRSVL, the expression of luciferase activity was increased in proportion to the amount of AdCFTR added, reaching > 10(4)-fold at 3,000 PFU per cell. AdCFTR-mediated increase in pRSVL was inhibited by addition of purified adenovirus fiber but not hexon, suggesting cell surface adenovirus receptors were involved in the cointernalization process. Cell lines with a high number of adenovirus receptors (Cos-7 and HeLa) showed significant AdCFTR-dependent pRSVL expression, while cell lines with low numbers of adenovirus receptors (NIH 3T3 and U-937) showed little. AdCFTR-mediated increase in the expression of pRSVL was prevented when AdCFTR was heat treated and exposed to antibody against adenovirus or when the cointernalization process was evaluated in the presence of chloroquine, conditions all known to prevent adenovirus-mediated disruption of endocytic vesicles. In contrast, the uptake of AdCFTR into Cos-7 cells was not affected by any of these conditions. When AdCFTR was exposed to UV light, its ability to grow in 293 cells was obviated, but AdCFTR-dependent increase in pRSVL expression was minimally reduced. Finally, empty capsids of AdCFTR were able to enhance the delivery and expression of plasmid pRSVL into Cos-7 cells, suggesting that the adenovirus genome is not required for AdCFTR-mediated plasmid cointernalization. Together, these observations suggest that the ability of a replication-deficient recombinantly adenovirus to mediate the cointernalization and expression of plasmids is mediated by the receptor-mediated endocytosis pathway.

Adenoviruses, Human↗

Stimulation of HIV replication in mononuclear phagocytes by leukemia inhibitory factor.

This study examined the effects of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication in mononuclear phagocytes (MNP). LIF induced a dose-dependent increase in p24 antigen production in the chronically infected promonocytic cell line U1. The magnitude and time kinetics of the LIF effects were similar to interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), other cytokines known to induce HIV replication in this cell line. To characterize mechanisms responsible for these LIF effects, levels of HIV mRNA, activation of the DNA binding protein nuclear factor (NF)-kB, signal transduction pathways, and potential interactions with other cytokines were analyzed. LIF increased steady-state levels of HIV mRNA at 2.0, 4.3, and 9.2 kB. This was detectable by 24 h and persisted until 72 h. The DNA binding protein NF-kB is a central mediator in cytokine activation of HIV transcription. NF-kB levels were higher in unstimulated U1 cells as compared to the parent cell line U937. In both cell lines LIF increased NF-kB activity. Induction of NF-kB and HIV replication by cytokines are at least in part dependent on reactive oxygen intermediates. The oxygen radical scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine, but not an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, inhibited LIF-induced HIV replication. LIF induces the production of other cytokines in monocytes but its effects on HIV replication were not inhibited by antibodies to IL-1, TNF, or IL-6. These results identify LIF as a stimulus of HIV replication.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetylcysteine↗

Biochemical characterization of a membrane-bound enzyme responsible for generating nitric oxide from nitroglycerin in vascular smooth muscle cells.

A membrane-bound enzyme responsible for generating nitric oxide (NO) from nitroglycerin (NTG) in vascular smooth muscle cells has been characterized. The enzyme could be solubilized from vascular microsomes by several detergents, the most effective of which was 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylamino]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS). A partially purified enzyme preparation was obtained with CHAPS-solubilized vascular microsomes that were processed sequentially through an ion exchange column and a gel filtration column. The activity of this partially purified enzyme showed a dependence on substrate concentration, protein concentration and the duration of incubation. Enzyme activity was enhanced 2.7- to 4.2-fold by several thiols such as cysteine, N-acetylcysteine, reduced glutathione, and dithiothreitol. On the other hand, N-ethylmaleimide, iodoacetic acid, p-chloromercuric benzoic acid and 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, reagents known to bind with the free sulfhydryl groups, inactivated the NO-generating activity from NTG. The enzyme activity could be reversibly bound to an organomercurial column. These results suggested the presence of a free thiol group in the enzyme and that this thiol group was required for enzyme activity. The partially purified enzyme was active in the presence of 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The enzyme was purified to near homogeneity using several sequential chromatographic steps including DEAE-Sephacel, Biogel A 1.5 m, hydroxylapatite and organomercurial columns, resulting in an increase in enzyme activity of about 94-fold. The subunit of this enzyme, as identified on an SDS-treated electrophoresis gel, had an apparent molecular size of 58 kDa.

Animals↗

Evidence for D1 dopamine receptor-mediated modulation of the synaptic transmission from motor axon collaterals to Renshaw cells in the rat spinal cord.

The possible modulatory role of D1 dopamine receptors on the excitability of lumbar spinal Renshaw cells was studied in anesthetized rats spinalized at T4 level. Burst responses elicited by single electrical shocks to ipsilateral ventral roots L6 (frequency 0.5 Hz, stimulus width 0.1 ms) and spontaneous activity were recorded extracellularly using conventional 3 M KCl filled glass micropipettes. The specific D1 agonist SKF 38393 (0.5-1 mg/kg i.v.) enhanced Renshaw cell burst responses by 20-60% (n = 7) and increased their spontaneous discharge rate (n = 3). This effect was clearly antagonized by the specific D1 antagonist SCH 23390 (1 mg/kg i.v.) although SCH 23390 proved ineffective per se. We conclude that SKF 38393 induced facilitation was due to activation of the specific D1 receptors which could be the functional counterpart of the presynaptic D2 receptors described earlier by us in the same synapse.

2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-ben↗

TGF beta and HIV infection.

TGF beta is a cytokine which is involved with the regulation of different aspects of host defense responses to injury. Overexpression of TGF beta can lead to the conversion of its protective functions to pathogenetic manifestations. TGF beta is a potent factor in promoting anabolic aspects in connective tissue metabolism, and uncontrolled production of TGF beta has been associated with the development of fibrosis. With respect to its effects on immune and inflammatory responses, TGF beta is an important endogenous immunosuppressive factor which physiologically may protect the organism from tissue damage caused by chronic activation of leukocytes. As a result of overproduction in HIV infection, this function of TGF beta can contribute to noncytopathic mechanisms of immunodeficiency. TGF beta is involved with several aspects of HIV disease and promotes virus replication and spreading through multiple distinct mechanisms. It directly stimulates virus replication in infected monocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells under certain in vitro conditions. It may stimulate the production of other cytokines that enhance virus replication and it may be the mediator of other HIV-stimulating agents such as cocaine. It enhances recruitment of mononuclear phagocytes as cells susceptible to virus infection. Through its profound and broad inhibitory effects on different antiviral defense mechanisms, it facilitates more rapid progression of virus infection and increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections and malignancies. Although these findings are largely based on in vitro systems, the demonstration of TGF beta overexpression in HIV-infected patients supports the notion that this cytokine is an important pathogenetic mediator in HIV infection and its associated diseases. Therapeutic strategies to interfere with these functions of TGF beta are the development of TGF beta-neutralizing antibodies and soluble TGF beta-binding proteins and receptors as well as approaches directed at reducing TGF beta gene expression.

Animals↗

Effect of molsidomine and free radical scavengers on the pulmonary thromboembolism in mice.

Molsidomine is a prodrug of nitric oxide (NO) and is used in the treatment of coronary heart disease. Recent studies with NO have shown that it can exert beneficial as well as toxic effects. It was, therefore, considered desirable to evaluate the effect of this drug in an animal model of thrombosis. It was administered to mice, one hour prior to the thrombotic challenge, in a dose range of 1 to 100 mg/kg ip. In lower doses (1-30 mg/kg), it offered protection by 24-38%, and at 50 and 100 mg/kg it protected 54% and 58% animals respectively. Mice pretreated with molsidomine (3, 10 and 30 mg/kg) and free radical scavengers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, mannitol and deferoxamine, suboptimal doses) together offered significantly more protection against thrombosis than either one of them alone. The results suggest that a combination of molsidomine and free radical scavengers should be more effective than molsidomine alone in the treatment of thrombosis and other ischemic disorders.

Animals↗

Adenovirus-mediated augmentation of cell transfection with unmodified plasmid vectors.

The present study demonstrates that the human adenovirus (Ad) can augment transfer and expression of a gene within plasmid DNA unmodified by nonspecific linkers or by linker-ligand complexes. Following the transfection of COS-7 cells with pRSVL, a luciferase expression plasmid vector directed by the Rous sarcoma virus-long terminal repeat promoter, luciferase activity in the target cells was 10(3)- to 10(4)-fold higher when the cells were also infected with Ad-CFTR, a replication-deficient recombinant Ad containing human cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) cDNA. The enhancement of luciferase gene expression in COS-7 cells was also observed with Ad-dl312 (a replication-deficient E1a deletion mutant Ad with no exogenous gene) and wild type Ad5. The efficiency of cell transfection with pRSVL in the presence of an Ad was achieved in a dose-dependent fashion with progressively higher luciferase activity in cells infected by increasing amounts of Ad-CFTR, Ad-dl312, or Ad5. The augmentation by Ad-CFTR of the transfer and expression of the luciferase gene in cells was similar to that of another transfection reagent, cationic liposomes. Further, when Ad-CFTR and liposomes were used in combination, 4- to 100-fold more efficient expression of the luciferase gene was achieved than with Ad-CFTR or liposomes alone. When COS-7, HeLa, and CV-1 cells were evaluated in parallel in the presence or absence of liposomes, Ad-mediated enhancement of luciferase activity was observed in all cell lines. Thus, exposure of target cells to replication-deficient or competent human Ad will markedly augment transfer and expression of the genes within plasmid DNA in mammalian cells in vitro without modifying the plasmid with linkers or linker-ligand complexes, a strategy that should be useful for in vitro and in vivo gene transfer applications.

Adenoviridae↗

Dopaminergic influence on the excitability of antidromically activated Renshaw cells in the lumbar spinal cord of the rat.

The interaction between dopaminergic and cholinergic systems in the mammalian central nervous system, which is thought to have important implications in the pathophysiology of major extrapyramidal disorders, has never been adequately demonstrated in vivo. Renshaw cell burst responses to single electrical shocks to lumbar ventral roots in spinalized and decerebrated rats were studied. In this monosynaptic cholinergic pathway, apomorphine, a dopaminergic receptor agonist, inhibited whereas the D2-antagonist sulpiride facilitated the burst responses. The mutual antagonism of the two drugs and the depression coupled with the faster decay of post-tetanic potentiation of Renshaw cells by apomorphine demonstrate the involvement of presynaptic D2-receptors through which dopamine can modulate acetylcholine-mediated central synaptic transmission in vivo. The study also provides further evidence for the involvement of the spinal cord in extrapyramidal disorders.

Animals↗

Monoclonal anti-idiotype antibody to HSV-1 neutralizing monoclonal antibody: production and characterization.

This study is an attempt to produce and characterize murine monoclonal antibodies directed against the paratope of HSV-1 neutralizing monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibody 138 C5G10 which was neutralising and directed to 120 K antigen gB of HSV-1 was used as the idiotype. We were able to produce three Ab-2 monoclonal antibodies as characterized using immunofluorescence, ELISA and RIA. The findings of the present study suggest that two antiidiotypes 3AiB3E10 and 3AiB5D10 share the same unique fine specificity while 3AiB3C9 has a different specificity on 138 C5G10 paratope. The utility of such 'surrogate' antigens in serological assays and modulation of immune response is discussed.

Animals↗

Monoclonal anti-idiotypes to herpes simplex virus type 1 capable of antigen specific priming & stimulatory activity.

Anti-idiotypic antibodies (Ab-2) to HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus 1) neutralizing monoclonal antibody were raised by hybridoma. These Ab-2 were found to represent an epitope of glycoprotein B (gB-1) of this virus. To further characterise this antibody for its ability to mimic the antigenic epitope, in vitro lymphoproliferation assays were done. In this assay (i) antigen specific lymphocyte priming activity of the three monoclonal Ab-2 and (ii) the in vitro stimulating ability of these Ab-2 for gb-1 primed mouse lymphocytes were tested. We could identify two monoclonal Ab-2 which were able to prime the mouse lymphocytes in vivo. These antibodies were able to recognise the in vitro stimulation signal of the antigen gB-1 and consequently could proliferate. The stimulation index was comparable to that with the antigen. These two Ab-2 were also recognized by the antigen primed mouse lymphocytes in a specific manner.

Animals↗

Temporal variation in the distribution of rotavirus electropherotypes in Delhi, India.

The present study was carried out to investigate the varying pattern of rotavirus electropherotypes in Delhi, India. During a 25-month study period, rotavirus was detected in 104 of 990 (10.5%) samples collected from children with acute gastroenteritis, except in the months of June 1988, June 1989, October 1989, January 1990 and March 1990. Viral RNA migration was studied by PAGE in 83 rotavirus positive samples, and 69 (83.1%) of them gave a discernible RNA pattern. A "long" RNA pattern was observed in 58 (84%) and a "short" RNA pattern in 11 (16%) samples. There were three major electropherotypes among the "long" RNA types and two major electropherotypes among the "short" RNA RNA types. Sequential appearance of electropherotypes was seen with every seasonal peak of infection.

Acute Disease↗

Supersensitivity of spinal dopaminergic receptors in rat after chronic haloperidol.

In order to examine the effect of chronic neuroleptics on spinal dopaminergic system, rats were treated with haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg IP) for 21 days and the monosynaptic mass reflex (MMR) as well as dopamine (DA) metabolism were investigated. MMR, recorded from ventral root L6 following supramaximal stimulation to ipsilateral dorsal root L6 in spinalized rats, were found to be unaffected following chronic haloperidol treatment when compared to control. Apomorphine (0.1 mg/kg IV) caused 10-20% depression of MMR in control animals which was augmented to 40-50% in chronically haloperidol-treated animals suggesting an upregulation of DA receptors in the spinal cord. DA content of lumbar region of the spinal cord was unaffected whereas its major metabolite, homovanillic acid, was significantly reduced in chronic haloperidol-treated animals. This decreased utilization of DA may compensate the upregulation of DA receptors to maintain the physiological homeostasis of the spinal dopaminergic system.

Animals↗

Presynaptic dopaminergic inhibition of the spinal reflex in rats.

Dopaminergic influence on spinal monosynaptic transmission was examined in rats. Monosynaptic mass reflex (MMR) was recorded from the ventral root L6 following supramaximal stimulation (0.2 Hz; 0.1 ms) to the ipsilateral dorsal root L6 in spinalized rat under pentobarbitone sodium (40 mg/kg, i.p.) anaesthesia. MMR was inhibited by intravenous administration of the dopaminergic agonist, apomorphine (50-200 ug/kg) in a dose-dependent manner. The attenuatory effect of apomorphine (200 ug/kg i.v.) on the reflex could be reversed by the dopaminergic antagonist haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg, i.v.). Under tetanic stimulation (200 Hz; 15s), the pretetanic relative inhibition induced by apomorphine (200 ug/kg, i.v.) was increased only for a short period immediately after the cessation of tetanic stimulation. The results indicate existence of presynaptic dopamine receptors on the afferent terminals converging on the motoneurone which may functionally modulate the spinal motor output.

Animals↗