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Biomedical subjects

R F Murphy

Publications and source records attributed to R F Murphy.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Proposed new data file standard for flow cytometry, version FCS 3.0.

In 1984, the first flow cytometry data file format was proposed as Flow Cytometry Standard 1.0 (FCS1.0). FCS 1.0 provided a uniform file format allowing data acquired on one computer to be correctly read and interpreted on other computers running a variety of operating systems. That standard was modified in 1990 and adopted by the Society of Analytical Cytology as FCS 2.0. Here, we report on an update of the FCS 2.0 standard which we propose to designate FCS 3.0. We have retained the basic four segment structure of earlier versions (HEADER, TEXT, DATA and ANALYSIS) in order to maintain analysis software compatibility, where possible. The changes described in this proposal include a method to collect files larger than 100 megabytes (not possible in earlier versions of the standard), the inclusion of international characters in the TEXT portions of the file, a method of verifying data integrity using a 16-bit cyclic redundancy check, and increased keyword support for cluster analysis and time acquisition. This report summarizes the work of the ISAC Data File Standards Committee. The complete and detailed FCS 3.0 standard is available through the ISAC office [Sherwood Group, 60 Revere Drive, Ste 500, Northbrook, IL 60062, phone: (847) 480-9080 ext. 231, fax: (847) 480-9282, E-mail: isac@sherwood-group.com] or through the internet at the ISAC WWW site, http://nucleus.immunol.washington.edu/ISAC.ht ml.

Database Management Systems↗

Theoretical considerations on the role of membrane potential in the regulation of endosomal pH.

Na+,K(+)-ATPase has been observed to partially inhibit acidification of early endosomes by increasing membrane potential, whereas chloride channels have been observed to enhance acidification in endosomes and lysosomes. However, little theoretical analysis of the ways in which different pumps and channels may interact has been carried out. We therefore developed quantitative models of endosomal pH regulation based on thermodynamic considerations. We conclude that 1) both size and shape of endosomes will influence steady-state endosomal pH whenever membrane potential due to the pH gradient limits proton pumping, 2) steady-state pH values similar to those observed in early endosomes of living cells can occur in endosomes containing just H(+)-ATPases and Na+,K(+)-ATPases when low endosomal buffering capacities are present, and 3) inclusion of active chloride channels results in predicted pH values well below those observed in vivo. The results support the separation of endocytic compartments into two classes, those (such as early endosomes) whose acidification is limited by attainment of a certain membrane potential, and those (such as lysosomes) whose acidification is limited by the attainment of a certain pH. The theoretical framework and conclusions described are potentially applicable to other membrane-enclosed compartments that are acidified, such as elements of the Golgi apparatus.

Buffers↗

Phase I trial and pharmacokinetic study of all-trans-retinoic acid administered on an intermittent schedule in combination with interferon-alpha2a in pediatric patients with refractory cancer.

PURPOSE: To determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) administered on an intermittent oral schedule with interferon-alpha2a (IFN-alpha2a) in children with refractory cancer, and whether the marked reduction in plasma ATRA concentrations observed with chronic daily oral dosing could be circumvented with an intermittent dosing schedule. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-three children with refractory cancer (stratified by age, < or = 12 and > 12 years) were treated with ATRA 3 consecutive days per week and IFN-alpha2a 3 x 10(6) U/m2 5 consecutive days per week, both repeated weekly. The starting dose of ATRA was 60 mg/m2/d divided into three doses, with planned escalations to 90 and 120 mg/m2/d. Because severe headaches have been noted to occur on the initial day of ATRA administration, only two of three doses of ATRA were administered on day 1 of each week. RESULTS: Pseudotumor cerebri or dose-limiting headache was observed in two of five patients older than 12 years treated at the 120-mg/m2/d dose level and in one of six < or = 12 years at the 90-mg/m2/d level. Other non-dose-limiting toxicities of ATRA included reversible elevations in hepatic transaminases and triglycerides, dry skin, cheilitis, and nausea/vomiting. One child with recurrent neuroblastoma had an objective response of 6 months' duration, and one with recurrent Wilms' tumor had histologic maturation of multiple tumors. This intermittent schedule allowed for exposure to relatively high plasma concentrations of ATRA on a repetitive basis. Following 30-mg/m2 doses, the ATRA area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) decreased from 96 +/- 14 micromol/L/min on day 1 to 26 +/- 24 micromol/L/min by day 3 of drug administration, but on day 1 of the fourth consecutive week of therapy, the AUC averaged 110 +/- 16 micromol/L/min. The recommended pediatric phase II dose of ATRA administered on this schedule is 90 mg/m2/d. CONCLUSION: An intermittent schedule of ATRA administration appears to circumvent the low plasma drug exposure that is a result of the sustained upregulation of metabolism when this drug is administered on a chronic daily schedule. Based on the results of this trial, a phase II trial of ATRA/IFN-alpha2a in neuroblastoma and Wilms' tumor using this schedule is in progress.

Adolescent↗

Carboxypeptidase-G2, thymidine, and leucovorin rescue in cancer patients with methotrexate-induced renal dysfunction.

PURPOSE: Methotrexate nephrotoxicity can lead to delayed methotrexate elimination and the development of life-threatening toxicity, which may not be preventable with the standard rescue agent leucovorin. In preclinical studies, we previously demonstrated that carboxypetidase-G2 (CPDG2) rapidly hydrolyzes methotrexate to nontoxic metabolites. A protocol for the compassionate use of CPDG2 in patients who develop nephrotoxicity while receiving high-dose methotrexate was therefore developed. The pharmacologic and clinical outcome of CPDG2 rescue administered with thymidine and leucovorin in 20 patients is presented here. METHODS: Patients with high-dose methotrexate-induced renal dysfunction received one to three doses of CPDG2, 50 U/kg body weight intravenously (i.v.), thymidine 8 g/m2/d by continuous i.v. infusion, and standard pharmacokinetically guided leucovorin rescue. Plasma concentrations of methotrexate and its inactive metabolite 4-deoxy-4-amino-N10-methylpteroic acid (DAMPA) were measured before and after CPDG2 using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Tolerance of CPDG2 and thymidine, development of methotrexate toxicities, and recovery of renal function were monitored. RESULTS: Twenty patients who received high-dose methotrexate for osteosarcoma (n = 11), lymphoid cancers (n = 8), and gastric cancer (n = 1) developed nephrotoxicity (median serum creatinine, 3.2 mg/dL) and elevated plasma methotrexate concentrations (median, 201 mumol/L at hour 46). CPDG2 and thymidine rescue was well tolerated and resulted in a rapid 95.6% to 99.6% reduction in the plasma methotrexate concentration. Methotrexate-related toxicity was mild to moderate. Serum creatinine returned to normal values at a median of 22 days. CONCLUSION: CPDG2, thymidine, and leucovorin rescue was highly effective in 20 patients at high risk for developing life-threatening methotrexate toxicity after the onset of methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity and delayed methotrexate excretion.

Adolescent↗

A pilot study of gamma-1b-interferon in combination with fluorouracil, leucovorin, and alpha-2a-interferon.

The combination of IFN-alpha-2a (IFN-alpha) and IFN-gamma-1b (IFN-gamma) has been found to produce more than additive cytotoxicity with fluorouracil (5-FU) in HT 29 colon cancer cells due to enhanced DNA-directed effects. We therefore studied the combination of IFN-gamma with IFN-alpha, 5-FU, and leucovorin (LV) in a clinical trial. Fifty-three patients received an initial cycle of 5 million units (MU)/m2 IFN-alpha s.c. on days 1-7 with 500 mg/m2 LV and 370 mg/m2 5-FU i.v. on days 2-6. IFN-gamma was then added once tolerable doses of 5-FU and IFN-alpha were established for each patient. IFN-gamma was administered at one of six dose levels between 0.3-4.8 MU/m2 s.c. on days 1-7. This design permitted comparison of the clinical toxicity and pharmacokinetics of 5-FU in two consecutive cycles in an individual treated with the same doses of 5-FU/LV/IFN-alpha in the absence and presence of IFN-gamma. In 43 matched patient cycles, the addition of IFN-gamma did not seem to worsen gastrointestinal toxicity, and skin toxicity tended to be milder. 5-FU clearance was higher in 14 cycles with IFN-gamma compared to the patient's prior cycle with the same doses of 5-FU/LV/IFN-alpha: 798 +/- 309 versus 601 +/- 250 ml/min/m2 (mean +/- SD; P = 0.04). In these 28 cycles, the median 5-FU clearance was significantly lower in 11 cycles that were complicated by more severe diarrhea: 524 versus 798 ml/min/m2 (grade 2 versus 0-1; P = 0. 0032). Overall, 38% and 26% of patients had grade 3-4 diarrhea and mucositis. Dose reductions of IFN-gamma for chronic fatigue, malaise, or anorexia were ultimately required more frequently with >/=2.4 MU/m2 (P = 0.018), and the maximum tolerated dose of IFN-gamma was considered to be 1.2 MU/m2/ day. Objective responses were seen in 41% of 29 measurable colorectal cancer patients. Compared to our previous experience with 5-FU/LV/IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma and IFN-alpha appeared to have opposite effects on 5-FU clearance. These results suggest that any potential benefit of adding IFN-alpha to 5-FU/LV on this schedule may not depend solely on alterations in 5-FU clearance.

Adult↗

Carboxypeptidase-G2 rescue in a patient with high dose methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity.

BACKGROUND: High dose methotrexate (HDMTX) induced renal failure is a medical emergency, as methotrexate (MTX) is primarily eliminated by renal excretion. High doses of leucovorin (LV) do not necessarily prevent toxicity in the presence of sustained elevated plasma MTX concentrations. The bacterial enzyme carboxypeptidase-G2 (CPDG2) hydrolyzes MTX into inactive metabolites and has been demonstrated to lower plasma MTX concentrations to nontoxic levels rapidly in the nonhuman primate after HDMTX infusion. Therefore, CPDG2 was evaluated as a rescue agent in a patient with acute renal dysfunction secondary to HDMTX: METHODS: A 16 year old patient with osteosarcoma experienced acute renal dysfunction after HDMTX administration, which resulted in markedly elevated and sustained plasma MTX concentrations. She received three doses of CPDG2 on the fifth day after HDMTX: Plasma MTX concentrations were determined before and after CPDG2 administration. RESULTS: The plasma MTX concentrations decreased from 60 to 1.2 microM within 15 minutes after the first dose of CPDG2. No rebound increase in plasma MTX concentrations or adverse reactions to the enzyme were observed. The patient developed only mild mucositis. Serum creatinine at the time of CPDG2 administration was 5 mg/dl and returned to normal within 7 weeks of enzyme administration. CONCLUSIONS: Carboxypeptidase-G2 rapidly, markedly, and persistently lowered plasma MTX concentrations to a level that could be rescued safely with LV. Based on the experience with this patient and on preclinical studies in nonhuman primates, CPDG2 appears to be more effective than hemodialysis or hemoperfusion, and may prove beneficial for patients at risk for life-threatening toxicity secondary to delayed excretion of MTX.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Pharmacokinetics of 9-cis-retinoic acid in the rhesus monkey.

9-cis-Retinoic acid is a naturally occurring biologically active retinoid capable of binding and transactivating both the retinoic acid receptors and the retinoid X receptors. A study was performed to characterize the pharmacokinetics 9-cis-retinoic acid following i.v. bolus administration in the nonhuman primate. Groups of three animals received i.v. bolus doses of 9-cis-retinoic acid of either 50 or 100 mg/m2. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples for determination of 9-cis-retinoic acid concentration were obtained prior to and 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 120, 150, 180, 240, 360, and 480 min following drug administration. The plasma drug concentration profile of 9-cis-retinoic acid was consistent with a first-order elimination process, with a harmonic mean half-life of 31 min, and a mean clearance of 97 ml/min/m2. The pharmacokinetics of 9-cis-retinoic acid were linear over the dose range studied. Plasma concentrations of all-trans-retinoic acid following 9-cis-retinoic acid administration were less than the limit of quantitation (0.1 microM), suggesting that isomerization to all-trans-retinoic acid is not a major metabolic pathway. In contrast to all-trans-retinoic acid, the elimination of 9-cis-retinoic acid did not appear to be capacity limited (saturable). Previous studies in the Rhesus monkey have shown that repeated dosing with all-trans-retinoic acid leads to a reduction of this saturable component of elimination and results in reduced exposure to drug. These studies, in an animal model highly predictive of humans, suggest that declines in plasma concentrations of 9-cis-retinoic acid as a result of its repeat administration at doses up to 100 mg/m2 will not occur.

Animals↗

Radioimmunoassay of the APC gene product using antibodies against its middle and carboxyl regions.

A radioimmunoassay (RIA) has been developed for the adenomatous polyposis coli protein (APC). High-avidity rabbit polyclonal antibodies were produced against synthetic peptides corresponding to amino acids 1865-1881 (APC-1) and to amino acids 1336-1350 (APC-2) in APC's 2844 amino acid sequence. Both antibodies were utilized in RIA to evaluate full-length APC that is present in the insoluble particulate fraction of cell lysates. High salt extraction, often employed for coiled-coil type protein preparations, was found to be useful for extraction of APC from lysates of normal colonic epithelium. Proteolytic digestion of high salt extracts increased antibody reactivity toward both epitopes, suggesting that APC-1 and APC-2 antigenic sites are partially concealed due to APC's involvement in multiprotein complexes. Thus, RIA using our antibodies will provide a valuable tool for APC protein purification and in studies for elucidating APC's biologic function.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein↗

Carboxyfluorescein and biotin neuromedin C analogues: synthesis and applications.

Two neuromedin C (NC) analogues were constructed by Fmoc synthesis and in situ coupling of 4(5)-carboxyfluorescein or biotin to the N-terminus. Both displayed full agonism in an amylase release assay and cross-reacted fully with a NC-specific antiserum. Biotin NC functioned in a streptavidin-capture ELISA. Carboxyfluorescein NC was used to probe receptor localization in rat stomach. Specific NC binding sites, which did not interact with substance P, angiotensin I, or neurokinin A, were labeled in the antrum. Identity of NC binding sites was confirmed by microautoradiography. The specifically labeled cells were all found in the lamina propria and at least some of cells were identified as eosinophils.

Amylases↗

Pharmacokinetics of all-trans-retinoic acid administered on an intermittent schedule.

PURPOSE: Administration of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) on a continuous daily schedule results in a rapid and sustained decrease in plasma drug concentrations. This pharmacokinetic study was performed to determine if administration of ATRA on an intermittent schedule could overcome the rapid decrease in plasma drug concentration and provide repetitive periods of higher plasma drug exposure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ATRA was administered on repetitive cycles of 7 consecutive days of drug followed by 7 days without drug. On the days of pharmacokinetic monitoring, following an overnight fast, a fixed single oral dose of 40 mg/m2 was administered and frequent plasma samples were obtained over 8 hours. Patients had pharmacokinetic studies performed on the first and seventh days of the first week, and on the first day of the third and eleventh weeks. ATRA was measured in plasma with a reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay. RESULTS: Plasma exposure to ATRA as measured by the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) decreased significantly during the first week of drug administration, from a mean of 145 +/- 26 mumol/L.min on day 1 to 18 +/- 4 mumol/L.min by day 7. Plasma ATRA concentrations at the start of weeks 3 and 11 of this every-other-week schedule were equivalent to those achieved on day 1 of treatment, with mean AUCs of 177 +/- 39 and 128 +/- 30 mumol/L.min, respectively. CONCLUSION: An intermittent schedule of ATRA administration results in repetitive periods of exposure to concentrations of ATRA normally only observed on the first day of treatment. Phase II trials to evaluate the role of intermittent schedules of administration for ATRA are planned.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Phase I/II study of intermittent all-trans-retinoic acid, alone and in combination with interferon alfa-2a, in patients with epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma.

PURPOSE: A phase I/II study of oral all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA; tretinoin), administered every other week alone and then in combination with interferon (IFN) alfa-2a, was undertaken to evaluate the activity, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics of this regimen in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with HIV-associated KS, eight of whom had more than 100 CD4 cells/microL, were entered. The protocol initially called for patients to receive 150 mg/m2/d of ATRA every other week. However, this regimen was associated with headaches, and the initial dose of ATRA was reduced to 40 mg/m2/d orally in three divided doses, increasing to a maximum of 100 mg/m2/d. After 12 weeks, IFN alfa-2a could be added. RESULTS: The principal toxicities from ATRA were headaches (12 patients) and dry skin or lip (seven patients). Of 12 assessable patients, 10 had progressive disease and two had stable disease on ATRA alone. One of eight assessable patients who went on to receive ATRA plus IFN alfa-2a had partial response (PR). There were no overall changes in the serum HIV p24 antigen (Ag) level or CD4 count during treatment with ATRA alone. Peak ATRA levels decreased during the week of continuous ATRA therapy, but rebounded when treatment was resumed after a week without the drug. CONCLUSION: Intermittent ATRA therapy was reasonably well tolerated and provided a means to circumvent the low plasma exposure found with continuous ATRA therapy. However, we were unable to document antitumor activity in patients with HIV-associated KS.

Adult↗

The receptor-recycling and lysosome biogenesis mutant TfT1.11 belongs to a new complementation group, End6.

We have previously isolated a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) mutant with a temperature-dependent pleiotropic defect in receptor recycling. This mutant, TfT1.11, has also been shown to have defects in fluid-phase endocytosis and lysosome biogenesis. Previously isolated CHO cell mutants with defects in endocytosis have been assigned to five recessive complementation groups (End1-End5). We have performed complementation analysis using polyethylene glycol-induced fusion of genetically marked sublines of TfT1.11 with representative mutants from each of the End groups. Complementation of the receptor trapping and lysosome biogenesis defects as well as temperature lethality was observed with all groups, demonstrating that TfT1.11 defines a new complementation group, End6.

Animals↗

Synthesis of a cyclic analogue of the C-loop region of epidermal growth factor, containing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid.

We report the synthesis of a cyclic analogue of epidermal growth factor sequence 33-42 with substitution of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid for glycine at position 39 (N-acetyl-Cys-Val-Ile-Gly-Tyr-Ser-ACPCA-Asp-Arg-Cys-NH2). The analogue was synthesised by solid-phase methods, using t-Boc chemistry and acid-labile side-chain protecting groups. The use of the 4-methoxybenzyl protecting group for C- and N-terminal cysteine residues resulted in the spontaneous formation of the desired intramolecular disulfide bond after HF deprotection.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Solid-phase peptide synthesis and biological activity of bovine thymopoietin II (bTP-II).

Bovine thymopoietin (bTP), a 49 amino acid polypeptide, was synthesized using Merrifield's solid-phase peptide synthesis methodology. The polypeptide was purified using anion-exchange chromatography and reversed-phase HPLC and characterized by mass spectrometry and amino acid analysis of the full-length peptide and of products derived from digestion with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease. The biological activity of the synthesized product was tested in several assay systems. Synthetic bTP was found to induce the expression of Thy 1.2 antigen on T-lymphocytes from athymic mice, in agreement with previous studies on the biological activity of endogenous bTP. Biological activity at skeletal muscle and neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor sites, as reported by others for bTP, could not be confirmed in our studies. The absence of biological activity at nicotinic receptor sites may be related to the results of a recent report demonstrating the presence of a cobratoxin-like molecule in preparations of natural bTP. These data indicate that synthetic peptides have an important role for the evaluation of the specificity of the biological activity of polypeptides.

Amino Acid Sequence↗