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S Dasgupta

Publications and source records attributed to S Dasgupta.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Regulation of brain m calpain Ca2+ sensitivity by mixtures of membrane lipids: activation at intracellular Ca2+ level.

Combinations of certain phospholipids and gangliosides increase the specific activity of m calpain and can activate m calpain at 1 to 10 microM Ca2+ concentration. However, this level of calcium is still greater than the normal intracellular calcium level. We have used combinations of lipids to demonstrate the m calpain activity at the physiological Ca2+ level. GD1a (100 microM) and cerebroside (Cerb; 750 microM; 1:7.5) mixture was the most effective. At 0.5 microM to 1.0 microM Ca2+ concentrations, 15-20% of the maximal activity was detected for the purified myelin and cytosolic m calpains. Other combinations were GD1a (100 microM), GM1 (100 microM), Cerb (750 microM), sulfatide (Sulf; 750 microM), and phosphatidylinositol (PI; 300 microM) at a ratio of 1:1: 7.5:7.5:3, respectively. These lipid mixtures stimulated calpain activity at three- to tenfold less calcium concentration than control. The other mixtures, including GD1a:Sulf (1:9) > GD1a:PI (1:4) > PI:Sulf (1:5) > Cerb:Sulf (1:5) and PI:Cerb (1:2.5), also stimulated calpain activity at 1.0 microM Ca2+ concentration. Triton X-100, oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and calpain activator did not affect the Ca2+ requirement. Liposomes containing GD1a, Cerb, and m calpain also showed recognizable calpain activity at a significantly reduced Ca2+ concentration (0.4 microM), confirming the glycolipid-mediated enzyme modulation. These studies indicate that specific lipid mixtures can stimulate m calpain activity at an intracellular level of Ca2+.

Animals↗

Interaction of myoinositoltrisphosphate-phytase complex with the receptor for intercellular Ca2+ mobilization in plants.

One of the myoinositol trisphosphates produced by the phytase-myoinositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) reaction is Ins(2,4,5)P3. That Ins(2,4,5)P3 can elicit Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular stores in plants [Samanta, S., Dalal, B., Biswas, S., & Biswas, B.B.(1993) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 191,427] prompted us to elucidate the mechanism. The InsP3 [Ins(1,4,5)P3/Ins(2,4,5)P3]-phytase complex has been found to interact with the receptor for InsP3 in vitro forming a ternary complex, and a nanomolar concentration of InsP3 is required. For enzymatic cleavage of InsP3 by phytase, micromolar concentrations are needed, and the affinities of the phytase for different myoinositol phosphates have been found to depend upon the number of phosphate groups present in the substrate. Fraction accessibility of tryptophan residues to a neutral fluorescence quencher, acrylamide in free and myoinositol phosphates bound phytase, as determined by Stern-Volmer plot, records a progressive decrease starting from InsP6 to InsP with the notable exceptions of both Ins (1,4,5)P3 and Ins(2,4,5)P3. This deviation from the trend of change in the accessibility of tryptophan residues in myoinositol phosphate bound phytase is recorded from the fact that there is a high affinity (dissociation constant of the nanomolar order) and noncatalytic binding site in phytase for the two isomers of InsP3. In the nanomolar range of concentrations, both isomers of InsP3 bind to a second site of phytase having about 40-fold higher affinity than the normal substrate binding site. InsP3, when bound to noncatalytic site in phytase is not hydrolyzed but induces a significant change in the conformation of phytase as assayed from the relative accessibility of tryptophan residues. This conformational change in phytase is recognized by the receptor for InsP3, because in absence of InsP3 no interaction between the receptor and phytase is detected. However, InsP3-phytase complex is a better elicitor of Ca2+ efflux from microsomal/vacuolar fractions than free InsP3. This is further confirmed by the fact that when Ins(1,3,4)P3-phytase complex can elicit Ca2+ efflux from intracellular stores, Ins(1,3,4)P3 per se is minimally effective.

6-Phytase↗

Stage-specific expression of fuco-neolacto- (Lewis X) and ganglio-series neutral glycosphingolipids during brain development: characterization of Lewis X and related glycosphingolipids in bovine, human and rat brain.

We have purified and characterized a bovine brain pentaglycosylceramide as Lewis X and identified it in human and rat brain using anti-Lewis X (anti-SSEA 1) monoclonal antibody. Neutral glycosphingolipid expression in developing rat brain has been examined by digoxigenin immunostaining and TLC-immunostaining using anti-SSEA 1 and anti-GgOse4Cer (GA1) monoclonal antibodies. Five transient Lewis X-series bands were identified in brain at embryonic day 15 that disappear by postnatal day 5 (one disappears at embryonic day 18). Gangliotetraosylceramide (GA1) first appears at embryonic day 21 and increases in concentration with age until postnatal day 21. In addition, we have purified another minor brain neutral glycosphingolipid and tentatively identified it as a Lewis X-series glycolipid by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis followed by TLC-immunostaining with anti-SSEA 1 antibody.

Aging↗

Regulation of dopamine D2 receptor affinity by cholecystokinin octapeptide in fibroblast cells cotransfected with human CCKB and D2L receptor cDNAs.

Alteration in dopamine (DA) and/or cholecystokinin (CCK) transmission in the CNS may be of relevance for schizophrenia. Previous findings in striatal membranes give indications of a modulation of DA D2 receptor affinity by CCKB receptor activation. In the present study receptor binding studies were performed in a mouse fibroblast cell line (L-hD2l/CCK), expressing both human D2 receptors (long form, D2L) and human CCKB receptors, and binding sites for [3H]CCK-8S (sulfated CCK octapeptide), the D2 agonist [3H]NPA and the D2 antagonist [3H]raclopride were found and characterized in saturation and competition experiments. 1 nM of CCK-8 caused a significant 38% increase in the KD value of the D2 agonist [3H]NPA binding sites in the L-hD2l/CCK cell membranes. This change was blocked by the CCKB receptor antagonist PD 134308 (50 nM). Furthermore, 1 nM of CCK-8 increased the KD value of the D2 antagonist [3H]raclopride binding sites by 34% (P < 0.05) in the L-hD2l/CCK cell membranes. Control cells (L-hD2l cells) expressing D2L receptors showed no specific [3H]CCK-8S binding sites and no modulation by CCK-8 of the D2L receptors. These findings indicate a modulation of the D2L receptor affinity by activation of the CCKB receptor also when they are coexpressed in a fibroblast cell line. One possible explanation of these data may include a receptor-receptor interaction between the CCKB and D2L receptors.

Animals↗

Fine needle aspiration cytology of ophthalmic lesions.

Forty cases of ophthalmic lesions were subjected to fine needle aspiration cytology for pre-operative diagnosis which included retinoblastomas (5 cases), inflammatory and neoplastic lesions of the eyelid and lacrimal glands (29 cases) and extra-ocular orbital lesions (6 cases) inclusive of 3 cases of rhabdomyosarcomas. The lesions were distributed in both the eyes almost in equal proportions. Histological confirmation was obtained in 85% of cases; false positive in only one case with malignant neoplasm of the eyelid and false negative also in only one case with inflammatory pseudotumour which were, histologically, proved to be adenoma of tarsal gland and lymphocytic lymphoma respectively.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Isoform expression of the voltage-dependent calcium channel alpha 1E.

The alpha 1E voltage-dependent calcium channel has not been clearly identified with a specific neuronal calcium current. To help identify the role of alpha 1E, we examined differential expression of alpha 1E splice variants in mouse brain and cultured cell lines and examined the gene structure of the region encoding the amino terminal. Three splice variants were analyzed by a ribonuclease protection assay, and a fourth variant reported previously in a fetal human alpha 1E sequence was also detected in mouse brain and a pituitary cell line. Whole brain, telencephalon, and olfactory bulb contained predominantly the splice variant corresponding to alpha 1E-1 although other known variants could be detected. Neuroendocrine cells in vitro (beta TC3 insulinoma cells and AtT-20 pituitary cell lines) expressed predominantly one alpha 1E isoform. The existence of a 5' exon accounting for the origin of variant 5' ends reported in different species was suggested by the sequence of the mouse alpha 1E gene in the region encoding the amino terminal.

Alternative Splicing↗

Cardiovascular and respiratory changes following exposure to a synthetic toxin of Ptychodiscus brevis.

The present study demonstrated cardiorespiratory effects of a synthetic phosphorus-containing ichthyotoxic metabolite elaborated by the marine dinoflagellate Ptychodiscus brevis in anaesthetised cats. The metabolite at a dose of 0.25-1.5 mg/kg i.v., resulted in a dose-dependent fall in blood pressure and such vasodepressor effect was associated with bradycardia. There is initial respiratory apnoea followed by increased rate and depth of respiration (hyperapnoea) following the administration of the toxin. The hypotensive response was accompanied by a decrease in aortic baroreceptor activity. The ECG showed atrioventricular conduction block, arrhythmia and depression of S-T segment and T wave which indicated coronary insufficiency. Vasodepressive property of the toxin is presumably muscarinic in nature as atropine counteracted the vasodepression.

Animals↗

Additivity and non-additivity between dopamine-, norepinephrine-, carbachol- and GABA-stimulated GTPase activity.

The mode of coupling between neurotransmitter receptors and G proteins was investigated by agonist-induced high-affinity GTPase activity in rat striatal membranes. There was a simple additive relationship among dopamine-, carbachol-, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-sensitive high-affinity GTPase activity in any combination, indicating that the respective receptors stimulated by these agonists (i.e., dopamine D2, pirenzepine-insensitive muscarinic, and GABAB receptors) interact independently with distinct pools of G proteins. Unexpectedly non-additivity was observed between dopamine- and norepinephrine-stimulation. This lack of additivity was apparently due to stimulation of the same dopamine D2 receptors by both dopamine and norepinephrine, since norepinephrine-stimulated high-affinity GTPase activity could be inhibited by dopaminergic but not adrenergic antagonists. The same non-additivity as seen in rat striatum was confirmed in the membranes prepared from cultured mouse fibroblast cells co-transfected with dopamine D2 and adenosine A2A receptors. The implication of the (non-)additivity between receptor-mediated high-affinity GTPase activity was discussed with a consideration of the possible underlying molecular mechanism.

Adrenergic Agonists↗

Determination of brequinar in rat plasma by direct deproteinization and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet absorbance detection.

A direct deproteinization method for the determination of brequinar in rat plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has been developed. This assay avoids the use of dichloromethane, a known carcinogen, in an existing extraction method. Acetonitrile was used to denature plasma proteins and the supernatant was injected onto the HPLC column. Chromatographic separation of brequinar was conducted on a Biophase octyl column using a mixture of acetonitrile and 0.1 M phosphoric acid (50:50, v/v) as the mobile phase and detection of brequinar was by UV absorbance at 254 nm. The method has been validated in rat plasma over the concentration range of 0.05-50.00 micrograms/ml which is adequate for the determination of pharmacokinetics of brequinar in animals.

Acetonitriles↗

Reduction of dopamine D2 receptor transduction by activation of adenosine A2a receptors in stably A2a/D2 (long-form) receptor co-transfected mouse fibroblast cell lines: studies on intracellular calcium levels.

A stably co-transfected mouse fibroblast cell line, which expresses the long form of the human dopamine D2 receptor and the dog adenosine A2a receptor, was used to analyse the mechanism underlying changes in the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by activation of D2 (long-form) receptors and its modulation by the A2a receptor agonist CGS 21680 by means of fura-2 imaging. Quinpirole (1-1000 nM), a D2 receptor agonist, caused a concentration-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i. Haloperidol, a preferential D2 receptor antagonist, completely blocked this [Ca2+]i response to quinpirole. Preincubation with Ca(2+)-free medium containing 2 mM EGTA or a medium containing 320 mM ethanol, an inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor antagonist, substantially diminished the increase in [Ca2+]i evoked by quinpirole. Furthermore, quinpirole totally failed to elevate [Ca2+]i in a medium containing both 2 mM EGTA and 320 mM ethanol. CGS 21680 (1-500 nM) did not, by itself, exert any significant effect on [Ca2+]i. However, 100 nM of CGS 21680 substantially counteracted the [Ca2+]i responses to quinpirole (10-1000 nM). Moreover, this counteraction still occurred after blocking Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular stores with ethanol, but disappeared when the cells were pretreated with the Ca(2+)-free medium containing 2 mM EGTA. Our findings imply that the D2 (long-form) receptors in the present fibroblast cell line can raise [Ca2+]i both via Ca2+ influx from the extracellular medium and Ca2+ release from intracellular stores via activation of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine↗

Chemical and immunological characterization of galactosyl-beta 1-3-globoside in bovine, human, and rat brain.

Our studies of bovine brain neutral glycosphingolipids (Ngsls) have revealed the presence of several short-chain (containing -CHO 1-4) and previously uncharacterized long-chain (-CHO > 4-5) Ngsls. We reported the structural characterization of brain GgOse4Cer (GA1) and have now purified another brain Ngsl to homogeneity. The purified Ngsl migrated close to standard GgOse4Cer and nLcOse5Cer on a TLC plate employing two different solvent systems. The carbohydrate molar composition indicated the presence of Gal/Glc/GalNAc in a ratio of 2.8:1.0:0.9. Five permethylated alditol acetate peaks were characterized as 2,3,4,6-OMe4Gal, 2,4,6-OMe3Gal, 2,3,6-OMe3Gal, 2,3,6-OMe3Glc, and 4,6-OMe2GalNAcMe by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The anomeric carbohydrate sequence has been determined by specific exoglycosidase digestion. Six-hundred megahertz 1H NMR spectroscopy of the oligosaccharide released by ceramide glycanase hydrolysis confirmed the structure of the Ngsl as Gal beta 1-3GalNAc beta 1-3Gal alpha 1-4Gal beta 1-4Glc beta 1-1Cer or IV3GalGbOse4Cer. Using the immunooverlay technique with anti-stage-specific embryonic antigen 3 antibody, it was found in bovine, rat, and normal adult human brain and bovine myelin, but not in human or rat myelin.

Adult↗

Immunoglobulin G subclass-specific antileishmanial antibody responses in Indian kala-azar and post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis.

Antileishmanial antibody responses in the sera of Indian kala-azar (KA) and post-KA dermal leishmaniasis (PKADL) patients were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblot experiments using immunoglobulin G (IgG) class- and subclass-specific reagents. All sera showed antileishmanial reactivities in IgG ELISA which followed the order IgG1 > IgG2 > IgG3, with very little IgG4. Immunoblot analysis with IgG class-specific reagents revealed variable patterns of reactivity by KA and PKADL sera, although certain common bands around the 60- to 63-kDa regions were discernible. Sera from antimony-unresponsive KA cases, on the other hand, strongly recognized two bands at around 20 to 22 kDa, in addition to other bands in the high-molecular-mass region. Further analysis showed that the 28-kDa band was preferentially recognized by the IgG2 isotype, while 20- to 22-kDa and 60- to 63-kDa bands were recognized by the IgG1 isotype. Antibodies belonging to the IgG3 isotype reacted to antigens primarily in the region of 14 to 34 kDa and persisted in patients even several months after cure. Immunoblot studies also revealed the presence of a nonspecific band which arose as a result of binding between a 66-kDa leishmanial antigen and streptavidin. Finally, the results presented in this study suggest that certain leishmanial antigens preferentially stimulate the synthesis of a particular IgG subclass(es), depending on the nature of such antigens or their epitopes.

Animals↗

Study of benign superficial cysts by fine needle aspiration cytology.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of 213 cases of different cystic lesions from various regions of body and different superficial organs was analysed in an attempt to present the experience of the authors in the diagnosis of such lesions. The predominant lesion diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology was adnexal cyst/sebaceous cyst (41 cases) followed by vascular hamartoma (40 cases) and thyroglossal cyst (9 cases). One hundred fifty-eight (74.2%) out 213 cases were confirmed histopathologically. There was false negative diagnosis in 14 cases (6.6%). The remaining 41 (19.2%) cases did not turn up for further treatment. The fallacies that have been recorded in the diagnosis of thyroid cysts, salivary gland cysts and breast cysts in respect of papillary cystic thyroid carcinoma, muco-epidermoid carcinoma of salivary gland and intraductal carcinoma with fibrocystic disease of breast respectively have been highlighted in the present study.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Fine needle aspiration cytology of bone and joint lesions: an assessment.

Fine needle aspiration cytology and subsequent correlation with histology and therapeutic follow-up was done in 198 cases of bone and joint lesions. Overall accuracy was found to be 87.34%; false diagnosis was recorded in 4.5% of cases; 8.08% cases were excluded from correlation as they did not turn up for further treatment or follow-up after the diagnosis. False diagnosis was encountered mostly with inflammatory lesions and primary neoplasms, diagnosing osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma as chronic inflammatory lesion, chondroma as chondrosarcoma and vice versa. The possible cause of default has been discussed. The benign cystic lesions could be diagnosed with almost 100% accuracy by fine needle aspiration cytology where 10% cases were excluded as they could not be followed up.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Deduced amino acid sequence of 2S storage protein from Brassica species and their conserved structural features.

2S seed storage albumin coding regions from five Brassica species, namely Brassica campestris, B. oleracea, B. nigra, B. juncea, and B. carinata have been cloned by PCR amplification of genomic DNA using oligonucleotide primers and their nucleotide sequences have been determined. These sequences showed more than 85% homology amongst themselves and considerable homology with some other crucifer 2S protein coding sequences. The deduced amino acid sequences showed more homology due to some inconsequential mutations in codons without changing the amino acids. Computer analysis of the protein sequences for possible secondary structure revealed a high degree of conservation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains and the invariant positions of cysteine residues. Unrooted phylogenic tree based on the coding region of 2S albumin from different Brassica species cloned by us and published sequences from other Cruciferae indicated that these genes originated before the evolutionary divergence of different Brassica species and were conserved due to some stringent structural and functional features required for seed metabolism.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Branched monosialo gangliosides of the lacto-series isolated from bovine erythrocytes: characterization of a novel ganglioside, NeuGc-isooctaosylceramide.

We report the isolation, purification, and structural characterization of three monosialo gangliosides (G-1, G-2, and G-3) from bovine erythrocytes. Each of the purified compounds migrates as a single band on thin-layer chromatography in three solvent systems. All three gangliosides contain ceramide (Cer) as the lipid protein, with d18:1 sphingosine as the predominant long-chain base and with C18:0, C18:1, C20:0, C20:1, and C22:1 fatty acids, as determined by gas chromatography. The structural characterization of the carbohydrate moieties of G-1, G-2, and G-3 involved glycosyl composition analysis, methylation studies, sequential exoglycosidase hydrolysis, and one-dimensional 1H NMR spectroscopy of the native gangliosides. Furthermore, the oligosaccharides were released from the sphingolipids by endoglycoceramidase and fully sequenced by one- and two-dimensional 1H NMR spectroscopy in conjunction with fast-atom-bombardment mass spectrometry and exoglycosidase treatment. The structures are as follows: [formula: see text] Gangliosides such as G-1, G-2, and G-3, with branched oligosaccharide chains comprising a number of N-acetyllactosamine (Gal-GlcNAc) moieties, are abundant in erythrocytes from various mammalian species. The simultaneous occurrence of sialic acid and alpha-galactose as terminal sugars in these gangliosides, however, is relatively rare. Specifically, G-1 represents a ganglioside with a novel structure.

Amidohydrolases↗