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Biomedical subjects

S Weiss

Publications and source records attributed to S Weiss.

At least 379 records · Page 21Linked to original sources

D2-dopamine receptor-mediated inhibition of cyclic AMP formation in striatal neurons in primary culture.

Dopamine (DA) regulation of intracellular cyclic AMP formation in purified, intact striatal neurons in primary culture was examined. DA (EC50, 3 microM) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP; EC50, 10 nM) stimulated cyclic AMP formation by 2- and 5-fold, respectively. In the presence of 0.1 microM forskolin (which was virtually ineffective alone), neurohormone efficacy was augmented; potency was unaffected. In the presence of 0.1 microM SCH 23390, a selective D1 antagonist, the DA dose-response curve was shifted rightward in a competitive manner. At low concentrations (0.01-1.0 microM), however, DA inhibited basal cyclic AMP formation. The inhibitory effect, but not the shift of the dose-response curve, was blocked by 5 microM l-sulpiride, a selective D2 antagonist. At saturating concentrations of VIP (0.1-1.0 microM), no other neurohormone can further augment cyclic AMP formation. Under these conditions, increasing concentrations of DA resulted in a dose-dependent (IC50, 0.5 microM) inhibition of VIP-stimulated cyclic AMP synthesis. This effect was augmented in the presence of 0.1 microM SCH 23390 and blocked by 5 microM l-sulpiride. Sulpiride antagonism was stereospecific, with the l-isomer being 30-fold more potent than the d-isomer. The rank order of potency for a series of dopaminergic agonists and antagonists at the receptor mediating attenuation of cyclic AMP formation suggests that it is of the D2 type. Furthermore, both DA and Met-enkephalin inhibition of cyclic AMP formation is lost after exposure of striatal neurons to islet activator protein. These findings suggest that a D2 receptor mediates the inhibition of intracellular cyclic AMP formation by DA in striatal neurons in primary culture, and may do so by an interaction with the inhibitory guanine nucleotide regulatory protein of adenylate cyclase.

Adenylate Cyclase Toxin↗

A Mott cell hybridoma.

A hybridoma is described that exhibits all the characteristic features of Mott cells. It has spherules (Russell bodies) in the cytoplasm made up of dilated rough endoplasmatic reticulum and containing condensed immunoglobulin (lambda 1 light chains). Some of the cells appear to be very fragile, and free spherules are often found on cell smears. Cells with the Mott cell characteristics are still able to divide, but they do not secrete immunoglobulin. Hybridomas of this kind should be useful for determining the place of the Mott cell within the scheme of B cell differentiation.

Animals↗

Cholinergic receptors in the Aplysia gill.

Acetylcholine has been suggested as a neurotransmitter released in the Aplysia gill by peripheral afferents of central neurons and by peripheral neurons within the gill. The perfused gill, isolated from the abdominal ganglion, was examined. At concentrations greater than 1 microM, acetylcholine elicited a slowly developing tonic contraction of the afferent vein that reversed upon washout. This effect was observed on both quiescent and active preparations. At concentrations less than 1 microM, acetylcholine perfusion resulted in a reduction of gill tone. The excitatory effect of acetylcholine was reduced 80 and 60% by the cholinergic antagonists atropine and hexamethonium, respectively. The acetylcholine-evoked contraction was potentiated 2.5-fold when curare was coinfused. Carbachol did not mimic the excitatory effects of acetylcholine. At all concentrations examined (1-100 microM), carbachol infusion reduced baseline tension, the amplitude of spontaneous contractions and contractions evoked by FMRFamide and dopamine. Contractions evoked by perfusion of p-chlorophenylthiocyclic AMP were greatly reduced when carbachol was added to the perfusate. Further addition of curare reversibly blocked carbachol inhibition of the cyclic AMP-evoked contractions. These findings suggest that excitatory and inhibitory cholinergic receptors are involved in the regulation of gill contractile behavior by acetylcholine.

Acetylcholine↗

Nucleotide sequence of the VP1 gene of the foot-and-mouth disease virus strain A Venceslau.

The VP1 coat protein of FMDV strain A Venceslau (Aven) consists of 213 amino acid residues. Serum neutralization tests demonstrated that strain Aven is closely related to strain A Argentina/79 (A79) but significantly different from strain A24Cruzeiro (A24). There is a strong correlation between the amino acid sequences and the serological data. Nucleotide and amino acid sequence analyses of VP1 showed that serologically related viruses (Aven and A79) differ less in this region of the genome than those of serologically distinct viruses (Aven vs. A24). The most significant variation between Aven and A24 occurs at amino acid positions 43 to 46, in which all four residues are different.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mice completely suppressed for the expression of immunoglobulin kappa light chain.

Complete suppression of expression of immunoglobulin kappa light chain was achieved by injecting female mice from birth with a mixture of antisera against the mu heavy chain and kappa light chain (anti-mu and anti-kappa). Then their offspring were injected with anti-kappa from birth. This resulted in stable suppression as long as anti-kappa injections were continued. kappa light chain was not detectable either in serum or at the cellular level. The number of B cells in spleen and the concentration of immunoglobulin classes and subclasses in serum were normal. The normal levels were achieved by a compensating enhancement of lambda light chain expression. Analysis of the light chains of immunoglobulins secreted by spleen cells from suppressed mice after liposaccharide stimulation by two-dimensional gels showed lambda chain to have a limited heterogeneity. Primary responses to dinitrophenol, influenza strain A, and keyhole limpet hemocyanin were drastically affected, whereas secondary responses appeared to be quite normal, suggesting a surprisingly large potential repertoire.

Animals↗

Educating the nursing profession for role transformation.

This article proposes the use of a role transformation model to facilitate the assumption of more progressive attitudes and more autonomous, responsible behavior by nurses. Five major areas of content which need to be addressed in the role transformation process are detailed: 1) Defining and Articulating the Nursing Domain, 2) Legitimizing the Nursing Profession, 3) Communicating in Professional rather than Non-professional Modes, 4) Negotiating Collaborative Roles, and 5) Cultivating the Organizational Network. Emphasis is placed on the responsibility of nursing educators to model and facilitate role transformation for students and nursing colleagues.

Communication↗

Evidence for FMRF-amide as a neurotransmitter in the gill of Aplysia californica.

In Aplysia californica, multiple regulatory mechanisms are involved in the actions of neurotransmitters on the gill. Neurotransmitter receptors and adenylate cyclase were examined in a particulate fraction of gill homogenates. The neuropeptide FMRF-amide stimulated enzyme activity 7- to 8-fold (EC50, 1 microM) via receptors that were pharmacologically distinct from those for dopamine and serotonin. FMRF-amide augmented cyclic AMP levels in slices of gill tissue with a time course similar to that for adenylate cyclase activation. Increases in cyclic AMP levels produced by the neuropeptide were potentiated by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor theophylline. Physiological responses to neuropeptides and cyclic AMP analogues were examined in a perfused, isolated gill preparation. Phasic contractions evoked by FMRF-amide (EC50, 0.1 microM) were mimicked by membrane-permeable analogues of cyclic AMP. Comparison of FMRF-amide effects on adenylate cyclase and gill behavior suggests an association between cyclic AMP and phasic contractions. In addition, FMRF-amide-like immunoreactivity, detected by antisera raised against the neuropeptide, was found in nerve fibers innervating the gill. These findings indicate that in Aplysia, FMRF-amide or a closely related peptide neurotransmitter may be involved in the physiological regulation of gill behavior.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Scleredema adultorum associated with localized myositis.

A 70-year-old man presented with large areas of brawny edema of the skin and neck and weakness of the muscles of the forearm. Biopsy revealed scleredema adultorum with inflammatory changes in the forearm muscle. An electromyogram showed a mixed pattern compatible with myositis.

Aged↗

Specific and potent interactions of carbamazepine with brain adenosine receptors.

Carbamazepine, a drug effective in pain, seizure, and affective disorders, was screened for its ability to interact with a variety of neurotransmitter and neuromodulator binding sites on brain membranes. The most potent effect was observed on adenosine antagonist ( [3H]DPX) binding to the adenosine receptor (KI = 3.5 +/- 0.4 microM) followed by adenosine agonist ( [3H]CHA) binding (KI = 24.5 +/- 3.6 microM). Lower potency effects were observed on benzodiazepine receptors, and no inhibition was seen in a variety of other systems. The inhibition of adenosine receptor binding by carbamazepine was competitive. No correlation was observed between the potency of a series of carbamazepine analogs as inhibitors of either ( [3H]DPX, [3H]CHA or [3H]diazepam binding and their ability to inhibit electroshock-induced convulsions, suggesting that the anticonvulsant properties of these agents are not mediated by the adenosine receptor, but raising the possibility that other clinical effects of carbamazepine may relate to its ability to act at the adenosine receptor.

Animals↗

Monoclonal antibodies to murine immunoglobulin isotypes.

We have obtained cell lines producing monoclonal antibodies against mu, alpha, lambda, and lambda 1 by fusing the mouse myeloma P3X63Ag8.653 with spleen cells from Lewis rats immunized with several lambda 1 bearing myeloma proteins. The anti-lambda 1 antibody is particularly useful. It was shown to be suitable for radioimmunoassays, for ELISAs when coupled to alkaline phosphatase, and for indirect fluorescence staining of the membrane as well as the cytoplasm.

Animals↗

A new emergency cricothyroidotomy instrument.

Cricothyroidotomy is an excellent emergency procedure for airway obstruction which cannot be relieved by oral or nasal intubation. Important factors for a device for emergency cricothyroidotomy include selective airways, an airway lumen of sufficient size to permit suctioning or adequate airflow during spontaneous breathing, and the ability to assess depth and angle of penetration. An instrument that is simple to insert, offers protection against overpenetration, minimizes bleeding, and provides an airway offering a variety of lumens is described. It appears to provide an ideal means of accomplishing an emergency cricothyroidotomy for airway obstruction.

Airway Obstruction↗

Comparison of the major antigenic determinants of different serotypes of foot-and-mouth disease virus.

Complete nucleotide sequences which code for the capsid protein VP1 of two foot-and-mouth disease virus serotypes, O1Campos/Brazil/58 and C3Indaial/Brazil/71, have been determined. Ten available VP1 sequences (three serotype O, three serotype C, and four serotype A) were aligned and compared. Our evidence suggests that O1BFS/Britain/68 and O1K/Germany/66 are closely related to O1Campos/Brazil/58. Significant variations were observed between the nucleotide sequences of C3Indaial determined by two different laboratories. These differences are probably the result of virus adaptation and propagation in different laboratories. In one of the isolates (C3Biogen), a 13-base-pair stem and 13-base-pair loop structure is located in the 134-158 amino acid variable region. Isolates of different serotypes differ at two highly variable regions, amino acid positions 42-60 and 134-158, but isolates of the same serotype show major differences only in the variable region between amino acids 134 and 158. Since the remaining amino acid sequence of VP1 is highly conserved, we conclude that the 134-158 amino acid variable region is involved in subtype specificity, whereas both variable regions contribute to serotype differences.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

FMRFamide effects on spontaneous and induced contractions of the anterior gizzard in Aplysia.

The effects of FMRFamide (Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2), YGG-FMRFamide (Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2), and Met-enkephalin (Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met) on the isolated Aplysia anterior gizzard were examined. (i) FMRFamide inhibits spontaneous gut activity. While YGG-FMRFamide also inhibits spontaneous activity it is less potent than FMRFamide. Met-enkephalin does not affect spontaneous gut activity. (ii) FMRFamide inhibits the excitatory response of acetylcholine on both the anterior gizzard of Aplysia and the isolated stomach region of Navanax. (iii) Neither FMRFamide, YGG-FMRFamide, Met-enkephalin, nor acetylcholine stimulated the activity of adenylate cyclase in the Aplysia anterior gizzard.

Acetylcholine↗