Biomedical subjects

T Endo

Publications and source records attributed to T Endo.

At least 451 records · Page 25Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

Cytochrome f encoded by the chloroplast genome is imported into thylakoids via the SecA-dependent pathway.

In vitro import of the precursor of tobacco cytochrome f, which is is encoded by the chloroplast genome, into isolated pea thylakoids was analyzed. Upon incubation with thylakoids and a stromal fraction, the precursor of cytochrome f was efficiently imported into thylakoids. The imported cytochrome f was tightly integrated into the thylakoid membrane. Insertion of cytochrome f into the thylakoid membrane was blocked by nigericin, sodium azide, and antibodies against pea chloroplast SecA. These results suggest that cytochrome f utilizes the bacterial-type SecA-dependent pathway to be imported into thylakoids.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

PubMed1996

Autoantibody against Na+/I- symporter in the sera of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease.

Using recombinant rat Na+/I- symporter (NaIS) protein, we have immunochemically searched for the autoantibody in the sera from patients with autoimmune thyroid disease. We found that 22 out of 26 sera (84%) from patients with Graves' disease and 3 out of 20 sera (15%) from patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis recognized it. By Western blot, these IgGs reacted with 80 kDa protein in FRTL-5 cell membrane, which co-migrated with the band stained by rabbit antibody toward NaIS. These results indicate that autoantibody against NaIS, newly identified antibody, frequently exists in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease, especially in Graves' disease.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Monophyletic origin and unique dispersal patterns of domestic fowls.

With the aim of elucidating in greater detail the genealogical origin of the present domestic fowls of the world, we have determined mtDNA sequences of the D-loop regions for a total of 21 birds, of which 12 samples belong to red junglefowl (Gallus gallus) comprising three subspecies (six Gallus gallus gallus, three Gallus gallus spadiceus, and three Gallus gallus bankiva) and nine represent diverse domestic breeds (Gallus gallus domesticus). We also sequenced four green junglefowl (Gallus varius), two Lafayette's junglefowl (Gallus lafayettei), and one grey junglefowl (Gallus sonneratii). We then constructed a phylogenetic tree for these birds by the use of nucleotide sequences, choosing the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) as an outgroup. We found that a continental population of G. g. gallus was the real matriarchic origin of all the domestic poultries examined in this study. It is also of particular interest that there were no discernible differences among G. gallus subspecies; G. g. bankiva was a notable exception. This was because G. g. spadiceus and a continental population of G. g. gallus formed a single cluster in the phylogenetic tree. G. g. bankiva, on the other hand, was a distinct entity, thus deserving its subspecies status. It implies that a continental population of G. g. gallus sufficed as the monophyletic ancestor of all domestic breeds. We also discussed a possible significance of the initial dispersal pattern of the present domestic fowls, using the phylogenetic tree.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Functional expression of thyrotropin receptor in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells: a possible model cell line of extrathyroidal expression of thyrotropin receptor.

Thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) in extrathyroidal tissue, especially fat tissue, is supposed to have important roles in the development of extrathyroidal manifestations of Graves' disease. However, the molecular mechanism of TSHR expression is not known. Expression of TSHR mRNA and TSH-dependent cAMP production were observed in differentiated but not in undifferentiated 3T3-L1 cells. Maximal expression was obtained when the cells were differentiated in the presence of insulin, dexamethasone, and isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX). Dexamethasone and IBMX were indispensable for the first three days. On the other hand, after day 4, insulin was indispensable for the expression of TSHR. 3T3-L1 cell is the first non-thyroidal cell line reported that expresses TSHR and whose expression can be induced. 3T3-L1 cell can be a good model to investigate the mechanism of expression of TSHR and extrathyroidal manifestations of Graves' disease.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

PubMed1996

Pharmacological profile of T-0632, a novel potent and selective CCKA receptor antagonist, in vitro.

The pharmacological profile of a new CCKA receptor antagonist, T-0632 [sodium (S)-3-[1-(2-fluorophenyl)-2,3-dihydro-3-[(3-isoquinolinyl)-carbonyl] amino-6-methoxy-2-oxo-1-H-indole]propanoate], was examined in in vitro studies and compared with those of L-364,718 [3S(-)-N-(2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1H-1, 4-benzodiazepine-3-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide] and loxiglumide [D,L-4-(3,4-dichlorobenzoylamino)-5-(N-3-methoxypropyl-pentylam ino)-5- oxopentanoic acid]. T-0632 inhibited the specific binding of [125I]CCK-8 to rat pancreatic CCKA receptor in a concentration-dependent and competitive manner. The Ki value of T-0632 for the CCKA receptor was estimated to be 0.24 nM, which was 23 000-fold less than the Ki value (5600 nM) for guinea pig CCKB receptor. L-364,718 and loxiglumide were 1500- and 64-fold selective for CCKA over CCKB receptor, respectively. T-0632, L-364,718 and loxiglumide inhibited CCK-8 (100 pM)-stimulated amylase release from rat pancreatic acini in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values of 5.0 nM, 5.0 nM and 3.0 microM, respectively. In the isolated rabbit gallbladder smooth muscle, T-0632 and loxiglumide competitively inhibited CCK-8-induced contraction with pA2 values of 8.5 and 7.0, respectively. However, L-364,718 showed an apparent non-competitive antagonism. The IC50 values of T-0632, L-364,718 and loxiglumide for CCK-8 (30 nM)-induced contraction were 31 nM, 4.9 nM and 1300 nM, respectively. The inhibitory effects of T-0632 and loxiglumide in gallbladder smooth muscle were readily reversible, but L-364,718 showed a long-lasting inhibition. These results suggest that T-0632 is a potent, reversible and more selective CCKA receptor antagonist compared with L-364,718 and loxiglumide.

Amylases↗

PubMed1996

LPS-dependent cyclooxygenase-2 induction in human monocytes is down-regulated by IL-13, but not by IFN-gamma.

We investigated the effects of Th2 cell-associated cytokines, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13, on prostaglandin (PG) production by human peripheral blood monocytes (HPBM) in terms of four parameters: PGE2 synthesis; cyclooxygenase activity; protein; and mRNA of two cyclooxygenase isozymes (cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2). LPS-stimulated PGE2 synthesis and cyclooxygenase activity were suppressed by IL-4, IL-10, or IL-13. Furthermore, the LPS-dependent increase of cyclooxygenase activity in HPBM was attributable to cyclooxygenase-2 because it was inhibited by NS-398 (a cyclooxygenase-2-specific inhibitor). Western and Northern blot analyses revealed that the LPS-induced increases in cyclooxygenase-2 protein and mRNA were attenuated by the addition of IL-4, IL-10, or IL-13. In contrast, cyclooxygenase-1 protein and mRNA were hardly detected in monocytes that were incubated with or without LPS in the presence or absence of IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13. These results suggest that the reduction of LPS-induced PGE2 synthesis and cyclooxygenase activity by IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 in HPBM are mainly due to the down-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 selectively induced by LPS. Conversely, IFN-gamma, a Th1 cell-associated cytokine, did not affect PGE2 production and cyclooxygenase activity. These data suggest a mechanism for modulation of inflammation by the anti-inflammatory Th2 cell-associated cytokines but not a Th1 cell-associated cytokine.

Cell Line↗

PubMed1996

Comparative study of the sugar chains of alkaline phosphatases purified from rat liver and rat AH-130 hepatoma cells. Occurrence of fucosylated high-mannose-type and hybrid-type sugar chains.

The N-linked sugar chains of alkaline phosphatases, purified from rat AH-130 hepatoma and from normal rat liver, were released quantitatively as oligosaccharides by hydrazinolysis and were labeled by reduction with NaB3H4. A comparative study of their structures revealed that following structural differences are induced by hepatocyte carcinogenesis: complex-type tetraantennary sugar chains and hybrid-type sugar chains appear; outer-chain moieties of the sugar chains of the hepatoma enzyme contain exclusively the Gal(Beta 1-4)GlcNAc groups (type 2 chains) but those of the normal enzyme contain other Gal(Beta 1-)GlcNAc groups and type 2 chains; and novel fucosylated high-mannose-type sugar chains are found in the oligosaccharides of the hepatoma enzyme.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed1996

Binding of mitochondrial presequences to yeast cytosolic heat shock protein 70 depends on the amphiphilicity of the presequence.

The interactions between a yeast cytosolic hsp70, Ssa1p, and various synthetic peptides, including mitochondrial presequences, have been studied. The interactions were monitored both indirectly, by measuring the effects of the presequences on the ATPase activity and oligomeric state of the enzyme, and directly, by measuring the increased steady-state fluorescence polarization of fluorescent derivatives of the presequences as they bind to Ssa1p. The presequences are all able to convert Ssa1p from an oligomeric to a monomeric form in a concentration-dependent manner. The presequences are also able to stimulate the ATPase activity of the enzyme at similar concentrations. Quantification of the binding by fluorescence polarization showed that the affinity for Ssa1p is directly related to the physical properties of the presequences. The most amphiphilic presequences, as measured by retention times on reversed-phase high pressure liquid chromatography or surface activity in lipid monolayers, had the highest affinity for Ssa1p. The least amphiphilic presequences, which had previously been shown to be ineffective as mitochondrial targeting sequences, had relatively low affinity for Ssa1p. The results show that Ssa1p interacts with a broad range of amino acid sequences and that the strength of these interactions is related to the physical properties of the sequence. That the physical properties recognized by Ssa1p are identical to those necessary for the targeting function of mitochondrial presequences suggests that Ssa1p may interact with mitochondrial precursor proteins in the cytosol. The interactions may serve a variety of purposes: the maintenance of precursors in translocation-competent forms, the prevention of improper association of precursors with non-mitochondrial membranes, and the delivery of precursors to the mitochondrial surface.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

PubMed1996

Identification of a phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-binding site in chicken skeletal muscle alpha-actinin.

We previously reported that phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) dramatically increases the gelating activity of smooth muscle alpha-actinin (Fukami, K., Furuhashi, K., Inagaki, M., Endo, T., Hatano, S., and Takenawa, T. (1992) Nature 359, 150-152) and that the hydrolysis of PIP2 on alpha-actinin by tyrosine kinase activation may be important in cytoskeletal reorganization (Fukami, K., Endo, T., Imamura, M., and Takenawa, T. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 1518-1522). Here we report that a proteolytic fragment with lysylendopeptidase comprising amino acids 168-184 (TAPYRNVNIQNFHLSWK) from striated muscle alpha-actinin contains a PIP2-binding site. A synthetic peptide composed of the 17 amino acids remarkably inhibited the activities of phospholipase C (PLC)-gamma 1 and -delta 1. Furthermore, we detected an interaction between PIP2 and a bacterially expressed alpha-actinin fragment (amino acids 137-259) by PLC inhibition assay. Point mutants in which arginine 172 or lysine 184 of alpha-actinin were replaced by isoleucine reduced the inhibitory effect on PLC activity by nearly half. Direct interactions between PIP2 and the peptide (amino acids 168-184) or the bacterially expressed protein (amino acids 137-259) were confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorvent assay. We also found this region homologous to the sequence of the PIP2-binding site in spectrin and the pleckstrin homology domains of PLC-delta 1 and Grb7. Synthetic peptides from the homologous regions in spectrin and PLC-delta 1 inhibited PLC activities. These results indicate that residues 168-184 comprise a binding site for PIP2 in alpha-actinin and that similar sequences found in spectrin and PLC-delta 1 may be involved in the interaction with PIP2.

Actinin↗

PubMed1996

Hormonal regulation of aldose reductase in rat ovary during the estrous cycle.

The physiological roles of aldose reductase [alditol:NAD(P)+1-oxidoreductase] have not been fully elucidated yet, although it has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. In the rat ovary we found remarkable changes in the enzyme level during the 4-day estrous cycle. After diestrus, the activity and protein content of aldose reductase increased to the maximum level on proestrous morning and rapidly fell off to the lowest level on the early morning of estrus. At this time its mRNA level in the ovary was significantly decreased compared with that on the morning of proestrus. Immunohistochemical staining of the diestrous ovary demonstrated localization of the enzyme protein in the granulosa cells and in the oocytes. At the end of proestrus when its level was low, immunoreactive aldose reductase in the granulosa cells was localized preferentially to the antrum side, with lesser staining in the cells lining the follicles. Administration of chlorpromazine to the rats on proestrus significantly restored the enzyme level on the following morning of the expected estrus. This effect of chlorpromazine was abolished when human chorionic gonadotropin was administered to the chlorpromazine-treated rats. When chlorpromazine was administered to the rats treated with bromocriptine, an inhibitor of pituitary prolactin secretion, aldose reductase activity in the ovary was significantly elevated compared with that in the rats treated with chlorpromazine alone. These findings suggest that in the rat ovary it is under hormonal regulation during the estrous cycle. The enzyme may possess a new functional role in the reproductive system of the female rat, which can be disordered under diabetic conditions.

Aldehyde Reductase↗

PubMed1996

Fractionation of glycoprotein-derived oligosaccharides by affinity chromatography using immobilized lectin columns.

Lectin affinity column chromatography is becoming a method of choice for the fractionation and purification of oligosaccharides, especially N-linked oligosaccharides. Using lectin affinity, it is easy to separate structural isomers and to isolate oligosaccharides based on specific features. Further, serial lectin column chromatography, when various lectin columns are used at the same time, can afford a very sensitive method for the fractionation and characterization of extremely small amounts of oligosaccharides. Thus, when used in conjunction with other separation techniques, lectin affinity chromatography can help to purify rapidly oligosaccharides and provide substantial information about their structural features.

Carbohydrate Conformation↗

PubMed1996

Analysis of the oligosaccharide chains of rhodopsin from normal rats and those with hereditary retinal dystrophy.

The nature of the oligosaccharides of rhodopsin from normal rats and from the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats was examined by chemical, enzymatic and chromatographic procedures. This report is the first description of the structures of oligosaccharides of rat rhodopsin. The major oligosaccharide isomer of rat rhodopsin was shown to have the same structure as that from cow, human and frog. No neutral galactosylated species were detected. Although the site of the dystrophy in the RCS rat has been shown to be located at the retinal pigment epithelium, the possibility was examined that alterations in the glycosylation of rhodopsin might also be present. No differences were observed in either the amounts or structures of the rhodopsin oligosaccharide chains from young or adult control rats and RCS rats, although some differences were observed in the relative distribution of some oligosaccharide isomers between the RCS and controls. In addition, no differences in the amino acid content or SDS-PAGE patterns were detected.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1996

Comparison of cadmium uptakes from apical and basolateral membranes of LLC-PK1 cells.

Cadmium (Cd) uptake from the apical and basolateral membranes was investigated in LLC-PK1 cells grown as a monolayer on a permeable membrane. The cells were incubated at 37 degrees C for 1 hr with 1 microM CdCl2 from either the apical or the basolateral side. The accumulation of Cd from the apical side was 23% higher than that from the basolateral side. However, the translocation of Cd from the apical to the basolateral side and vice versa were similar. Cytotoxicity, as evaluated by transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), was undetectable at 1 microM Cd concentration. The preincubation of cells with carbonylcyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy)-phenylhydrazone (a metabolic inhibitor) and ouabain (a Na+/K+ - ATPase inhibitor) or coincubation with Cd and 2,4-dinitrophenol (a metabolic inhibitor) decreased both the accumulation (16-24%) and the translocation of Cd (22-25%) from the apical side, but not from the basolateral side. Incubation of cells with 50 and 75 microM CdCl2 for 1 hr resulted in 52-112% higher accumulation and translocation of Cd from the basolateral than from the apical side. The TER decreased at high Cd concentrations, suggesting that Cd concentrations of 10 microM and higher were cytotoxic. It is concluded that uptake of Cd from both the apical and the basolateral membranes represents passive diffusion. Additionally, under nontoxic conditions, about 20% of the Cd taken up at the apical membrane reflects carrier-mediated transport involving sodium ion- and energy-dependent processes; this accounts for higher accumulation through the apical membrane.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Rheumatoid arthritis associated with ulcerative colitis.

This report describes a 58-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and interstitial pneumonia who suffered from low-grade fever, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea 16 months after the diagnosis of RA. Ulcerative colitis (UC) was diagnosed, based on endoscopic and histological findings. RA associated with UC is rare and the underlying mechanism is unknown. We discuss here whether vasculitis and HLA class may play some role in the association of RA with UC.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

PubMed1996

Distinct effects of N omega-nitro-L-arginine on seizures induced by several drugs in mice.

A potent nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA), suppressed tonic seizure elicited by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ; 100 mg/kg, SC) in a dose-related manner (25 to 100 mg/kg, IP), but had no effect on clonic seizure. The effect was most potent at 1 h after the administration of L-NA. L-NA (100 mg/kg, IP) suppressed clonic seizure as well as tonic seizure in bicuculline-treated (3.0 or 4.5 mg/kg, SC) mice. However, it did not affect seizures elicited by picrotoxin (2.0 to 6.0 mg/kg, SC). On the other hand, N-methyl-DL-aspartate (NMDLA; 300 mg/kg or 350 mg/kg, IP) induced clonic seizure, but tonic seizure was not always noted. All mice with clonic and tonic seizures died, and some mice with clonic seizure died without accompanying tonic seizure. L-NA did not influence NMDLA-induced seizures, but it appeared to enhance NMDLA lethality, though without statistical significance. These findings suggest distinct roles of NO in seizures induced by different drugs in mice.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Comparative studies of cadmium and mercury accumulation by LLC-PK1 cells: effects of pH on uptake and efflux.

Effects of pH on internalization, membrane-binding and efflux of Cd were investigated in LLC-PK1 cells and these effects were compared with those of inorganic mercury (Hg). The cells cultured on monolayers were incubated for 30 min in phosphate buffer at pH 5.5, 6.4 or 7.4 containing 1 microM Cd or Hg. After the incubation, the cells were washed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or PBS containing chelating agent (EGTA or BAL) to remove membrane-bound Cd or Hg. The decrease in pH significantly decreased Cd concentration in the cells washed with PBS and with PBS-EGTA, and apparently increased the efflux of Cd from the cells. Similar changes were found in Hg concentration in the cells washed with PBS-BAL and Hg efflux from the cells, but these changes in Hg were less significant than those in Cd, respectively. The decrease in pH-increased Hg concentration in the cells washed with PBS, unlike that of Cd. These results suggest that a decrease in pH decreases the internalized Cd as a result of the decrease in membrane-bound Cd and the increase in Cd efflux. The decrease in pH also appears to decrease the internalized Hg by increasing Hg efflux and to increase the membrane-bound Hg.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1996

Novel aspects of interaction between UDP-gal and GlcNAc beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase: transferability and remarkable inhibitory activity of UDP-(mono-O-methylated gal), UDP-Fuc and UDP-man.

Four mono-O-methylated and one mono-O-acetylated UDP-D-Gal analogues and UDP-L-Fuc were synthesized. 2-O-Methyl-D-galactose residue was enzymatically transferred to give 2'-O-methyllactosaminide in high yield. UDP-Fuc and UDP-Man showed potent inhibitory activities against beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase. Structural requirement and steric allowance for the ground and transition states of the enzyme reaction were discussed.

Fucose↗

PubMed1996

Characterization of dp6troglycan-laminin interaction in peripheral nerve.

Dystoroglycan is encoded by a single gene and cleaved into two proteins, alpha and beta-dystroglycan, by posttranslational processing. The 120kDa peripheral nerve isoform of alpha-dystroglycan binds laminin-2 comprised of the alpha 2, beta 1, and gamma 1 chains. In congenital muscular dystrophy and dy mice deficient in laminin alpha 2 chain, peripheral myelination is disturbed, suggesting a role for the dystroglycan- laminin interaction in peripheral myelinogenesis. To begin to test this hypothesis, we have characterized the dystroglycan-laminin interaction in peripheral nerve. We demonstrate that (1) alpha-dystroglycan is an extracellular peripheral membrane glycoprotein that links beta-dystroglycan in the Schwann cell outer membrane with laminin-2 in the endoneurial basal lamina, and (2) dystrophin homologues Dp116 and utrophin are cytoskeletal proteins of the Schwann cell cytoplasm. We also present data that suggest a role for glycosylation of alpha-dystroglycan in the interaction with laminin.

Animals↗