Bovine babesiosis on Nevis--implications for tick control.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
T W Jones
Publications and source records attributed to T W Jones.
Renal cysteine conjugate beta-lyase-mediated toxicity studied with primary cultures of human proximal tubular cells.
The beta-lyase pathway has been shown to mediate the nephrotoxicity of S-cysteine conjugates of a variety of haloalkenes in a number of animal models in vitro and in vivo. However, there is no information available concerning this mechanism of bioactivation in human tissues. In this investigation a well-characterized model of human proximal tubule epithelial cells, the presumed target cell, was used to investigate the toxicity of a series of glutathione and cysteine conjugates of nephrotoxic haloalkenes. Both S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-glutathione (DCVG) and S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine (DCVC) caused dose-dependent toxicity over a range of 25 to 500 microM. DCVC was consistently found to be more toxic than DCVG, but the inclusion of gamma-glutamyltransferase (0.5 U/ml) increased the toxicity of DCVG to that observed with an equimolar concentration of DCVC, indicating that metabolism to the cysteine conjugate is an important rate-limiting step in this in vitro model. S-(1,2,3,4,4-Pentachlorobutadienyl)-L-cysteine, S-(2-chloro-1,1,2-trifluoroethyl)-L-cysteine, and S-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl)-L-cysteine were also found to be toxic to human proximal tubular cells. Incubation with [35S]DCVC resulted in covalent binding of 35S-label, which increased linearly to a final level of 1.05 nmol/mg protein at 6 hr. Aminooxyacetic acid (250 microM), an inhibitor of pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzymes such as beta-lyase, protected the cells from the toxicity of all of the cysteine conjugates and inhibited the covalent binding of 35S-label from [35S]DCVC to cellular macromolecules. The results of the present study provide the first evidence that human proximal tubular cells are sensitive to the toxicity of glutathione and/or cysteine conjugates of a variety of chloro- and fluoroalkenes which are activated via the beta-lyase pathway. The implications for human health are discussed.
Adolescent↗
Seroepidemiological studies of bovine babesiosis on Pemba Island, Tanzania.
Serological evidence of infection with Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina at a number of sites in Pemba was obtained using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) capable of detecting the appropriate parasite-specific antibody. Overall, 96% of animals were found to be positive for B. bovis, 88% were positive for B. bigemina and 88% were positive for both Babesia species. Antibody to B. bovis and B. bigemina was detected early in life in a number of calves born on Pemba, and was considered to be of maternal origin. The amount of maternal antibody in the serum of individual animals fell throughout the first 3 months of life. Later in life, antibody levels increased, probably in response to Babesia infection from natural tick challenge. These results suggest that infection with both Babesia parasites is widespread throughout Pemba and that both parasites probably exist in an enzootically stable situation.
Animals↗
The role of damage and proliferation in renal carcinogenesis.
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Animals↗
Mild hypoglycemia and impairment of brain stem and cortical evoked potentials in healthy subjects.
To evaluate the impact of mild hypoglycemia on CNS function in healthy adults, we measured brain stem auditory evoked potentials and P300 potentials (elicited by cognitive processing of auditory stimuli) during hypoglycemic or euglycemic insulin clamps (80 mU.m-2.min-1). In the hypoglycemic clamp study (n = 8), plasma glucose was allowed to fall from 4.6 to 3 mM in hourly approximately 0.5-mM steps and subsequently returned to euglycemic baseline levels. In the euglycemic clamp study (n = 8), plasma glucose was maintained at baseline levels throughout. Neither brain stem nor P300 responses changed during the euglycemic control study; symptoms and counterregulatory hormones were also unaffected. During the hypoglycemia study, epinephrine and growth hormone rose once plasma glucose reached 3.4 +/- 0.1 mM. Brain stem and P300 potentials remained unchanged until the 3-mM glucose step, when neurophysiological changes suddenly developed in conjunction with reported symptoms. At this glucose level, the wave V component of the brain stem potential was selectively altered in 7 of 8 subjects. Furthermore, P300 latency significantly increased, and amplitude diminished. Changes in both brain stem and cortical (P300) responses reversed when euglycemia was restored. We conclude that modest reductions in plasma glucose (to 3 mM) produce marked alterations in both brain stem and cortical responses to auditory stimuli. These changes in neural function appear at the same time as symptoms and follow rather than precede the rise in counterregulatory hormones during hypoglycemia. Our data suggest that the adverse effects of mild hypoglycemia on brain function are not limited to higher centers but also involve the brain stem.
Adult↗
Relation between toxicity and carcinogenesis in the kidney: an heuristic hypothesis.
Cellular toxicity and cellular carcinogenesis are closely linked. In the kidney, this relationship has been emphasized by the recent discovery of a number of putatively non-mutagenic chemicals that result in acute and chronic toxicity and ultimately in carcinogenesis, especially in the male rat. Many, but not all such compounds, result in renal PTE phagolysosomal overload. At the same time, known metabolites of other carcinogens, e.g., HCBD and FBPA, result in acute renal injury and/or necrosis, followed by chronic tubular disease, interstitial nephritis, and ultimately carcinogenesis. A series of cell mechanisms have been suggested that lead from acute cell injury to altered control of cell division. These mechanisms appear to involve ion deregulation, (especially [Ca2+]i) resulting from a variety of continued injuries, (e.g., oxidative stress from inflammatory cells) and ultimately leading to altered gene expression.
Animals↗
Interspecies comparisons of in vitro hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Aflatoxin B1↗
Optic nerve sheath meningoceles. Clinical and radiographic features in 13 cases with a review of the literature.
Thirteen patients with dilated intraorbital optic nerve sheaths with an expanded, patulous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space were studied with high-resolution computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Eleven patients had bilateral findings. Headache or visual complaints, or both, were present in all patients. Signs of optic nerve dysfunction were present in eight patients. Three patients had visual acuity worse than 20/200. Cerebrospinal fluid pressure was mildly elevated in two patients. Three patients underwent a surgical procedure; visual acuity improved in one. The authors propose the term meningocele for this condition and suggest MRI with fat-suppression techniques and off-axis sagittal views as the radiographic procedure of choice.
Adolescent↗
Malic enzyme type VII isoenzyme as an indicator of suramin resistance in Trypanosoma evansi.
This study analysed the suramin sensitivity of 29 stocks of Trypanosoma evansi isolated from Egypt, Sudan, and Indonesia and compared the results with the isoenzyme banding patterns of 20 soluble enzymes in these stocks of T. evansi. The results showed that the type VII banding pattern of malic enzyme was found only in T. evansi stocks which were highly resistant to suramin.
Animals↗
Evaluation of enzyme immunoassays in the diagnosis of camel (Camelus dromedarius) trypanosomiasis: a preliminary investigation.
Three enzyme immunoassays were used for the serodiagnosis of Trypanosoma evansi in camels in the Sudan in order to evaluate their ability to discriminate between infected and non-infected animals. Two assays were used for the detection of trypanosomal antibodies, one using specific anti-camel IgG conjugate and another using a non-specific Protein A conjugate. The third assay detected the presence of trypanosomal antigens using anti-T. evansi antibodies in a double antibody sandwich assay. Inspection of the frequency distribution of assay results suggested that the ELISA for circulating trypanosomal antibodies using specific antisera and the ELISA for circulating antigens can distinguish between non-infected camels and infected camels exhibiting patent infections or not. The ELISA using Protein A conjugate to bind non-specifically to camel immunoglobulin did not appear to discriminate between infected and non-infected animals.
Animals↗
Comparative effects of three carcinogens on human, rat and mouse hepatocytes.
Ultrastructural changes commonly observed in liver cells of rodents exposed to carcinogens in vivo can be induced in hepatocytes exposed to carcinogens in vitro. Human, rat and mouse hepatocytes in primary culture were treated with actinomycin D, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and dimethylnitrosamine (DMN). These cultured hepatocytes were examined for ultrastructural alterations following carcinogen exposure for 24 h. Similar to the effects on liver cells in vivo, the most prominent change was a segregation of the nucleolar components. Human, rat and mouse hepatocytes, dosed with 7.9 X 10(-8) M actinomycin D, developed nucleolar segregation in 86%, 98% and 55% of cells, respectively. When incubated with 3.2 X 10(-6) M AFB1, 60% of human and 84% of rat hepatocytes developed nucleolar segregation. However, exposures of mouse hepatocytes less than or equal to 3.2 X 10(-5) M of AFB1 failed to induce segregation of the nucleolus. DMN administered at a dose of 2.0 X 10(-2) M caused segregation in 11% of the rat hepatocytes and in 60% of the mouse hepatocytes. Distinct nucleolar segregation did not occur in human hepatocytes until they were exposed to a concentration of 5.0 X 10(-2) M DMN (31%). Actinomycin D, AFB1, DMN, as well as other compounds that bind to DNA and interfere with template activity cause nucleolar segregation. Morphologic changes observed in cultured rat and mouse hepatocytes correlate well with in vivo experiments with regard to the relative sensitivity of rats and mice to toxicological effects of these carcinogens. Thus, hepatocyte cultures may provide a realistic system to determine the sensitivity of human liver cells to carcinogens.
Aflatoxin B1↗
Urinary calculi in children in Western Australia: 1972-86.
Records of all children presenting with urinary calculi in the period 1972-86 were reviewed in order to detail clinical features, laboratory and radiographic findings and treatment. Of a total of 85 children, 59 were Aboriginal and 26 were Caucasian. The features of urolithiasis differed between these groups. In the Aboriginal patients, calculi consisted mainly of uric acid and urates. Important clinical characteristics of this group included a young age at presentation (median = 2.1 years) and frequent presentation with failure to thrive. Calculi were commonly located in the upper urinary tract and most required surgical removal. Documented sequelae included renal scarring and hypertension. Caucasian children presented at a later age (median = 10.5 years), frequently with abdominal pain, and most calculi were associated with an underlying urological or metabolic abnormality.
Child↗
Features of microsomal and cytosolic glutathione conjugation of hexachlorobutadiene in rat liver.
Hepatic GSH conjugation is the initial step in the mammalian biotransformation of hexachloro-1,3-butadiene (HCBD) and analogous haloalkenes. The present paper reports an in vitro investigation of the glutathione-dependent conversion of HCBD to water-soluble products, i.e. the enzyme-catalyzed conjugation of HCBD with GSH. The method employed avoids artifacts due to the volatility, low solubility and hydrophobic nature of the chloro-carbon substrate. In order to assess the relative importance of membrane-bound and cytosolic glutathione S-transferase in the conjugation process, microsomal and cytosolic fractions from adult rat liver were tested separately for their ability to promote water solubilisation of the substrate. In addition, microsomal purified and liposomally reconstituted glutathione S-transferase, were tested. The reaction exhibited Michaelis-Menten kinetics, and conjugation rates were linear for at least 20 min. The hepatic microsomal fraction metabolized HCBD 116 times faster than the cytosolic fraction when substrate saturated. Both mono- and bis-substituted conjugates were formed by microsomal as well as by the cytosolic fraction. Treatment of animals with inducers and the use of specific inhibitors indicated absence of cytochrome P-450 involvement in the formation of water soluble HCBD metabolites and supported the view that microsomal glutathione S-transferase is more important in catalyzing GSH conjugation of this haloalkene than the cytosolic forms of transferases.
Animals↗
Stimulation of the renal endoplasmic reticulum calcium pump: a possible biomarker for platinate toxicity.
Antitumor platinum compounds such as cisplatin are frequently nephrotoxic. The mechanism of nephrotoxicity has not been determined. It has been proposed that some toxicants may act by interfering with the mechanisms that control cellular Ca2+ homeostasis. An important factor in the regulation of cytosolic Ca2+ is the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium pump. The activity of this pump was determined by measuring ATP-dependent microsomal sequestration of 45Ca. Administration of nephrotoxic doses of platinum compounds to rats was associated with an increase in renal ER calcium pump activity. This was the earliest response observed after cisplatin treatment (it occurred within 4 hr) and preceded increases in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine by at least 1 day. The dose-response curve for the increase in renal ER calcium pump activity was similar to the increase in the number and size of smooth ER aggregates observed in the S3 segment of the proximal tubule 24 hr following cisplatin administration. Only minor morphological changes were observed at this time. There was a significant increase in calcium content of kidneys of rats 24 hr after treatment with a dose of cisplatin that caused a maximal increase in ER calcium pump activity. This indicates that a disruption of normal calcium homeostasis may occur before histological evidence of nephrotoxicity. Platinates that were not toxic to the kidney did not elevate renal ER calcium pump activity. It is suggested that the activity of the ER calcium pump may be a useful biomarker for cellular toxicity and may be a factor in the mechanism of toxicity.
Animals↗
In vitro binding of aflatoxin B1 and 2-acetylaminofluorene to rat, mouse and human hepatocyte DNA: the relationship of DNA binding to carcinogenicity.
DNA binding levels were determined and compared in cultured hepatocytes from male and female rats as well as other animal species following exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) or 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF). When human, rat (both male and female) and mouse hepatocytes in primary culture were exposed to 2.0 X 10(-7) M [3H]AFB1 (sp. act. 2.63 microCi/nmol) for 24 h, male rat hepatocytes had the highest degree of [3H]AFB1-DNA binding (203 pmol/mg DNA) and human hepatocytes contained the next highest binding level (42 pmol/mg DNA). Hepatocytes from female rats contained 38 pmol/mg DNA while cultured mouse hepatocytes contained only 1.4 pmol/mg DNA. When the same dose of [3H]AFB1 was administered to the cultured male rat hepatocytes at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 1 week after seeding, and incubated for 24 h, the DNA binding levels were 189, 175, 76, 75 pmol/mg DNA respectively. In parallel experiments to the cultured male rat hepatocytes above, the AFB1-DNA binding levels in the cultured female hepatocytes were 42, 41, 37 and 34 pmol/mg DNA respectively. Human, male and female rat hepatocytes in primary culture were exposed to 5.2 X 10(-5) M 2-acetylamino[9-14C]fluorene (sp. act. 0.0094 microCi/nmol) for 24 h. It was determined that male rat hepatocytes contained the highest amount of radioactively labeled 2-AAF bound to their DNA (1.57 nmol/mg DNA), female rat hepatocytes contained 0.62 nmol/mg DNA and human hepatocytes contained 0.29 nmol/mg DNA. Results from our in vitro hepatocyte culture system correlate well with in vivo animal studies dealing with species and sex differences in DNA binding and carcinogenic susceptibility. This indicates that hepatocytes in vitro maintain many of the biological properties necessary for carcinogen response similar to liver cells in vivo. In addition, comparison of genotoxic effect in cultured hepatocytes from animals as well as humans may be useful in evaluating carcinogenic potential of xenobiotics in human liver.
2-Acetylaminofluorene↗
Photoexcitation of zinc phthalocyanine in mouse myeloma cells: the observation of triplet states but not of singlet oxygen.
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Animals↗
The CHARGE association: implications for teachers.
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Abnormalities, Multiple↗
Immunohistochemical localization of glutamine transaminase K, a rat kidney cysteine conjugate beta-lyase, and the relationship to the segment specificity of cysteine conjugate nephrotoxicity.
Rat kidney glutamine transaminase K is a major rat kidney cysteine conjugate beta-lyase and is a key enzyme in the nephrotoxicity of some cysteine conjugates. However, it has not been demonstrated that the beta-lyase is present in the target cells. Furthermore, although all segments of the proximal tubule are affected by high doses of nephrotoxic cysteine conjugates, the S3 segment is the most sensitive. Because heterogeneous distribution of the beta-lyase could account for the enhanced sensitivity, antibody raised against rat kidney cysteine conjugate beta-lyase has been prepared and used to investigate the distribution of the enzyme in kidney and other tissues. The data show that the enzyme is highest in rat kidney, consistent with enzyme activity data. By immunohistochemical staining, no enzyme is present in the glomeruli or distal tubular elements of the kidney. The enzyme is present only in the target cells, the renal proximal tubular epithelium. However, the distribution of the beta-lyase within the proximal tubule is not consistent with the hypothesis that a higher concentration of the enzyme in the S3 segment accounts for the greater sensitivity of S3 to nephrotoxic cysteine conjugates compared to S1 and S2. Several alternative hypotheses are discussed.
Acetylcysteine↗