Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

X C Huang

Publications and source records attributed to X C Huang.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Angiotensin II type 2 receptor-mediated apoptosis of cultured neurons from newborn rat brain.

Angiotensin II (Ang II) type 2 (AT2) receptors are highly expressed in neonate brain and may have a role in developmental processes such as apoptosis. Concurrent activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and inhibition of Erk mitogen-activated protein kinase activities is important for apoptosis in many cells, and we previously demonstrated that stimulation of AT2 receptors causes decreased mitogen-activated protein kinase activity in neurons cultured from newborn rat hypothalamus and brain stem. Using such cultures we have employed terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxy-UTP nick end labeling and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation to assess the role of AT2 receptors in neuronal apoptosis. Ang II (100 nM; 4-72 h) alone produced no significant neuronal apoptosis, and AT2 receptor activation did not stimulate JNK activity. However, exposure of cultures to UV radiation (6 J/m2/sec for 4 sec) to stimulate JNK elicited neuronal apoptosis that was significantly enhanced by Ang II, an effect that was abolished by the AT2 receptor antagonist PD 123,319 (1 microM) or the serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid (3 nM). Additionally, Ang II enhanced the UV radiation-induced decrease in the levels of the DNA repair enzyme poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase. These data indicate that Ang II, via AT2 receptors and activation of a serine/threonine phosphatase, contributes to neuronal apoptosis.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1998

Mutation detection by ligation to complete n-mer DNA arrays.

A new approach to comparative nucleic acid sequence analysis is described that uses the ligation of DNA targets to high-density arrays containing complete sets of covalently attached oligonucleotides of length eight and nine. The combination of enzymatic or chemical ligation with a directed comparative analysis avoids many of the intrinsic difficulties associated with hybridization-based de novo sequence reconstruction methods described previously. Double-stranded DNA targets were fragmented and labeled to produce quasirandom populations of 5' termini suitable for ligation and detection on the arrays. Kilobase-size DNA targets were used to demonstrate that complete n-mer arrays can correctly verify known sequences and can determine the presence of sequence differences relative to a reference. By use of 9-mer arrays, sequences of 1.2-kb targets were verified with >99.9% accuracy. Mutations in target sequences were detected by directly comparing the intensity pattern obtained for an unknown with that obtained for a known reference sequence. For targets of moderate length (1.2 kb), 100% of the mutations in the queried sequences were detected with 9-mer arrays. For higher complexity targets (2.5 and 16.6 kb), a relatively high percentage of mutations (90% and 66%, respectively) were correctly identified with a low false-positive rate of <0.03 percent. The methods described provide a general approach to analyzing nucleic acid samples on the basis of the interpretation of sequence-specific patterns of hybridization and ligation on complete n-mer oligonucleotide arrays.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Angiotensin II stimulates activation of Fos-regulating kinase and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase in neuronal cultures from rat brain.

c-Fos/c-Jun dimers (activating protein-1 transcription factor) are involved in the modulatory actions of angiotensin II (Ang II) on brain norepinephrine neurons, effects mediated via Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptors. The transcriptional activities of c-Fos and c-Jun can be augmented by Fos-regulating kinase (FRK) and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), respectively. In this study, we investigated the effects of Ang II on FRK and JNK activities in neurons cultured from newborn rat hypothalamus and brain stem, which include a population of catecholaminergic cells containing AT1 receptors. Ang II caused time-dependent increases in the activation of FRK and JNK, effects completely inhibited by the AT1 receptor antagonist losartan but not by the Ang II type 2 (AT2) receptor blocker PD123,319. The stimulation of FRK activity by Ang II was abolished by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF109203X or the calcium chelator BAPTA, but not by inhibition of calmodulin or calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. However, the activation of JNK by Ang II was not dependent on PKC or another calcium-dependent mechanism. These data demonstrate that Ang II stimulates activation of FRK and JNK in neuronal cells, actions that may contribute to the neuromodulatory effects of this peptide.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1997

Modulation of angiotensin II type 2 receptor mRNA in rat hypothalamus and brainstem neuronal cultures by growth factors.

This study investigates the regulatory effects of growth factors upon angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) mRNA levels in neurons co-cultured from newborn rat hypothalamus and brainstem. Incubation of cultured neurons with nerve growth factor (NGF; 5-50 ng/ml) caused time-dependent changes in the steady-state levels of AT2 receptor mRNA. Short-term (0.5-1.0 h) incubations with NGF resulted in significant increases in AT2 receptor mRNA, whereas longer-term incubations (4-24 h) caused significant decreases. Activation of NGF receptors is known to stimulate phospholipase C-gamma and subsequently activate protein kinase C (PKC). Incubation of cultures with the PKC activator, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA; 100 nM), caused temporal changes in AT2 receptor mRNA levels similar to those observed with NGF. By contrast, insulin (0.1-10 microg/ml) elicited only significant decreases in AT2 receptor mRNA levels. The observed abilities of NGF and insulin to regulate the expression of AT2 receptor mRNA are consistent with the fact that the AT2 receptor gene promoter region contains several cis DNA regulatory elements that respond to growth factor-stimulated transcription factors. These novel observations which show that NGF and insulin can regulate AT2 receptor mRNA in neurons derived from neonatal rat CNS lend support to the idea that AT2 receptors have a role in development and differentiation.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Accessing genetic information with high-density DNA arrays.

Rapid access to genetic information is central to the revolution taking place in molecular genetics. The simultaneous analysis of the entire human mitochondrial genome is described here. DNA arrays containing up to 135,000 probes complementary to the 16.6-kilobase human mitochondrial genome were generated by light-directed chemical synthesis. A two-color labeling scheme was developed that allows simultaneous comparison of a polymorphic target to a reference DNA or RNA. Complete hybridization patterns were revealed in a matter of minutes. Sequence polymorphisms were detected with single-base resolution and unprecedented efficiency. The methods described are generic and can be used to address a variety of questions in molecular genetics including gene expression, genetic linkage, and genetic variability.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1996

Mitogen-activated protein kinases in rat brain neuronal cultures are activated by angiotensin II type 1 receptors and inhibited by angiotensin II type 2 receptors.

Neurons cultured from neonatal rat hypothalamus and brainstem contain many angiotensin II (Ang II) type 2 (AT2) receptors, and we previously determined that activation of these sites elicited a stimulation of serine/threonine phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Here, we have investigated the effects of Ang II on neuronal mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, potential targets for PP2A. Using in-gel kinase assays and immunoprecipitation analyses we have shown that Ang II (10 nM-1 microM) elicits significant increases in p44(MAPK) (Erk1) and p42(MAPK) (Erk2) activities in cultured neurons, mediated via Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptors. This stimulatory effect of Ang II on Erk1 and Erk2 activities was potentiated by blockade of AT2 receptors with (S)-1-[4-(dimethylamino)-3-methylphenyl]methyl-5-(diphenylacetyl)- 4, 5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-C]pyridine-6-carboxylic acid (PD 123319, 1 microM). Furthermore, the AT2 receptor agonist N-alpha-nicotinoyl-Tyr-Lys-(N-alphaCBZ-Arg)-His-Pro-Ile-OH (CGP42112A) (10-50 nM) caused significant decreases in neuronal Erk1 and Erk2 activities, which were abolished by PD 123319 (1 microM) and by the PP2A inhibitor okadaic acid (3 nM). This indicates that AT1 and AT2 receptors have opposite actions on Erk1 and Erk2 activities in neonatal neurons. Since MAP kinases are involved in the regulation of growth/differentiation and apoptosis, our data may provide an intracellular basis for modulatory effects of Ang II receptors on these processes.

Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists↗
PubMed1996

Angiotensin II stimulates protein phosphatase 2A activity in cultured neuronal cells via type 2 receptors in a pertussis toxin sensitive fashion.

Recent studies have suggested a role for an inhibitory G protein (Gi) and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in the angiotensin II (Ang II) type 2 (AT2) receptor mediated stimulation of neuronal K+ currents. In the present study we have directly analyzed the effects of Ang II on PP2A activity in neurons cultured from newborn rat hypothalamus and brainstem. Ang II elicited time (30 min-24 h)- and concentration (10 nM -1 microM)-dependent increases in PP2A activity in these cells. This effect of Ang II involved AT2 receptors, since it was inhibited by the AT2 receptor selective ligand PD123319 (1 microM), but not by the Ang II type 1 receptor antagonist losartan (1 microM). Furthermore, the stimulatory effects of Ang II on PP2A activity were inhibited by pretreatment of cultures with pertussis toxin (PTX) (200 ng/ml; 24 h) indicating the involvement of an inhibitory G-protein; and by cycloheximide (CHX) (1 microgram/ml; 30 min) indicating a requirement for protein synthesis. These effects of Ang II appear to be via activation of PP2A, since Western Blot analyses revealed no effects of this peptide on the protein levels of the catalytic subunit of PP2A in cultured neurons. In summary, these data suggest that PP2A is a key component of the intracellular pathways coupled to neuronal AT2 receptors.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1995

Angiotensin II type 2 receptor-mediated stimulation of protein phosphatase 2A in rat hypothalamic/brainstem neuronal cocultures.

Recent studies have suggested a role for an inhibitory guanine nucleotide binding (Gi) protein and protein (serine/threonine) phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in the angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor-mediated stimulation of neuronal K+ currents. In the present study we have directly analyzed the effects of angiotensin II on PP2A activity in neurons cultured from newborn rat hypothalamus and brainstem. Angiotensin II elicited time (30 min-24 h)- and concentration (10 nM-1 microM)-dependent increases in PP2A activity in these cells, an effect mimicked by the AT2 receptor ligand CGP-42112A. These effects of angiotensin II and CGP-42112A involve AT2 receptors, because they were inhibited by the AT2 receptor-selective ligand PD 123,319 (1 microM) but not by the angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist losartan (1 microM). Furthermore, the stimulatory effects of angiotensin II and CGP-42112A on PP2A activity were inhibited by pretreatment of cultures with pertussis toxin (200 ng/ml; 24 h), indicating the involvement of a Gi protein. These effects of angiotensin II and CGP-42112A appear to be via activation of PP2A, and western blot analyses revealed no effects of either peptide on the protein levels of the catalytic subunit of PP2A in cultured neurons. In summary, these data suggest that PP2A is a cellular target modified following neuronal AT2 receptor activation.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1993

Effects of hypothalamic microinjection of PGE2 on body temperature and sympathetic nervous activities in the rabbit.

The febrile response and sympathetic nervous response to hypothalamic microinjections of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were investigated in anesthetized rabbits. Microinjection of PGE2 (500-1000 ng) caused an increase in rectal temperature of more than 0.3 degrees C in 13 of 50 loci in the preoptic and anterior hypothalamic area (PO/AH). At 8 of these 13 loci, PGE2 elicited response patterns in the sympathetic nervous system, such as an increase in cutaneous sympathetic nervous activity and decrease in renal sympathetic nervous activity. This pattern of sympathetic nervous responses was induced with a simultaneous increase in rectal temperature of more than 0.5 degrees C. The 8 loci were distributed in the preoptic area, especially in the vicinity of the supraoptic nucleus. Electrolytic lesions of this region were made bilaterally, and intracerebroventricular injection of PGE2 (8 micrograms/kg) was found to inhibit fever and sympathetic activity. The results demonstrate that the action of PGE2 is responsible for the response patterns of sympathetic twigs during fever. The preoptic area, especially in the vicinity of the supraoptic nucleus, is most sensitive to PGE2 for the patternized response of sympathetic neurons and fever.

Acclimatization↗
PubMed1992

DNA sequencing using capillary array electrophoresis.

A DNA sequencing method is presented that utilizes capillary array electrophoresis, two-color fluorescence detection, and a two-dye labeling protocol. Sanger DNA sequencing fragments are separated on an array of capillaries and detected on-column using a two-color, laser-excited, confocal-fluorescence scanner. The four sets of DNA sequencing fragments are separated in a single capillary and then distinguished by using a binary coding scheme where each fragment set is labeled with a characteristic ratio of two dye-labeled primers. Since only two dye-labeled primers are required, it is possible to select dyes that have identical mobility shifts. It is also shown that the ratio of the signal in the two detection channels provides a reliable identification of the sequencing fragment. DNA sequencing results on a 25-capillary array are presented.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Capillary gel electrophoresis of single-stranded DNA fragments with UV detection.

Capillary gel electrophoresis has proven to be a powerful tool in biomedical research. We report our investigation of some of the critical parameters affecting separations of single-stranded DNA fragments as monitored by ultraviolet (UV) absorbance detection. Although not as sensitive as laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), UV absorbance detection allows one to calculate quite accurately, and inexpensively, the molarity of each separated DNA fragment and, moreover, the signal "fading" effect normally observed with LIF detection can be, in many cases, substituted for fluorescence to detect the many different single-stranded DNAs, as well as for detection of sequencing reactions.

Coliphages↗
PubMed1990

[A study of DNA content in relation to histological type, ER and CEA in primary breast carcinoma].

The immunohistochemical technique (ABC and PAP methods) and microspectrophotometry were used separately to localize estrogen receptor (ER) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and to measure the DNA content in 44 cases of primary breast carcinoma. The results showed that (1) there was significant statistical difference in DNA content among most histological types of breast carcinoma (P less than 0.05); (2) the DNA content was inversely correlated with ER status (P less than 0.05) and positively with CEA (P less than 0.05) in breast cancer; (3) the mean values of DNA content and nuclear area were higher in patients survived more than 5 years than in those survived less than 5 years. It is suggested that the DNA content was roughly consistent with the grades of malignancy of the histological types of carcinoma, and the changes of DNA content not only affected the expression of ER and CEA but are also correlated with the refractoriness to hormone therapy in some patients with ER positive tumor.

Adenocarcinoma, Scirrhous↗
PubMed1989

Conditions for uniqueness of limit cycles in general predator-prey systems.

Using a transformation to a generalized Lienard system, theorems are presented that give conditions under which unique limit cycles for generalized ecological systems, including those of predator-prey form, exist. The generalized systems contain those studied by Rosenzweig and MacArthur (1963); Hsu, Hubbell, and Waltman (1978); Kazarinnoff and van den Driessche (1978); Cheng (1981); Liou and Cheng (1987); and Kuang and Freedman (1988). Although very similar in approach to the result presented by Kuang and Freedman, the conditions presented here are of simpler form and in terms of the original (untransformed) functions. The results also apply to more general growth terms for the prey as shown in the examples provided. In particular, an immigration term is allowable.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Comparison of TRH and its analog (NS-3) in thermoregulatory and cardiovascular effects.

The effects of TRH and its metabolically stable analog NS-3 [(3R,6R)-6-methyl-5-oxo-3-thiomorpholinylcarbonyl-L-histidyl-L-pro linamide tetrahydrate] on thermoregulation and circulatory control have been investigated. Both NS-3 (1-100 ng/kg ICV) and TRH (0.1-10 micrograms/kg ICV) increased rectal temperature and metabolic rate with a transient cutaneous vasoconstriction in conscious rabbits. They also increased arterial blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) in urethane-anesthetized rabbits. Ten ng/kg of NS-3 and 10 micrograms/kg of TRH had comparable hyperthermic, pressor, and tachycardic activities, while the relative potency of NS-3 to increase RSNA was greater and that to increase metabolic rate was smaller than the other effects. In conclusion, NS-3 was more potent than TRH in all of the effects measured, but there was a dissociation in the relative potency of NS-3 in the different autonomic effects.

Animals↗