[Introduction and analysis of the information on projects received and supported in division of microbiology NSFC in 1996].
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China↗
Biomedical subjects
Z Yan
Publications and source records attributed to Z Yan.
Coordinated expression of dopamine receptors in neostriatal medium spiny neurons.
In recent years, the distribution of dopamine receptor subtypes among the principal neurons of the neostriatum has been the subject of debate. Conventional anatomical and physiological approaches have yielded starkly different estimates of the extent to which D1 and D2 class dopamine receptors are colocalized. One plausible explanation for the discrepancy is that some dopamine receptors are present in physiologically significant numbers, but the mRNA for these receptors is not detectable with conventional techniques. To test this hypothesis, we examined the expression of DA receptors in individual neostriatal neurons by patch-clamp and RT-PCR techniques. Because of the strong correlation between peptide expression and projection site, medium spiny neurons were divided into three groups on the basis of expression of mRNA for enkephalin (ENK) and substance P (SP). Neurons expressing detectable levels of SP but not ENK had abundant mRNA for the D1a receptor. A subset of these cells (approximately 50%) coexpressed D3 or D4 receptor mRNA. Neurons expressing detectable levels of ENK but not SP had abundant mRNA for D2 receptor isoforms (short and long). A subset (10-25%) of these neurons coexpressed D1a or D1b mRNAs. Neurons coexpressing ENK and SP mRNAs consistently coexpressed D1a and D2 mRNAs in relatively high abundance. Functional analysis of neurons expressing lower abundance mRNAs revealed clear physiological consequences that could be attributed to these receptors. These results suggest that, although colocalization of D1a and D2 receptors is limited, functional D1 and D2 class receptors are colocalized in nearly one-half of all medium spiny projection neurons.
Animals↗
Muscarinic (m2/m4) receptors reduce N- and P-type Ca2+ currents in rat neostriatal cholinergic interneurons through a fast, membrane-delimited, G-protein pathway.
The signaling pathways mediating the muscarinic modulation of Ca2+ currents in neostriatal cholinergic interneurons were studied by combined patch-clamp recording and single-cell reverse transcription-PCR. Cholinergic interneurons were identified by the presence of choline acetyltransferase mRNA. These neurons expressed Q-, N-, L-, P-, and R-type Ca2+ currents and the mRNA for the alpha1 subunits believed to form the channels underlying these currents (classes A, B, C, D, and E). Of the interneurons tested, nearly all expressed M2-class (m2, m4) receptor mRNAs, whereas m1 receptor mRNA was found in only a subset (approximately 30%) of the sample. The muscarinic agonist oxotremorine methiodide produced a dose-dependent reduction of N- and P-type Ba2+ currents through Ca2+ channels that was antagonized by atropine. N-ethylmaleimide eliminated the modulation, as did preincubation with pertussis toxin. The onset and offset of the modulation were rapid and dose-dependent. The modulation was also attenuated by strong depolarizing prepulses and was not observed in cell-attached membrane patches. Taken together, our results suggest that activation of M2-class muscarinic receptors in cholinergic interneurons reduces N- and P-type Ca2+ currents through a membrane-delimited pathway using a Gi/o-class G-protein. This signaling pathway provides a cellular mechanism for hetero- and homosynaptic control of interneuronal activity and acetylcholine release in the striatum.
Animals↗
Increased contractile activity decreases RNA-protein interaction in the 3'-UTR of cytochrome c mRNA.
This study was designed to gain an insight into mechanisms by which cytochrome c gene expression is enhanced by increased contractile activity in skeletal muscle. When rat tibialis anterior muscles were stimulated (10 Hz, 0.25 ms) for 0, 2, 6, 12, or 24 h or 2, 5, 9, or 13 days (n = 4 for each time point), cytochrome c protein (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and mRNA (Northern blot analysis) concentrations started to increase by 9 days, and this was associated with concurrent decreases in cytochrome c mRNA-protein interaction (RNA gel mobility shift assay). We found that the decreased RNA-protein interaction in the stimulated muscle extract was restored by ultracentrifugation (150,000 g, 1 h) in the supernatant fraction. The 150,000 g pellet fraction of stimulated muscle was capable of inhibiting the RNA-protein interaction in control tibialis anterior muscles. These results provide evidence of an inhibitory factor that is responsible for decreasing RNA-protein interaction in the 3'-untranslated region of cytochrome c mRNA in continuously stimulated muscle.
Animals↗
Cytochrome c mRNA in skeletal muscles of immobilized limbs.
Even though immobilization of a slow skeletal muscle in a lengthened position prevents muscle atrophy, it is unknown whether this treatment would prevent a decrease in mitochondrial quantity. We found that, regardless of muscle length in immobilized limbs, the mRNA of a marker for mitochondrial quantity, cytochrome c, decreased. Cytochrome c mRNA per milligram of muscle was 62 and 72% less 1 wk after fixation of the soleus muscle in shortened and lengthened positions, respectively, than age-matched controls. Cytochrome c mRNA per milligram wet weight was 36 and 32% less in the tibialis anterior muscle fixed for 1 wk in the shortened and lengthened positions, respectively, compared with age-matched controls. Recently, in the 3'-untranslated region of cytochrome c mRNA a novel RNA-protein interaction that decreases in chronically stimulated rat skeletal muscle was identified. [Z. Yan, S. Salmons, Y. L. Dang, M. T. Hamilton, and F. W. Booth. Am. J. Physiol. 271 (Cell Physiol. 40): C1157-C1166, 1996]. The RNA-protein interaction in the 3'-untranslated region of cytochrome c mRNA in soleus and tibialis anterior muscles was unaffected by fixation in either shortened or lengthened position. We conclude that, whereas lengthening muscle during limb fixation abates the loss of total muscle protein, the percentage decrease in cytochrome c mRNA is proportionally greater than total protein. This suggests that the design of countermeasures to muscle atrophy should include different exercises to maintain total protein and mitochondria.
Animals↗
Protein kinase C beta 1 and protein kinase C beta 2 activate p57 mitogen-activated protein kinase and block differentiation in colon carcinoma cells.
When HD3 colon carcinoma cells differentiate to fluid-transporting, enterocytic-like cells, they down-regulate their protein kinase C (PKC) beta levels 5-10-fold and lose two responses to basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF): proliferation and the ability to activate p57 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. HD3 cells were transfected with expression plasmids for the splice variants PKC-beta 1 and PKC-beta 2 and the empty vector for a control. Each of two PKC-beta 1 and each of two PKC-beta 2 transfectant clones exhibited elevated levels of Ca(2+)-and phosphatidylserine-dependent PKC activity. Both PKC-beta 1 transfectant clones had elevated levels of PKC-beta 1 protein compared with the PKC-beta 2 transfectants or controls, whereas both PKC-beta 2 transfectant clones had elevated levels of PKC-beta 2 protein compared with PKC-beta 1 transfectants. Control transfectants had no detectable PKC-beta 2 protein. Similar levels of PKC-alpha were found in all lines. Each PKC-beta transfectant was less differentiated than the parental line and had regained proliferative response to basic FGF. Increased growth rates in athymic mice were seen for PKC-beta 2 and PKC-beta 1 transfectant cells. Immunocytochemistry of the sectioned tumors showed enhanced protein levels of PKC-beta 2 and PKC-beta 1, correlating increased levels of these isonzymes with increased growth. Increased myelin-basic protein (MBP) kinase activities of M(r) 44,000, 57,000, 63,000, 110,000, and 130,000 by in-gel kinase assay characterized each PKC-beta transfectant. Both Western blotting and immunoprecipitation studies from 35S-prelabeled cells with a pan-erk antibody showed no increase in protein abundance of MAP kinases of M(r) 44,000, 57,000, and 63,000, suggesting that elevated PKC-beta levels led to activation of the smaller three MAP and MBP kinases. Activation of p57 MAP kinase in each PKC-beta transfectant was demonstrated by immunoprecipitation with an antiphosphotyrosine monoclonal antibody and then by assay of the immunoprecipitates by in-gel kinase assay on MBP. p57 MAP kinase was distinguished from the M(r) 54,000 stress-activated protein kinases, which migrated more rapidly on SDS gels and could be detected by in-gel kinase assay on MBP only after cellular stress. Thus, expression of elevated levels of PKC-beta 1 and PKC-beta 2 in differentiated HD3 colon carcinoma cells blocked their differentiation, enabled them to proliferate in response to basic FGF like undifferentiated cells, increased their growth rate in athymic mice, and activated several MBP kinases, among them, p57 MAP kinase.
Alternative Splicing↗
[Research on the recombinant plasmid pDJH2 of L. interrogans serovar lai: sequencing and alignment with other known bacterial Omp sequence].
The Leptospira whole cell vaccine (LWCV) currently used in China is safe and effective, out the immunity following vaccination with two doses of the fluid medium vaccine is of low order. The duration of immunity conferred by this vaccine is rather short, six months or at most one year. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new generation vaccines against Leptospirosis for the developing world. In this paper we report the sequencing of the insert fragment of pDJH2 from genomic DNA of L. interrogans sevovar lai strain 017 and its alignment with other bacterial omp sequences. A genomic library of Leptospira interrogaans serovar lai strain 017 was constructed with the plasmid vector pUC18. A recombinant plasmid designated pJDH2 was screened from the genomic library. Inserted fragment of pDH2 is 1.9 kb by gel electrophoresis. Immunization/protection was studied in BALB/c mice model. The results showed highly significant difference between pDJH2 and pUC18 (control). Inserted fragment of pDJH2 DNA sequencing was performed by Dr Yan Zhengxin (Max-Planck-Institut for Biology. Tubingen, Germany). Insert fragment was cloned into pBluescript II KS-(stratagene) and sequenced by using AB1 (Applied Bio Systems, Model 373A). Two open reading frames of 565 and 662 nucleotides were identified. There were identifiable initiation codons, terminators, Shine-Dalgano ribosome combining site, Pribnow boxes and Sextama boxes within the 2 sequenced regions. Nucleotide sequences were analysed using Gene Work, a suit of computer program developed by Department of Biochemistry St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis. U.S.A. The results of formatted alignment showed the predicted nucleotide sequence of ORF1 of the serovar lai had significant similarity with ORF2 (49.36%). L. kirschneri ompL1 (49.26%), Borrelia burgdoferi omp (48.97%), Treponema phagedenis omp (47.3%); Salmonella typhimurium ompC(46.87%), Yersinia enterocolitica ompH (46.7%), Leptospira borgpeterseni pfap (46.3%), and Serratia marcescens omp (43.3%). The close relationship of the pDJH2 ORF1 and ORF2 nucleotide sequences from Leptospira kirschneri ompL 1 is apparent. Whether the recombinant pDJH2 will prove useful for vaccine development remains to be tested.
Animals↗
[A new zoonosis--investigation of Gardnerella vaginalis disease of fox. V. Studies serotype of Gardnerella vaginalis in fox].
145 strains Gardnerella vaginalis isolated in foxes were isolated from 13 main farms raising foxes in six provinces (regions), China, after antigenicity and immunogenicity of the strains were measured, 1-3 appropriate strains were selected from each farm raising foxes for serotype studies. Cross agglutinin absorption test confirmed that selected 26 strains Gardnerella vaginalis were divided into three serotypes and then the representing strains were used to produce typing serum. Among remaining 119 strain, 108 strains were typable with the typing sera, and 11 strains can't be set. Among three serotypes, serotype I made up 79.1% of the strains. It was shown that serotype I was the principal serotype of Gardnerella vaginalis of fox in China. The test also confirmed that 5 strains of Gardnerella vaginalis isolated from racoon dog, 4 strain Gardnerella vaginalis from mink and 2 strains Gardnerella vaginalis from canine also belonged to serotype I. Supersonic antigben was produced with three serotypes, representative strains. By agar immuno-diffusion test, it confirmed that the antigens of three serotypes formed a obvious blending precipitating line with the homologous or heterologous serotype antiserum. It indicated common antigen existed among all serotypes. The agar immuno-diffusion test results revealed that the precipitating line of the homologous serotype completely blended. It is our opinion that the method of serotyping is reliable.
Animals↗
Chemokine regulation of human megakaryocytopoiesis.
We have previously shown that platelet factor 4 (PF4), a platelet-specific CXC chemokine, can directly and specifically inhibit human megakaryocyte colony formation. We therefore hypothesized that PF4 might function as a negative autocrine regulator of megakaryocytopoiesis. Herein we present additional studies characterizing the inhibitory effect of CXC chemokines on human megakaryocyte development. We first corroborated our initial studies by showing that recombinant human (rH) PF4, like the native protein, inhibited megakaryocytopoiesis. We then examined the inhibitory properties of other CXC family members. Neutrophil activating peptide-2 (NAP-2), a naturally occurring N-terminally cleaved beta TG peptide, was found to inhibit megakaryocytopoiesis with two to three orders of magnitude greater potency than PF4. Structure function studies showed that an N-terminal mutation, which eliminated NAP-2's neutrophil activating properties (NAP-2E2-->A), also abrogated its ability to inhibit megakaryocyte development. Further investigations of this type demonstrated that a chimeric PF4 protein (AELR/PF4) in which PF4's N-terminus was replaced with the first four amino acids of NAP-2 was also a potent inhibitor of megakaryocytopoiesis. Interleukin (IL)-8, another CXC chemokine, and three CC chemokines (macrophage inhibitory protein-1 alpha [MIP-1 alpha], MIP-1 beta, and C10) also specifically inhibited megakaryocyte colony formation at NAP-2 equivalent doses. CXC and CC chemokine inhibition was additive suggesting that the effects might be mediated through a common pathway. The inhibitory effects of NAP-2 and MIP-1 alpha could not be overcome by adding physiologically relevant amounts of recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor (MGDR) (50 ng/mL) to the cultures. Using Northern blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based analyses, we documented mRNA expression of IL-8 receptor isoforms alpha and beta in total platelet RNA and in normal human megakaryocytes, respectively. Based on these results, we hypothesize that chemokines play a physiologic role in regulating megakaryocytopoiesis. Because chemokines are elaborated by ancillary marrow cells, both autocrine and paracrine growth control is suggested, the effects of which might be exerted, in part, through alpha and beta IL-8 receptors.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Colon absorptive epithelial cells lose proliferative response to TGF alpha as they differentiate.
As colon epithelial cells migrate up the cylindrical colonic crypt, they terminally differentiate and lose their ability to divide. Elevated levels of the epithelial cell mitogen TGF alpha have been found at the top of the crypt by other investigators, causing us to speculate that colon epithelial cells lose mitogenic response to TGF alpha as they differentiate. We tested this hypothesis by using the HT29 colon carcinoma sublines U4 and U4H as models of one colonocyte lineage, fluid-transporting enterocytes. TGF alpha was mitogenic for the U4 cells, but inhibited the growth of the more differentiated U4H cells. However, p44 MAP kinase was activated by TGF alpha in both U4 and U4H cells, as well as in two control undifferentiated HT29 sublines which showed no change in proliferation in response to TGF alpha. In addition, TGF alpha activated the EGF receptor in each line by increasing its tyrosine phosphorylation. No relationship was found in these four lines between response to TGF alpha and level of expression of either the EGF receptor or two EGF receptor ligands, TGF alpha and amphiregulin. Activated EGF receptors initiate both growth-inhibitory and mitogenic signals in these cells since blocking some of the EGF receptors on TGF alpha-growth-inhibited U4H cells and TGF alpha-unresponsive U9 cells overrode the inhibitory signals and made both U9 and U4H cells sensitive to mitogenesis by added TGF alpha. These data imply that upon reaching stages of greater maturation, colon enterocytes lose proliferative response to TGF alpha because of changes in signaling by their EGF receptors.
Amphiregulin↗
Reversal of heparin anticoagulation by recombinant platelet factor 4 and protamine sulfate in baboons during cardiopulmonary bypass.
The ability of recombinant platelet factor 4 and protamine to neutralize heparin after cardiopulmonary bypass was compared in anesthestized baboons. Clotting titration curves of heparinized baboon blood demonstrate an anticoagulant effect of protamine that is not seen with recombinant platelet factor 4. Neither drug caused meaningful changes in central pressures or cardiac output within 30 minutes after injection. After 30 minutes of cardiopulmonary bypass, recombinant platelet factor 4 normalized thrombin times and activated partial thromboplastin times within minutes of injection, but protamine did not. Neither drug altered bleeding times. Recombinant platelet factor 4 caused a species-specific leukopenia in baboons and significantly increased activated complement protein 3 (C3a) more than protamine. However, the increase in plasma C3a was small and neither drug caused a significant increase in plasma neutrophil elastase-alpha 1 proteinase inhibitor complex. We conclude that recombinant platelet factor 4 is effective and safe in baboons, does not have an anticoagulant effect with excess concentration, and reverses in vivo heparin more rapidly than protamine. The data support progression to a clinical trial.
Animals↗
Regulation of skeletal alpha-actin promoter in young chickens during hypertrophy caused by stretch overload.
Anterior latissimus dorsi (ALD) muscles of 3-wk-old male chickens were injected with plasmids containing various lengths of the chicken skeletal alpha-actin promoter (ranging from -2,090 to -77 relative to the transcription start site) driving luciferase. Hypertrophy of the left ALD muscle was induced by attaching a weight (11% of body wt) to the left wing of each chicken, with the unweighted contralateral wing serving the control. Six days of stretch overload significantly increased muscle mass 110%. Luciferase activity from the -2,090 actin-luciferase chimeric gene increased 127% compared with the contralateral control ALD muscle. Luciferase activities driven by the -424, -202, and -99 actin promoters were 179, 134, and 378% higher, respectively, in the stretched ALD muscle than in the contralateral control ALD muscle. Luciferase activity from the -77 deletion construct was not different between stretched and control muscles. These data indicate that the gene region responding to stretch is downstream of -99 and imply, but do not conclusively prove, that the region between -99 and -77, which contains serum response element 1, contributes to the stretch-induced increase in skeletal alpha-actin promoter activity in the ALD muscle.
Actins↗
Increased muscle carnitine palmitoyltransferase II mRNA after increased contractile activity.
The capacity of skeletal muscle to oxidize fatty acids increases with endurance training. The oxidation of long-chain fatty acids occurs in mitochondria and is initiated by a carnitine-dependent transport step in which three enzymes help fatty acyl groups enter the matrix compartment. The purpose of this study was to determine whether pretranslational regulation of one of these three enzymes, carnitine palmitoyltransferase II (CPT II), as estimated from the level of CPT II mRNA, plays a role in the doubling of CPT activity in skeletal muscle of rats subjected to daily 2-h bouts of running on treadmills (P. A. Móle, L. B. Oscai, and J. O. Holloszy. J. Clin. Invest. 50: 2323-2330, 1971). After 100 min/day of running on motor-driven treadmills for 2 wk, CPT II mRNA in the plantaris muscle was unchanged when normalized per unit of extracted RNA but was 50% higher (P < 0.05) over sedentary controls when normalized per unit of muscle wet weight. To test whether additional contractile activity would make CPT II mRNA even higher, continuous indirect electrical stimulation was imposed on the tibialis anterior muscles. After 9 days of chronic stimulation, CPT II mRNA was 63, 221, and 137% greater than control (P < 0.001) when normalized to extracted RNA, muscle wet weight, and whole muscle, respectively, compared with the muscle in the control rats. These data indicate that pretranslational regulation of CPT II occurs in response to increased contractile activity in skeletal muscle.
Animals↗
Human chorionic gonadotropin-dependent expression of vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular permeability factor in human granulosa cells: importance in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a severe complication arising from controlled ovarian stimulation treatment. This iatrogenic condition is potentially lethal and occurs in 0.3-5% of stimulated ovarian cycles. hCG exacerbates OHSS. The pathophysiology of OHSS is still unknown; therefore, treatment regimens are aimed at ameliorating symptoms. Prominent features of OHSS are an elevated risk of thromboembolism due to enhanced production of von Willebrand factor by endothelial cells and ascites, or pulmonary edema due to increased vascular permeability followed by third space fluid accumulation. Both of these sequelae can be evoked by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), also known as vascular permeability factor (VPF). High concentrations of VEGF/VPF have been demonstrated in ascitic fluid from patients with OHSS, but the source of VEGF/VPF in these patients remained unidentified. Here we report that the messenger ribonucleic acid expression of VEGF/VPF in human luteinized granulosa cells (GCs) is dose and time dependently enhanced by hCG in vitro. Furthermore, VEGF/VPF proteins are produced by GCs. Our results suggest that the effects of hCG on the development and course of OHSS may be mediated by the production of VEGF/VPF by GCs.
Adult↗
New characteristics of population in China at the cross-century period.
"In the 21 years since China launched its family planning program nationwide, the Chinese population characteristics have gone through profound changes. Timely understanding of the new characteristics and their influences on population reproduction is of significant theoretical and practical importance for population changes in China as we enter into the 21st century. This article offers a comprehensive analysis of this process of change." Particular attention is given to demographic aging and its consequences.
Asia↗
[A new zoonosis--investigation of Gardnerella vaginalis disease of fox. IV. Study of dot-ELISA for the detection of serum antibody of Gardnerella vaginalis disease of fox].
192 Gardnerella vaginalis antibody positive sera from artifically infected foxes, immunized foxes and foxes that the bacterial examination were positive were analysed by the established Dot-ELISA. The results showed that 187/192 were positive, the positive rate was 97.3%. Block and cross tests showed that the method was specific. The method was 28.1 times sensitive as PAT and 5.5 times sensitive as MAT respectively. The repeatability of the test was good and the positive coincidence rate among the three techniques was 100%.
Animals↗
[A new zoonosis--investigation of Gardnerella vaginalis disease of fox. III. Epidemiological investigation].
By epidemiological investigation to Gardnerella vaginalis disease of fox of civil main farms raising foxes, this disease was showed to be susceptible to silver foxes, arctic foxes, red foxes and color foxes, the disease was mostly transmitted by copulation, infected foxes played the leading role in epidemic of the disease. Investigative results of all farms raising foxes showed infection rate of fox groups was 0.9-21.9%, resulting in abortion rate was 1.5-14.7%, empty rate was 3.2-47.5%. Serious harm was revealed to the disease. By serology and causative agent isolation, we had proved that the disease was able to infect feeder and manager, it belongs to zoonosis. Racoondog. mink and canine infect with the disease besides fox. White mouse, big white rat, gopher, guinea pig and rabbit for laboratory are not infected with the disease.
Abortion, Veterinary↗
[A new zoonosis--investigation of Gardnerella vaginalis disease of fox. I. Causative agent isolation and artificial infection].
It is the first time that this paper reports on using improved rabbit blood agar culture medium to isolate 145 strains Gardnerella vaginalis from the foxes and their abortion fortus organs of main fox farms. Among the strains, 26 strains were isolated from the abortion foetus organs, isolation rate was 92.86%; 118 strains were isolated from the vaginal exeretion of the abortion and empty foxes, isolation rate was 34.01%; 1 strain was isolated from inguinal lymph node of the pelted positive fox, isolation rate was 2%. None was isolated from blood. By causative agent isolation, we revealed the bacterium survival position in vivo, and the best isolation route isolation opportunity and isolation methods were selected. By artificial infection test, we have proved pathogenicity of the bacterium.
Abortion, Veterinary↗