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Expression of differentiated function by mineralizing cultures of chicken osteoblasts.

This report documents osteoblast differentiation in vitro, as demonstrated by the 50-100X increase of proteins which are known markers of the osteoblast phenotype. Collagen type I and osteocalcin synthesis and accumulation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and matrix calcification show similar temporal relationships that are analogous to those seen during in vivo bone development. Chicken embryonic osteoblast progenitor cells were selected by initial growth at low densities in minimal medium. Upon subcultivation into nutrient-enriched medium at higher cell densities, near homogeneous populations of osteoblasts were obtained as demonstrated by the greater than 80% enrichment of cells positive for alkaline phosphatase activity. A comparison was made between cells grown in the presence or absence of 10 mM beta-glycerolphosphate (beta-GPO4), a chemical stimulant of matrix calcification, as a function of time. Cultures treated with beta-GPO4 showed visible calcification at Day 12 when culture monolayers became confluent. By Day 30, numerous large foci of calcification were visible and a 20-fold increase in calcium (Ca) content was observed. In contrast, untreated cultures had only a 3-fold increase in Ca content with many smaller diffuse areas of calcification. DNA, RNA, and total protein levels were nearly identical between the two cultures, indicating that beta-GPO4 had no marked effect on either cell proliferation or transcriptional activity. The major collagen type produced by either culture was type I, with no detectable type III as determined by CNBr peptide mapping and delayed reduction analysis. Alkaline phosphatase activity showed a rapid approximately 50-fold induction by Day 18 and remained elevated in control cultures. However, cultures treated with beta-GPO4 demonstrated a rapid 80% decline of enzyme activity after 18 days. In contrast, total osteocalcin levels showed a 100-fold induction by Day 18 and remained elevated in both control and beta-GPO4-treated cultures throughout the time period examined. While the overall levels of osteocalcin were the same in beta-GPO4-treated and untreated cultures, 2- to 5-fold more osteocalcin was associated with the more mineralized matrices of the beta-GPO4-treated cultures. In order to confirm the association of osteocalcin with areas of mineralization, co-localization of mineral to osteocalcin and collagen was carried out by combining vital labeling with tetracycline and immunofluorescent staining with anti-osteocalcin and anti-collagen antibodies. Both collagen and osteocalcin showed strong localization with areas of mineralization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Differential functional expression of cation-Cl- cotransporter mRNAs (KCC1, KCC2, and NKCC1) in rat trigeminal nervous system.

GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain, which causes Cl- influx into the cell via GABAA receptors. The direction of Cl- inflow is dependent on the Cl- gradient across the membrane. Cation-Cl- cotransporters have been considered to play pivotal roles in controlling intracellular Cl- concentration ([Cl-]i) of neurons; hence, they modulate the GABAergic function. To elucidate how these cotransporters are distributed in the trigeminal nuclei, we investigated the expressions of K+-Cl- cotransporters (KCC1 and KCC2) and Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter (NKCC1) mRNAs by using in situ hybridization histochemistry. KCC2 mRNA was expressed in the motor trigeminal nucleus (Mo5), the principal trigeminal nucleus (Pr5), and the spinal trigeminal nucleus (Sp5), but not in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) and the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (Me5). On the other hand, KCC1 and NKCC1 mRNAs were expressed in all the trigeminal nuclei. The resting [Cl-]i of Me5 neurons was significantly higher than that of Mo5 neurons. Thus, in primary sensory neurons such as the TG and the Me5, [Cl-]i would be higher than those in the other trigeminal nuclei because of the lack of KCC2 mRNA expression. Since Me5 neurons, but not Mo5 neurons, responded to GABA by depolarization, GABA would have differential physiological functions among trigeminal nuclei and TG.

Animals↗

[Functional differentiation of the vascular endothelium in high risk pregnancies].

Endothelial cell functions regulating fetal hemodynamics and placental perfusion are modulated by metabolites of arachidonic acid, in particular derivatives of cyclooxygenase such as prostaglandins. We utilized an in vitro system to study the possible role of the vascular endothelium in the pathogenesis of chronic placental insufficiency. Cellular growth and prostaglandin metabolism were investigated in cultured umbilical vein endothelial cells from mothers exposed to risk factors such as smoking and diabetes mellitus during pregnancy. The study comprised cells from smoking (n = 18) and diabetic mothers (n = 5) compared to non-smoking, non-diabetic controls (n = 20). Endothelial cells from smoking and diabetic mothers grew less readily than did control cells. The synthesis of the prostaglandins PGI2 and PGE2, both potent vasodilators and platelet aggregation inhibitors, was significantly reduced in endothelial cells from smoking mothers and from mothers suffering from diabetes of various stages. Thus, reduced prostaglandin synthesis may be a cause of impaired placental perfusion in high risk pregnancies. Our data suggest that prostaglandins may play an important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of chronic placental insufficiency.

Cell Division↗

Functional differentiation and repertoire diversification of T cells derived from single progenitor cells.

Functions of T cells derived from single progenitor cells were investigated. B10. Thy-1.1 recipient mice were either whole body-irradiated and marrow reconstituted or thymus-shielded, irradiated and marrow reconstituted, and limited numbers (3 x 10(3) or 6 x 10(3] of a 1:1 mixture of bone marrow cells from C57BL/6 and B6.Lyt-2.1 mice were transferred intrathymically (i.t.). Donor-type (Thy-1.2+) cells of the thymus of a small portion of recipients which expressed the phenotype of either Ly-2.2 or Ly-2.1 but not both were regarded to be a clone of T cells derived from a single progenitor cell, and such clones were assayed for polyclonal helper (Th) and polyclonal cytolytic (CTL) activities as well as alloantigen-specific proliferative (mixed lymphocyte reaction; MLR) and CTL activities. Clones taken 4 weeks after transfer (4-week-old clones) which were generated in the thymus of whole body-irradiated recipients showed polyclonal CTL but not polyclonal Th activity, whereas 4-week-old clones generated in the thymus of thymus-shielded recipients showed both polyclonal CTL and Th activities. Similarly, 4-week-old clones generated in whole body-irradiated recipients responded with CTL to alloantigens when induced in the presence of T cell growth factors but not with MLR, whereas 4-week-old clones generated in thymus-shielded recipients showed both MLR and CTL to alloantigens. Repertoire diversification of 4-week-old clones, however, was incomplete, since clones generated in whole body-irradiated recipient did not necessarily respond with CTL to all alloantigens examined, and those generated in thymus-shielded recipients did not necessarily respond with MLR to all the antigens. On the other hand, T cell clones were shown to fully mature by 7 weeks after transfer in terms of cell function as well as repertoire diversification.

Animals↗

Functional differentiation of acute myeloid leukaemia blast cells.

Little is known of the functional status of blast cells from patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). We have studied phagocytosis and membrane receptors by flow cytometry (FCM), and secretory activities in blast cells from 24 AML patients prior to treatment. Blast cells from 11/16 patients attached N. meningitidis, and internalization occurred in 7/14. The phagocytosis of zymosan particles and N. meningitidis correlated linearly (r = 0.9, p<0.01, n = 11). Surface membrane expression of CD32 and CD11b was sufficient to account for opsonin-dependent attachment in all except one patient. A significant fraction of the blast cells attached, but did not internalize meningococci. CD32 and CD11b were non-functional in all the blasts from five patients, and in a subpopulation from seven additional patients. Significantly more large than small blasts expressed CD32, CD35 and CD11b (p<0.001). Phagocytosis was unrelated to the secretion of IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, and TNFalpha. In conclusion, AML blast cell function is related to receptor expression, cell size and granularity, and to FAB-type.

Adult↗

Cessation of cytokeratin expression in a rat hepatoma cell line lacking differentiated functions.

Intermediate-sized filaments (IF) of diameter 7-11 nm occur in the cytoplasm of most cells of vertebrates and their constituent proteins are abundant in most cell types. Expression of IF proteins depends on the route of cell differentiation and five major subclasses of IF proteins have been distinguished: of these, cytokeratins are typical of epithelial cells whereas vimentin occurs in mesenchymally derived cells and some other non-epithelial cells. When epithelial cells are grown in culture this restriction of IF expression is often lost and they begin to synthesize vimentin in addition to cytokeratin, although examples of maintenance of the cell-type-specific expression of only cytokeratin have also been reported. No IFs have been detected in mammalian germ cells or in pre-morula stages of mouse embryogenesis, and the first IF proteins identified in murine blastocysts are cytokeratins of trophectodermal cells. We report here that a dedifferentiated rat hepatoma cell clone, which has become resistant to the action of the glucocorticoid hormone analogue dexamethasone and has lost various liver-specific functions, also stops all synthesis of IF proteins, without obvious consequences for growth and proliferation. The existence of such cells devoid of IF supports the notion that such filaments are not involved in basic cellular functions necessary for growth and proliferation but are related to special functions of the differentiated cell.

Animals↗

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor controls functional differentiation and microcircuit formation of selectively isolated fast-spiking GABAergic interneurons.

GABAergic interneurons with high-frequency firing, fast-spiking (FS) cells, form synapses on perisomatic regions of principal cells in the neocortex and hippocampus to control the excitability of cortical networks. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is essential for the differentiation of multiple interneuron subtypes and the formation of their synaptic contacts. Here, we examined whether BDNF, alone or in conjunction with sustained KCl-induced depolarization, drives functional FS cell differentiation and the formation of inhibitory microcircuits. Homogeneous FS cell cultures were established by target-specific isolation using the voltage-gated potassium channel 3.1b subunit as the selection marker. Isolated FS cells expressed parvalbumin, were surrounded by perineuronal nets, formed immature inhibitory connections and generated slow action potentials at 12 days in vitro. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promoted FS cell differentiation by increasing the somatic diameter, dendritic branching and the frequency of action potential firing. In addition, BDNF treatment led to a significant up-regulation of synaptophysin and vesicular GABA transporter expression, components of the synaptic machinery critical for GABA release, which was paralleled by an increase in synaptic strength. Long-term membrane depolarization alone was detrimental to dendritic branching. However, we observed that BDNF and KCl exerted additive effects, as reflected by the significantly accelerated maturation of synaptic contacts and high discharge frequencies, and was required for the formation of reciprocal connections between FS cells. Our results show that BDNF, along with membrane depolarization, is critical for FS cells to establish inhibitory circuitries during corticogenesis.

Action Potentials↗

Terminally differentiated neonatal rat myocardial cells proliferate and maintain specific differentiated functions following expression of SV40 large T antigen.

Early in neonatal development, differentiated myocardial cells lose their ability to proliferate, and further enlargement of the heart occurs through hypertrophy of existing cardiac muscle cells. To study the process of myocardial growth and hypertrophy we have recently utilized a neonatal rat myocardial cell model (Lee, H. R., Henderson, S. A., Reynolds, R., Dunnmon, P., Yuan, D., and Chien, K. R. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 7352-7538). The present study was designed to determine if the expression of SV40 large T antigen would be capable of restoring the proliferative capacity of terminally differentiated neonatal rat myocardial cells. Utilizing a replication-defective recombinant human adenovirus which contains an SV40 early T antigen insert, maximal expression of T antigen was achieved at 24-48 h postinfection, with over 85-90% of the cells displaying positive T antigen staining. Furthermore, the expression of the T antigen-induced proliferation of the myocardial cells without the loss of expression of certain differentiated properties, including myosin light chain expression and assembly into organized myofibrils, spontaneous contractile activity, and a chronotropic response to adrenergic agonists. These results demonstrate the utility of recombinant human adenoviruses to achieve high efficiency transient expression of foreign genes in differentiated myocardial cells and suggest that the expression of T antigen may provide a suitable model to study the biochemical events which are required to maintain the proliferative capacity of myocardial cells.

Animals↗

Cycloheximide resistance in carrot culture: a differentiated function.

Cultured carrot cells grow as unorganized callus tissue in medium containing auxin. Upon removal of the auxin from the medium, they grow in an organized manner and differentiate into embryos. In the normal cell line, W001C, the callus growth can be inhibited by cycloheximide, but the embryonic growth cannot. A variant cell line, WCH105, whose callus growth is resistant to cycloheximide, was isolated. The mechanism of cycloheximide resistance in embryos of both lines and in WCH105 callus was found to be cycloheximide inactivation. In addition to auxin, bromodeoxyuridine can also promote callus growth in carrot culture. Callus cultures maintained by bromodeoxyuridine behave the same as do those maintained by auxin. WCH105 callus is resistant, whereas W001C callus is sensitive to cycloheximide inhibition. Except for the onset of embryogenesis, cycloheximide inactivation is expressed throughout the embryo developmental stages up to the plantlets. These results suggest that cycloheximide inactivation is a function expressed in the differentiated, but not in the undifferentiated, tissues.

Journal Article↗

Interferon produced endogenously in response to CSF-1 augments the functional differentiation of progeny macrophages.

The role of endogenously produced interferon alpha/beta in the functional maturation of newly derived mononuclear phagocytes was investigated. Addition of highly specific anti-interferon alpha + beta antiserum to murine marrow cultures stimulated with colony-stimulating factor-1 (macrophage growth factor) markedly suppressed the capacity of resulting progeny mononuclear phagocytes to ingest opsonized sheep erythrocytes (EAIgG). This impairment was corrected either by direct addition of interferon alpha + beta at a concentration in excess of that neutralized by the antiserum or by the addition of lesser amounts of interferon (33 U/ml) following removal of the anti-interferon from the cultures. Conditioned media from control colony-stimulating factor-stimulated cultures similarly reversed the impairment of maturation resulting from 5 days of growth in the presence of anti-interferon. This enhancement of EAIgG ingestion reflected upon the interferon activity in the conditioned media and was neutralized by anti-interferon. Lastly, the endogenous interferon was found to enhance EAIgG ingestion by a majority of the mononuclear phagocyte progeny and not by a limited subpopulation.

Animals↗

Long-term expression of differentiated functions in hepatocytes cultured in three-dimensional collagen matrix.

Hepatocytes entrapped in collagen gel and cultured in serum-free conditions survived longer than cells cultured on plastic (5 days vs. 3 weeks), showed fewer signs of early cell senescence (no increase in c-fos oncoprotein expression), and maintained the expression of differentiated hepatic metabolic functions over a longer period of time. Cells cultured in collagen gels retained their ability to respond to hormones. The insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis rate remained fairly constant during 18 days in culture (between 5.4 +/- 0.37 and 9 +/- 2.7 nmol glucose/h/microg DNA). Collagen-cultured hepatocytes recovered glycogen stores to levels similar to those found in liver, or in hepatocytes isolated from fed rats. Urea synthesis from ammonia remained stable for more than 2 weeks (average value, 23 +/- 4 nmol urea/h/microg DNA). The rate of albumin synthesis in collagen-entrapped cells was maintained above the day-1 level during 18 days in culture. Cells showed high levels of glutathione (GSH) (1,278 +/- 152 pmol/microg DNA). Biotransformation activities CYP4501A1, CYP4502A2, CYP4502B1, and CYP4503A1 remained fairly stable in collagen-cultured hepatocytes. CYP4502E1 and CYP4502C11 decreased but were still measurable after 18 days. After 4 days in culture, GST activity returned to levels observed in isolated hepatocytes. In contrast with plastic cultures, cells responded to CYP450 inducers (methylcholanthrene for CYP4501A1, CYP4501A2, and glutathione-transferase, and ethanol for CYP4502E1) for more than 2 weeks. CYP4501A1, CYP4501A2, and glutathione-transferase A2 (GST A2) induction was preceded by an increase in specific mRNA, while the effects on CYP4502E1 seemed to be at a posttranslational level. Analysis of the expression of relevant hepatic genes by reverse Northern and semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed that culturing hepatocytes in collagen gels results in a sustained higher expression of key liver transcription factor genes DBP, C/EBP-alpha and -beta, and HNF-1 and -4, as well as specific liver enzyme genes (phosphoenol pyryvate carboxykinase, and carbamoylphosphate-synthetase I).

Animals↗

Histological and functional differentiation of non-lymphoid cells in the chicken spleen.

The phenotypes and functions of various populations of non-lymphoid cells in the chicken spleen were investigated with monoclonal antibodies and after in vivo administration of antigens. Monoclonal antibody CVI-ChNL-68.1 was used to detect red pulp macrophages, interdigitating cells, and monocytes, whereas CVI-ChNL-68.2 was used to detect ellipsoid-associated non-lymphoid cells (EANC). Two new monoclonal antibodies were developed: CVI-ChNL-74.2, which specifically recognized red pulp macrophages and a ring of macrophages surrounding the peri-ellipsoid lymphocyte sheath; and CVI-ChNL-74.3, which specifically recognized follicular dendritic cells (FDC) in germinal centres and small clusters of stromal cells in T-cell areas. After intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the number of 68.1+ and 74.2+ macrophages decreased dramatically, whereas 68.2+ EANC and 74.3+ FDC were unaffected. After intravenous injection of heat-inactivated Brucella abortus, the numbers of both macrophages and EANC decreased. In contrast, a significant increase of 74.3+ cells was observed in the T-cell areas outside the germinal centres. As expected, intravenous injection of non-mitogenic antigens, such as keyhole limpet haemocyanin and Ficoll, and carrageenan did not affect the non-lymphoid cell populations. At least six subpopulations of non-lymphoid cells in the chicken spleen can now be discriminated with monoclonal antibodies. Our results show that mononuclear phagocytes are sensitive for mitogenic stimulators such as LPS and Brucella abortus. In contrast, stromal non-lymphoid cells are only sensitive to the particulate mitogen Brucella abortus. We conclude that the complex formed by ellipsoid cells, the peri-ellipsoid B-cell sheath, and the surrounding macrophages, is the functional equivalent of the mammalian marginal zone.

Animals↗

Differential function of the alpha2A-adrenoceptor and Phosphodiesterase-3B in human adipocytes of different origin.

OBJECTIVE: Human adipocytes can be obtained in vitro by differentiation of human preadipocytes or mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC). Although functionally similar to freshly isolated cells, no detailed comparison of the different cell types has been performed. The antilipolytic alpha2A-adrenoceptor (AR) and the cAMP-degrading enzyme Phosphodiesterase-3B (PDE3B) have been implicated in the fine-tuning of lipolysis but little is known regarding their role in human adipocytes nor whether their expression and/or function differs in fat cells from different precursors. METHODS: The effects of alpha2A-AR and PDE3B inhibition in mature adipocytes was determined and compared to that in differentiated preadipocytes and hMSC-derived fat cells. Gene expression was determined by real-time PCR and protein expression by Western blot. RESULTS: Noradrenaline (NA) stimulated lipolysis in preadipocytes and mature adipocytes but markedly reduced lipolysis in differentiated hMSC derived-adipocytes. This was due to a potent stimulation of alpha2A-AR since co-incubation with NA and the alpha2-AR-inhibitor yohimbine restored NA-induced lipolysis. The order of Yohimbine response was hMSC>preadipocytes>mature adipocytes. Although alpha2-AR mRNA expression was highest in mature adipocytes there was no difference in alpha2A-AR protein levels between the cell types. In contrast, Galphai2 mRNA and protein expression was significantly higher in MSC-derived adipocytes, suggesting that differences in the response to alpha2A-AR inhibition reside at the postreceptor level. Incubation with the cAMP-analog 8-bromo(8b) cAMP increased lipolysis in hMSC-derived fat cells while co-incubation with the PDE3-specific inhibitor OPC3911 did not alter the lipolytic effect. In contrast, OPC3911 increased 8bcAMP-induced lipolysis significantly in preadipocytes and mature adipocytes. The response to PDE3B inhibition was; mature adipocytes>preadipocytes>hMSC a finding that correlated significantly with both PDE3B mRNA expression and enzymatic activity. CONCLUSION: Although differentiated adipocytes of different origins display similar functional characteristics there are important differences in the regulation of lipolysis with a marked alpha2A-AR and less pronounced PDE3B effect in fat cells from MSCs.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Functional differentiation signals mediated by distinct regions of the cytoplasmic domain of the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor (G-CSFR) regulates the proliferation and differentiation of neutrophilic progenitor cells through interaction with its cytokine. Exposure of WEHI-3B D+ myelomonocytic leukemia and myeloid LGM-1 cells overexpressing the G-CSFR to G-CSF resulted in induction of differentiation as measured by (1) the ability to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT), (2) the expression of Mac-I antigen, and (3) the expression of FcgammaII/III receptor. Mutational analyses indicated that distinct regions of the cytoplasmic domain were critical for efficient induction of each functional marker. The membrane proximal region containing homology sequences of boxes 1 and 2 was important for the activation of all three functional markers of mature neutrophils. Induction of the capacities to express Mac-I antigen or FcgammaII/III receptor also required additional sequences in the membrane proximal region between amino acids 70 and 100 and may be dependent on the phosphorylation of Tyr703. The findings suggest that distinct sequences within the amino-terminal region of the cytoplasmic domain of the receptor are sufficient to induce these functional markers of differentiation, and receptor tyrosine phosphorylation may be necessary.

Animals↗

Interaction of retinoids with steroid and peptide hormones in modulating morphological and functional differentiation of normal rat mammary epithelial cells.

The interaction of the retinoid RE80 with the lactogenic and mammogenic regulators of mammary gland development was investigated using a mammary epithelial cell (MEC) primary culture model in which cells from young virgin rats were cultured within a reconstituted basement membrane using defined serum-free medium. RE80 (10(-10) M) was able to substitute completely for epidermal growth factor and partially for hydrocortisone in stimulating both morphological and functional (casein accumulation) differentiation of the MEC. In contrast, the requirement of PRL for both differentiation processes was absolute. Furthermore, RE80 was found to abrogate the inhibitory effect of progesterone on casein accumulation and to act as an antiprogestin in terms of morphological effects. Under optimal medium conditions, RE80 also inhibited cell proliferation. This inhibition did not require epidermal growth factor, hydrocortisone, progesterone, or PRL, but, unexpectedly, was enhanced in medium deficient in or lacking hydrocortisone. Additionally, RE80 induced the death of differentiated MEC, an effect that was found to require hydrocortisone. These results suggest that retinoids may modulate transcription of the casein gene family, either directly by activation of the binding of retinoic acid receptors to the casein promoter or indirectly by modulation of the effects of other hormones. The antiproliferative effect of retinoid may also be direct or indirect by virtue of down-regulation of the receptors for one of the mitogenic hormones, possibly progesterone.

Animals↗

Virus-induced alterations in homeostasis: alteration in differentiated functions of infected cells in vivo.

The noncytopathic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus displays a tropism for the anterior lobe of the murine pituitary gland. Virus replicates in cells that make growth hormone. This results in a diminished synthesis of growth hormone with a concomitant clinical picture of retarded growth and hypoglycemia. However, there is no morphologic evidence of either cell necrosis or inflammation in the anterior lobe of the pituitary. Hence, during infection in vivo, a noncytopathic virus may turn off the "differentiation" or "luxury" function of a cell while not killing that cell (loss of vital function). This is turn can disrupt homeostasis and cause disease. This model illustrates a novel way whereby viruses may cause disease.

Animals↗

[Functional differentiation of residual volume changes and problems of evaluation from the physiopathologic viewpoint].

The ascertainment of the residual volume is a very important method for pulmonary emphysema diagnosis. But there are problems of estimation on the basis of this residual volume. The usual relation (RV/TLC) greater than 0,35 as measure for an emphysema will be considered critically. In this way functional relations will be given which allow a more secure emphysema diagnosis. They use as measure comparisons between RV and fit reference volumes, such as normal values of RV, VC or TLC. These equations make it possible to differentiate between structural and functional disturbances.

Adolescent↗