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PubMed2004

Concentrations of copper, iron, and zinc in the major organs of the wistar albino and wild black rats: a comparative study.

The concentrations of copper, iron, and zinc in the major organs of Wistar albino (Rattus norvegicus) and wild black rats (Rattus rattus) were measured by means of atomic absorption spectroscopy. The copper levels in the kidneys and liver of the Wistar albino rats (WARs) were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in the wild black rats (WBRs). There were no significant differences in the concentrations of zinc in the liver, lungs, kidneys, and brain between the two study groups, but zinc was significantly higher in the spleen (p<0.05) and lower in the heart (p<0.05) of WAR, compared to WBRs. Iron was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the heart and spleen of WBRs, compared to WARs. There were no extreme differences in the organ concentrations of trace elements between the two species, but, cumulatively, the WARs tend to have higher metallic concentrations in their system than the WBRs. The potential of these differences on the experimental results should not be overlooked and will serve as basis to further consider the complex interrelationships of these animals in their microenvironments and macroenvironments.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Microenvironment of the peripheral nervous system under normal and pathological conditions.

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is composed of neurons and their processes which are located in a special fluid microenvironment. As is well known, complex biological functions such as those going on in peripheral nerves are best carried out when there is homeostasis, i.e., in a constant internal milieu. This paper is concerned with the maintenance of the homeostasis in the PNS under normal and pathological conditions. Diffusion barriers located in the intrinsic vessels of the PNS and the perineurium have the capacity to regulate the environment around the nerve fibers and to keep it away from the blood and the extracellular fluid outside the PNS. Endoneurial vascular permeability has similarities to that in the central nervous system, but compared with the blood-brain barrier the blood-nerve barrier is less efficient. This implies that toxic and infectious agents as well as some drugs have easier access to the parenchyma in nerves than to the brain parenchyma. However, ganglionic vessels lack an efficient vascular barrier to many substances which is important in intoxications caused by, e.g., doxorubicin, lead, mercury, and cadmium. It has also a significance in herpes zoster infection and presumably in Guillain-Barré syndrome. The diffusion barriers may themselves be influenced by pathologic processes and can then respond with an increased permeability. This may lead to the formation of edema in the PNS, i.e., one of the cardinal features of many diseases in nerves of traumatic, toxic, and inflammatory nature. Such a response had negative as well as positive implications. Severe edema may disturb the normal microcirculation in the endoneurial vessels and stimulate collagen production and fibrosis. However, the presence of a protein-rich endoneurial edema may well be important in repair processes such as reduplication of Schwann cells and growth of axons.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Autoantigen-pulsed dendritic cells constitute a beneficial cytokine and growth factor network in ameliorating experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.

Injection of myelin basic protein (MBP)-pulsed dendritic cells (DC) into healthy rats, as we reported before and observed in this study, did not induce clinical experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), but effectively protected the rats from subsequent EAE induction. The mechanisms by which MBP-pulsed DC mediate immune protection are not completely understood. In the present study, we mainly explored the dynamic change of cytokine and growth factor mRNA expression in spinal cords after subcutaneous injection of MBP-pulsed and unpulsed DC. The expression of interleukin (IL)-1, interferon-gamma and tumour necrosis factor-alpha as well as programmed death ligand (PDL)-1, PDL-2, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)4, STAT6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-2 was increased on day 0 postimmunization (p.i.). The increase of IL-12 expression was observed on day 7 p.i., while the increase of IL-10 expression mainly occurred on day 14 p.i. Except downregulation of insulin-like growth factor-1, the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B/C as well as nerve growth factor receptor (NGF-R), FGF receptor, PDGF-R-alpha and beta was elevated on day 0 p.i., while the increase of TIMP and NGF was observed on days 0 and 7 p.i. There were no significant differences on MMP-2, spinal cord-derived growth factor and PDGF-A mRNA expression. In line with the suppression of EAE induced by MBP-pulsed DC, the dynamic change of cytokines and growth factors in spinal cords should constitute a beneficial microenvironment against EAE.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Adenoviral vector-mediated expression of a foreign gene in peripheral nerve tissue bridges implanted in the injured peripheral and central nervous system.

Axons of the CNS do normally not regenerate after injury, in contrast to axons of the PNS. This is due to a different microenvironment at the site of the lesion as well as a particular intrinsic program of axonal regrowth. Although transplantation of peripheral nerve tissue bridges is perhaps the most successful approach to promoting regeneration in the CNS, ingrowth of CNS nerve fibers with such transplants is limited. Genetic modification of peripheral nerve bridges to overexpress outgrowth-promoting proteins should, in principle, improve the permissive properties of peripheral nerve transplants. The present study shows that pieces of peripheral intercostal nerve, subjected to ex vivo adenoviral vector-mediated gene transfer and implanted as nerve bridges in transected sciatic nerve, avulsed ventral root, hemi-sected spinal cord and intact brain, are capable of expressing a foreign gene. In vitro studies showed expression of the reporter gene LacZ up to 30 days in Schwann cells. After implantation, LacZ expression could be detected at 7 days postimplantation, but had virtually disappeared at 14 days. Schwann cells of the transduced nerve bridges retained the capacity of guiding regenerative peripheral and central nerve fiber ingrowth. Transduction of intercostal nerve pieces prior to implantation should, in principle, enable enhanced local production of neurotrophic factors within the transplant and has the potential to improve the regeneration of injured axons into the graft.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed1999

Localization of RANKL (receptor activator of NF kappa B ligand) mRNA and protein in skeletal and extraskeletal tissues.

RANKL (receptor activator of NFkappaB ligand) is a membrane-associated osteoblastic molecule, and along with macrophage-colony-stimulating factor, is crucial for osteoclast formation. RANKL is known to be strongly expressed in osteoblasts and lymphoid tissues. We have sought to determine the skeletal and extraskeletal sites of production of RANKL mRNA and protein using the techniques of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Expression of RANKL mRNA and protein were determined in the developmental progression of endochondral bone formation in mouse, intramembranous bone formation in a rabbit model (mRNA only), in human giant cell tumors of bone, and at extraskeletal sites in the mouse. RANKL mRNA was expressed in prehypertrophic and hypertrophic chondrocytes at day E15 embryonic mouse long bone, and its expression was maintained at these sites throughout development. In newborn and adult mice, high levels of RANKL mRNA were expressed in mesenchymal cells of the periosteum and in mature osteoblasts, while megakaryocytes within the marrow microenvironment expressed RANKL mRNA from 1 week of age. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a similar localization pattern of RANKL protein at the sites described. In the intramembranous bone formation model, RANKL mRNA was expressed in mesenchymal cells and in actively synthesizing osteoblasts, but not in flattened lining osteoblasts or late osteocytes. Expression of RANKL mRNA and protein in osteoclasts was variable with those within resorption lacunae showing the strongest signal/staining. Likewise, expression varied in osteoclasts from giant cell tumor of bone with a minority of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells having no detectable RANKL mRNA or protein. In extraskeletal tissues, RANKL mRNA and protein were detected in the brain, heart, kidney, skeletal muscle, and skin throughout mouse development, suggesting the possibility of several other functions of the molecule. RANKL was also developmentally regulated, as evidenced by its expression in the intestine, liver, and lung at E15 and newborn mouse but not in the adult.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Distribution of porfiromycin in EMT6 solid tumors and normal tissues of BALB/c mice.

The distribution of porfiromycin was studied in BALB/c mice bearing EMT6 mammary tumors. The levels of 3H in blood and most tissues peaked approximately 15 minutes after intraperitoneal injection of [3H]porfiromycin. The levels of radioactivity present in most of the tissues and in the tumors were similar at 4 hours and 24 hours after administration. Most of the normal tissues showed uniform, low grain densities when analyzed by autoradiography; the liver and the small intestine had the highest labeling densities. Only kidney, bladder, and tumor showed differential distributions of grains from [3H]porfiromycin. In the kidney, higher grain counts were found in cortex than in medullary regions; grains were uniformly distributed within each region. In the bladder, the highest labeling densities were found in regions near the lumen. Tumor regions that had some necrotic features or regions of necrosis that included some viable cells showed higher labeling intensities than healthy-looking tumor regions, probably because the abnormal microenvironments in these regions led to increased rates of activation of porfiromycin to electrophilic species. These findings show that porfiromycin can reach and be activated in tumor regions containing cells resistant to many chemotherapeutic agents and to x rays. The results also support the concept that agents such as porfiromycin can target cells in specific microenvironmental subpopulations of solid tumors.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Cortical areas abundant in extracellular matrix chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans are less affected by cytoskeletal changes in Alzheimer's disease.

In the human brain, the distribution of perineuronal nets occurring as lattice-like neuronal coatings of extracellular matrix proteoglycans ensheathing several types of non-pyramidal neurons and subpopulations of pyramidal cells in the cerebral cortex is largely unknown. Since proteoglycans are presumably involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, we analysed the distribution pattern of extracellular chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans in cortical areas, including primary motor, primary auditory and several prefrontal and temporal association areas, in normal human brains and in those showing neuropathological criteria of Alzheimer's disease. In both groups, neurons with perineuronal nets were most numerous in the primary motor cortex (approximately 10% in Brodmann's area 4) and in the primary auditory cortex as a representative of the primary sensory areas. Their number was lower in secondary and higher order association areas. Net-associated pyramidal cells occurred predominantly in layers III and V in motor areas, as well as throughout lower parts of layer III in the primary auditory cortex and neocortical association areas. In the entorhinal cortex, net-associated pyramidal cells were extremely rare. In brains showing hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, the characteristic patterns of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, stained with the AT8 antibody, largely excluded the zones abundant in perineuronal nets and neuropil-associated chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans. As shown in double-stained sections, pyramidal and non-pyramidal neurons ensheathed by perineuronal nets were virtually unaffected by the formation of neurofibrillary tangles even in severely damaged regions. The distribution patterns of amyloid B deposits overlapped but showed no congruence with that of the extracellular chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans. It can be concluded that low susceptibility of neurons and cortical areas to neurofibrillary changes corresponds with high proportions of aggregating chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans in the neuronal microenvironment.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Regulation of red cell acetylcholinesterase activity in diabetes mellitus.

Despite the fact that the significance of red cell membrane acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is unknown, this enzyme of red cell assumes importance since many of its properties have been found to be similar to purified enzyme form of brain tissues. Our investigations on the effect of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus on red cell AChE revealed that the activity of this enzyme is significantly decreased in diabetes. Insulin treatment restored the activity to the normal level. Solubilization of normal, diabetic and insulin treated diabetic red cell membranes with Triton X-100 (0.2% v/v) caused a general decline in AChE activity, however the per cent decline in activity of diabetic enzyme was lower as compared to normal and insulin treated conditions. From our results it is inferred that the decreased red cell AChE activity in diabetes is due to lesser number of active enzyme molecules and also due to altered membrane microenvironment.

Acetylcholinesterase↗
PubMed1996

NKR-P1+ cells localize selectively in Rat 9L gliosarcomas but have reduced cytolytic function.

To better understand immune responses to brain tumors and to develop possible approaches for immunotherapy, we have investigated the leukocyte populations infiltrating the rat 9L gliosarcoma. By immunocytochem-ical analyses of the cells infiltrating the tumor, we observed a substantial number of cells expressing natural killer cell receptor protein 1 (NKR-P1), a marker expressed only on rat lymphocytes capable of non-MHC-restricted cytotoxicity. Previous investigations have determined the existence of three populations of NKR-P1+ lymphocytes in normal rats, including NKR-P1bright/T-cell receptor (TCR)-/CD3-/CD5- (approximately 5-15%), NKR-P1dim-/TCRalphabeta+/CD3+/CD5+ (approximately 1-5%), and NKR-P1dim/TCRgammadelta+/CD3+/CD5+ (approximately 0.5-2%). By one-parameter flow cytometry, it was determined that NKR-P1+ cells constituted 30-60% of the lymphocytes in 9L tumors. Among splenic lymphocytes or peripheral blood leukocytes, NKR-P1bright cells are 1.5-4.5 times more numerous than NKR-P1dim cells. In striking contrast, NKR-p1dim cells were 4-5 times more numerous than NKR-P1bright cells among lymphocytes isolated from 9L tumors. Using quantitative analyses of laser confocal microscopic scans, we determined that NKR-P1dim cells were approximately 4 times as numerous as NKR-P1bright cells in situ, confirming flow cytometric findings. By two-color now cytometric analyses, it was observed that approximately 5-10% of the cells were NKR-p1bright/CD5-/TCR-, a phenotype representative of NK cells. Also, approximately 11-25% of the cells were NKR-P1dim/CD5+/TCR+ cells, corresponding to the T-cell subset with non-MHC-restricted lytic function. In addition, we observed a cell population among 9L-derived lymphocytes with a NKR- p1dim/CD5-/TCR- phenotype (approximately 15-25%). Cells of this phenotype have not been reported previously, and most likely represent NK cells down-modulated for expression of NKR-P1. Alternatively, they might represent cells of unknown origin or cells down-modulated for expression of T-cell markers in the microenvironment of 9L tumors. We also compared the lytic capacity of NKR-P1+ populations derived from normal animals and from 9L gliosarcomas. In these experiments, it was determined that, although cells isolated from 9L tumors had some capacity to lyse tumor target cells, they were clearly less efficient than cells isolated from normal splenocytes. Cumulatively, these data suggest that there is selective localization of cells capable of mediating antitumor responses in 9L, but that tumor-associated factors may down-regulate their function and expression of NKR-P1.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

The glial spike theory. I. On an active role of neuroglia in spreading depression and migraine.

The propagation mechanism of spreading depression (SD), which has been implicated in the pathophysiology of the neurological auras of migraine, remains enigmatic but is widely believed to depend primarily upon the behaviour of assemblies of neurons. It is proposed here, based upon a program of theoretical research, that the most essential constituent of SD is a slowly propagating, regenerative event in the neuroglial compartment. By altering the neuronal microenvironment, this glial spike helps trigger and coordinate the neuronal depolarization of SD; the glial spike is in turn facilitated by neuronally released agents acting at the neuroglial plasma membrane. The conduction velocity-determining propagation mechanism of SD is further proposed to be a wave of intracellular Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release (cytocal wave) that travels through the glial compartment of nervous tissue. Some implications for the improved understanding and clinical management of migraine are suggested. Excitability of glial cells of vertebrates has until now been demonstrated only in vitro, and its physiological significance has remained unknown. This work identifies a macroscopic reaction of neuronal tissue, known from the in vivo vertebrate brain for over 45 years, as a manifestation of neuroglial excitability.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

MAGE-1, a cancer/testis-antigen, expression in childhood astrocytomas as an indicator of tumor progression.

During the last decade, the aberrant expression of normal testicular proteins in neoplastically transformed cells became common knowledge. Cancer/testis-antigens (CTAs) represent a novel family of immunogenic proteins. The MAGE genes were initially analyzed from melanomas and turned out to have an almost exclusively neoplasm-specific expression pattern. This expression pattern might contribute to the genetic instability of neoplastically transformed cells. In normal adult tissues, most 23 human MAGE genes are expressed only in the testis, but only in the mitotic spermatogonia (germ cells) and in the primary spermatocytes. The immunocytochemistry was carried out on routine, formalin-fixed, paraffin-wax-embedded 3 to 4 mm thick astrocytoma (ASTR) tissue sections. A four step, indirect, biotin-streptavidin based method was employed with alkaline phosphatase enzyme conjugation. Immunocytochemical presence and cellular localization of the MAGE-1 CT-antigen, employing anti-MAGE-1 MoAB was observed only in anaplastic, high-grade ASTRs (100%), certainly including glioblastomas, in this study. The immunoreactivity was always heterogeneous, showing a cytoplasmic pattern and loosely grouped cells with similar staining characteristics being detected within the cellular and hormonal microenvironment of the ASTRs. We never identified MAGE-1, CT-antigen expression in the lowest grade, pilocytic ASTRs. The MAGE-1 CTA expression levels may also be used to evaluate the malignant and dedifferentiation tendencies of low-grade ASTRs and predict the likelihood of mutations of the genome and further dedifferentiation towards even more malignant anaplastic ASTR and glioblastoma multiforme IPs.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2003

Cloning and characterization of mCRIP2, a mouse LIM-only protein that interacts with PDZ domain IV of PTP-BL.

BACKGROUND: In the mouse submembranous protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP-BL five PDZ domains are present in between the N-terminal FERM domain, which directs the protein to the cell cortex, and the C-terminal catalytic phosphatase domain. To understand more on the physical role of PTP-BL in this microenvironment, we started to search for PTP-BL PDZ domain-interacting proteins. RESULTS: Yeast two-hybrid screening for PTP-BL targets resulted in the identification of a novel mouse LIM-only protein termed CRIP2 that is highly homologous to rat ESP1 and human CRP2 sequences. Mouse CRIP2 has a predicted molecular weight of 23 kD and consists of two LIM domains spaced by 68 amino acids. The fourth PDZ domain of PTP-BL is responsible for the binding of CRIP2 protein. Both PTP-BL and CRIP2 mRNAs display a wide, overlapping tissue distribution. Western blot analysis revealed a more restricted expression pattern for CRIP2 with high expression in lung, heart and brain. CRIP2 protein is localized at cell cortical, actin-rich structures, which is concurrent with the subcellular localization of PTP-BL. CONCLUSIONS: The observed characteristics of the LIM domain-containing adaptor protein CRIP2 are consistent with a potential role of PTP-BL in the dynamics of the cortical actin cytoskeleton.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗
PubMed2006

Microglia and the control of autoreactive T cell responses.

Microglial activation is one of the earliest and most prominent features of nearly all CNS neuropathologies often occurring prior to other indicators of overt neuropathology. Whether microglial activation in seemingly healthy CNS tissue during the early stages of several is a response to early stages of neuronal or glial distress or an early sign of microglial dysfunction causing subsequent neurodegeneration is unknown. Here we characterize and discuss how changes in the CNS microenvironment (neuronal activity/viability, glial activation) lead to specific forms of microglial activation. Specifically, we examine the potential role that TREM-2 expressing microglia may play in regulating the effector function of autoreactive T cell responses. Thus, we suggest that ubiquitous suppression of microglial activation during CNS inflammatory disorders rather than targeted manipulation of microglial activation, may in the end be maladaptive leading to incomplete remission of symptoms.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Fibronectin impedes "myelin" sheet-directed flow in oligodendrocytes: a role for a beta 1 integrin-mediated PKC signaling pathway in vesicular trafficking.

Differentiation of oligodendrocytes results in the formation of the myelin sheath, a dramatic morphological alteration that accompanies cell specialization. Here, we demonstrate that changes in the extracellular microenvironment may regulate these morphological changes by altering intracellular vesicular trafficking of myelin sheet-directed proteins. The data reveal that fibronectin, in contrast to laminin-2, decreased membrane-directed transport of endogenous NCAM 140 and the model viral protein VSV G, both proteins normally residing in the myelin membrane. The underlying mechanism relies on an integrin-mediated activation of PKC, which causes stable phosphorylation of MARCKS. As a result, dynamic reorganization of the cortical actin cytoskeleton necessary for the targeting of vesicular trafficking to the myelin sheet is precluded, a prerequisite for morphological differentiation. These data are discussed in the context of the demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis, i.e., that leakage of fibronectin across the blood-brain barrier may impede myelination by interference with intracellular myelin sheet-directed membrane transport.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

The expression and distribution of the hypoxia-inducible factors HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha in normal human tissues, cancers, and tumor-associated macrophages.

The cellular response to hypoxia includes the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)-induced transcription of genes involved in diverse processes such as glycolysis and angiogenesis. Induction of the HIF-regulated genes, as a consequence of the microenvironment or genetic changes, is known to have an important role in the growth of experimental tumors. Hypoxia-inducible factors 1alpha and 2alpha (HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha) are known to dimerize with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator in mediating this response. Because regulation of the alpha chain protein level is a primary determinant of HIF activity, our aim was to investigate the distribution of HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha by immunohistochemistry in normal and pathological tissues using monoclonal antibodies (mAb). We raised a new mAb to detect HIF-1alpha, designated 122, and used our previously validated mAb 190b to HIF-2alpha. In the majority of solid tumors examined, including bladder, brain, breast, colon, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, and renal carcinomas, nuclear expression of HIF-1alpha and -2alpha was observed in varying subsets of the tumor cells. HIF-2alpha was also strongly expressed by subsets of tumor-associated macrophages, sometimes in the absence of any tumor cell expression. Less frequently staining was observed in other stromal cells within the tumors and in normal tissue adjacent to tumor margins. In contrast, in normal tissue neither molecule was detectable except within subsets of bone marrow macrophages, where HIF-2alpha was strongly expressed.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Characterization of Candida albicans epidermolytic proteases and their role in yeast-cell adherence to keratinocytes.

Epidermolytic proteases were partially purified from six strains of Candida albicans, four of which were isolated from patients with cutaneous diseases. Two of the strains exhibited a unique time-course of enzyme production compared to that previously reported, with detectable epidermolytic protease levels being significantly delayed. All epidermolytic proteases had pH and temperature optima of 4-4.5 and 35-37 degrees C, respectively. These conditions are consistent with the microenvironment of human skin, a habitat where an epidermolytic protease would appear to be an important advantage to the yeast. Candida epidermolytic proteases were more active against a substrate of normal human epidermis than that obtained from psoriatic patients. When human epidermis replaced bovine serum albumin as the protein source within the culture medium, the epidermolytic activity of the resultant enzyme was reduced by 9 and 25% for normal and psoriatic epidermis substrates, respectively. The proteases were found to contain major protein bands at 42 and 66 kDa. The ability of these same Candida strains to adhere to human epidermal cells was studied and found to be optimal at 35-37 degrees C within neutral pH values. Pepstatin, bovine brain gangliosides, and convalescent human serum all interfered with the adherence of the yeast to epidermal cells. A higher yeast-epidermal-cell adherence for Candida was demonstrated on normal rather than psoriatic epidermal cells, and after treating the cells with partially purified Candida protease.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers on oxygen diffusion-concentration products in liposomes and phospholipid solutions.

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) are a group of octadecadienoic acids (18:2) that are naturally present in food products and may have beneficial health effects. Liposomes and ethanol solutions were prepared by mixing synthetic phosphatidylcholines (PCs) with c9,t11-CLA, t10,c12-CLA, and linoleic acid (LA) in the sn-2 position into natural PCs from soybean, egg yolk, rat brain, and rat heart at 5 mol %. The oxygen diffusion-concentration products were measured using electron spin resonance spin-label oximetry methods. Individual synthetic PCs, the phospholipid matrix, and the tested lipid systems all exhibited influence on oxygen diffusion-concentration products during lipid peroxidation. Incorporating 5 mol % PC(c9,t11-CLA) into soy and egg yolk PC increased oxygen consumption in liposome suspensions while it was decreased in rat heart and brain PCs. On the other hand, PC(t10,c12-CLA) increased oxygen consumption in mixtures with egg yolk and rat heart PC but decreased it in soybean and rat brain PC. By comparison, PC(LA) decreased oxygen consumption in every case. In ethanol solutions, all of the synthetic PCs suppressed the capacity to generate peroxide radicals in the order of LA > c9,t11-CLA > t10,c12-CLA. In addition, PCs containing individual CLA isomers and LA differed in their capacities to react with and quench DPPH radicals in both ethanol solution and liposome, suggesting differences between CLA isomers and LA in DPPH radical-fatty acid interactions. Incorporation of CLA isomers and LA into dimyristyl-PC reduced the phase transition temperature from 23.6 to 23.1 and 23.3 degrees C, respectively. The results of this study provide evidence that the behavior of CLA isomers differs in the microenvironment of membranes possibly due to structural differences that affect the permeability of membranes to oxygen and lipid peroxidation.

Cell Membrane Permeability↗
PubMed2001

Effects of microenvironment on morphology and function of the microglial cell line BV-2.

Effects of microenvironmental changes were examined in the microglial cell line BV-2. In serum supplemented medium cells were ameboid shaped and exhibited thin cytoplasmatic processes at lower concentration or in absence of serum. High levels of acetylated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and of phagocytic and proliferative activity were detected. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the neuropeptide substance P (SP) induced secretion of interleukin-6. Low interleukin-3 secretion was detected only occasionally and was not influenced by LPS and SP. In defined medium, "process-bearing" cells were evident. Compared to cultures in serum supplemented medium, the cells expressed lower acetylated LDL-binding and phagocytic activity while actively proliferated, the response to LPS was reduced and to SP absent. Granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor increased the number of process-bearing cells, of acetylated LDL-binding and of IL-6 secretion induced by LPS. Cell morphology was not influenced by neurotrophins like nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The described phenotypical and functional plasticity makes the BV-2 cell line a useful model to investigate mechanisms of microglial activation.

Animals↗