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Transforming growth factor-beta blocks proliferation but not early mitogenic signaling events in T-lymphocytes.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) inhibits the proliferation of T-lymphocytes in response to activation with mitogenic lectin. The influence of TGF-beta on elevation of cytosolic Ca2+, induction of proliferation-associated mRNA species, and total cellular RNA content has been studied. The cells seem to exit G0 when activated in the presence of TGF-beta, but they arrest in mid-G1 phase.

Acridine Orange↗

Conceptual history of the nigrostriatal dopamine system.

The history of the nigrostriatal dopamine system may provide a prime example of the two faces of scientific development. First, a given concept is replaced by another simply as a result of methodologies being improved, and second, successive technical improvements make seemingly settled controversies even more complicated and disputable. The nigrostriatal pathway, which had been unrecognizable with Nauta's silver impregnation method, became apparent by use of the more sensitive silver impregnation method of Fink-Heimer. The sensitivity of the latter method, however, was still insufficient to reveal the whole extent of another ascending dopamine system, the mesocortical dopamine system, until its existence was established through the application of glyoxylic acid fluorescent histochemistry. Electron microscopic analysis of nigrostriatal dopamine synapses in properly fixed tissue was initiated by the demonstration of dark type terminal degeneration, which was induced by either electrolytic lesions or chemical destruction with a specific toxin (6-hydroxydopamine) of the substantia nigra and medial forebrain bundle. The degenerating terminal boutons, thus produced, invariably formed postsynaptic membrane specializations of asymmetric type. However, the asymmetric nature of the synaptic morphology, although later confirmed by the combined study of chemical lesions and autoradiographic anterograde tracing, was seriously challenged with the introduction of electron microscopic immunohistochemistry. The latter method has consistently revealed that symmetric en passant synapses or axonal varicosities with no synaptic membrane specializations are the only tissue compartments immunoreactive to antibodies against dopamine and its synthetic enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase. In view of the fact that more than 95% of the nigrostriatal projection neurons are dopaminergic, it is difficult to satisfactorily interpret all the available and seemingly paradoxical fine structural data. In this context, a novel concept has emerged in the process of eliminating all the possible alternative interpretations. The concept is that single nigrostriatal neurons form two chemically distinct types of synapses, one dopaminergic symmetric en passant bouton and another non-dopaminergic (still chemically unclassified) asymmetric terminal bouton. If the concept is a valid one, it contradicts Dale's long standing principle, as defined by Eccles: at all the axonal branches of a neuron there is liberation of the same transmitter substance or substances. Furthermore, a certain population of substantia nigra pars reticulata neurons has recently been recognized to be immunoreactive to both dopamine synthetic tyrosine hydroxylase and GABA synthetic glutamate decarboxylase. These single neurons send projections to both the striatum and superior colliculus by way of axon collaterals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

A transgenic model for studying islet development.

The regeneration of islet cells in a transgenic mouse strain harboring the interferon-gamma gene (IFN-gamma) linked to the insulin promoter DNA fragment (ins-IFN-gamma) is described. The regeneration follows the loss of islets by an immune response provoked by IFN-gamma and manifests in the proliferation of duct cells, the presence of progenitor cells, and the formation of buds and isletlike structure. All three types (A, B, and D) of four endocrine cells identified by immunolabeling are present. The progenitor cells express neuronal enzymes, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), as revealed by specific antibodies. The results indicate that the islet regeneration closely resembles the embryonic islet differentiation and serves as a model for studying islet development. The expression of neuronal enzymes by islet progenitor cells signifies yet unknown relationships to the nervous tissue. GAD, recognized as an autoantigen in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and stiff-man syndrome, may provide a clue to the mechanism of autoimmune disease.

Animals↗

Chronic administration with nandrolone decanoate induces alterations in the gene-transcript content of dopamine D(1)- and D(2)-receptors in the rat brain.

Some adolescent and young males are engaged in misuse of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) in connection with multiple drug use, in order to become intoxicated and brave, apart from currently known motives connected to sports performance and physical appearance. Recent studies suggest that alterations in neurobiological circuits implicated in the regulation of reward-related learning, aggression and motoric behavior underlie the behavioral changes associated with AAS misuse. We have previously shown that AASs induce alterations in dopamine receptor densities. The aim of the present study was to investigate if these effects could be attributed to altered mRNA content for tyrosine hydroxylase, L-amino acid decarboxylase, dopamine D(1)- and dopamine D(2)-receptor as measured by in situ hybridisation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 2 weeks of treatment with daily intramuscular injections of the AAS nandrolone decanoate at three different doses (1, 5 and 15 mg/kg/day). Results of the in situ hybridization showed that the mRNA content of the dopamine D(1)-receptor subtype was significantly reduced at all doses in the caudate putamen and at the highest doses in the nucleus accumbens shell. The mRNA expression of the dopamine D(2)-receptor was significantly increased at the two lowest doses in the caudate putamen and the nucleus accumbens shell. In conclusion, nandrolone has been shown to affect the expression of gene transcripts of dopaminergic receptors possibly implicated in underlying mechanisms of reward-related behavioral changes among AAS misusers.

Anabolic Agents↗

A formal [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement route to quaternary alpha-vinyl amino acids: use of allylic N-PMP trifluoroacetimidates.

Pd(II)-mediated rearrangement of allylic N-PMP (p-methoxyphenyl) trifluoroacetimidates provides the first formal sigmatropic route to quaternary, alpha-vinylic amino acids, potential suicide substrates for PLP enzymes. The amino acid side chains enter via transition-metal-mediated C-C bond constructions, including (i) Cu(I)-mediated conjugate addition (Ala); (ii) Pd(0)/AsPh3-mediated Stille coupling (allyl-Gly, Phe, DOPA, m-Tyr); and (iii) Pd(0)/Pt-Bu3-mediated Negishi coupling (Leu). In the synthesis of the DOPA decarboxylase inactivator, alpha-vinyl-m-tyrosine, the new N-PMP trifluoroacetimidate rearranges much more efficiently than the corresponding trichloroacetimidate.

Amino Acids↗

Implication of c-Myc in apoptosis induced by the retinoid CD437 in human lung carcinoma cells.

The novel synthetic retinoid 6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid (CD437) has been recently identified to be a potent inducer of apoptosis in human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells through a nuclear retinoic acid receptor independent mechanism. To approach the mechanism by which CD437 induces apoptosis in NSCLC cells, we investigated the involvement of c-Myc in CD437-induced apoptosis. CD437 (1 microM) up-regulated the expression of c-Myc and of its downstream target genes ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and cdc25A in all three NSCLC cell lines (i.e., H460, SK-MES-1 and H1792) used. These effects were correlated with cellular susceptibilities to induction of apoptosis by CD437. Furthermore, CD437-induced apoptosis could be blocked by the ODC inhibitor difluoromethylornithine, the caspase inhibitors Z-VAD FMK and Z-DEVD FMK, and c-Myc antisense oligodeoxynucleotide, respectively. These data indicate that c-Myc gene plays an important role in mediating CD437-induced apoptosis in human NSCLC cells.

Amino Acid Chloromethyl Ketones↗

Beta-cell, thyroid, gastric, adrenal and coeliac autoimmunity and HLA-DQ types in type 1 diabetes.

The autoimmune attack in type 1 diabetes is not only targeted to beta cells. We assessed the prevalence of thyroid peroxidase (aTPO), parietal cell (PCA), antiadrenal (AAA) and endomysial antibodies (EmA-IgA), and of overt autoimmune disease in type 1 diabetes, in relation to gender, age, duration of disease, age at onset, beta-cell antibody status (ICA, GADA, IA2A) and HLA-DQ type. Sera from 399 type 1 diabetic patients (M/F: 188/211; mean age: 26 +/- 16 years; duration: 9 +/- 8 years) were tested for ICA, PCA, AAA and EmA-IgA by indirect immunofluorescence, and for IA2A (tyrosine phosphatase antibodies), GADA (glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 antibodies) and aTPO by radiobinding assays. The prevalence rates were: GADA 70%; IA2A, 44%; ICA, 39%; aTPO, 22%; PCA, 18%; EmA-IgA, 2%; and AAA, 1%. aTPO status was determined by female gender (beta = - 1.15, P = 0.002), age (beta = 0.02, P = 0.01) and GADA + (beta = 1.06, P = 0.02), but not by HLA-DQ type or IA2A status. Dysthyroidism (P < 0.0001) was more frequent in aTPO + subjects. PCA status was determined by age (beta = 0.03, P = 0.002). We also observed an association between PCA + and GADA + (OR = 1.9, P = 0.049), aTPO + (OR = 1.9, P = 0.04) and HLA DQA1*0501-DQB1*0301 status (OR = 2.4, P = 0.045). Iron deficiency anaemia (OR = 3.0, P = 0.003) and pernicious anaemia (OR = 40, P < 0.0001) were more frequent in PCA + subjects. EmA-IgA + was linked to HLA DQA1*0501-DQB1*0201 + (OR = 7.5, P = 0.039), and coeliac disease was found in three patients. No patient had Addison's disease. In conclusion, GADA but not IA2A indicate the presence of thyrogastric autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes. aTPO have a female preponderance, PCA are weakly associated with HLA DQA1*0501-DQB1*0301 and EmA-IgA + with HLA DQA1*0501-DQB1*0201.

Adolescent↗

Characterization of a dopamine-releasing action of 6R-L-erythro-tetrahydrobiopterin: comparison with a 6S-form.

6R-L-erythro-Tetrahydrobiopterin (6R-BH4) is a cofactor for aromatic L-amino acid hydroxylases and nitric oxide synthase. Recently, we have reported that independently of its cofactor activities, 6R-BH4 acts from the outside of neurons in the brain to enhance the release of monoamine neurotransmitters such as dopamine. To characterize the pharmacological properties of the action, we examined the effects of 6S-BH4, a diastereoisomer of 6R-BH4, on dopamine release in the rat striatum by using brain microdialysis and compared its effects with those of 6R-BH4. Perfusion of 6S-BH4 or 6R-BH4 through the dialysis probe increased extracellular dopamine levels (an index of in vivo dopamine release) concentration dependently; the maximal increase by 6S-BH4, was one-sixth of that by 6R-BH4. 6S-BH4 increased extracellular DOPA levels in the presence of NSD 1015, an inhibitor of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (an index of in vivo tyrosine hydroxylase activity), to an extent similar to the increase induced by 6R-BH4. The increase in the DOPA levels induced by either of the pteridines was abolished after pretreatment of rats with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (an inhibitor of tyrosine hydroxylase). Under the same conditions, the 6S-BH4-induced dopamine release was abolished, but most of the 6R-BH4-induced increase persisted. Coadministration of 6S-BH4 with 6R-BH4 inhibited the increase in dopamine release induced by 6R-BH4 alone. These results show that 6R-BH4 stimulates dopamine release by acting at the specific recognition site on the neuronal membrane, and that 6S-BH4 acts as an antagonist of 6R-BH4 at this site, although it has cofactor activities.

Animals↗

Ethanol differentially affects metabolic and mitotic processes in chick embryonic cells.

Our laboratory has been investigating the mechanisms by which ethanol-induced growth inhibition occurs in a developing embryo, and our studies have focused on disruption of cellular signaling pathways. Previous work on ethanol-induced changes in signaling systems that regulate ornithine decarboxylase activity indicated that the pathways containing protein kinase A, protein kinase C (PKC), and insulin-dependent tyrosine kinase were important for the control of ornithine decarboxylase in chick embryonic cells. Herein, we report ethanol's effect on the regulation of glucose uptake and thymidine uptake by these same kinase pathways. A pronounced increase in glucose uptake was associated with PKC downregulation in both vehicle- and ethanol-exposed cells, with the larger increase occurring in ethanol-exposed cells. An increase in thymidine uptake was associated with an activation of all three kinases, as well as with downregulation of PKC. Because previous work on signaling pathways has looked for changes in the insulin signaling pathway, the work herein focuses on the signaling pathways involving protein kinase A and PKC. cAMP levels were increased by ethanol treatment, but the increase was relatively small. Analysis of changes in PKC activity induced by ethanol exposure showed a significant suppression of PKC activity in the ethanol-treated cells and suggested that, overall, ethanol treatment affects the regulation of glucose uptake in embryonic cells predominantly by PKC downregulation.

Animals↗

Molecular mechanisms involved in the etiopathogenesis of malnutrition-modulated diabetes mellitus.

MMDM patients are typically young at onset with low body mass index, require insulin treatment for glycemic control, have insulin resistance, and do not develop ketosis on withdrawal of insulin. WHO's revised classification in 1999, based on the etiopathogenesis of the disease, identifies only two categories: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. MMDM could be considered as type 1b diabetes. Genetic and immunological studies were done on MDDM patients (n = 72) from Cuttack and healthy controls to understand and to justify its inclusion in the category of type 1b diabetes. Antibodies (Abs) to tyrosine pyrophosphatase (IA2-Abs), glutamate decarboxylase 65 (GAD65-Abs), and other minor markers like ICA12 Abs and tissue transglutaminase Abs (TTG-Abs) were studied. HLA-DR and DQ were studied for the genetic markers. Of the MMDM patients 30% were positive for either GAD65 or IA-2 antibodies, and 14% were positive for ICA12 antibodies. All three antibody markers together accounted for 39% of PDDM patients, as some patients were positive for more than one autoantibody. TTG antibodies (specific for Celiac disease) were present in 14/71 (20%) of MMDM patients compared to 3/122 (2%) controls. All four autoantibodies accounted for 53% of PDDM patients, leaving 47% of patients free of known autoantibodies. The autoantibody-negative PDDM patients were analyzed for HLA and MICA markers, showing that DR7-DQ9 and MICA allele 9 are increased in this group compared to healthy controls, which suggests an autoimmune response to an unknown dietary autoantigen. We conclude from our data that an autoimmune mechanism is involved in the etiology of MMDM. In addition, the presence of silent celiac disease seen with MMDM patients, which has not yet been reported, is significant. It is important to note that subclinical celiac disease exists with diabetes mellitus and must be considered in the diagnosis of MMDM.

Autoantibodies↗

Extended life span of human endometrial stromal cells transfected with cloned origin-defective, temperature-sensitive simian virus 40.

Human endometrial stromal cells transfected with an origin-defective, temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 recombinant plasmid are dependent on T-antigen function for proliferation and at the permissive temperature have an extended life span in culture. Southern blot analysis indicates that the transfected gene is present in low copy number, possibly at a single integration site. Normal stromal cells are capable of 10 to 20 population doublings in culture. Transfected cultures have been carried at the permissive temperature to 80 population doublings before crisis. In the multistep model of malignant transformation of human cells, these cells represent one of the earliest stages: extended but finite life span. We have used these cells to investigate alterations in signal transduction that may be responsible for this early stage of transformation caused by the large T antigen. Temperature shift experiments indicate that the expression of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) but not of c-fos is altered by the large T antigen. Induction of c-fos by serum or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate is independent of temperature. However, in the transfected cells, the induction of ODC by asparagine or serum is greatly enhanced at the permissive temperature. This result indicates that the large T antigen acts downstream of c-fos but upstream of ODC expression in the signal-transducing cascade.

Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming↗

Induction of autoantibodies to the adrenal cortex and pancreatic islet cells by interferon alpha therapy for chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy for chronic hepatitis C may trigger induction of autoimmunity against several organs. Immune reactions against distinct adrenocortical protein antigens involved in adrenal autoimmune disease have not been reported to date. Therefore, we investigated the development of highly sensitive and specific adrenal autoantibodies in patients with chronic hepatitis C in response to IFN-alpha treatment. In addition, we studied induction of pancreatic islet and thyroid autoantibodies. PATIENTS/METHODS: Sera of 75 patients (42 males, 33 females; mean age 47 (13) years) were analysed before, during, and after IFN-alpha therapy (9-18x10(6) IE/week; mean duration 8.3 (3.5) months). Autoantibodies (Abs) to adrenal 21-hydroxylase (21OH-Abs), and to islet glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65-Abs) and protein tyrosine phosphatase (IA2-Abs) were determined by a radiobinding assay using (35)S labelled protein generated by an in vitro translation system. Thyroid antibodies were measured by a commercially available ELISA. RESULTS: Thirteen of 75 patients were initially positive for some of the autoantibodies. During or after IFN-alpha therapy, 3/62 initially negative patients (4.8%) developed 21OH-Abs. GAD65-Abs or IA2-Abs appeared in 5/62 and 1/62 patients, respectively (9.7% in total). In 12/62 patients (19.4%), thyroid specific antibodies appeared. In none of the 21OH-Ab positive subjects was adrenal dysfunction observed, and no patient with islet autoantibodies developed diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: IFN-alpha induces 21OH-Abs in some cases, while islet and thyroid specific autoantibodies are more frequently found. However, our results indicate for the first time that the adrenal cortex also has to be considered as a potential target of IFN-alpha related autoimmunity.

Adrenal Cortex↗

Altered norepinephrine turnover and metabolism in diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Cardiac norepinephrine turnover and metabolism were examined in rats 8 weeks after the induction of chronic diabetes by an intravenous injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg). Cardiac norepinephrine concentration, norepinephrine turnover, and norepinephrine uptake were markedly increased in chronic diabetes in comparison with control values; these changes were reversible by 28-day insulin therapy. When the animals were exposed to cold for 6 hours, norepinephrine turnover rate constant increased in control and decreased in diabetic animals; cold exposure also increased norepinephrine concentration in diabetic hearts. Both cardiac norepinephrine concentration and turnover rate in diabetic rats were restored toward control values by ganglionic blockade with pentolinium. The conversion of [3H]tyrosine to [3H]catecholamine was enhanced and tyrosine hydroxylase as well as dopa decarboxylase activities were increased in diabetic hearts. The higher concentrations of [3H]normetanephrine and deaminated catechols indicated a faster metabolic rate of norepinephrine metabolism in hearts from diabetic rats; both monoamine oxidase and catechol-O-methyltransferase activities were also increased. The increased activities of the enzymes for the synthesis and metabolism of norepinephrine were not evident on treating the diabetic animals with insulin. These data not only support the view that chronic diabetes in rats is associated with increased sympathetic activity but also indicate that the cardiac norepinephrine concentration in diabetic rats may be maintained at a higher than normal level by an increased synthesis and uptake of norepinephrine in the adrenergic nerve terminals.

Adrenergic Fibers↗

The first signs of beta-cell autoimmunity appear in infancy in genetically susceptible children from the general population: the Finnish Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention Study.

Little is known about the timing of the etiological events and the preclinical process of type 1 diabetes during the first years of life in the general population. In this population-based prospective birth cohort study, the appearance of diabetes-associated autoantibodies as a sign of beta-cell autoimmunity and the development of type 1 diabetes were monitored from birth. Of 25,983 newborn infants, 2,448 genetically susceptible children were monitored for islet cell antibodies (ICA) at 3- to 6-month intervals. If an infant seroconverted to ICA positivity, all his/her samples were also analyzed for insulin autoantibodies (IAA), antibodies to the 65-kDa isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase, and antibodies to the protein tyrosine phosphatase-related IA-2 molecule. Fifteen children of those who carried the high-risk genotype (2.7%) and 23 of those who carried the moderate-risk genotype (1.2%; P = 0.019) tested positive for ICA at least once. Among those who showed positivity for at least 2 antibodies during the observation period (25 of 38), IAA appeared as the first or among the first antibodies in 22 children (88%) and emerged earlier than the other antibodies (P < 0.019 or less). The first autoantibodies appeared in the majority of the children in the fall and winter (30 of 38 vs. 8 of 38 in the spring and summer, P < 0.001). These observations suggest that young children in the general population with a strong human-leukocyte-antigen-DQ-defined genetic risk of type 1 diabetes show signs of beta-cell autoimmunity proportionally more often than those with a moderate genetic risk. IAA emerge as the first detectable antibody more commonly than any other antibody specificity, implying that insulin may be the primary antigen in most cases of human type 1 diabetes associated with the DR4-DQB1*0302 haplotype. The seasonal variation in the emergence of the first signs of beta-cell autoimmunity suggests that infectious agents may play a role in the induction of such autoimmunity.

Autoantibodies↗