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Immunochemical detection of UV-induced DNA damage and repair.

The application of an antiserum to ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-damaged DNA is presented. A novel experimental system was employed to ascertain the limits of detection for this antiserum. Using a DNA standard containing a known amount of dimer, the limits of detection were found to be 0.9 fmol of dimer. This was compared to a limit of 20-50 fmol dimer using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Induction of thymine dimers in DNA following UVR exposure, as assessed using this antiserum in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), was compared with GC-MS measurements. The ELISA method successfully demonstrated the induction of lesions in DNA irradiated either with UVC or UVB, although despite high sensitivity, no discernible binding was seen to UVA-irradiated DNA. The antiserum was also shown to be applicable to immunocytochemistry, localising damage in the nuclei of UVR exposed keratinocytes in culture. The ability of the antiserum to detect DNA damage in skin biopsies of individuals exposed to sub-erythemal doses of UVR was also demonstrated. Moreover, the subsequent removal of this damage, as evidenced by a reduction in antiserum staining, was noted in sections of biopsies taken in the hours following irradiation.

Animals↗

Degree of ultraviolet-induced tortuosity of elastic fibers in rat skin is age dependent.

To elucidate differential effects of ultraviolet (UV) exposure on three-dimensional networks of elastic fibers during maturation of rat skin, Sprague-Dawley rat hind limbs were irradiated with suberythemal doses of UV light (UVB, 130 mJ/cm2, or UVA, 27 J/cm2) in three different time courses of exposure: 3-9 weeks old, 9-15 weeks old, and 3-15 weeks old. Three-dimensional arrangement with special reference to linearity of elastic fibers was quantified by image analysis using a scanning electron microscope after a combination of intravascular resin injection and selective digestion technique using formic acid. Among the three irradiation groups, the group irradiated with UVB or UVA between 3 and 15 weeks old (UVB, three times per week; UVA, five times per week) elicited the most marked decrease in the linearity of elastic fibers. Despite the same irradiation period, there was a significant difference in the decreased linearity between the two irradiation groups of 3-9 and 9-15 weeks old, with the former irradiation group exhibiting greater loss of linearity than the latter irradiation group. The magnitude of the decreased linearity was greater in the UVB-exposed groups than in the UVA-exposed group. These findings indicate that the three-dimensional linearity of elastic fibers is more susceptible to disruption by UV exposures during the growth period than that after the growth period.

Aging↗

Repeated irradiation with suberythemal ultraviolet B reduces the number of epidermal Langerhans cells.

The influence of repeated low-dose ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, to which we are exposed in daily life, has not been fully clarified, although the damage caused by exposure to high-dose UVB radiation has been well-studied in recent years. To investigate skin damage caused by repeated low-dose exposure, we evaluated the extent of injury to the Langerhans cells which are known to be involved in the cutaneous immune system. The backs of hairless mice were exposed to the following doses of UVB radiation: 100 mJ/cm(2) once, 50 mJ/cm(2) twice, 25 mJ/cm(2) four times or 10 mJ/cm(2) ten times. Skin specimens were taken for histochemical and electron microscopic examination 24 h after the final irradiation. Epidermis exposed to UVB radiation demonstrated a decrease in the number of Langerhans cells which showed less dendricity. The population of these cells in specimens exposed to repeated suberythemal doses was reduced to 40%, whereas exposure to a single high dose of UVB with the same energy resulted in a reduction of only 33%. These results indicate that repeated suberythemal doses injure Langerhans cells more than a single high-dose exposure. Furthermore, Birbeck granules in Langerhans cells of UVB-irradiated epidermis were reduced and tended to show shortening of their rod portion. The present study suggested that repeated challenge with suberythemal UVB radiation, to which we are all exposed in daily life, can cause substantial damage to Langerhans cells.

Animals↗

Atomic force microscopy: seeing molecules of lipid and immunoglobulin.

The atomic force microscope (AFM) can image individual molecules by raster-scanning a sharp tip over a surface. In this paper we present molecular-resolution images of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and of ultraviolet light-polymerized films of the lipid dimethyl-bis(pentacosadiynoyloxyethyl) ammonium bromide ("BRONCO"). The polar head groups of individual lipid molecules can be resolved on the surface of this and other lipid films. These lipid films also provide a good substrate for AFM imaging of DNA and of other molecules such as antibodies. Because the AFM scans surfaces, it is most often successful at imaging either molecules that can form an array on a surface or molecules that are quite firmly attached to a surface. The ability of the AFM to operate under water, buffers, and other liquids makes it possible to study biological molecules under conditions in which they are physiologically active. Imaging of the actual molecular process of fibrin polymerization shows the potential of the AFM for studying biological processes. In the six years since its invention, the AFM has excited much interest and has imaged molecules in a wide range of systems.

Antibodies↗

[A study of lipid peroxide-induced damage and of ultrastructure of lens epithelial cells in lens organ culture in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the mechanism of the rabbit lens damage from lipid peroxidation (LPO) involved in cataract development. METHODS: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation was used to induce the damage of peroxidation on cultured rabbit lens. Cultured rabbit lenses were exposed to UV radiation in MEM cultural medium without or with superoxide dismutase (SOD) added at 10 U/ml. The thiobarbituric acid (TBA) colorimetric method was used to detect the lens malondialdehyde (MDA) content produced by LPO, and electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of rabbit lens epithelium. RESULTS: In the lens with UV radiation, MDA was increased as compared with that in non-irradiated one (P < 0.01) and in UV + SOD group (P < 0.01). The membranes of lens epithelial cells were damaged and mitochondria, etc. membranous structures disappeared with clumping pattern of chromatin, while the cells in UV + SOD and control groups appeared normal in structure. CONCLUSION: UV radiation can induce lipid peroxide damage in lens culture of rabbit.

Animals↗

Stable polymethacrylate nanocapsules from ultraviolet light-induced template radical polymerization of unilamellar liposomes.

We employed UV-induced template polymerization to create hollow nanometer-sized polymer capsules. Homogeneous, unilamellar liposomes served as a two-dimensional template for the cross-linking of either butyl methacrylate or hydroxyethyl methacrylate with the bifunctional ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate. Different molar ratios of lipid/hydrophobic monomer/bifunctional monomer/photoinitiator were tested and dynamic light scattering revealed negligible changes of size at a defined molar ratio of 2/1/10/20, respectively. Cryo-transmission electron microscopy provided clear evidence that incorporation of the methacrylate monomers into and polymerization in the hydrophobic bilayer phase does not disrupt vesicle integrity. Moreover, after solubilization of the lipids, the polymethacrylate nanocapsules were stable at conditions needed for negative staining and could be visualized by atomic force microscopy. In contrast to previous findings, the nanocapsule size and shape did not change considerably after removal of the template phase, and the size distribution remained strictly monomodal. The employed method is not only an advance to fortify liposomes, but the nanocapsules themselves can be functionalized.

Cryoelectron Microscopy↗

Chromosome structure: improved immunolabeling for electron microscopy.

To structurally dissect mitotic chromosomes, we aim to position along the folded chromatin fiber proteins involved in long-range order, such as topoisomerase IIalpha (topoIIalpha) and condensin. Immuno-electron microscopy (EM) of thin-sectioned chromosomes is the method of choice toward this goal. A much-improved immunoprocedure that avoids problems associated with aldehyde fixation, such as chemical translinking and networking of chromatin fibers, is reported here. We show that ultraviolet irradiation of isolated nuclei or chromosomes facilitates high-level specific immunostaining, as established by fluorescence microscopy with a variety of antibodies and especially by immuno-EM. Ultrastructural localizations of topoIIalpha and condensin I component hBarren (hBar; hCAP-H) in mitotic chromosomes were studied by immuno-EM. We show that the micrographs of thin-sectioned chromosomes map topoIIalpha and hBar to the center of the chromosomal body where the chromatin fibers generally converge. This localization is defined by many clustered gold particles with only rare individual particles in the peripheral halo. The data obtained are consistent with the view that condensin and perhaps topoIIalpha tether chromatin to loops according to a scaffolding-type model.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

Recent advances of microfluidics in Mainland China.

The history and current status of research on microfluidics in China is summarized in this review. The recent representative contributions in this field by Chinese scientists are cited. A perspective on some trends in future development of this field in China is presented.

Animals↗

Surface microarchitectural design in biomedical applications: preparation of microporous polymer surfaces by an excimer laser ablation technique.

In this report we demonstrate a microprocessing method to prepare microporous polymer films by an excimer laser ablation technique, which may enable the fabrication of functional biomedical devices such as advanced artificial organs. The irradiation of a KrF excimer laser pulses (wave-length 248 nm; fluence 1 J/cm2 pulse) onto several polymer films was achieved by passing a laser pulse through an optical microscope, resulting in the formation of an etched pit on the irradiated surface due to ablative photodecomposition. The number of pulses and the micropositioning of the irradiation were precisely controlled by a computer-aided control unit. Minimal ablation was observed for polyethylene with very small absorption coefficient (alpha) at 248 nm. For polymers which absorbed the laser photons, the etch depth increased linearly with number of pulses. The etch depth per pulse decreased with an increase in alpha values. An excellent structural quality, with micron-order precision of an etched pit, was found for those polymers with larger alpha values, such as polyimide, segmented polyurethane, and polycarbonate.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Intracellular accumulation of a fluorescent derivative of paromomycin in human fibroblasts.

Human fetal lung fibroblasts grown in the presence of dansyl-paromomycin (DNS-Pm), a fluorescent derivative of the aminoglycoside antibiotic, paromomycin, probably accumulate DNS-Pm in the lysosomes. The intracellular concentration of DNS-Pm is proportional to the extracellular concentration and to the length of time cells are exposed to the compound. The accumulation of DNS-Pm by human fibroblasts continued to increase for several days, reaching a saturation after 7 days. The kinetic data are consistent with the establishment of a steady state in the cell between fluid-phase pinocytosis and exocytosis of DNS-Pm. About 80% of the intracellular DNS-Pm ws released in 24 hr when fresh medium without the analogue was added. The residual 20% remained within the cells, suggesting that it may be irreversibly bound to the lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, or ribosomes. The uptake of paromomycin by cells in culture may be a useful means to study error propagation during growth and lifespan of cells in vitro.

Chemical Phenomena↗

Phase solubility and inclusion complex of itraconazole with beta-cyclodextrin using supercritical carbon dioxide.

Phase-solubility techniques were used to assess the formation of inclusion complex between itraconazole and beta-cyclodextrin. The stability constant and free energies of transfer of itraconazole from aqueous solution to the cavity of beta-cyclodextrin were calculated. Itraconazole solubility in supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO(2)) was measured at different temperatures and pressures. Drug formulations of itraconazole were prepared by complexation of the drug into beta-cyclodextrin using SC CO(2). Effects of temperature and pressure on inclusion yield of the prepared complexes were studied. The solvent-free inclusion complexes obtained from this method were characterized by UV spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy and compared to those obtained from physical mixing and coprecipitation methods. Results showed that beta-cyclodextrin significantly improved solubility of itraconazole in aqueous solutions. The free energies of transfer of itraconazole from aqueous solution to the cavity of beta-cyclodextrin increased negatively with increasing beta-cyclodextrin concentration. Higher inclusion yields were obtained in the SC CO(2) method compared to physical mixing and coprecipitation methods. Both temperature and pressure had significant effects on itraconazole solubility in SC CO(2) and the inclusion yield of the complex prepared by SC CO(2) method.

Calorimetry, Differential Scanning↗

Characterization and adsorptive properties of pharmaceutical grade clays.

The adsorption of tetracycline by clays commonly used in pharmacy can be predicted if the identity and character of the commerical clay sample are established. X-ray diffraction. IR spectroscopy, and chemical analysis were used to identify the clay component and any nonclay diluents present in a series of commerical pharmaceutical grade clays. The major clay components were montmorillonite, hectorite, attapulgite, saponite, and kaolinite. The clay structure, the nature of the exchangeable cation, and the presence of nonclay components are important factors affecting the tetracycline-clay interaction. In general, clay structures with a high surface charge lead to a greater interaction with the protonated form of tetracycline, while interaction with the zwitterionic form of tetracycline occurs in clay structures with minimal surface charge. The presence of multivalent, exchangeable cations on the clay surface diminishes interaction with the protonated form of tetracycline. Nonclay components such as calcite and dolomite increase the interactions of the zwitterionic and anionic forms of tetracycline with the clay.

Adsorption↗

Biomolecular hybrid of a conducting polymer with DNA: morphology, structure, and doping behavior.

A poly(o-methoxyaniline) (POMA)/DNA [weight fraction of DNA (W(DNA)) = 0.45] hybrid was prepared by mixing their solutions in sterilized double distilled water. The solution turned green upon aging for a longer time, and the doping of POMA by DNA was complete after about 15 d of aging. The doping was confirmed from the UV-vis spectra where the 599 nm peak of POMA(EB) disappeared and a new peak for a pi to localized polaron band-transition appeared. With increasing aging time the new peak gradually shifted from 674 nm at 3 h to 820 nm at 15 d of mixing and thereafter it remained constant. The absence of a free carrier tail in the UV-vis spectra indicated a coiled structure of POMA in the complex. Circular dichroism spectra of the hybrid solution indicated that the DNA conformation (double helical structure) remained unchanged in the hybrid. The SEM micrograph of the freeze-dried hybrid showed a needle-like morphology of the DNA dispersed in a polymer matrix and it was completely different from the fibrillar network morphology of pure DNA in the solid state. The TEM micrograph indicated a homogeneous dispersion of DNA fibrils in the POMA matrix. The melting temperature of the POMA-DNA hybrid showed an increase compared to that of pure DNA by 5 degrees C, probably caused by an electrostatic interaction between the DNA anion and the POMA radical cation generated in the doping process. WAXS investigations revealed that the DNA crystal structure remained unchanged in the hybrid whereas the POMA crystal structure might be lost. An FT-IR study suggested that interaction occurred between the phosphoric acid group of DNA and a nitrogen atom of POMA through proton transfer from the OH group of the former. A schematic model of the POMA-DNA complex randomly anchoring POMA chains with the DNA molecule was proposed. The dc conductivity of the POMA-DNA complex was found to be ca. 10(-7) S . cm(-1). Hence, this work describes a procedure for making a DNA-conducting polymer hybrid without changing the conformation and structure of DNA. [Diagram: see text]

Aniline Compounds↗