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Time and cell cycle dependent formation of heterogeneous tubulin arrays induced by colchicine in Triticum aestivum root meristem.

We have investigated the appearance and reorganization of tubulin-containing arrays induced by colchicine in the root meristem of wheat Triticum aestivum, using immunostaining and electron microscopy. Colchicine caused depolymerization of microtubules and formation of tubulin cortical strands composed of filamentous material only in C-mitotic cells. After prolonged exposure to the drug, both interphase and C-mitotic cells acquired needle-type bundles, arranged as different crystalloids and/or macrotubules. The unmodified tyrosinated form of alpha-tubulin was detected within microtubules in control cells, but was not found within cortical strands. It was identified, however, within needle-type bundles. The modified acetylated form of alpha-tubulin, which was absent in control cells, was detected within needle-type bundles. Thus, cortical strands were transitory arrays, transformed into needle-type bundles during prolonged exposure to colchicine. Cortical strands appeared in a cell cycle-dependent manner, whereas needle-type bundles were cell cycle stable arrays. The diverse morphological organization, intracellular distribution and stability of tubulin-containing arrays may be associated with heterogeneity of alpha-tubulin isoforms. We assume that non-microtubular arrays substitute for microtubules in conditions where normal tubulin polymerization is inhibited.

Cell Cycle↗

Determination of colchicine residues in sheep serum and milk using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization ion trap tandem mass spectrometry.

Colchicine is a naturally occurring alkaloid used in human and veterinary medicine. It shows genotoxicity in in vitro and in vivo systems even at low concentrations. Therefore, no ADI has been established, and colchicine has been included in Annex IV of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2377/90. No abuse of this drug in intensive livestock farming has yet been reported. However, there may be a natural route of entry for this compound into the food chain when Colchicum autumnale is consumed by animals kept outdoors. To address this concern, we developed and validated a highly sensitive and selective quantitative LC-ESI-MS-MS method for the detection of colchicine in sheep serum and milk. For sample pretreatment, all samples were liquid-liquid extracted with phosphate buffer (pH 8.0) and dichloromethane. LC separation was carried out on an RP C18 column employing a 0.5% formic acid/acetonitrile gradient system. The recoveries in both matrixes at a concentration range from 0.0005 to 1 mg/L were >80% with RSDs of <10%. The applicability of the method was demonstrated in serum and the corresponding milk samples from Albanian sheep. After exposure to C. autumnale, the animals showed clinical signs of intoxication. Significant concentrations (up to 1 mg/L) of the drug were found in serum as well as in milk samples.

Animals↗

Energy transfer studies of the distances between the colchicine, ruthenium red, and bisANS binding sites on calf brain tubulin.

Fluorescence energy transfer experiments were performed in order to measure the spatial separation between the colchine and Ruthenium Red binding sites, the high-affinity bisANS and Ruthenium Red sites, and the allocolchicine and high-affinity bisANS sites on calf brain tubulin. Energy transfer was observed between both colchicine and allocolchicine and Ruthenium Red, resulting in a distance of 40-45 A between these sites on the tubulin molecule. No detectable energy transfer could be observed when allocolchicine was used as fluorescence donor and bisANS as acceptor or when bisANS was used as donor and Ruthenium Red as acceptor. This indicates that the distance of separation between the allocolchicine and bisANS sites is greater than 50 A, while that between the bisANS and Ruthenium Red sites is greater than 72 A. On the basis of these and previous distance measurements (Ward & Timasheff, 1988), two triangles of binding sites have been defined (colchicine-bisANS-E-site and colchicine-bisANS-Ruthenium Red). Since the dihedral angle between them is not known, a schematic model has been drawn with all the sites located in a single plane.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anilino Naphthalenesulfonates↗

Roles of ring C oxygens in the binding of colchicine to tubulin.

The roles of the oxygens in ring C of colchicine in its binding to tubulin were probed by a study of the interactions of two allocolchicine biphenyl analogues, 2,3,4,4'-tetramethoxy-1,1'-biphenyl (TMB) and 2,3,4-trimethoxy-4'-acetyl-1,1'-biphenyl (TKB), the first one containing a methoxy group in position 4', the second a keto group. Both analogues were found to bind specifically to the colchicine-binding site on tubulin in a rapidly reversible equilibrium. The standard free energies of binding at 25 degrees C were delta G zero (TKB) = 7.19 +/- 0.11 kcal mol-1 and delta G zero (TMB) = -6.76 +/- 0.22 kcal mol-1. The binding of TKB induced the same perturbation in protein circular dichroism at 220 nm as colchicine and allocolchicine, as well as quenching of protein tryptophan fluorescence. Binding of TMB did not affect the protein CD spectrum within experimental error and induced only a marginal quenching of protein fluorescence. Comparison with the binding properties of allocolchicine and its des(ring B) analogue 2,3,4-trimethoxy-4'-carbomethoxy-1,1'-biphenyl (TCB) [Medrano et al. (1989) Biochemistry 28, 5589-5599] has shown that the binding properties of the 4'-keto analogue (TKB) were closer to those of allocolchicine, even though the substituent in the 4'-position of TCB is identical with that of allocolchicine. It has been proposed that binding in the ring C subsite on tubulin, which is stabilized thermodynamically by stacking interactions, can be modulated in a nonidentical fashion by the carbonyl and the ether oxygens in the para position of ring C.

Binding, Competitive↗

Structural analysis of the substoichiometric and stoichiometric microtuble-inhibiting biphenyl analogues of colchicine.

The structures of the colchicine (COL) analogues, 2,3,4-trimethoxy-4'-acetyl-1,1'-biphenyl (TKB)and 2,3,4,4'-tetramethoxy-1,1'-biphenyl (TMB), were solved by X-ray diffraction. Their comparison with the structure of colchicine indicated the ability of both compounds to enter into a colchicine binding pocket. Comparison of TKB with 2,3,4-trimethoxy-4'-carbomethoxy-1,1'-biphenyl (TCB) showed that the methyl group of the carbomethoxy group in position 4' of TCB protrudes beyond the (C=O)-CH3 group in the same position in TKB. Superposition of both structures on the van der Waals surface of COL clearly demonstrates that TKB can fully fit within that domain, while the CH3 group of TCB protrudes beyond the COL contour. This is proposed to be the source of the inability of TCB to inhibit microtubule assembly substoichiometrically, while TKB is a very strong inhibitor. While the same steric hindrance to entering into the COL site on tubulin must exist in allocolchicine (ALLO), in its case, this is overcome by the rigidity of the three-ring structure which abolishes the loss on binding of the entropy of free rotation between the two rings of the biphenyl TCB.

Biphenyl Compounds↗

Refolding of urea-denatured tubulin: recovery of nativelike structure and colchicine binding activity from partly unfolded states.

Tubulin unfolding in urea proceeds via the formation of a partially unfolded intermediate state, stable in 2 M urea, that unfolds further in higher urea concentrations. The intermediate state had spectroscopic properties reminiscent of a molten globule and negligible colchicine binding activity. Refolding of totally unfolded tubulin in 8 M urea yielded an intermediatelike state characterized by partial burial of tryptophans and partial recovery of secondary and tertiary structures, although colchicine-binding activity of the protein was not regained. Further folding of this intermediatelike state, toward the native conformation, with respect to both structural and functional parameters did not occur. However, a significant percentage of colchicine binding activity and nativelike tertiary structure was recovered when refolding was initiated from partially denatured protein samples, viz., from <1.2 M urea. Thus, although high concentration of urea induced loss of structure and activity was irreversible, the conformational changes induced in restricted regions of tubulin by lower concentrations of urea, which are probably crucial for its various functional properties, could be reversed.

2-Naphthylamine↗

A common pharmacophore for a diverse set of colchicine site inhibitors using a structure-based approach.

Modulating the structure and function of tubulin and microtubules is an important route to anticancer therapeutics, and therefore, small molecules that bind to tubulin and cause mitotic arrest are of immense interest. A large number of synthetic and natural compounds with diverse structures have been shown to bind at the colchicine site, one of the major binding sites on tubulin, and inhibit tubulin assembly. Using the recently determined X-ray structure of the tubulin:colchicinoid complex as the template, we employed docking studies to determine the binding modes of a set of structurally diverse colchicine site inhibitors. These binding models were subsequently used to construct a comprehensive, structure-based pharmacophore that in combination with molecular dynamics simulations confirms and extends our understanding of binding interactions at the colchicine site.

2-Methoxyestradiol↗

Valepotriate production of normal and colchicine-treated cell suspension cultures of Valeriana wallichii.

Colchicine-treated suspension cultures of Valeriana wallichii produce higher amounts of valepotriates than did the respective untreated cultures. The ability to produce valepotriates in the treated culture remains in the absence of colchicine even if the chromosome status returns to normal. When the colchicine treatment is repeated, a further increase in valepotriate production can be obtained. Besides known valepotriates, a series of fourteen new compounds, hitherto not described for the parent plant, were isolated from the cell suspension culture. Eight of them are also found in plant parts in minor amounts, but six seem to be present only in tissue cultures of V. wallichii.

Cells, Cultured↗

Identification of colchicine in placental blood from patients using herbal medicines.

While characterizing natural antiinflammatory substances in human placental blood, we discovered a factor that affected human neutrophils and their adherence. Rigorous chemical and stereochemical analyses revealed this factor to be the well-known alkaloid, colchicine. When samples from individual patients were analyzed, significant levels (49-763 microg/L) of colchicine could be found in placental blood of patients using nonprescription herbal dietary supplements during pregnancy. We confirmed the presence of colchicine in commercially available ginkgo biloba. Due to its potential harmful effects, it would appear that such supplements should be avoided by women who are pregnant or are trying to conceive.

Adult↗

In vivo saturation of the transport of vinblastine and colchicine by P-glycoprotein at the rat blood-brain barrier.

PURPOSE: To determine concentration-dependent P-gp-mediated efflux across the luminal membrane of endothelial cells at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in rats. METHODS: The transport of radiolabeled colchicine and vinblastine across the rat BBB was measured with or without PSC833, a well known P-gp inhibitor, and within a wide range of colchicine and vinblastine concentration by an in situ brain perfusion. Thus, the difference of brain transport achieved with or without PSC833 gives the P-gp-mediated efflux component of the compound transported through the rat BBB. Cerebral vascular volume was determined by coperfusion with labeled sucrose in all experiments. RESULTS: Sucrose perfusion indicated that the vascular space was close to normal in all the studies, indicating that the BBB remained intact. P-gp limited the uptake of both colchicine and vinblastine, but the compounds differ in that vinblastine inhibited its own transport. Vinblastine transport was well fitted by a Hill equation giving IC50 at approximately 71 microM, a Hill coefficient (n) approximately 2, and a maximal efflux velocity Jmax of approximately 9 pmol s(-1) g(-1) of brain. CONCLUSIONS: P-gp at the rat BBB may carry out both capacity-limited and capacity-unlimited transport, depending on the substrate, with pharmacotoxicologic significance for drug brain disposition and risk of drug-drug interactions.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Treatment of Peyronie's disease with oral colchicine: long-term results and predictive parameters of successful outcome.

As recent clinical and animal studies have indicated, colchicine, with its anti-fibrotic, anti-mitotic and anti-inflammatory activities, has suppressive effects in the pathogenesis of Peyronie's disease. Oral colchicine treatment was initiated in 60 Peyronie's patients during their acute phase (mean duration of disease: 5.7 +/- 4.3 months). Long-term results, based on changes of subjective and objective criteria, were assessed and predictive factors of successful outcome were investigated. After a mean follow-up of 10.7 +/- 4.7 months, the penile deformity improved in 30%, remained unchanged in 48.3% and deteriorated in 21.7%. Pain resolved in 95%. Best results were obtained in those with no risk factor for vascular disease, presenting during the initial 6 months of disease, degree of curvature <30 degrees, no erectile dysfunction by history and positive response to combined injection and stimulation test. In conclusion since tunica albuginea is affected as a whole in Peyronie's disease, systemic oral agents, such as colchicine, may be preferred in the early phase of the disease.

Adult↗

Thin-layer chromatographic scanner, spectrophotometric and high-performance liquid chromatographic methods for the determination of colchicine.

One high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) and two thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) methods are proposed for the determination of colchicine in crude drugs and pharmaceutical preparations. The TLC scanner method is based on measurement of the absorbance of the separated colchicine spot; alternatively, after scraping the spot from the plate and elution the absorbance can be measured spectrophotometrically. The HPLC assay was carried out isocratically on a reversed-phase column using MeOH-H2O (60 + 40). The recoveries were 99.2 +/- 1.23, 99.1 +/- 1.12 and 99.1 +/- 2.01% for the TLC scanner, spectrophotometric and HPLC methods, respectively. The methods were shown to be sensitive and specific and can be used as an alternative to the pharmacopoeial methods having been applied to the determination of colchicine in corms of Merendera persica and in three pharmaceutical preparations.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

The effect of colchicine on the transport of axonal protein in the chicken.

1. Small doses (1-10mug) of colchicine injected into the ventral horn of the spinal cord of the chicken caused paralysis in the legs. 2. Colchicine had no effect on the incorporation of leucine into proteins of the spinal cord but markedly decreased the total amount of protein flowing into the axons of the sciatic nerve. 3. This axonal flow of protein proceeded at two rates: a high rate (300mm/day) and a low rate (2mm/day). Although both groups of proteins were affected, the slow transport of protein was more profoundly blocked by colchicine. 4. The results suggest that axonal flow is dependent on the neurotubular system in the axon.

Animals↗

The binding in vitro of colchicine to axoplasmic proteins from chicken sciatic nerve.

1. Axoplasmic proteins were fractionated by means of Sephadex G-200 chromatography followed by isoelectric focusing. Nine groups of proteins were separated. 2. The binding of colchicine to these groups of proteins was examined and it appeared to associate most strongly with one protein group, of pI value 4.9-5.0, which is the major (14)C-labelled component of slow-transport protein. 3. Other fractions also bind colchicine. It is not clear whether these are separate proteins or subunits of the major colchicine-binding fraction.

Animals↗

Radioimmunoassay of colchicine.

Antibodies to cholchicine were raised in rabbits after injection of N-desacetylthiocolchicine conjugated to bovine serum albumin. Antisera diluted 1:100 bound 50% of 1.6ng of [3H]colchicine. Cross-reaction of the antisera with colchicine derivatives and other drugs was measured and a radioimmunoassay of colchicine in biological fluids was proposed.

Animals↗

Differential effects of leupeptin, monensin and colchicine on ligand degradation mediated by the two asialoglycoprotein receptor pathways in isolated rat hepatocytes.

We have shown that degradation of asialo-orosomucoid (ASOR) in isolated rat hepatocytes occurs by two different intracellular pathways [Clarke, Oka & Weigel (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 17384-17392] mediated by two subpopulations of cell surface galactosyl (Gal) receptors, designated State 1 or State 2 receptors. In the present study, several inhibitors were tested for their effects on ligand degradation by the State 1 or State 2 pathway. Leupeptin, monensin and chloroquine completely inhibited degradation of 125I-labelled ASOR in both pathways. Dose-response studies showed, however, that the State 2 pathway was more sensitive to leupeptin or monensin than the State 1 pathway. No differences were observed with chloroquine. For example, the onset of inhibition in the State 2 and State 1 pathways occurred at about 0.05 and 0.3 microM-leupeptin respectively, a 6-fold difference. At 3.5 microM-monensin, 125I-ASOR degradation in the State 2 pathway was completely blocked, whereas degradation in the State 1 pathway was essentially unaffected. Colchicine was observed to give the largest differential sensitivity between the two pathways. The State 2 degradation pathway was about 30-fold more sensitive to colchicine than the State 1 pathway. Lumicolchicine had no affect. The onset of inhibition of the rate of 125I-ASOR degradation in the State 2 and State 1 pathways occurred at approximately 0.1 and 3.0 microM-colchicine respectively. At very high concentrations (greater than 0.1 mM), the State 1 pathway could be completely inhibited. We conclude that intracellular 125I-ASOR processing or delivery to degradative compartments in both the State 1 and State 2 Gal receptor pathways requires low pH. Ligand delivery to the degradative compartment does not require microtubules in the State 1 pathway, consistent with the very rapid onset of degradation in this pathway. The State 2 degradation pathway does require microtubules.

Animals↗

Microtubule-independent choleresis and anti-cholestatic action of tauroursodeoxycholate in colchicine-treated rat liver.

In order to cast light on the anti-cholestatic and cytoprotective properties of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), intrahepatic transport and secretion of bile salts and biliary phospholipids were investigated by using isolated perfused livers from colchicine-pretreated rats. Administration of taurocholic acid (TCA) after colchicine pretreatment induced marked cholestasis. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) treatment, in contrast, was associated with maintenance of bile flow, with excretion rates of bile acids and phospholipids similar to those in control animals. Furthermore, TCA-induced cholestasis in colchicine-treated rat livers was clearly decreased by co-administration of TUDCA. Although simultaneous addition of UDCA also showed slight improvement, with or without taurine pre-treatment, biliary bile-salt analysis also showed that cholestasis was markedly remitted as the excretion of taurine-conjugated UDCA was increased. The results suggest that the cytoprotective and anti-cholestatic effects of TUDCA may be linked to action at the intrahepatocyte level, represented by mild detergent effects on organelle lipids and preservation of intracellular transport even under microtubule-dysfunctional conditions. In addition, it was indicated that cytoprotective effects of UDCA may also be exerted after its conjugation with taurine inside hepatocytes.

Animals↗

A prospective randomized trial of colchicine in prevention of liver cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B patients.

BACKGROUND: The clinical course of chronic hepatitis B is variable. Patients with hepatic decompensation, bridging necrosis or an alpha-fetoprotein level greater than 100 ng/mL during an exacerbation of hepatitis have a high risk of developing cirrhosis. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of colchicine in the prevention of cirrhosis in such patients. METHODS: Patients with risk factor(s) were randomized to receive either colchicine 5 mg/week or no specific treatment, the end point being development of cirrhosis. RESULTS: After a follow up period of 4 years, the treatment group had a marked reduction in exacerbations of acute hepatitis (32% vs. 63%/patient/year, P < 0.005). Seven out of 38 patients in the treatment group and 10 out of 27 patients in the control group developed cirrhosis. The calculated cumulative incidence of cirrhosis by the end of first, second, third and fourth years in the treatment group was 8.7, 18.6, 32 and 32%, respectively. The corresponding figures in the control group were 30, 35.5, 46.3 and 73.2%, respectively, with a P-value of 0.057. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that colchicine may prevent cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B patients with risk factor(s), possibly by suppressing exacerbations of hepatitis through an anti-inflammatory effect.

Adult↗