bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid translocation of hepatic glucokinase in response to intraduodenal glucose infusion and changes in plasma glucose and insulin in conscious rats
Authors: Chu Chang An , Fujimoto Yuka , Igawa Kayano , Grimsby Joseph , Grippo Joseph F. , Magnuson Mark A. , Cherrington Alan D. , Shiota Masakazu
Published: March 2004

The rate of liver glucokinase (GK) translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in response to intraduodenal glucose infusion and the effect of physiological rises of plasma glucose and/or insulin on GK translocation were examined in 6-h-fasted conscious rats. Intraduodenal glucose infusion (28 mg·kg-1·min-1after a priming dose at 500 mg/kg) elevated blood glucose levels (mg/dl) in the artery and portal vein from 90 ± 3 and 87 ± 3 to 154 ± 4 and 185 ± 4, respectively, at 10 min. At 120 min, the levels had decreased to 133 ± 6 and 156 ± 5, respectively. Plasma insulin levels (ng/ml) in the artery and the portal vein rose from 0.7 ± 0.1 and 1.8 ± 0.3 to 11.8 ± 1.5 and 20.2 ± 2.0 at 10 min, respectively, and 12.4 ± 3.1 and 18.0 ± 4.8 at 30 min, respectively. GK was rapidly exported from the nucleus as determined by measuring the ratio of the nuclear to the cytoplasmic immunofluorescence (N/C) of GK (2.9 ± 0.3 at 0 min to 1.7 ± 0.2 at 10 min, 1.5 ± 0.1 at 20 min, 1.3 ± 0.1 at 30 min, and 1.3 ± 0.1 at 120 min). When plasma glucose (arterial; mg/dl) and insulin (arterial; ng/ml) levels were clamped for 30 min at 93 ± 7 and 0.7 ± 0.1, 81 ± 5 and 8.9 ± 1.3, 175 ± 5 and 0.7 ± 0.1, or 162 ± 5 and 9.2 ± 1.5, the N/C of GK was 3.0 ± 0.5, 1.8 ± 0.1, 1.5 ± 0.1, and 1.2 ± 0.1, respectively. The N/C of GK regulatory protein (GKRP) did not change in response to the intraduodenal glucose infusion or the rise in plasma glucose and/or insulin levels. The results suggest that GK but not GKRP translocates rapidly in a manner that corresponds with changes in the hepatic glucose balance in response to glucose ingestion in vivo. Additionally, the translocation of GK is induced by the postprandial rise in plasma glucose and insulin.
Phosphorylated HSP27 essential for acetylcholine-induced association of RhoA with PKCα
Authors: Patil Suresh B. , Pawar Mercy D. , Bitar Khalil N.
Published: March 2004

Reorganization of the cytoskeleton and association of contractile proteins are important steps in modulating smooth muscle contraction. Heat shock protein (HSP) 27 has significant effects on actin cytoskeletal reorganization during smooth muscle contraction. We investigated the role of phosphorylated HSP27 in modulating acetylcholine-induced sustained contraction of smooth muscle cells from the rabbit colon by transfecting smooth muscle cells with phosphomimic (3D) or nonphosphomimic (3G) HSP27. In 3G cells, the initial peak contractile response at 30 s was inhibited by 25% (24.0 ± 4.5% decrease in cell length, n = 4). The sustained contraction was greatly inhibited by 75% [9.3 ± .9% decreases in cell length ( n = 4)]. Furthermore, in 3D cells, translocation of both PKCα and of RhoA was greatly enhanced and resulted in a greater association of PKCα-RhoA in the membrane fraction. In 3G transfected cells, PKCα and RhoA failed to translocate in response to stimulation with acetylcholine, resulting in an inhibition of association of PKCα-RhoA in the membrane fraction. Studies using GST-RhoA fusion protein indicate that there is a direct association of RhoA with PKCα and with HSP27. The results suggest that phosphorylated HSP27 plays a crucial role in the maintenance of association of PKCα-RhoA in the membrane fraction and in the maintenance of acetylcholine-induced sustained contraction.
Collagen IV regulates Caco-2 migration and ERK activation via α1β1- and α2β1-integrin-dependent Src kinase activation
Authors: Sanders Matthew A. , Basson Marc D.
Published: March 2004

Our previous work indicates intestinal epithelial cell ERK activation by collagen IV, a major component of the intestinal epithelial basement membrane, requires focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and suggests FAK and ERK may have important roles in regulating intestinal epithelial cell migration. We therefore sought to identify FAK downstream targets regulating intestinal epithelial cell spreading, migration, and ERK activation on collagen IV and the integrins involved. Both dominant-negative Src and Src inhibitor PP2 strongly inhibited collagen IV ERK activation in Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells. Collagen IV stimulated Grb2 binding site FAK Y925 phosphorylation, which was inhibited by PP2 and required FAK Y397 autophosphorylation. Additionally, FAK Y925F expression blocked collagen IV ERK activation. α1β1- Or α2β1-integrin blockade with α1- or α2-integrin subunit antibodies indicated that either integrin can mediate adhesion, cell spreading, and FAK, Src, and ERK activation on collagen IV. Both dominant-negative Src and PP2 inhibited Caco-2 spreading on collagen IV. PP2 inhibited p130Castyrosine phosphorylation, but dominant-negative p130Casdid not inhibit cell spreading. PP2 inhibited Caco-2 migration on collagen IV much more strongly than the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor PD-98059, which completely inhibited collagen IV ERK activation. These results suggest a pathway for collagen IV ERK activation requiring Src phosphorylation of FAK Y925 not previously described for this matrix protein and suggest either α1β1- or α2β1-integrins can regulate Caco-2 spreading and ERK activation on collagen IV via Src. Additionally, these results suggest Src regulates Caco-2 migration on collagen IV primarily through ERK-independent pathways.
Slowing intestinal transit by PYY depends on serotonergic and opioid pathways
Authors: Lin Henry C. , Neevel Corynn , Chen Jin Hai
Published: March 2004

Slowing of intestinal transit by fat is abolished by immunoneutralization of peptide YY (PYY), demonstrating a key role for this gut peptide. How PYY slows intestinal transit is not known. We tested the hypothesis that the slowing of intestinal transit by PYY may depend on an ondansetron-sensitive serotonergic pathway and a naloxone-sensitive opioid pathway. In a fistulated dog model, occluding Foley catheters were used to compartmentalize the small intestine into proximal (between fistulas) and distal (beyond midgut fistula) half of gut. Buffer (pH 7.0) was perfused into both proximal and distal gut, and PYY was delivered intravenously. Ondansetron or naloxone was mixed with buffer and delivered into either the proximal or distal half of gut. Intestinal transit was measured across the proximal half of the gut. The slowing of intestinal transit by PYY was abolished when either ondansetron or naloxone was delivered into the proximal, but not the distal gut, to localize the two pathways to the efferent limb of the slowing response. In addition, 5-HT slows intestinal transit with marker recovery decreased from 76.2 ± 3.6% (control) to 33.5 ± 2.4% (5-HT) ( P < 0.0001) but was reversed by naloxone delivered into the proximal gut with marker recovery increased to 79.9 ± 7.2% ( P < 0.0005). We conclude that the slowing of intestinal transit by PYY depends on serotonergic neurotransmission via an opioid pathway.
Characteristics of intermittent mitochondrial transport in guinea pig enteric nerve fibers
Authors: Berghe Pieter Vanden , Hennig Grant W. , Smith Terence K.
Published: March 2004

Enteric neurons controlling various gut functions are prone to oxidative insults that might damage mitochondria (e.g., intestinal inflammation). To resume local energy supply, mitochondria need to be transported. We used MitoTracker dyes and confocal microscopy to investigate basic characteristics of mitochondrial transport in guinea pig myenteric neurites. During a 10-s observation of 1 mm nerve fiber, on average, three mitochondria were transported at an average speed of 0.41 ± 0.02 μm/s. Movement patterns were clearly erratic, and velocities were independent of mitochondrial size. The velocity oscillated periodically (∼6 s) but was not consistently affected by structures such as en route boutons, bifurcations, or stationary mitochondria. Also, mitochondria transported in opposite directions did not necessarily affect each others' mobility. Transport was blocked by microtubule disruption (100 μM colchicine), and destabilization (1 μM cytochalasin-D) or stabilization (10 μM phalloidin) of actin filaments, respectively, decreased (0.22 ± 0.02 μm/s, P < 0.05) or increased (0.53 ± 0.02 μm/s, P < 0.05) transport speed. Transport was inhibited by TTX (1 μM), and removal of extracellular Ca2+(plus 2 mM EGTA) had no effect. However, depletion of intracellular stores (thapsigargin) reduced (to 33%) and slowed the transport significantly (0.18 ± 0.02 μm/s, P < 0.05), suggesting an important role for stored Ca2+in mitochondrial transport. Transport was also reduced (to 21%) by the mitochondrial uncoupler FCCP (1 μM) in a time-dependent fashion and slowed by oligomycin (10 μM). We conclude that mitochondrial transport is remarkably independent of structural nerve fiber properties. We also show that mitochondrial transport is TTX sensitive and speeds up by stabilizing actin and that functional Ca2+stores are required for efficient transport.
Vitamin E attenuates biochemical and morphological features associated with development of chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Gómez José-Antonio , Molero Xavier , Vaquero Eva , Alonso Ana , Salas Antonio , Malagelada Juan-R.
Published: March 2004

The objective was to investigate the effects of vitamin E on collagen deposition induced by Cyclosporin A (CsA) administration in rats with caerulein (Cr) pancreatitis. CsA transforms the fully regenerative, self-limited form of Cr pancreatitis into a chroniclike disease in conjunction with increased transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and myofibroblast proliferation. Vitamin E inhibits TGF-β release in mesangial cells and reduces CsA cytotoxicity. Wistar rats received CsA daily (20 mg/kg), and CR pancreatitis was induced on days 1 and 8 (Cr + CsA group). In a separate group, vitamin E (600 mg·kg−1·day−1) was administered starting 4 days before CsA. Three other groups received either vehicle, CsA, or Cr alone. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS), 8-isoprostanes, and hyaluronic acid were measured in plasma obtained on the day the animals were killed ( day 15). Pancreases were weighed and processed for light microscopy to assess connective tissue and myofibroblast number. Pancreatic homogenates were also assayed for collagen (hydroxyproline) and TBARS content. TBARS, 8-isoprostane, and TGF-β were elevated in CsA and Cr + CsA rats. Vitamin E treatment greatly decreased these parameters. Vitamin E also decreased the fall in pancreatic weight observed in Cr + CsA pancreas. Pancreatic hydroxyproline and plasma hyaluronic acid were increased in Cr + CsA rats but were effectively reduced by vitamin E. Morphology showed improvement in fibrosis score and a decreased number of myofibroblasts in vitamin E-treated rats. Vitamin E reduces oxidative stress and collagen deposition during the development of experimental chronic pancreatitis. Adjuvant antioxidants may be of value in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis.
Functional modulation of enterocytes by gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms
Authors: Otte Jan-Michel , Podolsky Daniel K.
Published: March 2004

Clinical studies have suggested that so-called probiotic bacteria may be effective as therapy in inflammatory bowel disease. However, the molecular mechanisms of their interaction with the intestinal surface remain undefined. The influence of whole probiotic bacteria [ Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN); probiotic mixture VSL#3 (PM)], bacterial cell lysates, and conditioned media on transepithelial resistance (TER), IL-8 secretion, mucin gene expression, and tight junction proteins were determined in T84 and HT-29 intestinal epithelial cells (IEC). In addition, effects on pathogen ( Salmonella dublin)-induced alterations were analyzed. EcN as well as debris and cell extracts induced IL-8 secretion from IEC, whereas no such effect was observed following incubation with the PM. The PM and soluble protein(s) released from the PM increased TER, prevented pathogen-induced decrease in TER, and were shown to stabilize tight junctions. The PM induced expression of mucins in IEC, and these organisms as well as EcN diminished S. dublin-induced cell death. Inhibition of MAPKs with PD-98059 or SB-203580 significantly decreased alterations in IL-8 synthesis and mucin expression and affected the regulation of TER. Probiotics and protein(s) released by these organisms may functionally modulate the intestinal epithelium of the host by different mechanisms, including the competition of whole organisms for contact with the epithelial surface as well as stabilization of the cytoskeleton and barrier function and the induction of mucin expression. Gram-negative and gram-positive organisms differ in the mechanisms activated, and a combination of organisms might be more effective than the application of a single strain.
Vesicular exocytosis contributes to volume-sensitive ATP release in biliary cells
Authors: Gatof David , Kilic Gordan , Fitz J. Gregory
Published: March 2004

Extracellular ATP is a potent autocrine/paracrine signal that regulates a broad range of liver functions through activation of purinergic receptors. In biliary epithelium, increases in cell volume stimulate ATP release through a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-kinase)-dependent mechanism. Because PI3-kinase also regulates vesicular exocytosis, the purpose of these studies was to determine whether volume-stimulated vesicular exocytosis contributes to cellular ATP release. In a human cholangiocarcinoma cell line, exocytosis was measured by using the plasma membrane marker FM1–43, whereas ATP release was assessed by using a luciferase-luciferin assay. Under basal conditions, cholangiocytes exhibited constitutive exocytosis at a rate of 1.6%/min, and low levels of extracellular ATP were detected at 48.2 arbitrary light units. Increases in cholangiocyte cell volume induced by hypotonic exposure resulted in a 10-fold increase in the rate of exocytosis and a robust 35-fold increase in ATP release. Both vesicular exocytosis and ATP release were proportional to cell volume, and both exhibited similar regulatory properties including: 1) dependence on intact PI3-kinase, 2) attenuation by inhibition of PKC, and 3) potentiation by activation of PKC before hypotonic exposure. These findings demonstrate that increases in cholangiocyte cell volume stimulate ATP release and vesicular exocytosis through similar regulatory paradigms. Functional interactions among cell volume, PKC, and PI3-kinase modulate exocytosis, thereby regulating ATP release and purinergic signaling in cholangiocytes. It is hypothesized that PKC is involved in the recruitment of a volume-sensitive vesicular pool to a readily releasable state.
Delayed stress-induced colonic hypersensitivity in male Wistar rats: role of neurokinin-1 and corticotropin-releasing factor-1 receptors
Authors: Schwetz Ines , Bradesi Sylvie , McRoberts James A. , Sablad Marciano , Miller Jerry C. , Zhou Huping , Ohning Gordon , Mayer Emeran A.
Published: March 2004

The mechanism(s) underlying stress-induced colonic hypersensitivity (SICH) are incompletely understood. Our aims were to assess the acute and delayed (24 h) effect of water avoidance (WA) stress on visceral nociception in awake male Wistar rats and to evaluate the role of two stress-related modulation systems: the substance P/neurokinin-1 receptor (SP/NK1R) and the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)/CRF1 receptor (CRF/CRF1R) systems, as well as the possible involvement of the sympathetic nervous system. Visceral pain responses were measured as the visceromotor response to colorectal distension (CRD) at baseline, immediately after WA and again 24 h later. The NK1R antagonists RP-67580 and SR-140333 and the CRF1R antagonist CP-154526 were injected 15 min before WA or 1 h before the CRD on day 2. Chemical sympathectomy was performed by repeated injection of 6-hydroxydopamine. WA stress resulted in a significant increase in the visceromotor response on day 2, but no change immediately after WA. Injection of CP-154526 abolished delayed SICH when applied either before WA stress or before the CRD on day 2. Both NK1R antagonists only decreased SICH when injected before the CRD on day 2. Chemical sympathectomy did not affect delayed SICH. Our results indicate that in male Wistar rats, both NK1R and CRF1R activation, but not sympathetic nervous system activation, play a role in the development of SICH.
Expression of ENaC and serum- and glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 in the rat intestinal epithelium
Authors: Coric Tatjana , Hernandez Nelmary , de la Rosa Diego Alvarez , Shao Deren , Wang Tong , Canessa Cecilia M.
Published: March 2004

Increase in epithelium sodium channel (ENaC) activity induced by aldosterone in the distal tubule of the kidney has been attributed to serum- and glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 (sgk1). The distal colon constitutes another classical aldosterone-responsive epithelium that expresses both ENaC and sgk1 in an aldosterone-dependent manner. However, the site of expression and the temporal relationship of the aldosterone induction of these two proteins have not been investigated. Here, we examined the distribution and abundance of sgk1 in the rat intestine under basal conditions and after changes in the concentration of aldosterone and glucocorticoids. Results indicate that sgk1 is expressed in the distal colon and also in the ileum and jejunum. Abundance of sgk1 was high in control animals, and it did not change significantly after sodium depletion or after a single dose of aldosterone; however, it decreased after adrenalectomy. In contrast, the three subunits of ENaC were markedly induced in the distal colon by acute and chronic increases in aldosterone levels. Results indicate differential regulation of sgk and ENaC subunits by aldosterone in the distal colon. Distribution of sgk1 in the intestine beyond the aldosterone-responsive segments suggests that sgk1 may additionally regulate other sodium transporters in the intestinal epithelium.
Computational model of the migrating motor complex of the small intestine
Authors: Thomas E. A. , Sjövall H. , Bornstein J. C.
Published: March 2004

The migrating motor complex (MMC) is a cyclic motor pattern with several phases enacted over the entire length of the small intestine. This motor pattern is initiated and coordinated by the enteric nervous system and modulated by extrinsic factors. Because in vitro preparations of the MMC do not exist, it has not been possible to determine the intrinsic nerve circuits that manage this motor pattern. We have used computer simulation to explore the possibility that the controlling circuit is the network of AH/Dogiel type II (AH) neurons. The basis of the model is that recurrent connections between AH neurons cause local circuits to enter a high-firing-rate state that provides the maximal motor drive observed in phase III of the MMC. This also drives adjacent segments of the network causing slow migration. Delayed negative feedback within the circuit, provided by activity-dependent synaptic depression, forces the network to return to rest after passage of phase III. The anal direction of propagation is a result of slight anal bias observed in projections of AH neurons. The model relates properties of neurons to properties of the MMC cycle: phase III migration speed is governed by neuron excitability, MMC cycle length is governed by the rate of recovery of synaptic efficacy, and phase III duration is governed by duration of slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials in AH neurons. In addition, the model makes experimental predictions that can be tested using standard techniques.
ICC pacing mechanisms in intact mouse intestine differ from those in cultured or dissected intestine
Authors: Boddy Geoffrey , Bong Alicia , Cho WooJung , Daniel E. E.
Published: March 2004

Pacing of mouse intestine is driven by spontaneous activity of a network of interstitial cells of Cajal in the myenteric plexus (ICC-MP). So far, highly dissected circular muscle (CM) strips from control and mutant mice lacking ICC-MP and isolated, cultured ICC from newborn control mice were used to analyze its properties. Using intact circular and longitudinal segments of intestine, we recently reported that there were both significant similarities and differences between pacing studied in segments and from isolated, dissected tissues. Here, we report additional similarities and differences in our model from those in highly reduced systems. Similar to cultured or dissected intestine, blockade of sarcoplasmic-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+pumps with thapsigargin or cyclopiazonic acid reduced pacing frequency, but thapsigargin was less effective than in isolated, cultured ICC. Moreover, inhibition of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptors with xestospongin C, a putative inhibitor of IP3receptors, failed to affect pacing but successfully blocked increased pacing frequency by phorbol ester. 2-Aminoethoxy-diphenylborate, a putative blocker of IP3-mediated calcium release, caused a significant decrease in the amplitude and frequency of contractions. The mitochondrial uncoupler carbonyl cyanide p-trifluormethoxyphenylhydrazone blocked pacing and KCl-induced contractions at a concentration of 1 μM. The cyclic nucleotide agonists sodium nitroprusside (SNP), forskolin, and 8-bromo-cGMP inhibited pacing in CM. In longitudinal muscle (LM), SNP and forskolin had little effect on pacing. Furthermore, dibutyryl-cAMP did not affect pacing in CM or LM. These results suggest that pacing in intact intestine is under partly similar regulatory control as in more reduced systems. However, pacing in intact intestine is not affected by xestospongin C, which abolishes pacing in isolated, cultured ICC and exhibits attenuated responses to thapsigargin. Also, major differences between LM and CM suggest a separate pacemaker may drive LM.
Oxidative modification of hepatic mitochondria protein thiols: effect of chronic alcohol consumption
Authors: Venkatraman Aparna , Landar Aimee , Davis Ashley J. , Ulasova Elena , Page Grier , Murphy Michael P. , Darley-Usmar Victor , Bailey Shannon M.
Published: March 2004

Redox modification of mitochondrial proteins is thought to play a key role in regulating cellular function, although direct evidence to support this hypothesis is limited. Using an in vivo model of mitochondrial redox stress, ethanol hepatotoxicity, the modification of mitochondrial protein thiols was examined using a proteomics approach. Specific labeling of reduced thiols in the mitochondrion from the livers of control and ethanol-fed rats was achieved by using the thiol reactive compound (4-iodobutyl)triphenylphosphonium (IBTP). This molecule selectively accumulates in the organelle and can be used to identify thiol-containing proteins. Mitochondrial proteins that have been modified are identified by decreased labeling with IBTP using two-dimensional SDS-PAGE followed by immunoblotting with an antibody directed against the triphenylphosphonium moiety of the IBTP molecule. Analyses of these data showed a significant decrease in IBTP labeling of thiols present in specific mitochondria matrix proteins from ethanol-fed rats compared with their corresponding controls. These proteins were identified as the low- Kmaldehyde dehydrogenase and glucose-regulated protein 78. The decrease in IBTP labeling in aldehyde dehydrogenase was accompanied by a decrease in specific activity of the enzyme. These data demonstrate that mitochondrial protein thiol modification is associated with chronic alcohol intake and might contribute to the pathophysiology associated with hepatic injury. Taken together, we have developed a protocol to chemically tag and select thiol-modified proteins that will greatly enhance efforts to establish posttranslational redox modification of mitochondrial protein in in vivo models of oxidative or nitrosative stress.
Folate deprivation reduces homocysteine remethylation in a human intestinal epithelial cell culture model: role of serine in one-carbon donation
Authors: Townsend Justin H. , Davis Steven R. , Mackey Amy D. , Gregory Jesse F.
Published: March 2004

Little is known about homocysteine metabolism in intestine. To address this question, we investigated homocysteine metabolism under conditions of folate adequacy and folate deprivation in the Caco-2 cell line, a model of human intestinal mucosal cells. Caco-2 cells were cultured in media enriched with [3-13C]serine and [U-13C5]methionine tracers, and enrichments of intracellular free amino acid pools of these amino acids as well as homocysteine, cystathionine, and cysteine were measured by using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Homocysteine transsulfuration plus folate-dependent and total remethylation were quantified from these amino acid enrichments. Homocysteine remethylation accounted for 19% of the intracellular free methionine pool in cells cultured with supplemental folate, and nearly all one-carbon units used for remethylation originated from the three carbon of serine via folate-dependent remethylation. Labeling of cystathionine and cysteine indicated the presence of a complete transsulfuration pathway in Caco-2 cells, and this pathway produced 13% of the intracellular free cysteine pool. Appearance of labeled homocysteine and cystathionine in culture medium suggests export of these metabolites from intestinal cells. Remethylation was reduced by one-third in folate-restricted cell cultures ( P < 0.001), and only ∼50% of the one-carbon units used for remethylation originated from the three carbon of serine under these conditions. In conclusion, the three carbon of serine is the primary source of one-carbon units used for homocysteine remethylation in folate-supplemented Caco-2 cell cultures. Remethylation is reduced as a result of folate restriction in this mucosal cell model, and one-carbon sources other than the three carbon of serine contribute to remethylation under this condition.
Inflammation and Cancer II. Role of chronic inflammation and cytokine gene polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal malignancy
Authors: Macarthur Mairi , Hold Georgina L. , El-Omar Emad M.
Published: March 2004

It is well established that cancer arises in chronically inflamed tissue, and this is particularly notable in the gastrointestinal tract. Classic examples include Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and inflammatory bowel disease-associated colorectal cancer. There is growing evidence to suggest that this association is not coincidental but may indeed be causal. In this review, we discuss the role of chronic inflammation and cytokine gene polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal malignancy and outline some of the possible mechanisms involved.
Depressed cardiac tension cost in experimental diabetes is due to altered myosin heavy chain isoform expression
Authors: Rundell Veronica L. M. , Geenen David L. , Buttrick Peter M. , de Tombe Pieter P.
Published: March 2004

Cardiac disease in diabetes presents as impaired left ventricular contraction and relaxation; however, the mechanisms underlying contractile protein dysfunction during the progression of disease are unknown. Accordingly, we assessed Ca2+-dependent tension development and tension-dependent ATP consumption (tension cost) in a rat model early (6 wk) and late (12 wk) after the onset of diabetes (50 mg/kg iv streptozotocin) using mechanical force- and enzyme-coupled UV absorbance measurements. Myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity and maximal tension were unchanged between groups at either time point. Cross-bridge cycling rate was significantly decreased in diabetes, as indexed by tension cost (early control 5.4 ± 0.4 and early diabetes 4.2 ± 0.3; and late control 6.0 ± 0.2 and late diabetes 4.2 ± 0.2; P < 0.05). Because rodent models of cardiac disease are confounded by altered myosin isoform distribution, myosin content was determined by SDS-PAGE and densitometry. The cardiac content of α-myosin in diabetes was decreased to 41% ± 4.1 at 6 wk and 32.5% ± 2.9 at 12 wk of diabetes (early control 77.8% ± 3.3 and late control 73.6% ± 2.5). Separate control experiments demonstrated a linear decrease in tension cost with decreased α-myosin content. Given this, the depression of tension cost in this rodent model of diabetes could be fully explained by the altered myosin isoform distribution.
Hypertension alters role of iNOS, COX-2, and oxidative stress in bradykinin relaxation impairment after LPS in rat cerebral arteries
Authors: Hernanz Raquel , Briones Ana M. , Alonso María J. , Vila Elisabet , Salaices Mercedes
Published: March 2004

This study was performed to investigate the role of reactive oxygen species and inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) metabolites in the lipopolysaccharide effect on bradykinin-induced relaxation in middle cerebral arteries from normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). LPS exposure (10 μg/ml for 1–5 h) reduced bradykinin relaxation; this effect appeared earlier and was greater in arteries from SHR than WKY rats. LPS also reduced the relaxation to the NO donor diethylamine (DEA)-NO; however, LPS modified neither the bradykinin relaxation after inhibiting NO synthesis with NG-monomethyl-l-arginine (0.1 mM) nor endothelial NOS expression. In arteries from WKY rats, the respective iNOS and COX-2 inhibitors aminoguanidine (0.1 mM) and NS-398 (10 μM) and the superoxide anion scavenger SOD (100 U/ml) reduced the LPS effect on bradykinin relaxation; however, the thromboxane A2(TxA2)PGH2receptor antagonist SQ-29548 (1 μM) and the H2O2scavenger catalase (1,000 U/ml) did not modify the LPS effect. In arteries from SHR, all of these drugs reduced the LPS effect. LPS exposure (5 h) increased superoxide anion levels in arteries from both strains and TxA2levels only in SHR. COX-2 expression rose to a similar level in arteries from both strains after 1 and 5 h of LPS incubation, whereas expression of Cu/Zn- and Mn-SOD only increased after 5 h. In conclusion, in segments from WKY rats, LPS reduced bradykinin-induced relaxation through increased production of NO (from iNOS) and superoxide anion. The greater LPS effect observed in arteries from SHR seems to be related to higher participation of reactive oxygen species and contractile prostanoids (probably TxA2).
Alterations in apoptosis regulatory factors during hypertrophy and heart failure
Authors: Kang Peter M. , Yue Patrick , Liu Zhilin , Tarnavski Oleg , Bodyak Natalya , Izumo Seigo
Published: March 2004

Cardiac hypertrophy from pathological stimuli often proceeds to heart failure, whereas cardiac hypertrophy from physiological stimuli does not. In this study, physiological hypertrophy was created by a daily exercise regimen and pathological hypertrophy was created from a high-salt diet in Dahl salt-sensitive rats. The rats continued on a high-salt diet progressed to heart failure associated with an increased rate of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cardiomyocytes. We analyzed primary cultures of these hearts and found that only cardiomyocytes made hypertrophic by a pathological stimulus show increased sensitivity to apoptosis. Examination of the molecular changes associated with these distinct types of hypertrophy revealed changes in Bcl-2 family members and caspases favoring survival during physiological hypertrophy. However, in pathological hypertrophy, there were more diffuse proapoptotic changes, including changes in Fas, the Bcl-2 protein family, and caspases. Therefore, we speculate that this increased sensitivity to apoptotic stimulation along with proapoptotic changes in the apoptosis program may contribute to the development of heart failure seen in pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
Effect of β-adrenergic blockade on dynamic electrical restitution in vivo
Authors: Hao Steven C. , Christini David J. , Stein Kenneth M. , Jordan Peter N. , Iwai Sei , Bramwell Orville , Markowitz Steven M. , Mittal Suneet , Lerman Bruce B.
Published: March 2004

The slope of the action potential duration (APD) restitution curve may be a significant determinant of the propensity to develop ventricular fibrillation, with steeper slopes associated with a more arrhythmogenic substrate. We hypothesized that one mechanism by which β-blockers reduce sudden cardiac death is by flattening the APD restitution curve. Therefore, we investigated whether infusion of esmolol modulates the APD restitution curve in vivo. In 10 Yorkshire pigs, dynamic APD restitution curves were determined from measurements of APD at 90% repolarization with a monophasic action potential catheter positioned against the right ventricular septum during right ventricular apical pacing in the basal state and during infusion of esmolol. APD restitution curves were fitted to the three-parameter ( a, b, c) exponential equation, APD = a·[1 − e(− b·DI)] + c, where DI is the diastolic interval. Esmolol decreased the maximal APD slope, 0.68 ± 0.14 vs. 0.94 ± 0.24 (baseline), P = 0.002, and flattened the APD restitution curve at shorter DIs, 75 and 100 ms ( P < 0.05). To compare the slopes of the APD restitution curves at similar steady states, slopes were also computed at points of intersection between the restitution curve and the lines representing pacing at a fixed cycle length (CL) of 200, 225, 250, 275, and 300 ms using the relationship CL = APD + DI. Esmolol decreased APD restitution slopes at CLs 200–275 ms ( P < 0.05). Esmolol flattens the cardiac APD restitution curve in vivo, particularly at shorter CLs and DIs. This may represent a novel mechanism by which β-blockers prevent sudden cardiac death.
Fibronectin matrix polymerization increases tensile strength of model tissue
Authors: Gildner Candace D. , Lerner Amy L. , Hocking Denise C.
Published: March 2004

The composition and organization of the extracellular matrix (ECM) contribute to the mechanical properties of tissues. The polymerization of fibronectin into the ECM increases actin organization and regulates the composition of the ECM. In this study, we examined the ability of cell-dependent fibronectin matrix polymerization to affect the tensile properties of an established tissue model. Our data indicate that fibronectin polymerization increases the ultimate strength and toughness, but not the stiffness, of collagen biogels. A fragment of fibronectin that stimulates mechanical tension generation by cells, but is not incorporated into ECM fibrils, did not increase the tensile properties, suggesting that changes in actin organization in the absence of fibronectin fibril formation are not sufficient to increase tensile strength. The actin cytoskeleton was needed to initiate the fibronectin-induced increases in the mechanical properties. However, once fibronectin-treated collagen biogels were fully contracted, the actin cytoskeleton no longer contributed to the tensile strength. These data indicate that fibronectin polymerization plays a significant role in determining the mechanical strength of collagen biogels and suggest a novel mechanism by which fibronectin can be used to enhance the mechanical performance of artificial tissue constructs.
Single cell mechanics of rat cardiomyocytes under isometric, unloaded, and physiologically loaded conditions
Authors: Nishimura Satoshi , Yasuda So-ichiro , Katoh Masayoshi , Yamada Kelly P. , Yamashita Hiroshi , Saeki Yasutake , Sunagawa Kenji , Nagai Ryozo , Hisada Toshiaki , Sugiura Seiryo
Published: March 2004

One of the most salient characteristics of the heart is its ability to adjust work output to external load. To examine whether a single cardiomyocyte preparation retains this property, we measured the contractile function of a single rat cardiomyocyte under a wide range of loading conditions using a force-length measurement system implemented with adaptive control. A pair of carbon fibers was used to clamp the cardiomyocyte, attached to each end under a microscope. One fiber was stiff, serving as a mechanical anchor, while the bending motion of the compliant fiber was monitored for force-length measurement. Furthermore, by controlling the position of the compliant fiber using a piezoelectric translator based on adaptive control, we could change load dynamically during contractions. Under unloaded conditions, maximal shortening velocity was 106 ± 8.9 μm/s ( n = 13 cells), and, under isometric conditions, peak developed force reached 5,720 nN (41.6 ± 5.6 mN/mm2; n = 17 cells). When we simulated physiological working conditions consisting of an isometric contraction, followed by shortening and relaxation, the average work output was 828 ± 123 J/m3( n = 20 cells). The top left corners of tension-length loops obtained under all of these conditions approximate a line, analogous to the end-systolic pressure-volume relation of the ventricle. All of the functional characteristics described were analogous to those established by studies using papillary muscle or trabeculae preparations. In conclusion, the present results confirmed the fact that each myocyte forms the functional basis for ventricular function and that single cell mechanics can be a link between subcellular events and ventricular mechanics.
Impact of low-flow ischemia on substrate oxidation and glycolysis in the isolated perfused rat heart
Authors: Lloyd Steven G. , Wang Peipei , Zeng Huadong , Chatham John C.
Published: March 2004

Interventions that stimulate carbohydrate oxidation appear to be beneficial in the setting of myocardial ischemia or infarction. However, the mechanisms underlying this protective effect have not been defined, in part because of our limited understanding of substrate utilization under ischemic conditions. Therefore, we used 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy to investigate substrate oxidation and glycolytic rates in a global low-flow model of myocardial ischemia. Isolated male Sprague-Dawley rat hearts were perfused for 30 min under conditions of normal flow (control) and low-flow ischemia (LFI, 0.3 ml/min) with insulin and 13C-labeled lactate, pyruvate, palmitate, and glucose at concentrations representative of the physiological fed state. Despite a ∼50-fold reduction in substrate delivery and oxygen consumption, oxidation of all exogenous substrates plus glycogen occurred during LFI. Oxidative metabolism accounted for 97% of total calculated ATP production in the control group and ∼30% in the LFI group. For controls, lactate oxidation was the major source of ATP; however, in LFI, this shifted to a combination of oxidative and nonoxidative glycogen metabolism. Interestingly, in the LFI group, anaplerosis relative to citrate synthase increased sevenfold compared with controls. These results demonstrate the importance of oxidative energy metabolism for ATP production, even during very-low-flow ischemia. We believe that the approach described here will be valuable for future investigations into the underlying mechanisms related to the protective effect of increasing cardiac carbohydrate utilization and may ultimately lead to identification of new therapeutic targets for treatment of myocardial ischemia.
Indirect intracoronary delivery of adenovirus encoding adenylyl cyclase increases left ventricular contractile function in mice
Authors: Roth David M. , Lai N. Chin , Gao Mei Hua , Drumm Jeffery D. , Jimenez Jesus , Feramisco James R. , Hammond H. Kirk
Published: March 2004

We performed indirect intracoronary delivery of adenovirus vectors in mice and explored techniques including hypothermia and pharmacological means to increase cardiac gene transfer. Mice were maintained in a normothermic state or cooled to 25°C. The aorta or both the pulmonary artery and aorta were clamped while a needle was advanced into the left ventricular cavity to deliver adenovirus vectors encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) or murine adenylyl cyclase type VI (ACVI) with saline, sodium nitroprusside, acetylcholine, or serotonin. Clamping was maintained for 30 s (normothermia) or 2 min (25°C) after adenovirus administration. Mice were killed 7 or 21 days later, and hearts were examined for EGFP expression. Compared with clamping the aorta alone and with no cooling, gene transfer was increased as follows: 1) 1.3-fold with hypothermia to extend dwell time; 2) 4.5-fold by clamping the aorta and the pulmonary artery; 3) 11.4-fold with nitroprusside administration; 4) 11.8-fold with serotonin addition, and 5) 14.3-fold with acetylcholine delivery. Gene expression remained substantial at 21 days, and no significant inflammatory response was seen. Efficacy of the method was tested by performing gene transfer of adenovirus encoding ACVI. Fourteen days after gene transfer, hearts isolated from mice that received adenovirus encoding ACVIshowed increased contractile function. Indirect intracoronary delivery of adenovirus vectors in mice is associated with efficient cardiac gene transfer and increased left ventricular function after ACVIgene transfer.
A comprehensive approach to visual and functional assessment of experimental vascular lesions in vivo
Authors: Wessely Rainer , Paschalidis Makarios , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Wegener Franziska , Neumann Franz-Josef , Theiss Wolfram
Published: March 2004

The rat carotid injury model is the most widely used model to study the pathophysiology of neointimal hyperplasia as well as the value of novel therapeutic approaches to limit vasoproliferative diseases such as restenosis. For lesion assessment, the current gold standard of histomorphometry neither provides integral insight into the vascular lesion in vivo nor assesses of functional lesion-associated flow alterations and the time course of lesion development. To overcome these limitations, we applied and validated duplex sonography as a novel tool for comprehensive lesions assessment in vivo. Left rat common carotid arteries (CCA) were balloon injured. Duplex sonography was performed in both injured and noninjured CCAs before and up to 14 days postinjury. Sham-operated animals served as controls. The parameters determined were vessel lumen diameter as well as systolic and end-diastolic flow velocity, time-dependent lesion development, and intra- and interobserver variability. Subsequently, the model was applied to validate the therapeutic effect of gene transfer into the vessel wall and compared with histomorphometry. We show that duplex sonography in the experimental carotid injury model allows accurate follow-up of lesion development in vivo with low intra- and interobserver variability. It can be easily adopted to assess the efficacy of therapeutic approaches even with limited technical experience and adds valuable functional data to mere postmortem histomorphometric analysis, thereby closing the gap between experimental approaches and clinical importance of vascular lesions.
Ischemic preconditioning-mediated restoration of membrane dystrophin during reperfusion correlates with protection against contraction-induced myocardial injury
Authors: Kido Masakuni , Otani Hajime , Kyoi Shiori , Sumida Tomohiko , Fujiwara Hiroyoshi , Okada Takayuki , Imamura Hiroji
Published: March 2004

Dystrophin is an integral membrane protein involved in the stabilization of the sarcolemmal membrane in cardiac muscle. We hypothesized that the loss of membrane dystrophin during ischemia and reperfusion is responsible for contractile force-induced myocardial injury and that cardioprotection afforded by ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is related to the preservation of membrane dystrophin. Isolated and perfused rat hearts were subjected to 30 min of global ischemia, followed by reperfusion with or without the contractile blocker 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM). IPC was introduced by three cycles of 5-min ischemia and 5-min reperfusion before the global ischemia. Dystrophin was distributed exclusively in the membrane of myocytes in the normally perfused heart but was redistributed to the myofibril fraction after 30 min of ischemia and was lost from both of these compartments during reperfusion in the presence or absence of BDM. The loss of dystrophin preceded uptake of the membrane-impermeable Evans blue dye by myocytes that occurred after the withdrawal of BDM and was associated with creatine kinase release and the development of contracture. Although IPC did not alter the redistribution of membrane dystrophin induced by 30 min of ischemia, it facilitated the restoration of membrane dystrophin during reperfusion. Also, myocyte necrosis was not observed when BDM was withdrawn after complete restoration of membrane dystrophin. These results demonstrate that IPC-mediated restoration of membrane dystrophin during reperfusion correlates with protection against contractile force-induced myocardial injury and suggest that the cardioprotection conferred by IPC can be enhanced by the temporary blockade of contractile activity until restoration of membrane dystrophin during reperfusion.
Anti-inflammatory therapy ameliorates leukocyte adhesion and microvascular flow abnormalities in transgenic sickle mice
Authors: Kaul Dhananjay K. , Liu Xiao-du , Choong Stephana , Belcher John D. , Vercellotti Gregory M. , Hebbel Robert P.
Published: March 2004

In sickle cell disease, inflammatory activation of vascular endothelium and increased leukocyte-endothelium interaction may play an important role in the occurrence of vasoocclusion. In sickle mouse models, inflammatory stimuli (e.g., hypoxia-reoxygenation and cytokines) result in increased leukocyte recruitment and can initiate vasoocclusion, suggesting that anti-inflammatory therapy could be beneficial in management of this disease. We have tested the hypothesis that inhibition of endothelial activation in a transgenic mouse model by anti-inflammatory agents would lead to reduced leukocyte recruitment and improved microvascular blood flow in vivo. In transgenic sickle mice, hypoxia-reoxygenation resulted in greater endothelial oxidant production than in control mice. This exaggerated inflammatory response in transgenic mice, characterized by increased leukocyte recruitment and microvascular flow abnormalities, was significantly attenuated by antioxidants (allopurinol, SOD, and catalase). In contrast, control mice exhibited a muted response to antioxidant treatment. In addition, hypoxia-reoxygenation induced activation of NF-κB in transgenic sickle mice but not in control mice. In transgenic sickle mice, sulfasalazine, an inhibitor of NF-κB activation and endothelial activation, attenuated endothelial oxidant generation, as well as NF-κB activation, accompanied by a marked decrease in leukocyte adhesion and improved microvascular blood flow. Thus targeting oxidant generation and/or NF-κB activation may constitute promising therapeutic approaches in sickle cell disease.