bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in pattern of phospholipid acylation during in vivo aging of rat red blood cells
Authors: Le Petit-Thevenin J. , Nobili O. , Boyer J.
Published: December 2017

We have investigated the patterns of incorporation of stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids into phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) of intact red blood cells of differing age isolated by centrifugation on discontinuous density gradient. Acylation rates of PC and PE elicited marked declines from the reticulocyte to the young erythrocyte stage followed by minimal changes of acylating potency in older cells; this biphasic decay pattern was similar with the three fatty acids. Molar acylation rates were higher for PC than for PE in reticulocytes, whereas they were comparable in erythrocytes. PC served as preferred fatty acid acceptor in circulating red blood cells, a function which was largely accounted for by PC contained in the small percentage of circulating reticulocytes. On a per cell basis, this function of PC was due to the cumulative effects of higher molar acylation rates in reticulocytes and higher content in PC over PE in the red blood cell membrane. Acylation rates in PC and PE increased with the number of unsaturated bonds in the acylating fatty acid, regardless of cell age.
Hypertrophy of isolated adult feline heart cells following beta-adrenergic-induced beating
Authors: Clark W. A. , Rudnick S. J. , LaPres J. J. , Lesch M. , Decker R. S.
Published: December 2017

Catecholamine-induced beating and myocardial hypertrophy were evaluated in isolated adult feline cardiomyocytes maintained in culture for up to 30 days. Adult feline cardiomyocytes were used in this study because they displayed several unique characteristics that facilitated assessment of factors regulating cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro. These characteristics included the following. 1) A single heart provides a high yield of 20-40 x 10(6) calcium-tolerant rod-shaped myocytes. 2) In culture, isolated adult feline cardiomyocytes maintain a stable population of differentiated myocytes that could be maintained without the dramatic loss of cell number, DNA content, or cell structure seen in adult rat cardiomyocyte cultures. 3) Cultured feline cardiomyocytes remained quiescent in culture unless appropriately stimulated to begin beating. 4) Sustained regular beating activity could be readily initiated up to 3 wk in culture by addition of 1 x 10(-5) M isoproterenol, other beta-adrenergic agonists, or agents known to elevate adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate. Beating could be maintained indefinitely in the presence of isoproterenol, but ceased upon removal of isoproterenol from the medium. Initiation of beating in 7-day-old cultures resulted in a profound restructuring of cardiomyocyte morphology compared with quiescent cultures. Beating heart cells were 66% larger with increased protein content, and they had significantly greater development of striated myofibrillar structure than quiescent myocytes at the same age in culture. We conclude that maintenance of an organized myofibrillar structure in cultured adult cardiac myocytes requires activation of intrinsic beating. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy also develops following beta-adrenergic activation of beating, but it is unclear whether beating per se is required for inducing hypertrophy in isolated adult cardiomyocytes in vitro.
Cellular mechanisms of fatigue in skeletal muscle
Authors: Westerblad H. , Lee J. A. , Läuml;nnergren J. , Allen D. G.
Published: December 2017

Pages C195–C209: H. Westerblad, J. A. Lee, J. Lännergren, and D. G. Allen. “Cellular mechanisms of fatigue in skeletal muscle.” Page C198, left-hand column, paragraph 2, sentence beginning on line 15 should read: If the creatine phosphokinase reaction is assumed to be at equilibrium, a calculation of free ADP reveals an increase from ≈30 to 200 μM (27). Page C198, right-hand column, paragraph 3, sentence beginning on line 3 should read: From measurements in frog muscle fibers it has been calculated that for each action potential there would be an increase in the intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]i) of ≈7.7 μM and a decrease of the intracellular K+ concentration ([K+]i) of ap4.7 μM (52).
Optical measurements of the dependence of chemoreception on oxygen pressure in the cat carotid body
Authors: Rumsey W. L. , Iturriaga R. , Spergel D. , Lahiri S. , Wilson D. F.
Published: December 2017

The relationship between oxygen pressure (PO2) in the carotid body and carotid sinus nerve discharge was evaluated in the isolated perfused/superfused cat carotid body using the oxygen-dependent quenching of phosphorescence. Images of phosphorescence intensity arising from Pd-coproporphyrin within the microcirculation of the carotid body provided measurements of intravascular PO2. These measurements were substantiated by determining phosphorescence life-time. The carotid body was perfused in the isolated state via the common carotid artery with N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid-buffered Tyrode solution, pH 7.4, at a constant pressure of 80 mmHg. Superfusion was maintained with similar media equilibrated with 100% argon. PO2 in the exchange vessels was markedly less than that in the perfusate entering the carotid artery, 23 +/- 3 and 45 +/- 3 Torr for normoxic (111 +/- 15 Torr) and hyperoxic (345 +/- 72 Torr) perfusates, respectively. Chemosensory discharge rose slowly in response to a brief interruption of perfusate flow as PO2 steadily declined from either of these capillary PO2 values to approximately 10 Torr. Between approximately 10 and 3 Torr, chemosensory discharge increased strikingly, concomitant with an enhanced rate of oxygen disappearance, from -36 +/- 4 to -69 +/- 13 (92% change) and -28 +/- 3 to -48 +/- 3 (71% change) Torr/s for normoxic and hyperoxic perfusates, respectively. As PO2 fell below approximately 3 Torr, oxygen disappearance slowed and neural activity decayed. Thus the relationships between microvascular PO2 and chemosensory discharge and between oxygen disappearance and neural discharge suggest that oxygen metabolism in the carotid body determines the expression of oxygen chemoreception.
Swelling-induced and depolarization-induced C1-channels in normal and cystic fibrosis epithelial cells
Authors: Solc C. K. , Wine J. J.
Published: December 2017

Cl- currents induced by cell swelling were characterized at the whole cell and single-channel levels in primary cultures of normal and cystic fibrosis (CF) epithelial cells and in the T84 cell line. Currents recorded in normal and CF cells were indistinguishable. At 22-24 degrees C with isotonic CsCl in the pipette, initial whole cell outward current density at 100 mV in unswollen cells was 2-4 pA/pF. The current density increased with time during whole cell recording up to 100 pA/pF in isotonic solutions and up to 200 pA/pF in a hypotonic bath, though values typically ranged between 10 and 70 pA/pF. Currents were outwardly rectifying, active at negative voltages, started to inactivate above approximately 40 mV, and were blocked by 4,4'-dinitrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DNDS). Single Cl- channels (approximately 50 pS near 0 mV) with an outwardly rectifying current-voltage relation were recorded in cell-attached and outside-out patches from swollen cells. The channels were mostly open at negative voltages and inactivated at positive voltages with a voltage dependence similar to the whole cell currents. Channel activity decreased rapidly (channel rundown) after seal formation. After swelling-induced channel activity had ceased, outwardly rectifying, depolarization-induced Cl- channels (ORDIC channels) were activated in some patches. The swelling-induced and ORDIC single-channel currents were similar, but some consistent differences were observed. ORDIC channels were often closed at resting voltages (-70 to -50 mV), while swelling-induced channels were always open in this voltage range. In addition, ORDIC channels started to inactivate at more positive voltages (approximately 90 vs. approximately 50 mV), rectified more, and had smaller conductances (approximately 25 pS near 0 mV), shorter mean open durations (approximately 70 vs. approximately 350 ms), and more open-channel noise than swelling-induced channels. The two types of currents might arise from separate channel proteins or from a single channel molecule in different states.
Reconstitution of isolated Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel proteins from basolateral membranes of rabbit colonocytes
Authors: Liu S. , Dubinsky W. P. , Haddox M. K. , Schultz S. G.
Published: December 2017

Using calmodulin-affinity chromatography, we have isolated a fraction of proteins from solubilized basolateral membranes of rabbit colonocytes which when reconstituted into planar phospholipid bilayers disclosed Ca(2+)-activated single K+ channel activities. The properties of the reconstituted channels are identical to those of native membrane vesicles incorporated into these bilayers with respect to their high selectivity for K+ over C-, high ("maxi") conductance, voltage gating, and inhibition by trifluoperazine. Two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis of these proteins revealed three major protein species with molecular masses of 120, 60, and 35 kDa, which constituted 70, 10, and 20%, respectively, of the total protein. The results of other studies strongly suggest that the 35-kDa protein may be the Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel protein in these membranes.
Use of tributyltin to probe contribution of Cl(-)-HCO3- exchange to regulation of steady-state pHi in human neutrophils
Authors: Simchowitz L. , Textor J. A. , Vogt S. K.
Published: December 2017

Organotin derivatives represent a class of artificial ionophores that mediate Cl(-)-OH- exchange and thereby facilitate the chemical equilibrium distribution of Cl- and H+ across biological membranes. Imposing different pH and Cl- gradients by varying extracellular pH (pHo) and extracellular [Cl-] in the presence of 1 microM tributyltin validated the above assumptions in human neutrophils. Under relatively alkaline conditions [intracellular pH (pHi) greater than or equal to 7.10 and pHo greater than or equal to 7.40], the cell's natural Cl(-)HCO3- exchanger mimicked the actions of the tributyltin compound and was the principal factor controlling steady-state pHi. However, with increasing extracellular acidification, there was a progressive deviation from the predicted equilibrium distribution in the case of the normal Cl(-)-HCO3- transport system, whereas tributyltin-treated cells followed theoretical expectations. Exposure of neutrophils to a number of inhibitors of Cl(-)-HCO3- exchange led to a fall in pHi, apparently confirming the impression that a net HCO3- influx through Cl(-)-HCO3- countertransport was chiefly responsible for maintaining steady-state pHi. However, this intracellular acidification could be satisfactorily ascribed to proton movements through a parallel pathway, namely nonionic diffusion of the free acid form of the drugs. These results imply that Cl(-)-HCO3- exchange is the dominant pH regulatory device only under relatively alkaline conditions and that other mechanisms in addition to Na(+)-H+ exchange are likely to play an important role in recovery from acidification and in maintaining steady-state pHi. The possibility that the lactate carrier may function in this capacity is discussed.
Caffeine- and ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ stores of canine cerebrum and cerebellum neurons
Authors: Meszaros L. G. , Volpe P.
Published: December 2017

[3H]ryanodine binding to and Ca2+ release from microsomal fractions derived from canine cerebrum (CBR) and cerebellum (CBL) were investigated. High-affinity ryanodine binding sites were detected in both cerebrum and cerebellum microsomes [CBR: maximal binding capacity (Bmax) = 446 fmol/mg protein, dissociation constant (Kd) = 9 nM, Hill coefficient (n) = 0.95; CBL: Bmax = 650, Kd = 12, n = 1.8]. Ryanodine binding in both fractions was increased by millimolar concentrations of ATP [or its nonhydrolyzable analogue beta, gamma-methyleneadenosine 5'-triphosphate (AMP-PCP)] and micromolar concentrations of Ca2+ but was decreased by micromolar concentrations of ruthenium red, similar to that found in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of striated muscle. The addition of caffeine or the sudden elevation of extravesicular Ca2+ induced a rapid La(3+)-sensitive Ca2+ release from both CBR and CBL microsomal fractions with rate constants of approximately 100 s-1, as determined by stopped-flow photometry of the Ca2+ indicator arsenazo III. The release of Ca2+ was activated by either millimolar ATP or AMP-PCP, blocked by micromolar concentrations of La3+, and significantly inhibited by 50 microM ryanodine. Mg2+ and ruthenium red in millimolar and micromolar concentrations, respectively, caused only a slight inhibition of Ca2+ release. These results indicate that rapid Ca2+ release occurs from caffeine-, Ca2+- and ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ stores in both CBR and CBL microsomal fractions.
Modulation of Na-H antiporter activity in human lymphoblasts by altered membrane cholesterol
Authors: Poli de Figueiredo C. E. , Ng L. L. , Davis J. E. , Lucio-Cazana F. J. , Ellory J. C. , Hendry B. M.
Published: December 2017

The effects of changes in membrane cholesterol on Na-H antiporter activity in culture human lymphoblasts are described. Lymphoblast cholesterol alteration was achieved with liposomes of phosphatidylcholine (cholesterol depletion) or phosphatidylcholine plus cholesterol (cholesterol enrichment). Lymphoblast intracellular pH (pHi) was examined by fluorimetry using cells loaded with the pH-sensitive dye 2',7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)5(6)-carboxyfluorescein, and the Na-dependent proton efflux rate at a pHi of 6.0 was taken as the maximum velocity of the Na-H antiporter. Lymphoblast membrane cholesterol depletion activated the Na-H antiporter, and enrichment of membrane cholesterol caused inhibition of the antiporter activity. This study demonstrates that in situ modification of membrane cholesterol can modulate the activity of the Na-H antiporter.
Characteristics of homogeneously small keratinocytes from newborn rat skin: possible epidermal stem cells
Authors: Pavlovitch J. H. , Rizk-Rabin M. , Jaffray P. , Hoehn H. , Poot M.
Published: December 2017

The aims of the present study were to characterize the phenotype, growth kinetics, and proliferative activation in culture of a population of poorly differentiated homogeneously small (HS) keratinocytes. These slow-cycling cells were separated by unit gravity sedimentation from a population of actively proliferating basal keratinocytes in newborn rat skin. This population (approximately 1% of the total basal keratinocytes) consisted of extremely small cells with little cytoplasm or RNA. Their positive KL4 staining demonstrates that they were keratinocytes. HS keratinocytes did not, however, contain epidermal calcium binding protein. Acridine orange, bivariate Hoechst, and ethidium bromide flow cytometry of in vitro bromodeoxyuridine-labeled cells as well as Ki67 staining showed that HS keratinocytes were in the G0 stage of the cell cycle and did not actively proliferate in vivo. [3H]thymidine label-retaining cells were found only in the HS cell population, showing that HS cells may originate from a central position in the epidermal proliferative unit. Growth of HS cells in vitro was characterized by a delayed but progressive increase in RNA before entry into the cell cycle. The clonogenic efficiency of HS cells in primary culture was much less than that of larger cells. Subclones of HS cell colonies exceeded primary colonies in their cloning efficiency and proliferative potential, suggesting that HS cells, although normally prevented from dividing, retain a high self-renewal capacity. They also maintain the ability to differentiate. The results are consistent with the concept that HS cell population may represent the epidermal-specific progenitor cells which act as stem cells in this tissue.
Kinetics of vasoconstrictor action of endothelins
Authors: Marsault Robert , Vigne Paul , Breittmayer Jean Philippe , Frelin Christian
Published: December 2017

Endothelin peptides (Et) induce slowly developing and long-lasting contractions of rat aortic strips with a rank order of potency (Et-1 = Et-2 > sarafotoxin S6b > Et-3) consistent with the involvement of an EtA-like receptor subtype. A similar profile of action is observed for Et-induced intracellular [Ca2+]i mobilization in cultured aortic myocytes. Modeling the association of Et-1 to its receptor shows that, at concentrations which produce large increases in tension, Et-1 associates rapidly to its receptors and that a slow rate of association is not responsible for the slow rate of tension development. Action of endothelins on [ Ca2+]i was studied using isolated cultured aortic myocytes and compared with that of angiotensin II and vasopressin. Results show that three vasoconstrictors produce similar and rapid changes in [Ca2+]i. The rate-limiting step for the contractile action of Et is a postreceptor event probably distal to early changes in [Ca2+]i. Biological responses to Et are usually characterized by a relative insensitivity to the peptide as compared with & values determined in binding experiments. Data presented show that insensitivity of the early [Ca2+]i responses to Et could be accounted for by the fact that the responses develop under nonequilibrium conditions. Tension amplitude seems also to be determined by nonequilibrium binding conditions. It correlates with the fraction of the Et-1 binding sites occupied 20 s after addition of the peptide and not to the fractional site occupancy at the time of maximum tension development. In conclusion, kinetic parameters of the interaction of Et with their receptors do not determine the slow development of the contractile responses. They may, however, be responsible for the relative insensitivity of the biological responses to Et.

angiotensin II; flow cytometry; intracellular calcium; kinetic model; vasopressin

Submitted on October 25, 1990

Accepted on June 14, 1991
Production of transforming growth factor-alpha by normal rat small intestine
Authors: Barnard J. A. , Polk W. H. , Moses H. L. , Coffey R. J.
Published: December 2017

Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) are similar in structure and biological activity. In the present study, the distributions of TGF-alpha mRNA, TGF-alpha immunoreactivity, and TGF-alpha-EGF receptor mRNA were examined in epithelial and nonepithelial compartments of the jejunum, and the effect of TGF-alpha on growth of a jejunal crypt cell line (IEC-6) was determined. Epithelial cells eluted from the rat jejunal cryptvillus axis expressed TGF-alpha mRNA at twofold higher levels in the villus tip than in the crypt and EGF receptor mRNA at sevenfold higher levels in the villus tip. Expression of these two mRNA transcripts in the subepithelium was low. Immunohistochemical staining showed TGF-alpha immunoreactivity predominantly in the epithelium and muscularis. Immunostaining of villus cells was uniform, whereas crypt cells did not stain. IEC-6 cells bound 125I-EGF to a single class of high-affinity (dissociation constant = 833 pM) receptors. EGF and TGF-alpha (10 ng/ml) only modestly stimulated IEC-6 cell growth in the presence of 5% serum but increased expression of the protooncogenes c-jun and c-myc threefold over control cells. These findings suggest that, among the potential physiological roles for TGF-alpha produced by the jejunal epithelium, promotion of cell migration and modulation of fluid and electrolyte transport may be as relatively important as stimulation of cell proliferation.
Exercise training, glucose transporters, and glucose transport in rat skeletal muscles
Authors: Rodnick K. J. , Henriksen E. J. , James D. E. , Holloszy J. O.
Published: December 2017

It was previously found that voluntary wheel running induces an increase in the insulin-sensitive glucose transporter, i.e., the GLUT4 isoform, in rat plantaris muscle (K. J. Rodnick, J. O. Holloszy, C. E. Mondon, and D. E. James. Diabetes 39: 1425-1429, 1990). The present study was undertaken to determine whether 1) the increase in muscle GLUT4 protein is associated with an increase in maximally stimulated glucose transport activity, 2) a conversion of type IIb to type IIa or type I muscle fibers plays a role in the increase in GLUT4 protein, and 3) an increase in the GLUT1 isoform is a component of the adaptation of muscle to endurance exercise. Five weeks of voluntary wheel running that resulted in a 33% increase in citrate synthase activity induced a 50% increase in GLUT4 protein in epitrochlearis muscles of female Sprague-Dawley rats. The rate of 2-deoxy-glucose transport maximally stimulated with insulin or insulin plus contractions was increased approximately 40% (P less than 0.05). There was no change in muscle fiber type composition, evaluated by myosin ATPase staining, in the epitrochlearis. There was also no change in GLUT1 protein concentration. We conclude that an increase in GLUT4, but not of GLUT1 protein, is a component of the adaptive response of muscle to endurance exercise and that the increase in GLUT4 protein is associated with an increased capacity for glucose transport.
Contraction and intracellular Ca2+, Na+, and H+ during acidosis in rat ventricular myocytes
Authors: Harrison S. M. , Frampton J. E. , McCall E. , Boyett M. R. , Orchard C. H.
Published: December 2017

We have investigated the effect of a CO2-induced (respiratory) acidosis on contraction and on intracellular Ca2+, Na+, and pH (measured using the fluorescent dyes fura-2, sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate, and 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5,6-carboxyfluorescein, respectively) in ventricular myocytes isolated from rat hearts. Initial exposure to acidosis led to a rapid decrease in intracellular pH that was accompanied by an abrupt decline in contractility. There were no consistent changes of intracellular Na+ or Ca2+ during this period. The rapid decline of contractility was followed by a slower partial recovery, which was accompanied by increases in intracellular Na+, systolic and diastolic Ca2+, and an increase in the Ca2+ content of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (estimated using caffeine). Intracellular pH did not change during this slow recovery. The slow rise of intracellular Na+ and the recovery of the twitch were blocked by the Na(+)-H+ exchange inhibitor amiloride. The sarcoplasmic reticulum inhibitor ryanodine blocked the recovery of the twitch but had no effect on the rise of intracellular Na+ induced during acidosis. It is concluded that a major cause of the initial decline of the twitch during acidosis is a decrease in the response of the contractile proteins to Ca2+ due to the decrease of intracellular pH. The subsequent slow recovery of the twitch is due to the decrease of intracellular pH activating the Na(+)-H+ exchange mechanism. This elevates intracellular Na+ and presumably, via the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange mechanism, intracellular Ca2+. This in turn may lead to increased Ca2+ loading of, and hence release from, the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and it is this that underlies the partial recovery of contraction during acidosis in this preparation.
Fluid shear stress modulates cytosolic free calcium in vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Shen J. , Luscinskas F. W. , Connolly A. , Dewey C. F. , Gimbrone M. A.
Published: December 2017

Cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was monitored in single and groups of fura-2-loaded bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) during exposure to laminar fluid shear stress. Application of a step increase in shear stress from 0.08 to 8 dyn/cm2 to confluent BAEC monolayers resulted in a transient increase in [Ca2+]i, which attained a peak value in 15-40 s, followed by a decline to baseline within 40-80 s. The magnitude of the [Ca2+]i responses increased with applied shear stress over the range of 0.2-4 dyn/cm2 and reached a maximum at greater than 4 dyn/cm2. Transient oscillations in [Ca2+]i with gradually diminishing amplitude were observed in individual cells subjected to continuous high shear stress. Elimination of extracellular Ca2+ with ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, blockade of Ca2+ entry with lanthanum, depolarization of the cell membrane with high K+, and preconditioning of BAEC in steady laminar flow had little effect on the [Ca2+]i response. In the presence of ATP or ADP, application of shear stress caused repetitive oscillations in [Ca2+]i in single BAEC, whose frequency was dependent on both agonist concentration and the magnitude of applied shear stress. However, apyrase, an ATPase and ADPase, did not inhibit the shear-induced [Ca2+]i responses in standard medium (no added ATP or ADP), suggesting that the shear-induced [Ca2+]i response is not due to ATP released by endothelial cells.
Regulation of hepatic protein synthesis in chronic inflammation and sepsis
Authors: Vary T. C. , Kimball S. R.
Published: December 2017

The regulation of protein synthesis was determined in livers from control, sterile inflammatory, and septic animals. Total liver protein was increased in both sterile inflammation and sepsis. The rate of protein synthesis in vivo was measured by the incorporation of [3H]phenylalanine into liver proteins in a chronic (5 day) intra-abdominal abscess model. Both sterile inflammation and sepsis increased total hepatic protein synthesis approximately twofold. Perfused liver studies demonstrated that the increased protein synthesis rate in vivo resulted from a stimulation in the synthesis of both secreted and nonsecreted proteins. The total hepatic RNA content was increased 40% only in sterile inflammation, whereas the translational efficiency was increased twofold only in sepsis. The increase in translational efficiency was accompanied by decreases in the amount of free 40S and 60S ribosomal subunits in sepsis. Rates of peptide-chain elongation in vivo were increased 40% in both sterile inflammation and sepsis. These results demonstrate that sepsis induces changes in the regulation of hepatic protein synthesis that are independent of the general inflammatory response. In sterile inflammation, the increase in protein synthesis occurs by a combination of increased capacity and translational efficiency, while in sepsis, the mechanism responsible for accelerated protein synthesis is an increased translational efficiency.
Juxtaglomerular cells cultured on a reconstituted basement membrane
Authors: Rayson B. M.
Published: December 2017

Circulating renin levels are regulated by release from juxtaglomerular (JG) cells. Here, for the first time, we describe the primary culture of rat juxtaglomerular cells on a reconstituted basement membrane. In addition, primary cultures were transformed with a temperature-sensitive SV40 large T antigen gene to promote the development of a continuous JG cell line. Both primary cultures and transformed JG cells maintain a highly differentiated state and secrete active renin. These preparations now provide a system in which characterization of the cellular mechanisms of regulation of renin synthesis and release is possible.
Regulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum gene expression during cardiac and skeletal muscle development
Authors: Arai M. , Otsu K. , MacLennan D. H. , Periasamy M.
Published: December 2017

The expression of major sarcoplasmic reticulum proteins during cardiac and fast-twitch skeletal muscle development was examined using gene-specific probes. Through the use of S1 nuclease mapping, Northern blot, and RNA slot-blot analysis, sarcoplasmic reticulum proteins were shown to exhibit both narrow tissue specificity and plasticity in their expression during muscle development. In fast-twitch skeletal muscle, the cardiac/slow-twitch isoforms of Ca(2+)-ATPase and calsequestrin were detected at high levels in fetal stages but were gradually replaced by fast-twitch isoforms in adult muscle. In contrast, cardiac muscle expressed exclusively cardiac/slow-twitch isoforms of Ca(2+)-ATPase and calsequestrin at all stages. Both fast-twitch and slow-twitch skeletal muscle expressed the same skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor isoform, whereas cardiac muscle expressed a cardiac isoform. Phospholamban expression was restricted to cardiac and slow-twitch skeletal muscle and did not appear in developing fast-twitch skeletal muscle. During in vitro myogenesis of C2C12 cells, the mRNA transcripts encoding sarcoplasmic reticulum proteins were found to be coordinately induced in synchrony with that of contractile protein mRNA. The myogenic factor "myogenin" induced sarcoplasmic reticulum gene transcripts along with contractile protein mRNAs in nonmyogenic cells. These data suggest that the induction of both sarcoplasmic reticulum and contractile protein gene families is under the control of a common myogenic differentiation program.
Inhibition by sodium nitroprusside or PGE1 of tyrosine phosphorylation induced in platelets by thrombin or ADP
Authors: Oda A. , Druker B. J. , Smith M. , Salzman E. W.
Published: December 2017

Upon platelet activation, numerous proteins are known to be tyrosine phosphorylated. To investigate the mechanisms of the regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation and its physiological significance, the effects on tyrosine phosphorylation of agents that elevate the platelet level of the cyclic nucleotides cAMP and cGMP were examined in aspirin-treated gel-filtered platelets by Western blotting with a specific antiphosphotyrosine antibody. The effects of these agents on other aspects of platelet activation, i.e., aggregation, secretion, and elevation of the concentration of cytosolic ionized calcium ([Ca2+]i), were also examined in parallel experiments. Tyrosine phosphorylation in platelets activated by alpha-thrombin (1 nM) was inhibited by prostaglandin (PG) E1 (2 microM) or by sodium nitroprusside (100 microM). Elevation of [Ca2+]i, aggregation, and serotonin secretion was also strongly inhibited. On the other hand, a higher concentration of alpha-thrombin (10 nM) induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the same proteins, elevation of [Ca2+]i, platelet aggregation, and serotonin secretion, irrespective of pretreatment of platelets by either PGE1 or sodium nitroprusside. Inhibition by sodium nitroprusside of tyrosine phosphorylation induced by alpha-thrombin (1 nM) was accompanied by an increased concentration of cGMP. 8-BrcGMP (2 mM) also inhibited tyrosine phosphorylation and aggregation, although less than sodium nitroprusside. ADP (20 microM) induced platelet shape change and tyrosine phosphorylation of only a few proteins; these effects were also inhibited by either PGE1 or sodium nitroprusside. Thus tyrosine phosphorylation in platelets can be inhibited by elevation of either cAMP or cGMP, an effect that is overcome by a high concentration of thrombin, resulting in granule secretion and aggregation. Some of the proteins that are tyrosine phosphorylated may be important in the regulation of platelet functions.
Triggering by ATP of product release by mucous granules of the land slug Ariolimax columbianus
Authors: Deyrup-Olsen I. , Louie H. , Martin A. W. , Luchtel D. L.
Published: December 2017

The body wall of the pulmonate land slug Ariolimax columbianus secretes mucus packaged in granules bounded by two closely adjacent membranes. Newly secreted granules rupture in the presence of ATP (approximately 1 microM). This response is apparently mediated by an ATP receptor and is lost by granules held in osmotically balanced saline solutions with relatively low [K+] or [Cl-], but is retained for long periods in solutions with high [K+] and [Cl-]. Rupture by ATP is blocked by indomethacin, furosemide, nigericin, or verapamil, implicating in the ATP-rupturing process a cyclooxygenase product of arachidonic acid as well as activation of K(+)-Cl- transport and efflux of Ca2+ through activated channels according to a proposed electrical potential (proton) gradient. Mechanical stress, exposure to cold (e.g., 1 h at 0 degree C), and pertussis toxin also cause rupture that is blocked by the pharmacological agents that block ATP action. The results suggest that a single basic mechanism causes rupture of the granules, releasing mucins that form the mucous layer protecting the body wall.
cAMP-stimulated ion currents in Xenopus oocytes expressing CFTR cRNA
Authors: Cunningham S. A. , Worrell R. T. , Benos D. J. , Frizzell R. A.
Published: December 2017

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) was expressed in stage V/VI Xenopus oocytes by injection of cRNA transcribed in vitro from a pBluescript vector containing 6.2-kb wild-type cDNA. This clone was also used for the preparation of antisense RNA. Double-electrode voltage clamp was employed to measure transmembrane currents. In sense RNA-injected oocytes, cAMP depolarized the membrane potential (Vm) from -52 to -31 mV and increased membrane conductance (Gm) 10-fold. However, cAMP had no effect on Vm or Gm in uninjected oocytes or in oocytes injected with antisense RNA. The endogenous Ca-activated Cl currents of control oocytes were abolished by 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS; 50 microM) or bath Cl replacement. In contrast, the cAMP-stimulated currents of CFTR-expressing oocytes were DIDS insensitive and were inhibited only approximately 50% when bath Cl was replaced by gluconate or glutamate. In addition, the Cl channel blockers 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoate (NPPB; 50 microM) and diphenylamine-2-carboxylic acid (DPC; 3 mM) reduced the cAMP-evoked currents by only approximately 10%. The stimulated currents of CFTR-expressing oocytes were reduced approximately 30% by 10 mM Ba, suggesting that the Cl-independent current component is due to an increase in K conductance. Our results indicate that expression of CFTR in Xenopus oocytes produces a cAMP-activated Cl current. The Cl-independent current may represent a regulatory action of CFTR on K conductance pathways or a secondary response of the oocyte membrane to the high Cl conductance induced by CFTR expression.
Activation of multiple mechanisms including phospholipase D by endothelin-1 in rat aorta
Authors: Liu Y. , Geisbuhler B. , Jones A. W.
Published: December 2017

This study investigated the cellular mechanisms underlying the endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced contraction of rat aorta with focus on the involvement of phospholipase D (PLD). Preincubating rat aorta in Ca(2+)-free solution reduced the contraction by 80%, whereas diltiazem (10 microM), a voltage-operated Ca2+ channel blocker, caused only a small reduction (27%, P less than 0.05) of the contraction. In myo-[3H]inositol-labeled aorta, ET-1 stimulated the formation of [3H]inositol bisphosphate and [3H]inositol trisphosphate, indicating the activation of phospholipase C (PLC). In aorta labeled with 32PO4, [3H] myristic acid or [32P]lyso-platelet-activating factor followed by exposure to ethanol (0.5%), ET-1 stimulated phosphatidylethanol (PEt) production, suggesting that ET-1 activates PLD. The PEt response was not attenuated by staurosporine (ST, 0.1 microM), an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC) but was inhibited by removal of Ca2+. The ET-1-induced PEt response was at least additive to that induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (1 microM). ET-1 also stimulated the release of 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha) into the tissue medium. Unlike the PEt responses, the 6-keto-PGF1 alpha response could be inhibited by ST. Removal of Ca2+ abolished the response. These results suggest that 1) ET-1 activates multiple cellular mechanisms including PLC, PLD, and the arachidonate cascade; 2) PKC activation may not be essential for the ET-1 activation of PLD but may play an important role in the ET-1 stimulation of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha release; and 3) Ca2+ is an important factor in the ET-1-induced PLD activity and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha release.
Signal transduction by the erythropoietin receptor: evidence for the activation of phospholipases A2 and C
Authors: Mason-Garcia M. , Clejan S. , Tou J. S. , Beckman B. S.
Published: December 2017

Erythropoietin (Ep) is the peptide growth factor whose actions on the erythroid progenitor cell induce terminal differentiation. However, the intracellular signaling system that is activated by Ep is poorly understood. Our previous studies have implicated the lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid in the actions of Ep. In this study, we report an early (30 s to 5 min) increase in levels of two lipoxygenase metabolites: leukotriene B4 (LTB4; 3- to 5-fold) and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE; 2-fold). These responses were blocked by an antibody to Ep, by lipoxygenase inhibitors, or by 1,6-di[O-(carbamoyl)cyclohexanone oxime]hexane (RHC80267), an inhibitor of diacylglycerol (DAG) lipase. RHC 80267 also significantly inhibited Ep-mediated proliferation. Ep induced the release of [3H]arachidonic acid from cellular phospholipids at 5 min and also increased DAG accumulation at 1 min with a maximum increase of 68.2% over control seen at 30 min. No increase in levels of inositol trisphosphate or phosphatidic acid was observed in response to Ep. Taken together, these data suggest that the signal transduction pathway of the Ep receptor includes the activation of phospholipases A2 and C, resulting in the liberation of DAG and arachidonate and the subsequent formation of LTB4 and 12-HETE.
Appearance of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors in soleus muscles from SHR
Authors: Pickar J. G. , Gray S. D. , Carlsen R. C.
Published: December 2017

The depressed functional capabilities of spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) muscles, reported previously (Exp. Neurol. 95: 249-264, 1987), may reflect a decrease in muscle responsiveness to catecholamines occurring as a consequence of exposure to the elevated level of plasma catecholamines in SHR. Responsiveness to applied catecholamines was determined in SHR and Wistar-Kyoto rat (WKY) soleus by measuring muscle resting membrane potentials (RMP) in vitro. Epinephrine (10(-6) M) produced a similar membrane hyperpolarization in SHR and WKY fibers. Pretreatment with the beta-antagonist propranolol completely blocked the epinephrine-induced hyperpolarization in WKY, but not in SHR. SHR soleii from both young and old rats contained a population of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors also associated with membrane hyperpolarization. The alpha-receptors appeared to be associated with a ligand-gated Ca(2+)-influx pathway, since the alpha-agonist-induced membrane hyperpolarization required the presence of Ca2+ in the extracellular medium. The alpha-induced hyperpolarization was also blocked by apamin, a derivative of bee venom which blocks a Ca(2+)-activated K(+)-efflux pathway in a variety of tissues. The possible role of these novel alpha-receptors in skeletal muscle function, and their relationship to the development of hypertension, is uncertain.
23Na-NMR study of cation cotransport in human red blood cells
Authors: Cacciafesta M. , Marigliano V. , Ferri C. , Piccirillo G. , Scuteri A. , Guidoni L. , Luciani A. M. , Rosi A. , Viti V.
Published: December 2017

Na(+)-K+ cotransport in human erythrocytes from healthy subjects has been studied by means of 23Na-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in the presence of the anionic paramagnetic shift reagent dysprosium (III) tripolyphosphate [Dy(PPP)2(7-)]. The intra- and extracellular 23Na-NMR signals were well separated, giving values of 6 +/- 1 mM for internal sodium concentration. Determination of the furosemide-sensitive Na+ efflux, in the presence of ouabain, was obtained by correlating the chemical shift variation of the external signal with changes in external Na+ concentration. For this purpose, calibration curves were generated. The values of the maximum efflux velocity (Vmax; 0.29-1 mmol.h-1.l cells-1) measured in 10 healthy adult male subjects were found to be within the range of values obtained by other authors. The NMR method proposed for the study of Na(+)-K+ cotransport is relatively simple and allows quick evaluation of cotransport Vmax values for a number of samples, being a good candidate for the study of this transport mechanism in the presence of different pathologies.
cGMP-dependent protein kinase regulation of a chloride channel in T84 cells
Authors: Lin M. , Nairn A. C. , Guggino S. E.
Published: December 2017

Chloride channels at the apical membrane of intestinal epithelial cells are involved in the excessive fluid secretion in diarrhea and diminished secretion in cystic fibrosis (CF). Diarrhea induced by heat-stable toxin from Escherichia coli is associated with elevated guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) in intestinal epithelial cells, but it is unknown whether chloride secretion is regulated by cGMP directly or via cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). Single-channel recordings (inside-out excised patches) from the apical membrane of T84 cells reveal a 10-pS chloride channel with a linear current-voltage relationship, which is opened when an endogenous membrane-bound PKG is activated with ATP (1 mM) and cGMP (100 microM). Soluble PKG (200 nM) isolated from bovine lung, added to the intracellular face of patches, also opens this channel. No activation occurs with Ringer solution alone or only ATP or cGMP. Addition of nonhydrolyzable forms of ATP (AMP-PNP, 1 mM) or a combination of ATP, cGMP, plus H-8 (5 microM), an inhibitor of PKG, also does not stimulate the channel. The catalytic subunit of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic mono-phosphate-dependent protein kinase (PKA, 200 nM, with 1 mM ATP) activates a channel with similar characteristics. The 10 pS channel has a PNa/PCl ratio of 0.06, an anion selectivity of Br- (1.2) greater than Cl- (1.0) greater than I- (0.8) greater than F- (0.4), and a low affinity for the chloride channel blockers, 4,4-dinitrostilbene-2,2-disulfonic acid and 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Polylysine activates smooth muscle actin-myosin interaction without LC20 phosphorylation
Authors: Szymanski P. T. , Strauss J. D. , Doerman G. , DiSalvo J. , Paul R. J.
Published: December 2017

Phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of the 20-kDa light chain of smooth muscle myosin is a major regulator of actin-myosin interaction. Phosphatase inhibitors have thus been shown to enhance contraction in smooth muscle. The activity of type II phosphatase against phosphorylated myosin light chains is inhibited by polylysine. Thus we studied the effects of polylysine (10-13 kDa) on actin-myosin interaction in permeabilized guinea pig taenia coli fibers and in bovine aortic actomyosin. Addition of polylysine (10-20 microM) to Ca-ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid buffered solution ([Ca2+] less than 0.01 microM) elicited a contraction in fibers of 40 +/- 8% (n = 6) of maximally stimulated contractions ([Ca2+] congruent to 1.5 microM). Untreated fibers did not generate any significant force in parallel control experiments. Similarly, polylysine stimulated the ATPase activity both in fibers and actomyosin in a dose-dependent manner. This stimulation could be completely inhibited and abolished upon addition of heparin, a negatively charged heteropolysaccharide. In actomyosin previously phosphorylated with ATP gamma S, polylysine in a concentration range of 2-13 microM did not further stimulate enzyme activity. These increases in activity were not connected with significant changes in the phosphorylation of 20-kDa myosin light chain nor could any incorporation of 32P associated with polylysine stimulation be detected in both skinned fibers and actomyosin by autoradiography of SDS gels. Our data indicate that polylysine increases actin-myosin interaction in both smooth muscle model systems by directly influencing contractile proteins. As such, polylysine may be a useful probe for the mechanism of activation of smooth muscle.
Effect of forskolin on conductive anion pathways of toad skin
Authors: Nagel W. , Van Driessche W.
Published: December 2017

The effect of the diterpene, forskolin, on pathways for conductive Cl- transport was analyzed using isolated skins of Bufo viridis. Forskolin did not stimulate the voltage-activated Cl- movement from mucosa to serosa; the Lorentzian component in the power density spectrum, which was present at serosa positive clamp potentials under control conditions, decreased significantly. The observation that stimulation of cytosolic adenosine 3'-5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) by forskolin has no effect on the voltage-activated Cl- transport argues against control of this pathway by cAMP. Our data further demonstrate that the forskolin-activated Cl- conductive pathway is also permeable for NO3-. This pathway was studied in absence of mucosal Cl-, which eliminates Cl- movement through the voltage-activated pathway. With SO4(2-) and Cl- on the mucosal and serosal sides, respectively, this forskolin-induced pathway displayed a linear current-voltage relationship. The associated Lorentzians increased at serosa negative clamp potentials. Transepithelial current and plateau value of the Lorentzian were related by a quadratic function, which suggests voltage-independence of number and open-close probability of these conductance sites. Morphological sites for voltage-activated and forskolin-induced conductive Cl- transport remain to be identified.
Interferon-gamma is an inducer of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 in human orbital fibroblasts
Authors: Smith T. J. , Ahmed A. , Hogg M. G. , Higgins P. J.
Published: December 2017

Expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), an important determinant of the pericellular proteolytic environment, was assessed in cultured human orbital and dermal fibroblasts. Bidimensional electrophoretic separation of total cellular [35S]methionine-labeled proteins revealed multiple isoforms of the 50-kDa PAI-1 protein (isoelectric point range 5.6-6.3) expressed in dermal strains but not in orbital cultures. The addition of human recombinant interferon-gamma (100 U/ml) to the media for 48 h resulted in a marked induction of PAI-1 in the orbital cultures (greater than 50-fold above baseline), whereas the expression in dermal cultures was either attenuated or induced modestly (5-fold). The identity of the 50-kDa PAI-1 was verified by immunoprecipitation of secreted proteins. Indirect immunofluorescence localized PAI-1 to aggregates at the ventral undersurface of the monolayer. Interferon-gamma induced several other proteins in cultured cells. The observation that untreated orbital fibroblasts do not express detectable cell-associated PAI-1 suggests that the pericellular proteolytic environment of these cells is regulated ordinarily by other factors. The economy of the extracellular matrix of orbital connective tissue may be particularly susceptible to the influence of inflammatory cytokines such as interferon-gamma.
Heat shock increases cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration via Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange in human epidermoid A 431 cells
Authors: Kiang J. G. , Koenig M. L. , Smallridge R. C.
Published: December 2017

This study characterized cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in normal and thermally injured human epidermoid A 431 cells. The resting [Ca2+]i in normal cells at 37 degrees C was 87 +/- 5 nM (n = 105). When cells were subjected to hyperthermia (40-50 degrees C), [Ca2+]i increased in a temperature- and time-dependent manner. The maximal increase in cells exposed to 45 degrees C was observed at 20 min; [Ca2+]i returned to normal within 1 h. The heat-induced [Ca2+]i increase depended on the presence of external Ca2+. La3+ and Cd2+ but not Co2+, verapamil, or nifedipine attenuated the heat-induced [Ca2+]i increase. TMB-8 partially blocked the increase in [Ca2+]i but pertussis toxin and cholera toxin pretreatment did not. The magnitude of the heat-induced [Ca2+]i increase or 45Ca2+ uptake depended on the presence of extracellular Na+. Heat treatment reduced the apparent Michaelis constant for external Ca2+ from 490 +/- 91 to 210 +/- 60 microM, whereas the maximal velocity remained the same. The intracellular Na+ concentration decreased 62.5% after heating. The heat-induced [Ca2+]i increase was completely blocked by amiloride (5 microM) and 5'-(N,N-dimethyl)-amiloride (1 microM). These results suggest heat activates the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange system so as to increase [Ca2+]i and reduce [Na+]i.