Increased GLUT1 expression and localization to Golgi apparatus of acinar cells in the parotid gland of Goto-Kakizaki diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with diabetes are known to have high salivary glucose levels. But the mechanisms are still unclear. We hypothesized that the topological changes of glucose transporters affect the salivary glucose level. METHODS: We used adult Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, an animal model of advanced diabetes, and Wistar rats as a control, with or without glucose load. The sections of salivary glands from the animals were processed for standard histological, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS: Parotid acinar cells of GK rats appeared like mucous filled with low-eosin-stained granules and possessing a flat nucleus located basally, whereas those of Wistar rats appeared as a typical serous gland with eosin-rich cytoplasm and a spherical nucleus. Cytoplasmic granules of GK rat parotid acinar cells showed no reaction of polysaccharide staining. In acinar cell cytoplasm of GK rats, intense GLUT1 immunoreactivity was observed compared to Wistar rats. By double immunostaining for GLUT1 and Golgi apparatus-specific markers, it was determined that GLUT1 was localized to the Golgi apparatus. By glucose loading in starved GK rats, the distribution of GLUT1-immunoreactive signals was spread out clearly from the apical side of the nucleus to the basolateral side. CONCLUSIONS: In rat model of diabetes, highly localized GLUT1 at Golgi apparatus in acinar cells seems to increase taking up cytoplasmic glucose to form exocytotic vesicles. This phenomenon may transform parotid glands from serous to mucous-like and result in saccharide-rich saliva.

[Prevention of posterior capsule opacification by combination of arsenic trioxide and perfect capsule].

OBJECTIVE: Despite recent improvements in IOL design, posterior capsule opacification (PCO) remains a significant clinical problem after cataract surgery. The Perfect Capsule device (Milvella, Ltd., Epping, Australia) permits the introduction and subsequent removal of potentially toxic agents into the closed capsular bag. The present purpose was to detect the effectiveness of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) to cultured human lens cells and cells within the human capsular bag. METHODS: All experiments were carried out with 2 minutes exposure to As2O3. Effect of As2O3 on FHL124 cells growth was tested by MTT. Changes in cell calcium levels induced by high concentration of As2O3 were measured by real-time fluorometric single-cell digital imaging techniques after Fura-2 incorporation. In vitro human capsular bags were also tested after a sham surgery was performed using the Perfect Capsule device to form a closed system. As2O3 (10, 30, 100, 300, 1000 µmol/L) were used with donor match-pairs treated with medium alone.(n = 3 in all cases).On-going observations were by phase-contrast microscopy. Cellular architecture was examined by fluorescence cytochemistry. RESULTS: As2O3 of 100 µmol/L and above inhibited the growth of FHL 124 cells in a dose-dependent manner with 2 minutes exposure (t = 5.217, P < 0.01, IC(50) is 130 µmol/L) As2O3 depleted the calcium store and consequently lead to a loss of calcium signaling.Moreover, 1 × 10(4) µmol/L As2O3 had a moderate effect on the calcium influx pathway, inhibition on the amplitude and rapidity is (43.24 ± 2.98)% (t = 3.134, P < 0.01) and (46.27 ± 6.01)% (t = 3.521, P < 0.01), respectively. No cell left in the vitro human capsular bags after being treated with 1 × 10(4) µmol/L As2O3. CONCLUSIONS: As2O3 can eliminate the human lens epithelium cells remained in the capsular bag in cataract surgery, which may help to prevent PCO. The application of As2O3 to cells within the capsular bag for a 2 minute window using the Perfect Capsule system predicts this compound will have therapeutic benefit to humans in vivo.

The oral mucosal membrane and transient receptor potential channels.

The oral cavity is the first line of defense, sensation, and secretion of the alimentary canal. Oral perception contributes to the enjoyment of food and beverages and to avoiding consumption of poisonous or harmful substances. Oral sensation is served by somatosensory nervous systems distributed to the oral membrane. Recent studies reported that oral epithelial cells may transduce temperature and touch through membranous sensors, which comprise ion channels with multimodal properties, and nerves. Here, we describe the possible role of oral epithelial cells in oral perception.

[Mapping of a pedigree with autosomal dominant inherited congenital sutural cataract].

OBJECTIVE: To map the gene responsible for autosomal dominant congenital sutural cataract of a Chinese family. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were collected from the members in a family with autosomal dominant congenital sutural cataract. The genomic DNA was extracted from the blood samples. A genescan was performed using approximately 400 microsatellite markers (ABI). Linkage analysis was processed by Linkage software package to define the location of mutation gene. High density primers labeled with fluorescent stain for the positive region were adopted for fine targeting, and haplotype analysis was processed using Cyrillic software. RESULTS: The maximum two-point LOD scores was obtained at D3S1279, Z(max) = 2.32 (theta(max) = 0.00). After fine targeting and haplotype analysis, the gene was located within a 38.6 cM region between D3S1267 and D3S1614. CONCLUSION: The gene responsible for congenital sutural cataract in a Chinese pedigree is located at chromosome 3q21.1 - q26.2 within a 38.6 cM region.