Relaxation of isolated gastric smooth muscle cells by vasoactive intestinal peptide.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide caused a prompt, dose-dependent relaxation of isolated gastric smooth muscle cells of the guinea pig and a significant increase in intracellular adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate coincidentally with optimum relaxation. Relaxation was augmented by a threshold concentration of isobutyl methylxanthine. The direct relaxant effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide and the distribution of nerves containing this peptide to circular smooth muscle support the view that vasoactive intestinal peptide is the neuromuscular transmitter of enteric inhibitory nerves.

Cytosolic calcium during contraction of isolated mammalian gastric muscle cells.

During activation of visceral smooth muscle there is an increase in cytosolic-free calcium, but the source (intracellular calcium release or calcium influx), kinetics, and stoichiometry of this increase have not been determined. Here, the fluorescent indicator, quin2-acetoxymethyl ester, was used to measure directly cytosolic-free calcium during contraction of isolated stomach muscle cells induced by the two neuropeptides cholecystokinin-octapeptide and Met-enkephalin as well as acetylcholine. An increase in cytosolic-free calcium was seen that was (i) dependent on the concentration of contractile agonist, (ii) derived from intracellular sources (that is, not significantly affected by removal of ambient calcium or addition of a calcium channel blocker), and (iii) kinetically and stoichiometrically related to net calcium efflux and contraction. In contrast, the increase in cytosolic-free calcium induced by depolarizing concentrations of potassium was caused by influx of calcium through voltage-dependent calcium channels.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide receptors regulate the growth of non-small cell lung cancer cells.

We have identified pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) receptors on small cell lung cancer cell line NCI-N417 in a previous study. In this study, the role of PACAP in the growth and signal transduction of non-small cell lung cancer cells was investigated. Northern blot analysis with a full-length human PACAP receptor cDNA probe revealed a major 7.5-kb hybridizing transcript when total RNA extracted from NCI-H838 cells was used. PACAP bound with high affinity (Kd = 1 nM) to a single class of sites (Bmax = 14,000/cell) when NCI-H838 cells were used. Specific 125I-labeled PACAP binding was inhibited with high affinity by PACAP-27 and PACAP-38, with moderate affinity by PACAP(6-38), and with low affinity by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, PACAP(28-38), and PACAP(16-38). PACAP-27 elevated cAMP in a dose-dependent manner, and the increase in cAMP caused by PACAP was reversed by PACAP(6-38). PACAP-27, but not vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, elevated cytosolic Ca2+ in individual NCI-H838 cells. PACAP-27 stimulated arachidonic acid release, and the increase caused by PACAP was reversed by PACAP(6-38). PACAP-27 stimulated colony formation in NCI-H838 cells, whereas the PACAP antagonist PACAP(6-38) reduced colony formation in the absence or presence of exogenous PACAP-27. In nude mice bearing NCI-H838 xenografts, PACAP(6-38) slowed tumor growth significantly. These data suggest that biologically active type 1 PACAP receptors are present on human non-small cell lung cancer cells, which exhibit dual signal transduction pathways and regulate cell proliferation.

Physical and Clinical Evaluation of Hip Spica Cast applied with Three-slab Technique using Fibreglass Material.

Introduction: Hip spica casting is an important component of treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and popular treatment method for femur fractures in children. Breakage at the hip region is a relatively common problem of this cast. We have developed a three-slab technique of hip spica application using fibreglass as the cast material. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the physical durability of the spica cast and skin complications with its use. Methodology: A retrospective review of children with various conditions requiring hip spica immobilisation which was applied using our method. Study duration was from 1st of January 2014 until 31st December 2015. Our main outcomes were cast breakage and skin complications. For children with hip instability, the first cast would be changed after one month, and the second cast about two months later. Results: Twenty-one children were included, with an average age of 2.2 years. The most common indication for spica immobilisation was developmental dysplasia of the hip. One child had skin irritation after spica application. No spica breakage was noted. Conclusion: This study showed that the three-slab method of hip spica cast application using fibreglass material was durable and safe with low risk of skin complications.

The primary structure of the ribosomal protein L29 from Escherichia coli.

The amino acid sequence of ribosomal protein L29 was determined utilizing an improved Beckman sequenator, a solid phase peptide sequenator, and more conventional techniques. L29 is composed of 63 amino acid residues and has a molecular weight of 7262. It lacks proline, cysteine, isoleucine, tyrosine and tryptophan. The N-terminal and C-terminal regions (residues 1-9 and 50-63) are basic, while the rest of the molecule is hydrophobic and neutral. Calculated P-a values show two helical regions: one from residues 1 through 32 and the other from residues 37 through 47. No beta-sheet regions are predicted. Short identical regions occur within the sequence of L29 as well as between L29 and other ribosomal proteins.

Histidinol dehydrogenase from salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli. Purification, some characteristics and the amino acid sequence around a reactive thiol group.

The purification and some physical properties of histidinol dehydrogenase, L-histidinol-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxido-reductase (EC 1.1.1.23) from either Salmonella typhimurium or Escherichia coli are reported in this paper. Modification of histidinol dehydrogenase with one equivalent of N-(4-dimethylamino-3,5-dinitrophenyl)maleimide at pH 6.8 yields an enzyme that is inactive toward the oxidation of L-histidinol. The modified cysteine residue was located in an acid insoluble tryptic core. The amino acid sequence around the reactive thiol group in S. typhimurium is: Leu-Cys-Gly-Val-Glu-Glu-Ile-Phe, and in E. coli is: Leu-Cys-Gly-Val-Glu-Asp-Val-Phe. These unique sequences show no homology to the reactive thiol groups from some other dehydrogenases.

Purification of an estrogen-regulated breast cancer protein by monoclonal antibody affinity chromatography.

An estrogen-regulated cytoplasmic protein has been purified from MCF-7 human breast cancer cells with anion exchange and monoclonal antibody affinity chromatographies. The purified protein has a monomeric mol wt of 28,000 and isoelectric species with pI's between 5.9 and 6.0. Amino acid analysis indicates the protein is acidic, is probably hydrophilic, and contains unusually low amounts of methionine and half cystine. This rapid, two-step procedure produces purified protein in high yield and demonstrates the power of monoclonal antibodies in protein purification.

HSP27 modulates agonist-induced association of translocated RhoA and PKC-alpha in muscle cells of the colon.

The recruitment of signal transduction molecules to the membrane is crucial for the efficient coupling of extracellular signals and contractile response. The trafficking is dynamic. We have investigated a possible cross talk between agonist-induced association of translocated RhoA and translocated protein kinase C-alpha (PKC-alpha) and a role for heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) in mediating this interaction. Immunoprecipitation with HSP27 monoclonal antibody followed by immunoblotting with either RhoA antibody or PKC-alpha antibody indicated that acetylcholine induced associations of HSP27-RhoA and HSP27-PKC-alpha in the membrane fraction but not in the cytosolic fraction. Immunoprecipitation with anti-RhoA monoclonal antibody followed by immunoblotting with PKC-alpha antibody indicated that acetylcholine induced a significant complexing of RhoA-PKC-alpha in the membrane fraction but not in the cytosolic fraction. In summary, the data indicate that agonist-induced contraction is associated with 1) association of translocated RhoA with HSP27 on the membrane, 2) association of translocated PKC-alpha with HSP27 on the membrane, and 3) association of PKC-alpha with RhoA on the membrane. The data suggest an important role for HSP27 in modulating a multiprotein complex that includes translocated RhoA and PKC-alpha.

Interaction of ovine pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP-38) with rat lung membranes.

The binding of ovine pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP-38) to rat lung membranes was investigated using [125I]PACAP-38 as radioligand. Binding was rapid at 37 degrees C, reversible, saturable, and time, concentration, and temperature dependent. Kinetic parameters derived from saturation experiments revealed a Kd = 100 +/- 15 pM, Bmax = 310 +/- 36 fmol/mg protein, and a Hill slope factor (nH) of 1.17 +/- 0.12. Various chemically synthesized analogues of PACAP-38, as well as related peptides, were tested for their ability to displace [125I]PACAP-38. Of those that had an IC50 < 0.2 microM, the following order of potency was determined: PACAP-38 (IC50 = 25 nM) > or = [Ile2]PACAP-38 (IC50 = 31 nM) > PACAP-27 (IC50 = 54 nM) > [Tyr1]PACAP-38 (IC50 = 104 nM) > GHRH(1-29)NH2 (IC50 = 108 nM) > PHI (IC50 = 181 nM) > [Ser2]PACAP(2-38) (IC50 = 198 nM). Glucagon, PHM, secretin, and GIP exhibited little affinity in the same binding assay. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) had an IC50 in excess of 1 microM. When [125I]VIP was used as radioligand, PACAP-27 had an IC50 = 0.2 nM > PACAP-38 (IC50 = 0.5 nM) > VIP (IC50 = 16 nM). A novel analog of PACAP-38, [4-Cl-D-Phe6,Leu17]PACAP-38, was able to displace [125I]VIP very efficiently (IC50 = 1 nM), but had little potency in displacing [125I]PACAP-38 (IC50 = 320 nM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cyclic lactam analogues of ovine pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP): discovery of potent type II receptor antagonists.

Binding of [125I]PACAP-38 to rat liver membranes was investigated. It was rapid at 37 degrees C, reversible, and saturable, and it was time, concentration, and temperature dependent. Scatchard plots showed that [125I]PACAP-38 bound to single noninteracting site(s), and [125I]VIP bound to high- and low-affinity binding site(s). The order of potency of displacing [125I]PACAP-38 from rat liver membranes was: PACAP-38 > PACAP-27 > VIP (IC50 = 5, 180, and 350 nM, respectively). Surprisingly, the order of potency of displacing [125I]VIP was also the same (IC50 = 1, 8, and 52 nM, respectively). The order of potency of stimulating adenylate cyclase to release cyclic AMP was: PACAP-27 > VIP > PACAP-38 (EC50 = 0.06, 1, and 6 nM, respectively). Modification of PACAP-27 or PACAP-38 structures either through deletions, substitutions, or cyclization involving amino acid residues, Asp3, Asp8, Lys15, Lys20, or Lys21 indicated that the N-terminal region of the molecule is important for both binding and transduction. Of the various lactam analogues synthesized, cyclo[Asp3,Lys15]PACAP-38 and cyclo[Asp8,Lys15]PACAP-38 appear to be competitive receptor antagonists of the release of cAMP by PACAP-38. The results presented suggest that liver membranes possess distinct PACAP and VIP receptors, and that the PACAP receptor(s) is probably similar, but not identical, to type I receptor(s) characteristic of the brain.

Identification and initial characterization of a putative neuromedin B-type receptor from rat urinary bladder membranes.

Receptor binding site(s) on the rat urinary bladder membranes were characterized using a biologically active analog of bombesin, [Tyr4,Leu14]bombesin, and a 50,000 x g total particulate preparation. The binding was specific, reversible, saturable, time- and concentration-dependent. A dissociation curve showed that both bombesin and neuromedin B equally displaced the radioligand in the first 10 min after saturation. From the rate constant of association K + 1 = 7.60 x 10(9) M-1 min-1, and the rate constant of dissociation k-1 = 0.050 min-1, the apparent equilibrium dissociation constant Kd = 6.57 +/- 1.09 pM was determined. A linear Scatchard plot of the specific binding of 125I-[Tyr4,Leu14]bombesin to the membranes revealed that the radioligand bound with high affinity, Kd = 6.38 +/- 0.86 pM, to a single class of sites (Bmax = 2.3 fmol/mg protein). The Hill coefficient of the same binding data was 1.05 +/- 0.21, indicating that the radioligand was binding to a single population of noninteracting binding sites. Both bombesin and neuromedin B displaced the radioligand dose dependently (IC50 = 0.3 nM). Neurokinin A and neurokinin B were less potent (IC50 = 20 and 110 nM, respectively). Substance P, or the specific bombesin receptor antagonists [D-Phe6]bombesin-(6-13) methyl ester, [D-F5Phe6,D-Ala11]bombesin-(6-11) methyl ester, [D-Phe6]bombesin-(6-13) propylamide, [D-Phe6,Leu13psi(CH2NH)Leu14]bombesin or [D-Cpa6,Phe14(psi13-14)]bombesin-(6-14) had an IC50 greater than 1 microM. The results presented suggest the presence of neuromedin B receptor sites on the rat urinary bladder membranes that can be occupied also by some other peptides, notably bombesin, neurokinin A and neurokinin B.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparison of responses to pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptides 38 and 27 in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat.

Responses to pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP)-38 were investigated and compared with responses to PACAP-27 and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in the pulmonary vascular bed of the intact-chest cat under constant flow conditions. Under low resting tone baseline conditions, injections of PACAP-38 had little or no effect on lobar arterial pressure; however, when tone in the pulmonary vascular bed was raised to a high steady level (35-40 mm Hg) with U46619, intralobar injections of PACAP-38 caused dose-related decreases in lobar arterial pressure without altering left atrial pressure. The peptide induced biphasic changes in systemic arterial pressure. PACAP-38 was more potent than VIP in decreasing lobar arterial pressure, and both peptides were significantly less potent than PACAP-27 in dilating the pulmonary vascular bed. The present data show that PACAP-38 has significant vasodilator activity in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat, and that the 27 amino acid form of the peptide is approximately 3-fold more potent than PACAP-38.

Selective presence of opiate receptors on intestinal circular muscle cells.

Smooth muscle cells isolated separately from the longitudinal and circular muscle layers of guinea pig and human intestine exhibited a unique pattern of response to derivatives of proenkephalin and prodynorphin present in the myenteric plexus. Receptors for other myenteric transmitters (acetylcholine, the octapeptide of cholecystokinin and substance P) capable of mediating contraction, were present on both circular and longitudinal muscle cells, whereas opiate receptors were present on circular muscle cells and selectively absent from longitudinal muscle cells in both species. The opiate myoreceptors belonged to the three main subclasses (kappa, delta and mu) and exhibited a rank order of sensitivity similar to that of opiate neuroreceptors. The distribution of these receptors parallels the distribution of opioid nerve fibers and appears to reflect the role of opioids in the regulation of neuromuscular activity.

Specific G proteins mediate endothelin induced contraction.

Endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide which has recently been localized in the gastrointestinal tract. We have investigated the transmembrane signaling properties of endothelin in isolated smooth muscle cells of the rabbit rectosigmoid. Endothelin induced a dose dependent contraction of smooth muscle cells in a range of 10(-10) to 10(-6)M. In normal buffer, contraction peaked at 30 sec and was sustained for up to 8 min. Incubation in 0Ca/2mM EGTA abolished the sustained contraction induced by endothelin, but had no effect on the initial transient contraction. Preincubation of saponin treated cells with G protein antisera had no effect on control cell length. Preincubation of saponin treated isolated smooth muscle cells with specific G protein antisera (rabbit antisera) for Go alpha or Gs for 60 minutes did not inhibit contraction induced by endothelin. Preincubation with an antiserum to Gi3 alpha inhibited the initial transient contraction induced by endothelin and preincubation with an antiserum to Gi1-2 alpha inhibited the sustained phase of the endothelin induced contraction. Our data indicate that: 1) Endothelin induces a direct sustained contraction of smooth cells from the rectosigmoid; 2) The transmembrane signalling of endothelin is through two specific GTP binding components that are Gi alpha, one for the initial transient contraction, and the other for the sustained phase of the contraction.

Differential regulation of smooth muscle contraction in rabbit internal anal sphincter by substance P and bombesin.

Substance P and bombesin induce contraction of isolated IAS smooth muscle cells by different intracellular mechanisms. The cells contracted in a dose dependent manner to both peptides. The kinetics of contraction were different. Substance P induced contraction peaked at 30 seconds and declined in a time dependent manner while bombesin induced contraction peaked at 30 seconds and was maintained for up to 8 minutes. The absence of extracellular calcium in the medium (0 calcium and 2 mM EGTA) had no affect on substance P induced contraction while it blocked bombesin induced contraction. Substance P induced contraction was blocked by the calmodulin antagonist W7 (10(-9)M) and was not affected by the PKC antagonist H7 (10(-6)M). Bombesin induced contraction was blocked by the PKC antagonist H7 and was not affected by the calmodulin antagonist W7. Our data indicate that substance P induces a transient contraction utilizing intracellular calcium and a calmodulin dependent pathway, while bombesin induces a sustained contraction utilizing calcium from extracellular sources and a calmodulin independent pathway.

Synthetic human adrenomedullin and adrenomedullin 15-52 have potent short-lived vasodilator activity in the hindlimb vascular bed of the cat.

Responses to synthetic human adrenomedullin, a novel hypotensive peptide isolated from human pheochromocytoma cells, and the carboxy terminal 15-52 amino acid fragment of adrenomedullin (ADM15-52) were investigated in the hindlimb vascular bed of the cat under constant flow conditions. Intraarterial injections of the peptides in doses of 0.01-0.3 nmol caused dose-related decreases in hindlimb perfusion pressure. When compared on a nmol basis, adrenomedullin and ADM15-52 were similar to bradykinin in vasodilator potency and were approximately 10 fold less potent than acetylcholine. The half-life of the vasodilator response to adrenomedullin and ADM15-52 ranged from 55 to 80 sec and was greater than the half-life of vasodilator responses to bradykinin in doses of 0.01-0.3 nmol and acetylcholine in doses of 0.01-0.3 nmol. The present data demonstrate that synthetic human adrenomedullin and ADM15-52 have potent but relatively short-lasting vasodilator activity in the hindlimb vascular bed of the cat. These data suggest that amino acid residues 15-52 of adrenomedullin are important for the expression of vasodilator activity in the hindlimb vascular bed of the cat.

Synthetic human adrenomedullin and ADM15-52 have potent short-lasting vasodilator activity in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat.

Responses to synthetic human adrenomedullin, a novel hypotensive peptide localized in several organ systems, including the lung, and the carboxy terminal 15-52 amino acid fragment of adrenomedullin (ADM15-52) were investigated in the pulmonary vascular bed of the intact-chest cat. Under constant flow conditions when baseline tone in the pulmonary vascular bed was raised to a high steady level, injections of adrenomedullin and ADM15-52 into the perfused lobar artery in doses of 0.1-1 nmol, caused significant dose-related decreases in lobar arterial pressure. Since left atrial pressure was unchanged, the decreases in lobar arterial pressure reflect decreases in pulmonary lobar vascular resistance. Adrenomedullin and ADM15-52 exhibited similar vasodilator activity and were approximately 3-fold more potent than bradykinin in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat. Pulmonary vasodilator responses to adrenomedullin and ADM15-52 were rapid in onset and lasted for 150-200 sec, depending on the dose of the peptide injected. The present results demonstrate that synthetic human adrenomedullin and ADM15-52 possess potent, short-lasting vasodilator activity in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat and suggest that amino acids 15-52 in the peptide are important for the expression of vasodilator activity in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat.

Some characteristics of 17 beta-estradiol dehydrogenase from bovine placenta.

The activity of 17 beta-estradiol dehydrogenase (E.C. 1.1.1.62) was measured, and its distribution in the subcellular fractions of bovine placenta was compared. Assay of activity was based on the formation of radioactive estrone from 17 beta[4(-14)C]-estradiol. Either NAD+ or NADP+ can serve as cofactor for the enzyme. The nuclear and microsomal fractions of the placental homogenate exhibited the highest specific enzymatic activities before and after treatment with Triton X-100. Electron micrographs of these two fractions prior to treatment with Triton X-100 showed satisfactory purity. 17 beta-estradiol dehydrogenase from bovine placenta exhibits a pH optimum of about 9.5-10.5, and is activated by 5 x 10(-6)M ZnCl2; comparable concentrations of CaCl2 and MgCl2 inactivate the enzyme. The apparent Michaelis constants, Km, for 17 beta-estradiol and NAD+ are 1.4 x 10(-6)M and 5.5 x 10(-5)M respectively. No 17 alpha-estradiol dehydrogenase activity was demonstrable when using 17 alpha-estradiol as substrate.

System approach to the transepithelial transport across rat jejunal enterocytes: effect of cytochalasin B, colchicine, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on butyric acid transport.

A three-compartment physical model is devised for transepithelial passive transport across intestinal cells. The mathematical equations derived from the model allow the simultaneous and quantitative measurements, in the form of permeability coefficients, of solute transport across both the luminal-serosal and serosal-blood barriers. The proposed model is used to study the involvement of the cytoskeleton in butyric acid absorption by the rat jejunum. Alterations in cytoskeletal functions are introduced by the administration of microfilamentous and microtubular altering agents such as cytochalasin, colchicine, or EDTA. An isolated jejunal segment perfused with a buffer containing labeled butyric acid was homogenized at the end of the experiment and assayed for its butyric acid content. During the perfusion, portal blood samples, as well as perfusate samples collected 10 cm distal to the perfusion site were drawn at 5-min intervals and assayed for their radioactivity. Cytochalasin was found to decrease the permeability of the mucosal membrane to butyric acid and to increase that of the serosal membrane. Colchicine did not have any effect either on the mucosal or on the serosal side. Cytochalasin and colchicine, when given in the same experiment, increased the permeability of the serosal membrane to butyric acid, but were without any effect on the mucosal barrier. Also, EDTA had no effect on the mucosal side, but decreased significantly the permeability of the serosal membrane to the fatty acid.

Angiotensin II delivery and binding at the microvascular endothelium and cardiac myocyte surfaces in perfused rat hearts.

Peptide delivery toward its targets in an intact organ is equally as important as its routing from the systemic circulation to cell surface receptor sites. A physical model pertinent to a heart perfusion technique in Sprague-Dawley rats is presented describing reversible binding of angiotensin II and/or antagonist (DUP 753, losartan) with the microvascular endothelial receptor subtypes as well as with the cardiac myocyte receptor subtypes that are exposed to the perfusate by CHAPS-treatment. Analysis of the collected effluents are curve-fitted with a conservation equation and a first-order Bessel function. The results suggest that angiotensin II delivery and binding to the pool of receptor subtypes both at the level of the microvascular endothelium and cardiac myocyte sites differ marginally in binding affinities. The findings postulate that angiotensin II can have access to the myocyte site in an intact heart by an endothelial angiotensin II-receptor-internalization process. In addition, considering that the AT1- and AT2-receptor subtypes are present in equal proportions and have equal binding affinities with angiotensin II, the results of the 3H-DUP 753 binding indicated approximately 3-3.5 times higher affinity to the AT1-receptors subtype than angiotensin II at both the endothelial and myocyte sites. In the presence of losartan, angiotensin II binding showed higher affinity with the exposed unopposed AT2-receptor subtype than with the receptor pool, which could be due to alterations in the AT2-receptor structure and configuration. This increase in the binding affinity of angiotensin II with the AT2-receptor subtype may be categorized under the direct effect of the AT1-antagonist modality in producing cardioprotective effects.