Human neutrophil annexin I promotes granule aggregation and modulates Ca(2+)-dependent membrane fusion.

The mechanism and cofactor requirements of exocytotic membrane fusion in neutrophils are unknown. Cytosolic proteins have been implicated in membrane fusion events. We assessed neutrophil cytosol for the presence of fusogenic proteins using a liposome fusion assay (lipid mixing). A fusogenic 36-kD protein containing amino acid sequence homology with human annexin I was purified from the cytosol of human neutrophils. This protein also shared functional characteristics with annexin I: it associated with and promoted lipid mixing of liposomes in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner at micromolar Ca2+ concentrations. The 36-kD protein required diacylglycerol to promote true fusion (contents mixing) at the same Ca2+ concentrations used for lipid mixing. The 36-kD protein exhibited a biphasic dose-response curve, by both promoting and inhibiting Ca(2+)-dependent lipid-mixing between liposomes and a plasma membrane fraction. The 36-kD protein also promoted Ca(2+)-dependent increases in aggregation of a specific granule fraction, as measured by a turbidity increase. Antiannexin I antibodies depleted the 36-kD protein from the cytosol by greater than 70% and diminished its ability to promote lipid mixing. Antiannexin I antibodies also decreased by greater than 75% the ability of neutrophil cytosol to promote Ca(2+)-dependent aggregation of the specific granules. These data suggest that annexin I may be involved in aggregation and fusion events in neutrophils.

Calcium-dependent fusion of the plasma membrane fraction from human neutrophils with liposomes.

A cell-free assay monitoring lipid mixing was used to investigate the role of Ca2+ in neutrophil membrane-liposome fusion. Micromolar concentrations of Ca2+ were found to directly stimulate fusion of inside-out neutrophil plasma membrane enriched fractions (from neutrophils subjected to nitrogen cavitation) with liposomes (phosphatidylethanolamine:phosphatidic acid, 4:1 molar ratio). In contrast, right-side-out plasma membranes and granule membranes did not fuse with liposomes in the presence of Ca2+. Similar results were obtained with two different lipid mixing assays. Fusion of the neutrophil plasma membrane-enriched fraction with liposomes was dependent upon the concentration of Ca2+, with threshold and 50% maximal rate of fusion occurring at 2 microM and 50 microM, respectively. Furthermore, the fusion was highly specific for Ca2+; other divalent cations such as Ba2+, Mg2+ and Sr2+ promoted fusion only at millimolar concentrations. Red blood cell (RBC) membranes were used in control studies. Ca2(+)-dependent fusion did not occur between right-side-out or inside-out RBC-vesicles and liposomes. However, if the RBC-vesicles were exposed to conditions which depleted spectrin (i.e., low salt), then Ca2(+)-dependent fusion was detected. Other quantitative differences between neutrophil and RBC membranes were found; fusion of liposomes with RBC membranes was most readily achieved with La3+ while neutrophil membrane-liposome fusion was most readily obtained with Ca2+. Furthermore, GTP gamma S was found to enhance Ca2(+)-dependent fusion between liposomes and neutrophil plasma membranes, but not RBC membranes. These studies show that plasma membranes (enriched fractions) from neutrophils are readily capable of fusing with artificial lipid membranes in the presence of micromolar concentrations of Ca2+.

Identification of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase as a Ca2+-dependent fusogen in human neutrophil cytosol.

The membrane fusion events observed during neutrophil degranulation are important aspects of the immunoregulatory system. In an attempt to understand the regulation of granule-plasma membrane fusion, we have begun characterizing human neutrophil cytosol for fusion activity, finding that 50% of the fusogenic activity could be attributed to members of the annexin family of proteins. The major non-annexin fusion activity (25% of the total cytosolic activity) was enriched by ion exchange chromatography after depletion of annexins by Ca2+-dependent phospholipid affinity chromatography. The fusion activity co-purified with a 10,14-kDa dimer identified as leukocyte L1 (which was non-fusogenic), along with an approximately 36-kDa protein. This protein was identified as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) by amino-terminal sequencing, and the fusion activity was verified using commercially available GAPDH. GAPDH may play an important role in degranulation because it is as potent as annexin I on a mass basis and may constitute up to 25% of the total cytosolic fusion activity of the neutrophil.

Intrathecal administration of recombinant human superoxide dismutase 1 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a preliminary safety and pharmacokinetic study.

We undertook a safety and pharmacokinetic study of intrathecal (i.t.) recombinant human superoxide dismutase (rhSOD1). We administered rhSOD1 as an acute bolus in three sheep and 16 human subjects with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Two sheep received chronic i.t. infusion of rhSOD1 (one at 17.7 mg per day, the second at 38.0 mg per day) for six months. Two of the 16 subjects had familial ALS and mutations in the gene for Cu/Zn SOD1. They both received i.t. infusion of rhSOD1 (5 to 10 mg per day) for 3 to 6 months. Intrathecal rhSOD1 administration was safe. Bolus i.t. administration of 0.25 mg rhSOD1 in sheep revealed a mean elimination half-life of 0.4 (SD +/- 0.06) hours, clearance of 12.2 +/- 3.2 ml per hour, and volume of distribution of 7.3 +/- 0.9 ml. After chronic i.t. infusion, the initial alpha-phase half-life was estimated as 1.2 hours and the extended beta-phase half-life was 15.0 hours. The mean clearance rate was 25.9 ml per hour and the steady-state volume of distribution was 920.6 ml. Bolus i.t. administration of 20 micrograms of rhSOD1 in ALS subjects revealed a mean elimination half-life of 2.2 +/- 0.8 hours, clearance of 1.2 +/- 0.6 ml per hour, and volume of distribution of 3.5 +/- 0.4 ml. With chronic i.t. infusion of 5 mg per day, cerebrospinal SOD1 levels increased approximately fortyfold. We detected no benefit of this treatment in the two patients with familial ALS.

Survival in transgenic ALS mice does not vary with CNS glutathione peroxidase activity.

OBJECTIVE: Transgenic mice that overexpress a human gene encoding mutant cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD1) develop a progressive motor neuron loss that resembles human ALS. Why mutant SOD1 initiates motor neuron death is unknown. One hypothesis proposes that the mutant molecule has enhanced peroxidase activity, reducing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to form toxic hydroxyl adducts on critical targets. To test this hypothesis, the authors generated transgenic ALS mice with altered levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), the major soluble enzyme that detoxifies H2O2. METHODS: SOD1(G93A) ALS mice were bred with mice bearing a murine GSHPx transgene that have a four-fold elevation in brain GSHPx levels and with mice having targeted inactivation of the GSHPx gene and reduced brain GSHPx activity. RESULTS: Survival was not prolonged in ALS mice with elevated brain GSHPx activity (p = 0.09). ALS mice with decreased GSHPx brain activity (20% of normal) showed no acceleration of the disease course (p = 0.89). The age at disease onset in the ALS mice was unaffected by brain GSHPx activity. CONCLUSION: The level of GSHPx activity in the CNS of transgenic ALS mice does not play a critical role in the development of motor neuron disease.

A simple technique for treating age-related macular degeneration with external beam radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: To develop a simple external beam photon radiotherapy technique to treat age-related macular degeneration without the need for simulation, planning computed tomography (CT) or computer dosimetry. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The goal was to enable the treatment to be set up reliably on the treatment machine on Day 1 with the patient supine in a head cast without any prior planning. Using measurements of ocular globe topography from Karlsson et al. (Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 1996; 33: 705-712), we chose a point 1.5 cm behind the anterior surface of the upper eyelid (ASUE) as the isocentre of a half-beam, blocked, 5.0 x 3.0-cm, angled lateral field to treat the involved eye. This would position the isocentre about 0.5 cm behind the posterior surface of the lens, and a little over 1 cm in front of the macula, according to Karlsson et al. The setup requires initial adjustment of the gantry from horizontal (to account for any asymmetry of position of the eyes), then angling 15 degrees posteriorly to avoid the contralateral eye. Finally, the couch is raised to position the isocentre 1.5 cm behind the ASUE. RESULTS: To verify the applicability of the technique, we performed CT and computer dosimetry on the first 11 eyes so treated. Our CT measurements were in good agreement with Karlsson et al. The lens dose was < 5% and the macula was within the 95% isodose curve in each case (6-MV linac). Treatment setup time is approximately 10 min each day. The 11 patients were treated with 5 x 2.00 Gy (2 patients) or 5 x 3.00 Gy (9 patients), and subjective response on follow-up over 1 to 12 months (median 4 months) was comparable to previously reported results, with no significant acute side effects. CONCLUSION: Our technique is easy to set up and reliably treats the macula, with sparing of the lens and contralateral eye. It enables treatment to commence rapidly and cost-effectively without the need for simulation or CT computer planning.

Dual effect of N-methyl-N-(1-methyl-4-pyrolidino)-2-butyl)acetamide on release of (3H)-acetylcholine from the rat hippocampal slices.

The effect of muscarinic cholinergic drugs on (3H)-acetylcholine [3H)-Ach) release from slices of rat hippocampus was investigated either in the presence of eserine or hemicholinium-3 (HC-3), 10 microM each. BM-5 (N-methyl-N-(1-methyl-4-pyrolidino-2-butyl)acetamide) is a partial muscarinic cholinergic agonist. Like oxotremorine, BM-5 significantly (p less than 0.012) decreased the release of (3H)-Ach in the presence of HC-3. In the presence of eserine, (3H)-Ach release was significantly (p less than 0.001) enhanced both by atropine and BM-5. The decrease or increase in release of (3H)-Ach by BM-5, in the presence of HC-3 or eserine, respectively, may be due to its partial agonist effect on hippocampal muscarinic cholinergic receptors.

Cholinergic activity of acetylenic imidazoles and related compounds.

A series of acetylenic imidazoles related to oxotremorine (1a) were prepared and evaluated as cholinergic agents with in vitro binding assays and in vivo pharmacological tests in mice. 1-[4-(1H-Imidazol-1-yl)-2-butynyl]-2-pyrrolidinone (1b) was a cholinergic agonist with one-half the potency of oxotremorine. Analogues of 1b with a 5- or 2-methyl substituent in the imidazole ring (compounds 1c and 1g) were cholinergic partial agonists. Analogues of 1b with a methyl substituent at the 5-position in the pyrrolidinone ring (7b) or at the alpha-position in the acetylenic chain (8b) were antagonists. Various analogues of these imidazole acetylenes where the pyrrolidinone ring was replaced by an amide, carbamate, or urea residue were prepared. Several compounds which contained 5-methylimidazole as the amine substituent were partial agonists. The activities of the imidazole compounds are compared with those of the related pyrrolidine and dimethylamine analogues. Agonist and antagonist conformations for these compounds at muscarinic receptors are proposed.

A monoclonal antibody (BMA-1) reactive with murine B cells as well as resident and elicited but not activated macrophages.

Hybridoma technology has been employed to prepare a monoclonal antibody that recognizes a subpopulation of mononuclear leukocytes. Enzyme-linked immune assay revealed a cell clone producing a monoclonal antibody reactive with elicited but not activated C57Bi/6 peritoneal macrophages. Detailed analyses using fluorescence flow cytometry demonstrated that this monoclonal antibody binds to B cells, B cell blasts, as well as to the resident and elicited macrophages, but not to activated macrophages, T cells, red blood cells, or syngeneic fibroblasts. This antigen has been designated BMA-1. Antigenic expression is greatest upon resident macrophages. A bimodal level of expression is found on elicited macrophages while activated macrophages possess low levels of expression. The unique cellular distribution of this antigen indicates that it is lost during macrophage differentiation to the activated state. Immunoprecipitation studies indicate that this antigen is composed of multiple subunits; the primary subunit possesses a molecular weight of 38,000. This new tool should be valuable in the analysis of heterogeneous macrophage populations and in defining molecular differentiation pathways.

Tetanus toxin fragment C as a vector to enhance delivery of proteins to the CNS.

The non-toxic neuronal binding domain of tetanus toxin (tetanus toxin fragment C, TTC) has been used as a vector to enhance delivery of potentially therapeutic proteins to motor neurons from the periphery following an intramuscular injection. The unique binding and transport properties of this 50-kDa polypeptide suggest that it might also enhance delivery of proteins to neurons after direct injection into the CNS. Using quantitative fluorimetry, we found that labeled TTC showed vastly superior retention within brain tissue after intracerebral injection compared to a control protein (bovine serum album). Fluorescence microscopy revealed that injected TTC was not retained solely in a restricted deposit along the needle track, but was distributed through gray matter in a pattern not previously described. The distribution of injected protein within the extracellular space of the gray matter and neuropil was also seen after injection of a recombinant fusion protein comprised of TTC linked to the enzyme superoxide dismutase (TTC-SOD-1). Injections of native SOD-1 in contrast showed only minimal retention of protein along the injection track. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that both TTC and TTC-SOD-1 were distributed in a punctate perineuronal and intraneuronal pattern similar to that seen after their retrograde transport, suggesting localization primarily in synaptic boutons. This synaptic distribution was confirmed using HRP-labeled TTC with electron microscopy along with localization within neuronal endosomes. We conclude that TTC may be a useful vector to enhance neuronal delivery of potentially therapeutic enzymes or trophic factors following direct injection into the brain.

Pharmacokinetics of buspirone as determined by ex vivo (3H)-DPAT binding.

Ex vivo (3H)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetraline ((3H)-DPAT) binding to the hippocampus has been utilized to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of buspirone after i.v. (30 mumol/kg) and oral (100 mumol/kg) administration of this drug to rats. Intravenous buspirone rapidly penetrated the brain as demonstrated by a maximum inhibition of (3H)-DPAT binding at 1 min. Elimination of drug from the brain was biphasic, with a first component half-life of 24.8 min and a second component half-life of 96 min. Oral buspirone at 3 times the i.v. dose produced less than one-third the maximum inhibition of (3H)-DPAT binding compared to that observed with i.v. buspirone. The pharmacokinetic parameters of buspirone observed in the present study are in agreement with those reported previously. Thus, the ex vivo binding assay could be utilized to determine the bioavailability of the drug to the brain, and its duration of action.

Neuroglial responses to the dopaminergic neurotoxicant 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in mouse striatum.

We have studied the reactive responses of both astrocytes and microglia to dopaminergic denervation of the striatum by MPTP. Following MPTP treatment, increased GFAP immunoreactivity reached a peak at 2 days and persisted for at least 6 weeks. Immunoreactivity to vimentin was also markedly increased in astrocytes 48 h after MPTP treatment. Striatal laminin immunoreactivity, however, appeared to be unaffected by drug treatment. GFAP protein levels increased to 196% and 321% of control 24 and 48 hours after MPTP treatment, respectively. Concomitantly, GFAP mRNA levels increased to 560% and 1620% of control, respectively. These reactive changes in striatal astrocytes in response to MPTP treatment were also accompanied by a reactive microglial response as evidenced by increased immunohistochemical visualization of striatal microglia using antibodies to Mac-1. Our results and those reported previously by O'Callaghan et al., strongly suggest that MPTP-induced reactive gliosis in mouse striatum is associated with reactive microglia, albeit without increased interleukin-1 beta.

The effect of proadifen on the metabolism of adinazolam.

Binding affinities of adinazolam and its metabolite mono-N-demethyladinazolam, U-42352, to the brain tissue are not altered by the presence of proadifen (SKF-525A) in [3H]flunitrazepam [( 3H]FNZ) binding assays in-vitro. Pretreatment of mice with proadifen significantly blocked the ability of intravenously administered adinazolam to inhibit [3H]FNZ binding in the studies ex-vivo. The binding profile of [3H]FNZ to the brain tissue was not significantly different when animals were treated with U-42352 or proadifen with U-42352. These results suggest that proadifen may block the conversion of adinazolam to its active metabolite U-42352.

Film dosimetry for the junction region of four compensated photon beams.

A set of four 4 MV photon beam compensators were produced, one for each field of a Hodgkins Disease treatment plan. The resultant dose profiles at various depths were measured by an ion chamber in water and by Kodak X-Omat V film in a Solid Water phantom, and compared to the doses calculated by a GE RT/Plan treatment planning computer. After normalisation and correction for the film's non-linear dose response, the film and ion chamber results compared well with each other. They both showed cold spots of 80% in the junction region of the four fields which were not shown on the computed isodose plan. Film dosimetry is faster than ion chamber dosimetry and is shown to be accurate enough to use for measuring the dose uniformity of compensated beams.

Regulation of brain acetylcholine concentration by muscarinic receptors.

The cholinergic agonists oxotremorine, oxotremorine-1, oxotremorine-3, arecoline and BM 123 (N-[4-(2-chloroethylmethylamino)-2-butynyl]-2-pyrrolidone) were used to investigate the role of muscarinic receptors in the regulation of acetylcholine (Ach) concentration in the whole mouse brain. Intravenous oxotremorine, oxotremorine-1, oxotremorine-3 and arecoline dose-dependently decreased ex vivo binding of [3H]oxotremorine-M and correspondingly increased brain Ach concentration. The correlation coefficient between the ED50's of these two parameters was 0.90. BM 123 induced percentage of reduction in muscarinic receptors correlated with percentage of decrease in response of oxotremorine, for increasing brain Ach concentration. These results indicate that the muscarinic receptor system involved in the regulation of brain Ach levels may lack spare receptors.

Pharmacokinetics of muscarinic cholinergic drugs as determined by ex vivo (3H)-oxotremorine-M binding.

The pharmacokinetic parameters of muscarinic cholinergic drugs after intravenous (IV) and oral administration to mice was determined with ex vivo (3H)-oxotremorine-M (3H-Oxt) binding to the brain. Oxotremorine had a long duration of action, and arecoline had a short one. There was a significant correlation between the ex vivo ED50 and the in vitro inhibition constants (Ki). Tremorine, a prodrug, inhibited ex vivo binding, but was relatively inactive in in vitro binding. The quaternary amines, methylscopolamine and oxotremorine-M, and the hydrophilic compound, pirenzepine, were relatively weak in inhibiting ex vivo binding because of their poor penetration of the blood-brain barrier. Oxotremorine and BM-5 were similarly bioavailable to the brain by the IV and the oral route. These results indicate that the pharmacokinetic profile of muscarinic cholinergic drugs can be determined with ex vivo (3H)-Oxt binding.

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte histamine receptors: occurrence in cell surface clusters and their redistribution during locomotion.

A univalent and bioactive fluorescent derivative of histamine bound to the surface of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes; free histamine was found to compete with this derivative for binding sites. Histamine H2-receptor specificity was indicated by binding inhibition experiments using cimetidine (H2-specific) but not diphenhydramine (H1-specific). Video-intensification fluorescence microscopy was used to determine the distribution of histamine receptors in living polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Receptors appeared as randomly distributed clusters upon stationary cells. During random locomotion, receptors were restricted to the ends of pseudopods, whereas chemotaxis led to receptor localization at lamellipodia and uropods. Ligand-receptor complexes were restricted to the cell surface, as shown by quenching exterior fluorescence with crystal violet. Therefore, pinocytic uptake cannot account for the observed receptor localization or clustering. As a further control, the lipid analog 1,1-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine remained uniformly distributed during all conditions. Histamine-mediated inhibition of adherence may be related to formation of ligand-receptor membrane domains at adherence sites.

Novel fluorescence method to visualize antibody-dependent hydrogen peroxide-associated "killing" of liposomes by phagocytes.

We have developed a new methodology to examine effector-cell-mediated immune attack using liposomes as targets. Hydrogen-peroxide-associated killing of liposomes was observed with fluorescence intensification microscopy. Liposomes were composed of 98-99 mol % egg phosphatidylcholine and 1-2 mol % dinitrophenyl lipid hapten. Anti-dinitrophenyl IgG antibody was used to opsonize liposomes. Liposomes were loaded with dihydroxymandelic acid (DHMA) and peroxidase. Macrophage- or neutrophil-mediated recognition of liposomes triggers the release of H2O2 and other oxidative products. Upon interaction of H2O2 or OH radical with liposome contents, DHMA dimerizes forming a fluorescent derivative. Our studies indicate that individual living neutrophils and macrophages deposit oxidative products in a heterogeneous fashion among bound targets.

Novel fluorescence method to visualize antibody-dependent hydrogen peroxide-associated "killing" of liposomes by phagocytes.

We have developed a new methodology to examine effector-cell-mediated immune attack using liposomes as targets. Hydrogen peroxide-associated killing of liposomes was observed with fluorescence intensification microscopy. Liposomes were composed of 98-99 mol % egg phosphatidylcholine and 1-2 mol % dinitrophenyl lipid hapten. Anti-dinitrophenyl IgG antibody was used to opsonize liposomes. Liposomes were loaded with dihydroxymandelic acid (DHMA) and peroxidase. Macrophage- or neutrophil-mediated recognition of liposomes triggers the release of H2O2 and other oxidative products. Upon interaction of H2O2 or OH radical with liposome contents, DHMA dimerizes forming a fluorescent derivative. Our studies indicate that individual living neutrophils and macrophages deposit oxidative products in a heterogenous fashion among bound targets.

Influence of immune complexes on macrophage membrane fluidity: a nanosecond fluorescence anisotropy study.

Time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy (TRFA) and steady-state anisotropy measurements and fluorescence intensification microscopic observations were made on RAW264 macrophages labeled with 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) or 1-[4-(trimethylammonio)phenyl]-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH). Microscopic analysis revealed that the fluorescent probe DPH was found in association with plasma membranes and small vesicles. Macrophages treated with immune complexes could not be distinguished from untreated cells, indicating that the same membrane compartments were labeled. The probe TMA-DPH was exclusively localized to the plasma membrane. Steady-state anisotropy measurements indicated that in vitro culture conditions did not significantly affect membrane fluidity. TRFA measurements were conducted to determine the physical properties of macrophage membranes during immune recognition and endocytosis. Data were analyzed by iterative deconvolution to yield phi, the rotational correlation time, and r infinity, the limiting anisotropy. These parameters may be interpreted as the "fluidity" and order parameter of the membrane environment, respectively. Typical values for untreated macrophages were phi = 7.8 ns and r infinity = 0.12. Binding and endocytosis of immune complexes prepared in 4-fold antigen excess increase these values to phi = 22.1 ns and r infinity = 0.15. However, receptor-independent phagocytosis of latex beads decreases these values to phi = 2.2 ns and r infinity = 0.10. Addition of catalase before, but not after, immune complex incubation with cells diminishes the effect upon membrane structure, suggesting that H2O2 participates in fluidity changes. Pretreatment of macrophages with the membrane-impermeable sulfhydryl blocker p-(chloromercuri)benzenesulfonic acid also diminished these effects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)