RESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: CYP2D6 metabolizes many centrally acting drugs, neurotoxins and endogenous neurochemicals, and differences in brain levels of CYP2D have been associated with brain function and drug response. Alcohol consumers and smokers have higher levels of CYP2D6 in brain, but not liver, suggesting ethanol and/or nicotine may induce human brain CYP2D6. We investigated the independent and combined effects of chronic ethanol self-administration and nicotine treatment on CYP2D expression in African green monkeys. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Forty monkeys were randomized into control, ethanol-only, nicotine-only and ethanol + nicotine groups. Two groups voluntarily self-administered 10% ethanol in sucrose solution for 4 h·day(-1) , whereas two groups consumed sucrose solution on the same schedule. Two groups received daily s.c. injections of 0.5 mg·kg(-1) nicotine in saline bid, whereas two groups were injected with saline on the same schedule. KEY RESULTS: Both nicotine and ethanol dose-dependently increased CYP2D in brain; brain mRNA was unaffected, and neither drug altered hepatic CYP2D protein or mRNA. The combination of ethanol and nicotine increased brain CYP2D protein levels to a greater extent than either drug alone (1.2-2.2-fold, P < 0.05 among the eight brain regions assessed). Immunohistochemistry revealed the induction of brain CYP2D protein within specific cell types and regions in the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Ethanol and nicotine increase brain CYP2D protein levels in monkeys, in a region and treatment-specific manner, suggesting that CNS drug responses, neurodegeneration and personality may be affected among people who consume alcohol and/or nicotine.
Asunto(s)
Hidrocarburo de Aril Hidroxilasas/biosíntesis , Encéfalo/efectos de los fármacos , Etanol/administración & dosificación , Nicotina/farmacología , Agonistas Nicotínicos/farmacología , Animales , Hidrocarburo de Aril Hidroxilasas/genética , Encéfalo/enzimología , Chlorocebus aethiops , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Inducción Enzimática , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/enzimología , Masculino , ARN Mensajero/metabolismo , AutoadministraciónRESUMEN
Mechanical properties of cells and extracellular matrices are critical determinants of function in contexts including oncogenic transformation, neuronal synapse formation, hepatic fibrosis and stem cell differentiation. The size and heterogeneity of biological specimens and the importance of measuring their mechanical properties under conditions that resemble their environments in vivo present a challenge for quantitative measurement. Centimeter-scale tissue samples can be measured by commercial instruments, whereas properties at the subcellular (nm) scale are accessible by atomic force microscopy, optical trapping, or magnetic bead microrheometry; however many tissues are heterogeneous on a length scale between micrometers and millimeters which is not accessible to most current instrumentation. The device described here combines two commercially available technologies, a micronewton resolution force probe and a micromanipulator for probing soft biological samples at sub-millimeter spatial resolution. Several applications of the device are described. These include the first measurement of the stiffness of an intact, isolated mouse glomerulus, quantification of the inner wall stiffness of healthy and diseased mouse aortas, and evaluation of the lateral heterogeneity in the stiffness of mouse mammary glands and rat livers with correlation of this heterogeneity with malignant or fibrotic pathology as evaluated by histology.
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Pruebas de Dureza/instrumentación , Dureza/fisiología , Micromanipulación/instrumentación , Examen Físico/instrumentación , Estimulación Física/instrumentación , Animales , Diseño de Equipo , Análisis de Falla de Equipo , Humanos , Estrés MecánicoRESUMEN
Previously, in tightly controlled studies, using three independent, yet complementary techniques, we refuted the claim that a mitochondrial nitric oxide synthase (mtNOS) isoform exists within pure, rat liver mitochondria (MT). Of those techniques, the NOS-catalyzed [(14)C]-L-arginine to [(14)C]-L-citrulline conversion assay (NOS assay) with MT samples indicated a weak, radioactive signal that was NOS-independent. Aliquots of samples from the NOS assays were then extracted with acetone, separated by high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and exposed to autoradiography. Results obtained from these samples showed no radioactive band for L-citrulline. However, a fast-migrating, diffuse, radioactive band was observed in the TLC lanes loaded with MT samples. In this manuscript, we identify and confirm that this radioactive signal in MT samples is due to the arginase-catalyzed conversion of [(14)C]-L-arginine to [(14)C]-urea. The current results, in addition to reconfirming the absence of NOS activity in rat liver MT, also show the need to include arginase inhibitors in studies using MT samples in order to avoid confounding results when using NOS activity assays.
Asunto(s)
Arginasa/análisis , Mitocondrias Hepáticas/enzimología , Óxido Nítrico Sintasa/análisis , Animales , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión/métodos , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión/normas , Cromatografía en Capa Delgada/métodos , Cromatografía en Capa Delgada/normas , Ratas , Reproducibilidad de los ResultadosRESUMEN
In addition to forming the selective filtration barrier for the renal glomerulus, podocytes maintain glomerular capillary architecture by opposing distending hemodynamic forces. To understand the relationship of cytoskeletal properties and the mechanical characteristics of podocytes, we studied filamin expression and distribution and measured cell membrane deformability in conditionally immortalized wild-type (WT) mouse podocytes, and in podocytes derived from a mouse model of HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN). In the WT cells, filamin and F-actin were localized at the periphery and in prominent stress fibers. In the HIVAN cells, filamin expression was reduced, and stress fibers were sparse. In a microaspiration assay, HIVAN cells ruptured under minimal negative pressure. Atomic force microscopy demonstrated that the WT cells had a stiffness of 17 kPa, whereas the value for the HIVAN cells was 4 kPa. These results demonstrate that the mechanical properties of WT and HIVAN podocytes are markedly different in a manner that is consistent with differences in the composition and arrangement of their cytoskeletons. The mechanical properties of the WT podocytes suggest that these cells can better maintain capillary integrity than the HIVAN podocytes and implicate pathological assembly of the cytoskeleton as a mechanism of HIVAN.
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Proteínas del Citoesqueleto/metabolismo , Infecciones por VIH/fisiopatología , Podocitos/metabolismo , Actinina/biosíntesis , Actinas/biosíntesis , Animales , Fenómenos Biomecánicos , Células Cultivadas , Proteínas Contráctiles/biosíntesis , Filaminas , Quinasa 1 de Adhesión Focal/biosíntesis , Ratones , Proteínas de Microfilamentos/biosíntesis , Microscopía de Fuerza Atómica , Microscopía Fluorescente , Microscopía de Contraste de Fase , Podocitos/fisiologíaRESUMEN
We aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the renal wasting of Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+), and Mg(2+) in gentamicin (GM)-treated rats. Male Wistar rats were injected with GM (40 or 80 mg/kg/day for 7 days, respectively; GM-40 or GM-80). The expression of NHE3, Na-K-ATPase, NKCC2, ROMK, NCC, alpha-, beta- and gamma-ENaC, and CaSR was examined in the kidney by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Urinary fractional excretion of Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+), and Mg(2+) was increased and urinary concentration was decreased in both GM-40 and GM-80 rats. In cortex and outer stripe of outer medulla (cortex) in GM-80 rats, the expression of NHE3, Na-K-ATPase, and NKCC2 was decreased; NCC expression was unchanged; and CaSR was upregulated compared to controls. In the inner stripe of outer medulla (ISOM) in GM-80 rats, NKCC2 and Na-K-ATPase expression was decreased, whereas CaSR was upregulated, and NHE3 and ROMK expression remained unchanged. In GM-40 rats, NKCC2 expression was decreased in the cortex and ISOM, whereas NHE3, Na-K-ATPase, CaSR, ROMK, and NCC abundance was unchanged in both cortex and ISOM. Immunoperoxidase labeling confirmed decreased expression of NKCC2 in the thick ascending limb (TAL) in both GM-80- and GM-40-treated rats. Immunoblotting and immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased expression of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-ENaC in cortex in GM-80 rats, but not in GM-40 rats. These findings suggest that the decrease in NKCC2 in TAL seen in response to low-dose (40 mg/kg/day) gentamicin treatment may play an essential role for the increased urinary excretion of Mg(2+) and Ca(2+), and play a significant role for the development of the urinary concentrating defect, and increased urinary excretion of Na(+) and K(+). At high-dose gentamicin, both proximal and TAL sodium transporter downregulation is likely to contribute to this.
Asunto(s)
Antibacterianos/farmacología , Gentamicinas/farmacología , Riñón/metabolismo , Canales de Sodio/efectos de los fármacos , Sodio/metabolismo , Animales , Antibacterianos/farmacocinética , Calcio/orina , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Regulación de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Gentamicinas/farmacocinética , Inmunohistoquímica , Riñón/efectos de los fármacos , Corteza Renal/efectos de los fármacos , Corteza Renal/metabolismo , Médula Renal/efectos de los fármacos , Médula Renal/metabolismo , Magnesio/orina , Masculino , Potasio/orina , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Receptores Sensibles al Calcio/metabolismo , Sodio/orina , Simportadores del Cloruro de Sodio/metabolismo , Simportadores de Sodio-Bicarbonato/metabolismo , Intercambiadores de Sodio-Hidrógeno/metabolismo , Simportadores de Cloruro de Sodio-Potasio/metabolismo , ATPasa Intercambiadora de Sodio-Potasio/metabolismoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to examine factors associated with utilization and costs for persons with haemophilia. STUDY DESIGN: Utilization data and patient characteristics were collected through medical record review of 336 patients receiving treatment for at least 90% of their haemophilia care at one of five comprehensive haemophilia treatment centres in California. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The range of factor VIII deficiency in our sample was similar to the distribution among haemophilic patients in the Western United States; 215 (64%) had severe FVIII deficiency. The mean age in our sample was 21.4 (SD = 16.2) years old and 114 (34%) were HIV-positive. In the multivariate model predicting the total cost of health care during 1995 (adjusted R2 = 0.40), total annual costs were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with being HIV-seropositive, infusing FVIII concentrate through a port vs. i.v. infusion, the number of comorbidities, moderate arthropathy (compared with no arthropathy), mild arthropathy, history of inhibitor to FVIII, and current prophylactic FVIII concentrate infusion. CONCLUSION: As expected, total health-care costs were correlated with comorbid medical conditions, such as HIV and sequelae of haemophilia such as arthropathy. Health policy should consider risk adjustment for the presence of complications such as arthropathy and HIV infection in the financing of haemophilia treatment to promote more equitable delivery of these services.
Asunto(s)
Costos de la Atención en Salud/estadística & datos numéricos , Recursos en Salud/estadística & datos numéricos , Hemofilia A/economía , Adolescente , Adulto , Instituciones de Atención Ambulatoria/economía , Instituciones de Atención Ambulatoria/estadística & datos numéricos , Artritis/epidemiología , California/epidemiología , Niño , Comorbilidad , Hemofilia A/epidemiología , Hemofilia A/terapia , Hospitalización/economía , Hospitalización/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Masculino , Análisis MultivarianteRESUMEN
The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between health care and utilization of that health care, and to provide a base measurement of health status in patients with haemophilia. Provider interview and retrospective chart review of 336 patients with haemophilia treated during 1995 at one of five comprehensive haemophilia treatment centres was conducted to measure patient health status characteristics and utilization of health care. Two health status scales were included. The first, the Self-Care Measure, was a four-point single item scale measuring the patient's ability for basic self-care, which was scored by a chart review and an interview with the health-care provider. The second, the Haemophilia Utilization Group Study (HUGS) Functional Status Measure, is a four-item, 10-point scale developed specifically for patients with haemophilia. Our sample represents 27% of actively treated patients in region IX. The mean score on the HUGS Functional Status Measure was 8.7 (SD=2.4). The HUGS scale exhibited a ceiling effect across all four scales: attitude (n=269, 80.1%), overall wellbeing (n=263, 78.3%), working (n=254, 75.6%) and orthopaedic status (n=195, 58.0%). Both higher total health-care costs and factor VIII annual costs were significantly associated with lower scores on the HUGS Functional Status Measure. Health status is a critical component in the assessment of the utilization and outcomes of care. In the absence of the availability of a patient interview, the HUGS Functional Status Measure can be used as one characteristic that explains the variation in the utilization of health care by patients with haemophilia.
Asunto(s)
Servicios de Salud/estadística & datos numéricos , Hemofilia A/terapia , Perfil de Impacto de Enfermedad , Actividades Cotidianas/clasificación , Adulto , Niño , Costos de la Atención en Salud , Indicadores de Salud , Hemofilia A/economía , Salud Holística , Humanos , Masculino , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de Riesgo , Autocuidado , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to quantify the expression of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC) and caldesmon in the anterior vaginal wall of women with and without pelvic organ prolapse. STUDY DESIGN: Immunoblot analysis was conducted on protein extracts from the vaginal muscularis of 15 women with and 11 women without pelvic organ prolapse by using specific antibodies for SM-MHC, nonmuscle MHC-B, and caldesmon. The fraction of muscularis containing smooth muscle was determined by morphometric analysis of histologic cross sections. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify SM-MHC isoforms produced by alternative splicing in the myosin head. RESULTS: Whereas the expression of SM-MHC was increased modestly (2-fold), expression of smooth muscle caldesmon was increased 6- to 7-fold in vaginal muscularis from women with prolapse. The relative distribution of SM-MHC isoforms was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Caldesmon is increased substantially in vaginal smooth muscle of women with pelvic organ prolapse. Caldesmon inhibits actin-activated myosin magnesium adenosine triphosphatase activity and inhibits the maintenance of contractile force. Thus, this disproportionate increase in caldesmon, relative to myosin, may result in inhibition of vaginal smooth muscle contractility and force maintenance.
Asunto(s)
Proteínas de Unión a Calmodulina/análisis , Proteínas Musculares/análisis , Cadenas Pesadas de Miosina/análisis , Prolapso Uterino/patología , Vagina/metabolismo , Adulto , Anciano , Western Blotting , Técnicas de Cultivo , Femenino , Humanos , Inmunohistoquímica , Persona de Mediana Edad , Músculo Liso/metabolismo , Músculo Liso/patología , Probabilidad , Valores de Referencia , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa de Transcriptasa Inversa , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Prolapso Uterino/diagnóstico , Vagina/patologíaRESUMEN
Based on the similarity in both structure and function of the reductase domain of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOSred) to that of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR), we determined whether the characteristics of hydride transfer from NADPH to flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) were similar for both proteins. Secondly, we questioned whether hydride transfer from NADPH to either nNOSred or holo-nNOS was rate limiting for reactions catalyzed by these two proteins. Utilizing 500 MHz proton NMR and deuterated substrate, we determined that the stereospecificity of hydride transfer from NADPH and the conformation of the nicotinamide ring around the glycosidic bond were similar between CPR and nNOSred. Specifically, nNOSred abstracts the A-side hydrogen from NADPH, and the nicotinamide ring is in the anti conformation. We determined that the rate of hydride transfer to FAD appears to become partially rate limiting only for exceptionally good electron acceptors such as cytochrome c. Hydride transfer is not rate limiting for NO. production under any conditions used in this study. Interestingly, the deuterium isotope effect was decreased in the cytochrome c reductase assay with both nNOS and nNOSred when the assays were conducted in high ionic strength buffer, suggesting an increase in the rate of hydride transfer to FAD. These results are in stark contrast to results obtained with CPR (D. S. Sem and C. B. Kasper, 1995, Biochemistry 34, 3391-3398) whereby hydride transfer is partially rate limiting at high, but not at low, ionic strength. The seemingly opposite results in deuterium isotope effect observed with CPR and nNOSred, under conditions of high and low ionic strength, suggest differences in structure and/or regulation of these important flavoproteins.
Asunto(s)
Flavina-Adenina Dinucleótido/química , Flavinas/química , Hidrógeno/química , Niacinamida/química , Óxido Nítrico Sintasa/química , Animales , Catálisis , Deuterio/química , Flavina-Adenina Dinucleótido/metabolismo , Espectroscopía de Resonancia Magnética/métodos , Conformación Molecular , Estructura Molecular , NADP/química , Óxido Nítrico/análisis , Óxido Nítrico/biosíntesis , Óxido Nítrico Sintasa de Tipo I , Concentración Osmolar , Estructura Terciaria de Proteína/fisiología , Ratas , Especificidad por SustratoRESUMEN
Excessive or premature contractions of uterine smooth muscle may contribute to preterm labor. Contractile stimuli induce myosin and actin filament interactions through calcium-dependent myosin phosphorylation. The mechanisms that maintain myometrial quiescence until term are not well established, but may include control of calcium levels by nitric oxide and cGMP signaling and thin filament (caldesmon and calponin) regulation. Previously, we reported that myometrial tissues from pregnant rats are not responsive to cGMP due to decreases in cGMP-dependent protein kinase. Considering the well documented differences in the endocrinology of parturition among species, this study was conducted to test the hypothesis that the levels and subcellular distribution of caldesmon, calponin, and cGMP-dependent protein kinase are regulated with the hormonal milieu of human pregnancy. Whereas cGMP-dependent protein kinase was significantly reduced in the human uterus during pregnancy, caldesmon expression was significantly increased, and both caldesmon and calponin were redistributed to a readily extractable subcellular pool. These data suggest that cGMP-dependent protein kinase does not mediate gestational quiescence. Redistribution of thin filament-associated proteins, however, may alter uterine smooth muscle tone or the cytoskeletal framework of myocytes to maintain gestation despite the substantial distention that accompanies all intrauterine pregnancies.
Asunto(s)
Citoesqueleto de Actina/metabolismo , Proteínas Quinasas Dependientes de GMP Cíclico/metabolismo , Miometrio/metabolismo , Embarazo/fisiología , Neoplasias Uterinas/enzimología , Neoplasias Uterinas/patología , Útero/metabolismo , Citoesqueleto de Actina/ultraestructura , Adulto , Anciano , Animales , Proteínas de Unión al Calcio/metabolismo , Proteínas de Unión a Calmodulina/metabolismo , Femenino , Humanos , Inmunohistoquímica , Proteínas de Microfilamentos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Miometrio/citología , Miometrio/patología , Grupos Raciales , Ratas , Valores de Referencia , Estados Unidos , Útero/citología , Útero/patología , CalponinasRESUMEN
In many cases, the biologic responses of cells to extracellular signals and the specificity of the responses cannot be explained solely on the basis of the interactions of known signaling proteins. Recently, scaffolding and adaptor proteins have been identified that organize signaling proteins in cells and that contribute to the nature and specificity of signaling pathways. In an effort to identify proteins that might organize the signaling system(s) activated by the extracellular Ca(2+) receptor (CaR), we used a bait construct representing the intracellular C terminus of the human CaR and the yeast two hybrid system to screen a human kidney cDNA library. We identified a clone representing the C-terminal 1042 amino acids (aa) of the cytoskeletal protein filamin (ABP-280). Analysis of truncation and deletion constructs of the CaR C terminus and the filamin cDNA clone demonstrated that the CaR and filamin interact via regions containing aa 907-997 of the CaR C terminus and aa 1566-1875 of filamin. Interaction of the two proteins in mammalian HEK-293 cells was demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation and colocalization of them using immunofluorescence microscopy. The functional importance of their interaction was documented by transiently expressing the CaR in M2 melanoma cells that lack filamin, or in A7 melanoma cells that stably express filamin, and demonstrating that the CaR activated ERK only in the presence of filamin. Co-expression of the CaR with a peptide derived from the region of the CaR C terminus that interacts with filamin reduced the ability of the CaR to activate p42ERK in a dose-dependent manner, but did not inhibit the ability of the ET(A) receptor to activate ERK. The fact that filamin interacts with the CaR and other cell signaling proteins including mitogen-activated protein kinases and small GTPases, indicates that it may act as a scaffolding protein to organize cell signaling systems involving the CaR.
Asunto(s)
Proteínas Contráctiles/química , Proteínas de Microfilamentos/química , Receptores de Superficie Celular/química , Secuencia de Aminoácidos , Proteínas Contráctiles/análisis , Proteínas Contráctiles/fisiología , Filaminas , Humanos , Inmunohistoquímica , Proteínas de Microfilamentos/análisis , Proteínas de Microfilamentos/fisiología , Proteínas Quinasas Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo , Datos de Secuencia Molecular , Receptores Sensibles al Calcio , Receptores de Superficie Celular/análisis , Receptores de Superficie Celular/fisiologíaRESUMEN
The CYP4A gene subfamily is composed of a number of genes that encode cytochromes P450 from various species, including human, which catalyze the hydroxylation of various saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, including arachidonic acid and prostaglandins. CYP4A7, a fatty acid metabolizing cytochrome P450 from rabbit kidney, was expressed in E. coli by adding the first 10 codons of CYP17alpha producing final yields of 20 nmol/L in order to perform detailed kinetic and spectral studies. CYP4A7 metabolized arachidonate, laurate, and myristate, with maximum turnover numbers of 152, 130, and 64.5 min(-1) and corresponding Km values of 74.5, 27, and 16.7 microM, respectively, in the presence of cytochrome b5. In the absence of cytochrome b5, CYP4A7 metabolized laurate and myristate with turnover numbers of 27.4 and 33.6 min(-1) and corresponding Km values of 3.9 and 33 microM, respectively. Arachidonate was not metabolized in the absence of cytochrome b5. Saturation kinetics studies performed with heme-depleted cytochrome b5 (apo cytochrome b5) yielded turnover numbers of 118 and 74 min(-1) and Km values of 74 and 25 microM with laurate and myristate, respectively, indicating that cytochrome b5 is not involved in electron transfer but rather plays a conformational role. Laurate perturbation of the visible absorption spectrum of CYP4A7 allowed for determination of the spectral binding constant (KS) in the absence and presence of cytochrome b5 (13 and 43 microM, respectively). In stopped-flow kinetics experiments, the flavin reduction (approximately 90 s(-1)) and heme reduction (approximately 9 s(-1)) phases of the monooxygenase reaction of CYP4A7 were not altered by the presence of cytochrome b5. Estimations of the rate of CPR (0.3 s(-1)) or cytochrome b5 (9.1 s(-1)) binding with CYP4A7 were also determined.
Asunto(s)
Sistema Enzimático del Citocromo P-450/química , Sistema Enzimático del Citocromo P-450/metabolismo , Citocromos b5/metabolismo , Escherichia coli/genética , Oxigenasas de Función Mixta/química , Oxigenasas de Función Mixta/metabolismo , Animales , Apoproteínas/metabolismo , Sitios de Unión , Células COS , Monóxido de Carbono/metabolismo , Citocromo P-450 CYP4A , Sistema Enzimático del Citocromo P-450/genética , Sistema Enzimático del Citocromo P-450/aislamiento & purificación , Grupo Citocromo b/metabolismo , Citocromos b , Ácidos Grasos/metabolismo , Flavinas/metabolismo , Hemo/metabolismo , Hidroxilación , Riñón/enzimología , Cinética , Oxigenasas de Función Mixta/genética , Oxigenasas de Función Mixta/aislamiento & purificación , NADPH-Ferrihemoproteína Reductasa/metabolismo , Oxidación-Reducción , Unión Proteica , Conejos , Ratas , Proteínas Recombinantes/biosíntesis , Proteínas Recombinantes/química , Proteínas Recombinantes/aislamiento & purificación , Proteínas Recombinantes/metabolismo , Análisis Espectral , Especificidad por Sustrato , TransfecciónRESUMEN
The Ca(2+)-sensing receptor (CaR) stimulates a number of phospholipase activities, but the specific phospholipases and the mechanisms by which the CaR activates them are not defined. We investigated regulation of phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) by the Ca(2+)-sensing receptor (CaR) in human embryonic kidney 293 cells that express either the wild-type receptor or a nonfunctional mutant (R796W) CaR. The PLA(2) activity was attributable to cytosolic PLA(2) (cPLA(2)) based on its inhibition by arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone, lack of inhibition by bromoenol lactone, and enhancement of the CaR-stimulated phospholipase activity by coexpression of a cDNA encoding the 85-kDa human cPLA(2). No CaR-stimulated cPLA(2) activity was found in the cells that expressed the mutant CaR. Pertussis toxin treatment had a minimal effect on CaR-stimulated arachidonic acid release and the CaR-stimulated rise in intracellular Ca(2+) (Ca(2+)(i)), whereas inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with completely inhibited CaR-stimulated PLC and cPLA(2) activities. CaR-stimulated PLC activity was inhibited by expression of RGS4, an RGS (Regulator of G protein Signaling) protein that inhibits Galpha(q) activity. CaR-stimulated cPLA(2) activity was inhibited 80% by chelation of extracellular Ca(2+) and depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) with EGTA and inhibited 90% by treatment with W7, a calmodulin inhibitor, or with KN-93, an inhibitor of Ca(2+), calmodulin-dependent protein kinases. Chemical inhibitors of the ERK activator, MEK, and a dominant negative MEK, MEK(K97R), had no effect on CaR-stimulated cPLA(2) activity but inhibited CaR-stimulated ERK activity. These results demonstrate that the CaR activates cPLA(2) via a Galpha(q), PLC, Ca(2+)-CaM, and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-dependent pathway that is independent the ERK pathway.
Asunto(s)
Citosol/enzimología , Proteínas de Unión al GTP Heterotriméricas/genética , Proteínas de Unión al GTP Heterotriméricas/metabolismo , Proteínas Quinasas Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo , Fosfolipasas A/metabolismo , Ácido Araquidónico/metabolismo , Ácidos Araquidónicos/farmacología , Bencilaminas/farmacología , Unión Competitiva , Calcio/metabolismo , Proteínas Quinasas Dependientes de Calcio-Calmodulina/metabolismo , Calmodulina/metabolismo , Línea Celular , ADN Complementario/metabolismo , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Ácido Egtácico/farmacología , Activación Enzimática , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/farmacología , Estrenos/farmacología , Subunidades alfa de la Proteína de Unión al GTP Gq-G11 , Genes Dominantes , Humanos , Immunoblotting , Concentración 50 Inhibidora , Cinética , Mutación , Naftalenos/farmacología , Toxina del Pertussis , Inhibidores de Fosfodiesterasa/farmacología , Fosfolipasas A2 , Unión Proteica , Proteína Quinasa C/metabolismo , Pironas/farmacología , Pirrolidinonas/farmacología , Proteínas RGS/metabolismo , Receptores Sensibles al Calcio , Receptores de Superficie Celular/genética , Receptores de Superficie Celular/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal , Espectrometría de Fluorescencia , Sulfonamidas/farmacología , Factores de Tiempo , Transfección , Fosfolipasas de Tipo C/metabolismo , Factores de Virulencia de Bordetella/farmacologíaRESUMEN
One of the major roles for the toxicologic pathologists now and into the future will be to determine the biologic significance of chemically induced biochemical and molecular alterations detected in whole tissue homogenates or cell cultures. The biologically significant effects will then require further analysis to determine their relevance to human health effects. The challenge is to train pathologists for toxicologic and molecular pathology experience without diluting basic pathology skills. Programs and approaches reviewed and suggested during the panel discussion should provide ideas and the impetus for those in a position to engage in similar activities.
RESUMEN
Peroxisome proliferators are endocrine disrupting chemicals that cause liver tumors in rodents but not humans. Although the receptor that mediates key hepatic effects, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha), and its endogenous ligands have been identified, the mechanism whereby these commonly used chemicals cause liver tumors in rodents has yet to be elucidated. Species differences in PPAR-alpha and DNA response elements may explain some of the variability in response upon exposure to peroxisome proliferators. The possibility that thyroid-modulating effects of peroxisome proliferators may contribute to the hepatic effects of peroxisome proliferators has yet to be fully explored. When the potent peroxisome proliferator, WY-14,643, was given to hypothyroid rats, there was a blunting of the hepatomegaly and hepatocyte proliferative responses seen in thyroid-intact animals. Acyl-CoA oxidase activity was unaltered by changes in thyroid hormone status. In addition, preliminary evidence indicates that peroxisome proliferators increased hepatic thyroid receptor (TRalpha1) expression, but TRalpha1 levels in liver tumors were similar to those in unexposed animals. Significant differences between humans and rodents with respect to thyroid hormone physiology and metabolism, in conjunction with the results of these studies, may be indicative of yet another mechanism to explain differential sensitivity to hepatic effects of peroxisome proliferators.
Asunto(s)
Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/metabolismo , Proliferadores de Peroxisomas/farmacología , Hormonas Tiroideas/farmacología , Animales , División Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Hepatomegalia/inducido químicamente , Hepatomegalia/patología , Inmunohistoquímica , Hígado/patología , Neoplasias Hepáticas Experimentales/inducido químicamente , Neoplasias Hepáticas Experimentales/patología , Masculino , Antígeno Nuclear de Célula en Proliferación/biosíntesis , ARN Mensajero/biosíntesis , ARN Mensajero/genética , Ratas , Ratas Endogámicas F344 , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Receptores Citoplasmáticos y Nucleares/biosíntesis , Receptores de Hormona Tiroidea/biosíntesis , Tiroxina/sangre , Factores de Transcripción/biosíntesis , Triyodotironina/sangreRESUMEN
Nuclear receptors control gene transcription by binding to specific promoter regions of DNA in the presence of ligand. Orphan nuclear receptors are nuclear receptors for which the endogenous ligand(s) has yet to be identified. Systematic evaluation of orphan nuclear receptors can elucidate species differences in xenobiotic metabolism in addition to aiding in identification of endogenous ligands. The receptor-binding affinity and specificity of various chemicals, with subsequent determination of the genes controlled by nuclear receptors, are goals of investigations into orphan nuclear receptor structure/function and can provide valuable tools in predicting drug interactions and toxicity.
Asunto(s)
Receptores Citoplasmáticos y Nucleares/metabolismo , Receptores de Droga/metabolismo , Xenobióticos/metabolismo , Animales , Humanos , Receptores Citoplasmáticos y Nucleares/químicaRESUMEN
Contractility of uterine smooth muscle is essential for the cyclic shedding of the endometrial lining and also for expulsion of the fetus during parturition. The nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP signaling pathway is involved in smooth muscle relaxation. The downstream target of this pathway essential for decreasing cytoplasmic calcium and muscle tone is the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). The present study was undertaken to localize expression of PKG in tissues of the female reproductive tract and to test the hypothesis that uterine smooth muscle PKG levels vary with the human menstrual cycle. Immunohistochemistry was used to localize PKG in myometrium, cervix, and endometrium obtained during proliferative and secretory phases. The PKG was localized to uterine and vascular smooth muscle cells in myometrium, stromal cells in endometrium, and a small percentage of cervical stromal cells. Using Western blot analysis and protein kinase activity assays, the expression of PKG was reduced significantly in progesterone-dominated uteri compared with myometrium from postmenopausal women or women in the proliferative phase. These findings support a role for PKG in the control of uterine and vascular smooth muscle contractility during the menstrual cycle.
Asunto(s)
Proteínas Quinasas Dependientes de GMP Cíclico/fisiología , Ciclo Menstrual/fisiología , Miometrio/enzimología , Adulto , Anciano , Western Blotting , Cuello del Útero/enzimología , Cuello del Útero/fisiología , Proteínas Quinasas Dependientes de GMP Cíclico/metabolismo , Endometrio/irrigación sanguínea , Endometrio/enzimología , Endometrio/fisiología , Femenino , Humanos , Inmunohistoquímica , Menstruación/fisiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Músculo Liso Vascular/enzimología , Músculo Liso Vascular/fisiología , Miometrio/irrigación sanguínea , Miometrio/fisiología , Transducción de Señal/fisiología , Contracción Uterina/fisiologíaAsunto(s)
3,4-Metilenodioxianfetamina/metabolismo , Desoxiepinefrina/análogos & derivados , Glutatión/análogos & derivados , Alucinógenos/metabolismo , N-Metil-3,4-metilenodioxianfetamina/metabolismo , Serotoninérgicos/metabolismo , 3,4-Metilenodioxianfetamina/administración & dosificación , 3,4-Metilenodioxianfetamina/farmacología , Acetilcisteína/administración & dosificación , Acetilcisteína/análogos & derivados , Acetilcisteína/metabolismo , Acetilcisteína/farmacología , Animales , Conducta Animal/efectos de los fármacos , Encéfalo/efectos de los fármacos , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Desoxiepinefrina/administración & dosificación , Desoxiepinefrina/metabolismo , Desoxiepinefrina/farmacología , Glutatión/administración & dosificación , Glutatión/metabolismo , Glutatión/farmacología , Alucinógenos/administración & dosificación , Alucinógenos/farmacología , Humanos , Estructura Molecular , N-Metil-3,4-metilenodioxianfetamina/administración & dosificación , N-Metil-3,4-metilenodioxianfetamina/farmacología , Neurotransmisores/metabolismo , Ratas , Serotoninérgicos/administración & dosificación , Serotoninérgicos/farmacologíaRESUMEN
A multifamily sequence alignment of the rabbit CYP4A members with the known structure of CYP102 indicates amino acid differences falling within the so-called substrate recognition site(s) (SRS). Chimeric proteins constructed between CYP4A4 and CYP4A7 indicate that laurate activity is affected by the residues within SRS1 and prostaglandin activity is influenced by SRS2-3. Site-directed mutant proteins of CYP4A7 found laurate and arachidonate activity markedly diminished in the R90W mutant (SRS1) and somewhat decreased in W93S. While PGE(1) activity was only slightly increased, the mutant proteins H206Y and S255F (SRS2-3), on the other hand, exhibited remarkable increases in laurate and arachidonate metabolism (3-fold) above wild-type substrate metabolism. Mutant proteins H206Y, S255F, and H206Y/S255F but not R90W/W93S, wild-type CYP4A4, or CYP4A7 metabolized arachidonic acid in the absence of cytochrome b(5). Stopped-flow kinetic experiments were performed in a CO-saturated environment performed to estimate interaction rates of the monooxygenase reaction components. The mutant protein H206Y, which exhibits 3-fold higher than wild-type substrate activity, interacts with CPR at a rate at least 10 times faster than that of wild-type CYP4A7. These experimental results provide insight regarding the residues responsible for modulation of substrate specificity, affinity, and kinetics, as well as possible localization within the enzyme structure based on comparisons with homologous, known cytochrome P450 structures.