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Biomedical subjects

A Buret

Publications and source records attributed to A Buret.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Platelets modulate gastric ulcer healing: role of endostatin and vascular endothelial growth factor release.

Bleeding and delayed healing of ulcers are well recognized clinical problems associated with the use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, which have been attributed to their antiaggregatory effects on platelets. We hypothesized that antiplatelet drugs might interfere with gastric ulcer healing by suppressing the release of growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), from platelets. Gastric ulcers were induced in rats by serosal application of acetic acid. Daily oral treatment with vehicle, aspirin, or ticlopidine (an ADP receptor antagonist) was started 3 days later and continued for 1 week. Ulcer induction resulted in a significant increase in serum levels of VEGF and a significant decrease in serum levels of endostatin (an antiangiogenic factor). Although both aspirin and ticlopidine markedly suppressed platelet aggregation, only ticlopidine impaired gastric ulcer healing and angiogenesis as well as reversing the ulcer-associated changes in serum levels of VEGF and endostatin. The effects of ticlopidine on ulcer healing and angiogenesis were mimicked by immunodepletion of circulating platelets, and ticlopidine did not influence ulcer healing when given to thrombocytopenic rats. Incubation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with serum from ticlopidine-treated rats significantly reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis, effects reversed by an antibody directed against endostatin. Ticlopidine treatment resulted in increased platelet endostatin content and release. These results demonstrate a previously unrecognized contribution of platelets to the regulation of gastric ulcer healing. Such effects likely are mediated through the release from platelets of endostatin and possibly VEGF. As shown with ticlopidine, drugs that influence gastric ulcer healing may do so in part through altering the ability of platelets to release growth factors.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗

Protease-activated receptor-1 stimulates Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) secretion in human intestinal epithelial cells.

The thrombin receptor, protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1), has wide tissue distribution and is involved in many physiological functions. Because thrombin is in the intestinal lumen and mucosa during inflammation, we sought to determine PAR-1 expression and function in human intestinal epithelial cells. RT-PCR showed PAR-1 mRNA expression in SCBN cells, a nontransformed duodenal epithelial cell line. Confluent SCBN monolayers mounted in Ussing chambers responded to PAR-1 activation with a Cl(-)-dependent increase in short-circuit current. The secretory effect was blocked by BaCl2 and the Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin, but not by the L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker verapamil or DIDS, the nonselective inhibitor of Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) transport. Responses to thrombin and PAR-1-activating peptides exhibited auto- and crossdesensitization. Fura 2-loaded SCBN cells had increased fluorescence after PAR-1 activation, indicating increased intracellular Ca(2+). RT-PCR showed that SCBN cells expressed mRNA for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and hypotonicity-activated Cl(-) channel-2 but not for the Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) channel-1. PAR-1 activation failed to increase intracellular cAMP, suggesting that the CFTR channel is not involved in the Cl(-) secretory response. Our data demonstrate that PAR-1 is expressed on human intestinal epithelial cells and regulates a novel Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) secretory pathway. This may be of clinical significance in inflammatory intestinal diseases with elevated thrombin levels.

Calcium↗

Bacterial colonization and healing of gastric ulcers: the effects of epidermal growth factor.

Experimental gastric ulcers are rapidly colonized by various bacteria, resulting in significantly impaired healing. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is capable of preventing bacterial colonization of the healthy intestinal mucosa. In this study, we examined the possibility that EGF accelerates gastric ulcer healing by reducing bacterial colonization of the ulcer. Gastric ulcers were induced by serosal application of acetic acid. The effect of daily administration of EGF on ulcer healing and bacterial colonization was assessed and compared with the effect of daily treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics. EGF administration reduced colonization levels and accelerated ulcer healing as effectively as the antibiotic treatment. EGF was without effect on acid secretion or neutrophil infiltration into the ulcer. Bacterial growth was not inhibited in the presence of EGF in vitro. These results demonstrate that EGF reduces bacterial colonization during an established infection of a compromised mucosal surface. This effect may contribute to the ability of EGF to accelerate gastric ulcer healing. This effect is acid independent and not due to an anti-inflammatory effect or to direct bactericidal actions.

Administration, Oral↗

Tilmicosin does not inhibit interleukin-8 gene expression in the bovine lung experimentally infected with Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica.

The expression of the interleukin-8 (IL-8) gene was examined by in situ hybridization in lung tissues from calves experimentally infected with Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica and treated with tilmicosin. Interleukin-8 mRNA expression was detected in alveolar areas, particularly along interlobular septa, in the lumen, and in the epithelial cells of some bronchioles. In lesional lung tissues from animals that had received tilmicosin, we found large areas with limited inflammation. There was no staining for IL-8 mRNA in these areas. In contrast, in strongly inflamed areas, the same patterns and intensities of staining for IL-8 mRNA were detected in tilmicosin- and sham-treated animals. We conclude that tilmicosin does not affect the expression of IL-8 mRNA in tissue showing microscopic signs of inflammation. Together with previous reports, this supports the view that the pro-apoptotic properties of tilmicosin on neutrophils do not compromise the host defense mechanisms required to control the infection.

Animals↗

The role of the epidermal growth factor receptor in microbial infections of the gastrointestinal tract.

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) is a transmembrane glycoprotein with an intrinsic tyrosine kinase. Ligand-binding to the EGFr activates cell signaling, phosphorylates protein kinases, and rearranges cytoskeletal proteins - responses that resemble those induced by microbial attachment to cell surfaces, a process known to be mediated by host cell receptors in a number of cases. This article critically reviews the possible role played by the EGFr in microbial colonization, and discusses how modulation of the EGF-EGFr axis may affect infection of the gastrointestinal tract.

Animals↗

The Calgary Biofilm Device: new technology for rapid determination of antibiotic susceptibilities of bacterial biofilms.

Determination of the MIC, based on the activities of antibiotics against planktonic bacteria, is the standard assay for antibiotic susceptibility testing. Adherent bacterial populations (biofilms) present with an innate lack of antibiotic susceptibility not seen in the same bacteria grown as planktonic populations. The Calgary Biofilm Device (CBD) is described as a new technology for the rapid and reproducible assay of biofilm susceptibilities to antibiotics. The CBD produces 96 equivalent biofilms for the assay of antibiotic susceptibilities by the standard 96-well technology. Biofilm formation was followed by quantitative microbiology and scanning electron microscopy. Susceptibility to a standard group of antibiotics was determined for National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) reference strains: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213. Growth curves demonstrated that biofilms of a predetermined size could be formed on the CBD at specific time points and, furthermore, that no significant difference (P > 0.1) was seen between biofilms formed on each of the 96 pegs. The antibiotic susceptibilities for planktonic populations obtained by the NCCLS method or from the CBD were similar. Minimal biofilm eradication concentrations, derived by using the CBD, demonstrated that for biofilms of the same organisms, 100 to 1,000 times the concentration of a certain antibiotic were often required for the antibiotic to be effective, while other antibiotics were found to be effective at the MICs. The CBD offers a new technology for the rational selection of antibiotics effective against microbial biofilms and for the screening of new effective antibiotic compounds.

Alberta↗

Effects of orally administered epidermal growth factor on enteropathogenic Escherichia coli infection in rabbits.

The increased intestinal absorption induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) is associated with diffuse lengthening of brush border microvilli. The aim of this study was to examine the in vivo effects of oral administration of EGF during infection with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli. New Zealand White rabbits (4 weeks old) received orogastric EGF daily starting 3 days prior to infection with enteropathogenic E. coli RDEC-1 and were compared with sham-treated infected animals and uninfected controls. Weight gain, food intake, fecal E. coli, and stool consistency were assessed daily. On day 10, segments of jejunum, ileum, proximal, and distal colon were assessed for gram-negative bacterial colonization, disaccharidase activities, and epithelial ultrastructure. Effects of EGF on E. coli RDEC-1 proliferation were studied in vitro. E. coli RDEC-1 caused diarrhea and reduced weight gain. Seven days postinfection, the small and large intestines were colonized with numerous bacteria, brush border microvilli were disrupted, and maltase and sucrase activities were significantly reduced in the jejunum. Daily treatment with EGF prevented the occurrence of diarrhea and reduction of weight gain. These effects were associated with significant inhibition of E. coli colonization in the small and large intestine, improved jejunal maltase and sucrase activities and reduced microvillous injury. EGF did not affect the proliferation of E. coli in vitro. The findings suggest that EGF protects the gastrointestinal tract against colonization by enteropathogenic E. coli.

Administration, Oral↗

Bacteria rapidly colonize and modulate healing of gastric ulcers in rats.

The stomach is generally regarded as an environment that is not conducive to bacterial colonization. In this study, we examined the possibility that this changes significantly when an ulcer has formed and that colonization of ulcers interferes with the normal healing process. Gastric ulcers were induced by serosal application of acetic acid. The relationship between ulcer healing and bacterial colonization was examined. The effects of antibiotics, induction of Lactobacillus colonization, and selective colonization with an antibiotic resistant strain of Escherichia coli on ulcer healing were examined. Within 6-12 h of their induction, gastric ulcers were colonized by a variety of bacteria, with gram-negative bacteria predominating. Suppression of colonization with antibiotics resulted in marked acceleration of healing. Induction of Lactobacillus colonization also accelerated ulcer healing. The beneficial effects of antibiotics were reversed through selective colonization with antibiotic-resistant E. coli. Bacterial colonization occurred irrespective of the method used to induce the ulcer. This study demonstrates that colonization of gastric ulcers in rats occurs rapidly and significantly impairs ulcer healing. This effect appeared to be primarily attributable to gram-negative bacteria.

Acetic Acid↗

Lipopolysaccharide induced acute red eye and corneal ulcers.

Using a new animal model, the aims of this study were to assess the role played by purified lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and neutrophils in the pathogenesis of acute red-eye reactions (ARE) and corneal ulcers. In addition, IL-1 alpha was assessed for its implications in the formation of corneal ulcers. Following corneal abrasion, eyes of rabbits underwent single or double exposures to various doses of LPS from Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Serratia marcescens. This protocol induced ARE symptoms, and their severity depended on the dosage, number of LPS exposures, and type of LPS used (LPS from S. marcescens showing highest virulence). Corneal ulcers were induced by delivering a high dose of Serratia LPS (100 micrograms) followed by a low dose (10 micrograms). Histopathological examination revealed that both ARE and corneal ulceration were associated with prominent neutrophil infiltration. In addition, many lymphocytes and other monocytic cells infiltrated ulcerated ocular tissue. Tear fluids obtained from ulcerated eyes contained high concentrations of a protein recognized by anti-rabbit IL-1 alpha antibodies as demonstrated by immunoblotting studies. The results indicate that LPS can induce ARE and corneal ulceration in the absence of any live bacteria. Moreover, the findings implicate the accumulation of neutrophils and IL-1 alpha-related proteins in the pathogenesis of ARE and corneal ulcers.

Animals↗

Formation of spheroid structures in a human colon carcinoma cell line involves a complex series of intercellular rearrangements.

The structural remodelling of tissues that occurs in vivo during animal morphogenesis can often prove difficult to study. Here we investigate the organizational processes of the LIM 1863 colon carcinoma cell line as it transforms from a single-cell stage into multicellular spherical structures called 'organoids'. The organoids can be dissociated into a viable single-cell suspension when cultured in calcium-depleted medium, and then induced to reform the organoid structure by the readdition of calcium. Previous studies have shown that initial cell attachment under these conditions is characterized by a novel mechanism of cell engulfment termed 'clutching'. This investigation reveals the subsequent appearance of junctional complexes between groups of 'clutched' cells prior to lumen formation, and the ultimate 'declutching' of entrapped cells as a means of cell rearrangement. Intact actin filaments but not microtubules were required for the initial clutching events, while inhibition of microtubule polymerization resulted in aberrant apical protein polarization, but did not affect the development of a luminal space within the spheroids. Single cells exhibited pools of intracellular microvilli contained in vacuolar apical compartments, which were resistant to the effects of cytoskeleton-disrupting drugs. However, these structures did not seem to be responsible for the swift development of the luminal surface observed in these cells. Two other cell lines, MDCK and DU 4475, were found to exhibit similar clutching conformations when induced to form three-dimensional structures, suggesting that this may be a widespread mechanism of cell rearrangement that reflects the process of organ morphogenesis in vivo.

Carcinoma↗

Colonic structural and ion transport abnormalities in suckling rabbits infected with Escherichia coli K12.

BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli K12 is a laboratory strain considered nonpathogenic. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of E. coli K12 infection on colonic structure and function. METHODS: Suckling rabbits were infected at 10 days of age with 6 x 10(9) CFU E. coli by intragastric inoculation and were examined 4 to 5 days later. Segments of ileum and proximal and distal colon were removed for light and electron microscopy, and NaCl transport was examined in vitro under short-circuited conditions in Ussing chambers. RESULTS: Infection did not cause weight loss or diarrhea. Colonic mucosa was inflamed with infiltration by polymorphonuclear neutrophils mainly in the lamina propria. The proximal and distal colon exhibited reduced Na+ absorption. The proximal colon also showed increased Cl- secretion; the ileum was unaffected. CONCLUSIONS: Infection with E. coli K12 disrupts the epithelium and alters ion transport in the colon, probably as a result of mucosal inflammation. The changes indicate that nonpathogenic E. coli have the potential to cause intestinal disease.

Animals↗

Exacerbation of inflammation-associated colonic injury in rat through inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2.

Cyclooxygenase type 1 is constitutively expressed and accounts for synthesis of prostaglandins in the normal gastrointestinal tract. Cyclooxygenase-2 is expressed at sites of inflammation. Selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 have been suggested to spare gastrointestinal prostaglandin synthesis, and therefore lack the ulcerogenic effects associated with standard nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. However, the effects of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors on inflamed gastrointestinal mucosa have not been examined. We examined cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA and protein expression before and after induction of colitis in the rat, the contribution of cyclooxygenase-2 to colonic prostaglandin synthesis during colitis and the effects of selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 on colonic injury in this model. Cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA expression increased three to sixfold during the period 24 h to 1 wk after induction of colitis, with marked increases in cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression in the lamina propria and muscularis of the colon during colitis. Cyclooxygenase-1 expression (mRNA and protein) was not affected by the induction of colitis. The prostaglandins produced during colitis were largely derived from cyclooxygenase-2. Treatment with selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors resulted in exacerbation of colitis, with perforation occurring when the compounds were administered for a week. These studies demonstrate that suppression of cyclooxygenase-2 can result in exacerbation of inflammation-associated colonic injury.

Animals↗

Immunologic, functional, and morphological characterization of three new human small intestinal epithelial cell lines.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Epithelial cell cultures can be used for the study of epithelial cell biology, although human small intestinal cultures have not been available to date. The aim of this study was to characterize three cell lines derived from normal human duodenum. METHODS: Cells were cultured from tissue fragments obtained from endoscopic biopsy specimens and characterized with respect to morphology and cytokine gene expression and for the presence of vectorial transport. RESULTS: All cell lines grew as polarized continuous monolayers and were mostly cuboidal in shape but were not immortalized. Cells showed junctional complexes and sparse microvilli. All cell lines showed cytokeratins and mucin antigen but not chromagranin and messenger RNA for epidermal growth factor, interleukin 6, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1. Disaccharidase activities were low and correlated with the low proportion of cells (1%-10%), showing positive immunocytochemistry for sucrase. Monolayer resistance varied from 30 to 200 ohms. One monolayer (BN) consistently showed secretion in response to forskolin (10 micromol/L), which could b inhibited by chloride-free buffer and apical addition of the chloride channel blocker diphenylamine decarboxylate. No monolayer had evidence of glucose transport. CONCLUSIONS: These three nonimmortalized lines show morphological, phenotypic, and transport characteristics of crypt-like intestinal epithelial cells. The pattern of messenger RNA expression suggests a growth-promoting and immunomodulatory role.

Aged↗

Histopathology of the lung following intratracheal challenge with live Pseudomonas aeruginosa in intestinally immunized rats.

This paper examines the histology of rat lungs following intestinal immunization with killed mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa and subsequent pulmonary challenge with live P. aeruginosa. The lungs of non-immune challenged rats developed a confluent haemorrhagic pneumonitis with degeneration and sloughing of the mucosa of the airways; perivascular infiltration with mononuclear cells was apparent 1-2 h post-challenge; some neutrophils were present by 2 h post-challenge; by 12 h post-challenge oedema and intra-alveolar haemorrhage were prominent and Gram-negative organisms were seen in large quantities. In contrast, immunized challenged animals showed a pronounced neutrophilic response 1-2 h post challenge; by 12 h post-challenge patchy abscesses were apparent with resolving inflammation and no organisms visible. The findings suggest that intestinal immunization prevents the development of fatal P. aeruginosa infections in the lung by accelerating the recruitment of polymorphonuclear neutrophils.

Animals↗