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B T Mossman

Publications and source records attributed to B T Mossman.

131 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Simultaneous triple fluorescence detection of mRNA localization, nuclear DNA, and apoptosis in cultured cells using confocal scanning laser microscopy.

We describe a multifluorescence labeling technique for simultaneous detection of mRNA, nuclear DNA, and apoptosis in cultured cells. Digoxigenin-labeled cRNA probes were used to study proto-oncogene expression in rat pleural mesothelial cells undergoing apoptosis following exposure to crocidolite asbestos or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Hybridized cRNA probe was detected by immunolocalization with an anti-digoxigenin monoclonal primary and fluorophore-conjugated anti-mouse secondary antibody. Cells undergoing apoptosis were simultaneously identified by the TdT-mediated biotin-dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method and a streptavidin-conjugated far-red fluorophore, and nuclear DNA was stained with oxazole yellow dimer (YOYO-1). With confocal scanning laser microscopy, we demonstrated increased c-jun mRNA expression within the cytoplasm of both TUNEL-positive and non-apoptotic cells following exposure to either crocidolite asbestos or H2O2. Thus, this technique represents a useful in vivo approach for evaluating apoptosis-associated gene expression with confocal scanning laser microscopy.

Animals↗

In vitro assays to predict the pathogenicity of mineral fibers.

A number of mineral dusts are associated with the development of inflammation in lung and pulmonary interstitial fibrosis. In an effort to find alternative approaches to animal testing, cells (rat alveolar macrophages, hamster tracheal epithelial cells, rat lung fibroblasts) of the respiratory tract have been evaluated for cytotoxic and metabolic changes after exposure to fibers (defined as a greater than 3:1 length to diameter ratio) and particles. In all bioassays, fibrous materials provoked greater biological responses in cells in comparison to non-fibrous, chemically similar particulates at identical concentrations. For example, release of superoxide (O2-.) from alveolar macrophages (AMs) was increased (in comparison to that observed in untreated cells) after exposure to the fibers, crocidolite asbestos, erionite, Code 100 fiberglass and sepiolite. Riebeckite, mordenite and glass particles elicited minimal generation of O2-. at similar concentrations of dusts. In hamster tracheal epithelial (HTE) cells, fibers such as chrysotile asbestos, crocidolite asbestos, and Code 100 fiberglass caused increased release of 51Chromium in comparison to the particles antigorite, riebeckite and glass. Another area of exploration is the measurement of collagen and non-collagen protein in a cell line (RL-82) of rat lung fibroblasts as an indication of the fibrogenic potential of minerals. Crocidolite asbestos caused an increase in the ratio of cell-associated collagen to non-collagen protein in these cell types whereas glass beads did not affect biosynthesis of collagen. Results suggest that a battery of in vitro assays can be used to screen the capability of minerals to elicit cell damage and inflammatory changes in the respiratory tract.

Animals↗

Mechanisms of action of poorly soluble particulates in overload-related lung pathology.

For reasons that are unclear, poorly soluble particulates are associated with the development of inflammation, fibrogenesis, and carcinogenesis in the rat. The pathogenesis of these changes may be triggered by distinct or species-specific cellular responses to inhaled particulates in a manner similar to known fibrogenic and carcinogenic fibers, such as asbestos. Data reviewed here suggest that generation of oxidants by poorly soluble particulates is a key factor in the initiation of inflammation and generation of chemokines and cytokines in the rat. These substances then cause hyperplasia of epithelial cells and fibroblasts. The diminished or lack of proliferative responses by poorly soluble particulates in mice and primates, in comparison to rats, may be reflected by intrinsic differences in their oxidant-generating capacities or repair after oxidant injury or DNA damage.

Air Pollutants↗

Environmental pathology: new directions and opportunities.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) supports a number of training programs for predoctoral and postdoctoral (D.V.M., M.D., Ph.D.) fellows in toxicology, epidemiology and biostatistics, and environmental pathology. At the Experimental Biology meeting in April 1997, the American Society of Investigative Pathology (ASIP) sponsored a workshop including directors, trainees, and other interested scientists from several environmental pathology programs in medical and veterinary colleges. This workshop and a related session on "Novel Cell Imaging Techniques for Detection of Cell Injury" revealed advances in molecular and cell imaging approaches as reviewed below that have a wide applicability to toxicologic pathology.

Animals↗