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Biomedical subjects

C Sundberg

Publications and source records attributed to C Sundberg.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Low pH as an inhibiting factor in the transition from mesophilic to thermophilic phase in composting.

During composting of household waste, the acidity of the material affects the process during the initial phase of rising temperature. In this study, the effects of temperature (36-46 degrees C) and pH (4.6-9.2) on the respiration rate during the early phase of composting were investigated in two different composts. A respiration method where small compost samples were incubated at constant temperature was used. The respiration rate was strongly reduced at 46 degrees C and pH below 6, compared to composts with a higher pH or lower temperature. The combination of high temperature and low pH is a possible adverse factor in large-scale composting of food waste.

Analysis of Variance↗

Disordered cellular migration and angiogenesis in cd39-null mice.

BACKGROUND: Nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (NTPDase1)/CD39 is the major ectonucleotidase of endothelial cells and monocytes and catalyzes phosphohydrolysis of extracellular nucleoside diphosphates (NDP) and triphosphates (NTP, eg, ATP and UTP). Deletion of cd39 causes perturbations in the hydrolysis of NTP and NDP in the vasculature. Activation of P2 receptors appears to influence endothelial cell chemotactic and mitogenic responses in vitro. Therefore, aberrant regulation of nucleotide P2 receptors may influence angiogenesis in cd39-null mice. Methods and Results- In control mice, implanted Matrigel plugs containing growth factors were rapidly populated by monocyte/macrophages, endothelial cells, and pericytes, with the development of new vessels over days. In cd39-null mice, migrating cells were completely confined to the tissue-Matrigel interface in a clearly stratified manner. Absolute failure of new vessel ingrowth was consistently observed in the mutant mice. Linked to these findings, chemotaxis of cd39-null monocyte/macrophages to nucleotides was impaired in vitro. This abnormality was associated with desensitization of nucleotide receptor P2Y-mediated signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate a role for NTPDase1 and phosphohydrolysis of extracellular nucleotides in the regulation of the cellular infiltration and new vessel growth in a model of angiogenesis.

Acid Anhydride Hydrolases↗

Lactate concentrations in human skeletal muscle biopsy, microdialysate and venous blood during dynamic exercise under blood flow restriction.

The intramuscular microdialysate lactate concentration during dynamic exercise with various degrees of blood flow restriction and its relation to lactate concentration in skeletal muscle biopsy and venous blood were studied. Nine healthy males performed three one-legged knee extension exercises (Ex 1-3). Blood flow was restricted stepwise by applying supra-atmospheric pressure over the working leg. Microdialysate mean (range) lactate concentrations at the end of the exercise periods were 3.2 (0.5-6.6), 4.4 (1.1-9.8) and 7.9 (1.1-11.6) mmol.l(-1)during unrestricted, moderately restricted and severely restricted blood flow respectively. There was a significant correlation between microdialysate and venous lactate concentrations at the end of all three exercise periods. Microdialysate lactate concentration correlated significantly to skeletal muscle biopsy lactate concentration at the end of Ex 1. In conclusion, microdialysate lactate concentration in the working muscle increased step-wise with increasing blood flow restriction. It showed a better correlation to venous than to muscle biopsy lactate, which is possibly partly explained by the characteristics of diffusion between body compartments and differences in time resolution between the methods used.

Adult↗

The 104-123 amino acid sequence of the beta-domain of von Hippel-Lindau gene product is sufficient to inhibit renal tumor growth and invasion.

The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene is mutated in patients with VHL disease and in the majority of patients with sporadic renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). RCCs are dependent on insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor-mediated signaling for tumor growth and invasion in vivo. Reintroduction of the VHL gene product (pVHL) can inhibit on insulin-like growth factor-I receptor-mediated signaling in RCC cells in vitro through interaction with protein kinase C delta and is mediated by a specific amino acid sequence (104-123) in the beta-domain of the pVHL. In the present study, the amino acid sequence (104-123) of the pVHL was conjugated to the protein transduction domain of HIV-TAT protein (TATFLAGVHL-peptide) to facilitate entry into cells, and we demonstrate that this amino acid region of VHL is sufficient to block proliferation and invasion of 786-O renal cancer cells in vitro. Furthermore, daily i.p. injections with the TATFLAGVHL peptide retarded and, in some cases, caused partial regression of renal tumors that were implanted in the dorsal flank of nude mice. Treatment with this peptide also inhibits the invasiveness of renal tumors. A 56% decrease in the proliferative index in tumors treated with the TATFLAGVHL-peptide versus control-peptide-treated mice was observed. Taken together, these results show the novel importance of a 20-amino acid sequence of the beta-domain of the VHL gene product capable of inhibiting tumor growth and invasion. These results lay the foundation for a unique approach toward treating RCCs using this small-molecular-weight peptide fused to the TAT-sequence, which may, in the future, be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Glomeruloid microvascular proliferation follows adenoviral vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor-164 gene delivery.

Glomeruloid bodies are a defining histological feature of glioblastoma multiforme and some other tumors and vascular malformations. Little is known about their pathogenesis. We injected a nonreplicating adenoviral vector engineered to express vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor-164 (VPF/VEGF(164)) into the ears of athymic mice. This vector infected local cells that strongly expressed VPF/VEGF(164) mRNA for 10 to 14 days, after which expression gradually declined. Locally expressed VPF/VEGF(164) induced an early increase in microvascular permeability, leading within 24 hours to edema and deposition of extravascular fibrin; in addition, many pre-existing microvessels enlarged to form thin-walled, pericyte-poor, "mother" vessels. Glomeruloid body precursors were first detected at 3 days as focal accumulations of rapidly proliferating cells in the endothelial lining of mother vessels, immediately adjacent to cells expressing VPF/VEGF(164). Initially, glomeruloid bodies were comprised of endothelial cells but subsequently pericytes and macrophages also participated. As they enlarged by endothelial cell and pericyte proliferation, glomeruloid bodies severely compromised mother vessel lumens and blood flow. Subsequently, as VPF/VEGF(164) expression declined, glomeruloid bodies devolved throughout a period of weeks by apoptosis and reorganization into normal-appearing microvessels. These results provide the first animal model for inducing glomeruloid bodies and indicate that VPF/VEGF(164) is sufficient for their induction and necessary for their maintenance.

Adenoviridae↗

Heterogeneity of the angiogenic response induced in different normal adult tissues by vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor.

Vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (VPF/VEGF) is an angiogenic cytokine with potential for the treatment of tissue ischemia. To investigate the properties of the new blood vessels induced by VPF/VEGF, we injected an adenoviral vector engineered to express murine VPF/VEGF164 into several normal tissues of adult nude mice or rats. A dose-dependent angiogenic response was induced in all tissues studied but was more intense and persisted longer (months) in skin and fat than in heart or skeletal muscle (< or =3 weeks). The initial response (within 18 hours) was identical in all tissues studied and was characterized by microvascular hyperpermeability, edema, deposition of an extravascular fibrin gel, and the formation of enlarged, thin-walled pericyte-poor vessels ("mother" vessels). Mother vessels developed from preexisting microvessels after pericyte detachment and basement membrane degradation. Mother vessels were transient structures that evolved variably in different tissues into smaller daughter vessels, disorganized vessel tangles (glomeruloid bodies), and medium-sized muscular arteries and veins. Vascular structures closely resembling mother vessels and each mother vessel derivative have been observed in benign and malignant tumors, in other examples of pathological and physiological angiogenesis, and in vascular malformations. Together these data suggest that VPF/VEGF has a role in the pathogenesis of these entities. They also indicate that the angiogenic response induced by VPF/VEGF is heterogeneous and tissue specific. Finally, the muscular vessels that developed from mother vessels in skin and perimuscle fat have the structure of collaterals and could be useful clinically in the relief of tissue ischemia.

Animals↗

Activation of microvascular pericytes in autoimmune Raynaud's phenomenon and systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the temporal and spatial relationship between platelet-derived growth factor beta (PDGFbeta) receptors, PDGF-AB/BB, and activated pericytes across the Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) disease spectrum. METHODS: Monoclonal antibodies against PDGFbeta receptors, PDGF-AB/BB, and high molecular weight-melanoma-associated antigen (HMW-MAA), a marker for activated pericytes, were used to immunohistochemically analyze serial sections of skin biopsy tissue from patients with RP and from scleroderma patients. To delineate cell-specific PDGFbeta receptor expression, double immunofluorescence-stained sections were analyzed using computer-aided image analysis and confocal microscopy. RESULTS: PDGFbeta receptor-expressing cells and HMW-MAA-expressing pericytes were found in biopsy samples from autoimmune RP patients and in both early fibrotic and early nonfibrotic scleroderma skin, but not in normal or primary RP or late-stage scleroderma skin. PDGF-AB/BB was expressed within the epidermis, at the epidermal/dermal junction, and by dermal macrophages. Analysis of juxtaposed serial sections revealed an increased frequency of receptor expression in microvessels from autoimmune RP and early scleroderma skin (P < 0.01). Double-labeling studies using confocal microscopy showed that, in vivo, PDGFbeta receptors were predominantly expressed by microvascular pericytes from both autoimmune RP and early scleroderma skin. CONCLUSION: PDGFbeta receptors are expressed by activated microvascular pericytes in patients with autoimmune RP and in early SSc patients, but not in those with primary RP or late-stage scleroderma. These findings suggest that features of autoimmune RP are distinct from those of primary RP, and that microvascular pericytes may be an important link between chronic microvascular damage and fibrosis.

Autoimmune Diseases↗

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced actin rearrangement is deregulated in cells expressing a mutant Y778F PDGF beta-receptor.

Platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated actin rearrangement and edge ruffle formation have previously been shown to be dependent on activation of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase, the activity of which also is important for directed migration of cells. This lipid kinase binds to phosphorylated tyrosine residues Y740 and Y751 in the kinase insert of the human platelet-derived growth factor ss-receptor. We examined the role of two other tyrosine residues in the kinase insert of this receptor, Y775 and Y778, for ligand-induced actin rearrangement. Both were shown to be phosphorylation sites; Y775 was only marginally phosphorylated in cells expressing the wild-type ss-receptor, whereas Y778 was phosphorylated at higher stoichiometry. Mutant receptors Y775F, Y778F and Y775/778F were active kinases and mediated proliferative responses when expressed in porcine aortic endothelial cells. Fluorescence staining of actin in platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated PAE cells revealed that Y778 is involved in regulation of the actin cytoskeleton since the cells contained, apart from edge ruffles and circular ruffles, a novel type of giant ruffle on the dorsal side of the cell, which consisted of irregular multilayered actin structures. Mutation at Y778 had no effect on activation of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase, nor on the GTPase activating protein of Ras and phospholipase C(gamma), and the extent of directed migration towards platelet-derived growth factor of these cells was not changed. We conclude that actin rearrangement is regulated in part by Y778 in the platelet-derived growth factor ss-receptor, potentially through binding of a novel signaling molecule to this site.

Actins↗

Tumor cell and connective tissue cell interactions in human colorectal adenocarcinoma. Transfer of platelet-derived growth factor-AB/BB to stromal cells.

Mechanisms underlying stimulation of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) beta-receptors expressed on connective tissue cells in human colorectal adenocarcinoma were investigated in this study. PDGF-AB/BB, but not PDGF receptors, was expressed by tumor cells in situ, as well as in tumor cell isolates of low passage from human colorectal adenocarcinoma. In an experimental co-culture system, conditioned medium from tumor cells only marginally activated PDGF beta-receptors expressed on fibroblasts. In contrast, co-culturing of the two cell types led to a marked PDGF beta-receptor activation. Functional PDGF-AB/BB was found to be associated with heparinase-I-sensitive components on the tumor cell surface. PDGF-AB/BB, isolated from heparinase-I-sensitive cell surface components, induced a marked activation of PDGF beta-receptors. Furthermore, co-culturing tumor cells together with fibroblasts led to a sustained activation of PDGF beta-receptors expressed on fibroblasts. Double immunofluorescence staining of tissue sections from human colorectal adenocarcinoma, combined with computer-aided image analysis, revealed that nonproliferating tumor cells were the predominant cellular source of PDGF-AB/BB in the tumor stroma. In addition, PDGF-AB/BB-expressing tumor cells were found juxtapositioned to microvascular cells expressing activated PDGF beta-receptors. Confocal microscopy revealed a cytoplasmic and cell-membrane-associated expression of PDGF-AB/BB in tumor cells situated in the stroma. In contrast, epithelial cells situated in normal or tumorous acinar structures revealed only a cell-membrane-associated PDGF-AB/BB expression. The is vitro and in situ results demonstrate that tumor cells not only facilitate but also have the ability to modulate connective tissue cell responsiveness to PDGF-AB/BB in a paracrine fashion, through direct cell-cell interactions in human colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Recruitment of type I collagen producing cells from the microvasculature in vitro.

We have previously suggested that microvascular pericytes can differentiate into fibroblast-like, type I collagen-producing cells during excessive dermal scarring in vivo (Sundberg, C., Ivarsson, M., Gerdin, B., and Rubin, K., Lab. Invest. 74, 454-468, 1996). Here we have investigated to what extent pericytes derived from microvessels of full-term human placenta exhibited this capacity in vitro. Vascular fragments of human term placenta were isolated by enzymatic digestion and separation in Percoll. Their microvascular origin was ascertained by confocal microscopy using antibodies specific for endothelial cells (PAL-E) and pericytes (high-molecular-weight-melanoma-associated antigen). When vascular fragments were cultured in vitro, large cells with irregular edges migrated out from the fragments. After 4-6 days in culture, these cells started to proliferate and reached near confluence after approximately 8 days. The cultures were not overgrown by clones of cells with a high proliferative capacity, as demonstrated by cell membrane fluorescence staining and Ki67 expression. Expression of PAL-E, high-molecular-weight-melanoma-associated antigen, smooth muscle alpha-actin, desmin, and collagen synthesis (prolyl-4-hydroxylase and type I procollagen, as well as collagen pro-alpha1(I) mRNA) were followed during a culture period of 8 days. The cells were PAL-E negative but expressed high-molecular-weight-melanoma-associated antigen, smooth muscle alpha-actin, and desmin. Based on morphology and expression of the various markers, the outgrowing cells were identified as pericytes. With time in culture the cells decreased their expression of all these markers and increased their expression of prolyl-4-hydroxylase, type I procollagen, and collagen pro-alpha1(I) mRNA. Metabolic labeling and SDS-PAGE analysis of labeled proteins revealed that type I collagen was the major collagen species synthesized in the cultures. Our results support the hypotheses that pericytes can leave the vasculature and differentiate into collagen-producing cells and that cultured "fibroblasts" are derived from pericytes.

Actins↗

Stimulation of beta1 integrins on fibroblasts induces PDGF independent tyrosine phosphorylation of PDGF beta-receptors.

We report that integrin-mediated signaling induces a rapid and transient tyrosine phosphorylation of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) beta-receptors in human diploid foreskin AG 1518 fibroblasts. A transient tyrosine phosphorylation of PDGF beta-receptors was evident one and two hours after cells had been plated on collagen type I and fibronectin, as well as on immobilized anti-integrin subunit IgG, but not on poly-L-lysine. In contrast EGF or PDGF alpha-receptors were not phosphorylated on tyrosine residues under these conditions. Tyrosine phosphorylation of PDGF beta-receptors induced by plating on collagen type I was inhibited by cytochalasin D and herbimycin A, unaffected by cycloheximide and enhanced by orthovanadate. Furthermore, a transient phosphorylation of PDGF beta-receptors occurred when AG 518 fibroblasts were cultured in three-dimensional collagen lattices or exposed to external strain exerted through centrifugation. The latter effect was evident already after two minutes. Clustering of cell surface beta1 integrins led to PDGF beta-receptor phosphorylation both in suspended and firmly attached AG 1518 fibroblasts. Plating of cells on collagen type I, fibronectin, and anti-beta1-integrin IgG resulted in the formation of PDGF beta-receptor aggregates as detected by immunofluorescence. Suramin or anti-PDGF-BB IgG had no effect on the plating-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of PDGF beta-receptors. PDGF-B chain mRNA, or protein, were not detected in AG 1518 fibroblasts. Our data suggest that a ligand-independent PDGF beta-receptor activation during cell adhesion and early phases of cell spreading is involved in integrin-mediated signaling in fibroblasts, and constitutes parts of a mechanism for cells to respond during the dynamic phases of externally applied tension as well as fibroblast-mediated tension during cell adhesion and collagen gel contraction.

Cell Adhesion↗

Prognostic significance of the microvascular count in colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: To investigate the potential correlations between a high microvascular count and the survival rate in colorectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three markers for endothelial cells--Ulex Europaeus Lectin (UEA), a polyclonal anti-von Willebrand factor (vWF) antibody, and a monoclonal anti-CD31 antibody (all from Dakopatts, Glostrup, Denmark)--were used for immunohistochemical detection of microvessels in whole-mount sections from 15 colorectal cancers. Areas with higher microvascular density were homogeneously distributed in the sections, regardless of the marker used. The anti-vWF antibody was subsequently used for quantification of microvessels in full-cross tumor biopsies collected from 212 consecutive surgical specimens. The correlations between the mean number of microvessels in areas with the highest microvascular density and tumor differentiation, tumor stage according to Dukes', and survival time were investigated. RESULTS: A significantly longer survival time was shown for patients who had tumors with a mean of more than 10 anti-vWF-positive microvessels, as compared with those who had < or = five. Tumors with a microvascular count between six and 10 microvessels behaved in-between. There was no correlation between the number of microvessels and tumor differentiation or Dukes' stage. CONCLUSION: The number of microvessels measurable in tumor biopsies seems to be a prognostic predictor independent of Dukes' stage in colorectal cancer. However, our results are opposite to the findings in other tumor types investigated so far; we found that a high microvascular count predicted a longer survival time, rather than a shorter one. Determination of the microvascular count can be of importance in therapy selection even before, or immediately after, surgery, ie, before Dukes' stage is known.

Adult↗

Pericytes as collagen-producing cells in excessive dermal scarring.

Immunohistochemistry and image analysis were performed on sections from excessive dermal scar formation to investigate the potential of pericytes to differentiate into collagen-producing cells. Expression of the prolyl-4-hydroxylase beta-subunit (P-4-H) was used as a marker for collagen synthesis as the distribution of this protein was identical to the distribution of procollagen type I C-propeptide and similar to the distribution of cells expressing pro alpha 1(I) collagen mRNA. Double immunofluorescence stainings using combinations of monoclonal antibodies specific for activated pericytes in vivo (high molecular weight-melanoma associated antigen (HMW-MAA)), P-4-H, smooth muscle alpha-actin (SMA), endothelial cells (PAL-E), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) beta-receptor, and the integrin alpha 5 subunit were performed. Stained sections were analyzed by computerized image analysis allowing for a quantification of the degree of colocalization between pairs of antigens on the same tissue section. Four different subpopulations of HMW-MAA expressing cells were discerned. The first subpopulation corresponded to intramural pericytes, juxtapositioned to the endothelium, that expressed HMW-MAA, SMA, integrin alpha 5 subunit and the PDGF beta-receptor, but not P-4-H. The second subpopulation was partly dissociated from the microvascular wall and exhibited a similar antigen expression except for a decrease in expression of SMA. Cells in the third subpopulation were located in the perivascular space and expressed P-4-H, integrin alpha 5 subunit, the PDGF beta-receptor and, albeit less pronounced, HMW-MAA, but not SMA. The fourth subpopulation expressed integrin alpha 5 subunit, HMW-MAA and the PDGF beta-receptor, no expression of SMA and a strong expression of P-4-H. Moreover, an in vitro analysis of cells derived from isolated microvascular fragments from human dermis revealed a similar pattern of phenotypical change. Taken together the data suggest that a population of intramural pericytes migrate into the perivascular space and develop into collagen-synthesizing fibroblasts during fibrosis.

Basement Membrane↗

Mucosal synthesis and release of prostaglandin E2 from activated eosinophils and macrophages in ulcerative colitis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the synthesis and release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in diseased and healthy areas of the colon in ulcerative colitis/proctitis (UC) patients. METHODS: Perfusate fluid from rectal and sigmoid segments in patients with UC was analyzed for PGE2, eosinophil cationic protein, myeloperoxidase, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations. To further elucidate the cell-specific origin of mucosal PGE2 synthesis, double immunofluorescence staining as well as imaging analysis using antibodies reactive with prostaglandin H-synthase and cell-specific antigens were used on surgical colonic specimens from patients with active UC and from controls. RESULTS: The concentrations of PGE2 were, on average, 10-fold higher in perfusates from diseased areas in patients with UC than in perfusates from healthy areas in patients and controls. The PGE2 values correlated well with the released concentrations of eosinophil cationic protein, myeloperoxidase, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. In the tissue specimens, there was a prominent colocalization in the expression of prostaglandin H-synthase on the one hand and CD 68 (a macrophage marker) and EG1/EG2 (eosinophil cationic protein markers) on the other hand, in both UC patients and controls. This did not apply to prostaglandin H-synthase and antibodies against B and T lymphocytes, neutrophils, or epithelial cells. CONCLUSION: The increased PGE2 production found in the inflamed mucosa in active UC may be caused by a fraction of activated eosinophils and macrophages.

Adult↗

Effects of acetylsalicylic acid on parameters related to peroxisome proliferation in mouse liver.

Male C57 BL/6 mice were exposed to 1.0% (w/w) acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in their diet for 10 days and effects related to peroxisome proliferation were subsequently examined. A 2.2-fold increase in mitochondrial protein content was obtained. The activities of the peroxisomal enzymes, lauroyl-CoA oxidase, palmitoyl-CoA oxidation and catalase, were enhanced 4.5-, 4.0- and 2.1-fold, respectively. There was a dramatic increase (9.1-fold) in microsomal cytochrome P450 IVA-catalysed activity, a 1.6-fold induction of total microsomal P450 content and a 2-fold induction of microsomal cytochrome P450 reductase activity (measured as NADPH-cytochrome c reductase). Catalase activity in the cytosol was induced 5.2-fold and DT-diaphorase activity was increased 3.5- and 3.2-fold in the cytosol and mitochondria, respectively. There was a significant increase in the susceptibility of microsomes to lipid peroxidation. Smaller increases in superoxide dismutase, glutathione transferase and glutathione peroxidase activities were also observed. The possible relevance of these effects to the pharmacology of ASA is discussed.

Animals↗