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Biomedical subjects

E E Wollman

Publications and source records attributed to E E Wollman.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Protective effect of thioredoxin upon NO-mediated cell injury in THP1 monocytic human cells.

Although NO has been postulated to play important roles in host defences, it is potentially damaging for exposed cells, including for the macrophages producing the NO. Thus a network of radical acceptors and enzymes is thought to play an important redox-buffering role to protect cells against NO-mediated injury. We examined the properties of the redox systems superoxide dismutase (SOD)/catalase, glutathione (GSH) and thioredoxin (Trx), in regulating the viability of two human monocytic cell lines (THP1 and U937) exposed to the NO-generating compound diethylene triamine-nitric oxide (DETA-NO). We observed that NO-induced cytotoxic effects were time- and dose-dependent towards the two cell lines. After vitamin-induced differentiation in vitro with retinoic acid (RA) and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D(3) (VD), termed RA/VD, we observed that THP1 RA/VD cells became more resistant to NO-mediated cytotoxicity whereas the susceptibility of U937 cells was not modified. Using Western blotting and reverse-transcriptase PCR methods, we observed that gene transcription and protein expression of Trx and thioredoxin reductase were significantly increased upon RA/VD treatment and differentiation in THP1 cells. By contrast, SOD/catalase and GSH redox state remained unmodified. Finally, a stable transfectant THP1 line overexpressing Trx was found to be more resistant than THP1 control cells that were untransfected or transfected with an empty plasmid, when exposed to DETA-NO in vitro. In conclusion, we observed an inverse correlation between cell susceptibility to NO damaging effects and Trx expression, suggesting that the Trx system may have important preventative capacities towards NO-mediated cellular injury in monocytic macrophage cells.

Apoptosis↗

Biological activity and brain actions of recombinant rat interleukin-1alpha and interleukin-1beta.

IL-1alpha and IL-1beta have potent effects on the central nervous system resulting in fever, activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and behavioural depression. These effects have mainly been studied in rats, using recombinant human and mouse IL-1. Because IL-1alpha and IL-1beta show some species specificity in the potency of their biological activities, the objective of the present work was to directly compare the effects of recombinant rat IL-1alpha and IL-1beta in the rat system as a first step to dissect out the mechanisms that are involved in these effects. In vitro, recombinant rat IL-1alpha and IL-1beta bound with the same affinity as human IL-1 to the rat insulinoma Rin m5F cell line that mainly expresses type I IL-1 receptors. This binding activated IL-1 receptors, as shown by induction of the synthesis of TNF-alpha mRNA. In vivo, recombinant rat IL-1alpha and IL-1beta enhanced body temperature, increased plasma levels of corticosterone and ACTH, and depressed social behaviour. All these effects were obtained at doses 100-1,000 fold lower when IL-1 was injected centrally than when it was administered peripherally, indicating that they are centrally mediated. The relative potencies of recombinant rat IL-1alpha and IL-1beta were not the same depending on the endpoint and the route of injection, indicating that different mechanisms are likely to be involved in the various effects of IL-1 on the brain.

Animals↗

Detection of membrane associated thioredoxin on human cell lines.

Thioredoxin (TRX) is a ubiquitous dithiol-oxidoreduction enzyme broadly expressed in cells from prokaryote to eukaryote organisms. Human thioredoxin (human TRX) gene, previously cloned in our laboratory, codes for a 12-kDa protein found in the culture supernatant of several hemopoietic human cell lines. This protein is secreted by a nonclassical pathway. The role of the secreted enzyme as a signalling soluble mediator was demonstrated, but nothing is known about a membrane associated form of thioredoxin which could be involved in cell/cell contacts and accessory signal function. Thus, we performed experiments to determine if human TRX is also expressed at the cell surface. We report here positive results based upon indirect immunofluorescence flow cytometric analysis of different human cell lines (HeLa, U 937, Jurkat, 3B6, Daudi and Raji) using a cross reactive sheep anti E. coli TRX polyclonal antibody demonstrating a significant expression of human TRX at the surface of human cells.

Animals↗

Inflammatory processes induce beta-amyloid precursor protein changes in mouse brain.

In Alzheimer disease, a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors may contribute to changes in beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) expression, beta-amyloid peptide deposition, and neuronal loss. Factors such as head injury or acute infection that trigger inflammatory processes may play a crucial role in development of the disease. In the present in vivo study, we showed that, in mouse brain, peripheral stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced a transient increase in the inflammatory cytokine mRNAs (interleukin 1 beta and interleukin 6), followed by changes in expression of APP isoforms in the cerebellum but not in the cerebral cortex. These changes consisted of a decrease in the APP-695 and an increase in the Kunitz protease inhibitor-bearing isoforms (KPI-APP). In the cerebellum of the staggerer mouse mutant, where a severe loss of Purkinje and granule cells occurs, basal mRNA levels of these interleukins were elevated and an increase in the KPI-APP/APP-695 ratio compared to wild-type mice was observed. These abnormalities were further accentuated by LPS stimulation. This study shows that acute and chronic inflammatory processes play an important role in changes in APP expression possibly associated with neurodegeneration.

Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor↗

Genomic cloning of human thioredoxin-encoding gene: mapping of the transcription start point and analysis of the promoter.

Thioredoxin (TR) is a small ubiquitous dithiol-reductase enzyme first identified in bacteria and plants. In recent years, this protein has been recognized as playing an important role in the growth control of eukaryotic cells, especially in lymphocytes. It was first cloned from a human Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphoblastoid B-cell line by our group in 1988 [Wollman et al., J. Biol. Chem. 263 (1988) 15506-15512] and localized on chromosome 3 p11-p12 by in situ hybridization [Lafage-Pochitaloff-Huvalé et al., FEBS Lett. 255 (1989) 89-91]. The present work was performed to study the genomic organization of the human thioredoxin (hTR)-encoding gene (hTR). The screening of a human genomic library in lambda EMBL4 phage led to the identification of two genomic clones which encompassed the entire gene, including the promoter region. The coding region of hTR spans over 13 kb and is organized into five exons separated by four introns which were 60% sequenced. We determined the transcription start point (tsp) by primer extension. This tsp located, in lymphocytes, 22-bp downstream from a TATA box (TATAA) defines a 5' untranslated region of 74 bp. We analyzed 2149-bp upstream from the promoter for sequence motifs which could bind regulatory proteins. This promoter contains many possible regulatory elements compatible with both a basal constitutive expression and a regulated inducible transcription, especially by cytokines such as interleukin-6 and interferons. Finally, Southern hybridization of genomic DNAs from several donors detected only one active gene encoding hTR.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Nucleotide sequence of ovine thioredoxin cDNA.

We report the cloning of an ovine thioredoxin cDNA. The clone was isolated from a bovine leukemia virus-infected cell line (FLK) cDNA library cloned in the lambda gt11 vector. The clone encodes the full length thioredoxin protein made of 105 amino acids with 92 and 83% identity to published sequences of human and mouse thioredoxin, respectively.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Evidence for a hyperexcitability state of staggerer mutant mice macrophages.

We recently reported an abnormal production of interleukin-1 (IL-1) in peripheral macrophages of several neurological mutant mice that exhibit patterns of neuronal degeneration, especially in the cerebellum. After in vitro activation by lipopolysaccharide acid (LPS), these macrophages hyperexpress IL-1 beta mRNA and hyperproduce IL-1 protein in comparison with +/+ controls. In the present study, focused on the staggerer mutant mice, we investigate if this genetic dysregulation is specific for IL-1 beta or if it reflects a generalized hyperexcitability of these macrophages. The hyperexpression of IL-1 beta mRNA in sg/sg macrophages is present whatever the duration of LPS stimulation, even for periods as short as 15 min, although it reaches a maximum after 4 h of stimulation. The hyperinducibility of sg/sg macrophages is observed even when very low doses of LPS are used (0.01 microgram/ml) and reaches its maximum for 5 micrograms/ml LPS. Synthetic molecules (muramyl dipeptides), such as N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutamine or murabutide, known as macrophage activators, are also efficient in revealing the cytokine hyperexpression in sg/sg macrophages. In addition, hyperexpression of two other cytokines, i.e., tumor necrosis factor-alpha and IL-1 alpha mRNAs, is also detected in LPS-stimulated macrophages of mutant mice. Finally, the effect of an inhibitor of protein synthesis, cycloheximide, is similar in +/+ and sg/sg macrophages. As a whole, these data lead us to conclude that the sg/sg macrophages are in a state of general hyperexcitability when compared with +/+ ones.

Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine↗

Human eosinophil cytotoxicity-enhancing factor. II. Multiple forms synthesized by U937 cells and their relationship to thioredoxin/adult T cell leukemia-derived factor.

Recently, our laboratory reported the purification and partial amino acid sequence of a 10-kDa eosinophil cytotoxicity-enhancing factor (ECEF) polypeptide from the U937 cell source. This cytokine enhanced human eosinophil antibody-dependent cytotoxic function by greater than 200% and was half-maximally effective at a concentration of approximately 1 ng/ml. In this study, we describe the conditions required for ECEF synthesis and the use of rabbit antibody raised to 10-kDa ECEF to investigate the existence of related polypeptide species. Unstimulated U937 cells released an immunoreactive 14-kDA species. Cells stimulated with 7.5 micrograms/ml of LPS also released a 13-kDa species. Cells stimulated with 400 ng/ml of PMA also synthesized a 10-kDa species (equivalent in size to the form we had purified). This 10-kDa species remained primarily cell associated, but detectable amounts were released into the supernatant by 48 h of culture. In washed cell pellets, the location of the 10-kDa species was found to be in the plasma membrane, externally oriented, as determined by FACS analysis, iodination with the membrane impermeable reagent 125I-sulfosuccinimidyl-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate, and by its removal with brief trypsin treatment. Partial amino acid sequence data suggested that the 14-, 13-, and 10-kDa species all share the same N-terminal. The 14- and 10-kDa ECEF species were recovered by electroelution from SDS-PAGE gels and tested for activity in the assay of eosinophil cytotoxic function. Because of the amino acid sequence similarities between the ECEF species and thioredoxin (TRX), rTRX (synthesized in Escherichia coli and purified) was also tested for activity. The 14-kDa ECEF and rTRX induced a slight, but consistent and statistically significant enhancement of eosinophil cytotoxic function. By comparison, lower doses of the 10-kDa ECEF induced a major increase in cytotoxic function. Thus the forms of ECEF differ in size, conditions required for synthesis, trafficking by the U937 cell after synthesis, and biologic activity. It is likely that these considerations bear on the involvement of ECEF in the pathophysiology of eosinophilia in vivo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Interleukin-1 hyperproduction by in vitro activated peripheral macrophages from cerebellar mutant mice.

Several mutations in mice produce complex patterns of neuronal degeneration of the cerebellum and of its afferent pathways. In the staggerer (sg/sg) mutant, atrophy of the lymphoid organs and immunological abnormalities have been described. To search for a possible link between the neurological and the immune disorders in this mutant, we studied the production by its peripheral macrophages of interleukin-1 (IL-1), which roles in both immune and nervous systems are well established. Suspensions of peritoneal and/or spleen macrophages from mutants and their appropriate controls were stimulated in vitro by lipopolysaccharide. Northern and dot blots, performed with murine IL-1 cDNA probes, revealed a clear-cut hyperexpression of IL-1 mRNA in staggerer macrophages. An IL-1 bioassay using the IL-1-responsive D10.G4 cell line also revealed a sixfold increase of IL-1 activity in the macrophage supernatants of staggerer mutant mice. The hyperproduction was found in 3-week to 1-year-old staggerer and also in heterozygous (+/sg) mice. A similar phenomenon existed in cerebellar mutants lurcher, Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd), and to a lesser extent reeler and wobbler, but was absent in the neurological mutants weaver, jimpy, and motor end plate disease (medH). These observations establish that in several point mutations in mice, central nervous degeneration is associated with dysregulation of IL-1 production by peripheral macrophages.

Animals↗

Cloning and expression of a cDNA for human thioredoxin.

Thioredoxin is the best representative enzyme of a group of proteins, widely distributed and possessing dithiol-disulfide oxidoreductase activity. We have constructed a cDNA library from messenger RNAs isolated from a lymphoblastoid B cell line (Epstein-Barr virus-immortalized normal human lymphocytes). Screening of this library with synthetic oligonucleotide probes, constructed from the NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of a protein produced by this line, allowed us to identify a full-length cDNA clone coding for human thioredoxin. The open reading frame (315 nucleotides long) codes for a protein of 104 amino acids (excluding the initial methionine). This protein possesses the highly conserved enzymatic active site common to plant and bacterial thioredoxins: Trp-Cys-Gly-Pro-Cys (amino acids 30-34). These data provide for the first time the complete primary sequence of a thioredoxin of mammalian origin. Recombinant human thioredoxin, expressed in Escherichia coli, possesses a dithiol-reducing enzymatic activity as assayed on mammalian and plant substrates. It is able to reduce the interchain disulfide bridges of murine pentameric IgM and porcin insulin and also to activate vegetal NADP-malate dehydrogenase. Studies of human thioredoxin mRNA expression and regulation in immunocompetent cells of human origin indicate that the protein is weakly expressed in resting lymphocytes and monocytes, but the level of human thioredoxin mRNA transcription is quite important in activated monocytes and established dividing human cell lines.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Non HLA antigenic determinants expressed on activated T and B human lymphocytes.

Human antigenic determinants present on activated T and B lymphocytes and not on resting B and T cells defined by serological studies are reported. The reactivity of 13 sera against human PBM activated by various agents was tested using microlymphocytotoxicity technique. Results showed that generally similar reactions are present on B and T blasts whatever the technique of activation (PHA, ConA, PWM, TCGF, EBV and allo activation). Absorption elution studies with 5 sera on 10 alloactivated cells clearly demonstrated their independence from DR determinants. The analysis of results obtained by these 15 sera on blasts from 50 donors showed no correlation with HLA-A, -B, -C, DR and -MB antigens, neither can it be HT (Qa-like) antigens. Furthermore, 5 clusters of sera are reported. The weak correlation coefficients cannot affirm the existence of a system with an allelic distribution although each cell except one out of a panel of 50 individuals carries at most 2 specificities. The segregation of 3 of these specificities within 5 informative families showed no linkage with HLA genes.

B-Lymphocytes↗

Role of class I and class II antigens in the allogenic stimulation: class I and class II recognition in allogenic stimulation; blocking of MLR by monoclonal antibodies and F(ab')2 fragments.

Purified monomorphic monoclonal antibodies against Class I and Class II antigens in the inhibition of in vitro allogenic response were assayed. As expected, anti-Class II antibodies are highly inhibitory when used in concentrations greater than 5 micrograms/ml in MLRI and 50 micrograms/ml in MLRII. Surprisingly, anti-Class I monoclonal antibodies are as effective as anti-Class II in inhibiting primary MLR although they have no effect in MLRII. These results were confirmed by using F(ab')2 fragments. The inhibitory effect of anti-Class I has been shown to occur at the stimulator cell level. It is proposed that the allogenic stimulation is elicited after Class I and Class II recognition although only Class II differences are responsible for the proliferative response.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Expression of cell surface antigens during allogeneic response studies with monoclonal antibodies to a polymorphic marker of activated lymphocytes and HLA class I and class II antigens.

The kinetics of expression of cell surface antigens were studied during allogeneic stimulation and compared to 3H-thymidine incorporation. Two markers of T cell activation identified by monoclonal antibodies (monomorphic HLA-DR and a polymorphic blastic antigen) were compared to an ubiquitous antigen (beta 2m). beta 2m (Class I) and DR (Class II) antigens showed enhanced expression on alloactivated lymphocytes while the blastic antigen was only detected on alloactivated lymphocytes from serologically positive donors. The increased expression of these antigens could distinguish positive and negative mixed lymphocyte reactions and they preceded the rise in 3H-thymidine uptake.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Alloantigens expressed on activated human T cells different from HLA-A, B, C, and DR antigens.

This study investigates alloantisera containing antibodies directed against antigens which are expressed on alloactivated human T lymphocytes but are absent on resting T and B cells. Among 39 defined anti-HLA-DR sera from multiparous women we found six sera giving positive reactions (more than 25 percent cytotoxicity) on in vitro alloactivated T cells, though negative reactions with resting B or T cells from the donors of either the responding or stimulating cell populations used for alloactivation. Two such sera were submitted to absorption and elution studies. Absorption of these sera with activated T cells did not remove the anti-HLA-DR activity. Furthermore, the antibodies eluted from activated T cells did not react with B cells but were positive only on activated T cells. In addition, we absorbed the sera with B cells and observed that they remained positive on activated T cells. The positive reactions do not seem to be due to either the passive acquisition of antigens from the stimulating population or to low levels of HLA-specific antibodies. As one of the sera we studied intensively gave clear positive and negative reactions on a panel of activated T lymphocytes, we believe it may recognize an antigen of an allogeneic system expressed on alloactivated human T cells.

Antibody Specificity↗

[Kinetics of the appearance of HLA-DR antigens on human alloactivated T lymphocytes and the demonstration of new antigenic determinants].

By studying serologically the appearance of HLA-DR determinants on T lymphocytes activated by a mixed lymphocyte culture, we have been able to demonstrate the existence of a new class of antigenic determinants distinct from classical HLA-DR antigens. Indeed, some monospecific anti-DR sera were cytotoxic from some alloactivated T cells, though not directed against their HLA-DR specificity. The absorption of these anti-sera on B lymphocytes bearing the HLA-DR antigen against which they were directed, did not remove their reactivity on alloactivated T lymphocytes. The absorption of the same anti-sera on activated T lymphocytes did not affect their anti-DR reactivity. This study shows the existence of new antigenic determinants expressed by T lymphocytes during their activation: alloactivated T lymphocyte antigens (AATL).

Cells, Cultured↗

[Suppressor cells and factor of the allogeneic proliferative response in man].

During multiple in vitro allosensitisations of human lymphocytes, suppressor cells of the allogenic response are developed. They are radioresistant and specific to the HLA-DR presented by the stimulators, and adherent to nylon and glass wool, while cytotoxic cells are not. Moreover when irradiated, these hyperimmunized cells are able to release a suppressor factor (SF). This suppressor factor is non antigen specific and active on the autologous producer and some allogenic responders. There is a restriction phenomenon, the genetic control of which is not yet defined. The dominant effect of multiple transfusions on kidney graft survival could be explained in part by a similar cellular mechanism.

Cell Division↗