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Biomedical subjects

F Noël

Publications and source records attributed to F Noël.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Noradrenaline-induced contraction of mice aorta is enhanced in schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis, an intravascular parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma mansoni, is related to alterations of murine vascular reactivity in the mesenteric bed, characterized by an impairment of the l-arginine/NO pathway and an increased potency of 5-hydroxytryptamine. The current study was performed to test the hypothesis that a similar alteration of reactivity also occurs in the aorta and to identify the mechanism behind such an increase. We found that aorta from mice infected with male S. mansoni exhibited an enhanced contraction in response to noradrenaline and 100 mM KCl. The inhibition of nitric oxide synthase increased aortic maximal contraction in response to noradrenaline in both groups, but the effect was less pronounced in infected mice than in control mice. Endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine was also smaller in infected mice compared to control mice, while endothelial-independent relaxation induced by sodium nitroprusside and forskolin was similar in both groups. The inhibition of voltage-dependent L-type Ca(2+) channels reduced the maximal contraction in response to noradrenaline more effectively in infected than in control mice. Conversely the inhibition of K(ATP) channels had a smaller effect in the infected group. As a conclusion, our data indicate that schistosomiasis also alters murine vascular reactivity outside the mesenteric bed, due to a partial impairment of NO signaling, a reduced contribution of K(ATP) channels and an increased Ca(2+) influx through L-type Ca(2+) channels.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Role of calcium influx through voltage-operated calcium channels and of calcium mobilization in the physiology of Schistosoma mansoni muscle contractions.

We tested the hypothesis that voltage-operated Ca2+ channels mediate an extracellular Ca2+ influx in muscle fibres from the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni and, along with Ca2+ mobilization from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, contribute to muscle contraction. Indeed, whole-cell voltage clamp revealed voltage-gated inward currents carried by divalent ions with a peak current elicited by steps to +20 mV (from a holding potential of -70 mV). Depolarization of the fibres by elevated extracellular K+ elicited contractions that were completely dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and inhibited by nicardipine (half inhibition at 4.1 microM). However these contractions were not very sensitive to other classical blockers of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, indicating that the schistosome muscle channels have an atypical pharmacology when compared to their mammalian counterparts. Futhermore, the contraction induced by 5 mM caffeine was inhibited after depletion of the sarcoplasmic reticulum either with thapsigargin (10 microM) or ryanodine (10 microM). These data suggest that voltage-operated Ca2+ channels do contribute to S. mansoni contraction as does the mobilization of stored Ca2+, despite the small volume of sarcoplasmic reticulum in schistosome smooth muscles.

Animals↗

Characterization of a GABAergic neurotransmission in adult Schistosoma mansoni.

The neuromuscular systems of parasitic helminths are targets that are particularly amenable for anthelmintics. In this study, we describe a GABAergic neurotransmission in adult Schistosoma mansoni, the trematode responsible for high levels of morbidity in people living in developing countries. GABA immunoreactivity (GABA-IR) was detected in nerve cells and fibres of the cerebral ganglia and longitudinal nerve cords and the nerve plexuses ramifying throughout the parenchyma of male adult worms. In addition, strong GABA-IR was also found associated with the oral and ventral suckers as well as in testes indicating a role for GABA in fixation to the host vascular wall and spermatogenesis. The capacity to synthesize GABA from glutamate was confirmed by measurement of a glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) activity. Supporting these data, a single band with an apparent molecular weight of about 67 kDa was detected using an antibody raised against mammalian GAD. In vivo studies revealed that picrotoxin, a non-competitive antagonist of the GABAA receptor, produced a modification of the motility and locomotory behaviour of adult worms, suggesting that GABAergic signalling pathway may play a physiological role in the motonervous system of S. mansoni and could be considered as a potential target for the development of new drugs.

Animals↗

Cellular mechanisms involved in the increased contraction of portal veins from Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice.

We previously reported that portal veins from mice infected with male Schistosoma mansoni exhibited an increased reactivity to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Here, we extended our observations to mice infected by both male and female worms and we further investigated another constrictor agent and the mechanism(s) responsible for the enhanced maximal contraction ( E(max)). Bisexual infection increased the E(max) of 5-HT (from 0.66+/-0.06 mN.s to 1.56+/-0.38 mN.s), in a similar way to the unisexual (male) infection. Infection with male worms increased portal vein reactivity to acetylcholine, as revealed by a higher E(max) (1.03+/-0.2 mN.s) in relation to non-infected control animals ( E(max)= 0.54+/-0.08 mN.s). Sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) inhibition with 100 nM thapsigargin reduced the E(max) of 5-HT by 35% in both tissues, discharging a deficiency of SERCA pump in infected animals. In contrast, the number of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels (L-type) was higher in portal veins from infected than non-infected control mice. Inhibition of Ca(2+)-activated chloride channels (Cl(Ca)) with 10 micro M niflumic acid reduced the E(max) of 5-HT in portal veins more from infected than non-infected animals (remaining tension = 60.9+/-2.2% and 70.4+/-2.3%, respectively). Histopathological analysis revealed an increased content of collagen and elastin in portal veins from male S. mansoni-infected mice, compatible with an increased intraluminal pressure. In conclusion, male S. mansoni altered portal vein physiology, increasing the E(max) of two vasoconstrictors, possibly by increasing membrane depolarisation through a more effective opening of Cl(Ca) channels, with calcium entering through L-type Ca(2+) channels.

Acetylcholine↗

Oligodendroglial expression of Edg-2 receptor: developmental analysis and pharmacological responses to lysophosphatidic acid.

Edg-2 is a member of the G-protein-coupled seven-transmembrane receptor family recently identified in oligodendrocytes. Here we show that both in vitro and in vivo, Edg-2 transcripts are not detected during early stages of oligodendroglial development, but are expressed only in mature oligodendrocytes, shortly before the onset of myelination. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) has been reported to be a ligand of Edg-2 receptor in different cell types. However, in oligodendroglial cultures, LPA had no effect on survival, maturation, or cytoskeleton organization. In myelinating oligodendrocyte-neuron cocultures, LPA did not influence myelinogenesis. In addition, LPA failed to induce Ca2+ mobilization and had no effect on forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation. Phosphorylation of the ERK1/ERK2 MAP kinases was the only response elicited by LPA in oligodendrocytes. Therefore, in contrast to other cell types, in which LPA exerts pleiotropic effects, Edg-2-positive postmitotic oligodendrocytes display a restricted responsiveness to LPA.

Animals↗

Cyclic GMP-dependent vasodilatory properties of LASSBio 294 in rat aorta.

. The effects of LASSBio 294, a new 3,4-methylenedioxybenzoyl-2-thienylhydrazone, on vascular tonus were investigated in isolated rat aortic rings. 2. LASSBio 294 induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of intact rat aortic rings with an inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of 74 microM (95% confidence limits: 59 - 92). The mechanical removal of the endothelium abolished this effect. 3. In aortic rings with intact endothelium the effect of 100 microM LASSBio 294 was not altered by the pharmacological inhibition of NOS and cyclo-oxygenase pathways with 500 microM L-NAME and 10 microM indomethacin, respectively. 4. LASSBio 294 (100 microM) was able to relax aortic rings pre-contracted with high extracellular K(+) (KCl 100 mM). 5. The relaxant effect of LASSBio 294 was fully reversed (and prevented) by the addition of 1 microM ODQ (1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-1-one), a selective inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase. 6. LASSBio 294 (100 microM) had no direct effect on PDE3 and PDE4 activities, however, it increased by 150% cyclic GMP content in aortic rings pre-treated with 100 microM L-NAME and 10 microM indomethacin, as did 1 microM zaprinast, a selective PDE5 inhibitor. 7. In conclusion, LASSBio 294 induced relaxation of isolated rat aorta probably by directly increasing cyclic GMP content, possibly as a consequence of PDE5 inhibition.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Radioligand binding assays in the drug discovery process: potential pitfalls of high throughput screenings.

Radioligand binding assays evaluating directly the ability of a drug to interact with a defined molecular target is part of the drug discovery process. The need for a high throughput rate in screening drugs is actually leading to simplified experimental schemes that increase the probability of false negative results. Special concern involves voltage-gated ion channel drug discovery where a great care is required in designing assays because of frequent multiplicity of (interacting) binding sites. To clearly illustrate this situation, three different assays used in the academic drug discovery program of the authors were selected because they are rich of intrinsic artifacts: (I) (20 mmol/l caffeine almost duplicated [3H]ryanodine binding (89% higher than control) to rat heart microsomes at 0.3 mumol/l free calcium but did not exert any effect when using a high (107 mumol/l) free calcium, as mostly used in ryanodine binding assays; (II) An agonist for the ionotropic glutamate receptor of the kainate type can distinctly affect [3H]kainate binding to chicken cerebellum membranes depending on its concentration: unlabelled kainic acid per se either stimulated about 30% (at 50-100 nmol/l), had no effect (at 200 nmol/l) or even progressively decreased (at 0.3-2 mumol/l) the binding of 5 nmol/l [3H]kainate, emphasizing the risk of using a single concentration for screening a drug; (III) in a classical [3H]flunitrazepam binding assay, the stimulatory effect of a GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) agonist was only observed when using extensively washed rat brain synaptosomes (10 mumol/l GABA increased flunitrazepam binding by 90%). On the other hand, the inhibitory effect of a GABA antagonist was only observed when using crude synaptosomes (10 mumol/l bicuculine reduced [3H]flunitrazepam binding by 40%). It can be concluded that carefully designed radioligand assays which can be performed in an academic laboratory are appropriate for screening a small number of drugs, especially if these are potential hits because of their rational design. Therefore, the low throughput rate could be partially balanced by a higher performance when compared to what is done in a robotic high throughput screening where simplification of assay conditions can lead to false negative results.

Animals↗

Comparative bioavailability of two oral L-thyroxine formulations after multiple dose administration in patients with hypothyroidism and its relation with therapeutic endpoints and dissolution profiles.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence and therapeutic equivalence of the two most commonly prescribed L-thyroxine (monsodium L-thyroxine hydrate, CAS 25416-65-3) formulations in Brazil in patients treated for hypothyroidism. Twenty-four patients received 100 micrograms L-thyroxine daily of either Puran T4 (test) or the Brazilian reference formulation (reference) during 42 days, in a two-period crossover design. Serum samples obtained over a 24-h interval were analyzed for their total T4 concentration by a chemiluminescent immunoassay. Content and uniformity of the tablets and dissolution studies were also assessed according to USP 24 monograph using an isocratic HPLC-UV system and a rotating-paddle method. The mean pharmacokinetic parameters for total T4, expressed as geometric means (CV), for the test and reference were, respectively: Cmax (microgram/dl) 9.8 (14.3%) and 10.8 (14.9%); AUC0-24 h (microgram/dl.h) 206.8 (13.9%) and 230.4 (14.9%). Median values (90% CI) for Tmax (h) were 3 (2-3) and 2 (2-4) for the test and reference, respectively. 90% CI for ratios of LogCmax and LogAUC0-24 h were 86.6-94.9 and 86.3-93.4, respectively. Although the test exhibited values of Cmax and AUC0-24 h around 10% lower than the reference, these formulations must be considered bioequivalent since the 90% CI for both Cmax and AUC0-24 h mean ratio were within the 80-125% interval as proposed by the US Food and Drug Administration and the Brazilian legislation. TSH dosages within the normal range further support therapeutic equivalence between the two formulations. Dissolution data were roughly in agreement with in vivo results since both formulations comply with the USP dissolution criteria although the test tablets had a slower dissolution rate than the reference tablets. As a conclusion, the two oral formulations of L-thyroxine are both bioequivalent and therapeutically equivalent although presenting a small difference in their extent of absorption. Noteworthy, the dissolution profiles of the tablets correlate well with their bioavailability in the present experimental conditions.

Adult↗

Control of calcium homeostasis in Schistosoma mansoni.

Calcium signalling is fundamental for muscular contractility of Schistosoma mansoni. We have previously described the presence of transport ATPases (Na+,K+-ATPase and (Ca2+-Mg2+)-ATPase) and calcium channels (ryanodine receptors - RyR) involved in control of calcium homeostasis in this worm. Here we briefly review the main technics (ATPase activity, binding with specific radioligands, fluxes of 45Ca2+ and whole worm contractions) and results obtained in order to compare the distribution patterns of these proteins: thapsigargin-sensitive (Ca2+-Mg2+)-ATPase activity and RyR co-purified in P1 and P4 fractions mainly, which is compatible with a sarcoplasmic reticulum localization, while basal ATPase (along with Na+,K+-ATPase) and thapsigargin-resistant (Ca2+-Mg2+)-ATPase have a distinct distribution, indicative of their plasma membrane localization. Finally we attempt to integrate these contributions with data from other groups in order to propose the first synoptic model for control of calcium homeostasis in S. mansoni.

Animals↗

Two distinct regions of the yeast mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier are photolabeled by a new ADP analogue: 2-azido-3'-O-naphthoyl-[beta-32P]ADP. Identification of the binding segments by mass spectrometry.

A novel photoactivatable radioactive ADP derivative, namely, 2-azido-3'-O-naphthoyl-[beta-(32)P]ADP (2-azido-N-[(32)P]ADP), was synthesized with the aim at mapping the substrate binding site(s) of the yeast mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier. It was used with mitochondria isolated from genetically modified strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, producing the native or the His-tagged Anc2p isoform of the carrier. In darkness, 2-azido-N-[(32)P]ADP was reversibly bound to the carrier in mitochondria, without being transported. Upon photoirradiation, only the ADP/ATP carrier was covalently radiolabeled among all mitochondrial proteins. Specificity of labeling was demonstrated since carboxyatractyloside (CATR), a potent inhibitor of ADP/ATP transport, totally prevented the incorporation of the photoprobe. To localize the radioactive region(s), the purified photolabeled carrier was submitted to CNBr or hydroxylamine cleavage. The resulting fragments were characterized and identified by SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, amino acid sequencing, and MALDI-MS and ESI-MS analyses. Two short photolabeled distinct segments, eight and nine residues long, were identified: S183-R191, located in the central part of the ADP/ATP carrier; and I311-K318, belonging to its C-terminal end. Plausible models of organization of the nucleotide binding site(s) of the carrier involving the two regions specifically labeled by 2-azido-N-[(32)P]ADP are proposed.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Down-regulation of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase alpha(2) isoform in denervated rat vas deferens.

In the rat vas deferens, an organ richly innervated by peripheral sympathetic neurons, we have demonstrated recently the expression of alpha(1) and alpha(2), but not alpha(3) isoforms of the alpha subunit of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase (EC 3.6.1.37), a membrane-bound enzyme of vital function for living cells (Noël et al., Biochem Pharmacol 55: 1531-1535, 1998). In the present work, we characterized, qualitatively and quantitatively, Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase alpha isoforms in denervated rat vasa deferentia. [(3)H]Ouabain binding at concentrations defined for high-affinity isoforms (alpha(2) and/or alpha(3)) detected only one class of specific binding sites in control (C) and denervated (D) vas deferens. Although the dissociation constant was similar for both groups [K(d) = 138 +/- 14 nM (C) and 125 +/- 8 nM (D)], a marked decrease in density was observed after denervation [716 +/- 81 fmol.mg protein(-1) (C) and 445 +/- 34 fmol.mg protein(-1) (D), P < 0.05]. In addition, western blotting revealed that denervated vasa deferentia produce the alpha(1) and alpha(2) isoforms but not alpha(3), just as we reported for the controls previously (Noël et al., Biochem Pharmacol 55: 1531-1535, 1998). Densitometric analysis showed a decrease of the alpha(2) isoform by about 40% in denervated organs, in very good agreement with what was shown with the [(3)H]ouabain binding technique, but no significant change in alpha(1) isoform density. Truncated alpha(1) (alpha(1)T), an isoform suggested to exist in the guinea pig vas deferens, was not detected. Altogether, our results demonstrated that Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase alpha(2) is down-regulated after sympathetic denervation of the rat vas deferens.

Animals↗

Purification of histidine-tagged mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier: influence of the conformational states of the C-terminal region.

A functional recombinant mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that bears a six-histidine tag at the C-terminus, Anc2(His(6))p, has been engineered to allow its purification by immobilized metal-ion affinity chromatography (IMAC). The tagged carrier was expressed at a level similar to that of unmodified Anc2p as determined by immunodetection and titration of the specific atractyloside binding sites. Anc2(His(6))p, enriched by chromatography on hydroxyapatite of detergent extracts of mitochondria, was still contaminated by mitochondrial proteins and a large amount of ergosterol. It was highly purified after adsorption on Ni-NTA resin and elution by imidazole buffer, with a 90-95% overall yield. Anc2(His(6))p interacted differently with immobilized ions depending on whether it was unliganded or bound to carboxyatractyloside (CATR) or bongkrekic acid (BA), two specific inhibitors of the ADP/ATP transport, thus indicating that accessibility of the C-terminus is markedly influenced by the conformational state of the carrier. Fluorometric assays demonstrated that purified unliganded Anc2(His(6))p was in a functional state since it underwent CATR- and BA-sensitive and ADP (or ATP)-induced conformational changes. Large-scale purification of Anc2(His(6))p-CATR and Anc2(His(6))p-BA complexes by IMAC will be of major interest for structural analysis of the ADP/ATP carrier.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Selective destruction of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons does not alter [3H]-ryanodine binding in rat striatum.

Dopamine nigrostriatal neurons are important for motor control and may contain a particularly dense population of ryanodine receptors involved in the control of dopamine release. To test this hypothesis, we used a classical model of unilateral selective lesion of these neurons in rats based on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injection into the substantia nigra. Binding of [3H]-GBR 12935, used as a presynaptic marker since it labels specifically the dopamine uptake complex, was dramatically decreased by 83-100% in striatum homogenates after 6-OHDA lesion. On the contrary, no reduction of [3H]-ryanodine binding was observed. The present data indicate that [3H]-ryanodine binding sites present in rat striatum are not preferentially localized in dopaminergic terminals.

Adrenergic Agents↗

Molecular cloning and characterization of the enzyme UDP-glucose: protein transglucosylase from potatodaggerdaggerThis paper is specially dedicated to the memory of Dr Juana S. Tandecarz, deceased on December 10, 1996.

UDP-Glc:protein transglucosylase (UPTG) (EC 2.4.1.112) is an autocatalytic glycosyl-transferase previously postulated as a protein that primes starch biosynthesis. Polyclonal antibodies raised against UPTG purified from potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers were used to screen a potato swelling stolon tip cDNA expression library. The isolation, cloning and sequencing of two cDNAs corresponding to UPTG are described. Recombinant UPTG was labelled after incubation with UDP-[(14)C]-Glc and Mn(2+), indicating that it was enzymatically active. It was determined that purified as well as recombinant UPTG can be reversibly glycosylated by UDP-Glc, UDP-Xyl or UDP-Gal. RNA hybridization studies and western blot analysis indicate that UPTG mRNA and protein are expressed in all potato tissues. Databank searches revealed a high degree of identity between UPTG and several plant sequences that encode for proteins with apparent localization at the cytoplasmic face of the Golgi apparatus and at plasmodesmata. The biochemical properties of UPTG and the apparent lack of a signal peptide that could allow its entrance into plastids argue against the postulated role of UPTG in starch synthesis and point towards a possible role of the protein in the synthesis of cell wall polysaccharides.

Journal Article↗

Evidence for ryanodine receptors in Schistosoma mansoni.

The present study investigated the presence of ryanodine receptors in the trematode Schistosoma mansoni. [3H]Ryanodine specific binding sites were found in the four subcellular fractions of S. mansoni; however, more binding sites were recovered in the heterogeneous fraction P1 and the microsomal fraction P4, as was thapsigargin-sensitive (Ca2+-Mg2+)ATPase activity, marking the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) pumps. This binding had an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) in the nanomolar range, an apparent maximal number of receptors (Bmax) of about 80 fmol/mg of protein, and was modulated by ions (Ca2+, Mg2+) and some pharmacological tools such as caffeine. Ryanodine was able to accelerate the rate of 45Ca2+ release from actively loaded vesicles, and also to induce a transient contraction of the whole worm. We conclude that ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ release channels are present in S. mansoni, with properties very similar to the ones present in higher animals.

Animals↗

Mercury levels in the Cree population of James Bay, Quebec, from 1988 to 1993/94.

BACKGROUND: High levels of mercury in the Cree population of James Bay, Que., have been a cause of concern for several years. This study examines changes in mercury levels within the Cree population between 1988 and 1993/94 and identifies potential determinants of high mercury levels. METHODS: Data on mercury levels among the Cree were obtained through a surveillance program undertaken by the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay. In 1988 and again in 1993/94 surveys were carried out in all 9 Cree communities of northern Quebec. Hair samples were obtained and analysed for mercury content. Analyses were carried out to determine the proportion of people who had mercury levels in excess of established norms. Changes in mercury levels between 1988 and 1993/94 and determinants of high levels were estimated by means of regression methods. RESULTS: The proportion of the Cree population with mercury levels in excess of 15.0 mg/kg declined from 14.2% in 1988 to 2.7% in 1993/94. Wide variations in mercury levels were observed between communities: 0.6% and 8.3% of the Eastmain and Whapmagoostui communities respectively had mercury levels of 15.0 mg/kg or greater in 1993/94. Logistic regression analyses showed that significantly higher levels of mercury were independently associated with male sex, increasing age and trapper status. There was a correlation between the mercury level of the head of the household and that of the spouse. INTERPRETATION: Mercury levels in the Cree of James Bay have decreased in the recent past. Nevertheless, this decrease in mercury levels may not be permanent and does not necessarily imply that the issue is definitively resolved.

Adolescent↗

Quantitative analysis of the high-affinity binding sites for [3H]ouabain in the rat vas deferens and their immunological identification as the alpha 2 isoform of Na+/K(+)-ATPase.

Binding assays were performed with [3H]ouabain to investigate the presence of, and to characterize, a Na+/K(+)-ATPase isoform with high affinity for cardiac glycosides in the rat vas deferens. Nonlinear regression analysis of equilibrium experiments carried out with crude preparations in a Mg-Pi medium indicated the presence of high-affinity sites characterized with good precision (individual coefficients of variation = 11-35%) by their density (Bmax = 0.42 to 0.72 pmol/mg protein) and dissociation constant (Kd = 0.069 to 0.136 microM) values. The values of the dissociation rate constant (kappa-1) and the association rate constant (kappa+1) for these sites were 0.151 to 0.267 min-1 and 2.87 to 3.60 microM-1.min-1, respectively. A higher number of low-affinity sites (Kd around 15 microM), supposed to correspond to the alpha 1 isoform, was also identified, but their Kd and Bmax values were not quantified precisely in this crude preparation. Western blot assays indicated hybridization with specific anti-alpha 1 and anti-alpha 2 isoform antibodies but not with anti-alpha 3 isoform antibody. Taken together, the present results indicate the existence of a low proportion of the alpha 2 isoform of Na+/K(+)-ATPase in the rat vas deferens that can be quantified precisely by [3H]ouabain binding even in a crude membrane preparation that is suitable for studies under conditions of plasticity.

Animals↗