Biomedical subjects

I Moeller

Publications and source records attributed to I Moeller.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Characterization of the AT(4) receptor in a human neuroblastoma cell line (SK-N-MC).

Angiotensin IV (Ang IV), the 3-8 fragment of angiotensin II (Ang II), binds to a distinct receptor designated the AT(4) receptor. The peptide elicits a range of vascular and central actions including facilitation of memory retention and retrieval in several learning paradigms. The aim of this study was to characterize the AT(4) receptor in a human cell line of neural origin. Receptor binding studies indicate that the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-MC cells express a high-affinity Ang IV binding site with a pharmacological profile similar to the AT(4) receptor: (125)I]-Ang IV and (125)I]-Nle(1)-Ang IV bind specifically to the SK-N-MC cell membranes (K(d) = 0.6 and 0.1 nM) in a saturable manner (B(max) = 1.2 pmol/mg of protein). AT(4) receptor ligands, Nle(1)-Ang IV, Ang IV and LVV-haemorphin 7 (LVV-H7), compete for the binding of [(125)I]-Ang IV or [(125)I]-Nle(1)-Ang IV to the SK-N-MC cell membranes with rank order potencies of Nle(1)-Ang IV > Ang IV > LVV-H7 with IC(50) values of 1.4, 8.7 and 59 nM ([(125)I]-Ang IV) and 1.8, 20 and 168 nM ([(125)I]-Nle(1)-Ang IV), respectively. The binding of [(125)I]-Ang IV or [(125)I]-Nle(1)-Ang IV to SK-N-MC cell membranes was not affected by the presence of GTP gamma S. Both Ang IV and LVV-H7 stimulated DNA synthesis in this cell line up to 72 and 81% above control levels, respectively. The AT(4) receptor in the SK-N-MC cells is a 180-kDa glycoprotein; under non-reducing conditions a 250-kDa band was also observed. In summary, the human neuroblastoma cell line, SK-N-MC, expresses functional AT(4) receptors that are responsive to Ang IV and LVV-H7, as indicated by an increase in DNA synthesis. This is the first human cell line of neural origin shown to express the AT(4) receptor.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed1999

Up regulation of AT4 receptor levels in carotid arteries following balloon injury.

Angiotensin IV, (V-Y-I-H-P-F), binds to AT4 receptors in blood vessels to induce vasodilatation and proliferation of cultured bovine endothelial cells. This latter effect may be important not only in developing tissues but also in injured vessels undergoing remodelling. In the present study, using normal rabbit carotid arteries, we detected AT4 receptors in vascular smooth muscle cells and in the vasa vasorum of the adventitia. Very low receptor levels were observed in the endothelial cells. In keeping with the described binding specificity of AT4 receptors, unlabelled angiotensin IV competed for [125I]angiotensin IV binding in the arteries, with an IC50 of 1.4 nM, whereas angiotensin II and angiotensin III were weaker competitors. Within the first week following endothelial denudation of the carotid artery by balloon catheter, AT4 receptor binding in the media increased to approximately 150% of control tissue. AT4 receptor binding further increased in the media, large neointima and re-endothelialized cell layer to 223% at 20 weeks after injury. In view of the known trophic effects of angiotensin IV, the elevated expression of AT4 receptors, in both the neointima and media of arteries, following balloon injury to the endothelium, suggests a role for the peptide in the adaptive response and remodelling of the vascular wall following damage.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

PubMed1999

A globin fragment, LVV-hemorphin-7, induces [3H]thymidine incorporation in a neuronal cell line via the AT4 receptor.

The AT4 receptor was characterized initially as a specific binding site for angiotensin IV, a C-terminal fragment of the vasoactive peptide angiotensin II. Recently, we found that LVV-hemorphin-7, a fragment of beta globin, is an abundant peptide in the brain and binds to the AT4 receptor with high affinity and specificity. In the neuroblastoma/glioma hybrid cell line, NG108-15, LVV-hemorphin-7 and angiotensin IV competed for 125I-angiotensin IV binding in a biphasic fashion with IC50 values of 1.2 x 10(-10) and 1.1 x 10(-9) M for the high-affinity site, respectively, and 6.7 x 10(-8) and 1.5 x 10(-8) M for the low-affinity site, respectively. Both peptides were internalized rapidly by the cells. However, LVV-hemorphin-7, but not angiotensin IV, elicited a 1.8-fold increase in DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, co-incubation of the cells with an excess of angiotensin IV (10(-6) M) inhibited LVV-hemorphin-7-stimulated DNA synthesis. Therefore, whereas LVV-hemorphin-7 and angiotensin IV were capable of binding to the AT4 receptor, only LVV-hemorphin-7 elicited [3H]thymidine incorporation in NG108-15 cells. In contrast, angiotensin IV behaved as an antagonist. The current finding suggests that LVV-hemorphin-7 is a functional peptide in the central nervous system and in view of its abundance in neural tissue, compared with angiotensin IV, may be of significant physiological importance.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed1999

Characterization of a specific antibody to the rat angiotensin II AT1 receptor.

We raised a polyclonal antibody against a decapeptide corresponding to the carboxyl terminus of the rat angiotensin II AT1 receptor. This antibody was demonstrated to be specific for the rat receptor according to a number of approaches. These included (a) the ultrastructural localization of immunogold-labeled receptor on the surfaces of zona glomerulosa cells in the adrenal cortex, (b) the specific labeling of Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells transfected with AT1 receptors, (c) the identification of a specific band on Western blots, (d) the immunocytochemical co-localization of angiotensin receptors on neurons in the lamina terminalis of the brain shown to be responsive to circulating angiotensin II, as shown by the expression of c-fos, and (e) the correlation between the expression of the mRNA of the AT1 receptor and AT1 receptor immunoreactivity.(J Histochem Cytochem 47:507-515, 1999)

Adrenal Cortex↗

PubMed1998

Angiotensin receptors in the nervous system.

In addition to its traditional role as a circulating hormone, angiotensin is also involved in local functions through the activity of tissue renin-angiotensin systems that occur in many organs, including the brain. In the brain, both systemic and presumptive neurally derived angiotensin and angiotensin metabolites act through specific receptors to modulate many functions. This review examines the distribution of these specific angiotensin receptors and discusses evidence regarding the function of angiotensin peptides in various brain regions. Angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptors occur in characteristic distributions that are highly correlated with the distribution of angiotensin-like immunoreactivity in nerve terminals. Acting through the AT1 receptor in the brain, angiotensin has effects on fluid and electrolyte homeostasis, neuroendocrine systems, autonomic pathways regulating cardiovascular function and behavior. Angiotensin AT1 receptors are also found in many afferent and efferent components of the peripheral autonomic nervous system. The role of the AT2 receptor in the brain is less well understood, although recent knockout studies point to an involvement with behavioral and cardiovascular functions. In addition to the AT1 and AT2 receptors, receptors for other fragments of angiotensin have been proposed. The AT4 binding site, which binds angiotensin, has a widespread distribution in the brain quite distinct from that of the AT1 and AT2 receptors. It is associated with many cholinergic neuronal groups and also several sensory nuclei, but its function remains to be determined. Our discovery that another brain-derived peptide binds to the AT4 binding site in the brain and may represent the native ligand is discussed. Overall, the distribution of angiotensin receptors in the brain indicate that they play diverse and important physiological roles in the nervous system.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Protein SRP54 of human signal recognition particle: cloning, expression, and comparative analysis of functional sites.

Signal recognition particle (SRP) plays a critical role in the targeting of secretory proteins to cellular membranes. An essential component of SRP is the protein SRP54, which interacts not only with the nascent signal peptide, but also with the SRP RNA. To understand better how protein targeting occurs in the human system, the human SRP54 gene was cloned, sequenced, and the protein was expressed in bacteria and insect cells. Recombinant SRP54 was purified from both sources. The protein bound to SRP RNA in the presence of protein SRP19, and associated with the signal peptide of in vitro translated pre-prolactin. Comparative sequence analysis of human SRP54 with homologs from all three phylogenetic domains was combined with high-stringency protein secondary structure prediction. A conserved RNA-binding loop was predicted in the largely helical M-domain of SRP54. Contrary to general belief, the unusually high number of methionine residues clustered outside the predicted helices, thus indicating a mechanism of signal peptide recognition that may involve methionine-rich loops.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1998

Bioactive angiotensin peptides.

Angiotensin II is recognised as the principle active peptide of the renin-angiotensin system, exerting effects on fluid and electrolyte homeostasis, and cardiovascular control including neural and long term trophic effects. However, recent studies indicate that other angiotensin peptides such as angiotensin III, angiotensin II (1-7) and angiotensin IV, may have specific actions. Interestingly, recent work involving angiotensin IV demonstrates that this peptide binds to specific receptors and may be involved in memory retention and neuronal development. Furthermore, our demonstration that a globin fragment, LVV-haemorphin-7, binds with high affinity to the angiotensin IV binding site and is abundant in the brain, indicates that this may represent a novel brain neuropeptide system. It now appears, that the renin-angiotensin system is more complex than previously thought and capable of generating multiple, active peptides which elicit numerous diverse actions.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed1998

Mapping tissue angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensin AT1, AT2 and AT4 receptors.

BACKGROUND: The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) functions as both a circulating endocrine system and a tissue paracrine/autocrine system. As a circulating peptide, angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a prominent role in blood-pressure control and body fluid and electrolyte balance by acting on the AT1 receptor in the brain and peripheral tissues. As a paracrine/autocrine peptide, locally formed Ang II also plays additional roles in tissues involving the regulation of regional haemodynamics, cell growth and remodelling, and neurotransmitter release. Evidence is emerging that Ang II is not the only active peptide of the RAS, and other Ang II fragments may also have important biological activities. OBJECTIVES: To provide a morphological basis for understanding novel actions of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), Ang II and related peptides in tissues, this article will review the localization of ACE and AT1, AT2 and AT4 receptors in the central nervous system, blood vessels and kidney. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Autoradiographic mapping of the major components of the RAS has proved a valuable strategy to reveal, or suggest, cellular sites of novel actions for Ang II and related peptides in tissues. First, colocalization of ACE and AT1 receptors in the substantia nigra, the caudate nucleus and putamen of human and rat brain, which contain the dopamine-synthesizing neurons, suggests that the central RAS may be important in modulating central dopamine release. Secondly, the distribution of AT4 receptors with a striking association with cholinergic neurons, motor and sensory nuclei in the brain reveals that Ang IV may modulate central motor and sensory activities and memory. Thirdly, the occurrence of high levels of ACE and AT1 and/or AT2 receptors in the adventitia of blood vessels suggests important paracrine roles of the vascular RAS. Finally, the identification of abundant AT1 receptor and elucidation of its roles in the renomedullary interstitial cells of the kidney may provide a new impetus to study further the role of Ang II in the regulation of renal medullary function and blood pressure. Overall, circulating and locally produced Ang II and related peptides may exert a remarkable range of actions in the brain, kidney and cardiovascular system through multiple angiotensin receptors.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Haemorphin peptides may be endogenous ligands for brain angiotensin AT4 receptors.

1. Angiotensin IV (AngIV), the (3-8) fragment of AngII, was previously believed to be an inactive metabolite. However, specific binding sites, termed AT4 receptors, have been identified in the brain and peripheral organs and the peptide has been reported to enhance memory recall in passive avoidance studies and to dilate pial and renal cortical vessels. 2. AT4 receptors are distinct from AngII AT1 and AT2 receptors with respect to function, ligand specificity and distribution. 3. In the brain, AT4 receptors are abundant in cerebral and cerebellar cortex, hippocampal formation and cholinergic systems, as well as sensory and motor systems. However, the peptide AngIV is low or undetectable in the central nervous system. This led us to search for an alternative peptide ligand of the AT4 receptor. 4. The decapeptide LVVYPWTQRF was isolated from cerebral cortex and binds with high affinity to brain AT4 receptors. This peptide sequence corresponds to an internal sequence of beta-globin and has previously been named LVV-haemorphin 7. 5. Haemorphin may represent a new class of endogenous neuropeptides, some of which interact potently with the brain AT4 receptor to elicit a range of actions.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed1997

Transgenic expression of a CD46 (membrane cofactor protein) minigene: studies of xenotransplantation and measles virus infection.

CD46 (membrane cofactor protein) is a human cell-surface regulator of activated complement and a receptor for the measles virus. A CD46 transgenic mouse line with an expression pattern similar to that of human tissues has been produced, to develop an animal model of (i) the control of complement activation by complement regulators in hyperacute rejection of xenografts, and (ii) measles virus infection. The mouse line was made using a CD46 minigene that includes promoter sequence and the first two introns of genomic CD46, which was coinjected into mouse ova with chicken lysozyme matrix attachment region DNA. A high level of CD46 expression in homozygotic transgenic mice was obtained with spleen cells having approximately 75% of the level found on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. CD46 was detected in all tissues examined by immunohistochemistry, radioimmunoassay and Western blotting, showing that these mice were suitable for transplantation and measles virus infection studies. It also indicated that the transgene included the important regulatory elements of the CD46 promoter. Transgenic spleen cells were significantly protected in vitro from human complement activated by either the classical or alternative pathways and from alternative pathway rat complement. Furthermore, transgenic mouse hearts transplanted to rats regulated complement deposition in an in vivo model of antibody-dependent hyperacute xenograft rejection. Similar to human lymphocytes, transgenic lymphoblasts could be infected in vitro with measles virus; infected cells expressed viral proteins and produced infectious viral particles. The data demonstrate the suitability of this minigene for obtaining high-level CD46 expression sufficient for enhanced resistance of transgenic cells to complement attack and for obtaining wide tissue distribution of CD46, analogous to human tissues and, therefore, useful for comparative studies.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1997

The globin fragment LVV-hemorphin-7 is an endogenous ligand for the AT4 receptor in the brain.

Angiotensin IV (Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe) has been reported to interact with specific high-affinity receptors to increase memory retrieval, enhance dopamine-induced stereotypy behavior, and induce c-fos expression in several brain nuclei. We have isolated a decapeptide (Leu-Val-Val-Tyr-Pro-Trp-Thr-Gln-Arg-Phe) from sheep brain that binds with high affinity to the angiotensin IV receptor. The peptide was isolated using 125I-angiotensin IV binding to bovine adrenal membranes to assay receptor binding activity. This peptide is identical to the amino acid sequence 30-39 of sheep betaA- and betaB-globins and has previously been named LVV-hemorphin-7. Pharmacological studies demonstrated that LVV-hemorphin-7 and angiotensin IV were equipotent in competing for 125I-angiotensin IV binding to sheep cerebellar membranes and displayed full cross-displacement. Using in vitro receptor autoradiography, 125I-LVV-hemorphin-7 binding to sheep brain sections was identical to 125I-angiotensin IV binding in its pattern of distribution and binding specificity. This study reveals the presence of a globin fragment in the sheep brain that exhibits a high affinity for, and displays an identical receptor distribution with, the angiotensin IV receptor. This globin fragment, LVV-hemorphin-7, may therefore represent an endogenous ligand for the angiotensin IV receptor in the CNS.

Adrenal Glands↗

PubMed1996

Angiotensin IV inhibits neurite outgrowth in cultured embryonic chicken sympathetic neurones.

Angiotensin IV (Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe) is reported to enhance apomorphine induced stereotypy and to improve memory recall through actions on specific binding sites in the central nervous system. In the present study, 10 nM angiotensin IV or angiotensin II inhibited neurite outgrowth from cultured E11 chicken paravertebral sympathetic neurones by 25%. The effects of both peptides were inhibited by a 1 microM concentration of the angiotensin IV analogues. WSU 4042, Nle1-Y-I-amide or Nle1-AIV, but not by the avian angiotensin II antagonists, [Sar1,Ile8]Ang II or CGP 42112, suggesting that the inhibition of neurite outgrowth by both peptides is mediated by the angiotensin IV binding site. These results suggest that angiotensin IV may be involved in neurite modelling and may therefore have an important role in neuronal development.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed1996

A novel action of angiotensin peptides in inhibiting neurite outgrowth from isolated chick sympathetic neurons in culture.

There is increasing evidence that neuropeptides have trophic functions during embryogenesis. We examined the ability of angiotensin II, substance P, somatostatin-28 and luteinising hormone-releasing hormone to influence neurite outgrowth from embryonic chick sympathetic neurons in culture. Nanomolar concentrations of angiotensin II inhibited neurite outgrowth, whereas the other peptides had no effect at similar concentrations. The effect of angiotensin II on neurite outgrowth is likely to be mediated by an atypical angiotensin receptor, as it was only weakly inhibited by [sar1,ala8]angiotensin II, and was not inhibited by losartan, an inhibitor of mammalian AT1 receptors, or PD123319, an AT2 inhibitor. Neurite outgrowth was also inhibited by angiotensin III and angiotensin IV but not by angiotensinogen I1-14. The study provides further evidence that angiotensin peptides, like classical neurotransmitters, may have trophic functions during embryogenesis.

Angiotensin I↗

PubMed1996

Localization and quantitation of angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptors in the pregnant and non-pregnant sheep uterus.

The two angiotensin II receptor subtypes, AT1 and AT2, have been reported to be differentially expressed in the myometrial membrane preparations of nulliparous and pregnant sheep, however, their distribution in the sheep reproductive tract has not been reported. The aim of this study is to map the distribution of AT1 and AT2 receptors in the anoestrus reproductive tract of the sheep by quantitative in vitro autoradiography and to investigate if the density and distribution of the receptors change during pregnancy. The AT2 receptor is abundant in a discrete layer in the myometrium of the anoestrus sheep uterus, whilst the AT1 receptor is expressed at lower levels, predominantly in the endometrium. Near-term pregnant uteri, show a marked change in the expression of angiotensin II receptors: the myometrium no longer expresses detectable AT2 receptors but rather, expresses low levels of AT1 receptors. Angiotensin converting enzyme is found in high concentrations in the blood vessels of the pregnant and non-pregnant sheep reproductive system and on the epithelial cells of the fallopian tubes of the non-pregnant sheep. These studies reveal marked reciprocal changes of angiotensin II receptors, with myometrial AT1 receptors increasing during pregnancy, whilst AT2 receptors fall markedly. These changes suggest that angiotensin II may be involved in regulating changes of uterine structure and function during pregnancy by interaction with multiple receptor subtypes.

1-Sarcosine-8-Isoleucine Angiotensin II↗

PubMed1996

Distribution of AT4 receptors in the Macaca fascicularis brain.

Angiotensin IV (Val Tyr Ile His Pro Phe), administered centrally, increases memory retrieval and induces c-fos expression in the hippocampus and piriform cortex. Angiotensin IV binds to a high affinity site that is quite distinct in pharmacology and distribution from the angiotensin II AT1 and AT2 receptors and is known as the AT4 receptor. These observations suggest that the AT4 receptor may have multiple central effects. The present study uses in vitro receptor autoradiography, and employs [125I]angiotensin IV to map AT4 receptors in the macaca fascicularis brain. The distribution of the AT4 receptor is remarkable in that its distribution extends throughout several neural systems. Most striking is its localization in motor nuclei and motor associated regions. These include the ventral horn spinal motor neurons, all cranial motor nuclei including the oculomotor, abducens, facial and hypoglossal nuclei, and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. Receptors are also present in the vestibular, reticular and inferior olivary nuclei, the granular layer of the cerebellum, and the Betz cells of the motor cortex. Moderate AT4 receptor density is seen in all cerebellar nuclei, ventral thalamic nuclei and the substantia nigra pars compacta, with lower receptor density observed in the caudate nucleus and putamen. Abundant AT4 receptors are also found in areas associated with cholinergic nuclei and their projections, including the nucleus basalis of Meynert, ventral limb of the diagonal band and the hippocampus, somatic motor nuclei and autonomic preganglionic motor nuclei. AT4 receptors are also observed in sensory regions, with moderate levels in spinal trigeminal, gracile, cuneate and thalamic ventral posterior nuclei, and the somatosensory cortex. The abundance of the AT4 receptor in motor and cholinergic neurons, and to a lesser extent, in sensory neurons, suggests multiple roles for the AT4 receptor in the primate brain.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

PubMed1995

Localization of angiotensin IV binding sites to motor and sensory neurons in the sheep spinal cord and hindbrain.

In the sheep spinal cord, a high density of [125I]angiotensin IV binding sites was localized to the perikaryon and processes of all somatic motor neurons, the autonomic motor neurons in the lateral horns of thoracic and lumbar segments and all dorsal root ganglia, but was low in lamina II of all dorsal horns. At supraspinal levels, [125I]angiotensin IV binding was abundant in numerous motor associated regions, with weaker binding observed in the sensory regions. This wide distribution pattern suggests an important role for the binding site in the central nervous system.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed1994

A 5' splice site mutation affecting the pre-mRNA splicing of two upstream exons in the collagen COL1A1 gene. Exon 8 skipping and altered definition of exon 7 generates truncated pro alpha 1(I) chains with a non-collagenous insertion destabilizing the triple helix.

A heterozygous de novo G to A point mutation in intron 8 at the +5 position of the splice donor site of the gene for the pro alpha 1(I) chain of type I procollagen, COL1A1, was defined in a patient with type IV osteogenesis imperfecta. The splice donor site mutation resulted not only in the skipping of the upstream exon 8 but also unexpectedly had the secondary effect of activating a cryptic splice site in the next upstream intron, intron 7, leading to re-definition of the 3' limit of exon 7. These pre-mRNA splicing aberrations cause the deletion of exon 8 sequences from the mature mRNA and the inclusion of 96 bp of intron 7 sequence. Since the mis-splicing of the mutant allele product resulted in the maintenance of the correct codon reading frame, the resultant pro alpha 1(I) chain contained a short non-collagenous 32-amino-acid sequence insertion within the repetitive Gly-Xaa-Yaa collagen sequence motif. At the protein level, the mutant alpha 1(I) chain was revealed by digestion with pepsin, which cleaved the mutant procollagen within the protease-sensitive non-collagenous insertion, producing a truncated alpha 1(I). This protease sensitivity demonstrated the structural distortion to the helical structure caused by the insertion. In long-term culture with ascorbic acid, which stimulates the formation of a mature crosslinked collagen matrix, and in tissues, there was no evidence of the mutant chain, suggesting that during matrix formation the mutant chain was unable to stably incorporated into the matrix and was degraded proteolytically.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1993

Chemical cleavage method for the detection of RNA base changes: experience in the application to collagen mutations in osteogenesis imperfecta.

We discuss the definition of mutations in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) using a chemical cleavage method for detecting mismatched bases in patient mRNA: control cDNA heteroduplexes. The method is based on the increased chemical modification of cytosines (Cs) by hydroxylamine and thymines (Ts) by osmium tetroxide when they are not paired with their complementary base. The DNA is then cleaved at the modified base with piperidine and the use of radioactively labeled DNA probes allows the position of the mismatched base to be determined by electrophoresis of the cleavage-product. The precise mutations are then determined by specific amplification and sequencing of the region containing the mismatched base. In perinatally lethal OI (OI type II) mismatches have been detected in all 17 cases studied; 12 of these have been fully characterized. In 7 of these 12 cases the mismatches were point mutations in the genes for pro alpha 1(I) or pro alpha 2(I) which resulted in glycine substitutions in the triple helical region of the protein. Sequence variation was detected in addition to the glycine substitutions in 2 cases. In 2 cases the RNA mismatch resulted from changes in the amino acid sequence of the C-propeptide domain. In the 3 remaining cases the mismatch resulted from silent nucleotide sequence variants. In the less severe forms of OI we have studied, mismatches have been detected and characterized in 8 of 12 cases. In 4 of these 8 cases the mismatch resulted from presumably neutral sequence variation and in the other 4 cases mutations have been defined.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cells, Cultured↗