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Biomedical subjects

J A Fischer

Publications and source records attributed to J A Fischer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Comparison of a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor in a human neuroblastoma cell line (SK-N-MC) and a calcitonin receptor in a human breast carcinoma cell line (T47D).

A specific CGRP-binding protein of M(r) 60,000 has been identified in the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-MC. After N-deglycosylation a M(r) of 48,000 was found. The M(r) were indistinguishable from those determined in the human cerebellum. Receptor binding of CGRP is coupled to cyclic AMP formation. The latter is antagonized by hCGRP-I8-37. CT and DAPamide interact only minimally with the CGRP receptor, whereas CGRP and DAPamide are full agonists in T47D cells. The CT receptor on human breast cancer cell line T47D is clearly different from the human CGRP receptor.

Amino Acid Sequence

Intracolonic bioavailability of human calcitonin in man.

Human calcitonin (hCT) injected into the lumen of the descending colon of normal human subjects was absorbed within minutes and could be recognized intact in plasma as shown by RIA in combination with reverse-phase HPLC. The absorption was low and variable, with bioavailabilities ranging from 0.01% to 2.7% relative to intravenously administered hCT (area under the concentration-time curve). With intravenous hCT serum calcium was lowered and the fractional urinary excretion of calcium, phosphorus, sodium and chloride was significantly stimulated. With the intracolonic hCT, the fractional urinary excretions of calcium, sodium and chloride were also marginally stimulated relative to intracolonic vehicle (placebo). In conclusion, hCT is absorbed intact from the colon, but the bioavailability is low and highly variable.

Adult

Early diagnosis of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndrome: consensus statement. European Community Concerted Action: Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma.

The diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma by biochemical and genetic testing is possible in families with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. At an early stage total thyroidectomy usually cures the patient. As the clinical penetrance of the autosomal dominant, transmitted, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 gene is not complete, family screening is indicated for every new patient who presents with apparently sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma. Problems related to a screening programme and early diagnosis have led the members of the European Community Concerted Action: Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma group to formulate a consensus on biochemical and genetic screening. For biochemical screening, measurement of basal and pentagastrin and/or calcium stimulated serum levels of calcitonin by radioimmunoassay are essential starting at the age of three and continuing annually until 35 years of age. Furthermore, annual screening for pheochromocytoma by measuring the urinary excretion of catecholamines and for hyperparathyroidism by serum calcium determination is indicated. Genetic screening using linked markers can be done with a 95% accuracy in informative families when DNA is available from at least two family members proven to be affected. Biochemical screening can thus be reserved for gene carriers, while those at low risk can be reassured. Combined biochemical and genetic screening for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 is important and effective for the cure of medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms

Parathyroid hormone receptors in control of proximal tubule function.

Parathyroid hormone action on renal proximal tubule function involves phospholipase C/protein kinase C as well as adenylate cyclase/protein kinase A mediated regulatory pathways. Tissue culture experiments suggest that low concentrations of PTH affect preferentially the phospholipase C/protein kinase C pathway. In vivo, both regulatory cascades are probably involved in the regulation of proximal tubule function. It is not clear at present whether the two intracellular pathways are linked to one or two PTH receptors. A polarized distribution of PTH receptor(s) involving different second messengers appears possible in proximal tubule epithelial cells. High-affinity (Kd 10(-11)-10(-12) M) PTH receptors in the range of circulating PTH concentrations in vivo remain to be identified. Structural and functional characterization of PTH receptors as well as of the PTH-sensitive intracellular mediators and transport systems form the basis for a better understanding of PTH-dependent regulation of proximal tubule function.

Absorption

Characterization and photoaffinity labeling of a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor solubilized from human cerebellum.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors were solubilized from human (h) cerebellum with use of the zwitterionic detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonic acid (CHAPS). Scatchard analysis of equilibrium binding data indicated that the soluble extract contained a single class of CGRP binding sites with apparent dissociation constants of 50 pM for the intact 125I-hCGRP-I(1-37) and 160 pM for the antagonist 125I-hCGRP-I(8-37). Unlabeled hCGRP-I and -II and hCGRP-I(8-37) displaced 125I-hCGRP-I from solubilized CGRP receptors with similar potencies (ID50 = 70-150 pM). Human CGRP-I(15-37), -(21-37), and -(28-37) were less potent (ID50 greater than or equal to 70 nM), suggesting that amino acid residues 8-14 may be important for maintaining high binding affinity. A novel photoreactive analogue of hCGRP-I, 125I-[C gamma-(4-azidoanilino)Asp3] hCGRP-I, was prepared by carbodiimide coupling of 4-azidoaniline to 125I-hCGRP-I. Photoaffinity labeling of soluble CGRP receptors with the photoreactive analogue and analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography revealed three specifically labeled binding proteins with apparent molecular weights (Mr) of 60,000, 54,000, and 17,000. Cross-linking of 125I-hCGRP-I and -II and 125I-hCGRP-I(8-37) to soluble CGRP binding sites using disuccinimidyl suberate revealed three specifically labeled binding proteins with the same Mr. The C-terminal fragment 125I-hCGRP-I(8-37), unlike the intact peptide, was, furthermore, cross-linked specifically to a 95,000 Mr protein. The CGRP receptor is N-glycosylated. Treatment with endoglycosidase F/N-glycosidase F converted the 60,000 and 54,000 to 46,000 and 41,000 Mr components.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Affinity Labels

Diagnostic relevance of the amino-terminal cleavage peptide of procalcitonin (PAS-57), calcitonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide in medullary thyroid carcinoma patients.

We have identified the amino-terminal cleavage peptide of procalcitonin (PAS-57) in the plasma of normal human subjects and of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) patients together with calcitonin (CT) and CT gene-related peptide (CGRP). Major components on reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography had the retention times of synthetic PAS-57, CT and CGRP as well as of precursor proteins. Plasma levels of PAS-57 (290 +/- 50 pgeq/ml; mean +/- S.E.M.), CT (27 +/- 8 pgeq/ml) and CGRP (8.4 +/- 0.8 pgeq/ml) were respectively 2.3-, 1.6- and 1.5-fold higher in normal men (n = 10) than in women (n = 8). In response to 1 min intravenous calcium infusions (2 mg per kilogram body weight) PAS-57 and CT were increased 3.5- and 2.7-fold (P less than 0.001), respectively, but CGRP remained unchanged. In MTC patients (n = 57) with raised levels of PAS-57 and CT, the molar ratio between PAS-57 and CT was 1.7-times higher than in normal subjects (P less than 0.01). We have found that PAS-57 is a predominant CT/CGRP gene derived product in the circulation of normal subjects and of MTC patients and a potential new MTC tumor marker.

Adult

Formation of neutralizing antibodies during intranasal synthetic salmon calcitonin treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Nineteen patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis were treated with 200 u (15 nmol) synthetic salmon calcitonin (sCT) intranasally per day for 15 months. Six months after the start of the nasal administration of sCT, antibodies were recognized in 7, and after 15 months in 10 of the 19 patients studied. The half-maximal dilution of serum binding to 60 pmol/l [125I]sCT (dilution-50) ranged from 2 to 490, and half-maximal inhibition of [125I]sCT binding (60 pmol/l) from 91 to 221 pmol/l sCT. In a cultured breast cancer cell line (T47D) cAMP production was stimulated by sCT (EC50 70 pmol/l). Stimulated cAMP production by sCT (50 pmol/l) was reduced to between 4% and 23% in the presence of serum from patients with antibody dilution-50 of [125I]sCT binding exceeding 32. In patients with lower titer antibodies cAMP production was only marginally suppressed. The values of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis were in the range of those of earlier studied patients with Paget's disease and clinical resistance to sCT. There was a linear relation between the antibody dilution-50 and the serum dilution required for half-maximal inhibition of cAMP production (P less than 0.01). In conclusion, neutralizing antibodies to sCT may contribute to the decreased responsiveness of bone mineral loss during prolonged treatment with sCT.

Administration, Intranasal

Effect of dexamethasone on parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related protein regulated phosphate uptake in opossum kidney cells.

Effects of dexamethasone (DEX) on receptor binding of bovine PTH (1-34) [bPTH (1-34)] and human PTH-related protein (1-34) [hPTHrP(1-34)] and cAMP accumulation, and on the inhibition of Na(+)-dependent phosphate uptake were studied in opossum kidney (OK) cells. Maximal specific binding of [125I]hPTHrP(1-34) was reduced by 40% in cells treated with 100 nM DEX, but half-maximal inhibition of binding of [125I]hPTHrP(1-34) by bPTH(1-34) or hPTHrP(1-34) was unaffected by DEX (0.5 nM and 1.4 nM, in the absence and presence of DEX, respectively). Moreover, the EC50 of bPTH(1-34) and hPTHrP(1-34)-evoked cAMP accumulation ranged from 3-7 nM and was the same with and without DEX. The EC50 of the inhibition of phosphate uptake by bPTH(1-34) and hPTHrP(1-34) ranged from 0.2-0.5 nM. Treatment with 100 nM DEX increased phosphate uptake 1.5-fold (EC50 3 nM), and the inhibition of phosphate uptake by bPTH(1-34) and hPTHrP(1-34) was suppressed. The inhibition of phosphate uptake by forskolin was also suppressed in cells treated with 100 nM DEX. DEX, on the other hand, enhanced forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation 1.6- to 1.8-fold. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate did not affect cAMP production, but phosphate uptake was inhibited both in the absence and the presence of 100 nM DEX (EC50 3 nM). In conclusion, treatment of OK cells with DEX only minimally affected PTH receptor binding, and cAMP accumulation evoked by bPTH(1-34) and hPTHrP(1-34) remained unaltered. The inhibition of phosphate uptake by PTH, however, was suppressed.

Animals

Isolation from adult human serum of four insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding proteins and molecular cloning of one of them that is increased by IGF I administration and in extrapancreatic tumor hypoglycemia.

We have isolated four insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) from adult human serum by insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I affinity chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. A 36-kDa binding protein (BP), not digestible with N-glycanase, is increased in patients with extrapancreatic tumor hypoglycemia and during IGF I administration in healthy adults. Its 38 NH2-terminal amino acids are identical to those of an IGFBP sequence derived from a human cDNA that cross-hybridizes with the rat IGFBP-2 cDNA. With probes encoding a NH2-terminal, COOH-terminal, and a middle region of this protein we have obtained three cDNA clones from a Hep G2 cDNA library; one encodes human IGFBP-2, and the other two presumably represent unspliced heteronuclear and alternatively spliced mRNA, respectively. A 28-30-kDa IGFBP represents a novel BP species in human serum. Its 30 NH2-terminal amino acids are not homologous to IGFBP-1, -2, or -3. It is not digestible with N-glycanase and does not bind 125I-IGF I. The NH2-terminal sequences of a 42/45- and a 31-kDa IGFBP are identical to that of human IGFBP-3. The 42/45-kDa proteins are two glycosylation variants of BP-3. The 31-kDa protein presumably is a degradation product of BP-3 that lacks the COOH terminus. It is likely that the different IGFBPs modulate auto-/paracrine and endocrine effects of IGFs on growth and metabolism in a different and specific manner.

Adult

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) causes redistribution of blood flow in humans.

In normal human subjects (n = 6), blood flow in the common carotid artery, assessed with an ultrasonic duplex-scanning unit, was increased up to 152% of basal levels by 60-min infusions of human calcitonin gene-related peptide I (alpha CGRP) 80 pmol.kg-1.h-1, but it was not affected by 20 pmol.kg-1.h-1 CGRP or 88 pmol.kg-1.h-1 human calcitonin. In the superior mesenteric artery, on the other hand, blood flow was reduced by 80 pmol.kg-1.h-1 CGRP to 58% of the basal level, but not by 20 pmol.kg-1.h-1 CGRP or with 88 pmol.kg-1.h-1 calcitonin. Blood flow in the abdominal aorta remained largely unchanged under the same conditions. Skin blood flow, assessed by a laser Doppler unit, was increased up to 682% of the basal level by 80 pmol.kg-1.h-1 CGRP, but not by 20 pmol.kg-1.h-1 CGRP or calcitonin. Thus CGRP increased regional blood flow to the brain and the skin at the expense of the gastrointestinal tract.

Adult

Efficacy of intranasal human calcitonin in patients with Paget's disease refractory to salmon calcitonin.

PURPOSE: A cause for the resistance to intranasal salmon calcitonin (sCT) therapy in patients with Paget's disease is the occurrence of neutralizing antibodies to sCT. As a result, a new formulation of intranasal human calcitonin (hCT) was developed, and the efficacy investigated in patients treated earlier with sCT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with Paget's disease were treated twice daily for 6 months with 1 mg synthetic hCT administered intranasally. Five patients demonstrated low-titer antibodies to sCT, and four of the patients did not respond previously to 1-year therapy with intranasal sCT. The hypocalcemic effect of 3 mg hCT was compared to that of 0.1 mg sCT before and after the intranasal hCT therapy. Serum alkaline phosphatase and the ratio between the urinary excretion of hydroxyproline and creatinine were measured before and during intranasal hCT treatment. RESULTS: The hypocalcemic response to 3 mg intranasal hCT (-6.60 +/- 0.67%, mean +/- standard error) was similar before and at the end of intranasal hCT therapy (-5.92 +/- 0.80%, p greater than 0.1). Intranasal sCT (0.1 mg) lowered serum calcium less effectively (-2.86 +/- 0.76%) than 3 mg intranasal hCT (p less than 0.05). The presence of low-titer antibodies to sCT did not affect the hypocalcemic response to sCT or hCT. As a result of the 6-month intranasal hCT regimen, serum alkaline phosphatase and urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio were reduced to 62 +/- 5% (p less than 0.001) and 80 +/- 7% (p less than 0.05) respectively, of pretreatment levels. In four patients previously resistant to intranasal sCT therapy because of neutralizing antibodies to sCT, serum alkaline phosphatase was similarly lowered by intranasal hCT to 66 +/- 6% of pretreatment levels (p less than 0.05). CONCLUSION: A new formulation of intranasal hCT effectively lowered serum calcium levels, alkaline phosphatase concentrations, and urinary hydroxyproline excretion in patients with Paget's disease, some of whom were previously resistant to intranasal sCT because of neutralizing antibodies.

Administration, Intranasal

Improved cardiac performance with human calcitonin gene related peptide in patients with congestive heart failure.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the cardiovascular effects of human calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) in patients with congestive heart failure. DESIGN: The effects of CGRP II (or beta), 12.5 micrograms.h-1, given by intravenous infusion for 24 h to digitalised patients with congestive heart failure, were assessed by measurement of cardiac functional indices. PATIENTS: Five patients (four female) were studied. Age was 73-82 years. Three were in New York Heart Association phase III and two in phase IV. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The pre-ejection period to left ventricular ejection time ratio and the QT distance adjusted for heart rate were lowered by 21% and 4% respectively. The left ventricular shortening index was raised by 43%. The arterial pressure and heart rate did not change consistently. CONCLUSION: Calcitonin gene related peptide improves myocardial contractility in patients with congestive heart failure. This is the first time this has been shown.

Aged

Intravenous 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 therapy in haemodialysis patients: evaluation of direct and calcium-mediated short-term effects on serum parathyroid hormone concentration.

Eleven patients on chronic haemodialysis treatment thrice weekly received 1 microgram 1,25(OH)2D3 i.v. after each dialysis for 3 weeks. Phosphate binders were mainly CaCO3, supplemented in a few patients by moderate amounts of Al(OH)3. Ionised calcium was measured by ion-selective electrode, normal values being 1.28-1.42 mmol/l. PTH was estimated by an N-terminal-sensitive assay; normal values are less than 0.25 ng/ml. Results before and after 1,25(OH)2D3 were: ionised calcium before haemodialysis, 1.19 +/- 0.12 and 1.17 +/- 0.14; ionised calcium after haemodialysis, 1.33 +/- 0.07 and 1.30 +/- 0.09; PTH before haemodialysis, 1.39 +/- 0.71 and 1.38 +/- 0.69; PTH after haemodialysis, 0.64 +/- 0.22 and 0.60 +/- 0.17; Phosphate before haemodialysis, 1.85 +/- 0.48 and 2.18 +/- 0.43 (P less than 0.05). No change of PTH concentration and ionised calcium before and after haemodialysis treatment could be documented after i.v. 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. Mild and severe hyperparathyroidism were indistinguishable. Increased serum calcium concentrations therefore appear to be required for the suppression of PTH secretion by i.v. 1,25(OH)2D3 therapy.

Adult

Evidence for differential storage of calcitonin gene-related peptide, substance P and serotonin in synaptosomal vesicles of rat spinal cord.

Homogenates of rat ventral and dorsal spinal cords were subjected to differential and gradient centrifugation on linear sucrose gradients following lysis of a synaptosomal fraction. The distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) in dorsal spinal cord as well as the distribution of serotonin (5-HT) and SP in ventral spinal cord was determined, using radioimmunoassay (RIA) for CGRP and SP and high-performance liquid chromatography for 5-HT. In dorsal spinal cord. CGRP and SP had an almost identical distribution, with one peak in an intermediate density fraction which according to electron microscopy contained i.a. large dense-cored vesicles, and a second peak in a heavy fraction enriched in synaptosome-like structures. In ventral spinal cord, 5-HT and SP had different distribution patterns; 5-HT peaked in a light fraction containing many small synaptic vesicles, whereas SP peaked in an intermediate density fraction similar to the one in dorsal spinal cord. Both 5-HT and SP had second peaks in high density fractions containing synaptosome-like structures. The study demonstrates that the peptides CGRP and SP, partly coexisting in dorsal spinal cord, both seem to be stored in large vesicles inside synaptosomes, whereas the amine 5-HT and the peptide SP, coexisting in ventral spinal cord, appear to have a differential storage with 5-HT mainly in small vesicles and SP in large vesicles, both inside synaptosomes.

Animals

Calcitonin gene products and the kidney.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is localized in capsaicin-sensitive nerve fibres in the kidney and urogenital tract whereas calcitonin reaches the kidney through the general circulation. Systemic infusion of CGRP and perfusion of isolated rat kidney reduces vascular resistance, and increases renal blood flow and glomerular filtration. CGRP stimulates renin secretion in vivo and in vitro and inhibits contraction of isolated rat mesangial cells by angiotensin II. Calcitonin does not affect vascular resistance, renal blood flow and glomerular filtration, and is less potent in stimulating renin secretion, and does not alter contraction of isolated rat mesangial cells by angiotensin II. CGRP also exerts renal tubular effects brought about probably through interaction with calcitonin receptors. To this end, increased excretion of sodium and chloride, and stimulation of urinary flow are less pronounced with CGRP than with calcitonin. Calcitonin, moreover, stimulates the fractional urinary excretion of calcium and phosphate.

Animals

Action of calcitonin gene-related peptide on rat aortic smooth muscle.

The effects of rat calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on superfused rat aortic smooth muscle cells in cell culture were investigated. Exposure of the cells for 10 min to CGRP (10(-7) M), with or without pretreatment with pertussis toxin, stimulated the release of cyclic AMP but not of prostacyclin, as judged by radioimmunoassay of its stable metabolite, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. Pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin did not alter the response to CGRP. The direct action of CGRP on smooth muscle cells and on the CGRP-induced formation of cyclic AMP did not appear to depend on the production of prostacyclin in these vascular smooth muscle cells.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha