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Biomedical subjects

J Erickson

Publications and source records attributed to J Erickson.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Self-catalyzed irreversible inactivation of rat hepatic aryl sulfotransferase IV by N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene.

Rat hepatic aryl sulfotransferase IV catalyzes the sulfonation of the hepatocarcinogen, N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene. The resulting reactive N-O-sulfate ester is believed to be the ultimate carcinogenic species responsible for the induction of hepatic neoplasia. Previous studies have shown that dietary administration of either 2-acetylaminofluorene or N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene to rats is accompanied by a rapid decline in hepatic aryl sulfotransferase activity in vivo. In the present study, preincubation of purified rat hepatic aryl sulfotransferase IV with N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene resulted in rapid, time-dependent enzyme inactivation. This in vitro inactivation was not reversed by dialysis or gel filtration. Inclusion of excess nucleophile, methionine, resulted in considerable but not complete protection from inactivation. The inactivation was PAPS dependent and blocked by the sulfotransferase inhibitor, pentachlorophenol. The above observations and the apparent pseudo first-order kinetics observed suggest that the inactivation was in part mechanism based. Mechanism-based inactivation of the aryl sulfotransferases has not been previously reported. Furthermore, the results of the present study indicate that the previously reported in vivo decline in rat hepatic aryl sulfotransferase activity may be attributable in part to enzyme inactivation by its own reactive product.

2-Acetylaminofluorene↗

Inexpensive, air-driven ventricular assist or replacement device for use in MR research.

A simple, inexpensive, non-magnetizable, pulsatile air-driven pump has been devised for use in magnetic resonance environments. The pump has a variable stroke volume and stroke rate, is easily cleaned and sterilized, requires relatively small priming volumes and causes no observable hemolysis when blood is used as the perfusate. This device is usable for phantoms, isolated organs or in situ preparations.

Animals↗

Competition between solution and cell surface receptors for ligand. Dissociation of hapten bound to surface antibody in the presence of solution antibody.

We present a joint theoretical and experimental study on the effects of competition for ligand between receptors in solution and receptors on cell surfaces. We focus on the following experiment. After ligand and cell surface receptors equilibrate, solution receptors are introduced, and the dissociation of surface bound ligand is monitored. We derive theoretical expressions for the dissociation rate and compare with experiment. In a standard dissociation experiment (no solution receptors present) dissociation may be slowed by rebinding, i.e., at high receptor densities a ligand that dissociates from one receptor may rebind to other receptors before separating from the cell. Our theory predicts that rebinding will be prevented when S much greater than N2Kon/(16 pi 2D a4), where S is the free receptor site concentration in solution, N the number of free surface receptor sites per cell, Kon the forward rate constant for ligand-receptor binding in solution, D the diffusion coefficient of the ligand, and a the cell radius. The predicted concentration of solution receptors needed to prevent rebinding is proportional to the square of the cell surface receptor density. The experimental system used in these studies consists of a monovalent ligand, 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP)-aminocaproyl-L-tyrosine (DCT), that reversibly binds to a monoclonal anti-DNP immunoglobulin E (IgE). This IgE is both a solution receptor and, when anchored to its high affinity Fc epsilon receptor on rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells, a surface receptor. For RBL cells with 6 x 10(5) binding sites per cell, our theory predicts that to prevent DCT rebinding to cell surface IgE during dissociation requires S much greater than 2,400 nM. We show that for S = 200-1,700 nM, the dissociation rate of DCT from surface IgE is substantially slower than from solution IgE where no rebinding occurs. Other predictions are also tested and shown to be consistent with experiment.

Animals↗

Interaction of IgE with its high-affinity receptor. Structural basis and requirements for effective cross-linking.

Structural interactions between IgE and its high-affinity receptor have been investigated with the methods of fluorescence resonance energy transfer and genetic engineering. The results indicate that IgE has a bent conformation when bound to receptor on the cell surface and that the site of interaction is contained in the C epsilon 2 and C epsilon 3 domains; the C-terminal domain, C epsilon 4, is not required for binding. Cross-linking of IgE-receptor complexes is required for signal transduction across the plasma membrane. Binding studies with defined bivalent ligands indicate that structural and/or kinetic features determine the functional effectiveness of the cross-linked states.

Animals↗

Provisional assignment of the gene for uridine monophosphatase-2 (Umph-2) to mouse chromosome 11.

The segregation of the mouse gene for uridine monophosphatase-2 (Umph-2) was examined in 14 independent mouse-Syrian hamster hybrids and 10 hybrid subclones. Umph-2 cosegregated with the mouse galactokinase (Glk) gene in 23 of the 24 hybrids and showed at least four discordances with all other mouse marker isozymes examined. The observed synteny of Umph-2 and Glk, which has also been observed in humans, indicates that the mouse Umph-2 gene is on chromosome 11.

Animals↗

The effect of receptor density on the forward rate constant for binding of ligands to cell surface receptors.

For monovalent ligands interacting with cell surface receptors we have directly observed the functional dependence of the forward rate constant on the number of receptors per cell (N). The experimental system we studied consisted of monovalent ligand, 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP)-aminocaproyl-L-tyrosine (DCT), binding to bivalent, monoclonal anti-DNP immunoglobulin E (IgE) anchored to its high affinity receptor on rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells. To measure the fractional occupation of antibody combining sites by DNP we employed a recently developed fluorescence technique (Erickson, J., Kane, B. Goldstein, D. Holowka, and B. Baird, 1986, Mol. Immunol., 72:769-781). Our results are well fitted by the equation (Berg and Purcell, 1977, Biophys. J., 20:193-219) konc = 4 pi DaN kappa on/[4 pi Da + N kappa on] where konc is the forward rate constant for binding to the cell, D is the diffusion constant of the ligand, a is the radius of the cell, and kappa on is the intrinsic forward rate constant describing a single IgE combining site-DNP interaction. If D is fixed at 10(-5) cm2/s, the best fit of accumulated data predicts an average cell radius of approximately 4 microns and kappa on of approximately 1.8 x 10(-13) cm3/s [1.1 x 10(8)(M . s)-1]; both in excellent agreement with RBL cell size and the single-site forward rate constant for the binding of DCT to IgE in solution, respectively. We believe this is the first report of experimental evidence that directly illustrates the effect of surface density in determining the rates of binding for small molecules to membrane receptors.

Animals↗

Antigenic relationship between Plasmodium falciparum and Babesia bovis: reactivity with antibodies to culture-derived soluble exoantigens.

Antigenic similarities between Plasmodium and Babesia parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa have been previously demonstrated primarily by the serological cross reactivity observed in the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test. We have now studied the antigenic relationship between the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, and the hemoparasitic agent of cattle, Babesia bovis, using rabbit monospecific antibodies produced against individual culture-derived P. falciparum polypeptides and bovine polyspecific antibodies to B. bovis exoantigens. These respective antibodies were found to be distinctly cross reactive in the IFA test using infected erythrocytes (squirrel monkey--P. falciparum; bovine--B. bovis) as antigen substrates. Immunofluorescence was shown to be highly specific for parasite surfaces. Additionally, the degree of reactivity with soluble exoantigens contained in Plasmodium and Babesia culture supernatants was monitored by a two-site enzyme immunoassay employing the cross-reactive antibodies. Further evidence for antigenic cross reactivity between P. falciparum and B. bovis parasites was shown with the in vitro inhibition assay. Antibodies to P. falciparum and B. bovis were found to be highly inhibitory for the in vitro growth of P. falciparum in human erythrocytes.

Animals↗

High-dose iohexol myelography.

Lumbar myelography was performed with high volumes of iohexol (15-24 ml) at a concentration of 180 mgI/ml (average dose, 20 ml) in 48 patients. In 44 patients receiving more than the currently recommended upper dose limit of 17 ml, the frequency of headache (41%), nausea (14%), and vomiting (9%) was comparable to results for routine-dose lumbar metrizamide myelography. Overall, adverse reactions were more frequent, particularly at the highest dose levels, than reported for conventional-dose iohexol myelography. However, there were no occurrences of neuropsychiatric disorder, encephalopathy, or seizure. High-dose technique allows superior visualization of upper lumbar and conus detail and may be advantageous in patients with large subarachnoid spaces and in multi-level examinations. This study supports the results of previous trials that suggested the relative safety of iohexol as a contrast agent and extends those observations to a higher dose range. Because of the increased rate of adverse reactions at the highest dose levels (despite the absence of major adverse reactions), iohexol should continue to be used conservatively, with doses carefully tailored to each examination.

Adult↗

Women in the workplace.

The greatly increased number of women in the U.S. work force calls for greater attention to and emphasis on their safety and health. The author explores the history, demography, employment experiences and occupational safety and health considerations of working women.

Accident Prevention↗

Cross-linking of IgE-receptor complexes at the cell surface: a fluorescence method for studying the binding of monovalent and bivalent haptens to IgE.

We have developed a method for use in investigating factors controlling the binding and cross-linking by bivalent haptens of immunoglobulin E (IgE) bound to receptors on rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells. This method employs monoclonal anti-2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE that is labeled with fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate (FITC), and it measures FITC quenching that accompanies DNP occupation of the antibody combining sites in a titration experiment. The validity of this approach is demonstrated using the monovalent hapten DNP-L-lysine. The affinity constant for this ligand obtained by the FITC quenching method is compared with those obtained with previously established methods: equilibrium dialysis and quenching of endogenous tryptophan for IgE in solution and [3H]-DNP-L-lysine binding to IgE on cells. The FITC quenching method has been used to carry out a detailed study of the binding of monovalent DNP-aminocapryol-L-tyrosine (DCT) and bivalent (DCT)2-cystine to FITC-IgE and its Fab fragments in solution. Intrinsic (K) and cross-linking (Kx) affinity constants are obtained by analyzing the binding curves in terms of simple equilibrium equations. With these DCT haptens the ability of this method to assess hapten binding and cross-linking of IgE bound to receptors on RBL cells is shown.

2,4-Dinitrophenol↗

Cross-linking of IgE-receptor complexes at the cell surface: synthesis and characterization of a long bivalent hapten that is capable of triggering mast cells and rat basophilic leukemia cells.

The ability of a series of bivalent haptens to bind and cross-link immunoglobulin E (IgE) in solution and on the surface of cells was examined. Several short (less than 30 A) dinitrophenyl (DNP) haptens were found to bind tightly to and cross-link a monoclonal anti-DNP IgE in solution, but these failed to trigger substantial release of 3H-serotonin from sensitized rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells or rat peritoneal mast cells. A longer bivalent hapten, approximately 50 A in length, consisting of two DNP-aminocaproyl-L-tyrosine (DCT) groups coupled to the alpha-amino groups of L-cystine was synthesized and characterized. This bivalent hapten [(DCT)2-cystine], binds very tightly to the same monoclonal anti-DNP IgE in solution and cross-links these antibodies to form higher mol. wt aggregates as judged by gel filtration and binding studies. It also stimulates degranulation of both RBL and mast cells sensitized with two different monoclonal anti-DNP IgE antibodies, with the mast cells exhibiting generally greater responsiveness to this ligand. The (DCT)2-cystine bivalent hapten appears to have the structural features necessary for carrying out detailed binding studies with receptor-bound IgE on the cell surface.

Animals↗

Effect of Erythroxylum coca, cocaine and ecgonine methyl ester as dietary supplements on energy metabolism in the rat.

The effects of dietary supplements of cocaine, ecgonine methyl ester, a coca leaf extract and powdered coca leaves on body weight and overall body metabolism were studied in the rat. Respiratory quotient was measured to assess the relative utilization of fats, carbohydrates and protein. The effect of cocaine and ecgonine methyl ester on protein metabolism was also assessed in terms of changes in the relative state of nitrogen balance. Rats maintained on a low protein/high carbohydrate diet containing cocaine (1 mg/g) exhibited normal body weight gain on normal food intake. Rats on the same diet with 2 mg/g cocaine as the hydrochloride or as coca dextrin lost weight, which was apparently related to diminished food intake. In contrast, rats received the same high level of cocaine as coca leaf powder in the same diet had minimal weight gain in spite of a high food intake. In contrast, rats receiving the same high level of cocaine as ly, rats receiving the same high level of cocaine (2 mg/g) in a high protein diet had normal food intake and body weight gain. An adequate protein diet appears to compensate for whatever inhibiting effect is imposed on the body by the high levels of cocaine. Ecgonine methyl ester appears to have no significant effect on food intake or body weight. Rats fed the low protein/high carbohydrate diet containing either the low (1 mg/g) or the high (2 mg/g) cocaine level exhibited significantly depressed respiratory quotients (near 0.75) suggesting increased fat utilization. The magnitude of the reduction appeared to be dose-related. Yet, the respiratory quotient of the rats receiving the high level of cocaine in a high protein diet remained at normal control values. Also, in a separate nitrogen balance-type of experiment, rats receiving the low level of cocaine (1 mg/g low protein/high carbohydrate diet) exhibited a normal ability to accumulate body nitrogen, presumably protein. These results support the idea that under conditions of protein deprivation cocaine helps spare amino acids through the preferential utilization of fat. Coca leaf in the low protein/high carbohydrate diet equivalent to 2 mg/g cocaine had a small but significant positive effect on respiratory quotient possibly due to the availability of utilizable nitrogenous components in the coca leaf. The respiratory quotient effects were less obvious with an extract of coca leaf incorporated in the diet as coca-dextrin, but showed the same trend.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

Fetal response decrement: true habituation?

Preliminary evidence suggests that fetal movement in response to vibrotactile stimulation "habituates" with repeated exposure. If demonstrated in fetuses, the habituation paradigm may be useful as a measure of fetal well-being or as a predictor of neonatal outcome. However, the ability of the fetal response decrement phenomenon to meet criteria for habituation which would distinguish it from simple receptor fatigue has not been evaluated. In this study, fetuses were exposed to two different frequencies of vibration applied to the maternal abdomen. Fetal movement was observed on an ultrasound monitor. An inverse relationship between the strength of the stimulus and rapidity of the response decrement was not observed. However, return of the response to presentation of a novel stimulus, response decrement to repetition of the second stimulus, and more rapid response decrement upon re-presentation of the original stimulus suggest that the fetal response decrement phenomenon is true habituation.

Arousal↗

Heat shock regulatory gene rpoH mRNA level increases after heat shock in Escherichia coli.

The Escherichia coli rpoH gene product sigma 32 is essential for the increase in heat shock gene transcription found after exposure of the bacteria to a sudden temperature increase. It is not known how the concentration of active sigma 32 is modulated. We showed that rpoH transcript levels increased after heat shock and that the magnitude of the increase in the level of mRNA was correlated with the magnitude of the temperature shift. The increase in the level of rpoH mRNA was still found in rpoH mutants so the mechanism of induction differed from that of the set of previously identified heat shock genes. The increased concentration of rpoH mRNA should result in a higher level of sigma 32, which is likely to be important for increasing heat shock gene transcription.

Bacterial Proteins↗