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Biomedical subjects

J Foley

Publications and source records attributed to J Foley.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Botulinum neurotoxin type A: cleavage of the heavy chain into two halves and their partial sequences.

The 145-kDa type A botulinum neurotoxin (NT) is produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum (strain, Hall). The heavy (H) and light (L) chains (97- and 53-kDa, respectively) of this protein are linked by at least one disulfide bond. The N- and C-terminal halves of the H chain appear to have different functions in the mechanism of action of the NT [1987) FEBS Lett. 226, 115-120). Well-characterized and highly purified preparations of the two halves of the H chain are needed for such studies. Two different approaches were taken to cut the H chain with trypsin and isolate the fragments. In one method the cleavage products were: (i) 94-kDa fragment made of the L chain linked to the N-terminal half of the H chain (49 kDa) by a disulfide bond(s), and (ii) the C-terminal 44-kDa fragment. The N-terminal half of H chain was separated from the L chain by reducing the disulfide bond(s) linking them and then purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The 1-27 residues of 49-kDa N-terminal half of the H chain were Ala-Leu-Asn-Asp-Leu-Cys-Ile-Lys-Val-Asn-Asn-Trp-Asp-Leu-Phe-Phe-Ser-Pro- Ser-Glu - Asp-Asn-Phe-Thr-Asn-Asp-Leu-. The sequence of the other half of the H chain (44 kDa) was X-Ile-Ile-Asn-Leu-X-Ile-Leu-Asn-Leu-Arg-Tyr-Glu-X-Asn-His-Leu-Ile-Asp-Le u-Lys- X-Tyr-Ala-Ser-. In the second method, the H chain was first separated from the L chain, purified, and then cleaved. One product of cleavage, the 44-kDa fragment, was partially sequenced; the first 25 residues were identical to the sequence of the 44-kDa fragment generated by the first method. The present work also demonstrated that (i) The cysteine residue(s) located on the N-terminal half of the H chain form the -S-S- link(s) with the L chain. (ii) The other half of the H chain (44-kDa fragment, apparently the C-terminal half) is not linked via -S-S- to the L-chain or to the N-terminal half (49-kDa fragment) of the H chain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence

Bone disease in pediatric patients undergoing dialysis with CAPD or CCPD.

The histologic features of renal osteodystrophy and the prevalence of bone aluminum deposition in children receiving regular dialysis have not been described. Forty-four pediatric patients undergoing continuous ambulatory (CAPD) or cycling (CCPD) peritoneal dialysis had bone biopsies and deferoxamine (DFO) infusion tests; all were receiving oral calcitriol. Osteitis fibrosa (OF) was found in 39%, mild lesions (M) in 25%, normal histology (NH) in 16%, aplastic lesions (AP) in 11%, and osteomalacia (OM) in 9%. Bone surface aluminum (SA) was present by histochemical staining in 10 out of 20 given aluminum-containing phosphate-binding agents and in 0 of 24 treated with calcium carbonate; chi 2 = 15.5, P less than 0.0001. Serum biochemistries and DFO infusion tests failed to predict bone histology, but plasma aluminum levels were markedly elevated and bone aluminum content was highest in patients with OM. Bone formation rate (BFR) correlated with serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), r = 0.55, P less than 0.001; BFR was inversely related to bone aluminum content (r = -0.42, P less than 0.01), even in patients with OF (r = -0.66, P less than 0.05). All patients with SA greater than 30% had normal or reduced BFR when compared to those with SA less than 30%; chi 2 = 12.2, P less than 0.005. Based on SA greater than 30%, six patients were classified as aluminum-related bone disease: three OM, one AP, and two NH. Two-thirds of pediatric patients undergoing CAPD/CCPD have persistent hyperparathyroidism despite treatment with calcitriol, but aluminum can adversely affect BFR when SA exceeds 30% regardless of histologic lesion or serum PTH level.

Aluminum

Mechanisms of mitochondrial photosensitization by the cationic dye, N,N-bis(2-ethyl-1,3-dioxylene)kryptocyanine (EDKC): preferential inactivation of complex I in the electron transport chain.

We investigated mechanisms of mitochondrial phototoxicity caused by the cationic cyanine dye N,N'-bis(2-ethyl-1,3-dioxylene)kryptocyanine (EDKC), examining the role of the mitochondrial membrane potential on the dye uptake by carcinoma cells in vitro, and both the dark and photosensitizing effects of the dye on the function of isolated mouse liver mitochondria. When human bladder carcinoma cells (EJ) were pretreated with 2,4-dinitrophenol or nigericin, cellular uptake of EDKC decreased or increased, respectively, consistent with dye uptake that is dependent on membrane potentials. In isolated liver mitochondria, during NADH linked substrate oxidation (using glutamate plus malate or beta-hydroxybutyrate as substrates), low concentrations of the dye (0.25-0.5 microM) sensitized mitochondria to illumination with long wavelength light and inhibited both basal and ADP-stimulated respiration. Similar effects were observed during succinate oxidation, but only at higher concentrations of EDKC (greater than 5 microM) and at 10-fold greater light doses. NADH coenzyme Q reductase (Complex I) activity was inhibited by dye with or without light to an extent comparable to the inhibition of glutamate plus malate oxidation. Activity of cytochrome c oxidase, the terminal enzyme in the electron transport chain, was photosensitized with high dye doses (greater than 5 microM) and light, but the extent of inhibition was much less than the inhibition of respiration with succinate as substrate. ATP synthetase (F0F1 ATPase) activity was minimally affected by 4.0 microM EDKC with or without 24 J/cm2 light. We conclude that at low concentrations of dye, respiratory Complex I is a primary target for EDKC dark and light-induced toxicities. If Complex I is bypassed by using succinate as a respiratory substrate, the mitochondria can tolerate much higher dye concentrations and light doses.

2,4-Dinitrophenol

Strategies for selective cancer photochemotherapy: antibody-targeted and selective carcinoma cell photolysis.

A principle objective in chemotherapy is the development of modalities capable of selectively destroying malignant cells while sparing normal tissues. One new approach to selective photochemotherapy, antibody-targeted photolysis (ATPL) uses photosensitizers (PS) coupled to monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) which bind to cell surface antigens on malignant cells. Selective destruction of human T leukemia cells (HBP-ALL) was accomplished by coupling the efficient PS chlorin e(6) to an anti-T cell MAb using dextran carriers. Conjugates with chlorin: MAb ratios of 30:1 retained > 85% MA b binding activity, and had a quantum yield for singlet oxygen production of 0.7 +/- 0.1, the same as that of free chlorin e(6). Cell killing was dependent on the doses of both MAb-PS and 630-670 nm light and occurred only in target cell populations which bound the MAb. On the order of 10(10) singlet oxygen molecules were necessary to kill a cell. A second approach to specific photochemotherapy, selective carcinoma cell photolysis (SCCP), relies on preferential accumulation of certain cationic PS by carcinoma cell mitochondria. We have evaluated several classes of cationic dyes, and in the case of N,N'-bis-(2-ethyl-1,3-dioxolane)-kryptocyanine (EDKC) and some of its analogs, have demonstrated highly selective killing of human squamous cell, bladder and colon carcinoma cells in vitro. In isolated mitochondria, EDKC uptake and fluorescence depended on membrane potential, and the dye specifically photosensitized damage to Complex I in the electron transport chain. N,N'-bis-(2-ethyl-1,3-dioxolane)-kryptocyanine and some of its analogs accumulated within subcutaneous xenografts of human tumors in nude mice with tumor:skin ratios > 8. Photoirradiation caused significant inhibition of tumor growth, without cutaneous phototoxicity.

Animals

Genetic and antigenic differences of serologically indistinguishable leptospires of serovar hardjo.

Pathogenic leptospires of serovar hardjo isolated from North American cattle were compared genetically and antigenically to reference strain hardjoprajitno of the Sejroe serogroup. Guanine-plus-cytosine (G+C) contents were determined for the genomes, and microscopic agglutination, Western blotting (immunoblotting), and immunoprecipitation were used to characterize antigenic relatedness. Major differences were demonstrated between the isolates and the reference strain. The G+C content of the reference strain was calculated to be approximately 34 +/- 1%, and those of the isolates were calculated at 39 +/- 1%. Antigenic differences between the isolates and the reference strain were identified by using rabbit immune serum raised against a hardjo isolate exhaustively adsorbed with hardjoprajitno whole and sonicated cells. Western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation using this adsorbed serum revealed antigens apparently unique for the hardjo isolates. Microscopic agglutination with the adsorbed rabbit serum did not agglutinate hardjoprajitno when diluted 1:2 but agglutinated bovine isolates to a 1:32 dilution. Bovine antiserum raised against the isolates was also used to identify antigens by immunoprecipitation.

Agglutination Tests

An experimental microcomputer controlled system for synchronized pulsating anti-gravity suit.

An experimental system to deliver synchronized external pressure pulsations to the lower body is described in this technical note. The system is designed using a microcomputer with a real time interface and an electro-pneumatic subsystem capable of delivering pressure pulses to a modified anti-G suit at a fast rate. It is versatile, containing many options for synchronizing, phasing and sequencing of the pressure pulsations and controlling the pressure level in the suit bladders. Details of its software and hardware are described along with the results of initial testing in a Dynamic Flight Simulator on human volunteers.

Computers

Free fatty acid metabolism and obesity in man: in vivo in vitro comparisons.

We have examined the relationship of free fatty acid (FFA) turnover and lipid oxidation rates in vivo to the size of body triglyceride stores and compared these findings with the in vitro lipolytic rates of isolated abdominal fat cells. The studies were performed in 20 Pima Indian women 18 to 35 years of age, both lean and obese. FFA turnover rate was measured using a 1-14C-palmitate infusion, lipid oxidation rate by indirect calorimetry using a ventilated hood, body composition by underwater weighing with correction for residual lung volume, and fat cell lipolytic rates in vitro by published methods. Both FFA turnover and lipid oxidation rates, expressed per kg of body fat, decreased with increasing degree of obesity (as measured by percent body fat) (r = -0.90, and r = -0.75, P less than or equal to 0.0001, respectively). In contrast, the rate of lipolysis determined in vitro, expressed per kg of fat, increased with increasing degree of obesity (r = 0.58, P less than 0.01). A ratio of FFA turnover/lipolysis, which directly compares these in vivo and in vitro measurements, decreased significantly with increases in the degree of obesity (r = -0.81, P less than or equal to 0.0001). Furthermore, there were no positive correlations between the measures of in vivo FFA metabolism and in vitro lipolysis when both were expressed per fat mass, per fat cell number, or per fat cell surface area. The in vivo data also demonstrated that lipid oxidation could only account for 50% of the FFA disappearance rate. While lipid oxidation rate adjusted to the metabolic size increased with increasing plasma FFA concentration (r = 0.75, P less than 0.0003), the nonoxidative component of the FFA turnover failed to increase with increases in plasma FFA concentration (P = 0.5). We conclude that FFA is not available in vivo in proportion to the size of the triglyceride stores. The reason for this is not due to an inability of fat cells to release their stored triglyceride as assessed in vitro. Hence, in vitro measurements of fat cell lipolysis cannot be used to directly predict in vivo FFA metabolism. The large nonoxidative FFA disposal is likely to be important in the regulation of plasma FFA concentrations.

Adipose Tissue

Effects of oral calcium carbonate on control of serum phosphorus and changes in plasma aluminum levels after discontinuation of aluminum-containing gels in children receiving dialysis.

Orally administered calcium carbonate was evaluated as a phosphate binding agent in 15 children, ages 0.6 to 17.2 years, receiving maintenance dialysis. Changes in plasma aluminum concentration were assessed after discontinuation of treatment with aluminum-containing gels. The mean daily dose of calcium carbonate was 5.1 +/- 2.5 gm (384 +/- 315 mg/kg/day), and correlated inversely with body weight (r = 0.72, P less than 0.01) and age (r = 0.71, P less than 0.01). Mean serum calcium, phosphorus, and bicarbonate values were unchanged throughout the study. Plasma aluminum concentration fell from 90 +/- 51 to 34 +/- 22 micrograms/L (P less than 0.005). Dietary phosphorus intakes were 44 +/- 21 and 42 +/- 19 mg/kg/day during the control period and at the end of the study, respectively. Transitory hypercalcemia was the only side effect in 92% of the patients. In none of the patients did uncontrolled hyperphosphatemia, metabolic alkalosis, diarrhea, or symptoms or signs of hypercalcemia develop. Our data indicate that calcium carbonate is an effective phosphate binding agent in children receiving dialysis, and should be used in lieu of aluminum-containing gels in young children with renal failure.

Adolescent

Intramitochondrial dyes allow selective in vitro photolysis of carcinoma cells.

Carcinoma cell mitochondria preferentially accumulate and retain certain cationic dyes to a much greater extent than most normal cells. Thus, they can potentially serve as targets for highly selective photochemotherapy. We evaluated 10 rhodamine and cyanine dyes as carcinoma-specific mitochondrial photosensitizers in vitro. The most effective, N,N'-bis(2-ethyl-1,3-dioxolane)kryptocyanine (EDKC), caused marked, light-dependent killing of human bladder, squamous, and colon carcinoma cell lines after 30-min incubations at 1-0.01 microM but was minimally toxic to human keratinocytes and to normal monkey kidney epithelial cells (CV-1). Carcinoma cell phototoxicity was proportional to the amount of dye incorporated by the different cell lines. Selective killing ratios were 70-1000 for 0.1 microM dye and light doses of 100-175 J/cm2 between 680 and 720 nm.

Biological Transport

Immediate ascites conversion of mammary tumors induced in NYLR/Nya mice by 7,12-dimethylbenz-[a] anthracene and urethane feeding and by forced breeding.

Intragastric feeding of dimethylbenz-[a]anthracene in corn oil together with urethane in the drinking water and forced breeding were successful in rapidly inducing (2-4 months) mammary tumors (adenoacanthomas) in inbred NYLR/Nya mice, which have a low incidence of spontaneous breast tumors and of other tumors. The tumors could be quickly and permanently transformed to an ascites form by intraperitoneal inoculation of enzyme-dissociated cells and subsequent serial passage of free cells. Only 10 (3 in some cases) serial passages were required, thus conveniently providing multiple isogeneic carcinoma cell lines in this strain of mice. Some tumor cell lines proliferated strongly in the abdominal cavity even on the first passage.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene

Correlation of histopathologic evidence of disease activity with the presence of immunoglobulin-containing cells in the colons of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Immunofluorescence of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues was performed to study the plasma cell population in 114 colonic specimens from 58 patients. Correlation of the histopathologic stage of disease activity with the isotypes and numbers of immunoglobulin-containing cells in the lamina propria demonstrated highly significant (P less than 0.001) increases in the mean numbers of IgG- (18-fold), IgA- (twofold) and IgM- (sixfold) containing cells in specimens from patients with active inflammatory bowel disease as compared with control specimens. Increased numbers of immunoglobulin-containing cells were uncommon in inactive inflammatory bowel disease and in reactive mucosa. No deposition of immunoglobulin-containing immune complexes was found at any stage of disease activity. These findings suggest that immune complex-mediated damage does not play a major role in the epithelial damage in inflammatory bowel disease. In future studies, it will be of importance to determine whether the antibody from immunoglobulin-containing cells seen in patients with inflammatory bowel disease can effect damage via an antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity mechanism.

Antigen-Antibody Complex

Insulin therapy in obese, non-insulin-dependent diabetes induces improvements in insulin action and secretion that are maintained for two weeks after insulin withdrawal.

The effects of rigorous insulin treatment on insulin action (insulin clamp) and secretion (plasma insulin response to glucose) were studied in 13 obese patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Improvements were documented in fasting (P less than 0.0001) and postprandial (P less than 0.0001) plasma glucose concentrations, insulin secretion after oral glucose (P less than 0.001), and insulin action (P less than 0.005) after 30 days of therapy. Mean integrated plasma insulin response to glucose increased 2.5-fold after insulin therapy, but this improvement varied considerably from patient to patient. Insulin action also increased with insulin treatment and the resulting values were no longer significantly different from a weight- and age-matched group of subjects with normal glucose tolerance. However, there was considerable patient-to-patient variation in the degree to which insulin action was enhanced. The insulin-induced improvements in glucose tolerance persisted for at least 2 wk after insulin withdrawal, and were associated with continued increased insulin secretion and insulin action. In conclusion, control of hyperglycemia for 1 mo led to improvements in both insulin secretion and action in a series of obese patients with NIDDM that persisted for at least 2 wk after cessation of therapy.

Adult