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Biomedical subjects

J M Collins

Publications and source records attributed to J M Collins.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Receptor binding of PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB, and the modulation of PDGF receptors by TGF-beta, in human periodontal ligament cells.

The growth factors PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB have previously been shown to be potent mitogens for human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells in vitro. Additionally, the mitogenic response to PDGF-AA has been shown to be specifically inhibited by TGF-beta. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the binding of PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB, and the modulation of PDGF binding by TGF-beta, in hPDL cells. Scatchard analysis identified an average of 32,000 PDGF-AA high-affinity binding sites per cell with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.66 nM and an average of 36,000 PDGF-BB binding sites per cell with a dissociation constant (kd) of 0.44 nM. After treatment with TGF-beta, the receptor number for PDGF-AA was found to specifically decrease by approximately 50%, with no change in binding affinity. This reduced number of binding sites was shown to correlate with both a decrease in levels of receptor tyrosine phosphorylation and a decreased number of alpha receptor subunits. Northern blot analysis identified the TGF-beta-mediated decrease in PDGF alpha receptor subunit mRNA levels. PDGF-BB showed little change in the number of binding sites or in the binding affinity with TGF-beta treatment, and the data were consistent with an increase in the number of beta receptor subunits. These results demonstrate nearly equivalent numbers of receptors for both PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB in hPDL cells. Also, modulation of PDGF binding, by TGF-beta, was shown to result in a reduced number of alpha receptor subunits with an increase in the number of beta receptor subunits.

Cells, Cultured

Metabolism of taxol by human and rat liver in vitro: a screen for drug interactions and interspecies differences.

Human liver slices, human liver microsomes, and rat liver microsomes were used to investigate the metabolism of 3H-taxol. The effects of drugs frequently coadministered with taxol and the effects of several cytochrome P450 system probes were studied. In all, 16 compounds were screened. After incubation with liver slices or with microsomal protein, 3H-taxol was converted into several radioactive species resolved by HPLC. There were qualitative and quantitative species differences in the metabolism of taxol. The pattern of metabolism was similar for both human-derived preparations, with 6 alpha-hydroxytaxol being the major metabolite peak. In drug interaction studies performed with human liver microsomes, cimetidine 80 microM, and diphenhydramine 200 microM, had little or no effect on 6 alpha-hydroxytaxol formation. Quinidine, ketoconazole, dexamethasone and Cremophor EL inhibited 6 alpha-hydroxytaxol formation with IC50 values of 36 microM, 37 microM, 16 microM and 1 microliter/ml, respectively, but these concentrations exceed the usual clinical range. Cremophor EL also inhibited microsomal metabolism of taxol, but at 2 microliters/ml it had little or no effect on 6 alpha-hydroxytaxol production by human liver slices. These results suggest that: (1) taxol is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system; (2) taxol metabolism is different in humans than in rats; (3) taxol metabolism in humans is unlikely to be altered by cimetidine, dexamethasone, or diphenhydramine, drugs regularly coadministered with taxol; (4) taxol metabolism can be indirectly affected by Cremophor EL, the formulation vehicle; (5) taxol metabolism may be altered by concentrations of ketoconazole achievable in humans only at very high doses; and (6) taxol metabolism and drug interaction studies of clinical relevance can be performed in vitro with human liver microsomes and human liver slices, but not with rat liver preparations.

Animals

Effect of Percoll wash on sperm motion parameters and subsequent fertility in intrauterine insemination cycles.

PURPOSE: This study examined sperm motion parameters as measured by computerized automated semen analysis before and after a Percoll wash and determined if differences in any parameter were correlated with fertility subsequent to intrauterine insemination (IUI). RESULTS: Total motile sperm decreased following the washing procedure from 79.0 +/- 9.0 to 37.2 +/- 7.6 million sperm. Motility increased from a mean of 43.4% to 61.7% (P < 0.001). Other motility parameters also changed significantly (P < 0.001) as follows: curvilinear velocity (VCL), 43.4 to 61.7 microns/s; straight-line velocity (VSL), 21.3 to 26.7 microns/s; linearity 53.1 to 45.2%; lateral head displacement (ALH), 2.97 to 3.94 microns. Similar changes occurred following a swim-up preparation, although changes in mean motility, VCL, and ALH were significantly greater when compared to Percoll. The postwash changes were not accounted for merely by time lapse in preparation since reanalyzed untreated controls did not show the same changes in motion parameters. Prewash linearity in those specimens which resulted in pregnancies was greater than in those which did not (P = 0.28). No other significant differences in pre- or post-Percoll washed sperm motion parameters were found between pregnant vs nonfertile cycles. CONCLUSION: Following Percoll wash all CASA-generated motility parameters were significantly altered, but there was little association between these parameters and pregnancy achieved in IUI cycles.

Cell Separation

Increased prostatic blood flow in response to microwave thermal treatment: preliminary findings in two patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects on prostate blood flow of heat generated by microwave thermal treatment in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS: Prostate blood flow was evaluated by continuous transrectal color Doppler ultrasonography in 2 patients at baseline, after implantation of interstitial needles used for thermal mapping, and during microwave thermal treatment. Temperatures at 30 prostatic, periprostatic, urethral, and rectal sites were continuously monitored. In 1 patient, transrectal prostate compression was applied and the blood flow and temperature response to this maneuver noted. RESULTS: Microwave thermal treatment achieved maximum prostate temperatures of 59 degrees C at 5 mm radially from the urethra. Urethral and rectal temperatures remained low. Marked increases occurred in prostate blood flow in response to microwave thermal treatment. These increases were apparent throughout the prostate gland, with the greatest increase in perfusion occurring in the peripheral zone and the posterior half of the transitional zone. After 15 minutes of microwave treatment, peak systolic blood flow increased 99% and 70% in patients 1 and 2, respectively, while end-diastolic blood flow climbed 50% and 112%, respectively. Prostate compression resulted in a prompt quenching of blood flow and an increase in prostate temperature. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these preliminary findings in 2 patients, prostate blood flow increases markedly in response to microwave thermal treatment. This compensatory increase in blood flow is likely to be a significant treatment-limiting factor in achieving effective thermoablation.

Blood Flow Velocity

Metabolism of taxol by human hepatic microsomes and liver slices: participation of cytochrome P450 3A4 and an unknown P450 enzyme.

Incubation of taxol with human hepatic microsomal fractions or freshly isolated human liver slices yields three metabolite high performance liquid chromatography peaks, metabolite A, metabolite B, and 6 alpha-hydroxytaxol. These metabolites are formed in patients given taxol, with 6 alpha-hydroxytaxol formation representing the principal biotransformation pathway. Metabolite B and 6 alpha-hydroxytaxol are shown to be products of different, highly regioselective cytochrome P-450 (P450) enzymes, while metabolite A results from stepwise metabolism by each of these enzymes. Correlation of metabolite B formation with P450 3A markers was good (r2 = 0.91-0.94), but the correlation of 6 alpha-hydroxytaxol formation with markers for several P450 enzymes was poor. Chemical inhibitors that selectively inhibited metabolite B formation (troleandomycin, cyclosporine), that selectively inhibited 6 alpha-hydroxytaxol formation (naringenin, quercetin), or that nonselectively inhibited both pathways (felodipine, ketoconazole) were found. Metabolite B formation was selectively reduced by anti-P450 3A4 antibodies. Expressed human P450 3A4 preparations were efficient catalysts of metabolite B formation; no expressed P450 preparation tested showed a capacity for catalyzing taxane 6 alpha-hydroxylation reactions. The combined results of several experimental approaches show that P450 3A4 is the major catalyst of metabolite B formation and that the identity of the P450 enzyme or enzymes responsible for 6 alpha-hydroxytaxol formation cannot be assigned with certainty.

Biotransformation

Isolation, structural determination, and biological activity of 6 alpha-hydroxytaxol, the principal human metabolite of taxol.

The principal biotransformation product of taxol was found to be identical for human hepatic microsomes, human liver slices, and patient bile samples. We have isolated this metabolite from the bile of a patient given taxol, and we report its structure and its cytotoxicity relative to taxol. The NMR and SIMS data presented here indicate that, in humans, taxol is regiospecifically hydroxylated at the 6-position on the taxane ring and that this hydroxyl is stereospecifically placed trans to the hydroxyl at position 7, yielding 6 alpha-hydroxytaxol. This metabolite is apparently not formed in rats. Tests of the growth inhibition potential of 6 alpha-hydroxytaxol versus taxol in two human tumor cell lines showed that the metabolite was approximately 30-fold less cytotoxic than taxol. Thus the cytochrome P-450-mediated biotransformation of taxol to 6 alpha-hydroxytaxol can be classified as a detoxification reaction.

Bile

Toxicity, metabolism, DNA incorporation with lack of repair, and lactate production for 1-(2'-fluoro-2'-deoxy-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-iodouracil in U-937 and MOLT-4 cells.

Two cell lines, U-937 and MOLT-4, were used to investigate the toxicity, DNA incorporation, and effect on mitochondria of 1-(2'-fluoro-2'-deoxy-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-iodouracil (FIAU) and its putative metabolite 1-(2'-fluoro-2'-deoxy-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)-uracil (FAU). After 72-hr incubation, the IC50 values for FIAU were 6.4 microM for U-937 cells and 26 microM for MOLT-4 cells. IC50 values for FAU were 10-fold higher in both cell lines. Incubation for 24 hr with 10 microM [2-14C]FIAU led to 2.1% and 0.93% replacement of thymidine in DNA of U-937 and MOLT-4 cells, respectively. The predominant radioactive species measurable in DNA was FIAU. A similar incubation with [2-14C]FAU resulted in 4-fold lower DNA incorporation of a single radioactive species that coeluted with 1-(2'-fluoro-2'-deoxy-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-methyluracil (FMAU). There was no evidence of a selective repair process after DNA incorporation of FIAU or FAU (FMAU). Increased intracellular concentrations of FIAU triphosphate and incorporation into DNA were associated with an increase in cellular toxicity. Continuous exposure to a clinically achievable concentration of FIAU, 0.44 microM, produced a constant DNA incorporation of 0.80% and 0.11% for U-937 and MOLT-4 cells, respectively. FIAU was not readily metabolized to FAU or iodouracil by human liver in vitro. Compared with 2',3'-dideoxycytidine as a positive control, after 12 days of continuous exposure of U-937 and MOLT-4 cells to FIAU there was no evidence of increased lactate production. These data negate several possible mechanisms (DNA chain termination, DNA polymerase inhibition, one form of selective mitochondrial poisoning, and FAU-mediated toxicity) and provide clues for possible mechanisms (FIAU triphosphate concentration and DNA incorporation). Further work is needed to develop a complete explanation for the delayed hepatic toxicity observed in the investigational clinical trials of FIAU.

Arabinofuranosyluracil

Steady-state plasma concentrations and effects of taxol for a 250 mg/m2 dose in combination with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in patients with ovarian cancer.

Taxol, a natural product initially isolated from the stem bark of the western yew Taxus brevifolia, is undergoing phase II and III evaluation due to its reported activity against a variety of tumors. Previous studies have described correlations between plasma concentrations and toxicity when taxol is given (a) at lower doses, (b) for shorter infusion times, and (c) without granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor. Because the 24-h infusion schedule is most commonly used in current clinical trials, we attempted to correlate steady-state plasma concentrations of taxol achieved with a 24-h continuous i.v. infusion with toxicities and responses. Plasma samples from 48 refractory ovarian cancer patients were obtained 1-2 h prior to the end of the first taxol infusion. Taxol concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Interpatient variation of taxol plasma concentrations was small (mean +/- SD, 0.85 +/- 0.21 microM. Total taxol body clearance was 256 +/- 72 ml min-1 m-2 (mean +/- SD). Taxol plasma protein binding was 88.4% +/- 1.3% (mean +/- SD, n = 9). Grade 3-4 hematologic toxicity, mainly leukopenia, occurred in 92% of the patients. The leukopenia was transient and did not warrant a reduction in the dose of taxol. Grade 3-4 nonhematologic toxicity occurred in 8% of the patients. No severe hypersensitivity reaction or grade 3-4 neurotoxicity was observed. Correlations of plasma concentrations and toxicities were not feasible due to the high frequency of hematologic effects and the low frequency of nonhematologic toxicity. The low degree of interpatient variation in plasma concentrations hindered the development of correlations with response.

Blood Proteins

The steady expiratory pressure-flow relation in a model pulmonary bifurcation.

Experiments were conducted over a range of Reynolds numbers from 50 to 8000 to study the pressure-flow relationship for a single bifurcation in a multi-generation model during steady expiratory flow. Using the energy equation, the measured static pressure drop was decomposed into separate components due to fluid acceleration and viscous energy dissipation. The frictional pressure drop was found to closely approximate that for an equivalent length of curved tube with the same curvature ratio as in the model bifurcation. The sensitivity of these results to changes in airway cross-sectional shape, non-planar configuration, and flow regime (laminar-turbulent) was investigated. In separate experiments using dye visualization and hot-wire anemometry, a transition to turbulent flow was observed at Reynolds numbers between 1000 and 1500. Transition had very little effect on the pressure-flow relation.

Acceleration

Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method for routine monitoring of 5-fluorouracil in plasma of patients receiving low-level protracted infusions.

A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) method is described which quantitates 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) plasma levels ranging from 0.5 to 50 ng/ml. The analysis uses two internal standards, 1,3-[15N2]-5-fluorouracil and 5-chlorouracil. Extraction and derivatization of the pyrimidine bases were accomplished in a single step using acetonitrile. Compounds were analyzed as their 1,3-dipentafluorobenzyl derivatives by electron-impact MS, and the GC-MS analysis was automated with respect to sample injection and data reduction. Stability of the analysis was demonstrated by continuous unattended analysis of 5-FU in human plasma for periods of up to three days with no deterioration of the quantitative results. The method is applicable to quantitating 5-FU plasma levels in patients receiving protracted infusions of the drug for colorectal cancer or other malignancies.

Drug Monitoring

Modulation of cell cycle kinetics in human cancer with total parenteral nutrition.

Prior DNA flow cytometric data from the laboratory of the Division of Surgical Oncology, Massey Cancer Center, demonstrated an increase in the hyperdiploid compartment of tumor cells taken from patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck after a course of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). To assess a putative increase in the percentage of tumor cells actively synthesizing DNA in this system, the authors administered bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) intravenously to ten patients before and after the administration of TPN. Cell suspensions prepared from biopsy specimens of normal oral mucosa and tumor tissue were analyzed with flow cytometric study. Before TPN administration, the mean percentage of tumor cells incorporating BrdU was 2.47 +/- 1.11%. After TPN administration, the percentage of S-phase cells increased significantly (P less than 0.05) to a mean of 4.52 +/- 2.67%. Before TPN was given, normal mucosa demonstrated a mean of 7.97 +/- 2.69% of cells incorporating BrdU. After TPN was given, a mean of 8.47 +/- 2.51% was seen (not significant [NS]). A potential strategy for the use of TPN to enhance tumor cell susceptibility to S-phase-specific chemotherapy is strongly suggested by these data.

Adult

Cell cycle and proliferation dynamics of adult rat oligodendrocytes.

Adult oligodendrocytes (OLGs) have been shown to be mitotically responsive when co-cultured with dorsal root ganglion. We have investigated the population dynamics of the OLG proliferative response, including the maximum percent of cells which will proliferate and the cell cycle duration time of the adult rat OLG. Adult OLGs were stimulated with pituitary extract and either continuously labeled or pulse labeled with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). The labeled cells were stained with a fluorescent anti-BrdU monoclonal antibody, and fluorescence measurements were made with a multiparameter flow cytometer. A maximum number of 53% of the adult OLGs entered the cell division cycle after 9 days. The cell division cycle duration time (Tc) was determined to be approximately 35.4 hr, and the durations of G1, S, and G2M found to be 12.1, 8.5, and 5.8 hr, respectively. A scenario was generated for adult OLG proliferation in which 2.2% of the initial population is stimulated to enter the cell division cycle in the first 24 hr. This initial population divides and continues in the cell division cycle. Another 2.2% of the initial population enters the cell division cycle during the second 24 hr period, divides, and continues in the cell division cycle. This entry of 2.2% of the cells into the proliferative phase continues until 53% of the initial population has left a quiescent state and entered the cell cycle.

Animals

Aphidicolin-inducible common fragile-site expression: results from a population survey of twins.

Common chromosomal fragile sites appear to be ubiquitous in humans and other mammals, and, although the molecular basis and function of these sites remain an enigma, it has been speculated that they may be a cytogenetic expression of gene activity. A population survey of 28 twin pairs was conducted to assess the heritability of common fragile-site expression. Our data yielded a heritability estimate of .88 for total site expression, suggesting that these sites may result from some common process that is under relatively stringent genetic control. An analysis of the expression of individual autosomal sites revealed that expression on both homologues in the same cell occurred more frequently than expected.

Adolescent

Comparisons of steady-state anisotropy of the plasma membrane of living cells with different probes.

We have used an extended Perrin equation which was in agreement with literature data for steady-state anisotropy (rSS) for a wide variety of artificial and isolated biological membranes labeled with various probes (Van der Meer et al. (1986) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 854, 38-44 to obtain the static component (r infinity) for the intact plasma membranes of living cells. We show that lipid structural order parameters can be obtained for DPH and TMA-DPH in the plasma membranes of intact cells. We have examined the relationship between 'fractional limiting hindered anisotropy', r infinity/r0, which is related to the lipid structural order parameter, of DPH, TMA-DPH, DPHpPC, and a series of depth-dependent probes (n-(9-anthroyloxy) fatty acids, with n = 2-16), using data from 19 cell types. There was a linear relationship between r infinity/r0 values of DPH and TMA-DPH, but the relationship between either of these probes was non-linear with respect to DPHpPC or the series of fatty acid probes. The relationship between r infinity/r0 values of DPHpPC and the series of fatty acid probes was linear, suggesting that they not only undergo similar motions in the membrane, but also experience similar types of restriction to motion, a type which is different from that experienced by DPH and TMA-DPH. We show that for the plasma membranes of living cells, 'second degree' order parameters can be estimated for DPH and TMA-DPH, and propose that the parameter r infinity/r0, or the 'fractional limiting hindered anisotropy', analogous to a 'first degree' order parameter, can be estimated for DPHpPC and the depth-dependent fatty acid probes to evaluate the density of membrane packing.

Cell Membrane

Altered membrane anisotropy gradients of plasma membranes of living peripheral blood leukocytes in aging and Alzheimer's disease.

Several reports have suggested that membrane rigidity, a term that refers to the relative motion of membrane constituents, is decreased in Alzheimer's Disease. Accordingly, a series of fluorescent membrane probes was used to evaluate the rigidity from the surface to the center of the outer hemi-leaflet of the plasma membrane of living neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. Anisotropy, a parameter which increases with increasing membrane rigidity, was calculated from flow cytometric measurements of vertically and horizontally polarized components of the fluorescence emission of the probes. These preliminary experiments suggest that whereas membrane rigidity in certain regions of the plasma membrane of peripheral blood leukocytes is increased as expected in elderly controls, it is decreased in Alzheimer's disease.

Aging

Fluorescence quenching of a series of membrane probes measured in living cells by flow cytometry.

The transverse location normal to the bilayer surface of a series of n-(9-anthroyloxy) fatty acid probes, where n = 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 12, and 16, was determined by fluorescence quenching measurements with a flow cytometer. We show that the anthroyloxy moieties of the probes locate at a graded series of depths in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane of living HeLa cells, in a manner similar to that previously observed for model membrane systems, and mitochondria. For different n, the efficiency of quenching with an aqueous phase quencher, Cu+2, was 2 greater than or equal to 3 greater than 6 greater than or equal to 7 greater than 9 greater than 12 greater than 16. Therefore, flow cytometry permits use of these probes for measurements of dynamic parameters related to membrane fluidity at different depths in the plasma membranes of living cells.

Flow Cytometry

Membrane structural dynamics of plasma membranes of living human prostatic carcinoma cells differing in metastatic potential.

Rigidity of the outer hemileaflet of the plasma membrane of two prostatic carcinoma cell lines with different metastatic potential, 1-LN and 1-LN-EMS-10, was assessed by steady-state anisotropy, using a battery of fluorescent probes. The "bulk" membrane rigidity sensed by diphenylhexatriene, trimethylammonio-DPH, 1-palmitoyl-2-[DPH-ethylcarbonyl]-phosphatidylcholine, and 10-pyrenedecanoic acid indicated slightly higher rigidity in the membrane of the highly metastatic line (1-LN). This was accompanied by 26% greater mole fraction of cholesterol and 9% lower phospholipid, resulting in 40% greater cholesterol/phospholipid ratio. Phosphatidylethanolamine was increased 12%, but corresponding decreases in phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol resulted in no significant change in molar ratio of choline/noncholine phospholipids. Whereas unsaturation index was slightly higher in 1-LN, fatty acids of 1-LN plasma membranes contained 15% more 18:1, 43% more 20:4, 26% more 22:4, and 38% less 18:2. Anisotropy gradients were determined for the two cell lines using a series of n-(9-anthroyloxy) fatty acid probes with n = 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 12, and 16. Gradients differed only in position of anisotropy maxima, which occurred with n = 6, in 1-LN, and n = 7, in 1-LN-EMS-10. Possible relationships between observed anisotropy gradients and differences in membrane cholesterol and fatty acid composition are discussed.

Cell Line