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Biomedical subjects

K E Smith

Publications and source records attributed to K E Smith.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Interactions between the GroE chaperonins and rhodanese. Multiple intermediates and release and rebinding.

Efficient renaturation of urea-denatured rhodanese using the chaperonin GroE system requires GroEL, GroES, and ATP. At high concentrations this renaturation also requires the substrate thiosulfate to have been present during GroEL-rhodanese complex formation. When thiosulfate is present the GroEL-rhodanese complex can be concentrated to greater than 1 mg/ml rhodanese with little effect on the efficiency of renaturation. However, if complex is formed in the absence of thiosulfate, renaturation of rhodanese in the presence of thiosulfate shows a critical concentration of approximately 0.4 mg/ml, above which renaturation yields drop dramatically. This critical concentration appears to be related to an aggregation event in the refolding of rhodanese. The nucleotide free or ADP-bound form of GroEL also binds to rhodanese that has been either already renatured or never denatured. The bound rhodanese has no activity but can be released from GroEL with ATP recovering 90% of control activity. The data presented herein support a release and rebinding mechanism for the GroE-assisted refolding of rhodanese. It also suggests GroEL binds several protein folding intermediates along the entire refolding pathway.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed1995

Molecular cloning of an orphan transporter. A new member of the neurotransmitter transporter family.

A complementary DNA clone predicted to encode a novel transporter was isolated from rat brain and the localization of its mRNA was examined. The cDNA, designated rB21a, predicts a protein with 12 putative transmembrane domains that exhibits significant sequence homology with neurotransmitter transporters. Expression studies have not yet identified the endogenous substrate for this transporter, but the presence of rB21a mRNA within the leptomeninges of the brain suggests the transporter may regulate CSF levels of its substrate. The cloning of rB21a provides the means to determine its physiological functions and the potential to design novel, transporter-based therapeutic agents for neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Amino Acid Transport Systems, Neutral↗
PubMed1995

Assessment of mass properties of human head using various three-dimensional imaging modalities.

Better methods are needed to analyse personal protective devices, such as helmets or facemasks, before they are used in practice. Software tools to quantify three-dimensional craniofacial mass properties are developed to improve our understanding of craniofacial impact biomechanics, supplement existing knowledge of osseous structure and provide a comprehensive description of human head morphology. The application of state-of-the-art imaging systems, solid modelling and other software tools are studied to determine the associated errors in mass property estimation by spiral computed tomography, three-dimensional magnetic resonance and optical surface scanning using phantoms and cadaver head studies. Volume, centre of gravity and principal moments of inertia are determined from solid mathematical models for each scanning modality. Landmark-based registration is used to register scans of the same object obtained from the three imaging modalities to a common reference co-ordinate system. Physically and analytically determined mass properties are used as the standard for truth. Although this comparative study does not lend itself to statistical analysis owing to the small sample size, results indicate that any of the three imaging modalities can be used to predict mass properties within the uncertainty of existing methods. Applying these techniques in vivo is practical and feasible.

Cephalometry↗
PubMed1995

Microbial transformation of steroids--IX. Purification of progesterone hydroxylase cytochrome P-450 from Phycomyces blakesleeanus.

Progesterone hydroxylase cytochrome P-450 was purified to homogeneity from Phycomyces blakesleeanus microsomes by a four step procedure. An M(r) value of 60,000 was determined for this protein by SDS-PAGE. The DEAE-cellulose and Blue-1 MIMETIC affinity fractions gave major peaks at 452 nm in a dithionite-reduced, carbon monoxide, difference spectrum. NaIO4-dependent progesterone hydroxylation was obtained by the pure enzyme without NADPH and NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase. NADPH-dependent hydroxylation required the addition of other Phycomyces microsomal proteins present in the Blue-1 fraction.

Chromatography, Affinity↗
PubMed1995

Cloning and expression of a betaine/GABA transporter from human brain.

A cDNA clone encoding a human gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter has been isolated from a brain cDNA library, and its functional properties have been examined in mammalian cells. The nucleotide sequence predicts a transporter with 614 amino acids and 12 putative transmembrane domains. The highest degree of amino acid identity is with a betaine/GABA transporter originally cloned from the dog termed BGT-1 (91%) and a related transporter from mouse brain (87%). These identities are similar to those for species homologues of other neurotransmitter transporters and suggest that the new clone represents the human homologue of BGT-1. The transporter displays high affinity for GABA (IC50 of 30 microM) and is also sensitive to phloretin, L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid, and hypotaurine (IC50 values of approximately 150-400 microM). The osmolyte betaine is approximately 25-fold weaker than GABA, displaying an IC50 of approximately 1 mM. The relative potencies of these inhibitors at human BGT-1 differ from those of mouse and dog BGT-1. Northern blot analysis reveals that BGT-1 mRNA is widely distributed throughout the human brain. The cloning of the human homologue of BGT-1 will further our understanding of the roles of GABA and betaine in neural function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Stopping the burn.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed1994

Tiagabine, SK&F 89976-A, CI-966, and NNC-711 are selective for the cloned GABA transporter GAT-1.

gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain. The synaptic action of GABA is terminated by rapid uptake into presynaptic terminals and surrounding glial cells. Molecular cloning has revealed the existence of four distinct GABA transporters termed GAT-1, GAT-2, GAT-3, and BGT-1. Pharmacological inhibition of transport provides a mechanism for increasing GABA-ergic transmission, which may be useful in the treatment of various neuropsychiatric disorders. Recently, a number of lipophilic GABA transport inhibitors have been designed and synthesized, which are capable of crossing the blood brain barrier, and which display anticonvulsive activity. We have now determined the potency of four of these compounds, SK&F 89976-A (N-(4,4-diphenyl-3-butenyl)-3-piperidinecarboxylic acid), tiagabine ((R)-1-[4,4-bis(3-methyl-2-thienyl)-3-butenyl]-3- piperidencarboxylic acid), CI-966 ([1-[2-[bis 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methoxy]ethyl]-1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-3- pyridinecarboxylic acid), and NNC-711 (1-(2-(((diphenylmethylene)amino)oxy)ethyl)-1,2,4,6-tetrahydro-3- pyridinecarboxylic acid hydrochloride), at each of the four cloned GABA transporters, and find them to be highly selective for GAT-1. These data suggest that the anticonvulsant activity of these compounds is mediated via inhibition of uptake by GAT-1.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Design, synthesis and evaluation of substituted triarylnipecotic acid derivatives as GABA uptake inhibitors: identification of a ligand with moderate affinity and selectivity for the cloned human GABA transporter GAT-3.

gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. Molecular biology has revealed the presence of four high-affinity GABA transporters in the brain, GAT-1, GAT-2, GAT-3, and BGT-1, the latter transporting both GABA and the osmolyte Betaine. We have shown that known GABA uptake inhibitors such as SK&F 89976-A, CI-966, and Tiagabine exhibit high affinity and selectivity for GAT-1. In the present paper we describe the design and synthesis of a novel series of triarylnipecotic acid derivatives for evaluation as GABA uptake inhibitors. The design lead for this series of compounds was the nonselective GABA uptake inhibitor EGYT-3886, [(-)-2-phenyl-2-[(dimethylamino)ethoxy]-(1R)- 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane]. From this series of compounds (S)-1-[2-[tris(4-methoxyphenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-3-piperidinecarboxylic+ ++ (S)-1-[2-[tris(4-methoxyphenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-3-piperidinecarboxylic+ ++ acid, 4(S) was identified as a novel ligand with selectivity for GAT-3. 4(S) displayed an IC50 of 5 microM at GAT-3, 21 microM at GAT-2, > 200 microM at GAT-1, and 140 microM at BGT-1. This compound will be an important tool for evaluating the role of GAT-3 in neural function.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Microbial transformations of steroids--VIII. Transformation of progesterone by whole cells and microsomes of Aspergillus fumigatus.

The filamentous fungus, Aspergillus fumigatus, efficiently hydroxylated exogenous progesterone producing, after 3 h of incubation, 11 alpha- and 15 beta-hydroxyprogesterone as major products, 7 beta-hydroxyprogesterone as a minor product and trace amounts of 7 beta, 15 beta- and 11 alpha, 15 beta-dihydroxyprogesterone. After 72 h the dihydroxyprogesterones were the sole metabolites in the culture medium. Microsomes, prepared by Ca2+ precipitation, catalysed only monohydroxylation of progesterone at the same sites as whole cells. Hydroxylation was dependent on NADPH (but not NADH) which was replaceable by NaIO4. Hydroxylation was inhibited by carbon monoxide and by the azole fungicide, ketoconazole. Microsomes gave a dithionite-reduced, carbon monoxide difference absorbance spectrum with a peak at 448 nm and a Type-I progesterone-binding spectrum typical of cytochrome P450 interaction with substrate. Ketoconazole inhibition studies suggest the presence of two non-inducible cytochrome P450 progesterone hydroxylases, one possessing 7 beta site-selectivity, the other 11 alpha/15 beta site-selectivity.

Aspergillus fumigatus↗
PubMed1994

Delayed treatment with AMPA, but not NMDA, antagonists reduces neocortical infarction.

We tested the abilities of two potent non-N-methyl-D-aspartate (non-NMDA) glutamate antagonists [2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo(F)quinoxaline (NBQX)] and [1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-methyl-7,8-methylene-dioxy-5H-2,3-benzodiazep ine hydrochloride (GYKI 52466)] to reduce neocortical infarction following 2 h of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in a hypertensive stroke model in the rat and compared these effects against, and in combination with, a potent NMDA antagonist [(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-amine maleate (MK-801)]. In Expt. 1, an already established cytoprotective dose of Na(+)-NBQX (30 mg/kg i.p. x 3) was compared with saline (1 ml), the NMDA antagonist MK-801 (1 mg/kg i.p. x 3), and a combination of the same doses of both NBQX and MK-801. Initial doses were delayed to 90 min following occlusion with subsequent injections at the time of reperfusion and 30 min following reperfusion. Saline-treated rats sustained 181 +/- 32 mm3 (n = 15) of neocortical infarction (mean +/- SD). This was significantly reduced by NBQX to 137 +/- 25 mm3 (n = 15, p < 0.05) of damage. Neither MK-801 (170 +/- 33 mm3; n = 11) nor the combination of MK-801 and NBQX (169 +/- 20 mm3; n = 6) proved to be cytoprotective when given with a 90-min delay. In Expt. 2, NBQX (30 mg/kg) was dissolved (6 mg/ml) in 5% dextrose and compared with both saline and dextrose (1.2 ml) i.v. infusions given over a 4-h period starting 1 h after occlusion. Saline-treated rats had a mean infarct of 183 +/- 27 mm3 (n = 6), dextrose-treated had 200 +/- 30 mm3 (n = 9), while for NBQX-treated rats it was reduced to 129 +/- 60 mm3 (n = 10, p < 0.05). Intravenous NBQX precipitated into the renal tubules, causing nephrotoxicity. In Expt. 3, rats were given either saline (1 ml i.p.) or GYKI 52466 (10 mg/kg i.p.) at 30 and 90 min following occlusion and at 30, 90, and 150 min following reperfusion. Saline-treated rats sustained 187 +/- 27 mm3 of neocortical infarction (n = 7), while those treated with GYKI 52466 were protected, with 139 +/- 38 mm3 of infarction (n = 7, p < 0.05). A clinically useful role for alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate antagonists in embolic stroke is envisaged if nontoxic drugs can be developed, since cerebroprotection was achieved with delayed treatment with both of these lead compounds.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Quantification of facial surface change using a structured light scanner.

Three-dimensional surface changes that accompany facial surgical procedures were measured noninvasively and evaluated quantitatively. An optical three-dimensional surface scanner with 360-degree surface coverage of a subject's head and a subsecond data acquisition was used. The scanner employs six pairs of "white light" pattern projectors and digital TV cameras. A noncontact optical method to quantify facial surface morphology and objectively assess change resulting from reconstructive or cosmetic plastic surgery has been developed. This quantification technique was implemented and tested with the three-dimensional range scanner. This technique defines the entire surface of the head and face, as opposed to the conventional manual method of measuring surface points or facial landmarks. The method allows facial volume change assessment. The method was tested by repeatedly scanning a volunteer who was injected subcutaneously with known volumes of anesthetic solution. The measured and injected volumes were compared and showed little difference.

Computer Graphics↗
PubMed1994

Cloning of the human homologue of the GABA transporter GAT-3 and identification of a novel inhibitor with selectivity for this site.

Molecular cloning has revealed the presence of four high-affinity GABA transporters in the brain. The existence of three of these sites, GAT-2, GAT-3, and BGT-1, was unknown prior to their cloning and almost nothing is known of the role they play in regulating GABAergic transmission. In large measure our paucity of knowledge is attributable to the lack of specific inhibitors for these sites. In the present communication we describe the cloning and expression of the human homologue of GAT-3, and the identification of an inhibitor, (S)-SNAP-5114, with selectivity for this site. (S)-SNAP-5114 displays an IC50 of 5 microM at GAT-3, 21 microM at GAT-2, and > or = 100 microM at GAT-1 and BGT-1. Due to its lipophilicity, (S)-SNAP-5114 is also expected to cross the blood-brain-barrier and therefore, should be an important tool for evaluating the role of GAT-3 in neural function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

An atypical eating disorder with Crohn's disease in a fifteen-year-old male: a case study.

Most of the time, school or counseling psychologists are not specifically trained to work with children who have physical disorders that cause or exacerbate psychological problems. This article describes a 15-year-old male with delayed physical development who was referred for psychological evaluation and treatment of a suspected eating disorder. Six months after psychological intervention, appropriate eating behaviors were established, yet he had not gained weight as expected. After further medical evaluation, he was diagnosed as having Crohn's disease. Criteria for a DSM-III-R diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa or Eating Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified, are discussed and symptoms of Crohn's disease described. Also discussed are differential diagnoses and practical recommendations for professionals in the field.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

The rat homologue of the bovine alpha 1c-adrenergic receptor shows the pharmacological properties of the classical alpha 1A subtype.

The cDNA for the rat alpha 1c-adrenergic receptor (AR) has been cloned using a probe derived from the bovine alpha 1c-AR sequence. Clone rB7a has a 2.6-kilobase insert with a 1390-base pair open reading frame and encodes a receptor of 466 amino acids. The cloned receptor has 91% amino acid identity with the bovine alpha 1c-AR. The rat alpha 1c-AR mRNA was detected in tissues known to be enriched for the alpha 1A-AR subtype, including vas deferens, heart, kidney, and hippocampus. Rat alpha 1c-AR mRNA was absent from liver and spleen when assayed by Northern blot analyses and RNase protection assays. In COS-7 cells transfected with cDNAs encoding the three rat alpha 1-ARs, WB-4101 and benoxathian had similar binding affinities for the alpha 1a/d-AR and the alpha 1c-AR and 10-fold lower affinities for the alpha 1b-AR. The affinity of 5-methylurapidil was found to be 10- and 30-fold higher at the alpha 1c-AR than at the alpha 1a/d- and alpha 1b-ARs, respectively. (S)-(+)-Niguldipine was found to have high affinity for the rat alpha 1c-AR, with 42- and 22-fold lower affinity at the alpha 1a/d- and alpha 1b-ARs, respectively. Treatment of intact transfected COS-7 cells with chlorethylclonidine resulted in the inactivation of 19% of the alpha 1c-ARs, in contrast to 72% and 85% inactivation of the alpha 1a/d- and alpha 1b-ARs, respectively. Similarly to the other two alpha 1-ARs, the rat alpha 1c-AR is coupled to the activation of phospholipase C. Our data suggest that the rat alpha 1c-AR cDNA encodes an alpha 1-AR with the pharmacological properties previously defined for the alpha 1A subtype found in tissues.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗
PubMed1993

Effects of alcohol-induced lipid interdigitation on proton permeability in L-alpha-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine vesicles.

6-Carboxyfluorescein was employed to examine the effect of alcohol-induced lipid interdigitation on proton permeability in L-alpha-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) large unilamellar vesicles. Proton permeability was measured by monitoring the decrease of 6-carboxyfluorescein fluorescence after a pH gradient from 3.5 (outside the vesicle) to 8.0 (inside the vesicle) was established. At 20 degrees C and below 1.2 M ethanol, the fluorescence decrease is best described by a single exponential function. Above 1.2 M ethanol, the intensity decrease is better described by a two-exponential decay law. Using the fitted rate constants and the vesicle radii determined from light-scattering measurements, the proton permeability coefficient, P, in DPPC vesicles was calculated as a function of ethanol concentration. At 20 degrees C, P increases monotonically with increasing ethanol content up to 1.0 M, followed by an abrupt increase at 1.2 M. The vesicle size also exhibits a sudden increase at around 1.2 M ethanol, which has been shown to result from vesicle aggregation rather than vesicle fusion. The abrupt increases in P and in vesicle size occur at the concentration region close to the critical ethanol concentration for the formation of the fully interdigitated gel state of DPPC. At 14 degrees C, the abrupt change in P shifts to 1.9-2.0 M ethanol, completely in accordance with the ethanol-temperature phase diagram of interdigitated DPPC. Effects of methanol and benzyl alcohol on lipid interdigitation have also been examined. At 20 degrees C, DPPC large unilamellar vesicles exhibit a dramatic change in P at 3 M methanol and at 40 mM benzyl alcohol. These concentrations come close to the critical methanol and benzyl alcohol concentrations for the formation of fully interdigitated DPPC structures determined previously by others. It can be concluded that proton permeability increases dramatically as DPPC is transformed from the noninterdigitated gel to the fully interdigitated gel state by high concentrations of alcohol. This marked increase in proton permeability can be attributed to the combined effect of the changes in membrane thickness and surface charge density, due to the ethanol-induced lipid interdigitation. The possible effects of the increased proton permeability caused by ingested ethanol on gastric mucosal membranes are discussed.

1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine↗
PubMed1993

Further studies on the susceptibility of raccoons (Procyon lotor) to a rabies virus of skunk origin and comparative susceptibility of striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis).

Two raccoons (Procyon lotor) were inoculated in the masseter muscles with 10(5.9) mouse intracerebral lethal dose50 (MICD50) of a rabies virus isolated from a naturally infected Iowa (USA) striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis). Five striped skunks were inoculated with either 10(0.7) or 10(2.1) MICLD50 of the same isolate. All five skunks died within 35 days following inoculation. Both raccoons survived 273 days without adverse effects, and virus was not isolated from saliva samples taken at between 25 and 273 days following inoculation.

Animals↗