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Biomedical subjects

M A Yorek

Publications and source records attributed to M A Yorek.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Reduced Na+/K+ adenosine triphosphatase activity and motor nerve conduction velocity in L-fucose-fed rats is reversible after dietary normalization.

Development of early defects in diabetic neuropathy has been linked to metabolic abnormalities and is considered reversible. To further address some of the questions concerning the contribution by metabolic derangements to the development of neural defects and reversibility, we have developed an animal model, by feeding rats a diet containing 20% L-fucose, that develops neural defects similar to those that occur in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. After 6 weeks on a 20% L-fucose diet, myo-inositol content and Na+/K+ adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity of the sciatic nerve were significantly reduced, as was the motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV). L-Fucose is a monosaccharide that occurs in low concentrations in normal serum but is increased in diabetic patients. In cultured cells, L-fucose, at concentrations that occur in diabetic circulation, is a competitive inhibitor of myo-inositol uptake. The purpose of the present study was to compare the sequential pattern of the reversibility of the slowing of MNCV with ouabain-inhibited sciatic nerve Na+/K+ ATPase activity and myo-inositol content in rats fed a diet containing 20% L-fucose for a period of 6 weeks followed by a normal diet lasting up to 2 weeks. Unbound L-fucose levels in the serum returned to normal in less than 24 hours of the rats being placed on the normal diet. Normalization of slowed MNCV after removing L-fucose-fed rats from the L-fucose diet followed a pattern of recovery similar to the recovery of sciatic nerve ouabain-inhibited Na+/K+ ATPase activity, with complete recovery occurring within 7 days of the rats being placed on the normal diet. In contrast, myo-inositol content of the sciatic nerve remained decreased following 3 days on the normal diet, and required 14 days for complete normalization. Results from these studies suggest that a causal relationship may exist for reduced Na+/K+ ATPase activity and MNCV in L-fucose-fed rats, and that a measurable decrease in myo-inositol content may not be necessary for the development of these defects in the sciatic nerve.

Animals

L-fucose reduces collagen and noncollagen protein production in cultured cerebral microvessel endothelial cells.

L-fucose is a monosaccharide which is present in low concentrations in normal serum but is increased in diabetes, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. The contribution that abnormal L-fucose levels make to the progression of these disorders is unknown. In a previous study we showed that increased L-fucose concentration reduced proliferation and proteoglycan production by cultured cerebral microvessel endothelial cells. In the present study we show that exposing cerebral microvessel endothelial cells for 2 weeks to medium containing an increased concentration of L-fucose causes a significant decrease in collagen and to a lesser extent noncollagen protein production. The effect of L-fucose on collagen and noncollagen protein production is concentration-dependent: 1 mM L-fucose causes a significant decrease in collagen production but has no effect on noncollagen protein production; a 5 mM L-fucose concentration causes a maximum decrease in both collagen and noncollagen protein production. This defect is unrelated to the reduction in myo-inositol uptake caused by L-fucose and is not prevented by aminoguanidine. Collagen production can be improved by restoring L-fucose-conditioned cells to normal medium. Culturing cells for 2 weeks in medium containing 10 mM L-fucose resulted in a 50% decrease in collagen production, which was restored to 75% of control after cells were transferred to normal medium for 7 days. In contrast, noncollagen protein production was totally restored after 3 days in normal medium. Increasing levels of L-fucose in serum of rats also resulted in a decrease in collagen production. Collagenase digestible incorporation of L-[2,3,4,5-3H]proline into protein of the articular cartilage from rats fed a diet containing 20% L-fucose for 3 weeks was reduced by about 40% compared to rats fed a normal diet. The decrease in collagen production in L-fucose fed rats was less than the reduction that occurred in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. These data suggest that changes in L-fucose concentration itself may be a factor in the regulation of collagen production.

Animals

Sodium channels in cultured neuroblastoma cells grown in high glucose or L-fucose.

Patch clamp techniques were used to record whole cell and single channel Na+ currents from NB41A3 neuroblastoma cells grown in culture. Cells were grown for two weeks in control medium or medium supplemented with 30 mM D-glucose of 30 mM L-fucose. Cells exposed to glucose or L-fucose had smaller whole cell Na+ currents than cells grown in unsupplemented medium, consistent with earlier studies (Yorek, Stefani & Wachtel, 1994). Whole cell macroscopic currents showed no change in activation or inactivation kinetics. Single channel current properties and opening probability were also unchanged. The number of [3H]saxitoxin binding sites, and therefore the total number of Na+ channels, was not reduced in cells grown in glucose or L-fucose (Yorek et al., 1994). Therefore, we conclude that some of the channels must have been rendered nonfunctional by the conditioning media. The finding that single channel properties are not altered suggests that channels become nonfunctional in an all-or-none manner.

Action Potentials

Regulation of growth factor mRNA levels in the eyes of diabetic rats.

The underlying etiology of diabetic microvascular disease remains unknown. To examine the potential contribution of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), which is an angiogenic factor, and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) to the development of diabetic microvascular disease, bFGF and IGF-I mRNA levels were measured in tissues of control, diabetic, and insulin-treated diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in rats by intravenous injection of streptozotocin (STZ) 65 mg/kg, and the rats were maintained for 21 days. bFGF mRNA levels increased threefold in the eyes of diabetic versus control rats, whereas a consistent change in bFGF mRNA levels was not observed in other tissues. In contrast, IGF-I mRNA levels decreased in the eyes and other tissues, including kidney, lung, and skeletal muscle, of diabetic as compared with control rats. Insulin treatment prevented the diabetes-induced increase in bFGF and decrease in IGF-I mRNA levels. Acidic FGF (aFGF) mRNA levels were unchanged in eyes from diabetic versus control rats. In partially purified retinas, diabetes increased bFGF mRNA levels twofold as compared with levels in control retinas, whereas IGF-I mRNA levels decreased to 58% of control levels in retinas from diabetic rats. Insulin treatment again prevented the diabetes-induced increase in IGF-I mRNA levels in the retina but had no effect on the diabetes-induced increase in bFGF mRNA levels. bFGF peptide levels were minimally increased in diabetic versus control retinas.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aldehyde Reductase

L-fucose is accumulated via a specific transport system in eukaryotic cells.

L-Fucose is a monosaccharide normally present at low concentrations in serum and is the only levorotatory sugar utilized by mammalian systems. The metabolism of L-fucose is only partially understood. In this report, we characterize the uptake of L-fucose by four widely varying mammalian cell lines (murine neuroblastoma, bovine aortic endothelial, murine cerebral microvessel endothelial, and Madin-Darby canine kidney cells). Based on the criteria of saturability and specificity of L-fucose uptake, we conclude that L-fucose is accumulated via a specific recognition mechanism. Accumulation of L-fucose at 4 degrees C and in the presence of colchicine and cytochalasin D rules out receptor-mediated endocytosis as an uptake mechanism. Thus, the accumulation appears to be via a carrier system. Using a variety of criteria, we determined that L-fucose is not taken up by a glucose transporter system. Accumulation of L-[5,6-3H]fucose is Na(+)-independent and reduced by loading cells with L-fucose or depleting the cell of its phosphorylation capability, suggesting that the uptake of L-fucose is by passive facilitative diffusion. A significant amount of the L-fucose taken up by each of the four cell types was incorporated into protein and secreted into the medium.

Animals

Reduced Na+/K+ ATPase transport activity, resting membrane potential, and bradykinin-stimulated phosphatidylinositol synthesis by polyol accumulation in cultured neuroblastoma cells.

In these studies we examined the effect of polyol accumulation on neural cell myo-inositol metabolism and properties. Neuroblastoma cells were cultured for two weeks in media containing 30 mM glucose, fructose, galactose or mannose with or without 0.4 mM sorbinil or 250 microM myo-inositol. Chronic exposure of neuroblastoma cells to media containing 30 mM glucose, galactose, or mannose caused a decrease in myo- inositol content and myo-[2-3H]inositol accumulation and incorporation into phosphoinositides compared to cells cultured in unsupplemented medium or medium containing 30 mM fructose as an osmotic control. These monosaccharides each caused an increase in intracellular polyol levels with galactitol > sorbitol = mannitol accumulation. Chronic exposure of neuroblastoma cells to media containing 30 mM glucose, galactose, or mannose caused a significant decrease in Na+/K+ ATPase transport activity, resting membrane potential, and bradykinin-stimulated 32P incorporation into phosphatidylinositol compared to cells cultured in medium containing 30 mM fructose. In contrast, basal incorporation of 32P into phosphatidylinositol or basal and bradykinin-stimulated 32P incorporation into phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate were not effected. Each of these cellular functions as well as myo-inositol metabolism and content and polyol levels remained near control values when 0.4 mM sorbinil, an aldose reductase inhibitor, was added to the glucose, galactose, or mannose supplemented media. myo-Inositol metabolism and content and bradykinin-stimulated phosphatidylinositol synthesis were also maintained when media containing 30 mM glucose, galactose, or mannose was supplemented with 250 microM myo-inositol. The results suggest that polyol accumulation induces defects in neural cell myo-inositol metabolism and certain cell functions which could, if they occurred in vivo, contribute to the pathological defects observed in diabetic neuropathy.

Animals

Elevated levels of glucose and L-fucose reduce 22Na+ uptake and whole cell Na+ current in cultured neuroblastoma cells.

Na+ flux was studied in cultured neuroblastoma cells grown in medium containing increased glucose or L-fucose concentrations. Chronic exposure of neuroblastoma cells to 30 mM glucose or 30 mM L-fucose caused a decrease in ouabain-sensitive and veratridine-stimulated 22Na+ uptake compared with cells cultured in unsupplemented medium. The Na+ current, determined by using whole-cell configuration of the patch clamp, was also decreased in these cells. Tetrodotoxin (3 microM), which blocked whole cell Na+ currents, also blocked veratridine-stimulated 22Na+ accumulation. Culturing cells in medium containing 30 mM fructose as an osmotic control had no effect on Na+ flux. Specific [3H]saxitoxin binding was not affected by 30 mM glucose or 30 mM L-fucose compared with cells grown in unsupplemented medium, suggesting that the number of Na+ channels was not decreased. These studies suggest that exposing cultured neuronal cells to conditions that occur in the diabetic milieu alters Na+ transport and Na(+)-channel activity.

Animals

Decreased myo-inositol uptake is associated with reduced bradykinin-stimulated phosphatidylinositol synthesis and diacylglycerol content in cultured neuroblastoma cells exposed to L-fucose.

L-Fucose is a potent, competitive inhibitor of myo-inositol transport by cultured mammalian cells. Chronic exposure of neuroblastoma cells to L-fucose causes a concentration-dependent decrease in myo-inositol content, accumulation, and incorporation into phosphoinositides. In these studies, L-fucose supplementation of culture medium was used to assess the effect of decreased myo-inositol metabolism and content on bradykinin-stimulated phosphatidylinositol synthesis and diacylglycerol production. Chronic exposure of cells to 30 mM L-fucose caused a sustained decrease in bradykinin-stimulated, but not basal, 3H-inositol phosphate release and 32P incorporation into phosphatidylinositol in cells incubated in serum-free, unsupplemented medium. In addition, 32P incorporation into phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate was not altered in L-fucose-conditioned cells. Acute exposure of cells to serum-free medium containing 30 mM L-fucose did not affect either basal or bradykinin-stimulated 32P incorporation into phosphatidylinositol. Basal diacylglycerol content was decreased by 20% in cells chronically exposed to 30 mM L-fucose, although analysis of the molecular species profile revealed no compositional change. Bradykinin stimulated diacylglycerol production in neuroblastoma cells by increasing the hydrolysis of both phosphoinositides and phosphatidylcholine. Bradykinin-stimulated production of total diacylglycerol was similar for control and L-fucose-conditioned cells. However, there was a decrease in the bradykinin-induced generation of the 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl diacylglycerol molecular species in the cells chronically exposed to 30 mM L-fucose. This molecular species accounts for about 70% of the composition of phosphoinositides, but only 10% of phosphatidylcholine. The results suggest that a decrease in myo-inositol uptake results in diminished agonist-induced phosphatidylinositol synthesis and phosphoinositide hydrolysis in cultured neuroblastoma cells grown in L-fucose-containing medium.

Animals

Effect of bradykinin on cytosolic calcium in neuroblastoma cells using the fluorescent indicator fluo-3.

Neuroblastoma cells were used to examine the effect of chronic exposure to increased concentrations of glucose, galactose, or L-fucose on bradykinin-stimulated intracellular calcium release using the calcium indicator fluo-3. Bradykinin caused a concentration dependent increase in the intracellular calcium concentration and phosphoinositide hydrolysis in neuroblastoma cells. Norepinephrine, carbachol, serotonin, and thapsigargin also increased the calcium concentration. Treatment of the cells with 10(-6) M bradykinin exhausts calcium release such that the successive treatment of the cells with norepinephrine, carbachol, or serotonin results in no secondary response. In contrast, bradykinin treatment of the cells following exposure to norepinephrine, carbachol, or serotonin caused a secondary increase in calcium release. These results suggest that several hormone responsive calcium pools may exist in neuroblastoma cells or that norepinephrine, carbachol, or serotonin may not fully stimulate calcium release. Bradykinin-stimulated calcium release is not effected by chronic exposure of the cells to increased concentrations of glucose, galactose, or L-fucose. Suggesting that hormone-stimulated calcium release is not an abnormality that develops in neural cells exposed to conditions that mimic the diabetic milieu. In addition, these studies provide evidence that fluo-3 is a good fluorescent indicator for the study of calcium mobilization in cultured neuroblastoma cells.

Aniline Compounds

Reversal of hyperglycemic-induced defects in myo-inositol metabolism and Na+/K+ pump activity in cultured neuroblastoma cells by normalizing glucose levels.

myo-Inositol accumulation and incorporation into phosphoinositides was decreased in neuroblastoma cells chronically exposed to medium containing 30 mmol/L glucose or 30 mmol/L galactose. In addition, the intracellular content of myo-inositol and phosphatidylinositol was decreased and the sorbitol or galactitol content increased in cells cultured for 2 weeks in medium containing 30 mmol/L glucose or 30 mmol/L galactose, respectively. Na+/K+ adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) transport activity was also significantly decreased by long-term exposure of neuroblastoma cells to medium containing 30 mmol/L glucose or 30 mmol/L galactose. When glucose-conditioned cells were placed in medium containing a normal glucose concentration for 24 hours, myo-inositol metabolism and content, phosphatidylinositol levels, and Na+/K+ pump activity were restored or completely returned to normal values. These functions were also significantly improved, except for the phosphatidylinositol content, which was increased by 55%, when galactose-conditioned cells were incubated for 24 hours in unsupplemented medium. The polyol content of the glucose- or galactose-conditioned cells was also significantly reduced. Returning the cells to normal glucose levels for 1 to 3 hours did not completely restore myo-inositol metabolism. Improved myo-inositol metabolism and content, sorbitol levels, and Na+/K+ ATPase transport activity were also obtained within 24 hours when cells chronically exposed to medium supplemented with 30 mmol/L glucose were placed in medium containing 30 mmol/L glucose and 0.4 mmol/L sorbinil. The phosphatidylinositol content of these cells was improved by approximately 30%. Cells prelabeled for 24 hours with [U-14C]sorbitol metabolize more than 50% of the [U-14C]sorbitol during a 24-hour incubation in unsupplemented medium. These studies conducted at the cellular level suggest that restoration of normal myo-inositol metabolism, polyol content, and Na+/K+ pump activity altered by hyperglycemic conditions occurs rapidly following normalization of glucose concentration.

Animals

Ligands that activate protein kinase-C differ in their ability to regulate basic fibroblast growth factor and insulin-like growth factor-I messenger ribonucleic acid levels.

In this study, rat dermal fibroblasts were used as a model system to examine the ability of ligands that are known to activate protein kinase-C to regulate the levels of the mRNAs encoding basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), two growth factors that are thought to be important in processes such as tissue repair and regeneration and wound healing. Treatment of fibroblasts with the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), thrombin, bradykinin, serotonin, angiotensin-II, or bombesin increased protein kinase-C activity to a similar degree. Treatment of fibroblasts with 1 microM serotonin transiently increased bFGF mRNA levels about 3-fold compared to the level in control cells maintained in serum-free medium with 0.25% BSA and decreased IGF-I mRNA levels by approximately 50% compared to the level in control cells. This is similar to the previously described changes induced by bradykinin in these cells, but different from the more marked and sustained changes induced by thrombin and PMA. In contrast, angiotensin-II and bombesin had no effect on bFGF or IGF-I mRNA levels. The effects of serotonin, bradykinin, and PMA on bFGF and IGF-I mRNA levels were abrogated by preincubation of cells in 250 nM PMA to down-regulate protein kinase-C. In contrast, the effect of thrombin on bFGF mRNA levels was only partially inhibited by down-regulation of protein kinase-C, while its effect on IGF-I mRNA levels was unaffected. The activation of signaling pathways by the different ligands was further investigated to begin to determine the mechanism for the differences in the effects of thrombin vs. serotonin and bradykinin and in the effects of these three ligands vs. angiotensin-II and bombesin. All of the ligands activated phospholipase-D to a similar degree, suggesting that activation of this enzyme was not responsible for the differential effects of the ligands. In contrast, thrombin, serotonin, and bradykinin had marked effects on the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol, whereas bombesin and angiotensin-II had a small effect on phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis and no effect on phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals

Intracellular calcium regulates insulin-like growth factor-I messenger ribonucleic acid levels.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is involved in repair and regeneration in tissues in which non-GH-mediated regulation of its production has been shown to be important. We have investigated the effects of a second messenger signaling pathway, intracellular calcium, on IGF-I mRNA levels in cultured rat dermal fibroblasts using a RNase protection assay. Intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) were increased using either the calcium ionophore A23187 or thapsigargin. The ability of these agents to increase [Ca2+]i was confirmed by spectrofluorimetry, using fluo-3 as the Ca2+ indicator. Treatment of cells in serum-free medium and 0.25% BSA [Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) + BSA] with 500 nM A23187 or 1 micron thapsigargin decreased IGF-I mRNA levels in a time-responsive manner over 4-8 h. A23187 and thapsigargin also decreased IGF-I mRNA levels to 36% and 47% of control levels, respectively, in a dose-responsive fashion. Basic fibroblast growth factor mRNA levels, which were simultaneously determined, were either unchanged or increased in cells treated with thapsigargin or A23187. Consistent with the change in IGF-I mRNA levels, immunoreactive IGF-I levels in medium conditioned for 48 h by A23187 or thapsigargin decreased to 25% and 14%, respectively, of control levels in cells maintained in MEM + BSA. To determine the role of protein synthesis in the effects of A23187 and thapsigargin, cells were treated with these agents in the presence or absence of cycloheximide. Cycloheximide had no effect on the decrease in IGF-I mRNA levels mediated by thapsigargin, but significantly attenuated the response to A23187. Given these differences in the role of protein synthesis in and the time course of the effects of A23187 and thapsigargin on IGF-I mRNA levels, additivity experiments were performed. Treatment of cells with the combination of A23187 and thapsigargin resulted in IGF-I mRNA levels that were approximately 70% of the levels present in cells treated with either agent alone. These data are consistent with a small additive effect, but suggest that the majority of the effect of A23187 and thapsigargin occurs via the same final pathway.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals

Reduced motor nerve conduction velocity and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in rats maintained on L-fucose diet. Reversal by myo-inositol supplementation.

L-Fucose is a monosaccharide that occurs in low concentrations in normal serum but has been shown to be increased in diabetic individuals. In cultured mammalian cells, L-fucose is a potent competitive inhibitor of myo-inositol transport. Abnormal myo-inositol metabolism has been proposed to be a factor in the development of diabetic complications. To test the hypothesis that myo-inositol deficiency may be responsible for the electrophysiological and biological defects in diabetic neuropathy, rats were fed a diet containing 10 or 20% L-fucose for a period of 6 wk. After 3 wk, the L-fucose diets in two groups of rats were supplemented with 1% myo-inositol. At the end of the study protocol, motor nerve conduction velocity, sciatic nerve tissue Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity, and myo-inositol content were determined. These results were compared with those of STZ-induced diabetic rats fed either a normal diet or a diet containing 1% myo-inositol or with those given 450 mg/kg body wt of sorbinil. Serum L-fucose levels were significantly increased in rats fed a diet containing 10 or 20% L-fucose. In comparison, the serum L-fucose levels in the diabetic rats were increased to a lesser extent. Motor nerve conduction velocity was significantly slower in rats fed a 10 or 20% L-fucose diet. Sciatic nerve composite and ouabain-sensitive Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity and myo-inositol content was also significantly decreased. Supplementation of 1% myo-inositol to the L-fucose-containing diet restored nerve myo-inositol levels and significantly improved Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity and motor nerve conduction velocity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals

Effect of L-fucose on proliferation and myo-inositol metabolism in cultured cerebral microvessel and aortic endothelial cells.

Decreased myo-inositol metabolism possibly contributes to the development of diabetic complications including micro and macrovascular disease. Previous studies have shown that hyperglycemia may be partially responsible for this defect. We have found that L-fucose, a monosaccharide present in low concentrations in normal circulation and found to be elevated in diabetes, causes defects in cultured endothelial cells, including alterations in myo-inositol metabolism and proliferation. Murine cerebral microvessel and bovine aortic endothelial cells take up L-fucose from the medium in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Both acute and chronic exposure of these cultured endothelial cells to media containing L-fucose at concentrations that may exist in diabetic sera cause a significant decrease in the accumulation of myo-inositol and its incorporation into inositol phospholipids. There is a concomitant decrease in the intracellular levels of myo-inositol. Kinetic analysis of the effect of L-fucose on myo-inositol uptake suggests that L-fucose competitively inhibits the transport of myo-inositol, exhibiting a Ki in the range of 1.6-4.1 mM for both cell types. Endothelial cells exposed to L-fucose concentrations of 0.5-20 mM exhibit depressed rates of proliferation in a concentration-dependent fashion. Furthermore, L-fucose causes a concentration-dependent decrease in synthesis of proteoglycan by cultured cerebral microvessel endothelial cells as measured by incorporation of 35S; however, this effect is not observed in the aortic endothelia. These data suggest that L-fucose at concentrations that may exist in diabetic sera may impair myo-inositol metabolism and proliferation of the vascular endothelium.

Amino Acids

L-fucose is a potent inhibitor of myo-inositol transport and metabolism in cultured neuroblastoma cells.

It has been proposed that abnormal myo-inositol metabolism may be a factor in the development of diabetic complications. Studies with animal models of diabetes and cultured cells have suggested that hyperglycemia by an unknown mechanism may alter myo-inositol metabolism and content. Recently, we have shown that L-fucose, a 6-deoxy sugar whose content has been reported to be increased in diabetes, is a potent inhibitor of myo-inositol transport. To examine the effect of L-fucose on myo-inositol metabolism, neuroblastoma cells were cultured in medium supplemented with L-fucose. L-Fucose is a competitive inhibitor of Na(+)-dependent, high-affinity myo-inositol transport. The Ki for inhibition of myo-inositol transport by L-fucose is about 3 mM. L-Fucose is taken up and accumulates in neuroblastoma cells. The uptake of L-fucose is inhibited by Na+ depletion, D-glucose, glucose analogues, phloridzin, and cytochalasin B. In contrast, neither myo-inositol nor L-glucose inhibits L-fucose uptake. Chronic exposure of neuroblastoma cells to 1-30 mM L-fucose causes a decrease in myo-inositol accumulation and incorporation into inositol phospholipids, intracellular free myo-inositol content, and phosphatidylinositol levels. Na+,K(+)-ATPase transport activity is decreased by about 15% by acute or chronic exposure of neuroblastoma cells to L-fucose. Similar defects occur when neuroblastoma cells are exposed chronically to 30 mM glucose. Cell myo-inositol metabolism and Na+/K(+)-pump activity are maintained when 250 microM myo-inositol is added to the L-fucose-supplemented medium. Unlike the effect of chronic exposure of neuroblastoma cells to medium containing 30 mM glucose, the resting membrane potential of neuroblastoma cells is not altered by chronic exposure of the cells to 30 mM L-fucose. The effect of L-fucose on cultured neuroblastoma cell properties occurs at concentrations of L-fucose which may exist in the diabetic milieu. These data suggest that increased concentrations of L-fucose may have a role in myo-inositol-related defects in mammalian cells.

Animals

Activation of protein kinase-C differentially regulates insulin-like growth factor-I and basic fibroblast growth factor messenger RNA levels.

Fibroblasts represent one of the in vivo sites of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) production. In this study rat dermal fibroblasts in culture were used as a model system to assess the effect of activation of protein kinase-C on the levels of the mRNAs encoding IGF-I and another growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). IGF-I and bFGF mRNA levels were determined using a solution hybridization/RNase protection assay. Treatment of cells in serum-free medium containing 0.25% BSA (MEM + BSA) with the tumor-promoting phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) decreased IGF-I and increased bFGF mRNA levels in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. The peak effect of 100 nM PMA on IGF-I mRNA levels occurred at 9 h, whereas the peak effect on bFGF mRNA levels occurred after 3 h of incubation. In dose-response studies, half-maximal inhibition of IGF-I mRNA levels was achieved with approximately 0.08 nM PMA, while half-maximal stimulation of bFGF mRNA levels was achieved with approximately 3 nM PMA. Inhibition of protein synthesis with cycloheximide abrogated the effect of PMA on bFGF mRNA levels, but only partially inhibited the effect of PMA on IGF-I mRNA levels. Studies employing sphingosine or staurosporine to inhibit protein kinase-C or preincubation in high doses of PMA to down-regulate protein kinase-C suggested that the effect of PMA on IGF-I and bFGF mRNA levels was mediated by activation of protein kinase-C, although both staurosporine and sphingosine had independent effects on the levels of these mRNAs and down-regulation of protein kinase-C had a sustained effect on IGF-I mRNA levels. Ligands known to activate protein kinase-C were then tested. Treatment of cells with 100 micrograms/ml of the synthetic diacylglycerol 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol decreased IGF-I mRNA levels to 25% and increased bFGF mRNA levels to 520% of the level present in cells maintained in MEM + BSA. Treatment of cells with thrombin or bradykinin also decreased IGF-I mRNA levels and increased bFGF mRNA levels, but whereas the effect of thrombin on IGF-I mRNA levels was marked, the effect of bradykinin was minimal, and whereas the effect of thrombin on bFGF mRNA levels was sustained, the effect of bradykinin was transient.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals

Hemicholinium-3 derivatives A-4 and A-5 affect choline and acetylcholine metabolism.

The neuroblastoma-glioma hybrid cell (NG108-15) has a sodium-dependent, high-affinity choline transport system with a Km of 16.0 +/- 3.4 microM and a Vmax of 214.5 +/- 27.7 pmol/min/mg protein. A-4, A-5 and HC-3 produce dose-dependent inhibition of high-affinity choline transport in NG108-15 cells. Following 24 h exposure to approximately the EC50 of each inhibitor, no significant decrease was found in total choline accumulation or in choline incorporation into phosphatidylcholine. However, when additional inhibitor was added during the 24 h incubation, significant decreases in choline accumulation were produced by A-4 and A-5. Following 24 h exposure to each compound, only A-4 was able to significantly affect free choline content. In contrast, each inhibitor was able to significantly decrease acetylcholine content following 24 h exposure. Possible reasons for consistent decreases in acetylcholine versus minimal changes in choline metabolism will be discussed.

Acetylcholine