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Biomedical subjects

M Berrettini

Publications and source records attributed to M Berrettini.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Immunoblotting studies of the molecular forms of protein C in plasma.

Anti-plasma protein C monoclonal antibodies were prepared and characterized, and quantitative immunoblotting techniques were developed to determine the molecular forms of protein C in whole plasma. Two antibodies reacted with the heavy chain of protein C, four reacted with the light chain, and two reacted only with nonreduced protein C. A doublet of protein C (MW = 63-66K) was seen on nonreduced immunoblots of normal plasma and 30 heterozygous protein C deficient plasmas (2-77% protein C antigen). In reduced plasma, approximately 75% of protein C presented as doublet heavy chains (MW = 39-42K) and doublet light chains (MW = 22-25K), and approximately 25% was single chain (MW = 64K). The immunoblotting technique was quantitative, specific, sensitive, and correlated with electroimmunoassay results. It also provided visual qualitative information not obtainable with other methods of quantitation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1988

Detection and quantitation of cleaved and uncleaved high molecular weight kininogen in plasma by ligand blotting with radiolabeled plasma prekallikrein or factor XI.

A method for the quantitative assay of native single chain and kallikrein cleaved two-chain high molecular weight (HMW)-kininogen in plasma is described. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of whole plasma is followed by electrotransfer of the electropherogram to nitrocellulose membranes and detection of the blotted HMW-kininogen with its physiologic ligands, radiolabeled plasma prekallikrein or radiolabeled factor XI. Using unreduced SDS-PAGE cleaved two-chain HMW-kininogen (Mr approximately 107,000 and 95,000), is electrophoretically separated from uncleaved single chain HMW-kininogen (Mr approximately 150,000). Counting the radioactivity of the nitrocellulose pieces corresponding to cleaved HMW-kininogen permits its quantitative measurement by comparison with standards consisting of decreasing amounts of fully dextran sulfate activated normal human plasma. Single chain HMW-kininogen is similarly assayed using reduced SDS-PAGE and unactivated normal human plasma standards. This technique is highly specific and sensitive to about 50 ng of either cleaved or uncleaved HMW-kininogen. Varying amounts of cleaved HMW-kininogen were found in a small series of plasmas from patients suffering from various inflammatory conditions. Higher levels of in vivo cleaved HMW-kininogen were observed during acute attacks of hereditary angioedema due to Cl-inhibitor deficiency. This technique may be useful for the assessment of the degree of in vitro or in vivo activation of the contact system.

Angioedema↗
PubMed1988

Effects of dipyridamole on the hypoxemic pulmonary hypertension of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Based on the hypothesis that blood platelets contribute to the pathogenesis of hypoxemic pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the effect of a prolonged treatment with dipyridamole, a platelet-inhibiting drug, on hypoxemic pulmonary hypertension was evaluated in a double-blind cross-over study. Eight patients with COPD, pulmonary hypertension [mean systolic pressure 52.2 +/- (SD) 9.7 mm Hg; mean diastolic pressure 25.8 +/- (SD) 6.8 mm Hg] and shortened platelet regeneration time [mean 5.2 +/- (SD) 1.2 days] received, in a cross-over random sequence, the following two 3-month treatments: (a) dipyridamole 100 mg and acetylcysteine 100 mg every 6 h; (b) acetylcysteine, 100 mg every 6 h. Dipyridamole significantly prolonged the platelet regeneration time [mean 6.5 +/- (SD) 1.0 days; p less than 0.05]. There was no significant effect on diastolic pulmonary pressure. However, systolic pressure was significantly (p less than 0.05) lower after dipyridamole [46.8 +/- (SD) 16 mm Hg] than after placebo [56.1 +/- (SD) 14 mm Hg]. These results suggest that dipyridamole can slow the progression of hypoxemic pulmonary hypertension in patients with COPD.

Aged↗
PubMed1988

High-molecular weight kininogen is present in cultured human endothelial cells: localization, isolation, and characterization.

The presence of high-molecular weight (mol wt) kininogen was demonstrated in cultured human endothelial cells derived from the umbilical cord by immunofluorescence techniques. Cultured human endothelial cells contain 58 +/- 11 ng (n = 16) high-mol wt kininogen/10(6) cells as determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) specific for high-mol wt kininogen. High-mol wt kininogen was isolated from cultured human endothelial cells by immunoaffinity chromatography. Nonreduced sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) demonstrated that endothelial cell high-mol wt kininogen consisted of five protein bands with mol wts of 95,000, 85,000, 65,000, 46,000, and 30,000 daltons. Immunoblotting of the endothelial cell high-mol wt kininogen by using specific antisera against the heavy and light chain indicated that the 95,000-, 85,000-, and 65,000-dalton bands consisted of the heavy and light chain whereas the 46,000- and 30,000-dalton bands reacted only with the anti-light chain antiserum. Immunoprecipitation studies performed with lysed, metabolically labeled endothelial cells and monospecific antisera directed against high-mol wt kininogen suggested that high-mol wt kininogen is not synthesized by the endothelial cells. Endothelial cells cultured in high-mol wt kininogen-free medium did not contain high-mol wt kininogen. These studies indicate that endothelial cell high-mol wt kininogen was proteolytically cleaved in the culture medium and subsequently internalized by the endothelial cells. Binding and internalization studies performed with 125I-labeled, proteolytically cleaved, high-mol wt kininogen showed that endothelial cells can indeed bind and internalize proteolytically cleaved high-mol wt kininogen in a specific and saturable way.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1987

Autoactivation of human plasma prekallikrein.

Incubation of purified human plasma prekallikrein with sulfatides or dextran sulfate resulted in spontaneous activation of prekallikrein as judged by the appearance of amidolytic activity toward the chromogenic substrate H-D-Pro-Phe-Arg-p-nitroanilide. The time course of generation of amidolytic activity was sigmoidal with an apparent lag phase that was followed by a relatively rapid activation until finally a plateau was reached. Soybean trypsin inhibitor completely blocked prekallikrein activation whereas corn, lima bean, and ovomucoid trypsin inhibitors did not. The Ki of the reversible inhibitor benzamidine for autoactivation (240 microM) was identical to the Ki of benzamidine for kallikrein. Thus, spontaneous prekallikrein activation and kallikrein showed the same specificity for a number of serine protease inhibitors. This indicates that prekallikrein is activated by its own enzymatically active form, kallikrein. Immunoblotting analysis of the time course of activation showed that, concomitant with the appearance of amidolytic activity, prekallikrein was cleaved. However, prekallikrein was not quantitatively converted into two-chain kallikrein since other polypeptide products were visible on the gels. This accounts for the observation that in amidolytic assays not all prekallikrein present in the reaction mixture was measured as active kallikrein. Kinetic analysis showed that prekallikrein activation can be described by a second-order reaction mechanism in which prekallikrein is activated by kallikrein. The apparent second-order rate constant was 2.7 X 10(4) M-1 s-1 (pH 7.2, 50 microM sulfatides, ionic strength I = 0.06, at 37 degrees C). Autocatalytic prekallikrein activation was strongly dependent on the ionic strength, since there was a considerable decrease in the second-order rate constant of the reaction at high salt concentrations. In support of the autoactivation mechanism it was found that increasing the amount of kallikrein initially present in the reaction mixture resulted in a significant reduction of the lag period and a rapid completion of the reaction while the second-order rate constant was not influenced. Our data support a prekallikrein autoactivation mechanism in which surface-bound kallikrein activates surface-bound prekallikrein.

Dextran Sulfate↗
PubMed1987

Immunoblotting studies of coagulation factor XII, plasma prekallikrein, and high molecular weight kininogen.

Immunoblotting techniques for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of FXII, PK, and HMWK in whole plasma are presented. Sensitive, specific, and quantitative immunodetection of FXII and PK can be achieved by developing the blots with polyclonal antiserum followed by radiolabeled FXII or PK, respectively. This approach is based on the assumption that bivalent antibodies bind monovalently to the NC-bound antigen and have available binding sites to bind radiolabeled antigen derived from the fluid phase. This radiolabeled antigen overlay principle may be generally useful for immunodetection of any trace protein in complex mixtures, provided that the radiolabeled purified antigen is available. Immunoblotting may also be helpful for the partial characterization of the structural or functional abnormalities of CRM-positive variant molecules. For example, earlier studies of a FXII-variant molecule that had been purified and characterized were supported by immunoblotting studies of the CRM-positive deficient plasma. Quantitative measurement of HMWK is possible using a monoclonal antibody directed against the light chain of HMWK followed by radiolabeled secondary antibody. Quantitation of cleaved and single-chain HMWK is possible using dilutions of dextran sulfate-activated NHP on unreduced SDS-PAGE and dilutions of unactivated NHP with reduced SDS-PAGE as standards. These assays allow assessment of the degree of in vivo activation of the contact system in various disease states.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1986

Quantitative immunoblotting of plasma and platelet protein S.

Protein S, the activated protein C cofactor, was measured in plasma and in platelets by a quantitative immunoblotting assay using a double antibody technique. Either whole plasma or platelet lysates were electrophoresed on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels and transferred to nitrocellulose membranes by electroblotting. Based on the demonstration of proportional transfer of protein S from the gel to the nitrocellulose membrane, a reproducible and sensitive quantitative assay for protein S antigen (approximately 70,000 MW) was developed that correlated well with the Laurell rocket assay for plasma protein S. Pooled normal plasma contains 22 micrograms/ml protein S. Total platelet protein S antigen at approximately 70,000 MW was determined in gel filtered platelets of ten healthy adults (mean, 163 ng per 10(8) platelets). In the supernatants of thrombin-stimulated platelets, 63% of the total platelet protein S antigen was measured. Thus, quantitative immunoblotting is a useful method to detect low levels of protein S in platelets or in plasma with the advantage of giving qualitative information, i.e. apparent MW, of protein S.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Three abnormal fibrinogen variants with the same amino acid substitution (gamma 275 Arg----His): fibrinogens Bergamo II, Essen and Perugia.

We report on three unrelated individuals with the same uncommon type of dysfibrinogenemia, originating from Bergamo, Essen and Perugia. None of them showed bleeding symptoms while the Bergamo patient and members of her family presented with a thrombotic tendency. The presence of a defective fibrinogen was suggested by prolonged thrombin and reptilase times. Furthermore, fibrinogen concentrations of less than 0.28 g/L were determined by the functional assay whereas values of 1.5-2.4 g/L were measured by heat precipitation or electroimmunoassay. Fibrinogen was isolated by affinity chromatography on insoluble fibrin monomer. The rate of fibrinopeptide release by thrombin was normal while the fibrin polymerization reaction was strongly delayed. An abnormal peptide (gamma 265-310) was isolated by high-performance liquid chromatography after cyanogen bromide cleavage of the purified gamma-chain of fibrinogen Bergamo II and Essen. The same peptide was also isolated following cyanogen bromide treatment of the intact fibrinogen Perugia. Sequence analyses of these peptides demonstrated the same amino acid exchange in all three fibrinogens: gamma 275 arginine----histidine. The described fibrinogen variants appear to possess a molecular defect which has thus far only been observed in fibrinogen Haifa.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1986

Quantitative immunoblotting assay of blood coagulation factor XII.

The immunoblotting technique was applied to the study of Factor XII (F.XII) in plasma. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of whole plasma followed by electroblotting of the electropherograms to nitrocellulose (NC) membranes and immunologic detection by a double antibody technique was used. 125I-F.XII was transferred to the NC membrane in amounts proportional to the amount applied to the gel provided that a constant amount of carrier protein was present. Based on this, a quantitative assay was developed using either normal plasma or F.XII dilutions in F.XII-deficient plasma as standards. The measurement of F.XII antigen by immunoblotting was reproducible and gave values similar to those obtained by radial immunodiffusion. Two normal plasma pools contained 26 and 29 micrograms/ml of F.XII according to the immunoblotting assay. Compared to other immunoassays, immunoblotting has the advantage of directly estimating the apparent molecular weight (MW) of the protein of interest. Thus, we could confirm the normal apparent MW (80,000) of a F.XII-like molecule previously isolated from a cross reacting material (CRM)-positive F.XII-deficient plasma. None of eight CRM-negative F.XII-deficient plasmas showed an 80,000 MW immunoreactive molecule. However, five of these eight plasmas had a faint autoradiographic band at 115,000 MW that was similarly seen in only three out of 43 individual normal plasmas. The nature of this 115,000 MW band remains to be defined.

Autoradiography↗
PubMed1986

Enhanced specificity of immunoblotting using radiolabeled antigen overlay: studies of blood coagulation factor XII and prekallikrein in plasma.

Immunoblotting of blood coagulation Factor XII and plasma prekallikrein in whole plasma was performed using radiolabeled antigen for detection. After sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of plasma and transfer to nitrocellulose sheets, the blots were first reacted with polyclonal goat anti-Factor XII or anti-prekallikrein antisera and then with 125I-Factor XII or 125I-prekallikrein, respectively. A major advantage of using radiolabeled antigen rather than radiolabeled secondary antibody was enhanced specificity of immunodetection of these antigens in plasma. This procedure was sensitive to approximately 0.3 ng of either Factor XII or prekallikrein antigen and was useful for detection of Factor XII cleavage fragments in contact activated plasma. Radiolabeled antigen overlay may improve the specificity of immunoblotting of trace antigens in any complex mixtures.

Collodion↗
PubMed1986

Detection of in vitro and in vivo cleavage of high molecular weight kininogen in human plasma by immunoblotting with monoclonal antibodies.

Purified human high-mol-wt kininogen (HMWK), the cofactor of the contact phase of blood coagulation, migrated as a single band (approximately 110,000 mol wt) in a continuous buffer sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), but appeared as two separated bands (approximately 120,000 and 105,000 mol wt) when analyzed in a discontinuous buffer SDS-PAGE system. After elution from SDS polyacrylamide gels, each of the two bands showed coagulant activity. Six murine monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) against HMWK were produced and purified. In immunoblotting studies, three Mabs bound to the isolated alkylated heavy chain and one to the alkylated light chain of HMWK, whereas the remaining two bound only to the single-chain or unreduced two-chain molecule. None of the Mabs inhibited the clotting activity of HMWK or its binding to kaolin. Two of the Mabs, one directed against the light chain and one against the heavy chain, were used as specific probes to study HMWK in plasma samples using an immunoblotting technique. The anti-light chain Mab identified two distinct bands (approximately 120,000 and approximately 105,000 mol wt) in normal human plasma, but not in plasma from patients with hereditary HMWK deficiency. The anti-heavy chain Mab detected two additional bands (approximately 60,000 and approximately 54,000 mol wt) corresponding to low-mol-wt kininogen (LMWK) in normal plasma. A sensitive and specific quantitative immunoblotting assay of HMWK antigen in plasma was developed. Moreover, the immunoblotting technique with the anti-light chain Mab was used to detect the cleavage of HMWK in plasma samples after in vitro or in vivo activation of the contact system. The anti-light chain Mab demonstrated in vivo activation and cleavage of HMWK during an angioedema attack in a patient with hereditary angioedema and C1-inhibitor deficiency.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1985

Platelet activation in psoriasis.

Recent epidemiological studies have suggested that psoriasis represents a risk factor for thrombotic vascular diseases. In order to evaluate the possible role of hemostatic changes in the development of thrombotic episodes in psoriasis, some parameters of the hemostatic "balance" were investigated in 22 male psoriatic patients and compared to those of 22 male control subjects. Incidence of known risk factors for vascular diseases (diabetes, hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia) was comparable in the two study groups. There were no statistically significant differences in platelet count, circulating platelet aggregates, platelet production of malondialdehyde (MDA), total plasma antithrombin and fibrinolytic activities. In patients with psoriasis the incidence of spontaneous platelet hyperaggregability and plasma levels of beta-thromboglobulin were significantly higher than in control subjects. Platelet regeneration time, measured as MDA recovery after aspirin ingestion, was significantly shorter in psoriatic patients. These data suggest that an in vivo platelet activation occurs in patients with psoriasis and could contribute to the development of thrombotic complications. The release of mitogenic and inflammatory substances by activated platelets may play a role in the histogenesis of psoriatic lesions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Carrier detection in factor VII congenital deficiency.

Thirty obligate and 28 possible carriers of factor VII congenital deficiency, belonging to 16 families, were studied in relation to the immunological variants to which the kindreds belonged, namely, VII+, VIIR and VII-. Factor VII activity and antigen determinations in these subjects formed two phenotypical patterns: a discrepant pattern characterized by a low ratio activity/antigen present in VII+ heterozygotes, and a non-discrepant pattern (normal ratio activity/antigen) which is present in the VII- and VIIR variants. In the first genetic variant the detection of carriers can be performed using the ratio VII:C/VII:Ag. In the other variant, which accounts for the vast majority of heterozygotes, the distribution of the carriers' factor VII is so widespread that a large overlap results between these subjects and the normals. The application of a probabilistic calculation performed by combining the actual values of factor VII:C and the genetic probability of carriership using Fisher's linear discriminant analysis, makes discrimination between carriers and normals easier.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

[Optimization of a method for determining platelet malondialdehyde production].

The platelet MDA production assay is widely used for studying platelet function and turnover. However, as original Stuart's method has low sensitivity, it is not accurate when MDA concentrations are very low. The effects of anticoagulants, incubation periods and clearing procedures were studied in an attempt to overcome this limitation and improve the sensitivity of this method. The results demonstrated that higher PCA and thrombin concentrations and a final addition of concentrated KOH increase the sensitivity of the method by almost eight fold. The higher transparency of the solutions, which is obtained through the sieving effect achieved by insoluble potassium perchlorate cold precipitation, is mainly responsible for the improvement.

Blood Platelets↗
PubMed1983

Effect of DDAVP on plasma level of factor XII.

The effect of DDAVP on blood coagulation factors was investigated after its intravenous infusion into normal subjects. A marked increase in factor XII was observed in addition to the expected rise of factor VIII coagulant activity (VIII:C), factor VIII related antigen (VIIIR:Ag) and plasminogen activator, DDAVP also produced a concomitant but less pronounced rise of factor VII, but there was no change in factors V, IX, X and XI.

Adult↗