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Biomedical subjects

M S Wolfe

Publications and source records attributed to M S Wolfe.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Synthesis of heat shock proteins in cultured chick pineal cells.

Chick pineal cells in static culture display a persistent, photosensitive, circadian rhythm of melatonin synthesis and release. Melatonin synthesis and its rhythm are also sensitive to temperature changes. By SDS-PAGE autoradiography, we found that several heat shock proteins (HSPs 25, 70, and 90) are synthesized under temperature conditions which also cause changes in melatonin production and rhythms. We did not see substantial phase-dependent differences in the induction of HSP synthesis, nor did we detect any clear effect of light on the synthesis of these proteins.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Cyclosporin A does not affect the absolute rate of cortical bone resorption at the organ level in the growing rat.

The weanling rat, an animal model of rapid bone turnover, was used to evaluate the effects of various doses of cyclosporin A (CsA) on various bones during different time periods. Sprague-Dawley male rats were extensively prelabeled with 3H-tetracycline during 1-3 weeks of age. At 4 weeks of age, four groups of rats were given daily subcutaneous injections: vehicle or CsA--low dose (10 mg/kg), intermediary dose (20 mg/kg), or high dose (30 mg/kg) for 7, 14, or 28 days. Three different whole bones--the femur (low turnover), scapula (moderate turnover), and lumbar-6 vertebra (high turnover) were harvested intact at 4, 5, 6, and 8 weeks of age. The whole bones were assayed weekly for total dry defatted weight, calcium mass (formation), and loss of 3H-tetracycline (bone resorption) following treatment with CsA. Serum CsA levels, calcium creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase were measured weekly. Significant decreases in serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase were observed at 1 and 2 weeks, and were normalized by 4 weeks of treatment. No significant changes in serum creatinine were noted. For all three doses of CsA, no effect was observed on the absolute rate of cortical bone resorption of three different, whole bones over three time periods. Body weight and bone formation in treated animals was significantly smaller in a dose- and time-related fashion compared with control animals at sacrifice. However, compared with the initial control animals, body weights and bone masses of the final treated animals were much larger, suggesting that the smaller bone masses were due to insufficient growth and slow gain in bone mass.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed1994

Dietary polyunsaturated fat decreases coronary artery atherosclerosis in a pediatric-aged population of African green monkeys.

The hypothesis tested was that juvenile African green monkeys consuming diets enriched with n-6 polyunsaturated fat from birth until young adulthood would have significantly less coronary artery atherosclerosis than comparable animals consuming diets enriched with saturated fat. African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops, n = 108) of both sexes were fed atherogenic diets (0.8 mg cholesterol/kcal) throughout their lives so that death at 16, 32, or 60 months of age permitted quantification of atherosclerosis. In the coronary arteries, the average intimal area increased significantly with age (P = .02), showing increases of 28-fold and sevenfold between 32 and 60 months in the saturated fat- and polyunsaturated fat-fed groups, respectively. Young adult male animals at 60 months of age were found to have significantly (P = .03) more coronary artery atherosclerosis than female animals. Animals fed polyunsaturated fat had significantly (P < or = .01) less coronary artery atherosclerosis. By 60 months of age in the animals consuming polyunsaturated fat, the average coronary artery intimal area was one fourth and the average size of the largest coronary intimal lesion was one fifth that in monkeys fed saturated fat. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and LDL particle size were each found to be positively correlated with coronary artery atherosclerosis end points in both diet groups. In addition to the coronary arteries, atherosclerosis in the abdominal and thoracic aorta and carotid arteries was also evaluated; the coronary arteries were the only arterial system with significantly less atherosclerosis in the polyunsaturated fat group as measured by intimal area. However, evaluation of histological sections of abdominal aorta showed relatively more sterol clefts in the saturated fat-fed group, and more free cholesterol was measured, suggesting that lesions were more complicated in this group. These results show that dietary intervention early in life with n-6 polyunsaturated fat can be effective in decreasing the development of atherosclerosis, particularly in the coronary arteries of primates. This outcome supports the concept that dietary intervention beginning early in childhood can have beneficial effects on the coronary heart disease of later life.

Aging↗
PubMed1993

Angiopeptin inhibition of myointimal hyperplasia after balloon angioplasty of large arteries in hypercholesterolaemic rabbits.

1. Currently, a wide range of drugs is being evaluated for the ability to prevent the restenosis which frequently accompanies percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Patients undergoing angioplasty are generally hypercholesterolaemic and therefore the possibility that plasma lipids may compromise the efficacy of anti-restenotic drugs must be assessed. A promising drug in several clinical trials for the prevention of restenosis is angiopeptin, an octapeptide analogue of somatostatin that possesses a highly lipophilic terminal. 2. The effect of angiopeptin on myointimal hyperplasia was studied in a rabbit model of arterial balloon catheter injury where the rabbits were made hypercholesterolaemic by a 0.5% cholesterol diet. The degree of subsequent myointimal thickening was measured by morphometry. 3. Angiopeptin (20 micrograms day-1 kg-1) significantly inhibited myointimal thickening by an average of 47% in the infrarenal aorta and both the common and external iliac arteries in the presence of elevated plasma lipids concentrations. Low dose angiopeptin (2 micrograms day-1 kg-1) significantly inhibited myointimal thickening in the external iliac artery but not in the other two vessels. 4. Angiopeptin treatment (20 micrograms day-1 kg-1) did not significantly modify the plasma cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein, intermediate-sized low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein concentrations that were elevated by the 0.5% cholesterol diet. 5. We conclude that the inhibitory effect of angiopeptin is largely unaffected by elevated plasma lipid concentrations and that this drug did not modify plasma lipid concentrations in rabbits.

Angioplasty, Balloon↗
PubMed1993

Structural characterization of PACAP receptors on rat liver plasma membranes.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-38 (PACAP-38) and PACAP-27 are recently characterized hypothalamic peptides with marked homology with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), which are concentrated in the innervation of the digestive tract. We now report that, on rat liver plasma membranes, PACAP interacts with at least two types of receptors: receptors demonstrating equally high affinity for PACAP and VIP and receptors with high affinity for PACAP but low affinity for VIP. In contrast, on rat intestinal epithelial cell laterobasal membranes, only receptors with high affinities for PACAP and VIP were observed. After 125I-labeled VIP or 125I-labeled PACAP-27 was cross-linked to the liver plasma membrane receptors with the use of either disuccinimidosuberate or disuccinimido dithiobis(propionate), analysis of the resulting ligand-receptor complexes on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the structures of the VIP and PACAP receptors were similar: both ligand-receptor complexes displayed two radioactive bands with relative molecular weights of 80,000 and 56,000 under reducing conditions and of 75,000 and 53,000 under nonreducing conditions. These findings suggest that the receptors for the PACAP peptides and VIP are closely related, reflecting the marked homology between these peptides. The presence of receptors specific for PACAP on rat liver plasma membranes should stimulate further studies of the interaction between PACAP and the liver.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Childhood consumption of dietary polyunsaturated fat lowers risk for coronary artery atherosclerosis in African green monkeys.

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that consumption of diets enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids beginning at birth and continuing into young adulthood would lower the risk for atherosclerotic coronary heart disease early in life through their effects on plasma lipid and apolipoprotein concentrations while supporting good health and normal development. Accordingly, African green monkeys (n = 140) were raised on atherogenic diets (0.8 mg cholesterol per kcal) enriched with either saturated or n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Breast milk from mothers fed the polyunsaturated fat diet became enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids relative to the saturated group; thus, the period of nursing also reflected the dietary fatty acid shift. Age, gender, and dietary fat type independently affected plasma lipid and apolipoprotein concentrations. Age effects were similar for all lipid and lipoprotein variables; the concentrations were low immediately after birth, increased dramatically during the first 4-6 months of life, and then attained levels similar to those of adult animals by 2 years of age. Significant differences by gender were found such that females maintained lower total plasma cholesterol concentrations and higher high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and apolipoprotein (apo) A-I concentrations. Dietary fat effects were age dependent. Before weaning at 5 months of age, total plasma cholesterol and apoB concentrations were lower in animals consuming polyunsaturated fat, and this pattern was maintained into young adulthood. Lower concentrations of plasma triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and apoA-I for polyunsaturated fat-fed animals were found only in the postweaning period (6-60 months of age). Since this pattern of response to dietary polyunsaturated fat in the juvenile animals was similar to that for adult animals fed these same diets in which there was less atherosclerosis and because subsequent studies have documented less coronary artery atherosclerosis in the polyunsaturated fat-fed juveniles, we conclude that early dietary intervention was beneficial in this group for lowering the risk of coronary artery atherosclerosis. The results in this primate model support the concept that intervention to modify coronary heart disease risk that is initiated early in childhood will have beneficial effects.

Aging↗
PubMed1993

Effects of 4'-modified analogs of aristeromycin on the metabolism of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine in murine L929 cells.

(1'R,2'S,3')-9-(2',3'-Dihydroxycyclopentan-1'-yl)adenine (DHCaA), (1'R,2'S,3'R)-9-(2',3'-dihydroxycyclopentan-1'-yl)-3-deazaadenine (3-deaza-DHCaA), (4'R)-4'-methyl-DHCaA, and (4'R)-4'-vinyl-DHCaA, which are analogs of the carbocyclic nucleoside aristeromycin, were synthesized earlier by our laboratory and were shown to be potent inhibitors of purified bovine liver S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) hydrolase (EC 3.3.1.1). In the present study, these analogs were shown to produce rapid (within 15 min) and concentration-dependent (0.03-10 microM) inhibition of AdoHcy hydrolase in cultured murine L929 cells [relative order of inhibitory activity, DHCaA = 3-deaza-DHCaA >> (4'R)-4'-vinyl-DHCaA = (4'R)-4'-methyl-DHCaA]. The relative potencies of these inhibitors on the L929 AdoHcy hydrolase were consistent with their inhibitory effects on the recombinant forms of rat liver and human placental enzymes. This inhibition of L929 cellular AdoHcy hydrolase persisted for up to 48 hr. The inhibition of the L929 AdoHcy hydrolase resulted in a significant increase in the cellular concentrations of AdoHcy, whereas the cellular S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) levels remained relatively constant, thereby elevating the AdoHcy/AdoMet ratios. Maximum increases in AdoHcy levels and AdoHcy/AdoMet ratios occurred within 6 hr of exposure to the inhibitors and persisted for at least 24 hr. At a concentration of 1 microM, DHCaA and 3-deaza-DHCaA increased AdoHcy/AdoMet ratios to approximately 0.8 (after 24 hr of exposure to the inhibitors), whereas (4'R)-4'-vinyl-DHCaA and (4'R)-4'-methyl-DHCaA elevated AdoHcy/AdoMet ratios to approximately 0.15, compared with control levels of 0.05. Treatment of L929 cells with concentrations of DHCaA, 3-deaza-DHCaA, (4'R)-4'-vinyl-DHCaA, and (4'R)-4'-methyl-DHCaA up to 10 microM did not result in changes in cellular levels of endogenous nucleotides (e.g., CTP, UTP, ATP, and GTP). In contrast, cells treated with 10 microM aristeromycin for 6 hr contained reduced cellular levels of CTP, ATP, and GTP and significant levels of aristeromycin triphosphate and a GTP metabolite of this carbocyclic nucleoside. These data clearly show that the 4'-modified analogs [DHCaA, 3-deaza-DHCaA, (4'R)-4'-vinyl-DHCaA, and (4'R)-4'-methyl-DHCaA] retain inhibitory activity toward cellular AdoHcy hydrolase, causing elevated levels of AdoHcy and elevated AdoHcy/AdoMet ratios. However, these analogs are devoid of substrate or inhibitory activity toward cellular adenosine kinase. In addition, aristeromycin is rapidly metabolized in murine L929 cell lysates, i.e., > 60% of the aristeromycin had been metabolized in 6 hr. In contrast, neither DHCaA nor 3-deaza-DHCaA showed any decrease in concentration after incubation with cell lysates for up to 6 hr.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1992

4'-modified analogues of aristeromycin and neplanocin A: synthesis and inhibitory activity toward S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase.

The carbocyclic adenosine analogues aristeromycin and neplanocin A both display significant S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (AdoHcy) hydrolase inhibitory activity and broad-spectrum antiviral effects. Since phosphorylation of the 4'-hydroxymethyl substituent has been implicated with the cytotoxicity of these compounds, various analogues modified at this position were synthesized utilizing a key cyclopentenone intermediate 3 which can be derived from several members of the natural chiral pool. Cyclopentenone 3 underwent a highly stereoselective conjugate addition with organocuprate reagents, and the 1,4-adducts so formed were then readily elaborated to the corresponding 4'-modified aristeromycin analogues. Alternatively, quenching the enolate intermediate of the organocuprate conjugate addition with methanesulfinyl chloride followed by pyrolytic syn elimination resulted in the formation of 4'-modified neplanocin A intermediates. Three of the final compounds (1b, 1c, and 1e) displayed inhibitory activity toward AdoHcy hydrolase in the nanomolar range.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1992

High affinity binding proteins for pancreatic polypeptide on rat liver membranes.

We report here the identification on rat liver plasma membranes and microsomes of proteins that bind pancreatic polypeptide (PP) with high affinity and specificity (plasma membranes: KD = 4.6 nM, Bmax = 3.28 pmol/mg protein; microsomes: KD = 3.45 nM, Bmax = 18.7 pmol/mg protein). These binding proteins appeared coupled to a G-protein, since 0.1 mM guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) decreased the affinity by half. When 125I-labeled PP-binding protein complexes covalently cross-linked with disuccinimido suberate were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, two radioactive bands with M(r) values of 52,000 and 38,000 were demonstrated. Both bands were inhibited by unlabeled PP with an IC50 of approximately 5 nM (but not by neuropeptide Y or peptide YY). After the cross-linked complexes were solubilized from liver microsomes with 0.2% Triton X-100 and gel-filtered, they did not interact with the lectins wheat germ agglutinin, Ulex europaeus agglutinin, Ricinus communis agglutinin, and soy bean agglutinin. That these binding proteins may not be glycosylated was further supported by the failure of either peptide N-glycosidase F and endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase F to alter the size of the PP-binding protein complexes on gel electrophoresis. These PP-binding proteins may serve as receptors and mediate a hepatic effect of PP.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Tropical diseases in immigrants and internationally adopted children.

Immigrants, particularly those from the developing world, make up a significant number of tropical disease cases seen in a temperate climate. Internationally adopted children are another group in which tropical and other infectious diseases must be considered. The differential diagnoses of various syndromes in these populations in relation to relatively more common tropical diseases are reviewed.

Adoption↗
PubMed1992

Age- and dietary fat-related effects on biliary lipids and cholesterol gallstone formation in African green monkeys.

The effects of age and dietary fat on bile cholesterol saturation index (CSI) and cholesterol gallstone formation were studied in three age groups of male African green monkeys. Animals were fed semipurified diets containing cholesterol (0.34 g/100 g diet) and 42% of energy as saturated or polyunsaturated fat. Animals were killed at 16 (pre-pubertal), 32 (peri-pubertal) or 60 (young adult) mo of age; the presence of gallstones was determined and gallbladder bile was analyzed for CSI and bile acid composition. Cholesterol gallstones were present in 9% of 60-mo-old animals, compared with a 42% incidence in adult animals fed these same diets for 5 y. Gallbladder bile from the 32-mo-old group contained significantly more cholesterol and had a higher CSI as compared with the other age groups. Dietary fat had no effect on biliary lipid composition. We conclude that the increase in CSI around the time of puberty in male monkeys is not clinically significant in terms of gallstone formation, and that polyunsaturated fat feeding is not associated with adverse effects. Because the incidence of gallstone formation in these young adults was lower than that seen in older adults, a minimal amount of time consuming a lithogenic diet as an adult seems to be required for stone genesis.

Aging↗
PubMed1992

Giardiasis.

Giardiasis is one of the most common pathogenic intestinal protozoal infections worldwide. Giardia lamblia is the most frequently identified etiologic agent in outbreaks associated with the ingestion of surface water, often due to ineffective filtration or pretreatment. In addition to humans, other sources of infection include beavers, perhaps muskrats, and possibly domestic animals. A low infecting dose (10 to 25 cysts) is reported to be sufficient to produce human infection. Clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic to a transient or persistent acute stage, with steatorrhea, intermittent diarrhea, and weight loss, or to a subacute or chronic stage that can mimic gallbladder or peptic ulcer disease. Diagnosis is usually based on repeated stool examinations but examination of duodenal fluid or biopsy material may also be necessary. Enzyme immunoassay or indirect immunofluorescence methods for direct detection of antigen or whole organisms in clinical specimens have also been developed. These tests are reported to be more sensitive than routine stool examination. Demonstration of serum immunoglobulin M and G antibodies may help differentiate recent from past infection or help detect recurrence in individuals who have been treated previously. Serum immunoglobulin A levels may be a useful indicator of exposure in waterborne outbreaks of diarrhea. Drugs available for treatment within the United States include metronidazole, quinacrine hydrochloride, and furazolidone.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Eosinophilia in the returning traveler.

Eosinophilia in a traveler returning from the developing world should first and foremost suggest the possible presence of a helminth parasite. Protozoal parasites are much less commonly associated with eosinophilia. Other entities to be considered include allergies, drug reactions, and numerous other miscellaneous causes.

Eosinophilia↗
PubMed1991

Travel medicine and travel clinics.

In response to the vast number of American travelers to the developing world, the discipline of Travel Medicine has become an emerging specialty. There are presently no formal Board or other requirements to practice Travel Medicine, but bona fide practitioners of this field, who also usually direct travel clinics, should at the least be well-trained and experienced in tropical medicine and medical aspects of travel, and have had considerable overseas work experience. The concept of travel medicine and the need for travel clinics operated by well-qualified physicians are discussed. The areas of involvement of travel clinics in protecting the health of the traveler are described.

Ambulatory Care Facilities↗
PubMed1990

Acute diarrhea associated with travel.

Travelers' diarrhea, an acute illness that affects between 20 and 50 percent of travelers to high-risk areas, is usually acquired by eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water, or coming in contact with the contaminated hands of an infected person. Travelers' diarrhea can be caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic agents. The Travelers' Diarrhea Consensus Conference has recommended prophylactic measures, which include proper preparation of food and beverages, nonantimicrobial agents, and antimicrobial agents. The newer quinolone antibiotics and bismuth subsalicylate may also be useful prophylactically. Appropriate treatment methods include oral fluids and electrolyte replacement, nonspecific agents such as bismuth subsalicylate, antimotility agents such as loperamide hydrochloride and diphenoxylate hydrochloride, and antimicrobial and antiparasitic agents.

Acute Disease↗