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M Tytell

Publications and source records attributed to M Tytell.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Release of heat shock proteins (Hsps) and the effects of extracellular Hsps on neural cells and tissues.

Hsps were long thought to be cytoplasmic proteins with functions restricted to the intra-cellular compartment. However, an increasing number of observations show that they can be released into the extra-cellular space and can then have a wide variety of affects on other cells. The mechanism of release remains unknown, but may involve the shedding of exosomes, which are vesicles containing cytoplasmic constituents. In the nervous system, it appears that glial cells can release the 70 kD Hsps and that neurons exposed to extra-cellular Hsps are more likely to survive injury than their naïve counterparts. These phenomena have great potential significance in the development of neuroprotective therapeutic strategies utilizing the heat shock protein response.

Animals↗

In vitro studies show that Hsp70 can be released by glia and that exogenous Hsp70 can enhance neuronal stress tolerance.

Glial cells release a variety of molecules that support neuronal function. Because heat shock proteins (Hsps) are important in the survival of neurons subjected to metabolic stress, the possibility that glia can release the inducible form of the 70 kDa Hsp (Hsp70) was examined. Additionally, the ability of neuronal cells to show increased stress tolerance by taking up a mixture of constitutive and inducible forms of Hsp70 (Hsc/Hsp70) added to the extracellular fluid was tested. Human T98G glioma cells and differentiated LA-N-5 neuroblastoma cells were used as model glia and neurons to investigate these points. Hsp70 was analyzed using affinity chromatography, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence microscopy. The glioma cells were shown to export Hsp70 into the culture medium whether under normal conditions or subjected to heat shock. The amount of glial Hsp70 released ranged from 5 to 15 pg per 10(6) cells per day, being greater following heat shock. Neuroblastoma cells took up biotinylated Hsc/Hsp70 within 1 h after it was added to the culture medium and it made them more resistant to heat shock (44 degrees C) and to staurosporine-induced apoptosis. This increased stress tolerance was especially important in neuroblastoma cells induced to differentiate with phorbol ester because those 'mature neurons' showed a 10-fold decline in endogenous Hsp70, which was accompanied by increased susceptibility to heat shock and staurosporine-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that extracellular Hsp70 may provide a means by which glia can affect neuronal function, perhaps enhancing neuronal stress tolerance.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Retinal uptake of intravitreally injected Hsc/Hsp70 and its effect on susceptibility to light damage.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the uptake by the rat retina of an intravitreally injected mixture of the constitutive and inducible forms of the 70 kD heat shock protein (Hsc/Hsp70) and test its potential to protect photoreceptors from light damage. METHODS: Hsc/Hsp70 and actin (control protein) were labeled with fluorescein (referred to as fl-Hsc/Hsp70 and fl-actin). The labeled proteins were microinjected intravitreally into the normal or light damaged rat eye and each eye collected at three intervals after the injections. Retinal uptake of Hsc/Hsp70 or actin was studied in frozen sections using epifluorescence microscopy and in western blots of retinal homogenates using an anti-fluorescein antibody. Additionally, the cytoprotective effects of Hsc/Hsp70 were tested in rats that first were exposed to bright light (170 ft-c) for 24 h and then given an intravitreal injection of the protein immediately thereafter. Ten days later, photoreceptor damage was evaluated by measuring the area of the outer nuclear layer at fixed locations along the circumference of the retina. RESULTS: The fluorescein-labeled proteins were detected in the retina one h after administration and were retained there for more than 6 h. They were diffusely distributed, primarily in the nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, and plexiform layers. Fl-Hsc/Hsp70 was also found in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) at 6 h after injection. At 24 h post-injection, the proteins were undetectable by epifluorescence microscopy of retinal sections, but could still be detected in western blots of retinal homogenates. The pattern of protein uptake was similar in light-damaged retinas. Ten days after light damage, the retinas in those eyes that received injections of Hsc/Hsp70 had greater ONL areas compared to either the light-damaged retinas of uninjected eyes or those that had received actin. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreally injected Hsc/Hsp70 is taken up by retinal cells and, when administered after an acute injury like light damage, increased the number of surviving photoreceptors.

Animals↗

Heat shock proteins: new keys to the development of cytoprotective therapies.

All cells, from bacterial to human, have a common, intricate response to stress that protects them from injury. Heat shock proteins (Hsps), also known as stress proteins and molecular chaperones, play a central role in protecting cellular homeostatic processes from environmental and physiologic insult by preserving the structure of normal proteins and repairing or removing damaged ones. An understanding of the interplay between Hsps and cell stress tolerance will provide new tools for treatment and drug design that maximise preservation or restoration of health. For example, the increased vulnerability of tissues to injury in some conditions, such as ageing, diabetes mellitus and menopause, or with the use of certain drugs,, such as some antihypertensive medications, is associated with an impaired Hsp response. Additionally, diseases that are associated with tissue oxidation, free radical formation, disorders of protein folding, or inflammation, may be improved therapeutically by elevated expression of Hsps. The accumulation of Hsps, whether induced physiologically, pharmacologically, genetically, or by direct administration of the proteins, is known to protect the organism from a great variety of pathological conditions, including myocardial infarction, stroke, sepsis, viral infection, trauma, neurodegenerative diseases, retinal damage, congestive heart failure, arthritis, sunburn, colitis, gastric ulcer, diabetic complications and transplanted organ failure. Conversely, lowering Hsps in cancer tissues can amplify the effectiveness of chemo- or radiotherapy. Treatments and agents that induce Hsps include hyperthermia, heavy metals (zinc and tin), salicylates, dexamethasone, cocaine, nicotine, alcohol, alpha-adrenergic agonists, PPAR-gamma agonists, bimoclomol, geldanamycin, geranylgeranylacetone and cyclopentenone prostanoids. Compounds that suppress Hsps include quercetin (a bioflavinoid), 15-deoxyspergualin (an immunosuppressive agent) and retinoic acid. Researchers who are cognisant of the Hsp-related effects of these and other agents will be able to use them to develop new therapeutic paradigms.

Journal Article↗

Hsp25 and -90 immunoreactivity in the normal rat eye.

PURPOSE: The distributions of heat shock protein (Hsp)25 and -90 in various regions of the rat eye are described to provide a basis for understanding their roles in normal, damaged, and diseased ocular tissues. This work complements the earlier examination of Hsp70 and Hsc70 (the constitutive form). METHODS: Eyes of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were fixed in methacarn and embedded in paraffin. Sagittal sections (10 microm) through the optic nerve were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, or incubated with anti-Hsp90, anti-Hsp25, or control IgG. Bound antibody was visualized using an avidin-biotin-horseradish peroxidase detection system. RESULTS: Hsp90 immunoreactivity was abundant in the retina, whereas only low levels of Hsp25 were detected there. In the optic nerve, the relative difference in immunoreactivity for the two Hsps was reversed, with Hsp25 being considerably greater than Hsp90. Both Hsps were detected at low levels in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), except for that portion within 250 microm of the optic disc, where Hsp25 and -90 immunoreactivities were increased. Similar to the optic nerve, the corneal epithelium showed greater staining for Hsp25 than for Hsp90, and basal cells contained the highest levels of immunoreactivity for both Hsps. In the ciliary body and iris, Hsp25 and -90 were abundant and similarly distributed in the epithelial and stromal layers. CONCLUSIONS: Each of the ocular tissues had distinctive patterns of Hsp25 and -90 immunostaining. These results suggest that the various structures of the eye have unique requirements for the particular chaperoning and supportive functions of these two Hsp families.

Animals↗

Constitutive and inducible heat shock protein 70 immunoreactivity in the normal rat eye.

PURPOSE: Distributions for the constitutive and inducible 70-kDa heat shock proteins, Hsc70 and Hsp70, in different parts of the rat eye are likely to be related to the metabolic demands required for absorption and detection of light. This study was conducted to better understand the functions of Hsc70 and Hsp70 in these tissues and to provide a basis for elucidating their contributions to the maintenance and repair of ocular structures subsequent to tissue injury or cellular degeneration. METHODS: Eyes from male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-300 g) were fixed in methacarn and embedded in paraffin. Sagittal sections (10 microm) through the optic nerve were stained with hematoxylin and eosin or incubated with heat shock protein antibody or control IgG. Bound antibody was visualized using an avidin- biotin- horseradish peroxidase detection system. RESULTS: Hsc70 immunoreactivity was detected in all layers of the retina, except the outer segments. In the retinal pigment epithelium, staining was restricted to cells near the optic nerve-retina junction. Intense staining was also observed in glial nuclei of the optic nerve, whereas weaker staining was observed in the basal and wing cells of the limbal and corneal epithelia. In contrast, Hsp70 immunoreactivity was restricted to the outer nuclear layer and inner segments of the retina. Hsp70 staining was also prominent in basal and wing cells of the limbal cornea and to a lesser extent in the central corneal epithelium. The optic nerve was Hsp70 negative. CONCLUSIONS: Hsc70 and Hsp70 have distinct distributions in the normal rat eye, which imply regional and cell-specific functions.

Animals↗

Changes in glutamate receptor subunit composition in hippocampus and cortex in patients with refractory epilepsy.

An assessment of glutamate receptor subunit profiles was made in hippocampus and temporal lobe cortex of patients with refractory epilepsy. Molecular biological analyses using reverse transcription reaction (RT) followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed changes in the distribution profile of the transcripts of AMPA/KA glutamate receptor subunits in hippocampal and cortical tissue from patients with refractory epilepsy when compared to similar tissue from six human and four non-human primate samples with no history of seizures or seizure medication. A severe mean decrease (38% of control) in mRNA for the GluR1 subunit was found in 400 mm cross-sections of hippocampus from patients with epilepsy. Less severe but significant reductions in that GluR1 subunit expression (54% of control) were exhibited in samples of excised temporal pole cortex from the same subjects. Message for the GluR4 subunit was also significantly decreased in hippocampus (68% of control), but in contrast to GluR1, GluR4 mRNA level was not decreased in temporal cortex. Levels of GluR2 mRNA were not significantly changed in epileptic hippocampal and cortical tissue relative to control samples. Protein levels of the GluR1 and GluR4 subunits quantified by Western blot analysis were also reduced in hippocampal and cortical tissue from epilepsy patients. Two other kainate subunit transcripts, GluR6 and KA1 also showed significant changes compared to non-epileptic tissue (136% and 71% of control, respectively). Results are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms by which protracted seizures could produce selective loss of certain AMPA/KA subunits.

Adult↗

Heat shock protein 70 in the retina of Xenopus laevis, in vivo and in vitro: effect of metabolic stress.

We utilized the frog eyecup as an in vitro model to compare heat-shock protein 70 (hsp70) synthesis in untreated retinas and in hyperthermia-, arsenite-, or glutamate-treated retinas. Hsp70-like immunoreactivity in vivo was concentrated in the photoreceptors in a pattern that was basically unchanged throughout the light/dark cycle. Retinas from eyecups in culture displayed the same immunoreactivity pattern as those in vivo except for a rapid, transient increase in immunoreactivity surrounding the photoreceptor nuclei. The immunoreactivity pattern in heat-treated retinas was similar to that of controls, but overall intensity was greatest in the outer plexiform layer. Arsenite-treated retinas displayed hsp70-like immunoreactivity in a pattern that was also like that of control retinas. Glutamate exposure resulted in increased hsp70-like immunoreactivity not only in the inner segments and outer plexiform layer, but also in photoreceptor nuclei. Gel fluorography of 35S-methionine-labeled proteins from heat- and arsenite-stressed retinas demonstrated increased synthesis of one or two proteins of approximately 70 kD and one protein of approximately 90 kD. Exposure of eyecups to glutamate did not result in detectable changes in protein synthesis. Following exposure to heat or glutamate, the retinas displayed swelling of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) as well as pyknotic nuclei in the inner nuclear layer. Exposure of eyecups to arsenite caused clumping of the melanin granules of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) but not IPL swelling or pyknotic nuclei. We have shown that the stress response can be manipulated successfully in the in vitro Xenopus retina and that the pattern of the response depends on the nature of the stressor.

Animals↗

Exogenous heat shock cognate protein Hsc 70 prevents axotomy-induced death of spinal sensory neurons.

Elevation of intracellular heat shock protein (Hsp)70 increases resistance of cells to many physical and metabolic insults. We tested the hypothesis that treatment with Hsc70 can also produce that effect, using the model of axotomy-induced neuronal death in the neonatal mouse. The sciatic nerve was sectioned and in some animals purified bovine brain Hsc70 was applied to the proximal end of the nerve immediately thereafter and again 3 days later. Seven days postaxotomy, the surviving sensory neurons of the lumbar dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and motoneurons of the lumbar ventral spinal cord were counted to assess cell death. Axotomy induced the death of approximately 33% of DRG neurons and 50% of motoneurons, when examined 7 days postinjury. Application of exogenous Hsc70 prevented axotomy-induced death of virtually all sensory neurons, but did not significantly alter motoneuron death. Thus, Hsc70 may prove to be useful in the repair of peripheral sensory nerve damage.

Animals↗

Glia-to-axon communication: enrichment of glial proteins transferred to the squid giant axon.

The transfer of newly synthesized proteins from the glial sheath into the axon is a well-documented process for the squid giant axon. In this study, we used a novel approach to separate the transferred glial proteins (TGPs) from the endogenous axoplasmic proteins of the squid giant axon. Axoplasm, containing radiolabelled TGPs, was extruded as a cylinder and immersed in an intracellular buffer. After 1-30 min, the TGPs were enriched in the intracellular buffer, because they were eluted from the axoplasm into the intracellular buffer much faster than the endogenous axoplasmic proteins. Most of the TGPs enriched in the intracellular buffer did not pellet when centrifuged at 24,000 g for 20 min and were susceptible to protease digestion without the addition of Triton X-100. Additionally, transmission electron microscopic autoradiography of intact axons, containing radiolabelled TGPs, suggested that most TGPs were not associated with vesicular organelles within the axon. We conclude that most of the TGPs are not contained within vesicles in the axoplasm of the squid giant axon, as would be expected if the mechanism of glia-to-axon transfer were conventional exocytosis-endocytosis or microphagocytosis.

Animals↗

Differential distribution of 70-kD heat shock protein in atherosclerosis. Its potential role in arterial SMC survival.

Smooth muscle cell death may contribute to necrotic plaque rupture and subsequent thromboembolus. Stress-induced synthesis of heat-shock proteins (HSPs) normally protects cells from death, but vascular HSPs may become insufficient as cytotoxicity increases in advanced plaques. To determine whether vascular HSP content is altered near necrosis, we compared 70-kD HSP (HSP70) distribution between fibrotic and necrotic plagues in immunostained carotid endarterectomy specimens. Average levels of HSP70 immunoreactivity were compared by video densitometry between fibrotic and necrotic plaques or between their underlying media. Both necrotic plaques and their underlying media contained significantly more HSP70 staining than did fibrotic tissues. To test whether cellular HSP70 correlated with resistance to toxicity in vitro, aortic smooth muscle cells (aSMCs) were heat shocked to induce endogenous HSPs or given 2 to 50 micrograms/mL purified HSP70. Cells were then serum deprived or exposed to 12 to 96 mumol/L cholestanetriol (C3ol) or 25-hydroxycholesterol, and survival was determined. Cellular HSP70 content was assayed by immunoblotting, and protein synthesis was monitored by 35S radiolabeling. Serum deprivation inhibited general protein synthesis but induced HSP70; C3ol exposure inhibited both overall protein and HSP70 synthesis, including post-heat shock. Induction of endogenous HSPs or 10 micrograms/mL exogenous HSP70 improved viability of serum-deprived cells (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively), while only exogenous HSP70 protected against C3ol (P < .002). The results suggest that insufficient HSP70 accumulates in aSMCs residing near necrosis to protect against plaque toxicity; aSMC death might then occur, allowing resident macrophages to degrade and destabilize the matrix, leading to rupture.

Animals↗

Immunocytochemical and ultrastructural characterization of type 1 astrocytes and 0-2A lineage cells in long-term co-cultures.

We examined cultures of purified type 1 astrocytes and mixed glial co-cultures containing type 1 astrocytes and 0-2A lineage cells in media containing fetal calf serum at 5 days in vitro (DIV), 12 DIV, and 30 DIV, using cell-specific immunocytochemical markers and electron microscopy. At all three time points and in both culture systems, the polygonal-shaped type 1 astrocytes were A2B5-, GFAP+, and GalC-(specific markers for 0-2A lineage cells, and mature astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, respectively). From 5 to 30 DIV, the type 1 astrocytes increased markedly in size and the appearance of the cytoskeleton changed dramatically, with the amount of glial filaments increasing and microtubules decreasing. At 5, 12, and 30 DIV, the 0-2A lineage cells were multipolar, A2B5 +, HNK-1 +, GFAP-, and GalC-. The 0-2 lineage cells could not be distinguished as either astrocytes or oligodendrocytes on the basis of immunocytochemical or ultrastructural characteristics. These cells had dense cytoplasm, very few intermediate filaments, and a large number of vacuoles and dense bodies. The general characteristics of the cultured astrocytes at 12 DIV and 30 DIV were similar to mature and aged astrocytes in vivo, respectively. These findings suggest that the culture environment in this study accelerated aging of type 1 astrocytes. 0-2A lineage cells, on the other hand, appeared unable to differentiate into either type 2 astrocytes or oligodendrocytes when cultured in the presence of both type 1 astrocytes and fetal calf serum.

Animals↗

Induction of heat shock (stress) protein 70 and its mRNA in the normal and light-damaged rat retina after whole body hyperthermia.

In situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry were used to investigate the distribution of the 70 kDa heat shock or stress protein (hsp70) and its mRNA in specific layers of the retina of adult rats at 0, 4, 18, and 48 or 50 hr after a brief whole body hyperthermic treatment. Induction of hsp70 mRNA was noted in the photoreceptor layer of the retina within 4 hr after hyperthermia. Pronounced accumulation of inducible hsp70 immunoreactivity was observed in cytoplasmic extensions of the photoreceptor cells, especially the inner segment zone which attained peak levels at the 18 hr time point. Selective destruction of photoreceptors by light damage prior to hyperthermia inhibited the post-hyperthermic rise in newly synthesized retinal hsp70. Our results suggest that the photoreceptor cell layer is the primary site of synthesis of hsp70 in the rat retina and that the greatest increase in hsp70 immunoreactivity following such a hyperthermic stress occurs in that layer. This stress response of the photoreceptors is discussed in relation to their location and function in the retina.

Animals↗

Atherosclerosis alters the localization of HSP70 in human and macaque aortas.

Evidence suggests an important role for heat shock proteins (HSPs) in the evolution of atherosclerotic necrotic cores. The present study compared normal-appearing and atherosclerotic aortas obtained from control and diet-induced atherosclerotic cynomolgus macaques and from human autopsies, with respect to the localization and content of 70-kDa HSPs (HSP70). The distribution pattern of HSP70 was determined by immunostaining tissue sections with anti-HSP70 monoclonal antibody against both constitutive and inducible isoforms. Changes in HSP70 staining with developing atherosclerosis were quantitated using video morphometry. Total aortic HSP70 content was evaluated by Western blotting tissue homogenates. In both macaque and human aortas, HSP70 staining was homogeneous in normal-appearing regions, but developed a heterogeneous pattern in the presence of atherosclerosis. Immunostaining for three other HSPs (90, 65, and 28 kDa) confirmed the change as HSP-specific. Video morphometry indicated a significant positive association between severity of atherosclerosis and altered patterns of HSP70 staining. However, Western blots detected no difference in total HSP70 content of either human or macaque aortas with plaque progression. The data suggest HSP70 localization changes in aortas during atherosclerosis evolution without affecting overall aortic HSP70 content. Such changes in HSP70 localization may reflect differences in the cellular response and resistance to cytotoxic conditions present within the plaque, which could influence the expansion of necrotic cores.

Animals↗

Exogenous HSP70 becomes cell associated, but not internalized, by stressed arterial smooth muscle cells.

Cell death within atherosclerotic plaques leads to necrosis and rupture, resulting in vascular occlusion. We have previously demonstrated that addition of exogenous 70 kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) to arterial smooth muscle cells (aSMCs) in vitro can protect against toxins that may initiate necrosis. To determine whether exogenous HSP70 enters aSMCs or acts from outside cells to preserve viability, cultured rabbit aSMCs were stressed by serum deprivation and treated with fluorescently labeled (7-aminomethyl-4-coumarin-3-acetate) or 125I-radiolabeled HSP70. Cell-associated HSP70 was analyzed using Western blotting, fluorescence spectroscopy, and gamma counting/autoradiography. Surface binding of HSP70 to aSMCs was differentiated from uptake by using trypsin treatment to degrade non-internalized HSP70. Specificity of HSP70 binding was tested by inhibiting uptake of 125I-HSP70 with excess unlabeled HSP70 or bovine serum albumin (BSA). The effect of unlabeled exogenous HSP70 on endogenous HSP synthesis was also tested. Exogenous HSP70 increased total cell-associated HSP70 2.9- to 3.6-fold over levels present in unstressed aSMCs. However, < 5% of the exogenous HSP70 was trypsin-insensitive, indicating that bound HSP70 was not internalized. Binding of 125I-HSP70 was inhibited by both unlabeled HSP70 and BSA, implying a non-specific interaction with the plasmalemma. Exogenous HSP70 significantly lowered overall protein synthesis by serum-deprived aSMCs, but it did not specifically inhibit synthesis of endogenous HSPs after heat shock. The results indicate that exogenous HSP70 protects viability of stressed aSMCs through interactions with the cell surface rather than via internalization.

Animals↗

Transplantation of cultured type 1 astrocyte cell suspensions into young, adult and aged rat cortex: cell migration and survival.

The present study examined the fate and migration of transplanted astrocytes in different host ages. Additionally, the effect of donor cell age was examined in relation to cell migration. Cultured astrocytes from 5, 12 and 30 days in vitro were transplanted into young (postnatal day 5 and 21), adult (4.5 month), and aged (21 month) animals. The transplanted cells were labeled with Fast Blue, Fluorogold or DiI. The results confirmed previous studies demonstrating that transplanted cells were able to migrate successfully through host central nervous system and extended those findings to show that the age of the host significantly influenced donor cell migration distance. Migration was most extensive in young animals, as conditions supporting cell migration appeared to be lacking in older animals. Donor cells preferentially migrated on myelinated fiber tracts, rather than on unmyelinated fiber tracts or gray matter. The donor cells were not glial fibrillary acidic protein positive, indicating that either the cultured type 1 astrocytes did not survive transplantation or underwent significant remodeling of the intermediate filament network. It is also possible that a subpopulation of cells, possibly immature astrocytes which are present in the transplanted cell suspensions, flourished and subsequently migrated in the host brains.

Aging↗