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Biomedical subjects

R H Silverman

Publications and source records attributed to R H Silverman.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Therapeutic ultrasound for the treatment of glaucoma.

A multicenter clinical trial of therapeutic ultrasound for the treatment of glaucoma included 20 centers in the United States in which 1,117 treatments were performed on 880 eyes. The study was limited to patients with refractory glaucoma who had not benefited from conventional medical and surgical techniques. Approximately 782 of 1,117 treatments (70%) showed an initial decrease in intraocular pressure from a pretreatment mean of 38.1 mm Hg to 22 mm Hg or less. By Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the single treatment success rate (intraocular pressure between 6 and 22 mm Hg) was 48.7% at six months posttreatment. When retreatment was used subsequent to failure, the one-year multitreatment success rate was 79.3%. The most common complications were an immediate posttreatment intraocular pressure increase lasting a few hours and mild iritis. Other complications included scleral thinning in 28 of 1,117 treatments (2.5%) and phthisis bulbi in 12 of 1,117 treatments (1.1%).

Adolescent↗

Histologic effects of contact ultrasound for the treatment of glaucoma.

The histologic effects of a contact ultrasound applicator were compared with those of the immersion applicator that is currently used clinically for the treatment of glaucoma. The applicator coupling cone uses a distensible rubber membrane that can be inflated to control stand-off distance relative to the surface of the eye. This feature allows the focal point of the therapeutic beam to be placed at selective depths. Histologic comparisons of lesions in rabbit and pig eyes showed lesions in the sclera and ciliary body that were similar to those produced by the immersion transducer when the same focal position was used. Moving the focal point to a greater depth resulted in less superficial damage, yet still produced ciliodestruction. Damage to the blood supply of the ciliary body, as found in human cadaver eyes, may be an additional mechanism of action of therapeutic ultrasound, and perhaps of other transscleral high-energy modalities.

Animals↗

Correlations of acoustic tissue typing of malignant melanoma and histopathologic features as a predictor of death.

Forty-six eyes with uveal melanoma were scanned with a computerized diagnostic ultrasound system before enucleation, and light microscope sections were obtained. Tumors were characterized by ultrasonically measured dimensions and power spectrum analysis, which provided information not available in conventional A- or B-scan ultrasonography. Histopathologic features, including cell clustering pattern, cell type, pigmentation, vascularity, and necrosis, were quantified. Statistically significant correlations were found between parameters derived from the power spectrum and histologic characteristics. Patients were followed up for up to ten years with 14 deaths occurring because of metastases. Using a Cox relative risk model with histopathologic data, a risk model comprising pigmentation and cell type (P less than .0001) was obtained. Using ultrasonic characteristics, a model comprising tumor volume and scatterer concentration (P = .0062) was obtained. The results suggest that ultrasonic tissue characterization and three-dimensional biometry may provide improved in vivo prognostic indicators for uveal melanoma.

Eye Enucleation↗

Photochemical crosslinking in oligonucleotide-protein complexes between a bromine-substituted 2-5A analog and 2-5A-dependent RNase by ultraviolet lamp or laser.

2',5'-oligoadenylates known as 2-5A [px(A2'p)nA; chi = 2 or 3, n greater than or equal to 2] are produced in interferon-treated cells in response to double-stranded RNA. 2-5A binds with high affinity to a 2-5A-dependent RNase resulting in the cleavage of single-stranded RNA. An efficient, rapid, and extremely sensitive photoaffinity labeling method was developed to facilitate detection of 2-5A-dependent RNase. A bromine-substituted and radioactive derivative of 2-5A, the 5'-monophosphate, p(A2'p)2(br8A2'p)2A3'-[32P]Cp, was synthesized as probe for 2-5A-dependent RNase. Even though this bromine-substituted analog of 2-5A bore no 5'-terminal triphosphate or diphosphate, it bound to 2-5A-dependent RNase with the same high affinity as did 2-5A per se but it was a less effective activator of the RNase under the present assay conditions. The presence of bromine atoms in the 2-5A analog enhanced by more than 200-fold crosslinking to 2-5A-dependent RNase under a uv lamp; many additional polypeptides were also labeled but at much lower levels. Furthermore, using high-intensity uv laser irradiation (308 nm) covalent attachment of the bromine-substituted 2-5A analog to 2-5A-dependent RNase was readily achieved within 10(-6) s.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

Direct evidence for translational regulation by leader RNA and Tat protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

Translational effects of the RNA leader and Tat protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) were investigated in rabbit reticulocyte lysate. Hybrid RNA species with natural or mutated HIV-1 leader fused to human interferon- gamma mRNA were produced in vitro from recombinant plasmids. HIV-1 leader RNA was found to inhibit translation through two mechanisms. A 3-fold trans-inhibition of translation was demonstrated by mixing hybrid HIV-1 leader RNA with indicator interferon mRNA. By comparison, HIV-1 leader caused a 50-fold cis-inhibition in lysate in which two trans-inhibitory factors, double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase and (2'-5')oligoadenylate synthetase, were suppressed. In contrast, purified HIV-1 Tat protein produced in Escherichia coli enhanced by 4-fold translation from HIV-1 leader-interferon mRNA but not from interferon mRNA lacking HIV sequences or from total poly(A)+ RNA. Translation of mRNA containing either a single base substitution in the loop of the "trans-acting responsive" sequence (TAR) or an alternative stem-loop in TAR was nevertheless stimulated by Tat. The enhancement of translation by Tat was largely due to relief of cis-inhibition, since the effect was found even in lysate in which double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase was inhibited with 2-aminopurine. These results suggest that translation is an important level of control in the replication cycle of HIV-1.

Animals↗

Translational regulation by HIV leader RNA, TAT, and interferon-inducible enzymes.

Every step in the replication cycle of HIV provides unique opportunities for controlling the progression of AIDS. In this regard, virus protein synthesis should be an important target for limiting HIV multiplication in cells. Molecular mechanisms in the regulation of HIV protein synthesis were therefore investigated in the context of interferon action. The interferon-inducible enzymes, 2-5A synthetase and dsRNA-dependent protein kinase, which can inhibit translation were activated by HIV-1 leader RNA. In cell-free systems, leader RNA and Tat protein of HIV inhibited and enhanced translation, respectively. An intriguing interplay of these viral and host factors were shown to influence the rate of translation in vitro. A model describing opposing actions of HIV Tat protein and interferon in HIV replication is represented.

2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase↗

Tat trans-activates the human immunodeficiency virus through a nascent RNA target.

Expression of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genome is greatly dependent on the viral trans-activator protein Tat. Tat functions through the TAR element, which is represented in both viral DNA and RNA. At present, there is no definitive evidence that determines whether Tat acts through a DNA or RNA form of TAR. We have used an intramolecular mutagenesis approach to change selectively the RNA secondary structure of TAR without affecting its primary sequence. We show that a specific RNA secondary structure for TAR is needed for biological activity. Furthermore, transcripts that only transiently form a native TAR RNA hairpin, which is not maintained in the mature mRNA, are completely trans-activated by Tat, suggesting that TAR is recognized as a nascent RNA.

Animals↗

Cloning of murine gelsolin and its regulation during differentiation of embryonal carcinoma cells.

The regulation of gelsolin levels during differentiation of the murine embryonal carcinoma cell line, PC-13, was investigated using nucleic acid and immunological probes. A cDNA clone, Mu-319, which contained the entire coding sequence for the cytoplasmic form of murine gelsolin was isolated using a polyclonal antibody. Gelsolin was detected in several cell lines but was not detectable in three undifferentiated embryonal carcinoma cell lines. Levels of gelsolin mRNA increased 10-fold during the differentiation of the murine embryonal carcinoma cell line, PC-13. Differentiation of PC-13 was accompanied by changes in cell shape, from small indistinct cells to large flat cells. The accumulation of gelsolin mRNA in PC-13 cells began 12-24 h after addition of the differentiation-inducing agents. In comparison, 2-5A-dependent RNase activity showed a 40-fold increase beginning after 24 to 36 h and c-fos mRNA were shown to increase about 9-fold beginning 36 to 60 h after induction of differentiation. The levels of gelsolin per se, as determined by immunoreactivity were also shown to increase with differentiation of PC-13 cells. These results suggest that gelsolin may play a role in the restructuring of actin filaments which accompanies the dramatic changes in cell shape during differentiation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Activation of interferon-regulated, dsRNA-dependent enzymes by human immunodeficiency virus-1 leader RNA.

Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) leader RNA, which contains double-stranded regions due to inverted repeats, was shown to activate the dsRNA-dependent enzymes associated with the interferon system. HIV-1 leader RNA produced in vitro using SP6 RNA polymerase was characterized using probes for antisense and sense-strand RNA. The RNA preparation was free from significant levels of antisense RNA. HIV-1 leader RNA was shown to activate dsRNA-dependent protein kinase in a cell-free system from interferon-treated HeLa cells. Affinity resins, consisting of HIV-1 leader RNA covalently attached to cellulose, immobilized and activated dsRNA-dependent protein kinase and 2-5A-synthetase. HIV-1 leader RNA, therefore, may be a contributing factor in the mechanism by which interferon inhibits HIV replication.

2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase↗

In vivo thickness of the human detached retina by ultrasonic signal processing.

Fourier operations on digitized radio-frequency (rf) data can provide the most sensitive measure of the thickness of thin, deterministic structures such as membranes. After deconvolution against the system transfer function, the cepstrum and the analytic signal magnitude can provide measures of membrane thickness on the order of a half-wavelength. A total of 19 patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachments were scanned using a diagnostic ultrasound system adapted for analog to digital conversion of rf data. Data were analyzed using the signal processing techniques described above to measure retinal thickness. Recent retinal detachments tended to be significantly thicker than normal attached retinas, and thickness decreased with the age of detachment. A statistically significant correlation was found to exist between retinal thickness and the duration of detachment.

Adolescent↗

Ultrasonically induced disruption and hemolysis of vitreous hemorrhages.

High-intensity focused ultrasound was used to insonify simulated vitreous hemorrhages in two in vitro models and one in vivo animal model. Histopathologic evaluation of the treatment effect was performed with light and electron microscopy. Ultrasonic parameters resulting in histopathologically proven disruption and hemolysis of intravitreal blood were investigated. Most important in obtaining this effect were the temporal average acoustic power and pulse repetition rate of the applied ultrasonic beam. Accurate positioning of the therapeutic beam and visualization of internal spatio-temporal response patterns in the blood during insonification were monitored via simultaneous diagnostic B-mode imaging. Results suggested that high-intensity focused ultrasound might facilitate the two major mechanisms involved in the natural resorption process of vitreous hemorrhages namely hemolysis and surface-dependent phagocytosis.

Animals↗

Purification and analysis of murine 2-5A-dependent RNase.

2-5A-dependent RNase (RNase L, RNase F) is an enzyme which mediates effects of 2-5A (px(A2'p)nA; x = 2 or 3, n greater than or equal to 2) in cells. 2-5A binding activity present in mouse liver extracts was measured using a 32P-labeled 2-5A derivative. Analysis of Scatchard plots was consistent with a single noninteracting 2-5A binding site with a Ka of 2.5 X 10(10) M-1. Similarly, affinity labeling of proteins with a 32P-labeled 2-5A derivative revealed a single, high-affinity 2-5A-binding protein of Mr 80,000. This 2-5A-binding protein was the only mouse liver protein specifically and consistently eluted by 2-5A from an affinity resin consisting of core(2-5A) covalently attached to cellulose. The 2-5A-eluted protein could degrade polyuridylic acid but not polycytidylic acid. Furthermore, when the 2-5A-eluted protein was electrophoresed into a polyuridylic acid-containing, nondenaturing gel, a band of degraded polyuridylic acid was demonstrated after incubation with 2-5A. There was no band of degraded polyuridylic acid when the elution was performed either in the absence of oligonucleotide or in the presence of low amounts of a closely related analog of 2-5A, p3I2'pA2'pA. Therefore, the Mr 80,000 2-5A-binding protein and the 2-5A-dependent RNase were almost certainly the same protein. Finally, the Mr 80,000 2-5A-binding protein was purified to homogeneity by electroelution from a polyacrylamide gel.

Animals↗

Histopathologic effects of ultrasonically induced hyperthermia in intraocular malignant melanoma.

Four cases of human intraocular malignant melanoma were treated with ultrasonically induced hyperthermia immediately before enucleation. Tumors were treated in two regimens: 30 minutes at 43 degrees to 45 degrees C and 5 minutes at greater than 50 degrees C. Temperatures were estimated from applied power levels, based on empirical data and mathematical models. Histopathologic changes observed in human tumors were compared with changes seen in malignant melanoma xenografts in athymic nude mice which were treated with ultrasonically induced hyperthermia for 30 minutes at 42 degrees to 46 degrees C. The effects of treatment were similar to changes seen in the animal model treated under analogous conditions: increased intercellular spacing, cytoplasmic vacuole formation, clumping of chromatin, breaks in cell membranes, and swelling and collapse of cells. Perivascular and peripheral zones sometimes showed decreased damage levels. The high temperature (greater than 50 degrees C) technique is presently being used as a means of "sterilizing" tumors before planned enucleation. The moderate temperature (43 degrees-45 degrees C) technique has been used in combination with radiotherapy to treat tumors when vision can be salvaged.

Animals↗

Involvement of the 2'-5' A pathway in the augmentation of natural killer activity.

Pretreatment of human large granular lymphocytes (LGL) or unseparated peripheral blood mononuclear cells with interferon (IFN) resulted in a significant augmentation of natural killer (NK) activity. This increase was paralleled by an increase in the 2'-5'A synthetase activity. In order to investigate the possibility that IFN might be inducing augmentation of NK cells via the 2'-5'A pathway, we tested the effects of nonphosphorylated core material [(A2'p)2A] and of the triphosphorylated form of the 2'-5'A [ppp(A2'p)2A]. The core material had no detectable effect on NK activity. In contrast, when experiments were performed with the triphosphorylated form of 2'-5'A, NK activity was stimulated. In order to achieve activation, permeabilization of LGL with calcium chloride was necessary and, under these conditions, a dose-dependent augmentation of NK activity was seen. However, the calcium treatment had considerable toxic effects on basal levels of NK activity. Collectively, these results suggest that IFN may be inducing augmentation of NK activity via the 2'-5'A pathway. Further studies will be necessary to determine the effects of IFN and/or 2'-5'A on subsequent activation steps in the process leading to cytotoxicity by NK cells.

2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase↗

Ultrasonic hyperthermia and radiation in the management of intraocular malignant melanoma.

Hyperthermia and radiation were used in combination to treat four patients with choroidal malignant melanoma. This technique uses ultrasonically induced hyperthermia synergistically with radiation to destroy tumor cells. The lower levels of radiation used should avoid the late vascular and inflammatory complications seen in conventional radiation therapy. Tumors were scanned by a computerized diagnostic ultrasound system before treatment and assigned an acoustic tissue type on the basis of a statistical comparison of their ultrasound backscatter spectrum with spectra of tumors of known pathologic status. During the follow-up period, the longest of which was 15 months, all tumors demonstrated regression patterns consistent with choroidal tumors of the same acoustic tissue types treated with conventional radiation therapy.

Aged↗

Activation of 2-5A-dependent RNase by analogs of 2-5A (5'-O-triphosphoryladenylyl(2'----5')adenylyl(2'----5')adenosine ) using 2',5'-tetraadenylate (core)-cellulose.

A variety of 2-5A (px(A2'p)nA; x = 2 or 3, n greater than or equal to 2) analogs were assayed for their abilities to activate murine 2-5A-dependent RNase (subsequently "the nuclease") using a recently developed method. This technique consists of immobilizing and partially purifying the nuclease using core-cellulose [A2'p)3A-cellulose) and then monitoring the breakdown of poly(U)-3'-[32P]Cp into acid-soluble fragments. Several 5'-adenosinecapped analogs of 2-5A (containing a tetra-, tri-, or diphosphate) were analyzed, and it was found that reducing the number of phosphoryl groups between the 5' to 5'-diadenosine linkages resulted in a progressive loss of activity. Because A5' pppp(A2'p)3A was a potent activator of the nuclease yet stable during the assay these results suggested that a free 5'-phosphoryl group may not be required for the activation of the nuclease. A number of 8-bromoadenosine-substituted analogs of 2-5A were also studied. Curiously, the brominations decreased the activities of the 5'-di- and triphosphorylated molecules while substantially increasing the activities of the 5'-monophosphorylated species. The results indicated that a tri- or diphosphate moiety on the 5'-end of 2-5A or the presence of ATP is not absolutely required for the nuclease to be active. Furthermore, the ATP analog, beta, gamma-methylene ATP, did not inhibit the activity of the nuclease. Finally, a 3',5'-phosphodiester linkage isomer of 2-5A and a 3'-deoxy (cordycepin) analog of 2-5A were tested, and both were found to be completely without activity.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

Therapeutic ultrasound.

Currently the most widely applied use of therapeutic ultrasound in ophthalmology is for the treatment of refractory glaucoma. This new technique is described, histologic changes in experimental animals discussed, and mode of action postulated. The intraocular pressure (IOP) results obtained after treatment of 187 patient eyes are presented, with a review of complications and visual acuity changes. This study demonstrates that 70% of patients treated had an IOP reduction to 25 mm Hg or less one year after ultrasound therapy.

Adult↗