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R Hilf

Publications and source records attributed to R Hilf.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Dissociation of 4-hydroxytamoxifen, but not estradiol or tamoxifen aziridine, from the estrogen receptor as the receptor binds estrogen response element DNA.

Estradiol-liganded estrogen receptor (E2-ER) binds EREs with a stoichiometry of one E2-ER dimer per estrogen response element (ERE). In contrast, although 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT)-liganded ER (4-OHT-ER) binds EREs with high affinity, its saturation ERE binding capacity is consistently half that of E2-ER, giving an apparent stoichiometry of one 4-OHT-ER monomer per ERE. Here we show that one molecule of 4-OHT ligand dissociates from the ER dimer apparently during the process of binding to DNA. Under equilibrium conditions, the type I antiestrogen tamoxifen aziridine (TAz), covalently attached to ER (TAz-ER), binds a single ERE with high affinity (Kd = 0.27 nM), comparable to that of E2-ER and 4-OHT-ER. In contrast to 4-OHT-ER, the ERE binding stoichiometry of TAz-ER was identical to that of E2-ER: one dimeric receptor per ERE. By measuring [3H]ligand that was initially bound to ER, a significant loss of [3H]4-OHT from ER was detected after ERE binding, whereas all [3H]E2 or [3H]TAz remained ER-bound. These results confirm that one molecule of 4-OHT ligand dissociates from the ER dimer as a consequence of ERE binding. Binding of 4-OHT and TAz are likely to induce a conformation in ER dimers that alters their capacity for gene activation. Upon ER binding to DNA, this conformation reveals itself by allowing 4-OHT dissociation, and predictably would allow TAz dissociation were it not bound covalently.

Base Sequence↗

Footprint analysis of estrogen receptor binding to adjacent estrogen response elements.

Quantitative DNase I footprinting assays were employed to simultaneously measure the amount of estrogen receptor (ER) bound to each site in constructs containing multiple estrogen response elements (EREs). These assays revealed identical, high affinity ER-ERE binding, Kd of approximately 0.25 nM, for estradiol-liganded ER (E2-ER), 4-hydroxytamoxifen liganded ER (4-OHT-ER), tamoxifen aziridine liganded ER (TAz-ER), and unliganded dimeric ER, for each ERE in constructs containing up to four tandem EREs. Increasing concentrations of ER resulted in the same pattern of occupancy for each ERE, whether or not the site was located near other EREs. Similarly, the presence or absence of E2, 4-OHT, or TAz ligand did not change ER-ERE interaction. Since activated ER-ERE binding affinity is identical, whether ER is liganded or unliganded, ligand cannot regulate ER-ERE binding affinity. These results support the hypothesis that ligand-dependent conformational changes primarily determine how ER interacts with components of the transcription initiation complex that mediate gene transactivation. In addition, footprint assays revealed that, following ER binding, an AT-rich site adjacent to the ERE becomes hypersensitive to DNase I digestion. This sequence may be easily or intrinsically bent, assisting in recruiting ER to ERE sites.

Animals↗

Stability of the ligand-estrogen receptor interaction depends on estrogen response element flanking sequences and cellular factors.

To determine whether accessory proteins mediate the ligand- and DNA sequence-dependent specificity of estrogen receptor (ER) interaction with DNA, the binding of partly purified vs highly purified bovine ER to various estrogen response elements (EREs) was measured in the presence of different ER ligands. Partly purified estradiol-liganded ER (E2-ER) binds cooperatively to stereoaligned tandem EREs flanked by naturally occurring AT-rich sequences, with a stoichiometry of one E2-ER dimer per ERE. In contrast, highly purified E2-ER binds with a 10-fold lower affinity and non-cooperatively to EREs flanked by the AT-rich region. Moreover, the binding stoichiometry of highly purified E2-ER was 0.5 E2-ER dimer, or one monomer per ERE, independent of the ERE flanking sequence. Interestingly, the binding of ER liganded with the antiestrogen 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT-ER) was non-cooperative with an apparent stoichiometry of 0.5 4-OHT-ER dimer per ERE, regardless of ER purity or ERE flanking sequence. We recently showed that when 4-OHT-ER binds DNA, one molecule of 4-OHT dissociates from the dimeric 4-OHT-ER-ERE complex, accounting for the reduced apparent binding stoichiometry. In contrast, ER covalently bound by tamoxifen aziridine (TAz) gave an ERE binding stoichiometry of one TAz-ER dimer per ERE, and TAz-ER binds cooperatively to multiple AT-rich EREs, regardless of the purity of the receptor. We have obtained evidence that purification of ER removes an accessory protein(s) that interacts with ER in a sequence- and/or DNA conformational-dependent manner, resulting in stabilization of E2, but not 4-OHT, in the ligand binding domain when the receptor binds to DNA. We postulate that retention of ligand by ER maintains the receptor in a conformation necessary to achieve high-affinity, cooperative ERE binding.

Animals↗

Effects of estradiol on the expression and production of IGFBP-2 by R3230AC mammary tumor cells.

The R3230AC mammary adenocarcinoma of the Fischer rat possesses Type I and Type II IGF receptors. The mRNAs for IGFBP-2, -3, -4, -5 and -6 have been recently identified in this tumor in vivo and in vitro. Using western blotting techniques on tumor tissue homogenates or conditioned media, we demonstrated that IGFBP-2 and, to a lesser extent, IGFBP-3 were expressed, produced, and secreted by the R3230AC tumor cells. Moreover, immunohistochemical assessment of tumor sections with anti-IGFBP-2 demonstrated that signal for IGFBP-2 was localized in the neoplastic glandular epithelium and often in the lumina of the pseudoglandular structures characteristic of this neoplasm. Expression of IGFBP-2 is regulated by the estrogen status of the host. The significant increase occurring in tumors from ovariectomized hosts was completely reversed with hormone repletion. Both mRNA expression and production of IGFBP-2 in vitro were also regulatable by the presence of estradiol-17 beta, with both processes being inhibited by its addition to the cell culture medium. Thus, the response of IGFBP-2 to estrogen showed agreement both in vivo and in vitro, whereas progesterone had no significant effect on these parameters. In the R3230AC tumor, estrogen treatment in vivo decreases tumor growth. Therefore, a relationship could exist between the action of estradiol to inhibit production of IGFBP-2 and the ability of estrogens to regulate tumor growth.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Effectiveness of delta-aminolevulinic acid-induced protoporphyrin as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy in vivo.

We examined the effectiveness of systemic administration of delta-aminolevulinic acid (delta-ALA) to induce endogenous protoporphyrin as a regimen for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of transplanted R3230AC rat mammary adenocarcinomas in vivo. Levels of porphyrins synthesized in various tissues after systemic administration of delta-ALA differed, with their accumulation in tumor tissue being dependent on both the dose and the time after delta-ALA administration. Tumor, liver, and intestine contained greater than 3.0 micrograms porphyrin/g tissue at 3 h after delta-ALA injection, whereas porphyrin levels in rat skin and muscle at that time were an order of magnitude lower. Analysis of tissue by HPLC revealed that the predominant porphyrin synthesized in tumors was protoporphyrin IX, whereas in liver, 18% of the total porphyrin detected was protoporphyrin IX, and in muscle, it was undetectable. Time-dependent studies of the uptake of 14C label from delta-ALA into the various tissues were not predictive of either the total amount of porphyrin or which porphyrin species would be present at 3 h after delta-ALA injection. Additionally, no simple relationship was apparent between the activities of certain selected enzymes involved in heme biosynthesis and the concentrations of porphyrins in the different tissues. High levels of tumor protoporphyrin IX were sustained by administration of two sequential doses of delta-ALA, at 3.0 and 1.5 h prior to irradiation. Using these treatment conditions, we inhibited R3230AC growth to an extent that was comparable to that obtained for Photofrin-induced PDT. High energy phosphate metabolism, measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in vivo, was dramatically impaired after delta-ALA-based PDT, with tumor ATP levels reduced to near zero by 4 h after irradiation. Our results demonstrated that delta-ALA-based PDT may be an alternative to current treatment protocols that use exogenously administered photosensitizers.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Cooperative binding of estrogen receptor to DNA depends on spacing of binding sites, flanking sequence, and ligand.

It has been suggested that cooperative binding of estrogen receptor (ER) may, in part, be responsible for the synergistic activation of transcription of estrogen-responsive genes that contain multiple estrogen-response elements (EREs). Experiments described here show that estradiol-liganded ER (E2-ER) binds cooperatively to stereoaligned EREs that are surrounded by naturally occurring flanking sequences, such as an AT-rich region. In contrast, EREs lacking these sequences do not bind E2-ER cooperatively, regardless of ERE spacing or stereoalignment. Moreover, binding is of lower affinity and capacity in the absence of these critical flanking sequences. By varying the sequence of nucleotides adjacent to the ERE, features important for the flanking sequence effect were characterized. Interestingly, when ER was liganded with 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT), the active metabolite of the widely used therapeutic antiestrogen tamoxifen, the antiestrogen-liganded ER complex (4-OHT-ER) did not bind cooperatively to multiple EREs, regardless of spacing or flanking sequence. We postulate that ERE flanking sequences bestow upon E2-ER enhanced ERE binding capacity and cooperativity, but do not affect 4-OHT-ER-ERE binding.

Animals↗

Efficacy of photodynamic therapy on original and recurrent rat mammary tumors.

Photodynamic therapy has demonstrated efficacy toward primary, metastatic and recurrent human tumors. Here, we investigated the ability of photodynamic therapy, using Photofrin, to inhibit growth of R3230AC mammary adenocarcinomas when tumors were treated as original implants and again as lesions recurring at the initial treatment site. The results demonstrate that both initial implants and lesions recurring after the first photodynamic treatment respond similarly to the same photodynamic therapy protocol, with mean tumor volume doubling times of approximately 11 days in both cases. Cells cultured from original tumor implants or tumors that recurred after photodynamic treatment accumulate equivalent amounts of [14C]polyhematoporphyrin. Single cell suspensions prepared from either original or recurrent tumors from animals administered 5 mg/kg Photofrin and exposed to light in vitro displayed comparable phototoxicity. Additionally, examination of tumors by light microscopy revealed no morphological differences between the original tumor implants and the recurrent lesions. Taken together, these data indicate that lesions which recurred at the site of the initial photodynamic treatment were not resistant to a second identical course of photodynamic therapy.

Animals↗

Photosensitization and tissue distribution studies of the picket fence porphyrin, 3,1-TPro, a candidate for photodynamic therapy.

From a structurally distinct set of o-substituted tetraphenylporphyrins, the picket fence porphyrin (PFP), 3,1-meso-tetrakis(o-propionamidophenyl)porphyrin (3,1-TPro) has been selected as a potential candidate for use in the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. In this report, the time-dependent tissue distribution of 14C-labeled 3,1-TPro is described along with the results of various treatment regimens. The tissue distribution of radiolabeled 3,1-TPro is comparable to that of other porphyrin photosensitizers with the advantage of being most effective at 4 h and being cleared rapidly from most tissues. The results of the various treatment regimen experiments, as well as other studies, indicate that the 3,1-TPro mechanism of action is similar to that of other photosensitizers, but may include some minor differences. The conclusion is that 3,1-TPro and other PFP offer a class of effective photosensitizers that may be exploited for their structural versatility, straightforward synthesis leading to a compound of high purity and known structure, and stability (both in terms of shelf-life and in vivo metabolism) as potential candidates for PDT.

Animals↗

Quantitative MRI of Gd-DTPA uptake in tumors: response to photodynamic therapy.

A partial saturation method is described for obtaining rapid images of tissue 1H spin-lattice relaxation rates following administration of the paramagnetic contrast agent gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetate. The paramagnetic contribution to the relaxation rates is proportional to the concentration of contrast agent, making possible quantitative studies of paramagnetic contrast agent uptake or vessel leakage. Snapshot imaging capabilities are not required. Maps of contrast agent uptake rates are made in rat borne tumors before and following photodynamic therapy, which is known to cause vascular damage. Uptake efficiency is spatially heterogeneous before and after therapy. Decreases in uptake rate are observed after two photo-irradiation protocols, which differ by a factor of four in fluence rate but deliver the same total fluence. There is no apparent fluence rate dependence for changes in the uptake rates within 5 h after therapy. Whole tumor measurements of nucleotide triphosphates, inorganic phosphate, pH, and lactate made with NMR spectroscopy indicate that, while net ATP production is inhibited, lactate concentrations are not strongly affected by photodynamic therapy. The ratio of nucleotide triphosphates to inorganic phosphate falls to 0.21 +/- 0.02 of initial values 5 h after tumors are treated with the lower fluence rate protocol, and falls to 0.40 +/- 0.06 in tumors treated with the higher fluence rate.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Effects of photodynamic therapy on xenografts of human mesothelioma and rat mammary carcinoma in nude mice.

We have examined the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy against R3230AC rat mammary adenocarcinoma and human mesothelioma as xenografts in the same host. The results demonstrate that the xenografted human tumour is significantly more responsive to photodynamic treatment than the rodent mammary tumour. Studies also showed that the mesothelioma xenograft was fluence rate- and fluence-dependent while the rat tumour exposed to the same conditions demonstrated neither of these dependencies. This disparity in response was not attributable to a difference in either whole-tumour uptake or subcellular distribution of the porphyrin photosensitiser. Analysis of the effects of visible irradiation on cytochrome c oxidase activity, measured in mitochondria prepared from tumours borne on hosts injected with photosensitiser, demonstrated that photoradiation-induced enzyme inhibition was significantly greater in mesothelioma than in R3230AC mammary tumour preparations. However, in parallel studies conducted in vitro, when photosensitiser and light were delivered to previously unperturbed mitochondria, rates of enzyme inhibition were not significantly different. Both tumours were established in long-term cell culture. While the uptake of porphyrin photosensitiser was equivalent in both cell lines, the R3230AC cells displayed a significantly greater photosensitivity than the mesothelioma cells. The data presented here demonstrate that the mechanisms that govern response to photodynamic therapy are complex, but in the case of these two xenografted tumours host response to therapy is not likely to play a significant role.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Fluence rate effects in photodynamic therapy of multicell tumor spheroids.

EMT6/Ro spheroids approximately 500 microns in diameter were subjected to photodynamic therapy administered at various incident radiation fluence rates. Following 24 h incubation with 10 micrograms/ml Photofrin, groups of spheroids were irradiated at 630 nm with an identical fluence of 60 J/cm2, delivered at fluence rates ranging from 25 to 200 mW/cm2. After treatment, spheroids were dissociated, cell yields were determined, and surviving cells were assayed for their colony-forming ability. A surviving fraction was calculated for each treatment group by computing the product of the fractional cell yield and the plating efficiency. The results exhibit a strong dependence on the fluence rate, with surviving fractions decreasing from approximately 0.5 to 0.07 as the incident fluence rate was lowered from 200 to 25 mW/cm2. These data were analyzed using a mathematical model of photochemical oxygen consumption in spheroids undergoing photodynamic therapy. Calculations showed that therapy-induced oxygen consumption creates hypoxic volumes within which cells would be protected from singlet oxygen-mediated damage and that the magnitude of these hypoxic volumes depends on the radiation fluence rate. The fluence rate dependence of the spheroid cell survival was consistent with such an interpretation.

Animals↗

Differential impact of flanking sequences on estradiol- vs 4-hydroxytamoxifen-liganded estrogen receptor binding to estrogen responsive element DNA.

The mechanism by which antiestrogens antagonize the ability of estrogen receptor (ER) to induce the transcription of estrogen-regulated genes is only partially understood. To examine the effect of estrogen responsive element (ERE) stereoalignment and flanking sequences on estradiol-liganded ER (E2-ER)-ERE and antiestrogen-liganded ER (4-hydroxytamoxifen-liganded ER or 4-OHT-ER)-ERE binding, several dimeric EREs, containing a perfect inverted repeat (5'-GGTCAgagTGACC-3') but lacking the AT-rich flanking sequences typical of highly estrogen-responsive promoters, were cloned into a plasmid vector. The ERE centers of symmetry were spaced 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 6.4 and 6.7 helical turns apart. E2-ER and 4-OHT-ER binding to these constructs was specific and saturable, but orientation-independent and, in contrast to our earlier work with E2-ER binding to AT-rich EREs, not cooperative. The affinity of E2-ER binding decreased as the distance between adjacent EREs was increased, suggesting that E2-ER binding to closely spaced EREs is more stable (Kd = 0.38, 0.58, 0.83, 1.23, and 0.96 nM, respectively, for the above spacings). In contrast, the affinity of 4-OHT-ER binding increased with increased ERE spacing (Kd = 2.90, 4.79, 1.39, 1.77, and 0.92 nM, respectively). The presence of AT-rich sequences flanking the ERE increased the binding affinity of E2-ER and 4-OHT-ER, an increase reflected in slower dissociation rates of ER from these EREs. The AT-rich sequence also enhanced the binding capacity of E2-ER but not 4-OHT-ER. Since the binding capacity of 4-OHT-ER is identical with or without an AT-rich region, we suggest that flanking sequences are more important in stabilizing E2-ER binding and may be critical for cooperative binding to stereoaligned EREs.

Animals↗

Insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins in R3230AC mammary tumors of intact and diabetic rats.

The insulin-responsive R3230AC mammary tumor possesses type I and type II insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptors, and membrane preparations display affinity cross-linking of 125I-labeled IGF-I to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). To identify the IGFBPs produced, Northern blotting analysis of poly(A)+ RNA extracts from tumor tissue was performed. Although transcripts of IGFBP-1 were not detected, intense bands were obtained at 1.7 and 6 kilobases (kb) when hybridized with radiolabeled IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-5 cDNA probes, respectively. A 2.6-kb band and a 2.4-kb weaker band were observed after hybridization with IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-4 probes, respectively. When IGFBP-6 cDNA was used, two bands were seen: a higher mol wt band at 6.3 kb and a smaller one at 1.3 kb. Tumors from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats displayed an increase in the expression of IGFBP-2, and insulin treatment for 3 days normalized the IGFBP-2 mRNA levels. Tumors from diabetic rats displayed no change in IGFBP-3, -4, -5, and -6 mRNA levels from tumors of normoglycemic rats. However, tumors from insulin-treated rats showed significantly higher levels of mRNA for IGFBP-4 and IGFBP-5 than tumors from normoglycemic or diabetic rats. A similar, but less pronounced, pattern of changes in IGFBP-3 mRNA was seen, whereas levels of IGFBP-6 mRNA were unchanged throughout. To identify the cell type producing the mRNAs for these IGFBPs, in situ hybridization of tissue sections was used. Procedures were established that localized three of the five IGFBPs expressed in this tumor tissue. This technique showed that IGFBP-3 mRNA transcripts were observed mainly in endothelial cells of tumor vasculature, although they were also detected in stromal cells, IGFBP-4 was present mainly in tumor stroma cells, and IGFBP-5 mRNA was expressed predominantly in the epithelial cells of this tumor. Expression of IGFBP-5 mRNA transcripts was significantly diminished in primary and long term cultured R3230AC cells grown in alpha-Minimum Essential Medium and 10% fetal bovine serum. Tumors arising from injection of long term cultured cells that were injected into isologous rats contained high amounts of mRNA transcripts for IGFBP-5, suggesting the presence, in vivo, of positive regulators for the expression of this BP. Tumor cells cultured in the presence of insulin displayed a 2.2- to 2.5-fold increase in the expression of IGFBP-5. These findings imply a role for insulin as a regulator of the expression of IGFBP-5 in the R3230AC adenocarcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Cooperative estrogen receptor interaction with consensus or variant estrogen responsive elements in vitro.

Specific binding of estradiol-liganded, partially purified calf uterine estrogen receptor (ER) to a 38-base pair estrogen responsive element (ERE) consensus sequence, containing the inverted repeat 5'-GGTCAnnnTGACC-3', was measured in vitro. The ERE sites were inserted as single or multiple tandem copies in a plasmid vector [p GEM-7Zf(+)]. Results showed that one dimeric ER can interact with one ERE, and steric constraints do not inhibit binding of ER to adjacent EREs. Molybdate-stabilized monomeric (4S) ER did not bind to EREs. ER bound to single and tandem double EREs with Kd values of 0.24 and 0.23 nM, respectively. When the plasmid contained three or more tandem copies of the ERE, ER bound in a cooperative manner, as indicated by convex Scatchard plots and Hill coefficients greater than 1.5. To determine those characteristics of the consensus sequence that are important for maximal high-affinity ER binding, ten variant ERE oligomer sequences were synthesized and cloned into pGEM-7Zf(+) as single copies or as four copies in tandem. ER binding affinity was maximal for the consensus ERE and was reduced for variants containing one or two nucleotide changes in the inverted repeat. The number of nucleotides separating the inverted repeat in the ERE was critical for high-affinity ER binding. Certain sequence-variant EREs when cloned as single copies bound less ER compared to the consensus ERE, yet when cloned as four tandem copies, ER binding displayed cooperativity by Scatchard and Hill analyses. Results demonstrate that cooperative interactions noted in vivo by others are present when measured in vitro. Results strongly imply that the number, spacing, and nucleotide sequence of EREs could precisely control the amount of ER binding to estrogen-responsive genes.

Base Sequence↗

Antiestrogen-liganded estrogen receptor interaction with estrogen responsive element DNA in vitro.

The mechanism whereby antiestrogens alter the ability of the estrogen receptor (ER) to enhance transcription of estrogen-regulated genes is largely unknown. The effect that selected estrogenic and antiestrogenic ligands have on binding of ER to specific DNA sequences, estrogen responsive elements (EREs) has been quantitated. No differences in purification properties of calf uterine ER liganded with 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT-ER), ICI 164,384 (ICI 164,384-ER) or estradiol (E2-ER) were detected. A microtiter well plate assay was employed in which liganded ER bound to plasmid DNA is preferentially retained compared to free liganded ER. Binding of E2-ER, 4-OHT-ER, or ICI 164,384-ER was measured to plasmids containing or lacking a 38bp consensus ERE in vitro. The EREs tested contain an inverted repeat (5'-CAGGTCAGAGTGACCTG-3'). Both E2-ER and 4-OHT-ER showed similar high affinity specific binding (Kd = 0.24 and 0.16 nM, respectively) to one copy of the ERE. ICI 164,384-ER did not bind to plasmids containing one ERE. At saturation, however, 4-OHT-ER binding was about 50% of that observed for E2-ER. When the plasmid contained 3 or 4 tandem copies of the ERE, binding of E2-ER, 4-OHT-ER, and ICI 164,384-ER binding was measurable. E2-ER bound in a cooperative manner as suggested by convex Scatchard plots and Hill coefficients > 1.5. In contrast, 4-OHT-ER binding displayed much reduced cooperativity, and ICI 164,384-ER did not display cooperative binding. From these results, we propose that the conformation of ER induced by 4-OHT reduces its binding capacity to this consensus ERE without altering its affinity of binding. Furthermore, higher order protein-protein interactions between antiestrogen-liganded ER bound to DNA differ from those of E2-ER bound to ERE.

Animals↗

Chalcogenapyrylium dyes as dual-action sensitizers for photodynamic therapy.

Cytochrome c oxidase activity in isolated tumor mitochondria was inhibited by exposure to 570-800 nm of light after addition of cationic dye 1. The alteration in enzyme activity is a consequence of the formation of the highly reactive oxygen species, singlet oxygen, a photochemical product resulting from the irradiation (770 nm of light) of dye 1 in the presence of oxygen. The oxidation of dye 1 by singlet oxygen produces dye 2. Irradiation of mitochondrial suspensions treated with 10(-5) M solutions of dye 2 with 489 +/- 5 nm of light also caused inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase activity, but the addition of scavengers of singlet oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, and hydroxyl radical did not prevent the observed inhibition. Similarly, lowering the atmospheric oxygen concentration to 3% had no effect on mitochondrial inhibition. In solution, photoreduction of dye 2 occurred at an increased rate in the presence of 0.01 M tryptophan. ESR studies of dye 2 with 5,5 dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) (0.1 M) and added tryptophan (0.01 M) suggested the photoproduction of hydroxyl radicals as a possible mechanism for its photodynamic action. We interpret the data as indicating the possibility that after the photooxidative transformation of dye 1 to dye 2, a second mechanism becomes operative for further photodynamic inhibition of enzyme activity. The in vivo or in vitro conversion of dye 1 to dye 2 would allow dye 1 to function as a novel, dual-action photosensitizer.

Animals↗

Effects of diabetes and insulin on phosphoinositide metabolism in R3230AC mammary tumors.

The effects of diabetes and insulin administration on certain aspects of phosphoinositide metabolism in R3230AC mammary tumors were studied in vivo. Three weeks after diabetes was induced by streptozotocin, [3H]myoinositol incorporation into PI, PIP and PIP2 was increased in R3230AC tumors, whereas the formation of [3H]IP, [3H]IP2 and [3H]IP3 was decreased. Administration of protamine zinc insulin (3IU, twice daily, for 3 days) to diabetic rats decreased [3H]myoinositol incorporation into phosphoinositides and inositol phosphates in these mammary tumors. The R3230AC tumor from insulin-treated diabetic hosts had lower levels of unmetabolized [3H]-myoinositol compared to tumors from diabetic animals. Enzymatically-dissociated tumor cells from insulin-treated animals displayed decreased myoinositol transport in vitro. These findings suggest that the insulin-induced decrease in the turnover of inositol lipids in vivo in R3230AC mammary tumors could have resulted from the decreased level of [3H]myoinositol in these cells.

Adenocarcinoma↗