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Biomedical subjects

R Mitchell

Publications and source records attributed to R Mitchell.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Calcium influx through 'L'-type channels into rat anterior pituitary cells can be modulated in two ways by protein kinase C (PKC-isoform selectivity of 1,2-dioctanoyl sn-glycerol?).

The depolarisation-induced influx of 45Ca2+ into anterior pituitary tissue and GH3 cells through 'L'-type, nimodipine-sensitive channels was investigated. In anterior pituitary prisms, phorbol esters, activators of protein kinase C, caused an enhancement of K(+)-induced 45Ca2+ influx. However, in the GH3 anterior pituitary cell line, phorbol esters inhibited K(+)-induced 45Ca2+ influx. The modulation by phorbol esters in both tissues was stereo-specific and time- and concentration-dependent. The diacylglycerol analogue, 1,2-dioctanoyl sn-glycerol was able to mimic the phorbol ester-induced enhancement of calcium influx into anterior pituitary pieces, but was ineffective in GH3 cells. 1,2-Dioctanoyl sn-glycerol may selectively activate an isoform of protein kinase C which is responsible for enhanced 'L'-type Ca(2+)-channel activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Inhibition of depolarisation-induced calcium influx into GH3 cells by arachidonic acid: the involvement of protein kinase C.

The influx of 45Ca2+ induced in GH3 cells by exposure to 60 mM K+ medium was inhibited by arachidonic acid (AA) in a concentration-dependent manner. This action of AA was not prevented by inhibitors of its metabolism but was reversed by the inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC), H7 and staurosporine but not their less active congeners HA 1004 and K252a, respectively. Presumed down-regulation of PKC by pretreatment with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) also greatly diminished the effect of AA. Experiments to assess effects of AA on 45Ca2+ efflux and on cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations indicated that an additional PKC-independent action of AA involving the release of intracellularly stored calcium was present. Both direct activation of certain PKC isoform(s) by AA and the synergistic influence on PKC activity by its concomitant raising of intracellular Ca2+ concentrations, may be physiologically important in the regulation of depolarisation-induced Ca2+ entry.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Establishment in culture and characterization of a strain with mast cell and monocytic properties from the bone marrow of a child with diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis.

Bone marrow was isolated from a child with congenital mastocytosis. Upon prolonged in vitro culture, initially in the presence of interleukin-3 (IL-3), a population of relatively large fusiform, strongly adherent cells grew out plus a subpopulation of smaller nonadherent cells. The morphology of the adherent cells was not typical of fibroblasts, epithelial cells, nor of standard hematopoietic cell types, whereas the morphology of the nonadherent cells resembled mast cells. Neither cell type required the presence of IL-3 nor a feeder layer of fibroblasts for continued growth. Attempts to isolate the two populations were unsuccessful. This cell strain comprised of both cell populations has been termed human bone marrow-derived mastocytosis cells (HBM-M). These cells were found to possess some of the cytochemical, ultrastructural, and surface phenotypic features of degranulated mast cells. They reacted with the mast cell marker, monoclonal antibody YB5.B8, but not with the basophil specific monoclonal antibody Bsp-1 and released the inflammatory mediators histamine, leukotriene C4, prostaglandin D2, and platelet-activating factor constitutively. This release was not potentiated by immunologic- or nonimmunologic-activating stimuli. In addition, they exhibited cytochemical and surface phenotypic features of monocytes. Our results indicate that a population of abnormal proliferative cells exist in the marrow of this patient; that these cells may be responsible for the patient's pronounced systemic proliferation of mast cells and the associated symptoms; and that the cell's mast cell, monocyte properties may be indicative of a common bone marrow-derived mast cell/monocyte precursor.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1991

The human gene for vascular endothelial growth factor. Multiple protein forms are encoded through alternative exon splicing.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an apparently endothelial cell-specific mitogen that is structurally related to platelet-derived growth factor. By Northern blot and protein analyses, we show that VEGF is produced by cultured vascular smooth muscle cells. Analysis of VEGF transcripts in these cells by polymerase chain reaction and cDNA cloning revealed three different forms of the VEGF coding region, as had been reported in HL60 cells. The three forms of the human VEGF protein chain predicted from these coding regions are 189, 165, and 121 amino acids in length. Comparison of cDNA nucleotide sequences with sequences derived from human VEGF genomic clones indicates that the VEGF gene is split among eight exons and that the various VEGF coding region forms arise from this gene by alternative splicing: the 165-amino-acid form of the protein is missing the residues encoded by exon 6, whereas the 121-amino-acid form is missing the residues encoded by exons 6 and 7. Analysis of the VEGF gene promoter region revealed a single major transcription start, which lies near a cluster of potential Sp1 factor binding sites. The promoter region also contains several potential binding sites for the transcription factors AP-1 and AP-2; consistent with the presence of these sites, Northern blot analysis demonstrated that the level of VEGF transcripts is elevated in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells after treatment with the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

The assignment of the 655 nm spectral band of cytochrome oxidase.

The spectral characteristics of the '655 nm' band of cytochrome oxidase were found to be affected by ligands of the binuclear centre, including formate and chloride, and by the resting/pulsed transition. The band titrated with near n = 1 characteristics at a midpoint of about 400 mV, in contrast to haem a3, which exhibits strong redox interaction and a titration range at significantly lower potential. Thus, although the total reduced-oxidised difference spectrum of haem a3 shows a trough at about 655 nm, this characteristic is absent in the low potential region. The 655 nm feature may arise from a charge transfer band of ferric high-spin haem a3, which is modulated by the redox state of CuB, as suggested by Beinert et al. [(1976) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 423, 339-355].

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Electrocardiography and postextrasystolic potentiation: utilization of the two methods to predict postrevascularization segmental myocardial function.

We previously reported that postextrasystolic potentiation (PESP) is a useful predictor of changes in systolic wall function (SWF) following coronary revascularization. In the current study we analyzed ECG changes related to corresponding myocardial segments to determine their correlation with PESP and SWF. We found: (1) The PESP response in a jeopardized segment was a valid predictor of improved SWF even when Q waves, ST-segment changes, or T-wave changes were present. (2) However, when Q waves were present in two or more of the corresponding leads, positive PESP was less likely to be observed. (3) Thus Q waves in two leads predicted the least postrevascularization improvement. (4) Segments with no corresponding Q-wave postrevascularization usually improved SWF. (5) Furthermore, a continuum of responsiveness to PESP was found, ranging from T-wave changes, ST-segment changes to Q-wave changes, indicating dissociation between electrical and mechanical events. In conclusion, the ECG together with PESP provide good predictive information relative to the efficacy of revascularization. PESP is a more valuable predictive indicator. ECG alone may be of value in that the occurrence of Q waves in two or more corresponding leads predicts a low probability of improved SWF. Further studies are indicated to investigate the dissociation between electrical and mechanical events.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMed1991

Pulsatile immunoreactive and bioactive luteinizing hormone secretion in adolescents with chronic renal failure. The Cooperative Study Group on Pubertal Development in Chronic Renal Failure (CSPCRF).

Delayed or arrested pubertal development is common in children with chronic renal failure (CRF). Normal puberty is initiated by the onset of episodic nocturnal secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) containing an increasing proportion of bioactive hormone. To test the functional integrity of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis in CRF we measured immunoreactive (i-LH) and bioactive (bio-LH) plasma LH concentrations at 15-min intervals from 2000 to 0700 hours in 65 pubertal patients aged 10-23 years [46 boys/19 girls; 20 on conservative treatment (CT), 13 on dialysis (D), 32 with transplants (TP)]. i-LH was determined by radio-immunoassay and bio-LH by a mouse Leydig cell assay. Peak detection was performed by the cluster analysis computer programme. The mean (+/- SD) number of i-LH (in both sexes) and bio-LH pulses (in boys) per profile, and the mean peak area of i-LH (in both sexes) and bio-LH (in girls) were higher in TP than in CT or D patients. The ratio of bio-LH to i-LH increased during puberty in CT (G1 vs G4/5, 0.3 +/- 0.5 vs 1.8 +/- 0.,4) and TP (0.6 +/- 0.7 vs 1.8 +/- 0.7) but remained low in male D patients (0.4 +/- 0.7 vs 1.1 +/- 0.8). The ratios were subnormal, however, even in mature TP patients compared with healthy adults. The bio-LH/i-LH ratio and the bio-LH peak area best predicted integrated nocturnal testosterone concentrations in TP but not in uraemic male patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Follicle-stimulating hormone-dependent estrogen secretion by rat Sertoli cells in vitro: modulation by calcium.

We have investigated the role of Ca2+ in the control of FSH-induced estradiol secretion by Sertoli cells isolated from 8-10 days old rats. Exogenous Ca2+ (4-8 mmol/l) inhibited FSH-stimulated E2 secretion such that, with 8 mmol/l Ca2+ and FSH (8 IU/l) E2 secretion decreased from 2091 +/- 322 to 1480 +/- 84 pmol/l (p less than 0.002), whilst chelation of Ca2+ in the culture medium with EGTA (3 mmol/l) increased E2 secretion from 360 +/- 45 to 1242 +/- 133 pmol/l) in the absence of FSH. Further, EGTA (3 mmol/l) markedly potentiated FSH (8 IU/l), forskolin (1 mumol/l) and dibutyryl cAMP (1 mmol/l)-stimulated E2 secretion. Addition of the Ca2+ ionophores, ionomycin (2-5 mumol/l) and A23187 (2 mumol/l), inhibited FSH (8 IU/l)-stimulated E2 secretion by greater than 80%. The effect of ionomycin was totally reversible, whereas that of A23187 was irreversible. Ionomycin (5 mumol/l) had no effect on EGTA-induced E2 secretion in the absence of FSH, but reduced EGTA-provoked E2 secretion by 59% in the presence of FSH (8 IU/l). Similarly, forskolin- and dibutyryl cAMP-provoked E2 production was inhibited 46-50% by ionomycin (5 mumol/l). We conclude that FSH-induced E2 secretion from immature rat Sertoli cells is modulated by intra- and extracellular Ca2+.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Inhibition of protein kinase C by staurosporine increases estrogen secretion by rat Sertoli cells.

We have examined the effect of inhibition of protein kinase C activity by staurosporine on estradiol secretion by Sertoli cells isolated from 8-10 days old rats. Staurosporine lead to a dose-related increase in estradiol secretion independent of FSH, such that with 100 nmol/l staurosporine basal estradiol levels increased 10-fold. The maximal response seen with staurosporine alone (100 nmol/l) or in combination with FSH (0.4-8 IU/l) was similar to that seen with a saturating dose of FSH (8 IU/l). There was no evidence of synergy between FSH and staurosporine. Activation of protein kinase C by phorbol 12,13 dibutyrate (10(-7) mol/l) resulted in a 53-74% inhibition of estradiol production provoked by FSH (8 IU/l), staurosporine (5-100 nmol/l) or staurosporine in combination with FSH. Staurosporine (5-100 nmol/l), in the absence or presence of FSH, was unable to overcome inhibition of estradiol secretion by phorbol ester, indicating the presence of at least two independent binding sites on protein kinase C for these molecules. Forskolin (1 mumol/l)- and dibutyryl cAMP (1 mmol/l)-stimulated estradiol secretion was inhibited by 31 +/- 5% and 64 +/- 5% respectively, by phorbol 12,13 dibutyrate (10(-7) mol/l). We conclude that FSH-induced estradiol secretion in immature rat Sertoli cells is affected by protein kinase C activity.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed1991

Kinetic evidence for two components in the priming effect of LH-releasing hormone in the rat.

The priming effect of LHRH on LH release from prooestrous rat hemipituitary glands in vitro was analysed by kinetic approaches. Concentration-response curves for LHRH-, K(+)- and ionomycin-induced LH release were constructed for initial exposure to the secretagogues and after 'priming' with a low dose of LHRH (100 pg/ml). These data were analysed by a non-linear curve-fitting programme to reveal the potency and maxima of the responses before and after priming. The parameters obtained from the curves fitted to the LHRH concentration-response curves showed that two changes had occurred as a result of priming. There was an increase in the maximum amount of hormone released and also a relatively greater ability for low concentrations of LHRH to cause release (increased potency). The data for K+ and ionomycin revealed only one change as a result of priming, an increase in the maximum amount of hormone available for release. The data indicate that LHRH, after self-priming, releases more hormone by at least two routes, one represented by a general increase in stimulus-secretion coupling (which is available to K+ and ionomycin), the other a specific up-regulation of signal transduction by the LHRH receptor-effector system.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Type III collagen mutations cause fragile cerebral arteries.

Premature vascular aneurysms and fragility of cerebral arteries are commonly associated with type III collagen mutations and physical signs suggesting a generalized abnormality of connective tissue. Sometimes these traits are clearly genetically transmitted. Here we present seven examples of early cerebrovascular aneurysms or fragility including five examples of carotid cavernous sinus aneurysms. With one exception in which we suspect the mutation is too small to be detected, all of them had easily visible abnormalities of their type III collagen proteins. Further work in progress will eventually allow the characterization of their mutations at gene sequence level and will be followed by the ability to prevent transmission of the mutant genes in these families.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

The use of anti-D prophylaxis in the management of miscarriage in general practice.

Deaths from rhesus (Rh) haemolytic disease dropped steeply after anti-D immunoglobin became available for prophylaxis in Britain in 1969. Nevertheless, Rh incompatibility remains a cause of perinatal mortality and some unregistered fetal deaths before 28 weeks gestation. Some of these deaths are attributed to a failure to administer anti-D immunoglobin in the appropriate circumstances. The prophylactic administration of anti-D immunoglobin to Rh negative women or women whose Rh type was unknown was explored as part of a survey of the management of miscarriage in general practitioner training practices in the West of Scotland. Trainees were found to be the most likely, and general practitioners who had qualified before 1970 the least likely to offer anti-D prophylaxis. The advice of the Health Departments is currently unambiguous about the need to administer anti-D immunoglobin after miscarriage. The findings described here indicate the need to implement this advice more effectively until the question of first trimester sensitisation has been resolved.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗