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Biomedical subjects

T Le

Publications and source records attributed to T Le.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Sustained expression of the pim-1 kinase is specifically induced in myeloid cells by cytokines whose receptors are structurally related.

We have examined the effects of myeloid growth factors on expression of the pim-1 kinase protein in human and murine myeloid cells. pim-1 protein was identified in K562 cells by immunoblotting as a 33 kDa protein. In the human factor-dependent myeloid leukemia cell line M07E, pim-1 protein was induced by interleukin 3 (IL-3) or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), with maximum expression by 4 h. Expression continued for the duration of growth factor exposure, but declined rapidly when cytokines were removed. GM-CSF induced pim-1 protein in a dose-dependent manner, with expression being proportional to the proliferative effect of the cytokine. To examine the specificity of pim-1 protein induction, we compared pim-1 protein levels in myeloid cells which demonstrated different GM-CSF response phenotypes. We also examined the effects on pim-1 protein expression of different growth factors which induced similar response phenotypes. GM-CSF induced pim-1 protein in several myeloid cell lines, most of which demonstrated a proliferative response, but did not induce pim-1 protein expression in neutrophils or monocytic cells. In contrast, the murine cell line Mac-11 expressed pim-1 message in response to IL-3 and GM-CSF, but not in response to bryostatin or M-CSF, which were equivalent mitogens. In human U937 myeloid cells sustained expression of pim-1 protein was induced by GM-CSF, G-CSF and IL-6, but not by bryostatin. Expression of the pim-1 kinase protein in response to myeloid cytokines depends on both the nature of the growth factor and the response phenotype. The pim-1 kinase may be an important intermediate in transmembrane signaling or response phenotype induced by IL-3, GM-CSF and other cytokines whose receptors are structurally similar. Its constitutive expression in some myeloid leukemia cell lines suggests activation of signal cascades utilized by myeloid growth factors.

Cell Division

Intestinal and hepatic cholesterogenesis in hypercholesterolemic dyslipidemia of experimental diabetes in dogs.

We previously reported that dog diabetes results in hypercholesterolemia and the accumulation of a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclass, HDL1. Hypercholesterolemic diabetic rodents exhibit hyperphagia, intestinal hypertrophy, and increased intestinal cholesterol synthesis and absorption; intestinal 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG) CoA reductase activity is increased, whereas hepatic activity is unchanged or reduced. To determine whether similar mechanisms operate in the hypercholesterolemic diabetic dog, we measured hepatic and intestinal cholesterologenesis. Streptozocin-alloxan-induced diabetic dogs allowed access to food ad libitum were hyperphagic and hypercholesterolemic (10.1 vs. 4.47 mM) but normotriglyceridemic. Plasma HDL1 concentrations were markedly increased. Differences in renal and hepatic function were not statistically significant, except serum alkaline phosphatase, which was elevated 4-fold (P = 0.0003). Urinary mevalonate, an index of whole-body cholesterol synthesis, was increased 6-fold. Intestinal and hepatic weights were both increased, and direct measurements showed crypt and villus thickening. The activity of HMG CoA reductase per gram organ weight was increased 1.7-fold in liver and 2.1-fold in intestine. Calculated whole-organ activity in intestine was nearly twice that in liver. These observations provide strong evidence that intestinal cholesterogenesis is involved in the pathogenesis of hypercholesterolemia in dog diabetes and support the conclusion that increased cholesterol synthesis plays a role in the hypercholesterolemia of diabetes.

Animals

Canadian multicenter azidothymidine trial: AZT pharmacokinetics.

The study objective was to describe the pharmacokinetics of azidothymidine (AZT) in a large population of early, asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. The study design was a multicenter, prospective, descriptive single-dose pharmacokinetic study. Each of 66 fasting, male, HIV-infected homosexuals older than 18 years of age and in CDC classifications II, III, and IVC2 received a single 400-mg oral dose of AZT with subsequent pharmacokinetic measurements performed during an 8-h period for AZT and its major metabolite, glucuronylazidothymidine (GAZT). Results were obtained in 65 patients (36 smokers, 29 nonsmokers), of whom 3 were noted to have hepatic dysfunction. In those with normal hepatic function, the following parameters were described: AZT, area under the curve (AUC) +/- SD, 9.9 +/- 5.7 microM.h, maximum concentration (Cmax) +/- SD, 7.3 +/- 4.7 microM; time to maximum concentration (Tmax) +/- SD, 0.93 +/- 0.42 h, and half-life (t1/2) +/- SD, 1.0 +/- 0.8 h. Corresponding values for GAZT were: AUC +/- SD 35.7 +/- 10.3 microM.h, Cmax +/- SD 21.3 +/- 7.3 microM, Tmax +/- SD 1.2 +/- 0.50 h, t1/2 +/- SD 0.98 +/- 0.62 h, No significant differences were found in comparisons of study site, CDC classification of disease, smokers versus nonsmokers, and in patients with hepatic dysfunction, although a higher AUC and earlier Cmax for AZT was noted in the latter group. It is concluded that AZT pharmacokinetics are similar in patients with early asymptomatic HIV disease when compared with previous reports in patients with later disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult

Plasma apolipoprotein E, high density lipoprotein1 (HDL1) and urinary mevalonate excretion in pancreatectomized diabetic dogs: effects of insulin and lovastatin.

Hypercholesterolemia and increased concentrations of an apolipoprotein E (apoE)-containing HDL subclass, high density lipoprotein1 (HDL1) have been observed in streptozocin-alloxan diabetic dogs consuming normal amounts of dietary cholesterol. The aim of this study was to characterize the response of HDL1 and its targeting ligand, apoE, to insulin and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor treatment in pancreatectomized diabetic dogs. Following induction of diabetes, plasma total cholesterol, HDL1, and apoE concentrations were all increased. Urinary mevalonate excretion, an index of cholesterol synthesis in humans, was 6-fold that of nondiabetic controls. Lipoprotein fractionation by Pevikon block electrophoresis and gel filtration chromatography showed that the increased cholesterol and apoE were associated with alpha 2-migrating particles corresponding to HDL1. Insulin treatment, resulting in near normal fasting blood glucose concentrations in the group as a whole (average 5.1 mM, 92 mg/dl), led to variable reductions in apoE, total plasma cholesterol, and HDL1. Uncorrected dyslipidemia during intensified insulin treatment appeared to be related to failure to achieve euglycemia. Despite unremitting hyperglycemia, treatment with lovastatin resulted in pronounced decreases in plasma cholesterol, HDL1 and apoE to concentrations below those observed in nondiabetic animals. Mevalonate excretion also fell, but remained twice normal. Thus neither modality corrected all of the abnormalities in canine diabetic dyslipidemia. Since apoE-containing HDL1 may mediate cholesterol traffic between the periphery and the liver (reverse cholesterol transport), the present observations suggest that increased cholesterol synthesis is accompanied by parallel abnormalities in cholesterol flux through the reverse transport pathway in the canine model.

Animals

The effect of zidovudine on platelet count in HIV-infected individuals.

Seventy-four HIV-infected homosexual males belonging to CDC groups IIB, III, and IVC2 were treated with increasing doses of zidovudine within the Multicentre Canadian AZT Trial. Following a 3 week observation period, consenting volunteers received 600 mg/day for 18 weeks, 900 mg/day for 9 weeks, and 1,200 mg/day for 9 weeks. This was followed by a 6 week washout period after which zidovudine was restarted at 1,200 mg/day for 18 weeks. Patients were followed for a total of 63 weeks. Every 3 weeks they underwent a full clinical and laboratory assessment. For the purpose of this analysis, subjects were divided according to the mean initial platelet value (greater than or equal to 150,000 or less than 150,000/L) into normals (n = 57) and thrombocytopenics (n = 12), respectively. Analysis of variance was used to compare the mean platelet values at each zidovudine dose. All comparisons were made against baseline values. Zidovudine increased platelet counts in normal and thrombocytopenic subjects. The magnitude of this effect varied depending on the baseline platelet count. Among normals, the platelet count increased from 241,000 +/- 45,000/L at baseline to 261,000 +/- 51,000/L (p less than 0.01). while receiving 600 mg/day of zidovudine. This effect was self-limited, reaching a peak by week 3. The platelet count decreased to baseline values despite increasing the dose of zidovudine to 900 or 1,200 mg/day. The platelet count further decreased to 218,000 +/- 43,000/L during the washout phase (washout vs. 1,200 mg, p less than 0.01).2+ not found to be dose related. The platelet count decreased to 101,000 +/- 34,000/L during the washout phase (washout vs. 1,200 mg/day, p less than 0.07).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Canada

Energy consumption in paraplegic ambulation using the reciprocating gait orthosis and electric stimulation of the thigh muscles.

The energy consumption of six thoracic paraplegic persons ambulating in the reciprocating gait orthosis (RGO) with and without functional electric stimulation (FES) of their thigh muscles was determined as a function of walking speed. Plots of Kcal/kg-min and Kcal/kg-m vs walking speed in the RGO and RGO & FES were experimentally determined in this study and compared with the energy cost of walking in the long leg brace (LLB), the hip guidance orthosis (HGO), and an FES walking aid from data available in the literature. The RGO powered with electric stimulation of the thigh muscles required the lowest energy expenditure in Kcal/kg-m across the full range of walking speeds. The RGO, HGO, LLB, and FES walking orthoses ranked second, third, fourth, and fifth respectively. The lowest energy costs in Kcal/kg-min were associated with the RGO & FES, followed by the RGO, HGO, LLB, and FES for walking speeds below .28m/sec. At walking speeds higher than .28m/sec the HGO demonstrates lower energy cost followed by the RGO & FES, RGO, FES, and LLB. At the end of a 30-m walk, patients using the RGO & FES had a mean heart rate (HR) which was 12 beats/min less than the mean HR when using the RGO without FES, 31 beats/min less than the HR when using the LLB, and 42 beats/min less than the HR when using FES only. It was concluded that the FES-powered RGO combines the advantages of a passive mechanical orthosis with those of FES to provide substantial improvements in energy cost which may provide paraplegic persons with a mode of independent ambulation superior to the wheelchair.

Adult

Prolactin (PRL) release-inhibiting properties of the alpha 2 adrenergic receptor antagonist idazoxan: comparison with yohimbine.

The effects of the alpha 2 adrenergic receptor antagonists yohimbine (YOH) and Idazoxan (ID) on secretion of PRL were compared in nonanesthetized male rats bearing permanent intraatrial cannulae for i.v. drug delivery and serial blood sampling. YOH induced a dose-related elevation of basal plasma PRL levels. ID had either no effect or a tendency to lower them and effectively inhibited stimulation of PRL secretion with morphine, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP), quipazine or restraint stress. YOH at low doses did not alter the PRL secretory responses to these stimuli or enhanced them at the highest dose used (1.56 mg/kg). ID inhibited the PRL-stimulating, effect of 5HTP or morphine following inhibition of NE synthesis with FLA63 or pretreatment with clonidine. It also blocked the effect of quipazine in rats pretreated with prazosin. It is concluded that ID, in a complete contrast to YOH effectively inhibits PRL secretion. The inhibitory mechanism appears to be unrelated to its interaction with the alpha adrenergic receptors.

5-Hydroxytryptophan

The paradox of alpha 2 adrenergic regulation of prolactin (PRL) secretion. I. The PRL-releasing action of the alpha 2 receptor agonists.

Systemic (IV) administration of the alpha 2 receptor agonist clonidine is known to stimulate secretion of PRL and growth hormone (GH) suggesting a stimulatory role of the central alpha 2 receptors in the regulation of the two hormones. The present work confirms this notion for GH but indicates that the alpha 2 agonists stimulate PRL release by a peripheral action not involving central alpha 2 receptors. This conclusion is based on the following findings: 1) The minimum effective IV dose of clonidine or UK 14304 was four times larger for activation of PRL than GH secretion and had already manifest extracentral effects (elevation of arterial BP). 2) Subcutaneous injection of UK 14304 (220 micrograms/kg) elevated plasma GH but not PRL levels indicating that an effective activation of the central alpha 2 receptors does not stimulate PRL release. 3) Peripherally acting alpha 2 agonists (p-aminoclonidine, oxymetazoline) had no effect on GH secretion but stimulated PRL release in a manner identical with the effect of clonidine or UK 14304. 4) The peripherally acting alpha 2 antagonist DG-5128 blocked only the PRL secretory response to UK 14304 whereas the peripherally and centrally active yohimbine blocked the PRL and GH responses.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists

The paradox of alpha 2 adrenergic regulation of prolactin (PRL) secretion. II. PRL-releasing action of the alpha 2 receptor antagonists.

It has been suggested that the stimulation of the secretion of PRL by the alpha 2 adrenergic receptor antagonists (yohimbine, piperoxane) results from blockade of an inhibitory influence imposed on PRL release by the central alpha 2 receptors (7, 15). Our present results do not support these conclusions for the following reasons: 1) The effectiveness of the alpha 2 receptor antagonists yohimbine (YOH), rauwolscine (RAU), Wy 26392 and idazoxan (IDAZ) respectively to activate secretion of PRL was not related to their alpha 2 antagonist potencies. RAU was more effective in activation of PRL secretion than either YOH or Wy 26392 although it had a similar alpha 2 antagonist activity, while IDAZ, the most potent alpha 2 blocker among the four compounds, did not stimulate PRL secretion. 2) The PRL-releasing effect of YOH or Wy 26392 was reversed by the alpha 2 agonist clonidine but the same effect of RAU was not, speaking against a common alpha 2-mediated mechanism of action of the three antagonists. 3) The PRL-stimulating effect of YOH, RAU or Wy 26392 persisted following inhibition of NE synthesis and presumably release with FLA 63, DDC or combination of reserpine and DDC. 4) Conversely, we found no indication for an inhibiting influence of activation of the alpha 2 receptors on the secretion of PRL. We conclude that the stimulation of PRL secretion by the alpha 2 receptor antagonists is not derived from blockade of the central alpha 2 receptors but from other, not yet defined properties of the drugs.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists

Comparison of the clearances of serum chylomicron triglycerides enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid or oleic acid.

Rat mesenteric lymph chylomicrons containing triglycerides enriched with either [14C]oleic acid (OA) or [14C]-eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were prepared by ultracentrifugation of lymph samples collected for 6 hr after a single duodenal infusion of an emulsion containing either fatty acid. These chylomicrons were injected into the jugular vein of recipient rats and, at various time intervals, blood was drawn and serum was assayed for radioactivity. In separate animals, serum lipoprotein fractions were separated by ultracentrifugation, and the redistribution of labeled fatty acid among circulating lipoproteins was determined by liquid scintillation spectrometry. When the early disappearance rates (10 min) of either total serum radioactivity or specifically the chylomicron fraction were compared, there were no differences between the groups receiving OA- or EPA-enriched chylomicrons. However, disappearance rates of EPA-enriched chylomicrons were slower than those of OA-enriched chylomicrons from 25 to 90 min. The small but significant differences in the disappearance rates for the longer time periods cannot be ascertained without further studies. At 5 min after injection of either type of chylomicron, the d less than 1.006 g/ml lipoprotein fraction of serum chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins contained almost 90% of the original radioactivity. By 240 min, when less than 2% of the radioactivity remained, this radioactivity in the d less than 1.006 g/ml fraction was 43-46%, with concomitant increases in the low and high density lipoprotein fractions and in the lipoprotein-free serum.

Animals

Stimulation of intestinal cytokinetics and mucin turnover in rats fed wheat bran or cellulose.

Rats were fed defined diets containing no fiber, 10% wheat bran or 10% cellulose, and intestinal morphology and cytokinetics were assessed by light microscopy and autoradiography, respectively. In bran-fed animals, there were no differences in morphological appearance of the jejunum, in the number of cells/villus column or in numbers of goblet cells compared to controls. Autoradiographic analysis, at one and 24 h after [3H]thymidine, however, suggested an increased turnover and villus transit of intestinal cells. There was also a 2.5 fold increase in incorporation of labeled sulfate, and a 2-fold increase in [3H]glucose incorporation into total intestinal glycoproteins and mucins. Similar, albeit less dramatic results were obtained in rats fed diets containing cellulose. These studies provide evidence that diets containing certain fiber derivatives can alter aspects of intestinal cell turnover, and support the earlier morphological observations suggesting increased goblet cell secretory activity in response to feeding these fiber derivatives.

Animals

Neoplastic proliferation in a case of epidermotropic high-grade malignant lymphoma associated with hypercalcemia.

We report a case of epidermotropic high-grade malignant lymphoma associated with hypercalcemia occurring in a European woman aged 30 years. The clinical, histological, and biological presentation of the patient could enter the spectrum of HOTS (hypercalcemia, osteolysis, T cell lymphoma syndrome). The proliferation of neoplastic lymphocytes was very high in patch, plaques, and nodules of the skin.

Adult