PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

X D Yang

Publications and source records attributed to X D Yang.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

An Abd transgene prevents diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice by inducing regulatory T cells.

Susceptibility to the human autoimmune disease insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is strongly associated with particular haplotypes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Similarly, in a spontaneous animal model of this disease, the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse, the genes of the MHC play an important role in the development of diabetes. We have produced transgenic NOD mice that express the class II MHC molecule I-Ad in addition to the endogenous I-Ag7 molecules in order to study the role of these molecules in the disease process. Although the inflammatory lesions within the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas appear similar in transgenic and nontransgenic animals, transgenic mice develop diabetes with greatly diminished frequency compared to their nontransgenic littermates (10% of transgenic females by 30 weeks of age compared to 45% of nontransgenic females). Furthermore, adoptive transfer experiments show that T cells present in the transgenic mice are able to interfere with the diabetogenic process caused by T cells from nontransgenic mice. Thus, the mechanism by which I-Ad molecules protect mice from diabetes includes selecting in the thymus and/or inducing in the periphery T cells capable of inhibiting diabetes development.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Development of polyclonal antibodies against angiotensin type 2 receptors.

Murine neuroblastoma N1E-115 cells are a useful system in which to study neuronal angiotensin II (AngII) receptors. N1E-115 cells possess both type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) AngII receptor subtypes, as does mammalian brain. AT2 receptors in brain or N1E-115 cells can be solubilized in 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate. In the present study, heparin-Sepharose chromatography was used to partially purify solubilized N1E-115 membranes to produce an enriched population of AT2 receptors. Subsequently, an eluted peak, containing the majority of AT2 binding activity, was used as an immunogen in the development of protein-directed polyclonal antibodies. The antibodies specifically detected immunoreactive proteins of approximately 110 and 66 kDa in both solubilized N1E-115 cells, as well as the original protein material that eluted from the heparin-Sepharose column, whereas no such immunoreactivity was detected in a kidney epithelial cell line that lacks any specific 125I-labeled AngII (125I-AngII) binding activity. Moreover, the antibodies immunoreacted with affinity-purified AT2 receptors. These antibodies were also able to immunoprecipitate AT2 receptors from solubilized N1E-115 cells, as revealed by the pharmacologic profile of 125I-AngII binding to the precipitated protein. Similarly, the antibodies were able to immunoprecipitate a 66-kDa protein that had been covalently crosslinked with 125I-AngII by use of the homobifunctional crosslinker dithiobis(succinimidyl propionate). Collectively, these results demonstrate the development of a specific AT2 receptor antibody that may be used to further characterize this receptor subtype at both the cellular and molecular levels.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1993

A human synaptic vesicle monoamine transporter cDNA predicts posttranslational modifications, reveals chromosome 10 gene localization and identifies TaqI RFLPs.

A human vesicular monoamine transporter cDNA has been identified by screening a human brainstem library using sequences from the rat brain synaptic vesicle monoamine transporter (SVMT) [(1992) Cell 70, 539-551; (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89, 10993-10997]. The hSVMT shares 92% amino acid identity with the rat sequence, but displays one less consensus site for asparagine N-linked glycosylation and one more consensus site for phosphorylation by protein kinase C. The human SVMT gene maps to chromosome 10q25 using Southern blotting analysis of human/rodent hybrid cell lines and fluorescent in situ hybridization approaches. The cDNA, and a subclone, recognize TaqI polymorphisms that may prove useful to assess this gene's involvement in neuropsychiatric disorders involving monoaminergic brain systems.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Heat shock proteins in autoimmune disease. From causative antigen to specific therapy?

Heat shock proteins (hsp) are highly conserved from bacteria to man. Bacterial hsp, with approximate molecular weights of 60 kDa (hsp60), are immunodominant antigens that are immunologically cross-reactive with their mammalian counterparts. Hsp molecules are therefore useful in studies of fundamental questions concerning immune responses to foreign as opposed to self antigens. The finding that immune responses to hsp are associated with both experimentally-induced and spontaneous autoimmune diseases in animals has prompted intensive research to assess the role of bacterial hsp as the etiological agents involved in the development of autoimmune diseases. Recent evidence from animal models of autoimmune disease has clearly demonstrated the involvement of hsp in both the pathogenesis and the immunoregulation of autoimmune diseases. Studies with arthritogenic and diabetogenic T cell clones have identified immunogenic epitopes of hsp. These have been shown to ameliorate adjuvant arthritis in Lewis rats, and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. Such studies may have important therapeutic implications for the future treatment of human autoimmune disease.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Prevention of adjuvant arthritis in rats by a nonapeptide from the 65-kD mycobacterial heat shock protein: specificity and mechanism.

In a previous study we have shown that Lewis rats were completely protected from adjuvant arthritis by pretreatment with a nonapeptide (residues 180-188) of the 65-kD mycobacterial heat shock protein. Here we address questions of specificity and mechanism(s) of protection. We demonstrate that complete protection against adjuvant arthritis can only be achieved by pre-immunization with the nonapeptide, while pretreatment with either the octapeptide (residues 181-188) of the 65-kD heat shock protein or unrelated immunogenic peptides failed to affect adjuvant arthritis. Interestingly, pretreatment with the nonapeptide of the 65-kD heat shock protein did not protect Lewis rats from type II collagen-induced arthritis. These results demonstrate that protection is both epitope and disease specific. Co-injection of the nonapeptide with mycobacterial antigen even at a weight ratio of 5:1 (nonapeptide:mycobacteria) failed to influence the disease, suggesting that the role of the nonapeptide is not as a 'blocking peptide'. T cells from rats immunized with nonapeptide respond to the nonapeptide as well as to mycobacteria in vitro, and adoptively transfer protection to naive recipients. The data indicate that the nonapeptide-induced protection may result from a T cell-mediated specific suppression.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Three pseudogenes for human U13 snRNA belong to class III.

The nucleotide sequences of three pseudogenes for the small nucleolar RNA, U13, were determined from three human DNA clones. The sequences are reported 50 bp 5' and 3' to each gene. These pseudogenes belong to class III because they contain dispersed mismatches when compared to the previously determined U13 RNA sequence, an adenine-rich region at the 3' end, and short imperfect repeats flanking the 5' end of the coding sequence and the 3' end of the adenine-rich region.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Initial synaptic efficacy influences induction and expression of long-term changes in transmission.

Long-term depression (LTD) of glutamatergic and electrotonic transmission can be induced at mixed synapses between eighth nerve fibers and the goldfish Mauthner (M) cell in vivo, by pairing weak presynaptic tetani with postsynaptic inhibition. This LTD can be reversed by stronger tetani that produce long-term potentiation (LTP). Moreover, the depression is more likely to occur and tends to last longer when the initial synaptic efficacy is high--that is, if the synaptic strength is first potentiated. In addition, when synaptic efficacy is initially elevated, a weak tetanization that usually results in a gradually developing potentiation instead produces no change in chemical transmission and even a depression of electrotonic coupling. Thus, the modifications in synaptic transmission caused by a certain tetanizing protocol depend upon the history of synaptic efficacy. This last concept provides an experimental basis for theoretical models concerned with pre- and postsynaptic contributions to the regulation of synaptic plasticity.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

An intact Box C sequence in the U3 snRNA is required for binding of fibrillarin, the protein common to the major family of nucleolar snRNPs.

The mammalian U3 snRNP is one member of a recently described family of nucleolar snRNPs which also includes U8, U13, U14, X and Y. All of these snRNPs are immunoprecipitable by anti-fibrillarin autoantibodies, suggesting the existence of a common binding site for the 34 kDa fibrillarin (Fb) protein. Two short nucleotide sequences, called Boxes C and D, present in each of these RNAs are the most likely sites for fibrillarin binding. We have developed a HeLa in vitro assembly system for binding of fibrillarin to human U3 snRNA. Reconstitution of the input RNA is specific in our assay since four of the other nucleolar small RNAs (U8, U13, X and Y) which have Boxes C and D become immunoprecipitable by anti-fibrillarin whereas two RNAs which lack these sequences (5S and 5.8S) do not. Deletion analyses of the U3 snRNA demonstrate that the presence of Box C but not Box D is required for fibrillarin binding. Moreover, seven single or double site-specific mutations in the U3 Box C abolish binding. The role of the Box C-fibrillarin interaction in the biogenesis of the Fb snRNPs is discussed.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Neuroendocrinology of atrial natriuretic polypeptide in the brain.

It has been demonstrated that atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP), or atriopeptin, is synthesized and stored not only in the cardiac atrial myocyte but also in the central nervous system, especially in the hypothalamus. ANP may play an important role in the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance and blood pressure in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Some of the biological actions of ANP are opposite to those of angiotensin II and arginine vasopressin in the central nervous system. However, the mechanism of action of ANP remains, in a large part, to be defined.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

[Effect of intracerebroventricular administration of atrial natriuretic polypeptide on unit discharges of rat paraventricular nucleus].

We have applied microelectrode technique to record 118 spontaneously firing units from the hypothalamus in rats. Detection of the recording sites showed that 84 were in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and 34 were near the PVN (near-PVN). After intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP), 91% (P less than 0.005) of the PVN neurones and 71% (P greater than 0.05) of near-PVN neurones sensitive to ANP showed a significant decrease in spontaneously firing rate. After i.c.v. administration of hypertonic NaCl solution, 64.7% (P less than 0.005) of the PVN neurones and 61.1% (P greater than 0.05) of near-PVN neurones showed a significant increase in firing rate. The results indicate that i.c.v. administration of ANP profoundly inhibits the electrical activity of the PVN neurones, but hypertonic NaCl solution markedly stimulates the PVN neurones.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Long-term potentiation of electrotonic coupling at mixed synapses.

Long-term potentiation of chemical synapses is closely related to memory and learning. Studies of this process have concentrated on chemically mediated excitatory synapses. By contrast, activity-dependent modification of gap junctions, which also widely exist in higher structures such as hippocampus and neocortex, has not been described. Here we report that at mixed synapses between sensory afferents and an identified reticulospinal neuron, the electrotonic coupling potential can be potentiated, as well as the chemically mediated excitatory postsynaptic potential, for a prolonged time period using a stimulation paradigm like that which produces long-term potentiation in hippocampus. The effect on coupling is due to an increase in gap-junctional conductance. Our data indicate that the potentiation of both synaptic components requires an increase in intracellular calcium, involves activation of NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors, and is specific to the tetanized pathway.

Afferent Pathways↗
PubMed1990

Treatment of adjuvant arthritis in rats: vaccination potential of a synthetic nonapeptide from the 65 kDa heat shock protein of mycobacteria.

Adjuvant arthritis induced by mycobacteria in rats is a widely used model of chronic arthritis. A previously described nonapeptide (Thr-Phe-Gly-Leu-Gln-Leu-Glu-Leu-Thr, amino acid sequence 180-188) from the recombinant 65 kDa heat shock protein of Mycobacterium bovis BCG, which was found to contain a T-cell epitope recognized by both arthritogenic and protective T-cell clones in vitro, has been investigated for its vaccination and therapeutic potential in adjuvant arthritis in rats. The nonapeptide was found not to be arthritogenic, although the T cells from nonapeptide immunized rats cross-react in vitro with mycobacterial antigens. Intraperitoneal administration of 0.1 mg nonapeptide in oil at day -20 or days -2, -1 and 0, resulted in a marked reduction of incidence and severity of adjuvant arthritis. The disease process and severity were also influenced by therapeutic treatment with 0.1 mg nonapeptide injected intraperitoneally at days 7 to 10. Interestingly, subplantar or intravenous application of the nonapeptide had no influence on the disease process. Deletion of the N-terminal threonine led to complete loss of in vivo activity of the nonapeptide.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

Prevention of adjuvant arthritis in rats by a nonapeptide from the 65-kD mycobacterial heat-shock protein.

Adjuvant arthritis in Lewis rats is a model of T cell-mediated autoimmune arthritis resembling human rheumatoid arthritis. A nonapeptide from the 65-kD heat-shock protein of Mycobacterium bovis BCG, amino acid sequence 180-188, has been described to carry the dominant immunogenic epitope(s) for both arthritis-protective and arthritogenic T cell clones. Here we demonstrate that immunizations with the synthetic nonapeptide completely protected rats against adjuvant arthritis induced by M. tuberculosis. Interestingly, deletion of the N-terminal threonine of the nonapeptide resulted in loss of the protective activity. Pretreatments with the nonapeptide resulted in an immune response to the nonapeptide and to M. tuberculosis. After immunizations with the synthetic nonapeptide, only low titres of nonapeptide-specific antibodies were produced, whereas a significant cellular immune response to the nonapeptide was observed. In addition, the protection was transferable to naive rats by spleen T cells. These findings document the requirement of a T cell-specific immune response to the dominant epitope of the 65-kD mycobacterial heat-shock protein for the protection against adjuvant arthritis and suggest the feasibility of immune intervention in autoimmune arthritis through the use of synthetic peptides.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1989

Potential role of anti-IgE antibodies in vivo.

Murine monoclonal antibodies which recognize similar epitopes as the naturally occurring human IgG anti-IgE antibodies were used to study their role in interfering with the effector functions of IgE. Two types of antibodies were found which were either anaphylactogenic or did not release histamine from human basophils. However, both types of antibodies were capable of inhibiting binding of IgE to Fc epsilon RII. Furthermore, the nonanaphylactic antibody was capable of removing IgE from Fc epsilon RII+ cells, but no antibodies were found which removed IgE from Fc epsilon RI+ cells. Thus, anti-IgE antibodies may interfere with the pathophysiological role of IgE.

Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic↗
PubMed1989

[Analysis of 240 cases of burn patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa septicemia].

This paper analyses 240 cases of burn patients with pseudomonas (Ps) aeruginosa septicemia. They were admitted to our hospital from 1959 to 1988. The morbidity, time of episode of septicemia, mortality and relationship between the mortality and burned surface area are surveyed. The author considers that Ps. aeruginosa septicemia is a significant factor which burned patient dies of.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Induction of human in vitro IgE synthesis via stimulation by anti-CD3 antibody.

Mitogens such as pokeweed mitogen, Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I, concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin and monoclonal anti-CD antibodies were examined for their capacity to induce IgE synthesis by peripheral blood leukocytes obtained from both atopic and nonatopic individuals. While lectins failed to induce IgE synthesis, monoclonal anti-CD3 antibodies were very potent stimuli for the induction of human in vitro IgE synthesis, possibly due to the activation of T cells. Activation via CD4 or CD8 molecules by OKT4 or OKT8 antibodies did not lead to a T cell-dependent modulation of IgE synthesis. PWM acted in synergy with the enhancing effect of anti-CD3 antibodies for IgE synthesis. In vitro IgG production was less affected. These results indicate that activation of T cell via CD3 molecules may be important in the regulation of IgE immune responses in man. Furthermore, the successful induction of IgE synthesis by anti-CD3 antibody in unfractionated peripheral blood leukocytes culture provides a simple model for investigation of human IgE regulatory mechanism in vitro.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗