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[A preliminary study of immuno-electron microscopy of endothelium in cardiovascular system].

The immunocytochemical localizations of the von Willebrand factor (vWF), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and the beta 2-adrenergic receptor (beta 2R) in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) after thrombin treatment have been demonstrated. Competitive ELISA analysis of these treated cells indicate an increase in vWF deposition on the subendothelial matrix (1.5 folds vs control) and vWF release (3.8 folds vs control) in the culture medium. The vWF-peroxidase, immunogold labeling and in situ hybridization of ET-1 were demonstrated on HUVEC. Double labelling with different sized gold particles for the ET-1 and beta 2R locations were performed on the hearts of young adult WEY, SHR, and SHRsp rats. The results were as follows. (1) Positive vWF deposits were detected on the extracellular matrix, Weibel-Palade bodies and secreting vesicles in the cytoplasm. It is suggested that both the constituted and regulated pathways are involved in the secretion of vWF stimulated by thrombin. (2) The gene expression of ET-1 was detected by light microscopic in situ hybridization in HUVEC. (3) ET-1 was detected by immunoelectron microscopy in the lysosome, cell surface, and extracellular matrix, suggesting that lysosome possibly plays an important role in the processing of ET-1 in HUVEC. (4) The presence of both ET-1 and beta 2R have been successfully detected in adult heart tissues and the endothelial cells of rats. These observations suggest the functional importance of ET-1 and beta 2R.

Animals↗

Histochemical evidence of osteoclastic degradation of extracellular matrix in osteolytic metastasis originating from human lung small carcinoma (SBC-5) cells.

The aim of this study was to assess the dynamics of osteoclast migration and the degradation of unmineralized extracellular matrix in an osteolytic metastasis by examining a well-standardized lung cancer metastasis model of nude mice. SBC-5 human lung small carcinoma cells were injected into the left cardiac ventricle of 6-week-old BALB/c nu/nu mice under anesthesia. At 25-30 days after injection, the animals were sacrificed and their femora and/or tibiae were removed for histochemical analyses. Metastatic lesions were shown to occupy a considerable area extending from the metaphyses to the bone marrow region. Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAPase)-positive osteoclasts were found in association with an alkaline phosphatase (ALPase)-positive osteoblastic layer lining the bone surface, but could also be localized in the ALPase-negative stromal tissues that border the tumor nodules. These stromal tissues were markedly positive for osteopontin, and contained a significant number of TRAPase-positive osteoclasts expressing immunoreactivity for CD44. We thus speculated that, mediating its affinity for CD44, osteopontin may serve to facilitate osteoclastic migration after their formation associated with ALPase-positive osteoblasts. We next examined the localization of cathepsin K and matrix metallo-proteinase-9 (MMP-9) in osteoclasts. Osteoclasts adjacent to the bone surfaces were positive for both proteins, whereas those in the stromal tissues in the tumor nests showed only MMP-9 immunoreactivity. Immunoelectron microscopy disclosed the presence of MMP-9 in the Golgi apparatus and in vesicular structures at the baso-lateral cytoplasmic region of the osteoclasts found in the stromal tissue. MMP-9-positive vesicular structures also contained fragmented extracellular materials. Thus, osteoclasts appear to either select an optimized function, namely secreting proteolytic enzymes from ruffled borders during bone resorption, or recognize the surrounding extracellular matrix by mediating osteopontin/CD44 interaction, and internalize the extracellular matrices. Microsc.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Cartilage formation by fetal rat chondrocytes cultured in alginate beads: a proposed model for investigating tissue-biomaterial interactions.

Chondrocytes from 21-day-old rat fetal nasal cartilage were cultured in alginate beads for up to 20 days. It was found that chondrocytes retained their spherical shape and typical chondrocytic appearance. During the culture time, chondrocytes underwent differentiation, as demonstrated by the alkaline phosphatase-specific activity and rate of proteoglycan synthesis. Morphological data confirmed chondrocyte differentiation with the appearance of hypertrophic chondrocytes scattered in the alginate gel and a dense extracellular matrix containing filamentous structures and matrix vesicles. In addition, Northern blot analysis performed on day 8 of culture showed that chondrocytes cultured in alginate beads expressed type II collagen mRNA. The alginate bead method also appeared to be suitable for testing biomaterials, and the ready dissolution of the alginate beads by chelating agents provided a simple means for the rapid recovery of encapsulated chondrocytes. Powdered glass-ceramic particles entrapped in the alginate gel were colonized by chondrocytes, which then proliferated and formed a tissue similar to a true calcified cartilaginous structure. These results indicate that the alginate system represents a relevant model for studies of chondrogenesis and endochondral ossification. Furthermore, the encapsulation method could prove useful for studies of tissue-biomaterial interactions in an in vitro environment which more closely mirrors the cartilage matrix than other culture methods.

Animals↗

An ultrastructural study of interplexiform cell synapses in the human retina.

Using serial sections and electron microscopy, we have found several morphological types of synapses within the outer plexiform layer (OPL) of the human retina. The most conspicuous of these is described in this paper. They have a unique morphology and form synapses with rod and cone bipolar cells in the OPL and onto bipolar and amacrine cell bodies in the inner nuclear layer (INL). Because they occur in processes that extend across the INL, we believe these synapses are made by interplexiform cells (IPCs). These same processes also contact cone pedicles with specialized cell junctions like those made between cones and flat bipolars. These junctions have densification of both cell membranes and widening of the extracellular cleft, but no accumulation of synaptic vesicles. Similar-appearing processes in the inner plexiform layer are thought to belong to IPCs but their contacts were less completely identified. Possible circuitry for these IPCs is described and the possibility that there are different classes of IPCs in the human retina is discussed. The OPL forms in the posterior retina during the tenth fetal week. Our observations suggest that different types of synapses including those of the IPCs are present in this layer from the time of its first appearance.

Adult↗

Modulation of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-membrane associated, rapid response steroid binding protein expression in mouse odontoblasts by 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3.

The rapid, nongenomic effects of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 have been related to a 1,25D3-membrane associated, rapid response steroid binding protein or 1,25D3-[MARRS]bp, with a molecular weight of 65 kDa, in several tissues and species. Currently, no information is available concerning the nongenomic responses to 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 in dental tissues. In order to investigate the expression of 1,25D3-[MARRS]bp in dental cells, in the presence or absence of 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3, we have used rabbit polyclonal antibodies directed against the N-terminus of the 1,25D3-[MARRS]bp (Ab099) that recognizes the 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 binding protein in chick intestinal basolateral membranes and a mouse odontoblast-like cell line (MO6-G3). Western blotting and flow cytometric analyses with Ab099 specifically detected 1,25D3-[MARRS]bp in MO6-G3 cells. Moreover, 1,25D3-[MARRS]bp was up-regulated, in vivo, in differentiated dental cells. Electron microscopic analysis confirmed the plasma membrane localization of this binding protein and also showed its intracellular presence. Incubation of MO6-G3 cells with different doses of 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 for 36 h resulted in an inhibition of 1,25D3-[MARRS]bp expression with a maximal effect at 50 nM steroid. In addition, the culture media of MO6-G3 cells contains immunoreactive 1,25D3-[MARRS]bp. Immunogold positive membrane vesicle-like structures are present in the extracellular matrix of MO6-G3 cells. Altogether, these results indicate that the 1,25D3-[MARRS]bp expression in MO6-G3 cells is modulated by 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3. In conclusion, this 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 binding protein could play an important role in the rapid, nongenomic responses to 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 in dental cells.

Animals↗

Neomycin, an inhibitor of phosphoinositide hydrolysis, inhibits the resumption of bovine oocyte spontaneous meiotic maturation.

The possibility that the intracellular signals generated upon phosphoinositide hydrolysis are involved in regulating bovine oocyte spontaneous meiotic resumption was investigated. Oocytes were mass-harvested and cultured in 2A-BMOC medium supplemented with 0.5% bovine serum albumin in the presence or absence of neomycin (an inhibitor of phosphoinositide hydrolysis) or phorbol myristate acetate (an activator of protein kinase C). The role of intracellular calcium was examined by preloading with BAPTA/AM (a calcium chelator) prior to culture. Meiotic maturation was scored cytogenetically. 1) Neomycin induces an irreversible inhibition of germinal vesicle breakdown which does not exceed 60% and is apparent at concentrations of 5 mM or above. Progression of meiosis past metaphase I is inhibited at concentrations of 2.5 mM or above. The full effect of neomycin is only apparent if it is presented to the oocytes within 3 h of follicular release, although germinal vesicle breakdown is not observed until 9 h culture under control conditions. 2) PMA alone has negligible effect on germinal vesicle breakdown, but it acts synergistically with 2 mM IBMX to inhibit this process. PMA has a dual effect on the progression of meiosis past metaphase I: 1 nM PMA has a stimulatory effect while 1 microM PMA blocks the ability of oocytes to reach anaphase I or beyond. These observations are not found with a non-tumor-promoting phorbol ester. 3) Spontaneous meiotic resumption is not significantly affected in the absence of added exogenous calcium. However, oocytes preloaded with BAPTA/AM exhibit a dose-dependent inhibition of germinal vesicle breakdown, even in the presence of extracellular calcium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Fertilization envelope in diapause eggs of Pontella mediterranea (Crustacea, Copepoda).

The sequence and timing of morphological changes during envelope formation was followed in diapause eggs of Pontella mediterranea (Crustacea, Copepoda). The multilayer coat enveloping these eggs resulted from the exocytosis of 4 types of cortical vesicles that sequentially released their contents in the perivitelline space. These included small high-density vesicles (hDV) with electron-dense material, vesicles (V) with dense ring granules and a uniform matrix contained within the same compartment, large high-density (HDV) vesicles, and large moderately dense (MDV) vesicles. All of these cortical vesicles were present in newly spawned, fertilized eggs. Their exocytosis resulted from egg activation. One of these cortical vesicles (V) was similar in morphology to the intracisternal granules precursors of endogenous yolk. Intracisternal granules, characteristic of previtellogenic oocytes of many crustaceans, were present in previtellogenic oocytes of P. mediterranea but disappeared in later stages of oocyte development once yolk formation was completed. We discuss the role of cortical vesicles in the formation of the complex extracellular coat enveloping copepod diapause eggs.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

The orientation of porin OmpF in the outer membrane of Escherichia coli.

The in vivo orientation of the channel forming porin OmpF from the outer membrane of Escherichia coli was assessed by immunological, biochemical and structural techniques. Porin OmpF exists as a trimer of channels formed by 16 antiparallel beta-strands. These are connected by long hydrophilic loops on one side of the bilayer and short loops or beta-turns on the other. The former constitute the rough side of the porin channel, the latter the smooth side. Epitopes at the cell surface have all been mapped within the long loops, suggesting a rough-side-out orientation of OmpF in the membrane. We analyzed detergent solubilized OmpF trimers, reconstituted 2-D OmpF crystals, OmpF containing outer membranes (sacculi) and intact cells of an E. coli strain overexpressing OmpF. Both solubilized OmpF and OmpF containing sacculi were exposed to proteases, and distinct cleavage sites were identified by protein sequencing. Solubilized OmpF, reconstituted 2-D OmpF crystals and detergent extracted sacculi were tested for their capacity to adsorb colicin N. We used antibodies directed against surface exposed epitopes for immunogold labeling of reconstituted 2-D OmpF crystals and sacculi. The surfaces of intact cells and extracted sacculi were analyzed by electron microscopy and image processing. Finally, a full 3-D reconstruction of negatively stained OmpF containing sacculi revealed the OmpF trimer in its native conformation within the outer membrane. Colicin N and antibody experiments, as well as the 3-D map of the sacculi demonstrated that OmpF exposes the long loops to the extracellular space. In contrast, reconstituted crystalline OmpF vesicles and double layered sheets were found to be in an inside-out conformation, hence hiding colicin or antibody binding epitopes. Two proteinase K cleavage sites were identified, one on a protruding loop and the other inside the channel on the loop penetrating the pore.

Antigens, Bacterial↗

Chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan and embryonic brain enlargement in the chick.

Previous studies of the early development of the neural tube have shown the existence of an intraneural fluid, which causes a positive pressure inside this primordium, and seems to play a key role in the early development of the central nervous system. In the present study we investigated the composition and synthesis of this intraneural fluid. By using a sequential method, which includes fixation with glutaraldehyde plus cetylpyridinium chloride, opening the neural cavity after critical point drying and scanning electron microscopy analysis, we found a water-soluble extracellular matrix that filled up the brain vesicles of chick embryos at the earliest stages of the neural tube. An ultrastructural study of the neural epithelium during these stages revealed the existence of a secretion process in the neural cells toward the apical side, the future neural cavity. An immunocytochemical study to assess the nature of the secreted material has shown that the intraneural matrix contains chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan, which appeared homogeneously distributed throughout the neural cavity. Our findings demonstrate that the intraneural liquid is a fluid of complex composition and includes chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan as an osmotically active molecule. This suggests a morphogenetic role for the proteoglycan during early brain enlargement. The neural ectoderm is a polarized epithelium from early developmental stages and secretes the intraneural matrix.

Animals↗

Ultrastructural observations on chick bone processed by quick-freezing and freeze-substitution.

The ultrastructure of newly formed bone was examined with the use of quick-freezing followed by freeze-substitution. Osteoblasts and young osteocytes were characterized by a smooth cell contour, whereas old osteocytes were irregular in shape. The plasma and intracytoplasmic membranes were clearly identifiable as trilaminar substructures. With the method described herein the tissue is handled in the anhydrous state. Thus mitochondrial granules could be demonstrated in all samples, since their preservation is not affected by non-aqueous solutions. The matrices of intact mitochondria were densely stained with post-staining. The contents of the Golgi complex, rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum (RER), nuclear envelope, vesicles, and vacuoles were stained to various degrees. Lacunar spaces were always filled with flocculent and filamentous materials, and the plasma membrane was in direct contact with them. Membrane-bounded matrix vesicles were clearly visible within the osteoid extracellular matrix which was the initial site of mineral crystal deposition. In heavily mineralized bone matrix, the periodic pattern of collagen fibrils was retained, and the electron density of mineralized matrix in freeze-substituted and unstained sections which had been floated on ethylene glycol was greater than that encountered in sections processed in aqueous reagents.

Animals↗

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease: characterization of human peritoneal and cystic kidney cells in vitro.

Renal cystic epithelia and peritoneal mesothelia from two humans with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) were grown in culture. Cystic epithelial and mesothelial cells formed continuous monolayers in vitro. By electron microscopy, cystic renal cells exhibited a single apical cilium and numerous short, stubby microvilli, both in situ and in vitro. Mesothelial cells exhibited intra- and extracellular membrane-limited, lipid-filled vesicles and surface microvilli. Cystic kidney cells in vitro stained positive for lectins from Cancanavalia ensiformis (concanavalin A), Triticum vulgaris, Erythrina cristagalli, Ulex europeaus, and Arachis hypogaea. Immunocytochemical and lectin staining revealed the renal and peritoneal cells to be of collecting tubule and mesothelial origin, respectively. Both cell types showed large depositions of glycogen granules in the cytoplasm during propagation in certain culture media; in kidney cells, dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) abolished glycogen depositions. Glycogen deposition also was observed in liver tissue obtained by needle biopsy from one patient. No bacteria were cultured from nor endotoxin detected in the renal cyst fluid. Relative to serum, the cyst fluids contained low sodium, potassium, and chloride levels. Thus, cultured ARPKD cells demonstrate a number of characteristics that are different from cells derived from the autosomal dominant form of renal cystic disease (ADPKD).

Bacteria↗

An internalization-competent influenza hemagglutinin mutant causes the redistribution of AP-2 to existing coated pits and is colocalized with AP-2 in clathrin free clusters.

Image correlation spectroscopy and cross correlation spectroscopy were used to demonstrate that approximately 25% of the internalization-competent influenza virus hemagglutinin mutant, HA+8, is colocalized with clathrin and AP-2 at the plasma membrane of intact cells, while wild-type HA (which is excluded from coated pits) does not colocalize with either protein. Clathrin and AP-2 clusters were saturated when HA+8 was overexpressed, and this was accompanied by a redistribution of AP-2 into existing coated pits. However, de novo coated pit formation was not observed. In nontreated cells, the number of clusters of clathrin or AP-2 colocalized with HA+8 was always comparable. Hypertonic treatment which disperses the clathrin lattices resulted in more clusters containing AP-2 and HA+8 than clathrin and HA+8. Less colocalization of HA+8 with clathrin was also observed after cytosol acidification, which causes the formation of deeply invaginated pits, where the HA+8 may be inaccessible to extracellular labeling by antibodies, and blocks coated vesicle budding. However, cytosol acidification elevated the number of clusters containing both HA+8 and AP-2, suggesting an increase in their level of association outside of the deep invaginations. Our results imply that AP-2 and HA+8 can colocalize in clusters devoid of clathrin, at least in cells treated to alter the clathrin lattice structure. Although we cannot ascertain whether this also occurs in untreated cells, we propose that AP-2 binding to membrane proteins carrying internalization signals can occur prior to the binding of AP-2 to clathrin. While such complexes can in principle serve to recruit clathrin for the formation of new coated pits, the higher affinity of the internalization signals for clathrin-associated AP-2 [Rapoport, I., et al. (1997) EMBO J. 16, 2240-2250] makes it more likely that once the AP-2-membrane protein complexes form, they are quickly recruited into existing coated pits.

Animals↗

Amyloid beta protein-(1-42) forms calcium-permeable, Zn2+-sensitive channel.

Amyloid beta protein (AbetaP) forms senile plaques in the brain of the patients with Alzheimer's disease. The early-onset AD has been correlated with an increased level of 42-residue AbetaP (AbetaP1-42). However, very little is known about the role of AbetaP1-42 in such pathology. We have examined the activity of AbetaP1-42 reconstituted in phospholipid vesicles. Vesicles reconstituted with AbetaP show strong immunofluorescence labeling with an antibody raised against an extracellular domain of AbetaP suggesting the incorporation of AbetaP peptide in the vesicular membrane. Vesicles reconstituted with AbetaP showed a significant level of 45Ca2+ uptake. The 45Ca2+ uptake was inhibited by (i) a monoclonal antibody raised against the N-terminal region of AbetaP, (ii) Tris, and (iii) Zn2+. However, reducing agents Trolox and dithiothreitol did not inhibit the 45Ca2+ uptake, indicating that the oxidation of AbetaP or its surrounding lipid molecules is not directly involved in the AbetaP-mediated Ca2+ uptake. An atomic force microscope was used to image the structure and physical properties of these vesicles. Vesicles ranged from 0.5 to 1 microm in diameter. The stiffness of the AbetaP-containing vesicles was significantly higher in the presence of calcium. The stiffness change was prevented in the presence of zinc, Tris, and anti-AbetaP antibody but not in the presence of Trolox and dithiothreitol. Thus the stiffness change is consistent with the vesicular uptake of Ca2+. These findings provide biochemical and structural evidence that AbetaP1-42 forms calcium-permeable channels and thus may induce cellular toxicity by regulating the calcium homeostasis in Alzheimer's disease.

Amyloid beta-Peptides↗

A homologue of N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is exported and localized in vesicular structures in the cytoplasm of infected erythrocytes in the brefeldin A-sensitive pathway.

N-Ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) and its homologues play a central role in vesicular trafficking in eukaryotic cells. We have identified a NSF homologue in Plasmodium falciparum (PfNSF). The reported PfNSF gene sequence (GenBank accession number CAB10575) indicated that PfNSF comprises 783 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 89,133. The overall identities of its gene and amino acid sequences with those of rat NSF are 50.9 and 48.8%, respectively. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis and Northern blotting with total P. falciparum RNA indicated expression of the PfNSF gene. Polyclonal antibodies against a conserved region of NSF specifically recognized an 89-kDa polypeptide in the parasite cells. After homogenization of the parasite cells, approximately 90% of an 89-kDa polypeptide is associated with particulate fraction, suggesting membrane-bound nature of PfNSF. PfNSF was present within both the parasite cells and the vesicular structure outside of the parasite cells. The export of PfNSF outside of the parasite cells appears to occur at the early trophozoite stage and to terminate at the merozoite stage. The export of PfNSF is inhibited by brefeldin A, with 9 microM causing 50% inhibition. Immunoelectromicroscopy indicated that intracellular PfNSF was associated with organelles such as food vacuoles and that extracellular PfNSF was associated with vesicular structures in the erythrocyte cytoplasm. These results indicate that PfNSF expressed in the malaria parasite is exported to the extracellular space and then localized in intraerythrocytic vesicles in a brefeldin A-sensitive manner. It is suggested that a vesicular transport mechanism is involved in protein export targeted to erythrocyte membranes during intraerythrocytic development of the malaria parasite.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

An ATP-binding cassette transporter is a major glycoprotein of sea urchin sperm membranes.

Sperm are terminally differentiated cells that undergo several membrane-altering events before fusion with eggs. One event, the sea urchin sperm acrosome reaction (AR), is blocked by the lectin wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). In an effort to identify proteins involved in the AR induction, the peptide sequence was obtained from a 220-kDa WGA-binding protein. Degenerate PCR and library screening resulted in the full-length deduced amino acid sequence of an ATP-binding cassette transporter, suABCA. The protein of 1,764 residues has two transmembrane regions, two nucleotide-binding domains, and is most closely related to the human ABC subfamily A member 3 transporter (ABCA3). Sequence analysis suggests a large extracellular loop between transmembrane spanning segments 7 and 8, with five N-linked glycosylation sites. An antibody made to the loop region binds to non-permeabilized cells, supporting that this region is extracellular. suABCA is found in sperm membrane vesicles, it can be solubilized with nonionic detergents, and it shifts from 220 to 200 kDa upon protein:N-glycanase F digestion. suABCA localizes to the entire surface of sperm in a punctate pattern, but is not detected in lipid rafts. Based on its relationship to subfamily A, suABCA is most likely involved in phospholipid or cholesterol transport. This is the first investigation of an ABC transporter in animal sperm.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

The ABCA1 transporter modulates late endocytic trafficking: insights from the correction of the genetic defect in Tangier disease.

We have previously established that the ABCA1 transporter, which plays a critical role in the lipidation of extracellular apolipoprotein acceptors, traffics between late endocytic vesicles and the cell surface (Neufeld, E. B., Remaley, A. T., Demosky, S. J., Jr., Stonik, J. A., Cooney, A. M., Comly, M., Dwyer, N. K., Zhang, M., Blanchette-Mackie, J., Santamarina-Fojo, S., and Brewer, H. B., Jr. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 27584-27590). The present study provides evidence that ABCA1 in late endocytic vesicles plays a role in cellular lipid efflux. Late endocytic trafficking was defective in Tangier disease fibroblasts that lack functional ABCA1. Consistent with a late endocytic protein trafficking defect, the hydrophobic amine U18666A retained NPC1 in abnormally tubulated, cholesterol-poor, Tangier disease late endosomes, rather than cholesterol-laden lysosomes, as in wild type fibroblasts. Consistent with a lipid trafficking defect, Tangier disease late endocytic vesicles accumulated both cholesterol and sphingomyelin and were immobilized in a perinuclear localization. The excess cholesterol in Tangier disease late endocytic vesicles retained massive amounts of NPC1, which traffics lysosomal cholesterol to other cellular sites. Exogenous apoA-I abrogated the cholesterol-induced retention of NPC1 in wild type but not in Tangier disease late endosomes. Adenovirally mediated ABCA1-GFP expression in Tangier disease fibroblasts corrected the late endocytic trafficking defects and restored apoA-I-mediated cholesterol efflux. ABCA1-GFP expression in wild type fibroblasts also reduced late endosome-associated NPC1, induced a marked uptake of fluorescent apoA-I into ABCA1-GFP-containing endosomes (that shuttled between late endosomes and the cell surface), and enhanced apoA-I-mediated cholesterol efflux. The combined results of this study suggest that ABCA1 converts pools of late endocytic lipids that retain NPC1 to pools that can associate with endocytosed apoA-I, and be released from the cell as nascent high density lipoprotein.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1↗

PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB biosynthesis: proprotein processing in the Golgi complex and lysosomal degradation of PDGF-BB retained intracellularly.

Platelet-derived growth factor is a potent mitogen for cells of mesenchymal origin. It is made up of two polypeptide chains (A and B) combined in three disulfide-linked dimeric forms (AA, AB, and BB). Here, the biosynthesis and proteolytic processing of the two homodimeric forms of PDGF (AA and BB) were studied in CHO cells stably transfected with A-chain (short splice version) or B-chain cDNA. PDGF-AA was processed to a 30-kD molecule which was secreted from the cells. In contrast, PDGF-BB formed two structurally distinct end products; a minor secreted 30-kD form and a major cell-associated 24-kD form. Immunocytochemical studies at light- and electron-microscopical levels revealed presence of PDGF in the Golgi complex, in lysosomes, and to a smaller extent in the ER. From analysis of cells treated with brefeldin A, an inhibitor of ER to Golgi transport, it was concluded that dimerization occurs in the ER, whereas the proteolytic processing of PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB precursors normally occurs in a compartment distal to the ER. Exposure of the cultures to the lysosomal inhibitor chloroquine led to an increased cellular accumulation of PDGF-BB, as determined both by metabolic labeling experiments and immunocytochemical methods, indicating that the retained form of PDGF-BB is normally degraded in lysosomes. Structural analysis of the two end products of PDGF-BB revealed that the secreted 30-kD form is a dimer of peptides processed as the B-chain of PDGF purified from human platelets, and that the retained 24-kD form is made up of subunits additionally processed in the NH2-terminus. Also, the 24-kD form was shown to be composed of proteolytic fragments held together by disulfide bridges. Taken together these findings suggest that the newly synthesized PDGF A- and B-chains are dimerized in the ER and thereafter transferred to the Golgi complex for proteolytic processing. From there, PDGF-AA is carried in vesicles to the cell surface for release extracellularly by exocytosis. A smaller part of PDGF-BB (the 30-kD form) is handled in a similar way, whereas the major part (the 24-kD form) is generated by additional proteolysis in the Golgi complex, from which it is slowly carried over to lysosomes for degradation.

Animals↗

Positive inotropic and sustained anti-beta-adrenergic effect of diadenosine pentaphosphate in human and guinea pig hearts. Role of dinucleotide receptors and adenosine receptors.

AIM: Diadenosine polyphosphates are present intracellularly and in extracellular fluid due to release from secretory vesicles in platelets, chromaffin cells and other cells. This study investigates effects of diadenosine pentaphosphate (AP5A) on heart muscle function. METHODS: Contractile force amplitude and action potential duration at 90% repolarization (APD90) were measured after challenge with AP5A 50 microm or isoproterenol 50-70 nM in guinea pig papillary muscles. Isoproterenol was given immediately after AP5A-exposure or after 45 min washout. AP5A was combined with antagonists to the purinergic P2 receptor (suramin 100 microm), the dinucleotide receptor [diinosine pentaphosphate 30 microm (IP5I)] or adenosine receptors [8-(P-sulfophenyl) theophylline 50 microm (8-SPT)]. RESULTS: Results are %-change (mean +/- SEM) from value before exposure. AP5A increased contractile force by 22 +/- 3%* (*P <0.05), and IP5I abolished this. AP5A prolonged APD90 by 7 +/- 2%*. AP5A significantly reduced response to isoproterenol acutely from 31 +/- 4* (controls) to 9 +/- 4% and after 45 min washout from 61 +/- 14* (controls) to 16 +/- 5%. 8-SPT abolished the sustained effect. Increase in contractile force by AP5A was confirmed in human atria trabecula preparations. CONCLUSION: AP5A increased contractile force and prolonged APD90. Contractile force increased by stimulation of the dinucleotide receptor in guinea pig myocardium. The sustained anti-beta-adrenergic effect of AP5A was due to adenosine receptor stimulation.

Action Potentials↗