Upregulation of dynamin II expression during the acquisition of a mature pancreatic acinar cell phenotype

Members of the dynamin superfamily are GTPases which have been shown to support receptor-mediated endocytosis in vivo and bind to growth factor receptor-associated proteins in vitro. In acinar cells of the pancreas, receptor-mediated endocytosis is very important for the recycling of membranes after secretory granule release. Therefore, characterization of the molecular machinery responsible for this process is critical for a better understanding of this phenomenon. In this study we sought to determine the expression pattern of the endocytic GTPase dynamin II during pancreatic acinar cell differentiation in developing rat embryos and in dexamethasone-treated AR42J cells using Western blot, Northern blot, and immunocytochemical analyses. During pancreatic development, dynamin immunoreactivity is almost undetectable until day E17 but undergoes significant upregulation in acinar cells starting at E18. In addition, the levels of dynamin mRNA and protein in AR42J cells increase approximately threefold during dexamethasone-induced acinar differentiation. The increase in dynamin levels that occurs in both embryonic pancreatic cells and dexamethasone-treated AR42J cells correlates with the establishment of a more differentiated acinar phenotype. Therefore, these results suggest a potential role for dynamin in supporting receptor-mediated endocytosis in mature pancreatic acinar cells.     

Overexpression of parathyroid hormone-related protein in the pancreatic islets of transgenic mice causes islet hyperplasia, hyperinsulinemia, and hypoglycemia

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is produced by the pancreatic islet. It also has receptors on islet cells, suggesting that it may serve a paracrine or autocrine role within the islet. We have developed transgenic mice, which overexpress PTHrP in the islet through the use of the rat insulin II promoter (RIP). Glucose homeostasis in these mice is markedly abnormal; RIP-PTHrP mice are hypoglycemic in the postprandial and fasting states and display inappropriate hyperinsulinemia. At the end of a 24-hour fast, blood glucose values are 49 mg/dl in RIP-PTHrP mice, as compared to 77 mg/dl in normal littermates; insulin concentrations at this time are 6.3 and 3.9 ng/ml, respectively. Islet perifusion studies failed to demonstrate abnormalities in insulin secretion. In contrast, quantitative islet histomorphometry demonstrates that the total islet number and total islet mass are 2-fold higher in RIP-PTHrP mice than in their normal littermates. PTHrP very likely plays a normal physiologic role within the pancreatic islet. This role is most likely paracrine or autocrine. PTHrP appears to regulate insulin secretion either directly or indirectly, through developmental or growth effects on islet mass. PTHrP may have a role as an agent that enhances islet mass and/or enhances insulin secretion.     

PACAP-38 causes phospholipase C-dependent calcium signaling in rat acinar cell line

BACKGROUND: Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP-38), a neuropeptide of the vasoactive intestinal peptide/secretin family, localizes to intrapancreatic neurons and stimulates exocrine secretion from the pancreas. PACAP-38 stimulates calcium signaling in the rat pancreatic cell line AR42J. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms of PACAP-evoked calcium signaling in these cells. METHODS: Continuous measurements of intracellular calcium were taken by fluorescent digital microscopy with the dye fura-2. Mechanisms of PACAP-38-evoked calcium signals were determined by a panel of inhibitors. Inositol phosphates production in response to PACAP-38 was measured. The ability of PACAP-38 to stimulate amylase release was used to determine a relevant dose range for these studies. RESULTS: We have shown that (1) AR42J cells respond to PACAP-38 with biphasic increases in [Ca2+]i in a dose-dependent fashion; (2) PACAP-38 acts through phospholipase C to release inositol triphosphate (IP3)-sensitive Ca2+ stores with (3) a subsequent influx of extracellular Ca2+. CONCLUSIONS: PACAP-38 activates calcium signaling through phospholipase C at concentrations that stimulate amylase release in AR42J cells.     

Prevention of autoimmune diabetes mellitus in NOD mice by transgenic expression of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor p55

The non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse represents a relevant animal model of autoimmunity for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The pathogenic role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in insulitis and beta cell destruction observed in these mice remains controversial, since injections of TNF or of anti-TNF antibodies have been reported to exert protection or acceleration of diabetes, depending on the timing of administration. In this study, we demonstrate that, in contrast to the non-transgenic littermates, NOD mice with permanent neutralization of TNF by high blood levels of soluble TNF receptor p55-human FcIgG3-fusion molecules resulting from the expression of a transgene are protected from spontaneous diabetes. They are also protected from accelerated forms of disease caused by transfer of NOD spleen cells or cyclophosphamide injections. This protection is associated with a marked decrease in the severity and incidence of insulitis and in the expression of the adhesion molecules MAdCAM-1 and ICAM-1 on the venules of pancreatic islets. These data suggest a central role for TNF-alpha in the mediation of insulitis and of the subsequent destruction of insulin-secreting beta-cells observed in NOD mice. They may be relevant to cell-mediated autoimmune diseases in general, in which treatment with soluble TNF receptors might be beneficial.     

Modulation of pancreatic acinar cell to cell coupling during ACh-evoked changes in cytosolic Ca2+

The temporal changes in cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), Ca2+-dependent membrane currents (Im), and gap junctional current (Ij) elicited by acetylcholine (ACh) were measured in rat pancreatic acinar cells using digital imaging and dual perforated patch-clamp recording. ACh (50 nM-5 microM) increased [Ca2+]i and evoked Im currents without altering Ij in 19 of 37 acinar cell pairs. Although [Ca2+]i rose asynchronously in cells comprising a cluster, the delay of the [Ca2+]i responses decreased with increasing ACh concentrations. Perfusion of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) into one cell of a cluster resulted in [Ca2+]i responses in neighboring cells that were not necessarily in direct contact with the stimulated one. This suggests that extensive coupling between acinar cells provides a pathway for cell-to-cell diffusion of Ca2+-releasing signals. Strikingly, maximal (1-5 microM) ACh concentrations reduced Ij by 69 +/- 15% (n = 9) in 25% of the cell pairs subjected to dual patch-clamping. This decrease occurred shortly after the Im peak and was prevented by incubating acinar cells in a Ca2+-free medium, suggesting that uncoupling was subsequent to the initiation of the Ca2+-mobilizing responses. Depletion of Ca2+-sequestering stores by thapsigargin resulted in a reduction of intercellular communication similar to that observed with ACh. In addition, ACh-induced uncoupling was prevented by blocking nitric oxide production with L-nitro-arginine and restored by exposing acinar cells to dibutyryl cGMP. The results suggest that ACh-induced uncoupling and capacitative Ca2+ entry are regulated concurrently. Closure of gap junction channels may occur to functionally isolate nearby cells differing in their intrinsic sensitivity to ACh and thereby to allow for sustained activity of groups of secreting cells.     

Epidermal expression of collagenase delays wound-healing in transgenic mice

A Encephalitozoon-like microsporidia was found in epithelial cells of the midgut and the salivary glands of Amblyomma cajennense (F.) and Anocentor nitens (Neumann) that had fed on rabbits. Ultrastructural studies demonstrated that all stages of the life cycle of the parasite occur in parasitophorous vacuoles and contain only 1 nucleus. The sporonts detach from the limiting membrane of the vacuole and divide by binary fission to produce the sporoblasts, each presenting a thickened electron-dense wall, and a primordium of a polar filament. Each spore contained a single nucleus, an electron-dense and rough exospore, an electron-lucent and thick endospore, and 5 coils of the polar tubule.     

Involvement of lipid peroxidation in free fatty acid-induced isolated rat pancreatic acinar cell injury

Ophthalmologists play a relatively peripheral role in medical student and resident education. A review of the evolution, funding, and administration of medical education in the United States lends insight into why this is so. The author reviews the current status of education in ophthalmology for medical students and residents; the development of an ophthalmology curriculum; alternatives to the traditional medical school curriculum and how these have been incorporated into ophthalmic education; and the effect of new trends in medical education and pressures created by health care reform on the education of medical students and residents. The role of ophthalmologists in the general practice of medicine and in teaching doctors about the eye is discussed. Finally, the opportunity that the current climate presents for ophthalmologists to define their role in health care through education is considered.     

Inducible gene expression in mammalian cells and transgenic mice

The discovery of the superantigens (SAgs) offered new insights on the interaction between microorganisms and the host immune system. Associated to Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules, SAgs bind to the variable domain of the beta chain (V beta) of the TCR alpha beta engaged in the family specificity of lymphocytes. Therefore, these molecules are able to activate a high number of T lymphocytes as well as surface MHC class II bearing cells, leading to an overriding release of cytokines and inflammatory mediators, which have been related to their toxic effects. Endogenous SAgs are encoded by murine tumor proviruses (Mtv) which are integrated in the genome of mice. Bacteria and viruses produce exogenous SAgs and those related to food poisoning have been widely studied. The presence of parasite SAgs is still unclear and further studies are required to establish their existence and effects on the corresponding infections.     

Sertoli cell-specific expression of rat androgen-binding protein in transgenic mice: effects on somatic cell lineages

The Sertoli cells of many species produce an androgen binding protein (ABP) which carries testicular androgens to the epididymis and is thought to play a role in sperm maturation. In the present report we analyzed the morphological modifications present in Leydig, Sertoli, and peritubular cells of the testis of young adult male mice transgenic for ABP gene, which overproduce ABP in testis. By in situ hybridization we demonstrated that ABP is specifically produced by Sertoli cells. Using light and electron microscopy, we detected scattered alterations of the seminiferous tubule cells which include cell degeneration and vacuolization. Leydig and Sertoli cells present morphological signs of hyperfunctioning compensatory mechanisms which include increased amounts of lipid droplets probably due to the existence of a stimulated steroid synthesis that in turn could be a consequence of the decreased unbound testosterone and/or a direct paracrine effect of ABP. Peritubular cells also present numerous signs of hyperstimulation.     

Expression of mouse CD43 in the B cell lineage of transgenic mice causes impaired immune responses to T-independent antigens

CD43 (leukosialin), a sialylated glycoprotein expressed on the surface of most hematopoietic cells, has been implicated in cell adhesion and signaling. However, its precise physiological function remains unclear. We used mouse CD43 (mCD43)-immunoglobulin enhancer-transgenic (TG) mice to study the role of mCD43 in vivo. Previous work revealed that mCD43 expression on mature B cells in these mice resulted in immunodeficiency to T-dependent (TD) antigens (Ag), possibly by impairing B-T cell interactions. In the present study we have immunized the TG mice with the T-independent (TI) Ag fluorescein-(Fl) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (TI type 1 Ag) and Fl-Ficoll (TI type 2 Ag). Surprisingly, the mCD43-Ig enhancer expressing mice were impaired in their ability to mount humoral responses to both Fl-LPS and Fl-Ficoll, and had decreased numbers of cells responding to Ag in vivo. Flow cytometric analysis was performed on peritoneal B-1 cells, a population which often plays a major role in humoral responses to TI Ag such as bacterial Ag. This analysis revealed similar B220, IgM and CD5 expression patterns for the TG and nontransgenic (NTG) B-1 cells. In addition, purified peritoneal B-1 cells from TG and NTG mice were able to respond to LPS. Stimulation of splenic B cells in vitro with Fl-LPS and Fl-Ficoll revealed that, in contrast to NTG B cell responses, TG B cell responses could not be enhanced by co-culture with T cells. However, soluble T cell factor enhancement of the TG B cell responses was normal. These data suggest that the mCD43 expression on B cells may inhibit cell interactions that are important for enhanced TI Ag responses. The anti-adhesive forces of mucins in general may thus be critical in regulating both TD and TI humoral responses.     

Human gamma-interferon expression in the mammary gland of transgenic mice

Transgenic mice carrying a hybrid gene consisting of ovine beta-lactoglobulin gene sequences and human gamma-interferon (hIFN-g) cDNA were produced. hIFN-g expression in the mammary gland of two lactating transgenic founder females was found. The concentration of active hIFN-g in the milk was estimated as being ca. 1800 IU/ml. The hIFN-g ability to express in the mammary gland was found in the progeny of transgenic founder male.     

Magnetic resonance imaging and invasive evaluation of development of heart failure in transgenic mice with myocardial expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha

The intestine is a large endocrine organ, but the dependence of colon cancer on hormones remains unknown. We show here that neurotensin, a paracrine/endocrine peptide in the gut, and the neurotensin receptor antagonist SR 48692 control colon cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo by interacting with receptors that are ectopically expressed in colon cancers. In cell culture, neurotensin stimulates the growth of human colon cancer cell lines (SW480, SW620, HT29, HCT116 and Cl.19A) expressing the neurotensin receptor NTR1 but does not change the growth of Caco2 cells, which do not express NTR1. In SW480 cells, neurotensin is active in the 10(-10) to 10(-6) M concentration range (ED50 = 0.47 nM) while the neurotensin fragment (I-II) is inactive. Neurotensin also enhances the cellular cloning efficiency of SW480 cells in soft agar by inducing a 50% increase of colony formation. This effect is blocked by SR 48692, which alone does not alter colony formation. Subcutaneous delivery of neurotensin (0.54 micromol/kg every 24 hr) by osmotic pumps to nude mice that have been xenografted with SW480 cells results in a significant increase of tumor volume, i.e., up to 255% of control at day 20 of treatment. SR 48692 administered alone (1.7 micromol/kg every 24 hr) by daily i.p. injections reduces the development of tumors formed by xenografting SW480 cells in nude mice. A significant mean reduction of tumor volume of 38% is observed during the 22-day period of treatment. SR 48692 alone is also active at reducing tumor volume after xenografting HCT116 cells in nude mice. Our results support the notion that colon cancer growth may be dependent on blood-borne neurotensin and suggest that non-peptide neurotensin antagonists, such as SR 48692, may be useful for the development of novel therapeutic strategies of colon cancer.     

Myosin I is associated with zymogen granule membranes in the rat pancreatic acinar cell

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The mechanisms whereby intracellular messengers mediate zymogen granule transport and exocytosis in the pancreatic acinar cell are not well defined. Electron microscopy has shown a periluminal network of actin in the acinar cell, suggesting a role for actin and myosin in the transport process. The possible involvement of two types of myosin in the secretory process was investigated, and their distribution in acinar cells was determined. METHODS: Antibodies specific to myosin I or to myosin II were used for immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis. Ultrastructural studies were also performed. RESULTS: Western blot analysis showed that myosin I and myosin II were present in total pancreatic homogenate but that only myosin I was present on isolated zymogen granules and their membranes. By immunocytochemistry, myosin I was shown in the apical aspect of acinar cells colocalized with glycoprotein 2, a marker for zymogen granules, and actin. By immunocytochemistry, myosin I was also localized on isolated zymogen granules. CONCLUSIONS: The immunolocalization of myosin I to zymogen granule membranes and its close association with periluminal actin suggest that myosin I plays a direct role in the process of transport and exocytosis of zymogen granules in the pancreatic acinar cell.     

Functional expression of the human angiotensinogen gene in transgenic mice

The renin-angiotensin system is a major determinant of arterial pressure and volume homeostasis in mammals through the actions of angiotensin II, the proteolytic digestion product of angiotensinogen. Molecular genetic studies in several human populations have revealed genetic linkage between the angiotensinogen gene and both hypertension and increased plasma angiotensinogen. Transgenic mice were generated with a human angiotensinogen genomic clone to develop an animal model to examine tissue- and cell-specific expression of the gene and to determine if overexpression of angiotensinogen results in hypertension. Human angiotensinogen mRNA was expressed in transgenic mouse liver, kidney, heart, adrenal gland, ovary, brain, and white and brown adipose tissue and, in kidney, was exclusively localized to epithelial cells of the proximal convoluted tubules. Plasma levels of human angiotensinogen were approximately 150-fold higher in transgenic mice than that found normally in human plasma. The blood pressure of mice bearing the human angiotensinogen gene was normal but infusion of a single bolus dose of purified human renin resulted in a transient increase in blood pressure of approximately 30 mm Hg within 2 min. These results suggest that abnormalities in the angiotensinogen gene resulting in increased circulating levels of angiotensinogen could potentially contribute in part to the pathogenesis of essential hypertension.     

Expression of interleukin 9 in the lungs of transgenic mice causes airway inflammation, mast cell hyperplasia, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness

Interleukin (IL)-9, a pleiotropic cytokine produced by the Th2 subset of T lymphocytes has been proposed as product of a candidate gene responsible for asthma. Its wide range of biological functions on many cell types involved in the allergic immune response suggests a potentially important role in the complex pathogenesis of asthma. To investigate the contributions of IL-9 to airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in vivo, we created transgenic mice in which expression of the murine IL-9 cDNA was regulated by the rat Clara cell 10 protein promoter. Lung selective expression of IL-9 caused massive airway inflammation with eosinophils and lymphocytes as predominant infiltrating cell types. A striking finding was the presence of increased numbers of mast cells within the airway epithelium of IL-9-expressing mice. Other impressive pathologic changes in the airways were epithelial cell hypertrophy associated with accumulation of mucus-like material within nonciliated cells and increased subepithelial deposition of collagen. Physiologic evaluation of IL-9-expressing mice demonstrated normal baseline airway resistance and markedly increased airway hyperresponsiveness to inhaled methacholine. These findings strongly support an important role for IL-9 in the pathogenesis of asthma.     

The enhancer domain of the human cytomegalovirus major immediate-early promoter determines cell type-specific expression in transgenic mice

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) major immediate-early promoter (MIEP) is one of the first promoters to activate upon infection. To examine HCMV MIEP tissue-specific expression, transgenic mice were established containing the lacZ gene regulated by the MIEP (nucleotides -670 to +54). In the transgenic mice, lacZ expression was demonstrated in 19 of 29 tissues tested by histochemical and immunochemical analyses. These tissues included brain, eye, spinal cord, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, testis, ovary, spleen, salivary gland, thymus, bone marrow, skin, cartilage, and cardiac, striated and smooth muscles. Although expression was observed in multiple organs, promoter activity was restricted to specific cell types. The cell types which demonstrated HCMV MIEP expression included retinal cells of the eye, ductile cells of the salivary gland, exocrine cells of the pancreas, mucosal cells of the stomach and intestine, neuronal cells of the brain, muscle fibers, thecal cells of the corpus luteum, and Leydig and sperm cells of the testis. These observations indicate that the HCMV MIEP is not a pan-specific promoter and that the majority of expressing tissues correlate with tissues naturally infected by the virus in the human host.