Effects of brief glucocorticoid exposure on growth of vascular smooth muscle cells in culture

While prolonged exposure of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) to glucocorticoid has been shown to inhibit cell proliferation, the effect of a brief pulse exposure is not known. We studied the short-term effects of pulse exposure to dexamethasone (DEX) on DNA synthesis in cultured VSMC. VSMC were pulsed with DEx for varying time intervals and [3H]thymidine incorporation into cells after 24 h was measured. Exposure to DEX for 24 h decreased [3H]thymidine incorporation, while pulse treatments with DEX from 2 min to 6 h significantly increased [3H]thymidine incorporation. Maximal proliferative effect was observed with a 20-min exposure. The effect of a 20-min pulse was dose-dependent, with the half-maximal dose of DEX being approximately 10(-7) M. A selective glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, RU486, inhibited the proliferative effect of DEx. Concentrated conditioned medium from cells exposed to 10(-6) M DEX increased [3H]thymidine incorporation by other VSMC in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that short-term pulse DEX exposure is capable of producing one or more autocrine growth factors in VSMC via a glucocorticoid receptor action. This effect of glucocorticoid pulses may contribute to the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis and hypertension.     

Lack of effect of a selective vasopressin V1A receptor antagonist SR 49,059, on potentiation by vasopressin of adrenoceptor-mediated pressor responses in the rat mesenteric arterial bed

The vasopressin receptor subtype involved in the enhancement by vasopressin of adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction was investigated in rat isolated perfused mesenteric arteries. [Arg8]vasopressin (1-10 nM) dose-dependently increased the perfusion pressure and enhanced the pressor response to the adrenoceptor agonist methoxamine (40 nmol) or electrical stimulation of periarterial nerves (16 Hz), at the concentration of 10 nM of [Arg8]vasopressin up to 4 and 3 fold, respectively. During prolonged exposure (45 min) the direct vasoconstrictor effect of [Arg8]vasopressin (10 nM) rapidly declined whereas the potentiation of methoxamine-induced vasoconstriction was maintained. The selective vasopressin V1A receptor antagonist SR 49,059 (1-3 nM) and the non-selective V1A/B and oxytocin receptor antagonist [deamino-Pen1,Tyr(Me)2,Arg8]vasopressin (15-45 nM) inhibited the direct vasoconstrictor action of [Arg8]vasopressin but had no effect on the enhancement of the pressor response to methoxamine or electrical stimulation. The V1B receptor agonist [deamino-Cys1,beta-(3-pyridyl)-D-Ala2,Arg8]vasopressin (100-1000 nM) and the V2 receptor agonist [deamino-Cys1,D-Arg8]vasopressin (1-10 nM) were devoid of any pressor activity and did not potentiate methoxamine-evoked vasoconstriction. In contrast, [1-triglycyl,Lys8]vasopressin (100 - 1000 nM) potentiated the methoxamine responses without per se inducing vasoconstriction. In arteries precontracted with methoxamine (7.5 microM) pressor responses to [Arg8]vasopressin (3-10 nM) were not inhibited by a dose of SR 49,059 (3 nM) which abolished the peptide's vasoconstrictor effect under control conditions. These data show that the direct vasoconstrictor effect of [Arg8]vasopressin is mediated by V1A receptors while the enhancement of adrenoceptor-mediated pressor responses is insensitive to V1A, V1B, and oxytocin receptor antagonists and is not mimicked by selective agonists of V1B and V2 receptors. In conclusion, an unusual interaction of vasopressin with V1A receptors, or even the existence of a novel receptor subtype, has to be considered.     

Saccharomyces boulardii for Clostridium difficile-associated enteropathies in infants

Angiotensin II has been shown to act prejunctionally to facilitate sympathetic neutrotransmission in various tissues including the iris-ciliary body. In the present study, we characterized the prejunctional angiotensin II receptor subtype and its signal transduction pathway in the rabbit iris-ciliary body. Angiotensin II caused concentration-dependent facilitation of electrically evoked [3H]-norepinephrine overflow from the isolated, superfused rabbit iris-ciliary body without affecting basal tritium efflux. Responses to angiotensin II were antagonized by saralasin and DuP753 but not by PD123177 indicating that prejunctional angiotensin II receptors of the AT1-subtype mediate the facilitation of evoked [3H]-norepinephrine release. The non-selective cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitor, isobutylmethyl xanthine enhanced the angiotensin II response whereas the cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor, RO-20-1724 had no effect. In the presence of 8-bromo-cGMP, responses elicited by angiotensin II were significantly (P < 0.01) greater than that caused in the absence of 8-bromo-cGMP. In contrast, 8-bromo-cAMP had no effect on the angiotensin II-induced response. Guanylate cyclase inhibitors, methylene blue and LY83583 abolished angiotensin II-induced enhancement of [3H]-norepinephrine overflow without affecting basal tritium efflux. Taken together, these results suggest that cGMP could be involved in the angiotensin II response. Neither phospholipase C inhibitors (neomycin, 2-nitro-4-carboxyphenyl-N,N-diphenyl carbamate and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride) nor an inhibitor of protein kinase C (staurosporine) had any significant effect on the angiotensin II response, indicating that metabolites of inositol phospholipid metabolism or activation of protein kinase C are not involved in the response to this peptide.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of five natural gonadotropin-releasing hormones on cell suspensions of marine bivalve gonad: stimulation of gonial DNA synthesis

Gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH) constitute a family of neuropeptides which are important regulators of reproduction in vertebrates. The effect of mammalian GnRH (mGnRH), salmon GnRH, chicken GnRH-I, chicken GnRH-II, and lamprey GnRH-I on [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA of dissociated gonadal cells of marine bivalves has been studied. The incorporation of [3H]thymidine is linear between 1.5 and 8 h of incubation. All five GnRHs significantly increased DNA synthesis in gonial cells of Crassostrea gigas. The maximal activation was about of 135-140% above control. The activation is dose dependent, over the range 10(-11) to 10(-6) M, but is modulated by the physiological condition of the cells and the stage of sexual maturity of the gonad. mGnRH has also a mitogenic effect in dissociated mantle cells of Mytilus edulis. The effect of mGnRH is blocked by a GnRH antagonist ([D-pGlu1,D-Phe2, D-Trp3,6]GnRH, 5 x 10(-6)M) in C. gigas as well as in M. edulis, suggesting that the GnRH action in the gonad is mediated by specific receptors for GnRH or GnRH-like peptides. The existence of GnRH-immunoreactive neurons and fibers in the cerebral and pedal ganglia of M. edulis was demonstrated by immunocytochemistry. They are located principally in the anterior internal area of the cerebral ganglia, close to the cerebral commissure and in the posterior part of the pedal ganglia. The presence of GnRH-responsive cells and GnRH-like immunoreactive material suggests that peptides of the GnRH-like family are present and functional in bivalve molluscs.     

Effect of streptomycin on the structure and function of the photoreceptor apparatus of Euglena gracilis

Multiplication stimulating activity (MSA) has been purified from the conditioned media of rat liver cells in culture by a modification of the procedure of Dulak and Temin. Purified MSA stimulates [3H] thymidine incorporation into DNA in subconfluent, serum starved 3T3 cells. Cell cycle analysis by the flow microfluorometer shows that the [3H] thymidine incorporation data reflects DNA synthesis. MSA also stimulates the multiplication of serum starved subconfluent 3T3 cells. MSA is approximately 10-fold less active in 3T3 cells than in chick embryo fibroblasts in stimulating [3H] thymiding incorporation into DNA. MSA causes a 2--10-fold increase in ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity in 3T3 cells and the dose response curve parallels the dose response curve for [3H] thymidine incorporation into DNA. The Km of ODC for ornithine is 0.12 mM. There is a 30% decrease in the activity of ornithine transaminase (OTA) during the time period in which MSA causes an increase in ODC activity. Insulin also stimulates [3H] thymidine incorporation into DNA, cell multiplication and ODC activity over the same concentration range as shown for MSA, however, the extent of stimulation by insulin is less than that observed following MSA addition.     

DNA repair is less efficient in the nuclear matrix than in non-matrix nuclear fractions in the liver of rats treated with 2-aminofluorene

The amount of DNA adducts and radioactive thymidine incorporation into DNA fractions attached and not attached to the nuclear matrix in the liver of rats treated with the carcinogen 2-aminofluorene (2-AF) were compared. The rate of [3H]thymidine incorporation was directly proportional to the amount of adducts in total hepatic DNA. Within the first 10 h after the carcinogen treatment, the level of adducts in the nuclear matrix DNA was higher than in the whole nuclei. The rate of [3H]thymidine incorporation into the nuclear matrix DNA was 5-30% lower than into DNA in whole nuclei at any time after 2-AF injection. We suggest that in rat liver cells, the 2-AF-induced DNA repair does not occur in close contact with the nuclear matrix.     

HDL causes mesangial cell mitogenesis through a tyrosine kinase-dependent receptor mechanism

Hypercholesterolemia and mesangial cell proliferation have been proposed to play a role in the progression of glomerulosclerosis in diabetic nephropathy and other renal diseases. Although LDL is mitogenic for and cytotoxic to mesangial cells, the effect of HDL on these cells is unknown. HDL stimulates fibroblast mitogenesis and is the principal cholesterol-bearing lipoprotein in the rat, the experimental model for studying the effect of hyperlipidemia on renal disease. Insulin is mitogenic in several cell systems, and its levels are increased in serum in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. This study investigates whether HDL acts as a growth factor in mesangial cells and whether it functions in parallel with insulin. It was found that HDL at protein concentrations between 10 and 500 microg/ml, both alone and in the presence of 100 nM insulin, increased DNA synthesis in mesangial cells (129 to 165% of control for HDL alone; 140 to 235% for HDL plus insulin), whereas HDL at 1000 microg/ml and greater inhibited mesangial cell proliferation. Insulin alone at 100 nM stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation in the same cell system (145% of control); the mitogenic effect of insulin was additive to that of HDL. Purified apo A-I had a similar effect, but at significantly lower concentrations. Specific binding of HDL to mesangial cells was demonstrated (B(max) [binding constant] of 5.19 +/- 0.70 x 10(-7) micromol of HDL bound/mg cell protein and K(b) of 2.83 +/- 0.22 nM). Tetranitromethane alters apo A-I, preventing binding to its cognate receptor. Tetranitromethane-modified HDL did not bind to mesangial cells and had no effect on [3H]thymidine incorporation. Addition of HDL to mesangial cells caused an immediate transient increase in free intracellular calcium in several representative mesangial cells, similar to the response seen with platelet-derived growth factor. The mitogenic effect of HDL was not altered after attenuation of cellular protein kinase C activity, but the stimulatory effect of HDL alone and in combination with insulin on DNA synthesis was completely eliminated after inhibition of cellular tyrosine kinases by 24-h pretreatment with 0.25 microM herbimycin A. Thus, HDL binds to a specific apo A-I-dependent receptor, promotes DNA synthesis, and initiates second-messenger events by a tyrosine kinase-dependent and protein kinase C-independent mechanism.     

Tyrosine kinase inhibition prevents deformation-stimulated vascular smooth muscle growth

The goal of this study was to determine the role of tyrosine phosphorylation in transducing deformation-stimulated vascular smooth muscle growth. Rat aorta-derived vascular smooth muscle cells were cultured on flexible silicone elastomer membranes and subjected to cyclic deformation (15 cycles per minute, deformed 2 seconds, relaxed 2 seconds). Deformation significantly increased proto-oncogene expression, [3H]thymidine incorporation, [3H]leucine incorporation, and cell number. Time course studies showed an 8-hour lag between initiation of cell deformation and onset of [3H]thymidine incorporation, with peak levels achieved after 18 to 24 hours. Western analysis of protein blots from deformed cells (10 minutes) demonstrated increased levels of phosphotyrosine-containing proteins having molecular weights of 110 to 130 and 70 to 80 kD. Deformation-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation was prevented by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Herbimycin A. Tyrosine kinase inhibition also prevented deformation-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cell growth as measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation. Cyclic deformation stimulates vascular smooth muscle proliferation through activation of tyrosine kinases. Inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation is an effective means of preventing deformation-induced vascular smooth muscle growth in vitro.     

Pharmacological analysis of diisopropyl fluorophosphate: effects on core temperature, heart rate, and motor activity in the unrestrained rat

Sex steroid-binding activities have been identified by several authors in normal and pathological thyroids and the expression of the canonic androgen receptor (AR) has recently been demonstrated in human thyroid follicular cells. In order to assess what influence, if any, androgen exposure has on thyroid cell growth, the effect of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on [3H]thymidine (thy) incorporation and cell proliferation was investigated in thyroid follicular cells in vitro. In a primary culture of goitrous cells, DHT induced a significant reduction of [3H]thy incorporation at concentrations ranging from 10(-12) to 10(-8) M, with a more pronounced effect at 10(-9) M. At this concentration, the inhibitory effect was evident after both 24 and 48 h of treatment and in various types of primary thyroid cell cultures. In goitrous cells, the DHT-induced decrease of [3H]thy was associated with a reduction of expression of the proliferation-associated nuclear Ki-67 antigen, a protein commonly used to assess cell growth fraction. In TPC cells, an AR-positive thyroid papillary carcinoma cell line, DHT at concentrations between 10(-12) and 10(-8) M significantly decreased the growth rate. DHT (10(-9) M) produced an approximately 50-60% inhibition of cell proliferation and the antiandrogen cyproterone acetate was capable of reversing such effects. The DHT-induced reduction of TPC cell proliferation was associated with a significant reduction of c-myc RNA levels. Thyroperoxidase mRNA levels and thyroglobulin production were not reduced by androgen in primary cultures of goitrous cells. In conclusion, our results indicated that androgens may have a role in this gland by reducing the proliferation, but not the function, of follicular cells.     

Characterization of the catecholamine extraneuronal uptake2 carrier in human glioma cell lines SK-MG-1 and SKI-1 in relation to (2-chloroethyl)-3-sarcosinamide-1-nitrosourea (SarCNU) selective cytotoxicity

Transport of (2-chloroethyl)-3-sarcosinamide-1-nitrosourea (SarCNU) and (-)-norepinephrine was investigated in SarCNU-sensitive SK-MG-1 and -resistant SKI-1 human glioma cell lines. [3H]SarCNU influx was inhibited by SarCNU, sarcosinamide, and (+/-)-epinephrine in SK-MG-1 cells with competitive inhibition observed by (+/-)-epinephrine (Ki = 140 +/- 12 microM) and (+/-)-norepinephrine (Ki = 255 +/- 41 microM). No effect on influx was detected in SKI-1 cells. [3H](-)-Norepinephrine influx was linear to 15 sec in both cell lines and temperature dependent only in SK-MG-1 cells. Influx of [3H](-)-norepinephrine was found to be saturable in SK-MG-1 (K(m) = 148 +/- 28 microM, Vmax = 1.23 +/- 0.18 pmol/microL intracellular water/sec) but not in SKI-1 cells. In SK-MG-1 cells, [3H](-)-norepinephrine influx was found to be inhibited competitively by (-)-epinephrine (Ki = 111 +/- 7 microM) and SarCNU (Ki = 1.48 +/- 0.22 mM). Ouabain and KCl were able to inhibit the [3H](-)-norepinephrine influx in SK-MG-1 cells, consistent with influx being driven by membrane potential. Several catecholamine uptake2 inhibitors were able to reduce significantly the influx of [3H](-)-norepinephrine and [3H]SarCNU with no inhibition by a catecholamine uptake1 inhibitor. These findings suggest that increased sensitivity of SK-MG-1 to SarCNU is secondary to enhanced accumulation of SarCNU mediated via the catecholamine extraneuronal uptake2 transporter, which is not detectable in SKI-1 cells. The introduction of SarCNU into clinical trials will confirm if increased uptake via the catecholamine extraneuronal uptake2 transporter will result in increased antitumor activity.     

Arginine vasopressin induces contraction and stimulates growth of cultured human hepatic stellate cells

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are perisinusoidal cells believed to participate in the regulation of hepatic blood flow because of their contractile properties and presence of receptors for several vasoactive factors. It is unknown whether HSCs have receptors for vasopressin, one of the most potent endogenous vasoconstrictors. This study investigated the existence of receptors for and the effects of arginine vasopressin (AVP) on cultured human HSCs. METHODS: intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and cell contraction were measured in individual cells loaded with fura-2 using a morphometric method with an epifluorescence microscope coupled to a CCD imaging system (Photometrics, Tucson, AZ). AVP-specific binding was measured with [3H]AVP. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPk) activity and DNA synthesis were measured by in vitro phosphorylation of myelin basic protein and [3H]thymidine incorporation, respectively. Parallel experiments were performed in vascular smooth muscle cells. RESULTS: AVP elicited a dose-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i and contraction of HSCs. Moreover, AVP increased MAPk activity, DNA synthesis, and cell number. These effects were similar to those observed in vascular smooth muscle cells and were blocked by a V1 receptor antagonist. The existence of V1 receptors was further confirmed by binding studies. CONCLUSIONS: Human HSCs have V1-vasopressin receptors that induce effects similar to those observed in vascular smooth muscle cells. AVP may play a role in the regulation of HSC function.     

Modifying influence of enalaprilat on mesangial cell DNA synthesis induced by hydrogen peroxide

This study examined the effect of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, enalaprilat, on mesangial cell (MC) DNA synthesis induced by H2O2, IL-6 and PDGF. MC were incubated with enalaprilat (2.5-100 mumol/l) alone and together with combinations of H2O2 (3 daily pulses of 10(-6) mol/l), IL-6 (5 ng/ml) and PDGF (10 ng/ml). DNA synthesis was assessed after 72 h using [3H]thymidine (3H-TdR) incorporation. Enalaprilat alone had no effect on MC DNA synthesis. Stimulation of MC by H2O2, PDGF and IL-6 alone resulted in increases in 3H-TdR of 4936.6 +/- 1147.5, 5640.5 +/- 1537.6 and 4413.5 +/- 998.4 cpm, respectively (P < 0.05 above control). Only 2.5 mumol/l enalaprilat effected a significant reduction in IL-6 and PDGF-induced DNA synthesis. Incubation of MC with H2O2 + PDGF or H2O2 + IL-6 resulted in increases of 3H-TdR of 6471.9 +/- 1785.1 and 5507.2 +/- 1270 cpm, respectively (P < 0.05 above control). Addition of enalaprilat with either H2O2 + PDGF or H2O2 + IL-6 effected significant reductions in DNA synthesis over the range 2.5-100 mumol/l. These data demonstrate that ACE inhibitors modulate MC DNA synthesis induced by reactive oxygen species.     

TNM classification of gynecological tumors

1. Our original compound, Ki6896 ((4-t-butylphenyl)(4-[(6,7-dimethoxy-4-quinolyl) oxy]phenyl) methanone) strongly inhibited the autophosphorylation of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) beta-receptor (IC50=0.31 microM) and that of basic fibroblast growth factor receptor (IC50=3.1 microM), whereas it did not inhibit some other kinases. 2. The [3H]thymidine incorporation and the growth of mesangial cells under the stimulation of PDGF were inhibited by Ki6896 in a dose-dependent manner. 3. In the mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis rats induced by anti-Thy-1 monoclonal antibody, glomerulosclerosis was ameliorated and the number of glomerular proliferating cells was decreased by the daily administration of Ki6896. However, the accumulation of type I collagen and fibronectin in the glomeruli was not suppressed by Ki6896.     

Endothelin-1 mediates erythropoietin-stimulated glomerular endothelial cell-dependent proliferation of mesangial cells

These experiments were performed in an attempt to determine whether chronic stimulation of glomerular endothelial cells with recombinant human erythropoietin would alter mesangial cell proliferation. Glomerular endothelial cells in culture incubated with various concentrations of erythropoietin for up to 4 days exhibited dose-dependent endothelin-1 production. Moreover, the conditioned medium from erythropoietin-stimulated glomerular endothelial cells enhanced [3H]thymidine incorporation into mesangial cells. This enhancement was significantly attenuated in the presence of a endothelin A receptor antagonist, BQ-123. These results suggest that endothelin-1 mediates erythropoietin-stimulated glomerular endothelial cell-dependent mesangial cell proliferation, resulting in the progression of glomerulonephritis.     

Distribution of fasting serum insulin measured by enzyme immunoassay in an unselected population of 4,032 individuals. Reference values according to age and sex. D.E.S.I.R. Study Group. Données Epidémiologiques sur le Syndrome d''Insulino-Résistance

The effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) on arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism were investigated by prelabeling the human osteoblastic osteosarcoma cell line, G292, with [3H]AA. TNF-alpha differentially stimulates cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of AA metabolism in a dose response manner in the cells. The highest concentration of TNF-alpha (10(-8)M) significantly increased the cyclooxygenase pathway, with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) being a major product. However, at the lowest concentration (10(-10)M) of TNF-alpha, 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) production was significantly increased, with no significant effects on the other identifiable products. When the concentration of TNF-alpha was increased to 10(-9) M leukotriene B4 (LTB4), 15-, 12-, and 5-HETE were significantly increased. The calcium ionophore A23187 (10(-6) M) significantly increased 15-HETE production, without significantly affecting cyclooxygenase metabolites. However, a combination of TNF-alpha (10(-8)M) and A23187 (10(-6)M) caused an inhibitory effect on each agent-induced PGE2 or 15-HETE production.     

Eicosanoid inhibitors enhance synergistically the effect of transforming growth factor beta 1 on CCL 64 cell proliferation

The interactions between drugs suppressing the production of arachidonic acid metabolites-eicosanoids and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) were investigated using CCL64 cells. These experiments, designed as complete factorial combination of treatments, demonstrated that both esculetin and eicosatetraynoic acid significantly potentiated the inhibitory effect of TGF-beta 1 on [3H]thymidine incorporation. The expression of overadditive effects depended both on the type and concentration of combined factors. These results corresponded with cell cycle analysis data (increased cell number in G1 and decreased cell number in S and G2/M phases) and with the results monitoring cell number following treatment with eicosatetraynoic acid, esculetin, 3-[1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3-t-butyl-thio-5-isopropylindol-2-yl]-2,2-di methyl propanoic acid (MK-886) and indomethacin. Summarizing, the degree of significance of combined effects supports the hypothesis of synergistic potentiation of TGF-beta 1 effects caused by eicosanoid inhibitors. The results indicate that either the lack of some eicosanoids or a certain type of misbalance in the metabolism of arachidonic acid leading to its abundance might modulate TGF-beta 1 effects on the cell cycle and proliferation in CCL64 cells.     

Studies of binding of testosterone-estradiol binding globulin for estradiol-17beta (author''s transl)

The in vitro incorporation of [3H]thymidine has been examined in thin slices of sheep skin. Most of the radioactivity (88%) was incorporated into the bulb cells of the wool follicles, and the technique is therefore suitable for the study of some aspects of wool follicle DNA synthesis. The effect of mimosine and a number of related 4(1H)-pyridones on [3H]thymidine incorporation into sheep skin slices was examined. Mimosine was shown to inhibit the incorporation at a concentration of 0-2 mM. At this concentration, the incorporation of [3H]uridine or [14C]leucine was not affected. The inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation was time dependent, 2 h of incubation being required for maximal inhibition of DNA synthesis, and was readily reversible by removal of mimosine from the incubation medium. The 3-hydroxyl-4-oxo function of the pyridone ring appears to be directly involved in DNA synthesis inhibition. The amino acid side chain is not a toxophoric centre, but changes in its polarity have been shown to affect the inhibitory activity. The results suggest that the primary action of mimosine on the inhibition of wool biosynthesis in vivo is the inhibition of follicle bulb cell DNA synthesis and consequently of cell division.     

Endothelium-dependent potentiation of prostaglandin F2alpha-induced contractions by (+/-)-[6]-gingerol is inhibited by cyclooxygenase- but not lipoxygenase-inhibitors in mouse mesenteric veins

The mechanism of potentiation of prostaglandin (PG) F2alpha-induced contraction of mouse mesenteric veins by (+/-)-[6-gingerol was investigated in vitro. (+/-)-[6]-Gingerol (0.3mM) potentiated the maximal contraction response elicited by PGF2alpha (0.28 mm) in the presence of intact vascular endothelium, but not in its absence (de-endothelialized preparations). The potentiating effect was completely inhibited by cyclooxygenase inhibitors (0.2 mm aspirin and 0.2 mm indomethacin) and partly by calcium antagonists (2 microM verapamil, 8 nM nitrendipine and 1 microM ryanodine), but not inhibited by nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a lipoxygenase inhibitor and ONO-3708, a thromboxane (TX) A2 antagonist. The potentiation by (+/-)-[6]-gingerol is also observed in mesenteric veins of streptozotocin-diabetic mice where the enhancement of PGF2alpha-induced contraction is caused mainly by activation of lipoxygenase. The potentiation of PGF2alpha-induced contraction by (+/-)-[6]-gingerol may be caused by a cyclooxygenase-dependent release of vasoconstrictors, other than PGF2alpha and TXA2, or by inhibiting vasorelaxants released from endothelial cells of mouse mesenteric veins.     

Boson analyses in the Ge isotopes

The renin-angiotensin system is activated during vascular development and injury. Furthermore, angiotensin II (Ang II) is a comitogen for fetal mesangial cells in vitro and it may be important in vascular smooth cell growth in disease states. Since fibronectin is an important extracellular matrix protein for vascular development and it too is overexpressed in the mesangium of diseased glomeruli, we explored the interrelationship of fibronectin and Ang II in fetal mesangial cell growth. In human fetal kidney, Ang II type 2 receptors (AT2) were detected in abundance by ex vivo autoradiography. When mesangial cells were isolated from fetal kidney and grown in culture, Ang II type 1 receptors (AT1) were also detected. To explore the mitogenic properties Ang II and fibronectin as well as the effects of Ang II on fibronectin metabolism, studies were performed in vitro, isolated from the potentially confounding variables of hemodynamic influence and circulating growth factors and cytokines. In vitro, mesangial cells expressed a single class of AT1 receptors that were not altered by growth on various substrates. Ang II (10(-7) M) significantly increased thymidine incorporation by confluent human fetal mesangial cells (twofold). When subconfluent, Ang II-stimulated proliferation was greater (fourfold). Ang II significantly increased cell-associated and secreted fibronectin as determined by immunoprecipitation at concentrations that also stimulate mitogenesis. Both of these Ang II-mediated responses were inhibited by the AT1 receptor antagonist DuP-753 (10(-5) M) but not by AT2 receptor antagonist.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Estramustine and estrone analogs rapidly and reversibly inhibit deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis and alter morphology in cultured human glioblastoma cells

Estramustine is an estradiol-based agent that has been shown to accumulate in human glioma cells, resulting in a concentration-dependent alteration in cell size and shape within minutes and an inhibition of proliferation over 3 to 6 days. We evaluated human glioblastoma cultures with [3H]thymidine incorporation assays to determine estramustine's early effects on deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in these tumors. Because estramustine shares a common structural motif with other antimicrotubule drugs, we synthesized four A-ring conjugates of estrone that contained a carbamate moiety but lacked nitrogen mustard. These analogs were examined by [3H]thymidine incorporation and compared with vinblastine. Greater than 70% inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation occurred within 1 hour of treatment with estramustine at 10(-5) mol/L, which increased to 80% inhibition at 4 hours. Ethyl carbamate JE208 was nearly as effective as estramustine in inhibiting deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis, and both were more effective than vinblastine. The inhibitory effects of estramustine and estrone analogs were reversible; vinblastine was not reversible. Although estramustine and JE208 induced similar antiproliferative and morphological changes in glioblastoma cells that persisted for at least 4 days, there was a modest recovery of morphology and thymidine incorporation with JE208 after prolonged treatment. The common findings with estramustine and JE208 suggest that these agents may have a similar mechanism of action and form the basis for the investigation of new agents that may rapidly and reversibly inhibit glioblastoma.