IK细胞因子在小鼠早孕期子宫内膜的表达规律及其在胚胎着床中的作用

通过Real-time PCR、Western blot及免疫组织化学方法分析了IK细胞因子(IK cytokine)在早孕小鼠(妊娠D1~D7)子宫内膜中的表达规律及宫角注射IK细胞因子反义寡聚脱氧核苷酸后对胚胎着床的影响。结果显示,IK细胞因子mRNA表达在D1~D4逐渐升高,于D4达到高峰(P<0.05);Western blot和免疫组织化学结果与Real-time PCR结果基本一致,其蛋白表达在D1~D5逐渐升高,于D5达到高峰(P<0.05);IK细胞因子在D5胚胎着床点的表达显著高于着床旁组织;假孕小鼠子宫内膜IK细胞因子蛋白表达明显低于正常妊娠,且整个假孕过程中没有表达高峰;宫角注射IK细胞因子反义寡聚脱氧核苷酸后24 h和48 h(即D4和D5)子宫内膜IK细胞因子表达明显受到抑制,MHCⅡ抗原表达增强,且胚胎着床数量明显减少(P<0.05),提示IK细胞因子在胚胎着床中发挥着重要作用。     

Ca2+-activated IK1 channels associate with lipid rafts upon cell swelling and mediate volume recovery

Restoration of cell volume in the continued presence of osmotic stimuli is essential, particularly in hepatocytes, which swell upon nutrient uptake. Responses to swelling involve the Ca2+-dependent activation of K+ channels, which promote fluid efflux to drive volume recovery; however, the channels involved in hepatocellular volume regulation have not been identified. We found that hypotonic exposure of HTC hepatoma cells evoked the opening of 50 pS K+-permeable channels, consistent with intermediate conductance (IK) channels. We isolated from rat liver and HTC cells a cDNA with sequence identity to the coding region of IK1. Swelling-activated currents were inhibited by transfection with a dominant interfering IK1 mutant. The IK channel blockers clotrimazole and TRAM-34 inhibited whole cell swelling-activated K+ currents and volume recovery. To determine whether IK1 underwent volume-sensitive localization, we expressed a green fluorescent protein fusion of IK1 in HTC cells. The localization of IK1 was suggestive of distribution in lipid rafts. Consistent with this, there was a time-dependent increase in colocalization between IK1 and the lipid raft ganglioside GM1 on the plasma membrane, which subsequently decreased with volume recovery. Pharmacological disruption of lipid rafts altered the plasma membrane distribution of IK1 and inhibited volume recovery after hypotonic exposure. Collectively, these findings support the hypothesis that IK1 regulates compensatory responses to hepatocellular swelling and suggest that regulation of cell volume involves coordination of signaling from lipid rafts with IK1 function.     

Inhalable sustained-release formulation of long-acting vasoactive intestinal peptide derivative alleviates acute airway inflammation

The present study was undertaken to develop a respirable sustained-release powder (RP) formulation of long-acting VIP derivative, [Arg(15, 20, 21), Leu(17)]-VIP-GRR (IK312532), using PLGA nanospheres (NS) with the aim of improving the duration of action. NS formulation of IK312532 (IK312532/NS) was prepared by an emulsion solvent diffusion method in oil, and a mixture of the IK312532/NS and erythritol was jet-milled and mixed with lactose carrier to obtain the IK312532/NS-RP. Physicochemical properties were characterized focusing on appearance, particle size, and drug release, and in vivo pharmacological effects were assessed in antigen-sensitized rats. The IK312532/NS with a diameter of 140 nm showed a biphasic release pattern in distilled water with ca. 20% initial burst for 30 min and a sustained slow release up to ca. 55% for 24h. Laser diffraction analysis demonstrated that IK312532/NS-RP had fine dispersibility and suitable particle size for inhalation. In antigen-sensitized rats, insufflated IK312532/NS-RP (10 μg of IK312532/rat) could suppress increases of granulocyte recruitment and myeloperoxidase in pulmonary tissue for up to 24h after antigen challenge, although IK312532-RP at the same dose was less effective with limited duration of action. From these findings, newly prepared IK312532/NS-RP might be of clinical importance in improving duration of action and medication compliance for treatment of airway inflammatory diseases.     

Isoegomaketone induces apoptosis through caspase-dependent and caspase-independent pathways in human DLD1 cells

Isoegomaketone (IK) is an essential oil component of Perilla frutescens (L.), but the mechanism by which IK induces apoptosis has never been studied. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the IK-induced apoptotic pathway in DLD1 human colon cancer cells. We observed that IK treatment over 24 h significantly inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. We also found that IK triggered cleavage of PARP. Moreover, IK treatment resulted in cleavage of caspase-8, -9, and -3 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. IK treatment also resulted in cleavage of Bid and translocation of Bax, and triggered the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm. Furthermore, it resulted in the translocation of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), a caspase-independent mitochondrial apoptosis factor, from the mitochondria into the nucleus. Overall, these results suggest that IK induces apoptosis through caspase-dependent and capase-independent pathways in DLD1 cells.     

Arachidonic acid metabolites alter G protein-mediated signal transduction in heart. Effects on muscarinic K+ channels

The muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR)-stimulated, inwardly rectifying K+ current (IK [ACh]) was examined in single bullfrog atrial cells using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. IK[ACh] was activated either by bath addition of 1 microM ACh or via activation of the G protein, Gk, with guanosine-gamma-thiotriphosphate (GTP gamma S). Arachidonic acid (AA) modulated IK[ACh] under both conditions. AA decreased mAChR-stimulated IK[ACh] and increased the rate of decay from the peak current (desensitization). In addition, AA affected GTP gamma S-activated IK[ACh] by modulation of Gk. The effects of AA and its metabolites on Gk were assessed by examining their effects on both the basal rate of Gk activation by GTP gamma S, and the mAChR-mediated increase in activation rate produced by nanomolar ACh. AA increased the basal rate of GTP gamma S-mediated IK[ACh] activation, but reduced the ACh-induced augmentation of this rate. All of the effects of AA on GTP gamma S-mediated IK[ACh] activation were produced by metabolites. A lipoxygenase inhibitor, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), decreased the basal and ACh-enhanced rate of IK[ACh] activation in both the presence and absence of exogenous AA. In contrast, indomethacin (INDO), a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, increased the basal rate of IK[ACh] activation by GTP gamma S in both the presence and absence of exogenous AA, and reversed the effects of AA on the ACh-augmented basal rate. AA metabolites produced via lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways thus have opposing effects on the signal transduction pathway from mAChR to IK[ACh]. We directly tested a lipoxygenase pathway metabolite, LTC4, on GTP gamma S-mediated IK[ACh] activation and found that it not only overcame the inhibitory effects of NDGA, but also increased both the basal and ACh-augmented rate of IK[ACh] activation. From these data, we propose that AA metabolites modulate the function of Gk by altering its kinetic properties.     

Bayesian inverse kinematics vs. least-squares inverse kinematics in estimates of planar postures and rotations in the absence of soft tissue artifact

A variety of inverse kinematics (IK) algorithms exist for estimating postures and displacements from a set of noisy marker positions, typically aiming to minimize IK errors by distributing errors amongst all markers in a least-squares (LS) sense. This paper describes how Bayesian inference can contrastingly be used to maximize the probability that a given stochastic kinematic model would produce the observed marker positions. We developed Bayesian IK for two planar IK applications: (1) kinematic chain posture estimates using an explicit forward kinematics model, and (2) rigid body rotation estimates using implicit kinematic modeling through marker displacements. We then tested and compared Bayesian IK results to LS results in Monte Carlo simulations in which random marker error was introduced using Gaussian noise amplitudes ranging uniformly between 0.2 mm and 2.0 mm. Results showed that Bayesian IK was more accurate than LS-IK in over 92% of simulations, with the exception of one center-of-rotation coordinate planar rotation, for which Bayesian IK was more accurate in only 68% of simulations. Moreover, while LS errors increased with marker noise, Bayesian errors were comparatively unaffected by noise amplitude. Nevertheless, whereas the LS solutions required average computational durations of less than 0.5 s, average Bayesian IK durations ranged from 11.6 s for planar rotation to over 2000 s for kinematic chain postures. These results suggest that Bayesian IK can yield order-of-magnitude IK improvements for simple planar IK, but also that its computational demands may make it impractical for some applications.     

The delayed rectifier potassium conductance in the sarcolemma and the transverse tubular system membranes of mammalian skeletal muscle fibers

A two-microelectrode voltage clamp and optical measurements of membrane potential changes at the transverse tubular system (TTS) were used to characterize delayed rectifier K currents (IK(V)) in murine muscle fibers stained with the potentiometric dye di-8-ANEPPS. In intact fibers, IK(V) displays the canonical hallmarks of K(V) channels: voltage-dependent delayed activation and decay in time. The voltage dependence of the peak conductance (gK(V)) was only accounted for by double Boltzmann fits, suggesting at least two channel contributions to IK(V). Osmotically treated fibers showed significant disconnection of the TTS and displayed smaller IK(V), but with similar voltage dependence and time decays to intact fibers. This suggests that inactivation may be responsible for most of the decay in IK(V) records. A two-channel model that faithfully simulates IK(V) records in osmotically treated fibers comprises a low threshold and steeply voltage-dependent channel (channel A), which contributes ～31% of gK(V), and a more abundant high threshold channel (channel B), with shallower voltage dependence. Significant expression of the IK(V)1.4 and IK(V)3.4 channels was demonstrated by immunoblotting. Rectangular depolarizing pulses elicited step-like di-8-ANEPPS transients in intact fibers rendered electrically passive. In contrast, activation of IK(V) resulted in time- and voltage-dependent attenuations in optical transients that coincided in time with the peaks of IK(V) records. Normalized peak attenuations showed the same voltage dependence as peak IK(V) plots. A radial cable model including channels A and B and K diffusion in the TTS was used to simulate IK(V) and average TTS voltage changes. Model predictions and experimental data were compared to determine what fraction of gK(V) in the TTS accounted simultaneously for the electrical and optical data. Best predictions suggest that K(V) channels are approximately equally distributed in the sarcolemma and TTS membranes; under these conditions, >70% of IK(V) arises from the TTS.     

Isoegomaketone Induces Apoptosis through Caspase-Dependent and Caspase-Independent Pathways in Human DLD1 Cells

Isoegomaketone (IK) is an essential oil component of Perilla frutescens (L.), but the mechanism by which IK induces apoptosis has never been studied. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the IK-induced apoptotic pathway in DLD1 human colon cancer cells. We observed that IK treatment over 24 h significantly inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. We also found that IK triggered cleavage of PARP. Moreover, IK treatment resulted in cleavage of caspase-8, -9, and -3 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. IK treatment also resulted in cleavage of Bid and translocation of Bax, and triggered the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm. Furthermore, it resulted in the translocation of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), a caspase-independent mitochondrial apoptosis factor, from the mitochondria into the nucleus. Overall, these results suggest that IK induces apoptosis through caspase-dependent and capase-independent pathways in DLD1 cells.     

Leukotriene C4 modulation of muscarinic K+ current activation in bullfrog atrial myocytes

The effects of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) on activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR)-stimulated, inwardly rectifying K+ current (IK[ACh]) were examined in single bullfrog atrial myocytes using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. LTC4 produced a reversible, concentration-dependent increase in steady-state, guanosine-gamma- thiotriphosphate (GTP gamma S)-activated IK[ACh], with a K0.5 of 3.1 microM. LTC4 also increased the rate of GTP gamma S-mediated IK[ACh] activation, both in the absence and presence of 1 nM ACh, with comparable K0.5 values of 4.7 microM under basal conditions and 4.9 microM in the presence of 1 nM ACh. LTC4 did not alter the relative affinities of the G protein, Gk, for GTP gamma S and GTP. We hypothesize that all of the effects of LTC4 on the kinetics of Gk- mediated IK[ACh] activation are produced at a common site with a K0.5 of 3-5 microM. The effects of LTC4 on IK[ACh] activation are fully reversible in the presence of GTP gamma S. Under physiological conditions (i.e., intracellular GTP), 10 microM LTC4 increased the ACh- activated peak IK[ACh]. Inhibitors of cellular LTC4 production, including 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid, baicalein, cinnamyl-3,4- dihydroxy-alpha-cyanocinnamate, and alpha-pentyl-4-(2- quinolinylmethoxy)-benzene methanol, greatly attenuated ACh-dependent IK[ACh] activation, preventing activation of peak, and producing a lower steady-state IK[ACh] (when compared with the control response in the same cell). Addition of exogenous LTC4 was able to overcome the effects of LTC4 synthesis inhibitors, restoring both the peak and steady-state IK[ACh] responses. Although the mechanism of LTC4-mediated modulation of IK[ACh] activation is not known, our results suggest that endogenously produced lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid, specifically LTC4, are involved in the physiological process of IK[ACh] activation.     

Cell cycle analysis of endometrial cancer cells in vitro treated with growth factor and steroid hormone]

The aim of this study was to overtake the mechanism of the control system in endometrial cancer cell line in vitro. Ishikawa cell (IK cell) and HEC-1 cell (HEC cell) derived from endometrial cancers were cultured with serum free medium (SFM-101). IK cell possessed Estrogen receptor (ER), Progesterone receptor (PR), Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR). HEC cell had PR, EGF, and EGFR, however HEC cell did not keep ER. EGF stimulated the growth of IK cell, but the growth of HEC cell was not stimulated by EGF. S phase cells were increased by EGF in IK cell, but were not increased by EGF in HEC cell. The growth of IK cell was stimulated significantly by EGF and Estradiol-17 beta (E2) +EGF than control. However, E2+EGF did not stimulate the growth of IK cell than EGF significantly. Danazol (D) and D+EGF inhibited the growth of IK cell significantly than control. S phase cells were decreased by the treatment of D and D+EGF. From our results, EGF stimulated the growth of ER positive endometrial cancer cell, but EGF did not stimulate ER negative endometrial cancer cell. E2+EGF and EGF stimulated the growth of IK cell as a same. However, D inhibited the growth of IK cell that was stimulated by EGF.     

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibits the cardiac delayed rectifier K current via the asphingomyelin pathway

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) affects contractility and ionic currents in the heart. However, the electrophysiological effects, especially on delayed rectifier K currents (IK), have not yet been fully elucidated. We examined the effects of TNF-alpha on IK. Using a voltage-clamp method, IK was measured in guinea pig ventricular myocytes in the basal state and after pharmacological intervention. To specify the site of the action of TNF-alpha, the myocytes were incubated with pertussis toxin or N-oleoylethanolamine, a ceramidase inhibitor, and IK was measured. TNF-alpha suppressed IK when it was enhanced by isoproterenol, histamine or forskolin but not in the basal state or when IK was augmented by an internal application of cyclic AMP. Both pre-incubation with pertussis toxin and N-oleoylethanolamine abolished the inhibitory action of TNF-alpha on isoproterenol-augmented IK. TNF-alpha inhibits IK, mainly IKs, when it is augmented by PKA as a result of the generation of sphingosine.     

土著知识在生物多样性保护和利用中的研究进展

土著知识作为一种特定的知识形态,在保护生物多样性、促进资源可持续利用和社会协调发展等方面具有重要的作用,越来越受到社会各界尤其是学术界的重视。为了让大家更好地了解土著知识研究的状况,结合我们开展的工作,从国内外土著知识研究简史、土著知识研究代表性项目和单位及资助机构、土著知识项目实施产生的效果、土著知识研究利用的展望4个方面进行了综述。     

Cyclic AMP enhances calcium-dependent potassium current inAplysia neurons

The effect on the Ca-dependent potassium current, IK(Ca), of procedures that increase intracellular cAMP levels was studied in Aplysia neurons using three different pharmacological approaches. Exposure to cAMP analogues which were either resistant to or protected from phosphodiesterase hydrolysis caused an increase in IK(Ca) from 30 to 50% in 10 min. The degree of reversibility of this effect varied from complete with db cAMP to very little with pcpt cAMP. Exposure to cholera toxin, which stimulates the synthesis of endogenous cAMP, increased IK(Ca) 25% in 10 min and the effect was not reversible. Both approaches were effective in all seven neuron types studied. Application of serotonin plus phosphodiesterase inhibitor caused an increase in IK(Ca) in neuron R15 but not in the other neuron types. Application of pentylene tetrazole (PTZ) led to a decrease in IK(Ca). It is proposed that elevation of cyclic AMP mediates an increased sensitivity of the IK(Ca) channel to Ca ions.     

On the mechanism of basal and agonist-induced activation of the G protein-gated muscarinic K+ channel in atrial myocytes of guinea pig heart

Using the patch clamp technique, we examined the agonist-free, basal interaction between the muscarinic acetylcholine (m-ACh) receptor and the G protein (GK)-gated muscarinic K+ channel (IK.ACh), and the modification of this interaction by ACh binding to the receptor in single atrial myocytes of guinea pig heart. In the whole cell clamp mode, guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP-gamma S) gradually increased the IK.ACh current in the absence of agonists (e.g., acetylcholine). This increase was inhibited in cells that were pretreated with islet-activating protein (IAP, pertussis toxin) or N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). In inside-out patches, even in the absence of agonists, intracellular GTP caused openings of IK.ACh in a concentration-dependent manner in approximately 80% of the patches. Channel activation by GTP in the absence of agonist was much less than that caused by GTP-gamma S. The agonist-independent, GTP-induced activation of IK.ACh was inhibited by the A promoter of IAP (with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) or NEM. As the ACh concentration was increased, the GTP-induced maximal open probability of IK.ACh was increased and the GTP concentration for the half-maximal activation of IK.ACh was decreased. Intracellular GDP inhibited the GTP-induced openings of IK.ACh in a concentration-dependent fashion. The half-inhibition of IK.ACh openings occurred at a much lower concentration of GDP in the absence of agonists than in the presence of ACh. From these results, we concluded (a) that the interaction between the m-ACh receptor and GK is essential for basal stimulation of IK.ACh, and (b) that ACh binding to the receptor accelerates the turnover of GK and increases GK's affinity to GTP analogues over GDP.     

Membrane-delimited inhibition of maxi-K channel activity by the intermediate conductance Ca2+-activated K channel

The complexity of mammalian physiology requires a diverse array of ion channel proteins. This diversity extends even to a single family of channels. For example, the family of Ca2+-activated K channels contains three structural subfamilies characterized by small, intermediate, and large single channel conductances. Many cells and tissues, including neurons, vascular smooth muscle, endothelial cells, macrophages, and salivary glands express more than a single class of these channels, raising questions about their specific physiological roles. We demonstrate here a novel interaction between two types of Ca2+-activated K channels: maxi-K channels, encoded by the KCa1.1 gene, and IK1 channels (KCa3.1). In both native parotid acinar cells and in a heterologous expression system, activation of IK1 channels inhibits maxi-K activity. This interaction was independent of the mode of activation of the IK1 channels: direct application of Ca2+, muscarinic receptor stimulation, or by direct chemical activation of the IK1 channels. The IK1-induced inhibition of maxi-K activity occurred in small, cell-free membrane patches and was due to a reduction in the maxi-K channel open probability and not to a change in the single channel current level. These data suggest that IK1 channels inhibit maxi-K channel activity via a direct, membrane-delimited interaction between the channel proteins. A quantitative analysis indicates that each maxi-K channel may be surrounded by four IK1 channels and will be inhibited if any one of these IK1 channels opens. This novel, regulated inhibition of maxi-K channels by activation of IK1 adds to the complexity of the properties of these Ca2+-activated K channels and likely contributes to the diversity of their functional roles.     

Characterization of two distinct depolarization-activated K+ currents in isolated adult rat ventricular myocytes

Depolarization-activated outward K+ currents in isolated adult rat ventricular myocytes were characterized using the whole-cell variation of the patch-clamp recording technique. During brief depolarizations to potentials positive to -40 mV, Ca(2+)-independent outward K+ currents in these cells rise to a transient peak, followed by a slower decay to an apparent plateau. The analyses completed here reveal that the observed outward current waveforms result from the activation of two kinetically distinct voltage-dependent K+ currents: one that activates and inactivates rapidly, and one that activates and inactivates slowly, on membrane depolarization. These currents are referred to here as Ito (transient outward) and IK (delayed rectifier), respectively, because their properties are similar (although not identical) to these K+ current types in other cells. Although the voltage dependences of Ito and IK activation are similar, Ito activates approximately 10-fold and inactivates approximately 30-fold more rapidly than IK at all test potentials. In the composite current waveforms measured during brief depolarizations, therefore, the peak current predominantly reflects Ito, whereas IK is the primary determinant of the plateau. There are also marked differences in the voltage dependences of steady-state inactivation of these two K+ currents: IK undergoes steady-state inactivation at all potentials positive to -120 mV, and is 50% inactivated at -69 mV; Ito, in contrast, is insensitive to steady-state inactivation at membrane potentials negative to -50 mV. In addition, Ito recovers from steady-state inactivation faster than IK: at -90 mV, for example, approximately 70% recovery from the inactivation produced at -20 mV is observed within 20 ms for Ito; IK recovers approximately 25-fold more slowly. The pharmacological properties of Ito and IK are also distinct: 4-aminopyridine preferentially attenuates Ito, and tetraethylammonium suppresses predominantly IK. The voltage- and time-dependent properties of these currents are interpreted here in terms of a model in which Ito underlies the initial, rapid repolarization phase of the action potential (AP), and IK is responsible for the slower phase of AP repolarization back to the resting membrane potential, in adult rat ventricular myocytes.     

SK but not IK channels regulate human detrusor smooth muscle spontaneous and nerve-evoked contractions

Animal studies suggest that the small (SK) and intermediate (IK) conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels may contribute to detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) excitability and contractility. However, the ability of SK and IK channels to control DSM spontaneous phasic and nerve-evoked contractions in human DSM remains unclear. We first investigated SK and IK channels molecular expression in native human DSM and further assessed their functional role using isometric DSM tension recordings and SK/IK channel-selective inhibitors. Quantitative PCR experiments revealed that SK3 channel mRNA expression in isolated DSM single cells was ～12- to 44-fold higher than SK1, SK2, and IK channels. RT-PCR studies at the single-cell level detected mRNA messages for SK3 channels but not SK1, SK2, and IK channels. Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis further confirmed protein expression for the SK3 channel and lack of detectable protein expression for IK channel in whole DSM tissue. Apamin (1 μM), a selective SK channel inhibitor, significantly increased the spontaneous phasic contraction amplitude, muscle force integral, phasic contraction duration, and muscle tone of human DSM isolated strips. Apamin (1 μM) also increased the amplitude of human DSM electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced contractions. However, TRAM-34 (1 μM), a selective IK channel inhibitor, had no effect on the spontaneous phasic and EFS-induced DSM contractions suggesting a lack of IK channel functional role in human DSM. In summary, our molecular and functional studies revealed that the SK, particularly the SK3 subtype, but not IK channels are expressed and regulate the spontaneous and nerve-evoked contractions in human DSM.     

去甲肾上腺素对大鼠肝细胞延迟外向钾电流的影响

目前为止国内外尚未见到有关大鼠肝细胞外向钾电流方面的报道。本文用全细胞膜片宿制技术观察了大鼠肝细胞延迟外向钾电流（Ik）及去甲肾上腺素等对人的影响。实验结果表明,在保持电位-50mV、指令电位＋140mV时大鼠肝细胞Ik为2．85±1.21nA。去甲肾上腺素明显降低IK,异丙肾上腺素和乙酰胆碱对IK无影响。