Increased surface binding sites of insulin in ML236B (compactin)-resistant mutants of Chinese hamster cell line

Mutants resistant to ML236B (compactin) were isolated from the Chinese hamster lung V79 cell line (1). Three ML236B-resistant mutants, MF-1, MF-2 and MF-3, were enhanced in insulin-specific binding activity about 2 to 3 times over the parental V79 cell lines. Compared to V79, endocytosis of insulin was also increased 2 to 3-fold in ML236B-resistant mutants than V79. Scatchard analysis showed that 5,000 insulin binding sites per cell in V79 and 16,000 in a NL236B-resistant clone, MF-2. Insulin receptors in mutant and parental strains are down-regulated to a similar extent in the parental V79 treated with an excess insulin. This is the first somatic cell mutant with increased surface binding sites for insulin.     

Chinese hamster cell mutant resistant to ML236B (Compactin) is defective in endocytosis of low-density lipo-protein.

A fungal metabolite, ML236B (Compactin), isolated from Penicillium citrinum, is a specific inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG)-coenzyme A reductase (EC 1.1.1.34). Three ML236B-resistant (ML236Br) mutants, MF-1, MF-2, and MF-3, were isolated from V79 after N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine mutagenesis. The fluctuation test showed 2.2 X 10(-6) mutants per cell per generation of a spontaneous mutation frequency of ML236Br clones. These ML236Br clones showed a four- to fivefold-higher resistance to the drug than did their parental V79. Radioactive acetate, but not mevalonate, incorporation into the sterol fraction increased about 10-fold in ML236Br clones in comparison with that in V79. The cellular level of HMG-coenzyme A reductase in three ML236Br mutants was found to be a few-fold higher than that of V79 when cultured in the presence of lipoproteins. The 125I-labeled low-density lipoprotein-binding assay showed binding activity in three ML236Br clones comparable to that of the parental V79 cells. By contrast, an internalization assay of 125I-labeled low-density lipoprotein into the cells showed significantly reduced activity in three ML236Br clones in comparison with V79.     

Chinese hamster cell mutants with defective endocytosis of low-density lipoprotein contain altered fatty acid composition in the membrane

Chinese hamster V79 cell mutants resistant to compactin (ML236B), a specific inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, are defective in endocytosis of low-density lipoprotein (1). Two resistant clones, MF-2 and MF-3, differ in lipid composition from the parental V79 strain. In both the total cells and membrane fraction, the ratio of palmitoleic acid (16:1)/palmitic acid (16:0) is 0.4-0.5 in MF-2 and 1.7-1.8 in MF-3 while that in V79 is 0.2-0.3. By contrast, a hybrid clone between V79 and MF-3 shows a ratio of palmitoleic acid to palmitic acid very similar to that of V79. The synthesis of palmitoleic acid from acetate in the resistant clone is higher than in V79.     

Regulation of cholesterol synthesis in cultured mouse mammary carcinoma FM3A cells

Mouse mammary carcinoma FM3A cells, which are able to grow in a serum-free medium, have novel characteristics that could be valuable in biochemical and somatic cell genetic studies. In FM3A cells grown in the presence of serum, both sterol synthesis and the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the major rate-limiting enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, were strongly suppressed by human low density lipoprotein (LDL). The addition of LDL (50 micrograms protein/ml) resulted in a 50% decrease in the reductase activity within 3 h and a 95% reduction after 24 h. Similarly, over 90% suppression of the reductase activity was obtained by the addition of LDL or mevalonolactone when the cells were grown on a serum-free medium. ML-236B (compactin), a specific inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, inhibited sterol synthesis from [14C]acetate by 80% at 1 microM. Reductase activity in FM3A cells was increased by 2.5- to 5-fold when the cells were treated with ML-236B (at 0.26-2.6 microM for 24 h). Thus, in FM3A cells, HMG-CoA reductase activity responded well to LDL, as is observed in human skin fibroblasts. Along with other novel features of this cell line, the present observations indicate that FM3A cells should be useful in biochemical and somatic cell genetic analysis of cholesterol metabolism, especially as regards the regulation of HMG-CoA reductase activity.     

Application of computer to monitoring and control of fermentation process: Microbial conversion of ML-236B Na to pravastatin

An automatic feeding process for microbial hydroxylation of ML236B sodium salt (ML-236B Na; compactin) by Streptomyces carbophilus SANK 62585 was developed. The hydroxylated product, pravastatin sodium salt (pravastatin; trade name Mevalotin), is an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methyglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) used as cholesterol-lowering drug. The hydroxylation activity of S. carbophilus was induced by the addition of ML236B Na to culture broth but inhibited by high concentration of ML236B Na. In order to obtain high conversion yield, it was necessary to maintain optimum ML236B Na concentration throughout the fermentation by continuous feeding. For this purpose, we developed an on-line monitoring method, which mainly consisted of a cross-flow filtration module, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyzer, feed pump, and microcomputer for regulation of ML236B Na concentration. An algorithm for control of ML236B Na feed rate based on feedback and feed-forward control where conversion rate after Deltat was estimated by using regression analysis of the five latest values of conversion rate. In a fed-batch culture employing this system, the concentration of ML236B Na was maintained at optimum level during the fermentation and the productivity of pravastatin was increased threefold over that obtained in manual control culture. (c) 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Altered function and structure of low-density lipoprotein receptor in compactin (ML236B)-resistant mutants of Chinese hamster cells

Mutants resistant to compactin, an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, have been previously isolated from the Chinese hamster V79 cell line. Two compactin-resistant mutants, MF-1 and MF-2, show altered responses to human low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Accumulation of fluorescent-labeled LDL was much reduced. Ligand blotting showed LDL receptor activity in MF-1 and MF-2 cells of about one half to one third that of V79. Internalization and degradation of LDL in MF-1 or MF-2 cells were about one tenth those in V79 cells, suggesting that the LDL binding as well as the LDL internalization of the compactin-resistant clones was altered. Down-regulation of LDL receptor activity as well as hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductase was observed in V79 cells treated with LDL, while there appeared to be much less down-regulation in MF-1 and MF-2 cells. Using anti-LDL receptor antibody, MF-1 and MF-2 cells were found to produce smaller-sized mature forms of LDL receptor: the molecular mass of the mutant LDL receptor was 3-5 kDa smaller than that of the parental LDL receptor. Altered O-linked oligosaccharides or amino acid sequence might account for the decreased molecular mass and aberrant properties of the LDL receptor in MF-1 and MF-2.     

Isolation and identification of peptides from simulated gastrointestinal digestion of preserved egg white and their anti-inflammatory activity in TNF-α-induced Caco-2 cells

Simulated gastrointestinal digestion of preserved egg white (SGD-PEW) exerts anti-inflammatory effects on Caco-2 cells and a mouse model of DSS-induced colitis. Here, we aimed to separate peptides derived from SGD-PEW and evaluate their anti-inflammatory effects using an in vitro inflammatory model. Six peptides were isolated and identified. DEDTQAMPFR (DR-10), DEDTQAMPF (DF-9), MLGATSL (ML-7) and MSYSAGF (MF-7) significantly inhibited IL-8 secretion and markedly decreased gene expression, including TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-12 and promoted IL-10 gene expression in Caco-2 cells. DR-10, DF-9, ML-7 and MF-7 significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK. In the meantime, DR-10 and DF-9 significantly reduced the phosphorylation of IκB and p38. These results indicated that ML-7 and MF-7 exerted their anti-inflammatory activity through the MAPK signaling pathway in TNF-α-induced Caco-2 cells. Whereas, DR-10 and DF-9 inhibited the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. The results suggested that DR-10, DF-9, ML-7 and MF-7 derived from SGD-PEW may be a new type of prophylactic food for the treatment of inflammation.     

Induction of VMAT-1 and TPH-1 expression induces vesicular accumulation of serotonin and protects cells and tissue from cooling/rewarming injury

DDT₁ MF-2 hamster ductus deferens cells are resistant to hypothermia due to serotonin secretion from secretory vesicles and subsequent cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) mediated formation of H₂S. We investigated whether the mechanism promoting resistance to hypothermia may be translationally induced in cells vulnerable to cold storage. Thus, VMAT-1 (vesicular monoamino transferase) and TPH-1 (tryptophan hydroxylase) were co-transfected in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (SMAC) and kidney tissue to create a serotonin-vesicular phenotype (named VTSMAC and VTkidney, respectively). Effects on hypothermic damage were assessed. VTSMAC showed a vesicular phenotype and an 8-fold increase in serotonin content and 5-fold increase in its release upon cooling. Cooled VTSMAC produced up to 10 fold higher concentrations of H₂S, and were protected from hypothermia, as shown by a 50% reduction of caspase 3/7 activity and 4 times higher survival compared to SMAC. Hypothermic resistance was abolished by the inhibition of CBS activity or blockade of serotonin re-uptake. In VTkidney slices, expression of CBS was 3 fold increased in cold preserved kidney tissue, with two-fold increase in H₂S concentration. While cooling induced substantial damage to empty vector transfected kidney as shown by caspase 3/7 activity and loss of FABP1, VTkidney was fully protected and comparable to non-cooled control. Thus, transfection of VMAT-1 and TPH-1 induced vesicular storage of serotonin which is triggered release upon cooling and has protective effects against hypothermia. The vesicular serotonergic phenotype protects against hypothermic damage through re-uptake of serotonin inducing CBS mediated H₂S production both in cells and kidney slices.     

Mechanisms of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase overaccumulation in three compactin-resistant cell lines

We have isolated three mammalian cell lines which are resistant to compactin, a competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. The drug resistance in all three cell lines is due to an increase of HMG-CoA reductase activity. Two of the three cell lines overaccumulate HMG-CoA reductase messenger RNA when grown in the presence of compactin. DNA hybridization experiments indicate that both a baby hamster kidney-derived compactin-resistant cell line, C100, and a cell line derived from mouse 3T6 cells, 3T6-40, exhibit amplifications of the HMG-CoA reductase gene. A third compactin-resistant cell line derived from Chinese hamster ovary cells, ML100, does not exhibit an amplification of the HMG-CoA reductase gene, nor does it show an elevated level of HMG-CoA reductase mRNA, comparable to that seen in the other cell lines.     

The effect of osmotic shock and subsequent adaptation on the thermotolerance and cell morphology of Listeria monocytogenes

The relationship between the time of exposure to different levels of NaCl and the corresponding changes in thermotolerance and cell morphology of Listeria monocytogenes was investigated. The kinetics of the increase in thermotolerance, after an osmotic upshift, showed a very rapid initial response (<2 min) followed by a more gradual increase whereby cells, after 4 h exposure at 30°C, became nearly as heat resistant as those grown for 48 h under the same conditions. Cells grown in media with 0.09 mol l⁻¹ NaCl subjected to a short osmotic up-shock in media containing 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 mol l⁻¹ NaCl showed a 1.3, 2.5 and 8-fold increase in thermotolerance, respectively. Osmotic adaptation, signified by growth at the higher NaCl concentration, however, resulted in a 2- to 3-fold additional increase in thermotolerance. An osmotic down-shock caused a very rapid loss of thermotolerance (<5 min). Osmotic shock and adaptation experiments were also performed in minced beef where similar changes in thermotolerance were observed. Cell morphology was markedly affected by the osmolarity of the growth medium. Cells grown in media containing 1.5 mol l⁻¹ NaCl became up to 50 times longer than cells grown in media with 0.09 mol l⁻¹ NaCl, but no direct link to thermotolerance could be made.     

Influence of perfusion and cyclic compression on proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells in 3-dimensional culture

Until now, there has been no in vitro model that duplicates the environment of bone marrow. The purpose of this study was to analyze proliferation and differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSC) under the influence of continuous perfusion and cyclic mechanical loading. hBMSC of seven individuals were harvested, grown in vitro, and combined. 10(6) hBMSC were seeded on a bovine spongiosa disc and incubated in a bioreactor system. Cell culture was continued using three different conditions: Continuous perfusion (group A), 10% cyclic compression at 0.5Hz (group B) and static controls (group C). After 24h, 1, 2, and 3 weeks, we determined cell proliferation (MTS-assay) and osteogenic differentiation (osteocalcin ELISA, Runx2 mRNA). Tenascin-C mRNA was quantified to exclude fibroblastic differentiation. In groups A and B, proliferation was enhanced after 2 weeks (48.6+/-19.6x10(3) (A) and 44.6+/-14.3 x 10(3) cells (B)) and after 3 weeks (46.6+/-15.1 x 10(3) (A) and 44.8+/-10.2 x 10(3) cells (B)) compared with controls (26.3+/-10.8 x 10(3) (2 weeks) and 17.1+/-6.5 x 10(3) cells (3 weeks), p<0.03). Runx2 mRNA was upregulated in both stimulated groups after 1, 2, and 3 weeks compared to control (group A, 1 week: 5.2+/-0.7-fold; p<0.01, 2 weeks: 4.4+/-1.9-fold; p<0.01, 3 weeks: 3.8+/-1.7-fold; p=0.013; group B, 1 week: 3.6+/-1.1-fold, p<0.01, 2 weeks: 4.2+/-2.2-fold, p<0.01; 3 weeks: 5.3+/-2.7-fold, p<0.01). hBMSC stimulated by cyclic compression expressed the highest amount of osteocalcin at all time points (1 week: 294.5+/-88.4 mg/g protein, 2 weeks: 294.4+/-73.3mg/g protein, 3 weeks: 293.1+/-83.6 mg/g protein, p0.03). The main stimulus for cell proliferation in a 3-dimensional culture of hBMSC is continuous perfusion whereas mechanical stimulation fosters osteogenic commitment of hBMSC. This study thereby contributes to the understanding of physical stimuli that influence hBMSC in a 3-dimensional cell culture system.     

C4-dicarboxylate transport in Bacillus subtilis studied with 3-fluoro-L-erythro-malate as a substrate

Bacillus subtilis cells grown in yeast extract medium accumulated 3-fluoro-l-erythro-[1,2-(14)C(2)]malate more than 30-fold from the surrounding medium. No metabolic products derived from 3-fluoro-l-erythro-malate could be detected in these cells. l-Malate competitively inhibited transport of 3-fluoro-l-erythro-malate. This malate analogue was itself a competitive inhibitor of l-malate uptake. Cells that had been grown in yeast extract supplemented with 5 mM l-malate showed a 10-fold increased affinity towards 3-fluoro-l-erythro-malate relative to cells grown in yeast extract medium with no added malate. Our results suggest that two transport systems for l-malate can be induced in B. subtilis. The first of these systems seems to effect uptake of C(4)-dicarboxylates (l-malate, succinate, and fumarate) in yeast extract medium. The second transport system (or possibly a modification of the first transport system) seems to be induced by addition of l-malate to this medium and is also functioning in malate minimal medium.     

Alteration of ganglioside composition and metabolism in doxorubicin-resistant rat tumoral cells

We have investigated the ganglioside levels, composition and metabolism in two lines of doxorubicin-resistant cells and in the corresponding wild strains, the C6 rat glioblastoma and the HTC rat hepatoma. The only ganglioside present was GM3, and its level was increased 2-fold in C6 resistant cells and decreased nearly 2-fold in HTC resistant cells. A decrease of cytidine 5'-monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid:galactosylglucosylceramide sialyltransferase activity was observed in both resistant lines as compared to sensitive ones, and could not, therefore, explain the increase in the GM3 level observed in the C6 resistant line. Alterations of acid neuraminidase activity were also observed; a 5-fold decrease was noticed in the C6 resistant line and could account for the increase in the GM3 level observed in these cells; in contrast, a 2-fold increase of acid neuraminidase activity was noticed in the HTC resistant cells: together, with reduced synthesis, it could explain the decrease in the GM3 level observed in these cells. No alterations of exogenous ganglioside transport was exhibited by the C6 resistant cells.     

Characterization of an X-ray-hypersensitive mutant of V79 Chinese hamster cells

A V79 Chinese hamster cell line XR-V15B exhibiting hypersensitivity to X-ray has been isolated and characterized. Additionally to increased X-ray-sensitivity (approximately 8-fold, as judged by D10 values), cross-sensitivity to bleomycin (3-fold increase), 4NQO (3-fold), H2O2, EMS, MMS (2-fold) were observed also. No increased sensitivity to UV and MMC was found. Genetic complementation analysis indicates that XR-V15B belongs to the same complementation group as the X-ray-sensitive (xrs) mutants of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells described by Jeggo (1985). Biochemical analysis of XR-V15B confirms this finding: the mutant showed a decreased ability to rejoin double-strand breaks induced by X-ray as measured by neutral elution. After 4 h of repair more than 50% of the double-strand breaks remain in comparison to 3% in V79 cells. No difference was observed between wild-type and XR-V15B cells in the initial number of single-strand breaks induced, in the kinetics of their rejoining and in the final level of unrejoined single-strand breaks. Treatment with 5-azacytidine did not have an effect on the reversion frequency of XR-V15B, contrary to the results obtained with the xrs mutants. XR-V15B has been grown in continuous culture for more than 3 months without evidence of reversion. The mutation induction by X-ray irradiation at the HPRT locus is not significantly increased in the mutant, but at doses giving the same degree of cell killing, XR-V15B cells are hypomutable.     

接种木霉菌对黄瓜幼苗生长和根际土壤AM真菌侵染的影响

在盆栽试验中分别接种3株长枝木霉菌株Trichoderma longibrachiatum MF-1、MF-2和MF-3,以不接种木霉菌处理作为对照,研究木霉菌接种对土著AM真菌和黄瓜幼苗生长的影响。结果表明,菌株MF-1和MF-2显著提高了AM真菌侵染率和根外菌丝密度,与对照相比,AM真菌侵染率分别提高了26.85%和54.66%,根外菌丝密度分别是对照的3.94和3.76倍。接种菌株MF-2使植株地上部生物量显著提高了39.07%。菌株MF-3显著提高土壤pH和土壤有效磷含量。Pearson相关分析发现,添加木霉菌后,AM真菌侵染率与根外菌丝密度和孢子密度均呈显著正相关关系,土壤pH与植株地上部生物量和土壤有效磷含量均呈显著正相关关系。研究表明,3株长枝木霉与土著AM真菌的联合作用效果有明显差异,菌株MF-1和MF-2显著促进AM真菌生长,菌株MF-2更有利于黄瓜幼苗生长,而菌株MF-3主要改善土壤pH和有效磷含量。将几种木霉菌复合应用,有助于达到联合促生和改善土壤环境的综合效果。     

Maintenance of pancreatic endocrine cells of the neonatal rat: IV. The effect of 3-amino-3-deoxyglucose

Monolayer islet cells prepared from neonatal rat pancreases were cultured in media with 5.5 mM glucose alone or further supplemented with 5 mM 3-amino-3-deoxyglucose (3A3dG) for a total of 7 days. After culture for 7 days, 3A3dG-supplementation maintained the recovery of insulin released into the medium during the last 2 days of a 7-day culture at a level 2.9 fold higher that at day 0. Similarly, the insulin content of the cells was significantly higher than the initial level at day 0 (2.8-fold) and that of the cells grown in medium with glucose alone (4.5-fold). The maximum secretory responses to glucose (2.8-16.7 mM), leucine (2.5-10 mM) and 2-ketoisocaproate (2.5-10 mM) were several times as high as the initial. Further, 3A3dG caused a selective deletion of fibroblasts mostly consisting of endocrine cells. In these monolayer cells, either the cAMP response to glucose or the cellular cAMP content were significant. In conclusion, it is suggested that the beneficial effect of 3A3dG may be associated with an increase in either the oxidative catabolism of amino acids or the activity of adenylate cyclase in the B cell.     

Altered sphingolipid metabolism in N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-retinamide-resistant A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cells

In the present work, we studied the effects of fenretinide (N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (HPR)), a hydroxyphenyl derivative of all-trans-retinoic acid, on sphingolipid metabolism and expression in human ovarian carcinoma A2780 cells. A2780 cells, which are sensitive to a pharmacologically achievable HPR concentration, become 10-fold more resistant after exposure to increasing HPR concentrations. Our results showed that HPR was able to induce a dose- and time-dependent increase in cellular ceramide levels in sensitive but not in resistant cells. This form of resistance in A2780 cells was not accompanied by the overexpression of multidrug resistance-specific proteins MDR1 P-glycoprotein and multidrug resistance-associated protein, whose mRNA levels did not differ in sensitive and resistant A2780 cells. HPR-resistant cells were characterized by an overall altered sphingolipid metabolism. The overall content in glycosphingolipids was similar in both cell types, but the expression of specific glycosphingolipids was different. Specifically, our findings indicated that glucosylceramide levels were similar in sensitive and resistant cells, but resistant cells were characterized by a 6-fold lower expression of lactosylceramide levels and by a 6-fold higher expression of ganglioside levels than sensitive cells. The main gangliosides from resistant A2780 cells were identified as GM3 and GM2. The possible metabolic mechanisms leading to this difference were investigated. Interestingly, the mRNA levels of glucosylceramide and lactosylceramide synthases were similar in sensitive and resistant cells, whereas GM3 synthase mRNA level and GM3 synthase activity were remarkably higher in resistant cells.     

Expression in vivo of the lacZ gene, delivered to mouse lungs using synthetic microspheres

A capacity of MF-2 synthetic microspheres to serve as the vehicle for transfer of the marker LacZ gene to mouse lung epithelial cells was studied after a single intranasal administration of the MF-2/gene complex. Two types of plasmids carrying marker gene LacZ were used in the experiments: with cytoplasmic (pCMV-LacZ) and nuclear (pCMV-nlsLacZ) localization of the gene product (beta-galactosidase). As early as 7 days after the complexes MF-2/pCMV-LacZ and MF-2/pCMV-nlsLacZ were administered, specific staining for beta-galactosidase revealed this enzyme activity in the epithelial cells of bronchi, bronchioli, and alveoli. The maximum in vivo of the marker gene in the MF-2/pCMV-LacZ complex was observed at day 14 to 21 after administration and the corresponding gene product was detected during the following two months. The MF-2-mediated gene transfer led to a twofold increase in beta-galactosidase activity relative to the case when the "unbound" pCMV-LacZ plasmid was administered. These results suggest that the synthetic microsphere-mediated transfer of alien genes to the lung of experimental animals is promising. Microspheres may be used in gene therapy for pulmonary affections, in particular cystic fibrosis.     

Steroid-regulated growth of DDT1MF-2 cells is profoundly influenced by culture conditions

Summary DDT₁MF-2 cells provide an ideal model for studying tumor-growth-stimulation by steroids. These cells progress to a rapidly proliferating, androgen-independent state after prolonged culture without androgen. After brief culture in different lots of fetal bovine serum (FBS), some lots induced a permanent state of hormone-independence in cells that had been androgen-responsive. To test the hypothesis that factors influenced androgen-responsive growth even after removal of serum, hormone-responsive DDT₁MF-2 cells (7000 cells/well) were plated in medium Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium/F-12 Nutrition Mixture (1:1)/1% ITS with (a) 0.1% FBS, (b) 0.1% NuSerum (c) 0.1% Hyclone, or (d) MCDB-110/0.1% ITS with 5 ng/ml bFGF. On Days 2–8, medium was replaced with D-MEM/F12/ITS with 10 nM testosterone (T), 10 nM triamcinolone acetonide (TA), or ethanol (control) and the cells counted. While testosterone induced a 1.4-fold increase in cell growth after exposure to FBS or NuSerum, maximal testosterone effect (3-6-fold increase) was observed after Hyclone. Hydroxyflutamide antagonized the fivefold increase in growth observed with testosterone, with a slight decrease of growth with cAMP for cells plated in Hyclone. Androgen-independent cells were unaffected by testosterone, hydroxyflutamide, or 8Br-cAMP [medium (a)]. Maximal inhibition by triamcinolone acetonide (0.25 of control) was observed with medium (d). The effect of testosterone and triamcinolone acetonide on secretion of mitogenic activity into conditioned medium was also evaluated. Although conditioned media from control and testosterone-treated cells were mitogenic in a dose-dependent manner, the media from cells treated with triamcinolone acetonide and testosterone + TA conditioned medium was not mitogenic—but, of note, it was not growth inhibitory.     

Differences in targeting and secretion of cathepsins B and L by BALB/3T3 fibroblasts and Moloney murine sarcoma virus-transformed BALB/3T3 fibroblasts

BALB/3T3 fibroblasts (3T3) were observed to secrete latent, pepsin-activatable forms of cathepsin B and cathepsin L as well as an active form of beta-glucuronidase when cultured in the absence of serum. The secretion of these proteins was stimulated by the cation ionophore monensin: cathepsin B, 4.3-fold; cathepsin L, 7.2-fold; and beta-glucuronidase, 3.1-fold. These increases were accompanied by a 50% decline in cellular levels of the active forms of these enzymes and by the cellular accumulation of latent forms of cathepsin B and cathepsin L. Latent forms of beta-glucuronidase were not detected. In contrast, Moloney murine sarcoma virus-transformed BALB/3T3 fibroblasts (MMSV) secreted greatly increased amounts of latent cathepsin B (17-fold) and latent cathepsin L (27-fold), and moderately increased amounts of active beta-glucuronidase (2-fold) in a manner which was not further increased by monensin. The increased monensin-insensitive secretion of these lysosomal enzymes by MMSV cells may be due to a transformation-induced decrease in mannose 6-phosphate receptors. Thus, 3T3 cells bound the neoglycoconjugate pentamannosyl 6-phosphate-bovine serum albumin at 4 degrees C in a pentamannosyl 6 phosphate and mannose 6-phosphate-inhibitable manner, whereas MMSV cells showed no measurable cell surface mannose 6-phosphate receptor binding activity.