Tri-iodothyronine (T3) stimulates the growth of Morris Hepatoma cells grown in culture

Cell cultures prepared from transplanted Morris Hepatoma #44 and host liver were grown in media containing 10% fetal calf serum depleted of iodothyronines. Addition of 200 nM triiodothyronine significantly stimulated the rate of cell replication and thymidine kinase activity of hepatoma cells. The responses of adult liver cells were similar but less marked. This study documents for the first time that the growth of hepatoma cells in vitro is thyroid dependent.     

Some characteristics of a factor stimulating skin epithelial cell growth in vitro

Growth of rabbit skin epithelial cells on a collagen gel is markedly enhanced by a soluble factor synthesized in a chemically defined minimal growth medium by fibroblasts of dermal origin. In the presence of this factor, the incorporation of thymidine and phosphate into skin epithelial cells is stimulated, and survival time of skin epithelial cells is prolonged. The growth factor is small (mol.wt < 1 000 D) and is not sensitive to lyophilization, heating, repeated freezing and thawing or the action of degradative enzymes RNAse, DNAse, trypsin and pronase. The chemical properties of the growth factor are not those expected of a free amino acid, peptide, non-polar lipid or nucleic acid.     

A heparin-binding erythroid cell stimulating factor from fetal bovine serum has the N-terminal sequence of insulin-like growth factor II

An 8 kd heparin-binding peptide which stimulates thymidine incorporation in cultures of fetal calf liver erythroid cells was isolated from fetal bovine serum by affinity chromatography on Heparin-Sepharose, ion exchange chromatography, gel filtration and reversed-phase HPLC. The N-terminal sequence of the isolated peptide was identical to the N-terminal sequence of bovine erythrotropin or insulin-like growth factor II (IGF II). The potential heparin-binding site of IGF II is probably situated in the arginine-rich C-peptide region. The affinities of human recombinant IGF I and II were compared with those of apolipoprotein H (a plasma heparin-binding protein) and bovine insulin in a heparin-affinity column. The retention times were in the order: Apolipoprotein H greater than hrIGF II greater than hrIGF I greater than insulin (no retention). This unusual property of IGF II suggests that it may be captured in the extracellular matrix in a similar way to fibroblast growth factor, interleukin 3 or granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor.     

Interactions of ganglioside GM1 with human and fetal calf sera. Formation of ganglioside-serum albumin complexes

The interactions of ganglioside G_M1 with human and fetal calf sera were studied, the following main results being obtained: (a) G_M1, upon incubation with both sera gave origin to two G_M1-protein complexes, which also occurred after interaction of G_M1 with the albumin fractions prepared from the same sera. Instead no complex formation occurred using the albumin-free fractions. Therefore G_M1 appeared to specifically bind serum albumin and to form G_M1-albumin complexes. (b) G_M1 binding to serum albumin started at ganglioside concentrations surely micellar (above 10^?6 M), was time and concentration dependent, and resulted in a relevant degree of G_M1 complexation (up to 80% of total G_M1 in human serum and up to 18% in fetal calf serum). (c) the binding kinetics appeared, in both serum and the correspondent albumin fraction, to be biphasic: in the first phase, occurring till about 2 · 10^?4 M G_M1, the ratio between bound and total G_M1 increased linearly with increasing G_M1 concentration; in the second phase, occurring above 2 · 10^?4 M, the ratio remained practically constant. After these findings it should be expected that G_M1, when present in serum containing systems, forms complexes with albumin. This should be appropriately considered when studying the effects of exogeneous G_M1 in in vivo and in vitro (tissue cultures) systems.     

Similarities in structure and function of bovine serum erythrotropin and human insulin-like growth factor II: two fetal erythroid cell stimulating factors

Serum erythrotropin (ET) was isolated from fetal bovine serum. Partial sequence analysis of the N-terminal portion of the peptide indicated that the first 20 amino acids were practically identical to those found in human insulin-like growth factor II (IGF II). The effect of IGF II on [3H] thymidine incorporation in cell cultures of fetal bovine liver was similar to the effect of ET. Both factors acted synergistically with erythropoietin but not with platelet derived growth factor. The stimulation of thymidine incorporation by ET and IGF II on cell cultures of fetal liver erythroid cells was at least 15 times higher than their effects on cultures of fetal calf intestine, lung and kidney cells.     

Synthesis and characterization of isopropylamine complexes of lanthanide(II) diiodides: Molecular structure of TmI2(PrNH2)4 and EuI2(PrNH2)4

It was found that the lanthanide diiodides LnI₂ (1) (Ln = Nd, Sm, Eu, Dy, Tm, Yb) are dissolved in isopropylamine (IPA) without redox transformations. Stability of the formed solutions decreases in a row Eu ≈ Yb > Sm > Tm > Dy > Nd. Removing of a solvent in vacuum leaves complexes LnI₂(IPA)_x (2) (Nd, x = 5; Sm, Eu, Dy, Tm, Yb, x = 4) as crystalline colored solids. Stability of 2-Nd,Dy,Tm is higher than that of known THF or DME coordinated salts. Divalent state of metal in the products is confirmed by data of UV-Vis spectroscopy, magnetic measurements and their chemical behavior. Structure of 2-Eu and 2-Tm was established by X-ray diffraction analysis. Oxidation of 2-Nd,Dy in IPA affords amine-amides (PrⁱNH)Ln(IPA)_y (3) (Nd, y = 4; Dy, x = 3). n-Propylamine also dissolves the iodides 1-Sm,Eu,Dy,Tm,Yb but stability of the solutions is significantly lower. 1-Nd vigorously reacts with PrⁿNH₂ even at −30 °C which hampers the formation of the solution.     

Syntheses and characterization of the W(II) and W(III) N2 complexes, [WCl2(PMe3)3]2N2 and [WCl3(PMe3)2]2N2

Refluxing WCl₄(PMe₃)₃ under a nitrogen atmosphere in the presence of two equivalents of sodium amalgam leads to a reduction to the W(II) complex [cis,mer-WCl₂(PMe₃)₃]₂N₂ (1), which can be converted to [mer,trans-WCl₃(PMe₃)₂]₂N₂ (2) via appropriate oxidation/chlorination. Structural data have been obtained for both complexes, and demonstrate significantly increased steric crowding in 1 due to PMe₃/PMe₃ interactions. The N-N bond distances in the two compounds are similar, at 1.279(4) and 1.243(18) Å, respectively.     

Platelet activating factor (PAF) stimulates release of PGI2 from inflamed rabbit gallbladder cell cultures

This study examines the hypothesis that PAF stimulates release of PGI₂ from inflamed rabbit gallbladder explant cell cultures. New Zealand white rabbits underwent bile duct ligation for 72 h (72 h BDL), or sham operation, Sham and 72 h BDL gallbladder explants were placed in culture, and the cells grown to 75% confluence. The cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of PAF for 60 min. The media analyzed for eicosanoid release by EIA and the cells analyzed for cyclooxygenase and prostacyclin synthase content by immunoblot analysis. PAF increased release of 6-keto-PGF_1α from the 72 h BDL gallbladder cell cultures in a dose-related manner which was inhibited by indomethacin preincubation by 90%. The increased 72 h BDL cell release of 6-keto-PGF_1α was not associated with changes in the content of cyclooxygenase or prostacyclin synthase. PAF did not alter eicosanoid release from sham control cell cultures. These data suggest that PAF can only up-regulate endogenous 6-keto-PGF_1α release from the 72 h BDL cells that had been previously stimulated by inflammation. PAF may thus contribute to gallbladder distention and injury by chronic stimulation of inflamed gallbladder PGI₂ release.     

Bis(O2S2 macrocycle) complexes of palladium(II)

Two isomeric dibenzo-O₂S₂ macrocycles L¹ and L² have been synthesised and their coordination chemistry towards palladium(II) has been investigated. Two-step approaches via reactions of 1:1-type complexes, [cis-Cl₂LPd] (1a: L = L¹, 1b: L = L²), with different O₂S₂ macrocycle systems (L¹ and L²) have led to the isolation of the following bis(O₂S₂ macrocycle) palladium(II) complexes in the solid state: [Pd(L¹)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2a) and a mixture of [Pd(L¹)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2a) + [Pd(L²)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2b).     

Spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of a new nitrosyl-complex of Ru(II): trans-[Ru(NO){(CH3CH2)2PCH2CH2P(CH2CH3)2}2Cl](PF6)2

A new ruthenium nitric oxide complex with the bidentate phosphine, 1,2-bis(diethylphosphino)ethane (depe), has been synthesized and characterized by UV-Vis, infrared, EPR, NMR, electrochemical techniques and X-ray structure determination. The electronic spectrum showed a typical band of dπ→pπ* charge-transfer (CT) transition, assigned to Ru(II)NO transition, and the vibrational spectrum exhibited a peak of nitrosyl ligand at (ν_NO=1851 cm⁻¹). A model structure for this complex has been proposed based on ¹H, ¹H{³¹P}, ³¹P{¹H}, ¹³C{¹H}, COSY ¹H¹H{³¹P}, J-Resolved, HSQC, HMBC, HSQC ¹H¹³C{³¹P} and ¹H¹³C HSQC/¹H¹H TOCSY spectral data, and confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The nitrosonium character for the NO ligand become evident through both electron paramagnetic resonance and X-ray data (angle RuNO=177.4(3)°). The reversible monoeletronic process at E_1/2=0.040 V versus SHE was assigned to the ligand NO⁺/NO redox couple. Under treatment with Cd(Hg) solutions containing the [Ru(NO)(depe)₂Cl](PF₆)₂ yields a signal in the EPR spectrum (g_⊥=1.99 and g_//=1.88) which fitted quite well with the simulated spectra of coordinated NO species.     

Synthesis and characterization of uranyl(VI) and thorium(IV) complexes with phosphine oxides. The crystal structure of UO2(NO3)2(NO2-C6H4Ph2PO)2

Uranyl(VI) and thorium(IV) complexes of the type UO₂(NO₃)₂(L¹)₂, UO₂(NO₃)₂(L²)₂, UO₂(CH₃COO)₂L¹, UO₂(CH₃COO)₂L², Th(NO₃)₄(L¹)₂ and Th(NO₃)₄(L²)₂ (L¹ = (2-nitro)phenyl-bis-phenyl phosphine oxide, L² = triferrocenylphosphine oxide) are reported, together with their physico-chemical properties.The crystal structure of UO₂(NO₃)₂(L¹)₂ is also reported. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P2₁/n with a = 17.78(1), b = 13.88(1), c = 17.37(1) Å, β = 114.8(1)° for Z = 4. The uranium atom is 8-coordinated, the uranyl(VI) group being equatorially surrounded by an irregular hexagon of six oxygen atoms from two trans neutral ligands and two nitrato groups.     

Spectral properties and bio-activity of copper(II) clofibriates, part III: crystal structure of Cu(clofibriate)2(2-pyridylmethanol)2, Cu(clofibriate)2(4-pyridylmethanol)2(H2O) dihydrate, and Cu2(clofibriate)4(N,N-diethylnicotinamide)2

New copper(II) clofibriates (clof, {2-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-methylpropionic or 2-(4-chlorophenoxy)isobutyric acid}) of composition Cu(clof)₂L₂ (where L=2-pyridylmethanol (2-pymeth) (1), N-methylnicotinamide (Menia) (4), N,N-diethylnicotinamide (Et₂nia) (5), isonicotinamide (isonia) (7) or methyl-3-pyridylcarbamate (mpc) (8)), [Cu(clof)₂(4-pymeth)₂(H₂O)] · 2H₂O (4-pymeth=4-pyridylmethanol) (2 · 2H₂O) and Cu(clof)₂L (where L=4-pymeth (3) or Et₂nia (6)) have been prepared and spectroscopically characterized. All the Cu(clof)₂L₂ compounds seem to possess distorted octahedral copper(II) stereochemistry with differing tetragonal distortions. An X-ray analysis of 1 was carried out and it featured a tetragonal-bipyramidal geometry around the copper(II) atom. X-ray analysis of 2 · 2H₂O featured a square-pyramidal geometry around copper(II) atom. Both the Cu(clof)₂L compounds seem to consist of a binuclear unit of tetracarboxylate type bridging. An X-ray analysis of 6 revealed typical binuclear paddle-wheel type structure, consisting of two copper(II) atoms in square-pyramidal geometry bridged by four carboxylate anions in the xy-plane. All complexes under study were characterized by EPR and electronic spectroscopy. The antimicrobial effects have been tested on various strains of bacteria, yeasts and filamentous fungi.     

Novel regulation of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2)-mediated cell growth by polysialic acid

Polysialic acid (polySia) is a unique polysaccharide that modifies neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) spatiotemporally. Recently, we demonstrated that polySia functions as a reservoir for several neurotrophic factors and neurotransmitters. Here, we showed the direct interaction between polySia and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) by native-PAGE, gel filtration, and surface plasmon resonance. The minimum chain length of polySia required for the interaction with FGF2 was 17. Compared with heparan sulfate, a well known glycosaminoglycan capable of forming a complex with FGF2, polySia formed a larger complex with distinct properties in facilitating oligomerization of FGF2, as well as in binding to FGF receptors. In polySia-NCAM-expressing NIH-3T3 cells, which were established by transfecting cells with either of the plasmids for the expression of the polysialyltransferases ST8SiaII/STX and ST8SiaIV/PST that can polysialylate NCAM, FGF2-stimulated cell growth, but not cell survival, was inhibited. Taken together, these results suggest that polySia-NCAM might be involved in the regulation of FGF2-FGF receptor signaling through the direct binding of FGF2 in a manner distinct from heparan sulfate.     

In vivo evaluation of epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor β1 in mouse tumor models

The influence of modulating circulating levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor β₁ (TGF-β₁) on tumorgrowth was examined in a variety of mouse models. Removal of the EGF-rich submandibular gland from host mice failed to alter the growth of a variety of human tumor xenografts or a C3H mouse tumor. Infusion of EGF from Alzet minipumps raised circulating EGF levels. However, only the A549 human tumor xenograft showed any significant increase in growth in the presence of EGF infusion and this response was marginal. The growth of Wehi 3BD+ and A549 tumor lines in culture was inhibited by TGF-β₁. The growth of these lines in vivo, however, was not significantly altered by the administration of TGF-β₁ via a variety of routes.