GTP gamma S effects on phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C alpha isoenzyme activity isolated from guinea pig uterine smooth muscle at different stages of pregnancy.

The ability of GTP gamma S to activate release of inositol polyphosphates from isolated permeabilised guinea pig uterine smooth muscle cells and from partially purified PI-PLC alpha has been studied. Streptolysin O permeabilised and [3H]inositol prelabelled cells show a time dependent release of inositol polyphosphates, predominantly inositol 4-phosphate. Ca2+ stimulated IP release with a Ka of 161 +/- 1.1 nM and this was further enhanced in an additive manner by GTP gamma S between 1-100 microM; the Ka for Ca2+ in the presence of 0.1 mM GTP gamma S was 117 +/- 0.7 nM. GTP gamma S activation of IP production did not require Ca2+ in the medium. Permeabilisation of the uterine smooth muscle cells with Streptolysin O readily released PI-PLC activity into the medium. However, unlike studies with isolated membranes 63.4 +/- 6.4% of the enzyme activity remained associated with membranes and/or particulate fractions of the cell. Studies were undertaken with PI-PLC alpha, the predominant isoenzyme form, partially purified from uterine smooth muscle at different stages of pregnancy by Q-Sepharose and Heparin-Agarose chromatography. The enzyme co-purifies with firmly associated GTP-binding activity. Enzyme prepared from near-term uterus is activated by 0.1 mM GTP gamma S, up to 100% when Ca2+ is between 0.1-1 microM, while 10 microM AlF4- under those conditions caused complete inhibition of the enzymes. Responses for enzymes prepared from non-pregnant uteri were broadly similar. In contrast enzyme preparations from guinea pig uteri at 20-60 days of pregnancy show an inhibition of activity in response to 0.1 mM GTP gamma S addition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Laser-assisted microdissection and real-time PCR detect anti-inflammatory effect of perfluorocarbon

The aim of this study was to identify cell types involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of ventilation with perfluorocarbon in vivo. Fifteen anesthetized, surfactant-depleted piglets received either aerosolized perfluorocarbon (Aerosol-PFC), partial liquid ventilation (rLV) at functional residual capacity (FRC) volume (FRC-PLV), or intermittent mandatory ventilation (control). After laser-assisted microdissection of different lung cell types, mRNA expression of IL-8 and ICAM-1 was determined using TaqMan real-time PCR normalized to hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT). IL-8 mRNA expression (means +/- SE; control vs. Aerosol-PFC) was 356 +/- 142 copies IL-8 mRNA/copy HPRT mRNA vs. 3.5 +/- 1.8 in alveolar macrophages (P <0.01); 208 +/- 108 vs. 2.7 +/- 0.8 in bronchiolar epithelial cells (P <0.05); 26 +/- 11 vs. 0.7 +/- 0.2 in alveolar septum cells (P <0.01); 2.8 +/- 1.0 vs. 0.8 +/- 0.4 in bronchiolar smooth muscle cells (P <0.05); and 1.1 +/- 0.4 vs. 0.2 +/- 0.05 in vascular smooth muscle cells (P <0.05). With FRC-PLV, IL-8/HPRT mRNA expression was significantly lower in macrophages, bronchiolar epithelial, and vascular smooth muscle cells. ICAM-1 mRNA expression in vascular endothelial cells remained unchanged. Predominantly, alveolar macrophages and bronchiolar epithelial cells were involved in the inflammatory pulmonary process. The anti-inflammatory effect of Aerosol-PFC was most pronounced.     

Biochemical acclimation of metabolic enzymes in response to lowered temperature in tadpoles of Limnodynastes peronii

We measured the rate at which the metabolic enzymes lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), citrate synthase (CS), and cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) acclimate in the response to lowered temperature in the axial muscle of tadpoles of Limnodynastes peronii (Anura: Myobatrachidae) over 6 weeks. In addition, we measured growth rates of the tadpoles kept at both temperatures and examined the activities of these enzymes in the liver tissue of the control group and cold-acclimated group at the end of the experiment. We found that LDH acclimates in axial muscle; the differences between the control and cold-acclimated group became apparent after 21 days. After 42 days, the activity of LDH in axial muscle in the cold-acclimated group was 30% greater than the control group. Growth rates were maintained at 0.7 mm/week within both treatments despite the 10 degrees C difference in temperature between experimental groups. Both LDH and CS were increased in activity in the liver (5 and 1.3 times greater, respectively, in the cold-acclimated group). The thermal sensitivity (Q(10)) of LDH was between 20 and 30 degrees C in the cold-acclimated group (1.2+/-0.01) when compared to the control group (1.6+/-0.15). The rate at which acclimation in this species occurs is appropriate for seasonal changes in temperature, and these animals may not be able to respond to a rapid drop in temperature.     

Changes in CD38 expression and ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity in rat myometrium during pregnancy: influence of sex steroid hormones

Cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR), synthesized by CD38, regulates intracellular calcium in uterine smooth muscle. CD38 is a transmembrane protein that has both ADP-ribosyl cyclase and cADPR hydrolase enzyme activities involved in cADPR metabolism. CD38 expression and its enzyme activities in uterine smooth muscle are regulated by estrogen. In the present study, we examined CD38 expression, its enzyme activities, and cADPR levels in myometrium obtained from rats at 14-17 days of gestation (preterm) and at parturition (term). CD38 expression, ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity, and cADPR levels were higher in uterine tissues obtained from term rats compared with that of preterm rats, while activity of cADPR hydrolase did not significantly change. In an effort to address whether changes in estrogen: progesterone ratio that occur during pregnancy account for the observed effects on CD38 expression and function, we determined the effect of different doses of progesterone in the presence of estrogen on CD38 expression and its enzyme activities in uterine smooth muscle obtained from ovariectomized rats. In myometrium obtained from ovariectomized rats, estrogen administration caused increased CD38 protein expression and ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity. The estrogen-induced increases in CD38 expression and ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity were inhibited by simultaneous administration of 10 or 20 mg of progesterone. These results indicate that the estrogen:progesterone ratio determines CD38 expression and ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity. These changes in CD38/cADPR pathway may contribute to increased uterine motility and onset of labor.     

Enzyme histochemical expressions of smooth muscle cell modulation in arterial development, hypertension and remodeling

In order to define metabolic profiles of smooth muscle cell (SMC) modulation, 16 enzyme activities linked to nucleotide hydrolysis, lipolysis, lysosomal reactivity and intermediate glucose catabolism were compared in four rat arterial models, exhibiting four metabolic phenotypes of modulated smooth muscle cells: (i) "primary synthetic" statein immature aorta; (ii) "contractile" state in adult aorta; (iii) "hypertensive" state in aorta of hypertensive rat, SHR; (iiii) "secondary synthetic" state in diffuse intimal thickening of ligated carotid artery. Contractile SMC presented strong activities of enzymes linked to nucleotide ester hydrolysis and contractility (ATP-A-Ca, ATP-A-Mg, ATP-A-Ca/Mg, 5'nucleotidase) and to lipolytic process (butyryl cholinesterase, acid esterase). These enzyme activities were more pronounced in "hypertensive SMC". Incontrast, the same enzymes were weakly active or not expressed in "synthetic SMC". Increased lysosomal enzyme reactivity was a particular expression of "secondary synthetic SMC". The observed enzyme abnormalities in reactively modulated SMC (proliferative-synthetic phenotype) might be related to the loss of contractility and to the enhanced cell proliferation and lipid accumulation, characteristic features of modulated SMC in atherogenesis.     

Hindlimb muscle fiber types in two frogs (Rana catesbeiana and Litoria caerulea) with different locomotor behaviors: histochemical and enzymatic comparison

To test how differences in locomotor behaviors may be reflected in muscle fiber-type diversity within anurans, a comparison of hindlimb muscles between the powerful terrestrial hopper, Rana catesbeiana, and the tree frog, Litoria caerulea, was done. One postural muscle (tibialis posticus, TP) and one primary hopping muscle (plantaris longus, PL), were characterized to identify muscle fiber types using standard histochemical methods. In addition, spectophotometric analysis of activity levels of the oxidative enzyme citrate synthase (CS) and the glycolytic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were done in each muscle. In spite of presumed differences in behavior between the species, we found no significant differences in the proportions of the identified fiber types when the muscles were compared across species. In addition, there were no significant differences in the proportions of the different fiber types between the postural versus phasic muscles within species. Within Rana, the postural muscle (TP) had greater oxidative capacity (as measured by CS activity) than did the phasic muscle (PL). Both muscles had equivalent LDH activities. Within Litoria, PL and TP did not differ in either LDH or CS activities. Both PL and TP of Litoria had less LDH activity and greater CS activity than their homologs in Rana. Thus, in spite of the uniform populations of fiber types between muscles and species, the metabolic diversity based on enzyme activity is consistent with behavioral differences between the species. These results suggest that the range of functional diversity within fiber types may be very broad in anurans, and histochemical fiber typing alone is not a clear indicator of their metabolic or functional properties.     

Ischemic preconditioning, insulin, and morphine all cause hexokinase redistribution

Association of hexokinase (HK) with mitochondria preserves mitochondrial integrity and is an important mechanism by which cancer cells are protected against hypoxic conditions. Maintenance of mitochondrial integrity also figures prominently as a major characteristic of many cardioprotective manipulations. In this study, we provide evidence that cardioprotective interventions may promote HK redistribution from the cytosol to the mitochondria in the heart. Isolated Langendorff-perfused rat hearts (n = 6/group) were subjected to normoxic perfusion (control, Con), three 5-min ischemia-reperfusion periods (ischemic preconditioning, IPC), 1 U/l insulin (Ins), or 1 microM morphine (Mor). Hearts were immediately homogenized and centrifuged to obtain whole cell, cytosolic, and mitochondrial fractions. HK, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and citrate synthase (CS) enzyme activities were determined. No change in LDH or CS present in the cytosol fraction relative to whole cell activity was observed with any of the cardioprotective interventions. By contrast, HK present in the cytosol fraction relative to whole cell activity decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with all cardioprotective interventions, from 0.58 +/- 0.03 (Con) to 0.46 +/- 0.04 (IPC), 0.41 +/- 0.01 (Ins), and 0.45 +/- 0.02 (Mor). In addition, HK relative to CS activity in the mitochondrial fraction increased significantly with cardioprotection, from 0.15 +/- 0.001 (Con) to 0.21 +/- 0.002 (IPC), 0.18 +/- 0.003 (Ins), and 0.21 +/- 0.005 (Mor). Our novel data suggest that well-known cardioprotective interventions share a common end-effector mechanism of cytosolic HK translocation. Association of HK with mitochondria may promote inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and thereby reduce cell death and apoptosis.     

Ontogenetic changes in citrate synthase and lactate dehydrogenase activity in the jumping muscle of the American locust (Schistocerca americana)

Intraspecific studies have repeatedly shown that muscle-specific oxidative enzyme activities scale negatively with body mass while muscle-specific glycolytic enzyme activities scale positively. However, most of these studies have not included juveniles. In this study, we examined how citrate synthase (CS, EC 2.3.3.1) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; EC 1.1.1.27) activity in the jumping muscle of Schistocerca americana grasshoppers varied with ontogeny across a 40-fold increase in body size. In contrast to the pattern observed when adult conspecifics are compared, we show that jumping muscle CS activity increased more than 2-fold from 2nd instars to adults, while jumping muscle LDH activity increased more than 5-fold. The increased LDH activity in older grasshoppers supports previous data that older grasshoppers have a reduced jumping endurance. The increased CS activity with age may help older grasshoppers efficiently produce aerobic ATP to bend cuticular springs for energy storage before a jump or alternatively recover from anaerobic metabolism after jumping. Metabolic changes in S. americana jumping muscle are similar to other developing taxa and highlight the importance of including juveniles within intraspecific studies. When compared to adults, juvenile locomotion may have increased selection pressure because of both greater energetic demands during growth and higher predation rates.     

Comparative effects of galanin on isolated smooth muscle cells from ileum in five mammalian species.

Effect of galanin and CCK8 were studied on isolated smooth muscle cells obtained from pig, guinea-pig, rat, rabbit and dog ileum circular muscle layer. Galanin as well as CCK8 induced a concentration-dependent contraction of pig, rat, rabbit and guinea-pig ileum smooth muscle cells. Maximal contraction ranged between 23.7 +/- 1.9% and 26.1 +/- 3.1% decrease in cell length from control in the presence of both peptides. This maximal contraction was obtained at 1 nM galanin in pig, rat, rabbit, 1 nM CCK8 in rat, rabbit, guinea-pig, at 10 nM galanin in guinea-pig and 10 nM CCK8 in pig. Concentrations of galanin inducing a half maximal contraction (EC50) ranged between 8 pM and 80 pM in these species. In dog, CCK8 induced a concentration-dependent contraction of ileum smooth muscle cells, with a maximal contraction (24.5 +/- 2.3%) at 1nM and an EC50 of 50 pM while galanin inhibited cell contraction induced by CCK8. The CCK-induced contraction was abolished at 10 nM galanin and 10 nM VIP. Concentrations of galanin and VIP inducing a half-maximal relaxation of contracted cells were 2 pM and 3 pM respectively. It is concluded that galanin may induce cell contraction of pig, guinea-pig, rat and rabbit ileum circular muscle layer and cell relaxation of dog ileum by a direct myogenic effect.     

Caco-2 cells in culture synthesize and degrade dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine: a comparison with rat jejunal epithelial cells

To explore the usefulness of Caco-2 cells in the study of intestinal dopaminergic and 5-hydroxytryptaminergic physiology, we have undertaken the study of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and type A and B monoamine oxidase (MAO-A and MAO-B) activities in these cells using specific substrates. The activity of these enzymes was also evaluated in isolated rat jejunal epithelial cells. The results showed that Vmax values (in nmol mg protein(-1) h(-1)) for AADC, using L-DOPA as the substrate, in rat jejunal epithelial cells (127.3+/-11.4) were found to be 6-fold higher than in Caco-2 cells (22.5+/-2.6). However, Km values in Caco-2 cells (1.24+/-0.37 mM) were similar to those observed in rat jejunal epithelial cells (1.30+/-0.29 mM). Similar results were obtained when AADC activity was evaluated using L-5HTP as substrate; in rat jejunal epithelial cells Vmax values (in nmol mg prot(-1) h(-1)) were found to be 5-fold that in Caco-2 cells (16.3+/-1.0 and 3.0+/-0.2, respectively), and Km values in Caco-2 cells (0.23+/-0.08 mM) were again similar to those observed in rat intestinal epithelial cells (0.09+/-0.03 mM). Caco-2 cells were not able to O-methylate dopamine, in contrast to rat jejunal epithelial cells (Vmax = 8.6+/-0.4 nmol mg protein(-1)(h-1); Km = 516+/-57 microM). Vmax values (in nmol mg protein(-1)(h-1)) for type A and B MAO in Caco-2 cells (19.0+/-0.6 and 5.4+/-0.6, respectively) were found to be significantly lower (P<0.05) than those in rat jejunal epithelial cells (46.9+/-3.1 and 9.6+/-1.2, respectively); however, no significant differences in the Km values were observed between Caco-2 and rat jejunal epithelial cells for both type A and B MAO. In conclusion, Caco-2 cells in culture are endowed with the synthetic and metabolic machinery needed to form and degrade DA and 5-HT, though, no COMT activity could be detected in these cells.     

Enzymatic responses to radiation in cultured vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells

Confluent monolayers of bovine aortic endothelial and smooth muscle cells were exposed to 0-5.0 Gy of 60Co gamma rays. From 0 to 72 hr after irradiation, the monolayer and culture medium were analyzed for cell (nuclei) number, DNA and protein content, the activities of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and LDH isoenzyme profile. Irradiated endothelial cells exhibited a time- and dose-dependent increase in cell detachment, decreased DNA and protein content and reduced ACE active per attached cell, increased LDH and SOD activities per microgram of DNA, and increased LDH activity in the culture medium. The latter was accompanied by a shift from LDH 1 to LDH 4 and 5. The release of LDH activity, observed after 0.5 Gy, was the most sensitive endothelial response, and occurred independent of or preceding cell detachment. Vascular smooth muscle cells contained two to three times more SOD activity than did endothelial cells and exhibited no significant responses to 5.0 Gy.     

Two cholesterol ester hydrolases. Distribution in rat tissues and in cultured human fibroblasts and monkey arterial smooth muscle cells.

Hydrolytic activity against acetone-dispersed [4-14C]cholesterol oleate has been assayed as a function of pH in seven parenchymal tissues, blood cells, and plasma of the rat, as well as in cultured human fibroblasts and monkey (Macaca nemestrina) arterial smooth muscle cells. Both acid and neutral hydrolytic activities were present in all of these except rat plasma. The pH optima were in all cases close to pH 4.5 and pH 6.8. Acid activity was quite constant from tissue to tissue, while neutral activity varied greatly, being greatest in adrenal, testis, and adipose tissue. Subcellular fractionation of human fibroblasts allowed demonstration that activities at pH 4.5 and pH 6.8 were concentrated in different fractions, apparently lysosomal and polysomal, respectively. It appears most cell types, including fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, contain two separate enzymes capable of hydrolyzing cholesterol esters. The neutral pH polysomal enzyme, which is especially prominent in certain tissues, may have a function related to the specialized roles of these tissues.     

The anti-oxidative defence system in the isolated rat uterus during spontaneous rhythmic activity

Possible interactions between nitric oxide donors, reactive oxygen species and anti-oxidative defence enzymes led us to determine the activities of anti-oxidative defence enzymes in isolated uterine smooth muscle before and after spontaneous rhythmic activity ex vivo. For our experiments we used isolated uteri from female Wistar rats. Our results showed an increase in total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Mn SOD activities in uterine smooth muscle after spontaneous contractions when compared with nonexercised uterine smooth muscle. The activity of catalase (CAT) and glutathione preoxidase (GSH-Px) were also increased. No statistically significant changes in the activities of glutathione reductase (GR) and CuZn SOD were found. It is known that an organism's anti-oxidative defence system (guarding against excessive reactive oxygen species generation) requires balanced increments in its individual anti-oxidative enzyme activities rather than increases in the activity of only some enzymes without increases in others. Thus, we may conclude that some adaptive responses are found in exercised uterine smooth muscle but are not complete. Therefore, our results indicate that changes in anti-oxidative enzyme activities may influence the results of the examination of substances ex vivo.     

Alterations in diaphragmatic oxidative and antioxidant enzymes in the senescent Fischer 344 rat.

We investigated age-related changes in antioxidant, glycolytic, beta-oxidation, and tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme activity in the diaphragm and plantaris muscle of female Fischer 344 rats. Tissue samples from the costal and crural diaphragm and plantaris muscle were obtained from 30 animals in the following age groups: 1) 6 mo old (n = 10), 2) 26 mo old (n = 10), and 3) 30 mo old (n = 10). Aging had no effect (P greater than 0.05) on the activities of citrate synthase (CS) and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HADH) in the costal or crural diaphragm. Similarly, no age-related differences existed (P greater than 0.05) in the crural diaphragm in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) or glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity. In contrast, the activities of LDH and GPX were significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in the costal diaphragm in the 30- than in the 6-mo old animals. In addition, the ratio of LDH to CS activity increased (P less than 0.05) as a function of age in the costal diaphragm. Conversely, the ratio of CS to GPX activity in the costal diaphragm was lower (P less than 0.05) in the 30- than in the 6-mo old animals. No significant (P greater than 0.05) age-related differences existed in LDH-to-CS or CS-to-GPX activity ratios in the crural diaphragm. Finally, aging resulted in a significant decrease (P less than 0.05) in the activities of LDH, CS, and HADH in the plantaris muscle. These data demonstrate that, unlike many hindlimb locomotor muscles, the oxidative capacity of the Fischer 344 rat diaphragm does not decrease in old age.     

Collagenase production by smooth muscle: correlation of immunoreactive with functional enzyme in the myometrium

A monospecific antibody to rat uterine collagenase has been produced and employed to study the cell of origin and the time course of production of this enzyme in the involuting rat uterus. The specificity of the anti-collagenase antibody was confirmed by immunoprecipitation, Western analysis, and by its ability to inhibit the activity of collagenase. Parallel measurements of functional enzyme, both latent and active, bound to tissue collagen were also made in nonpregnant, gravid, and postpartum rat uteri. Immunohistochemical staining of collagenase in sections of rat uterus showed the enzyme to be present in the perinuclear region of the smooth muscle cells only of the involuting myometrium. No detectable collagenase was present in the prepartum or nonpregnant uterus. Identity of the smooth muscle cells was confirmed using an anti-smooth muscle actin antibody. In addition, the cultured uterine cells from which the immunizing antigen was obtained were also identified as smooth muscle cells. Specificity of the tissue staining was confirmed by the ability of pure rat uterine collagenase to block the reaction of the antibody with the tissue. These observations indicate that smooth muscle cells are capable of producing collagenase and are consistent with the hypothesis that this enzyme presides over the massive collagen degradation seen in postpartum uterine involution. Furthermore, measurement of collagenase bound to uterine collagen revealed that collagenase activity could be detected only at the time that the cells could be seen to be producing the enzyme by immunolocalization. These findings support the concept that collagenase is produced only as needed and not stored, either intra- or extra-cellularly.     

Adaptations in metabolic capacity of rat soleus after paralysis.

To determine whether long-term reductions in neuromuscular activity result in alterations in metabolic capacity, the activities of oxidative, i.e., succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and citrate synthase (CS), and glycolytic, i.e., alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (GPD), enzyme markers were quantified in rat soleus muscles 1, 3, and 6 mo after a complete spinal cord transection (ST). In addition, the proportional content of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isozymes was used as a marker for oxidative and glycolytic capacities. The myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform content of a fiber served as a marker of phenotype. In general, MHC isoforms shifted from MHC1 toward MHC2, particularly MHC2x, after ST. Mean SDH and CS activities were higher in ST than control at all time points. The elevated SDH and CS activities were indicative of an enhanced oxidative capacity. GPD activities were higher in ST than control rats at all time points. The increase in activity of SDH was larger than GPD. Thus the GPD-to-SDH (glycolytic-to-oxidative) ratio was decreased after ST. Compared with controls, total LDH activity increased transiently, and the LDH isozyme profile shifted from LDH-1 toward LDH-5, indicative of an enhanced glycolytic capacity. Combined, these results indicate that 1) the metabolic capacities of soleus fibers were not compromised, but the interrelationships among oxidative and glycolytic capacity and MHC content were apparently dissociated after ST; 2) enhancements in oxidative and glycolytic enzyme activities are not mutually exclusive; and 3) chronic reductions in skeletal muscle activity do not necessarily result in a reduced oxidative capacity.     

EDRF对PE引起的大鼠主动脉缩血管效应的作用

本文研究ＥＤＲＦ（ｅｎｄｏｔｈｅｌｉｕｍ－ｄｅｒｉｖｅｄｒｅｌａｘｉｎｇｆａｃｔｏｒ,ＥＤＲＦ）对ＰＥ（ｐｈｅｎｙｌｅｐｈｒｉｎｅ）引起的大鼠主动脉收缩反应的影响。内皮完整和去内皮的大鼠主动脉环悬挂于器官浴槽中,测定血管的张力和收缩速度的变化。所有的实验在消炎痛（ｉｎｄｏｍｅｔｈａｃｉｎ,１０μｍｏｌ／Ｌ）存在下进行。用美兰（ｍｅｔｈｙｌｅｎｅｂｌｕｅ,ＭＢ,１０μｍｏｌ／Ｌ）或左旋硝基精氨酸（ＮＧ－ｎｉｔｒｏ－Ｌ－ａｒｇｉｎｉｎｅ,Ｌ－ＮＮＡ,３０μｍｏｌ／Ｌ）处理内皮完整的大鼠主动脉环,ＰＥ的剂量－收缩张力曲线明显左移,ＥＣ３０值均降低５倍,最大反应比率分别为１．６±０．４和１．６±０．５。在去内皮的大鼠主动脉环中,经ＭＢ和Ｌ－ＮＮＡ处理后,仍可见ＥＣ３０下降３倍,最大反应比率均为１．０±０．２。后者可能与血管平滑肌产生少量ＥＤＲＦ有关。我们的结果提示ＰＥ对血管的收缩反应也受血管内皮和平滑肌产生的ＥＤＲＦ的调控     

Insulin-like growth factor-I in wound healing of rat skin

Endothelin-1 is involved in physiology and pathophysiology of the alimentary tract. The peptide modulates blood flow in the gastrointestinal microvasculature and regulates contractility of smooth muscles and, when present in excess, may be an important factor contributing to pathogenesis of various forms of mucosal injury and peristaltic disorders. Mechanisms that regulate endothelin concentration in the gastrointestinal tissues are unknown. Therefore, the aim of our study was to identify and characterize endothelin inactivating peptidases in the rat gastrointestinal mucosa and smooth muscle cells. We have found three high affinity and efficient endothelin-1 inactivating peptidases. The acidic (pH optimum 5.5), membrane-bound, thiorphan- (ED(50) 1.2+/-0.2 nM) and phosphoramidon (ED(50) 150+/-25 pM) sensitive, endothelin-1 inactivating peptidase (K(M) 0.12+/-0.03 microM) was present in the mucosal cells of duodenum and small intestine. The enzyme exhibited high molecular weight (>100 kDa) and characteristics similar to that of the rat and human kidney, acidic metalloendopeptidase that was recently described. Two forms of the unique, low molecular weight (100>MW>30 kDa), alkaline (pH optimum 8.5), specific (K(M) 0.5+/-0.2 microM), thiorphan- and phosphoramidon insensitive, 1,10 phenanthroline inhibitable (ED(50) 0.65+/-0.20 mM, mean+/-S.E.M.) endothelin-1 inactivating peptidase were present exclusively in the duodenal mucosal cells; soluble form in cytosol and membrane-bound form exhibiting an abundance ratio 5:1, respectively. Mucosa of the stomach and large intestine, and gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells do not contain the specific endothelin-1 inactivating peptidases. The enzymes may play a crucial role in regulation of endothelin concentration in the gastrointestinal tissues. Whether impairment of activity of the mucosal endothelin inactivating peptidases, resulting in the increase of concentration of endothelin peptides in gastrointestinal tissues, occurs in various pathological conditions is actually studied in our laboratory.     

Metabolic enzyme response in the pressure-overloaded heart of weanling and adult rats

Weanling and adult rats were subjected to left ventricular pressure overload induced by abdominal aortic constriction. At 5 days or 5 weeks postsurgery, the left ventricle (LV) was dissected, weighed, and metabolic marker enzyme activities (mumole/g/min) of tissue homogenates were measured. Enzymes representing glycolytic (phosphofructokinase (PFK] and mitochondrial (citrate synthase (CS) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH] metabolisms were evaluated. Five days of pressure overload had detectable, but statistically nonsignificant effects on left ventricles of both weanling and adult rats. Sustained pressure overload (5 weeks) increased LV weight by 52 and 39% in weanling and adult rats, respectively. PFK activity was 24 +/- 1 (mean +/- SE) in control weanlings and was unaltered in any of the other groups. LDH isoenzyme composition was estimated by substrate inhibition (ratio 0.33/10 mM pyruvate). With normal heart development, the LDH ratio increased from 1.89 +/- 0.06 to 2.03 +/- 0.08. Pressure overload had no influence on the adult LDH ratio. Developmental LDH responses were not observed in weanling LV after 5 weeks of aortic constriction (1.74 +/- 0.06). The product of CS activity and LV weight was used to estimate mitochondrial mass in the ventricle. Mitochondria accumulated at a rate of about 5% increase per day over the intervening 5-week period of normal heart growth. Pressure overload for 5 weeks in weanling rats elicited net accumulation of mitochondria at a rate of about 9% increase per day. Mitochondrial accumulation in the adapting adult rat heart amounted to less than 1% increase per day. The results indicate that qualitative and quantitative differences exist between young and adult animals in their heart enzyme adaptive responses to pressure overloading. Divergent metabolic adaptations may contribute to heart functional differences in the enlarged heart of weanlings and adults.     

Correlation of seasonal acclimatization in metabolic enzyme activity with preferred body temperature in the Eastern red spotted newt (Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens)

Eastern red spotted newts, as aquatic adults, are active year round. They are small and easy to handle, and thus lent themselves to a laboratory study of seasonal changes in preferred body temperature and biochemical acclimatization. We collected newts in summer (n=20), late fall (n=10) and winter (n=5). Ten each of the summer and late fall newts were subjected to an aquatic thermal gradient. Summer newts maintained higher cloacal temperatures than late fall newts (26.8+/-0.5 degrees C and 17.2+/-0.4 degrees C, respectively). In addition, the activity of three muscle metabolic enzymes (cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), citrate synthase (CS) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)) was studied in all newts collected. Newts compensated for lower late fall and winter temperatures by increasing the activity of CCO during those seasons over that in summer newts at all assay temperatures (8, 16 and 26 degrees C). The activity of CS was greater in winter over summer newts at 8 and 16 degrees C. No seasonal differences in LDH activity were demonstrated. These data in newts indicate that this amphibian modifies some muscle metabolic enzymes in relation to seasonal changes and can modify its behavioral in a way that correlates with those biochemical changes.