Th1 cell-mediated resistance to cutaneous infection with Leishmania major is independent of P- and E-selectins

Studies in several models of inflammation have underscored the importance of P- and E-selectins in the migration of T cells to inflamed tissues. However, the role of the endothelial selectins in infection-induced cutaneous inflammation and host-protective immunity has not been investigated. In this study, we demonstrate that CD4(+) T cells recruited to the cutaneous compartment during infection with Leishmania major express P- and E-selectin ligands. Furthermore, expression of P- and E-selectin ligands correlates with activated Leishmania-specific Th1 cells and is dependent upon IL-12. To investigate the functional role of the endothelial selectins during leishmaniasis, we infected mice either singly or doubly deficient in the expression of P- and E- selectins. Mice lacking both P- and E-selectins developed significantly less inflammation at the site of a primary and secondary infection, and exhibited an impaired delayed-type hypersensitivity response. Surprisingly, the absence of the endothelial selectins had no effect on the control of parasite replication or immunity to reinfection. Thus, these data demonstrate that although the endothelial selectins contribute to the inflammatory response, they are not required for protective immunity to L. major. Moreover, these data suggest that by blocking P- and E-selectins, the immune pathology associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis might be ameliorated without compromising immunity to infection.     

DEVELOPMENTAL ANATOMY OF DIRECT SHOOT ORGANOGENESIS FROM LEAF PETIOLES OF VITIS VINIFERA (VITACEAE)

The anatomy of direct shoot organogenesis from leaf petioles of Vitis vinifera cv. French Colombard cultured in vitro was studied by light microscopy. Regenerating petiole stubs were fixed at 2- or 3-day intervals and sectioned longitudinally. By day 3 on regeneration medium, new cell divisions were observed. After 6 days, three distinct regions of meristematic activity were apparent within the expanding petiole stub: the wound-response, organogenic, and vascularization regions. In the organogenic region, rapid periclinal divisions of vacuolate outer cortical cells formed nodular bumps, many of which developed vascular strands and marginal meristems and formed adventitious leaves. Promeristems with small, densely staining cells and a distinct tunica layer also originated in the organogenic region, by cell division in the epidermal and subepidermal cell layers. With vascularization and the formation of leaf primordia, many promeristems became adventitious shoot meristems. Adventitious leaves and promeristems were initiated continuously from day 10 until day 33. Promeristems were often initiated near or upon adventitious leaves but could form either before or after the adventitious leaf developed. Adventitious leaves and shoot meristems developed vascular connections with the vascular bundles of the original expiant. The implication of this pattern of regeneration for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Vitis is discussed.     

Purification and characterization of a primary-secondary alcohol dehydrogenase from two strains of Clostridium beijerinckii.

Two primary alcohols (1-butanol and ethanol) are major fermentation products of several clostridial species. In addition to these two alcohols, the secondary alcohol 2-propanol is produced to a concentration of about 100 mM by some strains of Clostridium beijerinckii. An alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) has been purified to homogeneity from two strains (NRRL B593 and NESTE 255) of 2-propanol-producing C. beijerinckii. When exposed to air, the purified ADH was stable, whereas the partially purified ADH was inactivated. The ADHs from the two strains had similar structural and kinetic properties. Each had a native M(r) of between 90,000 and 100,000 and a subunit M(r) of between 38,000 and 40,000. The ADHs were NADP(H) dependent, but a low level of NAD(+)-linked activity was detected. They were equally active in reducing aldehydes and 2-ketones, but a much lower oxidizing activity was obtained with primary alcohols than with secondary alcohols. The kcat/Km value for the alcohol-forming reaction appears to be a function of the size of the larger alkyl substituent on the carbonyl group. ADH activities measured in the presence of both acetone and butyraldehyde did not exceed activities measured with either substrate present alone, indicating a common active site for both substrates. There was no similarity in the N-terminal amino acid sequence between that of the ADH and those of fungi and several other bacteria. However, the N-terminal sequence had 67% identity with those of two other anaerobes, Thermoanaerobium brockii and Methanobacterium palustre. Furthermore, conserved glycine and tryptophan residues are present in ADHs of these three anaerobic bacteria and ADHs of mammals and green plants.     

Interferon-associated, dsRNA-dependent enzyme activities in a mutant 3T6 cell engaged in the semiconstitutive synthesis of interferon

Cytoplasmic extracts of untreated cultures of a virus-resistant mutant of mouse 3T6 cells, designated 3T6-VrB2, contain two double-stranded, RNA-activated enzyme activities associated with interferon action. These are the synthesis of a low molecular weight oligonucleotide inhibitor of cell-free protein synthesis from ATP, and the phosphorylation of a 67,000 dalton polypeptide by transfer of the gamma phosphate of ATP. Basal levels of both enzyme activities are detectable in extracts of untreated parental 3T6 cells, and are greatly enhanced upon interferon pretreatment. A procedure was developed, using a nonionic detergent to effect cell lysis, which allowed the analysis of the protein kinase activity from as few as 2 x 10(7) cells. Using this procedure, direct proportionalities were demonstrated between the concentration of interferon to which 3T6 cells were exposed, and both the level of protein kinase activity and the magnitude of the antiviral state were established in these cells. Furthermore, untreated cultures of 3T6-VrB2 exhibited both an antiviral state and an intracellular protein kinase activity equal to that of cultures of the parental 3T6 cells pretreated with a single concentration of mouse interferon.     

Resolution of the methane mono-oxygenase of Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) into three components. Purification and properties of component C, a flavoprotein.

1. Ion-exchange chromatography resolves the methane mono-oxygenase from soluble extracts of Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) into three fractions. 2. Fractions A and B are comparatively stable at 0 degrees C, whereas fraction C is very unstable unless kept in the presence of sodium thioglycollate (1-10 mM) or dithiothreitol (5-10mM). 3. The active component from fraction C was purified some 80-fold. 4. Purified component C has mol. wt. 42000. Its solutions are yellow with absorption maxima at 270 and 465 nm and a shoulder at 395 nm. The 465 nm peak is abolished by reduction with NADH or sodium dithionite, or by photoreduction in the presence of EDTA. A new spectral species, probably a neutral flavin semiquinone, is observed on partial reduction of component C. 5. No copper was detected in samples of purified component C, but the protein contains 1.3-1.5 atoms of iron/molecule. 6. On boiling, component C releases a yellow-green fluorescent material that has been identified as FAD from its absorption and fluorescence spectra and by t.l.c. 7. Component C contains 1 mol of FAD/mol of protein.     

Differential control of adrenal drug and steroid metabolism in the guinea pig.

Studies were carried out to compare the effects of several physiological variables on adrenal microsomal drug (ethylmorphine demethylation) and steroid (21-hydroxylation) metabolism in guinea pigs. The rate of adrenal ethylmorphine (EM) metabolism increased with maturation in males but not females, resulting in a sex difference (M > F) in adrenal enzyme activity in adult guinea pigs. Twenty-one hydroxylase activity, in contrast, was similar in adrenals from males and females. The concentration of adrenal microsomal cytochrome P-450 was unaffected by age or sex. ACTH administration decreased adrenal EM demethylase activity but did not affect 21-hydroxylation. Testosterone, when given to female guinea pigs, increased the rate of EM metabolism and decreased 21-hydroxylase activity. Various compounds known to interact with adrenal microsomal cytochrome P-450 had divergent effects on EM metabolism and 21-hydroxylation $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$. Prostaglandins E₁ and F_2α, spironolactone, and canrenone inhibited EM demethylation but not 21-hydroxylation. Simple aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene), in contrast, inhibited 21-hydroxylation but did not affect EM metabolism. The results indicate that adrenal drug and steroid metabolism are independently regulated and that different terminal oxidases (cytochrome P-450) are probably involved in adrenal 21-hydroxylation and EM demethylation.     

Cytotoxic lignans from Larrea tridentata

Six lignans, including the cyclolignan 3,4'-dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxy-6,7'-cyclolignan, were isolated from the flowering tops of Larrea tridentata. Additionally the flavanone, (S)-4',5-dihydroxy-7-methoxyflavanone, was isolated for the first time from L. tridentata or any member of the family Zygophyllaceae. All of the compounds were assessed for their growth inhibitory activity against human breast cancer, human colon cancer and human melanoma cell lines. The lignans had IC50 values of 5-60 microM with the linear butane-type lignans being the most potent, and it was found that colon cancer cells were the least sensitive cell type tested. The relative potency of linear butane type lignans against human breast cancer appears to correlate positively with the number of O-methyl groups present on the molecule.