Synthesis of inositol 1,2-(cyclic)-4,5-trisphosphate.

We have developed a method for synthesis of inositol 1,2-(cyclic)-4,5-trisphosphate from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate using a water-soluble carbodiimide. We obtained 1-1.5 mumol of the inositol cyclic trisphosphate starting with 5 mumol of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. The cyclized product was isolated by HPLC on Partisil SAX. The identity of the cyclic product was verified by its hydrolysis to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate in acid and by its conversion to 1,2-(cyclic)-4-bisphosphate by a specific 5-phosphomonoesterase from platelets. We also identified the product by 31P NMR spectroscopy, which showed a peak at 17.2 ppm, characteristic of a five-membered cyclic phosphodiester ring, and peaks at 4.1 ppm and 0.8 ppm, indicative of phosphomonoesters. This relatively simple method for producing inositol 1,2-(cyclic)-4,5-trisphosphate will facilitate studies of the physiology of this compound in signal transduction.     

Isolation of 1-monomethylphosphoinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [a product of methanolysis of inositol 1,2-(cyclic)-4,5-trisphosphate] from Swiss mouse 3T3 cells.

We have noted two previously undescribed inositol polyphosphates in neutral methanol extracts from Swiss mouse 3T3 cells that were grown in [3H]inositol and stimulated with platelet-derived growth factor. They have been identified as 1-monomethylphosphoinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and 1-monomethylphosphoinositol 4-phosphate by comparison to a synthesized standard using HPLC chromatography, paper electrophoresis, and enzymatic dephosphorylation with inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphomonoesterase and intestinal alkaline phosphatase [orthophosphoric-monoester phosphohydrolase (alkaline optimum), EC 3.1.3.1]. We propose that these compounds are formed by methanolysis of inositol 1,2-(cyclic)-4,5-trisphosphate and inositol 1,2-(cyclic)-4-bisphosphate present in the cells. Inositol cyclic phosphates did not react with neutral methanol in the absence of the cells, which are required for the methanolysis reaction. These findings suggest a role for inositol cyclic phosphates as reactive compounds that are added to as yet unidentified cellular acceptors.     

Subcellular localization of thrombopoietin in human blood platelets and its release upon thrombin stimulation

Thrombopoietin (TPO) is a major regulator of platelet production. The concentration of circulating TPO seems to be determined by its binding and internalization by megakaryocytes and platelets. To elucidate the platelet compartments involved in TPO metabolism, we investigated intraplatelet TPO by post-embedding immunoelectron microscopy, incubated platelets with recombinant human (rh)TPO coupled to colloidal gold and visualized the TPO uptake using electron microscopy. TPO concentrations were measured in 12 platelet concentrates (PC) before and after stimulation with thrombin and after disruption of platelets by freezing-thawing. In resting platelets, immunogold labelling revealed a prevailing cytoplasmic localization of TPO antigen and minor labelling within the surface-connected canalicular system (SCCS); storage granules were devoid of labelling. In tracer experiments, TPO-gold was observed on the plasma and SCCS membranes and within the cytoplasm. Upon thrombin stimulation, endogenous TPO was still detected within the cytoplasm by immunolabelling, and tracer experiments revealed TPO-gold within the cytoplasm and on fibrin fibres. After thrombin stimulation of PC, the plasma TPO levels increased to an average of 535%, and after platelet lysis to an average of 1625% compared with plasma values in unstimulated PC. We conclude that platelets contain releasable immunoreactive TPO within the SCCS and within their cytoplasm, but not within granular compartments. Stored immunoreactive TPO is released upon thrombin stimulation, but only to a minor degree.     

Identification of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) in human platelets

Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is a carboxypeptidase B-like proenzyme that after activation down-regulates fibrinolysis. Platelets are known to contain antifibrinolytic factors that are secreted during platelet activation. Therefore, the presence of TAFI in platelets was analyzed. TAFI was identified in platelets in a concentration of about 50 ng/1 x 109 platelets and was secreted on platelet activation. Thrombin-mediated activation of platelet-derived TAFI resembled that of plasma-derived TAFI with respect to stimulation by thrombomodulin and spontaneous loss of activity at 37 degrees C. The different glycosylation of platelet-derived TAFI compared with plasma-derived TAFI suggests that platelet-derived TAFI is synthesized in the megakaryocyte. This suggestion was substantiated by the detection of mRNA in the megakaryocytic cell lines DAMI and CHRF, representing the intermediate and late stages of megakaryocyte development. These results establish the presence of TAFI in platelets and suggest a role for platelet-derived TAFI in the protection of the clot against fibrinolysis.     

Inotropic and lusitropic effects of MCI-154 (6-[4-(4- pyridyl)aminophenyl]-4,5-dihydro-3(2H)-pyridazinone) on human myocardium

We studied the inotropic and lusitropic responses to MCI-154 in 12 right or left ventricular trabeculae carneae isolated from 7 organ donors (non-cardiac) without known cardiovascular disease who met accepted criteria for brain death. Isometric tension was recorded from muscles superfused with a physiologic salt solution at 30 degrees C, and stimulated to contract at three-second intervals. Concentration-response curves were developed over a range of MCI-154 organs bath concentrations (10(-7) M to 3 x 10(-4) M; n = 9). Six experiments were conducted using 10(-6) M carbachol, a muscarinic agonist, in the presence of a maximally effective concentration of MCI-154 to test for dependence of tension development on cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Three experiments were conducted with MCI-154, 3 x 10(-5) M, in muscles loaded with the bioluminescent calcium indicator aequorin. MCI-154 produced a concentration-dependent rise in peak tension in the human muscle (positive inotropic effect), equivalent to 70% of the maximal response to calcium (P less than 0.001). Relaxation was enhanced (positive lusitropic effect), as evidenced by a fall in the time to 80% relaxation from 311 +/- 13 ms (baseline) to 248 +/- 15 ms at 10(-5) M (P less than 0.01). Aequorin studies showed the increase in tension to be accompanied by large increases in cystolic calcium, the principal mechanism of action. Carbachol caused MCI-154--induced maximum peak tension to decrease by 5 +/- 1%. While not excluding a cyclic adenosine monophosphate--mediated MCI action, this modest carbachol inhibition suggests the existence of additional mechanism(s) of action. MCI-154 had a negative lusitropic effect at high concentrations (greater than 10(-4)M) which may have been due to intracellular calcium overload, evidenced by the large amplitude aequorin signals. This does not exclude sensitization of the myofilaments to calcium as a possibility. Extrapolated to the in vivo setting, these experiments suggest that MCI-154 may be an effective positive inotropic agent in man.     

The procoagulant effect of thrombin on fibrin(ogen)-bound platelets.

In a final stage of activation, platelets become procoagulant because of the appearance of phosphatidylserine (PS) at the membrane outer surface. This PS exposure requires a rise in cytosolic [Ca(2+)](i), is accompanied by formation of membrane blebs, and stimulates the formation of thrombin from its precursor prothrombin. Here, we investigated whether thrombin, as a potent platelet agonist, can induce this procoagulant response in plasma-free platelets interacting with fibrin or fibrinogen through their integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) receptors. First, in platelets that were stimulated to spread over fibrin or fibrinogen surfaces with adrenaline, addition of thrombin and CaCl(2) caused a potent Ca(2+) signal that in about 30% of the cells was accompanied by exposure of PS. At low doses, integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) receptor antagonist (RGD peptide) inhibited platelet spreading as well as thrombin-evoked PS exposure. Second, in platelet-fibrinogen microaggregates that were preformed in the presence of adrenaline, thrombin/CaCl(2) induced PS exposure and bleb formation of about 35% of the cells. Third, a potent, thrombin-dependent stimulation of prothrombinase activity was measured in platelet suspensions that were incubated with a fibrin clot. These results indicate that, in the absence of coagulating plasma, thrombin is a moderate inducer of the procoagulant response of platelets, once integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3)-mediated interactions are stimulated (by adrenaline) and CaCl(2) is present.     

1,2-Diacylglycerol and phorbol ester inhibit agonist-induced formation of inositol phosphates in human platelets: possible implications for negative feedback regulation of inositol phospholipid hydrolysis.

The present study has demonstrated that pretreatment of human platelets with either phorbol ester or 1,2-diacylglycerol inhibits agonist-induced formation of inositol phosphates; this inhibition can be correlated with a decrease in the release of ATP and 5-hydroxytryptamine by thrombin. The mechanism of this action is not known, but a role for protein kinase C is suggested, as both phorbol ester and 1,2-diacylglycerol have in common the ability to activate this enzyme. These results have important implications as a possible negative feedback control over agonist-induced hydrolysis of inositol phospholipids.     

86Rb(K) influx and [3H]ouabain binding by human platelets: evidence for beta-adrenergic stimulation of Na-K ATPase activity

Although active transport of potassium into human platelets has been demonstrated previously, there is hitherto no evidence that human platelets have an ouabain-inhibitable Na-K ATPase in their membrane. The present study demonstrates active rubidium (used as an index of potassium influx), 86Rb(K), influx into platelets, inhibitable by ouabain, and also demonstrates the presence of specific [3H]ouabain binding by the human platelet. This 86Rb(K) influx was stimulated by adrenaline, isoprenaline, and salbutamol, but noradrenaline caused a mild inhibition. Active 86Rb(K) influx by platelets was inhibited markedly by timolol, mildly by atenolol, but not by phentolamine. Therefore, active 86Rb(K) influx in human platelets is enhanced by stimulation of beta adrenoceptors of the beta 2 subtype. The platelet may therefore replace the leukocyte in future studies of Na-K ATPase activity. This would be a considerable advantage in view of the ease and rapidity of preparation of platelets.     

Differences in mutagenicity and cytotoxicity of (+)- and (-)-benzo[a]pyrene 4,5-oxide: a synergistic interaction of enantiomers.

In order to study the biological effects of (+)- and (-)-benzo[a]pyrene 4,5-oxide, a synthesis of these molecules has been developed based on the resolution of (+/-)-cis-4,5-dihydroxy-4,5-dihydrobenzo[a]pyrene. The (-) enantiomer of benzo[a]pyrene 4,5-oxide was 1.5- to 5.5-fold more mutagenic than the (+) enantiomer in strains TA 98, TA 100, TA 1537, and TA 1538 of Salmonella typhimurium and in Chinese hamster V79 cells. In studies with V79 Cells, the (-) enantiomer of benzo[a]pyrene 4,5-oxide was also more cytotoxic than the (+) enantiomer. When mixtures of the enantiomers were studied in V79 cells, synergistic cytotoxic and mutagenic responses were observed. The greatest cytotoxic and mutagenic effects occurred with a 3:1 mixture of the (-) and (+) enantiomers of benzo[a]pyrene 4,5-oxide, respectively.     

Unreliability of tritiated cholesterol: studies with [1,2-3H]-cholesterol and [24,25-3H]cholesterol in humans.

Over the past 18 months different lots of [1,2-3H]cholesterol and [24,25-3H]cholesterol were found to be radiochemically acceptable by conventional chemical and other in vitro tests, yet, when co-administered with [4-14C]cholesterol to human subjects, an abrupt fall in the 3H/14C specific activity ratio in plasma cholesterol was discovered in every case. We have concluded that all batches of [3H]cholesterol should be regarded as radiochemically unreliable unless they are shown to behave identically in all respects to [4-14C]cholesterol in an appropriate in vivo assay system.     

Carcinogenicity of benzo[a]pyrene 4,5-, 7,8-, and 9,10-oxides on mouse skin.

Benzo[a]pyrene and three arene oxides of benzo[a]pyrene (benzo[a]pyrene 4,5-, 7,8-, and 9,10-oxides) have been tested for carcinogenicity in mice by topical application of each compound (0.1 or 0.4 mumol) once every 2 weeks for 60 weeks. At the high dose, benzo[a]pyrene and the 7,8-oxide were highly carcinogenic, whereas the 4,5-oxide (K-region oxide) was weakly active and the 9,10-oxide was inactive. At the low dose, only benzo[a]pyrene was highly carcinogenic. The carcinogenic activities of the three arene oxides of benzo[a]pyrene were not correlated with their stabilities or mutagenic activities.     

The heterozygous form of 4.1(-) hereditary elliptocytosis [the 4.1(-) trait]

Using clinical, morphological, genetic, and biochemical criteria, we studied ten white and North African families with hereditary elliptocytosis (HE). In four families, elliptocytic individuals displayed a highly significant reduction of band 4.1, which was recorded using two electrophoretic procedures. The 4.1a/4.1b ratio was also significantly reduced, as is usually observed in suspensions enriched in young red cells. This form of HE was invariably associated with the following characteristics: absence of clinical signs; numerous, smooth and well-elongated elliptocytes; dominant transmission; and, when investigated, normal osmotic fragility. Its frequency, among all forms of HE, is about one third as a first estimate, at least in whites and North Africans. In the other six families studied, elliptocytic subjects presented normal 4.1 bands. Again, the 4.1a/4.1b ratio was decreased, reflecting the red cell age- dependent changes in these two components. In three of these families, elliptocytosis was accompanied by clinical signs of variable intensity, and the mode of inheritance could not be unequivocally determined. Therefore, HE with a partially reduced band 4.1 defines a homogeneous variety of HE that can be isolated from other forms of HE. We suggest that it be termed the 4.1 (-) trait, so as to correspond with a previously proposed terminology.     

The generation of the F(2)-isoprostane 8-epi-PGF(2alpha) by human platelets on collagen stimulation

F(2)-isoprostanes are prostaglandin (PG) F(2)-like compounds formed via non-enzymatic peroxidation of arachidonic acid, although some F(2)-isoprostane production may be cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-mediated. Of these substances 8-epi-prostaglandin F(2)alpha (8-epi-PGF(2alpha)) has received the most attention as it induces vasoconstriction and mitogenesis, and influences pathophysiological mechanisms relevant to arterial disease. Using improved methods for F(2)-isoprostane determination we examined collagen-stimulated platelet production of F(2)-isoprostanes in platelet-rich plasma (PRP), distinguishing between the free and esterified forms of these substances. Collagen stimulation caused marked release to the plasma (platelet-poor; PPP) of free 8-epi-PGF(2alpha) (2 +/- 2 pg/mg platelet protein vs 174 +/- 53 pg/mg protein, control (i.e. non-stimulated) vs collagen-stimulated, P < 0.05) and of free 9alpha ,11alpha-PGF (37 +/- 19 pg/mg protein vs 1948 +/- 643 pg/mg protein, control vs stimulated, P < 0.05), a COX derived product. Neither free nor esterified 9alpha, 11beta-PGF and 9beta, 11alpha-PGF(2alpha) were detectable in control or collagen stimulated samples. Sample concentrations of the esters of 8-epi-PGF(2alpha) and 9alpha, 11alpha-PGF(2alpha) were unaltered by collagen stimulation. These data confirm a previous report that activated platelets release the F2-isoprostane 8-epi-PGF(2alpha), accompanying the release of a COX-derived product, 9alpha, 11alpha-PGF(2alpha).     

Different response of murine and human mammary tumour models to a series of diastereoisomeric [1,2-bis(difluorophenyl) ethylenediamine]dichloroplatinum(II) complexes

Summary A series of isomeric [1,2-bis(difluorophenyl) ethylenediamine]dichloroplatinum(II) complexes and cisplatin were tested on the P388 leukemia and on the murine hormone-independent MXT (M3.2) OVEX and the ovarian — hormone — dependent MXT (M3.2) mammary carcinoma for evaluating antineoplastic activity against breast cancer in vivo. Although these results were heterogeneous, a trend to the 2,6-difiuorosubstituted compound as the most active platinum complex was observed. For the development of a large-scale in vitro screening method on human breast cancer cell lines, cell number, [³H]thymidine incorporation, and crystal violet staining were evaluated as parameters for end-point determination. Chemosensitivity testing on the human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 unam-biguously identified [1,2-bis(2,4-difluorophenyl)ethyle-nediamine]dichloroplatinum(II) as the complex with the highest activity in the crystal violet micro-assay. In equimolar concentration this compound was superior to cisplatin on both cell lines. The analysis of the conflicting results of this study indicates that murine mammary carcinomas are most probably unrealistic and inappropriate models for the screening of cytotoxic platinum complexes with potential activity on human breast cancer.Abbreviations PBS phosphate-buffered saline - PEG polyethlyeneglycol Dedicated to Professor Franz Lux on the occasion of his 65th birthday     

Transfer of [1(-14)C] palmitate between myocardial cell fractions.

Mitochondrial, microsomal and cytoplasmic fractions from the heart, labelled with [1-¹⁴C] palmitate, have been added to non-radioactive myocardial homogenate and the distribution of lipid radio-activity between the three cell fractions determined. During the course of rehomogenisation and cell fractionation at 4°C a substantial movement of lipid radioactivity occurred between all three fractions. Expressed as lipid radioactivity/mg protein the activity of the microsomal fraction was greatest. This appears to be due to the rapid incorporation of radioactive fatty acid into phospholipid in the microsomal fraction.After perfusion of isolated rat hearts with [1-¹⁴C] palmitate complexed to albumin for 15 s at 4°C over 90% of the radioactivity of the mitochondrial and cytoplasmic fractions was present in free fatty acids. This figure was significantly lower in the microsomal fraction where some 15% of the radioactivity was already present in phospholipid.Washing mitochondrial and microsomal fractions with albumin solution removed more lipid radioactivity than washing with sucrose solution and removed a greater proportion of radioactivity from free fatty acids than from phospholipid.It is concluded that during perfusion or during cell-fractionation at 4°C free fatty acids transfer rapidly between subcellular components. The rapid incorporation of radioactive fatty acids into phospholipid in the microsomal fraction decreases the mobility of label from this fraction.     

beta-Amyloid(25-35) inhibits the activity of inositol(1,4,5)-trisphosphate-5-phosphatase.

beta-amyloid (A beta) peptides are known to disrupt calcium homeostasis in cells. In the present study, the effects of A beta(25-35) upon the activity of soluble Ins(1,4,5)P3-5-phosphatase have been investigated. A beta(25-35) inhibited, and dithiothreitol (DTT) increased the activity of soluble rat cerebellar Ins(1,4,5)P3-5-phosphatase. The change in activity was not accompanied by an obvious change in the sensitivity of the Ins(1,4,5)P3-5-phosphatase to inhibition by glucose-6-phosphate or phytic acid. A beta(35-25) also inhibited soluble Ins(1,4,5)P3-5-phosphatase activity, but at a lower potency than A beta(25-35). It is concluded that A beta(25-35) affects the metabolism of Ins(1,4,5)P3 although the potency is not sufficiently high to contribute to any significant extent to the effects of this peptide upon calcium homeostasis.