Uptake of apolipoprotein E fragment coupled liposomes by cultured brain microvessel endothelial cells and intact brain capillaries

The suitability of surface modified liposomes as drug carriers for brain-specific targeting was investigated using apolipoprotein E fragments as brain-directed vectors. Liposomes coated with polyethylene glycol-2000 (sterically stabilized, PEGylated liposomes) were prepared from hydrogenated egg phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and a PEG-derivatized phospholipid. Liposomes were covalently coupled to a peptide of 26 amino acids length, derived from the binding site of human apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) and a peptide of random amino acid sequence, respectively. Rhodamine-labeled dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine was incorporated into the lipid bilayer in order to visualize the liposomal interaction with brain capillary endothelial cell monolayers. The interaction of the liposomes with monolayers of porcine brain capillary endothelial cells (BCEC), the rodent cell line RBE4, and freshly isolated porcine brain capillaries was studied by means of confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy. In contrast to random peptide coupled liposomes, the ApoE4-fragment coupled liposomes were rapidly taken up by cultured BCECs and RBE4 cells. Uptake could be inhibited by ApoE4, free peptide, and antibodies against the LDL receptor in a concentration-dependent manner. The results indicate that the liposomes are internalized via the LDL receptor, which is expressed at the blood?brain barrier. In conclusion, liposomes coupled to ApoE4 fragments are taken up into brain endothelium via an endocytotic pathway and may therefore be a suitable carrier for drug delivery to the brain.     

Uptake of cationzied albumin coupled liposomes by cultured porcine brain microvessel endothelial cells and intact brain capillaries

The suitability of protein-coupled liposomes as drug carriers for brain specific targeting was investigated using albumin (BSA) and cationized albumin (CBSA), respectively, as model proteins. Liposomes coated with polyethylene glycol (sterically stabilized, PEG-liposomes) were prepared from phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and a PEG-derivatized phospholipid and covalently coupled to thiolated BSA or CBSA. Liposomes were loaded with carboxy-fluorescein and rhodamine-labeled dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine as hydrophilic and lipophilic marker compounds, respectively. The interaction of these constructs with monolayers of porcine brain capillary endothelial cells (BCEC) and freshly isolated porcine brain capillaries was studied by means of fluorescence assays and confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy (CLSFM). In contrast to BSA, CBSA was rapidly taken up by cultured BCECs. BSA-coupled liposomes did not interact with endothelial cells, whereas CBSA-coupled liposomes bound to cellular surfaces and exhibited time dependently a high intracellular accumulation. CBSA-conjugated liposomes were also taken up by intact brain capillaries. Cellular uptake could be inhibited by free cationized albumin, phenylarsineoxide, nocodazole, and filipin, but not by dansylcadaverine, suggesting a caveolae-mediated incorporation process. Immunostaining demonstrated a high expression of caveolin in the capillary endothelium. In conclusion, liposomes coupled to CBSA are taken up into brain endothelium via an endocytotic pathway and may therefore be a suitable carrier for drug delivery to the brain.     

Surface modification of liposomes for cardiomyocytes targeting in vitro

The effect of novel 3-{4-[2-hydroxyl-(1-methyl ethylamine) propyl oxygen]phenyl}propionic acid cetylester (PAC) as a surface modification ligand on the delivery of liposomes into cultured cardiomyocytes was investigated. Small unilamellar liposomes with and without PAC (PAC-liposome and Plain-liposome) were labeled with a fluorescence marker. The cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes were incubated with liposomes under normoxia or hypoxia conditions, and then the cell-associated fluorescence was measured. A high affinity of the PAC-liposomes to cardiomyocytes was observed. The amount of cell uptake of PAC-liposomes under normoxia conditions was 4-fold higher than that of plain-liposome, and the increase was 8.5-fold when hypoxia occured. The results suggested that PAC is a potential surface modification ligand for liposome targeting the ischemic myocardium.     

Uptake of persistent environmental chemicals by cultured human cells

Uptake of the persistent environmental chemicals 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl and 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-di-(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (the insecticide DDT) by Chang liver cells, an established human cell line, has been investigated. Monolayer cells were incubated with culture medium to which the lipophilic model compounds had been added. The time course of uptake of either compound was biphasic, reaching equilibrium after about 5 hr of incubation. The ratio of DDT:hexachlorobiphenyl uptake was dependent on the presence of serum proteins. Increasing concentrations of serum proteins in the culture medium progressively inhibited uptake. Efflux from the cells was not entirely reversible: 10-20% of the chemicals were not released. Uptake was a linear function of the external concentration of the compounds. Absorptive binding to the outer cell plasma membrane could be determined by removing bound chemicals with fetal calf serum ("back exchange"). With this method, temperature-dependent translocation through the cell plasma membrane could directly be demonstrated. The effect of low temperature as well as the influence of metabolic inhibitors point out the contribution of energy-driven uptake pathways. Demonstration of LDL receptor-like binding protein on Chang liver cells facilitated estimation of the role of receptor-mediated uptake. This route of uptake proved to be of minor importance only, as was transport of the protein-bound chemicals via fluid pinocytosis. The results demonstrate that cellular endocytosis of plasma membrane-bound chemicals constitutes a major uptake pathway for lipophilic chemicals.     

Uptake of dopamine by cultured monkey amniotic epithelial cells

In this study, the ability of monkey amniotic epithelial (MAE) cells to take up dopamine was tested by incubating the cells in buffer containing unlabeled dopamine under different experimental conditions followed by assaying dopamine content using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Results showed the capability of MAE cells to take up dopamine in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion, and also this uptake is sodium-dependent. Further, selective dopamine transporter blockers inhibited dopamine uptake with rank order of potency that is consistent with the pharmacology of the dopamine transporter. These results suggest that MAE cells may be potential model to study dopamine uptake and release, and to explore new drugs affecting these processes.     

Simvastatin induces apoptosis of cultured rat cardiomyocytes

Considering the therapeutic effect of statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) and simvastatin in patients with coronary heart disease, our first hypothesis was that simvastatin should inhibit apoptosis (programmed cell death) in angiotensin II-treated cultured myocytes. But after realizing that simvastatin stimulates apoptosis, we changed our hypothesis and began to study its apoptotic effect in primary cultured rat cardiomyocytes. We found that simvastatin induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner (0.1 to 3 micromol/L), as evidenced by the appearance of increased DNA fragmentation in agarose gels and characteristic apoptotic patterns in nuclei labeled with Hoechst 33342, as well as increased activity of caspase 3. FACS analysis of simvastatin-treated cardiomyocytes showing annexin V binding and propidium iodide exclusion ruled out the possibility of necrosis. Increased intracellular enzymatic activity of creatine phosphokinase, aldolase, and lactic dehydrogenase, markers for normal cell function, could reflect the hypertrophic effect of simvastatin. The results indicate that simvastatin-induced apoptosis in cultured heart cells is concentration-dependent and additive to the apoptotic effect of angiotensin II.     

Increased toxicity of anthracycline antibiotics induced by calcium entry blockers in cultured cardiomyocytes

Calcium channel blocking drugs have been reported to reduce survival rate of laboratory animals treated with cardiotoxic antitumor anthracyclines. In order to elucidate the mechanisms of this drug interaction, cell toxicity of the anthracyclines, doxorubicin and daunorubicin, was evaluated in primary cultures of cardiac myocytes isolated from neonatal rats. Low concentrations of extracellular calcium ([Ca2+]0) and addition of calcium entry blockers (nifedipine or flunarizine) potentiated myocardial toxicity of anthracyclines as assessed by the release of lactate dehydrogenase from the cells. Accumulation of anthracyclines in the cardiomyocytes was increased by calcium entry blockers (nifedipine, flunarizine, and verapamil) and by low [Ca2+]0; efflux of [3H]daunorubicin from myocardial cells was inhibited by nifedipine. At a dose that exerts only modest calcium channel activity, R-verapamil failed to affect doxorubicin accumulation in cardiomyocytes, whereas the calcium channel activator, (+/-)-Bay K-8644, reduced the retention of anthracyclines; the calcium channel activity is thus required in order to increase the accumulation of anthracyclines in myocardial cells. Calcium channel blockers are also known to increase intracellular retention and toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs in multidrug resistant tumor cells by inhibiting the efflux of cytotoxic agents from cells; however, the ability of the interacting drugs to inhibit the efflux of chemotherapeutic agents from tumor cells is not dependent on the calcium channel blocking activity. Therefore, the mechanism(s) by which calcium channel blocking drugs increase the accumulation of anthracyclines in resistant tumor cells and myocardial cells may be different. In accordance with previous investigations, the present in vitro study confirmed that anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity may be potentiated by calcium channel blocking drugs. This indicates that, in the association of antineoplastic drugs with agents that reverse multidrug resistance, the potential exists for enhanced damage of normal cells and tissues; further studies are needed to evaluate the relevance of this adverse interaction.     

普罗布考对过氧化氢诱导心肌细胞凋亡的影响

目的探讨普罗布考对过氧化氢(H2O2)诱导的心肌细胞凋亡的影响,探讨其可能的机制。方法培养的新生鼠心肌细胞随机分组并给予0.2mmol.L-1H2O2或0.2mmol.L-1 H2O2及不同浓度的普罗布考(100μmol.L-1、10μmol.L-1和1μmol.L-1)。采用琼脂糖凝聚电泳检测细胞凋亡;逆转录聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)法检测细胞Bcl-2 mRNA及Bax mRNA表达;黄嘌呤氧化酶法测定细胞内超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性,硫代巴比妥酸法检测细胞内丙二醛(MDA)含量。结果普罗布考明显抑制H2O2诱导的心肌细胞凋亡,降低心肌细胞BaxmRNA表达,升高Bcl-2mRNA表达。经不同浓度普罗布考干预后,心肌细胞SOD活性显著升高,MDA含量显著降低。以上这些效应均呈剂量依赖性。结论普罗布考抑制H2O2诱导的心肌细胞凋亡,其作用机制与改善心肌细胞氧化应激水平有关。     

L-精氨酸-NO途径抑制血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的心肌细胞肥大反应

目的探讨L-精氨酸(L-arginine,L-Arg)对心肌细胞血管紧张素Ⅱ受体(angiotensin Ⅱ receptor,ATR)及丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(mitogen-activated protein kinase,MAPK)表达的影响,进而阐述L-Arg对病理性心肌肥大的影响作用及相关机制。方法用血管紧张素Ⅱ(angiotensinⅡ,ATⅡ)、ATR抑制剂、L-Arg和(或)L-NAME(L-硝基精氨酸甲酯)分别作用于心肌细胞,然后以[3H]-亮氨酸参入法检测细胞蛋白合成速率、比色法检测一氧化氮(NO)生成量、RT-PCR及Western blot检测ATR及p38MAPK的表达水平。结果①给予L-Arg可缓解ATⅡ引起的心肌细胞NO合成量下降,减弱血管紧张素Ⅱ-1型受体(angiotensin receptor type1,ATR1)表达及下调p38MAPK蛋白磷酸化水平,并降低心肌细胞蛋白合成速率给予ATⅡ或L-Arg均未影响血管紧张素Ⅱ-2受体(angiotensin receptor type 2,ATP2)的表达水平;②心肌ATR1表达水平及p38MAPK蛋白磷酸化水平均与NO合成量之间存在线性负相关。多元逐步回归分析显示在ATR1与ATR2中,仅ATR1的表达水平与p38MAPK蛋白磷酸化水平之间存在回归关系。结论①L-Arg可致心肌细胞NO合成量增加,后者可抑制ATR1介导的p38MAPK蛋白磷酸化水平上调,进而抑制心肌细胞肥大反应;②ATR2未参与上述过程。     

Enhancement of nitric oxide production by methylecgonidine in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes.

1. In the present experiments, we investigated the effects of methylecgonidine (MEG) on nitric oxide (NO) production in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Incubation of cultured cardiomyocytes with carbachol or MEG for 48 h significantly enhanced NO production. No release was increased from 1.48+/-0.13 microM (mg protein)(-1) for control to 5.73+/-0.19 microM (mg protein)(-1) for 1 microM carbachol treated cells (P<0.001). In addition, incubation with 1 microM MEG enhanced NO production to 5.55+/-0.28 microM (mg protein)(-1). The effects of MEG on NO production were concentration-dependent. The muscarinic antagonist atropine prevented the enhancement of NO production induced by carbachol or MEG. Compared to MEG-induced NO production, cocaine was much less potent. 2. The enhancement of NO production by carbachol or MEG was even greater in cultured cardiomyocytes transfected with the M(2) cDNA. After 48-h incubation with 1 microM carbachol or 1 microM MEG, NO production was increased by 6.5 and 6.7 fold, respectively, in cardiomyocytes overexpressing M(2) receptors. Coincubation with atropine or N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester abolished the enhancement of NO production. In contrast, NO production enhanced by carbachol or MEG in M(1)- or M(3)-transfected cardiomyocytes was similar to the level in non-transfected cells. 3. Western blot analysis showed that the protein levels of M(1), M(2), and M(3) were significantly increased in cardiomyocytes transfected with the receptor cDNAs, but MEG had no effect on the expressions. It is interesting that both carbachol and MEG caused a significant increase in constitutive endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) only in M(2)-transfected cardiomyocytes, not in non-transfected, M(1)- or M(3)-transfected cells. Again, atropine blocked the MEG-produced induction of eNOS. 4. Our data demonstrate that MEG significantly enhanced NO production in cultured cardiomyocytes and that the enhancement of NO production may result from MEG stimulation of muscarinic M(2) receptors.     

原代培养小鼠心肌细胞的观察与鉴定

心肌细胞体外培养可以用来作细胞移植和基因治疗的载体,应用于治疗冠心病和心肌细胞凋亡等的实验研究中[1].我们选用昆明鼠乳鼠的心脏做原代细胞培养,对培养的心肌细胞进行了观察和免疫组化鉴定.     

Simvastatin inhibits noradrenaline-induced hypertrophy of cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes

1. Oxidative mechanisms have been implicated in neonatal cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. We and others have shown that a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor preserves endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity and inhibits cardiac hypertrophy in vivo. We therefore have examined whether noradrenaline (NA) induces the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during its induction of neonatal cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and whether simvastatin, a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, attenuates ROS production and thus NA-induced hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes. 2. NA increased the intracellular ROS levels in a concentration-dependent manner. This increase of ROS was significantly inhibited by simvastatin and catalase. Prazosin partially suppressed NA-induced increase of ROS and beating, while preincubation with both prazosin and propranolol completely abolished NA-evoked increase of ROS and beating. Simvastatin did not affect NA-induced increase of beating. 3. The NA-induced increase of protein content was partially suppressed by prazosin and completely abolished by preincubation with both prazosin and propranolol. Simvastatin inhibited the increase of NA-induced increase of RNA content and [(3)H]-leucine incorporation in a concentration-dependent manner. Mevalonic acid (MVA) reversed the inhibition of NA-induced RNA and protein increase by simvastatin. Catalase also inhibited the NA-induced increase of RNA and protein. 4. We conclude that the inhibitory effects of simvastatin on myocyte hypertrophy were associated with its antioxidant effects and inhibition of MVA-metabolism pathway in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. NA-induced increases of intracellular ROS and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy requires both alpha and beta adrenoceptors activation in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. The increases of ROS induced by NA is required for hypertrophy.     

Alterations of beta-receptor-adenylyl cyclase coupling by long-term ATP depletion in cultured rat cardiomyocytes.

In cultured rat heart muscle cells, reversible long-term ATP depletion induces a decrease in beta-adrenoceptor density and a fall in isoproterenol- as well as forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation. However, isoproterenol-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in membrane preparations is not reduced after ATP depletion. These results suggest that the decreased responsiveness to catecholamines during myocardial ischemia cannot be explained by alterations of the beta-adrenoceptor-adenylyl cyclase system alone.     

槲皮素对血管紧张素Ⅱ致培养乳鼠心肌细胞肥大的抑制作用

目的:研究槲皮素(Quercetin,Que)对血管紧张素Ⅱ(Aug Ⅱ)诱发培养乳鼠心肌细胞肥大的抑制作用及机制。方法:分别用[~3H]胸苷、[~(14)C]尿苷和[~3H]酪氨酸标记测定DNA、RNA和蛋白质合成;用Lowry法测定蛋白质含量;用组蛋白ⅢS、[γ-~(32)P]ATP与蛋白激酶C(PKC)酶液一起保温测定PKC活性;用聚谷氨酸·酪氨酸(4:1)多肽、[γ-~(32)P]ATP与酪氨酸蛋白激酶(TPK)酶液一起保温测TPK活性。结果:Aug Ⅱ作用于心肌细胞24h后,心肌细胞总蛋白含量明显增加(P<0.01),[~(14)C]尿苷和[~3H]酪氨酸掺入量明显增加(P<0.01),而[~3H]胸苷掺入量未见增加(P>0.05);Aug Ⅱ作用30min后,心肌细胞PKC和TPK活性明显增加。Que(1-100μmol/L)能剂量依赖性地抑制Ang Ⅱ所致心肌细胞总蛋白含量、[~(14)C]尿苷和[~3H]酪氨酸掺入量、PKC及TPK活性的增加。结论:Que可抑制Aug Ⅱ致培养乳鼠心肌细胞肥大,该作用与抑制PKC及TPK活性有关。     

Adenosine stimulates ANP expression in cultured ventricular cardiomyocytes.

Adenosine protects the ischemic myocardium by coronary vasodilation and the depression of heart rate and contractility, improving myocardial energy balance. Adenosine effects on the myocardium are mediated predominantly by the type A1 receptors. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a vasodilator and regulator of blood volume, is secreted from either atrial or ventricular myocytes in response to cellular distention. In vivo, adenosine infusion has been shown to induce a rapid increase in plasma ANP, independent of blood pressure. We examined the possibility that adenosine enhances ANP-gene expression in cardiac myocytes. Administration of adenosine (10 microM) to cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes led to a 1.7-fold increase (p = 0.014, n = 9) in the abundance of ANP messenger RNA (mRNA) within 30 min, as measured by Northern blot hybridization. No such increase was obtained when adenosine was coadministered with 8-cyclopentyl-1,3dipropylxanthine (CPX, 10 microM), an adenosine A1-receptor antagonist. Our results point at adenosine as regulator of ANP mRNA level in cardiac myocytes.     

Berberine possesses muscarinic agonist-like properties in cultured rodent cardiomyocytes

Berberine, a natural product alkaloid, has been shown to display a wide array of pharmacological effects. Generally, the mechanism of action of each of these effects has not been well described. The aim of the present study is to test the hypothesis that some of berberine's cardiovascular effects are mediated through activation of cardiac M2 muscarinic cholinergic receptors. In our studies, we tested the ability of berberine to alter the contraction rate of cultured neonatal rodent cardiomyocytes. In these spontaneously contracting primary cultured cells, berberine reduced the contraction rate in a manner independent of β-adrenergic receptor blockade but sensitive to pertussis toxin, a Gi/o G protein inhibitor. Muscarinic antagonists completely blocked the effect of berberine on contraction rate of cardiomyocytes, whereas the effect of berberine was not opposed by antagonists to opioid, adenosine or α-adrenergic receptors. Further, berberine bound to muscarinic receptors of adult mouse heart membranes with relatively high affinity (K_i = 5.4 × 10^?6 M) comparable to that of the classic muscarinic agonist, carbachol, and to muscarinic M2 receptors exogenously expressed in HEK 293 cells (K_i = 4.9 × 10^?6 M). Therefore, the findings of the present study suggest that berberine is a muscarinic agonist at M2 receptors, potentially explaining some of its reported cardiovascular effects.     

Simvastatin inhibits leptin-induced hypertrophy in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes

AIM: To test the hypothesis that statins inhibit leptin-induced hypertrophy in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. METHODS: Cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were used to evaluate the effects of simvastatin on leptin-induced hypertrophy. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were determined by using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) fluorescence. Total intracellular RNA and cell protein content, which serve as cell proliferative markers, were assayed by using propidium iodide (PI) fluorescence and the Bio-Rad DC protein assay, respectively. The cell surface area, an indicator of cell hypertrophy, was quantified by using Leica image analysis software. RESULTS: After 72 h treatment, leptin markedly increased RNA levels, cell surface area, and total cell protein levels in cardiomyocytes, which were significantly inhibited by simvastatin or catalase treatment. ROS levels were significantly elevated in cardiomyocytes treated with leptin for 4 h compared with those cells without leptin treatment. The increase in ROS levels in cardiomyocytes induced by leptin was reversed by treatment with simvastatin and catalase. CONCLUSION: Simvastatin inhibits leptin-induced ROS-mediated hypertrophy in cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes. Statin therapy may provide an effective means of improving cardiac dysfunction in obese humans.     

Minoxidil attenuates ischemia-induced apoptosis in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes

The effects of minoxidil (a mitochondrial K+(ATP) channel opener) on ischemia-induced necrosis and apoptosis were examined using a cardiomyocyte model of simulated ischemia, since mitochondrial K+(ATP) channel openers have been suggested to be involved in the mechanisms of cardioprotective action against ischemia/reperfusion injury. In the absence of minoxidil, simulated ischemia led to cellular release of creatine phosphokinase (CPK), morphologic degeneration, and beating cessation within 24 to 72 hours. Based on the Hoechst 33258 staining pattern, a significant number of cells placed in sealed flasks underwent apoptosis. Myocytes treated with 5 microM of minoxidil failed to alter the degree of ischemia-induced CPK loss for 48 to 72 hours. However, minoxidil treatment prevented the loss of beating function in many of the ischemic cells, and attenuated the decline in intracellular ATP content after a 48-hour ischemic incubation. The number of nuclear fragmentation was significantly reduced in minoxidil-treated cells after a 72-hour ischemic insult compared with untreated ischemic cells. This effect was blocked by the mitochondrial K+(ATP) channel antagonist 5-HD. The data suggest that minoxidil renders the cell resistant to ischemia-induced necrosis and apoptosis. The beneficial effects of minoxidil appear to be related to the opening of mitochondrial K+(ATP) channels.     

Pioglitazone inhibits hypertrophy induced by high glucose and insulin in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the antidiabetic agent pioglitazone has a direct inhibiting effect on myocardial hypertrophy induced by high glucose and insulin in primary cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Culture preparations of ventricular muscle cells newborn rats were utilized. At 72 h of culture age, the cardiomyocytes were incubated for another 48 h with 25.5 mmol/L glucose plus 0.1 micromol/L insulin (group 2), 25.5 mmol/L glucose and 0.1 micromol/L insulin plus 10 micromol/L pioglitazone (group 3), 10 micromol norepinephrine (group 4), respectively. Cells cultured continuously in medium served as control (group 1). Cellular surface area, protein content, atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) mRNA, and cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) mRNA were assessed after treatment with different agents. All those parameters increased significantly after treatment with high glucose and insulin as compared with control (P < 0.01). These effects were inhibited markedly by pioglitazone. The cellular surface area and ANF mRNA in group 3 were decreased as compared with group 2 (P < 0.01). The protein content and CT-1 mRNA in group 3 were also decreased as compared with group 2 (P < 0.05). We concluded that a the cellular level myocardial hypertrophy induced by high glucose and insulin was inhibited directly by pioglitazone in primary cultured cardiac myocytes. CT-1 may be involved in myocardial hypertrophy induced by high glucose andinsulin and inhibiting effects of pioglitazone on myocardial hypertrophy.     

Uptake characteristics of liposomes by rat alveolar macrophages: influence of particle size and surface mannose modification

The influence of particle size and surface mannose modification on the uptake of liposomes by alveolar macrophages (AMs) was investigated in-vitro and in-vivo. Non-modified liposomes of five different particle sizes (100, 200, 400, 1000 and 2000 nm) and mannosylated liposomes with 4-aminophenyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside (particle size 1000 nm) were prepared, and the uptake characteristics by rat AMs in-vitro and in-vivo were examined. The uptake of non-modified liposomes by rat AMs in-vitro increased with an increase in particle size over the range of 100-1000 nm, and became constant at over 1000 nm. The uptake of non-modified liposomes by AMs after pulmonary administration to rats in-vivo increased with an increase in particle size in the range 100-2000 nm. The uptake of mannosylated liposomes (particle size 1000 nm) by rat AMs both in-vitro and in-vivo was significantly greater than that of non-modified liposomes (particle size 1000 nm). The results indicate that the uptake of liposomes by rat AMs is dependent on particle size and is increased by surface mannose modification.