Discriminating between cell surface and intracellular plasminogen-binding proteins: heterogeneity in profibrinolytic plasminogen-binding proteins on monocytoid cells

When plasminogen binds to cell surfaces, its activation is markedly enhanced compared to soluble plasminogen. Although several distinct molecules may contribute to plasminogen binding to a given cell type, the subset of plasminogen receptors responsible for enhancing plasminogen activation expose a carboxyl-terminal lysine on the cell surface and are sensitive to proteolysis by carboxypeptidase B (CpB). To distinguish this subset of plasminogen receptors from plasminogen-binding proteins that are not profibrinolytic, we treated intact U937 monocytoid cells and peripheral blood monocytes with CpB to remove exposed carboxyl-terminal lysines, and subjected the membrane proteins to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by ligand blotting with 125I-plasminogen. Western blotting was performed with antibodies against previously characterized candidate plasminogen receptors to identify plasminogen-binding proteins on the two-dimensional ligand blots. Densitometry of autoradiograms of the 125I-plasminogen ligand blots of U937 cell membranes revealed that membrane-associated alpha-enolase, actin and annexin II showed minimal changes in 125I-plasminogen binding following CpB treatment of intact cells, suggesting that these proteins are not accessible to CpB on the U937 cell surface and most likely do not serve as profibrinolytic plasminogen receptors on U937 cells. In contrast, densitometry of autoradiograms of 125I-plasminogen ligand blots of monocyte membranes revealed that 125I-plasminogen binding to alpha-enolase was reduced 71% by treatment of intact cells with CpB, while binding to annexin II was reduced 14%. Thus, a portion of membrane-associated alpha-enolase and annexin II expose carboxyl terminal lysines that are accessible to CpB on the peripheral blood monocyte surface, suggesting that these molecules may serve as profibrinolytic plasminogen receptors on monocytes. Our data suggest that U937 cells and peripheral blood monocytes have distinct sets of molecules that constitute the population of cell surface profibrinolytic plasminogen-binding proteins. Furthermore, our data suggest that while several plasminogen-binding proteins with carboxyl terminal lysines are associated with cell membranes, only a small subset of these proteins expose a carboxyl terminal lysine that is accessible to CpB on the cell surface.     

Chronic radiographic lung changes in children with vertically transmitted HIV-1 infection

OBJECTIVE: We prospectively studied children with and without maternally transmitted HIV-1 infection born to mothers infected with HIV-1 to determine the incidence of chronic radiographic lung changes (CRC) and to correlate these changes with clinical assessments. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between 1990 and 1997, we scored 3050 chest radiographs using a standardized form. Group I children (n = 201) were HIV-1-infected at enrollment. Group II children (n = 512) were enrolled prenatally or before 28 days postpartum and subsequently subdivided into group IIa (n = 86), children identified as HIV-1-infected; and group IIb (n = 426), those who were HIV-1-uninfected. CRC were defined as parenchymal consolidations or nodular disease lasting 3 months or more or increased bronchovascular markings or reticular densities lasting 6 months or more. Morbidity was assessed by CD4 counts, viral load, the presence of low oxygen saturation, wheezing, tachypnea, crackles, and clubbing. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of chronic radiographic lung changes in HIV-1-infected children was 32.8% by 4 years old, with increased bronchovascular markings or reticular densities being most common. Chronic changes were associated with lower CD4 cell counts and higher viral loads. Resolution of these chronic changes was associated with decreasing CD4 cell counts but not with lower rates of clinical findings, viral load, or difference in survival. CONCLUSION: With increased survival, CRC are becoming more common. The resolution of these changes may indicate immunologic deterioration rather than clinical improvement.     

High mobility group proteins 1 and 2 recognize chromium-damaged DNA

Chromium (Cr) is a human carcinogen and a potent DNA damaging agent. Incubation of DNA with CrCl3 resulted in dose-dependent binding of Cr to DNA and, at concentrations >20 microM, altered the electrophoretic mobility of a 100 bp oligonucleotide. We also demonstrate that high mobility group (HMG) proteins 1 and 2 bind Cr-damaged DNA (Cr-DNA). Protein binding was lesion density-dependent, with maximal binding to DNA treated with 100 microM CrCl3. HMG2 binds to Cr-DNA with a calculated Kd of approximately 10(-9) M. These proteins also bound DNA obtained from chromate-treated cells. These results suggest that the covalent attachment of Cr to DNA induces alterations in DNA structure which are recognized by HMG1 and HMG2. Therefore, these proteins may function as Cr-damaged DNA recognition proteins in vivo and as a consequence of binding, may play a role in directing the cellular response to Cr-DNA adduct formation.      

Sexual precocity: sex incidence and aetiology

The aetiology of 197 girls and 16 boys presenting with sexual precocity was reviewed. Ninety one girls and four boys had central precocious puberty (M:F 23:1); a cause was identified in all the boys but in only six girls. All boys with precocious puberty need detailed investigation; in girls investigation should be based on clinical findings, particularly the consonance of puberty.     

The effects of exercise mode, swimming vs. running, upon bone growth in the rapidly growing female rat.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two programs of endurance training, of equal duration and intensity, on bone development in female rats. Thirty-eight female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups: run-trained (RUN), swim-trained (SWIM) or control (CON). The RUN group ran at a speed of 27 m/min up an 8 degrees incline. Swim trained animals swam with 2% of body weight attached to their tails. Training sessions were 2 h/day, 5 days/week and were conducted over a 10-week period. Hindlimb and forelimb muscles were removed upon sacrifice and analyzed for citrate synthase (CS) activity, liver (LG) and muscle (MG) glycogen. The parametrial fat pads were removed, digested with collagenase, and 2-deoxy-D-[3H]glucose uptake measured in isolated cells. Bone weight, length, diameter, ponderal index and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured in the femur and humerus of each animal. The LG, MG, fat cell volume, glucose uptake of the adipocyte and adrenal weight data indicate that the training response was identical. The CS activity of the muscles indicated that mechanical and recruitment patterns of the upper and lower body differ and could be responsible for bone development patterns found in this study. Exercise had a minimal effect on bone growth in the run-trained animals but did stimulate development in the swim-trained animals. The humerus of the SWIM was significantly (P < 0.05) heavier, wider and had a greater BMC when compared with those of the RUN and CON rats. The results of this study indicate that the muscular forces applied by the swim training protocol produced greater bone adaptations than the forces applied by a running protocol of equal duration and intensity.     

Reduction of sound levels with antinoise in MR imaging

A combination of active and passive techniques was used to reduce the sound levels in magnetic resonance imagers. These techniques were integrated into an existing audio system. Measurements of sound reduction varied with the protocol being used and averaged 9.9 dB with coaxial cabling and 14.2 dB with fiberoptic conduction of the feedback signal to a controller. Patient comfort and communication were improved.