Effects of chemical mediators of anaphylaxis on ciliary function

We assessed the effects of selected chemical mediators of anaphylaxis on CBF in vitro. Ciliated epithelial cells were obtained from the trachea of conscious sheep with a cytology brush and suspended in a perfusion chamber containing KH. Ciliary activity was viewed microscopically and recorded on videotape for subsequent slow-motion analysis of CBF. Prostaglandin E1 (10(-8) M to 10(-6) M), prostaglandin E2 (10(-10) M to 10(-6) M), and leukotriene-C4 (10(-8) M) increased CBF between 7% and 33%. Histamine caused ciliostimulation only at the relatively high concentrations above 10(-5) M (7% increase in CBF), whereas prostaglandin F2 alpha (10(-10) M and 10(-6) M) was without effect. In no preparation was ciliary discoordination observed. These findings indicate that several chemical mediators of anaphylaxis stimulate CBF and that the previously described impairment of mucociliary transport in stable allergic asthma or antigen-induced bronchoconstriction is probably not caused by a primary alteration of ciliary function.     

Differential regulation of cytokine genes in gingival epithelial cells challenged by Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis

IL-8 mRNA in human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) is up-regulated by Fusobacterium nucleatum, and up-/down-regulated by Porphyromonas gingivalis in a complex interaction in the early stages (< or = 4 h) after infection. The mechanisms involved in this regulation in response to F. nucleatum and/or P. gingivalis infection, and identification of co-regulated cytokine genes, are the focus of this investigation. Heat, formalin or protease treatment of F. nucleatum cells attenuated the IL-8 mRNA up-regulation. NF-kappaB, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 and MAPK kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK/ERK) pathways were involved in IL-8 mRNA induction by F. nucleatum. Pretreatment of P. gingivalis with heat, formalin or protease enhanced IL-8 mRNA induction. NF-kappaB, MARK p38, and MEK/ERK pathways were also involved in this induction. In contrast, down-regulation of IL-8 mRNA by P. gingivalis involved MEK/ERK, but not NF-kappaB or MAPK p38 pathways. cDNA arrays analysis revealed that mRNA down-regulation by P. gingivalis is a specific reaction that only a number of genes, e.g. IL-1beta, IL-8, macrophage inflammatory protein-2alpha, and migration inhibitory factor-related protein-14, are affected based on examination of 278 cytokine/receptor genes. These data indicate that F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis trigger specific and differential gene regulation pathways in HGECs.     

Gαq/11介导的信号转导通路在自发性高血压大鼠主动脉中的变化

目的:观察自发性高血压大鼠 (SHR)主动脉Gαq/11及磷脂酶C(PLC)的动态变化,探讨其在SHR高血压发病机制中的意义。方法:4周龄和12周龄SHR,颈动脉插管记录动脉血压,放免法测定血浆血管紧张素Ⅱ的浓度,免疫印迹法检测主动脉组织Gαq/11和PLC的含量。结果:SHR12周龄时动脉血压明显增高。4周龄SHR主动脉Gαq/11的表达较对照高 69.2 % (P <0.05)。4周龄和12周龄SHR主动脉PLCβ₃分别较各自同龄对照组高66.9%和 85.1% (P <0.05)。结论:Gαq/11介导的信号转导通路上调参与SHR高血压的发生和发展.     

CD5 (OKT1) augments CD3-mediated intracellular signaling events in human T lymphocytes

CD5 is expressed on thymocytes, all mature T cells, and a subset of mature B cells, and probably contributes to T-cell–B-cell adhesion. We assessed whether CD5-crosslinking by mAb augments T-cell stimulation. Plate-bound anti-CD5 or anti-CD3 mAb alone had no effect on any of the assessed activation parameters of resting T cells. However, concomitant signaling through both CD5 and CD3 by plate-bound antibodies resulted in marked increases in T-cell surface CD69 expression and T-cell metabolism, as assessed by the T cell's ability to reduce 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxylmethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulphophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) to formazen. In addition, simultaneous cross-linking of CD5 and CD3 caused a significant (p < 0.001) increase in phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis in resting T cells compared to stimulation with anti-CD3 mAb alone or anti-CD3 mAb plus anti-CD5 isotype control antibody. These results indicate that CD5 augments signaling through CD3 and consequently functions as a costimulatory molecule for resting T cells.     

Airway responses to antigen challenge in allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma

The density dependence of the maximum expiratory flow-volume curve, functional residual capacity (FRC), and specific airway conductance (SGaw) were determined before and during bronchial provocation with ragweed extract in 27 subjects with ragweed hypersensitivity and a history of either bronchial asthma (16 subjects) or allergic rhinitis (11 subjects). Mean baseline SGaw was significantly lower while mean volume of isoflow (Visov) and FrC were significantly higher in subjects with bronchial asthma. During antigen challenge, 10 of 16 subjects with bronchial asthma (63%) and five of 11 subjects with allergic rhinitis (45%) showed a greater than 35% decrease in SGaw ("reactors"): mean relative decreases in SGaw from baseline were 46% and 53%, respectively. The remaining subjects showed a less than 35% decrease in SGaw ("nonreactors") with mean relative decreases of 9% (allergic asthma) and 6% (allergic rhinitis). Mean Visov increased in all subjects with bronchial asthma and in eight of 11 subjects with allergic rhinitis. A significant increase in FRC (6%) was seen only in the "reactors" with bronchial asthma. Following antigen challenge, the beta adrenergic agonist, isoetharine, increased SGaw and decreased Visov. We conclude that in asymptomatic subjects with ragweed hypersensitivity, (1) central and peripheral airway function is more abnormal in subjects with bronchial asthma than in subjects with allergic rhinitis, (2) subjects of both groups show quantitatively and qualitatively comparable airway responses during antigen challenge with a decrease in SGaw or an increase in Visov, possibly representing increase in central and/or peripheral airflow resistance, respectively, (3) Visov may be a more sensitive indicator of airway response to antigen challenge than SGaw, and (4) the bronchodilator effects of a beta adrenergic agonist on antigen-induced bronchospasm are similar in both groups.     

高三尖杉酯碱对HL60细胞凋亡的影响及机制的研究

目的:研究高三尖杉酯碱对HL60细胞凋亡的影响及其机制。方法:运用高三尖杉酯碱作用HL60细胞后撤药实验筛选其诱导HL60细胞凋亡启动时相,流式细胞和免疫组化技术检测高三尖杉酯碱诱导HL60细胞凋亡启动时相凋亡信号分子Bcl-2、Bax、Fas/FasL、caspase-3、ERK2和p38的表达状况。结果:在高三尖杉酯碱诱导HL60细胞凋亡启动时相,Bcl-2表达降低,Bax表达增高,Bcl-2/Bax比值降低,ERK2表达减低,p38表达增加,caspase-3表达增加,Fas/FasL分子的表达无显著变化。结论:Bcl-2、Bax、MAPK途径和caspase-3参与高三尖杉酯碱启动HL60细胞凋亡的信号转导。     

Altered splenic B cell subset development in mice lacking phosphoinositide 3-kinase p85alpha

The signaling enzyme phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) is activated following B cell receptor (BCR) engagement and by many other receptors on B lymphocytes. Mice lacking p85alpha, the predominant PI3K regulatory isoform, exhibit defects in B cell development and activation that are grossly similar to those found in mice lacking Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) and other critical signaling molecules. However, a detailed analysis of splenic B cell subsets in p85alpha-deficient mice has not been reported. Here we show that these mice are deficient in four major B cell subsets: transitional-1, transitional-2, follicular and marginal zone. These defects are distinct from those observed in Xid mice that express a mutant Btk unable to interact with PI3K lipid products. Moreover, mice with both genetic lesions exhibit even greater impairment in B cell development. Finally, we show that transgenic expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 in p85alpha-deficient mice restores the transitional B cell subsets but not the marginal zone subset, and produces a follicular population with an aberrant phenotype. These findings establish a role for PI3K-p85alpha in differentiation of both follicular and marginal zone B cells, and suggest that these functions are required not solely for the propagation of anti-apoptotic signals.     

MKK4 and metastasis suppression: a marriage of signal transduction and metastasis research

MAP kinase kinase 4 (MKK4) is a member of the stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) signaling cascade and is involved in the regulation of many cellular processes. We have recently demonstrated a functional role for MKK4 in the suppression of metastases. In this review, we discuss the established cellular and biochemical functions of MKK4, as well as a new function for MKK4 as a metastasis suppressor gene. Because of the importance of signaling studies to this translational work, a detailed example of the strategy and tools that can be employed to define the biochemical mechanism of MKK4-mediated metastasis suppression is presented. Finally, the potential therapeutic utility of these findings is discussed.     

神经调节因子及其信号转导机制

神经调节因子(NRG)是一个由4种基因编码的多肽家族,包含4种同源异构体NRG-1,2,3和4,其功能性受体是由ErbB酪氨酸激酶受体组成,属于跨膜酪氨酸激酶的表皮生长因子受体家族成员,包括ErbB2/HER2/neu,ErbB3/HERS和ErbB4/HER4.NRG通过诱导ErbB受体构象变化,使ErbB蛋白形成二聚体,继而激活酪氨酸激酶,引起C-末端的自身酪氨酸磷酸化和反式酪氨酸磷酸化,而发挥其生物学作用.