Maturação in vitro de oócitos de cutias (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler 1831) seguida de fertilização in vitro e ativação partenogenética / In vitro maturation of agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) oocytes followed by in vitro fertilization and parthenogenetic activation

O objetivo foi avaliar protocolos de maturação in vitro (MIV) para oócitos de cutias, seguida de fertilização in vitro (FIV) e ativação partenogenética (AP). Os oócitos imaturos (CCOs) foram obtidos por fatiamento do ovário, após OSH, e submetidos a três grupos: MAT - 16 (16 horas de maturação), MAT - 20 (20 horas de maturação) e MAT - 24 (24 horas de maturação), em incubadora de cultivo a 38,8°C, com atmosfera de 5% de CO2 e 95% de umidade relativa. A maturação foi analisada pela presença do primeiro corpúsculo polar. Em seguida, os CCOs maduros foram submetidos à FIV, com período de coincubação dos CCOs e dos espermatozoides de 15h, a 38,8ºC e 5% de CO2, e AP com ionomicina. Os grupos de MIV foram analisados utilizando-se o teste qui-quadrado e, nos experimentos de FIV e AP, foram analisadas a taxa de clivagem e a proporção de desenvolvimento embrionário. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando-se o programa SAS. Houve diferença significativa entre os grupos de maturação, tendo os grupos MAT - 20 e MAT - 24 apresentado maior porcentagem de oócitos maturados in vitro. As taxas de clivagem e de desenvolvimento embrionário foram de 8,6% e 2,9%, respectivamente, na FIV, e de 63,6% e 15,1%, na AP. Entretanto, nos dois casos, o embrião não passou do estágio de mórula.(AU)

The objective was to evaluate IVM protocols for agouti oocytes, followed by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and parthenogenetic activation (PA). The immature oocytes (CCOs) were obtained by slicing the ovary after OSH and submitted to three groups: MAT - 16 (16 hours maturation), MAT - 20 (20 hours maturation) and MAT - (24 hours maturation), in a culture incubator at 38.8°C, with an atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 95% relative humidity. The maturation was analyzed by the presence of the first polar corpuscle. Then, mature CCOs were submitted to IVF, with co-incubation period of CCOs and spermatozoa from 15h to 38.8°C and 5% of CO2, and PA with inomycin. The IVM groups were analyzed using the chi-square test and in the FIV and PA experiment the rate of cleavage and the rate of embryonic development were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS program. There was a significant difference between the maturation groups, and the MAT - 20 and MAT - 24 groups showed a higher percentage of matured oocytes in vitro. The rates of cleavage and embryonic development were 8.6% and 2.9%, respectively in FIV and 63.6% and 15.1% in PA. However, in both cases the embryo did not pass beyond the morula stage.(AU)

Activation of K+ channel by 1-EBIO rescues the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells from Ca2+ ionophore-induced cell death

Ion channels in carcinoma and their roles in cell proliferation are drawing attention. Intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i)-dependent signaling affects the fate of cancer cells. Here we investigate the role of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel (SK4) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells (HNSCCs) of different cell lines; SNU-1076, OSC-19 and HN5. Treatment with 1 microM ionomycin induced cell death in all the three cell lines. Whole-cell patch clamp study suggested common expressions of Ca(2+)-activated Cl- channels (Ano-1) and Ca(2+)-activated nonselective cation channels (CAN). 1-EBIO, an activator of SK4, induced outward K+ current (ISK4) in SNU-1076 and OSC-19. In HN5, ISK4 was not observed or negligible. The 1-EBIO-induced current was abolished by TRAM-34, a selective SK4 blocker. Interestingly, the ionomycin-induced cell death was effectively prevented by 1-EBIO in SNU-1076 and OSC-19, and the rescue effect was annihilated by combined TRAM-34. Consistent with the lower level of ISK4, the rescue by 1-EBIO was least effective in HN5. The results newly demonstrate the role of SK4 in the fate of HNSCCs under the Ca2+ overloaded condition. Pharmacological modulation of SK4 might provide an intriguing novel tool for the anti-cancer strategy in HNSCC.

Ginsenoside Rg1 Attenuates Isoflurane-induced Caspase-3 Activation via Inhibiting Mitochondrial Dysfunction / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The inhalation anesthetic isoflurane has been shown to induce mitochondrial dysfunction and caspase activation, which may lead to learning and memory impairment. Ginsenoside Rg1 is reported to be neuroprotective. We therefore set out to determine whether ginsenoside Rg1 can attenuate isoflurane-induced caspase activation via inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We investigated the effects of ginsenoside Rg1 at concentrations of 12.5, 25, and 50 μmol/L and pretreatment times of 12 h and 24 h on isoflurane-induced caspase-3 activation in H4 naïve and stably transfected H4 human neuroglioma cells that express full-length human amyloid precursor protein (APP) (H4-APP cells). For mitochondrial dysfunction, we assessed mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) and adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) levels. We employed Western blot analysis, chemiluminescence, and flowcytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Here we show that pretreatment with 50 µmol/L ginsenoside Rg1 for 12 h attenuated isoflurane-induced caspase-3 activation and mitochondrial dysfunction in H4-APP cells, while pretreatment with 25 and 50 µmol/L ginsenoside Rg1 for 24 h attenuated isoflurane-induced caspase-3 activation and mitochondrial dysfunction in both H4 naïve and H4-APP cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These data suggest that ginsenoside Rg1 may ameliorate isoflurane-induced caspase-3 activation by inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction. Pending further studies, these findings might recommend the use of ginsenoside Rg1 in preventing and treating isoflurane-induced neurotoxicity.</p>

Inhibitory effect of arctigenin on lymphocyte activation stimulated with PMA/ionomycin / 药学学报

This study investigated the effect of arctigenin (Arc) on the cell activation, cytokines expression, proliferation, and cell-cycle distribution of mouse T lymphocytes. Mouse lymphocytes were prepared from lymph node and treated with Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)/Ionimycin (Ion) and/or Arc. CD69, CD25, cytokines, proliferation and cell cycle were assayed by flow cytometry. The results showed that, at concentrations of less than 1.00 micromol x L(-1), Arc expressed non-obvious cell damage to cultured lymphocytes, however, it could significantly down-regulate the expression of CD69 and CD25, as well as TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 on PMA/Ion stimulated lymphocytes. At the same time, Arc could also inhibit the proliferation of PMA/Ion-activated lymphocytes and exhibited lymphocyte G 0/G1 phase cycle arrest. These results suggest that Arc possesses significant anti-inflammatory effects that may be mediated through the regulation of cell activation, cytokines expression and cell proliferation.

Application of chemical activation to in vitro fertilization by round spermatid injection in mice / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To search for an optimal activation protocol by comparing the chemical activation effects of single-activator and combined activation protocols on mouse oocytes following injection of round spermatids (ROSI) from spermatogenic cells cultured in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using different concentrations of ethanol, ionomycin (Ion), calcium ionophore A23187 (CIA), strontium chloride (SrCl2), cycloheximide (CHX), and 6-dimethylaminopurine (6-DMAP) , we activated post-ROSI oocytes for different times, and activated them by combined protocols at optimal concentrations and action times according to different activation channels. We compared the activation effects of single-activator and combined activation protocols by comparing the rates of fertilization, cleavages, and morulas and blastocysts.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>With a single activator, the optimal protocols of different activators were as follows: 7% ethanol for 6 min, 5 micromol/L CIA for 5 min, 5 micromol/L Ion for 5 min, 2 mmol/L 6-DMAP for 2 h, 10 mmol/L SrCl2 for 1.5 h, and 10 microg/ml CHX for 1.5 h, among which 10 mmol/L SrCl2 for 1.5 h achieved the highest rate of morulas and blastocysts, significantly better than CHX (P < 0.05) but with no remarkable difference from other activators. The ethanol + 6-DMAP group showed a significantly higher rate of morulas and blastocysts (29.63%) than all other combined activation groups and single-activator groups except SrCl2 (P < 0.05), and it also exhibited higher rates of normal fertilization, cleavages and morula than the SrCl2 group, but with no significant difference.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The single-activator 10 mmol/L SrCl2 for 1.5 h and the combined activation of 7% ethanol for 6 min + 2 mmol/L 6-DMAP for 2 h are the optimal protocols for chemical activation of mouse oocytes following ROSI, and the combined activation of ethanol + 6-DMAP is even superior to the single-activator protocol.</p>

Swiprosin-1 Expression Is Up-Regulated through Protein Kinase C-theta and NF-kappaB Pathway in T Cells

Swiprosin-1 exhibits the highest expression in CD8+ T cells and immature B cells and has been proposed to play a role in lymphocyte biology through actin remodeling. However, regulation of swiprosin-1 gene expression is poorly understood. Here we report that swiprosin-1 is up-regulated in T cells by PKC pathway. Targeted inhibition of the specific protein kinase C (PKC) isotypes by siRNA revealed that PKC-theta is involved in the expression of swiprosin-1 in the human T cells. In contrast, down-regulation of swiprosin-1 by A23187 or ionomycin suggests that calcium-signaling plays a negative role. Interestingly, swiprosin-1 expression is only reduced by treatment with NF-kappaB inhibitors but not by NF-AT inhibitor, suggesting that the NF-kappaB pathway is critical for regulation of swiprosin-1 expression. Collectively, these results suggest that swiprosin-1 is a PKC-theta-inducible gene and that it may modulate the late phase of T cell activation after antigen challenge.

NFATc1 and NFATc3 is Involved in the Expression of Receptor Activator of NF-kappaB Ligand in Activated T Lymphocytes

Receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) is an essential cytokine for osteoclast differentiation, activation and survival. T lymphocytes such as T17 cells, a subset of T helper cells that produce IL-17, play an important role in rheumatoid arthritic bone resorption by producing inflammatory cytokines and RANKL. It has not yet been clearly elucidated how T cell activation induces RANKL expression. T cell receptor activation induces the activation of nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) and expression of its target genes. In this study, we examined the role of NFAT in T cell activation-induced RANKL expression. EL-4, a murine T lymphocytic cell line, was used. When T cell activation was induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin, RANKL expression increased in a time-dependent manner. In the presence of cyclosporin, an inhibitor of NFAT activation, this PMA/ionomycin-induced RANKL expression was blocked. Overexpression of either NFATc1 or NFATc3 induced RANKL expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation results demonstrated that PMA/ionomycin treatment induced the binding of NFATc1 and NFATc3 to the mouse RANKL gene promoter. These results suggest that NFATc1 and NFATc3 mediates T cell receptor activation-induced RANKL expression in T lymphocytes.

Envolvimento dos fatores de transcrição NFAT na regulação de genes relacionados ao metabolismo lipídico, produção de mediadores inflamatórios e formação de corpúsculos lipídicos no adenocarcinoma de cólon / Involvement of NFAT transcription factors in the regulation of genes related to lipid metabolism, production of inflammatory mediators and lipid body formation in colon adenocarcinoma

O aumento da lipogênese é um fenótipo comum em vários carcinomas e está associado a um prognóstico ruim em alguns tipos de cânceres, incluindo o de cólon. O fator nuclear de células T ativadas (NFAT) foi inicialmente descrito com um fator de transcrição em células T. Atualmente sabe-se que o NFAT está envolvido na regulação do metabolismo celular e no processo de diferenciação de adipócitos, entretanto o envolvimento de NFAT na regulação do metabolismo lipídico em células tumorais ainda não foi avaliado. Alterações no metabolismo lipídico em células neoplásticas inclui a modulação de enzimas lipogênicas e acúmulo de corpúsculos lipídicos. Acreditava-se que essas organelas tinham seu papel restrito ao estoque e ao tráfego de lipídeos. No entanto, atualmente sabe-se que essas organelas também contêm enzimas, proteínas-quinases e outras proteínas, sugerindo um importante papel na sinalização celular. A enzima cicloxigenase-2 (COX-2) está presente em corpúsculo lipídicos e está envolvida na síntese de prostaglandina E2, mediador inflamatório com papel importante no desenvolvimento tumoral. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o envolvimento de NFAT na regulação de genes relacionados ao metabolismo lipídico produção de mediadores inflamatórios e formação de corpúsculo lipídicos no adenocarcinoma do cólon. Os nossos resultados indicam que dentre os genes avaliados células de câncer de cólon da linhagem HT-29 ativadas com ionomicina, ou com PMA e ionomicina apresentam aumento na expressão dos genes que codificam (i) a enzima FASN importante no metabolismo lipídico e que também está envolvida na tumorigênese de cólon; (ii) ADRP, proteína majoritária em corpúsculos lipídicos e (iii) COX-2 enzima relacionada à inflamação. O aumento da expressão de COX-2 foi acompanhado pelo aumento na síntese de PGE2 e formação de corpúsculo lipídicos. O uso da ciclosporina A (CsA) foi capaz de reverter o aumento na expressão gênica de FASN, COX2 e ADRP, bem como a síntese do PGE2, porém não alterou a formação de corpúsculo lipídicos nestas células. Estes dados indicam que NFAT pode ter um papel importante na regulação de genes relacionados ao metabolismo lipídico e na produção de PGE2, porém não mostrou-se essencial para a formação de corpúsculo lipídicos em células de câncer de cólon.

Ursolic acid inhibits T-cell activation through modulating nuclear factor-κ B signaling / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of ursolic acid (UA) on T-cell proliferation and activation, as well as to examine its effect on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in T cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>T-cells isolated from BALB/c mice were incubated with UA at concentrations ranging from 5-30 μmol/L in the presence of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or PMA plus ionomycin. The proliferation of T cells was measured by the MTT assay. The expressions of CD69, CD25, and CD71 on T-cell surface were analyzed using flow cytometry. The level of interleukin-2 (IL-2) in the culture supernatant of activated T cells was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The level of phosphorylated IκB-α (p-IκB-α) in total protein and p65, a subunit of NF-κB, nuclear translocation were measured by Western blot analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>UA in a dose-dependent manner significantly decreased the proliferation and inhibited the surface expressions of CD69, CD25, and CD71 in murine T lymphocytes upon in vitro activation (P<0.01). Significant reduction of IL-2 production was found in activated T cells treated with UA (P<0.01). The PMA-induced increase in p-IκB-α protein was inhibited, and nuclear translocation of p65 from the cytoplasm was blocked by UA.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>UA is a potent inhibitor for T cell activation and proliferation; these effects are associated with the inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway.</p>

Role of ADAM10 and ADAM17 in CD16b shedding mediated by different stimulators / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the main proteinases responsible for CD16b shedding under different stimulators.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HEK293 cell line stably expressing CD16b was constructed by lentivirus system. The cell line was then overexpressed with a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) or ADAM17, suppressed with short hairpin RNA of ADAM10 or ADAM17, and reconstituted with ADAM10 or ADAM17, respectively. After each treatment, the cell line was stimulated with ionomycin or phorbol 12-myristate- 13-acetate (PMA) for 12 hours. The soluble CD16b released from cell membrane was detected by immunoprecipition and immunoblot. Quantitation was then implemented to compare the amount of soluble CD16b in cell supernatant after stimulation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>HEK293 cell line stably expressing CD16b was successfully established. When CD16b expressing cell line was overexpressed with ADAM10, shedding of CD16b was increased after stimulation with ionomycin but not PMA; when the cell line overexpressed with ADAM17, shedding of CD16b was increased after stimulation with PMA but not ionomycin. Similarly, when ADAM10 was suppressed by short hairpin RNA, CD16b shedding was decreased after stimulation with ionomycin; when ADAM17 was suppressed by short hairpin RNA, CD16b shedding was decreased after stimulation with PMA. The shedding of CD16b was increased again when CD16b expressing cell line was reconstituted with ADAM10 and stimulated by ionomycin or reconstituted with ADAM17 and stimulated by PMA.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Both ADAM10 and ADAM17 could shed CD16b, but they possess differed preferences. ADAM10 is the main sheddase under stimulation of ionomycin, while ADAM17 is the main sheddase under stimulation of PMA.</p>

Effects of aegeline, a main alkaloid of aegle marmelos correa leaves, on the histamine release from mast cells

Aegeline or 7V-[2-hydroxy-2[4-methoxyphenyl] ethyl]-3-phenyl-2-propenamide is a main alkaloid isolated from Aegle marmelos Correa collected in Yogyakarta Indonesia. In our study, we investigated the effects of aegeline on the histamine release from mast cell. The study was performed by using [1] rat basophilic leukemia [RBL-2H3] cell line, and [2] rat peritoneal mast cells [RPMCs]. DNP[2]4-BSA, thapsigargin, ionomycin, compound 48/80 and PMA were used as inducers for histamine release from mast cell. In our study, aegeline inhibited the histamine release from RBL-2H3 cells induced by DNP24-BSA. Indeed, aegeline showed strong inhibition when RBL-2H3 cells induced by Ca[2+] stimulants such as thapsigargin and ionomycin. Aegeline is suggested to influence the intracellular Ca[2+] pool only since could not inhibit the [45]Ca[2+] influx into RBL-2H3 cells. Aegeline showed weak inhibitory effects on the histamine release from RPMCs, even though still succeed to inhibit when the histamine release induced by thapsigargin. These findings indicate that aegeline altered the signaling pathway related to the intracellular Ca[2+] pool in which thapsigargin acts. Based on the results, the inhibitory effects ofaegeYme on the histamine release from mast cells depended on the type of mast cell and also involved some mechanisms related to intracellular Ca[2+] signaling events via the same target of the action of thapsigargin or downstream process of intracellular Ca[2+] signaling in mast cells

Intracellular Ca2+ Mobilization and Beta-hexosaminidase Release Are Not Influenced by 60 Hz-electromagnetic Fields (EMF) in RBL 2H3 Cells

The effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) on intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and cellular function in RBL 2H3 cells were investigated. Exposure to EMF (60 Hz, 0.1 or 1 mT) for 4 or 16 h did not produce any cytotoxic effects in RBL 2H3 cells. Melittin, ionomycin and thapsigargin each dose-dependently increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The increase of intracellular Ca2+ induced by these three agents was not affected by exposure to EMF (60 Hz, 1 mT) for 4 or 16 h in RBL 2H3 cells. To investigate the effect of EMF on exocytosis, we measured beta-hexosaminidase release in RBL 2H3 cells. Basal release of beta-hexosaminidase was 12.3+/-2.3% in RBL 2H3 cells. Exposure to EMF (60 Hz, 0.1 or 1 mT) for 4 or 16 h did not affect the basal or 1 microM melittin-induced beta-hexosaminidase release in RBL 2H3 cells. This study suggests that exposure to EMF (60 Hz, 0.1 or 1 mT), which is the limit of occupational exposure, has no influence on intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and cellular function in RBL 2H3 cells.

Effects of corticosterone, cAMP, cGMP, Ca2+, and protein kinase C on apoptosis of mouse thymocytes induced by X-ray irradiation / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of signal factors of corticosterone (CS), cAMP, cGMP, Ca2+ andprotein kinase C (PKC) on lymphocyte apoptosis in mouse thymus induced by X-rays of 4 Gy in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The DNA lytic rate for thymocytes was measured by fluorospectrophotometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The DNA lyric rate for thymocytes 4-8 hours after irradiation with 2-8 Gy was significantly higher than that in the control (P<0.01). As compared with the control, the DNA lytic rate for thymocytes treated with 0.01 micromol/L CS (P<0.01), 50 ng/mL cAMP (P<0.01), 0.05-0.4 microg/mL ionomycin (Iono, P<0.05 or P<0.01) or 0.05-0.4 ng/mL phorbol myristate acetate (PMA, P<0.05 or P<0.01), respectively, was significantly increased, while the rate for thymocytes treated with 50 ng/mL cGMP was not significantly increased. The DNA lytic rate for thymocytes treated with 0.01 micromol/L CS (P<0.01), 50 ng/mL cAMP (P<0.01), 0.2 and 0.4 microg/mL Iono (P<0.05), and 0.2 and 0.4 ng/mL PMA (P<0.05) plus 4-Gy irradiation, respectively, was significantly higher than that treated with single 4-Gy irradiation, while the rate for thymocytes treated with 50 ng/mL cGMP plus 4-Gy irradiation was not increased. When both 0.4 microg/mL Iono and 0.4 ng/mL PMA acted on the thymocytes, the DNA lytic rate for thymocytes was significantly higher than that in the control (P<0.01), the DNA lytic rate for thymocytes treated with both 0.4 microg/mL Iono and 0.4 ng/mL PMA plus 4-Gy irradiation was significantly higher than that treated with single 4-Gy irradiation (P<0.05), but was not significantly higher than that treated with 0.4 microg/mL Iono plus 4-Gy irradiation or 0.4 ng/mL PMA plus 4-Gy irradiation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CS, cAMP, Ca2+, and PKC signal factors can promote thymocyte apoptosis induced by larger dose X-rays.</p>

Oocyte activation and preimplantation development of bovine embryos obtained by specific inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases

The efficiency of bohemine and roscovitine in combination with ionomycin on parthenogenetic activation and initial embryonic development of bovine oocytes was studied. Two experiments were performed: in the first, different concentrations (0, 50, 75 or 100æM) and different exposure periods (2, 4 or 6 hours) to bohemine or roscovitine were tested for activation rates of in vitro matured (IVM) bovine oocytes, which were pre-exposed to ionomycin. The best treatments, 75µM bohemine and 50µM roscovitine, both for 6h, were used in the second experiment, in which IVM bovine oocytes were exposed to ionomycin, followed or not by bohemine or roscovitine treatment, and evaluated for nuclear status, activation rate and blastocyst development were assessed. The combined treatments (ionomycin + cyclin-dependent kinases inhibitors - CDKIs) showed better results for activation rates (77.3 percent) and initial embryonic development (35.2 percent) than the single ionomycin treatment (69.4 percent for activation and 21.9 percent for development); and also lead to a more uniform activation (nearly 90 percent single pronucleus development). The results showed that CDKIs improve the effects of ionomycin on parthenogenetic activation and blastocyst development in bovine oocytes and could help to achieve more efficient activation protocols, increasing the developmental competence of embryos obtained by reproductive biotechniques.

Realizaram-se dois experimentos para avaliar a eficiência da bohemina e roscovitina associadas à ionomicina para ativação partenogenética e desenvolvimento embrionário inicial de bovinos. No primeiro, foram testadas diferentes concentrações (0, 50, 75 ou 100æM) e diferentes tempos de exposição (2, 4 ou 6 horas) à bohemina ou à roscovitina na ativação de oócitos bovinos maturados in vitro (MIV) pré-expostos à ionomicina. Os melhores tratamentos, bohemina 75µM e roscovitina 50µM, ambos por seis horas, foram utilizados no segundo experimento, no qual oócitos bovinos MIV foram expostos à ionomicina seguido ou não pelo tratamento com inibidores específicos das quinases dependentes de ciclina (CDKI), e avaliados quanto à configuração nuclear, taxa de ativação e desenvolvimento até blastocisto. Os tratamentos combinados (ionomicina+CDKI) apresentaram melhor taxa de ativação (77,3 por cento) e desenvolvimento embrionário inicial (35,2 por cento) do que a ionomicina sozinha (69,4 por cento e 21,9 por cento, respectivamente), e também promoveram ativação mais uniforme (aproximadamente 90 por cento de formação de um pronúcleo). Estes resultados demonstram que os CDKIs potencializam o efeito da ionomicina na ativação e desenvolvimento embrionário inicial e podem auxiliar na obtenção de protocolos de ativação mais eficientes, aumentando a capacidade de desenvolvimento de embriões produzidos por meio de biotécnicas reprodutivas.

Alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone Protects Pancreatic Islet Dysfunction by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in vitro / 대한이식학회지

PURPOSE: The alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) has been shown to interact with various cells of the immune and inflammatory system and down-regulate either the production or the action of the pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this study, we investigated the potential of alpha-MSH on preventing pancreatic islet cell from death and dysfunction by inflammatory cytokines released from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in rat. METHODS: Rat pancreatic islets were co-cultured with PBMCs, stimulated by phorbol myrstic acid and ionomycin. alpha-MSH was treated to PBMCs for 2 hours before co-culture. Viability and apoptosis of islets were observed by MTT and FACS. Inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) were measured. Insulin release from islet co-cultured with mononuclear cells was checked for the islet function. RESULTS: In comparison to control group, viability of islets with alpha-MSH treated mononuclear cells was increased and apoptosis was reduced significantly. Inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-1beta were reduced in alpha-MSH-treated group. NO production in alpha-MSH-treated group was decreased. Insulin secretory function of islet was recovered in condition of alpha-MSH treatment. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that alpha-MSH protects cell death and preserves the secretory function of pancreatic islet cells from the pro-inflammatory reaction of mononuclear cells, and may have the potential to improve the graft survival in clinical islet transplantation.

Effect about Neurite Extension of FS390, an Inhibitor of Exocytosis in Rat Hippocampal Neurons and PC12 Cells / 대한해부학회지

FS390, a novel microbial metabolite from Streptomyces spp. was identified as a small molecular substance and shown a inhibition activities for the release of neurotransmitter from rat hippocampal neuron and PC12 cells. FS390 is an inhibitor of trifiated norepinephrine ([3H]-NE) release in high K+ buffer solution containing ionomycin, indicating that FS390 inhibits neurotransmitter release after the influx of Ca2+ ions. When examined the effect of FS390 on beta-glucuronidase release from guinea pig neurophils, FS390 inhibited beta-glucuronidas release: when treated with 5 microgram/mL of FS390, which was not induced cellular cytotoxicity. The fact that the beta-glucuronidase release in neutrophil and norepinephrine release in neuron was inhibited suggests the similarity in the locations and the mechanisms of FS390 action targets. When treated with 5 microgram/mL of FS390, [3H]-NE release and neurite extension for both rat hippocampal neurons and PC12 cells were prevented. These observations of FS390 functioning as an inhibitor of neurotransmitter release suggest that FS390 has an important role in synaptic transmission in neuron.

Screening of Low Molecular Metabolite, FS390 as an Inhibitor of Neurotransmitter Release from PC12 Cells / 대한해부학회지

We established an in vitro experimental system using the following procedure. We first introduced tritium-labeled norepinephrine ([3H]-NE) into PC12 cells. The [3H]-NE incorporated-PC12 cells were stimulated by a high concentration (60 mM) of K+ buffer during 12 minutes. Then, we collected 100 microliter supernatant and counted the amount of [3H]-NE release from PC12 cells with a scintillation counter. After screening fungal, Streptomyces spp. or bacterial product using this experimental sytem, we obtained FS390 from Streptomyces spp. which inhibited [3H]-NE release from PC12 cells. FS390 also inhibits the release of ATP as a neurotransmitter of PC12 cells and rat cortical neurons. The inhibitory effect was seen even when the PC12 cells were treated with low K+ buffer containing ionomycin (1 micrometer) as an ionopore. This result suggests that the inhibitory action of FS390 on neurotransmitter release appeared after the influx of Ca2+.

The Number of NKT and NK Cells in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is Decreased: Association with the Pathogenesis for SLE / 대한신장학회잡지

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of chronic autoimmune diseases of which the central pathophysiologic derangement has not been yet established. Recently, it has been suggested that immune-regulatory cells might affect the development of autoimmune diseases such as SLE and RA. NKT cells were reported to be strong candidate for regulatory cells to regulate immune responses in vivo. To elucidate the roles of immune regulatory cells in the pathogenesis of SLE, we investigated the fractional distribution and functional status of NK and NKT cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of SLE patients and healthy volunteers. METHODS: Twenty-two SLE patients and 18 age-matched healthy volunteers were included in this study. The analysis for NK and NKT cells fraction in PBMCs of patients and normal controls were performed by flow cytometric analysis. In addition, to explore the functional status of these cells in SLE patients, we stimulated PBMCs using phorbol ester and ionomycin and measured cytoplasmic IL-4 and IFN-gamma by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The number (percentage) of NK cells was lower in SLE patients (CD3-CD56+: 4.93+/-1.30%, CD3-CD94+: 4.03+/-1.00%) than in controls (11.28+/-1.77%, 8.15+/-1.40%; p< 0.01, respectively). Peripheral NK cell numbers negatively correlated with anti-dsDNA Ab levels (r=-0.431, p< 0.05) and ESR (r= -0.475, p< 0.05). However, the percentage of these cells was not correlated with renal activity or corticosteroid doses. SLE patients showed, compared with controls, significantly decreased numbers of NKT cells (CD3+CD56+: 1.79+/-0.42% vs 5.04+/-0.44%, CD3+CD94+: 1.21+/-0.27% vs 4.39+/-0.45%; p< 0.01, respectively). The cytoplasmic expression of IL-4 and IFN-gamma in NK and NKT cells of SLE patients stimulated using phorbol ester and ionomycin were almost similar to those of normal controls, suggesting the NKT cells from SLE patients are functionally intact. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that the decreased numbers of immune regulatory cells were associated with the immune dysregulation of SLE patients. The cellular replacement of NKT cells may be one of useful therapeutic approaches for autoimmune diseases such as SLE.

Elevated monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in patients with Behcet's disease / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) belongs to C-C subfamily of chemokines, which stimulates the migration of monocytes. MCP-1 exerts various effects on the monocytes, including the induction of integrin and tissue factor, and synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines and arachidonic acid. In this study, we measured the MCP-1 levels in patients with Behcet's disease and evaluated the associations between the levels of MCP-1 and the level of other chemokines and various clinical features of Behcet's disease. METHODS: Serum samples were obtained from 67 patients with Behcet's disease and 30 healthy controls. Simultaneously, whole blood was isolated from patients (n=25) with Behcet's disease and healthy controls (n=11) and cultured in 24 well plates for 48 hours in the absence or presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 5 microgram/mL, phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) 5 microgram/mL, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) 50 ng/mL + ionomycin 5 microgram/mL. The MCP-1 concentrations were measured in the sera and culture supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The levels of serum MCP-1 were 2.5 times higher in patients with Behcet's disease than healthy controls. The patients with Behcet's disease had also higher levels of MCP-1 in the culture supernatants of whole blood cells, stimulated with LPS, but not with either PHA or PMA plus ionomycin, compared to healthy controls. Serum MCP-1 levels (n=67) were strongly correlated with serum RANTES, MIP-1alpha, IL-8 levels in Behcet's disease. In addition, the production of MCP-1 by whole blood culture from Behcet's disease patients (n=25) were also correlated well with those of RANTES, MIP-1alpha, and IL-8, when stimulated with LPS. However, MCP-1 levels in the sera and culture supernatants did not show any association with various clinical features of Behcet's disease including oral ulcer, genital ulcer, erythema nodosum, arthritis, uveitis, intestinal involvement, central nervous system involvement, and vascular thrombosis. CONCLUSION: In the sera and culture supernatants of whole blood stimulated with LPS, MCP-1 levels were higher in patients with Behcet's disease than controls and correlated well with RANTES, MIP-1alpha, IL-8 levels. These results suggest that the activation and migration of monocytes triggered by the increased production of MCP-1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of Behcet's disease.

The Effect of Acethylcholine on the Slow Motility Induced by High Potassium Ion and Increased Intracellular Calcium in Outer Hair Cells / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It has been known that the motility of the outer hair cell controls the physiological characteristics of the organ of Corti. Motility can be divided into two different types: fast and slow motility. Slow motility can be induced by high concentration of KCl and increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration. In this study, authors aimed to define the effect of acetylcholine, one of the efferent neurotransmitters, on the slow motility of the outer hair cells of guinea pig. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Outer hair cells were isolated from guinea pigs by enzymatic and mechanical dissociation. The length of the hair cells was recorded by CCD camera equipped on an inverted microscope. Slow motility was induced by 10 (micro)M of ionomycin and 150 mM of KCl. Carbamylcholine (1 mM), a non-hydrolyzable derivative of acetylcholine, was used to observe the effect of acetylcholine and choline chloride (1 mM) was used as control. RESULTS: The length of outer hair cell was decreased after adding 150 mM of KCl and increased after adding 10 (micro)M of ionomycin. Stimulation of carbamylcholine (1 mM) did not induce the length change of the outer hair cells. Preincubation of 1 mM of carbamylcholine also did not affect the length change induced by ionomycin or KCl in outer hair cells. CONCLUSION: We could suggest that carbamylcholine does not have an effect on the slow motility of outer hair cell induced by the change of osmotic pressure which was elicited by high potassium, or intracellular Ca2+ increase.