B1 mRNA Levels Research Articles

Antifibrotic effect of silymarin in rat secondary biliary fibrosis is mediated by downregulation of procollagen α1(I) and TIMP-1

Background/Aims : Silymarin reduces hepatic collagen accumulation by 35% in rats with secondary biliary cirrhosis. The aim of the present study was to explore its antifibrotic mechanism. Methods : Thirty female adult Wistar rats were allocated to (1) bile duct occlusion, (2) bile duct occlusion and oral silymarin at 50 mg/kg per day, and (3) sham operation and oral silymarin at 50 mg/kg per day. Steady-state mRNA levels for procollagen α1(I), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), and transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 were determined by multi-probe ribonuclease protection assay. Results : After 6 weeks of bile duct occlusion, liver collagen content was increased 12-fold, when compared with the sham-operated controls. These animals displayed 17-, 6.5- and 16-fold higher transcript levels for procollagen α1(I), TIMP-1 and TGF β1 ( P <0.01). Silymarin downregulated elevated procollagen α1(I), TIMP-1 and TGF β1 mRNA levels by 40–60% ( P <0.01). These lowered hepatic profibrogenic transcript levels correlated with decreased serum levels of the aminoterminal propeptide of procollagen type III. Conclusions : Silymarin suppresses expression of profibrogenic procollagen α1(I) and TIMP-1 most likely via downregulation of TGF β1 mRNA in rats with biliary fibrosis. The serum procollagen type III propeptide level mirrors profibrogenic mRNA expression in the liver.

Cell cycle was disturbed in the MNNG-induced initiation stage during in vitro two-stage transformation of Balb/3T3 cells

In vitro two-stage transformation, an important method for the screening of carcinogens, is a valuable approach for the mechanistic study of multi-stage carcinogenesis. However, very little is known about the molecular and cellular mechanisms, particularly in terms of cell cycle control during in vitro two-stage transformation. We improved the in vitro two-stage transformation method using N-methyl- N′-nitro- N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) as an initiator and cadmium as a promoter, and reconfirmed the promotional effect of cadmium (Fang et al., 2001a). To determine the alterations of cell cycle control in the MNNG-induced initiation stage during transformation, we examined the effects of MNNG on Balb/3T3 A31 cell growth, and determined the alterations of the protein and/or mRNA levels of cyclins B1, D1, E, and G, PCNA, GADD45, p27, and wild-type p53. After 4 hour treatment of MNNG, populations of G2/M phase distribution and apoptotic fraction and the cyclin G mRNA level increased, while the cyclin B1 mRNA level decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. Wild-type p53, p27, and GADD45 protein levels also increased as a function of MNNG concentrations. However, cyclin D1, cyclin E, and PCNA expressions remained unchanged. During the initiation stage, PCNA protein expression decreased on the first day after MNNG-treatment, then increased gradually during the following 6 days, and further increased on the first day after cadmium treatment. Although wild-type p53 and p27 protein expressions also showed temporary retardation on the first day after MNNG-treatment, the expressions increased gradually during the following 6 days, but decreased rapidly by the cadmium treatment. These results indicated that during the initiation stage, MNNG induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis with increased expressions of wild-type p53, p27, and GADD45 proteins; and down-regulated mRNA level of cyclin B1 and up-regulated mRNA level of cyclin G. In addition, although a few of the G2/M-arrested cells proliferated gradually, most cells continued to be suppressed and inactivated by the over-expressions of wild-type p53 and p27 until the cadmium treatment.

Glucocorticoids increase sodium pump alpha(2)- and beta(1)-subunit abundance and mRNA in rat skeletal muscle.

Fourteen-day adrenal steroid treatment increases [(3)H]ouabain binding sites 22-48% in muscle biopsies from patients treated with adrenal steroids for chronic obstructive lung disease and in rats treated with dexamethasone (Dex). Ouabain binding measures plasma membrane sodium pumps (Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase) with isoform-dependent affinity. In this study we have established the specific pattern of Dex regulation of sodium pump isoform protein and mRNA levels in muscle. Rats were infused with Dex (0.1 mg/kg per day) or vehicle for 14 days. Abundance of sodium pump catalytic alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-subunits and glycoprotein beta(1)- and beta(2)-subunits was determined by immunoblot in soleus, extensor digitorum longus, whole gastrocnemius, and diaphragm and was normalized to the mean vehicle control value. Dex increased alpha(2) and beta(1) protein in all muscle types by 53-78% and ~50%, respectively. Dex increased alpha(1) protein only in diaphragm (65 +/- 7%). At the mRNA level in whole hindlimb muscle, Dex increased alpha(2) (6.4 +/- 0.5-fold) and beta(1) (1.54 +/- 0.15-fold) and decreased beta(2) (to 0.36 +/- 0.6 of control). In summary, alpha(2)beta(1) is the Dex-responsive pump in all skeletal muscles, and changes in alpha(2) and beta(1) mRNA levels can drive the 50% change in alpha(2)beta(1)-subunits, which can account for the reported increase in [(3)H]ouabain binding.

The expression of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor ligand ghrelin in normal and abnormal human pituitary and other neuroendocrine tumors.

Ghrelin is a recently identified endogenous ligand of the GH secretagogue (GHS) receptor. It was originally isolated from the stomach, but has also been shown to be present in the rat hypothalamus. It is a 28-amino acid peptide with an unusual octanoylated serine 3 at the N-terminal end of the molecule, which is crucial for its biological activity. Synthetic GHSs stimulate GH release via both the hypothalamus and the pituitary, and the GHS receptor (GHS-R) has been shown by us and others to be present in the pituitary. We investigated whether ghrelin messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and peptide are present in the normal human hypothalamus and in normal and adenomatous human pituitary. RNA was extracted from pituitary tissue removed at autopsy and transsphenoidal surgery (n = 62), and ghrelin and GHS-R type 1a and 1b mRNA levels were investigated using real-time RT-PCR. Both ghrelin and GHS-R mRNA were detected in all samples. Corticotroph tumors showed significantly less expression of ghrelin mRNA, whereas GHS-R mRNA levels were similar to those in normal pituitary tissue. Gonadotroph tumors showed a particularly low level of expression of GHS-R mRNA. Immunohistochemistry, using a polyclonal antibody against the C-terminal end of the ghrelin molecule, revealed positive staining in the homolog of the arcuate nucleus in the human hypothalamus and in both normal and abnormal human pituitary. Pituitary tumor ghrelin peptide content was demonstrated using two separate RIA reactions for the N-terminal and C-terminal ends of the molecule. Both forms were present in normal and abnormal pituitaries, with 5 +/- 2.5% octanoylated (active) ghrelin (mean +/- SD) present as a percentage of the total. We suggest that the presence of ghrelin mRNA and peptide in the pituitary implies that the locally synthesized hormone may have an autocrine/paracrine modulatory effect on pituitary hormone release.

The tumour suppressor protein p53 can repress transcription of cyclin B.

The tumour suppressor protein p53 has functions in controlling the G(1)/S and G(2)/M transitions. Central regulators for progression from G(2) to mitosis are B-type cyclins complexed with cdc2 kinase. In mammals two cyclin B proteins are found, cyclin B1 and B2. We show that upon treatment of HepG2 cells with 5-fluorouracil or methotrexate, p53 levels increase while concentrations of cyclin B2 mRNA, measured by RT-PCR with the LightCycler system, are reduced. In DLD-1 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (DLD-1-tet-off-p53) cyclin B1 and B2 mRNA levels drop after expression of wild-type p53 but not after induction of a DNA binding-deficient mutant of p53. Analysis of the cyclin B2 promoter reveals specific repression of this gene by p53. Transfection of wild-type p53 into SaOS-2 cells shuts off transcription from a cyclin B2 promoter-luciferase construct whereas a p53 mutant protein does not. The cyclin B2 promoter does not contain a consensus p53 binding site. Most of the p53-dependent transcriptional responsiveness resides in its 226 bp core promoter. Taken together with earlier observations on p53-dependent transcription of cyclin B1, our results suggest that one way of regulating G(2) arrest may be a reduction in cyclin B levels through p53-dependent transcriptional repression.

Corticosteroids regulate 5-HT 1A but not 5-HT 1B receptor mRNA in rat hippocampus

The role of mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors (MR and GR, respectively) in the regulation of serotonin receptors has not been clearly delineated. There is no consensus regarding the regulation of 5-HT 1A receptors, and corticosteroid regulation of 5-HT 1B mRNA has not been previously studied. We compared the effects of long-term (two week) adrenalectomy (no MR or GR activation) and several hormone replacement protocols designed to stimulate MR selectively (ALDO), MR and GR (HCT), and continuous MR with cyclical GR activation (SHAM adrenalectomy). 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 1B mRNAs were measured by in situ hybridization in hippocampus and raphe nuclei. None of the experimental manipulations altered 5-HT 1B mRNA levels in the hippocampus or dorsal raphe, and also had no effect on 5-HT 1A mRNA in dorsal or median raphe. However, 5-HT 1A mRNA levels were regulated in a complex manner in the different subfields of hippocampus. We conclude that both MR and GR play an integrated role in regulating 5-HT 1A mRNA levels in hippocampus while having no effect on 5-HT 1B mRNA levels under these conditions.

An initiator element mediates autologous downregulation of the human type A gamma -aminobutyric acid receptor beta 1 subunit gene.

The regulated expression of type A gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABA(A)R) subunit genes is postulated to play a role in neuronal maturation, synaptogenesis, and predisposition to neurological disease. Increases in GABA levels and changes in GABA(A)R subunit gene expression, including decreased beta1 mRNA levels, have been observed in animal models of epilepsy. Persistent exposure to GABA down-regulates GABA(A)R number in primary cultures of neocortical neurons, but the regulatory mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we report the identification of a TATA-less minimal promoter of 296 bp for the human GABA(A)R beta1 subunit gene that is neuron specific and autologously down-regulated by GABA. beta1 promoter activity, mRNA levels, and subunit protein are decreased by persistent GABA(A)R activation. The core promoter, 270 bp, contains an initiator element (Inr) at the major transcriptional start site. Three concatenated copies of the 10-bp Inr and its immediate 3' flanking sequence produce full neural specific activity that is down-regulated by GABA in transiently transfected neocortical neurons. Taking these results together with those of DNase I footprinting, electrophoretic mobility shift analysis, and 2-bp mutagenesis, we conclude that GABA-induced down-regulation of beta1 subunit mRNAs involves the differential binding of a sequence-specific basal transcription factor(s) to the Inr. The results support a transcriptional mechanism for the down-regulation of beta1 subunit GABA(A)R gene expression and raises the possibility that altered levels of sequence-specific basal transcription factors may contribute to neurological disorders such as epilepsy.

HuR regulates cyclin A and cyclin B1 mRNA stability during cell proliferation.

Colorectal carcinoma RKO cells expressing reduced levels of the RNA-binding protein HuR (ASHuR) displayed markedly reduced growth. In synchronous RKO populations, HuR was almost exclusively nuclear during early G(1), increasing in the cytoplasm during late G(1), S and G(2). The expression and half-life of mRNAs encoding cyclins A and B1 similarly increased during S and G(2), then declined, indicating that mRNA stabilization contributed to their cell cycle-regulated expression. In gel-shift assays using radiolabeled cyclin RNA transcripts and RKO protein extracts, only those transcripts corresponding to the 3'-untranslated regions of cyclins A and B1 formed RNA-protein complexes in a cell cycle-dependent fashion. HuR directly bound mRNAs encoding cyclins A and B1, as anti-HuR antibodies supershifted such RNA-protein complexes. Importantly, the expression and half-life of mRNAs encoding cyclins A and B1 were reduced in ASHuR RKO cells. Our results indicate that HuR may play a critical role in cell proliferation, at least in part by mediating cell cycle-dependent stabilization of mRNAs encoding cyclins A and B1.

Differential adaptation of brain 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 1B receptors and 5-HT transporter in rats treated chronically with fluoxetine

Quantification of receptor binding sites and their encoding mRNAs, and electrophysiological recordings, were used to assess central serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission in rats 24 h after a 2–3 week treatment with the selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (8 mg/kg i.p., daily). Binding studies showed that this treatment affected neither 5-HT 1A nor 5-HT 1B binding sites in all brain areas examined. However, a significant decrease (−38%) in 5-HT 1A mRNA levels in the anterior raphe area (but not forebrain regions) and increases in 5-HT 1B mRNA levels in the striatum (+127%) and the cerebral cortex (+34%) were noted in fluoxetine-treated rats. Electrophysiological recordings in brain slices showed that chronic fluoxetine treatment reduced the potency of the 5-HT 1A agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin to inhibit neuronal activity in the dorsal raphe nucleus, but did not affect 5-HT 1A-evoked responses of CA1 pyramidal cells in the hippocampus. These data further demonstrate that fluoxetine-induced adaptive changes in 5-HT neurotransmission exhibit marked regional differences. The decrease in 5-HT 1A mRNA levels in the anterior raphe suggests that fluoxetine-induced desensitization of 5-HT 1A autoreceptors involves changes at the transcription level.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids up-regulate hepatic scavenger receptor B1 (SR-BI) expression and HDL cholesteryl ester uptake in the hamster

Diets rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids lower plasma HDL cholesterol concentrations when compared to diets rich in saturated fatty acids. We investigated the mechanistic basis for this effect in the hamster and sought to determine whether reduced plasma HDL cholesterol concentrations resulting from a high polyunsaturated fat diet are associated with a decrease in reverse cholesterol transport. Animals were fed semisynthetic diets enriched with polyunsaturated or saturated fatty acids for 6 weeks. We then determined the effect of these diets on the following parameters: 1) hepatic scavenger receptor B1 (SR-BI) mRNA and protein levels, 2) the rate of hepatic HDL cholesteryl ester uptake, and 3) the rate of cholesterol acquisition by the extrahepatic tissues (from de novo synthesis, LDL and HDL) as a measure of the rate of reverse cholesterol transport. Compared to saturated fatty acids, dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids up-regulated hepatic SR-BI expression by ∼50% and increased HDL cholesteryl ester transport to the liver; as a consequence, plasma HDL cholesteryl ester concentrations were reduced. Although dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids increased hepatic HDL cholesteryl ester uptake and lowered plasma HDL cholesterol concentrations, there was no change in the cholesterol content or in the rate of cholesterol acquisition (via de novo synthesis and lipoprotein uptake) by the extrahepatic tissues.▪These studies indicate that substitution of polyunsaturated for saturated fatty acids in the diet increases SR-BI expression and lowers plasma HDL cholesteryl ester concentrations but does not affect reverse cholesterol transport.—Spady, D. K., D. M. Kearney, and H. H. Hobbs. Polyunsaturated fatty acids up-regulate hepatic scavenger receptor B1 (SR-BI) expression and HDL cholesteryl ester uptake in the hamster. J. Lipid Res. 1999. 40: 1384–1394.

Bacterial cell wall polymers promote intestinal fibrosis by direct stimulation of myofibroblasts.

Normal luminal bacteria and bacterial cell wall polymers are implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic intestinal inflammation. To determine the direct involvement of bacteria and their products on intestinal fibrogenesis, the effects of purified bacterial cell wall polymers on collagen and cytokine synthesis were evaluated in intestinal myofibroblast cultures established from normal fetal and chronically inflamed cecal tissues. In this study, the intestines of Lewis rats were intramurally injected with peptidoglycan-polysaccharide polymers. Collagen and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 mRNA levels were measured and correlated with mesenchymal cell accumulation by immunohistochemistry. The direct effects of cell wall polymers on fibrogenic cytokine and collagen alpha1 (type I) expression were evaluated in intestinal myofibroblast cultures. We found that intramural injections of bacterial cell wall polymers induced chronic granulomatous enterocolitis with markedly increased collagen synthesis and concomitant increased TGF-beta1 and interleukin (IL)-6 expression. Intestinal myofibroblast cultures were established, which both phenotypically and functionally resemble the mesenchymal cells that are involved in fibrosis in vivo. Bacterial cell wall polymers directly stimulated collagen alpha1 (I), TGF-beta1, IL-1beta, and IL-6 mRNA expression in the intestinal myofibroblasts derived from both normal and inflamed cecum. Neutralization of endogenous TGF-beta1 inhibited in vitro collagen gene expression. From our results, we conclude that increased exposure to luminal bacterial products can directly activate intestinal mesenchymal cells, which accumulate in areas of chronic intestinal inflammation, thus stimulating intestinal fibrosis in genetically susceptible hosts.

In Vivo IL-12 Production and IL-12 Receptors β1 and β2 mRNA Expression in the Spleen Are Differentially Up-Regulated in Resistant B6 and Susceptible A/J Mice During Early Blood-StagePlasmodium chabaudiAS Malaria

AbstractAs previously reported, blood-stage Plasmodium chabaudi AS malaria is lethal by days 10–12 postinfection in susceptible A/J mice that mount an early, predominantly Th2 response. In contrast, resistant C57BL/6 (B6) mice clear the infection by 4 wk with an early Th1 response. In this study, we analyzed in vivo production of IL-12, a potent Th1-inducing cytokine, during the first 5 days after P. chabaudi AS infection in these mice. By day 2, serum IL-12 p70 levels were significantly increased in B6 mice over basal levels and were also significantly higher compared with A/J mice that showed no significant changes in serum p70 levels after infection. Splenectomy of resistant B6 mice before infection demonstrated that the spleen is the major source of systemic IL-12 in these hosts. Splenic mRNA levels of both p40 and p35 were significantly higher in A/J mice; however, the ratios of p40/p35 mRNA levels were similarly up-regulated in both strains. Furthermore, B6 but not A/J mice showed significant up-regulation of splenic IL-12R β2 mRNA over basal levels by days 3 and 4, coincident with sustained up-regulation of splenic IFN-γ mRNA levels on days 3–5. However, IL-12R β1 mRNA levels in the spleen were similarly up-regulated in both mouse strains by day 3. Taken together, these data suggest that high systemic IL-12 production, accompanied by an early and sustained up-regulation of both IL-12R β1 and β2 mRNA levels in the spleen, as occurs in resistant B6 mice, appears to preferentially induce protective Th1 responses against blood-stage malaria.

GABA A receptor β2 and β3 subunits mRNA in the hippocampal formation of aged human brain with Alzheimer-related neuropathology

Our work on the role of glutamate in Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related neuronal vulnerability and death provided significant insight into the potential contribution of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter system as it participates in countering the neurotoxic effects of excessive glutamate receptor stimulation. Our previous studies demonstrate that β2/3 GABA A receptor subunit immunoreactivity is relatively well preserved in hippocampi with AD pathology. To further elucidate the molecular basis for this observation, we employed in situ hybridization histochemistry to examine the levels of β2 and β3 receptor subunit mRNAs in the hippocampus of 19 elderly subjects presenting with a broad range of pathologic severity (i.e., Braak stage I–VI). Semi-quantitative analysis with film autoradiograms revealed that β2 mRNA signal was highest in the granule cell layer, CA2 and CA1 subfields, while β3 mRNA hybridization was highest in the granule cell layer, followed by CA2≥CA3≥CA1 regions. No significant difference in β2 mRNA expression was detected among the pathologically mild, moderate or severe groups. In contrast, levels of β3 mRNA in the pathologically severe group was significantly decreased compared to the mild group within all subregions examined except CA4. Our data suggest that alterations in the expression of GABA A receptor subunits in the AD hippocampus differ between specific receptor subunits with the amount of β2 mRNA being relatively well-preserved, while β3 mRNA levels were decreased.

Effect of manidipine hydrochloride, a calcium antagonist, on isoproterenol-induced left ventricular hypertrophy.

We examined the effect of a calcium antagonist, manidipine hydrochloride, on cardiac hypertrophy and the expression of the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), and extracellular matrix protein genes in rats with isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Rats were continuously infused with saline or isoproterenol (0.5 mg/kg per day) for 7 days using an osmotic minipump. Treatment with manidipine hydrochloride (once a day at 3 mg/kg) began 1 day before minipump implantation and continued until the end of the experiments (each group; n = 6). After treatment, left ventricular weight was measured and mRNA was extracted and analyzed by Northern blot hybridization. Isoproterenol increased left ventricular weight (2.40 +/- 0.04 g/kg; p < 0.01) without increasing blood pressure. ANP, collagen type I and type III, and fibronectin mRNAs were increased 1.5-(p < 0.01), 1.9- (p < 0.01), 2.7- (p < 0.01), and 3.2-fold (p < 0.01), respectively, by isoproterenol infusion. However, TGF-beta 1, collagen type IV, and laminin B1 and B2 mRNA levels were unchanged by isoproterenol. Manidipine hydrochloride prevented isoproterenol-induced left ventricular hypertrophy (2.26 +/- 0.02 g/kg; p < 0.01) and expression of mRNA of ANP (0.9-fold of the control value; p < 0.01), collagen types I (1.1-fold; p < 0.01) and type III (1.6-fold; p < 0.01), and fibronectin (1.1-fold; p < 0.01). Thus, manidipine hydrochloride prevented cardiac hypertrophy and changes in the expression of genes for ANP and interstitial components of extracellular matrix induced by isoproterenol.

Regulation of Na + channel β1 and β2 subunit mRNA levels in cultured rat astrocytes

Using quantitative competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we found an increased level of Na + channel β1 (Na β1) mRNAs in spinal cord astrocytes and in the B50 neuroblastoma cell line after exposure to 1 mM dibutyryl cAMP. In contrast, the calcium ionophore (1 μM A23187) did not affect Na β1 mRNA levels in these cells. Further, we amplified full length coding region of Na + channel β2 (Na β2) mRNA from rat optic nerve and cultured astrocytes using RT-PCR. It appeared that the Na β2 mRNA level was increased by dibutyryl cAMP, but not by A23187, in spinal cord astrocytes. These findings suggest that the Na β1 and Na β2 mRNA levels in spinal cord astrocytes are influenced by increased cAMP but not by calcium.

Expression of laminin chain-specific gene transcripts in mouse uterine tissues during peri-implantation period

Laminin may be involved in uterine re-organization and embryo attachment to the uterine wall during the peri-implantation period. In the present study using a competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the precise expression patterns of laminin chain (A, B1, and B2)-specific mRNAs were examined in mouse uterine tissues during the peri-implantation period. Although Northern blot hybridization failed to detect laminin A chain mRNA in mouse uterus, RT-PCR analysis showed that laminin A chain mRNA was present even at the lower level compared with B1 and B2 chain mRNA levels. Competitive RT-PCR revealed that approximately 3 x 10(6), 3.6 x 10(7), and 4 x 10(8) copies of A, B1, and B2 chain mRNA transcripts were present in 1 microgram of total RNA isolated from the uterus. During pregnancy, the A chain mRNA level was significantly increased only from day 6 after post-hCG when embryo attachment and decidualization started. Elevated level of A chain mRNA was sustained thereafter. Laminin A chain mRNA synthesized at this period was mainly originated from stroma decidual cells. The discrete elevation of laminin A chain mRNA level was also observed after estrogen stimulation in the delayed implantation model. Estrogenic stimulation to ovariectomized, progesterone-treated pregnant mice resulted in about a three-fold increase of laminin A chain mRNA levels. In contrast to A chain mRNA, both B1 and B2 chain mRNA levels were insignificantly altered during the peri-implantation period and delayed implantation by an estrogenic stimulation. Taken together, our results for the first time demonstrate that: (1) laminin A chain mRNA as well as B chain mRNAs is expressed in mouse uterus, (2) its mRNA level is significantly increased along with implantation process, and (3) ovarian steroids, especially estrogen, are likely to be involved in the regulation of laminin gene expression in the uterus.

Regulation of laminin chain gene expression by ovarian steroid hormones in uterine tissues of ovariectomized mice

To precisely analyze the role of ovarian steroids in the regulation of laminin chain gene expression in mouse uterine tissues, the ovariectomized mouse model was used. Ovariectomized mice received a single injection of steroid hormones and total RNA was isolated from whole uterine tissues. Messenger RNA levels of each laminin chain (A, B1, and B2) were determined by competitive RT‐PCR procedures. Estradiol decreased mRNA levels of laminin B1 chain about two‐fold, and B2 chain rather moderately. Estradiol‐induced inhibition of laminin B1 and B2 chain mRNA levels were completely blocked by pretreatment with estrogen receptor antagonist tamoxifen. Estriol, a short acting estrogen which cannot induce hyperplastic responses of rodent uterine tissues, also showed an inhibitory effect on B1 and B2 chain mRNA levels, while estrone, an inactive estrogen, failed to influence either B chain mRNA levels. Effects of steroids on A chain mRNA level were quite different from those on B chains. Laminin A chain mRNA level ...

Differential expression of isomorphic HLA-DRβ genes is not a sole function of transcription

Cells expressing HLA DR7 contain two functional DRβ genes, DRB1 and DRB4, whose mRNA is present at different levels. We examined whether the mRNA levels are due to differential transcriptional regulation or post-transcriptional regulation. As part of this analysis, a novel series of upstream elements was identified. Analysis of the proximal promoter activity, using a transient expression system, showed that the isomorphic promoter activities of B1 and B4 are about equal. RNase protection analysis of steady-state pre-mRNA and mRNA levels shows that the DR7 B1 pre-mRNA levels are 3 to 4 fold higher than B4 pre-mRNA levels. However, the B1 mRNA levels are increased seven fold relative to the B4 mRNA levels. The disproportionate increase of the mRNA levels relative to the corresponding pre-mRNA levels indicates that regulation also occurs at the posttranscriptional level. Human Immunology 50, 111–120 (1996)

Antifibrogenic Effect of A Deletion Variant of Hepatocyte Growth Factor on Liver Fibrosis in Rats

Hepatic fibrosis, which may lead to cirrhosis, is associated with most chronic liver diseases. Current therapies for hepatic fibrosis are, however, generally ineffective. In this report we assessed the efficacy of the treatment of hepatic fibrosis with a naturally occurring deletion variant of hepatocyte growth factor (dHGF). The administration of dHGF increased liver weight and suppressed the increase of hepatic collagen content in rats treated with dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) to induce hepatic fibrosis. Furthermore, dHGF exerted its mitogenic and antifibrogenic activities even after the liver fibrosis had been established with DMN. Northern blot analysis showed that dHGF suppressed the increase of messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of procollagen α2(I), αl(III), α1(IV), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF–β1), desmin (a marker of hepatic lipocytes), and α–smooth muscle (sm)–actin (a marker of activated hepatic lipocytes). In addition to suppressing the elevated TGF–β1, mRNA level in hepatic fibrosis, dHGF had a potent ability to decrease TGF–β1 mRNA level even in a normal liver. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that desmin–positive cells and α–sm–actin–positive cells were increased in the hepatic fibrosis, whereas neither cells were seen in livers of DMN–treated rats given dHGF. We conclude that dHGF prevents and improves the DMN–induced hepatic fibrosis in rats by reducing mRNA levels of procollagens and TGF–β1, by inhibiting an activation of hepatic lipocytes, and by stimulating liver regeneration. dHGF may be useful for and applicable to the treatment of fibrosis in chronic liver diseases.

Regulation of β-adrenoceptor density and mRNA levels in the rat heart cell-line H9c2

The regulation of the expression of beta-adrenoceptor (beta-ARs) is not thoroughly understood. We demonstrate that the rat heart cell-line H9c2 expresses both beta 1- and beta 2-ARs. In radioligand-binding experiments, the maximal binding capacity of (-)-[125I]-iodocyanopindolol was determined as 18 +/- 0.6 fmol/mg of protein with a KD of 35.4 +/- 4.1 pM. Competitive radioligand-binding experiments with subtype-specific beta-antagonists reveal a subtype ratio of beta 1- to beta 2-ARs of 29%: 71%. With competitive reverse-transcriptase PCR we found beta 2-mRNA to be up to 1600 times more frequent than beta 1-mRNA. Treatment of the H9c2 cell-line with the beta-adrenergic agonist (-)-isoproterenol (10(-6) M), the antagonist (-)-propranolol (10(-6) M) and the glucocorticoid dexamethasone (500 nM) induces regulatory effects on both the beta-AR protein and mRNA level. Isoproterenol treatment leads to down-regulation of the total receptor number by 56 +/- 4%, due to a decrease in beta 2-ARs, while maintaining the beta 1-AR number constant. On the transcription level, both beta 1-and beta 2-mRNAs are decreased by 30% and 42% respectively. mRNA stability measurements reveal a reduced half-life of beta 2-mRNA from 9.3 h to 6.5 h after isoproterenol treatment. Incubation of cells with (-)-propranolol does not affect the amounts of beta-ARs and their mRNAs. Dexamethasone induces a 1.8 +/- 0.2-fold increase in beta-AR number over the basal level as well as a 1.9 +/- 0.2-fold increase in the amount of beta 2-mRNA. Because the half-life of beta 2-mRNA was unaffected by dexamethasone, the increased beta 2-mRNA level must be due to an enhanced transcription rate. The beta 1-mRNA levels are unchanged during dexamethasone-incubation of the cells. Our data clearly demonstrate that treatment of H9c2 rat heart cells with isoproterenol and dexamethasone induces alterations in the level of RNA stability as well as gene transcription, leading to altered receptor numbers.