Competitive Inhibition Of Binding Research Articles

Autocrine production of TGF-alpha and TGF-beta during tumour progression of rat oral keratinocytes.

This study describes a new technique to separate transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) from culture supernatants using ion exchange chromatography; assays of competitive inhibition of ligand binding were used to quantify the amount of growth factor. The method was simple, inexpensive and did not require large volumes of culture medium. The autocrine production of TGF-alpha and TGF-beta was examined in oral keratinocyte cell lines derived from the palatal and lingual mucosa of rats painted with the carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline N-oxide (4NQO). Escape from cellular senescence (immortality) was associated with a marked increase in TGF-alpha production (cell line R2P) but tumour progression, as reflected by the development of anchorage independence in agarose gels and tumorigenicity in athymic mice, did not result in a consistent increase or decrease of TGF-alpha production compared to normals. Four cell lines (R8AP, R1T, R3T, R1P), with different functional cellular phenotypes, produced two to three times more TGF-alpha than normals. TGF-alpha production was inversely correlated to epidermal growth factor cell surface receptor expression. The autocrine production of TGF-beta was variable with the majority of cell lines producing markedly little TGF-beta; three cell lines (R4T, R8BP, R9T) produced more TGF-beta than normals. The production of TGF-beta was unrelated to tumour progression, the expression of TGF-beta cell surface receptors or TGF-alpha production. The results indicate that the autocrine production of TGF-alpha and TGF-beta are not accurate markers of tumour progression in the rat 4NQO model of oral carcinogenesis.

Characterization of Adrenergic Receptors in Membranes from the Rat Seminal Vesicle

Characterization of adrenergic receptors in membranes from the rat seminal vesicle was studied by radioligand binding assay. Seminal vesicle membranes contained saturable and high affinity binding sites for the β-adrenergic receptor antagonist 3H-dihydroalprenolol (3H-DHA) and for the α-adrenergic antagonist 3H-prazosin. The observed order of potency for adrenergic agonists in competing for the 3H-DHA binding sites: isoproterenol > epinephrine—salbutamol≃ norepinephrine indicates that these membrane receptors have the properties of β2-adrenergic receptors. α1-Adrenergic receptors were defined mainly as α1A subtypes by demonstrating their insensitivity to pretreatment with chlorethylclonidine and the different rank orders of antagonist affinities. No significant binding sites for the α2-adrenergic receptor agonist 3H-clonidine were observed. The GTP-induced reduction in the affinity of α,-adrenergic receptors for epinephrine was significantly reversed by the muscarinic cholinergic agonist carbachol. Atropine effectively antagonized this effect of carbachol on the competitive inhibition of 3H-prazosin binding by epinephrine in the presence of GTP, which suggests that muscarinic cholinergic receptors regulate the affinity of α,-adrenergic receptors by modulating the effect of guanine nucleotides. The effect of GTP on decreasing the affinity of β2-adrenergic receptors was not influenced by the addition of carbachol.

Trapping of genes induced upon growth arrest after treatment with antiestrogen or retinoids using retroviral promoter trap

Although chemopreventive anti-steroids such as the antiestrogens are thought to act through competitive inhibition of agonist binding to estrogen receptors, it has been postulated that the estrogen receptor changes its conformation when bound to a strong antiestrogen such as ICI-164,384. We hypothesized that such conformationally changed receptors could bind specific recognition sequences in the genome and activate specific genes that might be involved in growth arrest. In order to identify such genes with a functional assay, we used a retroviral gene trap U3lacZ. We have now isolated MCF-7 breast cancer cell line clones in which the lacZ reporter gene is inserted into the genes activated by either ICI-164,384 or retinoic acid. One such clone, B4, was further characterized. In B4, lacZ activity is induced by ICI-164,384 or trans-retinoic acid, and repressed after treatment with estradiol. Cloning of the 5′-flanking genomic sequence in this clone will be possible using polymerase chain reaction.

Characterization of the binding of [ 3H](+)-pentazocine to σ recognition sites in guinea pig brain

The selective σ compound (+)-pentazocine was radiolabeled and its binding characteristics in guinea pig brain membranes were investigated. [ 3H](+)-Pentazocine bound to a single high-affinity site with a K D of 2.9 nM and a B max of 1998 fmol/mg protein. Saturation was achieved at a ligand concentration of 15 nM. Maximal specific binding was observed at 37°C and was greater than 90% of total binding. Equilibrium was reached by 120 min and dissociation was complete by 420 min, with a t 1,2 of 121 min. Li +, Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ inhibited binding at high concentrations, and binding was insensitive to adenyl and guanyl nucleotides. Stereoselectivity was observed for the inhibition of binding by benzomorphans, 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-propylpiperidine and butaclamol, and the (+) enantiomers and α diastereomers of pentazocine and cyclazocine were more potent than their corresponding (−) enantiomers and β diastereomers. The rank order of potency for the σ reference agents to displace [ 3H](+)-pentazocine binding was similar to that reported using the [ 3H]σ ligands dextromethorphan, 1,3-di(2-tolyl)guuanidine and (+)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-propylpiperidine. Haloperidol, (+)-pentazocine, (+)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-propylpiperidine and rimcazole were competitive inhibitors of binding to the [ 3H](+)-pentazocine-defined σ recognition site, suggesting that these different structural classes of compounds all bind to a single molecular entity.

Fibronectin-binding protein of Streptococcus pyogenes: sequence of the binding domain involved in adherence of streptococci to epithelial cells.

The sequence of the fibronectin-binding domain of the fibronectin-binding protein of Streptococcus pyogenes (Sfb protein) was determined, and its role in streptococcal adherence was investigated by use of an Sfb fusion protein in adherence studies. A 1-kb DNA fragment coding for the binding domain of Sfb protein was cloned into the expression vector pEX31 to produce an Sfb fusion protein consisting of the N-terminal part of MS2 polymerase and a C-terminal fragment of the streptococcal protein. Induction of the vector promoter resulted in hyperexpression of fibronectin-binding fusion protein in the cytoplasm of the recombinant Escherichia coli cells. Sequence determination of the cloned 1-kb fragment revealed an in-frame reading frame for a 268-amino-acid peptide composed of a 37-amino-acid sequence which is completely repeated three times and incompletely repeated a fourth time. Cloning of one repeat into pEX31 resulted in expression of small fusion peptides that show fibronectin-binding activity, indicating that one repeat contains at least one binding domain. Each repeat exhibits two charged domains and shows high homology with the 38-amino-acid D3 repeat of the fibronectin-binding protein of Staphylococcus aureus. Sequence comparison with other streptococcal ligand-binding surface proteins, including M protein, failed to reveal significant homology, which suggests that Sfb protein represents a novel type of functional protein in S. pyogenes. The Sfb fusion protein isolated from the cytoplasm of recombinant cells was purified by fast protein liquid chromatography. It showed a strong competitive inhibition of fibronectin binding to S. pyogenes and of the adherence of bacteria to cultured epithelial cells. In contrast, purified streptococcal lipoteichoic acid showed only a weak inhibition of fibronectin binding and streptococcal adherence. These results demonstrate that Sfb protein is directly involved in the fibronectin-mediated adherence of S. pyogenes to epithelial cells.

Complementary peptide to the carboxyl-terminal tetrapeptide of gastrin

Codons of noncoding DNA strands for peptides have been found to code for amino acids with hydropathic properties opposite to those of the native peptides. Synthetic peptides, designated as complementary peptides, with amino acid sequences coded by noncoding DNA strands of several peptide hormones have been shown to bind the native peptides. In some instances, antibodies to these complementary peptides have shown agonist or antagonist properties of the native hormones. In this study a peptide was synthesized based on codons complementary to messenger RNA for the carboxyl-terminal gastrin tetrapeptide. This complementary peptide bound radiolabeled human gastrin (G17). Antibodies to the complementary peptide competitively inhibited the binding of 125I-gastrin by canine fundic mucosal membrane preparations. These antibodies also showed gastrin agonist properties in that they stimulated canine gastric mucosal parietal cell [14C]aminopyrine uptake, used as an index of stimulation of gastric acid secretion. Competitive inhibition of 125I-gastrin binding by membrane receptors for gastrin and stimulation of [14C]-aminopyrine uptake by antibodies to the complementary peptide for the gastrin tetrapeptide are consistent with their recognition, binding, and occupancy of gastrin receptors.

Stabilization of follicle-stimulating hormone-receptor complexes may involve calcium-dependent transglutaminase activation

Calcium-dependent transglutaminase (TGase) activity, determined by incorporation of [1,4- 14C]di-aminobutane dihydrochloride (putrescine) into casein, was demonstrated in a light membrane fraction prepared from bovine calf testicular homogenates. Purification of these membranes by sucrose density gradient centrifugation produced a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor-enriched fraction containing TGase activity which cosolubilized with the FSH receptor and could be incorporated with detergent-solubilized receptor into liposomes. In the present study, we show that calcium increases specific binding of FSH to receptor in a concentration-related manner, and is associated with an increase (13.2-fold at 20 mM) in the affinity ( K a) of the receptor with no significant ( P>0.05) change in receptor concentration. Treatment of the light membrane fraction with monodansylcadaverine (MDC, 1 mM), a specific inhibitor of TGase, did not affect specific binding of FSH, but resulted in only a 3.9-fold increase in K a at 20 mM calcium with no change in receptor concentration. Specific binding of FSH to receptor at 4°C was also enhanced by calcium. Scatchard analysis of competitive binding inhibition data showed a K a at 20 mM calcium similar to that observed with MDC. Dissociation of [ 125I]hFSH-receptor complexes formed at 30°C in the presence of calcium was significantly less than dissociation of complexes formed at 30°C in the absence of calcium. When [ 125I]hFSH-receptor complexes were formed at 30°C in the presence of calcium and dissociated in calcium-deficient buffer, dissociation increased 3-fold. Similar results were obtained in the presence of MDC. The ability of both calcium and the TGase inhibitor MDC to modulate FSH binding and dissociation suggests that calcium- and temperature-dependent TGase activity may explain the progressively irreversible binding of FSH to its receptor observed in earlier studies conducted at 30°C or above. Our data support a model whereby calcium may stabilize binding of FSH to its testicular receptor via activation of TGase-catalysed isopeptide bond formation.

Characterization of angiotensin-II receptor subtype on bovine thecal cells and its regulation by luteinizing hormone.

In this study the primary objectives were to localize angiotensin-II (AII) receptors on specific ovarian cells and determine whether these receptors are regulated by LH. AII receptor analysis, carried out using membrane fractions prepared from isolated thecal, granulosa, and luteal cells from bovine ovary, revealed that [125I]AII-binding sites were present only on thecal cells. The Kd and binding capacity were determined to be 0.29 +/- 0.08 nM and 66.9 +/- 8.1 fmol/mg membrane protein (mean +/- SEM from three experiments, each with duplicate determinations), respectively. None of the peptides unrelated to AII affected the binding of [125I]AII. Unlabeled AII, saralasin, and AIII were equipotent (IC50, approximately 5 nM for all three peptides) in competing with the radioligand. However, the binding affinity for AI was less by almost 2 log units. Using AII receptor subtype-specific nonpeptide antagonists, Losartan [a selective antagonist for the type 1 AII (AT1) receptor] and PD 123319 [a selective antagonist for the type 2 AII (AT2) receptor], AII receptors on thecal cells could be classified pharmacologically as AT2-type receptors. The IC50 determined from the competitive binding inhibition experiments for the various unlabeled competing substances were 5 nM, 20 nM, 200 nM, and 200 microM with respect to AII, p-amino-phenylalanine-AII, PD123319, and Losartan, respectively. Thecal cells cultured in a serum-free medium also expressed AII receptors, which could be up-regulated by LH or 8-bromo-cAMP in a dose-dependent manner. The number of AII receptors on thecal cells nearly doubled when the cells were cultured in the presence of 100 ng/ml LH, with little change in their Kd value. This increase in the number of AII receptors was inhibitable by a protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide. In summary, we have demonstrated that in the bovine ovary, AII receptors belonging to AT2 subclass are predominantly expressed on thecal cells, and these receptors can be up-regulated by LH via a cAMP-dependent mechanism. Thus, the bovine thecal cells in primary culture can potentially become a useful in vitro system to study the mechanism of regulation of AII receptor induction as well as the so far unknown function of this class of receptor.

Characterization of angiotensin-II receptor subtype on bovine thecal cells and its regulation by luteinizing hormone

In this study the primary objectives were to localize angiotensin-II (AII) receptors on specific ovarian cells and determine whether these receptors are regulated by LH. AII receptor analysis, carried out using membrane fractions prepared from isolated thecal, granulosa, and luteal cells from bovine ovary, revealed that [125I]AII-binding sites were present only on thecal cells. The Kd and binding capacity were determined to be 0.29 +/- 0.08 nM and 66.9 +/- 8.1 fmol/mg membrane protein (mean +/- SEM from three experiments, each with duplicate determinations), respectively. None of the peptides unrelated to AII affected the binding of [125I]AII. Unlabeled AII, saralasin, and AIII were equipotent (IC50, approximately 5 nM for all three peptides) in competing with the radioligand. However, the binding affinity for AI was less by almost 2 log units. Using AII receptor subtype-specific nonpeptide antagonists, Losartan [a selective antagonist for the type 1 AII (AT1) receptor] and PD 123319 [a selective antagonist for the type 2 AII (AT2) receptor], AII receptors on thecal cells could be classified pharmacologically as AT2-type receptors. The IC50 determined from the competitive binding inhibition experiments for the various unlabeled competing substances were 5 nM, 20 nM, 200 nM, and 200 microM with respect to AII, p-amino-phenylalanine-AII, PD123319, and Losartan, respectively. Thecal cells cultured in a serum-free medium also expressed AII receptors, which could be up-regulated by LH or 8-bromo-cAMP in a dose-dependent manner. The number of AII receptors on thecal cells nearly doubled when the cells were cultured in the presence of 100 ng/ml LH, with little change in their Kd value. This increase in the number of AII receptors was inhibitable by a protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide. In summary, we have demonstrated that in the bovine ovary, AII receptors belonging to AT2 subclass are predominantly expressed on thecal cells, and these receptors can be up-regulated by LH via a cAMP-dependent mechanism. Thus, the bovine thecal cells in primary culture can potentially become a useful in vitro system to study the mechanism of regulation of AII receptor induction as well as the so far unknown function of this class of receptor.

Characterization of the zinc binding site of bacterial phosphotriesterase.

The bacterial phosphotriesterase has been found to require a divalent cation for enzymatic activity. This enzyme catalyzes the detoxification of organophosphorus insecticides and nerve agents. In an Escherichia coli expression system significantly higher concentrations of active enzyme could be produced when 1.0 mM concentrations of Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Cd2+ were included in the growth medium. The isolated enzymes contained up to 2 equivalents of these metal ions as determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The catalytic activity of the various metal enzyme derivatives was lost upon incubation with EDTA, 1,10-phenanthroline, and 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid. Protection against inactivation by metal chelation was afforded by the binding of competitive inhibitors, suggesting that at least one metal is at or near the active site. Apoenzyme was prepared by incubation of the phosphotriesterase with beta-mercaptoethanol and EDTA for 2 days. Full recovery of enzymatic activity could be obtained by incubation of the apoenzyme with 2 equivalents of Zn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, or Mn2+. The 113Cd NMR spectrum of enzyme containing 2 equivalents of 113Cd2+ showed two resonances at 120 and 215 ppm downfield from Cd(ClO4)2. The NMR data are consistent with nitrogen (histidine) and oxygen ligands to the metal centers.

ATP induces two cholecystokinin binding affinity states in permeabilized rat pancreatic acini.

The influence of adenine and guanine nucleotides on cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor binding was examined in streptolysin O-permeabilized rat pancreatic acini. Specific binding of tracer to intact acini was 12.1 +/- 0.4% per milligram protein, while permeabilized acini bound 34.6 +/- 2.9% (n = 7). The increase in binding was also seen when normalized to DNA. Binding to permeabilized acini was reduced by the presence of 1 mM ATP to 23.0 +/- 1.3%. Analysis of competitive inhibition of tracer binding by unlabeled CCK-8 was consistent with binding to two affinity states on intact acini, with the equilibrium dissociation constants for the high (KdH)- and low (KdL)-affinity states equal to 41 +/- 5 pM and 5.2 +/- 0.4 nM, respectively; permeabilized acini displayed a single binding site with Kd = 598 +/- 40 pM. In the presence of 1 mM ATP, two states were seen on permeabilized acini with KdH = 85 +/- 11 pM and KdL = 2.7 +/- 0.6 nM. ATP, ATP gamma S, GTP, and GTP gamma S all inhibited binding, with half-maximal inhibition occurring at greater than 1 mM, 21 microM, 5 microM, and 0.4 microM, respectively. GTP gamma S (1 microM) also induced two affinity states with KdH = 112 +/- 7 pM and KdL = 1.5 +/- 0.2 nM (n = 3). Binding of CCK to pancreatic membranes was also decreased by ATP, and a similar regeneration of two binding affinity states was observed. ATP also decreased binding of [125I-Tyr4]bombesin to permeabilized acini, but in contrast did not generate two measurable binding affinity states.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Tris inhibits (+)-[ 3H]SKF-10,047 binding to σ receptors

Tris-HCl is the most commonly used buffer in studies of radioligand binding to σ receptors, with concentrations as high as 50 or 100 mM often used. We report here that these concentrations of Tris substantially inhibit (+)-[ 3H]SKF-10,047 binding to σ receptors. The well-established inhibitory effect of Tris-HCl on ligand binding to PCP receptors did not contribute to the presently reported inhibition of (+)-[ 3H]SKF-10,047 binding. The IC 50 of Tris, determined in the presence of 10 mM potassium phosphate buffer, was 15.4±1.2 mM ( n=3, pH 8.0, 25°C, 1 nM radioligand). Equilibrium saturation studies revealed an apparent competitive inhibition of binding.

Atrial natriuretic factor in experimental cirrhosis in rats

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is a cardiac hormone with potent natriuretic, diuretic, and vasorelaxant properties. Although abnormalities in ANF release, plasma level, and renal receptors have been described in humans and/or animals with cirrhosis and ascites, little is known about the ANF hormonal system in cirrhosis without ascites. The aim of this study was to examine the ANF hormonal system in an animal model of cirrhosis to determine whether compensated cirrhosis is associated with changes in the ANF hormonal system. Pair-fed rats were studied 5–7 weeks after either sham surgery or bile duct ligation. Bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats had elevated portal pressure and cirrhosis but did not have ascites. ANF messenger RNA levels were increased onefold in the atria of BDL rats. Sham-operated and BDL rats had similar plasma ANF levels. Competitive binding inhibition studies of isolated glomeruli showed a single class of receptors in sham-operated and BDL rats. The equilibrium dissociation constant was similar in sham-operated (0.51 nmol/L) and BDL (0.63 nmol/L) rats. Glomerular ANF receptor density increased significantly in BDL rats. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate generation in isolated glomeruli in response to 100 nmol/L ANF decreased slightly but not significantly in BDL rats. It was concluded that the ANF hormonal system is altered in cirrhosis without ascites; atrial messenger RNA level and glomerular ANF receptor density are increased.

Atrial natriuretic factor in experimental cirrhosis in rats

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is a cardiac hormone with potent natriuretic, diuretic, and vasorelaxant properties. Although abnormalities in ANF release, plasma level, and renal receptors have been described in humans and/or animals with cirrhosis and ascites, little is known about the ANF hormonal system in cirrhosis without ascites. The aim of this study was to examine the ANF hormonal system in an animal model of cirrhosis to determine whether compensated cirrhosis is associated with changes in the ANF hormonal system. Pair-fed rats were studied 5-7 weeks after either sham surgery or bile duct ligation. Bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats had elevated portal pressure and cirrhosis but did not have ascites. ANF messenger RNA levels were increased onefold in the atria of BDL rats. Sham-operated and BDL rats had similar plasma ANF levels. Competitive binding inhibition studies of isolated glomeruli showed a single class of receptors in sham-operated and BDL rats. The equilibrium dissociation constant was similar in sham-operated (0.51 nmol/L) and BDL (0.63 nmol/L) rats. Glomerular ANF receptor density increased significantly in BDL rats. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate generation in isolated glomeruli in response to 100 nmol/L ANF decreased slightly but not significantly in BDL rats. It was concluded that the ANF hormonal system is altered in cirrhosis without ascites; atrial messenger RNA level and glomerular ANF receptor density are increased. (Gastroenterology 1992 Apr;102(4 Pt 1):1356-62)

Carbohydrate binding specificity of monoclonal antibodies raised against lactose-protein Maillard adducts.

Three hybridoma antibodies (L101, L104, and L117) specific for lactose-protein amino carbonyl products (Maillard adducts) were obtained by immunizing mice with the lactose-ovalbumin Maillard adduct and by screening with the lactose-bovine serum albumin (BSA) adduct. They reacted with the Maillard adducts of lactose with several different proteins, but not with the adducts of several other reducing sugars. L101 reacted well with the lactose-BSA adducts formed by 2- to 16-day incubation, whereas L104 and L117 reacted with the advanced stage reaction products but not with the adducts of 2-day incubation. The competitive inhibition of the antibody binding by several mono- and disaccharides showed that lactulose (4-O-beta-D-galactopylanosyl-D-fructose) was the best inhibitor for all three antibodies, and that L104 and L117 were inhibited by methyl-beta-D-galactoside more effectively than L101. These results suggested that different components produced during the progress of the Maillard reaction could be antigenic determinants, and that the carbohydrate moiety including the terminal galactosyl residue played an important role in the antibody binding to the lactose-protein Maillard adducts.

Functional endothelin 1 receptors on human glomerular podocytes and mesangial cells.

To determine if endothelin 1 (Et1) receptors are present in human glomeruli, and which glomerular cells possess these receptors, 125I Et1 binding to isolated glomeruli and cultured glomerular mesangial and epithelial cells was studied. The latter were identified as podocytes. We demonstrated that Et1 binds specifically and reversibly to isolated human glomeruli and to cultured glomerular mesangial and epithelial cells. Scatchard analysis of competitive inhibition of 125I Et1 binding gave the following results (m +/- SEM, n = 3): isolated glomeruli, Kd = 4.2 +/- 2.1 x 10(-10) M, Bmax = 8.1 +/- 1.2 x 10(10) sites/mg protein; mesangial cells, Kd = 5.2 +/- 1.5 x 10(-10) M, Bmax = 1.87 +/- 0.49 x 10(4) sites/cell; epithelial cells, Kd = 7.2 +/- 1.5 x 10(-10) M, Bmax = 2.46 +/- 0.15 x 10(4) sites/cell. These receptors seem to be functional, since in both mesangial and epithelial cells Et1 induces a rapid and transient increase in intracellular [Ca2+]i. All these results indicate that Et1 may regulate glomerular filtration rate through an autocrine-paracrine pathway on mesangial cells and on podocytes.

Competitive interactions at [ 3H]1,3-DI(2-tolyl) guanidine (DTG)-defined σ recognition sites in guinea pig brain

In saturation binding experiments, (+)pentazocine, (+)3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-propylpiperidine (3-PPP), haloperidol and rimcazole did not inhibit the binding of [ 3H]DTG in a purely competitive fashion. Although Scatchard analysis indicated that [ 3H]DTG bound to a single site, the inhibition curves of some, but not all, reference compounds exhibited Hill coefficients of less than 0.8. The Scatchard data were consistent with a model of hyperbolic competitive inhibition of binding to the [ 3H]DTG-defined σ site, although other possibilities such as negative cooperativity or binding to two sites cannot be definitively excluded. Compounds from numerous pharmacological and structural classes inhibited the binding of [ 3H]DTG, suggesting that interactions of [ 3H]DTG with other receptors may have confounded the Scatchard analysis of the binding of [ 3H]DTG to σ recognition sites.

The effect of inhibitors of platelet aggregation on the metabolism of platelet‐activating factor (PAF) in washed rabbit platelets

The rabbit platelet metabolizes platelet-activating factor (PAF) intracellularly. PAF is deacetylated to produce lysoPAF which, in turn, can be acylated to produce 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (alkylacyl GPC). Some PAF receptor antagonists have been shown to inhibit this metabolic conversion. In the present study we examined whether the PAF receptor antagonists SRI 63-441 and WEB 2086 would inhibit the metabolism of PAF by intact rabbit platelets. In addition, we examined whether iloprost, a stable analogue of prostaglandin I2 (PGI2), and a potent inhibitor of platelet activation induced by a range of agonists, would also inhibit PAF metabolism. We found that SRI 63-441 and WEB 2086 caused an almost complete inhibition of the conversion of PAF to alkylacyl GPC. Iloprost caused up to a 50% inhibition of PAF metabolism compared to antagonist-free controls. Iloprost (and PGI2) is thought to inhibit platelet response by elevation of cAMP, while receptor antagonists act by blocking PAF binding to its receptor. Since iloprost caused partial inhibition of PAF metabolism, the results of this study suggest that inhibition of PAF metabolism does not occur solely due to competitive inhibition of PAF binding to its receptor.

Immunogenicity of Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

To evaluate the immunogenic potential of gadolinium-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, Sprague-Dawley rats were sensitized with gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) dimeglumine and with Gd-DTPA covalently linked to either human serum albumin, dextran, or polylysine. IgG antibodies directed against Gd-DTPA were detected in immune sera by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and were confirmed by competitive inhibition of antibody binding using free Gd-DTPA dimeglumine. Antiserum induced by immunization with human serum albumin-(Gd-DTPA) was characterized by a monophasic competition curve with 50% inhibition (IC50) = 5.5 x 10(-4) M when Gd-DTPA dimeglumine was used as both the well-coating and the displacing agent in a competition ELISA. Antiserum induced by Gd-DTPA dimeglumine alone was characterized by a biphasic competition curve with IC50 = 6.5 x 10(-7) M and 7.9 x 10(-4) M. Antisera obtained after exposure to either dextran-(Gd-DTPA) or polylysine-(Gd-DTPA) were of insufficient titer for characterization. The detection of antibodies specific for Gd-DTPA suggests in vivo protein binding with formation of hapten-carrier conjugates. This hypothesis is supported by increased relaxivity values observed when Gd-DTPA dimeglumine is incubated in serum rather than in water. Gd-DTPA dimeglumine and albumin-(Gd-DTPA) are immunogenic in rats under idealized experimental conditions. Additional studies will be necessary to determine the potential for immunologic response in humans to gadolinium chelates under conditions of exposure inherent in clinical use.

Solubilization and reprecipitation from intestinal brush border membranes of a complex containing guanylate cyclase activatable by the heat-stable enterotoxin

Extraction of pig intestinal brush border membranes with the zwitterionic detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (Chaps) in the presence of 0.5 m KCl yielded a solution which contained 60–70% of the receptor for the Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin (STa) and of the Lubrol PX-activated guanylate cyclase activity present in the membrane. When the supernatant solution was diluted fivefold with 10 m m Hepes buffer (pH 7.4) and kept at 4 °C overnight, a precipitate formed. Centrifugation yielded a pellet (P 2) which contained 25–30% of both the cyclase and the receptor in the original membranes, with a 2.5- to 3-fold enrichment of both. The process could be repeated for further enrichment (P 4). The addition of MgCl 2 to the diluted extract affected both basal and STa-stimulated activity of P 2; 1 m m was optimal. P 2 resembled membranes with respect to competitive inhibition of 125I-STa binding by STa, and the concentration-dependent activation of cyclase by STa. Guanylate cyclase in resolubilized P 2 was also activated by STa. Most of the enzymes interfering with guanylate cyclase determinations were removed, as were the brush border marker enzymes sucrase and γ-glutamyltransferase, and a GTP-binding protein that is a pertussis toxin substrate. Specific cross-linking of 125I-STa to receptors in the membrane was preserved in P 2 and P 4, the three proteins showing the strongest radioactivity having relative molecular masses of 55,000–60,000, 70,000–80,000, and 135,000–140,000. P 2 and P 4 appear to contain a complex of membrane proteins with certain functional properties intact.