Fmol Min Research Articles

Fuel for the work required: a practical approach to amalgamating train-low paradigms for endurance athletes.

Using an amalgamation of previously studied “train‐low” paradigms, we tested the effects of reduced carbohydrate (CHO) but high leucine availability on cell‐signaling responses associated with exercise‐induced regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and muscle protein synthesis (MPS). In a repeated‐measures crossover design, 11 males completed an exhaustive cycling protocol with high CHO availability before, during, and after exercise (HIGH) or alternatively, low CHO but high protein (leucine enriched) availability (LOW + LEU). Muscle glycogen was different (P < 0.05) pre‐exercise (HIGH: 583 ± 158, LOW + LEU: 271 ± 85 mmol kg−1 dw) but decreased (P < 0.05) to comparable levels at exhaustion (≈100 mmol kg−1 dw). Despite differences (P < 0.05) in exercise capacity (HIGH: 158 ± 29, LOW + LEU: 100 ± 17 min), exercise induced (P < 0.05) comparable AMPK α2 (3–4‐fold) activity, PGC‐1α (13‐fold), p53 (2‐fold), Tfam (1.5‐fold), SIRT1 (1.5‐fold), Atrogin 1 (2‐fold), and MuRF1 (5‐fold) gene expression at 3 h post‐exercise. Exhaustive exercise suppressed p70S6K activity to comparable levels immediately post‐exercise (≈20 fmol min−1 mg−1). Despite elevated leucine availability post‐exercise, p70S6K activity remained suppressed (P < 0.05) 3 h post‐exercise in LOW + LEU (28 ± 14 fmol min−1 mg−1), whereas muscle glycogen resynthesis (40 mmol kg−1 dw h−1) was associated with elevated (P < 0.05) p70S6K activity in HIGH (53 ± 30 fmol min−1 mg−1). We conclude: (1) CHO restriction before and during exercise induces “work‐efficient” mitochondrial‐related cell signaling but; (2) post‐exercise CHO and energy restriction maintains p70S6K activity at basal levels despite feeding leucine‐enriched protein. Our data support the practical concept of “fuelling for the work required” as a potential strategy for which to amalgamate train‐low paradigms into periodized training programs.

Ex Vivo Chemical Cytometric Analysis of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Activity in Single Human Airway Epithelial Cells

We describe a novel method for the measurement of protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) activity in single human airway epithelial cells (hAECs) using capillary electrophoresis. This technique involved the microinjection of a fluorescent phosphopeptide that is hydrolyzed specifically by PTPs. Analyses in BEAS-2B immortalized bronchial epithelial cells showed rapid PTP-mediated dephosphorylation of the substrate (2.2 pmol min(-1) mg(-1)) that was blocked by pretreatment of the cells with the PTP inhibitors pervanadate, Zn(2+), and 1,2-naphthoquinone (76%, 69%, and 100% inhibition relative to PTP activity in untreated controls, respectively). These studies were then extended to a more physiologically relevant model system: primary hAECs cultured from bronchial brushings of living human subjects. In primary hAECs, dephosphorylation of the substrate occurred at a rate of 2.2 pmol min(-1) mg(-1) and was also effectively inhibited by preincubation of the cells with the inhibitors pervanadate, Zn(2+), and 1,2-naphthoquinone (91%, 88%, and 87% median PTP inhibition, respectively). Reporter proteolysis in single BEAS-2B cells occurred at a median rate of 43 fmol min(-1) mg(-1) resulting in a mean half-life of 20 min. The reporter displayed a similar median half-life of 28 min in these single primary cells. Finally, single viable epithelial cells (which were assayed for PTP activity immediately after collection by bronchial brushing of a human volunteer) showed dephosphorylation rates ranging from 0.34 to 36 pmol min(-1) mg(-1) (n = 6). These results demonstrate the utility and applicability of this technique for the ex vivo quantification of PTP activity in small, heterogeneous, human cells and tissues.

Measurement of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Activity in Single Cells by Capillary Electrophoresis

A fluorescent peptide substrate was used to measure dephosphorylation by protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP) in cell lysates and single cells and to investigate the effect of environmental toxins on PTP activity in these systems. Dephosphorylation of the substrate by PTPN1 and PTPN2 obeyed Michaelis-Menten kinetics, with KM values of 770 ± 250 and 290 ± 54 nM, respectively. Dose-response curves and IC50 values were determined for the inhibition of these two enzymes by the environmental toxins Zn(2+) and 1,2-naphthoquinone, as well as pervanadate. In A431 cell lysates, the reporter was a poor substrate for peptidases (degradation rate of 100 ± 8.2 fmol min(-1) mg(-1)) but an excellent substrate for phosphatases (dephosphorylation rate of 1.4 ± 0.3 nmol min(-1) mg(-1)). Zn(2+), 1,2-naphthoquinone, and pervanadate inhibited dephosphorylation of the reporter in cell lysates with IC50 values of 470 nM, 35 μM, and 100 nM, respectively. Dephosphorylation of the reporter, following loading into living single cells, occurred at rates of at least 2 pmol min(-1) mg(-1). When single cells were exposed to 1,2-naphthoquinone (50 μM), Zn(2+) (100 μM), and pervandate (1 mM), dephosphorylation was inhibited with median values and first and third quartile values of 41 (Q1 = 0%, Q3 = 96%), 50 (Q1 = 46%, Q3 = 74%), and 53% (Q1 = 36%, Q3 = 77%), respectively, demonstrating both the impact of these toxic exposures on cell signaling and the heterogeneity of response between cells. This approach will provide a valuable tool for the study of PTP dynamics, particularly in small, heterogeneous populations such as human biopsy specimens.

268 CYCLIC GUANOSINE MONOPHOSPHATE INHIBITS PHOSPHODIESTERASE 3 ACTIVITY IN PORCINE OOCYTES

The level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) within oocytes has been shown to play a critical role in maintaining meiotic arrest. High levels of intracellular cAMP prevent spontaneous oocyte maturation in vitro, whereas a decrease in oocyte cAMP is associated with the resumption of meiosis. Another cyclic nucleotide that also was recently proposed as being involved in meiotic resumption is cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which could be regulating phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3 activity. The aim of this study was to determine whether cGMP inhibits cAMP-PDE activity in porcine oocytes. With the method described previously by Sasseville et al. (2006 BMC Dev. Biol. 6, 47), PDE activity was measured in groups of 10 oocytes cultured in the absence (control) or presence of different concentrations of cGMP (1, 3, 10, 30, 100, 300, 1000, and 3000 nM) or with the PDE3 inhibitor cilostamide (10 µM). Before assaying PDE activity, the cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) were matured in vitro for 24 h in the presence of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (5 IU) and hCG (5 IU) at 38.5°C in 5% CO2. The COC were homogenised in a hypotonic buffer. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan’s post-hoc test. Differences with P &lt; 0.05 were considered significant. Results showed that 300, 1000, and 3000 nM cGMP inhibited PDE3 activity (7.9, 5.1, and 4.1 fmol min–1 per COC; P &lt; 0.05) at levels below the controls (13.2 fmol min–1 per COC) and were similar to the activity observed in the presence of (2.4 fmol min–1 per COC; P &gt; 0.05). The other concentrations tested were similar to activity levels seen in the control (1 to 100 nM; 12.2, 11.3, 10.8, 11.5, and 10.4; P &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, the results support the concept that increasing concentrations of cGMP inhibit PDE activity, suggesting the inhibition of the predominant form of cAMP-PDE present in porcine oocytes, PDE3. These results support the hypothesis that cGMP inhibits PDE activity in porcine oocytes. Further work is needed to determine the role this plays in maintaining high cAMP levels and inhibiting oocyte nuclear maturation. Financial support from FGZ FAPESP 2010/20188-6 and 2010/18023-9 is acknowledged.

Using micro-patterned sensors and cell self-assembly for measuring the oxygen consumption rate of single cells

We present a method for self-assembling arrays of live single cells on a glass chip using a photopatternable polymer to form micro-traps. We have studied the single-cell self-assembly method and optimized the process to obtain a 52% yield of single-trapped cells. We also report a method to measure the oxygen consumption rate of a single cell using micro-patterned sensors. These molecular oxygen sensors were fabricated around each micro-trap allowing optical interrogation of oxygen concentration in the immediate environment of the trapped cell. Micromachined micro-wells were then used to seal the trap, sensor and cell in order to determine the oxygen consumption rate of single cells. These techniques reported here add to the collection of tools for performing ‘singe-cell’ biology. An oxygen consumption rate of 1.05 ± 0.28 fmol min−1 was found for a data set consisting of 25 single A549 cells.

Carbon and nitrogen fluxes in the marine coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi grown under different nitrate concentrations

Information on interaction of C and N at the cellular level is lacking for ecologically relevant phytoplankton species. We examined the effects of NO 3 - availability on C and N fluxes in the widely distributed marine coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi. Cells were cultured at replete (∼ 280 μM) and ambient (∼ 10 μM) NO 3 -, the latter representing a typical surface water nitrate concentration of the North Atlantic Ocean during spring. While growth rates and C to N ratios were not altered by the NO 3 - availability, organic C and N as well as inorganic C quotas were reduced under ambient NO 3 -. Growth at ambient NO 3 - caused a higher proportion of fixed C to be allocated to lipids relative to carbohydrates and especially to proteins. Ambient NO 3 --grown cells showed lower V max of nitrate reductase (NR) and nitrite reductase (NiR) (ambient/replete: V max NR = 0.64/1.09 fmol min -1 cell -1; V max NiR = 0.3/0.56 fmol min -1 cell -1), whereas they had higher V max of glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) (ambient/replete: V max GS = 0.57/0.38 fmol min -1 cell -1; V max GOG = 3.91/2.87 fmol min -1 cell -1). In these cells, photosynthetic O 2 evolution and HCO 3 - uptake rates were lower as compared to replete NO 3 --grown cells (ambient/replete: V max O 2 = 6.5/12.9 fmol min -1 cell -1; V max HCO 3 - = 2.8/8.1 fmol min -1 cell -1). The CO 2 uptake and the maximum light use efficiency of photosynthesis (α) were unaffected by the concentration of NO 3 -. The affinities of NR for NO 3 -, of NiR for NO 2 -, of GS for Glu, and of the inorganic carbon uptake system for HCO 3 - were higher under ambient NO 3 - (ambient/replete: K m NR = 0.074/0.099 mM; K m NiR = 1.69/3.14 mM; K m GS = 1.62/3.81 mM; K m HCO 3 - = 195/524 μM). Our data suggest that a concerted regulation of the intracellular CO 2 and NO 3 - concentrations is required to maintain balanced C and N metabolic fluxes resulting in a constant C to N ratio.

Physiological and molecular characterization of methotrexate transport by Malpighian tubules of adult Drosophila melanogaster

A radioisotope tracer technique and quantitative PCR were used to study the mechanisms and regulation of transepithelial transport of the type II organic anion methotrexate (MTX) by the Malpighian tubules of Drosophila melanogaster. Transport of MTX was saturable and Na +-independent; the kinetic parameters J max and K t were 437 fmol min −1 and 23.5 μM, respectively. The transport of MTX was competitively inhibited by phenol red and probenecid; non-competitively inhibited by salicylate, verapamil and MK-571; and uncompetitively inhibited by Texas Red. Dietary exposure to 0.1 mM MTX led to dramatic increases in gene expression for several members of the ABC family of transporters in both the Malpighian tubules and the gut. Our results suggest that multiple transporters are upregulated in response to dietary exposure to MTX. Increased levels of the protein products which may result from expression of these genes may enhance elimination of toxic compounds such as MTX or its metabolites.

Type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase is highly expressed in medullary thyroid carcinoma

Type II deiodinase (D2) plays a critical role in controlling intracellular T3 concentration and early studies indicated a follicular but not a parafollicular C-cell origin of D2 activity in the thyroid gland. Here, we show that D2 is highly expressed in human medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a tumor that arises from the C-cells. D2 transcripts were detected in all MTC samples obtained from 12 unselected MTC patients and the levels of D2 activity were comparable to those found in surrounding normal follicular tissue (0.41+/-0.10 fmol min mg protein vs. 0.43+/-0.41 fmol min mg protein, P=0.91). Additional analysis in the TT cells, a human MTC cell line, demonstrated that the D2 expression is downregulated by thyroid hormones and enhanced by cAMP analogs and dexamethasone. The thyroid hormone receptor alpha1 and beta isoforms were also detected in all MTC samples and in TT cells, thus suggesting a potential role of T3 locally produced by D2 in this neoplastic tissue.

Hypotonic treatment evokes biphasic ATP release across the basolateral membrane of cultured renal epithelia (A6).

In renal A6 epithelia, an acute hypotonic shock evokes a transient increase in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) through a mechanism that is sensitive to the P2 receptor antagonist suramin, applied to the basolateral border only. This finding has been further characterized by examining ATP release across the basolateral membrane with luciferin-luciferase (LL) luminescence. Polarized epithelial monolayers, cultured on permeable supports were mounted in an Ussing-type chamber. We developed a LL pulse protocol to determine the rate of ATP release (R(ATP)) in the basolateral compartment. Therefore, the perfusion at the basolateral border was repetitively interrupted during brief periods (90 s) to measure R(ATP) as the slope of the initial rise in ATP content detected by LL luminescence. Under isosmotic conditions, 1 microl of A6 cells released ATP at a rate of 66 +/- 8 fmol min(-1). A sudden reduction of the basolateral osmolality from 260 to 140 mosmol (kg H(2)O)(-1) elevated R(ATP) rapidly to a peak value of 1.89 +/- 0.11 pmol min(-1) (R(ATP)(peak)) followed by a plateau phase reaching 0.51 +/- 0.07 pmol min(-1) (R(ATP)(plat)). Both R(ATP)(peak) and R(ATP)(plat) values increased with the degree of dilution. The magnitude of R(ATP)(plat) remained constant as long as the hyposmolality was maintained. Similarly, a steady ATP release of 0.78 +/- 0.08 pmol min(-1) was recorded after gradual dilution of the basolateral osmolality to 140 mosmol (kg H(2)O)(-1). This R(ATP) value, induced in the absence of cell swelling, is comparable to R(ATP)(plat). Therefore, the steady ATP release is unrelated to membrane stretching, but possibly caused by the reduction of intracellular ionic strength during cell volume regulation. Independent determinations of dose-response curves for peak [Ca(2+)](i) increase in response to exogenous ATP and basolateral hyposmolality demonstrated that the exogenous ATP concentration, required to mimic the osmotic reduction, was linearly correlated with R(ATP)(peak). The link between the ATP release and the fast [Ca(2+)](i) transient was also demonstrated by the depression of both phenomena by Cl(-) removal from the basolateral perfusate. The data are consistent with the notion that during hypotonicity, basolateral ATP release activates purinergic receptors, which underlies the suramin-sensitive rise of [Ca(2+)](i) during the hyposmotic shock.

ATP release from human airway epithelial cells studied using a capillary cell culture system

Epithelial release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an important autocrine and paracrine signalling molecule, is acutely mechanosensitive and therefore difficult to study. We describe here a novel preparation that minimizes mechanical and metabolic perturbations, and use it to examine ATP secretion by epithelial cells. The Calu-3 cell line derived from human airway sub-mucosal glands was cultured in a hollow fibre bioreactor on porous capillaries that were perfused by a re-circulating medium pump. Cells became polarized and cultures were stable for > 5 months, as evidenced by microscopy and lactate production (approximately 250 microg (10(8) cells)(-1) day(-1)). Elevating apical flow rate 5-fold increased ATP secretion from approximately 200 to 6618 fmol min(-1). Reducing apical osmolarity by 25-43 % also increased ATP secretion, which then declined spontaneously to a plateau rate that persisted as long as hypotonic perfusion was maintained. Release deactivated rapidly after shear and osmotic stresses were terminated, and was not associated with detectable cell lysis. Lowering apical [Ca(2+)] to increase connexin hemichannel permeability also stimulated ATP release and increased secretion during both hyposmotic and shear stress; however, the connexin 43 blocker flufenamic acid inhibited shear-induced ATP release only in low-Ca(2+) solution, and therefore another secretory pathway may operate with physiological (i.e. mM) calcium. Regardless of the mechanism, the present results quantify ATP responses to mechanical and osmotic stimuli and demonstrate the usefulness of capillary cultures for studying epithelial secretion.

Assay of Glycoamidases and Endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidases by Lectin Capture and Dissociation-Enhanced Lanthanide Fluorescence Immunoassay

We have developed an assay system for endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase and glycoamidase (PNGase), using Eu3+-labeled Man9GlcNAc2 glycopeptides as substrates in combination with lectin capture. Two glycopeptides of different peptide lengths, derived from soybean agglutinin, were labeled with Eu3+ via a diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA) chelating linker and served as substrates for two types of enzymes: one with (Man9GlcNAc2)Asn for endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase and the other with Ala-Ser-Phe-(Man9GlcNAc2)Asn-Phe-Thr for glycoamidase activities. Following enzymatic hydrolysis, concanavalin A, immobilized or soluble, was added to the mixture to bind unreacted substrate and unlabeled hydrolysis product. The labeled peptide product could then be separated from the lectin-bound complexes by filtration for quantification by dissociation-enhanced lanthanide fluorescence immunoassay. Activities as low as 2 fmol min−1 could be rapidly quantified for both types of enzymes, and enzymological parameters could be determined within minutes. Applicability of the assay was tested for identification of a glycoamidase activity peak in the fractionation of sweet almond emulsin, a classic example. This assay offers sensitivity, ease of use, and high throughput. In addition, it is versatile and should be applicable to other glycobiology enzyme systems.

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency and fluorouracil-related toxicity.

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) is the initial and rate-limiting enzyme of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) catabolism. We report lymphocytic DPD data concerning a group of 53 patients (23 men, 30 women, mean age 58, range 36–73), treated by 5-FU-based chemotherapy in different French institutions and who developed unanticipated 5-FU-related toxicity. Lymphocyte samples (standard collection procedure) were sent to us for DPD determination (biochemical method). Among the whole group of 53 patients, 19 had a significant DPD deficiency (DD; below 150 fmol min−1 mg−1 protein, i.e. less than 70% of the mean value observed from previous population study). There was a greater majority of women in the DD group (15 out of 19, 79%) compared with the remaining 34 patients (15 out of 34, 44%, P<0.014). Toxicity was often severe, leading to patient death in two cases (both women). The toxicity score (sum of WHO grading, theoritical range 0–20) was twice as high in patients with marked DD (below 100 pmol min−1 mg−1 protein, n = 11, mean score = 13.2) compared with patients with moderate DD (between 150 and 100 pmol min−1 mg−1 protein, n = 8, mean score = 6.8), P = 0.008. In the DD group, there was a high frequency of neurotoxic syndromes (7 out of 19, 37%). The two deceased patients both had severe neurotoxicity. The occurrence of cardiac toxicity was relatively rare (1 out of 19, 5%). These data suggest that women are particularly prone to DPD deficiency and allow a more precise definition of the DD toxicity profile. © 1999 Cancer Research Campaign

The effect of indomethacin on the renal response to arginine vasopressin in man

The renal response to graded intravenous infusions of arginine vasopressin (AVP) was investigated in a two part study in six volunteers. First, under maximal water diuresis, seven control incremental infusions of AVP were given from zero to 12 fmol min-1 kg-1. Second, the AVP infusions were repeated after pretreatment with indomethacin, 150 mg daily for 36 h. After the AVP infusions, plasma AVP concentrations did not change significantly and remained within the physiological range; in contrast, urinary AVP excretion rate increased steadily. Indomethacin did not alter the plasma or urinary concentrations of AVP. AVP caused a fall in urine flow rate from a state of maximal diuresis to one of maximal antidiuresis. After indomethacin, fractional free water clearance was reduced by an average of 26% at the zero, 2 and 4 fmol min-1 kg-1 infusion rates of AVP. A significant increase in fractional sodium clearance of approximately 50% occurred during the AVP infusions, which was abolished after pretreatment with indomethacin. After indomethacin, urinary prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) excretion rate was reduced by an average of 40% at the zero and 2 fmol min-1 kg-1 infusion rates of AVP. At higher AVP infusion rates, no significant inhibition of PGE2 was observed. Urinary kallikrein excretion rate decreased steadily to one-third of its original value after AVP and this change remained unaltered by indomethacin. The findings show that infusions of AVP, resulting in plasma concentrations in the physiological range, evoke a maximal antidiuretic response, which is accompanied by natriuresis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ionic dependence of secretory and electrical activity evoked by elevated K+ in a peptidergic neurosecretory system.

Secretion of the octapeptide erythrophore- (red pigment-) concentrating hormone (ECH, RPCH) and extracellularly monitored electrical activity were followed simultaneously from individual, isolated sinus glands (neurohaemal organs), of the crab Cardisoma carnifex. Following introduction of saline having elevated [K], 100-196 mmol l-1 (5-11 X normal), secretion (bioassayed from 1-min fractions during continuous perfusion) increases from barely detectable (less than 1 fmol min-1) to a peak, average 31 fmol min-1, within 5 min, and immediately subsides. Additional responses are obtainable following a period, greater than 30 min, of normal saline perfusion. Secretory responses to K are Ca-dependent. If Ca is restored (in high K) following perfusion in 0-Ca, high K, only a small secretory response is observed. Addition of Mn (10 mmol l-1, normal Ca) reduces secretion to one-tenth. Increased net uptake of 45Ca of 2.5- to 6-fold is observed in individual sinus glands exposed to 10 X K compared to paired, unstimulated organs. The pattern and Ca-dependence of secretory responses to K are unaffected, but the amount of secretion is augmented in Na-deficient or TTX-containing salines. Intracellular recording confirms that brief (10-40 s) bouts of intense firing recorded extracellularly upon commencing a high K perfusion include repetitive firing by terminals, superimposed on rapid depolarization. Firing ceases as the membrane potential reaches a depolarized value (-18 to -15 mV for [K] 100-176 mmol l-1), which is then maintained until restoration of normal saline, when slow repolarization ensues. In 0-Ca, spontaneous impulse firing is increased, resting potential depolarized by 5 to 15 mV, but the bout of impulse firing and the maintained depolarization in response to K are similar. Thus, mechanisms of secretion of a crustacean peptide neurohormone appear closely similar to those of other systems characterized: responsiveness to elevated K, dependence on Ca, depolarization-, but not secretion-dependent inactivation, and lack of dependence on Na inward current. Intracellular recording here permits direct observation of electrical responses of terminals.

Amino Acid Uptake and Protein Synthesis in Cultured Tobacco Pollen

Summary The uptake of amino acids and their incorporation into proteins by tobacco pollen tubes in suspension culture was studied as a function of pollen tube growth. Leucine transport over a 0.01–0.5 mM concentration range occurs against the concentration gradient via an energy-dependent saturable system with an apparent K m × 10 -4 M and maximum velocity 1.25 fmol min -1 per pollen tube in a 4 h culture. A part of the absorbed leucine is released into the medium, the efflux being about 6 % of influx in 10 min preloaded pollen tubes. The rate of uptake per pollen tube increases proportionally to the duration of growth up to at least 8 h and decreases after 12 h of culture. In the period between 6 and 12 h, the first callose plug is formed nearly in 90 % of pollen tubes, separating the about 0.9 mm apical part. The uptake is linear for 30 min and in 2 h an equilibrium between the endogenous and exogenous amino acid pools is achieved in 1 mg · ml -1 of casein hydrolysate. The rate of protein synthesis, as estimated from the proportion of incorporated to free amino acids absorbed, does not decrease and the amount of incorporated exogenous amino acids increases continuously for at least 18 h of culture, provided that pollen tube growth is not depressed. A comparison of the results from different periods of labelling with 14 C-leucine suggest that the free leucine pool is compartmentalized. The protein precursor poll appears to be small and rapidly fed from exogenous source.