Ice-cold Buffer Research Articles

Optimized method for higher yield of alveolar macrophage isolation for ex vivo studies

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are a fully differentiated lung-resident immune cell population and are a critical component of lung immunity. AMs can be easily isolated from mice via bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) collection. The quality and quantity of AMs in BALF isolation are critical for generating reliable and high-quality data for ex vivo studies. Traditional techniques use ice-cold (4°C) buffer to collect AMs in BALF and result in low yield. Hence, a new method that consistently gives a higher yield of AMs is needed. We demonstrate here an optimized method that significantly increases the quantity of AM recovery in BALF (>2.8 times than the traditional method). Our method uses a warm-buffer (37°C) containing EDTA. We compared the viability and functional parameters (cytokine/chemokine expression, phagocytosis) of AMs isolated by our new and traditional methods. Our study revealed that AMs collected using our method have similar viability and functional characteristics to those collected using traditional method. Hence, our new method can be used for the collection of a higher number of AMs without altering their function. This protocol might also be useful for isolating tissue-resident immune cells from other anatomical sites for ex vivo and other downstream applications.

Characterization of a novel Ca2+-Activated potassium channel in rat brain rough endoplasmic reticulum

ObjectivesPotassium channels in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are crucial for maintaining calcium balance during calcium fluxes. Disruption in ER calcium balance leads to ER stress, implicated in diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, limited data exists on ER potassium channels in excitable tissues such as the brain. To fill this gap, we aimed to evaluate potassium currents in rat brain rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). MethodsRats were euthanized under deep anesthesia and their brains were immediately removed. The brains were then homogenized in ice-cold sucrose buffer, followed by the extraction of RER microsomes through a series of centrifugation processes. Purity of sample was evaluated using western blotting technique. Single channel recordings were done in voltage steps from +50 to −60 mV following incorporation of rat brain RER vesicles into planar bilayers. ResultsWe observed a voltage-dependent potassium channel with an approximate conductance of 188 pS. Channel open probability was low at negative voltages, increasing at positive voltages. The channel was blocked by Charybdotoxin but not by Iberiotoxin. Additionally, TRAM-34, a specific KCa3.1 channel blocker, suppressed channel current amplitude and open probability. Western blot analysis revealed specific bands for anti-KCa3.1 antibody, approximately 50 kDa in brain homogenate and RER fraction. ConclusionOur study provides strong evidence for the presence of an KCa3.1 channel on the RER membrane in rat brain, exhibiting distinct electro-pharmacological profile compared to plasma membrane and other organelles.

Methodology of adipose tissue type detection in mammals

Nowadays, an interest in studying the composition, properties and functions of adipose tissue (AT) is growing among researchers, which is conditioned by its important role in the normal functioning of the body. Due to different types of adipose tissue (AT) in mammals (white, beige, brown and pink) and different physiological tasks performed by each type of AT, rapid, correct and effective detection of an AT type is highly topical. Methods used today are labor consuming and in the case of NMR and CT expensive, which limits possibilities of scientists. In this connection, the aim of this research was to develop a methodological approach allowing rapid and effective detection of an adipose tissue type. A methodology was formed based on the concept, formalized requirements for the method, step-wise structure of investigations and interpretation of results. The concept is based on differences in the structure of the adipose cell (adipocyte) of different AT types. The method is based on extraction of heme containing proteins. To this end, solvents and parameters of extraction that facilitate their better extraction have been chosen. An AT type has been determined by the total content of iron contained in the cytochrome fragment. Our own modification was selected. This modification includes preliminary mincing of a sample with the ice-cold TES buffer (pH 8.5) in a ratio of 1:5 (g: mL), homogenization at 9,000 rpm for 2 min with the following centrifugation at 10,000 g and 4 °C for 15 min. Effectiveness of the proposed method was confirmed by the histological and electrophoretic analyses. Therefore, the new methodology of identification and differentiation of adipocytes was proposed for rapid and effective detection of an adipose tissue type.

Metal-binding proteins and cross-linking in the defensive glue of the slug Arion subfuscus.

The role of metals in forming the primary cross-links in slug glue was investigated. Several metal-binding proteins were identified in the defensive glue produced by the slug Arion subfuscus. Notably, the C-lectins that are unique to the glue are iron-binding proteins. This is unusual for C-lectins. Dissociating these proteins from iron does not affect the glue's stiffness. Similarly, several proteins that can bind to zinc were identified, but dissociating the proteins from zinc did not weaken the glue. These results suggest that metal coordination is not involved in the primary cross-links of this hydrogel glue. The stable cross-links that provide stiffness are more likely to be created by a catalytic event involving protein oxidation. Cross-linking was unexpectedly difficult to prevent. Collecting the glue into a large volume of ice-cold buffer with reagents aimed at inhibiting oxidative cross-linking caused a slight loss of cross-linking, as demonstrated by the appearance of uncross-linked proteins in native gel electrophoresis. Notable among these was a protein that is normally heavily oxidized (asmp165). Nevertheless, this effect was not large, suggesting that the primary cross-links form before secretion.

Evidence of Mitochondrial Impairment in a Mouse Model of Down Syndrome

IntroductionDown Syndrome (DS) is typically the result of triplication of the 21st chromosome. DS causes widespread developmental and physical changes to the body. One commonly observed physical change of DS is muscle weakness, which can contribute to difficulty in executing activities of daily living.Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is an important determinant of skeletal muscle function and mitochondrial activity. Currently, it is unknown whether muscle weakness in those with DS is at least partially related to an imbalance of NAD or a lack of mitochondrial NAD usage. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (Nampt) catalyzes the rate‐limiting step in the mammalian NAD recycling pathway, while SIRT3 is an NAD‐dependent protein deacetylase which regulates mitochondrial content and activity. We hypothesized the expression of these proteins would be decreased in Ts65Dn animals, an established mouse model of DS, relative to wild‐type (WT) animals.MethodsDiaphragm and left ventricle samples from 12‐ or 18‐month‐old male Ts65Dn mice and WT animals were pulverized and homogenized in ice‐cold lysis buffer. Total lysate protein concentration was determined by Bradford assay. Samples were resolved in SDS gels, transferred to nitrocellulose membranes, and blotted for Nampt and SIRT3. Lysates were also separately analyzed for citrate synthase activity.ResultsBoth Nampt (p = 0.02) and SIRT3 (p = 0.002) expression levels were significantly higher in WT than Ts65Dn ventricles at 12 months. In addition, SIRT3 levels were higher in diaphragm of 12‐month‐old WT animals (p = 0.02). Citrate synthase levels were similar in all tissues.ConclusionOur findings of reduced Nampt protein suggest that reduced NAD recycling takes place in DS muscle tissue despite similar observed mitochondrial (citrate synthase) activity. These results suggest a role of diminished peripheral mitochondrial function and ATP synthesis in Down Syndrome muscle.

An Evaluation of Phosphate Buffer Saline as an Alternative Liquid-Based Medium for HPV DNA Detection.

Objective:HPV detection has been proposed as part of the co-testing which improves the sensitivity of cervical screening. However, the commercially liquid-based medium adds cost in low-resource areas. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of ice-cold phosphate buffer saline (PBS) for HPV detection. Methods:HPV DNA from SiHa cells (with 1-2 copies of HPV16 per cell) preserved in ice-cold PBS or PreserveCyt solution at different time points (24, 36, 48, 72, 120 and 168 h) was tested in triplicate using Cobas 4800. The threshold cycle (Ct) values of both solutions were compared. An estimated false negative rate of PBS was also assessed by using the difference in Ct values between both solutions (∆Ct) and Ct values of HPV16-positive PreserveCyt clinical samples (Ctsample) at corresponding time points. Samples with a (Ctsample+∆Ct) value > 40.5 (the cutoff of HPV16 DNA by Cobas 4800) were considered as false negativity. Results:The Ct values of HPV16 DNA of SiHa cells collected in PBS were higher than PreserveCyt ranging from 0.43 to 2.36 cycles depending on incubation times. There was no significant difference at 24, 72, 120, and 168 h. However, the Ct values were statistically significantly higher for PBS than PreserveCyt at 36 h (31.00 vs 29.26), and 48 h (31.06 vs 28.70). A retrospective analysis in 47 clinical PreserveCyt collected samples that were positive for HPV16 DNA found that 1 case (2%) would become negative if collected in ice-cold PBS. Conclusions:The PBS might be an alternative collecting medium for HPV detection in the low-resource areas. Further evaluations are warranted.

Paroxetine Administration Alter some Biochemical Parameters in Male Wistar Rats Over a Systemic Period of Thirty-Five Days

Paroxetine is often used to treat patients with psychotic disorders, one of the side effects of this medication is that it causes erectile dysfunction in such individuals. There is a little or no information on the effect of paroxetine on some biochemical and endothelial markers of experimental models, hence the need for this research. Biochemical and endothelial functional makers in male Wistar rats were evaluated after oral administration of paroxetine for 4, 7, 21, 28 and 35 days. Seventy-two (72) male Wistar rats were grouped into two of thirty-six rats in group A (control) which received normal saline and thirty-six rats in group B (paroxetine-treated) which received 10 mg/Kg body weight of paroxetine hydrochloride for 4, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35days respectively. During this period, six animals from the two groups were sacrificed on days 4,7,14, 21, 28 and 35 by anaesthesia using diethyl ether, blood was collected into lithium–heparinized bottles and the tissues of interest (penile and heart) of the rats were excised and preserved in ice-cold sucrose-tris buffer. Phosphodiesterase 5, arginase, nitric oxide were evaluated from the isolated tissue homogenates while cGMP, endothelin-1, creatine kinase, lipid profile and testosterone concentrations were evaluated from the plasma. The results revealed that during pre-treatment with paroxetine, there was significant (p < 0.05) 85.19 ± 4.64 and 92.58 ± 0.57 respectively PDE 5 inhibition in the penile and cardiac homogenates of rats. Nitric oxide concentration was significantly (p> 0.05) 2.96 ± 0.27 and 4.82 ± 0.05reduced while arginase activities increased significantly (p > 0.05) 272.16 ± 5.07 and 201.93 ± 11.82 during paroxetine treatment. Same trend of results were observed with plasma endothelin-1 concentration (12.88 ± 0.78), cGMP concentration (0.14 ± 0.00) and Testosterone concentration (0.46 ± 0.03) was significantly (p > 0.05) decreased during paroxetine-treatment. However, plasma creatine kinase 463.6 ± 50.96, triacyl glycerol 58.61 ± 5.49, total cholesterol 181.55 ± 9.72 and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 165.86 ± 9.72 were significantly (p < 0.05) increased during paroxetine-treatment. However, no significant (p > 0.05) difference was observed in the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol 8.07 ± 0.46 during administration with paroxetine. From this study, it can be concluded that paroxetine administration altered erectile and endothelial markers throughout the period of administration and as such should be prescribed to patients with caution.

A freeze-and-thaw-induced fragment of the microtubule-associated protein tau in rat brain extracts: implications for the biochemical assessment of neurotoxicity.

Tau is a microtubule-associated protein (MAP) responsible for controlling the stabilization of microtubules in neurons. Tau function is regulated by phosphorylation. However, in some neurological diseases Tau becomes aberrantly hyperphosphorylated, which contributes to the pathogenesis of neurological diseases, known as tauopathies. Western blotting (WB) has been widely employed to determine Tau levels in neurological disease models. However, Tau quantification by WB should be interpreted with care, as this approach has been recognized as prone to produce artifactual results if not properly performed. In the present study, our goal was to evaluate the influence of a freeze-and-thaw cycle, a common procedure preceding WB, to the integrity of Tau in brain homogenates from rats, 3xTg-AD mice and human samples. Homogenates were prepared in ice-cold RIPA buffer supplemented with protease/phosphatase inhibitors. Immediately after centrifugation, an aliquot of the extracts was analyzed via WB to quantify total and phosphorylated Tau levels. The remaining aliquots of the same extracts were stored for at least 2 weeks at either −20 or −80°C and then subjected to WB. Extracts from rodent brains submitted to freeze-and-thaw presented a ∼25 kDa fragment immunoreactive to anti-Tau antibodies. An in-gel digestion followed by mass spectrometry (MS) analysis in excised bands revealed this ∼25 kDa species corresponds to a Tau fragment. Freeze-and-thaw-induced Tau proteolysis was detected even when extracts were stored at −80°C. This phenomenon was not observed in human samples at any storage condition tested. Based on these findings, we strongly recommend the use of fresh extracts of brain samples in molecular analysis of Tau levels in rodents.

Transformation of Escherichia coli by Electroporation.

Preparing electrocompetent bacteria is considerably easier than preparing cells for transformation by chemical methods. Bacteria are simply grown to mid-log phase, chilled, centrifuged, washed extensively with ice-cold buffer or H2O to reduce the ionic strength of the cell suspension, and then suspended in an ice-cold buffer containing 10% glycerol. DNA may be introduced immediately into the bacteria by exposing them to a short high-voltage electrical discharge. Alternatively, the cell suspension may be snap-frozen and stored at -70°C for up to 6 mo before electroporation, without loss of transforming efficiency.

3012 Functional consequences of pravastatin isomerization on OATP1B1-mediated transport

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: In the present study, we examined the functional consequences of 3α-PVA on OATP1B1-mediated PVA transport. To elucidate this, we determined the effect of SLCO1B1 genotype on PVA transport and the role of 3αPVA as a competitive inhibitor of OATP1B1, which could serve as another covariate that disrupts the systemic and hepatic exposure of pravastatin in children and adults. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Site directed mutagenesis was performed to generate SLCO1B1 genotypes of interest (*1a, *1b, *5, *15). Human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells were grown and plated at 200 000 cells per well in 24-well plates. Twenty-four hours later the cells were transfected with the aforementioned plasmids. Forty-eight hours later cell-based transport was performed with radiolabelled [3H]-pravastatin sodium salt. Non-radioactive pravastatin sodium salt and 3’α-iso-pravastatin sodium salt was used for PVA transport and 3αPVA studies, respectively. Cells were washed 3 times with warm uptake buffer, incubated for 1 minute with uptake solutions containing PVA and 3αPVA at varying concentrations. Transport was terminated by four 1-ml washes with ice-cold uptake buffer. Cells were lysed with 300 µl 1% Triton X-100 in PBS at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to analysis. Radioactivity was measured in a MicroBeta2 liquid scintillation counter. The remaining cell lysates were transferred to 96-well plates to determine total protein concentration using the bicinchonic acid protein assay. All transport measurements were corrected by the total protein concentration. All experiments were performed 3 to 4 times independently with 2-3 determinations. Data were analyzed for significant differences amongst genotype groups using ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparisons test. IC50 and kinetic parameters were calculated using non-linear regression analysis. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Pravastatin transport in SLCO1B1 variants (*5, *15) was significantly decreased compared to the reference genotype *1a and *1b (Km [µM]: *1a 18.2 ± 0.9; *1b 17.9 ± 3.3; *5 34.2 ± 9.7; *15 34.1 ± 6.1; p≤0.05; Vmax [pmol/mg/min]: *1a 104.9 ± 13.1; *1b 93.7 ± 16.7; *5 44.8 ± 15.9; *15 62.3 ± 22.5; p≤0.05). *1a and *1b were not significantly different with respect to pravastatin transport. Intrinsic clearance was diminished nearly 4 to 5-fold in SLCO1B1 variants compared to reference genotypes (Vmax/Km [µl/min/mg]: *1a 5.8 ± 0.8; *1b 5.7 ± 1.9; *5 1.3 ± 0.2; *15 1.8 ± 0.3; p≤0.01). Pravastatin transport was inhibited by 3αPVA for all genotypes. However, there was more pronounced inhibition in the SLCO1B1 variant genotypes compared to reference genotypes (IC50 [µM]: *1a 15.9 ± 1.9; *1b 18.6 ± 5.7; *5 3.9 ± 2.0; *15 4.4 ± 0.8; p≤0.01; Ki: *1a 15.0 ± 1.8; *1b 17.5 ± 5.4; *5 3.8 ± 2.9; *15 4.3 ± 0.8; p≤0.01). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: In vitro PVA transport is altered according to SLCO1B1 genotype, consistent with previous in vitro and human experience. Our data suggest that the significantly different maximal transport velocity (Vmax) in variant versus non-variant genotypes is consistent with decreased membrane expression of OATP1B1 with the variant c.521T>C allele. However, in contrast to data involving typical model substrates (e.g. estrone-3-sulfate), the PVA binding affinity (Km) was significantly different between variant and non-variant genotypes, consistent with altered binding of the substrate to OATP1B1. Collectively, we conclude that decreased OATP1B1 expression and function in variant genotypes influence altered transport for PVA. Finally, the functional consequences of 3αPVA formation on PVA transport was confirmed in our study. Mechanistically, we confirmed our observation in humans that 3αPVA inhibits OATP1B1 transport. However, this effect is more pronounced in variant genotypes as shown by lower IC50 values compared to the reference genotypes. This highlights another source of variation that must be taken into consideration when trying to optimize the pravastatin dose-exposure relationship in humans.

High-throughput Measurement of Dictyostelium discoideum Macropinocytosis by Flow Cytometry.

Large-scale non-specific fluid uptake by macropinocytosis is important for the proliferation of certain cancer cells, antigen sampling, host cell invasion and the spread of neurodegenerative diseases. The commonly used laboratory strains of the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum have extremely high fluid uptake rates when grown in nutrient medium, over 90% of which is due to macropinocytosis. In addition, many of the known core components of mammalian macropinocytosis are also present, making it an excellent model system for studying macropinocytosis. Here, the standard technique to measure internalized fluid using fluorescent dextran as a label is adapted to a 96-well plate format, with the samples analyzed by flow cytometry using a high-throughput sampling (HTS) attachment.Cells are fed non-quenchable fluorescent dextran for a pre-determined length of time, washed by immersion in ice-cold buffer and detached using 5 mM sodium azide, which also stops exocytosis. Cells in each well are then analyzed by flow cytometry. The method can also be adapted to measure membrane uptake and phagocytosis of fluorescent beads or bacteria.This method was designed to allow measurement of fluid uptake by Dictyostelium in a high-throughput, labor and resource efficient manner. It allows simultaneous comparison of multiple strains (e.g. knockout mutants of a gene) and conditions (e.g. cells in different media or treated with different concentrations of inhibitor) in parallel and simplifies time-courses.

High-throughput Measurement of <em>Dictyostelium discoideum</em> Macropinocytosis by Flow Cytometry

Large-scale non-specific fluid uptake by macropinocytosis is important for the proliferation of certain cancer cells, antigen sampling, host cell invasion and the spread of neurodegenerative diseases. The commonly used laboratory strains of the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum have extremely high fluid uptake rates when grown in nutrient medium, over 90% of which is due to macropinocytosis. In addition, many of the known core components of mammalian macropinocytosis are also present, making it an excellent model system for studying macropinocytosis. Here, the standard technique to measure internalized fluid using fluorescent dextran as a label is adapted to a 96-well plate format, with the samples analyzed by flow cytometry using a high-throughput sampling (HTS) attachment. Cells are fed non-quenchable fluorescent dextran for a pre-determined length of time, washed by immersion in ice-cold buffer and detached using 5 mM sodium azide, which also stops exocytosis. Cells in each well are then analyzed by flow cytometry. The method can also be adapted to measure membrane uptake and phagocytosis of fluorescent beads or bacteria. This method was designed to allow measurement of fluid uptake by Dictyostelium in a high-throughput, labor and resource efficient manner. It allows simultaneous comparison of multiple strains (e.g. knockout mutants of a gene) and conditions (e.g. cells in different media or treated with different concentrations of inhibitor) in parallel and simplifies time-courses.

Db/db Obese Mice Exhibit Enhanced Phosphorylation of p38, ERK1/2 and AKT in the Kidney

Altered metabolic states due to obesity and diabetes have a direct impact on renal structure and function. Obesity and diabetes leads to several key morphological, subcellular fibrotic remodeling, nephropathy and renal failure. However the clear signaling mechanism is not known. Leptin receptor deficiency is associated with obesity and hypercholesterolemia. We showed that acute cholesterol depletion increased cellular function and phosphorylation of p38, ERK and AKT kinases. Hence we hypothesized that obesity enhances phosphorylation of p38, ERK1/2 and AKT kinases in the kidney. To test our hypothesis we used kidneys from 25 weeks old four leptin receptor deficient db/db obese mice and their age matched four c57BL6 (wild type) mice. Transverse slices were made from similar position of all kidneys. Kidney slices were chopped into very small pieces and homogenized under the ice cold lysis buffer with protease and phospahtase inhibitors. The low spin pellets were discarded and the supernatants were collected. Kidney lysates were run through 7–12% poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis. Phosphorylations of p38, ERK1/2 and AKT were measured using western blot and cell signaling antibodies. The results were normalized to β‐actin as a control for protein loading using NIH image J software. Data of phospho proteins expressed in arbitrary units for p38 (14477 ±1703 vs. 22488±2773, p<0.03), ERK1/2 (12408 ±1965 vs. 21807±1467, p<0.01) and AKTThr308 (10173 ±462 vs. 18250±1198, p<0.01) were more in obese db/db mice compared to wild type mice. Total p38, ERK1/2 and AKT were not different between db/db and wild type mice. We conclude that obesity is associated with enhanced phosphorylation of p38, ERK and AKTThr308 which could be associated with altered renal structure and function.Support or Funding InformationHamad Medical Research Center #16304This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Abolishment of proximal tubule albumin endocytosis does not affect plasma albumin during nephrotic syndrome in mice

The megalin/cubilin receptor complex is required for proximal tubular endocytosis and degradation of filtered albumin. An additional high-capacity retrieval pathway of intact albumin for the recovery of large amounts of filtered albumin has been proposed, possibly involving cooperation between megalin/cubilin and the neonatal Fc receptor. To clarify the potential role of such a pathway, we examined the effects of megalin/cubilin gene inactivation on tubular albumin uptake and plasma albumin levels in nephrotic, podocin knockout mice. Immunofluorescence microscopy of megalin/cubilin/podocin knockout mouse kidneys demonstrated abolishment of proximal tubule albumin uptake, in contrast to the excessive albumin accumulation observed in podocin knockout mice compared to controls. Correspondingly, urinary albumin excretion was increased 1.4 fold in megalin/cubilin/podocin compared to podocin knockout mice (albumin/creatinine: 226 vs. 157 mg/mg). However, no difference in plasma albumin levels was observed between megalin/cubilin/podocin and podocin knockout mice, as both were reduced to approximately 40% of controls. There were no differences in liver albumin synthesis by mRNA levels and protein abundance. Thus, megalin/cubilin knockout efficiently blocks proximal tubular albumin uptake in nephrotic mice but plasma albumin levels did not differ as a result of megalin/cubilin-deficiency, suggesting no significance of the megalin/cubilin-pathway for albumin homeostasis by retrieval of intact albumin.

Flow cytometry determination of ploidy level in winged bean [<i>Psophocarpus tetragonolobus</i> (L.) DC] and its response to colchicine-induced mutagenesis

Ploidy determination and mutation breeding of crop plants are inseparable twins given that mutation breeding is hinged majorly on polyploidization of crop’s chromosome number. The present research was aimed at determining the ploidy level of 20 accessions of winged bean (Psophoscarpus tetragonolobus) using known diploid standard as control and also subjecting two accessions to colchicine mutagenesis. For flow cytometric analysis, approximately 50mm2 of young fresh intact leaves of 8 weeks post-seedling emergence from the 20 accessions were used. Crude isolation of nuclei was done by chopping the leaf in 1ml of ice cold buffer from DNA kit (cysteine UV Partec GmbH Germany) using a razor blade. The crude suspension was then filtered through a 30μm pore diameter nylon mesh and stained with 4,6- diaminodino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). Fluorescence intensity of isolated nuclei was measured using a partec PAII flow cytometry equipped with an argon ion laser at 488nm.For mutation induction, 20 seeds from accessionsTPt26 and TPt154 were soaked in three different concentrations of colchicine (5,10, 15mg/l) for 24, 48, and 72 hours, while the control group was soaked in water. A plot of land measuring 10X10 meters in the University of Calabar Experimental farm was used. Four beds were made and three seeds were sown in per hole using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in a 2X3X4 factorial experiment layout with 5 replications. At the end of the field experiment, phenological, yield and yield-related traits were collected and subjected to analysis of variance using Predictive Analytical Software (PASW) version 20. Results obtained showed that there were significant effect of colchicine on phenological traits except on germination. However, there were significant increasing effects on yield and yield-related traits, which was colchicine concentration, exposure time as well as accession-specific. Exposing winged bean seeds to 15mg/l of colchicine for 24 and 48 hour duration gave encouraging results and should be considered for further tests and exploitation.Keywords: Ploidy determination, flow cytometry, mutation breeding, colchicine, Psophoscarpus tetragonolobus

The Role of Rho/Rho-Kinase Pathway in the Pathogenesis of Cholesteatoma.

To assess the role of Rho/Rho-kinase pathway in the pathogenesis of cholesteatoma. Thirty-eight patients with cholesteatoma, who had gone mastoidectomies were enrolled in this prospective study. Cholesteatomas matrix (CM) and a piece of the external ear canal skin (EECS as control) were taken and transferred to the liquid nitrogen and kept at -86 °C for Rho A and Rho-kinase (ROCK) analysis with Western blotting and commercial ELISA kits (Cell Biolabs Inc., San Diego, CA). The tissues were homogenized by an appropriate ice-cold lysis buffer. Following centrifugation, the supernatant was taken and total protein amount was detected by the Bradford method. Thereafter, tissue homogenates were subjected to sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis electrophoresis then transferred to nitrocellulose membrane where it was treated with specific monoclonal primary antibody against to ROCK-2 and HRP-conjugated seconder antibody, respectively. The protein blots were visualized with commercial x-ray film and dansitometrically analyzed by the Scion Image Program (Cell Biolabs Inc., San Diego, CA). In another series of experiments, Rho-kinase activities were assessed by ROCK-2 ELISA kits. There were no statistical differences in Rho A translocation between CM and EECS. However, ROCK activity was found to be lower in CM than EECS as detected by ELISA kits. Furthermore, ROCK protein expression was also significantly lower in CM than EECS as demonstrated by Western blotting. Given Rho-kinase could take essential roles in cell differentiation, the results of this study implicate that down-regulated Rho-kinase could be responsible for the keratinocyte undifferentiation seen in cholesteatoma pathogenesis.

A kainate receptor subunit promotes the recycling of the neuron-specific K+-Cl− co-transporter KCC2 in hippocampal neurons

Synaptic inhibition depends on a transmembrane gradient of chloride, which is set by the neuron-specific K+-Cl- co-transporter KCC2. Reduced KCC2 levels in the neuronal membrane contribute to the generation of epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and autism spectrum disorders; thus, it is important to characterize the mechanisms regulating KCC2 expression. In the present study, we determined the role of KCC2-protein interactions in regulating total and surface membrane KCC2 expression. Using quantitative immunofluorescence in cultured mouse hippocampal neurons, we discovered that the kainate receptor subunit GluK2 and the auxiliary subunit Neto2 significantly increase the total KCC2 abundance in neurons but that GluK2 exclusively increases the abundance of KCC2 in the surface membrane. Using a live cell imaging assay, we further determined that KCC2 recycling primarily occurs within 1-2 h and that GluK2 produces an ∼40% increase in the amount of KCC2 recycled to the membrane during this time period. This GluK2-mediated increase in surface recycling translated to a significant increase in KCC2 expression in the surface membrane. Moreover, we found that KCC2 recycling is enhanced by protein kinase C-mediated phosphorylation of the GluK2 C-terminal residues Ser-846 and Ser-868. Lastly, using gramicidin-perforated patch clamp recordings, we found that the GluK2-mediated increase in KCC2 recycling to the surface membrane translates to a hyperpolarization of the reversal potential for GABA (EGABA). In conclusion, our results have revealed a mechanism by which kainate receptors regulate KCC2 expression in the hippocampus.

Interleukin 1-beta analysis in chronically inflamed and healthy human dental pulp

Background/Aim. Proinflammatory cytokines can act like endogenous pyrogen interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF ?) which regulate the synthesis of secondary mediators and other proinflammatory cytokines through macrophages and mesenchymal cells. They stimulate acute-phase proteins and attract inflammatory cells. The aim of this study was to determine interleukin 1-? (IL-1 ?) concentrations in chronically inflamed and healthy dental pulps. Methods. A total of 41 pulps (19 from patients with pulpitis chronic causa and 22 from patients with pulpatis chronic aperta), divided into two groups, were obtained from teeth with chronic pulp inflammation. The control group consisted of 12 teeth with healthy pulp. After extirpation, pulp samples were immediately placed in sterile Eppendorf tubes and frozen. After that, homogenisation was performed by a Teflon? pestle in ice-cold phosphate buffer solution at pH 7.4 whose volume was adjusted according to the weight of tissue. The supernatant was then frozen at -70?C until the performance of appropriate biochemical analyses. Cytokine IL-1 ? value was determined by a commercial enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA test). We applied the high sensitivity system technique, which may register low levels of cytokines, ranging from 0.125 to 8.0 pg/mL for IL-1 ?. Results. By comparing the mean value of IL-1?, in the pulps we can see a statistically significant difference (p < 0.01) among them. The highest value of IL-1 ? was in the subjects with pulpitis chronica clausa and it was 6.21 ? 2.70 pg/mL. Conclusion. Proinflammatory cytokine IL-1 ? is present in detectable quantities in the pulp tissue of all vital pulps. Its highest concentrations were found in the sample group with pulpitis chronica clausa.

Identification and characterization of lipoxygenase in fresh culinary herbs

ABSTRACTThe aim of this project was to study the biochemical characterization of lipoxygenase extracted from basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), and sage (Salvia officinalis L.) leaves. The lipoxygenase extracted from these culinary herbs was frozen with liquid N2 and ground into powder before adding ice-cold phosphate buffer (pH 7). The crude extracts from the three aromatic plants showed various specific activities and the highest specific activity and the lowest protein content were observed for the basil extracts. The optimum pH values for lipoxygenase extracted from basil and sage ranged between 5 and 6, while pH 6 was the optimum value for lipoxygenase activity for rosemary. The optimum temperature was 40°C for all of the crude extracts analyzed. Considering the biochemical characteristics evaluated for lipoxygenase from each culinary herb, suitable strategies for the inactivation of the enzyme can be proposed in order to reduce its detrimental effects on fresh aromatic herbs.

An Inducible Retroviral Expression System for Tandem Affinity Purification Mass-Spectrometry-Based Proteomics Identifies Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-like Protein (MLKL) as an Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) Client

An Inducible Retroviral Expression System for Tandem Affinity Purification Mass-Spectrometry-Based Proteomics Identifies Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-like Protein (MLKL) as an Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) Client