Uroporphyrin I Stimulation of Collagen Biosynthesis in Human Skin Fibroblasts: A UNIQUE DARK EFFECT OF PORPHYRIN

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Abstract

Porphyria cutanea tarda and erythropoietic porphyria are disorders of heme synthesis that originate in the liver and bone marrow, respectively. Each is characterized by increased accumulation of uroporphyrin, I, by cutaneous photosensitivity, and in some patients by indurated plaques and scarring that resemble scleroderma. These scleroderma-like lesions occur in light-exposed and light-protected body areas. In these studies we evaluated the role of uroporphyrin I and of light in evoking the scleroderma-like cutaneous changes. Normal human skin fibroblasts were exposed to uroporphyrin I and to 400 nm radiation and the effect of these agents on collagen accumulation by the cells was determined. Radioactive tracer studies showed that uroporphyrin I caused a specific increase in the accumulation of newly synthesized collagen by fibroblast monolayer cultures, as verified by [3H]hydroxyproline and collagenase digestion assays. Collagen accumulation was stimulated 1.5- to 2.7-fold by uroporphyrin I, whereas noncollagenous protein accumulation was unchanged. The increased collagen accumulation was time and uroporphyrin I-concentration-dependent, and occurred both in the presence or absence of ultraviolet light exposure. Further studies demonstrated that the increased accumulation was not the result of decreased rates of collagen degradation nor was it due to changes in cell population growth parameters (generation times and saturation densities). No changes in morphology of the treated cells occurred. These studies indicate that porphyrins possess previously undemonstrated biological effects that are independent of their photosensitizing properties. This novel dark effect of uroporphyrin I may account for the sclerodermatous lesions seen in the skin of patients with porphyria cutanea tarda and erythropoietic porphyria.

Authors

George Varigos, John R. Schiltz, David R. Bickers

Urinary Concentration in the Papillary Collecting Duct of the Rat: ROLE OF THE URETER

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Abstract

Urine was observed to flow intermittently in the collecting ducts of the extrarenal papilla of antidiuretic rats. The purpose of this investigation was to test Reinking and Schmidt-Nielsen's hypothesis that intermittent flow plays an important role in the production of maximally concentrated urine. Samples of collecting duct fluid were obtained from the base and tip of the papilla by micropuncture through the intact ureter. Fluid osmolality rose sharply from base, 894±120 mosmol/kg H2O−1 (mean±SE), to tip, 1,667±114 (P<0.001), a distance of only 2 mm, and was due exclusively to reabsorption of water. After excision of the ureter, which abolished intermittent flow, osmolality fell modestly at the base to 723±82 mosmol/kg H2O−1 (P < 0.02), but strikingly at the tip to 1,012±103 (P < 0.001). The pelvic ureter was paralyzed by topical verapamil and dimethylsulfoxide, which abolished intermittent flow. Osmolality of urine at the tip was not changed (1,959±184 mosmol/kg H2O−1 before, vs. 1,957±126 after paralysis). The ureter was severed just beyond the papillary tip, a maneuver which preserved intermittent flow but abolished urinary reflux over the papilla. Urinary osmolality fell from 1,876±134 mosmol/kg H2O−1 to 1,284±115 (P < 0.005). These findings demonstrate that when the ureter is intact, over half of the increase in urinary osmolality above isotonicity occurs in the terminal one-fourth of the medullary collecting duct and is due exclusively to water reabsorption (no net solute addition). It is the continuity of the ureter, rather than intermittent flow due to ureteral peristalsis, which is essential for the formation of a maximally concentrated urine.

Authors

Richard E. Oliver, Denis R. Roy, Rex L. Jamison

Mechanism of Glomerulotubular Balance in the Setting of Heterogeneous Glomerular Injury: PRESERVATION OF A CLOSE FUNCTIONAL LINKAGE BETWEEN INDIVIDUAL NEPHRONS AND SURROUNDING MICROVASCULATURE

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Abstract

Autologous immune complex nephropathy (AICN), an experimental model for human membranous glomerulopathy, is characterized by marked heterogeneity in function from glomerulus to glomerulus. However, the fraction of the filtered load of fluid reabsorbed by the proximal tubule remains nearly constant from nephron to nephron, despite wide variation in single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR). To define the physiological mechanisms responsible for this marked variation in SNGFR values within a given kidney and for the remarkable preservation of glomerulotubular balance, the various determinants of fluid exchange across glomerular and peritubular capillary networks were evaluated in Munich-Wistar rats with AICN. For comparison, similar measurements were obtained in rats with the functionally more homogeneous lesion of heterologous immune complex nephropathy. In AICN rats studied ∼5 mo after injection of renal tubule epithelial antigen (Fx1A), a high degree of glomerulus-proximal tubule balance was found, despite marked variations in SNGFR values within a single kidney. These changes were associated with marked heterogeneity in immunoglobulin and complement deposition within and among glomeruli. Although mean capillary hydraulic pressure and Bowman's space hydraulic pressure ranged widely from glomerulus to glomerulus, the mean glomerular transcapillary hydraulic pressure difference was remarkably uniform among these functionally diverse glomeruli and could not, therefore, be implicated as the cause of the dispersion in SNGFR values. The two remaining determinants of SNGFR, namely, glomerular plasma flow rate (QA) and ultrafiltration coefficient (Kf), varied markedly from glomerulus to glomerulus, but always in direct proportion to SNGFR, and proved to be responsible for the marked variation in SNGFR.

Authors

I. Ichikawa, J. R. Hoyer, M. W. Seiler, B. M. Brenner

Decreased Adrenal Responsiveness to Angiotensin II: A Defect Present in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats: A POSSIBLE MODEL OF HUMAN ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION

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Abstract

30% of patients with essential hypertension have a decreased adrenal response to angiotensin II (A II) on a low but not a high sodium intake. They also have a compensatory increase in the activity of the renin-angiotensin system best documented in a sodium-restricted state.

Authors

Gordon H. Williams, Lynne M. Braley, Alphonsa Menachery

Production of Antibodies Specific for Fc, Fab′, and Streptokinase-Streptodornase In Vitro by Peripheral Blood Cells from Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Normal Donors: IDENTIFICATION OF IMMUNE COMPLEXES IN CULTURE SUPERNATANTS CONTAINING HIDDEN ANTIBODIES REACTIVE WITH Fab′ FRAGMENTS OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN G

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Abstract

To study antibody (Ab) biosynthesis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the immunoglobulin (Ig)M anti-Fc, anti-Fab′, and antistreptokinase-streptodornase (SKSD) produced by peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were measured at intervals from 1 to 19 d in culture. PBL from 17 seropositive patients with active RA and 30 age-matched controls were evaluated. Within the first 24 h, PBL from six of eight patients released >30 ng IgM anti-Fc, even in the absence of pokeweed mitogen (PWM). This early release of Ab was blocked by cycloheximide. With or without PWM, PBL from normal donors did not release IgM anti-Fc until after 3-5 d in vitro. By day 9, unstimulated PBL from seven patients made > 100 ng IgM anti-Fc. Un-stimulated PBL from normals never made >95 ng of this Ab.

Authors

Holly H. Birdsall, Roger D. Rossen

Stimulation of Monovalent Cation Active Transport by Low Concentrations of Cardiac Glycosides: ROLE OF CATECHOLAMINES

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Abstract

The stimulatory effect of low concentrations of ouabain on the Na-K pump in isolated guinea pig left atria was studied in vitro by assessing active transport of the K+ analog Rb+. Active transport of Rb+ was stimulated 20±8% (SEM, P < 0.05) above control values by 3 nM ouabain, but was inhibited by concentrations >10 nM. Preincubation with the β-adrenergic antagonist propranolol (1 μM) completely blocked stimulation of active transport of Rb+ by 3 nM ouabain. Norepinephrine, 10 nM, increased Rb+ active transport 29±10% (P < 0.02) above control values. The β-adrenergic agonist l-isoproterenol, 10 nM, increased active transport of Rb+ by 33±10% (P < 0.01) above control levels. This stimulatory effect was abolished if tissues were first exposed to propranolol. Tyramine (0.1 μM), a stimulator of endogenous catecholamine release, increased active transport of Rb+ 26±12% (P < 0.05) above control values. Rb+ active transport was not significantly changed when left atrial tissues were incubated with α-adrenergic agonists or antagonists. Ouabain stimulation of Rb+ active transport was prevented by in vivo depletion of myocardial endogenous catecholamines by either reserpine or 6-hydroxydopamine. These findings indicated that in myocardial tissue, Na-K pump stimulation by low concentrations of ouabain is mediated at least in part through β-adrenergic effects of endogenous catecholamines.

Authors

Thomas J. Hougen, Nancy Spicer, Thomas W. Smith

Role of Adherence in Cytopathogenic Mechanisms of Entamoeba Histolytica: STUDY WITH MAMMALIAN TISSUE CULTURE CELLS AND HUMAN ERYTHROCYTES

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Abstract

The enteric pathogen, Entamoeba histolytica, appears to cause disease by adhering to and then destroying mucosal barriers. Using an in vitro method of studying the interaction of E. histolytica with target cells (Chinese hamster ovary [CHO] and human erythrocytes [RBC]), we examined the mechanism of amebic adherence and its role in lysis of target cells. Killing and phagocytosis of target cells by amebas ceases at 4°C, allowing observation of adherence. Amebas adhere to CHO cells at 4°C, 78.9% formed rosettes (amebas with ≥3 adherent CHO cells each) at 2 h. At 37°C, cytochalasins B and D inhibit adherence of amebas to CHO cells (P < 0.0005). Amebas adhere to and kill CHO cells in media with <0.1 μM calcium and magnesium plus 10 mM EDTA, indicating that divalent cations are not required in the medium. Adherence of amebas to human RBC was not ABO blood group specific and showed greater adherence to human than bovine or sheep RBC (P < 0.005). Neither Fc nor complement receptors were found on amebas by standard rosette studies. The amebic adherence receptor is not trypsin (0.125%) sensitive nor inhibited by trypan blue (1 mM). N-acetyl-d-galactosamine (GALNAc) inhibited the adherence of amebas to CHO cells and human RBC (0.1 g/100 ml or 4.5 mM GALNAc, P < 0.005) by binding to a receptor on the amebic surface. GALNAc abolishes amebic cytolysis of target CHO cells (determined by 111Indium oxine release from CHO cells, P < 0.001) but not amebic phagocytosis of CHO cells. By suspending ameba-CHO cells rosettes in dextran, we found that GALNAc (1%) reversibly inhibits amebic adherence (P < 0.0005) and that cytochalasins decrease amebic killing of adherent CHO cells (P < 0.025).

Authors

Jonathan I. Ravdin, Richard L. Guerrant

Zero-Flow Pressures and Pressure-Flow Relationships during Single Long Diastoles in the Canine Coronary Bed before and during Maximum Vasodilation: LIMITED INFLUENCE OF CAPACITIVE EFFECTS

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Abstract

The proposal that diastolic coronary flow is regulated by an intramyocardial “back-pressure” that substantially exceeds coronary venous and ventricular diastolic pressures has been examined in an open-chest canine preparation in which instantaneous left circumflex pressure and flow could be followed to cessation of inflow during prolonged diastoles. Despite correlation coefficients consistently >0.90, pressure-flow data during individual diastoles were concave to the flow axis before and during pharmacologically induced maximum coronary vasodilation. Data were better fitted (P < 0.01) by second-order equations than by linear equations in >90% of cases. Second-order pressure-axis intercepts (Pf=0)1 averaged 29±7 (SD) mm Hg before vasodilation and 15±2 mm Hg during vasodilation; left and right atrial pressures were always substantially lower (8±3 and 5±2 mm Hg before vasodilation and 8±2 and 4±1 mm Hg during dilation). Values of Pf=0 before vasodilation varied directly with levels of coronary inflow pressure. A modification of the experimental preparation in which diastolic circumflex pressure could be kept constant was used to evaluate the suggestion that Pf=0 measured during long diastoles are misleadingly high because of capacitive effects within the coronary circulation as inflow pressure decreases. Decreases in Pf=0 attributable to capacitive effects averaged only 5.9±3.0 mm Hg before vasodilation and were smaller during dilation. We conclude that Pf=0 is a quantitatively important determinant of coronary driving pressure and flow, resulting from both factors related to, and independent of, vasomotor tone. Adjustments of flow during changing physiological situations may involve significant changes in Pf=0 as well as in coronary resistance.

Authors

Francis J. Klocke, Irwin R. Weinstein, James F. Klocke, Avery K. Ellis, David R. Kraus, Robert E. Mates, John M. Canty, Ran D. Anbar, Roslyn R. Romanowski, Kenneth W. Wallmeyer, Martin P. Echt

Parathyroid Ablation in Dystrophic Hamsters: EFFECTS ON CA CONTENT AND HISTOLOGY OF HEART, DIAPHRAGM, AND RECTUS FEMORIS

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Abstract

Cumulative evidence indicates that there is an increased accumulation of calcium in dystrophic muscle and that this may have a pathophysiological role in the progression of the dystrophic process. The accumulation may be related to a defect of the plasma membrane. Because parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulates calcium influx into the cytosol, the chronic effects of surgical ablation of the parathyroid glands on muscle Ca, Mg, protein synthesis, and histology, as well as plasma creatine phosphokinase (CPK), Ca, and Mg, were studied in normal and dystrophic (BIO 14.6) hamsters. Thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) hamsters receiving replacement doses of l-thyroxine were killed at age 90 d, 55 d after TPTX. In intact dystrophic hamsters, the Ca content in the heart was 20 times higher than in normal animals and was reduced by half in TPTX dystrophic hamsters. Similar results were observed in diaphragm and rectus femoris. No abnormalities in Mg content were observed in intact or TPTX dystrophic hamsters. Ether-extractable fat of the heart and diaphragm was reduced in dystrophic hamsters and was not modified by TPTX. Protein synthesis was enhanced in the diaphragm of dystrophic hamsters but was not changed by TPTX. The concentration of CPK in plasma was elevated in dystrophic hamsters and fell significantly after TPTX. In the latter animals, microscopic examination of the heart showed lesser signs of dystrophy, particularly in the degree of fibrosis.

Authors

Genaro M. A. Palmieri, David F. Nutting, Syamal K. Bhattacharya, Tulio E. Bertorini, James C. Williams

Abrogation of Macrophage-dependent Injury in Experimental Glomerulonephritis in the Rabbit: USE OF AN ANTIMACROPHAGE SERUM

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Abstract

Macrophages were shown by the use of glomerular cell culture and morphologic techniques to be present in large numbers within the glomeruli of rabbits with acute serum sickness (AcSS) and in a passive model of the autologous phase of antiglomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibody-induced glomerulonephritis (PAGBMN). To determine the part played by these cells in the glomerular injury, animals were treated with a sheep anti-rabbit macrophage serum (AMS) or normal sheep serum (NSS). NSS administration had no effect on the development of either model of glomerulonephritis. The use of AMS reduced the number of circulating monocytes and prevented the accumulation of macrophages within glomeruli in both models (AcSS/NSS, mean 126/glomerulus, range 40-251; AcSS/AMS, mean 8, range 1-44; PAGBMN/NSS, mean 52, range 27-69; PAGBMN/AMS, mean 5, range 2-7). The AMS-treated rabbits had only minor histologic lesion and profound reduction in proteinuria (AcSS/NSS, mean 516 mg/24 h, range 200-991; AcSS/AMS, mean 41, range 3-161; PAGBMN/NSS, mean 335, range 55-975; PAGBMN/AMS, mean 10, range 2-24). Similar studies in the heterologous phase of glomerular injury induced by the same anti-GBM antibody revealed no effect of the AMS on this polymorphonuclear leukocyte-related phase of injury, demonstrating the selectivity of the antisera. Complement depletion, with cobra venom factor, did not affect the development of glomerulonephritis nor the accumulation of macrophages in either model. Inhibition of macrophage accumulation can largely prevent these forms of experimental glomerulonephritis, thereby implicating macrophages as mediators of glomerular injury and consequent proteinuria.

Authors

Stephen R. Holdsworth, T. James Neale, Curtis B. Wilson