Actions of oxytocin and vasopressin on oestrogen-induced electromyographic activity recorded from the uterus and oviduct of anoestrous ewes

1994 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 203 ◽  
Author(s):  
VJ Ayad ◽  
CL Gilbert ◽  
SA McGoff ◽  
EL Matthews ◽  
DC Wathes
Keyword(s):  
Binding Sites ◽  
Jugular Vein ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Oestradiol Treatment ◽  
Cardiovascular Side Effects ◽  
Oxytocin Receptors ◽  
Order Of Magnitude

Oxytocin and the related peptide [Arg8]vasopressin (AVP) have previously been shown to bind with equally high affinity to oxytocin binding-sites (presumed oxytocin receptors) present within the uterus and oviduct of oestrous ewes. There is a possibility, therefore, that AVP mediates oxytocic actions through these binding sites. For the present study, ewes in seasonal anoestrus were treated with oestradiol-17 beta (50 micrograms subcutaneously, daily for 2-4 days). It was shown initially that this treatment stimulated the development of high-affinity oxytocin binding-sites (Kd 4.4 +/- 0.8 nmol L-1) which had similar affinity for AVP (Kd 4.2 +/- 0.9 nmol L-1) in the myometrium. The efficacy of oxytocin and AVP in vivo were compared by recording electromyographic (EMG) activity from the ampullary-isthmic junction of the left oviduct and the left uterine horn of four conscious ewes. Before oestradiol treatment there was no EMG response to oxytocin even at supraphysiological (1000 mU) doses. During oestradiol treatment, EMG activity was consistently increased in response to injections of 25 mU and 100 mU oxytocin via the jugular vein, but not to saline or 100 mU AVP. Higher doses of AVP were not investigated because of the possibility of cardiovascular side effects. A subsequent blood sampling experiment showed that maximal concentrations of oxytocin and AVP (achieved in peripheral plasma during the first 2 min following injection into the jugular vein) were of a similar order of magnitude after injection of equivalent doses of the two peptides. It is concluded that AVP probably does not mediate biological activity through the oxytocin receptor in non-pregnant ewes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Progastrin1–80stimulates growth of intestinal epithelial cells in vitro via high-affinity binding sites

2003 ◽  
Vol 284 (2) ◽  
pp. G328-G339 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Singh ◽  
X. Lu ◽  
S. Cobb ◽  
B. T. Miller ◽  
N. Tarasova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Intestinal Epithelial Cells ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Intestinal Epithelial ◽  
Growth Effects ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Significant Difference

Proliferation and carcinogenesis of the large intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) cells is significantly increased in transgenic mice that overexpress the precursor progastrin (PG) peptide. It is not known if the in vivo growth effects of PG on IEC cells are mediated directly or indirectly. Full-length recombinant human PG (rhPG1–80) was generated to examine possible direct effects of PG on IEC cells. Surprisingly, rhPG (0.1–1.0 nM) was more effective than the completely processed gastrin 17 (G17) peptide as a growth factor. Even though IEC cells did not express CCK1and CCK2receptors (-R), fluorescently labeled G17 and Gly-extended G17 (G-Gly) were specifically bound to the cells, suggesting the presence of binding proteins other than CCK1-R and CCK2-R on IEC cells. High-affinity ( Kd= 0.5–1.0 nM) binding sites for125I-rhPG were discovered on IEC cells that demonstrated relative binding affinity for gastrin-like peptides in the order PG ≥ COOH-terminally extended G17 ≥ G-Gly > G17 > *CCK-8 (* significant difference; P< 0.05). In conclusion, our studies demonstrate for the first time direct growth effects of the full-length precursor peptide on IEC cells in vitro that are apparently mediated by the high-affinity PG binding sites that were discovered on these cells.

Temperature-dependence of the DnaA–DNA interaction and its effect on the autoregulation of dnaA expression

2012 ◽  
Vol 449 (2) ◽  
pp. 333-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Saggioro ◽  
Anne Olliver ◽  
Bianca Sclavi
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Dependence ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Dna Interaction ◽  
Bacterial Dna ◽  
Dnaa Protein ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Key Factor

The DnaA protein is a key factor for the regulation of the timing and synchrony of initiation of bacterial DNA replication. The transcription of the dnaA gene in Escherichia coli is regulated by two promoters, dnaAP1 and dnaAP2. The region between these two promoters contains several DnaA-binding sites that have been shown to play an important role in the negative auto-regulation of dnaA expression. The results obtained in the present study using an in vitro and in vivo quantitative analysis of the effect of mutations to the high-affinity DnaA sites reveal an additional effect of positive autoregulation. We investigated the role of transcription autoregulation in the change of dnaA expression as a function of temperature. While negative auto-regulation is lost at dnaAP1, the effects of both positive and negative autoregulation are maintained at the dnaAP2 promoter upon lowering the growth temperature. These observations can be explained by the results obtained in vitro showing a difference in the temperature-dependence of DnaA–ATP binding to its high- and low-affinity sites, resulting in a decrease in DnaA–ATP oligomerization at lower temperatures. The results of the present study underline the importance of the role for autoregulation of gene expression in the cellular adaptation to different growth temperatures.

RAP1 is required for BAS1/BAS2- and GCN4-dependent transcription of the yeast HIS4 gene

1991 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 3642-3651 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Devlin ◽  
K Tice-Baldwin ◽  
D Shore ◽  
K T Arndt
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Binding Site ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Micrococcal Nuclease ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Steady State Levels

The major in vitro binding activity to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae HIS4 promoter is due to the RAP1 protein. In the absence of GCN4, BAS1, and BAS2, the RAP1 protein binds to the HIS4 promoter in vivo but cannot efficiently stimulate HIS4 transcription. RAP1, which binds adjacently to BAS2 on the HIS4 promoter, is required for BAS1/BAS2-dependent activation of HIS4 basal-level transcription. In addition, the RAP1-binding site overlaps with the single high-affinity HIS4 GCN4-binding site. Even though RAP1 and GCN4 bind competitively in vitro, RAP1 is required in vivo for (i) the normal steady-state levels of GCN4-dependent HIS4 transcription under nonstarvation conditions and (ii) the rapid increase in GCN4-dependent steady-state HIS4 mRNA levels following amino acid starvation. The presence of the RAP1-binding site in the HIS4 promoter causes a dramatic increase in the micrococcal nuclease sensitivity of two adjacent regions within HIS4 chromatin: one region contains the high-affinity GCN4-binding site, and the other region contains the BAS1- and BAS2-binding sites. These results suggest that RAP1 functions at HIS4 by increasing the accessibility of GCN4, BAS1, and BAS2 to their respective binding sites when these sites are present within chromatin.

scholarly journals The effects of altered sterol composition on the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide transporter of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

1977 ◽  
Vol 166 (3) ◽  
pp. 559-563 ◽  
Author(s):  
J M Haslam ◽  
A M Astin ◽  
W W Nichols
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Adenine Nucleotide ◽  
Tween 80 ◽  
Sterol Composition ◽  
Affinity Binding ◽  
Sterol Content ◽  
Macromolecular Synthesis ◽  
High Affinity

1. The membrane sterol composition of mitochondria of the ole-3 mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was manipulated by growing the organism in the presence of Tween 80 (1%, W/V) plus defined supplements o- delta-aminolaevulinate. 2. Changes in mitochondrial sterol content induced considerable changes in the adenine nucleotide transporter. 3. As the sterol content was decreased, the affinity of the transporter for ATP did not alter significantly, but the rate of ATP uptake was greatly decreased, the total number of atractylate-sensitive binding sites diminished, and the proportion of high-affinity binding sites was decreased. 4. Since sterol depletion also uncouples oxidative phosphorylation [Astin & Haslam (1977) Biochem. J., 166, 287-298] and prevents the intramitochondrial generation of ATP, the decrease in the rate of ATP uptake by sterol-depleted mitochondria will cause a decrease in intramitochondrial ATP concentrations in vivo. This probably explains the inhibition of mitochondrial macromolecular synthesis that has previously been reported in lipid-depleted yeast mitochondria.

Fibrin Binding of Plasminogen Coated Liposomes In Vitro

1996 ◽  
Vol 75 (01) ◽  
pp. 134-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
J L M Heeremans ◽  
P Los ◽  
R Prevost ◽  
D J A Crommelin ◽  
C Kluft
Keyword(s):  
Binding Sites ◽  
In Vitro Model ◽  
Model System ◽  
Binding Properties ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Binding Rate ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
Vitro Model

SummaryIn this study, the fibrin binding properties of liposomes containing a number of plasminogen (Pig) molecules on the outside were compared to those of free (non-liposomal) Pig in an in vitro model system. Fibrin monolayer coated 96-wells plates were used, containing fibrin monomer at a density of around 3.4 to 3.9 × 10-4 nmol/cm2. These densities are similar to liposomal Plg-densities, thus allowing multivalent interactions to occur.In the panel of experimental conditions that was chosen, binding of free Pig and liposomes with Pig showed three main differences in characteristics. Firstly, in the fibrin binding of Plg-liposomes not all Pig may be involved, but on the average 40% of the total amount of liposomal Pig. This was shown by lysing the liposomes after binding to the fibrin and estimation of truly bound Pig. With Plg-densities on the liposomes below the fibrin binding sites density, the maximal number of bound Pig molecules remains below the amount of available fibrin binding sites. Secondly, a higher binding rate by at least one order of magnitude was observed for liposomes with Pig compared to free Pig. Thirdly, liposomes with Pig exhibit a fibrin binding affinity which increases with Plg-density, because of the multivalent character of interaction. Liposomal Pig can successfully compete for fibrin binding sites with a 100 fold higher concentration of free Pig.These in vitro findings indicate that in view of avid and rapid fibrin binding, liposomes with attached plasminogen may be suitable for in vivo targeting to fibrin based thrombi.

Characterization and localization of oxytocin receptors in the uterus and oviduct of the non-pregnant ewe using an iodinated receptor antagonist

1991 ◽  
Vol 128 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-NP ◽  
Author(s):  
V. J. Ayad ◽  
S. E. F. Guldenaar ◽  
D. C. Wathes
Keyword(s):  
Binding Sites ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Oxytocin Receptor ◽  
Binding Characteristics ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Oxytocin Receptors ◽  
Secretory Glands ◽  
Pregnant Ewe ◽  
Autoradiographic Technique ◽  
Specific Labelling

ABSTRACT Some of the binding characteristics of a novel oxytocin receptor ligand 125I-labelled [1-(β-mercapto-β, β-cyclopentamethylene propionic acid), 2-(ortho-methyl)-Tyr2,Thr4,Orn8,Tyr9-NH2]-vasotocin ([125I]OTA) have been determined in the sheep uterus. The compound was subsequently used for the autoradiographic localization of oxytocin receptors in the uterus and oviduct of the ewe. Specific binding of [125I]OTA to crude membrane fractions of ovine endometrium was time-dependent and was unaffected by the addition of cations to incubation media. Endometrial membranes contained a single population of saturable, high-affinity binding sites for the iodinated ligand (dissociation constant (Kd) 0·23±0·08 nmol/l) and unlabelled oxytocin competed with [125I]OTA for binding sites with high affinity (Kd 1·29±0·4 nmol/l) in the presence of Mg2+ In contrast, unlabelled OTA was able to compete with high affinity (Kd 1·13±0·16 nmol/l) in the absence of cation. Competition studies with a number of oxytocin analogues and related peptides and the tissue distribution of [125I]OTA binding sites also indicated that [125I]OTA bound to the ovine oxytocin receptor. This was further validated by autoradiographic studies which showed specific labelling with [125I]OTA to be greater to uterus and oviduct obtained from ewes which had been killed within 2 days of oestrus than to similar tissue from ewes killed during the luteal phase. In both the ampullary and isthmic regions of the oviduct and the myometrium, [125I]OTA binding sites were confined to smooth muscle. Endometrial binding sites for [125I]OTA were consistently located on the luminal epithelium and epithelial cells lining secretory glands. In addition, in one ewe which had been killed 2 days after cloprostenol treatment, stromal cells were labelled in a caruncular region of the endometrium. The consistency of this observation between similar animals remains to be determined. The autoradiographic technique demonstrated appears sufficiently sensitive to allow further studies into the distribution of the endometrial oxytocin receptor throughout the oestrous cycle, and into its regulation at luteolysis and during the establishment of pregnancy. Journal of Endocrinology (1991) 128, 187–195

polyhomeotic appears to be a target of engrailed regulation in Drosophila

Development ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 121 (6) ◽  
pp. 1691-1703 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Serrano ◽  
H.W. Brock ◽  
C. Demeret ◽  
J.M. Dura ◽  
N.B. Randsholt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Binding Sites ◽  
Normal Development ◽  
Regulatory Protein ◽  
Polytene Chromosomes ◽  
Polycomb Group ◽  
Germ Band ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Embryonic Segmentation

In Drosophila, Engrailed is a nuclear regulatory protein with essential roles in embryonic segmentation and in normal development of posterior compartments. One of its regulatory targets appears to be polyhomeotic (ph), a Polycomb group gene. We observed, by immunostaining, that Engrailed protein binds to the site of the polyhomeotic locus in region 2D of polytene chromosomes. The same analysis carried out on a transgenic line containing one copy of a P(ph-lacZ) construct shows an additional Engrailed-binding site at the location of the insert. In vivo, polyhomeotic depends on engrailed function in germ-band-elongated embryos, when engrailed and polyhomeotic genes are expressed in similar patterns. By in vitro immunoprecipitations and gel shift assays, we identified two classes of high affinity Engrailed-binding sites upstream of each of the two polyhomeotic transcription units. DNA fragments containing these sites were also immunoprecipitated from embryonic UV crosslinked chromatin in presence of anti-Engrailed antibody. These results suggest that polyhomeotic activation in germ-band-elongated embryos could be mediated by Engrailed-binding to these sites.

Vasopressin and oxytocin receptors on plasma membranes from rat mammary gland.: Demonstration of vasopressin receptors by stimulation of inositol phosphate formation, and oxytocin receptors by binding of a specific 125I-labeled oxytocin antagonist, d(CH2)51[Tyr(Me)2, Thr4,Tyr-NH29]OVT

1989 ◽  
Vol 67 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 152-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melvyn S. Soloff ◽  
Mats A. Fernström ◽  
Martha J. Fernström
Keyword(s):  
Mammary Gland ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Inositol Phosphate ◽  
Mammary Tissue ◽  
Selective Antagonist ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Oxytocin Receptors ◽  
Rat Mammary Gland ◽  
Stimulation Of

The addition of oxytocin to minces of rat mammary gland preincubated with (3H)myo-inositol stimulated the formation of inositol phosphate (IP) in both lactating and regressed glands. Stimulation was about 4 times greater in regressed tissue, consistent with an oxytocin effect on myoepithelial cells, which are enriched relative to epithelial cells during regression. The stimulation of IP formation was agonist specific, as shown with several oxytocin analogs. Arginine vasopressin (AVP), however, was more than twice as potent as oxytocin in stimulating IP formation in regressed tissue. Both V1- and V2-selective AVP receptor antagonists inhibited the stimulation of IP formation by oxytocin. The V1-selective antagonist was about 10 times more inhibitory than the V2-selective antagonist. [3H]AVP was bound to plasma membranes from the mammary gland of the lactating rat with an apparent Kd of about 0.7 nM and Bmax of 54.6 fmol/mg protein. These values were comparable with those found for AVP receptors of kidney plasma membranes. Our results suggest that the stimulation of IP formation in rat mammary gland by oxytocin occurs through occupancy of AVP, and not oxytocin, receptor sites. A second aspect of these studies was to determine if a recently developed iodinated antagonist of oxytocin-induced uterine contractions could be used as a specific probe for oxytocin receptors in the rat mammary gland. Under steady state conditions, [125I]d(CH2)51[Tyr(Me)2,Thr4,Tyr-NH29]OVT was bound to a single class of independent binding sites in mammary gland plasma membrane from lactating rats with an apparent Kd of 65 pM and Bmax of 225 fmol/mg protein. Noniodinated antagonist had an affinity about 150 times less than the monoiodinated form. The affinity of binding sites for AVP was 10 times greater than the noniodinated antagonist and 2.4 times greater than oxytocin. In view of the presence of AVP receptors in mammary tissue, these findings suggested that the iodinated antagonist binds to AVP receptors. However, comparison of the binding of iodinated antagonist to plasma membranes from the lactating mammary gland with kidney medulla and liver, target sites for AVP, showed that binding was specific for the mammary gland and hence oxytocin receptors. The concentration of oxytocin receptors in mammary gland, as determined by [125I]d(CH2)51[Tyr(Me)2,Thr4,Tyr-NH29]OVT binding, was 4 times greater than the concentration of high-affinity AVP receptors, as determined by [3H]AVP binding. The high affinity, specificity, and specific activity of the iodinated antagonist should make it very useful in further studies to discriminate between oxytocin and AVP receptors, demonstrate oxytocin receptors with small amounts of samples, perform autoradiographic studies with short-term exposures, and to purify oxytocin receptors.Key words: oxytocin, vasopressin, receptor, mammary gland, antagonist.

Oxytocin receptors in the oviduct during the oestrous cycle of the ewe

1990 ◽  
Vol 124 (3) ◽  
pp. 353-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. J. Ayad ◽  
S. A. McGoff ◽  
D. C. Wathes
Keyword(s):  
Binding Sites ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Dissociation Constants ◽  
Relative Concentration ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Affinity Binding ◽  
High Affinity Binding ◽  
Lower Affinity ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Oxytocin Receptors

ABSTRACT The presence of oxytocin receptors in ovine oviduct has been investigated. High-affinity binding sites for [3H]oxytocin were detected in crude membrane fractions prepared from the oviducts of ewes killed during the oestrous period. The dissociation constant calculated for these sites in competition studies was 1·7 nmol/l. Similar dissociation constants were calculated for [Arg8]-vasopressin and the oxytocin-specific agonists [Gly7]-oxytocin and [Thr4, Gly7]-oxytocin, indicating that these sites represent oxytocin receptors. At least one additional site of lower affinity and undetermined identity was present. The relative concentration of oxytocin-binding sites in preparations of oviduct membranes were estimated in ewes killed at different stages of the oestrous cycle using a single concentration of [3H]oxytocin. Binding was low during the luteal phase of the cycle but increased to a maximum at oestrus (77·7 fmol/mg protein). Binding fell after ovulation, reaching what appeared to be basal concentrations by the early luteal stage of the cycle. Binding to oviductal membranes from prepubertal, anoestrous and pregnant ewes was also low, but in anoestrous animals which had been treated with progesterone and oestrogen it was similar to values measured in ewes at oestrus. These results are consistent with the existence of oviductal oxytocin receptors which are regulated by ovarian steroids. We conclude that oxytocin receptors are present in the oviduct of the ewe around the time of ovulation. The significance of oxytocin to events taking place in the oviduct at this time remains to be determined. Journal of Endocrinology (1990) 124, 353–359

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