scholarly journals THE DISTRIBUTION OF EXOGENOUS FERRITIN IN TOAD SPINAL GANGLIA AND THE MECHANISM OF ITS UPTAKE BY NEURONS

1964 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 307-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack Rosenbluth ◽  
Steven L. Wissig

Toad spinal ganglion cells are individually enclosed in sheaths consisting of one or more attenuated layers of satellite cell cytoplasm surrounded externally by a basement membrane. Narrow (∼150 A) extracellular channels separate these layers from one another and from the underlying neuron. In both in vivo and in vitro experiments it was found that molecules of ferritin, a water-soluble protein, are to some extent able to pass across the basement membrane and through these channels to reach the neuronal plasma membrane. Ferritin particles arriving at the neuronal surface are engulfed by the neuron in 0.1 to 0.2 µ "coated" vesicles. The concentration of ferritin in these vesicles is higher than in the perineuronal space. The ferritin incorporated into the neuron is segregated, apparently intact, in multivesicular bodies. It is inferred that the 150A channels in the satellite cell sheath are patent, aqueous spaces through which molecules with a diameter as large as 95 A are able to pass, and that these neurons are capable of taking up whole protein from their immediate environment by the process of pinocytosis.

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugene G. Maksimov ◽  
Nikolai N. Sluchanko ◽  
Yury B. Slonimskiy ◽  
Kirill S. Mironov ◽  
Konstantin E. Klementiev ◽  
...  

Orange Carotenoid Protein (OCP) is known to be an effector and regulator of cyanobacterial photoprotection. This 35 kDa water-soluble protein provides specific environment for keto-carotenoids, the excitation of which induced by the absorption of blue-green light causes dramatic but fully reversible rearrangements of the OCP structure, including carotenoid translocation and separation of C- and N-terminal domains upon transition from the basic orange to photoactivated red OCP form. While recent studies significantly improved our understanding of the OCP photocycle and interaction with phycobilisomes and the fluorescence recovery protein, the mechanism of OCP assembly remains unclear. Apparently, this process requires targeted delivery and incorporation of a highly hydrophobic carotenoid molecule into the water-soluble apoprotein of OCP. Recently, we introduced a novel carotenoid carrier protein, COCP, which consists of dimerized C-domain(s) of OCP and can combine with the isolated N-domain to form transient OCP-like species. Here, we demonstrate that in vitro COCP efficiently transfers otherwise tightly bound carotenoid to the full-length OCP apoprotein, resulting in formation of the photoactive OCP from completely photoinactive species. We accurately analyze peculiarities of this carotenoid transfer process which, to the best of our knowledge, seems unique, previously uncharacterized protein-to-protein carotenoid transfer process. We hypothesize that a similar OCP assembly can occur in vivo, substantiating specific roles of the COCP carotenoid carrier in cyanobacterial photoprotection.


2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuta Inokuchi ◽  
Masamitsu Shimazawa ◽  
Yoshimi Nakajima ◽  
Shinsuke Suemori ◽  
Satoshi Mishima ◽  
...  

Propolis, a honeybee product, has gained popularity as a food and alternative medicine. Its constituents have been shown to exert pharmacological (anticancer, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) effects. We investigated whether Brazilian green propolis exerts neuroprotective effects in the retinain vitroand/orin vivo.In vitro, retinal damage was induced by 24 h hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) exposure, and cell viability was measured by Hoechst 33342 and YO-PRO-1 staining or by a resazurin–reduction assay. Propolis inhibited the neurotoxicity and apoptosis induced in cultured retinal ganglion cells (RGC-5, a rat ganglion cell line transformed using E1A virus) by 24 h H2O2 exposure. Propolis also inhibited the neurotoxicity induced in RGC-5 cultures by staurosporine. Regarding the possible underlying mechanism, in pig retina homogenates propolis protected against oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation), as also did trolox (water-soluble vitamin E). In micein vivo, propolis (100 mg kg−1; intraperitoneally administered four times) reduced the retinal damage (decrease in retinal ganglion cells and in thickness of inner plexiform layer) induced by intravitrealin vivo N-methyl-d-aspartate injection. These findings indicate that Brazilian green propolis has neuroprotective effects against retinal damage bothin vitroandin vivo, and that a propolis-induced inhibition of oxidative stress may be partly responsible for these neuroprotective effects.


Author(s):  
Venu Madhav K ◽  
Somnath De ◽  
Chandra Shekar Bonagiri ◽  
Sridhar Babu Gummadi

Fenofibrate (FN) is used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. It shows poor dissolution and poor oral bioavailability after oral administration due to high liphophilicity and low aqueous solubility. Hence, solid dispersions (SDs) of FN (FN-SDs) were develop that might enhance the dissolution and subsequently oral bioavailability. FN-SDs were prepared by solvent casting method using different carriers (PEG 4000, PEG 6000, β cyclodextrin and HP β cyclodextrin) in different proportions (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% w/v). FN-SDs were evaluated solubility, assay and in vitro release studies for the optimization of SD formulation. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed for crystalline and morphology analysis, respectively. Further, optimized FN-SD formulation evaluated for pharmacokinetic performance in Wistar rats, in vivo in comparison with FN suspension.  From the results, FN-SD3 and FN-SD6 have showed 102.9 ±1.3% and 105.5±3.1% drug release, respectively in 2 h. DSC and PXRD studies revealed that conversion of crystalline to amorphous nature of FN from FT-SD formulation. SEM studies revealed the change in the orientation of FN when incorporated in SDs. The oral bioavailability FN-SD3 and FN-SD6 formulations exhibited 2.5-folds and 3.1-folds improvement when compared to FN suspension as control. Overall, SD of FN could be considered as an alternative dosage form for the enhancement of oral delivery of poorly water-soluble FN.


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 365-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis V. Mishchenko ◽  
Margarita E. Neganova ◽  
Elena N. Klimanova ◽  
Tatyana E. Sashenkova ◽  
Sergey G. Klochkov ◽  
...  

Background: Anti-tumor effect of hydroxamic acid derivatives is largely connected with its properties as efficient inhibitors of histone deacetylases, and other metalloenzymes involved in carcinogenesis. Objective: The work was aimed to (i) determine the anti-tumor and chemosensitizing activity of the novel racemic spirocyclic hydroxamic acids using experimental drug sensitive leukemia P388 of mice, and (ii) determine the structure-activity relationships as metal chelating and HDAC inhibitory agents. Method: Outbreed male rat of 200-220 g weights were used in biochemical experiments. In vivo experiments were performed using the BDF1 hybrid male mice of 22-24 g weight. Lipid peroxidation, Fe (II) -chelating activity, HDAC fluorescent activity, anti-tumor and anti-metastatic activity, acute toxicity techniques were used in this study. Results: Chemosensitizing properties of water soluble cyclic hydroxamic acids (CHA) are evaluated using in vitro activities and in vivo methods and found significant results. These compounds possess iron (II) chelating properties, and slightly inhibit lipid peroxidation. CHA prepared from triacetonamine (1a-e) are more effective Fe (II) ions cheaters, as compared to CHA prepared from 1- methylpiperidone (2a-e). The histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitory activity, lipophilicity and acute toxicity were influenced by the length amino acids (size) (Glycine < Alanine < Valine < Leucine < Phenylalanine). All compounds bearing spiro-N-methylpiperidine ring (2a-e) are non-toxic up to 1250 mg/kg dose, while compounds bearing spiro-tetramethylpiperidine ring (1a-e) exhibit moderate toxicity which increases with increasing lipophility, but not excite at 400 mg/kg. Conclusion: It was shown that the use of combination of non-toxic doses of cisplatin (cPt) or cyclophosphamide with CHA in most cases result in the appearance of a considerable anti-tumor effect of cytostatics. The highest chemosensitizing activity with respect to leukemia Р388 is demonstrated by the CHA derivatives of Valine 1c or 2c.


Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1110
Author(s):  
Kunal Jhunjhunwala ◽  
Charles W. Dobard ◽  
Sunita Sharma ◽  
Natalia Makarova ◽  
Angela Holder ◽  
...  

Receptive anal intercourse (RAI) contributes significantly to HIV acquisition underscoring the need to develop HIV prevention options for populations engaging in RAI practices. We explored the feasibility of formulating rectal suppositories with potent antiviral drugs for on-demand use. A fixed-dose combination of tenofovir (TFV) and elvitegravir (EVG) (40 mg each) was co-formulated in six different suppository bases (three fat- and three water-soluble). Fat-soluble witepsol H15 and water-soluble polyethylene glycol (PEG) based suppositories demonstrated favorable in vitro release and were advanced to assess in vivo pharmacokinetics following rectal administration in macaques. In vivo drug release profiles were similar for both suppository bases. Median concentrations of TFV and EVG detected in rectal fluids at 2 h were 1- and 2-logs higher than the in vitro IC50, respectively; TFV-diphosphate levels in rectal tissues met or exceeded those associated with high efficacy against rectal simian HIV (SHIV) exposure in macaques. Leveraging on these findings, a PEG-based suppository with a lower dose combination of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) and EVG (8 mg each) was developed and found to achieve similar rectal drug exposures in macaques. This study establishes the utility of rectal suppositories as a promising on-demand strategy for HIV PrEP and supports their clinical development.


Genetics ◽  
1982 ◽  
Vol 100 (2) ◽  
pp. 259-278
Author(s):  
Hideo Tsuji

ABSTRACT Sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) under in vivo and in vitro conditions were examined in ganglion cells of third-instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster (Oregon-R). In the in vivo experiment, third-instar larvae were fed on synthetic media containing 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdUrd). After two cell cycles, ganglia were dissected and treated with colchicine. In the in vitro experiment, the ganglia were also incubated in media containing BrdUrd for two cell cycles, and treated with colchicine. SCEs were scored in metaphase stained with Hoechst 33258 plus Giemsa. The frequencies of SCEs stayed constant in the range of 25-150 vg/ml and 0.25-2.5 vg/ml of BrdUrd in vivo and in vitro, respectively. SCEs gradually increased at higher concentrations, strongly suggesting that at least a fraction of the detected SCEs are spontaneous. The constant levels of SCE frequency were estimated, on the average, at 0.103 per cell per two cell cycles for females and 0.101 for males in vivo and at 0.096 for females and 0.091 for males in vitro. No difference was found in the SCE frequency between sexes at any of the BrdUrd concentrations. The analysis for the distribution of SCEs within chromosomes revealed an extraordinarily high proportion of the SCEs at the junctions between euchromatin and heterochromatin; the remaining SCEs were preferentially localized in the euchromatic regions of the chromosomes and in the heterochromatic Y chromosome. These results were largely inconsistent with those of Gatti et al. (1979).


2020 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yeh-Lin Lu ◽  
Chia-Jung Lee ◽  
Shyr-Yi Lin ◽  
Wen-Chi Hou

Abstract Background The root major proteins of sweet potato trypsin inhibitors (SPTIs) or named sporamin, estimated for 60 to 80% water-soluble proteins, exhibited many biological activities. The human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) showed to form in vivo complex with endogenous oxidized alpha-1-antitrypsin. Little is known concerning the interactions between SPTIs and LDL in vitro. Results The thiobarbituric-acid-reactive-substance (TBARS) assays were used to monitor 0.1 mM Cu2+-mediated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidations during 24-h reactions with or without SPTIs additions. The protein stains in native PAGE gels were used to identify the bindings between native or reduced forms of SPTIs or soybean TIs and LDL, or oxidized LDL (oxLDL). It was found that the SPTIs additions showed to reduce LDL oxidations in the first 6-h and then gradually decreased the capacities of anti-LDL oxidations. The protein stains in native PAGE gels showed more intense LDL bands in the presence of SPTIs, and 0.5-h and 1-h reached the highest one. The SPTIs also bound to the oxLDL, and low pH condition (pH 2.0) might break the interactions revealed by HPLC. The LDL or oxLDL adsorbed onto self-prepared SPTIs-affinity column and some components were eluted by 0.2 M KCl (pH 2.0). The native or reduced SPTIs or soybean TIs showed different binding capacities toward LDL and oxLDL in vitro. Conclusion The SPTIs might be useful in developing functional foods as antioxidant and nutrient supplements, and the physiological roles of SPTIs-LDL and SPTIs-oxLDL complex in vivo will investigate further using animal models.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 730
Author(s):  
Biji Mathew ◽  
Leianne A. Torres ◽  
Lorea Gamboa Gamboa Acha ◽  
Sophie Tran ◽  
Alice Liu ◽  
...  

Cell replacement therapy using mesenchymal (MSC) and other stem cells has been evaluated for diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. This approach has significant limitations, including few cells integrated, aberrant growth, and surgical complications. Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes/Extracellular Vesicles (MSC EVs), which include exosomes and microvesicles, are an emerging alternative, promoting immunomodulation, repair, and regeneration by mediating MSC’s paracrine effects. For the clinical translation of EV therapy, it is important to determine the cellular destination and time course of EV uptake in the retina following administration. Here, we tested the cellular fate of EVs using in vivo rat retinas, ex vivo retinal explant, and primary retinal cells. Intravitreally administered fluorescent EVs were rapidly cleared from the vitreous. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) had maximal EV fluorescence at 14 days post administration, and microglia at 7 days. Both in vivo and in the explant model, most EVs were no deeper than the inner nuclear layer. Retinal astrocytes, microglia, and mixed neurons in vitro endocytosed EVs in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, our results indicate that intravitreal EVs are suited for the treatment of retinal diseases affecting the inner retina. Modification of the EV surface should be considered for maintaining EVs in the vitreous for prolonged delivery.


2008 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahul P. Bakshi ◽  
Dongpei Sang ◽  
Andrew Morrell ◽  
Mark Cushman ◽  
Theresa A. Shapiro

ABSTRACT African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), caused by protozoan Trypanosoma brucei species, is a debilitating disease that is lethal if untreated. Available drugs are antiquated, toxic, and compromised by emerging resistance. The indenoisoquinolines are a class of noncamptothecin topoisomerase IB poisons that are under development as anticancer agents. We tested a variety of indenoisoquinolines for their ability to kill T. brucei. Indenoisoquinolines proved trypanocidal at submicromolar concentrations in vitro. Structure-activity analysis yielded motifs that enhanced potency, including alkylamino substitutions on N-6, methoxy groups on C-2 and C-3, and a methylenedioxy bridge between C-8 and C-9. Detailed analysis of eight water-soluble indenoisoquinolines demonstrated that in trypanosomes the compounds inhibited DNA synthesis and acted as topoisomerase poisons. Testing these compounds on L1210 mouse leukemia cells revealed that all eight were more effective against trypanosomes than against mammalian cells. In preliminary in vivo experiments one compound delayed parasitemia and extended survival in mice subjected to a lethal trypanosome challenge. The indenoisoquinolines provide a promising lead for the development of drugs against sleeping sickness.


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