O receptor sensor do cálcio (CASR) desempenha um importante papel na manutenção da concentração plasmática do cálcio. Desde a sua descrição, mais de 200 mutações foram descritas podendo levar à perda ou ao ganho de função, resultando em situações de hiper ou hipocalcemia, respectivamente. Mutações inativadoras estão associadas à hipercalcemia hipocalciúrica familiar (HHF) e ao hiperparatireoidismo neonatal grave (HPTNG), enquanto que mutações ativadoras estão associadas à hipocalcemia autossômica dominante (HAD) e à Síndrome de Bartter tipo V. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar o diagnóstico molecular, por meio da análise do gene CASR, em pacientes com HPTNG, HHF, hipocalcemia com PTH inapropriadamente normal ou baixo e hipoparatireoidismo idiopático com hipercalciúria na vigência de tratamento. Para cada criança (n = 2) com diagnóstico clínico e laboratorial de HPTNG, uma mutação \"nonsense\" em homozigose foi identificada na região codificadora do CASR (p.E519X e p.R544X). O estudo molecular dos pais das crianças mostrou tratar-se de casos herdados caracterizando-os como indivíduos com HHF e possibilitou o aconselhamento genético para estas famílias. Mutações pontuais em heterozigose na região codificadora do CASR (p.R25X, p.R69H, p.T627I) foram detectadas em três dos quatro pacientes selecionados com diagnóstico inicial de hiperparatireoidismo primário e bioquímica compatível com hipercalcemia hipocalciúrica. Estes achados constituem a base molecular da HHF e permitiram o rastreamento de outros casos de HHF nas respectivas famílias com impacto na abordagem terapêutica dos mesmos. Na paciente em que não foi detectada nenhuma mutação na região codificadora do CASR, o estudo prosseguiu com a pesquisa de alterações no número de cópias gênicas e de mutações nas regiões promotoras P1 e P2 como possíveis causas do fenótipo em questão. O resultado destas abordagens foi normal. Dos quatro pacientes selecionados com quadro de hipoparatireoidismo idiopático e hipercalciúria na vigência de tratamento, em apenas uma, a causa molecular foi definida por mutação \"missense\" em heterozigose na região codificadora do CASR (p.E767K) repercutindo positivamente no seu tratamento. Nos demais casos (n = 3), a pesquisa de alterações no número de cópias gênicas e de mutações nas regiões promotoras P1 e P2 também resultou normal. / The calcium sensing receptor (CASR) plays an important role in maintaining the plasma concentration of calcium. From its first description, more than 200 mutations have been described leading to loss or gain of function, resulting in conditions of either hyper or hypocalcemia, respectively. Inactivating mutations are associated with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) and neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism (NSHPT), whereas activating mutations are associated with autosomal dominant hypocalcemia (ADH) and type V Bartter\'s syndrome. The aim of this study was to perform the molecular diagnosis, by analyzing the CASR gene, in patients with NSHPT, FHH, hypocalcemia with inappropriately normal or low PTH and idiopathic hypoparathyroidism with hypercalciuria during treatment. In every child (n = 2) with clinical and laboratory diagnosis of NSHPT, a nonsense mutation in homozygosity was identified in the coding region of the CASR (p.E519X and p.R544X). The molecular analysis of the child\'s parents showed that they were inherited cases qualifying them as individuals with FHH and it enabled a genetic counseling for these families. Point mutations in heterozygosity in the coding region of the CASR (p.R25X, p.R69H, p.T627I) have been detected in three out of the four selected patients with an initial diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism and biochemistry compatible with hypocalciuric hipercalcemia. These findings are the molecular basis of FHH and allowed the screening of other FHH cases in these families impacting on their therapeutic approach. In patients where no mutation in the coding region of the CASR was detected, the study went on researching for changes in the number of gene copies and mutations in P1 and P2 promoter regions as possible causes to the phenotype in question. The result of these approaches has been normal. The molecular cause has been defined as missense mutation in heterozygosis in the coding region of the CASR (p.E767K) in only one out of the four selected patients with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism and hypercalciuria during treatment, with a positive impact on her treatment. In the other cases (n = 3), the search for changes in the number of gene copies and mutations in the P1 and P2 promoter regions was normal.

Chan Suk-mei. / "October 2000." / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (p. [171]-188). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese.

O receptor sensor do cálcio (CASR) desempenha um importante papel na manutenção da concentração plasmática do cálcio. Desde a sua descrição, mais de 200 mutações foram descritas podendo levar à perda ou ao ganho de função, resultando em situações de hiper ou hipocalcemia, respectivamente. Mutações inativadoras estão associadas à hipercalcemia hipocalciúrica familiar (HHF) e ao hiperparatireoidismo neonatal grave (HPTNG), enquanto que mutações ativadoras estão associadas à hipocalcemia autossômica dominante (HAD) e à Síndrome de Bartter tipo V. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar o diagnóstico molecular, por meio da análise do gene CASR, em pacientes com HPTNG, HHF, hipocalcemia com PTH inapropriadamente normal ou baixo e hipoparatireoidismo idiopático com hipercalciúria na vigência de tratamento. Para cada criança (n = 2) com diagnóstico clínico e laboratorial de HPTNG, uma mutação \"nonsense\" em homozigose foi identificada na região codificadora do CASR (p.E519X e p.R544X). O estudo molecular dos pais das crianças mostrou tratar-se de casos herdados caracterizando-os como indivíduos com HHF e possibilitou o aconselhamento genético para estas famílias. Mutações pontuais em heterozigose na região codificadora do CASR (p.R25X, p.R69H, p.T627I) foram detectadas em três dos quatro pacientes selecionados com diagnóstico inicial de hiperparatireoidismo primário e bioquímica compatível com hipercalcemia hipocalciúrica. Estes achados constituem a base molecular da HHF e permitiram o rastreamento de outros casos de HHF nas respectivas famílias com impacto na abordagem terapêutica dos mesmos. Na paciente em que não foi detectada nenhuma mutação na região codificadora do CASR, o estudo prosseguiu com a pesquisa de alterações no número de cópias gênicas e de mutações nas regiões promotoras P1 e P2 como possíveis causas do fenótipo em questão. O resultado destas abordagens foi normal. Dos quatro pacientes selecionados com quadro de hipoparatireoidismo idiopático e hipercalciúria na vigência de tratamento, em apenas uma, a causa molecular foi definida por mutação \"missense\" em heterozigose na região codificadora do CASR (p.E767K) repercutindo positivamente no seu tratamento. Nos demais casos (n = 3), a pesquisa de alterações no número de cópias gênicas e de mutações nas regiões promotoras P1 e P2 também resultou normal. / The calcium sensing receptor (CASR) plays an important role in maintaining the plasma concentration of calcium. From its first description, more than 200 mutations have been described leading to loss or gain of function, resulting in conditions of either hyper or hypocalcemia, respectively. Inactivating mutations are associated with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) and neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism (NSHPT), whereas activating mutations are associated with autosomal dominant hypocalcemia (ADH) and type V Bartter\'s syndrome. The aim of this study was to perform the molecular diagnosis, by analyzing the CASR gene, in patients with NSHPT, FHH, hypocalcemia with inappropriately normal or low PTH and idiopathic hypoparathyroidism with hypercalciuria during treatment. In every child (n = 2) with clinical and laboratory diagnosis of NSHPT, a nonsense mutation in homozygosity was identified in the coding region of the CASR (p.E519X and p.R544X). The molecular analysis of the child\'s parents showed that they were inherited cases qualifying them as individuals with FHH and it enabled a genetic counseling for these families. Point mutations in heterozygosity in the coding region of the CASR (p.R25X, p.R69H, p.T627I) have been detected in three out of the four selected patients with an initial diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism and biochemistry compatible with hypocalciuric hipercalcemia. These findings are the molecular basis of FHH and allowed the screening of other FHH cases in these families impacting on their therapeutic approach. In patients where no mutation in the coding region of the CASR was detected, the study went on researching for changes in the number of gene copies and mutations in P1 and P2 promoter regions as possible causes to the phenotype in question. The result of these approaches has been normal. The molecular cause has been defined as missense mutation in heterozygosis in the coding region of the CASR (p.E767K) in only one out of the four selected patients with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism and hypercalciuria during treatment, with a positive impact on her treatment. In the other cases (n = 3), the search for changes in the number of gene copies and mutations in the P1 and P2 promoter regions was normal.

Cationic lipids are efficient tools to introduce nucleic acids and proteins into cells. Elucidation of the mechanism and cellular pathways associated to such a transport has been relatively slow, even though significant progress has been made in the characterization of the intracellular trafficking of cationic lipid/DNA complexes. Surprisingly, little is known about the effects of these delivery vectors on cell functioning. In the present thesis, we show that cationic lipids and cationic lipid/DNA complexes strongly increase the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The end point of the Ca2+ increase was ~400 nM from a basal level of ~100 nM. The [Ca2+]i increase was studied using K562 and Jurkat cells cultured in vitro. This effect is weakened following addition of DNA to cationic liposomes, although remaining very large at cationic lipid/DNA ratios commonly used for cell transfection experiments. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ did not abolish this effect significantly and preincubating K562 cells with the Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin strongly abolished intracellular Ca2+ concentration increase, indicating that Ca2+ was released mainly from internal Ca2+ stores sensitive to thapsigargin. Pretreatment of the cells with the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 blocked the intracellular Ca2+ concentration rise, suggesting an inositol pathway-dependent mechanism. LDH release assay indicates that in the conditions used for fluorescence measurement and in those used to transfer DNA into cells, cationic liposomes diC14-amidine and DOTAP had no massive cytotoxic effects. Cationic liposomes showed more toxicity than their corresponding complexes; this toxicity decreases in the presence of serum. The effect of cationic lipids on phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) was quantitatively assessed using phosphatidylinositol (PI) and radiolabeled phosphatidylinositol ([3H]-PI). Incorporation of diC14-amidine into PC/PI vesicle activated PI-PLC and was shown to activate the hydrolysis of PI and [3H]-PI. Our data may suggest that mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ by complex could have an effect on the transfection process itself. These results indicate for the first time that cationic lipids and cationic lipid/DNA complexes are not inert and can affect the functioning of the cells by increasing their intracellular Ca2+. <p><p> / Doctorat en sciences, Spécialisation chimie / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Kar Wing To. / Thesis submitted in: December 1999. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 200-223). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / List of Abbreviations --- p.ii / Abstract --- p.v / 撮要 --- p.viii / List of Tables --- p.x / List of Figures --- p.xi / Contents --- p.xv / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1 --- The General Characteristics of Glial Cells --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Astrocytes --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Oligodendrocytes --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Microglial --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2 --- Brain Injury and Astrocyte Proliferation --- p.6 / Chapter 1.3 --- Reactive Astrogliosis and Glial Scar Formation --- p.9 / Chapter 1.4 --- Astrocytes and Immune Response --- p.10 / Chapter 1.5 --- Cytokines --- p.10 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Cytokines and the Central Nervous System (CNS) --- p.12 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Cytokines and brain injury --- p.13 / Chapter 1.5.3 --- Cytokines-activated astrocytes in brain injury --- p.13 / Chapter 1.5.4 --- Tumour Necrosis Factor-a --- p.14 / Chapter 1.5.4.1 --- Types of TNF-α receptor and their sturctures --- p.16 / Chapter 1.5.4.2 --- Binding to TNF-α --- p.17 / Chapter 1.5.4.3 --- Different Roles of the TNF-a Receptor Subtypes --- p.17 / Chapter 1.5.4.4 --- Role of TNF-α and Brain Injury --- p.19 / Chapter 1.5.4.5 --- TNF-α Stimulates Proliferation of Astrocytes and C6 Glioma Cells --- p.23 / Chapter 1.5.5 --- Interleukin-1 (IL-1) --- p.26 / Chapter 1.5.5.1 --- Interleukin-1 and Brain Injury --- p.27 / Chapter 1.5.6 --- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) --- p.28 / Chapter 1.5.6.1 --- Interleukin-6 and brain injury --- p.29 / Chapter 1.5.7 --- γ-Interferon (γ-IFN) --- p.30 / Chapter 1.5.7.1 --- γ-Interferon and Brain Injury --- p.30 / Chapter 1.6 --- Ion Channels and Astrocytes --- p.31 / Chapter 1.6.1 --- Roles of Sodium Channels in Astrocytes --- p.33 / Chapter 1.6.2 --- Role of Potassium Channels in Astrocytes --- p.33 / Chapter 1.6.3 --- Importance of Calcium Ion Channels in Astrocytes --- p.34 / Chapter 1.6.3.1 --- Function of Cellular and Nuclear Calcium --- p.34 / Chapter 1.6.3.2 --- Nuclear Calcium in Cell Proliferation --- p.36 / Chapter 1.6.3.3 --- Nuclear Calcium in Gene Transcription --- p.36 / Chapter 1.6.3.4 --- Nuclear Calcium in Apoptosis --- p.38 / Chapter 1.6.3.5 --- Spatial and Temporal Changes of Calcium-Calcium Oscillation --- p.39 / Chapter 1.6.3.6 --- Calcium Signalling in Glial Cells --- p.39 / Chapter 1.6.3.7 --- Calcium Channels in Astrocytes --- p.41 / Chapter 1.6.3.8 --- Relationship Between [Ca2+]i and Brain Injury --- p.43 / Chapter 1.6.3.9 --- TNF-α and Astrocyte [Ca2+]i --- p.45 / Chapter 1.6.3.10 --- Calcium-Sensing Receptor (CaSR) --- p.46 / Chapter 1.7 --- Protein Kinase C (PKC) Pathways --- p.49 / Chapter 1.7.1 --- PKC and Brain Injury --- p.50 / Chapter 1.7.2 --- Role of Protein Kinase C Activity in TNF-α Gene Expression in Astrocytes --- p.51 / Chapter 1.7.3 --- PKC and Calcium in Astrocytes --- p.52 / Chapter 1.8 --- Intermediate Early Gene (IEGs) --- p.54 / Chapter 1.8.1 --- IEGs Expression and Brain Injury --- p.54 / Chapter 1.8.2 --- IEGs Expression and Calcium --- p.55 / Chapter 1.9 --- The Rat C6 Clioma Cells --- p.56 / Chapter 1.10 --- The Aim of This Project --- p.58 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- MATERIALS AND METHODS / Chapter 2.1 --- Materials --- p.61 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Sources of the Chemicals --- p.61 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Materials Preparation --- p.65 / Chapter 2.1.2.1 --- Rat C6 Glioma Cell Line --- p.65 / Chapter 2.1.2.2 --- C6 Glioma Cell Culture --- p.65 / Chapter 2.1.2.2.1 --- Complete Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (CDMEM) --- p.65 / Chapter 2.1.2.2.2 --- Serum-free Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium --- p.66 / Chapter 2.1.2.3 --- Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) --- p.66 / Chapter 2.1.2.4 --- Recombinant Cytokines --- p.67 / Chapter 2.1.2.5 --- Antibodies --- p.67 / Chapter 2.1.2.5.1 --- Anti-TNF-Receptor 1 (TNF-R1) Antibody --- p.67 / Chapter 2.1.2.5.2 --- Anti-TNF-Receptor 2 (TNF-R2) Antibody --- p.67 / Chapter 2.1.2.6 --- Chemicals for Signal Transduction Study --- p.68 / Chapter 2.1.2.6.1 --- Calcium Ionophore and Calcium Channel Blocker --- p.68 / Chapter 2.1.2.6.2 --- Calcium-Inducing Agents --- p.68 / Chapter 2.1.2.6.3 --- Modulators of Protein Kinase C (PKC) --- p.69 / Chapter 2.1.2.7 --- Reagents for Cell Proliferation --- p.69 / Chapter 2.1.2.8 --- Reagents for Calcium Level Measurement --- p.70 / Chapter 2.1.2.9 --- Reagents for RNA Extraction and Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) --- p.71 / Chapter 2.1.2.10 --- Sense and Antisense Used --- p.72 / Chapter 2.1.2.11 --- Reagents for Electrophoresis --- p.74 / Chapter 2.2 --- Methods --- p.74 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Maintenance of the C6 Cell Line --- p.74 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Cell Preparation for Assays --- p.75 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Determination of Cell Proliferation --- p.76 / Chapter 2.2.3.1 --- Determination of Cell Proliferation by [3H]- Thymidine Incorporation --- p.76 / Chapter 2.2.3.2 --- Measurement of Cell Viability Using Neutral Red Assay --- p.77 / Chapter 2.2.3.3 --- Measurement of Cell Proliferation by MTT Assay --- p.77 / Chapter 2.2.3.4 --- Protein Assay --- p.78 / Chapter 2.2.3.5 --- Data Analysis --- p.79 / Chapter 2.2.3.5.1 --- The Measurement of Cell Proliferation by [3H]- Thymidine Incorporation --- p.79 / Chapter 2.2.3.5.2 --- The Measurement of Cell growth in Neutral Red and MTT Assays --- p.79 / Chapter 2.2.3.5.3 --- The Measurement of Cell Proliferationin Protein Assay --- p.79 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Determination of Intracellular Calcium Changes --- p.80 / Chapter 2.2.4.1 --- Confocal Microscopy --- p.80 / Chapter 2.2.4.1.1 --- Procedures for Detecting Cell Activity by CLSM --- p.81 / Chapter 2.2.4.1.2 --- Precautions of CLSM --- p.82 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Determination of Gene Expression by Reverse- Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) --- p.83 / Chapter 2.2.5.1 --- RNA Preparation --- p.83 / Chapter 2.2.5.1.1 --- RNA Extraction --- p.83 / Chapter 2.2.5.1.2 --- Measurement of RNA Yield --- p.84 / Chapter 2.2.5.2 --- Reverse Transcription (RT) --- p.84 / Chapter 2.2.5.3 --- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) --- p.85 / Chapter 2.2.5.4 --- Separation of PCR Products by Agarose Gel Electrophoresis --- p.85 / Chapter 2.2.5.5 --- Quantification of Band Density --- p.86 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- RESULTS / Chapter 3.1 --- Effects of Different Drugs on C6 Cell Proliferation --- p.87 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Effects of Cytokines on C6 Cell Proliferation --- p.87 / Chapter 3.1.1.1 --- Effect of TNF-α on C6 Proliferation --- p.88 / Chapter 3.1.1.2 --- Effects of Other Cytokines on C6 Cell Proliferation --- p.92 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- The Signalling Pathway of TNF-α induced C6 Cell Proliferation --- p.92 / Chapter 3.1.2.1 --- The Involvement of Calcium Ions in TNF-α-induced C6Cell Proliferation --- p.95 / Chapter 3.1.2.2 --- The Involvement of Protein Kinase C in TNF-α- induced C6 Cell Proliferation --- p.96 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Effects of Anti-TNF Receptor Subtype Antibodies on C6 Cell Proliferation --- p.102 / Chapter 3.2 --- The Effect of in Tumour Necrosis Factor-α on Changesin Intracellular Calcium Concentration --- p.102 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Release of Intracellular Calcium in TNF-α-Treated C6 Cells --- p.104 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Effects of Calcium Ionophore and Calcium Channel Blocker on TNF-α-induced [Ca2+]i Release --- p.107 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Effects of Other Cytokines on the Change in [Ca2+]i --- p.109 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- The Role of PKC in [Ca2+]i release in C6 Glioma Cells --- p.109 / Chapter 3.2.4.1 --- Effects of PKC Activators and Inhibitors on the Changes in [Ca2+]i --- p.114 / Chapter 3.3 --- Determination of Gene Expression by RT-PCR --- p.114 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Studies on TNF Receptors Gene Expression --- p.117 / Chapter 3.3.1.1 --- Effect of TNF-α on TNF Receptors Expression --- p.117 / Chapter 3.3.1.2 --- Effects of Other Cytokines on the TNF Receptors Expression --- p.119 / Chapter 3.3.1.3 --- Effects of Anti-TNF Receptor Subtype Antibodies on the TNF-a-induced Receptors Expression --- p.121 / Chapter 3.3.1.4 --- Effect of Calcium Ions on TNF Receptors Expression --- p.121 / Chapter 3.3.1.4.1 --- Effect of Calcium Ionophore on TNF Receptors Expression --- p.126 / Chapter 3.3.1.4.2 --- Effect of TNF-α Combination with A23187 on the Expression of TNF Receptors --- p.128 / Chapter 3.3.1.4.3 --- Effects of Calcium Ionophore and Channel Blocker on TNF Receptors Expression --- p.130 / Chapter 3.3.1.4.4 --- Effects of Calcium-Inducing Agents on TNF Receptors Gene Expressions --- p.130 / Chapter 3.3.1.5 --- Effects of PKC Activator and Inhibitor on TNF-α- induced TNF Receptors Expressions --- p.135 / Chapter 3.3.1.6 --- Effect of PKC and Ro31-8220 on IL-l-induced TNF Receptors Expressions --- p.138 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Expression of Calcium-sensing Receptor upon Different Drug Treatments --- p.138 / Chapter 3.3.2.1 --- Effect of TNF-α on the Calcium-sensing Receptor Expression --- p.141 / Chapter 3.3.2.2 --- Effects of Other Cytokines on CaSR Expression --- p.143 / Chapter 3.3.2.3 --- Effect of A23187 on CaSR Expression --- p.143 / Chapter 3.3.2.4 --- Effect of TNF-α and A23187 Combined Treatment on CaSR Expression --- p.146 / Chapter 3.3.2.5 --- Effects of Calcium-inducing Agents on CaSR Expression --- p.149 / Chapter 3.3.2.6 --- Effects of PKC Activator and PKC Inhibitor on CaSR Expression --- p.149 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Expression of PKC Isoforms upon Treatment with Different Drugs --- p.153 / Chapter 3.3.3.1 --- Effect of TNF-α on the PKC Isoforms Expression --- p.155 / Chapter 3.3.3.2 --- Effect of A23187 on the PKC Isoforms Expression --- p.155 / Chapter 3.3.3.3 --- Effect of TNF-α and Calcium Ionophore Combined Treatment on PKC Isoforms Expression --- p.157 / Chapter 3.3.3.4 --- Effects of Calcium-inducing Agents on PKC Isoforms Expression --- p.159 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Expression of the Transcription Factors c-fos and c-junin Drug Treatments --- p.161 / Chapter 3.3.4.1 --- Effect of TNF-a on c-fos and c-jun Expression --- p.163 / Chapter 3.3.4.2 --- Effect of A23187 on c-fos and c-jun Expression --- p.163 / Chapter 3.3.4.3 --- Effect of TNF-a in Combination with A23187 on c- fos and c-jun Expression --- p.165 / Chapter 3.3.4.4 --- Effects of Calcium-inducing Agents on c-fos and c- jun Expression --- p.167 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- Effects of Different Drugs on Endogenous TNF-α Expression --- p.167 / Chapter 3.3.5.1 --- Effect of TNF-α on Endogenous TNF-α Expression --- p.169 / Chapter 3.3.5.2 --- Effect of A23187 on Endogenous TNF-α Expression --- p.169 / Chapter 3.3.5.3 --- Effect of TNF-α in Combination with A23187 on the Expression of Endogenous TNF-α --- p.172 / Chapter 3.3.5.4 --- Effects of Calcium-inducing Agents on Endogenous TNF-α Expression --- p.172 / Chapter 3.3.6 --- Effect of Different Drugs on LL-1 Expression --- p.175 / Chapter 3.3.6.1 --- Effect of TNF-a on IL-lα Expression --- p.177 / Chapter 3.3.6.2 --- Effect of A23187 on the IL-lα Expression --- p.177 / Chapter 3.3.6.3 --- Effect of Calcium Ionophore and TNF-α Combined Treatment on IL-1α Expression --- p.179 / Chapter 3.3.6.4 --- Effects of Calcium-inducing Agents on IL-lα Expression --- p.179 / Chapter 3.3.6.5 --- Effect of PKC Activator on the IL-1α Expression --- p.181 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS / Chapter 4.1 --- "Effects of Cytokines, Ca2+ and PKC and Anti-TNF-α Antibodies on C6 Glioma Cells Proliferation" --- p.184 / Chapter 4.2 --- The Role of Calcium in TNF-α-induced Signal Transduction Pathways --- p.186 / Chapter 4.3 --- Gene Expressions in C6 Cells after TNF-a Stimulation --- p.187 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- "Expression of TNF-α, TNF-Receptors and IL-1" --- p.187 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- CaSR Expression --- p.190 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- PKC Isoforms Expressions --- p.192 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Expression of c-fos and c-jun --- p.193 / Chapter 4.4 --- Conclusion --- p.194 / REFERENCES --- p.200

Yue Gar-Lee Grace. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 113-120). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract (English version) --- p.i / Abstract (Chinese version) --- p.iii / Acknowledgements --- p.v / Table of contents --- p.vi / List of figures --- p.x / List of tables --- p.xiii / List of abbreviations --- p.xiv / Chapter Chapter I: --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1. --- Transepithelial electrolyte transport in colon --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1. --- Intestinal fluid secretion --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2. --- Cellular mechanism of chloride secretion --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2. --- Biological activities of flavonoids --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.1. --- Classification and general activities of flavonoids --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.2. --- Bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties of flavonoids --- p.8 / Chapter 1.3. --- "What is Scutellariae radix""?" --- p.9 / Chapter 1.3.1. --- Usage in Traditional Chinese Medicine --- p.9 / Chapter 1.3.2. --- Relationship with Coptidis rhizoma --- p.9 / Chapter 1.4. --- Effect of flavonoids on gastrointestinal activities --- p.12 / Chapter 1.4.1. --- Genistein and quercetin --- p.12 / Chapter 1.4.2. --- Baicalein --- p.12 / Chapter 1.5. --- Possible intracellular signaling pathway involved in the secretory response by Scutellariae radix (SR) in T84 cells --- p.14 / Chapter 1.5.1. --- Human colonic T84 cell --- p.14 / Chapter 1.5.2. --- Intracellular signaling pathway --- p.14 / Chapter 1.6. --- Aim of study --- p.17 / Chapter Chapter II : --- Methods and Materials --- p.18 / Chapter II.1. --- Culture technique of the T84 cells --- p.18 / Chapter II.2. --- Simultaneous measurement of short-circuit current (Isc) and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) --- p.21 / Chapter II.2.1. --- Experimental setup --- p.21 / Chapter II.2.2. --- Preparation of the permeable supports --- p.23 / Chapter II.2.3. --- Cell seeding --- p.27 / Chapter II.2.4. --- Dye loading --- p.27 / Chapter II.2.5. --- Simultaneous measurement of Isc and [Ca2+]i- --- p.30 / Chapter II.3. --- Conventional short-circuit current (Isc) measurement --- p.34 / Chapter II.3.1. --- Experimental setup --- p.34 / Chapter II.3.2. --- Preparation of the permeable supports --- p.36 / Chapter II.3.3. --- Cell seeding --- p.36 / Chapter II.3.4. --- Measurement --- p.38 / Chapter II.4. --- Measurement of cAMP --- p.39 / Chapter II.5. --- Solutions and chemicals --- p.40 / Chapter II.6. --- Statistical analysis --- p.42 / Chapter Chapter III : --- Results --- p.43 / Chapter III. 1. --- Effects of baicalein and its interaction with calcium and cAMP-dependent secretagogues --- p.43 / Chapter III. 1.1. --- Effects of baicalein on baseline Isc and [Ca2+]i --- p.43 / Chapter III. 1.2. --- Ionic basis of baicalein-evoked Isc --- p.43 / Chapter III. 1.3. --- Effect of baicalein on carbachol-evoked Isc --- p.47 / Chapter III. 1.4. --- "Effect of baicalein on Isc stimulated by another calcium mobilizing agonist, histamine" --- p.58 / Chapter III. 1.5. --- Effect of carbachol on Isc response stimulated by baicalein --- p.61 / Chapter III. 1.6. --- Chronic effect of baicalein on carbachol-evoked increase in Isc --- p.63 / Chapter III.1.7. --- Interaction of baicalein with forskolin --- p.65 / Chapter III.2. --- Effects of baicalein on cAMP generation in T84 cells --- p.69 / Chapter III.2.1. --- Effects of baicalein on cAMP production --- p.69 / Chapter III.2.2 --- Effects of baicalein on forskolin-induced cAMP production --- p.70 / Chapter III.3. --- Effects of Scutellariae radix extract on ion transport activities in T84 cells --- p.73 / Chapter III.3.1. --- Effects of Scutellariae radix extract (SRE) on baseline Isc --- p.73 / Chapter III.3.2. --- Ionic basis of SRE-evoked Isc --- p.77 / Chapter III.3.3. --- Effects of adenylate cyclase inhibitor and PKA inhibitor --- p.77 / Chapter III.3.4. --- PKC modulation --- p.86 / Chapter III.3.5. --- Involvement of intracellular calcium --- p.86 / Chapter III.3.6. --- Involvement of cAMP --- p.94 / Chapter Chapter IV : --- Discussion --- p.98 / Chapter IV. 1. --- Effects of baicalein on ion transport in human colonic T84 cells --- p.98 / Chapter IV. 1.1. --- Roles of baicalein in chloride secretion in intestinal epithelial cells --- p.98 / Chapter IV. 1.2. --- Potentiation effect of baicalein on calcium-mediated chloride secretion --- p.100 / Chapter IV. 1.3. --- Potentiation effect of carbachol on baicalein-stimulated chloride secretion --- p.102 / Chapter IV. 1.4. --- Interaction between baicalein and forskolin --- p.104 / Chapter IV.2. --- Effects of Scutellariae radix extract on ion transport in human colonic T84 cells --- p.107 / Chapter IV.2.1 --- Characteristcs of Isc induced by Scutellariae radix extract --- p.107 / Chapter IV.2.2. --- Possible signaling mechanism involved in Isc induced by Scutellariae radix extract --- p.108 / Chapter IV.3. --- Comparison of the effects on ion transport in human colonic T84 cells produced by baicalein and Scutellariae radix extract --- p.110 / Chapter IV.3.1. --- Properties of baicalein- and Scutellariae radix extract- induced Isc response --- p.110 / Chapter IV.3.2. --- Summary --- p.111 / Chapter Chapter V : --- References --- p.113 / Publications --- p.120

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / O cálcio tem se mostrado útil na regulação do metabolismo energético, favorecendo a perda de peso. Visto que tanto o desmame precoce como a exposição materna à nicotina na lactação são fatores condicionantes para o desenvolvimento de obesidade, hiperleptinemia e resistência à insulina, além de outras alterações endócrinas na idade adulta, decidimos avaliar os possíveis efeitos da suplementação dietética com cálcio sobre as disfunções apresentadas pelos seguintes modelos experimentais: 1) Desmame precoce (DP): ratas lactantes foram envolvidas com atadura para interromper o acesso da prole ao leite nos 3 últimos dias da lactação. As proles das ratas controles tiveram livre acesso ao leite materno durante todo o período da lactação (21 dias). 2) Exposição materna à nicotina (N): Dois dias após o nascimento, ratas lactantes receberam implantes de minibombas osmóticas contendo solução de nicotina (6 mg/kg/dia, 14 dias) ou salina (C), nas mesmas condições. Aos 120 dias de idade, as proles de ambos os modelos de obesidade experimental receberam dieta padrão ou dieta suplementada com cálcio (10g de carbonato de cálcio/kg de ração). O sacrifício ocorreu aos 180 dias de idade. Os dados foram considerados significativos quando p<0,05. Corroborando dados anteriores do nosso grupo, as proles de ambos os modelos de programação (N e DP) apresentaram maior gordura corporal total e visceral, hiperleptinemia, resistência hipotalâmica a leptina e distúrbios na homeostase glicêmica. Além disto, verificamos que as proles N e DP também exibiram aumento dos níveis séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina D3. Todos essas alterações endócrino-metabólicas foram corrigidas pelo tratamento com suplementação com cálcio. Além disso, a prole DP aos 180 dias mostrou hiperfagia e hipertrigliceridemia, que também foram normalizados pela suplementação dietética com cálcio. A prole N apresentou hipotireoidismo, maior conteúdo de catecolaminas e maior expressão de tirosina hidroxilase (TH). A terapia com cálcio reverteu a disfunção adrenal, embora não tenha sido eficaz para normalizar a hipofunção tireoideana. Assim, a suplementação dietética com cálcio normalizou a maioria dos parâmetros da síndrome metabólica observadas nos dois modelos de plasticidade ontogenética. É possível que a redução da adiposidade central induzida pela terapia com cálcio, por si, tenha sido o principal mecanismo que resultou na melhora dos parâmetros estudados. Uma vez que a suplentação de cálcio reverteu as concentrações séricas de 25-hidroxivitamina D3 dos animais obesos, é possível que o efeito anti-obesidade do cálcio também ocorra via ação do calcitriol sobre o adipócito. / Calcium influences energy metabolism regulation and causes body weight loss. Since early weaning and maternal nicotine exposure during lactation programs for obesity, hyperleptinemia, insulin resistance and others endocrine dysfunctions, we studied the possible effect of dietary calcium supplementation on endocrine dysfunctions in these two experimental model of obesity: 1) Early Weaning (EW): lactating rats were involved with a bandage to interrupt the lactation during the last 3 days of standard lactation, and C (control) - dams whose pups had free access to milk during all lactation (21 days). 2) Maternal nicotine exposure (N): Two days after birth, it was implanted on the mothers, osmotic minipumps containing nicotine solution (6 mg/Kg/day, 14 days) or saline (C) in the same condition. At 120 days-old, all offspring received dietary calcium supplementation (10g of calcium carbonate/Kg of rat chow) or standard diet. Rats were killed at 180 days-old. Significant data were p<0.05. As expected, N and DP offspring showed higher visceral and total body fat mass, hyperleptinemia, hypothalamic leptin resistance and insulin resistance. In addition they presented higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. All these disturbances were corrected after calcium supplementation. Besides, adult EW offspring displayed hyperphagia and hypertriglyceridemia that was normalized with calcium therapy. Also, N offspring presented hypothyroidism, higher tyrosine hydroxylase expression and higher adrenal catecholamine content. Despite calcium treatment have normalized adrenal dysfunction, it did not reverse the hypothyroidism. So, dietary calcium supplementation seems to revert most of the metabolic syndrome parameters observed in our two developmental plasticity models. It is conceivable that the reduction in fat mass per se, induced by calcium therapy, is the main mechanism that improves all parameters. Because serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels were corrected by calcium supplementation in obese offspring, it is possible that the anti-obesity effect of calcium occurs through calcitriol action on the adipocyte.

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / O cálcio tem se mostrado útil na regulação do metabolismo energético, favorecendo a perda de peso. Visto que tanto o desmame precoce como a exposição materna à nicotina na lactação são fatores condicionantes para o desenvolvimento de obesidade, hiperleptinemia e resistência à insulina, além de outras alterações endócrinas na idade adulta, decidimos avaliar os possíveis efeitos da suplementação dietética com cálcio sobre as disfunções apresentadas pelos seguintes modelos experimentais: 1) Desmame precoce (DP): ratas lactantes foram envolvidas com atadura para interromper o acesso da prole ao leite nos 3 últimos dias da lactação. As proles das ratas controles tiveram livre acesso ao leite materno durante todo o período da lactação (21 dias). 2) Exposição materna à nicotina (N): Dois dias após o nascimento, ratas lactantes receberam implantes de minibombas osmóticas contendo solução de nicotina (6 mg/kg/dia, 14 dias) ou salina (C), nas mesmas condições. Aos 120 dias de idade, as proles de ambos os modelos de obesidade experimental receberam dieta padrão ou dieta suplementada com cálcio (10g de carbonato de cálcio/kg de ração). O sacrifício ocorreu aos 180 dias de idade. Os dados foram considerados significativos quando p<0,05. Corroborando dados anteriores do nosso grupo, as proles de ambos os modelos de programação (N e DP) apresentaram maior gordura corporal total e visceral, hiperleptinemia, resistência hipotalâmica a leptina e distúrbios na homeostase glicêmica. Além disto, verificamos que as proles N e DP também exibiram aumento dos níveis séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina D3. Todos essas alterações endócrino-metabólicas foram corrigidas pelo tratamento com suplementação com cálcio. Além disso, a prole DP aos 180 dias mostrou hiperfagia e hipertrigliceridemia, que também foram normalizados pela suplementação dietética com cálcio. A prole N apresentou hipotireoidismo, maior conteúdo de catecolaminas e maior expressão de tirosina hidroxilase (TH). A terapia com cálcio reverteu a disfunção adrenal, embora não tenha sido eficaz para normalizar a hipofunção tireoideana. Assim, a suplementação dietética com cálcio normalizou a maioria dos parâmetros da síndrome metabólica observadas nos dois modelos de plasticidade ontogenética. É possível que a redução da adiposidade central induzida pela terapia com cálcio, por si, tenha sido o principal mecanismo que resultou na melhora dos parâmetros estudados. Uma vez que a suplentação de cálcio reverteu as concentrações séricas de 25-hidroxivitamina D3 dos animais obesos, é possível que o efeito anti-obesidade do cálcio também ocorra via ação do calcitriol sobre o adipócito. / Calcium influences energy metabolism regulation and causes body weight loss. Since early weaning and maternal nicotine exposure during lactation programs for obesity, hyperleptinemia, insulin resistance and others endocrine dysfunctions, we studied the possible effect of dietary calcium supplementation on endocrine dysfunctions in these two experimental model of obesity: 1) Early Weaning (EW): lactating rats were involved with a bandage to interrupt the lactation during the last 3 days of standard lactation, and C (control) - dams whose pups had free access to milk during all lactation (21 days). 2) Maternal nicotine exposure (N): Two days after birth, it was implanted on the mothers, osmotic minipumps containing nicotine solution (6 mg/Kg/day, 14 days) or saline (C) in the same condition. At 120 days-old, all offspring received dietary calcium supplementation (10g of calcium carbonate/Kg of rat chow) or standard diet. Rats were killed at 180 days-old. Significant data were p<0.05. As expected, N and DP offspring showed higher visceral and total body fat mass, hyperleptinemia, hypothalamic leptin resistance and insulin resistance. In addition they presented higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. All these disturbances were corrected after calcium supplementation. Besides, adult EW offspring displayed hyperphagia and hypertriglyceridemia that was normalized with calcium therapy. Also, N offspring presented hypothyroidism, higher tyrosine hydroxylase expression and higher adrenal catecholamine content. Despite calcium treatment have normalized adrenal dysfunction, it did not reverse the hypothyroidism. So, dietary calcium supplementation seems to revert most of the metabolic syndrome parameters observed in our two developmental plasticity models. It is conceivable that the reduction in fat mass per se, induced by calcium therapy, is the main mechanism that improves all parameters. Because serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels were corrected by calcium supplementation in obese offspring, it is possible that the anti-obesity effect of calcium occurs through calcitriol action on the adipocyte.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / For years, the leading killer of Americans has been coronary artery disease (CAD), which has a strong correlation to the U.S. obesity epidemic. Obesity, along with the presence of other risk factors including hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure, comprise of the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The presentation of multiple MetS risk factors increases a patients risk for adverse cardiovascular events. CAD is a complex progressive disease. We utilized the superb model of CAD and MetS, the Ossabaw miniature swine, to investigate underlying mechanisms of CAD progression. We studied the influence of coronary epicardial adipose tissue (cEAT) and coronary smooth muscle cell (CSM) intracellular Ca2+ regulation on CAD progression. By surgical excision of cEAT from MetS Ossabaw, we observed an attenuation of CAD progression. This finding provides evidence for a link between local cEAT and CAD progression. Intracellular Ca2+ is a tightly regulated messenger in CSM that initiates contraction, translation, proliferation and migration. When regulation is lost, CSM dedifferentiate from their mature, contractile phenotype found in the healthy vascular wall to a synthetic, proliferative phenotype. Synthetic CSM are found in intimal plaque of CAD patients. We investigated the changes in intracellular Ca2+ signaling in enzymatically isolated CSM from Ossabaw swine with varying stages of CAD using the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, fura-2. This time course study revealed heightened Ca2+ signaling in early CAD followed by a significant drop off in late stage calcified plaque. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a result of dedifferentiation into an osteogenic CSM that secretes hydroxyapatite in the extracellular matrix. CAC is clinically detected by computed tomography (CT). Microcalcifications have been linked to plaque instability/rupture and cannot be detected by CT. We used 18F-NaF positron emission tomography (PET) to detect CAC in Ossabaw swine with early stage CAD shown by mild neointimal thickening. This study validated 18F-NaF PET as a diagnostic tool for early, molecular CAC at a stage prior to lesions detectable by CT. This is the first report showing non-invasive PET resolution of CAC and CSMC Ca2+ dysfunction at an early stage previously only characterized by invasive cellular Ca2+ imaging.

The alpha-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate receptor (AMPAR) subunit GluR2, which regulates excitotoxicity and the inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) have both been implicated in motor neurone vulnerability in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease. TNFalpha has been reported to increase cell surface expression of AMPAR subunits to increase synaptic strength and enhance excitotoxicity, but whether this mechanism occurs in motor neurones is unknown. We used primary cultures of mouse motor neurones and cortical neurones to examine the interaction between TNFalpha receptor activation, GluR2 availability, AMPAR-mediated calcium entry and susceptibility to excitotoxicity. Short exposure to a physiologically relevant concentration of TNFalpha (10 ng/mL, 15 min) caused a marked redistribution of both GluR1 and GluR2 to the cell surface as determined by cell surface biotinylation and immunofluorescence. Using fura-2-acetoxymethyl ester microfluorimetry, we showed that exposure to TNFalpha caused a rapid reduction in the peak amplitude of AMPA-mediated calcium entry in a PI3-kinase and p38 kinase-dependent manner, consistent with increased insertion of GluR2-containing AMPAR into the plasma membrane. This resulted in a protection of motor neurones against kainate-induced cell death. Our data therefore, suggest that TNFalpha acts primarily as a physiological regulator of synaptic activity in motor neurones rather than a pathological drive in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.