by Chun-kwok Wong. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1990. / Bibliography: leaves 181-196. / ABSTRACT --- p.i / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.iii / ABBREVIATIONS --- p.iv / CHAPTER / Chapter 1. --- INTRODUCTION : An overview of Tumor Necrosis Factor ( TNF) / Chapter 1. --- The discovery of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) --- p.1 / Chapter 2. --- Production of tumor necrosis factor --- p.3 / Chapter 3. --- Physiochemical properties of TNF --- p.5 / Chapter 4. --- Biological activities of TNF on various cells in the mammal --- p.8 / Chapter 5. --- Mechanisms of anti-tumor action of TNF --- p.12 / Chapter 6. --- Clinical studies of Hr-TNF --- p.19 / Chapter 2. --- AIM OF INVESTIGATION --- p.23 / Chapter 3. --- MATERIALS AND METHODS / Chapter A. --- MATERIALS --- p.26 / Chapter B. --- METHODS / Chapter 1. --- Preparation of Reagents --- p.30 / Chapter 2. --- Cell Culture --- p.31 / Chapter 3. --- Lymphocytes proliferation --- p.32 / Chapter 4. --- In vitro production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) by peritoneal macrophages of ICR mice --- p.33 / Chapter 5. --- Production of TNF in animals --- p.34 / Chapter 6. --- Determination of TNF titre --- p.35 / Chapter 7. --- Determination of TNF containing serum titre on EAT in vitro --- p.35 / Chapter 8. --- Mortality determination of mice --- p.36 / Chapter 9. --- "3H-Thymidine, 3H-uridine, 14C-leucine incorporation" --- p.36 / Chapter 10. --- Glucose uptake determination --- p.37 / Chapter 11. --- Whole body hyperthermic treatment of EAT bearing mice --- p.37 / Chapter 12. --- Lipolysis assay --- p.38 / Chapter 13. --- Statistical analysis --- p.39 / Chapter 4. --- IN VIVO PRODUCTION OF TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR USING ZYMOSAN AND LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE / INTRODUCTION --- p.40 / EXPERIMENTAL --- p.43 / RESULTS --- p.45 / DISCUSSION --- p.65 / Chapter 5. --- SIDE EFFECTS DURING IN VIVO PRODUCTION OF TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR IN EHRLICH ASCITES TUMOR BEARING MICE / INTRODUCTION --- p.70 / EXPERIMENTAL --- p.72 / RESULTS --- p.74 / DISCUSSION --- p.93 / Chapter 6. --- MODIFIED PROCEDURE FOR THE IN VIVO PRODUCTION OF TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR FOR THE TREATMENT OF EHRLICH ASCITES TUMOR BEARING MICE / INTRODUCTION --- p.98 / EXPERIMENTAL --- p.99 / RESULTS --- p.100 / DISCUSSION --- p.108 / Chapter 7. --- "COMBINED TREATMENTS OF IN VIVO PRODUCTION OF TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR (TNF) WITH HYPERTHERMIA, METHOTREXATE (MTX), POLYRIBOINOSINIC-POLYRIBOCYTIDYLIC ACID (POLY I.C), N-(PHOSPHONACETYL)-L-ASPARTATE (PALA) ON EAT BEARING MICE" / INTRODUCTION --- p.111 / EXPERIMENTAL --- p.116 / RESULTS --- p.118 / DISCUSSION --- p.133 / Chapter 8. --- EFFECTS OF IN VIVO PRODUCTION OF TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR ON EHRLICH ASCITES TUMOR CELLS CYTOTOXICITY / INTRODUCTION --- p.138 / EXPERIMENTAL --- p.140 / RESULTS --- p.142 / DISCUSSION --- p.151 / Chapter 9. --- SIDE EFFECTS OF TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR AND LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE ON RAT IN VITRO AND IN VIVO / INTRODUCTION --- p.154 / EXPERIMENTAL --- p.157 / RESULTS --- p.159 / DISCUSSION --- p.170 / Chapter 10. --- CONCLUSION AND OUTLOOK --- p.174 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.181

by Chung-Pui Cheng. / Thesis (M.Ph.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1987. / Bibliography: leaves 142-163.

Ko Samuel. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 230-252). / 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.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Cornell University, August, 1995. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 155-205).

by Shan Sze Wan. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 145-166). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Title --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / 摘要 --- p.v / Acknowledgements --- p.vii / Table of Contents --- p.viii / List of Abbreviations --- p.xiv / List of Figures --- p.xvii / List of Tables --- p.xx / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- What are the general functions of cytokines? --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2 --- What is TNP-α? --- p.4 / Chapter 1.3 --- Actions of TNF-α --- p.5 / Chapter 1.4 --- General functions of TNF-α in astrocytes --- p.6 / Chapter 1.5 --- TNF-α receptors (TNF-Rs) --- p.8 / Chapter 1.6 --- Second messengers induced by TNP-α --- p.10 / Chapter 1.7 --- Glial Cells --- p.11 / Chapter 1.7.1 --- Oligodendroglia --- p.12 / Chapter 1.7.2 --- Brain Macrophages (Microglia) --- p.12 / Chapter 1.7.3 --- Astrocytes --- p.14 / Chapter 1.7.3.1 --- Functions of astrocytes --- p.15 / Chapter 1.8 --- "Brain injury, astrogliosis and scar formation" --- p.20 / Chapter 1.9 --- β-Adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) --- p.21 / Chapter 1.9.1 --- The active functional unit: the receptor complex --- p.22 / Chapter 1.9.2 --- General functions and distribution of β-ARs --- p.22 / Chapter 1.10 --- Functions of β-ARs in astrocytes --- p.24 / Chapter 1.10.1 --- Regulations of astrogliosis by β-ARs --- p.24 / Chapter 1.10.1.1 --- β-ARs are expressed in normal optic nerves and up-regulated after nerve crush --- p.24 / Chapter 1.10.1.2 --- Injury-induced alterations in endogenous catecholamine leads to enhanced β-AR activation --- p.25 / Chapter 1.10.1.3 --- β-AR blockade suppresses glial scar formation --- p.25 / Chapter 1.10.1.4 --- β-AR agonists affect the proliferation of astrocytes in normal brain --- p.26 / Chapter 1.11 --- Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSOD) --- p.27 / Chapter 1.11.1 --- MnSOD is the target gene of NF-kB --- p.29 / Chapter 1.11.2 --- Induction of MnSOD by proinflammatory cytokines in rat primary astrocytes --- p.29 / Chapter 1.11.3 --- SMase and ceramides induce MnSOD in various cell types --- p.30 / Chapter 1.12 --- Why do we use C6 glioma cells? --- p.31 / Chapter 1.13 --- Aims and Scopes of this project --- p.32 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- MATERIALS AND METHODS / Chapter 2.1 --- Materials --- p.36 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Cell Line --- p.36 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Cell Culture Reagents --- p.36 / Chapter 2.1.2.1 --- Complete Dulbecco´ةs modified Eagle medium (CDMEM) --- p.36 / Chapter 2.1.2.2 --- Rosewell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) medium --- p.37 / Chapter 2.1.2.3 --- Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) --- p.37 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Recombinant cytokines --- p.38 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Chemicals for signal transduction study --- p.38 / Chapter 2.1.4.1 --- Modulators of protein kinase C (PKC) --- p.38 / Chapter 2.1.4.2 --- Modulator of protein kinase A (PKA) --- p.39 / Chapter 2.1.4.3 --- β-Adrenergic agonist and antagonist --- p.39 / Chapter 2.1.5 --- Antibodies --- p.40 / Chapter 2.1.5.1 --- Anti-TNF-receptor type 1 (TNF-R1) antibody --- p.40 / Chapter 2.1.5.2 --- Anti-TNF-receptor type 2 (TNF-R2) antibody --- p.41 / Chapter 2.1.5.3 --- Anti-βi-adrenergic receptor (βl-AR) antibody --- p.42 / Chapter 2.1.5.4 --- Anti-β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) antibody --- p.42 / Chapter 2.1.5.5 --- Antibody conjugates --- p.43 / Chapter 2.1.6 --- Reagents for RNA isolation --- p.43 / Chapter 2.1.7 --- Reagents for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) --- p.43 / Chapter 2.1.8 --- Reagents for electrophoresis --- p.45 / Chapter 2.1.9 --- Reagents and buffers for Western blot --- p.45 / Chapter 2.1.10 --- Other chemicals and reagents --- p.47 / Chapter 2.2 --- Maintenance of rat C6 glioma cell line --- p.47 / Chapter 2.3 --- RNA isolation --- p.48 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Measurement of RNA yield --- p.49 / Chapter 2.4 --- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) --- p.50 / Chapter 2.5 --- Western blot analysis --- p.52 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- RESULTS / Chapter 3.1 --- Effect of TNF-α on the expression of TNF-receptors (TNFRs) in C6 glioma cells --- p.55 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Effect of TNF-α on TNF-R1 and -R2 mRNA expression in C6 cells --- p.56 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- The signaling systems mediating TNP-α-induced TNF-R2 expression in C6 cells --- p.57 / Chapter 3.1.2.1 --- The involvement of PKC in TNF-α-induced TNF-R2 expression in C6 cells --- p.57 / Chapter 3.1.2.2 --- Effect of PMA on the TNF-R protein levels in C6 cells --- p.63 / Chapter 3.1.2.3 --- Effect of Ro31 on the TNF-α-induced TNF-R protein level in C6 cells --- p.65 / Chapter 3.1.2.4 --- Effect of PKA activator on the level of TNF-R2 mRNA in C6 cells --- p.67 / Chapter 3.2 --- Effect of TNP-α on the expression of β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors (β1- and β2-ARs) in C6 glioma cells --- p.69 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Effect of TNF-α on β1- and β2-ARs mRNA expression in C6 cells --- p.70 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- The signaling systems mediating TNF-α-induced β1- and β2-AR expression in C6 cells --- p.70 / Chapter 3.2.2.1 --- The involvement of PKC mechanism between TNF-α and β-ARs in C6 cells --- p.71 / Chapter 3.2.2.2 --- Effect of PMA on the β1- and β2-ARs protein level in C6 cells --- p.76 / Chapter 3.2.2.3 --- Effect of Ro31 on the TNF-α-induced β1- and β2-AR protein levels in C6 cells --- p.78 / Chapter 3.2.2.4 --- Effect of dbcAMP on the levels of βl- and β2-ARs mRNA in C6 cells --- p.80 / Chapter 3.3 --- Relationship between TN1F-R2 and β-adrenergic mechanism in C6 cells --- p.82 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Effects of isproterenol and propranolol on endogenous TNF-α mRNA levels in C6 cells --- p.82 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Effects of isoproterenol and propranolol on TNF-R2 mRNA levels in C6 cells --- p.83 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Effects of β1-agonist and antagonist on endogenous TNF-α mRNA expression in C6 cells --- p.87 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Effects of β1-agonist and antagonist on TNF-R2 mRNA expression in C6 cells --- p.91 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- Effects of β2-agonist and antagonist on endogenous TNF-α mRNA in C6 cells --- p.93 / Chapter 3.3.6 --- Effects of β2-agonist and antagonist on TNF-R2 mRNA in C6 cells --- p.100 / Chapter 3.4 --- Effect ofTNF-α on the expression of a transcriptional factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) in C6 glioma cells --- p.102 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Effect ofTNF-α on NF-kB (p50) mRNA expression in C6 cells --- p.106 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Effect of β-agonist and antagonist on NF-kB (p50) mRNA expression in C6 cells --- p.108 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Effect of PMA and Ro31 on the levels of NF-kB mRNA in C6 cells --- p.109 / Chapter 3.5 --- Effects of TNF-α on the expression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in C6 glioma cells --- p.111 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- Effects of TNF-α on MnSOD and Cu-ZnSOD mRNAs expression in C6 cells --- p.114 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- Effects of β-agonist and β-antagonist on MnSOD mRNA expression in C6 cells --- p.115 / Chapter 3.5.3 --- Effects of PKC activator and inhibitor on the levels of MnSOD mRNA in C6 cells --- p.117 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION / Chapter 4.1 --- Effects of TNF-α on the expression of TNF-receptors (TNFRs) in C6 glioma cells --- p.122 / Chapter 4.2 --- Effects of TNF-a on the expression of β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors (β1 and β2-ARs) in C6 glioma cells --- p.126 / Chapter 4.3 --- Relationship between TNF-α and β-adrenergic mechanism in C6 cells --- p.128 / Chapter 4.4 --- Effects of TNF-α on the expression of a transcriptional factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) in C6 glioma cells --- p.131 / Chapter 4.5 --- Effects of TNF-α on the expression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in C6 glioma cells --- p.133 / Chapter 4.6 --- Possible sources of β-agonists --- p.136 / Chapter 4.7 --- Conclusions --- p.137 / Appendix A --- p.143 / References --- p.145

by Ko Samuel. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 209-227). / Abstract also in Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Abbreviations --- p.ii / Abstract --- p.vii / Abstract in Chinese --- p.x / List of Figures --- p.xiii / List of Tables --- p.xx / Publication --- p.xxi / Contents --- p.xxii / Chapter Chapter 1. --- General Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Tumor Necrosis Factor --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- History of Tumor Necrosis Factor --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- TNF Subtypes and Their Purification --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Release of TNF --- p.9 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Biological Actions of TNF --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2 --- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Purification of TNF Receptor --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Regulation of TNF Receptor --- p.14 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- "Functions of TNF Receptor 1,Receptor 2 and Soluble TNF Receptors" --- p.15 / Chapter 1.3 --- Possible Signal Transductions of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha --- p.17 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Activation of Phospholipase A2 Cascade --- p.18 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Activation of Phospho lipase C Pathway --- p.19 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Activation of Sphingomyelin Pathway --- p.20 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- Activation of Protein Kinase --- p.22 / Chapter 1.3.5 --- Activation of the Cascade of Death Domain --- p.23 / Chapter 1.4 --- Induction of Both Necrosis and Apoptosis by Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha --- p.25 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Apoptosis Versus Necrosis --- p.25 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- TNF Can Induce Both Apoptosis and Necrosis --- p.27 / Chapter 1.5 --- Possible Mechanisms of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha- Mediated Cytotoxicity --- p.27 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Release of Reactive Oxygen Species --- p.28 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Release of Intracellular Calcium --- p.31 / Chapter 1.5.3 --- Miscellaneous Mechanisms --- p.36 / Chapter 1.6 --- Objective of Studies --- p.37 / Chapter Chapter 2. --- Materials and Methods --- p.39 / Chapter 2.1 --- Materials --- p.40 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Buffer --- p.40 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Culture Media --- p.45 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Chemicals --- p.46 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Culture of Cells --- p.49 / Chapter 2.1.4.1 --- "Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha-Sensitive Cell Line, L929" --- p.49 / Chapter 2.1.4.2 --- "Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha-Resistant Cell Line, rL929, rL929-l IE and rL929-4F" --- p.50 / Chapter 2.2 --- Methods --- p.50 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Agarose Gel Electrophoresis --- p.50 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Cytotoxicity Assay --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy --- p.53 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Flow Cytometry --- p.57 / Chapter Chapter 3. --- Results --- p.65 / Chapter 3.1 --- Induction of Apoptosis in Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha- Treated L929 Cell --- p.66 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Introduction --- p.66 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- TNF Induced DNA Fragmentation in L929 Cells --- p.67 / Chapter 3.2 --- Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha on Cell Cycle --- p.73 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Introduction --- p.73 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Effect of TNF on Cell Cycle --- p.75 / Chapter 3.3 --- Release of Reactive Oxygen Species in Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Treatment --- p.79 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Introduction --- p.79 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Release of Reactive Oxygen Species in TNF- Treated L929 Cells is Time Dependent --- p.81 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Effect of Antioxidants on TNF-Mediated Cytotoxicity --- p.93 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Effect of Mitochondrial Inhibitors on TNF-Mediated Cytotoxicity --- p.96 / Chapter 3.4 --- The Role of Calcium in Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Treatment --- p.112 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Introduction --- p.112 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Release of Intracellular Calcium in TNF-Treated L929 Cells --- p.113 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Effect of Calcium-Inducing Agents on TNF-Treated L929Cells --- p.127 / Chapter 3.5 --- Relationship between Reactive Oxygen Species and Calcium in Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha-Mediated Cytotoxicity --- p.133 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- Introduction --- p.133 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- Effect of Intracellular Calcium Chelator on TNF- Mediated ROS Release and Cytotoxicity --- p.133 / Chapter 3.5.3 --- Effect of Mitochondrial Calcium on TNF-Mediated ROS Release and Cytotoxicity --- p.147 / Chapter 3.6 --- Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha on pH --- p.162 / Chapter 3.6.1 --- Introduction --- p.162 / Chapter 3.6.2 --- Effect of TNF on pH --- p.162 / Chapter 3.7 --- Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha on Mitochondrial Membrane Potential --- p.165 / Chapter 3.7.1 --- Introduction --- p.165 / Chapter 3.7.2 --- Effect of TNF and Some Drugs on Mitochondrial Membrane Potential --- p.165 / Chapter 3.8 --- "Comparison of Effects of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha on Susceptible Cell Line, L929 and Resistant Cell Line, rL929, rL929-11E and rL929-4F" --- p.169 / Chapter 3.8.1 --- Introduction --- p.169 / Chapter 3.8.2 --- Effect of TNF on the Cytotoxicity of Resistant Cell Lines --- p.170 / Chapter 3.8.3 --- Effect of TNF on the Release of ROS in Resistant Cell Lines --- p.170 / Chapter 3.8.4 --- Effect of TNF on the Release of Calcium in Resistant Cell Lines --- p.178 / Chapter 3.8.5 --- Effect of TNF on Cell Cycle in Resistant Cell Lines --- p.185 / Chapter Chapter 4. --- General Discussion --- p.187 / Chapter 4.1 --- Tumor Necrosis Factor Induced Apoptosis in L929 Cells --- p.188 / Chapter 4.2 --- Tumor Necrosis Factor Increased the Release of Reactive Oxygen Species in L929 Cells --- p.189 / Chapter 4.3 --- Tumor Necrosis Factor Increased the Release of Calcium in L929 Cells --- p.194 / Chapter 4.4 --- Calcium Induced Reactive Oxygen Species Release in TNF- Treated L929 Cells --- p.197 / Chapter 4.5 --- Tumor Necrosis Factor Did Not Change the pH and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in TNF-Treated L929 Cells --- p.198 / Chapter 4.6 --- Tumor Necrosis Factor Did Not Increase the Release of Reactive Oxygen Species or Calcium in Resistant Cell Lines --- p.201 / Chapter Chapter 5. --- Future Perspective --- p.204 / Chapter 5.1 --- The Relationship Between Tumor Necrosis Factor and Cytochrome c --- p.205 / Chapter 5.2 --- The Relationship Between Tumor Necrosis Factor and Mitochondrial DNA Damage --- p.206 / Chapter 5.3 --- Clinical studies with Tumor Necrosis Factor --- p.206 / References --- p.208

by Kwan, Leo. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 108-116). / Abstract --- p.i / Achnowledgment --- p.ii / List of abbreviations --- p.iii / List of table and figures --- p.v / Table of contents --- p.vi / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1 --- THE DISCOVERY OF TUMOUR NECROSIS FACTOR (TNF) --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- THE MOLECULE AND ITS RECEPTORS --- p.1 / Chapter 1.3 --- THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF TNF --- p.3 / Chapter 1.4 --- STUDIES ON THE CYTOTOXIC MECHANISM OF TNF --- p.4 / Chapter 1.5 --- A TENTATIVE MECHANISM OF TNF CYTOTOXICITY --- p.11 / Chapter 1.6 --- THE GLUTATHIONE SYSTEM : A CELLULAR PROTECTIVE MECHANISM AGAINST OXIDATIVE STRESS …… --- p.12 / Chapter 1.7 --- OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGY OF THIS STUDY --- p.16 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- MATERIALS AND APPARATI / Chapter 2.1 --- CELL LINES --- p.19 / Chapter 2.2 --- "ISOLATION, MAINTENANCE AND SUBCULTURE OF CELL LINES" --- p.19 / Chapter 1. --- Plain RPMI-1640 medium / Chapter 2. --- Penicillin-streptomycin solution / Chapter 3. --- Foetal bovine serum / Chapter 4. --- Complete RPMI-1640 medium / Chapter 5. --- Trypsin-ethylenediaminetetraacetate solution / Chapter 6. --- Phosphate buffered saline / Chapter 7. --- Cycloheximide / Chapter 8. --- Actinomycin D / Chapter 9. --- Trypan blue stain / Chapter 10. --- Neutral red stain / Chapter 11. --- Recombinant human tumour necrosis factor / Chapter 12. --- Cell culture plates and flasks / Chapter 2.3 --- GROWTH CHARACTERISTIC --- p.22 / Chapter 1. --- Tritiated Thymidine / Chapter 2. --- Tritiated Leucine / Chapter 3. --- Trichloroacetic acid / Chapter 4. --- Scintillation cocktail / Chapter 2.4 --- "RESPONSE TOWARDS ANTICANCER DRUGS, CYTOTOXIC AGENTS, AND ENZYME MODULATORS" --- p.23 / Chapter 1. --- N-acetyl-DL-homocysteinethiolactone / Chapter 2. --- Diethyldithiocarbamic acid / Chapter 3. --- Doxorubicin / Chapter 4. --- Acivicin / Chapter 5. --- Ethacrynic acid / Chapter 6. --- "L'Buthionine-[S,R]-sulfoximine" / Chapter 7. --- Hydrogen peroxide / Chapter 8. --- Methotrexate / Chapter 9. --- Menadione / Chapter 2.5 --- CULTURE OF BACTERIAL CELLS --- p.27 / Chapter 1. --- Ampicillin stock solution / Chapter 2. --- Chloramphenicol stock solution / Chapter 3. --- Tetracycline stock solution / Chapter 4. --- Luria-Bertani medium / Chapter 5. --- LB with ampicillin / Chapter 6. --- SOB medium / Chapter 7. --- SOB medium with ampicillin / Chapter 8. --- SOC medium / Chapter 9. --- SB medium / Chapter 10. --- SB medium with ampicillin / Chapter 11. --- Agar plates / Chapter 2.6 --- PREPARATION OF DNA PROBES FROM BACTERIAL CLONES --- p.29 / Chapter 1. --- FlexiPrep Kit / Chapter 2. --- Restriction endonucleases / Chapter 3. --- GeneClean® II Kit / Chapter 4. --- cDNA clones for making DNA probes / Chapter 5. --- TrisHCl EDTA buffer / Chapter 2.7. --- ELECTROPHORESIS OF DNA --- p.31 / Chapter 1. --- EDTA stock solution / Chapter 2. --- Tris acetate EDTA electrophoresis buffer / Chapter 3. --- Tris borate EDTA electrophoresis buffer / Chapter 4. --- Ethidium bromide / Chapter 5. --- DNA molecular size markers / Chapter 6. --- TAE/TBE agarose gel slab / Chapter 2.8 --- CONSTRUCTION OF MURINE TNFR1 PARTIAL cDNA CLONE --- p.33 / Chapter 1. --- Frist strand cDNA synthesis Kit / Chapter 2. --- Murine TNFR1 forward and reverse primers / Chapter 3. --- Polymerase chain reaction reagents / Chapter 4. --- Cloning vector / Chapter 5. --- Modifing enzymes / Chapter 6. --- T7 SequencingTM Kit / Chapter 7. --- Acrylamide/bis gel stock solution / Chapter 8. --- Urea / Chapter 9. --- TEMED and ammonium persulphate / Chapter 10. --- β-Galactosidase colour test reagents / Chapter 11. --- TFB solution / Chapter 12. --- DnD solution / Chapter 2.9. --- RADIOLABELLING OF DNA PROBES --- p.35 / Chapter 1. --- Oligolabelling kit / Chapter 2. --- Redivue [α-32P] dCTP / Chapter 3. --- PUSH column / Chapter 2.10 --- EXTRACTION OF TOTAL RNA FROM CELL LINES --- p.36 / Chapter 1. --- N-Lauroylsarcosine / Chapter 2. --- 2M sodium acetate (pH48) / Chapter 3. --- Phenol / Chapter 4. --- Isopropanol / Chapter 5. --- Ethanol / Chapter 6. --- Extraction buffer / Chapter 7. --- Chloroform / Chapter 8. --- Isoamyl alcohol / Chapter 2.11 --- HYBRIDIZATION AND NORTHERN ANALYSIS --- p.37 / Chapter 1. --- 20XSSC / Chapter 2. --- 5X formaldehyde running buffer / Chapter 3. --- RNA sample buffer / Chapter 4. --- 10X RNA loading buffer / Chapter 5. --- Formaldehyde slab gel / Chapter 6. --- Hybond®-N membrane / Chapter 7. --- Immobilon®-N membrane / Chapter 8. --- Salmon sperm DNA / Chapter 9. --- Sodium dodecyl sulphate / Chapter 10. --- Dextran sulphate / Chapter 11. --- Kodak Biomax MR and X-OMAT films and developing kits / Chapter 2.12 --- APPARATI USED --- p.39 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- METHODS / Chapter 3.1 --- ISOLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF TNF RESISTANT L929 CELLS --- p.40 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Culture of L929 cells / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Trypan blue exclusion test / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Isolation of TNF-resistant variants of L929 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Verification of the TNF-resistant trait of rL929 / Chapter 3.1.5 --- Neutral red uptake assay / Chapter 3.2 --- COMPARING L929 AND rL929 CELLS IN TERMS OF GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS --- p.43 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Doubling time / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Rate of protein synthesis / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Rate of DNA synthesis / Chapter 3.3 --- COMPARING L929 AND rL929 CELLS IN TERMS OF RESPONSE TOWARDS DIFFERENT ENZYME INHIBITORS AND CYTOTOXIC AGENTS --- p.44 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- TNF cytotoxicity on L929 and rL929 cells --- p.44 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Effects of inhibitors of gene transcription and protein synthesis on TNF cytotoxicity on L929 and rL929 cells --- p.44 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Cytotoxic effect of hydrogen peroxide and menadione on L929 and rL929 cells --- p.44 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- TNF cytotoxicity on L929 and rL929 cells: effect of N-acetyl homocysteine thiolatone --- p.45 / Chapter 3.3.4.1 --- The tolerant limit of AHCT / Chapter 3.3.4.2 --- Effect of AHCT on TNF cytotoxicity / Chapter 3.3.5 --- TNF cytotoxicity on L929 and rL929 cells: effect of diethyldithiocarbamate --- p.46 / Chapter 3.3.5.1 --- The tolerant limit of DEDTC / Chapter 3.3.5.2 --- Effect of DEDTC on TNF cytotoxicity / Chapter 3.3.6 --- TNF cytotoxicity on L929 and rL929 cells: effect of buthionice sulfoximine --- p.47 / Chapter 3.3.6.1 --- The tolerant limit of BSO / Chapter 3.3.6.2 --- Effect of BSO on TNF cytotoxicity / Chapter 3.3.7 --- TNF cytotoxicity on L929 and rL929 cells: effect of Acivicin --- p.47 / Chapter 3.3.7.1 --- The tolerant limit of acivicin / Chapter 3.3.7.2 --- Effect of acivicin on TNF cytotoxicity / Chapter 3.3.8 --- TNF cytotoxicity on L929 and rL929 cells: effect of ethacrynic acid --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.8.1 --- The tolerant limit of ethacrynic acid / Chapter 3.3.8.2 --- Effect of ethacrynic acid on TNF cytotoxicity / Chapter 3.3.9 --- Cytotoxic effect of doxorubicin on L929 and rL929 cells --- p.49 / Chapter 3.3.10 --- TNF cytotoxicity of L929 cells: effect of N-acetyl cysteine --- p.49 / Chapter 3.3.11 --- Cytotoxic effect of methotrexate on L929 and rL929 cells --- p.50 / Chapter 3.3.12 --- Cytotoxic effect of hyperthermia on L929 and rL929 cells --- p.50 / Chapter 3.4 --- NORTHERN ANALYSIS AND HYBRIDIZATION --- p.51 / Chapter 3.4.1. --- Preparing RNA blots --- p.51 / Chapter 3.4.1.1 --- Extraction of total RNA from cells / Chapter 3.4.1.2 --- Making equal loading of RNA samples in formaldehyde gel electrophoresis / Chapter 3.4.1.3 --- Northern blotting of RNA / Chapter 3.4.2. --- Preparation of cDNA probes --- p.53 / Chapter 3.4.2.1 --- Preparing plasmids from A TCC clones / Chapter 3.4.2.2 --- Preparing TNFR1 probe from first-strand cDNA of L929 cells / Chapter 1. --- Construction of recombinant clone from the PCR product of TNFRl fragment / Chapter 2. --- Transforming the recombinant vector into JM109 host / Chapter 3. --- Sequencing of PCR product for identity confirmation / Chapter 3.4.2.3 --- Preparing DNA inserts from plasmids / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Radiolabelling of cDNA probes --- p.56 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Hybridization of radioactive probes to RNA blots --- p.57 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS / Chapter 4.1 --- ISOLATION OF TNF-RESISTANT VARIANTS OF L929 CELLS --- p.58 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Single cell subcloning of TNF-resistant L929 variants / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Growth rates of L929 and rL929 cells / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Rate of protein synthesis in L929 and rL929 cells / Chapter 4.1.4 --- Rate of DNA synthesis in L929and rL929 cells / Chapter 4.2 --- EFFECT OF INHIBITORS OF GENE TRANSCRIPTION AND PROTEIN SYNTHESIS ON TNF CYTOTOXICITY ON L929 AND rL929 CELLS --- p.67 / Chapter 4.3 --- RESPONSE OF L929 AND rL929 CELLS TOWARDS VARIOUS CYTOTOXIC AGENTS --- p.70 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- "Response towards methotrexate, an anti-metabolite used in cancer treatment" / Chapter 4.3.2 --- "Response towards doxorubicin, an chemotherapeutic agent used in cancer treatment" / Chapter 4.3.3 --- "Response towards menadione, a cytotoxic agent known to generate free radicals inside cells" / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Response towards hydrogen peroxide: a highly oxidative agent / Chapter 4.3.5 --- "Response towards hyperthermia, a treatment known to exert oxidative stress on cells" / Chapter 4.4 --- EFFECTS OF MODULATORS OF CYTOSOLIC SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE ON TNF CYTOTOXICITY ON L929 and rL929 CELLS --- p.77 / Chapter 4.5 --- EFFECT OF MODULATORS OF GLUTATHIONE METABOLISM ON TNF CYTOTOXICITY ON L929 AND rL929 CELLS --- p.82 / Chapter 4.5.1 --- "Effects of L-buthionine [S,R] sulfoximine, an inhibitor of glutathione synthesis" --- p.82 / Chapter 4.5.2 --- "Effect of N-acetyl cysteine, a cysteine derivative" --- p.84 / Chapter 4.5.3 --- "Effects of acivicin , an inhibitor of GSH reuptake and recycle" --- p.85 / Chapter 4.5.4 --- "Effect of ethacrynic acid, an inhibitor of glutathione S- transferase" --- p.87 / Chapter 4.6 --- GENE EXPRESSION IN L929 AND rL929 CELLS IN THE COURSE OF TNF CHALLENGE --- p.89 / Chapter 4.6.1 --- Isolation of total RNA from L929 and rL929 cells --- p.89 / Chapter 4.6.2 --- Preparation of DNA probes for hybridization --- p.89 / Chapter 4.6.3 --- Hybridization of specific probes on RNA blots --- p.90 / Chapter 4.6.3.1 --- Expression of heat shock protein --- p.70 / Chapter 4.6.3.2 --- Expression of the p55 TNF receptor / Chapter 4.6.3.3 --- Expression of glutathione reductase / Chapter 4.6.3.4 --- Expression of glutathione S-transferase pi / Chapter 4.7 --- DISCUSSIONS OF THE EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS --- p.97 / Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- GENERAL DISCUSSION --- p.104 / APPENDIX / Generation of the TNF receptor 1 cDNA probe --- p.106 / REFERENCES --- p.108

by Suk-Fung Tsang. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1993. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 101-112). / Abstract --- p.i / Acknowledgement --- p.iii / Abbreviation --- p.iv / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- TNF molecule / Chapter 1.2 --- Molecular biosynthesis of TNF / Chapter 1.3 --- Antitumor activity of TNF / Chapter 1.4 --- Macrophage-mediated immunity / Chapter 1.5 --- Endogenous production of TNF / Chapter 1.6 --- LPS : the potent inducer for TNF release / Chapter 1.7 --- Natural product: as primer or inducer / Chapter 1.8 --- Aim of this project / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.22 / Chapter 2.1 --- Materials / Chapter 2.2 --- Animals / Chapter 2.3 --- Cell line / Chapter 2.4 --- Transformed cell line : EAT cells invivo / Chapter 2.5 --- Reagents / Chapter 2.6 --- Methods / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Preparation of sample --- p.33 / Chapter 3.1 --- Alcohol precipitaion of Bupleuri radix / Chapter 3.2 --- Endogenous TNF production by BR fractions / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Purification of BRI --- p.38 / Chapter 4.1 --- Gel filtration chromatography of BRI / Chapter 4.2 --- Anion exchange chromatography / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Purification of PQI --- p.52 / Chapter 5.1 --- Gel filtration chromatography of PQI / Chapter 5.2 --- Anion exchange chromatography / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Capacity of BR and PQ as eliciting agent for endogenous TNF production --- p.62 / Chapter 6.1 --- Time course of endogenous TNF production by BRI subfractions / Chapter 6.2 --- Time course of endogenous TNF production by PQI subfractions / Chapter 6.3 --- BRI subfractions as eliciting agents / Chapter 6.4 --- PQI subfractions as eliciting agents / Chapter Chapter 7 --- Are BR and PQ priming agents in endogenous TNF production ？ --- p.71 / Chapter 7.1 --- Priming by intraperitoneal route / Chapter 7.2 --- Priming by intravenous route / Chapter Chapter 8 --- Removal of LPS by acetic acid treatment --- p.79 / Chapter Chapter 9 --- Antitumor activities of BRI subfractionsin relationship with TNF production --- p.86 / Chapter 9.1 --- BRI subfraction as eliciting agent / Chapter 9.2 --- Pretreatment with BRIA subfractions followed by LPS treatment / Chapter Chapter 10 --- Conclusion --- p.95 / Bibliography --- p.101

"July 1999." / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1999. / 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.

Due to its escalating prevalence, obesity is becoming a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Obesity is a complex health problem accompanied by metabolic abnormalities and low-grade inflammation that increases the risk for developing comorbidities including type 2 diabetes. Recent evidence supports a role for fat (adipose) tissue derived factors, called adipokines, in the development of obesity and obesity-related metabolic pathologies. Chemerin is an adipokine that mediates immune and metabolic effects through the chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1). Chemerin is secreted as an inactive proform, prochemerin, which subsequently undergoes enzymatic cleavage into multiple chemerin products that differentially activate CMKLR1. Multiple studies have reported elevated total chemerin (a combination of prochemerin and various chemerin products) in obese humans suggesting chemerin involvement in obesity pathophysiology. However, the observational nature of these human studies have restricted them from identifying specific forms of chemerin that are elevated in obesity and the mechanisms that govern them. Herein, I have reported that the levels of both serum total chemerin and chemerin products capable of activating CMKLR1 are elevated in obese mice and in wild type mice following treatment with an obesity-associated inflammatory mediator tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF?). Likewise, cultured adipocytes produced active chemerin under basal conditions and highly active chemerin following TNF? treatment as measured by CMKLR1 activation. The current belief is that prochemerin circulates through blood primed for activation by immune and fibrinolytic enzymes present within injured tissues. My results challenge this theory, identifying adipocytes as cells alone produce and proteolytically activate chemerin. Under basal conditions, a balance between activating serine proteases and deactivating aminopeptidases governed the amount of CMKLR1-activating chemerin formed by adipocytes. Treatment of adipocytes with TNF? elevated the levels of serine proteases elastase and tryptase, which cumulatively shifted the proteolytic balance toward the production of chemerin products that highly activate CMKLR1. Taken together, my results are the first to identify that local TNF? triggers increased adipocyte production of chemerin providing an explanation for the elevated concentrations of chemerin in obese animals and humans. Furthermore, adipocyte processing represents a novel mechanism that likely governs the amount and type of circulating chemerin in obesity.