Sample records for divergens apical membrane

  1. Constitutive apical membrane recycling in Aplysia enterocytes.

    PubMed

    Keeton, Robert Aaron; Runge, Steven William; Moran, William Michael

    2004-11-01

    In Aplysia californica enterocytes, alanine-stimulated Na+ absorption increases both apical membrane exocytosis and fractional capacitance (fCa; a measure of relative apical membrane surface area). These increases are thought to reduce membrane tension during periods of nutrient absorption that cause the enterocytes to swell osmotically. In the absence of alanine, exocytosis and fCa are constant. These findings imply equal rates of constitutive endocytosis and exocytosis and constitutive recycling of the apical plasma membrane. Thus, the purpose of this study was to confirm and determine the relative extent of constitutive apical membrane recycling in Aplysia enterocytes. Biotinylated lectins are commonly used to label plasma membranes and to investigate plasma membrane recycling. Of fourteen biotinylated lectins tested, biotinylated wheat germ agglutinin (bWGA) bound preferentially to the enterocytes apical surface. Therefore, we used bWGA, avidin D (which binds tightly to biotin), and the UV fluorophore 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin-3-acetic acid (AMCA)-conjugated avidin D to assess the extent of constitutive apical membrane recycling. A temperature-dependent (20 vs. 4 degrees C) experimental protocol employed the use of two tissues from each of five snails and resulted in a approximately 60% difference in apical surface fluorescence intensity. Because the extent of membrane recycling is proportional to the difference in surface fluorescence intensity, this difference reveals a relatively high rate of constitutive apical membrane recycling in Aplysia enterocytes.

  2. Apical and basal membrane ion transport mechanisms in bovine retinal pigment epithelium.

    PubMed

    Joseph, D P; Miller, S S

    1991-04-01

    1. Intracellular voltage recordings using conventional and double-barrelled chloride-selective microelectrodes have been used to identify several transport mechanisms at the apical and basolateral membranes of the isolated bovine retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-choroid preparation. Intracellular recordings were obtained from two cell populations, melanotic (pigmented) and amelanotic (non-pigmented). The electrical properties of these two populations are practically identical. For melanotic cells the average apical resting membrane potential (VA) is -61 +/- 2 mV (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 49 cells, thirty-three eyes). For these cells the ratio of apical to basolateral membrane resistance (a) was 0.22 +/- 0.02. The mean transepithelial voltage and resistance were 6 +/- 1 mV and 138 +/- 7 omega cm2, respectively. 2. The apical membrane, which faces the distal retina, contains a Ba(2+)-inhibitable K+ conductance and a ouabain-inhibitable, electrogenic Na(+)-K+ pump. In addition it contains a bumetanide-sensitive mechanism, the putative Na(+)-K(+)-Cl- cotransporter. The basolateral membrane contains a DIDS (4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid)-inhibitable chloride channel. The relative conductances of the apical and basolateral membranes to K+ and Cl- are TK approximately 0.9 and TCl approximately 0.7, respectively. 3. The ouabain-induced fast phase of apical membrane depolarization (0-30 s) was used to calculate the equivalent resistances of the apical (RA) and basolateral (RB) cell membranes, as well as the paracellular or shunt resistance (RS). They are: 3190 +/- 400, 17920 +/- 2730 and 2550 +/- 200 omega (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 9 tissues), respectively. From these data the equivalent electromotive forces (EMF) at the apical (EA) and basolateral (EB) membranes were also calculated. They are: -69 +/- 5.0 and -24 +/- 5.0 mV, respectively. 4. Intracellular Cl- activity (aiCl) was measured using double-barreled ion-selective microelectrodes. In the steady state

  3. Trafficking Ion Transporters to the Apical Membrane of Polarized Intestinal Enterocytes.

    PubMed

    Engevik, Amy Christine; Goldenring, James R

    2018-01-02

    Epithelial cells lining the gastrointestinal tract require distinct apical and basolateral domains to function properly. Trafficking and insertion of enzymes and transporters into the apical brush border of intestinal epithelial cells is essential for effective digestion and absorption of nutrients. Specific critical ion transporters are delivered to the apical brush border to facilitate fluid and electrolyte uptake. Maintenance of these apical transporters requires both targeted delivery and regulated membrane recycling. Examination of altered apical trafficking in patients with Microvillus Inclusion disease caused by inactivating mutations in MYO5B has led to insights into the regulation of apical trafficking by elements of the apical recycling system. Modeling of MYO5B loss in cell culture and animal models has led to recognition of Rab11a and Rab8a as critical regulators of apical brush border function. All of these studies show the importance of apical membrane trafficking dynamics in maintenance of polarized epithelial cell function. Copyright © 2018 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; all rights reserved.

  4. Dlg5 maintains apical polarity by promoting membrane localization of Crumbs during Drosophila oogenesis

    PubMed Central

    Luo, Jun; Wang, Heng; Kang, Di; Guo, Xuan; Wan, Ping; Wang, Dou; Chen, Jiong

    2016-01-01

    Apical-basal polarity plays critical roles in the functions of epithelial tissues. However, the mechanisms of epithelial polarity establishment and maintenance remain to be fully elucidated. Here we show that the membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) family protein Dlg5 is required for the maintenance of apical polarity of follicle epithelium during Drosophila oogenesis. Dlg5 localizes at the apical membrane and adherens junction (AJ) of follicle epithelium in early stage egg chambers. Specifically, we demonstrate that the major function of Dlg5 is to promote apical membrane localization of Crumbs, since overexpression of Crumbs but not other major apical or AJ components could rescue epithelial polarity defects resulted from loss of Dlg5. Furthermore, we performed a structure-function analysis of Dlg5 and found that the C-terminal PDZ3 and PDZ4 domains are required for all Dlg5’s functions as well as its ability to localize to apical membrane. The N-terminal coiled-coil motif could be individually targeted to the apical membrane, while the central linker region could be targeted to AJ. Lastly, the MAGUK core domains of PDZ4-SH3-GUK could be individually targeted to apical, AJ and basolateral membranes. PMID:27211898

  5. GLUT2 Accumulation in Enterocyte Apical and Intracellular Membranes

    PubMed Central

    Ait-Omar, Amal; Monteiro-Sepulveda, Milena; Poitou, Christine; Le Gall, Maude; Cotillard, Aurélie; Gilet, Jules; Garbin, Kevin; Houllier, Anne; Château, Danièle; Lacombe, Amélie; Veyrie, Nicolas; Hugol, Danielle; Tordjman, Joan; Magnan, Christophe; Serradas, Patricia; Clément, Karine; Leturque, Armelle; Brot-Laroche, Edith

    2011-01-01

    OBJECTIVE In healthy rodents, intestinal sugar absorption in response to sugar-rich meals and insulin is regulated by GLUT2 in enterocyte plasma membranes. Loss of insulin action maintains apical GLUT2 location. In human enterocytes, apical GLUT2 location has not been reported but may be revealed under conditions of insulin resistance. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Subcellular location of GLUT2 in jejunal enterocytes was analyzed by confocal and electron microscopy imaging and Western blot in 62 well-phenotyped morbidly obese subjects and 7 lean human subjects. GLUT2 locations were assayed in ob/ob and ob/+ mice receiving oral metformin or in high-fat low-carbohydrate diet–fed C57Bl/6 mice. Glucose absorption and secretion were respectively estimated by oral glucose tolerance test and secretion of [U-14C]-3-O-methyl glucose into lumen. RESULTS In human enterocytes, GLUT2 was consistently located in basolateral membranes. Apical GLUT2 location was absent in lean subjects but was observed in 76% of obese subjects and correlated with insulin resistance and glycemia. In addition, intracellular accumulation of GLUT2 with early endosome antigen 1 (EEA1) was associated with reduced MGAT4a activity (glycosylation) in 39% of obese subjects on a low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet. Mice on a low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet for 12 months also exhibited endosomal GLUT2 accumulation and reduced glucose absorption. In ob/ob mice, metformin promoted apical GLUT2 and improved glucose homeostasis. Apical GLUT2 in fasting hyperglycemic ob/ob mice tripled glucose release into intestinal lumen. CONCLUSIONS In morbidly obese insulin-resistant subjects, GLUT2 was accumulated in apical and/or endosomal membranes of enterocytes. Functionally, apical GLUT2 favored and endosomal GLUT2 reduced glucose transepithelial exchanges. Thus, altered GLUT2 locations in enterocytes are a sign of intestinal adaptations to human metabolic pathology. PMID:21852673

  6. A PDZ-interacting domain in CFTR is an apical membrane polarization signal

    PubMed Central

    Moyer, Bryan D.; Denton, Jerod; Karlson, Katherine H.; Reynolds, Donna; Wang, Shusheng; Mickle, John E.; Milewski, Michal; Cutting, Garry R.; Guggino, William B.; Li, Min; Stanton, Bruce A.

    1999-01-01

    Polarization of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a cAMP-activated chloride channel, to the apical plasma membrane of epithelial cells is critical for vectorial transport of chloride in a variety of epithelia, including the airway, pancreas, intestine, and kidney. However, the motifs that localize CFTR to the apical membrane are unknown. We report that the last 3 amino acids in the COOH-terminus of CFTR (T-R-L) comprise a PDZ-interacting domain that is required for the polarization of CFTR to the apical plasma membrane in human airway and kidney epithelial cells. In addition, the CFTR mutant, S1455X, which lacks the 26 COOH-terminal amino acids, including the PDZ-interacting domain, is mispolarized to the lateral membrane. We also demonstrate that CFTR binds to ezrin-radixin-moesin–binding phosphoprotein 50 (EBP50), an apical membrane PDZ domain–containing protein. We propose that COOH-terminal deletions of CFTR, which represent about 10% of CFTR mutations, result in defective vectorial chloride transport, partly by altering the polarized distribution of CFTR in epithelial cells. Moreover, our data demonstrate that PDZ-interacting domains and PDZ domain–containing proteins play a key role in the apical polarization of ion channels in epithelial cells. J. Clin. Invest. 104:1353–1361 (1999). PMID:10562297

  7. Balance between apical membrane growth and luminal matrix resistance determines epithelial tubule shape.

    PubMed

    Dong, Bo; Hannezo, Edouard; Hayashi, Shigeo

    2014-05-22

    The morphological stability of biological tubes is crucial for the efficient circulation of fluids and gases. Failure of this stability causes irregularly shaped tubes found in multiple pathological conditions. Here, we report that Drosophila mutants of the ESCRT III component Shrub/Vps32 exhibit a strikingly elongated sinusoidal tube phenotype. This is caused by excessive apical membrane synthesis accompanied by the ectopic accumulation and overactivation of Crumbs in swollen endosomes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the apical extracellular matrix (aECM) of the tracheal tube is a viscoelastic material coupled with the apical membrane. We present a simple mechanical model in which aECM elasticity, apical membrane growth, and their interaction are three vital parameters determining the stability of biological tubes. Our findings demonstrate a mechanical role for the extracellular matrix and suggest that the interaction of the apical membrane and an elastic aECM determines the final morphology of biological tubes independent of cell shape. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Src- and Fyn-dependent apical membrane trafficking events control endothelial lumen formation during vascular tube morphogenesis.

    PubMed

    Kim, Dae Joong; Norden, Pieter R; Salvador, Jocelynda; Barry, David M; Bowers, Stephanie L K; Cleaver, Ondine; Davis, George E

    2017-01-01

    Here we examine the question of how endothelial cells (ECs) develop their apical membrane surface domain during lumen and tube formation. We demonstrate marked apical membrane targeting of activated Src kinases to this apical domain during early and late stages of this process. Immunostaining for phosphotyrosine or phospho-Src reveals apical membrane staining in intracellular vacuoles initially. This is then followed by vacuole to vacuole fusion events to generate an apical luminal membrane, which is similarly decorated with activated phospho-Src kinases. Functional blockade of Src kinases completely blocks EC lumen and tube formation, whether this occurs during vasculogenic tube assembly or angiogenic sprouting events. Multiple Src kinases participate in this apical membrane formation process and siRNA suppression of Src, Fyn and Yes, but not Lyn, blocks EC lumen formation. We also demonstrate strong apical targeting of Src-GFP and Fyn-GFP fusion proteins and increasing their expression enhances lumen formation. Finally, we show that Src- and Fyn-associated vacuoles track and fuse along a subapically polarized microtubule cytoskeleton, which is highly acetylated. These vacuoles generate the apical luminal membrane in a stereotypically polarized, perinuclear position. Overall, our study identifies a critical role for Src kinases in creating and decorating the EC apical membrane surface during early and late stages of lumen and tube formation, a central event in the molecular control of vascular morphogenesis.

  9. Basolateral cholesterol depletion alters Aquaporin-2 post-translational modifications and disrupts apical plasma membrane targeting.

    PubMed

    Moeller, Hanne B; Fuglsang, Cecilia Hvitfeldt; Pedersen, Cecilie Nøhr; Fenton, Robert A

    2018-01-01

    Apical plasma membrane accumulation of the water channel Aquaporin-2 (AQP2) in kidney collecting duct principal cells is critical for body water homeostasis. Posttranslational modification (PTM) of AQP2 is important for regulating AQP2 trafficking. The aim of this study was to determine the role of cholesterol in regulation of AQP2 PTM and in apical plasma membrane targeting of AQP2. Cholesterol depletion from the basolateral plasma membrane of a collecting duct cell line (mpkCCD14) using methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MBCD) increased AQP2 ubiquitylation. Forskolin, cAMP or dDAVP-mediated AQP2 phosphorylation at Ser269 (pS269-AQP2) was prevented by cholesterol depletion from the basolateral membrane. None of these effects on pS269-AQP2 were observed when cholesterol was depleted from the apical side of cells, or when MBCD was applied subsequent to dDAVP stimulation. Basolateral, but not apical, MBCD application prevented cAMP-induced apical plasma membrane accumulation of AQP2. These studies indicate that manipulation of the cholesterol content of the basolateral plasma membrane interferes with AQP2 PTM and subsequently regulated apical plasma membrane targeting of AQP2. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Par3 integrates Tiam1 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling to change apical membrane identity

    PubMed Central

    Ruch, Travis R.; Bryant, David M.; Mostov, Keith E.; Engel, Joanne N.

    2017-01-01

    Pathogens can alter epithelial polarity by recruiting polarity proteins to the apical membrane, but how a change in protein localization is linked to polarity disruption is not clear. In this study, we used chemically induced dimerization to rapidly relocalize proteins from the cytosol to the apical surface. We demonstrate that forced apical localization of Par3, which is normally restricted to tight junctions, is sufficient to alter apical membrane identity through its interactions with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and the Rac1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor Tiam1. We further show that PI3K activity is required upstream of Rac1, and that simultaneously targeting PI3K and Tiam1 to the apical membrane has a synergistic effect on membrane remodeling. Thus, Par3 coordinates the action of PI3K and Tiam1 to define membrane identity, revealing a signaling mechanism that can be exploited by human mucosal pathogens. PMID:27881661

  11. Signaling-Dependent Control of Apical Membrane Size and Self-Renewal in Rosette-Stage Human Neuroepithelial Stem Cells.

    PubMed

    Medelnik, Jan-Philip; Roensch, Kathleen; Okawa, Satoshi; Del Sol, Antonio; Chara, Osvaldo; Mchedlishvili, Levan; Tanaka, Elly M

    2018-06-05

    In the developing nervous system, neural stem cells are polarized and maintain an apical domain facing a central lumen. The presence of apical membrane is thought to have a profound influence on maintaining the stem cell state. With the onset of neurogenesis, cells lose their polarization, and the concomitant loss of the apical domain coincides with a loss of the stem cell identity. Little is known about the molecular signals controlling apical membrane size. Here, we use two neuroepithelial cell systems, one derived from regenerating axolotl spinal cord and the other from human embryonic stem cells, to identify a molecular signaling pathway initiated by lysophosphatidic acid that controls apical membrane size and consequently controls and maintains epithelial organization and lumen size in neuroepithelial rosettes. This apical domain size increase occurs independently of effects on proliferation and involves a serum response factor-dependent transcriptional induction of junctional and apical membrane components. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. PGE(2) activation of apical membrane Cl(-) channels in A6 epithelia: impedance analysis.

    PubMed Central

    Păunescu, T G; Helman, S I

    2001-01-01

    Measurements of transepithelial electrical impedance of continuously short-circuited A6 epithelia were made at audio frequencies (0.244 Hz to 10.45 kHz) to investigate the time course and extent to which prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) modulates Cl(-) transport and apical membrane capacitance in this cell-cultured model epithelium. Apical and basolateral membrane resistances were determined by nonlinear curve-fitting of the impedance vectors at relatively low frequencies (<50 Hz) to equations (Păunescu, T. G., and S. I. Helman. 2001. Biophys. J. 81:838--851) where depressed Nyquist impedance semicircles were characteristic of the membrane impedances under control Na(+)-transporting and amiloride-inhibited conditions. In all tissues (control, amiloride-blocked, and amiloride-blocked and furosemide-pretreated), PGE(2) caused relatively small (< approximately 3 microA/cm(2)) and rapid (<60 s) maximal increase of chloride current due to activation of a rather large increase of apical membrane conductance that preceded significant activation of Na(+) transport through amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na(+) channels (ENaCs). Apical membrane capacitance was frequency-dependent with a Cole-Cole dielectric dispersion whose relaxation frequency was near 150 Hz. Analysis of the time-dependent changes of the complex frequency-dependent equivalent capacitance of the cells at frequencies >1.5 kHz revealed that the mean 9.8% increase of capacitance caused by PGE(2) was not correlated in time with activation of chloride conductance, but rather correlated with activation of apical membrane Na(+) transport. PMID:11463630

  13. Pak1 Kinase Maintains Apical Membrane Identity in Epithelia.

    PubMed

    Aguilar-Aragon, Mario; Elbediwy, Ahmed; Foglizzo, Valentina; Fletcher, Georgina C; Li, Vivian S W; Thompson, Barry J

    2018-02-13

    Epithelial cells are polarized along their apical-basal axis by the action of the small GTPase Cdc42, which is known to activate the aPKC kinase at the apical domain. However, loss of aPKC kinase activity was reported to have only mild effects on epithelial cell polarity. Here, we show that Cdc42 also activates a second kinase, Pak1, to specify apical domain identity in Drosophila and mammalian epithelia. aPKC and Pak1 phosphorylate an overlapping set of polarity substrates in kinase assays. Inactivating both aPKC kinase activity and the Pak1 kinase leads to a complete loss of epithelial polarity and morphology, with cells losing markers of apical polarization such as Crumbs, Par3/Bazooka, or ZO-1. This function of Pak1 downstream of Cdc42 is distinct from its role in regulating integrins or E-cadherin. Our results define a conserved dual-kinase mechanism for the control of apical membrane identity in epithelia. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Synaptotagmin-Like Proteins Control Formation of a Single Apical Membrane Domain in Epithelial Cells

    PubMed Central

    Gálvez-Santisteban, Manuel; Rodriguez-Fraticelli, Alejo E.; Bryant, David M.; Vergarajauregui, Silvia; Yasuda, Takao; Bañón-Rodríguez, Inmaculada; Bernascone, Ilenia; Datta, Anirban; Spivak, Natalie; Young, Kitty; Slim, Christiaan L.; Brakeman, Paul R.; Fukuda, Mitsunori; Mostov, Keith E.; Martín-Belmonte, Fernando

    2012-01-01

    SUMMARY The formation of epithelial tissues requires both the generation of apical-basal polarity and the co-ordination of this polarity between neighboring cells to form a central lumen. During de novo lumen formation, vectorial membrane transport contributes to formation of a singular apical membrane, resulting in contribution of each cell to only a single lumen. Here, from a functional screen for genes required for 3D epithelial architecture we identify key roles for Synaptotagmin-like proteins 2-a and 4-a (Slp2-a/4-a) in generation of a single apical surface per cell. Slp2-a localizes to the luminal membrane in a PI(4,5)P2-dependent manner, where it targets Rab27-loaded vesicles to initiate a single lumen. Vesicle tethering and fusion is controlled by Slp4-a, in conjunction with Rab27/Rab3/Rab8 and the SNARE Syntaxin-3. Together, Slp2-a/4-a co-ordinate the spatiotemporal organization of vectorial apical transport to ensure only a single apical surface, and thus formation of a single lumen, occurs per cell. PMID:22820376

  15. Golgi sorting regulates organization and activity of GPI-proteins at apical membranes

    PubMed Central

    Tivodar, Simona; Formiggini, Fabio; Ossato, Giulia; Gratton, Enrico; Tramier, Marc; Coppey-Moisan, Maïté; Zurzolo, Chiara

    2014-01-01

    Here, we combined classical biochemistry with novel biophysical approaches to study with high spatial and temporal resolution the organization of GPI-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) at the plasma membrane of polarized epithelial cells. We show that in polarized MDCK cells, following sorting in the Golgi, each GPI-AP reaches the apical surface in homo-clusters. Golgi-derived homo-clusters are required for their subsequent plasma membrane organization into cholesterol-dependent hetero-clusters. By contrast, in non-polarized MDCK cells GPI-APs are delivered to the surface as monomers in an unpolarized manner and are not able to form hetero-clusters. We further demonstrate that this GPI-AP organization is regulated by the content of cholesterol in the Golgi apparatus and is required to maintain the functional state of the protein at the apical membrane. Thus, different from fibroblasts, in polarized epithelial cells a selective cholesterol-dependent sorting mechanism in the Golgi regulates both the organization and the function of GPI-APs at the apical surface. PMID:24681536

  16. Does apical membrane GLUT2 have a role in intestinal glucose uptake?

    PubMed

    Naftalin, Richard J

    2014-01-01

    It has been proposed that the non-saturable component of intestinal glucose absorption, apparent following prolonged exposure to high intraluminal glucose concentrations, is mediated via the low affinity glucose and fructose transporter, GLUT2, upregulated within the small intestinal apical border. The evidence that the non-saturable transport component is mediated via an apical membrane sugar transporter is that it is inhibited by phloretin, after exposure to phloridzin. Since the other apical membrane sugar transporter, GLUT5, is insensitive to inhibition by either cytochalasin B, or phloretin, GLUT2 was deduced to be the low affinity sugar transport route. As in its uninhibited state, polarized intestinal glucose absorption depends both on coupled entry of glucose and sodium across the brush border membrane and on the enterocyte cytosolic glucose concentration exceeding that in both luminal and submucosal interstitial fluids, upregulation of GLUT2 within the intestinal brush border will usually stimulate downhill glucose reflux to the intestinal lumen from the enterocytes; thereby reducing, rather than enhancing net glucose absorption across the luminal surface. These states are simulated with a computer model generating solutions to the differential equations for glucose, Na and water flows between luminal, cell, interstitial and capillary compartments. The model demonstrates that uphill glucose transport via SGLT1 into enterocytes, when short-circuited by any passive glucose carrier in the apical membrane, such as GLUT2, will reduce transcellular glucose absorption and thereby lead to increased paracellular flow. The model also illustrates that apical GLUT2 may usefully act as an osmoregulator to prevent excessive enterocyte volume change with altered luminal glucose concentrations.

  17. Does apical membrane GLUT2 have a role in intestinal glucose uptake?

    PubMed Central

    Naftalin, Richard J

    2014-01-01

    It has been proposed that the non-saturable component of intestinal glucose absorption, apparent following prolonged exposure to high intraluminal glucose concentrations, is mediated via the low affinity glucose and fructose transporter, GLUT2, upregulated within the small intestinal apical border. The evidence that the non-saturable transport component is mediated via an apical membrane sugar transporter is that it is inhibited by phloretin, after exposure to phloridzin. Since the other apical membrane sugar transporter, GLUT5, is insensitive to inhibition by either cytochalasin B, or phloretin, GLUT2 was deduced to be the low affinity sugar transport route. As in its uninhibited state, polarized intestinal glucose absorption depends both on coupled entry of glucose and sodium across the brush border membrane and on the enterocyte cytosolic glucose concentration exceeding that in both luminal and submucosal interstitial fluids, upregulation of GLUT2 within the intestinal brush border will usually stimulate downhill glucose reflux to the intestinal lumen from the enterocytes; thereby reducing, rather than enhancing net glucose absorption across the luminal surface. These states are simulated with a computer model generating solutions to the differential equations for glucose, Na and water flows between luminal, cell, interstitial and capillary compartments. The model demonstrates that uphill glucose transport via SGLT1 into enterocytes, when short-circuited by any passive glucose carrier in the apical membrane, such as GLUT2, will reduce transcellular glucose absorption and thereby lead to increased paracellular flow. The model also illustrates that apical GLUT2 may usefully act as an osmoregulator to prevent excessive enterocyte volume change with altered luminal glucose concentrations. PMID:25671087

  18. Serine 269 phosphorylated aquaporin-2 is targeted to the apical membrane of collecting duct principal cells

    PubMed Central

    Moeller, Hanne B.; Knepper, Mark A.; Fenton, Robert A.

    2012-01-01

    Trafficking of the water channel aquaporin-2 to the apical plasma membrane of the collecting duct is mediated by arginine vasopressin, rendering the cell permeable to water. We recently identified a novel form of aquaporin-2 that is phosphorylated at serine-269 (pS269-AQP2). Using antibodies specific for this form of the water channel, we detected rat and mouse pS269-AQP2 in the connecting tubule and throughout the collecting duct system. Using confocal immunofluorescence microscopy with organelle-specific markers and immunogold electron microscopy, we found that pS269-AQP2 was found only on the apical plasma membrane of principal cells. In vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro rats, pS269-AQP2 was undetectable but dramatically increased in abundance after these rats were treated with [deamino-Cys-1, d-Arg-8]vasopressin (dDAVP). This increase occurred only at the apical plasma membrane, even after long-term dDAVP treatment. Following dDAVP there was a time-dependent redistribution of total aquaporin-2 from predominantly intracellular vesicles to the apical plasma membrane, clathrin-coated vesicles, early endosomal compartments, and lysosomes. However, pS269-AQP2 was found only on the apical plasma membrane at any time. Our results show that S269 phosphorylated aquaporin-2 is exclusively associated with the apical plasma membrane, where it escapes endocytosis to remain at the cell surface. PMID:18843259

  19. Induction of Caveolae in the Apical Plasma Membrane of Madin-Darby Canine Kidney Cells

    PubMed Central

    Verkade, Paul; Harder, Thomas; Lafont, Frank; Simons, Kai

    2000-01-01

    In this paper, we have analyzed the behavior of antibody cross-linked raft-associated proteins on the surface of MDCK cells. We observed that cross-linking of membrane proteins gave different results depending on whether cross-linking occurred on the apical or basolateral plasma membrane. Whereas antibody cross-linking induced the formation of large clusters on the basolateral membrane, resembling those observed on the surface of fibroblasts (Harder, T., P. Scheiffele, P. Verkade, and K. Simons. 1998. J. Cell Biol. 929–942), only small (∼100 nm) clusters formed on the apical plasma membrane. Cross-linked apical raft proteins e.g., GPI-anchored placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), influenza hemagglutinin, and gp114 coclustered and were internalized slowly (∼10% after 60 min). Endocytosis occurred through surface invaginations that corresponded in size to caveolae and were labeled with caveolin-1 antibodies. Upon cholesterol depletion the internalization of PLAP was completely inhibited. In contrast, when a non-raft protein, the mutant LDL receptor LDLR-CT22, was cross-linked, it was excluded from the clusters of raft proteins and was rapidly internalized via clathrin-coated pits. Since caveolae are normally present on the basolateral membrane but lacking from the apical side, our data demonstrate that antibody cross-linking induced the formation of caveolae, which slowly internalized cross-linked clusters of raft-associated proteins. PMID:10684254

  20. Control of apical membrane chloride permeability in the renal A6 cell line by nucleotides

    PubMed Central

    Banderali, U; Brochiero, E; Lindenthal, S; Raschi, C; Bogliolo, S; Ehrenfeld, J

    1999-01-01

    The effect of extracellular nucleotides applied on the apical side of polarised A6 cells grown on permeant filters was investigated by measuring the changes in (i) the 36Cl efflux through the apical membranes, (ii) the intracellular chloride concentrations (aCli, measured with N-(6-methoxyquinolyl) acetoethyl ester, MQAE), (iii) ICl, the short-circuit current in the absence of Na+ transport and (iv) the characteristics of the apical chloride channels using a patch-clamp approach. ATP or UTP (0.1-500 μm) transiently stimulated ICl. The sequence of purinergic agonist potencies was UTP = ATP > ADP >> the P2X-selective agonist β,γ-methylene ATP = the P2Y-selective agonist 2-methylthioATP. Suramin (100 μm) as the P2Y antagonist Reactive Blue 2 (10 μm) had no effect on the UTP (or ATP)-stimulated current. These findings are consistent with the presence of P2Y2-like receptors located on the apical membranes of A6 cells. Apical application of adenosine also transiently increased ICl. This effect was blocked by theophylline while the UTP-stimulated ICl was not. The existence of a second receptor, of the P1 type is proposed. ATP (or UTP)-stimulated ICl was blocked by apical application of 200 μmN-phenylanthranilic acid (DPC) or 100 μm niflumic acid while 100 μm glibenclamide was ineffective. Ionomycin and thapsigargin both transiently stimulated ICl; the nucleotide stimulation of ICl was not suppressed by pre-treatment with these agents. Chlorpromazin (50 μm), a Ca2+-calmodulin inhibitor strongly inhibited the stimulation of ICl induced either by apical UTP or by ionomycin application. BAPTA-AM pre-treatment of A6 cells blocked the UTP-stimulated ICl. Niflumic acid also blocked the ionomycin stimulated ICl. A fourfold increase in 36Cl effluxes through the apical membranes was observed after ATP or UTP application. These increases of the apical chloride permeability could also be observed when following aCli changes. Apical application of DPC (1 mm) or 5-nitro-2

  1. Retention of prominin in microvilli reveals distinct cholesterol-based lipid micro-domains in the apical plasma membrane.

    PubMed

    Röper, K; Corbeil, D; Huttner, W B

    2000-09-01

    Membrane cholesterol-sphingolipid 'rafts', which are characterized by their insolubility in the non-ionic detergent Triton X-100 in the cold, have been implicated in the sorting of certain membrane proteins, such as placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), to the apical plasma membrane domain of epithelial cells. Here we show that prominin, an apically sorted pentaspan membrane protein, becomes associated in the trans-Golgi network with a lipid raft that is soluble in Triton X-100 but insoluble in another non-ionic detergent, Lubrol WX. At the cell surface, prominin remains insoluble in Lubrol WX and is selectively associated with microvilli, being largely segregated from the membrane subdomains containing PLAP. Cholesterol depletion results in the loss of prominin's microvillus-specific localization but does not lead to its complete intermixing with PLAP. We propose the coexistence within a membrane domain, such as the apical plasma membrane, of different cholesterol-based lipid rafts, which underlie the generation and maintenance of membrane subdomains.

  2. Elastic Properties of Pore-Spanning Apical Cell Membranes Derived from MDCK II Cells.

    PubMed

    Nehls, Stefan; Janshoff, Andreas

    2017-10-17

    The mechanical response of adherent, polarized cells to indentation is frequently attributed to the presence of an endogenous actin cortex attached to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. Here, we scrutinized the elastic properties of apical membranes separated from living cells and attached to a porous mesh in the absence of intracellular factors originating from the cytosol, organelles, the substrate, neighbors, and the nucleus. We found that a tension-based model describes the data very well providing essentially the prestress of the shell generated by adhesion of the apical membrane patches to the pore rim and the apparent area compressibility modulus, an intrinsic elastic modulus modulated by the surface excess stored in membrane reservoirs. Removal of membrane-associated proteins by proteases decreases the area compressibility modulus, whereas fixation and cross-linking of proteins with glutaraldehyde increases it. Copyright © 2017 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Distinct lipid rafts in subdomains from human placental apical syncytiotrophoblast membranes.

    PubMed

    Godoy, Valeria; Riquelme, Gloria

    2008-01-01

    We report on the characteristics of raft domains in the apical membrane from human placental syncytiotrophoblast (hSTB), an epithelium responsible for maternal-fetal exchange. Previously, we described two isolated fractions of the hSTB apical membrane: a classical microvillous membrane (MVM) and a light microvillous membrane (LMVM). Detergent-resistant microdomains (DRMs) from MVM and LMVM were prepared with Triton X-100 followed by flotation in a sucrose gradient and tested by Western and dot blot with raft markers (placental alkaline phosphatase, lipid ganglioside, annexin 2) and transferrin receptor as a nonraft marker. DRMs from both fractions showed a consistent peak for these markers, except that the DRMs from MVM had no annexin 2 mark. Cholesterol depletion modified the segregation in both groups of DRMs. Our results show two distinguishable lipid raft subsets from MVM and LMVM. Additionally, we found significant differences between MVM and LMVM in cholesterol content and in expression of cytoskeletal proteins. MVM is enriched in ezrin and beta-actin; in contrast, cholesterol and cytokeratin-7 are more abundant in LMVM. These differences may explain the distinct properties of the lipid raft subtypes.

  4. cAmp activation of apical membrane Cl(-) channels: theoretical considerations for impedance analysis.

    PubMed Central

    Păunescu, T G; Helman, S I

    2001-01-01

    Transepithelial electrical impedance analysis provides a sensitive method to evaluate the conductances and capacitances of apical and basolateral plasma membranes of epithelial cells. Impedance analysis is complicated, due not only to the anatomical arrangement of the cells and their paracellular shunt pathways, but also in particular to the existence of audio frequency-dependent capacitances or dispersions. In this paper we explore implications and consequences of anatomically related Maxwell-Wagner and Cole-Cole dielectric dispersions that impose limitations, approximations, and pitfalls of impedance analysis when tissues are studied under widely ranging spontaneous rates of transport, and in particular when apical membrane sodium and chloride channels are activated by adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) in A6 epithelia. We develop the thesis that capacitive relaxation processes of any origin lead not only to dependence on frequency of the impedance locus, but also to the appearance of depressed semicircles in Nyquist transepithelial impedance plots, regardless of the tightness or leakiness of the paracellular shunt pathways. Frequency dependence of capacitance precludes analysis of data in traditional ways, where capacitance is assumed constant, and is especially important when apical and/or basolateral membranes exhibit one or more dielectric dispersions. PMID:11463629

  5. Rab17 Regulates Membrane Trafficking through Apical Recycling Endosomes in Polarized Epithelial Cells

    PubMed Central

    Zacchi, Paola; Stenmark, Harald; Parton, Robert G.; Orioli, Donata; Lim, Filip; Giner, Angelika; Mellman, Ira; Zerial, Marino; Murphy, Carol

    1998-01-01

    A key feature of polarized epithelial cells is the ability to maintain the specific biochemical composition of the apical and basolateral plasma membrane domains while selectively allowing transport of proteins and lipids from one pole to the opposite by transcytosis. The small GTPase, rab17, a member of the rab family of regulators of intracellular transport, is specifically induced during cell polarization in the developing kidney. We here examined its intracellular distribution and function in both nonpolarized and polarized cells. By confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, rab17 colocalized with internalized transferrin in the perinuclear recycling endosome of BHK-21 cells. In polarized Eph4 cells, rab17 associated with the apical recycling endosome that has been implicated in recycling and transcytosis. The localization of rab17, therefore, strengthens the proposed homology between this compartment and the recycling endosome of nonpolarized cells. Basolateral to apical transport of two membrane-bound markers, the transferrin receptor and the FcLR 5-27 chimeric receptor, was specifically increased in Eph4 cells expressing rab17 mutants defective in either GTP binding or hydrolysis. Furthermore, the mutant proteins stimulated apical recycling of FcLR 5-27. These results support a role for rab17 in regulating traffic through the apical recycling endosome, suggesting a function in polarized sorting in epithelial cells. PMID:9490718

  6. Quaternary structure and apical membrane sorting of the mammalian NaSi-1 sulfate transporter in renal cell lines.

    PubMed

    Regeer, Ralf R; Nicke, Annette; Markovich, Daniel

    2007-01-01

    NaSi-1 encodes a Na(+)-sulfate cotransporter expressed on the apical membrane of renal proximal tubular cells, which is responsible for body sulfate homeostasis. Limited information is available on NaSi-1 protein structure and the mechanisms controlling its apical membrane sorting. The aims of this study were to biochemically determine the quaternary structure of the rat NaSi-1 protein and to characterize its expression in renal epithelial cell lines. Hexahistidyl-tagged NaSi-1 (NaSi-1-His) proteins expressed in Xenopus oocytes, appeared as two bands of about 60 and 75 kDa. PNGase F treatment shifted both bands to 57 kDa while endoglycosidase H treatment led to a downward shift of the lower molecular mass band only. Mutagenesis of a putative N-glycosylation site (N591S) produced a single band that was not shifted by endoglycosidase H or PNGase F, confirming a single glycosylation site at residue 591. Blue native-PAGE and cross-linking experiments revealed dimeric complexes, suggesting the native form of NaSi-1 to be a dimer. Transient transfection of EGFP/NaSi-1 in renal epithelial cells (OK, LLC-PK1 and MDCK) demonstrated apical membrane sorting, which was insensitive to tunicamycin. Transfection of the EGFP/NaSi-1 N591S glycosylation mutant also showed apical expression, suggesting N591 is not essential for apical sorting. Treatment with cholesterol depleting compounds did not disrupt apical sorting, but brefeldin A led to misrouting to the basolateral membrane, suggesting that NaSi-1 sorting is through the ER to Golgi pathway. Our data demonstrates that NaSi-1 forms a dimeric protein which is glycosylated at N591, whose sorting to the apical membrane in renal epithelial cells is brefeldin A-sensitive and independent of lipid rafts or glycosylation.

  7. Surface heat shock protein 90 serves as a potential receptor for calcium oxalate crystal on apical membrane of renal tubular epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Fong-Ngern, Kedsarin; Sueksakit, Kanyarat; Thongboonkerd, Visith

    2016-07-01

    Adhesion of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals on renal tubular epithelial cells is a crucial step in kidney stone formation. Finding potential crystal receptors on the apical membrane of the cells may lead to a novel approach to prevent kidney stone disease. Our previous study identified a large number of crystal-binding proteins on the apical membrane of MDCK cells. However, their functional role as potential crystal receptors had not been validated. The present study aimed to address the potential role of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) as a COM crystal receptor. The apical membrane was isolated from polarized MDCK cells by the peeling method and recovered proteins were incubated with COM crystals. Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of HSP90 in the apical membrane and the crystal-bound fraction. Immunofluorescence staining without permeabilization and laser-scanning confocal microscopy confirmed the surface HSP90 expression on the apical membrane of the intact cells. Crystal adhesion assay showed that blocking surface HSP90 by specific anti-HSP90 antibody and knockdown of HSP90 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) dramatically reduced crystal binding on the apical surface of MDCK cells (by approximately 1/2 and 2/3, respectively). Additionally, crystal internalization assay revealed the presence of HSP90 on the membrane of endocytic vesicle containing the internalized COM crystal. Moreover, pretreatment of MDCK cells with anti-HSP90 antibody significantly reduced crystal internalization (by approximately 1/3). Taken together, our data indicate that HSP90 serves as a potential receptor for COM crystals on the apical membrane of renal tubular epithelial cells and is involved in endocytosis/internalization of the crystals into the cells.

  8. Biogenesis of the rat hepatocyte plasma membrane in vivo: comparison of the pathways taken by apical and basolateral proteins using subcellular fractionation

    PubMed Central

    1987-01-01

    We have used pulse-chase metabolic radiolabeling with L-[35S]methionine in conjunction with subcellular fractionation and specific protein immunoprecipitation techniques to compare the posttranslational transport pathways taken by endogenous domain-specific integral proteins of the rat hepatocyte plasma membrane in vivo. Our results suggest that both apical (HA 4, dipeptidylpeptidase IV, and aminopeptidase N) and basolateral (CE 9 and the asialoglycoprotein receptor [ASGP-R]) proteins reach the hepatocyte plasma membrane with similar kinetics. The mature molecular mass form of each of these proteins reaches its maximum specific radioactivity in a purified hepatocyte plasma membrane fraction after only 45 min of chase. However, at this time, the mature radiolabeled apical proteins are not associated with vesicles derived from the apical domain of the hepatocyte plasma membrane, but instead are associated with vesicles which, by several criteria, appear to be basolateral plasma membrane. These vesicles: (a) fractionate like basolateral plasma membrane in sucrose density gradients and in free-flow electrophoresis; (b) can be separated from the bulk of the likely organellar contaminants, including membranes derived from the late Golgi cisternae, transtubular network, and endosomes; (c) contain the proven basolateral constituents CE 9 and the ASGP-R, as judged by vesicle immunoadsorption using fixed Staphylococcus aureus cells and anti-ASGP-R antibodies; and (d) are oriented with their ectoplasmic surfaces facing outward, based on the results of vesicle immunoadsorption experiments using antibodies specific for the ectoplasmic domain of the ASGP-R. Only at times of chase greater than 45 min do significant amounts of the mature radiolabeled apical proteins arrive at the apical domain, and they do so at different rates. Approximate half-times for arrival are in the range of 90-120 min for aminopeptidase N and dipeptidylpeptidase IV whereas only 15-20% of the mature

  9. Arp2/3 promotes junction formation and maintenance in the Caenorhabditis elegans intestine by regulating membrane association of apical proteins

    PubMed Central

    Bernadskaya, Yelena Y.; Patel, Falshruti B.; Hsu, Hsiao-Ting; Soto, Martha C.

    2011-01-01

    It has been proposed that Arp2/3, which promotes nucleation of branched actin, is needed for epithelial junction initiation but is less important as junctions mature. We focus here on how Arp2/3 contributes to the Caenorhabditis elegans intestinal epithelium and find important roles for Arp2/3 in the maturation and maintenance of junctions in embryos and adults. Electron microscope studies show that embryos depleted of Arp2/3 form apical actin-rich microvilli and electron-dense apical junctions. However, whereas apical/basal polarity initiates, apical maturation is defective, including decreased apical F-actin enrichment, aberrant lumen morphology, and reduced accumulation of some apical junctional proteins, including DLG-1. Depletion of Arp2/3 in adult animals leads to similar intestinal defects. The DLG-1/AJM-1 apical junction proteins, and the ezrin–radixin–moesin homologue ERM-1, a protein that connects F-actin to membranes, are required along with Arp2/3 for apical F-actin enrichment in embryos, whereas cadherin junction proteins are not. Arp2/3 affects the subcellular distribution of DLG-1 and ERM-1. Loss of Arp2/3 shifts both ERM-1 and DLG-1 from pellet fractions to supernatant fractions, suggesting a role for Arp2/3 in the distribution of membrane-associated proteins. Thus, Arp2/3 is required as junctions mature to maintain apical proteins associated with the correct membranes. PMID:21697505

  10. Trafficking to the apical and basolateral membranes in polarized epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Stoops, Emily H; Caplan, Michael J

    2014-07-01

    Renal epithelial cells must maintain distinct protein compositions in their apical and basolateral membranes in order to perform their transport functions. The creation of these polarized protein distributions depends on sorting signals that designate the trafficking route and site of ultimate functional residence for each protein. Segregation of newly synthesized apical and basolateral proteins into distinct carrier vesicles can occur at the trans-Golgi network, recycling endosomes, or a growing assortment of stations along the cellular trafficking pathway. The nature of the specific sorting signal and the mechanism through which it is interpreted can influence the route a protein takes through the cell. Cell type-specific variations in the targeting motifs of a protein, as are evident for Na,K-ATPase, demonstrate a remarkable capacity to adapt sorting pathways to different developmental states or physiologic requirements. This review summarizes our current understanding of apical and basolateral trafficking routes in polarized epithelial cells. Copyright © 2014 by the American Society of Nephrology.

  11. Trafficking to the Apical and Basolateral Membranes in Polarized Epithelial Cells

    PubMed Central

    Stoops, Emily H.

    2014-01-01

    Renal epithelial cells must maintain distinct protein compositions in their apical and basolateral membranes in order to perform their transport functions. The creation of these polarized protein distributions depends on sorting signals that designate the trafficking route and site of ultimate functional residence for each protein. Segregation of newly synthesized apical and basolateral proteins into distinct carrier vesicles can occur at the trans-Golgi network, recycling endosomes, or a growing assortment of stations along the cellular trafficking pathway. The nature of the specific sorting signal and the mechanism through which it is interpreted can influence the route a protein takes through the cell. Cell type–specific variations in the targeting motifs of a protein, as are evident for Na,K-ATPase, demonstrate a remarkable capacity to adapt sorting pathways to different developmental states or physiologic requirements. This review summarizes our current understanding of apical and basolateral trafficking routes in polarized epithelial cells. PMID:24652803

  12. Multiple P2Y receptor subtypes in the apical membranes of polarized epithelial cells

    PubMed Central

    McAlroy, H L; Ahmed, S; Day, S M; Baines, D L; Wong, H Y; Yip, C Y; Ko, W H; Wilson, S M; Collett, A

    2000-01-01

    Apical ATP, ATP, UTP and UDP evoked transient increases in short circuit current (ISC, a direct measure of transepithelial ion transport) in confluent Caco-2 cells grown on permeable supports. These responses were mediated by a population of at least three pharmacologically distinct receptors. Experiments using cells grown on glass coverslips showed that ATP and UTP consistently increased intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) whilst sensitivity to UDP was variable. Cross desensitization experiments suggested that the responses to UTP and ATP were mediated by a common receptor population. Messenger RNA transcripts corresponding to the P2Y2, P2Y4 and P2Y6 receptors genes were detected in cells grown on Transwell membranes by the reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. Identical results were obtained for cells grown on glass. Experiments in which ISC and [Ca2+]i were monitored simultaneously in cells on Transwell membranes, confirmed that apical ATP and UTP increased both parameters and showed that the UDP-evoked increase in ISC was accompanied by a [Ca2+]i-signal. Ionomycin consistently increased [Ca2+]i in such polarized cells but caused no discernible change in ISC. However, subsequent application of apical ATP or UTP evoked a small rise in ISC but no rise in [Ca2+]i. UDP evoked no such response. As well as evoking increases in [Ca2+]i, the ATP/UTP-sensitive receptors present in Caco-2 cells thus allow direct control over ion channels in the apical membrane. The UDP-sensitive receptors, however, appear to simply evoke a rise in [Ca2+]i. PMID:11139443

  13. KIFC3, a microtubule minus end–directed motor for the apical transport of annexin XIIIb–associated Triton-insoluble membranes

    PubMed Central

    Noda, Yasuko; Okada, Yasushi; Saito, Nobuhito; Setou, Mitsutoshi; Xu, Ying; Zhang, Zheizeng; Hirokawa, Nobutaka

    2001-01-01

    We have identified and characterized a COOH-terminal motor domain–type kinesin superfamily protein (KIFC), KIFC3, in the kidney. KIFC3 is a minus end–directed microtubule motor protein, therefore it accumulates in regions where minus ends of microtubules assemble. In polarized epithelial cells, KIFC3 is localized on membrane organelles immediately beneath the apical plasma membrane of renal tubular epithelial cells in vivo and polarized MDCK II cells in vitro. Flotation assay, coupled with detergent extraction, demonstrated that KIFC3 is associated with Triton X-100–insoluble membrane organelles, and that it overlaps with apically transported TGN-derived vesicles. This was confirmed by immunoprecipitation and by GST pulldown experiments showing the specific colocalization of KIFC3 and annexin XIIIb, a previously characterized membrane protein for apically transported vesicles (Lafont, F., S. Lecat, P. Verkade, and K. Simons. 1998. J. Cell Biol. 142:1413–1427). Furthermore, we proved that the apical transport of both influenza hemagglutinin and annexin XIIIb was partially inhibited or accelerated by overexpression of motor-domainless (dominant negative) or full-length KIFC3, respectively. Absence of cytoplasmic dynein on these annexin XIIIb–associated vesicles and distinct distribution of the two motors on the EM level verified the existence of KIFC3-driven transport in epithelial cells. PMID:11581287

  14. Transport characteristics of L-citrulline in renal apical membrane of proximal tubular cells.

    PubMed

    Mitsuoka, Keisuke; Shirasaka, Yoshiyuki; Fukushi, Akimasa; Sato, Masanobu; Nakamura, Toshimichi; Nakanishi, Takeo; Tamai, Ikumi

    2009-04-01

    L-Citrulline has diagnostic potential for renal function, because its plasma concentration increases with the progression of renal failure. Although L-citrulline extracted by glomerular filtration in kidney is mostly reabsorbed, the mechanism involved is not clearly understood. The present study was designed to characterize L-citrulline transport across the apical membranes of renal epithelial tubular cells, using primary-cultured rat renal proximal tubular cells, as well as the human kidney proximal tubular cell line HK-2. L-Citrulline was transported in a Na(+)-dependent manner from the apical side of both cell types cultured on permeable supports with a microporous membrane. Kinetic analysis indicated that the transport involves two distinct Na(+)-dependent saturable systems and one Na(+)-independent saturable system in HK-2 cells. The uptake was competitively inhibited by neutral and cationic, but not anionic amino acids. Relatively large cationic and anionic compounds inhibited the uptake, but smaller ones did not. In HK-2 cells, mRNA expression of SLC6A19 and SLC7A9, which encode B(0)AT1 and b(0,+)AT, respectively, was detected by RT-PCR. In addition, L-citrulline transport was significantly decreased in HK-2 cells in which either SLC6A19 or SLC7A9 was silenced. Hence, these results suggest that amino acid transporters B(0)AT1 and b(0,+)AT are involved in the reabsorption of L-citrulline in the kidney, at least in part, by mediating the apical membrane transport of L-citrulline in renal tubule cells.

  15. Apical sorting of lysoGPI-anchored proteins occurs independent of association with detergent-resistant membranes but dependent on their N-glycosylation.

    PubMed

    Castillon, Guillaume Alain; Michon, Laetitia; Watanabe, Reika

    2013-06-01

    Most glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) are located at the apical surface of epithelial cells. The apical delivery of GPI-APs is believed to result from their association with lipid rafts. We find that overexpression of C-terminally tagged PGAP3 caused predominant production of lysoGPI-APs, an intermediate precursor in the GPI lipid remodeling process in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. In these cells, produced lysoGPI-APs are not incorporated into detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs) but still are delivered apically, suggesting that GPI-AP association with DRMs is not necessary for apical targeting. In contrast, apical transport of both fully remodeled and lyso forms of GPI-APs is dependent on N-glycosylation, confirming a general role of N-glycans in apical protein transport. We also find that depletion of cholesterol causes apical-to-basolateral retargeting not only of fully remodeled GPI-APs, but also of lysoGPI-APs, as well as endogenous soluble and transmembrane proteins that would normally be targeted to the apical membrane. These findings confirm the essential role for cholesterol in the apical protein targeting and further demonstrate that the mechanism of cholesterol-dependent apical sorting is not related to DRM association of GPI-APs.

  16. Apical Plasma Membrane Mispolarization of NaK-ATPase in Polycystic Kidney Disease Epithelia Is Associated with Aberrant Expression of the β2 Isoform

    PubMed Central

    Wilson, Patricia D.; Devuyst, Olivier; Li, Xiaohong; Gatti, Laura; Falkenstein, Doris; Robinson, Shawn; Fambrough, Douglas; Burrow, Christopher R.

    2000-01-01

    Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common genetic disease of the kidney, characterized by cystic enlargement of renal tubules, aberrant epithelial proliferation, and ion and fluid secretion into the lumen. Previous studies have shown abnormalities in polarization of membrane proteins, including mislocalization of the NaK-ATPase to the apical plasma membranes of cystic epithelia. Apically located NaK-ATPase has previously been shown to be fully functional in vivo and in membrane-grown ADPKD epithelial cells in vitro, where basal-to-apical 22Na transport was inhibited by application of ouabain to the apical membrane compartment. Studies were conducted with polymerase chain reaction-generated specific riboprobes and polyclonal peptide antibodies against human sequences of α1, α3, β1, and β2 subunits of NaK-ATPase. High levels of expression of α1 and β1 messenger RNA were detected in ADPKD and age-matched normal adult kidneys in vivo, whereas β2 messenger RNA was detected only in ADPKD kidneys. Western blot analysis and immunocytochemical studies showed that, in normal adult kidneys, peptide subunit-specific antibodies against α1 and β1 localized to the basolateral membranes of normal renal tubules, predominantly thick ascending limbs of Henle’s loop. In ADPKD kidneys, α1 and β2 subunits were localized to the apical epithelial cell membranes, whereas β1 was distributed throughout the cytoplasm and predominantly in the endoplasmic reticulum, but was not seen associated with cystic epithelial cell membranes or in cell membrane fractions. Polarizing, renal-derived epithelial Madin Darby canine kidney cells, stably expressing normal or N-terminally truncated chicken β1 subunits, showed selective accumulation in the basolateral Madin Darby canine kidney cell surface, whereas c-myc epitope-tagged chicken β2 or human β2 subunits accumulated selectively in the apical cell surface. Similarly, human ADPKD epithelial cell lines, which

  17. A new role for the architecture of microvillar actin bundles in apical retention of membrane proteins.

    PubMed

    Revenu, Céline; Ubelmann, Florent; Hurbain, Ilse; El-Marjou, Fatima; Dingli, Florent; Loew, Damarys; Delacour, Delphine; Gilet, Jules; Brot-Laroche, Edith; Rivero, Francisco; Louvard, Daniel; Robine, Sylvie

    2012-01-01

    Actin-bundling proteins are identified as key players in the morphogenesis of thin membrane protrusions. Until now, functional redundancy among the actin-bundling proteins villin, espin, and plastin-1 has prevented definitive conclusions regarding their role in intestinal microvilli. We report that triple knockout mice lacking these microvillar actin-bundling proteins suffer from growth delay but surprisingly still develop microvilli. However, the microvillar actin filaments are sparse and lack the characteristic organization of bundles. This correlates with a highly inefficient apical retention of enzymes and transporters that accumulate in subapical endocytic compartments. Myosin-1a, a motor involved in the anchorage of membrane proteins in microvilli, is also mislocalized. These findings illustrate, in vivo, a precise role for local actin filament architecture in the stabilization of apical cargoes into microvilli. Hence, the function of actin-bundling proteins is not to enable microvillar protrusion, as has been assumed, but to confer the appropriate actin organization for the apical retention of proteins essential for normal intestinal physiology.

  18. Apical targeting of the formin Diaphanous in Drosophila tubular epithelia

    PubMed Central

    Rousso, Tal; Shewan, Annette M; Mostov, Keith E; Schejter, Eyal D; Shilo, Ben-Zion

    2013-01-01

    Apical secretion from epithelial tubes of the Drosophila embryo is mediated by apical F-actin cables generated by the formin-family protein Diaphanous (Dia). Apical localization and activity of Dia are at the core of restricting F-actin formation to the correct membrane domain. Here we identify the mechanisms that target Dia to the apical surface. PI(4,5)P2 levels at the apical membrane regulate Dia localization in both the MDCK cyst model and in Drosophila tubular epithelia. An N-terminal basic domain of Dia is crucial for apical localization, implying direct binding to PI(4,5)P2. Dia apical targeting also depends on binding to Rho1, which is critical for activation-induced conformational change, as well as physically anchoring Dia to the apical membrane. We demonstrate that binding to Rho1 facilitates interaction with PI(4,5)P2 at the plane of the membrane. Together these cues ensure efficient and distinct restriction of Dia to the apical membrane. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.00666.001 PMID:23853710

  19. MST4 kinase phosphorylates ACAP4 protein to orchestrate apical membrane remodeling during gastric acid secretion.

    PubMed

    Yuan, Xiao; Yao, Phil Y; Jiang, Jiying; Zhang, Yin; Su, Zeqi; Yao, Wendy; Wang, Xueying; Gui, Ping; Mullen, McKay; Henry, Calmour; Ward, Tarsha; Wang, Wenwen; Brako, Larry; Tian, Ruijun; Zhao, Xuannv; Wang, Fengsong; Cao, Xinwang; Wang, Dongmei; Liu, Xing; Ding, Xia; Yao, Xuebiao

    2017-09-29

    Digestion in the stomach depends on acidification of the lumen. Histamine-elicited acid secretion is triggered by activation of the PKA cascade, which ultimately results in the insertion of gastric H,K-ATPases into the apical plasma membranes of parietal cells. Our recent study revealed the functional role of PKA-MST4-ezrin signaling axis in histamine-elicited acid secretion. However, it remains uncharacterized how the PKA-MST4-ezrin signaling axis operates the insertion of H,K-ATPases into the apical plasma membranes of gastric parietal cells. Here we show that MST4 phosphorylates ACAP4, an ARF6 GTPase-activating protein, at Thr 545 Histamine stimulation activates MST4 and promotes MST4 interaction with ACAP4. ACAP4 physically interacts with MST4 and is a cognate substrate of MST4 during parietal cell activation. The phosphorylation site of ACAP4 by MST4 was mapped to Thr 545 by mass spectrometric analyses. Importantly, phosphorylation of Thr 545 is essential for acid secretion in parietal cells because either suppression of ACAP4 or overexpression of non-phosphorylatable ACAP4 prevents the apical membrane reorganization and proton pump translocation elicited by histamine stimulation. In addition, persistent overexpression of MST4 phosphorylation-deficient ACAP4 results in inhibition of gastric acid secretion and blockage of tubulovesicle fusion to the apical membranes. Significantly, phosphorylation of Thr 545 enables ACAP4 to interact with ezrin. Given the location of Thr 545 between the GTPase-activating protein domain and the first ankyrin repeat, we reason that MST4 phosphorylation elicits a conformational change that enables ezrin-ACAP4 interaction. Taken together, these results define a novel molecular mechanism linking the PKA-MST4-ACAP4 signaling cascade to polarized acid secretion in gastric parietal cells. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  20. MAL facilitates the incorporation of exocytic uroplakin-delivering vesicles into the apical membrane of urothelial umbrella cells

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Ge; Liang, Feng-Xia; Romih, Rok; Wang, Zefang; Liao, Yi; Ghiso, Jorge; Luque-Garcia, Jose L.; Neubert, Thomas A.; Kreibich, Gert; Alonso, Miguel A.; Schaeren-Wiemers, Nicole; Sun, Tung-Tien

    2012-01-01

    The apical surface of mammalian bladder urothelium is covered by large (500–1000 nm) two-dimensional (2D) crystals of hexagonally packed 16-nm uroplakin particles (urothelial plaques), which play a role in permeability barrier function and uropathogenic bacterial binding. How the uroplakin proteins are delivered to the luminal surface is unknown. We show here that myelin-and-lymphocyte protein (MAL), a 17-kDa tetraspan protein suggested to be important for the apical sorting of membrane proteins, is coexpressed with uroplakins in differentiated urothelial cell layers. MAL depletion in Madin–Darby canine kidney cells did not affect, however, the apical sorting of uroplakins, but it decreased the rate by which uroplakins were inserted into the apical surface. Moreover, MAL knockout in vivo led to the accumulation of fusiform vesicles in mouse urothelial superficial umbrella cells, whereas MAL transgenic overexpression in vivo led to enhanced exocytosis and compensatory endocytosis, resulting in the accumulation of the uroplakin-degrading multivesicular bodies. Finally, although MAL and uroplakins cofloat in detergent-resistant raft fractions, they are associated with distinct plaque and hinge membrane subdomains, respectively. These data suggest a model in which 1) MAL does not play a role in the apical sorting of uroplakins; 2) the propensity of uroplakins to polymerize forming 16-nm particles and later large 2D crystals that behave as detergent-resistant (giant) rafts may drive their apical targeting; 3) the exclusion of MAL from the expanding 2D crystals of uroplakins explains the selective association of MAL with the hinge areas in the uroplakin-delivering fusiform vesicles, as well as at the apical surface; and 4) the hinge-associated MAL may play a role in facilitating the incorporation of the exocytic uroplakin vesicles into the corresponding hinge areas of the urothelial apical surface. PMID:22323295

  1. Apical membrane permeability and kinetic properties of the sodium pump in rabbit urinary bladder.

    PubMed

    Lewis, S A; Wills, N K

    1983-08-01

    Previous studies have shown that aldosterone stimulates the rate of Na+ transport across the rabbit urinary bladder epithelium by increasing the apical membrane permeability to Na+. Paradoxically, ion-sensitive and conventional micro-electrode measurements demonstrated that intracellular Na+ activity aiNa+ was essentially unchanged by aldosterone, i.e. aiNa+ was constant regardless of the rate of Na+ transport. The present study was designed to resolve this apparent contradiction. The effects of elevated, endogenous aldosterone levels produced by low-Na+ diet (Lewis & Diamond, 1976) on urinary bladder Na+ transport were investigated in vitro using Ussing-type chambers and intracellular conventional and ion-sensitive microelectrodes. Apical membrane selectivity and kinetics of the Na+ pump were assessed as a function of hormone stimulation. The aldosterone-stimulated increase in Na+ transport was accounted for by increases in both the relative selective permeability of the apical membrane to Na+ and an increase in its absolute Na+ permeability. The kinetics of the Na+ pump were evaluated electrically by loading the cells with Na+ (monitored with Na+-sensitive micro-electrodes) or alternatively by manipulating serosal solution K+ concentration and measuring changes in the basolateral membrane electromotive forces and resistance. From these measurements the current generated by the pump was calculated as a function of intracellular Na+ or extracellular K+. The kinetics of the pump were not altered by aldosterone. A model of highly co-operative binding estimated Km for Na+ as 14.2 mM and 2.3 mM for K+. Hill coefficients for these ions were 2.8 and 1.8, respectively, consistent with a pump stoichiometry of 3 Na+ to 2 K+. The kinetic properties of the Na-K pump indicate that physiological levels of aiNa+ are poised at the foot of a step kinetic curve which energetically favours Na+ extrusion.

  2. Molecular Characterization of a Non–Babesia divergens Organism Causing Zoonotic Babesiosis in Europe

    PubMed Central

    Cacciò, Simone; Gherlinzoni, Filippo; Aspöck, Horst; Slemenda, Susan B.; Piccaluga, PierPaolo; Martinelli, Giovanni; Edelhofer, Renate; Hollenstein, Ursula; Poletti, Giovanni; Pampiglione, Silvio; Löschenberger, Karin; Tura, Sante; Pieniazek, Norman J.

    2003-01-01

    In Europe, most reported human cases of babesiosis have been attributed, without strong molecular evidence, to infection with the bovine parasite Babesia divergens. We investigated the first known human cases of babesiosis in Italy and Austria, which occurred in two asplenic men. The complete 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene was amplified from specimens of their whole blood by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). With phylogenetic analysis, we compared the DNA sequences of the PCR products with those for other Babesia spp. The DNA sequences were identical for the organism from the two patients. In phylogenetic analysis, the organism clusters with B. odocoilei, a parasite of white-tailed deer; these two organisms form a sister group with B. divergens. This evidence indicates the patients were not infected with B. divergens but with an organism with previously unreported molecular characteristics for the 18S rRNA gene. PMID:12967491

  3. The Babesia divergens Asia Lineage Is Maintained through Enzootic Cycles between Ixodes persulcatus and Sika Deer in Hokkaido, Japan.

    PubMed

    Zamoto-Niikura, Aya; Tsuji, Masayoshi; Qiang, Wei; Morikawa, Shigeru; Hanaki, Ken-Ichi; Holman, Patricia J; Ishihara, Chiaki

    2018-04-01

    Parasites of the Babesia divergens Asia lineage, which are closely related to B. divergens in Europe and Babesia sp. strain MO1 in the United States, were recently reported in sika deer ( Cervus nippon ) in eastern Japan. To identify the tick vector(s) for this parasite, we conducted a field survey in Hokkaido, Japan, where the infection rate in sika deer is the highest in the country. A specific PCR system which detects and discriminates between lineages within B. divergens and between those lineages and Babesia venatorum showed that Ixodes persulcatus (11/822), but not sympatric Ixodes ovatus (0/595) or Haemaphysalis sp. (0/163) ticks, carried B. divergens Asia lineage. Genomic DNA was archived from salivary glands of partially engorged I. persulcatus females and three isolates of B. divergens Asia lineage were newly described. The 18S rRNA gene sequence of the isolates formed the Asia lineage cluster with those previously described in sika deer isolates. One salivary gland also contained parasites of Babesia microti U.S. lineage, which were subsequently isolated in a hamster in vivo B. venatorum (strain Etb5) was also detected in one I. persulcatus tick. The 18S rRNA sequence of Etb5 was 99.7% identical to that of B. venatorum (AY046575) and was phylogenetically positioned in a taxon composed of B. venatorum isolates from Europe, China, and Russia. The geographical distribution of I. persulcatus is consistent with that of B. divergens in sika deer in Japan. These results suggest that I. persulcatus is a principal vector for B. divergens in Japan and Eurasia, where I. persulcatus is predominantly distributed. IMPORTANCE The Babesia divergens Asia lineage of parasites closely related to B. divergens in Europe and Babesia sp. MO1 in the United States was recently reported in Cervus nippon in eastern Japan. In this study, specific PCR for the Asia lineage identified 11 positives in 822 host-seeking Ixodes persulcatus ticks, a principal vector for many tick

  4. Autoregulation of apical membrane Na+ permeability of tight epithelia. Noise analysis with amiloride and CGS 4270

    PubMed Central

    1985-01-01

    Noise analysis of the Na+ channels of the apical membranes of frog skin bathed symmetrically in a Cl-HCO3 Ringer solution was done with amiloride and CGS 4270. Tissues were studied in their control states and after inhibition of transepithelial Na+ transport (Isc) by addition of quinine or quinidine to the apical solution. A critical examination of the amiloride-induced noise indicated that the single channel Na+ currents (iNa) were decreased by quinine and quinidine, probably because of depolarization of apical membrane voltage. Despite considerable statistical uncertainty in the methods of estimation of the Na+ channel density with amiloride-induced noise (NA, see text), the striking observation was a large increase of NA with amiloride inhibition of the rate of Na+ entry into the cells. NA was increased to 406% of control, whereas Isc was inhibited to 8.6% of control by 6 microM amiloride. Studies were done also with the Na+ channel blocker CGS 4270. Noise analysis with this compound was advantageous, permitting iCGSNa and NCGS to be measured in individual tissues with a relatively small inhibition of Isc. As with amiloride, inhibition of Isc with CGS 4270 caused large increases of the Na+ channel density (approximately 200% at approximately 35% inhibition of the Isc). Quinine and quinidine caused an approximately 50% increase of Na+ channel density while inhibiting iNa by approximately 60-70%. As inhibition of Na+ entry leads to an increase of Na+ channel density, a mechanism of autoregulation appears to be a major factor in adjusting the apical membrane Na+ permeability of the cells. PMID:2409219

  5. New saliva secretion model based on the expression of Na+-K+ pump and K+ channels in the apical membrane of parotid acinar cells.

    PubMed

    Almássy, János; Siguenza, Elias; Skaliczki, Marianna; Matesz, Klara; Sneyd, James; Yule, David I; Nánási, Péter P

    2018-04-01

    The plasma membrane of parotid acinar cells is functionally divided into apical and basolateral regions. According to the current model, fluid secretion is driven by transepithelial ion gradient, which facilitates water movement by osmosis into the acinar lumen from the interstitium. The osmotic gradient is created by the apical Cl - efflux and the subsequent paracellular Na + transport. In this model, the Na + -K + pump is located exclusively in the basolateral membrane and has essential role in salivary secretion, since the driving force for Cl - transport via basolateral Na + -K + -2Cl - cotransport is generated by the Na + -K + pump. In addition, the continuous electrochemical gradient for Cl - flow during acinar cell stimulation is maintained by the basolateral K + efflux. However, using a combination of single-cell electrophysiology and Ca 2+ -imaging, we demonstrate that photolysis of Ca 2+ close to the apical membrane of parotid acinar cells triggered significant K + current, indicating that a substantial amount of K + is secreted into the lumen during stimulation. Nevertheless, the K + content of the primary saliva is relatively low, suggesting that K + might be reabsorbed through the apical membrane. Therefore, we investigated the localization of Na + -K + pumps in acinar cells. We show that the pumps appear evenly distributed throughout the whole plasma membrane, including the apical pole of the cell. Based on these results, a new mathematical model of salivary fluid secretion is presented, where the pump reabsorbs K + from and secretes Na + to the lumen, which can partially supplement the paracellular Na + pathway.

  6. Morphological and Molecular Descriptors of the Developmental Cycle of Babesia divergens Parasites in Human Erythrocytes.

    PubMed

    Rossouw, Ingrid; Maritz-Olivier, Christine; Niemand, Jandeli; van Biljon, Riette; Smit, Annel; Olivier, Nicholas A; Birkholtz, Lyn-Marie

    2015-05-01

    Human babesiosis, especially caused by the cattle derived Babesia divergens parasite, is on the increase, resulting in renewed attentiveness to this potentially life threatening emerging zoonotic disease. The molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology and intra-erythrocytic development of these parasites are poorly understood. This impedes concerted efforts aimed at the discovery of novel anti-babesiacidal agents. By applying sensitive cell biological and molecular functional genomics tools, we describe the intra-erythrocytic development cycle of B. divergens parasites from immature, mono-nucleated ring forms to bi-nucleated paired piriforms and ultimately multi-nucleated tetrads that characterizes zoonotic Babesia spp. This is further correlated for the first time to nuclear content increases during intra-erythrocytic development progression, providing insight into the part of the life cycle that occurs during human infection. High-content temporal evaluation elucidated the contribution of the different stages to life cycle progression. Moreover, molecular descriptors indicate that B. divergens parasites employ physiological adaptation to in vitro cultivation. Additionally, differential expression is observed as the parasite equilibrates its developmental stages during its life cycle. Together, this information provides the first temporal evaluation of the functional transcriptome of B. divergens parasites, information that could be useful in identifying biological processes essential to parasite survival for future anti-babesiacidal discoveries.

  7. Exocytosis of vacuolar apical compartment (VAC): a cell-cell contact controlled mechanism for the establishment of the apical plasma membrane domain in epithelial cells

    PubMed Central

    1988-01-01

    The vacuolar apical compartment (VAC) is an organelle found in Madin- Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells with incomplete intercellular contacts by incubation in 5 microM Ca++ and in cells without contacts (single cells in subconfluent culture); characteristically, it displays apical biochemical markers and microvilli and excludes basolateral markers (Vega-Salas, D. E., P. J. I. Salas, and E. Rodriguez-Boulan. 1987. J. Cell Biol. 104:1249-1259). The apical surface of cells kept under these culture conditions is immature, with reduced numbers of microvilli and decreased levels of an apical biochemical marker (184 kD), which is, however, still highly polarized (Vega-Salas, D. E., P. J. I. Salas, D. Gundersen, and E. Rodriguez-Boulan. 1987. J. Cell Biol. 104:905-916). We describe here the morphological stages of VAC exocytosis which ultimately lead to the establishment of a differentiated apical domain. Addition of 1.8 mM Ca++ to monolayers developed in 5 microM Ca++ causes the rapid (20-40 min) fusion of VACs with the plasma membrane and their accessibility to external antibodies, as demonstrated by immunofluorescence, immunoperoxidase EM, and RIA with antibodies against the 184-kD apical plasma membrane marker. Exocytosis occurs towards areas of cell-cell contact in the developing lateral surface where they form intercellular pockets; fusion images are always observed immediately adjacent to the incomplete junctional bands detected by the ZO-1 antibody (Stevenson, B. R., J. D. Siliciano, M. S. Mooseker, and D. A. Goodenough. 1986. J. Cell Biol. 103:755-766). Blocks of newly incorporated VAC microvilli and 184-kD protein progressively move from intercellular ("primitive" lateral) spaces towards the microvilli-poor free cell surface. The definitive lateral domain is sealed behind these blocks by the growing tight junctional fence. These results demonstrate a fundamental role of cell-cell contact-mediated VAC exocytosis in the establishment of epithelial surface polarity

  8. The basolateral vesicle sorting machinery and basolateral proteins are recruited to the site of enteropathogenic E. coli microcolony growth at the apical membrane.

    PubMed

    Pedersen, Gitte A; Jensen, Helene H; Schelde, Anne-Sofie B; Toft, Charlotte; Pedersen, Hans N; Ulrichsen, Maj; Login, Frédéric H; Amieva, Manuel R; Nejsum, Lene N

    2017-01-01

    Foodborne Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) infections of the small intestine cause diarrhea especially in children and are a major cause of childhood death in developing countries. EPEC infects the apical membrane of the epithelium of the small intestine by attaching, effacing the microvilli under the bacteria and then forming microcolonies on the cell surface. We first asked the question where on epithelial cells EPEC attaches and grows. Using models of polarized epithelial monolayers, we evaluated the sites of initial EPEC attachment to the apical membrane and found that EPEC preferentially attached over the cell-cell junctions and formed microcolonies preferentially where three cells come together at tricellular tight junctions. The ability of EPEC to adhere increased when host cell polarity was compromised yielding EPEC access to basolateral proteins. EPEC pedestals contain basolateral cytoskeletal proteins. Thus, we asked if attached EPEC causes reorganization the protein composition of the host cell plasma membrane at sites of microcolony formation. We found that EPEC microcolony growth at the apical membrane resulted in a local accumulation of basolateral plasma membrane proteins surrounding the microcolony. Basolateral marker protein aquaporin-3 localized to forming EPEC microcolonies. Components of the basolateral vesicle targeting machinery were re-routed. The Exocyst (Exo70) was recruited to individual EPEC as was the basolateral vesicle SNARE VAMP-3. Moreover, several Rab variants were also recruited to the infection site, and their dominant-negative equivalents were not. To quantitatively study the recruitment of basolateral proteins, we created a pulse of the temperature sensitive basolateral VSVG, VSVG3-SP-GFP, from the trans-Golgi Network. We found that after release from the TGN, significantly more VSVG3-SP-GFP accumulated at the site of microcolony growth than on equivalent membrane regions of uninfected cells. This suggests that

  9. The basolateral vesicle sorting machinery and basolateral proteins are recruited to the site of enteropathogenic E. coli microcolony growth at the apical membrane

    PubMed Central

    Pedersen, Gitte A.; Jensen, Helene H.; Schelde, Anne-Sofie B.; Toft, Charlotte; Pedersen, Hans N.; Ulrichsen, Maj; Login, Frédéric H.; Amieva, Manuel R.

    2017-01-01

    Foodborne Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) infections of the small intestine cause diarrhea especially in children and are a major cause of childhood death in developing countries. EPEC infects the apical membrane of the epithelium of the small intestine by attaching, effacing the microvilli under the bacteria and then forming microcolonies on the cell surface. We first asked the question where on epithelial cells EPEC attaches and grows. Using models of polarized epithelial monolayers, we evaluated the sites of initial EPEC attachment to the apical membrane and found that EPEC preferentially attached over the cell-cell junctions and formed microcolonies preferentially where three cells come together at tricellular tight junctions. The ability of EPEC to adhere increased when host cell polarity was compromised yielding EPEC access to basolateral proteins. EPEC pedestals contain basolateral cytoskeletal proteins. Thus, we asked if attached EPEC causes reorganization the protein composition of the host cell plasma membrane at sites of microcolony formation. We found that EPEC microcolony growth at the apical membrane resulted in a local accumulation of basolateral plasma membrane proteins surrounding the microcolony. Basolateral marker protein aquaporin-3 localized to forming EPEC microcolonies. Components of the basolateral vesicle targeting machinery were re-routed. The Exocyst (Exo70) was recruited to individual EPEC as was the basolateral vesicle SNARE VAMP-3. Moreover, several Rab variants were also recruited to the infection site, and their dominant-negative equivalents were not. To quantitatively study the recruitment of basolateral proteins, we created a pulse of the temperature sensitive basolateral VSVG, VSVG3-SP-GFP, from the trans-Golgi Network. We found that after release from the TGN, significantly more VSVG3-SP-GFP accumulated at the site of microcolony growth than on equivalent membrane regions of uninfected cells. This suggests that

  10. Role of PDZK1 Protein in Apical Membrane Expression of Renal Sodium-coupled Phosphate Transporters*

    PubMed Central

    Giral, Hector; Lanzano, Luca; Caldas, Yupanqui; Blaine, Judith; Verlander, Jill W.; Lei, Tim; Gratton, Enrico; Levi, Moshe

    2011-01-01

    The sodium-dependent phosphate (Na/Pi) transporters NaPi-2a and NaPi-2c play a major role in the renal reabsorption of Pi. The functional need for several transporters accomplishing the same role is still not clear. However, the fact that these transporters show differential regulation under dietary and hormonal stimuli suggests different roles in Pi reabsorption. The pathways controlling this differential regulation are still unknown, but one of the candidates involved is the NHERF family of scaffolding PDZ proteins. We propose that differences in the molecular interaction with PDZ proteins are related with the differential adaptation of Na/Pi transporters. Pdzk1−/− mice adapted to chronic low Pi diets showed an increased expression of NaPi-2a protein in the apical membrane of proximal tubules but impaired up-regulation of NaPi-2c. These results suggest an important role for PDZK1 in the stabilization of NaPi-2c in the apical membrane. We studied the specific protein-protein interactions of Na/Pi transporters with NHERF-1 and PDZK1 by FRET. FRET measurements showed a much stronger interaction of NHERF-1 with NaPi-2a than with NaPi-2c. However, both Na/Pi transporters showed similar FRET efficiencies with PDZK1. Interestingly, in cells adapted to low Pi concentrations, there were increases in NaPi-2c/PDZK1 and NaPi-2a/NHERF-1 interactions. The differential affinity of the Na/Pi transporters for NHERF-1 and PDZK1 proteins could partially explain their differential regulation and/or stability in the apical membrane. In this regard, direct interaction between NaPi-2c and PDZK1 seems to play an important role in the physiological regulation of NaPi-2c. PMID:21388960

  11. Single-channel analysis of functional epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) stability at the apical membrane of A6 distal kidney cells

    PubMed Central

    Yu, Ling; Helms, My N.; Yue, Qiang; Eaton, Douglas C.

    2008-01-01

    Epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) play an essential role in maintaining total body fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. As such, abnormal expression of ENaC at the cell surface is linked to several important human diseases. Although the stability of ENaC subunits has been extensively studied by protein biochemical analysis, the half-life of the functional channel in the apical membrane remains controversial. Because the functional stability of the multisubunit channel may be more physiologically relevant than the stability of individual subunit proteins, we performed studies of functional ENaC channels using A6 epithelial cells, a Xenopus laevis distal nephron cell line. We recorded single-channel activity in over 400 cells with the translation blockers cycloheximide (CHX) or puromycin, as well as the intracellular protein trafficking inhibitors brefeldin A (BFA) or nocodazole. Our cell-attached, single-channel recordings allow us to quantify the channel density in the apical membrane, as well as to determine channel open probability (Po) from control (untreated) cells and from cells at different times of drug treatment. The data suggest that the half-life of ENaC channels is ∼3.5 h following puromycin, BFA, and nocodazole treatment. Furthermore, these three drugs had no significant effect on the Po of ENaC for at least 6 h after exposure. A decrease in apical channel number and Po was observed following 2 h of CHX inhibition of protein synthesis, and the apparent channel half-life was closer to 1.5 h following CHX treatment. Treatment of cells with the translation inhibitors does not alter the expression of the protease furin, and therefore changes in protease activity cannot explain changes in ENaC Po. Confocal images show that BFA and nocodazole both disrupt most of the Golgi apparatus after 1-h exposure. In cells with the Golgi totally disrupted by overnight exposure to BFA, 20% of apical ENaC channels remained functional. This result suggests that ENaC is

  12. Single-channel analysis of functional epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) stability at the apical membrane of A6 distal kidney cells.

    PubMed

    Yu, Ling; Helms, My N; Yue, Qiang; Eaton, Douglas C

    2008-11-01

    Epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) play an essential role in maintaining total body fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. As such, abnormal expression of ENaC at the cell surface is linked to several important human diseases. Although the stability of ENaC subunits has been extensively studied by protein biochemical analysis, the half-life of the functional channel in the apical membrane remains controversial. Because the functional stability of the multisubunit channel may be more physiologically relevant than the stability of individual subunit proteins, we performed studies of functional ENaC channels using A6 epithelial cells, a Xenopus laevis distal nephron cell line. We recorded single-channel activity in over 400 cells with the translation blockers cycloheximide (CHX) or puromycin, as well as the intracellular protein trafficking inhibitors brefeldin A (BFA) or nocodazole. Our cell-attached, single-channel recordings allow us to quantify the channel density in the apical membrane, as well as to determine channel open probability (Po) from control (untreated) cells and from cells at different times of drug treatment. The data suggest that the half-life of ENaC channels is approximately 3.5 h following puromycin, BFA, and nocodazole treatment. Furthermore, these three drugs had no significant effect on the Po of ENaC for at least 6 h after exposure. A decrease in apical channel number and Po was observed following 2 h of CHX inhibition of protein synthesis, and the apparent channel half-life was closer to 1.5 h following CHX treatment. Treatment of cells with the translation inhibitors does not alter the expression of the protease furin, and therefore changes in protease activity cannot explain changes in ENaC Po. Confocal images show that BFA and nocodazole both disrupt most of the Golgi apparatus after 1-h exposure. In cells with the Golgi totally disrupted by overnight exposure to BFA, 20% of apical ENaC channels remained functional. This result suggests that

  13. Common channels for water and protons at apical and basolateral cell membranes of frog skin and urinary bladder epithelia. Effects of oxytocin, heavy metals, and inhibitors of H(+)-adenosine triphosphatase

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Harvey, B.; Lacoste, I.; Ehrenfeld, J.

    1991-04-01

    We have compared the response of proton and water transport to oxytocin treatment in isolated frog skin and urinary bladder epithelia to provide further insights into the nature of water flow and H+ flux across individual apical and basolateral cell membranes. In isolated spontaneous sodium-transporting frog skin epithelia, lowering the pH of the apical solution from 7.4 to 6.4, 5.5, or 4.5 produced a fall in pHi in principal cells which was completely blocked by amiloride, indicating that apical Na+ channels are permeable to protons. When sodium transport was blocked by amiloride, the H+ permeability of the apical membranes ofmore » principal cells was negligible but increased dramatically after treatment with antidiuretic hormone (ADH). In the latter condition, lowering the pH of the apical solution caused a voltage-dependent intracellular acidification, accompanied by membrane depolarization, and an increase in membrane conductance and transepithelial current. These effects were inhibited by adding Hg2+ (100 microM) or dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD, 10(-5) M) to the apical bath. Net titratable H+ flux across frog skin was increased from 30 +/- 8 to 115 +/- 18 neq.h-1.cm-2 (n = 8) after oxytocin treatment (at apical pH 5.5 and serosal pH 7.4) and was completely inhibited by DCCD (10(-5) M). The basolateral membranes of the principal cells in frog skin epithelium were found to be spontaneously permeable to H+ and passive electrogenic H+ transport across this membrane was not affected by oxytocin. Lowering the pH of the basolateral bathing solution (pHb) produced an intracellular acidification and membrane depolarization (and an increase in conductance when the normal dominant K+ conductance of this membrane was abolished by Ba2+ 1 mM). These effects of low pHb were blocked by micromolar concentrations of heavy metals (Zn2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Cd2+, and Hg2+).« less

  14. Isotropic actomyosin dynamics promote organization of the apical cell cortex in epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Klingner, Christoph; Cherian, Anoop V; Fels, Johannes; Diesinger, Philipp M; Aufschnaiter, Roland; Maghelli, Nicola; Keil, Thomas; Beck, Gisela; Tolić-Nørrelykke, Iva M; Bathe, Mark; Wedlich-Soldner, Roland

    2014-10-13

    Although cortical actin plays an important role in cellular mechanics and morphogenesis, there is surprisingly little information on cortex organization at the apical surface of cells. In this paper, we characterize organization and dynamics of microvilli (MV) and a previously unappreciated actomyosin network at the apical surface of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. In contrast to short and static MV in confluent cells, the apical surfaces of nonconfluent epithelial cells (ECs) form highly dynamic protrusions, which are often oriented along the plane of the membrane. These dynamic MV exhibit complex and spatially correlated reorganization, which is dependent on myosin II activity. Surprisingly, myosin II is organized into an extensive network of filaments spanning the entire apical membrane in nonconfluent ECs. Dynamic MV, myosin filaments, and their associated actin filaments form an interconnected, prestressed network. Interestingly, this network regulates lateral mobility of apical membrane probes such as integrins or epidermal growth factor receptors, suggesting that coordinated actomyosin dynamics contributes to apical cell membrane organization. © 2014 Klingner et al.

  15. Activation of muscarinic receptors in rat parotid acinar cells induces AQP5 trafficking to nuclei and apical plasma membrane.

    PubMed

    Cho, Gota; Bragiel, Aneta M; Wang, Di; Pieczonka, Tomasz D; Skowronski, Mariusz T; Shono, Masayuki; Nielsen, Søren; Ishikawa, Yasuko

    2015-04-01

    The subcellular distribution of aquaporin-5 (AQP5) in rat parotid acinar cells in response to muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) activation remains unclear. Immunoconfocal and immunoelectron microscopy were used to visualize the distribution of AQP5 in parotid acinar cells. Western blotting was used to analyze AQP5 levels in membranes. To clarify the characteristics of membrane domains associated with AQP5, detergent solubility and sucrose-density flotation experiments were performed. Under control conditions, AQP5 was diffusely distributed on the apical plasma membrane (APM) and apical plasmalemmal region and throughout the cytoplasm. Upon mAChR activation, AQP5 was predominantly located in the nucleus, APM and lateral plasma membrane (LPM). Subsequently, localization of AQP5 in the nucleus, APM and LPM was decreased. Prolonged atropine treatment inhibited mAChR agonist-induced translocation of AQP5 to the nucleus, APM and LPM. AQP5 levels were enhanced in isolated nuclei and nuclear membranes prepared from parotid tissues incubated with mAChR agonist. mAChR agonist induced AQP5 levels in both soluble and insoluble nuclear fractions solubilized with Triton X-100 or Lubrol WX. Small amounts of AQP5 in nuclei were detected using low-density sucrose gradient. When AQP5 was present in the nuclear membrane, nuclear size decreased. The activation of mAChR induced AQP5 translocation to the nucleus, APM and LPM, and AQP5 may trigger water transport across the nuclear membrane and plasma membrane in rat parotid acinar cells. AQP5 translocates to the nuclear membrane and may trigger the movement of water, inducing shrinkage of the nucleus and the start of nuclear functions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Dbl3 drives Cdc42 signaling at the apical margin to regulate junction position and apical differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Zihni, Ceniz; Munro, Peter M.G.; Elbediwy, Ahmed; Keep, Nicholas H.; Terry, Stephen J.; Harris, John

    2014-01-01

    Epithelial cells develop morphologically characteristic apical domains that are bordered by tight junctions, the apical–lateral border. Cdc42 and its effector complex Par6–atypical protein kinase c (aPKC) regulate multiple steps during epithelial differentiation, but the mechanisms that mediate process-specific activation of Cdc42 to drive apical morphogenesis and activate the transition from junction formation to apical differentiation are poorly understood. Using a small interfering RNA screen, we identify Dbl3 as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that is recruited by ezrin to the apical membrane, that is enriched at a marginal zone apical to tight junctions, and that drives spatially restricted Cdc42 activation, promoting apical differentiation. Dbl3 depletion did not affect junction formation but did affect epithelial morphogenesis and brush border formation. Conversely, expression of active Dbl3 drove process-specific activation of the Par6–aPKC pathway, stimulating the transition from junction formation to apical differentiation and domain expansion, as well as the positioning of tight junctions. Thus, Dbl3 drives Cdc42 signaling at the apical margin to regulate morphogenesis, apical–lateral border positioning, and apical differentiation. PMID:24379416

  17. Cadherin 99C regulates apical expansion and cell rearrangement during epithelial tube elongation

    PubMed Central

    Chung, SeYeon; Andrew, Deborah J.

    2014-01-01

    Apical and basolateral determinants specify and maintain membrane domains in epithelia. Here, we identify new roles for two apical surface proteins – Cadherin 99C (Cad99C) and Stranded at Second (SAS) – in conferring apical character in Drosophila tubular epithelia. Cad99C, the Drosophila ortholog of human Usher protocadherin PCDH15, is expressed in several embryonic tubular epithelial structures. Through loss-of-function and overexpression studies, we show that Cad99C is required to regulate cell rearrangement during salivary tube elongation. We further show that overexpression of either Cad99C or SAS causes a dramatic increase in apical membrane at the expense of other membrane domains, and that both proteins can do this independently of each other and independently of mislocalization of the apical determinant Crumbs (Crb). Overexpression of Cad99C or SAS results in similar, but distinct effects, suggesting both shared and unique roles for these proteins in conferring apical identity. PMID:24718992

  18. Lovastatin-induced cholesterol depletion affects both apical sorting and endocytosis of aquaporin-2 in renal cells.

    PubMed

    Procino, G; Barbieri, C; Carmosino, M; Rizzo, F; Valenti, G; Svelto, M

    2010-02-01

    Vasopressin causes the redistribution of the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) from cytoplasmic storage vesicles to the apical plasma membrane of collecting duct principal cells, leading to urine concentration. The molecular mechanisms regulating the selective apical sorting of AQP2 are only partially uncovered. In this work, we investigate whether AQP2 sorting/trafficking is regulated by its association with membrane rafts. In both MCD4 cells and rat kidney, AQP2 preferentially associated with Lubrol WX-insoluble membranes regardless of its presence in the storage compartment or at the apical membrane. Block-and-release experiments indicate that 1) AQP2 associates with detergent-resistant membranes early in the biosynthetic pathway; 2) strong cholesterol depletion delays the exit of AQP2 from the trans-Golgi network. Interestingly, mild cholesterol depletion promoted a dramatic accumulation of AQP2 at the apical plasma membrane in MCD4 cells in the absence of forskolin stimulation. An internalization assay showed that AQP2 endocytosis was clearly reduced under this experimental condition. Taken together, these data suggest that association with membrane rafts may regulate both AQP2 apical sorting and endocytosis.

  19. Differential signaling and regulation of apical vs. basolateral EGFR in polarized epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Kuwada, S K; Lund, K A; Li, X F; Cliften, P; Amsler, K; Opresko, L K; Wiley, H S

    1998-12-01

    Overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) in polarized kidney epithelial cells caused them to appear in high numbers at both the basolateral and apical cell surfaces. We utilized these cells to look for differences in the regulation and signaling of apical vs. basolateral EGFR. Apical and basolateral EGFR were biologically active and mediated EGF-induced cell proliferation to similar degrees. Receptor downregulation and endocytosis were less efficient at the apical surface, resulting in prolonged EGF-induced tyrosine kinase activity at the apical cell membrane. Tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFR substrates known to mediate cell proliferation, Src-homologous and collagen protein (SHC), extracellularly regulated kinase 1 (ERK1), and ERK2 could be induced similarly by activation of apical or basolateral EGFR. Focal adhesion kinase was tyrosine phosphorylated more by basolateral than by apical EGFR; however, beta-catenin was tyrosine phosphorylated to a much greater degree following the activation of mislocalized apical EGFR. Thus EGFR regulation and EGFR-mediated phosphorylation of certain substrates differ at the apical and basolateral cell membrane domains. This suggests that EGFR mislocalization could result in abnormal signal transduction and aberrant cell behavior.

  20. Newly synthesized and recycling pools of the apical protein gp135 do not occupy the same compartments.

    PubMed

    Stoops, Emily H; Hull, Michael; Caplan, Michael J

    2016-12-01

    Polarized epithelial cells sort newly synthesized and recycling plasma membrane proteins into distinct trafficking pathways directed to either the apical or basolateral membrane domains. While the trans-Golgi network is a well-established site of protein sorting, increasing evidence indicates a key role for endosomes in the initial trafficking of newly synthesized proteins. Both basolateral and apical proteins have been shown to traverse endosomes en route to the plasma membrane. In particular, apical proteins traffic through either subapical early or recycling endosomes. Here we use the SNAP tag system to analyze the trafficking of the apical protein gp135, also known as podocalyxin. We show that newly synthesized gp135 traverses the apical recycling endosome, but not the apical early endosomes (AEEs). In contrast, post-endocytic gp135 is delivered to the AEE before recycling back to the apical membrane. The pathways pursued by the newly synthesized and recycling gp135 populations do not detectably intersect, demonstrating that the biosynthetic and post-endocytic pools of this protein are subjected to distinct sorting processes. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  1. An Apical MRCK-driven Morphogenetic Pathway Controls Epithelial Polarity

    PubMed Central

    Zihni, Ceniz; Vlassaks, Evi; Terry, Stephen; Carlton, Jeremy; Leung, Thomas King Chor; Olson, Michael; Pichaud, Franck; Balda, Maria Susana; Matter, Karl

    2017-01-01

    Polarized epithelia develop distinct cell surface domains, with the apical membrane acquiring characteristic morphological features such as microvilli. Cell polarization is driven by polarity determinants including the evolutionarily conserved partitioning defective (PAR) proteins that are separated into distinct cortical domains. PAR protein segregation is thought to be a consequence of asymmetric actomyosin contractions. The mechanism of activation of apically polarized actomyosin contractility is unknown. Here we show that the Cdc42 effector MRCK activates Myosin-II at the apical pole to segregate aPKC-Par6 from junctional Par3, defining the apical domain. Apically polarized MRCK-activated actomyosin contractility is reinforced by cooperation with aPKC-Par6 downregulating antagonistic RhoA-driven junctional actomyosin contractility, and drives polarization of cytosolic brush border determinants and apical morphogenesis. MRCK-activated polarized actomyosin contractility is required for apical differentiation and morphogenesis in vertebrate epithelia and Drosophila photoreceptors. Our results identify an apical origin of actomyosin-driven morphogenesis that couples cytoskeletal reorganization to PAR polarity signalling. PMID:28825699

  2. The fast-recycling receptor Megalin defines the apical recycling pathway of epithelial cells

    PubMed Central

    Perez Bay, Andres E.; Schreiner, Ryan; Benedicto, Ignacio; Paz Marzolo, Maria; Banfelder, Jason; Weinstein, Alan M.; Rodriguez-Boulan, Enrique J.

    2016-01-01

    The basolateral recycling and transcytotic pathways of epithelial cells were previously defined using markers such as transferrin (TfR) and polymeric IgA (pIgR) receptors. In contrast, our knowledge of the apical recycling pathway remains fragmentary. Here we utilize quantitative live-imaging and mathematical modelling to outline the recycling pathway of Megalin (LRP-2), an apical receptor with key developmental and renal functions, in MDCK cells. We show that, like TfR, Megalin is a long-lived and fast-recycling receptor. Megalin enters polarized MDCK cells through segregated apical sorting endosomes and subsequently intersects the TfR and pIgR pathways at a perinuclear Rab11-negative compartment termed common recycling endosomes (CRE). Whereas TfR recycles to the basolateral membrane from CRE, Megalin, like pIgR, traffics to subapical Rab11-positive apical recycling endosomes (ARE) and reaches the apical membrane in a microtubule- and Rab11-dependent manner. Hence, Megalin defines the apical recycling pathway of epithelia, with CRE as its apical sorting station. PMID:27180806

  3. Projected status of the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) in the twenty-first century

    Treesearch

    Chadwick V. Jay; Bruce G. Marcot; David C. Douglas

    2011-01-01

    Extensive and rapid losses of sea ice in the Arctic have raised conservation concerns for the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens), a large pinniped inhabiting arctic and subarctic continental shelf waters of the Chukchi and Bering seas. We developed a Bayesian network model to integrate potential effects of changing environmental...

  4. Infection of Polarized Cultures of Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells with Hepatitis A Virus: Vectorial Release of Progeny Virions through Apical Cellular Membranes

    PubMed Central

    Blank, Christian A.; Anderson, David A.; Beard, Michael; Lemon, Stanley M.

    2000-01-01

    Although hepatitis A virus (HAV) is typically transmitted by the fecal-oral route, little is known of its interactions with cells of the gastrointestinal tract. We studied the replication of HAV in polarized cultures of Caco-2 cells, a human cell line which retains many differentiated functions of small intestinal epithelial cells. Virus uptake was 30- to 40-fold more efficient when the inoculum was placed on the apical rather than the basolateral surface of these cells, suggesting a greater abundance of the cellular receptor for HAV on the apical surface. Infection proceeded without cytopathic effect and did not influence transepithelial resistance or the diffusion of inulin across cell monolayers. Nonetheless, there was extensive release of progeny virus, which occurred almost exclusively into apical supernatant fluids (36.4% ± 12.5% of the total virus yield compared with 0.23% ± 0.13% release into basolateral fluids). Brefeldin A caused a profound inhibition of HAV replication, but also selectively reduced apical release of virus. These results indicate that polarized human epithelial cell cultures undergo vectorial infection with HAV and that virus release is largely restricted to the apical membrane. Virus release occurs in the absence of cytopathic effect and may involve cellular vesicular transport mechanisms. PMID:10864660

  5. Molecular analysis of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia divergens in red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Western Austria.

    PubMed

    Cézanne, Rita; Mrowietz, Naike; Eigner, Barbara; Duscher, Georg Gerhard; Glawischnig, Walter; Fuehrer, Hans-Peter

    2017-02-01

    Wild ungulates may act as reservoirs of various vector borne pathogens that can infect humans and domestic animals. In the present study, blood samples from 196 red deer (Cervus elaphus) from Western Austria (Vorarlberg, Tyrol and Salzburg) were collected on filter paper and tested for Anaplasmataceae, Piroplasmida, Rickettsia and filarioid helminths using molecular tools. Babesia divergens was detected in ten (5.1%) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in three (1.5%) of the 196 samples. Filarioid helminths, Rickettsia spp. and Theileria spp. were not detected. These findings indicate that red deer may serve as reservoirs of Babesia divergens and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Western Austria. Further investigations are needed to assess the presence of these pathogens in ticks in this geographical region, and the significance of these pathogens in both animals and humans. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. A nonsurgical endodontic treatment in open-apex and immature teeth affected by dens invaginatus: using a collagen membrane as an apical barrier.

    PubMed

    Gharechahi, Maryam; Ghoddusi, Jamileh

    2012-02-01

    The authors' objective in this case report is to demonstrate an effective nonsurgical endodontic treatment in open-apex teeth affected by dens invaginatus (DI) by using a collagen membrane as an apical barrier and using a mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apical plug. . The authors present two cases of DI with open apexes in maxillary lateral incisors. In the first case, an adolescent had bilateral Oehlers type II DI and extensive periradicular radiolucency, internal root resorption and a vestibular fistula in the left maxillary lateral incisor. In the second case, an adult had Oehlers type II DI and an incomplete apex in the left maxillary lateral incisor. For both patients, the clinician placed a collagen membrane through the apexes of the left maxillary incisors to provide a resorbable extraradicular barrier against which MTA cement could be packed. The clinician obturated the adolescent's right lateral incisor. In the adolescent, the vestibular sinus tract was closed after one week. At subsequent follow-up examinations, the periradicular regions were completely healed, and postoperative radiographs revealed good bone healing in the lateral incisors. The teeth were asymptomatic and healing was achieved without any need for further endodontic surgical intervention. In the adult patient, the tooth was symptom free after one week, and radiography performed six months after the procedure showed complete healing. and Despite complex anatomy and diagnoses of DI and open apexes, both patients successfully underwent nonsurgical endodontic treatment involving the use of a collagen membrane and an MTA apical plug. Using an extraradicular barrier clinically can help improve the adaptation of MTA in the apexes of open-apex teeth to achieve a complete seal.

  7. ELMOD1 Stimulates ARF6-GTP Hydrolysis to Stabilize Apical Structures in Developing Vestibular Hair Cells.

    PubMed

    Krey, Jocelyn F; Dumont, Rachel A; Wilmarth, Philip A; David, Larry L; Johnson, Kenneth R; Barr-Gillespie, Peter G

    2018-01-24

    Sensory hair cells require control of physical properties of their apical plasma membranes for normal development and function. Members of the ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) small GTPase family regulate membrane trafficking and cytoskeletal assembly in many cells. We identified ELMO domain-containing protein 1 (ELMOD1), a guanine nucleoside triphosphatase activating protein (GAP) for ARF6, as the most highly enriched ARF regulator in hair cells. To characterize ELMOD1 control of trafficking, we analyzed mice of both sexes from a strain lacking functional ELMOD1 [roundabout ( rda )]. In rda/rda mice, cuticular plates of utricle hair cells initially formed normally, then degenerated after postnatal day 5; large numbers of vesicles invaded the compromised cuticular plate. Hair bundles initially developed normally, but the cell's apical membrane lifted away from the cuticular plate, and stereocilia elongated and fused. Membrane trafficking in type I hair cells, measured by FM1-43 dye labeling, was altered in rda/rda mice. Consistent with the proposed GAP role for ELMOD1, the ARF6 GTP/GDP ratio was significantly elevated in rda/rda utricles compared with controls, and the level of ARF6-GTP was correlated with the severity of the rda/rda phenotype. These results suggest that conversion of ARF6 to its GDP-bound form is necessary for final stabilization of the hair bundle. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Assembly of the mechanically sensitive hair bundle of sensory hair cells requires growth and reorganization of apical actin and membrane structures. Hair bundles and apical membranes in mice with mutations in the Elmod1 gene degenerate after formation, suggesting that the ELMOD1 protein stabilizes these structures. We show that ELMOD1 is a GTPase-activating protein in hair cells for the small GTP-binding protein ARF6, known to participate in actin assembly and membrane trafficking. We propose that conversion of ARF6 into the GDP-bound form in the apical domain of hair cells is

  8. Forskolin-induced apical membrane insertion of virally expressed, epitope-tagged CFTR in polarized MDCK cells.

    PubMed

    Howard, M; Jiang, X; Stolz, D B; Hill, W G; Johnson, J A; Watkins, S C; Frizzell, R A; Bruton, C M; Robbins, P D; Weisz, O A

    2000-08-01

    Channel gating of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is activated in response to cAMP stimulation. In addition, CFTR activation may also involve rapid insertion of a subapical pool of CFTR into the plasma membrane (PM). However, this issue has been controversial, in part because of the difficulty in distinguishing cell surface vs. intracellular CFTR. Recently, a fully functional, epitope-tagged form of CFTR (M2-901/CFTR) that can be detected immunologically in nonpermeabilized cells was characterized (Howard M, Duvall MD, Devor DC, Dong J-Y, Henze K, and Frizzell RA. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 269: C1565-C1576, 1995; and Schultz BD, Takahashi A, Liu C, Frizzell RA, and Howard M. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 273: C2080-C2089, 1997). We have developed replication-defective recombinant adenoviruses that express M2-901/CFTR and used them to probe cell surface CFTR in forskolin (FSK)-stimulated polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Virally expressed M2-901/CFTR was functional and was readily detected on the apical surface of FSK-stimulated polarized MDCK cells. Interestingly, at low multiplicity of infection, we observed FSK-stimulated insertion of M2901/CFTR into the apical PM, whereas at higher M2-901/CFTR expression levels, no increase in surface expression was detected using indirect immunofluorescence. Immunoelectron microscopy of unstimulated and FSK-stimulated cells confirmed the M2-901/CFTR redistribution to the PM upon FSK stimulation and demonstrates that the apically inserted M2-901/CFTR originates from a population of subapical vesicles. Our observations may reconcile previous conflicting reports regarding the effect of cAMP stimulation on CFTR trafficking.

  9. High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of Babesia divergens, the Etiological Agent of Cattle and Human Babesiosis

    PubMed Central

    Cuesta, Isabel; González, Luis M.; Estrada, Karel; Grande, Ricardo; Zaballos, Ángel; Lobo, Cheryl A.; Barrera, Jorge

    2014-01-01

    Babesia divergens causes significant morbidity and mortality in cattle and splenectomized or immunocompromised individuals. Here, we present a 10.7-Mb high-quality draft genome of this parasite close to chromosome resolution that will enable comparative genome analyses and synteny studies among related parasites. PMID:25395649

  10. Differential detergent resistance of the apical and basolateral NPPases: relationship with polarized targeting.

    PubMed

    Delaunay, Jean-Louis; Breton, Michelyne; Goding, James W; Trugnan, Germain; Maurice, Michèle

    2007-03-15

    Targeting of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins to the apical surface of epithelial cells involves clustering in Triton X-100-resistant membrane microdomains or rafts. The role of these microdomains in sorting transmembrane proteins is more questionable because, unlike glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins, apical transmembrane proteins are rather soluble in Triton X-100. They are, however, resistant to milder detergents such as Lubrol WX or Tween 20. It has been proposed that specific membrane microdomains, defined by resistance to these detergents, would carry transmembrane proteins to the apical surface. We have used MDCK cells stably transfected with the apical and basolateral pyrophosphatases/phosphodiesterases, NPP3 and NPP1, to examine the relationship between detergent resistance and apical targeting. The apically expressed wild-type NPP3 was insoluble in Lubrol WX whereas wild-type NPP1, which is expressed basolaterally, was essentially soluble. By using tail mutants and chimeric constructs that combine the cytoplasmic, transmembrane and extracellular domains of NPP1 and NPP3, we show that there is not a strict correlation between detergent resistance and apical targeting. Lubrol resistance is an intrinsic property of NPP3, which is acquired early during the biosynthetic process irrespective of its final destination, and depends on positively charged residues in its cytoplasmic tail.

  11. Severe human Babesia divergens infection in Norway.

    PubMed

    Mørch, K; Holmaas, G; Frolander, P S; Kristoffersen, E K

    2015-04-01

    Human babesiosis is a rare but potentially life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by ixodid ticks, and has not previously been reported in Norway. We report a case of severe babesiosis that occurred in Norway in 2007. The patient had previously undergone a splenectomy. He was frequently exposed to tick bites in an area endemic for bovine babesiosis in the west of Norway. The patient presented with severe haemolysis and multiorgan failure. Giemsa-stained blood smears revealed 30% parasitaemia with Babesia spp. He was treated with quinine in combination with clindamycin, apheresis, and supportive treatment with ventilatory support and haemofiltration, and made a complete recovery. This is the first case reported in Norway; however Babesia divergens seroprevalence in cattle in Norway is high, as is the risk of Ixodes ricinus tick bite in the general population. Babesiosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained febrile haemolytic disease. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  12. Sulfate transport in apical membrane vesicles isolated from tracheal epithelium

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Elgavish, A.; DiBona, D.R.; Norton, P.

    1987-09-01

    Sulfate uptake in apical membrane vesicles isolated from bovine tracheal epithelium is shown to occur into an osmotically sensitive intravesicular space, via a carrier-mediated system. This conclusion is based on three lines of evidence: 1) saturation kinetics: 2) substrate specificity; and 3) inhibition by the anion transport inhibitors SITS and DIDS. The affinity of the transport system is highest in low ionic strength media and decreases in the presence of gluconate. Chloride appears to cis-inhibit sulfate uptake and to trans-stimulate sulfate efflux. Cis-inhibition and trans-stimulation studies with a variety of anions indicate that this exchange system may be shared bymore » HCO/sub 3//sup -/, S/sub 2/O/sub 3//sup 2 -/, SeO/sub 4//sup 2 -/, and MoO/sub 4//sup 2 -/ but not by H/sub 2/PO/sub 4//sup -/ or HAsO/sub 4//sup 2/. Studies indicate that protons may play two distinct roles in sulfate transport in this system. These studies show that the carrier-mediated system can function in the absence of chloride. The overshoot observed in the presence of a proton gradient indicates that under those conditions the mechanism of transport may be a SO/sub 4//sup 2 -/-OH/sup -/ exchange.« less

  13. Regulation of apical blebbing in the porcine epididymis.

    PubMed

    Hughes, Jennifer R; Berger, Trish

    2018-03-01

    Apical blebbing, a non-classical secretion mechanism, occurs in the mature porcine epididymis as part of its normal function. Proteins secreted by this mechanism contribute to the modification of the sperm plasma membrane during epididymal transit and are thought to contribute to acquisition of fertilizing ability. However, little is known about the regulation of this secretion mechanism in an in vivo model. Previous work demonstrated apical blebbing in the epididymis developed pubertally, suggesting androgens, sperm or other luminal factors regulated this process. Hence, the objective was to evaluate the hypothesized regulation of apical blebbing in the epididymis of pubertal boars by androgens and luminal factors. Androgen receptor blockade (flutamide) and surgical interventions (efferent duct ligation, orchidectomy or transection of the caput epididymis) were used to alter signaling, and the subsequent effects on apical blebbing were evaluated histologically. Apical blebbing was not altered by androgen receptor blockade with flutamide, but was significantly reduced 24 h after efferent duct ligation and after orchidectomy, treatments that eliminated luminal flow from the testis (P < 0.05). Like efferent duct ligation, epididymal transection altered luminal flow without removing the androgen source and significantly reduced the appearance of apical blebbing (P < 0.05). In conclusion, apical blebbing in the porcine epididymis appears to be regulated by luminal factors. © 2017 Anatomical Society.

  14. Commensal-Associated Molecular Patterns Induce Selective Toll-Like Receptor-Trafficking from Apical Membrane to Cytoplasmic Compartments in Polarized Intestinal Epithelium

    PubMed Central

    Cario, Elke; Brown, Dennis; McKee, Mary; Lynch-Devaney, Kathryn; Gerken, Guido; Podolsky, Daniel K.

    2002-01-01

    Commensal-associated molecular patterns, the major products of nonpathogenic bacteria, are present at high concentrations at the apical surface of the intestinal epithelium. However, the nature of the interaction of commensal-associated molecular patterns with the lumenal surface of the epithelium has not been defined. We have recently demonstrated that intestinal epithelial cells constitutively express several Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in vitro and in vivo that seem to be the key receptors responsible for immune cell activation in response to various bacterial products. In this study we characterize the subcellular distribution of two major TLRs, TLR2 and TLR4, and their ligand-specific dynamic regulation in the model human intestinal epithelial cell line T84. Immunocytochemical studies indicate that TLR2 and TLR4 are constitutively expressed at the apical pole of differentiated T84 cells. After stimulation with lipopolysaccharide or peptidoglycan, TLRs selectively traffic to cytoplasmic compartments near the basolateral membrane. Thus, we demonstrate that TLRs are positioned at the apical pole where they are poised to monitor the sensitive balance of the lumenal microbial array. The results of this dynamic epithelial surveillance can then be conveyed to the underlying cell populations of the lamina propria via these innate immune pattern recognition receptors. PMID:11786410

  15. Differentiation-dependent rearrangements of actin filaments and microtubules hinder apical endocytosis in urothelial cells.

    PubMed

    Tratnjek, Larisa; Romih, Rok; Kreft, Mateja Erdani

    2017-08-01

    During differentiation, superficial urothelial cells (UCs) of the urinary bladder form the apical surface, which is almost entirely covered by urothelial plaques containing densely packed uroplakin particles. These urothelial plaques are the main structural components of the blood-urine permeability barrier in the urinary bladder. We have shown previously that endocytosis from the apical plasma membrane decreases during urothelial cell differentiation. Here, we investigated the role of actin filament and microtubule rearrangements in apical endocytosis of differentiating UCs cells using hyperplastic and normoplastic porcine urothelial models. Partially differentiated normal porcine UCs contained actin filaments in the subapical cytoplasm, while microtubules had a net-like appearance. In highly differentiated UCs, actin filaments mostly disappeared from the subapical cytoplasm and microtubules remained as a thin layer close to the apical plasma membrane. Inhibition of actin filament formation with cytochalasin-D in partially differentiated UCs caused a decrease in apical endocytosis. Depolymerisation of microtubules with nocodazole did not prevent endocytosis of the endocytotic marker WGA into the subapical cytoplasm; however, it abolished WGA transport to endolysosomal compartments in the central cytoplasm. Cytochalasin-D or nocodazole treatment did not significantly change apical endocytosis in highly differentiated UCs. In conclusion, we showed that the physiological differentiation-dependent or chemically induced redistribution and reorganization of actin filaments and microtubules impair apical endocytosis in UCs. Importantly, reduced apical endocytosis due to cytoskeletal rearrangements in highly differentiated UCs, together with the formation of rigid urothelial plaques, reinforces the barrier function of the urothelium.

  16. The periciliary ring in polarized epithelial cells is a hot spot for delivery of the apical protein gp135

    PubMed Central

    Stoops, Emily H.; Hull, Michael; Olesen, Christina; Mistry, Kavita; Harder, Jennifer L.; Rivera-Molina, Felix; Toomre, Derek

    2015-01-01

    In polarized epithelial cells, newly synthesized cell surface proteins travel in carrier vesicles from the trans Golgi network to the apical or basolateral plasma membrane. Despite extensive research on polarized trafficking, the sites of protein delivery are not fully characterized. Here we use the SNAP tag system to examine the site of delivery of the apical glycoprotein gp135. We show that a cohort of gp135 is delivered to a ring surrounding the base of the primary cilium, followed by microtubule-dependent radial movement away from the cilium. Delivery to the periciliary ring was specific to newly synthesized and not recycling protein. A subset of this newly delivered protein traverses the basolateral membrane en route to the apical membrane. Crumbs3a, another apical protein, was not delivered to the periciliary region, instead making its initial apical appearance in a pattern that resembled its steady-state distribution. Our results demonstrate a surprising “hot spot” for gp135 protein delivery at the base of the primary cilium and suggest the existence of a novel microtubule-based directed movement of a subset of apical surface proteins. PMID:26504168

  17. Influenza A Virus Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase Mutually Accelerate Their Apical Targeting through Clustering of Lipid Rafts

    PubMed Central

    Ohkura, Takashi; Momose, Fumitaka; Ichikawa, Reiko; Takeuchi, Kaoru

    2014-01-01

    ABSTRACT In polarized epithelial cells, influenza A virus hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) are intrinsically associated with lipid rafts and target the apical plasma membrane for viral assembly and budding. Previous studies have indicated that the transmembrane domain (TMD) and cytoplasmic tail (CT) of HA and NA are required for association with lipid rafts, but the raft dependencies of their apical targeting are controversial. Here, we show that coexpression of HA with NA accelerated their apical targeting through accumulation in lipid rafts. HA was targeted to the apical plasma membrane even when expressed alone, but the kinetics was much slower than that of HA in infected cells. Coexpression experiments revealed that apical targeting of HA and NA was accelerated by their coexpression. The apical targeting of HA was also accelerated by coexpression with M1 but not M2. The mutations in the outer leaflet of the TMD and the deletion of the CT in HA and NA that reduced their association with lipid rafts abolished the acceleration of their apical transport, indicating that the lipid raft association is essential for efficient apical trafficking of HA and NA. An in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) revealed that HA and NA were accumulated and clustered in the cytoplasmic compartments only when both were associated with lipid rafts. Analysis with mutant viruses containing nonraft HA/NA confirmed these findings. We further analyzed lipid raft markers by in situ PLA and suggest a possible mechanism of the accelerated apical transport of HA and NA via clustering of lipid rafts. IMPORTANCE Lipid rafts serve as sites for viral entry, particle assembly, and budding, leading to efficient viral replication. The influenza A virus utilizes lipid rafts for apical plasma membrane targeting and particle budding. The hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) of influenza virus, key players for particle assembly, contain determinants for apical sorting and lipid raft

  18. Apical constriction drives tissue-scale hydrodynamic flow to mediate cell elongation

    PubMed Central

    He, Bing; Doubrovinski, Konstantin; Polyakov, Oleg; Wieschaus, Eric

    2014-01-01

    Epithelial folding mediated by apical constriction converts flat epithelial sheets into multilayered, complex tissue structures and is employed throughout the development in most animals1. Little is known, however, how forces produced near the apical surface of the tissue are transmitted within individual cells to generate the global changes in cell shape that characterize tissue deformation. Here we apply particle tracking velocimetry in gastrulating Drosophila embryos to measure the movement of cytoplasm and plasma membrane during ventral furrow (VF) formation2, 3. We find that cytoplasmic redistribution during the lengthening phase of VF formation can be precisely described by viscous flows that quantitatively match the predictions of hydrodynamics. Cell membranes move with the ambient cytoplasm, with little resistance to or driving force on the flow. Strikingly, apical constriction produces similar flow patterns in mutant embryos that fail to form cells prior to gastrulation (“acellular” embryos), such that the global redistribution of cytoplasm mirrors the summed redistribution occurring in individual cells of wild type embryos. Our results suggest that during the lengthening phase of VF formation, hydrodynamic behavior of the cytoplasm provides the predominant mechanism transmitting apically generated forces deep into the tissue and that cell individualization is dispensable. PMID:24590071

  19. K(Ca)3.1 channels facilitate K+ secretion or Na+ absorption depending on apical or basolateral P2Y receptor stimulation.

    PubMed

    Palmer, Melissa L; Peitzman, Elizabeth R; Maniak, Peter J; Sieck, Gary C; Prakash, Y S; O'Grady, Scott M

    2011-07-15

    Human mammary epithelial (HME) cells express several P2Y receptor subtypes located in both apical and basolateral membranes. Apical UTP or ATP-γ-S stimulation of monolayers mounted in Ussing chambers evoked a rapid, but transient decrease in short circuit current (I(sc)), consistent with activation of an apical K+ conductance. In contrast, basolateral P2Y receptor stimulation activated basolateral K+ channels and increased transepithelial Na+ absorption. Chelating intracellular Ca2+ using the membrane-permeable compound BAPTA-AM, abolished the effects of purinoceptor activation on I(sc). Apical pretreatment with charybdotoxin also blocked the I(sc) decrease by >90% and similar magnitudes of inhibition were observed with clotrimazole and TRAM-34. In contrast, iberiotoxin and apamin did not block the effects of apical P2Y receptor stimulation. Silencing the expression of K(Ca)3.1 produced ∼70% inhibition of mRNA expression and a similar reduction in the effects of apical purinoceptor agonists on I(sc). In addition, silencing P2Y2 receptors reduced the level of P2Y2 mRNA by 75% and blocked the effects of ATP-γ-S by 65%. These results suggest that P2Y2 receptors mediate the effects of purinoceptor agonists on K+ secretion by regulating the activity of K(Ca)3.1 channels expressed in the apical membrane of HME cells. The results also indicate that release of ATP or UTP across the apical or basolateral membrane elicits qualitatively different effects on ion transport that may ultimately determine the [Na+]/[K+] composition of fluid within the mammary ductal network.

  20. Isolation of plasma membrane fractions from the intestinal epithelial model T84.

    PubMed

    Kaoutzani, P; Parkos, C A; Delp-Archer, C; Madara, J L

    1993-05-01

    The human intestinal epithelial cell line T84 is widely used as a model for studies of Cl- secretion and crypt cell biology. We report a fractionation approach that permits separation of purified apical and basolateral T84 plasma membrane domains. T84 cellular membranes were isolated by nitrogen cavitation and differential centrifugation from monolayers grown on permeable supports. Membranes were then fractionated by isopycnic sucrose density gradient sedimentation, and fractions were assessed, using enzymatic and Western blot techniques, for apical (alkaline phosphatase) and basolateral (Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase) plasma membrane markers and for cytosolic, lysosomal, Golgi, and mitochondrial markers. Buffer conditions were defined that permitted separation of enriched apical and basolateral markers. The validity of the selected markers for the apical and basolateral domains was verified by selective apical and basolateral surface labeling studies using trace iodinated wheat germ agglutinin or biotinylation. This approach allows for separation of apical and basolateral plasma membranes of T84 cells for biochemical analyses and should thus be of broad utility in studies of this model polarized and transporting epithelium.

  1. H(+)/solute-induced intracellular acidification leads to selective activation of apical Na(+)/H(+) exchange in human intestinal epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Thwaites, D T; Ford, D; Glanville, M; Simmons, N L

    1999-09-01

    The intestinal absorption of many nutrients and drug molecules is mediated by ion-driven transport mechanisms in the intestinal enterocyte plasma membrane. Clearly, the establishment and maintenance of the driving forces - transepithelial ion gradients - are vital for maximum nutrient absorption. The purpose of this study was to determine the nature of intracellular pH (pH(i)) regulation in response to H(+)-coupled transport at the apical membrane of human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. Using isoform-specific primers, mRNA transcripts of the Na(+)/H(+) exchangers NHE1, NHE2, and NHE3 were detected by RT-PCR, and identities were confirmed by sequencing. The functional profile of Na(+)/H(+) exchange was determined by a combination of pH(i), (22)Na(+) influx, and EIPA inhibition experiments. Functional NHE1 and NHE3 activities were identified at the basolateral and apical membranes, respectively. H(+)/solute-induced acidification (using glycylsarcosine or beta-alanine) led to Na(+)-dependent, EIPA-inhibitable pH(i) recovery or EIPA-inhibitable (22)Na(+) influx at the apical membrane only. Selective activation of apical (but not basolateral) Na(+)/H(+) exchange by H(+)/solute cotransport demonstrates that coordinated activity of H(+)/solute symport with apical Na(+)/H(+) exchange optimizes the efficient absorption of nutrients and Na(+), while maintaining pH(i) and the ion gradients involved in driving transport.

  2. The V0-ATPase mediates apical secretion of exosomes containing Hedgehog-related proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans

    PubMed Central

    Liégeois, Samuel; Benedetto, Alexandre; Garnier, Jean-Marie; Schwab, Yannick; Labouesse, Michel

    2006-01-01

    Polarized intracellular trafficking in epithelia is critical in development, immunity, and physiology to deliver morphogens, defensins, or ion pumps to the appropriate membrane domain. The mechanisms that control apical trafficking remain poorly defined. Using Caenorhabditis elegans, we characterize a novel apical secretion pathway involving multivesicularbodies and the release of exosomes at the apical plasma membrane. By means of two different genetic approaches, we show that the membrane-bound V0 sector of the vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) acts in this pathway, independent of its contribution to the V-ATPase proton pump activity. Specifically, we identified mutations in the V0 “a” subunit VHA-5 that affect either the V0-specific function or the V0+V1 function of the V-ATPase. These mutations allowed us to establish that the V0 sector mediates secretion of Hedgehog-related proteins. Our data raise the possibility that the V0 sector mediates exosome and morphogen release in mammals. PMID:16785323

  3. A role for CSLD3 during cell-wall synthesis in apical plasma membranes of tip-growing root-hair cells.

    PubMed

    Park, Sungjin; Szumlanski, Amy L; Gu, Fangwei; Guo, Feng; Nielsen, Erik

    2011-07-17

    In plants, cell shape is defined by the cell wall, and changes in cell shape and size are dictated by modification of existing cell walls and deposition of newly synthesized cell-wall material. In root hairs, expansion occurs by a process called tip growth, which is shared by root hairs, pollen tubes and fungal hyphae. We show that cellulose-like polysaccharides are present in root-hair tips, and de novo synthesis of these polysaccharides is required for tip growth. We also find that eYFP-CSLD3 proteins, but not CESA cellulose synthases, localize to a polarized plasma-membrane domain in root hairs. Using biochemical methods and genetic complementation of a csld3 mutant with a chimaeric CSLD3 protein containing a CESA6 catalytic domain, we provide evidence that CSLD3 represents a distinct (1→4)-β-glucan synthase activity in apical plasma membranes during tip growth in root-hair cells.

  4. SARCOCYSTIS NEURONA-ASSOCIATED MENINGOENCEPHALITIS IN A PACIFIC WALRUS ( ODOBENDUS ROSMARUS DIVERGENS).

    PubMed

    Krol, Lana; Fravel, Vanessa; Procter, Diana G; Colegrove, Kathleen M

    2017-12-01

    A 21-yr-old intact male walrus ( Odobendus rosmarus divergens) presented with acute onset of shifting lameness, initially associated with breeding behaviors. Further clinical signs manifested, including muscle tremors, anorexia, hematuria, and coughing. Diagnostics were limited, as the animal would not offer behaviors for voluntary sample collection. Signs were addressed with anti-inflammatories, anticonvulsants, and antibiotics. The walrus developed cluster seizures and ultimately, respiratory and cardiac arrest. Postmortem lesions included meningoencephalitis with intra- and extracellular protozoal zoites and schizonts, as well as interstitial pneumonia with intraendothelial protozoa. Immunolabeling of the protozoal organisms revealed Sarcocystis neurona. Previous S. neurona infections in an odobenid have not been reported. Protozoal infection should be considered in all species of captive marine mammals with nonspecific orthopedic, neurological, and respiratory clinical signs.

  5. Suppressive effects of Vochysia divergens aqueous leaf extract and its 5-methoxyflavone on murine macrophages and lymphocytes.

    PubMed

    Corrêa, Maria Fernanda Paresqui; Ventura, Thatiana Lopes Biá; Muzitano, Michelle Frazão; Dos Anjos da Cruz, Elaine; Bergonzi, Maria Camilla; Bilia, Anna Rita; Rossi-Bergmann, Bartira; Soares Costa, Sônia

    2018-07-15

    Vochysia divergens Pohl (Vochysiaceae), popularly known as "Cambará", is a tree that is resistant to the seasonal floods in the Pantanal, and usually found in monodominant stands called "Cambarazal". The inhabitants of the Pantanal exploit this tree for medicinal uses. Infusions and decoctions of its leaves are taken as teas, particularly for the treatment of asthma, flu and diarrhea, according to the local tradition transmitted empirically through the generations. To evaluate the beneficial health effects related to the ethnomedicinal uses of V. divergens (Vd) by using biomonitored fractionation of an aqueous leaf extract. The aqueous leaf extract was obtained by decoction, and then the extract was fractionated by a combination of separation techniques including precipitation, organic partition and chromatography. Chromatographic analyses of the active samples were carried out using HPLC-DAD-MS. Flavonoid 1 was isolated from the n-BuOH fraction through classic chromatographic techniques. The inhibitory effects and cytotoxicity of the Vd extract, fractions and flavonoid 1 on NO and TNF-α production were assessed in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cultures. Additionally, suppression on the proliferation of BALB/c lymphocytes was estimated by [ 3 H] thymidine incorporation. The antioxidant activity of the samples was verified by SNP and DPPH assays and the suppression of the iNOS protein expression was evaluated through Western blotting. The HPLC-DAD-MS analysis of the Vd extract led to the identification of 5-methoxyluteolin-7-O-β-glucopyranoside (2), rutin (4) and the tannin galloyl-HHDP-glucopyranoside (3), besides the main flavonoid 3',5-dimethoxyluteolin-7-O-β-glucopyranoside (1), which was biologically evaluated in comparison with luteolin aglycone. The Vd extract, n-BuOH fraction and flavonoid 1 inhibited NO and TNF-α production by LPS-stimulated macrophages. The reduction of NO levels was mediated mainly by suppression of the iNOS expression. In

  6. Sentan: A Novel Specific Component of the Apical Structure of Vertebrate Motile Cilia

    PubMed Central

    Yuba-Kubo, Akiko; Tsukita, Sachiko; Tsukita, Shoichiro; Amagai, Masayuki

    2008-01-01

    Human respiratory and oviductal cilia have specific apical structures characterized by a narrowed distal portion and a ciliary crown. These structures are conserved among vertebrates that have air respiration systems; however, the molecular components of these structures have not been defined, and their functions are unknown. To identify the molecular component(s) of the cilia apical structure, we screened EST libraries to identify gene(s) that are exclusively expressed in ciliated tissues, are transcriptionally up-regulated during in vitro ciliogenesis, and are not expressed in testis (because sperm flagella have no such apical structures). One of the identified gene products, named sentan, was localized to the distal tip region of motile cilia. Using anti-sentan polyclonal antibodies and electron microscopy, sentan was shown to localize exclusively to the bridging structure between the cell membrane and peripheral singlet microtubules, which specifically exists in the narrowed distal portion of cilia. Exogenously expressed sentan showed affinity for the membrane protrusions, and a protein–lipid binding assay revealed that sentan bound to phosphatidylserine. These findings suggest that sentan is the first molecular component of the ciliary tip to bridge the cell membrane and peripheral singlet microtubules, making the distal portion of the cilia narrow and stiff to allow for better airway clearance or ovum transport. PMID:18829862

  7. Recycling Endosomes of Polarized Epithelial Cells Actively Sort Apical and Basolateral Cargos into Separate Subdomains

    PubMed Central

    Thompson, Anthony; Nessler, Randy; Wisco, Dolora; Anderson, Eric; Winckler, Bettina

    2007-01-01

    The plasma membranes of epithelial cells plasma membranes contain distinct apical and basolateral domains that are critical for their polarized functions. However, both domains are continuously internalized, with proteins and lipids from each intermixing in supranuclear recycling endosomes (REs). To maintain polarity, REs must faithfully recycle membrane proteins back to the correct plasma membrane domains. We examined sorting within REs and found that apical and basolateral proteins were laterally segregated into subdomains of individual REs. Subdomains were absent in unpolarized cells and developed along with polarization. Subdomains were formed by an active sorting process within REs, which precedes the formation of AP-1B–dependent basolateral transport vesicles. Both the formation of subdomains and the fidelity of basolateral trafficking were dependent on PI3 kinase activity. This suggests that subdomain and transport vesicle formation occur as separate sorting steps and that both processes may contribute to sorting fidelity. PMID:17494872

  8. Inhibitory effect of calcium on non-heme iron absorption may be related to translocation of DMT-1 at the apical membrane of enterocytes.

    PubMed

    Thompson, Ben A V; Sharp, Paul A; Elliott, Ruan; Fairweather-Tait, Susan J

    2010-07-28

    Many studies show that calcium reduces iron absorption from single meals, but the underlying mechanism is not known. We tested the hypothesis that calcium alters the expression and/or functionality of iron transport proteins. Differentiated Caco-2 cells were treated with ferric ammonium citrate and calcium chloride, and ferritin, DMT-1, and ferroportin were quantified in whole-cell lysate and cell-membrane fractions. Calcium attenuated the iron-induced increase in cell ferritin levels in a dose-dependent manner; a significant decrease was seen at calcium concentrations of 1.25 and 2.5 mM but was only evident after a 16-24 h incubation period. Calcium and iron treatments decreased DMT-1 protein in Caco-2 cell membranes, although total DMT-1 in whole cell lysates was unchanged by either iron or calcium. No change was seen in ferroportin expression. Our data suggest that calcium reduces iron bioavailability by decreasing DMT-1 expression at the apical cell membrane, thereby downregulating iron transport into the cell.

  9. Changes in membrane conductances and areas associated with bicarbonate secretion in turtle bladder.

    PubMed

    Rich, A; Dixon, T E; Clausen, C

    1990-02-01

    Transepithelial impedance-analysis studies were performed in turtle bladder epithelium in order to measure changes in the different epithelial membranes resulting from stimulation of electrogenic bicarbonate secretion. Changes in membrane conductance relate to changes in ionic permeability, whereas changes in membrane capacitance relate to changes in membrane area, since most biological membranes exhibit a specific capacitance of approximately 1 muF/cm2. The results of this investigation are summarized as follows: (i) cAMP and carbachol, agents which have been shown previously to stimulate electrogenic bicarbonate secretion, result in increases in apical-membrane conductance and capacitance; (ii) these changes occur concomitantly with the observed change in transport (measured using the short-circuit-current technique), thereby suggesting that bicarbonate secretion may be regulated in part by changes in the chloride conductance of the apical membrane; (iii) the increase in conductance does not reflect an increase in the membrane's specific conductance, thereby indicating that it results from the addition of membrane possessing similar ionic permeability as the existing apical membrane; (iv) the magnitude of the changes in capacitance indicate that a minor cell population (beta-type carbonic-anhydrase-rich cells) increase their apical-membrane area by several-fold; (v) a lack of transport-associated changes in the basolateral-membrane parameters suggest that transport is not regulated by alterations in basolateral-membrane ionic conductance or area; (vi) a lack of colchicine sensitivity, coupled with the magnitude of the changes in apical-membrane capacitance, indicate that the membrane remodeling processes are different from those involved in the regulation of proton secretion in a different cell population (alpha-type carbonic-anhydrase-rich cells).

  10. Evidence for an apical Na-Cl cotransporter involved in ion uptake in a teleost fish

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Hiroi, J.; Yasumasu, S.; McCormick, S.D.; Hwang, P.-P.; Kaneko, T.

    2008-01-01

    Cation-chloride cotransporters, such as the Na+/K +/2Cl- cotransporter (NKCC) and Na+/Cl - cotransporter (NCC), are localized to the apical or basolateral plasma membranes of epithelial cells and are involved in active ion absorption or secretion. The objectives of this study were to clone and identify 'freshwater-type' and 'seawater-type' cation-chloride cotransporters of euryhaline Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and to determine their intracellular localization patterns within mitochondria-rich cells (MRCs). From tilapia gills, we cloned four full-length cDNAs homologous to human cation-chloride cotransporters and designated them as tilapia NKCC1a, NKCC1b, NKCC2 and NCC. Out of the four candidates, the mRNA encoding NKCC1a was highly expressed in the yolk-sac membrane and gills (sites of the MRC localization) of seawater-acclimatized fish, whereas the mRNA encoding NCC was exclusively expressed in the yolk-sac membrane and gills of freshwater-acclimatized fish. We then generated antibodies specific for tilapia NKCC1a and NCC and conducted whole-mount immunofluorescence staining for NKCC1a and NCC, together with Na+/K+-ATPase, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3), on the yolk-sac membrane of tilapia embryos acclimatized to freshwater or seawater. The simultaneous quintuple-color immunofluorescence staining allowed us to classify MRCs clearly into four types: types I, II, III and IV. The NKCC1a immunoreactivity was localized to the basolateral membrane of seawater-specific type-IV MRCs, whereas the NCC immunoreactivity was restricted to the apical membrane of freshwater-specific type-II MRCs. Taking account of these data at the level of both mRNA and protein, we deduce that NKCC1a is the seawater-type cotransporter involved in ion secretion by type-IV MRCs and that NCC is the freshwater-type cotransporter involved in ion absorption by type-II MRCs. We propose a novel ion-uptake model by MRCs in

  11. 76 FR 77375 - Airworthiness Directives; Apical Industries, Inc., (Apical) Emergency Float Kits

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-12-13

    ... Airworthiness Directives; Apical Industries, Inc., (Apical) Emergency Float Kits AGENCY: Federal Aviation... the Apical emergency float kits installed on certain model helicopters under supplemental type... the service information identified in this AD from Apical Industries, Inc., 2608 Temple Heights Drive...

  12. Characterization of an apically derived epithelial membrane glycoprotein from bovine milk, which is expressed in capillary endothelia in diverse tissues.

    PubMed

    Greenwalt, D E; Mather, I H

    1985-02-01

    A glycoprotein (PAS IV) of apparent Mr 76,000 was purified from bovine milk-fat-globule membrane and partially characterized. PAS IV contained mannose, galactose, and sialic acid as principal sugars (approximately 5.3% total carbohydrate [wt/wt]) and existed in milk in at least four isoelectric variants. The glycoprotein appeared to be an integral membrane protein by several criteria. PAS IV was recovered in the detergent phase of Triton X-114 extracts of milk-fat-globule membrane at room temperature. When bound to membrane, PAS IV was resistant to digestion by a number of proteinases, although after solubilization with non-ionic detergents, the protein was readily degraded. Amino acid analysis of the purified protein revealed a high percentage of amino acids with nonpolar residues. The location of PAS IV was determined in bovine tissues by using immunofluorescence techniques. In mammary tissue, PAS IV was located on both the apical surfaces of secretory epithelial cells and endothelial cells of capillaries. This glycoprotein was also detected in endothelial cells of heart, liver, spleen, pancreas, salivary gland, and small intestine. In addition to mammary epithelial cells, PAS IV was also located in certain other epithelial cells, most notably the bronchiolar epithelial cells of lung. The potential usefulness of this protein as a specific marker of capillary endothelial cells in certain tissues is discussed.

  13. Defective calmodulin-dependent rapid apical endocytosis in zebrafish sensory hair cell mutants.

    PubMed

    Seiler, C; Nicolson, T

    1999-11-15

    Vertebrate mechanosensory hair cells contain a narrow "pericuticular" zone which is densely populated with small vesicles between the cuticular plate and cellular junctions near the apical surface. The presence of many cytoplasmic vesicles suggests that the apical surface of hair cells has a high turnover rate. The significance of intense membrane trafficking at the apical surface is not known. Using a marker of endocytosis, the styryl dye FM1-43, this report shows that rapid apical endocytosis in zebrafish lateral line sensory hair cells is calcium and calmodulin dependent and is partially blocked by the presence of amiloride and dihydrostreptomycin, known inhibitors of mechanotransduction channels. As seen in lateral line hair cells, sensory hair cells within the larval otic capsule also exhibit rapid apical endocytosis. Defects in internalization of the dye in both lateral line and inner ear hair cells were found in five zebrafish auditory/vestibular mutants: sputnik, mariner, orbiter, mercury, and skylab. In addition, lateral line hair cells in these mutants were not sensitive to prolonged exposure to streptomycin, which is toxic to hair cells. The presence of endocytic defects in the majority of zebrafish mechanosensory mutants points to a important role of apical endocytosis in hair cell function. Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

  14. Rapid Turnover of Stereocilia Membrane Proteins: Evidence from the Trafficking and Mobility of Plasma Membrane Ca2+-ATPase 2

    PubMed Central

    Grati, M'hamed; Schneider, Mark E.; Lipkow, Karen; Strehler, Emanuel E.; Wenthold, Robert J.; Kachar, Bechara

    2007-01-01

    We studied the spatial distribution, mobility, and trafficking of plasma membrane Ca2+ATPase-2 (PMCA2), a protein enriched in the hair cell apical membrane and essential for hair cell function. Using immunofluorescence, we determined that PMCA2 is enriched in the stereocilia and present at a relatively low concentration in the kinocilium and in the remaining apical membrane. Using an antibody to the extracellular domain of PMCA2 as a probe, we observed that PMCA2 diffuses laterally from the stereocilia membrane and is internalized at the apical cell border maintaining an estimated half-life of residency in the stereocilia of ∼5–7 h. A computer simulation of our data indicates that PMCA2 has an estimated global diffusion coefficient of 0.01– 0.005 μm2/s. Using a green fluorescent protein tag, we observed that PMCA2 is rapidly delivered to the apical cell border from where it diffuses to the entire stereocilia surface. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments show that ∼60% of PMCA2 in the stereocilia exhibit high mobility with a diffusion coefficient of 0.1– 0.2 μm2/s, whereas the remaining pool represents a relatively immobile fraction. These results suggest that PMCA2 molecules maintain transient interactions with other components of the stereocilia, and the mobile pool of PMCA2 mediates the exchange between the stereocilia and the removal and delivery sites at the periphery of the apical cell surface. This rapid turnover of a major stereocilia membrane protein matches the previously described rapid turnover of proteins of the stereocilia actin core, further demonstrating that these organelles undergo rapid continuous renewal. PMID:16763047

  15. Mercury toxicity in the shark (Squalus acanthias) rectal gland: apical CFTR chloride channels are inhibited by mercuric chloride.

    PubMed

    Ratner, Martha A; Decker, Sarah E; Aller, Stephen G; Weber, Gerhard; Forrest, John N

    2006-03-01

    In the shark rectal gland, basolateral membrane proteins have been suggested as targets for mercury. To examine the membrane polarity of mercury toxicity, we performed experiments in three preparations: isolated perfused rectal glands, primary monolayer cultures of rectal gland epithelial cells, and Xenopus oocytes expressing the shark cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel. In perfused rectal glands we observed: (1) a dose-dependent inhibition by mercury of forskolin/3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX)-stimulated chloride secretion; (2) inhibition was maximal when mercury was added before stimulation with forskolin/IBMX; (3) dithiothrietol (DTT) and glutathione (GSH) completely prevented inhibition of chloride secretion. Short-circuit current (Isc) measurements in monolayers of rectal gland epithelial cells were performed to examine the membrane polarity of this effect. Mercuric chloride inhibited Isc more potently when applied to the solution bathing the apical vs. the basolateral membrane (23 +/- 5% and 68 +/- 5% inhibition at 1 and 10 microM HgCl2 in the apical solution vs. 2 +/- 0.9% and 14 +/- 5% in the basolateral solution). This inhibition was prevented by pre-treatment with apical DTT or GSH; however, only the permeant reducing agent DTT reversed mercury inhibition when added after exposure. When the shark rectal gland CFTR channel was expressed in Xenopus oocytes and chloride conductance was measured by two-electrode voltage clamping, we found that 1 microM HgCl2 inhibited forskolin/IBMX conductance by 69.2 +/- 2.0%. We conclude that in the shark rectal gland, mercury inhibits chloride secretion by interacting with the apical membrane and that CFTR is the likely site of this action. Copyright 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  16. Neuroelectric Tuning of Cortical Oscillations by Apical Dendrites in Loop Circuits.

    PubMed

    LaBerge, David; Kasevich, Ray S

    2017-01-01

    Bundles of relatively long apical dendrites dominate the neurons that make up the thickness of the cerebral cortex. It is proposed that a major function of the apical dendrite is to produce sustained oscillations at a specific frequency that can serve as a common timing unit for the processing of information in circuits connected to that apical dendrite. Many layer 5 and 6 pyramidal neurons are connected to thalamic neurons in loop circuits. A model of the apical dendrites of these pyramidal neurons has been used to simulate the electric activity of the apical dendrite. The results of that simulation demonstrated that subthreshold electric pulses in these apical dendrites can be tuned to specific frequencies and also can be fine-tuned to narrow bandwidths of less than one Hertz (1 Hz). Synchronous pulse outputs from the circuit loops containing apical dendrites can tune subthreshold membrane oscillations of neurons they contact. When the pulse outputs are finely tuned, they function as a local "clock," which enables the contacted neurons to synchronously communicate with each other. Thus, a shared tuning frequency can select neurons for membership in a circuit. Unlike layer 6 apical dendrites, layer 5 apical dendrites can produce burst firing in many of their neurons, which increases the amplitude of signals in the neurons they contact. This difference in amplitude of signals serves as basis of selecting a sub-circuit for specialized processing (e.g., sustained attention) within the typically larger layer 6-based circuit. After examining the sustaining of oscillations in loop circuits and the processing of spikes in network circuits, we propose that cortical functioning can be globally viewed as two systems: a loop system and a network system. The loop system oscillations influence the network system's timing and amplitude of pulse signals, both of which can select circuits that are momentarily dominant in cortical activity.

  17. Tolerance of brightness and contrast adjustments on chronic apical abscess and apical granuloma interpretation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Purnamasari, L.; Iskandar, H. H. B.; Makes, B. N.

    2017-08-01

    In digitized radiography techniques, adjusting the image enhancement can improve the subjective image quality by optimizing the brightness and contrast for diagnostic needs. To determine the value range of image enhancement (brightness and contrast) on chronic apical abscess and apical granuloma interpretation. 30 periapical radiographs that diagnosed chronic apical abscess and 30 that diagnosed apical granuloma were adjusted by changing brightness and contrast values. The value range of brightness and contrast adjustment that can be tolerated in radiographic interpretations of chronic apical abscess and apical granuloma spans from -10 to +10. Brightness and contrast adjustments on digital radiographs do not affect the radiographic interpretation of chronic apical abscess and apical granuloma if conducted within the value range.

  18. Raft-mediated trafficking of apical resident proteins occurs in both direct and transcytotic pathways in polarized hepatic cells: role of distinct lipid microdomains.

    PubMed

    Slimane, Tounsia Aït; Trugnan, Germain; Van IJzendoorn, Sven C D; Hoekstra, Dick

    2003-02-01

    In polarized hepatic cells, pathways and molecular principles mediating the flow of resident apical bile canalicular proteins have not yet been resolved. Herein, we have investigated apical trafficking of a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked and two single transmembrane domain proteins on the one hand, and two polytopic proteins on the other in polarized HepG2 cells. We demonstrate that the former arrive at the bile canalicular membrane via the indirect transcytotic pathway, whereas the polytopic proteins reach the apical membrane directly, after Golgi exit. Most importantly, cholesterol-based lipid microdomains ("rafts") are operating in either pathway, and protein sorting into such domains occurs in the biosynthetic pathway, largely in the Golgi. Interestingly, rafts involved in the direct pathway are Lubrol WX insoluble but Triton X-100 soluble, whereas rafts in the indirect pathway are both Lubrol WX and Triton X-100 insoluble. Moreover, whereas cholesterol depletion alters raft-detergent insolubility in the indirect pathway without affecting apical sorting, protein missorting occurs in the direct pathway without affecting raft insolubility. The data implicate cholesterol as a traffic direction-determining parameter in the direct apical pathway. Furthermore, raft-cargo likely distinguishing single vs. multispanning membrane anchors, rather than rafts per se (co)determine the sorting pathway.

  19. Raft-mediated Trafficking of Apical Resident Proteins Occurs in Both Direct and Transcytotic Pathways in Polarized Hepatic Cells: Role of Distinct Lipid Microdomains

    PubMed Central

    Slimane, Tounsia Aït; Trugnan, Germain; van IJzendoorn, Sven C.D.; Hoekstra, Dick

    2003-01-01

    In polarized hepatic cells, pathways and molecular principles mediating the flow of resident apical bile canalicular proteins have not yet been resolved. Herein, we have investigated apical trafficking of a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked and two single transmembrane domain proteins on the one hand, and two polytopic proteins on the other in polarized HepG2 cells. We demonstrate that the former arrive at the bile canalicular membrane via the indirect transcytotic pathway, whereas the polytopic proteins reach the apical membrane directly, after Golgi exit. Most importantly, cholesterol-based lipid microdomains (“rafts”) are operating in either pathway, and protein sorting into such domains occurs in the biosynthetic pathway, largely in the Golgi. Interestingly, rafts involved in the direct pathway are Lubrol WX insoluble but Triton X-100 soluble, whereas rafts in the indirect pathway are both Lubrol WX and Triton X-100 insoluble. Moreover, whereas cholesterol depletion alters raft-detergent insolubility in the indirect pathway without affecting apical sorting, protein missorting occurs in the direct pathway without affecting raft insolubility. The data implicate cholesterol as a traffic direction-determining parameter in the direct apical pathway. Furthermore, raft-cargo likely distinguishing single vs. multispanning membrane anchors, rather than rafts per se (co)determine the sorting pathway. PMID:12589058

  20. Multiple motifs regulate apical sorting of p75 via a mechanism that involves dimerization and higher-order oligomerization

    PubMed Central

    Youker, Robert T.; Bruns, Jennifer R.; Costa, Simone A.; Rbaibi, Youssef; Lanni, Frederick; Kashlan, Ossama B.; Teng, Haibing; Weisz, Ora A.

    2013-01-01

    The sorting signals that direct proteins to the apical surface of polarized epithelial cells are complex and can include posttranslational modifications, such as N- and O-linked glycosylation. Efficient apical sorting of the neurotrophin receptor p75 is dependent on its O-glycosylated membrane proximal stalk, but how this domain mediates targeting is unknown. Protein oligomerization or clustering has been suggested as a common step in the segregation of all apical proteins. Like many apical proteins, p75 forms dimers, and we hypothesized that formation of higher-order clusters mediated by p75 dimerization and interactions of the stalk facilitate its apical sorting. Using fluorescence fluctuation techniques (photon-counting histogram and number and brightness analyses) to study p75 oligomerization status in vivo, we found that wild-type p75–green fluorescent protein forms clusters in the trans-Golgi network (TGN) but not at the plasma membrane. Disruption of either the dimerization motif or the stalk domain impaired both clustering and polarized delivery. Manipulation of O-glycan processing or depletion of multiple galectins expressed in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells had no effect on p75 sorting, suggesting that the stalk domain functions as a structural prop to position other determinants in the lumenal domain of p75 for oligomerization. Additionally, a p75 mutant with intact dimerization and stalk motifs but with a dominant basolateral sorting determinant (Δ250 mutant) did not form oligomers, consistent with a requirement for clustering in apical sorting. Artificially enhancing dimerization restored clustering to the Δ250 mutant but was insufficient to reroute this mutant to the apical surface. Together these studies demonstrate that clustering in the TGN is required for normal biosynthetic apical sorting of p75 but is not by itself sufficient to reroute a protein to the apical surface in the presence of a strong basolateral sorting determinant. Our studies

  1. Differential subcellular membrane recruitment of Src may specify its downstream signalling

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Diesbach, Philippe de; Medts, Thierry; Carpentier, Sarah

    2008-04-15

    Most Src family members are diacylated and constitutively associate with membrane 'lipid rafts' that coordinate signalling. Whether the monoacylated Src, frequently hyperactive in carcinomas, also localizes at 'rafts' remains controversial. Using polarized MDCK cells expressing the thermosensitive v-Src/tsLA31 variant, we here addressed how Src tyrosine-kinase activation may impact on its (i) membrane recruitment, in particular to 'lipid rafts'; (ii) subcellular localization; and (iii) signalling. The kinetics of Src-kinase thermoactivation correlated with its recruitment from the cytosol to sedimentable membranes where Src largely resisted solubilisation by non-ionic detergents at 4 deg. C and floated into sucrose density gradients like caveolin-1 andmore » flotillin-2, i.e. 'lipid rafts'. By immunofluorescence, activated Src showed a dual localization, at apical endosomes/macropinosomes and at the apical plasma membrane. The plasma membrane Src pool did not colocalize with caveolin-1 and flotillin-2, but extensively overlapped GM1 labelling by cholera toxin. Severe ({approx} 70%) cholesterol extraction with methyl-{beta}-cyclodextrin (M{beta}CD) did not abolish 'rafts' floatation, but strongly decreased Src association with floating 'rafts' and abolished its localization at the apical plasma membrane. Src activation independently activated first the MAP-kinase - ERK1/2 pathway, then the PI3-kinase - Akt pathway. MAP-kinase - ERK1/2 activation was insensitive to M{beta}CD, which suppressed Akt phosphorylation and apical endocytosis induced by Src, both depending on the PI3-kinase pathway. We therefore suggest that activated Src is recruited at two membrane compartments, allowing differential signalling, first via ERK1/2 at 'non-raft' domains on endosomes, then via PI3-kinase-Akt on a distinct set of 'rafts' at the apical plasma membrane. Whether this model is applicable to c-Src remains to be examined.« less

  2. 75 FR 75934 - Airworthiness Directives; Apical Industries Inc. (Apical) Emergency Float Kits

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-12-07

    ...-1190; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-038-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Apical Industries Inc. (Apical) Emergency Float Kits AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of... the Apical emergency float kits installed on certain model helicopters under supplemental type...

  3. Calmodulin and CaMKII modulate ENaC activity by regulating the association of MARCKS and the cytoskeleton with the apical membrane.

    PubMed

    Alli, Abdel A; Bao, Hui-Fang; Liu, Bing-Chen; Yu, Ling; Aldrugh, Summer; Montgomery, Darrice S; Ma, He-Ping; Eaton, Douglas C

    2015-09-01

    Phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2) regulates epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) open probability. In turn, myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) protein or MARCKS-like protein 1 (MLP-1) at the plasma membrane regulates the delivery of PIP2 to ENaC. MARCKS and MLP-1 are regulated by changes in cytosolic calcium; increasing calcium promotes dissociation of MARCKS from the membrane, but the calcium-regulatory mechanisms are unclear. However, it is known that increased intracellular calcium can activate calmodulin and we show that inhibition of calmodulin with calmidazolium increases ENaC activity presumably by regulating MARCKS and MLP-1. Activated calmodulin can regulate MARCKS and MLP-1 in two ways. Calmodulin can bind to the effector domain of MARCKS or MLP-1, inactivating both proteins by causing their dissociation from the membrane. Mutations in MARCKS that prevent calmodulin association prevent dissociation of MARCKS from the membrane. Calmodulin also activates CaM kinase II (CaMKII). An inhibitor of CaMKII (KN93) increases ENaC activity, MARCKS association with ENaC, and promotes MARCKS movement to a membrane fraction. CaMKII phosphorylates filamin. Filamin is an essential component of the cytoskeleton and promotes association of ENaC, MARCKS, and MLP-1. Disruption of the cytoskeleton with cytochalasin E reduces ENaC activity. CaMKII phosphorylation of filamin disrupts the cytoskeleton and the association of MARCKS, MLP-1, and ENaC, thereby reducing ENaC open probability. Taken together, these findings suggest calmodulin and CaMKII modulate ENaC activity by destabilizing the association between the actin cytoskeleton, ENaC, and MARCKS, or MLP-1 at the apical membrane. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

  4. Uptake of 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) from the apical membrane of Caco-2 cells by the monocarboxylic acid transporter

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kimura, Osamu; Tsukagoshi, Kensuke; Endo, Tetsuya

    2008-03-15

    The cellular uptake mechanism of 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA), a phenoxyacetic acid derivative, was investigated using Caco-2 epithelial cells. The cells were incubated with 50 {mu}M MCPA at pH 6.0 and 37 deg. C, and the uptake of MCPA from the apical membranes was measured. The uptake of MCPA was significantly decreased by incubation at low temperature (4 {sup o}C) and markedly increased by lowering the extracellular pH. Pretreatment with a protonophore, carbonylcyanide-p-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone (25 {mu}M), or metabolic inhibitors, 2,4-dinitrophenol (1 mM) and sodium azide (10 mM), significantly decreased the uptake of MCPA by 53%, 45% and 48%, respectively. Coincubation of MCPAmore » with 10 mM L-lactic acid or {alpha}-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate, which is a substrate or an inhibitor of the monocarboxylic acid transporters (MCTs), significantly decreased the uptake of MCPA by 31% and 20%, respectively, and coincubation with benzoic acid profoundly decreased the uptake by 68%. In contrast, coincubation with succinic acid (a dicarboxylic acid) did not affect the uptake. Kinetic analysis of initial MCPA uptake suggested that MCPA is taken up via a carrier-mediated process [K{sub m} = 1.37 {+-} 0.15 mM, V{sub max} = 115 {+-} 6 nmol (mg protein){sup -1} (3 min){sup -1}]. Lineweaver-Burk plots show that benzoic acid competitively inhibits the uptake of MCPA with a K{sub i} value of 4.68 {+-} 1.76 mM. A trans-stimulation effect on MCPA uptake was found in cells preloaded with benzoic acid. These results suggest that the uptake of MCPA from the apical membrane of Caco-2 cells is mainly mediated by common MCTs along with benzoic acid but also in part by L-lactic acid.« less

  5. Neuroelectric Tuning of Cortical Oscillations by Apical Dendrites in Loop Circuits

    PubMed Central

    LaBerge, David; Kasevich, Ray S.

    2017-01-01

    Bundles of relatively long apical dendrites dominate the neurons that make up the thickness of the cerebral cortex. It is proposed that a major function of the apical dendrite is to produce sustained oscillations at a specific frequency that can serve as a common timing unit for the processing of information in circuits connected to that apical dendrite. Many layer 5 and 6 pyramidal neurons are connected to thalamic neurons in loop circuits. A model of the apical dendrites of these pyramidal neurons has been used to simulate the electric activity of the apical dendrite. The results of that simulation demonstrated that subthreshold electric pulses in these apical dendrites can be tuned to specific frequencies and also can be fine-tuned to narrow bandwidths of less than one Hertz (1 Hz). Synchronous pulse outputs from the circuit loops containing apical dendrites can tune subthreshold membrane oscillations of neurons they contact. When the pulse outputs are finely tuned, they function as a local “clock,” which enables the contacted neurons to synchronously communicate with each other. Thus, a shared tuning frequency can select neurons for membership in a circuit. Unlike layer 6 apical dendrites, layer 5 apical dendrites can produce burst firing in many of their neurons, which increases the amplitude of signals in the neurons they contact. This difference in amplitude of signals serves as basis of selecting a sub-circuit for specialized processing (e.g., sustained attention) within the typically larger layer 6-based circuit. After examining the sustaining of oscillations in loop circuits and the processing of spikes in network circuits, we propose that cortical functioning can be globally viewed as two systems: a loop system and a network system. The loop system oscillations influence the network system’s timing and amplitude of pulse signals, both of which can select circuits that are momentarily dominant in cortical activity. PMID:28659768

  6. Molecular and Parasitological Survey of Bovine Piroplasms in the Black Sea Region, Including the First Report of Babesiosis Associated with Babesia divergens in Turkey.

    PubMed

    Aktas, M; Ozubek, S

    2015-11-01

    Clinical cases of babesiosis were evaluated, and the frequency of bovine Babesia and Theileria parasites was determined in cattle. Blood samples and thin blood smears were collected from 23 cattle exhibiting clinical signs of babesiosis. In addition, tick and blood samples were collected from 100 apparently healthy cattle cograzing from the same area. Egg masses obtained from fully engorged female ticks were included. DNA isolated from blood and tick samples was screened for Babesia and Theileria by reverse line blot assay. Piroplasms compatible with Babesia spp. were observed microscopically for symptomatic cattle as circular, oval, elongated, or pear-shaped bodies. Parasitemia ranged from 0.08 to 0.9% for Babesia bovis, 2.5 to 15.4% for Babesia bigemina, and 7.4% for Babesia divergens. Reverse line blot showed positivity in 13 (13%) of the sampled clinically normal cattle and revealed the presence of three Babesia species. Babesia bovis was the most prevalent (9/100, 9%), followed by Babesia occultans (3/100, 3%) and B. bigemina (1/100, 1%). One animal infected with B. bigemina was also infected with B. bovis. The single animal infected with B. divergens showed symptoms of babesiosis. Ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus annulatus, Rhipicephalus turanicus, and Ixodes ricinus. One female R. annulatus and its egg mass were infected with B. bigemina. Neither Theileria annulata nor Theileria buffeli/orientalis infections were observed in cattle or ticks. This is the first report of clinical babesiosis caused by B. divergens in cattle from Turkey. © The Authors 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  7. [Ultrastructure and cytochemistry of the pellicle and apical complexes of the kinete of Babesia bigemina and Babesia ovis in the hemolymph and oavry of the tick].

    PubMed

    Weber, G

    1980-02-01

    The term kinete is used in this paper for the cigar-shaped, motile development stages (VERMICULE") OF Babesia occurring intra- and extracellularly in hemolymph and overy (including oocytes) of vectors, hard ticks (Ixodoidea). The structure of, and cytochemical activities of hydrolases (acid phosphatase, nonspecific esterase) in the pellicle and the apical complex was studied at the fine-structural level in kinetes of Babesia bigemina Smith & Kilborne, in hemolympho of female Boophilus microplus Canestrini. The cytochemistry of acid hydrolases was studied also in kinetes of Babesia ovis (Babès) Starcovici, in hemolymph and ovary of Rhipicephalus bursa Canestrini & Fanzago. The pellicle of the B. bigemina kinetes is composted of 3 membranes (pellicular complex): an outer membrane, approximately 8 nm thick (the plasmalemma) and 2 innder ones, each approximately nm thick, lying closely together. The outer membrane appears to be covered by a structureless coat, 3 nm thick. The space between the inner double membrane and the plasmalemma is 7.5 nm. The whole pellicular complex is 30 nm in diameter. The 2 inner pellicular membranes appear to be derived from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for the following reasons: (a) a layer of hydrolase-active material is enclosed by these membranes; (b) in the spheroid parasite stages which transform from kinetes inside hemocytes, the inner double membrane is apparently replaced by an ER cisterna; (c) the thickness of each of the inner pellicular membranes is approximately the same as that of the ER membrane. There are circular openings in the pellicular double membrane with average diameters of 100 nm; despite some similarity to micropores, they have a specific structure. The term Intrapellikularfenster (IPF) (intrapellicular windows) or pseudomicropores is proposed for these pellicular differentiations. The margin of an IPF is formed by the 2 inner membranes folding into each other; cytoplasmic, electron-dense material is accumulated

  8. Influence of apical enlargement on the repair of apical periodontitis in rats.

    PubMed

    Jara, C M; Hartmann, R C; Böttcher, D E; Souza, T S; Gomes, M S; Figueiredo, J A P

    2018-05-08

    To evaluate the influence of different apical enlargement protocols on the radiographic and histological healing of apical periodontitis in rats. Apical periodontitis was induced bilaterally in the mandibular right and left first molars of 24 Wistar rats by pulp exposure to the oral cavity for 3 weeks. A standard serial root canal preparation technique was performed in the molar of one side, whilst the opposite side was the control group. Rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n = 8), according to the diameter of apical enlargement during root canal preparation: K-files size 20 (EG1), size 25 (EG2) and size 30 (EG3). Each animal was its own positive control, because the opposite arch remained untreated. Root canals were filled with a standard technique. After 3 weeks, the animals were euthanized. The main outcome of apical periodontitis healing was evaluated radiographically (mm 2 ) and histologically (ordinal scores of inflammation) using a HE staining technique. The measurement of effect was obtained between the three experimental groups by carrying out generalized estimating equations, with Poisson regression with robust variance, pairing each experimental group with its respective control group within animals, adjusted for the mean within animal differences, with α = 5%. The mean and standard deviations of radiographic apical periodontitis size (mm 2 ) and intensity of histological inflammatory scores were, respectively: EG1 (0.44 ± 0.27; 2.25 ± 0.46), EG2 (0.33 ± 0.10; 2.50 ± 0.53) and EG3 (0.22 ± 0.08; 2.63 ± 0.74). After 3 weeks, a significantly more favourable radiographic repair was observed when larger apical enlargement was performed (EG3), compared to EG1 and EG2 (P = 0.001). All experimental groups were associated with a significant difference on the radiographic and histological healing of apical periodontitis compared with its respective control group. Under the experimental conditions of this study, a

  9. The establishment of polarized membrane traffic in Xenopus laevis embryos.

    PubMed

    Roberts, S J; Leaf, D S; Moore, H P; Gerhart, J C

    1992-09-01

    Delineation of apical and basolateral membrane domains is a critical step in the epithelialization of the outer layer of cells in the embryo. We have examined the initiation of polarized membrane traffic in Xenopus and show that membrane traffic is not polarized in oocytes but polarized membrane domains appear at first cleavage. The following proteins encoded by injected RNA transcripts were used as markers to monitor membrane traffic: (a) VSV G, a transmembrane glycoprotein preferentially inserted into the basolateral surface of polarized epithelial cells; (b) GThy-1, a fusion protein of VSV G and Thy-1 that is localized to the apical domains of polarized epithelial cells; and (c) prolactin, a peptide hormone that is not polarly secreted. In immature oocytes, there is no polarity in the expression of VSV G or GThy-1, as shown by the constitutive expression of both proteins at the surface in the animal and vegetal hemispheres. At meiotic maturation, membrane traffic to the surface is blocked; the plasma membrane no longer accepts the vesicles synthesized by the oocyte (Leaf, D. L., S. J. Roberts, J. C. Gerhart, and H.-P. Moore. 1990. Dev. Biol. 141:1-12). When RNA transcripts are injected after fertilization, VSV G is expressed only in the internal cleavage membranes (basolateral orientation) and is excluded from the outer surface (apical orientation, original oocyte membrane). In contrast, GThy-1 and prolactin, when expressed in embryos, are inserted or released at both the outer membrane derived from the oocyte and the inner cleavage membranes. Furthermore, not all of the cleavage membrane comes from an embryonic pool of vesicles--some of the cleavage membrane comes from vesicles synthesized during oogenesis. Using prolactin as a marker, we found that a subset of vesicles synthesized during oogenesis was only released after fertilization. However, while embryonic prolactin was secreted from both apical and basolateral surfaces, the secretion of oogenic prolactin

  10. Apical ammonium inhibition of cAMP-stimulated secretion in T84 cells is bicarbonate dependent.

    PubMed

    Worrell, Roger T; Best, Alison; Crawford, Oscar R; Xu, Jie; Soleimani, Manoocher; Matthews, Jeffrey B

    2005-10-01

    Normal human colonic luminal (NH(4)(+)) concentration ([NH(4)(+)]) ranges from approximately 10 to 100 mM. However, the nature of the effects of NH(4)(+) on transport, as well as NH(4)(+) transport itself, in colonic epithelium is poorly understood. We elucidate here the effects of apical NH(4)(+) on cAMP-stimulated Cl(-) secretion in colonic T84 cells. In HEPES-buffered solutions, 10 mM apical NH(4)(+) had no significant effect on cAMP-stimulated current. In contrast, 10 mM apical NH(4)(+) reduced current within 5 min to 61 +/- 4% in the presence of 25 mM HCO(3)(-). Current inhibition was not simply due to an increase in extracellular K(+)-like cations, in that the current magnitude was 95 +/- 5% with 10 mM apical K(+) and 46 +/- 3% with 10 mM apical NH(4)(+) relative to that with 5 mM apical K(+). We previously demonstrated that inhibition of Cl(-) secretion by basolateral NH(4)(+) occurs in HCO(3)(-)-free conditions and exhibits anomalous mole fraction behavior. In contrast, apical NH(4)(+) inhibition of current in HCO(3)(-) buffer did not show anomalous mole fraction behavior and followed the absolute [NH(4)(+)] in K(+)-NH(4)(+) mixtures, where K(+) concentration + [NH(4)(+)] = 10 mM. The apical NH(4)(+) inhibitory effect was not prevented by 100 microM methazolamide, suggesting no role for apical carbonic anhydrase. However, apical NH(4)(+) inhibition of current was prevented by 10 min of pretreatment of the apical surface with 500 microM DIDS, 100 microM 4,4'-dinitrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DNDS), or 25 microM niflumic acid, suggesting a role for NH(4)(+) action through an apical anion exchanger. mRNA and protein for the apical anion exchangers SLC26A3 [downregulated in adenoma (DRA)] and SLC26A6 [putative anion transporter (PAT1)] were detected in T84 cells by RT-PCR and Northern and Western blots. DRA and PAT1 appear to associate with CFTR in the apical membrane. We conclude that the HCO(3)(-) dependence of apical NH(4)(+) inhibition of secretion is

  11. Apicobasal domain identities of expanding tubular membranes depend on glycosphingolipid biosynthesis.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Hongjie; Abraham, Nessy; Khan, Liakot A; Hall, David H; Fleming, John T; Göbel, Verena

    2011-09-18

    Metazoan internal organs are assembled from polarized tubular epithelia that must set aside an apical membrane domain as a lumenal surface. In a global Caenorhabditis elegans tubulogenesis screen, interference with several distinct fatty-acid-biosynthetic enzymes transformed a contiguous central intestinal lumen into multiple ectopic lumens. We show that multiple-lumen formation is caused by apicobasal polarity conversion, and demonstrate that in situ modulation of lipid biosynthesis is sufficient to reversibly switch apical domain identities on growing membranes of single post-mitotic cells, shifting lumen positions. Follow-on targeted lipid-biosynthesis pathway screens and functional genetic assays were designed to identify a putative single causative lipid species. They demonstrate that fatty-acid biosynthesis affects polarity through sphingolipid synthesis, and reveal ceramide glucosyltransferases (CGTs) as end-point biosynthetic enzymes in this pathway. Our findings identify glycosphingolipids, CGT products and obligate membrane lipids, as critical determinants of in vivo polarity and indicate that they sort new components to the expanding apical membrane.

  12. Apicobasal domain identities of expanding tubular membranes depend on glycosphingolipid biosynthesis

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Hongjie; Abraham, Nessy; Khan, Liakot A.; Hall, David H.; Fleming, John T.; Gobel, Verena

    2011-01-01

    Metazoan internal organs are assembled from polarized tubular epithelia that must set aside an apical membrane domain as a lumenal surface. In a global Caenorhabditis elegans tubulogenesis screen, interference with several distinct fatty-acid-biosynthetic enzymes transformed a contiguous central intestinal lumen into multiple ectopic lumens. We show that multiple-lumen formation is caused by apicobasal polarity conversion, and demonstrate that in situ modulation of lipid biosynthesis is sufficient to reversibly switch apical domain identities on growing membranes of single postmitotic cells, shifting lumen positions. Follow-on targeted lipid-biosynthesis pathway screens and functional genetic assays were designed to identify a putative single causative lipid species. They demonstrate that fatty-acid biosynthesis affects polarity via sphingolipid synthesis, and reveal ceramideglucosyltransferases (CGTs) as endpoint biosynthetic enzymes in this pathway. Our findings identify glycosphingolipids (GSLs), CGT products and obligate membrane lipids, as critical determinants of in vivo polarity and suggest they sort new components to the expanding apical membrane. PMID:21926990

  13. Membrane recycling at the infranuclear pole of the outer hair cell

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Harasztosi, Csaba; Harasztosi, Emese; Gummer, Anthony W.

    2015-12-01

    Rapid endocytic activity of outer hair cells (OHCs) in the guinea-pig cochlea has been already studied using the fluorescent membrane marker FM1-43. It was demonstrated that vesicles were endocytosed at the apical pole of OHCs and transcytosed to the basolateral membrane and through a central strand towards the nucleus. The significance of endocytic activity in the infranuclear region is still not clear. Therefore, in this study endocytic activity at the synaptic pole of OHCs was investigated. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to visualize dye uptake of OHCs isolated from the guinea-pig cochlea. Signal intensity changes were quantified in the apical and basal poles relative to the signal at the membrane. Data showed no significant difference in fluorescent signal intensity changes between the opposite poles of the OHC. These results suggest that endocytic activities in both the basal and the apical poles contribute equally to the membrane recycling of OHCs.

  14. Ineffective and prolonged apical contraction is associated with chest pain and ischaemia in apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

    PubMed

    Stephenson, Edward; Monney, Pierre; Pugliese, Francesca; Malcolmson, James; Petersen, Steffen E; Knight, Charles; Mills, Peter; Wragg, Andrew; O'Mahony, Constantinos; Sekhri, Neha; Mohiddin, Saidi A

    2018-01-15

    To investigate the hypothesis that persistence of apical contraction into diastole is linked to reduced myocardial perfusion and chest pain. Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is defined by left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy predominantly of the apex. Hyperdynamic contractility resulting in obliteration of the apical cavity is often present. Apical HCM can lead to drug-refractory chest pain. We retrospectively studied 126 subjects; 76 with apical HCM and 50 controls (31 with asymmetrical septal hypertrophy (ASH) and 19 with non-cardiac chest pain and culprit free angiograms and structurally normal hearts). Perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) scans were assessed for myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRi), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), LV volumes (muscle and cavity) and regional contractile persistence (apex, mid and basal LV). In apical HCM, apical MPRi was lower than in normal and ASH controls (p<0.05). In apical HCM, duration of contractile persistence was associated with lower MPRi (p<0.01) and chest pain (p<0.05). In multivariate regression, contractile persistence was independently associated with chest pain (p<0.01) and reduced MPRi (p<0.001). In apical HCM, regional contractile persistence is associated with impaired myocardial perfusion and chest pain. As apical myocardium makes limited contributions to stroke volume, apical contractility is also largely ineffective. Interventions to reduce apical contraction and/or muscle mass are potential therapies for improving symptoms without reducing cardiac output. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Apical constriction is driven by a pulsatile apical myosin network in delaminating Drosophila neuroblasts.

    PubMed

    An, Yanru; Xue, Guosheng; Shaobo, Yang; Mingxi, Deng; Zhou, Xiaowei; Yu, Weichuan; Ishibashi, Toyotaka; Zhang, Lei; Yan, Yan

    2017-06-15

    Cell delamination is a conserved morphogenetic process important for the generation of cell diversity and maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Here, we used Drosophila embryonic neuroblasts as a model to study the apical constriction process during cell delamination. We observe dynamic myosin signals both around the cell adherens junctions and underneath the cell apical surface in the neuroectoderm. On the cell apical cortex, the nonjunctional myosin forms flows and pulses, which are termed medial myosin pulses. Quantitative differences in medial myosin pulse intensity and frequency are crucial to distinguish delaminating neuroblasts from their neighbors. Inhibition of medial myosin pulses blocks delamination. The fate of a neuroblast is set apart from that of its neighbors by Notch signaling-mediated lateral inhibition. When we inhibit Notch signaling activity in the embryo, we observe that small clusters of cells undergo apical constriction and display an abnormal apical myosin pattern. Together, these results demonstrate that a contractile actomyosin network across the apical cell surface is organized to drive apical constriction in delaminating neuroblasts. © 2017. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  16. Relationship between the Apical Preparation Diameter and the Apical Seal: An In Vitro Study.

    PubMed

    Laslami, Kaoutar; Dhoum, Sara; El Harchi, Amine; Benkiran, Iman

    2018-01-01

    The aim of the study is to define the relationship between the apical preparation diameter and the apical sealing ability to highlight the importance of the preservation of the diameter and the original position of the apical foramen. 50 extracted maxillary incisors were randomly allocated into three groups of 15 teeth each (n = 15) according to the apical preparation size: Group 1: finishing file F1 corresponding to size 20 reached the working length (ProTaper Universal system Dentsply®); Group 2: prepared up to size 30 corresponding to finishing file F30; Group 3: prepared up to size 50 corresponding to finishing file F5. Five teeth were assigned to positive and negative control groups. After the filling of the root canals, the teeth were isolated and immersed in a dye solution, then cut longitudinally, photographed, and the dye penetration were calculated using a computer software. Comparison of the three different apical preparation sizes showed no statistically significant differences regarding the apical microleakage. The most important value of the dye penetration was observed in the group with the largest apical diameter.

  17. Na+-dependent and Na+-independent betaine transport across the apical membrane of rat renal epithelium.

    PubMed

    Cano, Mercedes; Calonge, María L; Ilundáin, Anunciación A

    2015-10-01

    The low renal excretion of betaine indicates that the kidney efficiently reabsorbs the betaine filtered by the glomeruli but the mechanisms involved in such a process have been scarcely investigated. We have detected concentrative and non-concentrative betaine transport activity in brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) from rat renal cortex and medulla. The concentrative system is the Sodium/Imino-acid Transporter 1 (SIT1) because it is Na+- and Cl--dependent, electrogenic and is inhibited by an anti-SIT1 antibody. Its apparent affinity constant for betaine, Kt, is 1.1±0.5 mM and its maximal transport velocity, Vmax, 0.5±0.1 nmol betaine/mg protein/s. Inhibitors of the Na+/Cl-/betaine uptake are L-proline (75%) and cold betaine, L-carnitine and choline (40-60%). Neither creatine, TEA, taurine, β-alanine, GABA nor glycine significantly inhibited Na+/Cl-/betaine uptake. The non-concentrative betaine transport system is Na+- and H+-independent, electroneutral, with a Kt for betaine of 47±7 μM and a Vmax of 7.8±1 pmol betaine/mg protein/s. Its transport activity is nearly abolished by betaine, followed by L-carnitine (70-80%) and proline (40-50%), but a difference from the Na+/Cl-/betaine transport is that it is inhibited by TEA (approx. 50%) and unaffected by choline. The underlying carrier functions as an antiporter linking betaine entry into the BBMV with the efflux of either L-carnitine or betaine, an exchange unaffected by the anti-SIT1 antibody. As far as we know this is the first work reporting that betaine crosses the apical membrane of rat renal epithelium by SIT1 and by a Na+- and H+-independent transport system. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Alpha-enolase on apical surface of renal tubular epithelial cells serves as a calcium oxalate crystal receptor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fong-Ngern, Kedsarin; Thongboonkerd, Visith

    2016-10-01

    To search for a strategy to prevent kidney stone formation/recurrence, this study addressed the role of α-enolase on apical membrane of renal tubular cells in mediating calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystal adhesion. Its presence on apical membrane and in COM crystal-bound fraction was confirmed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Pretreating MDCK cells with anti-α-enolase antibody, not isotype-controlled IgG, dramatically reduced cell-crystal adhesion. Immunofluorescence staining also confirmed the direct binding of purified α-enolase to COM crystals at {121} > {100} > {010} crystal faces. Coating COM crystals with urinary proteins diminished the crystal binding capacity to cells and purified α-enolase. Moreover, α-enolase selectively bound to COM, not other crystals. Chemico-protein interactions analysis revealed that α-enolase interacted directly with Ca2+ and Mg2+. Incubating the cells with Mg2+ prior to cell-crystal adhesion assay significantly reduced crystal binding on the cell surface, whereas preincubation with EDTA, a divalent cation chelator, completely abolished Mg2+ effect, indicating that COM and Mg2+ competitively bind to α-enolase. Taken together, we successfully confirmed the role of α-enolase as a COM crystal receptor to mediate COM crystal adhesion at apical membrane of renal tubular cells. It may also serve as a target for stone prevention by blocking cell-crystal adhesion and stone nidus formation.

  19. Analyses of Interactions Between Heparin and the Apical Surface Proteins of Plasmodium falciparum

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kobayashi, Kyousuke; Takano, Ryo; Takemae, Hitoshi; Sugi, Tatsuki; Ishiwa, Akiko; Gong, Haiyan; Recuenco, Frances C.; Iwanaga, Tatsuya; Horimoto, Taisuke; Akashi, Hiroomi; Kato, Kentaro

    2013-11-01

    Heparin, a sulfated glycoconjugate, reportedly inhibits the blood-stage growth of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Elucidation of the inhibitory mechanism is valuable for developing novel invasion-blocking treatments based on heparin. Merozoite surface protein 1 has been reported as a candidate target of heparin; however, to better understand the molecular mechanisms involved, we characterized the molecules that bind to heparin during merozoite invasion. Here, we show that heparin binds only at the apical tip of the merozoite surface and that multiple heparin-binding proteins localize preferentially in the apical organelles. To identify heparin-binding proteins, parasite proteins were fractionated by means of heparin affinity chromatography and subjected to immunoblot analysis with ligand-specific antibodies. All tested members of the Duffy and reticulocyte binding-like families bound to heparin with diverse affinities. These findings suggest that heparin masks the apical surface of merozoites and blocks interaction with the erythrocyte membrane after initial attachment.

  20. Galectin-8 regulates targeting of Gp135/podocalyxin and lumen formation at the apical surface of renal epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Lim, HooiCheng; Yu, Chun-Ying; Jou, Tzuu-Shuh

    2017-11-01

    Establishment of apical-basal polarity, through correct targeting of polarity determinants to distinct domains of the plasma membrane, is a fundamental process for the development of functioning epithelial tubules. Here we report that galectin (Gal)-8 regulates apical-basal polarity of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells via apical targeting of 135-kDa glycoprotein (Gp135). Gal-8 interacts with newly synthesized Gp135 in a glycan-dependent manner. Gal-8 knockdown induces aberrant lumens at the lateral domain and mistargeting of Gp135 to this structure, thus disrupting the kidney epithelial polarity of MDCK cells, which organize lumens at the apical surface. The O -glycosylation deletion mutant of Gp135 phenocopies the effect of Gal-8 knockdown, which suggests that Gal-8 is the decoding machinery for the apical sorting signals of Gp135 residing at its O -glycosylation-rich region. Collectively, our results reveal a new role of Gal-8 in the development of luminal organs by regulating targeting of apical polarity protein Gp135.-Lim, H., Yu, C.-Y., Jou, T.-S. Galectin-8 regulates targeting of Gp135/podocalyxin and lumen formation at the apical surface of renal epithelial cells. © FASEB.

  1. Three-dimensional Organization of Layered Apical Cytoskeletal Networks Associated with Mouse Airway Tissue Development

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tateishi, Kazuhiro; Nishida, Tomoki; Inoue, Kanako; Tsukita, Sachiko

    2017-03-01

    The cytoskeleton is an essential cellular component that enables various sophisticated functions of epithelial cells by forming specialized subcellular compartments. However, the functional and structural roles of cytoskeletons in subcellular compartmentalization are still not fully understood. Here we identified a novel network structure consisting of actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules directly beneath the apical membrane in mouse airway multiciliated cells and in cultured epithelial cells. Three-dimensional imaging by ultra-high voltage electron microscopy and immunofluorescence revealed that the morphological features of each network depended on the cell type and were spatiotemporally integrated in association with tissue development. Detailed analyses using Odf2 mutant mice, which lack ciliary basal feet and apical microtubules, suggested a novel contribution of the intermediate filaments to coordinated ciliary beating. These findings provide a new perspective for viewing epithelial cell differentiation and tissue morphogenesis through the structure and function of apical cytoskeletal networks.

  2. Immunization with apical membrane antigen 1 confers sterile infection-blocking immunity against Plasmodium sporozoite challenge in a rodent model.

    PubMed

    Schussek, Sophie; Trieu, Angela; Apte, Simon H; Sidney, John; Sette, Alessandro; Doolan, Denise L

    2013-10-01

    Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA-1) is a leading blood-stage malaria vaccine candidate. Consistent with a key role in erythrocytic invasion, AMA-1-specific antibodies have been implicated in AMA-1-induced protective immunity. AMA-1 is also expressed in sporozoites and in mature liver schizonts where it may be a target of protective cell-mediated immunity. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that immunization with AMA-1 can induce sterile infection-blocking immunity against Plasmodium sporozoite challenge in 80% of immunized mice. Significantly higher levels of gamma interferon (IFN-γ)/interleukin-2 (IL-2)/tumor necrosis factor (TNF) multifunctional T cells were noted in immunized mice than in control mice. We also report the first identification of minimal CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cell epitopes on Plasmodium yoelii AMA-1. These data establish AMA-1 as a target of both preerythrocytic- and erythrocytic-stage protective immune responses and validate vaccine approaches designed to induce both cellular and humoral immunity.

  3. Microbiome in the Apical Root Canal System of Teeth with Post-Treatment Apical Periodontitis

    PubMed Central

    Siqueira, José F.; Antunes, Henrique S.; Rôças, Isabela N.; Rachid, Caio T. C. C.

    2016-01-01

    Introduction Bacteria present in the apical root canal system are directly involved with the pathogenesis of post-treatment apical periodontitis. This study used a next-generation sequencing approach to identify the bacterial taxa occurring in cryopulverized apical root samples from root canal-treated teeth with post-treatment disease. Methods Apical root specimens obtained during periradicular surgery of ten adequately treated teeth with persistent apical periodontitis were cryogenically ground. DNA was extracted from the powder and the microbiome was characterized on the basis of the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene by using paired-end sequencing on Illumina MiSeq device. Results All samples were positive for the presence of bacterial DNA. Bacterial taxa were mapped to 11 phyla and 103 genera composed by 538 distinct operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at 3% of dissimilarity. Over 85% of the sequences belonged to 4 phyla: Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria and Actinobacteria. In general, these 4 phyla accounted for approximately 80% of the distinct OTUs found in the apical root samples. Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum in 6/10 samples. Fourteen genera had representatives identified in all cases. Overall, the genera Fusobacterium and Pseudomonas were the most dominant. Enterococcus was found in 4 cases, always in relatively low abundance. Conclusions This study showed a highly complex bacterial community in the apical root canal system of adequately treated teeth with persistent apical periodontitis. This suggests that this disease is characterized by multispecies bacterial communities and has a heterogeneous etiology, because the community composition largely varied from case to case. PMID:27689802

  4. Microbiome in the Apical Root Canal System of Teeth with Post-Treatment Apical Periodontitis.

    PubMed

    Siqueira, José F; Antunes, Henrique S; Rôças, Isabela N; Rachid, Caio T C C; Alves, Flávio R F

    Bacteria present in the apical root canal system are directly involved with the pathogenesis of post-treatment apical periodontitis. This study used a next-generation sequencing approach to identify the bacterial taxa occurring in cryopulverized apical root samples from root canal-treated teeth with post-treatment disease. Apical root specimens obtained during periradicular surgery of ten adequately treated teeth with persistent apical periodontitis were cryogenically ground. DNA was extracted from the powder and the microbiome was characterized on the basis of the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene by using paired-end sequencing on Illumina MiSeq device. All samples were positive for the presence of bacterial DNA. Bacterial taxa were mapped to 11 phyla and 103 genera composed by 538 distinct operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at 3% of dissimilarity. Over 85% of the sequences belonged to 4 phyla: Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria and Actinobacteria. In general, these 4 phyla accounted for approximately 80% of the distinct OTUs found in the apical root samples. Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum in 6/10 samples. Fourteen genera had representatives identified in all cases. Overall, the genera Fusobacterium and Pseudomonas were the most dominant. Enterococcus was found in 4 cases, always in relatively low abundance. This study showed a highly complex bacterial community in the apical root canal system of adequately treated teeth with persistent apical periodontitis. This suggests that this disease is characterized by multispecies bacterial communities and has a heterogeneous etiology, because the community composition largely varied from case to case.

  5. Shot and Patronin polarise microtubules to direct membrane traffic and biogenesis of microvilli in epithelia.

    PubMed

    Khanal, Ichha; Elbediwy, Ahmed; Diaz de la Loza, Maria Del Carmen; Fletcher, Georgina C; Thompson, Barry J

    2016-07-01

    In epithelial tissues, polarisation of microtubules and actin microvilli occurs along the apical-basal axis of each cell, yet how these cytoskeletal polarisation events are coordinated remains unclear. Here, we examine the hierarchy of events during cytoskeletal polarisation in Drosophila melanogaster epithelia. Core apical-basal polarity determinants polarise the spectrin cytoskeleton to recruit the microtubule-binding proteins Patronin (CAMSAP1, CAMSAP2 and CAMSAP3 in humans) and Shortstop [Shot; MACF1 and BPAG1 (also known as DST) in humans] to the apical membrane domain. Patronin and Shot then act to polarise microtubules along the apical-basal axis to enable apical transport of Rab11 endosomes by the Nuf-Dynein microtubule motor complex. Finally, Rab11 endosomes are transferred to the MyoV (also known as Didum in Drosophila) actin motor to deliver the key microvillar determinant Cadherin 99C to the apical membrane to organise the biogenesis of actin microvilli. © 2016. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  6. Functional, morphological and electrocardiographical abnormalities in patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and apical aneurysm: correlation with cardiac MR

    PubMed Central

    Suwa, Kenichiro; Satoh, Hiroshi; Sano, Makoto; Nobuhara, Mamoru; Saitoh, Takeji; Saotome, Masao; Urushida, Tsuyoshi; Katoh, Hideki; Tawarahara, Kei; Ohtani, Hayato; Wakabayashi, Yasushi; Takase, Hiroyuki; Terada, Hajime; Takehara, Yasuo; Sakahara, Harumi; Hayashi, Hideharu

    2014-01-01

    Objective The prognosis of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (APH) has been benign, but apical myocardial injury has prognostic importance. We studied functional, morphological and electrocardiographical abnormalities in patients with APH and with apical aneurysm and sought to find parameters that relate to apical myocardial injury. Methods Study design: a multicentre trans-sectional study. Patients: 45 patients with APH and 5 with apical aneurysm diagnosed with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in the database of Hamamatsu Circulation Forum. Measure: the apical contraction with cine-cardiac MR (CMR), the myocardial fibrotic scar with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)-CMR, and QRS fragmentation (fQRS) defined when two ECG-leads exhibited RSR’s patterns. Results Cine-CMR revealed 27 patients with normal, 12 with hypokinetic and 11 with dyskinetic apical contraction. TTE misdiagnosed 11 (48%) patients with hypokinetic and dyskinetic contraction as those with normal contraction. Apical LGE was apparent in 10 (83%) and 11 (100%) patients with hypokinetic and dyskinetic contraction, whereas only in 11 patients (41%) with normal contraction (p<0.01). Patients with dyskinetic apical contraction had the lowest left ventricular ejection fraction, the highest prevalence of ventricular tachycardia, and the smallest ST depression and depth of negative T waves. The presence of fQRS was associated with impaired apical contraction and apical LGE (OR=8.32 and 8.61, p<0.05). Conclusions CMR is superior to TTE for analysing abnormalities of the apex in patients with APH and with apical aneurysm. The presence of fQRS can be a promising parameter for the early detection of apical myocardial injury. PMID:25332823

  7. KCNJ10 determines the expression of the apical Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC) in the early distal convoluted tubule (DCT1).

    PubMed

    Zhang, Chengbiao; Wang, Lijun; Zhang, Junhui; Su, Xiao-Tong; Lin, Dao-Hong; Scholl, Ute I; Giebisch, Gerhard; Lifton, Richard P; Wang, Wen-Hui

    2014-08-12

    The renal phenotype induced by loss-of-function mutations of inwardly rectifying potassium channel (Kir), Kcnj10 (Kir4.1), includes salt wasting, hypomagnesemia, metabolic alkalosis and hypokalemia. However, the mechanism by which Kir.4.1 mutations cause the tubulopathy is not completely understood. Here we demonstrate that Kcnj10 is a main contributor to the basolateral K conductance in the early distal convoluted tubule (DCT1) and determines the expression of the apical Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC) in the DCT. Immunostaining demonstrated Kcnj10 and Kcnj16 were expressed in the basolateral membrane of DCT, and patch-clamp studies detected a 40-pS K channel in the basolateral membrane of the DCT1 of p8/p10 wild-type Kcnj10(+/+) mice (WT). This 40-pS K channel is absent in homozygous Kcnj10(-/-) (knockout) mice. The disruption of Kcnj10 almost completely eliminated the basolateral K conductance and decreased the negativity of the cell membrane potential in DCT1. Moreover, the lack of Kcnj10 decreased the basolateral Cl conductance, inhibited the expression of Ste20-related proline-alanine-rich kinase and diminished the apical NCC expression in DCT. We conclude that Kcnj10 plays a dominant role in determining the basolateral K conductance and membrane potential of DCT1 and that the basolateral K channel activity in the DCT determines the apical NCC expression possibly through a Ste20-related proline-alanine-rich kinase-dependent mechanism.

  8. The Whitish Inner Mantle of the Giant Clam, Tridacna squamosa, Expresses an Apical Plasma Membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) Which Displays Light-Dependent Gene and Protein Expressions

    PubMed Central

    Ip, Yuen K.; Hiong, Kum C.; Goh, Enan J. K.; Boo, Mel V.; Choo, Celine Y. L.; Ching, Biyun; Wong, Wai P.; Chew, Shit F.

    2017-01-01

    Giant clams live in symbiosis with extracellular zooxanthellae and display high rates of growth and shell formation (calcification) in light. Light-enhanced calcification requires an increase in the supply of Ca2+ to, and simultaneously an augmented removal of H+ from, the extrapallial fluid where shell formation occurs. We have obtained the complete coding cDNA sequence of Plasma Membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) from the thin and whitish inner mantle, which is in touch with the extrapallial fluid, of the giant clam Tridacna squamosa. The deduced PMCA sequence consisted of an apical targeting element. Immunofluorescence microscopy confirmed that PMCA had an apical localization in the shell-facing epithelium of the inner mantle, whereby it can actively secrete Ca2+ in exchange for H+. More importantly, the apical PMCA-immunofluorescence of the shell-facing epithelium of the inner mantle increased significantly after 12 h of exposure to light. The transcript and protein levels of PMCA/PMCA also increased significantly in the inner mantle after 6 or 12 h of light exposure. These results offer insights into a light-dependable mechanism of shell formation in T. squamosa and a novel explanation of light-enhanced calcification in general. As the inner mantle normally lacks light sensitive pigments, our results support a previous proposition that symbiotic zooxanthellae, particularly those in the colorful and extensible outer mantle, may act as light-sensing elements for the host clam. PMID:29066980

  9. The Whitish Inner Mantle of the Giant Clam, Tridacna squamosa, Expresses an Apical Plasma Membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) Which Displays Light-Dependent Gene and Protein Expressions.

    PubMed

    Ip, Yuen K; Hiong, Kum C; Goh, Enan J K; Boo, Mel V; Choo, Celine Y L; Ching, Biyun; Wong, Wai P; Chew, Shit F

    2017-01-01

    Giant clams live in symbiosis with extracellular zooxanthellae and display high rates of growth and shell formation (calcification) in light. Light-enhanced calcification requires an increase in the supply of Ca 2+ to, and simultaneously an augmented removal of H + from, the extrapallial fluid where shell formation occurs. We have obtained the complete coding cDNA sequence of Plasma Membrane Ca 2+ -ATPase ( PMCA ) from the thin and whitish inner mantle, which is in touch with the extrapallial fluid, of the giant clam Tridacna squamosa . The deduced PMCA sequence consisted of an apical targeting element. Immunofluorescence microscopy confirmed that PMCA had an apical localization in the shell-facing epithelium of the inner mantle, whereby it can actively secrete Ca 2+ in exchange for H + . More importantly, the apical PMCA-immunofluorescence of the shell-facing epithelium of the inner mantle increased significantly after 12 h of exposure to light. The transcript and protein levels of PMCA /PMCA also increased significantly in the inner mantle after 6 or 12 h of light exposure. These results offer insights into a light-dependable mechanism of shell formation in T. squamosa and a novel explanation of light-enhanced calcification in general. As the inner mantle normally lacks light sensitive pigments, our results support a previous proposition that symbiotic zooxanthellae, particularly those in the colorful and extensible outer mantle, may act as light-sensing elements for the host clam.

  10. Diagnosis of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: T-wave inversion and relative but not absolute apical left ventricular hypertrophy☆

    PubMed Central

    Flett, Andrew S.; Maestrini, Viviana; Milliken, Don; Fontana, Mariana; Treibel, Thomas A.; Harb, Rami; Sado, Daniel M.; Quarta, Giovanni; Herrey, Anna; Sneddon, James; Elliott, Perry; McKenna, William; Moon, James C.

    2015-01-01

    Background Diagnosis of apical HCM utilizes conventional wall thickness criteria. The normal left ventricular wall thins towards the apex such that normal values are lower in the apical versus the basal segments. The impact of this on the diagnosis of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has not been evaluated. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 2662 consecutive CMR referrals, of which 75 patients were identified in whom there was abnormal T-wave inversion on ECG and a clinical suspicion of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. These were retrospectively analyzed for imaging features consistent with cardiomyopathy, specifically: relative apical hypertrophy, left atrial dilatation, scar, apical cavity obliteration or apical aneurysm. For comparison, the same evaluation was performed in 60 healthy volunteers and 50 hypertensive patients. Results Of the 75 patients, 48 met conventional HCM diagnostic criteria and went on to act as another comparator group. Twenty-seven did not meet criteria for HCM and of these 5 had no relative apical hypertrophy and were not analyzed further. The remaining 22 patients had relative apical thickening with an apical:basal wall thickness ratio > 1 and a higher prevalence of features consistent with a cardiomyopathy than in the control groups with 54% having 2 or more of the 4 features. No individual in the healthy volunteer group had more than one feature and no hypertension patient had more than 2. Conclusion A cohort of individuals exist with T wave inversion, relative apical hypertrophy and additional imaging features of HCM suggesting an apical HCM phenotype not captured by existing diagnostic criteria. PMID:25666123

  11. Systemic antibiotics for symptomatic apical periodontitis and acute apical abscess in adults.

    PubMed

    Cope, Anwen; Francis, Nick; Wood, Fiona; Mann, Mala K; Chestnutt, Ivor G

    2014-06-26

    Dental pain can have a considerable detrimental effect on an individual's quality of life. Symptomatic apical periodontitis and acute apical abscess are common causes of dental pain and arise from an inflamed or necrotic dental pulp, or infection of the pulpless root canal system. Clinical guidelines recommend that the first-line treatment for teeth with symptomatic apical periodontitis or an acute apical abscess should be removal of the source of inflammation or infection by local, operative measures, and that systemic antibiotics are currently only recommended for situations where there is evidence of spreading infection (cellulitis, lymph node involvement, diffuse swelling) or systemic involvement (fever, malaise). Despite this, there is evidence that dentists continue to prescribe antibiotics for these conditions. There is concern that this could contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacterial colonies both within the individual and within the community as a whole. To evaluate the effects of systemic antibiotics provided with or without surgical intervention (such as extraction, incision and drainage of a swelling or endodontic treatment), with or without analgesics, for symptomatic apical periodontitis or acute apical abscess in adults. We searched the following electronic databases: Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (to 1 October 2013); Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 9); MEDLINE via OVID (1946 to 1 October 2013); EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 1 October 2013) and CINAHL via EBSCO (1980 to 1 October 2013). We searched the World Health Organization (WHO) International Trials Registry Platform and the US National Institutes of Health Trials Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) on 1 October 2013 to identify ongoing trials. We searched for grey literature using OpenGrey (to 1 October 2013) and ZETOC Conference Proceedings (1993 to 1 October 2013). We placed no restrictions on the language or date of

  12. Sequence Analysis of Different Domains of Plasmodium vivax Apical Membrane Antigen (PvAMA-1 gene) Locus in Iran.

    PubMed

    Motevalli Haghi, A; Nateghpour, M; Edrissian, Ghh; Sepehrizadeh, Z; Mohebali, M; Khoramizade, Mr; Shahrbabak, S Sabouri; Moghimi, H

    2012-01-01

    Plasmodium vivax is responsible for approximately 80 million malaria cases in the world. Apical membrane antigen1 (AMA-1) is a type I integral membrane protein present in all Plasmodium species. AMA-1 interferes in critical steps of invasion of human hepatocytes by sporozoites and red blood cells by merozoites and is one of the most immunodominant antigens for eliciting a protective immune response in human. It is considered as a promising antigen for inclusion in a vaccine against P. vivax. Since more knowledge is needed to lighten the scope of such antigen we compared genetic variation in P. vivax AMA-1from an Iranian isolate with those reported from some of the other malarious countries so far. P. vivax genomic DNA was extracted from the whole blood of an Iranian patient with patent P. vivax infection. The nucleotide sequence for 446 amino acid (AA) residues (42-488 of PvAMA-1) was amplified by PCR and cloned in pUC19 vector for sequencing. Sequence analysis of the antigen showed a high degree of identity (99%) with strong homology to the PvAMA-1 gene of P. vivax S3 and SKO814 isolates from India and Korea (Asian isolates) respectively, and 96% similarity with P. vivax Sal-1 AMA-1 gene from El Salvador. We cloned and characterized three domains of PvAMA-1 gene from an Iranian patient. Predicted protein sequence of this gene showed some discrepancies in corresponding protein in comparing with similar genes reported from other malarious countries.

  13. Apical sorting of a voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ channel α-subunit in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells is independent of N-glycosylation

    PubMed Central

    Bravo-Zehnder, Marcela; Orio, Patricio; Norambuena, Andrés; Wallner, Martin; Meera, Pratap; Toro, Ligia; Latorre, Ramón; González, Alfonso

    2000-01-01

    The voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ (KV,Ca) channel is expressed in a variety of polarized epithelial cells seemingly displaying a tissue-dependent apical-to-basolateral regionalization, as revealed by electrophysiology. Using domain-specific biotinylation and immunofluorescence we show that the human channel KV,Ca α-subunit (human Slowpoke channel, hSlo) is predominantly found in the apical plasma membrane domain of permanently transfected Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Both the wild-type and a mutant hSlo protein lacking its only potential N-glycosylation site were efficiently transported to the cell surface and concentrated in the apical domain even when they were overexpressed to levels 200- to 300-fold higher than the density of intrinsic Slo channels. Furthermore, tunicamycin treatment did not prevent apical segregation of hSlo, indicating that endogenous glycosylated proteins (e.g., KV,Ca β-subunits) were not required. hSlo seems to display properties for lipid-raft targeting, as judged by its buoyant distribution in sucrose gradients after extraction with either detergent or sodium carbonate. The evidence indicates that the hSlo protein possesses intrinsic information for transport to the apical cell surface through a mechanism that may involve association with lipid rafts and that is independent of glycosylation of the channel itself or an associated protein. Thus, this particular polytopic model protein shows that glycosylation-independent apical pathways exist for endogenous membrane proteins in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. PMID:11069304

  14. Comparison and outcome analysis of patients with apical and non-apical takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

    PubMed

    El-Battrawy, I; Behnes, M; Ansari, U; Hillenbrand, D; Haghi, D; Hoffmann, U; Papavassiliu, T; Elmas, E; Fastner, C; Becher, T; Baumann, S; Dösch, C; Heggemann, F; Kuschyk, J; Borggrefe, M; Akin, I

    2016-12-01

    Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a relevant differential diagnosis in patients presenting with signs of an acute coronary syndrome. Although recent literature has highlighted some salient features of this disorder, there has been little information elucidating the differences in clinical features, electrocardiographic findings, echocardiographic data and TTC-related complications associated with the different variants of TTC. Our institutional database constituted a collective of 114 patients diagnosed with TTC between 2003 and 2015 and these patients were subsequently divided into two groups based on the presence (n = 82, 72%) or absence (n = 32, 28%) of the apical form of TTC. The protocol for our proposed study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University Medical Centre in Mannheim. It was noticed that the patients presenting with the apical form of TTC belonged to an older age group as compared to those presenting with the non-apical form (61.1 ± 8.9 years vs. 69.5 ± 11.2; P  < 0.01). The QTc interval prolongation at index-event was observed to be quantifiably greater in the 'apical variant' patients group (484.8 ± 57 ms vs. 464 ± 34.1 ms; P = 0.06). With respect to cardiovascular risk factors, patients with arterial hypertension did have a higher predilection to present with the apical form (63.4% vs. 43.7%; P = 0.06), however, the impact of smoking was less pronounced in this patient group (24.4% vs. 50%, P = 0.01). Furthermore, our study highlighted a significant impact on ejection fraction (EF), with a compromised left ventricular function (36 ± 9% vs. 42.4 ± 9.7%, P < 0.01) and greater involvement of the right ventricle in the apical variant patients group (23% vs. 3%, P = 0.04). Patients with the apical form also showed a greater tendency to develop TTC-related complications such as cardiogenic shock and required longer monitoring and care in comparison. The apical and non-apical

  15. Inter-dependent apical microtubule and actin dynamics orchestrate centrosome retention and neuronal delamination

    PubMed Central

    Kasioulis, Ioannis

    2017-01-01

    Detachment of newborn neurons from the neuroepithelium is required for correct neuronal architecture and functional circuitry. This process, also known as delamination, involves adherens-junction disassembly and acto-myosin-mediated abscission, during which the centrosome is retained while apical/ciliary membranes are shed. Cell-biological mechanisms mediating delamination are, however, poorly understood. Using live-tissue and super-resolution imaging, we uncover a centrosome-nucleated wheel-like microtubule configuration, aligned with the apical actin cable and adherens-junctions within chick and mouse neuroepithelial cells. These microtubules maintain adherens-junctions while actin maintains microtubules, adherens-junctions and apical end-foot dimensions. During neuronal delamination, acto-myosin constriction generates a tunnel-like actin-microtubule configuration through which the centrosome translocates. This movement requires inter-dependent actin and microtubule activity, and we identify drebrin as a potential coordinator of these cytoskeletal dynamics. Furthermore, centrosome compromise revealed that this organelle is required for delamination. These findings identify new cytoskeletal configurations and regulatory relationships that orchestrate neuronal delamination and may inform mechanisms underlying pathological epithelial cell detachment. PMID:29058679

  16. The core planar cell polarity gene, Vangl2, maintains apical-basal organisation of the corneal epithelium.

    PubMed

    Panzica, D Alessio; Findlay, Amy S; van Ladesteijn, Rianne; Collinson, J Martin

    2017-08-17

    The role of the core planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway protein, Vangl2, was investigated in the corneal epithelium of the mammalian eye, a paradigm anatomical model of planar cell migration. The gene was conditionally knocked out in vivo and knocked down by siRNA, followed by immunohistochemical, behavioural and morphological analysis of corneal epithelial cells. The primary defects observed in vivo were of apical-basal organisation of the corneal epithelium, with abnormal stratification throughout life, mislocalisation of the cell membrane protein, Scribble, to the basal side of cells, and partial loss of the epithelial basement membrane. Planar defects in migration after wounding and in the presence of an applied electric field were noted. However, knockdown of Vangl2 also retarded cell migration in individual cells that had no contact with their neighbours, which precluded a classic PCP mechanism. It is concluded that some of the planar polarity phenotypes in PCP mutants may arise from disruption of apical-basal polarity. © 2017 Anatomical Society.

  17. Bacteria in the apical root canals of teeth with apical periodontitis.

    PubMed

    Lee, Li-Wan; Lee, Ya-Ling; Hsiao, Sheng-Huang; Lin, Hung-Pin

    2017-06-01

    Bacteria in the tooth root canal may cause apical periodontitis. This study examined the bacterial species present in the apical root canal of teeth with apical periodontitis. Antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed to evaluate whether these identified bacterial species were susceptible to specific kinds of antibiotics. Selective media plating and biochemical tests were used first to detect the bacterial species in samples taken from the apical portion of root canals of 62 teeth with apical periodontitis. The isolated bacterial species were further confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. We found concomitant presence of two (32 teeth) or three species (18 teeth) of bacteria in 50 (80.6%) out of 62 tested teeth. However, only 34 bacterial species were identified. Of a total of 118 bacterial isolates (83 anaerobes and 35 aerobes), Prophyromonas endodontalis was detected in 10; Bacteroides, Dialister invisus or Fusobacterium nucleatum in 9; Treponema denticola or Enterococcus faecalis in 8; Peptostreptococcus or Olsenella uli in 6; and Veillonella in 5 teeth. The other 25 bacterial species were detected in fewer than five teeth. Approximately 80-95% of bacterial isolates of anaerobes were sensitive to ampicillin/sulbactam (Unasyn), amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin), cefoxitin, and clindamycin. For E. faecalis, 85-90% of bacterial isolates were sensitive to gentamicin and linezolid. Root canal infections are usually caused by a mixture of two or three species of bacteria. Specific kinds of antibiotic can be selected to control these bacterial infections after antibiotic sensitivity testing. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  18. Detection of Treponema Denticola in Symptomatic Apical Periodontitis and in Symptomatic Apical Abscesses by Real-Time PCR

    PubMed Central

    Ozbek, Selcuk M.; Ozbek, Ahmet; Erdogan, Aziz S.

    2009-01-01

    Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Treponema denticola in symptomatic apical periodontitis and in symptomatic apical abscesses by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Methods: Microbial samples were collected from 60 single-rooted teeth having carious lesions and necrotic pulps. For each tooth, clinical data including patient symptoms were recorded. Teeth were categorized by diagnosis as having symptomatic apical periodontitis or symptomatic apical abscess. Aseptic microbial samples were collected using paper points from 30 infected root canals and from aspirates of 30 abscesses. DNA was extracted from the samples by using a QIAamp® DNA mini-kit and analyzed with real-time PCR. Results: T. denticola was detected in 24 of 30 cases diagnosed as symptomatic apical abscesses (80%), and 19 of 30 cases diagnosed as symptomatic apical periodontitis (63.3%). In general T. denticola was found in 43 of 60 cases (71.6%). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that T. denticola can participate in the pathogenesis of symptomatic apical abscesses. PMID:19421390

  19. Segregation of Two Spectrin Isoforms: Polarized Membrane-binding Sites Direct Polarized Membrane Skeleton Assembly

    PubMed Central

    Dubreuil, Ronald R.; Maddux, Pratumtip Boontrakulpoontawee; Grushko, Tanya A.; Macvicar, Gary R.

    1997-01-01

    Spectrin isoforms are often segregated within specialized plasma membrane subdomains where they are thought to contribute to the development of cell surface polarity. It was previously shown that ankyrin and β spectrin are recruited to sites of cell–cell contact in Drosophila S2 cells expressing the homophilic adhesion molecule neuroglian. Here, we show that neuroglian has no apparent effect on a second spectrin isoform (αβH), which is constitutively associated with the plasma membrane in S2 cells. Another membrane marker, the Na,K-ATPase, codistributes with ankyrin and αβ spectrin at sites of neuroglian-mediated contact. The distributions of these markers in epithelial cells in vivo are consistent with the order of events observed in S2 cells. Neuroglian, ankyrin, αβ spectrin, and the Na,K-ATPase colocalize at the lateral domain of salivary gland cells. In contrast, αβH spectrin is sorted to the apical domain of salivary gland and somatic follicle cells. Thus, the two spectrin isoforms respond independently to positional cues at the cell surface: in one case an apically sorted receptor and in the other case a locally activated cell–cell adhesion molecule. The results support a model in which the membrane skeleton behaves as a transducer of positional information within cells. PMID:9348534

  20. Segregation of two spectrin isoforms: polarized membrane-binding sites direct polarized membrane skeleton assembly.

    PubMed

    Dubreuil, R R; Maddux, P B; Grushko, T A; MacVicar, G R

    1997-10-01

    Spectrin isoforms are often segregated within specialized plasma membrane subdomains where they are thought to contribute to the development of cell surface polarity. It was previously shown that ankyrin and beta spectrin are recruited to sites of cell-cell contact in Drosophila S2 cells expressing the homophilic adhesion molecule neuroglian. Here, we show that neuroglian has no apparent effect on a second spectrin isoform (alpha beta H), which is constitutively associated with the plasma membrane in S2 cells. Another membrane marker, the Na,K-ATPase, codistributes with ankyrin and alpha beta spectrin at sites of neuroglian-mediated contact. The distributions of these markers in epithelial cells in vivo are consistent with the order of events observed in S2 cells. Neuroglian, ankyrin, alpha beta spectrin, and the Na,K-ATPase colocalize at the lateral domain of salivary gland cells. In contrast, alpha beta H spectrin is sorted to the apical domain of salivary gland and somatic follicle cells. Thus, the two spectrin isoforms respond independently to positional cues at the cell surface: in one case an apically sorted receptor and in the other case a locally activated cell-cell adhesion molecule. The results support a model in which the membrane skeleton behaves as a transducer of positional information within cells.

  1. Apical Dominance in Plants

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tucker, D. J.

    1974-01-01

    Describes a tentative hypothesis for the control of plant branching (apical dominance). Explores the mechanism by which apical buds inhibit the growth of axillary buds on the same shoot. Presents an up-to-date picture of the problem and gives economic implications of the study. (BR)

  2. CALCIUM BINDING TO INTESTINAL MEMBRANES

    PubMed Central

    Oschman, James L.; Wall, Betty J.

    1972-01-01

    Flame photometry reveals that glutaraldehyde and buffer solutions in routine use for electron microscopy contain varying amounts of calcium. The presence of electron-opaque deposits adjacent to membranes in a variety of tissues can be correlated with the presence of calcium in the fixative. In insect intestine (midgut), deposits occur adjacent to apical and lateral plasma membranes. The deposits are particularly evident in tissues fixed in glutaraldehyde without postosmication. They are also observed in osmicated tissue if calcium is added to wash and osmium solutions. Deposits are absent when calcium-free fixatives are used, but are present when traces of CaCl2 (as low as 5 x 10-5 M) are added. The deposits occur at regular intervals along junctional membranes, providing images strikingly similar to those obtained by other workers who have used pyroantimonate in an effort to localize sodium. Other divalent cations (Mg++, Sr++, Ba++, Mn++, Fe++) appear to substitute for calcium, while sodium, potassium, lanthanum, and mercury do not. After postfixing with osmium with calcium added, the deposits can be resolved as patches along the inner leaflet of apical and lateral plasma membranes. The dense regions may thus localize membrane constituents that bind calcium. The results are discussed in relation to the role of calcium in control of cell-to-cell communication, intestinal calcium uptake, and the pyroantimonate technique for ion localization. PMID:4569411

  3. The Apical Localization of Na+, K+-ATPase in Cultured Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Depends on Expression of the β2 Subunit.

    PubMed

    Lobato-Álvarez, Jorge A; Roldán, María L; López-Murillo, Teresa Del Carmen; González-Ramírez, Ricardo; Bonilla-Delgado, José; Shoshani, Liora

    2016-01-01

    Na + , K + -ATPase, or the Na + pump, is a key component in the maintenance of the epithelial phenotype. In most epithelia, the pump is located in the basolateral domain. Studies from our laboratory have shown that the β 1 subunit of Na + , K + -ATPase plays an important role in this mechanism because homotypic β 1 -β 1 interactions between neighboring cells stabilize the pump in the lateral membrane. However, in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the Na + pump is located in the apical domain. The mechanism of polarization in this epithelium is unclear. We hypothesized that the apical polarization of the pump in RPE cells depends on the expression of its β 2 subunit. ARPE-19 cells cultured for up to 8 weeks on inserts did not polarize, and Na + , K + -ATPase was expressed in the basolateral membrane. In the presence of insulin, transferrin and selenic acid (ITS), ARPE-19 cells cultured for 4 weeks acquired an RPE phenotype, and the Na + pump was visible in the apical domain. Under these conditions, Western blot analysis was employed to detect the β 2 isoform and immunofluorescence analysis revealed an apparent apical distribution of the β 2 subunit. qPCR results showed a time-dependent increase in the level of β 2 isoform mRNA, suggesting regulation at the transcriptional level. Moreover, silencing the expression of the β 2 isoform in ARPE-19 cells resulted in a decrease in the apical localization of the pump, as assessed by the mislocalization of the α 2 subunit in that domain. Our results demonstrate that the apical polarization of Na + , K + -ATPase in RPE cells depends on the expression of the β 2 subunit.

  4. Conductive choline transport by alveolar epithelial plasma membrane vesicles.

    PubMed

    Oelberg, D G; Xu, F

    1998-11-01

    Choline is an important substrate in alveolar epithelia for both surfactant production and cellular maintenance. The underlying mechanisms of uptake and sites of membrane transport remain uncertain. To test the hypothesis that choline transport occurs at the basolateral side of alveolar epithelia by both Na+-independent and -dependent mechanisms, plasma membrane vesicles were prepared from the apical and basolateral membranes of mature porcine type II pneumocytes. Choline+ transport was assayed by uptake of [3H]choline+ by enriched apical or basolateral vesicles. In the presence of imposed, inside-negative charge gradients, basolateral vesicles exhibited early overshoot of [3H]choline+ uptake unaffected by the presence or absence of external Na+ (541 +/- 53 vs 564 +/- 79 pmol/mg protein (NS)). High sensitivity to hemicholinium-3 was observed in the presence or absence of Na+. In the absence of inside-negative charge gradients, uptake was reduced 12-fold in the presence or absence of Na+, and external choline+ induced internal alkalization of acidified basolateral vesicles. Accumulative [3H]choline+ uptakes by apical vesicles in the presence or absence of inside-negative charge gradients and Na+ were insignificant. We conclude that predominant choline+ uptake by type II pneumocytes occurs at the basolateral membrane by Na+-independent, electrogenic choline+ conductance. The presence of electroneutral choline+/H+ exchange is suggested. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

  5. Apical dominance and apical control in multiple flushing of temperate woody species.

    Treesearch

    M. Cline; C. Harrington

    2007-01-01

    In young plants of many woody species, the first flush of growth in the spring may be followed by one or more flushes of the terminal shoot if growing conditions are favorable. The occurrence of these additional flushes may significantly affect crown form and structure. Apical dominance (AD) and apical control (AC) are thought to be important control mechanisms in this...

  6. Carnobacterium divergens - a dominating bacterium of pork meat juice.

    PubMed

    Rieder, Gabriele; Krisch, Linda; Fischer, Harald; Kaufmann, Maria; Maringer, Adolf; Wessler, Silja

    2012-07-01

    Nonspoiled food that nevertheless contains bacterial pathogens constitutes a much more serious health problem than spoiled food, as the consumer is not warned beforehand. However, data on the diversity of bacterial species in meat juice are rare. To study the bacterial load of fresh pork from ten different distributors, we applied a combination of the conventional culture-based and molecular methods for detecting and quantifying the microbial spectrum of fresh pork meat juice samples. Altogether, we identified 23 bacterial species of ten different families analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The majority of isolates were belonging to the typical spoilage bacterial population of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Enterococcaceae, and Pseudomonadaceae. Several additional isolates were identified as Staphylococcus spp. and Bacillus spp. originating from human and animal skin and other environmental niches including plants, soil, and water. Carnobacterium divergens, a LAB contributing to the spoilage of raw meat even at refrigeration temperature, was the most frequently isolated species in our study (5/10) with a bacterial load of 10(3) - 10(7) CFU mL(-1). In several of the analyzed pork meat juice samples, two bacterial faecal indicators, Serratia grimesii and Serratia proteamaculans, were identified together with another opportunistic food-borne pathogen, Staphylococcus equorum. Our data reveal a high bacterial load of fresh pork meat supporting the potential health risk of meat juice for the end consumer even under refrigerated conditions. © 2012 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. The Impact of Apical Patency in the Success of Endodontic Treatment of Necrotic Teeth with Apical Periodontitis: A Brief Review.

    PubMed

    Machado, Ricardo; Ferrari, Carlos Henrique; Back, Eduardo; Comparin, Daniel; Tomazinho, Luiz Fernando; Vansan, Luiz Pascoal

    2016-01-01

    Accumulation of soft tissue or dentinal remnants in the apical region is a common event that can cause blockage of root canals. This event can be avoided if apical patency is performed during the root canal shaping procedures. However, there is no consensus on the role of apical patency in relation to the success of endodontic treatment of necrotic teeth with apical periodontitis. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to conduct a brief review on the role of apical patency in guaranteeing the success of endodontic treatments of necrotic teeth with apical periodontitis considering two other key points; the root canal anatomy and microbiology.

  8. Right ventricular apical versus non-apical implantable cardioverter defibrillator lead: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Garg, Jalaj; Chaudhary, Rahul; Shah, Neeraj; Palaniswamy, Chandrasekar; Bozorgnia, Babak; Nazir, Talha; Natale, Andrea; Kutyifa, Valentina

    We aimed to study the effect of right ventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead positioning on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing ICD placement. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify clinical trials comparing outcomes in patients with ICD leads in apical and non-apical positions. The primary outcome of our study was death at 1-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes studied were "death at 3years", "total number of shocks", "appropriate shocks", "inappropriate shocks" and "cut-to-suture time". We analyzed a total of 3731 patients (2852 in apical and 879 in non-apical ICD groups) enrolled in 4 clinical trials. No significant difference was observed between the apical and non-apical ICD groups in all-cause mortality at 1year (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.51-1.49, p=0.63; I 2 =5.32%). Similarly, no differences were seen between the two groups in death at 3years (OR=0.76; 95% CI 0.56-1.04, p=0.08; I 2 =0%), total number of shocks (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.81-1.22, p=0.95; I 2 =0%), appropriate shocks (OR 1.00; 95% CI 0.79-1.27, p=0.99; I 2 =0%), inappropriate shocks (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.70-1.37, p=0.91; I 2 =0%) and cut-to-suture time (Standard mean difference=-0.03; 95% CI -0.20 to 0.14, p=0.73; I 2 =0%). No publication bias was seen. Non-apical RV ICD lead implantation is non-inferior to traditional RV apical position with no significant differences in mortality, total number of shocks, appropriate shocks, inappropriate shocks and procedural time. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. The Apical Localization of Na+, K+-ATPase in Cultured Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Depends on Expression of the β2 Subunit

    PubMed Central

    Lobato-Álvarez, Jorge A.; Roldán, María L.; López-Murillo, Teresa del Carmen; González-Ramírez, Ricardo; Bonilla-Delgado, José; Shoshani, Liora

    2016-01-01

    Na+, K+-ATPase, or the Na+ pump, is a key component in the maintenance of the epithelial phenotype. In most epithelia, the pump is located in the basolateral domain. Studies from our laboratory have shown that the β1 subunit of Na+, K+-ATPase plays an important role in this mechanism because homotypic β1-β1 interactions between neighboring cells stabilize the pump in the lateral membrane. However, in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the Na+ pump is located in the apical domain. The mechanism of polarization in this epithelium is unclear. We hypothesized that the apical polarization of the pump in RPE cells depends on the expression of its β2 subunit. ARPE-19 cells cultured for up to 8 weeks on inserts did not polarize, and Na+, K+-ATPase was expressed in the basolateral membrane. In the presence of insulin, transferrin and selenic acid (ITS), ARPE-19 cells cultured for 4 weeks acquired an RPE phenotype, and the Na+ pump was visible in the apical domain. Under these conditions, Western blot analysis was employed to detect the β2 isoform and immunofluorescence analysis revealed an apparent apical distribution of the β2 subunit. qPCR results showed a time-dependent increase in the level of β2 isoform mRNA, suggesting regulation at the transcriptional level. Moreover, silencing the expression of the β2 isoform in ARPE-19 cells resulted in a decrease in the apical localization of the pump, as assessed by the mislocalization of the α2 subunit in that domain. Our results demonstrate that the apical polarization of Na+, K+-ATPase in RPE cells depends on the expression of the β2 subunit. PMID:27774068

  10. PrPC Undergoes Basal to Apical Transcytosis in Polarized Epithelial MDCK Cells

    PubMed Central

    Arkhipenko, Alexander; Syan, Sylvie; Victoria, Guiliana Soraya

    2016-01-01

    The Prion Protein (PrP) is an ubiquitously expressed glycosylated membrane protein attached to the external leaflet of the plasma membrane via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor (GPI). While the misfolded PrPSc scrapie isoform is the infectious agent of prion disease, the cellular isoform (PrPC) is an enigmatic protein with unclear function. Of interest, PrP localization in polarized MDCK cells is controversial and its mechanism of trafficking is not clear. Here we investigated PrP traffic in MDCK cells polarized on filters and in three-dimensional MDCK cysts, a more physiological model of polarized epithelia. We found that, unlike other GPI-anchored proteins (GPI-APs), PrP undergoes basolateral-to-apical transcytosis in fully polarized MDCK cells. Following this event full-length PrP and its cleavage fragments are segregated in different domains of the plasma membrane in polarized cells in both 2D and 3D cultures. PMID:27389581

  11. Establishing Apical Patency: To be or not to be?

    PubMed

    Mohammadi, Zahed; Jafarzadeh, Hamid; Shalavi, Sousan; Kinoshita, Jun-Ichiro

    2017-04-01

    The apical portion of the root canal is very complex and challenging during endodontic treatment. Root canal preparation and obturation to the apical constriction may provide the best prognosis. Incomplete debridement, foramen transportation, and inadequate seal in the apical portion are considered to be responsible for treatment failure. The technique "apical patency" is considered as a way for maintaining the apical part the free of the debris by recapitulation, using a small K-file through the area of the apical foramen. This term was firstly proposed by Buchanan. In this technique, the smallest diameter file is set 1 mm longer than working length and recapitulated after each instrument to prevent packing of debris in the apical part. Apical patency has been found to be effective in achieving an apical seal with gutta-percha. Teeth prepared with a step back method and with maintained apical patency may show less leakage when obturated with cold lateral condensation technique. Data regarding the effect of apical patency on the healing of periapical tissue are very scarce, and it has been shown that the patency file has detrimental effect on the healing of periapical tissues in animal studies. However, using patency file in endodontic treatment is controversial and further studies are needed. The purpose of this article is to review the effect of using a patency file on the extrusion of root canal contents, the apical seal, postoperative pain, and healing of periapical tissues. Furthermore, the effect of establishing patency on reaching irrigation solutions to the apical portion of the canal and prognosis of root canal treatment are discussed. Keywords: Apical patency, Apical seal, Apical transportation, Postoperative pain, Prognosis.

  12. Plasma membrane localization of multidrug resistance-associated protein homologs in brain capillary endothelial cells.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yan; Schuetz, John D; Elmquist, William F; Miller, Donald W

    2004-11-01

    Several multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) homologs are expressed in brain microvessel endothelial cells forming the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The influence of these MRP transporters on BBB permeability will be dependent on their localization within the brain microvessel endothelial cells. Using two different and complementary approaches, the localization of various MPR homologs (MRP1, MRP4, and MRP5) was examined in primary cultured bovine brain microvessel endothelial cells (BBMECs). The first approach involved centrifugal separation of apical and basolateral plasma membranes of cultured BBMECs. The membrane fractions were then subjected to Western blot analysis for MRPs. The second approach used confocal laser scanning microscopy to determine membrane localization of MRPs in BBMECs. Results show a predominantly apical plasma membrane distribution for MRP1 and MRP5, and an almost equal distribution of MRP4 on the apical and basolateral plasma membrane of BBMECs. These studies provide the first demonstration of the localization of MRP1, MRP4, and MRP5 homologs in brain microvessel endothelial cells. The present studies also indicate that the localization of MRPs in the endothelial cells forming the BBB is different from that observed in polarized epithelial cells and thus may contribute to the reduced entry and enhanced elimination of organic anions and nucleotides in the brain.

  13. The Incremental Value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Identification of Apical Pouch in Patients with Apical Variant of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

    PubMed

    Vucicevic, Darko; Lester, Steven J; Appleton, Christopher P; Panse, Prasad M; Schleifer, John William; Wilansky, Susan

    2016-04-01

    The development of a left ventricular (LV) apical pouch in patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (aHCM) has been thought to be the transition point that can become an apical aneurysm, which is linked to higher risk of adverse events. In our study, we sought to compare the ability of transthoracic echocardiography (echo) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) to accurately identify the presence of an apical pouch or aneurysm in patients with aHCM. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all consecutive patients that had features of aHCM on imaging. Data from cMRI and echo examinations were abstracted, and the ability of these diagnostic modalities to identify the presence of a LV apical pouch and aneurysm was analyzed. Of 31 patients with aHCM, 17 (54.8%) had an apical pouch and 2 were found to have apical aneurysm (6.5%) on cMRI. Echo with and without perflutren contrast was able to accurately identify both aneurysms, but only 47.1% (8/17) of apical pouches seen by cMRI. Two patients had apical thrombus that was identified by cMRI, but not by echo. Our findings indicate that cMRI is superior to echo in identifying apical pouches in patients with aHCM. Our results also suggest that in patients undergoing echo, the use of perflutren contrast for LV opacification increases the diagnostic yield. Further study is necessary to delineate whether earlier identification of an apical pouch will be of clinical benefit for patients with aHCM by altering clinical management and avoiding adverse cardiovascular events. © 2015, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  14. Uncoupling apical constriction from tissue invagination

    PubMed Central

    Chung, SeYeon; Kim, Sangjoon; Andrew, Deborah J

    2017-01-01

    Apical constriction is a widely utilized cell shape change linked to folding, bending and invagination of polarized epithelia. It remains unclear how apical constriction is regulated spatiotemporally during tissue invagination and how this cellular process contributes to tube formation in different developmental contexts. Using Drosophila salivary gland (SG) invagination as a model, we show that regulation of folded gastrulation expression by the Fork head transcription factor is required for apicomedial accumulation of Rho kinase and non-muscle myosin II, which coordinate apical constriction. We demonstrate that neither loss of spatially coordinated apical constriction nor its complete blockage prevent internalization and tube formation, although such manipulations affect the geometry of invagination. When apical constriction is disrupted, compressing force generated by a tissue-level myosin cable contributes to SG invagination. We demonstrate that fully elongated polarized SGs can form outside the embryo, suggesting that tube formation and elongation are intrinsic properties of the SG. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.22235.001 PMID:28263180

  15. Apical root canal microbiota as determined by reverse-capture checkerboard analysis of cryogenically ground root samples from teeth with apical periodontitis.

    PubMed

    Rôças, Isabela N; Alves, Flávio R F; Santos, Adriana L; Rosado, Alexandre S; Siqueira, José F

    2010-10-01

    Bacteria located in the apical root canal system potentially participate in the pathogenesis of apical periodontitis. Detection and identification of apical bacteria can be compromised because of limitations in conventional sampling and identification procedures. This study identified several bacterial taxa in the apical and middle/coronal segments of primarily infected root canal system by using pulverized root segments and a culture-independent molecular method. Seventeen extracted teeth with attached apical periodontitis lesions were sectioned to obtain 2 root fragments (apical and middle/coronal segments). Root fragments were cryogenically ground, and DNA was extracted from samples. After multiple displacement amplification, DNA from samples was used as template in a reverse-capture checkerboard hybridization assay targeting 28 bacterial taxa. Bacterial DNA was detected in all samples. The most prevalent taxa in the apical root canal system were Olsenella uli (76.5%), Prevotella baroniae (71%), Porphyromonas endodontalis (65%), Fusobacterium nucleatum (53%), and Tannerella forsythia (47%). O. uli, P. endodontalis, and Propionibacterium acnes were as frequently detected in apical samples as they were in middle/coronal samples. P. baroniae, T. forsythia, and F. nucleatum were found more frequently in the apical part of the canal as compared with matched coronal segments. Streptococcus species were more prevalent in middle/coronal samples. The median and mean of shared bacterial taxa between matched apical and middle/coronal segments were 27% and 41%, respectively. Several candidate endodontic pathogens were very prevalent in the apical root canal system. The apical microbiota was usually complex and differed in species composition when compared with the microbiota of middle/coronal samples from the same tooth. Copyright © 2010 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Expression of apical Na(+)-L-glutamine co-transport activity, B(0)-system neutral amino acid co-transporter (B(0)AT1) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 along the jejunal crypt-villus axis in young pigs fed a liquid formula.

    PubMed

    Yang, Chengbo; Yang, Xiaojian; Lackeyram, Dale; Rideout, Todd C; Wang, Zirong; Stoll, Barbara; Yin, Yulong; Burrin, Douglas G; Fan, Ming Z

    2016-06-01

    Gut apical amino acid (AA) transport activity is high at birth and during suckling, thus being essential to maintain luminal nutrient-dependent mucosal growth through providing AA as essential metabolic fuel, substrates and nutrient stimuli for cellular growth. Because system-B(0) Na(+)-neutral AA co-transporter (B(0)AT1, encoded by the SLC6A19 gene) plays a dominant role for apical uptake of large neutral AA including L-Gln, we hypothesized that high apical Na(+)-Gln co-transport activity, and B(0)AT1 (SLC6A19) in co-expression with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) were expressed along the entire small intestinal crypt-villus axis in young animals via unique control mechanisms. Kinetics of Na(+)-Gln co-transport activity in the apical membrane vesicles, prepared from epithelial cells sequentially isolated along the jejunal crypt-villus axis from liquid formula-fed young pigs, were measured with the membrane potential being clamped to zero using thiocyanate. Apical maximal Na(+)-Gln co-transport activity was much higher (p < 0.05) in the upper villus cells than in the middle villus (by 29 %) and the crypt (by 30 %) cells, whereas Na(+)-Gln co-transport affinity was lower (p < 0.05) in the upper villus cells than in the middle villus and the crypt cells. The B(0)AT1 (SLC6A19) mRNA abundance was lower (p < 0.05) in the crypt (by 40-47 %) than in the villus cells. There were no significant differences in B(0)AT1 and ACE2 protein abundances on the apical membrane among the upper villus, the middle villus and the crypt cells. Our study suggests that piglet fast growth is associated with very high intestinal apical Na(+)-neutral AA uptake activities via abundantly co-expressing B(0)AT1 and ACE2 proteins in the apical membrane and by transcribing the B(0)AT1 (SLC6A19) gene in the epithelia along the entire crypt-villus axis.

  17. Carbonic anhydrases in chick extra-embryonic structures: a role for CA in bicarbonate reabsorption through the chorioallantoic membrane.

    PubMed

    Gabrielli, M Gabriella

    2004-06-01

    The villus cavity cells, a specific cell type of the chick chorioallantoic membrane, express both cytosolic carbonic anhydrase in their cytoplasm and HCO3(-)/Cl(-) anion exchangers at their basolateral membranes. By immunohistochemical analysis, we show here that villus cavity cells specifically react with antibodies directed against the membrane-associated form of carbonic anhydrase, CAIV. Staining is restricted to the apical cell membranes, characteristically invaginated toward the shell membrane, as well as to endothelia of blood vessels present in the mesodermal layer. The occurrence of a membrane-associated CA form at the apical pole of villus cavity cells, when definitively confirmed, would be fairly consistent with the role proposed for these cells in bicarbonate reabsorption from the eggshell so to prevent metabolic acidosis in the embryo during development.

  18. Live Imaging at the Onset of Cortical Neurogenesis Reveals Differential Appearance of the Neuronal Phenotype in Apical versus Basal Progenitor Progeny

    PubMed Central

    Attardo, Alessio; Calegari, Federico; Haubensak, Wulf; Wilsch-Bräuninger, Michaela; Huttner, Wieland B.

    2008-01-01

    The neurons of the mammalian brain are generated by progenitors dividing either at the apical surface of the ventricular zone (neuroepithelial and radial glial cells, collectively referred to as apical progenitors) or at its basal side (basal progenitors, also called intermediate progenitors). For apical progenitors, the orientation of the cleavage plane relative to their apical-basal axis is thought to be of critical importance for the fate of the daughter cells. For basal progenitors, the relationship between cell polarity, cleavage plane orientation and the fate of daughter cells is unknown. Here, we have investigated these issues at the very onset of cortical neurogenesis. To directly observe the generation of neurons from apical and basal progenitors, we established a novel transgenic mouse line in which membrane GFP is expressed from the beta-III-tubulin promoter, an early pan-neuronal marker, and crossed this line with a previously described knock-in line in which nuclear GFP is expressed from the Tis21 promoter, a pan-neurogenic progenitor marker. Mitotic Tis21-positive basal progenitors nearly always divided symmetrically, generating two neurons, but, in contrast to symmetrically dividing apical progenitors, lacked apical-basal polarity and showed a nearly randomized cleavage plane orientation. Moreover, the appearance of beta-III-tubulin–driven GFP fluorescence in basal progenitor-derived neurons, in contrast to that in apical progenitor-derived neurons, was so rapid that it suggested the initiation of the neuronal phenotype already in the progenitor. Our observations imply that (i) the loss of apical-basal polarity restricts neuronal progenitors to the symmetric mode of cell division, and that (ii) basal progenitors initiate the expression of neuronal phenotype already before mitosis, in contrast to apical progenitors. PMID:18545663

  19. Use of calcium-containing endodontic sealers as apical barrier in fluid-contaminated wide-open apices.

    PubMed

    Prati, Carlo; Siboni, Francesco; Polimeni, Antonella; Bossu, Maurizio; Gandolfi, Maria Giovanna

    2014-12-30

    The sealing of wide-open apex roots is still a challenge and requires the use of apical barrier techniques. The aim was to evaluate ex vivo the sealing and the apical morphology of 3 commercial calcium oxide (CaO)-containing sealers - namely, 2 zinc oxide-based (CRCS and Sealapex) and a calcium silicate MTA-based (TechBiosealer Endo) - placed in wet root canals with artificial wide-open apices.
 Thirty human single-rooted teeth were shaped with Protaper and an artificial open apex (diameter size 110) was created. Each root was inserted in a custom-designed support containing simulated body fluid (Hank's balanced salt solution, HBSS) at the bottom simulating the presence of periapical fluid in the canal. Each sealer (TechBiosealer Endo, CRCS, Sealapex) was compacted to the apical 5 mm and the filled roots stored in HBSS at 37°C. The sealing was evaluated as microinfiltrated fluid since 24 hours up to 6 months using a high-precision digital fluid flow meter. The sealers were also studied for setting time in HBSS, calcium releasing (statistical analysis by 2-way ANOVA followed by Student-Newman-Keuls test, P<0.05) and surface morpho-chemistry by ESEM-EDX and OM analysis.
 All sealers showed a stable seal. TechBiosealer Endo maintained a better seal than the other materials (P<0.05) and ESEM-EDX and OM analyses showed the presence of apatite deposits.
 The clinical use of hydraulic hydrophilic MTA-based sealers can be recommended to stop/reduce the fluid flow rate through the apex. The artificial apical barrier in wet wide apices is a suitable technique able to seal wet root canals.

  20. Survival of the Apical Papilla and Its Resident Stem Cells in a Case of Advanced Pulpal Necrosis and Apical Periodontitis.

    PubMed

    Chrepa, Vanessa; Pitcher, Brandon; Henry, Michael A; Diogenes, Anibal

    2017-04-01

    Apical papilla represents a source of an enriched mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) population (stem cells of the apical papilla [SCAPs]) that modulates root development and may participate in regenerative endodontic procedures in immature teeth with pulp necrosis. The characteristics and phenotype of this tissue in the presence of inflammation are largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to characterize a human apical papilla sample that was isolated from an immature tooth with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis. Inflamed periapical tissue that included part of the apical papilla (apical papilla clinical sample [CS]) was collected from an immature mandibular premolar previously diagnosed with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis during an apexification procedure. Harvested cells from this tissue (SCAP CS) were compared with inflamed periapical progenitor cells (IPAPCs) and normal SCAP (SCAP-RP89) in flow cytometry and quantitative osteogenesis experiments. Part of the issue was further processed for immunohistochemistry and compared with apical papilla and coronal pulp sections from normal immature teeth as well as inflamed periapical tissues from mature teeth. Similar to SCAP-RP89, 96.6% of the SCAP CS coexpressed the MSC markers CD73, CD90, and CD105, whereas only 66.3% of IPAPCs coexpressed all markers. The SCAP CS showed a significantly greater mineralization potential than both SCAP-RP89 and IPAPCs. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis revealed moderate infiltration of cells expressing the inflammatory markers CD45/68 in the apical papilla CS and prominent CD24, CD105, and von Willebrand factor expression. Under inflammatory conditions, human apical papilla was found moderately inflamed with retained SCAP vitality and stemness and increased osteogenic and angiogenesis potential. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Membrane receptor location defines receptor interaction with signaling proteins in a polarized epithelium.

    PubMed

    Amsler, K; Kuwada, S K

    1999-01-01

    Signal transduction from receptors is mediated by the interaction of activated receptors with proximate downstream signaling proteins. In polarized epithelial cells, the membrane is divided into subdomains: the apical and basolateral membranes. Membrane receptors may be present in one or both subdomains. Using a combination of immunoprecipitation and Western blot analyses, we tested the hypothesis that a tyrosine kinase growth factor receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), interacts with distinct signaling proteins when present at the apical vs. basolateral membrane of a polarized renal epithelial cell. We report here that tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C-gamma (PLC-gamma) was induced only when basolateral EGFR was activated. In contrast, tyrosine phosphorylation of several other signaling proteins was increased by activation of receptor at either surface. All signaling proteins were distributed diffusely throughout the cytoplasm; however, PLC-gamma protein also displayed a concentration at lateral cell borders. These results demonstrate that in polarized epithelial cells the array of signaling pathways initiated by activation of a membrane receptor is defined, at least in part, by the membrane location of the receptor.

  2. Melanocortin 3 Receptor Has a 5′ Exon That Directs Translation of Apically Localized Protein From the Second In-Frame ATG

    PubMed Central

    Park, Jeenah; Sharma, Neeraj

    2014-01-01

    Melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) is a canonical MSH receptor that plays an essential role in energy homeostasis. Variants in MC3R have been implicated in obesity in humans and mice. However, interpretation of the functional consequences of these variants is challenging because the translational start site of MC3R is unclear. Using 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends, we discovered a novel upstream exon that extends the length of the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) in MC3R without changing the open-reading frame. The full-length 5′ UTR directs utilization of an evolutionarily conserved second in-frame ATG as the primary translation start site. MC3R synthesized from the second ATG is localized to apical membranes of polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, consistent with its function as a cell surface mediator of melanocortin signaling. Expression of MC3R causes relocalization of melanocortin receptor accessory protein 2, an accessory factor for melanocortin-2 receptor, to the apical membrane, coincident with the location of MC3R. In contrast, protein synthesized from MC3R cDNAs lacking the 5′ UTR displayed diffuse cytosolic distribution and has no effect on the distribution of melanocortin receptor accessory protein 2. Our findings demonstrate that a previously unannotated 5′ exon directs translation of MC3R protein that localizes to apical membranes of polarized cells. Together, our work provides insight on the structure of human MC3R and reveals a new pathway for regulation of energy metabolism. PMID:25051171

  3. [The pathomorphology of chronic apical periodontitis].

    PubMed

    Taatz, H; Stiefel, A

    1977-01-01

    The clinical, roentgenological and histopathological diagnoses of thirty apical processes are compared. The paper also discusses certain histopathological characteristics. As a result of these investigations, a proposal is made to modify the classification of chronic apical processes.

  4. Reproducibility of Echocardiograph-Derived Multilevel Left Ventricular Apical Twist Mechanics.

    PubMed

    Stewart, Glenn M; Yamada, Akira; Kavanagh, Justin J; Haseler, Luke J; Chan, Jonathan; Sabapathy, Surendran

    2016-02-01

    Left ventricular (LV) twist mechanics are routinely assessed via echocardiography in clinical and research trials investigating the function of obliquely oriented myocardial fibers. However, echocardiograph-derived measures of LV twist may be compromised by nonstandardized acquisition of the apical image. This study examined the reproducibility of echocardiograph-derived parameters of apical twist mechanics at multiple levels of the apical myocardium. Two sets of 2D LV parasternal short-axis images were obtained in 30 healthy subjects (24 men; 19-57 year) via echocardiography. Images were acquired immediately distal to the papillary muscles (apical image 1), immediately above the point of LV cavity obliteration at end systole (apical image 3), and midway between apical image 1 and apical image 3 (apical image 2). Repeat scans were performed within 1 hour, and twist mechanics (rotation and rotation rate) were calculated via frame-by-frame tracking of natural acoustic echocardiographic markers (speckle tracking). The magnitude of apical rotation increased progressively toward the apex (apical image 1: 4.2 ± 2.1°, apical image 2: 7.2 ± 3.9°, apical image 3: 11.8 ± 4.6°). apical images 1, 2, and 3 each had moderate to good correlations between repeat scans (ICC: 0.531-0.856). When apical images 1, 2, and 3 were averaged, rotation was 7.7 ± 2.7° and between-scan correlation was excellent (ICC: 0.910). Similar results were observed for systolic and diastolic rotation rates. Averaging multiple standardized apical images, tending progressively toward the apex, generated the most reproducible rotation indices and may be optimal for the assessment of LV twist mechanics across therapeutic, interventional, and research studies; however, care should be taken given the influence of acquisition level on the magnitude of apical rotation. © 2015, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  5. Unraveling Haplotype Diversity of the Apical Membrane Antigen-1 Gene in Plasmodium falciparum Populations in Thailand

    PubMed Central

    Lumkul, Lalita; Sawaswong, Vorthon; Simpalipan, Phumin; Kaewthamasorn, Morakot; Harnyuttanakorn, Pongchai; Pattaradilokrat, Sittiporn

    2018-01-01

    Development of an effective vaccine is critically needed for the prevention of malaria. One of the key antigens for malaria vaccines is the apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA-1) of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, the surface protein for erythrocyte invasion of the parasite. The gene encoding AMA-1 has been sequenced from populations of P. falciparum worldwide, but the haplotype diversity of the gene in P. falciparum populations in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), including Thailand, remains to be characterized. In the present study, the AMA-1 gene was PCR amplified and sequenced from the genomic DNA of 65 P. falciparum isolates from 5 endemic areas in Thailand. The nearly full-length 1,848 nucleotide sequence of AMA-1 was subjected to molecular analyses, including nucleotide sequence diversity, haplotype diversity and deduced amino acid sequence diversity and neutrality tests. Phylogenetic analysis and pairwise population differentiation (Fst indices) were performed to infer the population structure. The analyses identified 60 single nucleotide polymorphic loci, predominately located in domain I of AMA-1. A total of 31 unique AMA-1 haplotypes were identified, which included 11 novel ones. The phylogenetic tree of the AMA-1 haplotypes revealed multiple clades of AMA-1, each of which contained parasites of multiple geographical origins, consistent with the Fst indices indicating genetic homogeneity or gene flow among geographically distinct populations of P. falciparum in Thailand’s borders with Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. In summary, the study revealed novel haplotypes and population structure needed for the further advancement of AMA-1-based malaria vaccines in the GMS. PMID:29742870

  6. Distribution of a Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored Protein at the Apical Surface of MDCK Cells Examined at a Resolution of <100 Å Using Imaging Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer

    PubMed Central

    Kenworthy, A.K.; Edidin, M.

    1998-01-01

    Membrane microdomains (“lipid rafts”) enriched in glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins, glycosphingolipids, and cholesterol have been implicated in events ranging from membrane trafficking to signal transduction. Although there is biochemical evidence for such membrane microdomains, they have not been visualized by light or electron microscopy. To probe for microdomains enriched in GPI- anchored proteins in intact cell membranes, we used a novel form of digital microscopy, imaging fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), which extends the resolution of fluorescence microscopy to the molecular level (<100 Å). We detected significant energy transfer between donor- and acceptor-labeled antibodies against the GPI-anchored protein 5′ nucleotidase (5′ NT) at the apical membrane of MDCK cells. The efficiency of energy transfer correlated strongly with the surface density of the acceptor-labeled antibody. The FRET data conformed to theoretical predictions for two-dimensional FRET between randomly distributed molecules and were inconsistent with a model in which 5′ NT is constitutively clustered. Though we cannot completely exclude the possibility that some 5′ NT is in clusters, the data imply that most 5′ NT molecules are randomly distributed across the apical surface of MDCK cells. These findings constrain current models for lipid rafts and the membrane organization of GPI-anchored proteins. PMID:9660864

  7. Caveolin Transfection Results in Caveolae Formation but Not Apical Sorting of Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored Proteins in Epithelial Cells

    PubMed Central

    Lipardi, Concetta; Mora, Rosalia; Colomer, Veronica; Paladino, Simona; Nitsch, Lucio; Rodriguez-Boulan, Enrique; Zurzolo, Chiara

    1998-01-01

    Most epithelial cells sort glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins to the apical surface. The “raft” hypothesis, based on data mainly obtained in the prototype cell line MDCK, postulates that apical sorting depends on the incorporation of apical proteins into cholesterol/glycosphingolipid (GSL) rafts, rich in the cholesterol binding protein caveolin/VIP21, in the Golgi apparatus. Fischer rat thyroid (FRT) cells constitute an ideal model to test this hypothesis, since they missort both endogenous and transfected GPI- anchored proteins to the basolateral plasma membrane and fail to incorporate them into cholesterol/glycosphingolipid clusters. Because FRT cells lack caveolin, a major component of the caveolar coat that has been proposed to have a role in apical sorting of GPI- anchored proteins (Zurzolo, C., W. Van't Hoff, G. van Meer, and E. Rodriguez-Boulan. 1994. EMBO [Eur. Mol. Biol. Organ.] J. 13:42–53.), we carried out experiments to determine whether the lack of caveolin accounted for the sorting/clustering defect of GPI- anchored proteins. We report here that FRT cells lack morphological caveolae, but, upon stable transfection of the caveolin1 gene (cav1), form typical flask-shaped caveolae. However, cav1 expression did not redistribute GPI-anchored proteins to the apical surface, nor promote their inclusion into cholesterol/GSL rafts. Our results demonstrate that the absence of caveolin1 and morphologically identifiable caveolae cannot explain the inability of FRT cells to sort GPI-anchored proteins to the apical domain. Thus, FRT cells may lack additional factors required for apical sorting or for the clustering with GSLs of GPI-anchored proteins, or express factors that inhibit these events. Alternatively, cav1 and caveolae may not be directly involved in these processes. PMID:9456321

  8. Effect of the angle of apical resection on apical leakage, measured with a computerized fluid filtration device.

    PubMed

    Garip, Hasan; Garip, Yıldız; Oruçoğlu, Hasan; Hatipoğlu, Seda

    2011-03-01

    We determined the effect of the angle of apical resection on apical leakage using a computerized fluid filtration meter with a laser system and a digital air pressure regulator in 46 extracted single-rooted human teeth. Orthograde endodontic treatment was performed. The root canals were prepared up to a size 50 K-type file with 17% EDTA solution (Roth International, Chicago, IL) and 5% NaOCl solution as the irrigant. Gates Glidden burs (Maillefer Instruments, Ballaigues, Switzerland) were used to flare the coronal two thirds of the canal. All canals were dried with paper points and then obturated using cold lateral condensation (except for the positive controls) of gutta-percha points and AH plus (Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany). All 40 roots were sectioned 3 mm from the apex. Forty teeth were assigned randomly into 1 of 4 experimental groups of 10 teeth each: in group 1, the teeth were resected apically (90° angle) and the cavities were obturated with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA); in group 2, after apical resection (90° angle), a root-end cavity was prepared using ultrasonic diamond retrotips and the cavities were obturated with MTA; in group 3, the teeth were resected apically (∼45° angle) and the cavities were obturated with MTA; and in group 4, after apical resection (∼45° angle), a root-end cavity was prepared using ultrasonic diamond retrotips and the cavities were obturated with MTA. An additional 6 teeth were used as controls (3 each, negative and positive controls). Apical leakage was measured using a computerized fluid filtration meter with a laser system. The mean apical microleakage was 2.0 ± 0.4 × 10(-4), 1.6 ± 0.6 × 10(-4), 1.6 ± 0.9 × 10(-4), and 1.8 ± 0.7 × 10(-4) μL/cmH(2)O/min(-1) at 1.2 atm, in groups 1 to 4, respectively. Although the mean apical microleakage was greater in group 1, the differences among the 4 groups were not statistically significant (P > .05). The results of these in vitro studies showed that when an

  9. Apical root resorption in orthodontically treated adults.

    PubMed

    Baumrind, S; Korn, E L; Boyd, R L

    1996-09-01

    This study analyzed the relationship in orthodontically treated adults between upper central incisor displacement measured on lateral cephalograms and apical root resorption measured on anterior periapical x-ray films. A multiple linear regression examined incisor displacements in four directions (retraction, advancement, intrusion, and extrusion) as independent variables, attempting to account for observed differences in the dependent variable, resorption. Mean apical resorption was 1.36 mm (sd +/- 1.46, n = 73). Mean horizontal displacement of the apex was -0.83 mm (sd +/- 1.74, n = 67); mean vertical displacement was 0.19 mm (sd +/- 1.48, n = 67). The regression coefficients for the intercept and for retraction were highly significant; those for extrusion, intrusion, and advancement were not. At the 95% confidence level, an average of 0.99 mm (se = +/- 0.34) of resorption was implied in the absence of root displacement and an average of 0.49 mm (se = +/- 0.14) of resorption was implied per millimeter of retraction. R2 for all four directional displacement variables (DDVs) taken together was only 0.20, which implied that only a relatively small portion of the observed apical resorption could be accounted for by tooth displacement alone. In a secondary set of univariate analyses, the associations between apical resorption and each of 14 additional treatment-related variables were examined. Only Gender, Elapsed Time, and Total Apical Displacement displayed statistically significant associations with apical resorption. Additional multiple regressions were then performed in which the data for each of these three statistically significant variables were considered separately, with the data for the four directional displacement variables. The addition of information on Elapsed Time or Total Apical Displacement did not explain a significant additional portion of the variability in apical resorption. On the other hand, the addition of information on Gender to the

  10. Effect of apical clearing technique on the treatment outcome of teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis: A randomized clinical trial.

    PubMed

    Mittal, Priya; Logani, Ajay; Shah, Naseem; Pandey, R M

    2016-01-01

    This study aims to compare the periapical healing of teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis treated either by conventional apical preparation (CAP) or apical clearing technique (ACT). Twenty subjects with bilateral nonvital similar teeth exhibiting comparable periapical index (PAI) score were enrolled and randomly allocated. Group I (CAP, n = 20): Apical preparation three sizes greater (master apical file [MAF]) than the first binding file at the established working length. Group II (ACT, n = 20): Apical preparation three sizes greater than the MAF that was followed by dry reaming. Root canal therapy was accomplished in single-visit for all the teeth. They were pursued radiographically at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Pre- and post-treatment PAI scores were compared. To ascertain the proportion of healed teeth between the two groups, McNemar Chi-square test was applied. At 3, 6, and 9 months' time interval the proportion of healed teeth for Group II (ACT) was greater in comparison to Group I (CAP) (P < 0.05). However, at 12 months follow-up period this difference was not significant (P = 0.08). ACT enhanced the healing kinetics. However, the long-term (12 months) radiographic outcome was similar for either technique.

  11. Apical sling: an approach to posthysterectomy vault prolapse.

    PubMed

    Alas, Alexandriah N; Pereira, Ines; Chandrasekaran, Neeraja; Devakumar, Hemikaa; Espaillat, Luis; Hurtado, Eric; Davila, G Willy

    2016-09-01

    This video demonstrates a transvaginal technique for vaginal vault suspension using an apical sling suspended from the sacrospinous ligaments. This was a retrospective review of apical sling procedures performed from July 2013 to November 2014. The technique is started by marking the vaginal apex. A posterior dissection is performed and the sacrospinous ligaments are identified after dissection into the pararectal space. A 10-cm piece of monofilament, inelastic polypropylene tape is attached to the underside of the vaginal apex. Polypropylene sutures are placed into the sacrospinous ligament and threaded though the lateral edges of the apical sling and tied down, restoring apical support. Finally, the vaginal epithelium is closed. A total of 67 women underwent an apical sling procedure with 70 % (47/67) completing 6 months follow-up. The subjective cure rate ("cured" or "greatly improved") was 78.7 % and the objective cure rate (anatomical success, defined as apical prolapse stage ≤1) was 100 % (47 patients). Our apical sling sacrospinous ligament fixation approach is a unique, minimal mesh approach using a tape commonly used for midurethral slings to suspend the vaginal apex. We achieved high anatomical success and patient satisfaction.

  12. Quantitative assessment of apical debris extrusion and intracanal debris in the apical third, using hand instrumentation and three rotary instrumentation systems.

    PubMed

    H K, Sowmya; T S, Subhash; Goel, Beena Rani; T N, Nandini; Bhandi, Shilpa H

    2014-02-01

    Decreased apical extrusion of debris and apical one third debris have strong implications for decreased incidence of postoperative inflammation and pain. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess quantitatively the apical extrusion of debris and intracanal debris in the apical third during root canal instrumentation using hand and three different types of rotary instruments. Sixty freshly extracted single rooted human teeth were randomly divided into four groups. Canal preparation was done using step-back with hand instrumentation, crown-down technique with respect to ProTaper and K3, and hybrid technique with LightSpeed LSX. Irrigation was done with NaOCl, EDTA, and normal saline and for final irrigation, EndoVac system was used. The apically extruded debris was collected on the pre-weighed Millipore plastic filter disk and weighed using microbalance. The teeth were submitted to the histological processing. Sections from the apical third were analyzed by a trinocular research microscope that was coupled to a computer where the images were captured and analyzed using image proplus V4.1.0.0 software. The mean weight of extruded debris for each group and intracanal debris in the root canal was statistically analyzed by a Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U test. The result showed that, hand instrumentation using K files showed the highest amount of debris extrusion apically when compared to ProTaper, K3 and LightSpeed LSX. The result also showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in relation to presence of intracanal debris in the apical one third. Based on the results, all instrumentation techniques produced debris extrusion. The engine driven Ni-Ti systems extruded significantly less apical debris than hand instrumentation. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in relation to presence of intracanal debris in the apical one third.

  13. Proliferation of epithelial cell rests, formation of apical cysts, and regression of apical cysts after periapical wound healing.

    PubMed

    Lin, Louis M; Huang, George T-J; Rosenberg, Paul A

    2007-08-01

    There is continuing controversy regarding the potential for inflammatory apical cysts to heal after nonsurgical endodontic therapy. Molecular cell biology may provide answers to a series of related questions. How are the epithelial cell rests of Malassez stimulated to proliferate? How are the apical cysts formed? How does the lining epithelium of apical cysts regress after endodontic therapy? Epithelial cell rests are induced to divide and proliferate by inflammatory mediators, proinflammatory cytokines, and growth factors released from host cells during periradicular inflammation. Quiescent epithelial cell rests can behave like restricted-potential stem cells if stimulated to proliferate. Formation of apical cysts is most likely caused by the merging of proliferating epithelial strands from all directions to form a three-dimensional ball mass. After endodontic therapy, epithelial cells in epithelial strands of periapical granulomas and the lining epithelium of apical cysts may stop proliferating because of a reduction in inflammatory mediators, proinflammatory cytokines, and growth factors. Epithelial cells will also regress because of activation of apoptosis or programmed cell death through deprivation of survival factors or by receiving death signals during periapical wound healing.

  14. Micro-CT evaluation of apical delta morphologies in human teeth.

    PubMed

    Gao, Xianhua; Tay, Franklin R; Gutmann, James L; Fan, Wei; Xu, Ting; Fan, Bing

    2016-11-07

    The apical delta is an intricate system within the root canal and incompletely debridement may affect the long-term prognosis of root canal therapy. The aim of the present study is to investigate the morphologic features of apical deltas in human teeth with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) using a centreline-fitting algorithm. One hundred and thirty-six apical deltas were detected in 1400 teeth. Molars had more apical deltas (15.8%) than anterior teeth (6.3%). In maxillary molars, the mesiobuccal root had a significantly higher prevalence of apical delta than the palatal root or the distobuccal root. The median vertical distance of the apical delta was 1.87 mm with 13% more than 3 mm. The median diameter and length of the apical delta branches were 132.3 and 934.5 μm. Apical delta branches were not straight with cross-sectional shapes being non-circular. These morphological features of apical delta may complicate debridement of the infected root canal system.

  15. Genetic Interaction of Centrosomin and Bazooka in Apical Domain Regulation in Drosophila Photoreceptor

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Geng; Rogers, Alicia K.; League, Garrett P.; Nam, Sang-Chul

    2011-01-01

    Background Cell polarity genes including Crumbs (Crb) and Par complexes are essential for controlling photoreceptor morphogenesis. Among the Crb and Par complexes, Bazooka (Baz, Par-3 homolog) acts as a nodal component for other cell polarity proteins. Therefore, finding other genes interacting with Baz will help us to understand the cell polarity genes' role in photoreceptor morphogenesis. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, we have found a genetic interaction between baz and centrosomin (cnn). Cnn is a core protein for centrosome which is a major microtubule-organizing center. We analyzed the effect of the cnn mutation on developing eyes to determine its role in photoreceptor morphogenesis. We found that Cnn is dispensable for retinal differentiation in eye imaginal discs during the larval stage. However, photoreceptors deficient in Cnn display dramatic morphogenesis defects including the mislocalization of Crumbs (Crb) and Bazooka (Baz) during mid-stage pupal eye development, suggesting that Cnn is specifically required for photoreceptor morphogenesis during pupal eye development. This role of Cnn in apical domain modulation was further supported by Cnn's gain-of-function phenotype. Cnn overexpression in photoreceptors caused the expansion of the apical Crb membrane domain, Baz and adherens junctions (AJs). Conclusions/Significance These results strongly suggest that the interaction of Baz and Cnn is essential for apical domain and AJ modulation during photoreceptor morphogenesis, but not for the initial photoreceptor differentiation in the Drosophila photoreceptor. PMID:21253601

  16. Cochlear partition tuning within the 2nd apical turn of the intact gerbil cochlea

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dong, Wei; Xia, Anping; Puria, Sunil; Applegate, Brian E.; Oghalai, John S.

    2018-05-01

    Our understanding of cochlear amplification has been mainly informed by observations of the high-frequency basal region. Results from the few existing in vivo studies from the low-frequency apical region have suggested that cochlear amplification may be more broadly tuned and not as nonlinear as in the base. The current study explored micromechanics via sound evoked vibrations of the cochlear partition, including the organ of Corti (OoC), the basilar membrane (BM) and the tectorial membrane (TM), within the 2nd apical turn, corresponding to the 2.5 kHz best frequency region, of the gerbil cochlea using volumetric optical coherence tomography vibrometry (VOCTV), imaged non-invasively through the otic capsule bone in vivo. Sound induced radial displacements below 4 kHz showed similarities and differences to the well-established BM transverse responses at high-frequency basal region. Responses showed broader tuning, but similar gains at the best frequency and similar phase accumulation. The distinct difference found was the presence of compressive nonlinear growth with SPL below the best frequency down to 0.1 kHz observed at the outer hair cell (OHC) and reticular laminar (RL) locations but not in the BM or inner hair cell regions. These relative motions provide further insight on how OHC somatic forces are distributed within the cochlear partition.

  17. Effect of apical clearing technique on the treatment outcome of teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis: A randomized clinical trial

    PubMed Central

    Mittal, Priya; Logani, Ajay; Shah, Naseem; Pandey, R. M.

    2016-01-01

    Aim: This study aims to compare the periapical healing of teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis treated either by conventional apical preparation (CAP) or apical clearing technique (ACT). Materials and Methods: Twenty subjects with bilateral nonvital similar teeth exhibiting comparable periapical index (PAI) score were enrolled and randomly allocated. Group I (CAP, n = 20): Apical preparation three sizes greater (master apical file [MAF]) than the first binding file at the established working length. Group II (ACT, n = 20): Apical preparation three sizes greater than the MAF that was followed by dry reaming. Root canal therapy was accomplished in single-visit for all the teeth. They were pursued radiographically at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Pre- and post-treatment PAI scores were compared. To ascertain the proportion of healed teeth between the two groups, McNemar Chi-square test was applied. Results: At 3, 6, and 9 months’ time interval the proportion of healed teeth for Group II (ACT) was greater in comparison to Group I (CAP) (P < 0.05). However, at 12 months follow-up period this difference was not significant (P = 0.08). Conclusion: ACT enhanced the healing kinetics. However, the long-term (12 months) radiographic outcome was similar for either technique. PMID:27656054

  18. Treatment of Necrotic Teeth by Apical Revascularization: Meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    He, Ling; Zhong, Juan; Gong, Qimei; Kim, Sahng G; Zeichner, Samuel J; Xiang, Lusai; Ye, Ling; Zhou, Xuedong; Zheng, Jinxuan; Liu, Yongxing; Guan, Chenyu; Cheng, Bin; Ling, Junqi; Mao, Jeremy J

    2017-10-24

    Each year ~5.4 million children and adolescents in the United States suffer from dental infections, leading to pulp necrosis, arrested tooth-root development and tooth loss. Apical revascularization, adopted by the American Dental Association for its perceived ability to enable postoperative tooth-root growth, is being accepted worldwide. The objective of the present study is to perform a meta-analysis on apical revascularization. Literature search yielded 22 studies following PRISMA with pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to account for inter-examiner variation. Following apical revascularization with 6- to 66-month recalls, root apices remained open in 13.9% cases (types I), whereas apical calcification bridge formed in 47.2% (type II) and apical closure (type III) in 38.9% cases. Tooth-root lengths lacked significant postoperative gain among all subjects (p = 0.3472) or in subgroups. Root-dentin area showed significant increases in type III, but not in types I or II cases. Root apices narrowed significantly in types II and III, but not in type I patients. Thus, apical revascularization facilitates tooth-root development but lacks consistency in promoting root lengthening, widening or apical closure. Post-operative tooth-root development in immature permanent teeth represents a generalized challenge to regenerate diseased pediatric tissues that must grow to avoid organ defects.

  19. Establishing Apical Patency and its Effect on Endodontic Outcomes

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-06-01

    canal space and periodontal ligament. Establishing apical patency is controversial with only 50% of dental programs in the United States teaching the... periodontal ligament (PDL) (1) where a small file can passively continue through the apical foramen (2). Establishing apical patency is...teeth with apical periodontitis that will eventually heal demonstrate signs of healing at 1 year follow-up, and almost 50% are completely healed

  20. Quantitative Assessment of Apical Debris Extrusion and Intracanal Debris in the Apical Third, Using Hand Instrumentation and Three Rotary Instrumentation Systems

    PubMed Central

    H.K., Sowmya; T.S., Subhash; Goel, Beena Rani; T.N., Nandini; Bhandi, Shilpa H.

    2014-01-01

    Introduction: Decreased apical extrusion of debris and apical one third debris have strong implications for decreased incidence of postoperative inflammation and pain. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess quantitatively the apical extrusion of debris and intracanal debris in the apical third during root canal instrumentation using hand and three different types of rotary instruments. Methodology: Sixty freshly extracted single rooted human teeth were randomly divided into four groups. Canal preparation was done using step-back with hand instrumentation, crown-down technique with respect to ProTaper and K3, and hybrid technique with LightSpeed LSX. Irrigation was done with NaOCl, EDTA, and normal saline and for final irrigation, EndoVac system was used. The apically extruded debris was collected on the pre-weighed Millipore plastic filter disk and weighed using microbalance. The teeth were submitted to the histological processing. Sections from the apical third were analyzed by a trinocular research microscope that was coupled to a computer where the images were captured and analyzed using image proplus V4.1.0.0 software. The mean weight of extruded debris for each group and intracanal debris in the root canal was statistically analyzed by a Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The result showed that, hand instrumentation using K files showed the highest amount of debris extrusion apically when compared to ProTaper, K3 and LightSpeed LSX. The result also showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in relation to presence of intracanal debris in the apical one third. Conclusion: Based on the results, all instrumentation techniques produced debris extrusion. The engine driven Ni-Ti systems extruded significantly less apical debris than hand instrumentation. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in relation to presence of intracanal debris in the apical one

  1. Apical stress distribution under vertical compaction of gutta-percha and occlusal loads in canals with varying apical sizes: a three-dimensional finite element analysis.

    PubMed

    Yuan, K; Niu, C; Xie, Q; Jiang, W; Gao, L; Ma, R; Huang, Z

    2018-02-01

    To investigate and compare the effects of two apical canal instrumentation protocols on apical stress distribution at the root apex under vertical compaction of gutta-percha and occlusal loads using finite element analysis. Three finite element analysis models of a mandibular first premolar were reconstructed: an original canal model, a size 35, .04 taper apical canal enlargement model and a Lightspeed size 60 apical canal enlargement model. A 15 N compaction force was applied vertically to the gutta-percha 5 mm from the apex. A 175 N occlusal load in two directions (vertical and 45° to the longitudinal axis of the tooth) was simulated. Stresses in the apical 2 mm of the root were calculated and compared among the three models. Under vertical compaction, stresses in the apical canal instrumented by Lightspeed size 60 (maximal 3.3 MPa) were higher than that of the size 35, .04 taper model (maximal 1.3 MPa). In the case of the two occlusal forces, the Lightspeed size 60 apical enlargement was associated with the greatest stress distribution in the apical region. The greatest stress and the most obvious stress difference between the models appeared at the tip of the root when occlusal and vertical compaction loads were applied. Apical enlargement caused stress distribution changes in the apical region of roots. The larger apical size led to higher stress concentration at the root apex. © 2017 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  2. Definitions of apical vaginal support loss: a systematic review.

    PubMed

    Meister, Melanie R L; Sutcliffe, Siobhan; Lowder, Jerry L

    2017-03-01

    We sought to identify and summarize definitions of apical support loss utilized for inclusion, success, and failure in surgical trials for treatment of apical vaginal prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition affecting more than 3 million women in the US, and the prevalence is increasing. Prolapse may occur in the anterior compartment, posterior compartment or at the apex. Apical support is considered paramount to overall female pelvic organ support, yet apical support loss is often underrecognized and there are no guidelines for when an apical support procedure should be performed or incorporated into a procedure designed to address prolapse. A systematic literature search was performed in 8 search engines: PubMed 1946-, Embase 1947-, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Database of Abstracts of Review Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, Proquest Dissertations and Theses, and FirstSearch Proceedings, using key words for apical pelvic organ prolapse and apical suspension procedures through April 2016. Searches were limited to human beings using human filters and articles published in English. Study authors (M.R.L.M., J.L.L.) independently reviewed publications for inclusion based on predefined variables. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they satisfied any of the following criteria: (1) apical support loss was an inclusion criterion in the original study, (2) apical support loss was a surgical indication, or (3) an apical support procedure was performed as part of the primary surgery. A total of 4469 publications were identified. After review, 35 articles were included in the analysis. Prolapse-related inclusion criteria were: (1) apical prolapse (n = 20, 57.1%); (2) overall prolapse (n = 8, 22.8%); or (3) both (n = 6, 17.1%). Definitions of apical prolapse (relative to the hymen) included: (1) apical prolapse >-1 cm (n = 13, 50.0%); (2) apical prolapse >+1 cm (n = 7, 26.9%); (3) apical

  3. GPI-anchored proteins are confined in subdiffraction clusters at the apical surface of polarized epithelial cells

    PubMed Central

    Paladino, Simona; Lebreton, Stéphanie; Lelek, Mickaël; Riccio, Patrizia; De Nicola, Sergio; Zimmer, Christophe

    2017-01-01

    Spatio-temporal compartmentalization of membrane proteins is critical for the regulation of diverse vital functions in eukaryotic cells. It was previously shown that, at the apical surface of polarized MDCK cells, glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) are organized in small cholesterol-independent clusters of single GPI-AP species (homoclusters), which are required for the formation of larger cholesterol-dependent clusters formed by multiple GPI-AP species (heteroclusters). This clustered organization is crucial for the biological activities of GPI-APs; hence, understanding the spatio-temporal properties of their membrane organization is of fundamental importance. Here, by using direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy coupled to pair correlation analysis (pc-STORM), we were able to visualize and measure the size of these clusters. Specifically, we show that they are non-randomly distributed and have an average size of 67 nm. We also demonstrated that polarized MDCK and non-polarized CHO cells have similar cluster distribution and size, but different sensitivity to cholesterol depletion. Finally, we derived a model that allowed a quantitative characterization of the cluster organization of GPI-APs at the apical surface of polarized MDCK cells for the first time. Experimental FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer)/FLIM (fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy) data were correlated to the theoretical predictions of the model. PMID:29046391

  4. Revascularization and Apical Plug in an Immature Molar

    PubMed Central

    Roghanizadeh, Leyla; Fazlyab, Mahta

    2018-01-01

    Managing of necrotic permanent teeth with immature apices is a treatment challenges. Treatment of such teeth includes apexification, apical plug and more recently, revascularization technique with the probable advantage of continuation of root development. In the present case report the referred patient had discomfort with a necrotic immature mandibular first molar. Periapical radiography showed a rather large apical lesion around immature roots. Revascularization protocol using calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement was indicated for the mesial root. However, in distal canal apical plug technique was applied. At 2-year follow-up, both procedures were successful in relieving patient’s symptoms. Dentin formation and increase in length of the mesial root was obvious. Apical plug and revascularization technique proved to be successful in management of necrotic immature teeth; moreover, revascularization carried the advantage of continuation of root development. PMID:29692851

  5. Effect of gravity on apical dominance in Pharbitis nil.

    PubMed

    Kitazawa, Daisuke; Fujii, Nobuharu; Suge, Hiroshi; Takahashi, Hideyuki

    2003-10-01

    When the upper part of main shoot of morning glory (Pharbitis nil) is gently bent down, lateral bud on the bending region is released from apical dominance and starts to elongate. But, clinorotating the bending shoots prevents the release of the lateral bud from apical dominance. These results suggest that gravity affects apical dominance in morning glory. Here we verified the gravity-regulated apical dominance by using a weeping morning glory defective in gravitropic response due to abnormal differentiation of endodermis. That is, bending main shoot of the weeping morning glory hardly caused the lateral bud to elongate. In addition, decapitation of apical bud released the lateral bud from apical dominance, and exogenous auxin applied to the cut surface of the decapitated stem was inhibitory to the outgrowth of the lateral bud in the wild type. However, the effect of auxin was much less in the weeping morning glory. Thus, apical dominance of the weeping morning glory was weaker and less influenced by gravity than that of the wild type, which could occur due to abnormal differentiation of endodermis required for graviperception.

  6. Revascularization and periapical repair after endodontic treatment using apical negative pressure irrigation versus conventional irrigation plus triantibiotic intracanal dressing in dogs' teeth with apical periodontitis.

    PubMed

    da Silva, Lea Assed Bezerra; Nelson-Filho, Paulo; da Silva, Raquel Assed Bezerra; Flores, Daniel Silva Herzog; Heilborn, Carlos; Johnson, James D; Cohenca, Nestor

    2010-05-01

    The objective of this study was to evaluate in vivo the revascularization and the apical and periapical repair after endodontic treatment using 2 techniques for root canal disinfection (apical negative pressure irrigation versus apical positive pressure irrigation plus triantibiotic intracanal dressing) in immature dogs' teeth with apical periodontitis. Two test groups of canals with experimentally induced apical periodontitis were evaluated according to the disinfection technique: Group 1, apical negative pressure irrigation (EndoVac system), and Group 2, apical positive pressure irrigation (conventional irrigation) plus triantibiotic intracanal dressing. In Group 3 (positive control), periapical lesions were induced, but no endodontic treatment was done. Group 4 (negative control) was composed of sound teeth. The animals were killed after 90 days and the maxillas and mandibles were subjected to histological processing. The sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Mallory Trichrome and examined under light microscopy. A description of the apical and periapical features was done and scores were attributed to the following histopathological parameters: newly formed mineralized apical tissue, periapical inflammatory infiltrate, apical periodontal ligament thickness, dentin resorption, and bone tissue resorption. Intergroup comparisons were done by the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests (alpha = 0.05). Although statistically significant difference was found only for the inflammatory infiltrate (P < .05), Group 1 presented more exuberant mineralized formations, more structured apical and periapical connective tissue, and a more advanced repair process than Group 2. From the histological observations, sodium hypochlorite irrigation with the EndoVac system can be considered as a promising disinfection protocol in immature teeth with apical periodontitis, suggesting that the use of intracanal antibiotics might not be necessary. Copyright (c) 2010 Mosby, Inc. All

  7. Membrane organization determines barrier properties of endothelial cells and short-chain sphingolipid-facilitated doxorubicin influx.

    PubMed

    van Hell, A J; Klymchenko, A; Gueth, D M; van Blitterswijk, W J; Koning, G A; Verheij, M

    2014-09-01

    The endothelial lining and its outer lipid membrane are the first major barriers drug molecules encounter upon intravenous administration. Our previous work identified lipid analogs that counteract plasma membrane barrier function for a series of amphiphilic drugs. For example, short-chain sphingolipids (SCS), like N-octanoyl-glucosylceramide, effectively elevated doxorubicin accumulation in tumor cells, both in vitro and in vivo, and in endothelial cells, whereas other (normal) cells remained unaffected. We hypothesize here that local membrane lipid composition and the degree of lipid ordering define SCS efficacy in individual cells. To this end, we study the differential effect of SCS on bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) in its confluent versus proliferative state, as a model system. While their (plasma membrane) lipidome stays remarkably unaltered when BAECs reach confluency, their lipids segregate to form apical and basolateral domains. Using probe NR12S, we reveal that lipids in the apical membrane are more condensed/liquid-ordered. SCS preferentially attenuate the barrier posed by these condensed membranes and facilitate doxorubicin influx in these particular membrane regions. We confirm these findings in MDCK cells and artificial membranes. In conclusion, SCS-facilitated drug traversal acts on condensed membrane domains, elicited by confluency in resting endothelium. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Larval body patterning and apical organs are conserved in animal evolution

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Planktonic ciliated larvae are characteristic for the life cycle of marine invertebrates. Their most prominent feature is the apical organ harboring sensory cells and neurons of largely undetermined function. An elucidation of the relationships between various forms of primary larvae and apical organs is key to understanding the evolution of animal life cycles. These relationships have remained enigmatic due to the scarcity of comparative molecular data. Results To compare apical organs and larval body patterning, we have studied regionalization of the episphere, the upper hemisphere of the trochophore larva of the marine annelid Platynereis dumerilii. We examined the spatial distribution of transcription factors and of Wnt signaling components previously implicated in anterior neural development. Pharmacological activation of Wnt signaling with Gsk3β antagonists abolishes expression of apical markers, consistent with a repressive role of Wnt signaling in the specification of apical tissue. We refer to this Wnt-sensitive, six3- and foxq2-expressing part of the episphere as the ‘apical plate’. We also unraveled a molecular signature of the apical organ - devoid of six3 but expressing foxj, irx, nkx3 and hox - that is shared with other marine phyla including cnidarians. Finally, we characterized the cell types that form part of the apical organ by profiling by image registration, which allows parallel expression profiling of multiple cells. Besides the hox-expressing apical tuft cells, this revealed the presence of putative light- and mechanosensory as well as multiple peptidergic cell types that we compared to apical organ cell types of other animal phyla. Conclusions The similar formation of a six3+, foxq2+ apical plate, sensitive to Wnt activity and with an apical tuft in its six3-free center, is most parsimoniously explained by evolutionary conservation. We propose that a simple apical organ - comprising an apical tuft and a basal plexus

  9. Basolateral membrane K+ channels in renal epithelial cells

    PubMed Central

    Devor, Daniel C.

    2012-01-01

    The major function of epithelial tissues is to maintain proper ion, solute, and water homeostasis. The tubule of the renal nephron has an amazingly simple structure, lined by epithelial cells, yet the segments (i.e., proximal tubule vs. collecting duct) of the nephron have unique transport functions. The functional differences are because epithelial cells are polarized and thus possess different patterns (distributions) of membrane transport proteins in the apical and basolateral membranes of the cell. K+ channels play critical roles in normal physiology. Over 90 different genes for K+ channels have been identified in the human genome. Epithelial K+ channels can be located within either or both the apical and basolateral membranes of the cell. One of the primary functions of basolateral K+ channels is to recycle K+ across the basolateral membrane for proper function of the Na+-K+-ATPase, among other functions. Mutations of these channels can cause significant disease. The focus of this review is to provide an overview of the basolateral K+ channels of the nephron, providing potential physiological functions and pathophysiology of these channels, where appropriate. We have taken a “K+ channel gene family” approach in presenting the representative basolateral K+ channels of the nephron. The basolateral K+ channels of the renal epithelia are represented by members of the KCNK, KCNJ, KCNQ, KCNE, and SLO gene families. PMID:22338089

  10. Association of human herpesvirus 6 subtypes with symptomatic apical periodontitis.

    PubMed

    Hernádi, Katinka; Csoma, Eszter; Adám, Balázs; Szalmás, Anita; Gyöngyösi, Eszter; Veress, György; Ildikó-Márton; Kónya, József

    2011-09-01

    The occurrence of human herpesvirus (HHV) 6 subtypes A and B in apical periodontitis was determined. The relationship of HHV-6 subtypes to other disease associated herpesviruses, i.e., Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human cytomegalovirus, was also investigated. Forty apical periodontitis samples (17 symptomatic and 23 asymptomatic) and 40 healthy pulp control samples were collected. Nested polymerase chain reaction was used to detect HHV-6 DNA. HHV-6 DNA was observed in significantly higher frequencies in apical periodontitis samples than in control samples (20% vs. 2.5%; P = .03). Further classification of apical lesions revealed that subtype B of HHV-6 was significantly associated with large-sized and symptomatic lesions (P < .01). Thirty-one apical lesions (77%) harbored ≥1 of the tested herpesviruses: EBV was the most frequent herpesvirus (72.5%) in apical periodontitis, followed by HHV-6 (20%). Our findings suggest that EBV and HHV-6B infections can be associated with symptomatic apical periodontitis. Copyright © 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. On the causes of persistent apical periodontitis: a review.

    PubMed

    Nair, P N R

    2006-04-01

    Apical periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of periradicular tissues caused by aetiological agents of endodontic origin. Persistent apical periodontitis occurs when root canal treatment of apical periodontitis has not adequately eliminated intraradicular infection. Problems that lead to persistent apical periodontitis include: inadequate aseptic control, poor access cavity design, missed canals, inadequate instrumentation, debridement and leaking temporary or permanent restorations. Even when the most stringent procedures are followed, apical periodontitis may still persist as asymptomatic radiolucencies, because of the complexity of the root canal system formed by the main and accessory canals, their ramifications and anastomoses where residual infection can persist. Further, there are extraradicular factors -- located within the inflamed periapical tissue -- that can interfere with post-treatment healing of apical periodontitis. The causes of apical periodontitis persisting after root canal treatment have not been well characterized. During the 1990s, a series of investigations have shown that there are six biological factors that lead to asymptomatic radiolucencies persisting after root canal treatment. These are: (i) intraradicular infection persisting in the complex apical root canal system; (ii) extraradicular infection, generally in the form of periapical actinomycosis; (iii) extruded root canal filling or other exogenous materials that cause a foreign body reaction; (iv) accumulation of endogenous cholesterol crystals that irritate periapical tissues; (v) true cystic lesions, and (vi) scar tissue healing of the lesion. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the causative factors of non-resolving periapical lesions that are seen as asymptomatic radiolucencies post-treatment.

  12. Floating retained root lesion mimicking apical periodontitis.

    PubMed

    Chung, Ming-Pang; Chen, Chih-Ping; Shieh, Yi-Shing

    2009-10-01

    A case of a retained root tip simulating apical periodontitis on radiographic examination is described. The retained root tip, originating from the left lower first molar, floated under the left lower second premolar apical region mimicking apical periodontitis. It appeared as an ill-defined periapical radiolucency containing a smaller radiodense mass on radiograph. The differential diagnosis included focal sclerosing osteomyelitis (condensing osteitis) and ossifying fibroma. Upon exicisional biopsy, a retained root associated with granulation tissue was found. After 1-year follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic and the periradicular lesion was healing. Meanwhile, the associated tooth showed a normal response to stimulation testing.

  13. Does apical root resection in endodontic microsurgery jeopardize the prosthodontic prognosis?

    PubMed Central

    Cho, Sin-Yeon

    2013-01-01

    Apical surgery cuts off the apical root and the crown-to-root ratio becomes unfavorable. Crown-to-root ratio has been applied to periodontally compromised teeth. Apical root resection is a different matter from periodontal bone loss. The purpose of this paper is to review the validity of crown-to-root ratio in the apically resected teeth. Most roots have conical shape and the root surface area of coronal part is wider than apical part of the same length. Therefore loss of alveolar bone support from apical resection is much less than its linear length.The maximum stress from mastication concentrates on the cervical area and the minimum stress was found on the apical 1/3 area. Therefore apical root resection is not so harmful as periodontal bone loss. Osteotomy for apical resection reduces longitudinal width of the buccal bone and increases the risk of endo-perio communication which leads to failure. Endodontic microsurgery is able to realize 0 degree or shallow bevel and precise length of root resection, and minimize the longitudinal width of osteotomy. The crown-to-root ratio is not valid in evaluating the prosthodontic prognosis of the apically resected teeth. Accurate execution of endodontic microsurgery to preserve the buccal bone is essential to avoid endo-perio communication. PMID:23741707

  14. The APIC research agenda: results from a national survey.

    PubMed

    Wright, Marc-Oliver; Carter, Eileen; Pogorzelska, Monika; Murphy, Cathryn; Hanchett, Marilyn; Stone, Patricia W

    2012-05-01

    Research is an integral component of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Strategic Plan 2020. As the role of the infection preventionist (IP) has evolved toward consumers and implementers of research, it becomes increasingly necessary to assess which topics require further evidence and how best APIC can assist IPs. In 2010, APIC determined that the research priorities first described in 2000 needed to be re-evaluated. A 33-question Web-based survey was developed and distributed via e-mail to APIC members in March 2011. The survey contained sections inquiring about respondents' demographics, familiarity with implementation science, and infection prevention research priorities. Priorities identified by a Delphi study 10 years ago were re-ranked, and open-ended items were used to identify new research priorities and understand how APIC could best serve its members in relation to research. Seven hundred one members responded. Behavioral management science, surveillance standards, and infection prevention resource optimization were the highest ranked priorities and relatively unchanged from 2000. Proposed additional research topics focused on achieving standardization in infection prevention practices and program resource allocation. The majority of respondents described APIC's role in the field of research as a disseminator of low-cost, highly accessible education to its members. This report should be used as a roadmap for APIC leadership as it provides suggestions on how APIC may best direct the association's research program. The major research priorities described and ranked in 2000 continue to challenge IPs. APIC can best serve its members by disseminating research findings in a cost-effective and easily accessed manner. Recurrent assessments of research priorities can help guide researchers and policy makers and help determine which topics will best support successful infection prevention processes and outcomes. Published

  15. Morphogenesis of the mouse neural plate depends on distinct roles of cofilin 1 in apical and basal epithelial domains

    PubMed Central

    Grego-Bessa, Joaquim; Hildebrand, Jeffrey; Anderson, Kathryn V.

    2015-01-01

    The genetic control of mammalian epithelial polarity and dynamics can be studied in vivo at cellular resolution during morphogenesis of the mouse neural tube. The mouse neural plate is a simple epithelium that is transformed into a columnar pseudostratified tube over the course of ∼24 h. Apical F-actin is known to be important for neural tube closure, but the precise roles of actin dynamics in the neural epithelium are not known. To determine how the organization of the neural epithelium and neural tube closure are affected when actin dynamics are blocked, we examined the cellular basis of the neural tube closure defect in mouse mutants that lack the actin-severing protein cofilin 1 (CFL1). Although apical localization of the adherens junctions, the Par complex, the Crumbs complex and SHROOM3 is normal in the mutants, CFL1 has at least two distinct functions in the apical and basal domains of the neural plate. Apically, in the absence of CFL1 myosin light chain does not become phosphorylated, indicating that CFL1 is required for the activation of apical actomyosin required for neural tube closure. On the basal side of the neural plate, loss of CFL1 has the opposite effect on myosin: excess F-actin and myosin accumulate and the ectopic myosin light chain is phosphorylated. The basal accumulation of F-actin is associated with the assembly of ectopic basal tight junctions and focal disruptions of the basement membrane, which eventually lead to a breakdown of epithelial organization. PMID:25742799

  16. Double-u double-u double-u dot APIC dot org: a review of the APIC World Wide Web site.

    PubMed

    Harr, J

    1996-12-01

    The widespread use of the Internet and the development of the World Wide Web have led to a revolution in electronic communication and information access. The Association for Professional in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has developed a site on the World Wide Web to provide mechanisms for international on-line information access and exchange on issues related to the practice of infection control and the application of epidemiology. From the home page of the APIC Web site, users can access information on professional resources, publications, educational offering, governmental affairs, the APIC organization, and the infection control profession. Among the chief features of the site is a discussion forum for posing questions and sharing information about infection control and epidemiology. The site also contains a searchable database of practice-related abstracts and descriptions and order forms for APIC publications. Users will find continuing education course descriptions and registration forms, legislative and regulatory action alerts and a congressional mailer, chapter and committee information, and infection control information of interest to the general public. APIC is considering several potential future enhancements to their Web site and will continue to review the site's content and features to provide current and useful information to infection control professionals.

  17. Ultrathin Polymer Membranes with Patterned, Micrometric Pores for Organs-on-Chips.

    PubMed

    Pensabene, Virginia; Costa, Lino; Terekhov, Alexander Y; Gnecco, Juan S; Wikswo, John P; Hofmeister, William H

    2016-08-31

    The basal lamina or basement membrane (BM) is a key physiological system that participates in physicochemical signaling between tissue types. Its formation and function are essential in tissue maintenance, growth, angiogenesis, disease progression, and immunology. In vitro models of the BM (e.g., Boyden and transwell chambers) are common in cell biology and lab-on-a-chip devices where cells require apical and basolateral polarization. Extravasation, intravasation, membrane transport of chemokines, cytokines, chemotaxis of cells, and other key functions are routinely studied in these models. The goal of the present study was to integrate a semipermeable ultrathin polymer membrane with precisely positioned pores of 2 μm diameter in a microfluidic device with apical and basolateral chambers. We selected poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA), a transparent biocompatible polymer, to prepare the semipermeable ultrathin membranes. The pores were generated by pattern transfer using a three-step method coupling femtosecond laser machining, polymer replication, and spin coating. Each step of the fabrication process was characterized by scanning electron microscopy to investigate reliability of the process and fidelity of pattern transfer. In order to evaluate the compatibility of the fabrication method with organs-on-a-chip technology, porous PLLA membranes were embedded in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic devices and used to grow human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECS) on top of the membrane with perfusion through the basolateral chamber. Viability of cells, optical transparency of membranes and strong adhesion of PLLA to PDMS were observed, thus confirming the suitability of the prepared membranes for use in organs-on-a-chip devices.

  18. Herpesviruses in asymptomatic apical periodontitis lesions: an immunohistochemical approach.

    PubMed

    Saboia-Dantas, C J; Coutrin de Toledo, L F; Sampaio-Filho, H R; Siqueira, J F

    2007-10-01

    Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) have been recently detected in samples from apical periodontitis lesions by means of molecular biology techniques and a role in the pathogenesis of this disease has been suggested. The present study was designed to survey asymptomatic primary apical periodontitis lesions for the presence of HCMV- and/or EBV-infected cells by means of immunohistochemistry. Apical periodontitis lesions were obtained from 35 patients [26 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -seronegative patients and nine HIV-seropositive patients] after tooth extraction and subjected to immunohistochemical analysis using monoclonal antibodies specific for HCMV and EBV. Fifteen of the 35 apical periodontitis lesions were positive for the target herpesviruses. Overall, EBV was found in 31% of the samples and HCMV in 23%, with 14% of the lesions showing EBV and HCMV dual infection. No association was found between HCMV or EBV with any particular histopathological type of apical periodontitis (P > 0.05). HCMV was significantly more frequent in apical periodontitis lesions from HIV-positive patients (67%) than in lesions from HIV-negative patients (8%) (P = 0.001). EBV was detected in 44% of lesions from HIV-positive patients and in 27% of lesions from HIV-negative patients, but this difference was not significant (P = 0.91). Our results showed that cells infected by HCMV and EBV can be found in apical periodontitis lesions, with a higher prevalence in HIV-positive patients. The specific role that these viruses play in the pathogenesis of apical periodontitis remains to be described.

  19. GPI-anchored proteins are confined in subdiffraction clusters at the apical surface of polarized epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Paladino, Simona; Lebreton, Stéphanie; Lelek, Mickaël; Riccio, Patrizia; De Nicola, Sergio; Zimmer, Christophe; Zurzolo, Chiara

    2017-12-01

    Spatio-temporal compartmentalization of membrane proteins is critical for the regulation of diverse vital functions in eukaryotic cells. It was previously shown that, at the apical surface of polarized MDCK cells, glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) are organized in small cholesterol-independent clusters of single GPI-AP species (homoclusters), which are required for the formation of larger cholesterol-dependent clusters formed by multiple GPI-AP species (heteroclusters). This clustered organization is crucial for the biological activities of GPI-APs; hence, understanding the spatio-temporal properties of their membrane organization is of fundamental importance. Here, by using direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy coupled to pair correlation analysis (pc-STORM), we were able to visualize and measure the size of these clusters. Specifically, we show that they are non-randomly distributed and have an average size of 67 nm. We also demonstrated that polarized MDCK and non-polarized CHO cells have similar cluster distribution and size, but different sensitivity to cholesterol depletion. Finally, we derived a model that allowed a quantitative characterization of the cluster organization of GPI-APs at the apical surface of polarized MDCK cells for the first time. Experimental FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer)/FLIM (fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy) data were correlated to the theoretical predictions of the model. © 2017 The Author(s).

  20. Participation of IAA in transduction of gravistimulus in apical cells of moss protonema

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Oksyniuk, U. A.; Khorkavtsiv, O. Y.; Lesniak, Y. I.

    carried out experiments it can be suggested that high concentrations of IAA and 1-NAA result in surplus of IAA cells led, probably, to a destruction of the apical-basal gradient in cells. Our results testify that NPA inhibits the gravitropism stronger than the growth of protonema. The peculiarity of moss protonema is that the growth orientation change is a result of a transference of growth zone in the apical cell dome caused by amyloplasts sedimentation inducing lateral asymmetry of Ca2+ and apical-basal IAA flow what in its turn manifests itself in distribution of IAA and/or Ca2+ channels in apical cell dome plasma membrane ( Schwuchow et al., 2001). The transport of IAA in apical cells, probably, functionally polarizes it and just that polarizing function is dominant in cells with tip growth.

  1. Asymmetry of plasma membrane lipid order in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cells.

    PubMed

    Le Grimellec, C; Friedlander, G; Giocondi, M C

    1988-07-01

    Fluorescence anisotropy experiments have been done to estimate, in situ, the lipid order of the plasma membrane of polarized Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cells (MDCK) grown on glass cover slips and labeled by 1-[4-(trimethylamino)phenyl]-6-phenylhexa-1,3,5-triene (TMA-DPH), a specific marker of the plasma membrane of living cells. Fluorescence microscopy, back-exchange, and quenching experiments indicated that TMA-DPH labeled the highly ordered (r greater than or equal to 0.32, 37 degrees C) apical domain of the plasma membrane of confluent monolayers. Opening of tight junctions or addition of the probe to cell suspensions resulted in a homogeneous distribution of TMA-DPH over the cell surface and in a marked decrease in anisotropy (0.27 less than or equal to r less than or equal to 0.29) that was due neither to a direct effect of Ca2+ on the probe nor to a change in fluorescence lifetime. Our data indicate that the apical domain, likely the external leaflet, of the plasma membrane of polarized MDCK cells is much more ordered than its basolateral counterpart.

  2. Choroid plexus epithelial cells express the adhesion protein P-cadherin at cell-cell contacts and syntaxin-4 in the luminal membrane domain.

    PubMed

    Christensen, Inga Baasch; Mogensen, Esben Nees; Damkier, Helle Hasager; Praetorius, Jeppe

    2018-05-01

    The choroid plexus epithelial cells (CPECs) belong to a small group of polarized cells, where the Na + -K + -ATPase is expressed in the luminal membrane. The basic polarity of the cells is, therefore, still debated. We investigated the subcellular distribution of an array of proteins known to play fundamental roles either in establishing and maintaining basic cell polarity or in the polarized delivery and recycling of plasma membrane proteins. Immunofluorescence histochemical analysis was applied to determine the subcellular localization of apical and basolateral membrane determinants. Mass spectrometry analysis of CPECs isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting was applied to determine the expression of specific forms of the proteins. CPECs mainly express the cell-adhesive P-cadherin, which is localized to the lateral membranes. Proteins belonging to the Crumbs and partitioning defective (Par) protein complexes were all localized to the luminal membrane domain. Par-1 and the Scribble complex were localized to the basolateral membrane domain. Lethal(2) giant larvae homolog 2 (Lgl2) labeling was preferentially observed in the luminal membrane domain. Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP 3 ) was immunolocalized to the basolateral membrane domain, while phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP 2 ) staining was most prominent in the luminal membrane domain along with the PIP 3 phosphatase, Pten. The apical target-SNARE syntaxin-3 and the basolateral target-SNARE syntaxin-4 were both localized to the apical membrane domain in CPECs, which lack cellular expression of the clathrin adaptor protein AP-1B for basolateral protein recycling. In conclusion, the CPECs are conventionally polarized, but express P-cadherin at cell-cell contacts, and Lgl2 and syntaxin-4 in the luminal plasma membrane domain.

  3. Microbiology and Treatment of Acute Apical Abscesses

    PubMed Central

    Rôças, Isabela N.

    2013-01-01

    SUMMARY Acute apical abscess is the most common form of dental abscess and is caused by infection of the root canal of the tooth. It is usually localized intraorally, but in some cases the apical abscess may spread and result in severe complications or even mortality. The reasons why dental root canal infections can become symptomatic and evolve to severe spreading and sometimes life-threatening abscesses remain elusive. Studies using culture and advanced molecular microbiology methods for microbial identification in apical abscesses have demonstrated a multispecies community conspicuously dominated by anaerobic bacteria. Species/phylotypes commonly found in these infections belong to the genera Fusobacterium, Parvimonas, Prevotella, Porphyromonas, Dialister, Streptococcus, and Treponema. Advances in DNA sequencing technologies and computational biology have substantially enhanced the knowledge of the microbiota associated with acute apical abscesses and shed some light on the etiopathogeny of this disease. Species richness and abundance and the resulting network of interactions among community members may affect the collective pathogenicity and contribute to the development of acute infections. Disease modifiers, including transient or permanent host-related factors, may also influence the development and severity of acute abscesses. This review focuses on the current evidence about the etiology and treatment of acute apical abscesses and how the process is influenced by host-related factors and proposes future directions in research, diagnosis, and therapeutic approaches to deal with this disease. PMID:23554416

  4. Incidence of apical root cracks and apical dentinal detachments after canal preparation with hand and rotary files at different instrumentation lengths.

    PubMed

    Liu, Rui; Kaiwar, Anjali; Shemesh, Hagay; Wesselink, Paul R; Hou, Benxiang; Wu, Min-Kai

    2013-01-01

    The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of apical root cracks and dentinal detachments after canal preparation with hand and rotary files at different instrumentation lengths. Two hundred forty mandibular incisors were mounted in resin blocks with simulated periodontal ligaments, and the apex was exposed. The root canals were instrumented with rotary and hand files, namely K3, ProTaper, and nickel-titanium Flex K files to the major apical foramen (AF), short AF, or beyond AF. Digital images of the apical surface of every tooth were taken during the apical enlargement at each file change. Development of dentinal defects was determined by comparing these images with the baseline image. Multinomial logistic regression test was performed to identify influencing factors. Apical crack developed in 1 of 80 teeth (1.3%) with hand files and 31 of 160 teeth (19.4%) with rotary files. Apical dentinal detachment developed in 2 of 80 teeth (2.5%) with hand files and 35 of 160 teeth (21.9%) with rotary files. Instrumentation with rotary files terminated 2 mm short of AF and did not cause any cracks. Significantly less cracks and detachments occurred when instrumentation with rotary files was terminated short of AF, as compared with that terminated at or beyond AF (P < .05). The AF deviated from the anatomic apex in 128 of 240 teeth (53%). Significantly more apical dentinal detachments appeared in teeth with a deviated AF (P = .033). Rotary instruments caused more dentinal defects than hand instruments; instrumentation short of AF reduced the risk of dentinal defects. Copyright © 2013 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Dynamic apical surface rings in superficial layer cells of koi Cyprinus carpio scale epidermis.

    PubMed

    DePasquale, J A

    2016-09-01

    This study examined the novel ring-shaped structures found in the apical surface of individual cells of the scale epidermis of koi Cyprinus carpio. These apical rings are highly dynamic structures with lifetimes ranging from a few to several minutes. While several ring forms were observed, the predominant ring morphology is circular or oval. Two distinct ring forms were identified and designated type I and type II. Type I rings have a well-defined outer border that encircles the surface microridges. Type II rings are smooth-surfaced, dinner-plate-like structures with membranous folds or compressed microridges in the centre. Type II rings appear less frequently than type I rings. Type I rings form spontaneously, arising from swollen or physically interrupted microridges but without initially perturbing the encircled microridges. After persisting for up to several minutes the ring closes in a centripetal movement to form a circular or irregular-shaped structure, the terminal disc. The terminal disc eventually disappears, leaving behind a submembranous vesicle-like structure, the terminal body. Type I rings can undergo multiple cycles of formation and closing. Recycling epidermal apical rings form through centrifugal expansion from the terminal disc followed by apparent contraction back to the disc structure, whereupon the cycle may repeat or cease. The findings demonstrate a novel skin surface structure in fishes and are discussed with respect to communication with the external aqueous environment. © 2016 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

  6. [Apical resorption in pre-surgical orthodontics].

    PubMed

    Piasente, M; Merlini, C; Amelotti, C; Antonioli, M; Roghi, M

    1991-07-15

    Apical root resorption is a frequent phenomenon observed in pre-surgical orthodontic; the reason is double: we deal with adult patients and we often move the teeth in the opposite direction compared to the position obtained in previous inefficacious orthodontic treatments. Notwithstanding the amount of apical root resorption we couldn't record an hyper-mobility of the teeth and a long term evaluation of occlusal stability didn't show any significant change.

  7. Evaluation of Bacteriological Profile in the Apical Root Segment of the Patients with Primary Apical Periodontitis.

    PubMed

    Tatikonda, Aravind; Sudheep, N; Biswas, Krishna P; Gowtham, K; Pujari, Sudarshan; Singh, Padam

    2017-01-01

    Apical periodontitis usually results from bacterial accumulation and contamination occurring in the root-canal system, and extending beyond the apical foramen to involve the periapical tissues. Literature has a paucity of the studies that stress on the division and analysis of the pulp canal segments. The reason for this disparity might be the technique used for collecting the samples from the pulp canals. Hence, we carried out the present study to evaluate the microbial flora in the apical part of the roots with necrotic pulp canals. The present study included the assessment of 40 freshly extracted teeth that had necrotized pulpal tissue along with the presence of periapical periodontal lesions. Removal of the soft tissue lesions attached to the root portion of the teeth along with apical periodontal lesions was done with the help of scalpel blade, after rinsing them with a sterile solution of saline. Thorough cleaning of the root surfaces was done with hydrogen peroxide followed by rapid disinfection with the help of sodium hypochlorite at varying concentrations. Sectioning of the root portion of all the specimens with the help of a disk was done perpendicular to the long axis of the teeth at a distance of roughly 5 to 6 mm from the teeth's apicalmost point. Cryotubes were used for transferring the specimens of apical portions containing 1 mL of buffer and were subjected to immediate frozen processing at a temperature of -20°C. A 10 K-type file was used for the initial collection of the samples followed by subsequent incubation of the files and paper pints in the incubation cabinet. Subsequent deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction from the samples was done following the procedure described by Siqueira et al. Paster et al's modification of the reverse-capture checkerboard assay was used in the present study. Semiquantitative data were used for overcoming the difficulties arising due to obtaining the counts of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based analysis of

  8. Association between bacteria occurring in the apical canal system and expression of bone-resorbing mediators and matrix metalloproteinases in apical periodontitis.

    PubMed

    Takahama, A; Rôças, I N; Faustino, I S P; Alves, F R F; Azevedo, R S; Gomes, C C; Araújo-Filho, W R; Siqueira, J F

    2018-07-01

    To evaluate the association between the presence of selected bacterial species/groups in the apical root canal and expression of mediators of soft and bone tissue destruction in apical periodontitis lesions. Relationships between bacteria and some other features of apical periodontitis were also investigated. Seventeen freshly extracted teeth with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis were included. The apical root segment was sectioned and cryopulverized; DNA was extracted and evaluated for the presence of 9 bacterial species/groups using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Lesions were processed for histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses, which targeted matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -9 (MMP-9), receptor activator of NFκB (RANK), RANK ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG). Associations of the target bacteria with expression of these mediators, presence of symptoms, lesion size and histopathological diagnosis were evaluated. Data were analysed using the chi-square, Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney and Pearson tests. P values lower than 0.05 were considered significant. All pulverized apical root samples were positive for bacteria. The most prevalent taxa were Actinobacteria (53%), Streptococcus species (35%), Fusobacterium species and Parvimonas micra (18%). The target mediators exhibited a high mean expression in the lesions (MMP-2: 82%; MMP-9: 73%; RANK: 78%; RANKL; 81%; OPG; 83%). Mean RANKL:OPG ratio was significantly higher in granulomas than cysts (P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney test). Actinobacteria were associated with granulomas, higher MMP-2 expression, lower OPG expression, and higher RANKL:OPG ratio (P < 0.05 for all, Fisher's exact test or Mann-Whitney test). No other significant associations were found. Actinobacteria may play an important role in the active phase of soft and bone tissue destruction in apical periodontitis. © 2018 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  9. Effect of apical size and taper on volume of irrigant delivered at working length with apical negative pressure at different root curvatures.

    PubMed

    de Gregorio, Cesar; Arias, Ana; Navarrete, Natalia; Del Rio, Veronica; Oltra, Enrique; Cohenca, Nestor

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect that apical preparation size and preparation taper have on the volume of irrigant delivered at the working length for different canal curvatures using apical negative pressure irrigation. One hundred fifty-five human teeth (55 maxillary canines and 100 mandibular molars) were used in this study. Root canals were prepared with rotary instruments to a size 35.04 and separated into 3 experimental groups according to their degree of curvature: group A (n = 50) included canal curvatures ranging from 0° to 10°, group B (n = 50) from 11° to 30°, and group C (n = 50) from 31° to 65°. Samples of each curvature group were further randomized to experimental subgroups according to the apical size and taper as follow: 35.06, 40.04, 40.06, 45.04, and 45.06. The apical third was irrigated using a microcannula and the volume of NaOCl suctioned at the working length under negative pressure was measured over a period of 30 seconds using a fluid recovery trap. Positive controls consisted of measuring the maximum volume of 5.25% NaOCl capable of being suctioned by the microcannula from an open glass vial over 30 seconds. Negative control was the volume of irrigant aspirated by the microcannula with a preparation size of 25.04 over 30 seconds. The volume of irrigant was significantly greater when the apical preparation size increased from 35.06 to 40.04. As the apical preparation taper increased further from 40.04 to 40.06, the volume of irrigant significantly improved in group B, but it was not significant in group A. Apical preparation sizes greater than 40.06 did not show an increase of the volume of irrigant aspirated. The degree of root canal curvature decreased the volume of irrigant at the working length for a given apical size and taper. An apical preparation of 40.06 significantly increased the volume and exchange of irrigant at the working length regardless of curvature. Copyright © 2013 American

  10. Does apical negative pressure prevent the apical extrusion of debris and irrigant compared with conventional irrigation? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Romualdo, Priscilla Coutinho; de Oliveira, Katharina Morant Holanda; Nemezio, Mariana Alencar; Küchler, Erika Calvano; Silva, Raquel Assed Bezerra; Nelson-Filho, Paulo; Silva, Lea Assed Bezerra

    2017-12-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate if apical negative pressure (ANP) irrigation prevents the apical extrusion of debris and irrigant compared with conventional needle irrigation through a systematic review and meta-analysis. A computer search of dental literature was performed using four different databases. A combination of the terms 'apical negative pressure', 'endovac', 'apical extrusion', 'extrusion' and 'endodontics' was used. Studies that used extracted human teeth with a mature apex and that evaluated the apical extrusion of debris and/or irrigating solution were included. After an evaluation of the full studies according to the eligibility criteria, eight studies were critically analysed and subjected to quality assessment and risk of bias. Only four studies that evaluated extrusion of irrigant were considered as having high methodological quality and were subjected to a meta-analysis. Studies evaluating extrusion of debris did not have sufficient methodological quality to be subjected to the meta-analysis. The forest plot indicated that ANP irrigation prevents the risk of irrigant extrusion compared with conventional irrigation (OR 0.07 [95%CI 0.02-0.20]; P < 0.00001). This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that ANP prevents the apical extrusion of irrigant. There is no evidence if this type of irrigation prevents the extrusion of debris. © 2017 Australian Society of Endodontology Inc.

  11. [Electrocardiographic differences between apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and apical non-ST segment myocardial infarction].

    PubMed

    Chillik, Iván; Gil Ramírez, Andreina; Ordóñez, Santiago; Tomás, Leandro; Parodi, Josefina; Costabel, Juan Pablo

    2018-01-01

    Apocal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (AHCM) is a phenotypic variant within hypertrophic cardiomyopathies, in which ventricular repolarization alterations are present. These electrocardiographic disturbances can mimic an anterior infarction which triggers a series of studies and treatments that may be unnecessary. The aim of this study was to describe and compare electrocardiographic differences in a series of patients with AHCM and apical non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction in patients (NSTEMI) with T-wave changes. We conducted an observational and retrospective study, including patients with diagnosed AHCM (N = 19) and apical NSTEMI (N = 19) with negative T waves in V1 and V6 lead of the EKG. Those with AHCM presented higher T-wave voltage (7 mV vs. 5 mV, p = 0.001) and peak voltage (29 mV vs. 17 mV, p = 0.003), higher R-waves (25 mV vs. 10 mV, p = 0.0001), and a maximum voltage of R and T sum (R + T) significantly higher (33 vs. 14, p = 0.00001). They also showed a greater T-wave asymmetry, with a TiTp / TpTf ratio > 1. At a cut-off value of 26.5 mV for the R + T variable, 68% sensitivity and 100% specificity were obtained to diagnose AHCM. This study shows the existence of major differences in electrocardiographic presentation of AHCM and apical NSTEMI.

  12. Bone resorptive activity in symptomatic and asymptomatic apical lesions of endodontic origin.

    PubMed

    Salinas-Muñoz, M; Garrido-Flores, M; Baeza, M; Huamán-Chipana, P; García-Sesnich, J; Bologna, R; Vernal, R; Hernández, M

    2017-11-01

    The aim of this study is to assess the levels and diagnostic accuracy of a set of bone resorption biomarkers, including TRAP-5, RANKL, and OPG in symptomatic and asymptomatic apical lesions and controls. Apical tissues from symptomatic and asymptomatic apical periodontitis patients and periodontal ligaments from healthy teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons were processed for tissue homogenization and the levels of TRAP-5, RANKL, and OPG were determined by multiplex assay. Marker levels were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis test, and diagnostic accuracy was analyzed with ROC curves. Higher levels of RANKL, OPG, and RANKL/OPG ratio were determined in both types of apical lesions compared to healthy periodontal ligament, whereas higher TRAP-5 levels were found only in symptomatic apical lesions (p < 0.05). OPG, RANKL, and RANKL/OPG ratio showed diagnostic potential to identify apical lesions versus healthy controls (AUC = 0.69, p < 0.05); while TRAP-5 showed a potential to discriminate symptomatic versus asymptomatic apical periodontitis (AUC = 0.71, p < 0.05) and healthy controls (AUC = 0.83, p < 0.05). Apical lesions showed higher RANKL and OPG levels than healthy tissues. TRAP-5 levels were the highest in symptomatic apical lesions, suggesting that these represent a progressive state, and showed diagnostic potential. Clinically symptomatic apical periodontitis might represent biologically progressive apical lesions based on TRAP5 levels. TRAP5 has diagnostic potential to identify these lesions, representing a candidate prognostic biomarker.

  13. The sodium-bicarbonate cotransporter NBCe2 (slc4a5) expressed in human renal proximal tubules shows increased apical expression under high-salt conditions.

    PubMed

    Gildea, John J; Xu, Peng; Carlson, Julia M; Gaglione, Robert T; Bigler Wang, Dora; Kemp, Brandon A; Reyes, Camellia M; McGrath, Helen E; Carey, Robert M; Jose, Pedro A; Felder, Robin A

    2015-12-01

    The electrogenic sodium bicarbonate cotransporter (NBCe2) is encoded by SLC4A5, variants of which have been associated with salt sensitivity of blood pressure, which affects 25% of the adult population. NBCe2 is thought to mediate sodium bicarbonate cotransport primarily in the renal collecting duct, but NBCe2 mRNA is also found in the rodent renal proximal tubule (RPT). The protein expression or function of NBCe2 has not been demonstrated in the human RPT. We validated an NBCe2 antibody by shRNA and Western blot analysis, as well as overexpression of an epitope-tagged NBCe2 construct in both RPT cells (RPTCs) and human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells. Using this validated NBCe2 antibody, we found NBCe2 protein expression in the RPT of fresh and frozen human kidney slices, RPTCs isolated from human urine, and isolated RPTC apical membrane. Under basal conditions, NBCe2 was primarily found in the Golgi, while NBCe1 was primarily found at the basolateral membrane. Following an acute short-term increase in intracellular sodium, NBCe2 expression was increased at the apical membrane in cultured slices of human kidney and polarized, immortalized RPTCs. Sodium bicarbonate transport was increased by monensin and overexpression of NBCe2, decreased by NBCe2 shRNA, but not by NBCe1 shRNA, and blocked by 2,2'-(1,2-ethenediyl)bis[5-isothiocyanato-benzenesulfonic acid]. NBCe2 could be important in apical sodium and bicarbonate cotransport under high-salt conditions; the implication of the ex vivo studies to the in vivo situation when salt intake is increased remains unclear. Therefore, future studies will examine the role of NBCe2 in mediating increased renal sodium transport in humans whose blood pressures are elevated by an increase in sodium intake. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

  14. A biomechanical hypothesis for the pathophysiology of apical lung disease.

    PubMed

    Casha, Aaron R; Manché, Alexander; Camilleri, Liberato; Gatt, Ruben; Dudek, Krzysztof; Pace-Bardon, Michael; Gauci, Marilyn; Grima, Joseph N

    2016-07-01

    A hypothesis is presented suggesting that the pathogenesis of apical lung disease is due to progression of subclinical congenital apical bullae in people with low Body Mass Index (BMI), a combination present in 15% of the population, due to high pleural stress levels present in the antero-posteriorly flattened chests of these individuals. The hypothesis was tested for validity in two apical lung pathologies with widespread epidemiological literature, namely tuberculosis (TB) and primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP), assessing whether the hypothesis could identify high-risk populations, explain exceptional cases like apical lower lobe disease and confirm predictions. The biomechanical hypothesis can explain the high-risk factors of apical location, age, gender and low-BMI build, as well as the occurrence of disease in the apex of the lower lobe, in both TB and PSP patients. A predicted common pathogenesis for apical lung disease was confirmed by the higher-than-expected incidence of concomitant TB and PSP. Pleural stress levels depend on chest wall shape, but are highest in the apex of young males with low BMI, leading to growth of congenital bullae that can eventually limit clearance inhaled material, superinfect or burst. This hypothesis suggests that low-dose computerized tomography may be used to screen for TB eradication. This paper is the first to propose a biomechanical mechanism for all apical lung disease pathophysiology. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Apical-access-related complications associated with trans-catheter aortic valve implantation.

    PubMed

    Bleiziffer, Sabine; Piazza, Nicolo; Mazzitelli, Domenico; Opitz, Anke; Bauernschmitt, Robert; Lange, Rüdiger

    2011-08-01

    The left-ventricular trans-apical access has become well established for trans-catheter aortic valve implantation, especially for patients in whom a retrograde trans-arterial implantation is contraindicated. We report on the short- and long-term implications of the apical-access-site-specific complications. Between June 2007 and August 2010, 143 patients were scheduled for trans-apical aortic valve implantation (mean age 80 ± 6 years, n=116 females, mean logistic EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) 21 ± 13%). The patients are followed up at 30 days, 6 months, and then annually. Severe apical bleeding complications occurred in 10 patients (7%). In three of these patients, the procedure was terminated, and no valve was implanted. In the remaining, the bleeding was controlled with cardiopulmonary bypass support (n=3), via median sternotomy (n=1), or both (n=1) ± later re-exploration. Two additional patients required postprocedural re-exploration for apical bleeding. An apical pseudo-aneurysm developed in two patients (2%), one of whom was treated by surgical revision. Survival was significantly impaired when either apical bleeding, aneurysm, or re-exploration occurred (75% ± 0.082 survival at 30 days and 59% ± 0.122 at 1 year vs 94% ± 0.023 and 80% ± 0.043 in patients without apical complications, p=0.012). Twelve patients (8%) experienced secondary wound healing. An apical hypo- or akinesia was detected in 18/54 (33%) patients at 6 months' echocardiographic investigation, and in 11/30 (37%) 1 year after the procedure. The trans-apical access for trans-catheter aortic valve implantation might be challenging in elderly patients with fragile tissue. Severe bleeding complications or aneurysm formation significantly impairs survival. The clinical impact of subsequent apical hypo- or akinesia has to be further followed up. Copyright © 2011 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Comparative sequence analysis of domain I of Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen 1 from Saudi Arabia and worldwide isolates.

    PubMed

    Al-Qahtani, Ahmed A; Abdel-Muhsin, Abdel-Muhsin A; Dajem, Saad M Bin; AlSheikh, Adel Ali H; Bohol, Marie Fe F; Al-Ahdal, Mohammed N; Putaporntip, Chaturong; Jongwutiwes, Somchai

    2016-04-01

    The apical membrane antigen 1 of Plasmodium falciparum (PfAMA1) plays a crucial role in erythrocyte invasion and is a target of protective antibodies. Although domain I of PfAMA1 has been considered a promising vaccine component, extensive sequence diversity in this domain could compromise an effective vaccine design. To explore the extent of sequence diversity in domain I of PfAMA1, P. falciparum-infected blood samples from Saudi Arabia collected between 2007 and 2009 were analyzed and compared with those from worldwide parasite populations. Forty-six haplotypes and a novel codon change (M190V) were found among Saudi Arabian isolates. The haplotype diversity (0.948±0.004) and nucleotide diversity (0.0191±0.0008) were comparable to those from African hyperendemic countries. Positive selection in domain I of PfAMA1 among Saudi Arabian parasite population was observed because nonsynonymous nucleotide substitutions per nonsynonymous site (dN) significantly exceeded synonymous nucleotide substitutions per synonymous site (dS) and Tajima's D and its related statistics significantly deviated from neutrality in the positive direction. Despite a relatively low prevalence of malaria in Saudi Arabia, a minimum of 17 recombination events occurred in domain I. Genetic differentiation was significant between P. falciparum in Saudi Arabia and parasites from other geographic origins. Several shared or closely related haplotypes were found among parasites from different geographic areas, suggesting that vaccine derived from multiple shared epitopes could be effective across endemic countries. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. The C-terminal hypervariable domain targets Aradopsis ROP9 to the invaginated pollen tube plasma membrane

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Rop9 is a small GTPase of the Type II class, whereas the often studied type I Rops play roles during pollen tube growth. In pollen, Rop9 is located at the invaginated plasma membrane that surrounds the sperm cells, whereas type I Rops are located at the apical membrane of the pollen tube. The C-ter...

  18. Apical closure of mature molar roots with the use of calcium hydroxide.

    PubMed

    Rotstein, I; Friedman, S; Katz, J

    1990-11-01

    Calcium hydroxide may induce apical root closure in affected mature teeth as well as in immature teeth. Once an apical hard tissue barrier is formed, a permanent root canal filling can be safely condensed. Two cases are described in which calcium hydroxide induced apical root closure in mature molar teeth where the apical constriction was lost because of chronic inflammatory process.

  19. Calcium-enriched mixture cement as artificial apical barrier: A case series

    PubMed Central

    Nosrat, Ali; Asgary, Saeed; Eghbal, Mohammad Jafar; Ghoddusi, Jamileh; Bayat-Movahed, Saeed

    2011-01-01

    In comparison to the conventional apexification using calcium hydroxide, artificial apical barrier technique is more valuable and less time consuming. This article describes successful use of calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement as an artificial apical barrier in open apices. In this study, 13 single-rooted teeth with necrotic pulps and open apices were treated non-surgically. After copious irrigation of the root canals with NaOCl 5.25% and gentle filing, based on need for interappointment dressing, treatments were followed by CEM cement (BioniqueDent, Tehran, Iran) apical plug insertion in the first or second appointment. All cases were then permanently restored. All subjects were followed until radiographic evidence of periradicular healing was seen (mean 14.5 months). Clinically, all cases were functional and asymptomatic and complete osseous healing was observed in all the teeth. Considering the biological properties of CEM cement, this new endodontic biomaterial might be appropriate to be used as artificial apical barrier in the open apex teeth. PMID:22144818

  20. Loss of Gα12/13 exacerbates apical area dependence of actomyosin contractility

    PubMed Central

    Xie, Shicong; Mason, Frank M.; Martin, Adam C.

    2016-01-01

    During development, coordinated cell shape changes alter tissue shape. In the Drosophila ventral furrow and other epithelia, apical constriction of hundreds of epithelial cells folds the tissue. Genes in the Gα12/13 pathway coordinate collective apical constriction, but the mechanism of coordination is poorly understood. Coupling live-cell imaging with a computational approach to identify contractile events, we discovered that differences in constriction behavior are biased by initial cell shape. Disrupting Gα12/13 exacerbates this relationship. Larger apical area is associated with delayed initiation of contractile pulses, lower apical E-cadherin and F-actin levels, and aberrantly mobile Rho-kinase structures. Our results suggest that loss of Gα12/13 disrupts apical actin cortex organization and pulse initiation in a size-dependent manner. We propose that Gα12/13 robustly organizes the apical cortex despite variation in apical area to ensure the timely initiation of contractile pulses in a tissue with heterogeneity in starting cell shape. PMID:27489340

  1. Dexamethasone concentration gradients along scala tympani after application to the round window membrane.

    PubMed

    Plontke, Stefan K; Biegner, Thorsten; Kammerer, Bernd; Delabar, Ursular; Salt, Alec N

    2008-04-01

    Local application of dexamethasone-21-dihydrogen-phosphate (Dex-P) to the round window (RW) membrane of guinea pigs produces a substantial basal-apical concentration gradient in scala tympani (ST) perilymph. In recent years, intratympanically applied glucocorticoids are increasingly being used for the treatment of inner ear disease. Although measurements of intracochlear concentrations after RW application exist, there is limited information on the distribution of these drugs in the inner ear fluids. It has been predicted from computer simulations that substantial concentration gradients will occur after RW application, with lower concentrations expected in apical turns. Concentration gradients of other substances along the cochlea have recently been confirmed using a sequential apical sampling method to obtain perilymph. Dexamethasone-21-dihydrogen-phosphate (10 mg/ml) was administered to the RW membrane of guinea pigs (n = 9) in vivo for 2 to 3 hours. Perilymph was then collected using a protocol in which 10 samples, each of approximately 1 mul, were taken sequentially from the cochlear apex into capillary tubes. Dexamethasone-21-dihydrogen-phosphate concentration of the samples was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Interpretation of sample data using a finite element model allowed the longitudinal gradients of Dex-P in ST to be quantified. The Dex-P content of the first sample in each experiment (dominated by perilymph from apical regions) was substantially lower than that of the third and fourth sample (dominated by basal turn perilymph). These findings qualitatively demonstrated the existence of a concentration gradient along ST. After detailed analysis of the measured sample concentrations using an established finite element computer model, the mean basal-apical concentration gradient was estimated to be 17,000. Both absolute concentrations of Dex-P in ST and the basal-apical gradients were found to vary substantially. The existence of

  2. Persistent apical periodontitis associated with a calcifying odontogenic cyst.

    PubMed

    Estrela, C; Decurcio, D A; Silva, J A; Mendonça, E F; Estrela, C R A

    2009-06-01

    To report a case of calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) that was suggestive of apical periodontitis adjacent to the roots of the maxillary incisor teeth. Tooth 21 presented with clinical and radiographic signs of secondary infection, a post within the root canal and substantial internal tooth destruction; it was scheduled for endodontic surgery. Teeth 12 and 22 were root filled following the placement of a calcium hydroxide intracanal dressing for 21 days. Three attempts at root canal disinfection in tooth 11 were unsuccessful, and a persistent purulent drainage precluded completion of root canal treatment. Surgical enucleation of the periapical lesion was undertaken and the tissues submitted for histopathological examination. A diagnosis of COC was established based on the microscopic analysis. COC is an unusual benign lesion that represents 2% of all odontogenic lesions. Depending on the stage of development, it can mimic a large lesion associated with apical periodontitis and should therefore be considered in the differential diagnosis. In the case of COC, the definitive diagnosis can only be made with histopathological analysis. Persistent apical periodontitis may be of nonendodontic origin. * Histological examination is essential to establish the cause of persistent apical periodontitis. * Calcifying odontogenic cyst can mimic apical periodontitis.

  3. Molecular characterization of the apical organ of the anthozoan Nematostella vectensis

    PubMed Central

    Sinigaglia, Chiara; Busengdal, Henriette; Lerner, Avi; Oliveri, Paola; Rentzsch, Fabian

    2015-01-01

    Apical organs are sensory structures present in many marine invertebrate larvae where they are considered to be involved in their settlement, metamorphosis and locomotion. In bilaterians they are characterised by a tuft of long cilia and receptor cells and they are associated with groups of neurons, but their relatively low morphological complexity and dispersed phylogenetic distribution have left their evolutionary relationship unresolved. Moreover, since apical organs are not present in the standard model organisms, their development and function are not well understood. To provide a foundation for a better understanding of this structure we have characterised the molecular composition of the apical organ of the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis. In a microarray-based comparison of the gene expression profiles of planulae with either a wildtype or an experimentally expanded apical organ, we identified 78 evolutionarily conserved genes, which are predominantly or specifically expressed in the apical organ of Nematostella. This gene set comprises signalling molecules, transcription factors, structural and metabolic genes. The majority of these genes, including several conserved, but previously uncharacterized ones, are potentially involved in different aspects of the development or function of the long cilia of the apical organ. To demonstrate the utility of this gene set for comparative analyses, we further analysed the expression of a subset of previously uncharacterized putative orthologs in sea urchin larvae and detected expression for twelve out of eighteen of them in the apical domain. Our study provides a molecular characterization of the apical organ of Nematostella and represents an informative tool for future studies addressing the development, function and evolutionary history of apical organ cells. PMID:25478911

  4. Disrupted apical exocytosis of cargo vesicles causes enteropathy in FHL5 patients with Munc18-2 mutations.

    PubMed

    Vogel, Georg F; van Rijn, Jorik M; Krainer, Iris M; Janecke, Andreas R; Posovszky, Carsten; Cohen, Marta; Searle, Claire; Jantchou, Prevost; Escher, Johanna C; Patey, Natalie; Cutz, Ernest; Müller, Thomas; Middendorp, Sabine; Hess, Michael W; Huber, Lukas A

    2017-07-20

    Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis 5 (FHL5) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in STXBP2, coding for Munc18-2, which is required for SNARE-mediated membrane fusion. FHL5 causes hematologic and gastrointestinal symptoms characterized by chronic enteropathy that is reminiscent of microvillus inclusion disease (MVID). However, the molecular pathophysiology of FHL5-associated diarrhea is poorly understood. Five FHL5 patients, including four previously unreported patients, were studied. Morphology of duodenal sections was analyzed by electron and fluorescence microscopy. Small intestinal enterocytes and organoid-derived monolayers displayed the subcellular characteristics of MVID. For the analyses of Munc18-2-dependent SNARE-protein interactions, a Munc18-2 CaCo2-KO model cell line was generated by applying CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Munc18-2 is required for Slp4a/Stx3 interaction in fusion of cargo vesicles with the apical plasma membrane. Cargo trafficking was investigated in patient biopsies, patient-derived organoids, and the genome-edited model cell line. Loss of Munc18-2 selectively disrupts trafficking of certain apical brush-border proteins (NHE3 and GLUT5), while transport of DPPIV remained unaffected. Here, we describe the molecular mechanism how the loss of function of Munc18-2 leads to cargo-selective mislocalization of brush-border components and a subapical accumulation of cargo vesicles, as it is known from the loss of polarity phenotype in MVID.

  5. Influence of the Apical Preparation Size and the Irrigant Type on Bacterial Reduction in Root Canal-treated Teeth with Apical Periodontitis.

    PubMed

    Rodrigues, Renata Costa Val; Zandi, Homan; Kristoffersen, Anne Karin; Enersen, Morten; Mdala, Ibrahimu; Ørstavik, Dag; Rôças, Isabela N; Siqueira, José F

    2017-07-01

    This clinical study evaluated the influence of the apical preparation size using nickel-titanium rotary instrumentation and the effect of a disinfectant on bacterial reduction in root canal-treated teeth with apical periodontitis. Forty-three teeth with posttreatment apical periodontitis were selected for retreatment. Teeth were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the irrigant used (2.5% sodium hypochlorite [NaOCl], n = 22; saline, n = 21). Canals were prepared with the Twisted File Adaptive (TFA) system (SybronEndo, Orange, CA). Bacteriological samples were taken before preparation (S1), after using the first instrument (S2), and then after the third instrument of the TFA system (S3). In the saline group, an additional sample was taken after final irrigation with 1% NaOCl (S4). DNA was extracted from the clinical samples and subjected to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to evaluate the levels of total bacteria and streptococci. S1 from all teeth were positive for bacteria. Preparation to the first and third instruments from the TFA system showed a highly significant intracanal bacterial reduction regardless of the irrigant (P < .01). Apical enlargement to the third instrument caused a significantly higher decrease in bacterial counts than the first instrument (P < .01). Intergroup comparison revealed no significant difference between NaOCl and saline after the first instrument (P > .05). NaOCl was significantly better than saline after using the largest instrument in the series (P < .01). Irrespective of the type of irrigant, an increase in the apical preparation size significantly enhanced root canal disinfection. The disinfecting benefit of NaOCl over saline was significant at large apical preparation sizes. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Pulmonary tuberculosis and disease-related pulmonary apical fibrosis in ankylosing spondylitis.

    PubMed

    Ho, Huei-Huang; Lin, Meng-Chih; Yu, Kuang-Hui; Wang, Chin-Man; Wu, Yeong-Jian Jan; Chen, Ji-Yih

    2009-02-01

    We investigated the etiological association and clinical characteristics of apical pulmonary fibrosis in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). We reviewed medical records of 2136 consecutive patients diagnosed with AS at a tertiary medical center. Clinical and radiographic characteristics were analyzed for evidence of apical lung fibrosis on chest radiographs. Of 2136 patients with AS, 63 (2.9%) developed apical lung fibrosis, of which chronic infections were the cause in 41 and AS inflammation predisposed the fibrosis in 22 patients. Tuberculosis (TB) infection was considered to be the cause of apical lung fibrosis in 40 patients (63.5%) including 19 with bacteriologically-proven TB and 21 with chest radiographs suggestive of TB. Two were identified as having non-TB mycobacterial infection and one as Aspergillus infection. Lung cavity lesion appeared to be a crucial differentiator (p = 0.009, odds ratio 7.4, 95% CI 1.5-36.0) between TB infection and AS inflammation-induced apical fibrosis. Our study suggests that TB, instead of Aspergillus, is the most common pulmonary infection in patients with AS presenting with apical lung fibrosis. AS-associated apical lung fibrosis may mimic pulmonary TB infection. Thus, bacteriological survey and serial radiological followup of lung fibrocavitary lesions are critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

  7. Association of apical rocking with super-response to cardiac resynchronisation therapy.

    PubMed

    Ghani, A; Delnoy, P P H M; Smit, J J J; Ottervanger, J P; Ramdat Misier, A R; Adiyaman, A; Elvan, A

    2016-01-01

    Super-responders to cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) show an exceptional improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Previous studies showed that apical rocking was independently associated with echocardiographic response to CRT. However, little is known about the association between apical rocking and super-response to CRT. To determine the independent association of LV apical rocking with super-response to CRT in a large cohort. A cohort of 297 consecutive heart failure patients treated with primary indication for CRT-D were included in an observational registry. Apical rocking was defined as motion of the left ventricular (LV) apical myocardium perpendicular to the LV long axis. 'Super-response' was defined by the top quartile of LVEF response based on change from baseline to follow-up echocardiogram. Best-subset regression analysis identified predictors of LVEF super-response to CRT. Apical rocking was present in 45 % of patients. Super-responders had an absolute mean LVEF increase of 27 % (LVEF 22.0 % ± 5.7 at baseline and 49.0 % ± 7.5 at follow-up). Apical rocking was significantly more common in super-responders compared with non-super-responders (76 and 34 %, P < 0.001). In univariate analysis, female gender (OR 2.39, 95 % CI 1.38-4.11), lower LVEF at baseline (OR 0.91 95 % CI 0.87-0.95), non-ischaemic aetiology (OR 4.15, 95 % CI 2.33-7.39) and apical rocking (OR 6.19, 95 % CI 3.40-11.25) were associated with super-response. In multivariate analysis, apical rocking was still strongly associated with super-response (OR 5.82, 95 % CI 2.68-12.61). Super-responders showed an excellent clinical prognosis with a very low incidence of heart failure admission, cardiac mortality and appropriate ICD therapy. Apical rocking is independently associated with super-response to CRT.

  8. Apical P2XR contribute to [Ca2+]i signaling and Isc in mouse renal MCD.

    PubMed

    Li, Liuzhe; Lynch, I Jeanette; Zheng, Wencui; Cash, Melanie N; Teng, Xueling; Wingo, Charles S; Verlander, Jill W; Xia, Shen-Ling

    2007-08-03

    We examined P2X receptor expression and distribution in the mouse collecting duct (CD) and their functional role in Ca(2+) signaling. Both P2X(1) and P2X(4) were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated apical P2X(1) and P2X(4) immunoreactivity in principal cells in the outer medullary CD (OMCD) and inner medullary CD (IMCD). Luminal ATP induced an increase in Ca(2+) signaling in native medullary CD (MCD) as measured by fluorescence imaging. ATP also induced an increase in Ca(2+) signaling in MCD cells grown in primary culture but not in the presence of P2XR antagonist PPNDS. Short circuit current (I(sc)) measurement with mouse IMCD cells showed that P2XR agonist BzATP induced a larger I(sc) than did P2YR agonist UTP in the apical membrane. Our data reveal for the first time that P2X(1) and P2X(4) are cell-specific with prominent immunoreactivity in the apical area of MCD cells. The finding that P2XR blockade inhibits ATP-induced Ca(2+) signaling suggests that activation of P2XR is a key step in Ca(2+)-dependent purinergic signaling. The result that activation of P2XR produces large I(sc) indicates the necessity of P2XR in renal CD ion transport.

  9. Apical Negative Pressure irrigation presents tissue compatibility in immature teeth

    PubMed Central

    Pucinelli, Carolina Maschietto; da Silva, Léa Assed Bezerra; Cohenca, Nestor; Romualdo, Priscilla Coutinho; da Silva, Raquel Assed Bezerra; Consolaro, Alberto; de Queiroz, Alexandra Mussolino; Nelson, Paulo

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Aim: To compare the apical negative pressure irrigation (ANP) with conventional irrigation in the teeth of immature dogs with apical periodontitis. Methods: Fifty-two immature pre-molar root canals were randomly assigned into 4 groups: ANP (n=15); conventional irrigation (n=17); healthy teeth (control) (n = 10); and teeth with untreated apical periodontitis (control) (n=10). After induction of apical periodontitis, teeth were instrumented using EndoVac® (apical negative pressure irrigation) or conventional irrigation. The animals were euthanized after 90 days. The sections were stained by HE and analyzed under conventional and fluorescence microscopy. TRAP histoenzymology was also performed. Statistical analyses were performed with the significance level set at 5%. Results: There was difference in the histopathological parameters between ANP and conventional groups (p<0.05). The ANP group showed a predominance of low magnitude inflammatory infiltrate, a smaller periodontal ligament, and lower mineralized tissue resorption. There were no differences in the periapical lesion extensions between the ANP and conventional groups (p>0.05). However, a lower number of osteoclasts was observed in the ANP group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The EndoVac® irrigation system presented better biological results and more advanced repair process in immature teeth with apical periodontitis than the conventional irrigation system, confirming the hypothesis. PMID:29211282

  10. CMR assessment of the left ventricle apical morphology in subjects with unexplainable giant T-wave inversion and without apical wall thickness ≥15 mm.

    PubMed

    Wu, Bailin; Lu, Minjie; Zhang, Yan; Song, Bo; Ling, Jian; Huang, Jinghan; Yin, Gang; Lan, Tian; Dai, Linlin; Song, Lei; Jiang, Yong; Wang, Hao; He, Zuoxiang; Lee, Jongmin; Yong, Hwan Seok; Patel, Mehul B; Zhao, Shihua

    2017-02-01

    Patients with unexplainable giant T-wave inversion in the precordial leads and apical wall thickness <15 mm have been reported. These patients cannot be diagnosed as apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (AHCM) according to the current criteria. The objective of this study was to evaluate the apical morphological features of this type of patients using cardiac magnetic resonance. Institutional ethics approval and written informed consent were obtained. A total of 60 subjects with unexplainable giant T-wave inversion and 76 healthy volunteers were prospectively enrolled in the study. The segmented left ventricular (LV) wall thickness was measured according to the American Heart Association 17-segmented model. The apical angle (apA) as well as the regional variations in LV wall thickness was analysed. Considerable variation in LV wall thickness in normals was observed with progressive thinning from the base to apex (male and female, P < 0.01). The apical thickness of subjects with giant T-wave inversion was 8.10 ± 1.67 mm in male, which is thicker than that of controls (4.14 ± 1.17 mm, P < 0.01). In female, the apical thickness was also significantly different from controls (5.85 ± 2.16 vs. 2.99 ± 0.65 mm, P < 0.01). Compared with normals, the apA decreased significantly in male (87.44 ± 13.86 vs.115.03 ± 9.90°, P < 0.01) and female (90.69 ± 8.84 vs. 110.07 ± 13.58°, P < 0.01) subjects, respectively. Although the absolute thickness of apical wall was below the current diagnostic criteria of AHCM, the apical morphological features of subjects with unexplainable giant T-wave inversion were significantly different from normals. Whether these subjects should be included into a preclinical scope of AHCM needs further investigations. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2016. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  11. Comparison of apical and coronal extrusions using reciprocating and rotary instrumentation systems.

    PubMed

    Lu, Yan; Chen, Min; Qiao, Feng; Wu, Ligeng

    2015-08-07

    The aim of this study was to compare the apical and coronal extrusions by using two reciprocating and two rotary instrumentation systems. Eighty extracted human single-rooted anterior teeth were randomly assigned to four groups. Four different root canal instrumentation systems were used according to the manufacturers instructions, including two reciprocating single-file systems, Reciproc and WaveOne, and two full-sequence rotary BLX and ProTaper instruments. Debris collected from the coronal by the instruments and apical extrusions were quantified respectively. After drying the collections, the mean weight of debris collected from apical and coronal extrusions was assessed using an electronic balance and analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U tests. Statistically significant differences in the apical extrusion were observed among the four groups. Reciproc and WaveOne instruments produced significantly less debris than BLX and ProTaper instruments (P < 0.05). All of the systems produced apical extrusion of debris. However, reciprocating single-file systems produced less apical extrusion than full-sequence rotary systems. No relationship was observed between apical and coronal extrusions.

  12. A Novel Approach for Apical Dissection During Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy: The "Collar" Technique.

    PubMed

    Bianchi, Lorenzo; Turri, Filippo Maria; Larcher, Alessandro; De Groote, Ruben; De Bruyne, Peter; De Coninck, Vincent; Goossens, Marijn; D'Hondt, Frederiek; De Naeyer, Geert; Schatteman, Peter; Mottrie, Alexandre

    2018-02-02

    Apical dissection in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) affects not only cancer control, but also continence recovery. To describe a novel approach for apical dissection, the collar technique, to reduce apical positive surgical margins (PSMs). A total of 189 consecutive patients (81 in the control group, 108 in the collar technique group) underwent RARP at a single center. rates of apical PSMs; secondary outcome: urinary continence. The urethral sphincter complex is incised 2-3mm distally to the apex, to stay farther from it and reduce PSMs; the underlying smooth muscle is exposed and incised closer to the apex to preserve the maximal length of the lissosphincter. Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests compared median and proportions between the two groups, respectively. Univariate logistic regression tested the association between technique employed and risk of apical PSMs. Fourteen patients (7.4%) revealed apical PSMs (9.9% in the control group, 5.6% in the collar group; p=0.7). When the collar technique was used, significantly lower rates of apical PSMs occurred in pT2 disease (0% vs 7.1%; p=0.03). In case of apical tumor at preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; n=43), the collar technique determined significantly lower overall (9.7% vs 42%) and apical (3.2% vs 42%) PSMs (all p≤0.02). Continence recovery in the collar and control groups was similar. When preoperative MRI showed an apical tumor, the collar technique had a significantly lower risk of apical PSMs (odds ratio: 0.05, p=0.009). The collar technique reduces the rates of apical PSMs in case of apical tumor, preserving the length of the lissosphincter. We describe a novel approach for apical dissection during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Our technique reduces the rates of apical surgical margins in case of apical tumor at preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and leads to optimal continence recovery. Copyright © 2018 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B

  13. Ossifying fibroma misdiagnosed as chronic apical periodontitis.

    PubMed

    de Moraes Ramos-Perez, Flávia Maria; Soares, Ulysses Nicida; Silva-Sousa, Yara Teresinha Corrêa; da Cruz Perez, Danyel Elias

    2010-03-01

    Ossifying fibroma mimicking chronic apical periodontitis is extremely rare. This report describes a case of ossifying fibroma located in the periapical region of the mandibular right canine that was misdiagnosed as chronic apical periodontitis. A 40-year-old woman complained of slight pain in the right anterior mandibular region without mucosal abnormalities or swelling. Radiographically, a well-circumscribed, unilocular, radiolucent lesion was observed that was located in the periapical region of the mandibular right canine, which presented an endodontically treated root canal. Under local anesthesia, the lesion was fully excised. Microscopically, there was fibrocellular connective tissue associated with a mineralized component, which consisted of lamellar or trabecular and woven bone, compatible with the diagnosis of ossifying fibroma. Although it is very rare, ossifying fibroma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unusual or persistent apical radiolucencies. Copyright (c) 2010 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Comparison of Biological Activity of Human Anti-Apical Membrane Antigen-1 Antibodies Induced by Natural Infection and Vaccination

    PubMed Central

    Miura, Kazutoyo; Zhou, Hong; Moretz, Samuel E.; Diouf, Ababacar; Thera, Mahamadou A; Dolo, Amagana; Doumbo, Ogobara; Malkin, Elissa; Diemert, David; Miller, Louis H.; Mullen, Gregory E.D.; Long, Carole A.

    2009-01-01

    Vaccines represent a significant potential means of decreasing global morbidity and mortality due to malaria. Clinical trials in the U.S. with Plasmodium falciparum Apical Membrane Antigen 1 (AMA1) showed that the vaccine induced biologically active antibodies judged by an in vitro parasite Growth Inhibition Assay (GIA). However, the same vaccine in Malian adults did not increase biological activity although it elevated ELISA titers. As GIA has been used to evaluate the biological activity of antibodies induced by blood-stage malarial vaccine candidates, we explored this discrepancy in this study. We affinity purified AMA1-specific antibodies from both US vaccinees and from non-vaccinated individuals living in a malaria-endemic area of Mali, and performed ELISA and GIA. Both AMA1-specifc antibodies induced by vaccination (US) and by natural infection (Mali) have comparable biological activity in GIA when the ELISA titer is normalized. However, a fraction of Malians’ IgG which did not bind to AMA1 protein (Mali-non-AMA1 IgG) reduced the biological activity of the AMA1 antibodies from US vaccinees; in contrast, US-non-AMA1 IgGs did not show a reduction of the biological activity. Further investigation revealed that the reduction was due to malaria-specific IgGs in the Mali-non-AMA1 IgGs. The fact that both US- and Mali-AMA1-specific antibodies showed comparable biological activity supports further development of AMA1-based vaccines. However, the reduction of biological activity of AMA1-specific antibody by other malaria-specific IgGs likely explains the limited effect on growth-inhibitory activity of antibodies induced by AMA1 vaccination in Malian adults and may complicate efforts to develop a blood-stage malaria vaccine. PMID:19050299

  15. Dietary starch breakdown product sensing mobilizes and apically activates α-glucosidases in small intestinal enterocytes.

    PubMed

    Chegeni, Mohammad; Amiri, Mahdi; Nichols, Buford L; Naim, Hassan Y; Hamaker, Bruce R

    2018-02-20

    Dietary starch is finally converted to glucose for absorption by the small intestine mucosal α-glucosidases (sucrase-isomaltase [SI] and maltase-glucoamylase), and control of this process has health implications. Here, the molecular mechanisms were analyzed associated with starch-triggered maturation and transport of SI. Biosynthetic pulse-chase in Caco-2 cells revealed that the high MW SI species (265 kDa) induced by maltose (an α-amylase starch digestion product) had a higher rate of early trafficking and maturation compared with a glucose-induced SI (245 kDa). The maltose-induced SI was found to have higher affinity to lipid rafts, which are associated with enhanced targeting to the apical membrane and higher activity. Accordingly, in situ maltose-hydrolyzing action was enhanced in the maltose-treated cells. Thus, starch digestion products at the luminal surface of small intestinal enterocytes are sensed and accelerate the intracellular processing of SI to enhance starch digestion capacity in the intestinal lumen.-Chegeni, M., Amiri, M., Nichols, B. L., Naim, H. Y., Hamaker, B. R. Dietary starch breakdown product sensing mobilizes and apically activates α-glucosidases in small intestinal enterocytes.

  16. Posterior midgut epithelial cells differ in their organization of the membrane skeleton from other drosophila epithelia.

    PubMed

    Baumann, O

    2001-11-01

    In epithelial cells, the various components of the membrane skeleton are segregated within specialized subregions of the plasma membrane, thus contributing to the development and stabilization of cell surface polarity. It has previously been shown that, in various Drosophila epithelia, the membrane skeleton components ankyrin and alphabeta-spectrin reside at the lateral surface, whereas alphabeta(H)-spectrin is restricted to the apical domain. By use of confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, the present study characterizes the membrane skeleton of epithelial cells in the posterior midgut, leading to a number of unexpected results. First, ankyrin and alphabeta-spectrin are not detected on the entire lateral surface but appear to be restricted to the apicolateral area, codistributing with fasciclin III at smooth septate junctions. The presumptive ankyrin-binding proteins neuroglian and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase, however, do not colocalize with ankyrin. Second, alphabeta(H)-spectrin is enriched at the apical domain but is also present in lower amounts on the entire lateral surface, colocalizing apicolaterally with ankyrin/alphabeta-spectrin. Finally, despite the absence of zonulae adherentes, F-actin, beta(H)-spectrin, and nonmuscle myosin-II are enriched in the midlateral region. Thus, the model established for the organization of the membrane skeleton in Drosophila epithelia does not hold for the posterior midgut, and there is quite some variability between the different epithelia with respect to the organization of the membrane skeleton. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

  17. Monocyte chemotactic protein-3: possible involvement in apical periodontitis chemotaxis.

    PubMed

    Dezerega, A; Osorio, C; Mardones, J; Mundi, V; Dutzan, N; Franco, M; Gamonal, J; Oyarzún, A; Overall, C M; Hernández, M

    2010-10-01

    To study the expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-3 (MCP-3, also known as chemokine CCL-7) in tissue from apical lesions (AL) and to associate MCP-3 expression with symptomatic or asymptomatic apical periodontitis. To determine the expression of MCP-3 in AL, biopsies obtained during tooth extraction procedures were fixed, subjected to routine processing and diagnosed as apical granuloma (AG) (n = 7) or radicular cyst (RC) (n = 5). As controls, apical periodontal ligament (PDL) specimens from healthy premolars extracted for orthodontics reasons were included (n = 7). All specimens were immunostained for MCP-3 and examined under a light microscope. In addition, homogenates from AL (n = 14) and healthy PDL samples (n = 7) were studied through immunowestern blot. Finally, periapical exudates samples were collected from root canals of teeth having diagnosis of symptomatic (n = 14) and asymptomatic apical periodontitis (n = 14) during routine endodontic treatments and analysed by immunowestern blot and densitometry.   MCP-3 was detected in AG and RC and localized mainly to inflammatory leucocytes, whereas no expression was observed in healthy PDLs. MCP-3 was also detected in periapical exudate, and its levels were significantly higher in symptomatic than in asymptomatic apical periodontitis. MCP-3 was expressed in AL and its levels associated with clinical symptoms. MCP-3 might play a role in disease pathogenesis, possibly by stimulating mononuclear chemotaxis. © 2010 International Endodontic Journal.

  18. Histology of periapical lesions obtained during apical surgery.

    PubMed

    Schulz, Malte; von Arx, Thomas; Altermatt, Hans Jörg; Bosshardt, Dieter

    2009-05-01

    The aim of this was to evaluate the histology of periapical lesions in teeth treated with periapical surgery. After root-end resection, the root tip was removed together with the periapical pathological tissue. Histologic sectioning was performed on calcified specimens embedded in methylmethacrylate (MMA) and on demineralized specimens embedded in LR White (Fluka, Buchs, Switzerland). The samples were evaluated with light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The histologic findings were classified into periapical abscesses, granulomas, or cystic lesions (true or pocket cysts). The final material comprised 70% granulomas, 23% cysts and 5% abscesses, 1% scar tissues, and 1% keratocysts. Six of 125 samples could not be used. The cystic lesions could not be subdivided into pocket or true cysts. All cysts had an epithelium-lined cavity, two of them with cilia-lined epithelium. These results show the high incidence of periapical granulomas among periapical lesions obtained during apical surgery. Periapical abscesses were a rare occasion. The histologic findings from samples obtained during apical surgery may differ from findings obtained by teeth extractions. A determination between pocket and true apical cysts is hardly possible when collecting samples by apical surgery.

  19. Genetic diversity of the Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen I gene in parasite population from the China-Myanmar border area.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Xiaotong; Zhao, Zhenjun; Feng, Yonghui; Li, Peipei; Liu, Fei; Liu, Jun; Yang, Zhaoqing; Yan, Guiyun; Fan, Qi; Cao, Yaming; Cui, Liwang

    2016-04-01

    To investigate the genetic diversity of the Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen 1 (PfAMA1) gene in Southeast Asia, we determined PfAMA1 sequences from 135 field isolates collected from the China-Myanmar border area and compared them with 956 publically available PfAMA1 sequences from seven global P. falciparum populations. This analysis revealed high genetic diversity of PfAMA1 in global P. falciparum populations with a total of 229 haplotypes identified. The genetic diversity of PfAMA1 gene from the China-Myanmar border is not evenly distributed in the different domains of this gene. Sequence diversity in PfAMA1 from the China-Myanmar border is lower than that observed in Thai, African and Oceanian populations, but higher than that in the South American population. This appeared to correlate well with the levels of endemicity of different malaria-endemic regions, where hyperendemic regions favor genetic cross of the parasite isolates and generation of higher genetic diversity. Neutrality tests show significant departure from neutrality in the entire ectodomain and Domain I of PfAMA1 in the China-Myanmar border parasite population. We found evidence supporting a substantial continent-wise genetic structure among P. falciparum populations, with the highest genetic differentiation detected between the China-Myanmar border and the South American populations. Whereas no alleles were unique to a specific region, there were considerable geographical differences in major alleles and their frequencies, highlighting further necessity to include more PfAMA1 alleles in vaccine designs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor Mimicking Apical Periodontitis.

    PubMed

    Adachi, Makoto; Kiho, Kazuki; Sekine, Genta; Ohta, Takahisa; Matsubara, Makoto; Yoshida, Takakazu; Katsumata, Akitoshi; Tanuma, Jun-ichi; Sumitomo, Shinichiro

    2015-12-01

    Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are rare. IMTs of the head and neck occur in all age groups, from neonates to old age, with the highest incidence occurring in childhood and early adulthood. An IMT has been defined as a histologically distinctive lesion of uncertain behavior. This article describes an unusual case of IMT mimicking apical periodontitis in the mandible of a 42-year-old man. At first presentation, the patient showed spontaneous pain and percussion pain at teeth #28 to 30, which continued after initial endodontic treatment. Panoramic radiography revealed a radiolucent lesion at the site. Cone-beam computed tomographic imaging showed osteolytic lesions, suggesting an aggressive neoplasm requiring incisional biopsy. Histopathological examination indicated an IMT. The lesion was removed en bloc under general anesthesia, and the patient manifested no clinical evidence of recurrence for 24 months. Lesions of nonendodontic origin should be included in the differential diagnosis of apical periodontitis. Every available diagnostic tool should be used to confirm the diagnosis. Cone-beam computed tomographic imaging is very helpful for differential diagnosis in IMTs mimicking apical periodontitis. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Release of Apical Dominance in Potato Tuber Is Accompanied by Programmed Cell Death in the Apical Bud Meristem[C][W

    PubMed Central

    Teper-Bamnolker, Paula; Buskila, Yossi; Lopesco, Yael; Ben-Dor, Shifra; Saad, Inbal; Holdengreber, Vered; Belausov, Eduard; Zemach, Hanita; Ori, Naomi; Lers, Amnon; Eshel, Dani

    2012-01-01

    Potato (Solanum tuberosum) tuber, a swollen underground stem, is used as a model system for the study of dormancy release and sprouting. Natural dormancy release, at room temperature, is initiated by tuber apical bud meristem (TAB-meristem) sprouting characterized by apical dominance (AD). Dormancy is shortened by treatments such as bromoethane (BE), which mimics the phenotype of dormancy release in cold storage by inducing early sprouting of several buds simultaneously. We studied the mechanisms governing TAB-meristem dominance release. TAB-meristem decapitation resulted in the development of increasing numbers of axillary buds with time in storage, suggesting the need for autonomous dormancy release of each bud prior to control by the apical bud. Hallmarks of programmed cell death (PCD) were identified in the TAB-meristems during normal growth, and these were more extensive when AD was lost following either extended cold storage or BE treatment. Hallmarks included DNA fragmentation, induced gene expression of vacuolar processing enzyme1 (VPE1), and elevated VPE activity. VPE1 protein was semipurified from BE-treated apical buds, and its endogenous activity was fully inhibited by a cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1-specific inhibitor N-Acetyl-Tyr-Val-Ala-Asp-CHO (Ac-YVAD-CHO). Transmission electron microscopy further revealed PCD-related structural alterations in the TAB-meristem of BE-treated tubers: a knob-like body in the vacuole, development of cytoplasmic vesicles, and budding-like nuclear segmentations. Treatment of tubers with BE and then VPE inhibitor induced faster growth and recovered AD in detached and nondetached apical buds, respectively. We hypothesize that PCD occurrence is associated with the weakening of tuber AD, allowing early sprouting of mature lateral buds. PMID:22362870

  2. Prevalence of ciliated epithelium in apical periodontitis lesions.

    PubMed

    Ricucci, Domenico; Loghin, Simona; Siqueira, José F; Abdelsayed, Rafik A

    2014-04-01

    This article reports on the morphologic features and the frequency of ciliated epithelium in apical cysts and discusses its origin. The study material consisted of 167 human apical periodontitis lesions obtained consecutively from patients presenting for treatment during a period of 12 years in a dental practice operated by one of the authors. All of the lesions were obtained still attached to the root apices of teeth with untreated (93 lesions) or treated canals (74 lesions). The former were obtained by extraction and the latter by extraction or apical surgery. Specimens were processed for histopathologic and histobacteriologic analyses. Lesions were classified, and the type of epithelium, if present, was recorded. Of the lesions analyzed, 49 (29%) were diagnosed as cysts. Of these, 26 (53%) were found in untreated teeth, and 23 (47%) related to root canal-treated teeth. Ciliated columnar epithelium was observed partially or completely lining the cyst wall in 4 cysts, and all of them occurred in untreated maxillary molars. Three of these lesions were categorized as pocket cysts, and the other was a true cyst. Ciliated columnar epithelium-lined cysts corresponded to approximately 2% of the apical periodontitis lesions and 8% of the cysts of endodontic origin in the population studied. This epithelium is highly likely to have a sinus origin in the majority of cases. However, the possibility of prosoplasia or upgraded differentiation into ciliated epithelium from the typical cystic lining squamous epithelium may also be considered. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. RhoA regulates actin network dynamics during apical surface emergence in multiciliated epithelial cells

    PubMed Central

    Sedzinski, Jakub; Hannezo, Edouard; Tu, Fan; Biro, Maté

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Homeostatic replacement of epithelial cells from basal precursors is a multistep process involving progenitor cell specification, radial intercalation and, finally, apical surface emergence. Recent data demonstrate that actin-based pushing under the control of the formin protein Fmn1 drives apical emergence in nascent multiciliated epithelial cells (MCCs), but little else is known about this actin network or the control of Fmn1. Here, we explore the role of the small GTPase RhoA in MCC apical emergence. Disruption of RhoA function reduced the rate of apical surface expansion and decreased the final size of the apical domain. Analysis of cell shapes suggests that RhoA alters the balance of forces exerted on the MCC apical surface. Finally, quantitative time-lapse imaging and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching studies argue that RhoA works in concert with Fmn1 to control assembly of the specialized apical actin network in MCCs. These data provide new molecular insights into epithelial apical surface assembly and could also shed light on mechanisms of apical lumen formation. PMID:28089989

  4. RhoA regulates actin network dynamics during apical surface emergence in multiciliated epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Sedzinski, Jakub; Hannezo, Edouard; Tu, Fan; Biro, Maté; Wallingford, John B

    2017-01-15

    Homeostatic replacement of epithelial cells from basal precursors is a multistep process involving progenitor cell specification, radial intercalation and, finally, apical surface emergence. Recent data demonstrate that actin-based pushing under the control of the formin protein Fmn1 drives apical emergence in nascent multiciliated epithelial cells (MCCs), but little else is known about this actin network or the control of Fmn1. Here, we explore the role of the small GTPase RhoA in MCC apical emergence. Disruption of RhoA function reduced the rate of apical surface expansion and decreased the final size of the apical domain. Analysis of cell shapes suggests that RhoA alters the balance of forces exerted on the MCC apical surface. Finally, quantitative time-lapse imaging and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching studies argue that RhoA works in concert with Fmn1 to control assembly of the specialized apical actin network in MCCs. These data provide new molecular insights into epithelial apical surface assembly and could also shed light on mechanisms of apical lumen formation. © 2017. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  5. A Model of Differential Growth-Guided Apical Hook Formation in Plants

    PubMed Central

    Žádníková, Petra; Wabnik, Krzysztof; Abuzeineh, Anas; Prusinkiewicz, Przemysław

    2016-01-01

    Differential cell growth enables flexible organ bending in the presence of environmental signals such as light or gravity. A prominent example of the developmental processes based on differential cell growth is the formation of the apical hook that protects the fragile shoot apical meristem when it breaks through the soil during germination. Here, we combined in silico and in vivo approaches to identify a minimal mechanism producing auxin gradient-guided differential growth during the establishment of the apical hook in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Computer simulation models based on experimental data demonstrate that asymmetric expression of the PIN-FORMED auxin efflux carrier at the concave (inner) versus convex (outer) side of the hook suffices to establish an auxin maximum in the epidermis at the concave side of the apical hook. Furthermore, we propose a mechanism that translates this maximum into differential growth, and thus curvature, of the apical hook. Through a combination of experimental and in silico computational approaches, we have identified the individual contributions of differential cell elongation and proliferation to defining the apical hook and reveal the role of auxin-ethylene crosstalk in balancing these two processes. PMID:27754878

  6. Frequency and levels of candidate endodontic pathogens in acute apical abscesses as compared to asymptomatic apical periodontitis.

    PubMed

    Rôças, Isabela N; Siqueira, José F

    2018-01-01

    Acute apical abscess is caused by bacteria that leave the infected dental root canal to invade the periodontal tissues. Most species occurring in abscesses are also found in asymptomatic infections; therefore, the possibility exists that not only the presence of certain species but also their specific counts influence the appearance of symptoms. This molecular study compared the frequency and levels of several candidate endodontic pathogens in teeth with acute apical abscesses and asymptomatic apical periodontitis. Samples were taken from the root canals of teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis (n = 73) and by aspiration of purulent exudate from acute abscesses (n = 55). DNA was extracted from samples and bacterial identifications were performed by a closed-ended semi-quantitative reverse-capture checkerboard approach targeting 40 bacterial species/phylotypes. Bacterial DNA was detected in all cases. In abscesses, the most prevalent taxa were Fusobacterium nucleatum (60%), Porphyromonas endodontalis (53%), Parvimonas micra (51%), and Streptococcus species (45%). The most frequently detected taxa in asymptomatic teeth were P. endodontalis (63%), Dialister invisus (58%), Olsenella uli (56%), and F. nucleatum (51%). None of the targeted taxa were significantly associated with abscesses when only mere presence was evaluated (p>0.05). However, semi-quantitative data demonstrated that P. endodontalis, Prevotella baroniae, Treponema denticola and Streptococcus species were significantly more frequent at levels >105 in abscesses than in asymptomatic cases (p<0.05). None of the target species/phylotypes were associated with abscesses in terms of frequency. However, some taxa were significantly found in higher levels in abscesses. Presence of a potentially virulent pathogen in high counts may increase the collective pathogenicity of the bacterial community and give rise to symptoms.

  7. Frequency and levels of candidate endodontic pathogens in acute apical abscesses as compared to asymptomatic apical periodontitis

    PubMed Central

    Rôças, Isabela N.

    2018-01-01

    Introduction Acute apical abscess is caused by bacteria that leave the infected dental root canal to invade the periodontal tissues. Most species occurring in abscesses are also found in asymptomatic infections; therefore, the possibility exists that not only the presence of certain species but also their specific counts influence the appearance of symptoms. This molecular study compared the frequency and levels of several candidate endodontic pathogens in teeth with acute apical abscesses and asymptomatic apical periodontitis. Methods Samples were taken from the root canals of teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis (n = 73) and by aspiration of purulent exudate from acute abscesses (n = 55). DNA was extracted from samples and bacterial identifications were performed by a closed-ended semi-quantitative reverse-capture checkerboard approach targeting 40 bacterial species/phylotypes. Results Bacterial DNA was detected in all cases. In abscesses, the most prevalent taxa were Fusobacterium nucleatum (60%), Porphyromonas endodontalis (53%), Parvimonas micra (51%), and Streptococcus species (45%). The most frequently detected taxa in asymptomatic teeth were P. endodontalis (63%), Dialister invisus (58%), Olsenella uli (56%), and F. nucleatum (51%). None of the targeted taxa were significantly associated with abscesses when only mere presence was evaluated (p>0.05). However, semi-quantitative data demonstrated that P. endodontalis, Prevotella baroniae, Treponema denticola and Streptococcus species were significantly more frequent at levels >105 in abscesses than in asymptomatic cases (p<0.05). Conclusion None of the target species/phylotypes were associated with abscesses in terms of frequency. However, some taxa were significantly found in higher levels in abscesses. Presence of a potentially virulent pathogen in high counts may increase the collective pathogenicity of the bacterial community and give rise to symptoms. PMID:29293651

  8. Effect of maintaining apical patency on endodontic pain in posterior teeth with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis: a randomized controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Arora, M; Sangwan, P; Tewari, S; Duhan, J

    2016-04-01

    To evaluate the association between apical patency and post-operative pain in posterior teeth with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis. Sixty-eight patients requiring primary root canal treatment in mandibular first molars with necrotic pulps and apical periodontitis were included. The patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups: patency (n = 34) and nonpatency (n = 34). After administering local anaesthesia, root canal preparation was completed using ProTaper rotary instruments. A size 10 K-file was used as a patency file and carried 1 mm beyond the working length (WL) between each instrument change in the patency group, while it was carried up to WL in the nonpatency group. Patients were asked to record their pain experience on a pain chart daily for 7 days. Three patients (two in the patency group, one in the nonpatency group) did not return with completed pain charts on the subsequent visit, resulting in a total of 65 patients for the final analysis (patency, n = 32; nonpatency, n = 33). Data was analysed using Chi Square test, t-test, Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test. Overall, 43% of the patients experienced post-operative pain. The patency group had less incidence of pain (34%) as compared to the nonpatency group (52%), but the difference was not significant (P = 0.163). Maintenance of apical patency during chemomechanical preparation had no significant influence on post-operative pain in posterior teeth with necrotic pulps and apical periodontitis. © 2015 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  9. Light and nitrogen nutrition regulate apical control in Rosa hybrida L.

    PubMed

    Furet, Pierre-Maxime; Lothier, Jérémy; Demotes-Mainard, Sabine; Travier, Sandrine; Henry, Clémence; Guérin, Vincent; Vian, Alain

    2014-03-01

    Apical control is defined as the inhibition of basal axillary bud outgrowth by an upper actively growing axillary axis, whose regulation is poorly understood yet differs markedly from the better-known apical dominance. We studied the regulation of apical control by environmental factors in decapitated Rosa hybrida in order to remove the apical hormonal influence and nutrient sink. In this plant model, all the buds along the main axis have a similar morphology and are able to burst in vitro. We concentrated on the involvement of light intensity and nitrate nutrition on bud break and axillary bud elongation in the primary axis pruned above the fifth leaf of each rose bush. We observed that apical control took place in low light (92 μmol m(-2)s(-1)), where only the 2-apical buds grew out, both in low (0.25 mM) and high (12.25 mM) nitrate. In contrast, in high light (453 μmol m(-2)s(-1)), the apical control only operates in low nitrate while all the buds along the stem grew out when the plant was supplied with a high level of nitrate. We found a decreasing photosynthetic activity from the top to the base of the plant concomitant with a light gradient along the stem. The quantity of sucrose, fructose, glucose and starch are higher in high light conditions in leaves and stem. The expression of the sucrose transporter RhSUC2 was higher in internodes and buds in this lighting condition, suggesting an increased capacity for sucrose transport. We propose that light intensity and nitrogen availability both contribute to the establishment of apical control. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  10. Macrophage polarization differs between apical granulomas, radicular cysts, and dentigerous cysts.

    PubMed

    Weber, Manuel; Schlittenbauer, Tilo; Moebius, Patrick; Büttner-Herold, Maike; Ries, Jutta; Preidl, Raimund; Geppert, Carol-Immanuel; Neukam, Friedrich W; Wehrhan, Falk

    2018-01-01

    Apical periodontitis can appear clinically as apical granulomas or radicular cysts. There is evidence that immunologic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of both pathologies. In contrast to radicular cysts, the dentigerous cysts have a developmental origin. Macrophage polarization (M1 vs M2) is a main regulator of tissue homeostasis and differentiation. There are no studies comparing macrophage polarization in apical granulomas, radicular cysts, and dentigerous cysts. Forty-one apical granulomas, 23 radicular cysts, and 23 dentigerous cysts were analyzed in this study. A tissue microarray (TMA) of the 87 consecutive specimens was created, and CD68-, CD11c-, CD163-, and MRC1-positive macrophages were detected by immunohistochemical methods. TMAs were digitized, and the expression of macrophage markers was quantitatively assessed. Radicular cysts are characterized by M1 polarization of macrophages while apical granulomas show a significantly higher degree of M2 polarization. Dentigerous cysts have a significantly lower M1 polarization than both analyzed periapical lesions (apical granulomas and radicular cysts) and accordingly, a significantly higher M2 polarization than radicular cysts. Macrophage cell density in dentigerous cysts is significantly lower than in the periapical lesions. The development of apical periodontitis towards apical granulomas or radicular cysts might be directed by macrophage polarization. Radicular cyst formation is associated with an increased M1 polarization of infiltrating macrophages. In contrast to radicular cysts, dentigerous cysts are characterized by a low macrophage infiltration and a high degree of M2 polarization, possibly reflecting their developmental rather than inflammatory origin. As M1 polarization of macrophages is triggered by bacterial antigens, these results underline the need for sufficient bacterial clearance during endodontic treatment to prevent a possible M1 macrophage-derived stimulus for radicular cyst

  11. Sex-specific energetics of Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) during the nursing interval

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Noren, Shawn R.; Udevitz, Mark S.; Jay, Chadwick V.

    2016-01-01

    Habitat use and activity patterns of Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) have changed with climate-induced reductions in sea ice. Increases in the time active in water could result in negative energy balance, precluding females from sustaining lactation, which could impact population demographics. Little is known about lactation costs in walruses. We examined the energetics of 0–2-yr-old walrus calves by using Bayesian hierarchical models based on longitudinal husbandry records of growth (n = 6 females and 7 males) and caloric intake (n = 5 females and 6 males) as a proxy for maternal lactation costs. Males and females had similar growth patterns; mean mass increased from 68 kg at birth to 301 kg by 2 yr. Females had a 2,000 kcal kg−1 higher mass storage (growth) cost than males; females typically synthesize and deposit greater amounts of adipose, which is more energy dense than lean tissue. In contrast, males had higher metabolic (basal and activity) costs, ranging from 600 to 1,800 kcal d−1 greater than similarly sized females; males are typically leaner, and muscle is more metabolically active than adipose. Yet total daily energy requirements (storage plus metabolic components) were similar across sexes, summing to approximately 190,000 kcal over the first month postpartum. Based on these estimates and assuming that 8,103 kcal is recovered from 1 kg of mass loss in adult female walruses, suckling calves could deplete 23 kg of their mother’s body mass over the first month after parturition if none of the lactation costs is met through ingested prey.

  12. Bioenergetics model for estimating food requirements of female Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens)

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Noren, S.R.; Udevitz, M.S.; Jay, C.V.

    2012-01-01

    Pacific walruses Odobenus rosmarus divergens use sea ice as a platform for resting, nursing, and accessing extensive benthic foraging grounds. The extent of summer sea ice in the Chukchi Sea has decreased substantially in recent decades, causing walruses to alter habitat use and activity patterns which could affect their energy requirements. We developed a bioenergetics model to estimate caloric demand of female walruses, accounting for maintenance, growth, activity (active in-water and hauled-out resting), molt, and reproductive costs. Estimates for non-reproductive females 0–12 yr old (65−810 kg) ranged from 16359 to 68960 kcal d−1 (74−257 kcal d−1 kg−1) for years with readily available sea ice for which we assumed animals spent 83% of their time in water. This translated into the energy content of 3200–5960 clams per day, equivalent to 7–8% and 14–9% of body mass per day for 5–12 and 2–4 yr olds, respectively. Estimated consumption rates of 12 yr old females were minimally affected by pregnancy, but lactation had a large impact, increasing consumption rates to 15% of body mass per day. Increasing the proportion of time in water to 93%, as might happen if walruses were required to spend more time foraging during ice-free periods, increased daily caloric demand by 6–7% for non-lactating females. We provide the first bioenergetics-based estimates of energy requirements for walruses and a first step towards establishing bioenergetic linkages between demography and prey requirements that can ultimately be used in predicting this population’s response to environmental change.

  13. Preparation Prerequisites for Effective Irrigation of Apical Root Canal: A Critical Review.

    PubMed

    Tziafas, Dimitrios; Alraeesi, Dana; Al Hormoodi, Reem; Ataya, Maamoun; Fezai, Hessa; Aga, Nausheen

    2017-10-01

    It is well recognized that disinfection of the complex root canal system at the apical root canal remains the most critical therapeutic measure to treat apical periodontitis. Observational and experimental data in relation to the anatomy of the apical root canal in different tooth types and the cross sectional diameters of the apical part of the most commonly used hand and rotary files are critically reviewed. The present data analysis confirm that the challenging issue of antibacterial efficacy of modern preparation protocols in non-surgical endodontics requires more attention to apical root canal irrigation as a balance between safety and effectiveness. Ex vivo investigations clearly indicate that a specific design of the chemo-mechanical preparation is needed at the onset of RCT, more particularly in infected teeth. Design should be based on specific anatomical parameters, and must determine the appropriate size and taper of preparation as pre-requirements for effective and safe apical irrigation. The optimal irrigation protocols might be designed on the basis of technical specifications of the preparations procedures, such as the penetration depth, the type of the needle, the required time for continuous irrigant flow, the concentration of NaOCl, and the activation parameters. Key words: Endodontics, root canal treatment, instrumentation, irrigation, apical root canal.

  14. Novel use of platelet-rich fibrin matrix and MTA as an apical barrier in the management of a failed revascularization case.

    PubMed

    Yadav, Pankaj; Pruthi, Preeti Jain; Naval, Ruchika Roongta; Talwar, Sangeeta; Verma, Mahesh

    2015-08-01

    We report management of a failed revascularization/revitalization case, which could be due to inadequate removal of biofilm and bacteria in dentinal tubules. The use of an apical matrix barrier in form of a platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane for stabilization of MTA in root end apexification procedure is described. The canal was cleansed of old MTA present in the cervical third using H files, irrigated using saline and finally irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl and saline. To obtain canal disinfection, calcium hydroxide paste was temporized in the canal. In subsequent appointments, PRF was placed at the root tip followed by 5-mm apical plug with mineral trioxide aggregate. One week later, the root canal was obturated with thermoplasticized gutta-percha. A 6-month and a 2-year follow ups showed reduction of periapical radiolucency and adequately functional tooth. One-visit apexification techniques provide an alternative treatment for failed revascularization cases. Follow up confirmed complete healing periradicularly. Apexification in one step using an apical barrier of PRF and a plug of MTA can be considered a predictable treatment and may be an alternative to long-term revascularization failures. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  15. Genital hiatus size is associated with and predictive of apical vaginal support loss.

    PubMed

    Lowder, Jerry L; Oliphant, Sallie S; Shepherd, Jonathan P; Ghetti, Chiara; Sutkin, Gary

    2016-06-01

    Recognition and assessment of apical vaginal support defects remains a significant challenge in the evaluation and management of prolapse. There are several reasons that this is likely: (1) Although the Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification examination is the standard prolapse staging system used in the Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery field for reporting outcomes, this assessment is not used commonly in clinical care outside the subspecialty; (2) no clinically useful and accepted definition of apical support loss exists, and (3) no consensus or guidelines address the degree of apical support loss at which an apical support procedure should be performed routinely. The purpose of this study was to identify a simple screening measure for significant loss of apical vaginal support. This was an analysis of women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification stage 0-IV prolapse. Women with total vaginal length of ≥7 cm were included to define a population with "normal" vaginal length. Univariable and linear regression analyses were used to identify Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification points that were associated with 3 definitions of apical support loss: the International Consultation on Incontinence, the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network revised eCARE, and a Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification point C cut-point developed by Dietz et al. Linear and logistic regression models were created to assess predictors of overall apical support loss according to these definitions. Receiver operator characteristic curves were generated to determine test characteristics of the predictor variables and the areas under the curves were calculated. Of 469 women, 453 women met the inclusion criterion. The median Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification stage was III, and the median leading edge of prolapse was +2 cm (range, -3 to 12 cm). By stage of prolapse (0-IV), mean genital hiatus size (genital hiatus; mid urethra to posterior fourchette) increased: 2.0 ± 0.5, 3.0 ± 0

  16. Pro-oxidant status and matrix metalloproteinases in apical lesions and gingival crevicular fluid as potential biomarkers for asymptomatic apical periodontitis and endodontic treatment response

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Oxidative stress and matrix metalloproteinases -9 and -2 are involved in periodontal breakdown, whereas gingival crevicular fluid has been reported to reflect apical status. The aim of this study was to characterize oxidant balance and activity levels of MMP -2 and -9 in apical lesions and healthy periodontal ligament; and second, to determine whether potential changes in oxidant balance were reflected in gingival crevicular fluid from asymptomatic apical periodontitis (AAP)-affected teeth at baseline and after endodontic treatment. Methods Patients with clinical diagnosis of AAP and healthy volunteers having indication of tooth extraction were recruited. Apical lesions and healthy periodontal ligaments, respectively, were homogenized or processed to obtain histological tissue sections. Matrix metalloproteinase -9 and -2 levels and/or activity were analyzed by Immunowestern blot, zymography and consecutive densitometric analysis, and their tissue localization was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. A second group of patients with AAP and indication of endodontic treatment was recruited. Gingival crevicular fluid was extracted from AAP-affected teeth at baseline, after endodontic treatment and healthy contralateral teeth. Total oxidant and antioxidant status were determined in homogenized tissue and GCF samples. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA v10 software with unpaired t test, Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's correlation. Results Activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 along with oxidant status were higher in apical lesions (p < 0.05). Total oxidant status correlated positively with matrix metalloproteinase-2 and lesion size (p < 0.05). Gingival crevicular fluid showed significantly lower levels of total antioxidant status in diseased teeth at baseline compared to controls and endodontically-treated groups. Conclusions Apical lesions display an oxidant imbalance along with increased activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 and might contribute to

  17. Pro-oxidant status and matrix metalloproteinases in apical lesions and gingival crevicular fluid as potential biomarkers for asymptomatic apical periodontitis and endodontic treatment response.

    PubMed

    Dezerega, Andrea; Madrid, Sonia; Mundi, Verónica; Valenzuela, María A; Garrido, Mauricio; Paredes, Rodolfo; García-Sesnich, Jocelyn; Ortega, Ana V; Gamonal, Jorge; Hernández, Marcela

    2012-03-21

    Oxidative stress and matrix metalloproteinases -9 and -2 are involved in periodontal breakdown, whereas gingival crevicular fluid has been reported to reflect apical status. The aim of this study was to characterize oxidant balance and activity levels of MMP -2 and -9 in apical lesions and healthy periodontal ligament; and second, to determine whether potential changes in oxidant balance were reflected in gingival crevicular fluid from asymptomatic apical periodontitis (AAP)-affected teeth at baseline and after endodontic treatment. Patients with clinical diagnosis of AAP and healthy volunteers having indication of tooth extraction were recruited. Apical lesions and healthy periodontal ligaments, respectively, were homogenized or processed to obtain histological tissue sections. Matrix metalloproteinase -9 and -2 levels and/or activity were analyzed by Immunowestern blot, zymography and consecutive densitometric analysis, and their tissue localization was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. A second group of patients with AAP and indication of endodontic treatment was recruited. Gingival crevicular fluid was extracted from AAP-affected teeth at baseline, after endodontic treatment and healthy contralateral teeth. Total oxidant and antioxidant status were determined in homogenized tissue and GCF samples. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA v10 software with unpaired t test, Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's correlation. Activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 along with oxidant status were higher in apical lesions (p < 0.05). Total oxidant status correlated positively with matrix metalloproteinase-2 and lesion size (p < 0.05). Gingival crevicular fluid showed significantly lower levels of total antioxidant status in diseased teeth at baseline compared to controls and endodontically-treated groups. Apical lesions display an oxidant imbalance along with increased activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 and might contribute to AAP progression. Oxidant imbalance can

  18. Projected status of the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) in the twenty-first century

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Jay, Chadwick V.; Marcot, Bruce G.; Douglas, David C.

    2011-01-01

    Extensive and rapid losses of sea ice in the Arctic have raised conservation concerns for the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens), a large pinniped inhabiting arctic and subarctic continental shelf waters of the Chukchi and Bering seas. We developed a Bayesian network model to integrate potential effects of changing environmental conditions and anthropogenic stressors on the future status of the Pacific walrus population at four periods through the twenty-first century. The model framework allowed for inclusion of various sources and levels of knowledge, and representation of structural and parameter uncertainties. Walrus outcome probabilities through the century reflected a clear trend of worsening conditions for the subspecies. From the current observation period to the end of century, the greatest change in walrus outcome probabilities was a progressive decrease in the outcome state of robust and a concomitant increase in the outcome state of vulnerable. The probabilities of rare and extirpated states each progressively increased but remained <10% through the end of the century. The summed probabilities of vulnerable, rare, and extirpated (P(v,r,e)) increased from a current level of 10% in 2004 to 22% by 2050 and 40% by 2095. The degree of uncertainty in walrus outcomes increased monotonically over future periods. In the model, sea ice habitat (particularly for summer/fall) and harvest levels had the greatest influence on future population outcomes. Other potential stressors had much smaller influences on walrus outcomes, mostly because of uncertainty in their future states and our current poor understanding of their mechanistic influence on walrus abundance.

  19. 3D time-lapse analysis of Rab11/FIP5 complex: spatiotemporal dynamics during apical lumen formation.

    PubMed

    Mangan, Anthony; Prekeris, Rytis

    2015-01-01

    Fluorescent imaging of fixed cells grown in two-dimensional (2D) cultures is one of the most widely used techniques for observing protein localization and distribution within cells. Although this technique can also be applied to polarized epithelial cells that form three-dimensional (3D) cysts when grown in a Matrigel matrix suspension, there are still significant limitations in imaging cells fixed at a particular point in time. Here, we describe the use of 3D time-lapse imaging of live cells to observe the dynamics of apical membrane initiation site (AMIS) formation and lumen expansion in polarized epithelial cells.

  20. Sweet taste receptors in rat small intestine stimulate glucose absorption through apical GLUT2.

    PubMed

    Mace, Oliver J; Affleck, Julie; Patel, Nick; Kellett, George L

    2007-07-01

    Natural sugars and artificial sweeteners are sensed by receptors in taste buds. T2R bitter and T1R sweet taste receptors are coupled through G-proteins, alpha-gustducin and transducin, to activate phospholipase C beta2 and increase intracellular calcium concentration. Intestinal brush cells or solitary chemosensory cells (SCCs) have a structure similar to lingual taste cells and strongly express alpha-gustducin. It has therefore been suggested over the last decade that brush cells may participate in sugar sensing by a mechanism analogous to that in taste buds. We provide here functional evidence for an intestinal sensing system based on lingual taste receptors. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry revealed that all T1R members are expressed in rat jejunum at strategic locations including Paneth cells, SCCs or the apical membrane of enterocytes; T1Rs are colocalized with each other and with alpha-gustducin, transducin or phospholipase C beta2 to different extents. Intestinal glucose absorption consists of two components: one is classical active Na+-glucose cotransport, the other is the diffusive apical GLUT2 pathway. Artificial sweeteners increase glucose absorption in the order acesulfame potassium approximately sucralose > saccharin, in parallel with their ability to increase intracellular calcium concentration. Stimulation occurs within minutes by an increase in apical GLUT2, which correlates with reciprocal regulation of T1R2, T1R3 and alpha-gustducin versus T1R1, transducin and phospholipase C beta2. Our observation that artificial sweeteners are nutritionally active, because they can signal to a functional taste reception system to increase sugar absorption during a meal, has wide implications for nutrient sensing and nutrition in the treatment of obesity and diabetes.

  1. A novel adhering junction in the apical ciliary apparatus of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis (Rotifera, Monogononta).

    PubMed

    Dallai, R; Lupetti, P; Lane, N J

    1996-10-01

    Cultures of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis were examined with regard to their interepithelial junctions after infiltration with the extracellular tracer lanthanum, freeze-fracturing or quick-freeze deep-etching. The lateral borders between ciliated cells have an unusual apical adhering junction. This apical part of their intercellular cleft looks desmosome-like, but it is characterized by unusual intramembranous E-face clusters of particles. Deep-etching reveals that these are packed together in short rows which lie parallel to one another in orderly arrays. The true membrane surface in these areas features filaments in the form of short ribbons; these are produced by projections, possibly part of the glycocalyx, emerging from the membranes, between which the electron-dense tracer lanthanum permeates. These projections appear to overlap with each other in the centre of the intercellular cleft; this would provide a particularly flexible adaptation to maintain cell-cell contact and coordination as a consequence. The filamentous ribbons may be held in position by the intramembranous particle arrays since both have a similar size and distribution. These contacts are quite different from desmosomes and appear to represent a distinct new category of adhesive cell-cell junction. Beneath these novel structures, conventional pleated septate junctions are found, exhibiting the undulating intercellular ribbons typical of this junctional type, as well as the usual parallel alignments of intramembranous rows of EF grooves and PF particles. Below these are found gap junctions as close-packed plaques of intramembranous particles on either the P-face or E-face. After freeze-fracturing, the complementary fracture face to the particles shows pits, usually on the P-face, arrayed with a very precise hexagonal pattern.

  2. Freeze-fracture studies of photoreceptor membranes: new observations bearing upon the distribution of cholesterol

    PubMed Central

    1983-01-01

    We performed electron microscopy of replicas from freeze-fractured retinas exposed during or after fixation to the cholesterol-binding antibiotic, filipin. We observed characteristic filipin-induced perturbations throughout the disk and plasma membranes of retinal rod outer segments of various species. It is evident that a prolonged exposure to filipin in fixative enhances rather than reduces presumptive cholesterol detection in the vertebrate photoreceptor cell. In agreement with the pattern seen in our previous study (Andrews, L.D., and A. I. Cohen, 1979, J. Cell Biol., 81:215-228), filipin- binding in membranes exhibiting particle-free patches seemed largely confined to these patches. Favorably fractured photoreceptors exhibited marked filipin-binding in apical inner segment plasma membrane topologically confluent with and proximate to the outer segment plasma membrane, which was comparatively free of filipin binding. A possible boundary between these differing membrane domains was suggested in a number of replicas exhibiting lower filipin binding to the apical plasma membrane of the inner segment in the area surrounding the cilium. This area contains a structure (Andrews, L. D., 1982, Freeze- fracture studies of vertebrate photoreceptors, In Structure of the Eye, J. G. Hollyfield and E. Acosta Vidrio, editors, Elsevier/North-Holland, New York, 11-23) that resembles the active zones of the nerve terminals for the frog neuromuscular junction. These observations lead us to hypothesize that these structures may function to direct vesicle fusion to occur near them, in a domain of membrane more closely resembling outer than inner segment plasma membrane. The above evidence supports the views that (a) all disk membranes contain cholesterol, but the particle-free patches present in some disks trap cholesterol from contiguous particulate membrane regions; (b) contiguous inner and outer segment membranes may greatly differ in cholesterol content; and (c) the suggested

  3. Apical extrusion of debris in four different endodontic instrumentation systems: A meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Western, J Sylvia; Dicksit, Daniel Devaprakash

    2017-01-01

    All endodontic instrumentation systems tested so far, promote apical extrusion of debris, which is one of the main causes of postoperative pain, flare ups, and delayed healing. Of this meta-analysis was to collect and analyze in vitro studies quantifying apically extruded debris while using Hand ProTaper (manual), ProTaper Universal (rotary), Wave One (reciprocating), and self-adjusting file (SAF; vibratory) endodontic instrumentation systems and to determine methods which produced lesser extrusion of debris apically. An extensive electronic database search was done in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, LILACS, and Google Scholar from inception until February 2016 using the key terms "Apical Debris Extrusion, extruded material, and manual/rotary/reciprocating/SAF systems." A systematic search strategy was followed to extract 12 potential articles from a total of 1352 articles. The overall effect size was calculated from the raw mean difference of weight of apically extruded debris. Statistically significant difference was seen in the following comparisons: SAF < Wave One, SAF < Rotary ProTaper. Apical extrusion of debris was invariably present in all the instrumentation systems analyzed. SAF system seemed to be periapical tissue friendly as it caused reduced apical extrusion compared to Rotary ProTaper and Wave One.

  4. Robustness of sensory-evoked excitation is increased by inhibitory inputs to distal apical tuft dendrites

    PubMed Central

    Egger, Robert; Schmitt, Arno C.; Wallace, Damian J.; Sakmann, Bert; Oberlaender, Marcel; Kerr, Jason N. D.

    2015-01-01

    Cortical inhibitory interneurons (INs) are subdivided into a variety of morphologically and functionally specialized cell types. How the respective specific properties translate into mechanisms that regulate sensory-evoked responses of pyramidal neurons (PNs) remains unknown. Here, we investigated how INs located in cortical layer 1 (L1) of rat barrel cortex affect whisker-evoked responses of L2 PNs. To do so we combined in vivo electrophysiology and morphological reconstructions with computational modeling. We show that whisker-evoked membrane depolarization in L2 PNs arises from highly specialized spatiotemporal synaptic input patterns. Temporally L1 INs and L2–5 PNs provide near synchronous synaptic input. Spatially synaptic contacts from L1 INs target distal apical tuft dendrites, whereas PNs primarily innervate basal and proximal apical dendrites. Simulations of such constrained synaptic input patterns predicted that inactivation of L1 INs increases trial-to-trial variability of whisker-evoked responses in L2 PNs. The in silico predictions were confirmed in vivo by L1-specific pharmacological manipulations. We present a mechanism—consistent with the theory of distal dendritic shunting—that can regulate the robustness of sensory-evoked responses in PNs without affecting response amplitude or latency. PMID:26512104

  5. Influence of Age and Apical Diameter on the Success of Endodontic Regeneration Procedures.

    PubMed

    Estefan, Bishoy Safwat; El Batouty, Kariem Mostafa; Nagy, Mohamed Mokhtar; Diogenes, Anibal

    2016-11-01

    Treatment of immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp and apical pathosis constitutes a challenge for endodontists. The present study was done to evaluate the effect of age and apical diameter on the regenerative potential of young permanent immature teeth with necrotic pulps. Immature necrotic permanent maxillary incisors (n = 40) of patients 9-18 years old were divided into 2 groups according to the treatment protocol: group Y (younger age group), 9-13 years and group O (older age group), 14-18 years. Each group was further subdivided into 2 subgroups according to apical diameter, subgroup (n) (narrower diameter) between 0.5 and 1 mm and subgroup (w) (wider diameter) equal to or greater than 1 mm. Revascularization procedures were performed for all patients. Follow-up was done for up to 12 months. Standardized radiographs were digitally evaluated for increase in root length and thickness and decrease in apical diameter. After the follow-up period, most of the cases demonstrated radiographic evidence of periapical healing. Group Y showed significant progressive increase in root length and width and decrease in apical diameter. Subgroup (w) representing wider apical diameter showed significant progress as well. It was found that revascularization procedures can be implemented in any age ranging from 9 to 18 years; however, younger age groups were better candidates for revascularization procedure than older ones. Regarding the apical diameter, regeneration procedures were successful with apical diameters as small as 0.5 mm. However, teeth with preoperative wider diameters (≥1 mm) demonstrated greater increase in root thickness, length, and apical narrowing. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Endodontists. All rights reserved.

  6. Immediate Implant Placement in Sockets with Asymptomatic Apical Periodontitis.

    PubMed

    Crespi, Roberto; Capparé, Paolo; Crespi, Giovanni; Lo Giudice, Giuseppe; Gastaldi, Giorgio; Gherlone, Enrico

    2017-02-01

    The purpose of the present study was to evaluate if the presence of granulation tissue in asymptomatic apical periodontitis compromised immediate implant placement. Patients requiring extraction of one tooth (maxillary and mandibular incisive, canine or premolar) with asymptomatic apical periodontitis, were recruited for this prospective study. They were randomly scheduled into two groups: in first group (A) including 30 teeth, reactive soft tissue was debrided before implant placement, and in second group (B) including 30 teeth, reactive soft tissue was left in the apical lesion. Implants were positioned immediately after tooth extraction, and were loaded after 3 months in both groups. Cone beam computed tomography was performed before tooth extraction and at 1-year follow-up to evaluate the radiolucency around the root apex and the implant, bucco-lingual bone levels were also checked. Sixty patients were included in this study. Sixty implants were placed immediately after tooth extraction and, at 1-year follow-up, a survival rate of 100% was reported. After one year both groups showed absence of radiolucent zone at the apical region of implants. All fresh sockets presented a buccal-palatal bone reduction in both groups after one year, even if not statistically significant differences were found between baseline bone levels and within groups. Within the limitations of the present study, the immediate placement of implants into the extraction sockets with asymptomatic apical periodontitis, in presence of primary stability, did not lead to an increased rate of complications and rendered an equally favorable type of tissue integration. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  7. Analysis of Microtubule Mediated Functions of Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-04-01

    localization of vesicles containing these markers increased to approximately 43% (38/88) when cells are incubated with tunicamycin, indicating a role...PSMA at both plasma membrane domains following nocodazole treatment. Polarity of the basolateral marker Na,K- ATPase was unaffected by nocodazole...restricted to the apical surface facing the lumen. This staining was clearly distinct from that of the endothelial cell marker CD 34 and CD31

  8. Dental Apical Papilla as Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury.

    PubMed

    De Berdt, P; Vanacker, J; Ucakar, B; Elens, L; Diogenes, A; Leprince, J G; Deumens, R; des Rieux, A

    2015-11-01

    Stem cells of the apical papilla (SCAP) represent great promise regarding treatment of neural tissue damage, such as spinal cord injury (SCI). They derive from the neural crest, express numerous neurogenic markers, and mediate neurite outgrowth and axonal targeting. The goal of the present work was to investigate for the first time their potential to promote motor recovery after SCI in a rat hemisection model when delivered in their original stem cell niche-that is, by transplantation of the human apical papilla tissue itself into the lesion. Control groups consisted of animals subjected to laminectomy only (shams) and to lesion either untreated or injected with a fibrin hydrogel with or without human SCAP. Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan locomotor scores at 1 and 3 d postsurgery confirmed early functional decline in all SCI groups. This significant impairment was reversed, as seen in CatWalk analyses, after transplantation of apical papilla into the injured spinal cord wound, whereas the other groups demonstrated persistent functional impairment. Moreover, tactile allodynia did not develop as an unwanted side effect in any of the groups, even though the SCAP hydrogel group showed higher expression of the microglial marker Iba-1, which has been frequently associated with allodynia. Notably, the apical papilla transplant group presented with reduced Iba-1 expression level. Masson trichrome and human mitochondria staining showed the preservation of the apical papilla integrity and the presence of numerous human cells, while human cells could no longer be detected in the SCAP hydrogel group at the 6-wk postsurgery time point. Altogether, our data suggest that the transplantation of a human apical papilla at the lesion site improves gait in spinally injured rats and reduces glial reactivity. It also underlines the potential interest for the application of delivering SCAP in their original niche, as compared with use of a fibrin hydrogel. © International & American

  9. A comparison of apical transportation between FlexMaster and Twisted Files rotary instruments.

    PubMed

    Duran-Sindreu, Fernando; García, Marc; Olivieri, Juan Gonzalo; Mercadé, Montse; Morelló, Sergio; Roig, Miguel

    2012-07-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate apical transportation in root canals after the use of Twisted Files (TF; SybronEndo, Orange, CA) and FlexMaster (VDW, Munich, Germany) #40/04 rotary files. A double-digital radiographic technique was used to compare apical transportation between the TF and FlexMaster systems. Each rotary system was used to instrument mesial canals from 80 extracted mandibular molars. The central axes of the file imaged before instrumentation (#15 K-file) and the master apical rotary file (#40/04) were superimposed digitally. AutoCAD 2008 (Autodesk Inc, San Rafael, CA) was used to measure apical transportation at 0.5 mm from the working length (WL). The data were analyzed using the Student's t test, and significance was set at P < .05. The mean amount of apical transportation at 0.5 mm from the WL was 0.17 ± 0.09 mm for the FlexMaster group and 0.19 ± 0.12 mm for the TF group. No statistically significant differences in apical transportation were found between the 2 groups. Under the conditions of the study, no statistically significant differences in apical transportation were observed between FlexMaster and TF rotary files. Copyright © 2012 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Apical extrusion of debris in four different endodontic instrumentation systems: A meta-analysis

    PubMed Central

    Western, J. Sylvia; Dicksit, Daniel Devaprakash

    2017-01-01

    Background: All endodontic instrumentation systems tested so far, promote apical extrusion of debris, which is one of the main causes of postoperative pain, flare ups, and delayed healing. Objectives: Of this meta-analysis was to collect and analyze in vitro studies quantifying apically extruded debris while using Hand ProTaper (manual), ProTaper Universal (rotary), Wave One (reciprocating), and self-adjusting file (SAF; vibratory) endodontic instrumentation systems and to determine methods which produced lesser extrusion of debris apically. Methodology: An extensive electronic database search was done in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, LILACS, and Google Scholar from inception until February 2016 using the key terms “Apical Debris Extrusion, extruded material, and manual/rotary/reciprocating/SAF systems.” A systematic search strategy was followed to extract 12 potential articles from a total of 1352 articles. The overall effect size was calculated from the raw mean difference of weight of apically extruded debris. Results: Statistically significant difference was seen in the following comparisons: SAF < Wave One, SAF < Rotary ProTaper. Conclusions: Apical extrusion of debris was invariably present in all the instrumentation systems analyzed. SAF system seemed to be periapical tissue friendly as it caused reduced apical extrusion compared to Rotary ProTaper and Wave One. PMID:28761250

  11. Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1A toxin-binding glycoconjugates present on the brush border membrane and in the peritrophic membrane of the Douglas-fir tussock moth are peritrophins

    Treesearch

    Algimantas P. Valaitis; John D. Podgwaite

    2013-01-01

    Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1A toxin-binding sites in the Douglas fir tussock moth (DFTM) larval gut were localized using immunofluorescence microscopy. Cry1Aa, Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac all bound strongly to the DFTM peritrophic membrane (PM); weaker binding of the Cry1A toxins was observed along the apical brush border of the midgut epithelium....

  12. Phaeophleospora vochysiae Savi & Glienke sp. nov. Isolated from Vochysia divergens Found in the Pantanal, Brazil, Produces Bioactive Secondary Metabolites.

    PubMed

    Savi, Daiani C; Shaaban, Khaled A; Gos, Francielly Maria Wilke Ramos; Ponomareva, Larissa V; Thorson, Jon S; Glienke, Chirlei; Rohr, Jürgen

    2018-02-15

    Microorganisms associated with plants are highly diverse and can produce a large number of secondary metabolites, with antimicrobial, anti-parasitic and cytotoxic activities. We are particularly interested in exploring endophytes from medicinal plants found in the Pantanal, a unique and widely unexplored wetland in Brazil. In a bio-prospecting study, strains LGMF1213 and LGMF1215 were isolated as endophytes from Vochysia divergens, and by morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses were characterized as Phaeophleospora vochysiae sp. nov. The chemical assessment of this species reveals three major compounds with high biological activity, cercoscosporin (1), isocercosporin (2) and the new compound 3-(sec-butyl)-6-ethyl-4,5-dihydroxy-2-methoxy-6-methylcyclohex-2-enone (3). Besides the isolation of P. vochysiae as endophyte, the production of cercosporin compounds suggest that under specific conditions this species causes leaf spots, and may turn into a pathogen, since leaf spots are commonly caused by species of Cercospora that produce related compounds. In addition, the new compound 3-(sec-butyl)-6-ethyl-4,5-dihydroxy-2-methoxy-6-methylcyclohex-2-enone showed considerable antimicrobial activity and low cytotoxicity, which needs further exploration.

  13. Modulation of apical constriction by Wnt signaling is required for lung epithelial shape transition.

    PubMed

    Fumoto, Katsumi; Takigawa-Imamura, Hisako; Sumiyama, Kenta; Kaneiwa, Tomoyuki; Kikuchi, Akira

    2017-01-01

    In lung development, the apically constricted columnar epithelium forms numerous buds during the pseudoglandular stage. Subsequently, these epithelial cells change shape into the flat or cuboidal pneumocytes that form the air sacs during the canalicular and saccular (canalicular-saccular) stages, yet the impact of cell shape on tissue morphogenesis remains unclear. Here, we show that the expression of Wnt components is decreased in the canalicular-saccular stages, and that genetically constitutive activation of Wnt signaling impairs air sac formation by inducing apical constriction in the epithelium as seen in the pseudoglandular stage. Organ culture models also demonstrate that Wnt signaling induces apical constriction through apical actomyosin cytoskeletal organization. Mathematical modeling reveals that apical constriction induces bud formation and that loss of apical constriction is required for the formation of an air sac-like structure. We identify MAP/microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 1 (Mark1) as a downstream molecule of Wnt signaling and show that it is required for apical cytoskeletal organization and bud formation. These results suggest that Wnt signaling is required for bud formation by inducing apical constriction during the pseudoglandular stage, whereas loss of Wnt signaling is necessary for air sac formation in the canalicular-saccular stages. © 2017. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  14. Apical constriction: themes and variations on a cellular mechanism driving morphogenesis

    PubMed Central

    Martin, Adam C.; Goldstein, Bob

    2014-01-01

    Apical constriction is a cell shape change that promotes tissue remodeling in a variety of homeostatic and developmental contexts, including gastrulation in many organisms and neural tube formation in vertebrates. In recent years, progress has been made towards understanding how the distinct cell biological processes that together drive apical constriction are coordinated. These processes include the contraction of actin-myosin networks, which generates force, and the attachment of actin networks to cell-cell junctions, which allows forces to be transmitted between cells. Different cell types regulate contractility and adhesion in unique ways, resulting in apical constriction with varying dynamics and subcellular organizations, as well as a variety of resulting tissue shape changes. Understanding both the common themes and the variations in apical constriction mechanisms promises to provide insight into the mechanics that underlie tissue morphogenesis. PMID:24803648

  15. Multiple idiopathic external apical root resorption: report of four cases.

    PubMed

    Cholia, S S; Wilson, P H R; Makdissi, J

    2005-07-01

    Multiple idiopathic external root resorption is an unusual condition that may present in a cervical or an apical form. In this article, we review the published literature relating to multiple idiopathic external apical root resorption and present four clinical cases. We consider the aetiology of this condition and discuss the various treatment options.

  16. Nonsurgical root canal therapy of large cyst-like inflammatory periapical lesions and inflammatory apical cysts.

    PubMed

    Lin, Louis M; Ricucci, Domenico; Lin, Jarshen; Rosenberg, Paul A

    2009-05-01

    It is a general belief that large cyst-like periapical lesions and apical true cysts caused by root canal infection are less likely to heal after nonsurgical root canal therapy. Nevertheless, there is no direct evidence to support this assumption. A large cyst-like periapical lesion or an apical true cyst is formed within an area of apical periodontitis and cannot form by itself. Therefore, both large cyst-like periapical lesions and apical true cysts are of inflammatory and not of neoplastic origin. Apical periodontitis lesions, regardless of whether they are granulomas, abscesses, or cysts, fail to heal after nonsurgical root canal therapy for the same reason, intraradicular and/or extraradicular infection. If the microbial etiology of large cyst-like periapical lesions and inflammatory apical true cysts in the root canal is removed by nonsurgical root canal therapy, the lesions might regress by the mechanism of apoptosis in a manner similar to the resolution of inflammatory apical pocket cysts. To achieve satisfactory periapical wound healing, surgical removal of an apical true cyst must include elimination of root canal infection.

  17. Prolapse repair with and without apical resuspension-Practice patterns among certifying American urologists.

    PubMed

    Liu, Joceline S; Nettey, Oluwarotimi; Vo, Amanda X; Hofer, Matthias D; Flury, Sarah C; Kielb, Stephanie J

    2017-02-01

    To examine surgeon characteristics in certifying urologists performing prolapse surgeries. Anterior compartment prolapse is often associated with apical prolapse, with high rates of recurrence when anterior repair is performed without apical resuspension. Six-month case log data of certifying urologists between 2003 and 2013 was obtained from the American Board of Urology (ABU). Cases with a CPT code for common prolapse repairs in females ≥18 years were analyzed. Among 2,588 urologists logging at least one prolapse surgery and a total of 30,983 surgeries, 320 (1.0% of all cases) uterosacral ligament suspension, 3,673 (11.9%) sacrospinous ligament suspension, and 2,618 (8.4%) abdominal sacrocolpopexy were identified. The remaining 14,585 cases were logged as anterior repair. 54.7% of anterior repairs did not include apical suspension. The proportion of anterior repairs without apical suspension has decreased from 77.7% in 2004 to 41.4% in 2012 (P < 0.001). Female subspecialists before 2011 performed anterior repair without apical suspension in 58.5%, versus 70.3% by all others. Since 2011 there has been a decrease in number of anterior repairs without apical suspension, notably in those applying for Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) certification (17.1% vs. 30.7% by all other urologists, P < 0.001); nonacademically affiliated urologists are 2.1 times more likely to report anterior repair without apical suspension than academically affiliated colleagues (P < 0.001). The proportion of prolapse repairs reported as anterior repairs without apical suspension is decreasing, although it remains a substantial portion. Recent log year, FPMRS, and academic affiliation were associated with prolapse repairs addressing apical support. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:344-348, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  18. PARAPHYSOIDS, PSEUDOPARAPHYSES, AND APICAL PARAPHYSES,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    The distinct, vertical, paraphysis-like hyphae developing in the centrum of loculoascomycetes prior to the formation of asci are properly termed...structure is of doubtful usefulness. The downward-growing palisade of hyphae with free tips in the centrum of hypocreaceous fungi should be distinguished as apical paraphyses. (Author)

  19. [A retrospective study of 180 cases of apical microsurgery].

    PubMed

    Wang, Hanguo; Li, Dan; Tian, Yu; Yu, Qing

    2014-07-01

    To evaluate the outcome and the potential prognostic factors of apical microsurgery. The teeth with persistent periapical diseases were treated by microsurgery using micro instruments, ultrasonic retrotips and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) under dental operate microscope. The procedure includes incision and flap retraction, osteotomy, apicoectomy, retro- preparation and retro- filling of root canal. Patients were recalled at 1, 3, 6, and 12- month intervals. The outcome was evaluated by clinical and radiographic examinations, and the potential prognostic factors were analyzed. One hundred and eighty cases (240 teeth), including 132 upper anterior teeth, 22 lower anterior teeth, 31 upper premolars, 18 lower premolars, 19 upper molars and 18 lower molars, were treated by microsurgery between July 2010 and December 2012. A total of 152 cases (207 teeth) were recalled. The application of the apical microsurgery included failure of previous endodontic treatment, periapical lesion with post, periapical cyst, calcified canals, separated instruments, overfilling, open apex, root facture, failure of previous apical surgery, apical fenestration, and special root canal system. The success rate was 90.8% (188/207). Age, sex, tooth position, type of periapical radiolucency, fistula and clinical application type appeared to have a negative effect on the outcome. Endo-perio lesion was a significant factor. Eighteen cases (19 teeth) failed mainly because of periodontally involved lesion and vertical root fracture. Apical microsurgery, which combines the magnification and illumination provided by the microscope with the proper use of micro instruments, can treat the teeth with persistent periapical diseases precisely and less traumatically with high success rate. Case selection and standardized operations play a key role for success.

  20. The C. elegans Intestine As a Model for Intercellular Lumen Morphogenesis and In Vivo Polarized Membrane Biogenesis at the Single-cell Level: Labeling by Antibody Staining, RNAi Loss-of-function Analysis and Imaging.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Nan; Khan, Liakot A; Membreno, Edward; Jafari, Gholamali; Yan, Siyang; Zhang, Hongjie; Gobel, Verena

    2017-10-03

    Multicellular tubes, fundamental units of all internal organs, are composed of polarized epithelial or endothelial cells, with apical membranes lining the lumen and basolateral membranes contacting each other and/or the extracellular matrix. How this distinctive membrane asymmetry is established and maintained during organ morphogenesis is still an unresolved question of cell biology. This protocol describes the C. elegans intestine as a model for the analysis of polarized membrane biogenesis during tube morphogenesis, with emphasis on apical membrane and lumen biogenesis. The C. elegans twenty-cell single-layered intestinal epithelium is arranged into a simple bilaterally symmetrical tube, permitting analysis on a single-cell level. Membrane polarization occurs concomitantly with polarized cell division and migration during early embryogenesis, but de novo polarized membrane biogenesis continues throughout larval growth, when cells no longer proliferate and move. The latter setting allows one to separate subcellular changes that simultaneously mediate these different polarizing processes, difficult to distinguish in most polarity models. Apical-, basolateral membrane-, junctional-, cytoskeletal- and endomembrane components can be labeled and tracked throughout development by GFP fusion proteins, or assessed by in situ antibody staining. Together with the organism's genetic versatility, the C. elegans intestine thus provides a unique in vivo model for the visual, developmental, and molecular genetic analysis of polarized membrane and tube biogenesis. The specific methods (all standard) described here include how to: label intestinal subcellular components by antibody staining; analyze genes involved in polarized membrane biogenesis by loss-of-function studies adapted to the typically essential tubulogenesis genes; assess polarity defects during different developmental stages; interpret phenotypes by epifluorescence, differential interference contrast (DIC) and

  1. Theory of electric resonance in the neocortical apical dendrite.

    PubMed

    Kasevich, Ray S; LaBerge, David

    2011-01-01

    Pyramidal neurons of the neocortex display a wide range of synchronous EEG rhythms, which arise from electric activity along the apical dendrites of neocortical pyramidal neurons. Here we present a theoretical description of oscillation frequency profiles along apical dendrites which exhibit resonance frequencies in the range of 10 to 100 Hz. The apical dendrite is modeled as a leaky coaxial cable coated with a dielectric, in which a series of compartments act as coupled electric circuits that gradually narrow the resonance profile. The tuning of the peak frequency is assumed to be controlled by the average amplitude of voltage-gated outward currents, which in turn are regulated by the subthreshold noise in the thousands of synaptic spines that are continuously bombarded by local circuits. The results of simulations confirmed the ability of the model both to tune the peak frequency in the 10-100 Hz range and to gradually narrow the resonance profile. Considerable additional narrowing of the resonance profile is provided by repeated looping through the apical dendrite via the corticothalamocortical circuit, which reduced the width of each resonance curve (at half-maximum) to approximately 1 Hz. Synaptic noise in the neural circuit is discussed in relation to the ways it can influence the narrowing process.

  2. Theory of Electric Resonance in the Neocortical Apical Dendrite

    PubMed Central

    Kasevich, Ray S.; LaBerge, David

    2011-01-01

    Pyramidal neurons of the neocortex display a wide range of synchronous EEG rhythms, which arise from electric activity along the apical dendrites of neocortical pyramidal neurons. Here we present a theoretical description of oscillation frequency profiles along apical dendrites which exhibit resonance frequencies in the range of 10 to 100 Hz. The apical dendrite is modeled as a leaky coaxial cable coated with a dielectric, in which a series of compartments act as coupled electric circuits that gradually narrow the resonance profile. The tuning of the peak frequency is assumed to be controlled by the average amplitude of voltage-gated outward currents, which in turn are regulated by the subthreshold noise in the thousands of synaptic spines that are continuously bombarded by local circuits. The results of simulations confirmed the ability of the model both to tune the peak frequency in the 10–100 Hz range and to gradually narrow the resonance profile. Considerable additional narrowing of the resonance profile is provided by repeated looping through the apical dendrite via the corticothalamocortical circuit, which reduced the width of each resonance curve (at half-maximum) to approximately 1 Hz. Synaptic noise in the neural circuit is discussed in relation to the ways it can influence the narrowing process. PMID:21853129

  3. The stochastic nature of action potential backpropagation in apical tuft dendrites.

    PubMed

    Short, Shaina M; Oikonomou, Katerina D; Zhou, Wen-Liang; Acker, Corey D; Popovic, Marko A; Zecevic, Dejan; Antic, Srdjan D

    2017-08-01

    In cortical pyramidal neurons, backpropagating action potentials (bAPs) supply Ca 2+ to synaptic contacts on dendrites. To determine whether the efficacy of AP backpropagation into apical tuft dendrites is stable over time, we performed dendritic Ca 2+ and voltage imaging in rat brain slices. We found that the amplitude of bAP-Ca 2+ in apical tuft branches was unstable, given that it varied from trial to trial (termed "bAP-Ca 2+ flickering"). Small perturbations in dendritic physiology, such as spontaneous synaptic inputs, channel inactivation, or temperature-induced changes in channel kinetics, can cause bAP flickering. In the tuft branches, the density of Na + and K + channels was sufficient to support local initiation of fast spikelets by glutamate iontophoresis. We quantified the time delay between the somatic AP burst and the peak of dendritic Ca 2+ transient in the apical tuft, because this delay is important for induction of spike-timing dependent plasticity. Depending on the frequency of the somatic AP triplets, Ca 2+ signals peaked in the apical tuft 20-50 ms after the 1st AP in the soma. Interestingly, at low frequency (<20 Hz), the Ca 2+ peaked sooner than at high frequency, because only the 1st AP invaded tuft. Activation of dendritic voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels is sensitive to the duration of the dendritic voltage transient. In apical tuft branches, small changes in the duration of bAP voltage waveforms cause disproportionately large increases in dendritic Ca 2+ influx (bAP-Ca 2+ flickering). The stochastic nature of bAP-Ca 2+ adds a new perspective on the mechanisms by which pyramidal neurons combine inputs arriving at different cortical layers. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The bAP-Ca 2+ signal amplitudes in some apical tuft branches randomly vary from moment to moment. In repetitive measurements, successful AP invasions are followed by complete failures. Passive spread of voltage from the apical trunk into the tuft occasionally reaches the threshold for local

  4. Membrane fusion triggers rapid degradation of two gamete-specific, fusion-essential proteins in a membrane block to polygamy in Chlamydomonas.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yanjie; Misamore, Michael J; Snell, William J

    2010-05-01

    The plasma membranes of gametes are specialized for fusion, yet, once fusion occurs, in many organisms the new zygote becomes incapable of further membrane fusion reactions. The molecular mechanisms that underlie this loss of fusion capacity (block to polygamy) remain unknown. During fertilization in the green alga Chlamydomonas, the plus gamete-specific membrane protein FUS1 is required for adhesion between the apically localized sites on the plasma membranes of plus and minus gametes that are specialized for fusion, and the minus-specific membrane protein HAP2 is essential for completion of the membrane fusion reaction. HAP2 (GCS1) family members are also required for fertilization in Arabidopsis, and for the membrane fusion reaction in the malaria organism Plasmodium berghei. Here, we tested whether Chlamydomonas gamete fusion triggers alterations in FUS1 and HAP2 and renders the plasma membranes of the cells incapable of subsequent fusion. We find that, even though the fusogenic sites support multi-cell adhesions, triploid zygotes are rare, indicating a fusion-triggered block to the membrane fusion reaction. Consistent with the extinction of fusogenic capacity, both FUS1 and HAP2 are degraded upon fusion. The rapid, fusion-triggered cleavage of HAP2 in zygotes is distinct from degradation occurring during constitutive turnover in gametes. Thus, gamete fusion triggers specific degradation of fusion-essential proteins and renders the zygote incapable of fusion. Our results provide the first molecular explanation for a membrane block to polygamy in any organism.

  5. Dlg3 Trafficking and Apical Tight Junction Formation Is Regulated by Nedd4 and Nedd4-2 E3 Ubiquitin Ligases

    PubMed Central

    Van Campenhout, Claude A.; Eitelhuber, Andrea; Gloeckner, Christian J.; Giallonardo, Patrizia; Gegg, Moritz; Oller, Heide; Grant, Seth G.N.; Krappmann, Daniel; Ueffing, Marius; Lickert, Heiko

    2011-01-01

    Summary The Drosophila Discs large (Dlg) scaffolding protein acts as a tumor suppressor regulating basolateral epithelial polarity and proliferation. In mammals, four Dlg homologs have been identified; however, their functions in cell polarity remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the X-linked mental retardation gene product Dlg3 contributes to apical-basal polarity and epithelial junction formation in mouse organizer tissues, as well as to planar cell polarity in the inner ear. We purified complexes associated with Dlg3 in polarized epithelial cells, including proteins regulating directed trafficking and tight junction formation. Remarkably, of the four Dlg family members, Dlg3 exerts a distinct function by recruiting the ubiquitin ligases Nedd4 and Nedd4-2 through its PPxY motifs. We found that these interactions are required for Dlg3 monoubiquitination, apical membrane recruitment, and tight junction consolidation. Our findings reveal an unexpected evolutionary diversification of the vertebrate Dlg family in basolateral epithelium formation. PMID:21920314

  6. Population genetic structure and natural selection of Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen-1 in Myanmar isolates.

    PubMed

    Kang, Jung-Mi; Lee, Jinyoung; Moe, Mya; Jun, Hojong; Lê, Hương Giang; Kim, Tae Im; Thái, Thị Lam; Sohn, Woon-Mok; Myint, Moe Kyaw; Lin, Khin; Shin, Ho-Joon; Kim, Tong-Soo; Na, Byoung-Kuk

    2018-02-07

    Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen-1 (PfAMA-1) is one of leading blood stage malaria vaccine candidates. However, genetic variation and antigenic diversity identified in global PfAMA-1 are major hurdles in the development of an effective vaccine based on this antigen. In this study, genetic structure and the effect of natural selection of PfAMA-1 among Myanmar P. falciparum isolates were analysed. Blood samples were collected from 58 Myanmar patients with falciparum malaria. Full-length PfAMA-1 gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and cloned into a TA cloning vector. PfAMA-1 sequence of each isolate was sequenced. Polymorphic characteristics and effect of natural selection were analysed with using DNASTAR, MEGA4, and DnaSP programs. Polymorphic nature and natural selection in 459 global PfAMA-1 were also analysed. Thirty-seven different haplotypes of PfAMA-1 were identified in 58 Myanmar P. falciparum isolates. Most amino acid changes identified in Myanmar PfAMA-1 were found in domains I and III. Overall patterns of amino acid changes in Myanmar PfAMA-1 were similar to those in global PfAMA-1. However, frequencies of amino acid changes differed by country. Novel amino acid changes in Myanmar PfAMA-1 were also identified. Evidences for natural selection and recombination event were observed in global PfAMA-1. Among 51 commonly identified amino acid changes in global PfAMA-1 sequences, 43 were found in predicted RBC-binding sites, B-cell epitopes, or IUR regions. Myanmar PfAMA-1 showed similar patterns of nucleotide diversity and amino acid polymorphisms compared to those of global PfAMA-1. Balancing natural selection and intragenic recombination across PfAMA-1 are likely to play major roles in generating genetic diversity in global PfAMA-1. Most common amino acid changes in global PfAMA-1 were located in predicted B-cell epitopes where high levels of nucleotide diversity and balancing natural selection were found. These results highlight the

  7. Energy demands for maintenance, growth, pregnancy, and lactation of female Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens)

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Noren, Shawn R.; Udevitz, Mark S.; Jay, Chadwick V.

    2014-01-01

    Decreases in sea ice have altered habitat use and activity patterns of female Pacific walruses Odobenus rosmarus divergens and could affect their energetic demands, reproductive success, and population status. However, a lack of physiological data from walruses has hampered efforts to develop the bioenergetics models required for fully understanding potential population-level impacts. We analyzed long-term longitudinal data sets of caloric consumption and body mass from nine female Pacific walruses housed at six aquaria using a hierarchical Bayesian approach to quantify relative energetic demands for maintenance, growth, pregnancy, and lactation. By examining body mass fluctuations in response to food consumption, the model explicitly uncoupled caloric demand from caloric intake. This is important for pinnipeds because they sequester and deplete large quantities of lipids throughout their lifetimes. Model outputs were scaled to account for activity levels typical of free-ranging Pacific walruses, averaging 83% of the time active in water and 17% of the time hauled-out resting. Estimated caloric requirements ranged from 26,900 kcal d−1 for 2-yr-olds to 93,370 kcal d−1 for simultaneously lactating and pregnant walruses. Daily consumption requirements were higher for pregnancy than lactation, reflecting energetic demands of increasing body size and lipid deposition during pregnancy. Although walruses forage during lactation, fat sequestered during pregnancy sustained 27% of caloric requirements during the first month of lactation, suggesting that walruses use a mixed strategy of capital and income breeding. Ultimately, this model will aid in our understanding of the energetic and population consequences of sea ice loss.

  8. Viral-bacterial associations in acute apical abscesses.

    PubMed

    Ferreira, Dennis C; Rôças, Isabela N; Paiva, Simone S M; Carmo, Flávia L; Cavalcante, Fernanda S; Rosado, Alexandre S; Santos, Kátia R N; Siqueira, José F

    2011-08-01

    Viral-bacterial and bacterial synergism have been suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of several human diseases. This study sought to investigate the possible associations between 9 candidate endodontic bacterial pathogens and 9 human viruses in samples from acute apical abscesses. DNA extracts from purulent exudate aspirates of 33 cases of acute apical abscess were surveyed for the presence of 9 selected bacterial species using a 16S ribosomal RNA gene-based nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach. Single or nested PCR assays were used for detection of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpesviruses types 1 to 8. Two-thirds of the abscess samples were positive for at least one of the target viruses. Specifically, the most frequently detected viruses were HHV-8 (54.5%); HPV (9%); and varicella zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and HHV-6 (6%). Bacterial DNA was present in all cases and the most prevalent bacterial species were Treponema denticola (70%), Tannerella forsythia (67%), Porphyromonas endodontalis (67%), Dialister invisus (61%), and Dialister pneumosintes (57.5%). HHV-8 was positively associated with 7 of the target bacterial species and HPV with 4, but all these associations were weak. Several bacterial pairs showed a moderate positive association. Viral coinfection was found in 6 abscess cases, but no significant viral association could be determined. Findings demonstrated that bacterial and viral DNA occurred concomitantly in two-thirds of the samples from endodontic abscesses. Although this may suggest a role for viruses in the etiology of apical abscesses, the possibility also exists that the presence of viruses in abscess samples is merely a consequence of the bacterially induced disease process. Further studies are necessary to clarify the role of these viral-bacterial interactions, if any, in the pathogenesis of acute apical abscesses. Copyright © 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. MRCK-1 drives apical constriction in C. elegans by linking developmental patterning to force generation

    PubMed Central

    Marston, Daniel J.; Higgins, Christopher D.; Peters, Kimberly A.; Cupp, Timothy D.; Dickinson, Daniel J.; Pani, Ariel M.; Moore, Regan P.; Cox, Amanda H.; Kiehart, Daniel P.; Goldstein, Bob

    2016-01-01

    Summary Apical constriction is a change in cell shape that drives key morphogenetic events including gastrulation and neural tube formation. Apical force-producing actomyosin networks drive apical constriction by contracting while connected to cell-cell junctions. The mechanisms by which developmental patterning regulates these actomyosin networks and associated junctions with spatial precision are not fully understood. Here, we identify a myosin light chain kinase MRCK-1 as a key regulator of C. elegans gastrulation that integrates spatial and developmental patterning information. We show that MRCK-1 is required for activation of contractile actomyosin dynamics and elevated cortical tension in the apical cell cortex of endodermal precursor cells. MRCK-1 is apically localized by active Cdc42 at the external, cell-cell contact-free surfaces of apically constricting cells, downstream of cell fate determination mechanisms. We establish that the junctional components α-catenin, β-catenin, and cadherin become highly enriched at the apical junctions of apically-constricting cells, and that MRCK-1 and myosin activity are required in vivo for this enrichment. Taken together, our results define mechanisms that position a myosin activator to a specific cell surface where it both locally increases cortical tension and locally enriches junctional components to facilitate apical constriction. These results reveal crucial links that can tie spatial information to local force generation to drive morphogenesis. PMID:27451898

  10. Apically-extruded debris using the ProTaper system.

    PubMed

    Azar, Nasim Gheshlaghi; Ebrahimi, Gholamreza

    2005-04-01

    The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the quantity of debris and irrigant extruded apically using the ProTaper system compared to ProFiles and K-Flexofiles. Thirty-six mesio-buccal root canals of human mandibular molars were selected and divided into three groups of twelve canals. Two groups were instrumented with ProFiles and ProTapers according to the manufacturer's instructions. The other group was instrumented with K-Flexofiles using the step-back technique. A standard amount of irrigant was used for each canal. Apically-extruded debris and irrigant was collected in pre-weighed vials. The mean weight of extruded debris and irrigant for each group was statistically analysed using Student's t-test and one-way ANOVA. All instrumentation techniques produced extruded debris and irrigant. Although the mean amount of extrusion with the step-back technique was higher than the two rotary systems, there was no significant difference between the three groups (p > 0.05). NiTi rotary systems were associated with less apical extrusion, but were not significantly better than hand file instrumentation. All techniques extruded debris.

  11. Short-Term Boron Deprivation Inhibits Endocytosis of Cell Wall Pectins in Meristematic Cells of Maize and Wheat Root Apices1

    PubMed Central

    Yu, Qin; Hlavacka, Andrej; Matoh, Toru; Volkmann, Dieter; Menzel, Diedrik; Goldbach, Heiner E.; Baluška, František

    2002-01-01

    By using immunofluorescence microscopy, we observed rapidly altered distribution patterns of cell wall pectins in meristematic cells of maize (Zea mays) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) root apices. This response was shown for homogalacturonan pectins characterized by a low level (up to 40%) of methylesterification and for rhamnogalacturonan II pectins cross-linked by a borate diol diester. Under boron deprivation, abundance of these pectins rapidly increased in cell walls, whereas their internalization was inhibited, as evidenced by a reduced and even blocked accumulation of these cell wall pectins within brefeldin A-induced compartments. In contrast, root cells of species sensitive to the boron deprivation, like zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa), do not internalize cell wall pectins into brefeldin A compartments and do not show accumulation of pectins in their cell walls under boron deprivation. For maize and wheat root apices, we favor an apoplastic target for the primary action of boron deprivation, which signals deeper into the cell via endocytosis-mediated pectin signaling along putative cell wall-plasma membrane-cytoskeleton continuum. PMID:12226520

  12. Neisseria gonorrhoeae breaches the apical junction of polarized epithelial cells for transmigration by activating EGFR

    PubMed Central

    Edwards, Vonetta L.; Wang, Liang-Chun; Dawson, Valerie; Stein, Daniel C.; Song, Wenxia

    2017-01-01

    Summary Neisseria gonorrhoeae initiates infection at the apical surface of columnar endocervical epithelial cells in the female reproductive tract. These cells provide a physical barrier against pathogens by forming continuous apical junctional complexes between neighbouring cells. This study examines the interaction of gonococci (GC) with polarized epithelial cells. We show that viable GC preferentially localize at the apical side of the cell–cell junction in polarized endometrial and colonic epithelial cells, HEC-1-B and T84. In GC-infected cells, continuous apical junctional complexes are disrupted, and the junction-associated protein β-catenin is redistributed from the apical junction to the cytoplasm and to GC adherent sites; however, overall cellular levels remain unchanged. This redistribution of junctional proteins is associated with a decrease in the ‘fence’ function of the apical junction but not its ‘gate’ function. Disruption of the apical junction by removing calcium increases GC transmigration across the epithelial monolayer. GC inoculation induces the phosphorylation of both epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and β-catenin, while inhibition of EGFR kinase activity significantly reduces both GC-induced β-catenin redistribution and GC transmigration. Therefore, the gonococcus is capable of weakening the apical junction and polarity of epithelial cells by activating EGFR, which facilitates GC transmigration across the epithelium. PMID:23279089

  13. Dental Pulp Revascularization of Necrotic Permanent Teeth with Immature Apices.

    PubMed

    El Ashiry, Eman A; Farsi, Najat M; Abuzeid, Sawsan T; El Ashiry, Mohamed M; Bahammam, Hammam A

    The treatment of immature necrotic teeth with apical periodontitis presents challenges in endodontic and pediatric dentistry. Revascularization is a recent treatment for such cases as an alternative to conventional apexification. The purpose is to examine the effect of a pulpal revascularization procedure on immature necrotic teeth with apical periodontitis. Twenty patients were enrolled for pulp revascularization procedure by root canal disinfection using a triple antibiotic mixture for 1-2 weeks, followed by creating a blood clot, sealing the root canal orifice using white mineral trioxide aggregate and a coronal seal of composite resin. Patients were recalled periodically for up to 24 months. During follow-up, all patients were asymptomatic. Three cases of chronic apical periodontitis showed clinical disappearance of the sinus tract 2 weeks after treatment. Radiography revealed progressive periapical radiolucency resolution within the first 12 months. Within 12-24 months, the treated teeth showed progressive increases in dentinal wall thickness, root length and continued root development. Clinical and radiographic evidence showed successful revascularization treatments of immature necrotic permanent teeth with apical periodontitis. More studies are necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms and to perform histopathology of the pulp space contents after revascularization procedures.

  14. Differential plasma membrane targeting of voltage-dependent calcium channel subunits expressed in a polarized epithelial cell line

    PubMed Central

    Brice, Nicola L; Dolphin, Annette C

    1999-01-01

    Voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs) show a highly non-uniform distribution in many cell types, including neurons and other polarized secretory cells. We have examined whether this can be mimicked in a polarized epithelial cell line (Madin-Darby canine kidney), which has been used extensively to study the targeting of proteins. We expressed the VDCC α1A, α1B or α1C subunits either alone or in combination with accessory subunits α2-δ and the different β subunits, and examined their localization immunocytochemically. An α1 subunit was only targeted to the plasma membrane if co-expressed with the accessory subunits. The combination α1C/α2-δ and all β subunits was always localized predominantly to the basolateral membrane. It has been suggested that this is equivalent to somatodendritic targeting in neurons. In contrast, the α1B subunit was expressed at the apical membrane with all the accessory subunit combinations, by 24 h after microinjection. This membrane destination shows some parallels with axonal targeting in neurons. The α1A subunit was consistently observed at the apical membrane in the combinations α1A/α2-δ/β1b or β4. In contrast, when co-expressed with α2-δ/β2a, α1A was clearly targeted to the basolateral membrane. In conclusion, the VDCC α1 subunit appears to be the primary determinant for targeting the VDCC complex, but the β subunit can modify this destination, particularly for α1A. PMID:10066897

  15. Intraoperative cervix location and apical support stiffness in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse.

    PubMed

    Swenson, Carolyn W; Smith, Tovia M; Luo, Jiajia; Kolenic, Giselle E; Ashton-Miller, James A; DeLancey, John O

    2017-02-01

    It is unknown how initial cervix location and cervical support resistance to traction, which we term "apical support stiffness," compare in women with different patterns of pelvic organ support. Defining a normal range of apical support stiffness is important to better understand the pathophysiology of apical support loss. The aims of our study were to determine whether: (1) women with normal apical support on clinic Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification, but with vaginal wall prolapse (cystocele and/or rectocele), have the same intraoperative cervix location and apical support stiffness as women with normal pelvic support; and (2) all women with apical prolapse have abnormal intraoperative cervix location and apical support stiffness. A third objective was to identify clinical and biomechanical factors independently associated with clinic Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification point C. We conducted an observational study of women with a full spectrum of pelvic organ support scheduled to undergo gynecologic surgery. All women underwent a preoperative clinic examination, including Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification. Cervix starting location and the resistance (stiffness) of its supports to being moved steadily in the direction of a traction force that increased from 0-18 N was measured intraoperatively using a computer-controlled servoactuator device. Women were divided into 3 groups for analysis according to their pelvic support as classified using the clinic Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification: (1) "normal/normal" was women with normal apical (C < -5 cm) and vaginal (Ba and Bp < 0 cm) support; (2) normal/prolapse had normal apical support (C < -5 cm) but prolapse of the anterior or posterior vaginal walls (Ba and/or Bp ≥ 0 cm); and (3) prolapse/prolapse had both apical and vaginal wall prolapse (C > -5 cm and Ba and/or Bp ≥ 0 cm). Demographics, intraoperative cervix locations, and apical support stiffness values were then compared. Normal range of cervix

  16. Gravity-induced buds formation from protonemata apical cells in the mosses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kyyak, Natalia; Khorkavtsiv, Yaroslava

    The acceleration of moss protonemata development after the exit it to light from darkness is important gravidependent morphogenetic manifestation of the moss protonemata. The accelerated development of mosses shows in transformation of apical protonemata cells into the gametophores buds (Ripetskyj et al., 1999). In order to establish, that such reaction on gravitation is general property of gravisensity species, or its typical only for single moss species, experiments with the following moss species - Bryum intermedium (Ludw.) Brig., Bryum caespiticium Hedw., Bryum argenteum Hedw., Dicranodontium denudatum (Brid.) Britt. were carried out. All these species in response to influence of gravitation were capable to form rich bunches of gravitropical protonemata in darkness, that testified to their gravisensity. After the transference of Petri dishes with gravitropical protonemata from darkness on light was revealed, that in 3 of the investigated species the gametophores buds were absent. Only B. argenteum has reacted to action of gravitation by buds formation from apical cells of the gravitropical protonemata. With the purpose of strengthening of buds formation process, the experiments with action of exogenous kinetin (in concentration of 10 (-6) M) were carried out. Kinetin essentially stimulated apical buds formation of B. argenteum. The quantity of apical buds has increased almost in three times in comparison with the control. Besides, on separate stolons a few (3-4) buds from one apical cell were formed. Experimentally was established, that the gametophores buds formation in mosses is controlled by phytohormones (Bopp, 1985; Demkiv et al., 1991). In conditions of gravity influence its essentially accelerated. Probably, gravity essentially strengthened acropetal transport of phytohormones and formation of attractive center in the protonemata apical cell. Our investigations have allowed to make the conclusion, that gravi-dependent formation of the apical buds is

  17. Five-year longitudinal assessment of the prognosis of apical microsurgery.

    PubMed

    von Arx, Thomas; Jensen, Simon S; Hänni, Stefan; Friedman, Shimon

    2012-05-01

    Apical surgery is an important treatment option for teeth with post-treatment apical periodontitis. Knowledge of the long-term prognosis is necessary when weighing apical surgery against alternative treatments. This study assessed the 5-year outcome of apical surgery and its predictors in a cohort for which the 1-year outcome was previously reported. Apical microsurgery procedures were uniformly performed using SuperEBA (Staident International, Staines, UK) or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (ProRoot MTA; Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK) root-end fillings or alternatively Retroplast capping (Retroplast Trading, Rorvig, Denmark). Subjects examined at 1 year (n = 191) were invited for the 5-year clinical and radiographic examination. Based on blinded, independent assessment by 3 calibrated examiners, the dichotomous outcome (healed or nonhealed) was determined and associated with patient-, tooth-, and treatment-related variables using logistic regression. At the 5-year follow-up, 9 of 191 teeth were unavailable, 12 of 191 teeth were extracted, and 170 of 191 teeth were examined (87.6% recall rate). A total of 129 of 170 teeth were healed (75.9%) compared with 83.8% at 1 year, and 85.3% were asymptomatic. Two significant outcome predictors were identified: the mesial-distal bone level at ≤ 3 mm versus >3 mm from the cementoenamel junction (78.2% vs 52.9% healed, respectively; odds ratio = 5.10; confidence interval, 1.67-16.21; P < .02) and root-end fillings with ProRoot MTA versus SuperEBA (86.4% vs. 67.3% healed, respectively; odds ratio = 7.65; confidence interval, 2.60-25.27; P < .004). This study suggested that the 5-year prognosis after apical microsurgery was 8% poorer than assessed at 1 year. It also suggested that the prognosis was significantly impacted by the interproximal bone levels at the treated tooth and by the type of root-end filling material used. Copyright © 2012 American Association of Endodontists. All rights reserved.

  18. Antibodies to Polymorphic Invasion-Inhibitory and Non-Inhibitory Epitopes of Plasmodium falciparum Apical Membrane Antigen 1 in Human Malaria

    PubMed Central

    Mugyenyi, Cleopatra K.; Elliott, Salenna R.; McCallum, Fiona J.; Anders, Robin F.; Marsh, Kevin; Beeson, James G.

    2013-01-01

    Background Antibodies to P. falciparum apical membrane protein 1 (AMA1) may contribute to protective immunity against clinical malaria by inhibiting blood stage growth of P. falciparum, and AMA1 is a leading malaria vaccine candidate. Currently, there is limited knowledge of the acquisition of strain-specific and cross-reactive antibodies to AMA1 in humans, or the acquisition of invasion-inhibitory antibodies to AMA1. Methodology/Findings We examined the acquisition of human antibodies to specific polymorphic invasion-inhibitory and non-inhibitory AMA1 epitopes, defined by the monoclonal antibodies 1F9 and 2C5, respectively. Naturally acquired antibodies were measured in cohorts of Kenyan children and adults. Antibodies to the invasion-inhibitory 1F9 epitope and non-inhibitory 2C5 epitope were measured indirectly by competition ELISA. Antibodies to the 1F9 and 2C5 epitopes were acquired by children and correlated with exposure, and higher antibody levels and prevalence were observed with increasing age and with active P. falciparum infection. Of note, the prevalence of antibodies to the inhibitory 1F9 epitope was lower than antibodies to AMA1 or the 2C5 epitope. Antibodies to AMA1 ectodomain, the 1F9 or 2C5 epitopes, or a combination of responses, showed some association with protection from P. falciparum malaria in a prospective longitudinal study. Furthermore, antibodies to the invasion-inhibitory 1F9 epitope were positively correlated with parasite growth-inhibitory activity of serum antibodies. Conclusions/Significance Individuals acquire antibodies to functional, polymorphic epitopes of AMA1 that may contribute to protective immunity, and these findings have implications for AMA1 vaccine development. Measuring antibodies to the 1F9 epitope by competition ELISA may be a valuable approach to assessing human antibodies with invasion-inhibitory activity in studies of acquired immunity and vaccine trials of AMA1. PMID:23861883

  19. Intestinal absorption mechanism of tebipenem pivoxil, a novel oral carbapenem: involvement of human OATP family in apical membrane transport.

    PubMed

    Kato, Kazuhiko; Shirasaka, Yoshiyuki; Kuraoka, Erika; Kikuchi, Akihiro; Iguchi, Maki; Suzuki, Hisashi; Shibasaki, Shigeki; Kurosawa, Tohru; Tamai, Ikumi

    2010-10-04

    Tebipenem pivoxil (TBPM-PI) is an oral carbapenem antibiotic for treating otolaryngologic and respiratory infections in pediatric patients. This agent is a prodrug to improve intestinal absorption of TBPM, an active form, and an absorption rate of TBPM-PI is higher than those of other prodrug-type β-lactam antibiotics. In the present study, we hypothesized that a certain mechanism other than simple diffusion is involved in the process of improved intestinal absorption of TBPM-PI and examined the mechanism. TBPM-PI uptake by Caco-2 cells was decreased by ATP-depletion and lowering the temperature to 4 °C, suggesting the contribution of carrier-mediated transport mechanisms. This uptake was partially decreased by ACE inhibitors, and the reduction of the absorption by captopril was observed by in vivo study and in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion study in rat, supporting the contribution of influx transporters. Since some ACE inhibitors and β-lactam antibiotics are reported to be substrates of PEPT and OATP families, we measured transporting activity of TBPM-PI by intestinally expressed transporters, PEPT1, OATP1A2, and OATP2B1. As a result, significant transport activities were observed by both OATP1A2 and OATP2B1 but not by PEPT1. Interestingly, pH dependence of TBPM-PI transports was different between OATP1A2 and OATP2B1, showing highest activity by OATP1A2 at pH 6.5, while OATP2B1-mediated uptake was higher at neutral and weak alkaline pH. OATP1A2 exhibited higher affinity for TBPM-PI (K(m) = 41.1 μM) than OATP2B1 (K(m) > 1 mM) for this agent. These results suggested that TBPM-PI has high intestinal apical membrane permeability due to plural intestinal transport routes, including the uptake transporters such as OATP1A2 and OATP2B1 as well as simple diffusion.

  20. Apical Periodontitis - Is It Accountable for Cardiovascular Diseases?

    PubMed Central

    Chaman, Chandrakar

    2016-01-01

    The aim of this review was to assess the relationship between apical periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases and the predictive factors regarding this association. Cross sectional and observational studies have been included, which are mostly retrospective. A comprehensive search was performed in the Systematic Electronic Databases, PUBMED and MEDLINE from 1919 till September 2014. Articles were also hand searched. From 86 studies identified, all were read and 58 articles which were relevant were included in the text. Some articles were excluded because they were pertaining to periodontology and other systemic disorders. Some were solely animal studies and were thus excluded. Our results suggest an independent association between cardiovascular diseases and apical periodontitis. A causal relationship could not be established since weak parameters of risk have been assessed in the studies, population taken is difficult to compare and other confounding factors have not been ruled out. Only a more focused and better instituted scientific research can determine this association. Establishing a cause and effect relationship between apical periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases can affect the course of treatment of cardiovascular diseases. It is not only of interest from the scientific point of view but also from public health perspective. PMID:27656588

  1. Regeneration of Cassava Plants from Apical Meristems,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    widely for human consumption. Propagation through stem cuttings encourages the spread of many virus diseases, such as cassava mosaic virus. This paper reports on procedures for regenerating cassava plants from the apical meristems.

  2. Tomato apical stunt viroid - Data Sheet

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Tomato apical stunt viroid (TASVd), a member of the family Pospiviroidae, genus Pospiviroid, is a small, covalently closed, circular single-stranded, highly base-paired RNA molecule that ranges in size from 362 to 364 nucleotides. Viroids do not encode peptides or proteins, and use host proteins for...

  3. Role of PIN-mediated auxin efflux in apical hook development of Arabidopsis thaliana.

    PubMed

    Zádníková, Petra; Petrásek, Jan; Marhavy, Peter; Raz, Vered; Vandenbussche, Filip; Ding, Zhaojun; Schwarzerová, Katerina; Morita, Miyo T; Tasaka, Masao; Hejátko, Jan; Van Der Straeten, Dominique; Friml, Jirí; Benková, Eva

    2010-02-01

    The apical hook of dark-grown Arabidopsis seedlings is a simple structure that develops soon after germination to protect the meristem tissues during emergence through the soil and that opens upon exposure to light. Differential growth at the apical hook proceeds in three sequential steps that are regulated by multiple hormones, principally auxin and ethylene. We show that the progress of the apical hook through these developmental phases depends on the dynamic, asymmetric distribution of auxin, which is regulated by auxin efflux carriers of the PIN family. Several PIN proteins exhibited specific, partially overlapping spatial and temporal expression patterns, and their subcellular localization suggested auxin fluxes during hook development. Genetic manipulation of individual PIN activities interfered with different stages of hook development, implying that specific combinations of PIN genes are required for progress of the apical hook through the developmental phases. Furthermore, ethylene might modulate apical hook development by prolonging the formation phase and strongly suppressing the maintenance phase. This ethylene effect is in part mediated by regulation of PIN-dependent auxin efflux and auxin signaling.

  4. A Growing Stem Inhibits Bud Outgrowth - The Overlooked Theory of Apical Dominance.

    PubMed

    Kebrom, Tesfamichael H

    2017-01-01

    Three theories of apical dominance, direct, diversion, and indirect, were proposed in the 1930s to explain how auxin synthesized in the shoot apex might inhibit axillary bud outgrowth, and thus shoot branching. The direct and diversion theories of apical dominance have been investigated in detail, and they are replaced with the current auxin transport canalization and second messenger theories, respectively. These two current theories still cannot entirely explain the phenomenon of apical dominance. Although there is ample evidence that the inhibition of bud outgrowth by auxin from the shoot apex is linked to stem elongation and highly branched auxin biosynthesis or signaling mutants are dwarf, the third theory proposed in the 1930s, the indirect theory, that explains apical dominance as auxin-induced stem growth indirectly inhibits bud outgrowth has been overlooked. The indirect theory did not propose how a growing stem might inhibit bud outgrowth. Recent discoveries indicate bud dormancy (syn. quiescence, paradormancy) in response to intrinsic and environmental factors in diverse species is linked to enhanced growth of the main shoot and reduced sugar level in the buds. Since a growing stem is a strong sink for sugars, and sugar is indispensable for shoot branching, the indirect theory of apical dominance might now be explained as auxin-induced stem growth inhibits bud outgrowth by diverting sugars away from buds. Detailed study of the indirect theory and the effect of source-sink status on dormancy and outgrowth of axillary buds will advance our knowledge of apical dominance and shoot branching in plants.

  5. An Ichor-dependent apical extracellular matrix regulates seamless tube shape and integrity

    PubMed Central

    Rosa, Jeffrey B.; Metzstein, Mark M.

    2018-01-01

    During sprouting angiogenesis in the vertebrate vascular system, and primary branching in the Drosophila tracheal system, specialized tip cells direct branch outgrowth and network formation. When tip cells lumenize, they form subcellular (seamless) tubes. How these seamless tubes are made, shaped and maintained remains poorly understood. Here we characterize a Drosophila mutant called ichor (ich), and show that ich is essential for the integrity and shape of seamless tubes in tracheal terminal cells. We find that Ich regulates seamless tubulogenesis via its role in promoting the formation of a mature apical extracellular matrix (aECM) lining the lumen of the seamless tubes. We determined that ich encodes a zinc finger protein (CG11966) that acts, as a transcriptional activator required for the expression of multiple aECM factors, including a novel membrane-anchored trypsin protease (CG8213). Thus, the integrity and shape of seamless tubes are regulated by the aECM that lines their lumens. PMID:29309404

  6. Apical extrusion of debris using two hand and two rotary instrumentation techniques.

    PubMed

    Reddy, S A; Hicks, M L

    1998-03-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate the quantity of apical debris produced in vitro using two hand and two rotary instrumentation techniques. Sixty minimally curved, mature human mandibular premolars with single canals were divided into 4 groups of 15 teeth each and prepared using step-back instrumentation with K-files, balanced force with Flex-R files, Lightspeed nickel-titanium instruments, or .04 taper ProFile Series 29 rotary nickel-titanium files. Debris extruded through the apical foramen during instrumentation was collected on preweighed filters. The mean weight of extruded debris for each group was statistically analyzed using a Kruskal Wallis one-way analysis of variance and a Mann-Whitney U rank sum tested. Although all instrumentation techniques produced apically extruded debris, step-back instrumentation produced significantly more debris than the other methods (p < 0.0001). There was no difference between balanced force hand instrumentation and the two rotary nickel-titanium instrumentation methods (p > 0.05). Hand or engine-driven instrumentation that uses rotation seems to reduce significantly the amount of debris extruded apically when compared with a push-pull (filing) technique. Decreased apical extrusion of debris has strong implications for a decreased incidence of postoperative inflammation and pain.

  7. Do Parameters Of Irradiation Influences The Apical Sealing Of Er:YAG Laser Apicetomies?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Marques, Aparecida Maria Cordeiro; dos Santos, Jean Nunes; Pinheiro, Antonio Luiz Barbosa

    2011-08-01

    Failures on the sealing of the tooth apex are responsible for many failures of apical surgeries. The Er:YAG laser has been proposed as an alternative for the use of rotator instruments on surgical endodontics. 12 human extracted canines had root endodontic treatment being the apical limit was set at 1mm before the apical foramen and were distributed into 2 groups. On group I, apicectomy was performed with the Er:YAG laser (250 mJ/15 Hz). Apical cut was performed of perpendicular mode with 3mm from the apical foramen. On Group II, the same procedures and the same sequence as above was used, varying only the parameters of the Er:YAG laser (400 mJ/6 Hz). The specimens were divided into groups and fixed, by the cervical third, on wax. Impermeabilization of the residual root apical third was performed following the same procedures used in the cervical third but the residual apex was left free from the impermeabilization. After that, the roots were immersed in a 2% methylene blue solution and placed in a bacteriological oven for 48 h. The segments were visually observed and the one showing greatest level of dye leakage was selected and kept in individual container and coded accordingly. Apical staining was measured using a stereoscopic magnifying glass; a compass; and caliper. The results showed that Group I showed significantly different higher mean level of dye leakage (5.67±4.9, p<0.05). There was a significantly difference between the groups. It is concluded that the apicectomies carried out with 400 mJ/6 Hz showed the smallest infiltration value.

  8. Trends in Hysteropexy and Apical Support for Uterovaginal Prolapse in the United States from 2002 to 2012.

    PubMed

    Madsen, Annetta M; Raker, Christina; Sung, Vivian W

    Our objective was to describe trends in hysteropexy and apical support for uterovaginal prolapse (UVP) from 2002 to 2012 in the United States. We identified patient and hospital variables associated with hysteropexy and apical support. We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes to identify a population of women 18 years or older with UVP undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2012. Procedures were categorized as (1) hysteropexy, (2) obliterative with uterine preservation, (3) hysterectomy with apical support, (4) hysterectomy without apical support, and (5) other reconstruction without apical support. Categories were dichotomized into those with and without apical support. We used survey weights to obtain nationally representative estimates; χ and linear and logistic regression compared procedure groups. An estimated 815,184 hospital discharges of pelvic organ prolapse procedures for UVP occurred from 2002 to 2012. During this time, hysteropexies increased from 1.81% to 5.00% (P < 0.0001). From 2002 to 2012, hysterectomies with apical support increased (10.07% to 32.51%, P < 0.0001), hysterectomy without apical support decreased (27.14% to 17.12%, P < 0.0001), and reconstruction without apical support decreased (59.07% to 40.48%, P < 0.0001). In most recent years 2011 to 2012, 60% of women with UVP underwent inpatient surgery without an apical procedure. Age 52 years or older, Medicare payment, Northeast region, and urban teaching hospitals were associated with increased odds of apical support for UVP (P < 0.001 for all). Hysteropexy significantly increased in the United States from 2002 to 2012, although the overall proportion remains low. While hysterectomy without apical support is decreasing, approximately 60% of inpatient procedures performed for UVP do not address the apex.

  9. A Bruch's membrane substitute fabricated from silk fibroin supports the function of retinal pigment epithelial cells in vitro.

    PubMed

    Shadforth, Audra M A; Suzuki, Shuko; Theodoropoulos, Christina; Richardson, Neil A; Chirila, Traian V; Harkin, Damien G

    2017-06-01

    Silk fibroin provides a promising biomaterial for ocular tissue reconstruction, including the damaged outer blood-retinal barrier of patients afflicted with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the function of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in vitro, when grown on fibroin membranes manufactured to a thickness similar to that of Bruch's membrane (3 µm). Confluent cultures of RPE cells (ARPE-19) were established on fibroin membranes and maintained under conditions designed to promote maturation over 4 months. Control cultures were grown on polyester cell culture well inserts (Transwell ® ). Cultures established on either material developed a cobblestone morphology, with partial pigmentation, within 12 weeks. Immunocytochemistry at 16 weeks revealed a similar distribution pattern between cultures for F-actin, ZO-1, ezrin, cytokeratin pair 8/18, RPE-65 and Na + /K + -ATPase. Electron microscopy revealed that cultures grown on fibroin displayed a rounder apical surface with a more dense distribution of microvilli. Both cultures avidly ingested fluorescent microspheres coated with vitronectin and bovine serum albumin (BSA), but not controls coated with BSA alone. VEGF and PEDF were detected in the conditioned media collected from above and below the two membrane types. Levels of PEDF were significantly higher than for VEGF on both membranes and a trend was observed towards larger amounts of PEDF in apical compartments. These findings demonstrated that RPE cell functions on fibroin membranes are equivalent to those observed for standard test materials (polyester membranes). As such, these studies support advancement to studies of RPE cell implantation on fibroin membranes in a preclinical model. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  10. Novel cystine transporter in renal proximal tubule identified as a missing partner of cystinuria-related plasma membrane protein rBAT/SLC3A1.

    PubMed

    Nagamori, Shushi; Wiriyasermkul, Pattama; Guarch, Meritxell Espino; Okuyama, Hirohisa; Nakagomi, Saya; Tadagaki, Kenjiro; Nishinaka, Yumiko; Bodoy, Susanna; Takafuji, Kazuaki; Okuda, Suguru; Kurokawa, Junko; Ohgaki, Ryuichi; Nunes, Virginia; Palacín, Manuel; Kanai, Yoshikatsu

    2016-01-19

    Heterodimeric amino acid transporters play crucial roles in epithelial transport, as well as in cellular nutrition. Among them, the heterodimer of a membrane protein b(0,+)AT/SLC7A9 and its auxiliary subunit rBAT/SLC3A1 is responsible for cystine reabsorption in renal proximal tubules. The mutations in either subunit cause cystinuria, an inherited amino aciduria with impaired renal reabsorption of cystine and dibasic amino acids. However, an unsolved paradox is that rBAT is highly expressed in the S3 segment, the late proximal tubules, whereas b(0,+)AT expression is highest in the S1 segment, the early proximal tubules, so that the presence of an unknown partner of rBAT in the S3 segment has been proposed. In this study, by means of coimmunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry, we have found that a membrane protein AGT1/SLC7A13 is the second partner of rBAT. AGT1 is localized in the apical membrane of the S3 segment, where it forms a heterodimer with rBAT. Depletion of rBAT in mice eliminates the expression of AGT1 in the renal apical membrane. We have reconstituted the purified AGT1-rBAT heterodimer into proteoliposomes and showed that AGT1 transports cystine, aspartate, and glutamate. In the apical membrane of the S3 segment, AGT1 is suggested to locate itself in close proximity to sodium-dependent acidic amino acid transporter EAAC1 for efficient functional coupling. EAAC1 is proposed to take up aspartate and glutamate released into luminal fluid by AGT1 due to its countertransport so that preventing the urinary loss of aspartate and glutamate. Taken all together, AGT1 is the long-postulated second cystine transporter in the S3 segment of proximal tubules and a possible candidate to be involved in isolated cystinuria.

  11. Human multidrug resistance protein 8 (MRP8/ABCC11), an apical efflux pump for steroid sulfates, is an axonal protein of the CNS and peripheral nervous system.

    PubMed

    Bortfeld, M; Rius, M; König, J; Herold-Mende, C; Nies, A T; Keppler, D

    2006-01-01

    Dehydroepiandrosterone 3-sulfate and other neurosteroids are synthesized in the CNS and peripheral nervous system where they may modulate neuronal excitability by interacting with ligand-gated ion channels. For this modulatory activity, neurosteroids have to be locally released from either neurons or glial cells. We here identify the integral membrane protein ABCC11 (multidrug resistance protein 8) as an ATP-dependent efflux pump for steroid sulfates, including dehydroepiandrosterone 3-sulfate, and localize it to axons of the human CNS and peripheral nervous system. ABCC11 mRNA was detected in human brain by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Antibodies raised against ABCC11 served to detect the protein in brain by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence microscopy. ABCC11 was preferentially found in the white matter of the brain and co-localized with neurofilaments indicating that it is an axonal protein. Additionally, ABCC11 was localized to axons of the peripheral nervous system. For functional studies, ABCC11 was expressed in polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney cells where it was sorted to the apical membrane. This apical sorting is in accordance with the localization of ABCC11 to the axonal membrane of neurons. Inside-out plasma membrane vesicles containing recombinant ABCC11 mediated ATP-dependent transport of dehydroepiandrosterone 3-sulfate with a Km value of 21 microM. This transport function together with the localization of the ABCC11 protein in vicinity to GABAA receptors is consistent with a role of ABCC11 in dehydroepiandrosterone 3-sulfate release from neurons to sites of dehydroepiandrosterone 3-sulfate-mediated receptor modulation. Our findings may provide a basis for the characterization of mutations in the human ABCC11 gene and their linkage with neurological disorders.

  12. Reduced levels of folate transporters (PCFT and RFC) in membrane lipid rafts result in colonic folate malabsorption in chronic alcoholism.

    PubMed

    Wani, Nissar Ahmad; Kaur, Jyotdeep

    2011-03-01

    We studied the effect of chronic ethanol ingestion on folate transport across the colonic apical membranes (CAM) in rats. Male Wistar rats were fed 1 g/kg body weight/day ethanol (20%) solution orally for 3 months and folate transport was studied in the isolated colon apical membrane vesicles. The folate transport was found to be carrier mediated, saturable, with pH optima at 5.0. Chronic ethanol ingestion reduced the folate transport across the CAM by decreasing the affinity of transporters (high Km) for the substrate and by decreasing the number of transporter molecules (low Vmax) on the colon luminal surface. The decreased transport activity at the CAM was associated with down-regulation of the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) and the reduced folate carrier (RFC) which resulted in decreased PCFT and RFC protein levels in the colon of rats fed alcohol chronically. Moreover, the PCFT and the RFC were found to be distributed in detergent insoluble fraction of the CAM in rats. Floatation experiments on Optiprep density gradients demonstrated the association of the PCFT and the RFC protein with lipid rafts (LR). Chronic alcoholism decreased the PCFT and the RFC protein levels in the CAM LR in accordance with the decreased synthesis. Hence, we propose that downregulation in the expression of the PCFT and the RFC in colon results in reduced levels of these transporters in colon apical membrane LR as a mechanism of folate malabsorption during chronic alcoholism. Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  13. Noninvasive in vivo imaging reveals differences between tectorial membrane and basilar membrane traveling waves in the mouse cochlea

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Hee Yoon; Raphael, Patrick D.; Park, Jesung; Ellerbee, Audrey K.; Applegate, Brian E.; Oghalai, John S.

    2015-01-01

    Sound is encoded within the auditory portion of the inner ear, the cochlea, after propagating down its length as a traveling wave. For over half a century, vibratory measurements to study cochlear traveling waves have been made using invasive approaches such as laser Doppler vibrometry. Although these studies have provided critical information regarding the nonlinear processes within the living cochlea that increase the amplitude of vibration and sharpen frequency tuning, the data have typically been limited to point measurements of basilar membrane vibration. In addition, opening the cochlea may alter its function and affect the findings. Here we describe volumetric optical coherence tomography vibrometry, a technique that overcomes these limitations by providing depth-resolved displacement measurements at 200 kHz inside a 3D volume of tissue with picometer sensitivity. We studied the mouse cochlea by imaging noninvasively through the surrounding bone to measure sound-induced vibrations of the sensory structures in vivo, and report, to our knowledge, the first measures of tectorial membrane vibration within the unopened cochlea. We found that the tectorial membrane sustains traveling wave propagation. Compared with basilar membrane traveling waves, tectorial membrane traveling waves have larger dynamic ranges, sharper frequency tuning, and apically shifted positions of peak vibration. These findings explain discrepancies between previously published basilar membrane vibration and auditory nerve single unit data. Because the tectorial membrane directly overlies the inner hair cell stereociliary bundles, these data provide the most accurate characterization of the stimulus shaping the afferent auditory response available to date. PMID:25737536

  14. Xanthine oxidoreductase mediates membrane docking of milk-fat droplets but is not essential for apocrine lipid secretion.

    PubMed

    Monks, Jenifer; Dzieciatkowska, Monika; Bales, Elise S; Orlicky, David J; Wright, Richard M; McManaman, James L

    2016-10-15

    Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) modulates milk lipid secretion and lactation initiation. XOR is required for butyrophilin1a1 clustering in the membrane during milk lipid secretion. XOR mediates apical membrane reorganization during milk lipid secretion. Loss of XOR delays milk fat globule secretion. XOR loss alters the proteome of milk fat globules. Apocrine secretion is utilized by epithelial cells of exocrine glands. These cells bud off membrane-bound particles into the lumen of the gland, losing a portion of the cytoplasm in the secretion product. The lactating mammary gland secretes milk lipid by this mechanism, and xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) has long been thought to be functionally important. We generated mammary-specific XOR knockout (MGKO) mice, expecting lactation to fail. Histology of the knockout glands showed very large lipid droplets enclosed in the mammary alveolar cells, but milk analysis showed that these large globules were secreted. Butyrophilin, a membrane protein known to bind to XOR, was clustered at the point of contact of the cytoplasmic lipid droplet with the apical plasma membrane, in the wild-type gland but not in the knockout, suggesting that XOR mediates 'docking' to this membrane. Secreted milk fat globules were isolated from mouse milk of wild-type and XOR MGKO dams, and subjected to LC-MS/MS for analysis of protein component. Proteomic results showed that loss of XOR leads to an increase in cytoplasmic, cytoskeletal, Golgi apparatus and lipid metabolism proteins associated with the secreted milk fat globule. Association of XOR with the lipid droplet results in membrane docking and more efficient retention of cytoplasmic components by the secretory cell. Loss of XOR then results in a reversion to a more rudimentary, less efficient, apocrine secretion mechanism, but does not prevent milk fat globule secretion. © 2016 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2016 The Physiological Society.

  15. Morphology, nurse plants, and minimum apical temperatures for young Carnegiea gigantea

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Nobel, P.S.

    1980-06-01

    The northern limit of Carnegiea gigantea (Engelm.) Britton and Rose apparently depends on minimum apical temperatures. Diameters, apical spine coverage, and effects of nurse plants on incoming long-wave (infrared (ir)) radiation, all of which affect apical temperatures, were therefore determined for stems of C. gigantea up to 4 m tall at four sites along a north-south transect in Arizona. A simulation model indicated that the increase in diameter accompanying stem growth raised the minimum apical temperature more than 3 C. Thus, plants with the shortest stems would be expected to be the most vulnerable to freezing damage; indeed, freezing damagemore » on stems <0.5 m tall without nurse plants was fairly common at the colder sites. Nurse plants obstructed a greater portion of the sky for C. gigantea at the colder sites; e.g., the effective environmental temperature for ir radiation at such locations was raised more than 10 C for stems under 1 m tall. If the northern limit of C. gigantea reflects wintertime survival of juveniles, nurse plants could extend the range by offering some protection against freezing.« less

  16. Distribution and Function of HCN Channels in the Apical Dendritic Tuft of Neocortical Pyramidal Neurons

    PubMed Central

    Harnett, Mark T.; Magee, Jeffrey C.

    2015-01-01

    The apical tuft is the most remote area of the dendritic tree of neocortical pyramidal neurons. Despite its distal location, the apical dendritic tuft of layer 5 pyramidal neurons receives substantial excitatory synaptic drive and actively processes corticocortical input during behavior. The properties of the voltage-activated ion channels that regulate synaptic integration in tuft dendrites have, however, not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we use electrophysiological and optical approaches to examine the subcellular distribution and function of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated nonselective cation (HCN) channels in rat layer 5B pyramidal neurons. Outside-out patch recordings demonstrated that the amplitude and properties of ensemble HCN channel activity were uniform in patches excised from distal apical dendritic trunk and tuft sites. Simultaneous apical dendritic tuft and trunk whole-cell current-clamp recordings revealed that the pharmacological blockade of HCN channels decreased voltage compartmentalization and enhanced the generation and spread of apical dendritic tuft and trunk regenerative activity. Furthermore, multisite two-photon glutamate uncaging demonstrated that HCN channels control the amplitude and duration of synaptically evoked regenerative activity in the distal apical dendritic tuft. In contrast, at proximal apical dendritic trunk and somatic recording sites, the blockade of HCN channels decreased excitability. Dynamic-clamp experiments revealed that these compartment-specific actions of HCN channels were heavily influenced by the local and distributed impact of the high density of HCN channels in the distal apical dendritic arbor. The properties and subcellular distribution pattern of HCN channels are therefore tuned to regulate the interaction between integration compartments in layer 5B pyramidal neurons. PMID:25609619

  17. Mitogen-activated protein kinases participate in determination of apical-basal symmetry in Pisum sativum.

    PubMed

    Winnicki, Konrad; Polit, Justyna Teresa; Żabka, Aneta; Maszewski, Janusz

    2017-03-01

    Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are implicated in various processes in plants. Apart from response to biotic and abiotic stresses they are involved in regulation of embryo development. Although MAPKs were found to be indispensable during embryo development it has never been established at which stages of embryogenesis and in which regions of a plant embryo activated MAPKs can be observed. Here, we show that apical and basal regions display activation of the same types of MAPKs and the only difference concerns the level of their phosphorylation and cellular localization. Dually-phosphorylated MAPKs were found in nuclei of the apical region of an embryo both at the early and late cotyledonary stage while no immunofluorescence signals were detected in nuclei of the basal region. However, in this case phosphorylated MAPKs were immunodetected in cytoplasm in the apical domain of cortex cells, indicating their role in auxin transport from the basal to apical region of an embryo. Furthermore, obtained data indicate that nuclear localization of activated MAPKs may result from epigenetic modifications and polar auxin transport. The presented data and previous studies lead to the conclusion that activated MAPKs and their cellular localization define apical and basal regions during formation of an apical-basal axis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Distinctive features of the microbiota associated with different forms of apical periodontitis

    PubMed Central

    Siqueira, José F.; Rôças, Isabela N.

    2009-01-01

    Microorganisms infecting the dental root canal system play an unequivocal role as causative agents of apical periodontitis. Although fungi, archaea, and viruses have been found in association with some forms of apical periodontitis, bacteria are the main microbial etiologic agents of this disease. Bacteria colonizing the root canal are usually organized in communities similar to biofilm structures. Culture and molecular biology technologies have demonstrated that the endodontic bacterial communities vary in species richness and abundance depending on the different types of infection and different forms of apical periodontitis. This review paper highlights the distinctive features of the endodontic microbiota associated with diverse clinical conditions. PMID:21523208

  19. Revitalization of open apex teeth with apical periodontitis using a collagen-hydroxyapatite scaffold.

    PubMed

    Nevins, Alan J; Cymerman, Jerome J

    2015-06-01

    An enhanced revision of the revitalization endodontic technique for immature teeth with apical periodontitis has been described. It includes the addition of collagen-hydroxyapatite scaffold to the currently practiced revascularization technique. Four cases treated in series are presented in this report, 1 case involving 2 teeth. Periapical diagnoses of immature teeth included "asymptomatic apical periodontitis," "symptomatic apical periodontitis," and "acute apical abscess." Additionally, 1 fully developed tooth that had undergone root canal treatment that failed had a periapical diagnosis of acute apical abscess. An established revascularization protocol was used for all teeth. In addition to stimulating blood clots, all teeth were filled with collagen-hydroxyapatite scaffolds. Periapical radiolucencies healed in all teeth, and diffuse radiopacity developed within the coronal portions of canal spaces. Root development with root lengthening occurred in the immature nonvital maxillary premolar that had not undergone prior treatment. The technique of adding a collagen-hydroxyapatite scaffold to the existing revitalization protocol has been described in which substantial hard tissue repair has occurred. This may leave teeth more fully developed and less likely to fracture. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Effect of glide path and apical preparation size on the incidence of apical crack during the canal preparation using Reciproc, WaveOne, and ProTaper Next systems in curved root canals: A stereomicroscope study.

    PubMed

    Topçuoğlu, Hüseyin Sinan; Düzgün, Salih; Akpek, Firdevs; Topçuoğlu, Gamze

    2016-11-01

    This study evaluated the effect of creating a glide path and apical preparation size on the incidence of apical cracks during canal preparation in mandibular molar teeth with curved canals. One hundred and forty extracted teeth were used. The teeth were randomly assigned to one control group or six experimental groups (n = 20 per group) for canal preparation. No preparation was performed on teeth in the control group. In three of the six experimental groups, a glide path was not created; a glide path was created on the curved mesial canals of all teeth in the remaining three experimental groups. All teeth in experimental groups were then instrumented with the following systems: Reciproc, WaveOne (WO), and ProTaper Next (PTN). Digital images of the apical root surfaces of these teeth were recorded before preparation, after instrumentation with size 25 files, and after instrumentation with size 40 files. The images were then inspected for the presence of any new apical cracks and propagation. There was no significant difference between the experimental groups during canal preparation using size 25 files (p > 0.05). Reciproc and WO caused more new apical cracks than did PTN during canal preparation using size 40 files (p < 0.05). However, canal preparation using size 40 files did not cause propagation of existing cracks (p > 0.05). Performing a glide path prior to canal preparation did not change the incidence of apical crack during preparation. Additionally, increasing apical preparation size may increase the incidence of apical crack during canal preparation. SCANNING 38:585-590, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  1. Identification of Apical and Cervical Curvature Radius of Human Molars.

    PubMed

    Estrela, Carlos; Bueno, Mike R; Barletta, Fernando B; Guedes, Orlando A; Porto, Olavo C; Estrela, Cyntia R A; Pécora, Jesus Djalma

    2015-01-01

    To determine the frequency of apical and cervical curvatures in human molars using the radius method and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Four hundred images of mandibular and maxillary first and second molars were selected from a database of CBCT exams. The radius of curvature of curved root canals was measured using a circumcenter based on three mathematical points. Radii were classified according to the following scores: 0 - straight line; 1 - large radius (r > 8 mm, mild curvature); 2 - intermediate radius (r > 4 and r < 8 mm, moderate curvature); and 3 - small radius (r ≤ 4 mm, severe curvature). The frequency of curved root canals was analyzed according to root canal, root thirds, and coronal and sagittal planes, and assessed using the chi-square test (significance at α = 0.05). Of the 1,200 evaluated root canals, 92.75% presented curved root canals in the apical third and 73.25% in the cervical third on coronal plane images; sagittal plane analysis yielded 89.75% of curved canals in the apical third and 77% in the cervical third. Root canals with a large radius were significantly more frequent when compared with the other categories, regardless of root third or plane. Most root canals of maxillary and mandibular first and second molars showed some degree of curvature in the apical and cervical thirds, regardless of the analyzed plane (coronal or sagittal).

  2. Plasmodium falciparum aldolase and the C-terminal cytoplasmic domain of certain apical organellar proteins promote actin polymerization.

    PubMed

    Diaz, Suraya A; Martin, Stephen R; Grainger, Munira; Howell, Steven A; Green, Judith L; Holder, Anthony A

    2014-10-01

    The current model of Apicomplexan motility and host cell invasion is that both processes are driven by an actomyosin motor located beneath the plasma membrane, with the force transduced to the outside of the cell via coupling through aldolase and the cytoplasmic tail domains (CTDs) of certain type 1 membrane proteins. In Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), aldolase is thought to bind to the CTD of members of the thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP) family, which are micronemal proteins and represented by MTRAP in merozoites. Other type 1 membrane proteins including members of the erythrocyte binding antigen (EBA) and reticulocyte binding protein homologue (RH) protein families, which are also apical organellar proteins, have also been implicated in host cell binding in erythrocyte invasion. However, recent studies with Toxoplasma gondii have questioned the importance of aldolase in these processes. Using biolayer interferometry we show that Pf aldolase binds with high affinity to both rabbit and Pf actin, with a similar affinity for filamentous (F-) actin and globular (G-) actin. The interaction between Pf aldolase and merozoite actin was confirmed by co-sedimentation assays. Aldolase binding was shown to promote rabbit actin polymerization indicating that the interaction is more complicated than binding alone. The CTDs of some but not all type 1 membrane proteins also promoted actin polymerization in the absence of aldolase; MTRAP and RH1 CTDs promoted actin polymerization but EBA175 CTD did not. Direct actin polymerization mediated by membrane protein CTDs may contribute to actin recruitment, filament formation and stability during motor assembly, and actin-mediated movement, independent of aldolase. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Breaking into the epithelial apical-junctional complex--news from pathogen hackers.

    PubMed

    Vogelmann, Roger; Amieva, Manuel R; Falkow, Stanley; Nelson, W James

    2004-02-01

    The epithelial apical-junctional complex is a key regulator of cellular functions. In addition, it is an important target for microbial pathogens that manipulate the cell to survive, proliferate and sometimes persist within a host. Out of a myriad of potential molecular targets, some bacterial and viral pathogens have selected a subset of protein targets at the apical-junctional complex of epithelial cells. Studying how microbes use these targets also teaches us about the inherent physiological properties of host molecules in the context of normal junctional structure and function. Thus, we have learned that three recently uncovered components of the apical-junctional complex of the Ig superfamily--junctional adhesion molecule, Nectin and the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor--are important regulators of junction structure and function and represent critical targets of microbial virulence gene products.

  4. Apical Cyst Theory: a Missing Link.

    PubMed

    Huang, George T-J

    2010-10-05

    The mechanism of the formation of apical cyst has been elusive. Several theories have long been proposed and discussed speculating how an apical cyst is developed and formed in the jaw bone resulting from endododontic infection. Two popular theories are the nutritional deficiency theory and the abscess theory. The nutritional deficiency theory assumes that the over proliferated epithelial cells will form a ball mass such that the cells in the center of the mass will be deprived of nutrition. The abscess theory postulates that when an abscess cavity is formed in connective tissue, epithelial cells proliferate and line the preexisting cavity because of their inherent tendency to cover exposed connective tissue surfaces. Based on the nature of epithelial cells and the epithelium, nutritional theory is a fairy tale, while abscess theory at best just indicates that abscess may be one of the factors that allows the stratified epithelium to form but not to explain a mechanism that makes the cyst to form. Apical cyst formation is the result of proliferation of resting epithelial cells, due to inflammation, to a sufficient number such that they are able to form a polarized and stratified epithelial lining against dead tissues or foreign materials. These stratified epithelial lining expands along the dead tissue or foreign materials and eventually wrap around them as a spherical sac, i.e. a cyst. The space in the sac is considered the external environment separating the internal (tissue) environment - the natural function of epithelium. This theory may be tested by introducing a biodegradable device able to slowly release epithelial cell mitogens in an in vivo environment implanted with epithelial cells next to a foreign object. This will allow the cells to continuously proliferate which may form a cystic sac wrapping around the foreign object.

  5. Apical Cyst Theory: a Missing Link

    PubMed Central

    Huang, George T.-J.

    2012-01-01

    Introduction The mechanism of the formation of apical cyst has been elusive. Several theories have long been proposed and discussed speculating how an apical cyst is developed and formed in the jaw bone resulting from endododontic infection. Two popular theories are the nutritional deficiency theory and the abscess theory. The nutritional deficiency theory assumes that the over proliferated epithelial cells will form a ball mass such that the cells in the center of the mass will be deprived of nutrition. The abscess theory postulates that when an abscess cavity is formed in connective tissue, epithelial cells proliferate and line the preexisting cavity because of their inherent tendency to cover exposed connective tissue surfaces. Based on the nature of epithelial cells and the epithelium, nutritional theory is a fairy tale, while abscess theory at best just indicates that abscess may be one of the factors that allows the stratified epithelium to form but not to explain a mechanism that makes the cyst to form. The hypothesis Apical cyst formation is the result of proliferation of resting epithelial cells, due to inflammation, to a sufficient number such that they are able to form a polarized and stratified epithelial lining against dead tissues or foreign materials. These stratified epithelial lining expands along the dead tissue or foreign materials and eventually wrap around them as a spherical sac, i.e. a cyst. The space in the sac is considered the external environment separating the internal (tissue) environment – the natural function of epithelium. Evaluation of the hypothesis This theory may be tested by introducing a biodegradable device able to slowly release epithelial cell mitogens in an in vivo environment implanted with epithelial cells next to a foreign object. This will allow the cells to continuously proliferate which may form a cystic sac wrapping around the foreign object. PMID:25346864

  6. Maintaining Apical Patency Does Not Increase Postoperative Pain in Molars with Necrotic Pulp and Apical Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

    PubMed

    Yaylali, Ibrahim Ethem; Kurnaz, Safa; Tunca, Yasar Meric

    2018-03-01

    This prospective, single-center, single-blind, randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate whether maintaining apical patency (AP) during endodontic treatment increases postoperative pain in molar teeth with necrotic pulp and apical periodontitis. Three hundred twenty qualified patients between 21 and 45 years of age were randomized into 1 of 2 groups (the AP group and the nonapical patency [NAP] group) using a series of random numbers in a 1:1 ratio. Qualified patients were selected from patients who had necrotic pulp and apical periodontitis in the maxillary or mandibular molar teeth. The primary outcome was to assess postoperative pain severity, and the secondary outcome was to evaluate analgesic consumption during the 7-day follow-up period using the visual analog scale (VAS). The VAS consisted of a 100-mm line. Pain severity was evaluated as no pain (0-4 mm), mild pain (5-44 mm), moderate pain (45-74 mm), and severe pain (75-100 mm). The Student t test was used to identify statistically significant differences between the study groups (P < .05). The mean VAS scores were significantly lower in the AP group in the first 5 postoperative days (P < .05); after which, it was nonsignificant. In the NAP group, the postoperative pain increased between 12 and 24 hours, whereas the postoperative pain decreased in the AP group during that period. At 12 and 24 hours, the mean VAS scores for the AP group were 42.90 and 37.78 mm, respectively. The mean VAS scores for the NAP group were 64.46 and 65.74 mm, respectively. None of the patients had severe postoperative pain during the follow-up period. No significant difference was found in analgesic consumption (P > .05) between the groups. The maintenance of AP in molar teeth with necrotic pulp and apical periodontitis was associated with less postoperative pain when compared with NAP. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Utilizing the GentleWave® System for Debridement of Undetected Apical Anatomy.

    PubMed

    Ford, Michael W

    2018-03-01

    Debriding and disinfecting complex anatomies within the root canal system pose a major challenge during root canal therapy. Even with current chemomechanical techniques, debris and bacterial remnants are commonly left behind, which are generally believed to increase the risk of endodontic failure. This case details the use of a new technique to debride complex apical anatomy in a maxillary molar. A 48-year-old female presented to the clinic with a chief complaint of increasing pain in her tooth. Clinical examination of the right first maxillary molar (#3) revealed moderate sensitivity to percussion and mild sensitivity to palpation. A pulpal diagnosis of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and a periapi-cal diagnosis of symptomatic apical periodontitis were made. Mechanical instrumentation was performed using rotary file size #25/.04 for the mesiobuccal and distobuccal canals and size #25/.06 for the palatal canal to create a fluid path and enable obturation of the root canal system following the GentleWave® Procedure. The GentleWave Procedure was completed using Multisonic Ultracleaning™ for complete debridement and disinfection of the root canal system. The tooth was obturated using a warm vertical continuous wave obturation technique. Postoperative radiographs revealed complex anatomy within the apical third that was undetected both during pre-operative radiography and mechanical instrumentation. The palatal canal exhibited a complex apical delta with multiple points of exit, and the mesiobuccal canal revealed an undetected lateral canal within the apical third that had a separate and distinct egress. Conclusion and clinical significance: It is important for the clinician to debride and disinfect complex anatomy within the root canal system to reduce the risk of endodontic failure. This case report highlights the clinical significance of utilizing the GentleWave Procedure for detecting complex apical anatomy during endodontic therapy.

  8. Evaluation of 4 Different Irrigating Systems for Apical Extrusion of Sodium Hypochlorite.

    PubMed

    Yost, Ross A; Bergeron, Brian E; Kirkpatrick, Timothy C; Roberts, Mark D; Roberts, Howard W; Himel, Van T; Sabey, Kent A

    2015-09-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate NaOCl apical extrusion by using negative apical pressure (EndoVac), sonic agitation (EndoActivator), side-vented needle (Max-i-Probe), and photon induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS 10 mJ and PIPS 20 mJ) laser irrigation in an in vitro gel model. Extracted mandibular and maxillary central incisors (n = 18) were prepared to size 35/.04 and 55/.04, respectively. Teeth were mounted in transparent containers with clear acrylic and suspended in a color-changing pH-sensitive gel, creating a closed system. By using a crossover design, each tooth was sequentially irrigated by using 6% NaOCl with each device following manufacturers' recommendations. Each tooth served as its own control. Pre-irrigation and post-irrigation buccal and proximal view photographs served to measure the longest distance of extrusion and were analyzed with ImageJ software. Mean results were analyzed by using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn post hoc test (P < .05). There were no significant differences between EndoVac, EndoActivator, and the passive extrusion groups. The EndoVac and EndoActivator groups produced significantly less extrusion than PIPS irrigation. Max-i-Probe extrusion results were more variable than those of EndoActivator but had no significant difference. Across all irrigation systems, there were no significant differences with respect to apical preparation size. Under the in vitro conditions of this study, no difference was found between the 10 mJ and 20 mJ PIPS laser groups. EndoVac demonstrated significantly less potential for apical extrusion than PIPS and Max-i-Probe, whereas apical preparation size did not significantly affect extrusion of irrigant. The potential for apical extrusion of endodontic irrigants should be a consideration when selecting a system for final irrigation. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  9. Distribution and function of HCN channels in the apical dendritic tuft of neocortical pyramidal neurons.

    PubMed

    Harnett, Mark T; Magee, Jeffrey C; Williams, Stephen R

    2015-01-21

    The apical tuft is the most remote area of the dendritic tree of neocortical pyramidal neurons. Despite its distal location, the apical dendritic tuft of layer 5 pyramidal neurons receives substantial excitatory synaptic drive and actively processes corticocortical input during behavior. The properties of the voltage-activated ion channels that regulate synaptic integration in tuft dendrites have, however, not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we use electrophysiological and optical approaches to examine the subcellular distribution and function of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated nonselective cation (HCN) channels in rat layer 5B pyramidal neurons. Outside-out patch recordings demonstrated that the amplitude and properties of ensemble HCN channel activity were uniform in patches excised from distal apical dendritic trunk and tuft sites. Simultaneous apical dendritic tuft and trunk whole-cell current-clamp recordings revealed that the pharmacological blockade of HCN channels decreased voltage compartmentalization and enhanced the generation and spread of apical dendritic tuft and trunk regenerative activity. Furthermore, multisite two-photon glutamate uncaging demonstrated that HCN channels control the amplitude and duration of synaptically evoked regenerative activity in the distal apical dendritic tuft. In contrast, at proximal apical dendritic trunk and somatic recording sites, the blockade of HCN channels decreased excitability. Dynamic-clamp experiments revealed that these compartment-specific actions of HCN channels were heavily influenced by the local and distributed impact of the high density of HCN channels in the distal apical dendritic arbor. The properties and subcellular distribution pattern of HCN channels are therefore tuned to regulate the interaction between integration compartments in layer 5B pyramidal neurons. Copyright © 2015 the authors 0270-6474/15/351024-14$15.00/0.

  10. Apical pressure created during irrigation with the GentleWave™ system compared to conventional syringe irrigation.

    PubMed

    Haapasalo, Markus; Shen, Ya; Wang, Zhejun; Park, Ellen; Curtis, Allison; Patel, Payal; Vandrangi, Prashanthi

    2016-09-01

    The purpose of this study is to compare pressures at the apical foramen created by conventional syringe irrigation and the GentleWave™ System, which releases high-velocity degassed irrigants to the pulp chamber and uses broad-spectrum sound energy for cleaning. The apical pressure generated during irrigation was measured for palatal and distobuccal root canals of four extracted maxillary molars after no instrumentation, minimal instrumentation to a size #15/.04, instrumentation to a size #40/.04 taper, and after perforating the apical foramen to size #40. The root canals opened into an air-tight custom fixture coupled to a piezoresistive pressure transducer. Apical pressures were measured for the GentleWave™ System and syringe-needle irrigation at different irrigant flow rates, with the needle tip at 1 and 3 mm from the apical foramen using 30-gauge (G) open-ended or side-vented safety tip needles. The GentleWave™ System generated negative apical pressures (P < 0.001 compared with syringe irrigation); the mean pressures were between -13.07 and -17.19 mmHg. The 30 G needles could not reach the 1 and 3 mm from the working length in uninstrumented and 1 mm in minimally instrumented canals. The mean positive pressures between 6.46 and 110.34 mmHg were measured with needle irrigation depending on the flow rate, needle insertion depth, and size of the root canal. The GentleWave™ System creates negative pressure at the apical foramen during root canal cleaning irrespective of the size of canal instrumentation. Positive apical pressures were measured for syringe irrigation. Negative pressure during irrigation contributes to improved safety as compared to high-positive pressure.

  11. Myosin Vb Is Associated with Plasma Membrane Recycling Systems

    PubMed Central

    Lapierre, Lynne A.; Kumar, Ravindra; Hales, Chadwick M.; Navarre, Jennifer; Bhartur, Sheela G.; Burnette, Jason O.; Provance, D. William; Mercer, John A.; Bähler, Martin; Goldenring, James R.

    2001-01-01

    Myosin Va is associated with discrete vesicle populations in a number of cell types, but little is known of the function of myosin Vb. Yeast two-hybrid screening of a rabbit parietal cell cDNA library with dominant active Rab11a (Rab11aS20V) identified myosin Vb as an interacting protein for Rab11a, a marker for plasma membrane recycling systems. The isolated clone, corresponding to the carboxyl terminal 60 kDa of the myosin Vb tail, interacted with all members of the Rab11 family (Rab11a, Rab11b, and Rab25). GFP-myosin Vb and endogenous myosin Vb immunoreactivity codistributed with Rab11a in HeLa and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. As with Rab11a in MDCK cells, the myosin Vb immunoreactivity was dispersed with nocodazole treatment and relocated to the apical corners of cells with taxol treatment. A green fluorescent protein (GFP)-myosin Vb tail chimera overexpressed in HeLa cells retarded transferrin recycling and caused accumulation of transferrin and the transferrin receptor in pericentrosomal vesicles. Expression of the myosin Vb tail chimera in polarized MDCK cells stably expressing the polymeric IgA receptor caused accumulation of basolaterally endocytosed polymeric IgA and the polymeric IgA receptor in the pericentrosomal region. The myosin Vb tail had no effects on transferrin trafficking in polarized MDCK cells. The GFP-myosin Va tail did not colocalize with Rab11a and had no effects on recycling system vesicle distribution in either HeLa or MDCK cells. The results indicate myosin Vb is associated with the plasma membrane recycling system in nonpolarized cells and the apical recycling system in polarized cells. The dominant negative effects of the myosin Vb tail chimera indicate that this unconventional myosin is required for transit out of plasma membrane recycling systems. PMID:11408590

  12. Completion of cytokinesis in C. elegans requires a brefeldin A-sensitive membrane accumulation at the cleavage furrow apex

    PubMed Central

    Skop, Ahna R.; Bergmann, Dominique; Mohler, William A.; White, John G.

    2013-01-01

    Background The terminal phase of cytokinesis in eukaryotic cells involves breakage of the intercellular canal containing the spindle midzone and resealing of the daughter cells. Recent observations suggest that the spindle midzone is required for this process. In this study, we investigated the possibility that targeted secretion in the vicinity of the spindle midzone is required for the execution of the terminal phase of cytokinesis. Results We inhibited secretion in early C. elegans embryos by treatment with brefeldin A (BFA). Using 4D recordings of dividing cells, we showed that BFA induced stereotyped failures in the terminal phase of cytokinesis; although the furrow ingressed normally, after a few minutes the furrow completely regressed, even though spindle midzone and midbody microtubules appeared normal. In addition, using an FM1-43 membrane probe, we found that membrane accumulated locally at the apices of the late cleavage furrows that form the persisting intercellular canals between daughter cells. However, in BFA-treated embryos this membrane accumulation did not occur, which possibly accounts for the observed cleavage failures. Conclusions We have shown that BFA disrupts the terminal phase of cytokinesis in the embryonic blastomeres of C. elegans. We observed that membrane accumulates at the apices of the late cleavage furrow by means of a BFA-sensitive mechanism. We suggest that this local membrane accumulation is necessary for the completion of cytokinesis and speculate that the spindle midzone region of animal cells is functionally equivalent to the phragmoplast of plants and acts to target secretion to the equatorial plane of a cleaving cell. PMID:11378383

  13. Auditory brainstem activity and development evoked by apical versus basal cochlear implant electrode stimulation in children.

    PubMed

    Gordon, K A; Papsin, B C; Harrison, R V

    2007-08-01

    The role of apical versus basal cochlear implant electrode stimulation on central auditory development was examined. We hypothesized that, in children with early onset deafness, auditory development evoked by basal electrode stimulation would differ from that evoked more apically. Responses of the auditory nerve and brainstem, evoked by an apical and a basal implant electrode, were measured over the first year of cochlear implant use in 50 children with early onset severe to profound deafness who used hearing aids prior to implantation. Responses at initial stimulation were of larger amplitude and shorter latency when evoked by the apical electrode. No significant effects of residual hearing or age were found on initial response amplitudes or latencies. With implant use, responses evoked by both electrodes showed decreases in wave and interwave latencies reflecting decreased neural conduction time through the brainstem. Apical versus basal differences persisted with implant experience with one exception; eIII-eV interlatency differences decreased with implant use. Acute stimulation shows prolongation of basally versus apically evoked auditory nerve and brainstem responses in children with severe to profound deafness. Interwave latencies reflecting neural conduction along the caudal and rostral portions of the brainstem decreased over the first year of implant use. Differences in neural conduction times evoked by apical versus basal electrode stimulation persisted in the caudal but not rostral brainstem. Activity-dependent changes of the auditory brainstem occur in response to both apical and basal cochlear implant electrode stimulation.

  14. A unique approach to demonstrating that apical bud temperature specifically determines leaf initiation rate in the dicot Cucumis sativus.

    PubMed

    Savvides, Andreas; Dieleman, Janneke A; van Ieperen, Wim; Marcelis, Leo F M

    2016-04-01

    Leaf initiation rate is largely determined by the apical bud temperature even when apical bud temperature largely deviates from the temperature of other plant organs. We have long known that the rate of leaf initiation (LIR) is highly sensitive to temperature, but previous studies in dicots have not rigorously demonstrated that apical bud temperature controls LIR independent of other plant organs temperature. Many models assume that apical bud and leaf temperature are the same. In some environments, the temperature of the apical bud, where leaf initiation occurs, may differ by several degrees Celsius from the temperature of other plant organs. In a 28-days study, we maintained temperature differences between the apical bud and the rest of the individual Cucumis sativus plants from -7 to +8 °C by enclosing the apical buds in transparent, temperature-controlled, flow-through, spheres. Our results demonstrate that LIR was completely determined by apical bud temperature independent of other plant organs temperature. These results emphasize the need to measure or model apical bud temperatures in dicots to improve the prediction of crop development rates in simulation models.

  15. Prediction of merozoite surface protein 1 and apical membrane antigen 1 vaccine efficacies against Plasmodium chabaudi malaria based on prechallenge antibody responses.

    PubMed

    Lynch, Michelle M; Cernetich-Ott, Amy; Weidanz, William P; Burns, James M

    2009-03-01

    For the development of blood-stage malaria vaccines, there is a clear need to establish in vitro measures of the antibody-mediated and the cell-mediated immune responses that correlate with protection. In this study, we focused on establishing correlates of antibody-mediated immunity induced by immunization with apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) and merozoite surface protein 1(42) (MSP1(42)) subunit vaccines. To do so, we exploited the Plasmodium chabaudi rodent model, with which we can immunize animals with both protective and nonprotective vaccine formulations and allow the parasitemia in the challenged animals to peak. Vaccine formulations were varied with regard to the antigen dose, the antigen conformation, and the adjuvant used. Prechallenge antibody responses were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and were tested for a correlation with protection against nonlethal P. chabaudi malaria, as measured by a reduction in the peak level of parasitemia. The analysis showed that neither the isotype profile nor the avidity of vaccine-induced antibodies correlated with protective efficacy. However, high titers of antibodies directed against conformation-independent epitopes were associated with poor vaccine performance and may limit the effectiveness of protective antibodies that recognize conformation-dependent epitopes. We were able to predict the efficacies of the P. chabaudi AMA1 (PcAMA1) and P. chabaudi MSP1(42) (PcMSP1(42)) vaccines only when the prechallenge antibody titers to both refolded and reduced/alkylated antigens were considered in combination. The relative importance of these two measures of vaccine-induced responses as predictors of protection differed somewhat for the PcAMA1 and the PcMSP1(42) vaccines, a finding confirmed in our final immunization and challenge study. A similar approach to the evaluation of vaccine-induced antibody responses may be useful during clinical trials of Plasmodium falciparum AMA1 and MSP1(42) vaccines.

  16. Prediction of Merozoite Surface Protein 1 and Apical Membrane Antigen 1 Vaccine Efficacies against Plasmodium chabaudi Malaria Based on Prechallenge Antibody Responses▿

    PubMed Central

    Lynch, Michelle M.; Cernetich-Ott, Amy; Weidanz, William P.; Burns, James M.

    2009-01-01

    For the development of blood-stage malaria vaccines, there is a clear need to establish in vitro measures of the antibody-mediated and the cell-mediated immune responses that correlate with protection. In this study, we focused on establishing correlates of antibody-mediated immunity induced by immunization with apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) and merozoite surface protein 142 (MSP142) subunit vaccines. To do so, we exploited the Plasmodium chabaudi rodent model, with which we can immunize animals with both protective and nonprotective vaccine formulations and allow the parasitemia in the challenged animals to peak. Vaccine formulations were varied with regard to the antigen dose, the antigen conformation, and the adjuvant used. Prechallenge antibody responses were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and were tested for a correlation with protection against nonlethal P. chabaudi malaria, as measured by a reduction in the peak level of parasitemia. The analysis showed that neither the isotype profile nor the avidity of vaccine-induced antibodies correlated with protective efficacy. However, high titers of antibodies directed against conformation-independent epitopes were associated with poor vaccine performance and may limit the effectiveness of protective antibodies that recognize conformation-dependent epitopes. We were able to predict the efficacies of the P. chabaudi AMA1 (PcAMA1) and P. chabaudi MSP142 (PcMSP142) vaccines only when the prechallenge antibody titers to both refolded and reduced/alkylated antigens were considered in combination. The relative importance of these two measures of vaccine-induced responses as predictors of protection differed somewhat for the PcAMA1 and the PcMSP142 vaccines, a finding confirmed in our final immunization and challenge study. A similar approach to the evaluation of vaccine-induced antibody responses may be useful during clinical trials of Plasmodium falciparum AMA1 and MSP142 vaccines. PMID:19116303

  17. RACK1 interacts with filamin-A to regulate plasma membrane levels of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

    PubMed Central

    Smith, Laura; Litman, Paul; Kohli, Ekta; Amick, Joseph; Page, Richard C.; Misra, Saurav

    2013-01-01

    Mutations in cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR), a chloride channel in the apical membranes of secretory epithelial cells, underlie the fatal genetic disorder cystic fibrosis. Certain CFTR mutations, including the common mutation ΔF508-CFTR, result in greatly decreased levels of active CFTR at the apical membrane. Direct interactions between CFTR and the cytoskeletal adaptors filamin-A (FlnA) and Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) stabilize the expression and localization of CFTR at the plasma membrane. The scaffold protein receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) also stabilizes CFTR surface expression; however, RACK1 does not interact directly with CFTR and its mechanism of action is unknown. In the present study, we report that RACK1 interacts directly with FlnA in vitro and in a Calu-3 airway epithelial cell line. We mapped the interaction between RACK1 and FlnA to the WD4 and WD6 repeats of RACK1 and to a segment of the large rod domain of FlnA, consisting of immunoglobulin-like repeats 8–15. Disruption of the RACK1-FlnA interaction causes a reduction in CFTR surface levels. Our results suggest that a novel RACK1-FlnA interaction is an important regulator of CFTR surface localization. PMID:23636454

  18. Sequential activation of apical and basolateral contractility drives ascidian endoderm invagination

    PubMed Central

    Sherrard, Kristin; Robin, François; Lemaire, Patrick; Munro1, Edwin

    2014-01-01

    SUMMARY Background Epithelial invagination is a fundamental morphogenetic behavior that transforms a flat cell sheet into a pit or groove. Previous studies of invagination have focused on the role of actomyosin-dependent apical contraction; other mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Results We combined experimental and computational approaches to identify a two-step mechanism for endoderm invagination during ascidian gastrulation. During Step 1, which immediately precedes invagination, endoderm cells constrict their apices due to Rho/Rhokinase-dependent apical enrichment of 1P–myosin. Our data suggest that endoderm invagination itself occurs during Step 2, without further apical shrinkage, via a novel mechanism we call collared rounding: Rho/Rho-kinase-independent lateral enrichment of 1P–myosin drives apico-basal shortening, while Rho/Rho-kinase-dependent enrichment of 1P and 2P myosin in circumapical collars is required to prevent apical expansion and for deep invagination. Simulations show that boundary-specific tension values consistent with these distributions of active myosin can explain the cell shape changes observed during invagination both in normal embryos and in embryos treated with pharmacological inhibitors of either Rho-kinase or Myosin II ATPase. Indeed, we find that the balance of strong circumapical and basolateral tension is the only mechanism based on differential cortical tension that can explain ascidian endoderm invagination. Finally, simulations suggest that mesectoderm cells resist endoderm shape changes during both steps and we confirm this prediction experimentally. Conclusions Our findings suggest that early ascidian gastrulation is driven by the coordinated apposition of circumapical and lateral endoderm contraction, working against a resisting mesectoderm. We propose that similar mechanisms may operate during other invaginations. PMID:20691592

  19. A Reappraisal of the Role of Abscisic Acid and its Interaction with Auxin in Apical Dominance

    PubMed Central

    CLINE, MORRIS G.; OH, CHOONSEOK

    2006-01-01

    • Background and Aims Evidence from pea rms1, Arabidopsis max4 and petunia dad1 mutant studies suggest an unidentified carotenoid-derived/plastid-produced branching inhibitor which moves acropetally from the roots to the shoots and interacts with auxin in the control of apical dominance. Since the plant hormone, abscisic acid (ABA), known to inhibit some growth processes, is also carotenoid derived/plastid produced, and because there has been indirect evidence for its involvement with branching, a re-examination of the role of ABA in apical dominance is timely. Even though it has been determined that ABA probably is not the second messenger for auxin in apical dominance and is not the above-mentioned unidentified branching inhibitor, the similarity of their derivation suggests possible relationships and/or interactions. • Methods The classic Thimann–Skoog auxin replacement test for apical dominance with auxin [0·5 % naphthalene acetic acid (NAA)] applied both apically and basally was combined in similar treatments with 1 % ABA in Ipomoea nil (Japanese Morning Glory), Solanum lycopersicum (Better Boy tomato) and Helianthus annuus (Mammoth Grey-striped Sunflower). • Key Results Auxin, apically applied to the cut stem surface of decapitated shoots, strongly restored apical dominance in all three species, whereas the similar treatment with ABA did not. However, when ABA was applied basally, i.e. below the lateral bud of interest, there was a significant moderate repression of its outgrowth in Ipomoea and Solanum. There was also some additive repression when apical auxin and basal ABA treatments were combined in Ipomoea. • Conclusion The finding that basally applied ABA is able partially to restore apical dominance via acropetal transport up the shoot suggests possible interactions between ABA, auxin and the unidentified carotenoid-derived branching inhibitor that justify further investigation. PMID:16882681

  20. A reappraisal of the role of abscisic acid and its interaction with auxin in apical dominance.

    PubMed

    Cline, Morris G; Oh, Choonseok

    2006-10-01

    Evidence from pea rms1, Arabidopsis max4 and petunia dad1 mutant studies suggest an unidentified carotenoid-derived/plastid-produced branching inhibitor which moves acropetally from the roots to the shoots and interacts with auxin in the control of apical dominance. Since the plant hormone, abscisic acid (ABA), known to inhibit some growth processes, is also carotenoid derived/plastid produced, and because there has been indirect evidence for its involvement with branching, a re-examination of the role of ABA in apical dominance is timely. Even though it has been determined that ABA probably is not the second messenger for auxin in apical dominance and is not the above-mentioned unidentified branching inhibitor, the similarity of their derivation suggests possible relationships and/or interactions. The classic Thimann-Skoog auxin replacement test for apical dominance with auxin [0.5 % naphthalene acetic acid (NAA)] applied both apically and basally was combined in similar treatments with 1 % ABA in Ipomoea nil (Japanese Morning Glory), Solanum lycopersicum (Better Boy tomato) and Helianthus annuus (Mammoth Grey-striped Sunflower). Auxin, apically applied to the cut stem surface of decapitated shoots, strongly restored apical dominance in all three species, whereas the similar treatment with ABA did not. However, when ABA was applied basally, i.e. below the lateral bud of interest, there was a significant moderate repression of its outgrowth in Ipomoea and Solanum. There was also some additive repression when apical auxin and basal ABA treatments were combined in Ipomoea. The finding that basally applied ABA is able partially to restore apical dominance via acropetal transport up the shoot suggests possible interactions between ABA, auxin and the unidentified carotenoid-derived branching inhibitor that justify further investigation.

  1. Overcoming Antigenic Diversity by Enhancing the Immunogenicity of Conserved Epitopes on the Malaria Vaccine Candidate Apical Membrane Antigen-1

    PubMed Central

    Dutta, Sheetij; Dlugosz, Lisa S.; Drew, Damien R.; Ge, Xiopeng; Ababacar, Diouf; Rovira, Yazmin I.; Moch, J. Kathleen; Shi, Meng; Long, Carole A.; Foley, Michael; Beeson, James G.; Anders, Robin F.; Miura, Kazutoyo; Haynes, J. David; Batchelor, Adrian H.

    2013-01-01

    Malaria vaccine candidate Apical Membrane Antigen-1 (AMA1) induces protection, but only against parasite strains that are closely related to the vaccine. Overcoming the AMA1 diversity problem will require an understanding of the structural basis of cross-strain invasion inhibition. A vaccine containing four diverse allelic proteins 3D7, FVO, HB3 and W2mef (AMA1 Quadvax or QV) elicited polyclonal rabbit antibodies that similarly inhibited the invasion of four vaccine and 22 non-vaccine strains of P. falciparum. Comparing polyclonal anti-QV with antibodies against a strain-specific, monovalent, 3D7 AMA1 vaccine revealed that QV induced higher levels of broadly inhibitory antibodies which were associated with increased conserved face and domain-3 responses and reduced domain-2 response. Inhibitory monoclonal antibodies (mAb) raised against the QV reacted with a novel cross-reactive epitope at the rim of the hydrophobic trough on domain-1; this epitope mapped to the conserved face of AMA1 and it encompassed the 1e-loop. MAbs binding to the 1e-loop region (1B10, 4E8 and 4E11) were ∼10-fold more potent than previously characterized AMA1-inhibitory mAbs and a mode of action of these 1e-loop mAbs was the inhibition of AMA1 binding to its ligand RON2. Unlike the epitope of a previously characterized 3D7-specific mAb, 1F9, the 1e-loop inhibitory epitope was partially conserved across strains. Another novel mAb, 1E10, which bound to domain-3, was broadly inhibitory and it blocked the proteolytic processing of AMA1. By itself mAb 1E10 was weakly inhibitory but it synergized with a previously characterized, strain-transcending mAb, 4G2, which binds close to the hydrophobic trough on the conserved face and inhibits RON2 binding to AMA1. Novel inhibition susceptible regions and epitopes, identified here, can form the basis for improving the antigenic breadth and inhibitory response of AMA1 vaccines. Vaccination with a few diverse antigenic proteins could provide universal

  2. Temporal genetic changes in Plasmodium vivax apical membrane antigen 1 over 19 years of transmission in southern Mexico.

    PubMed

    Flores-Alanis, Alejandro; González-Cerón, Lilia; Santillán, Frida; Ximenez, Cecilia; Sandoval, Marco A; Cerritos, René

    2017-05-02

    Mexico advanced to the pre-elimination phase in 2009 due to a significant reduction in malaria cases, and since 2000, Plasmodium vivax is the only species transmitted. During the last two decades, malaria transmission has been mostly local and isolated to a few regions. It is important to gain further insights into the impact of control measures on the parasite population structure. Hence, the aim of the current study was to determine detailed changes in P. vivax genetic diversity and population structure based on analysing the gene that encodes the apical membrane antigen 1 (pvama1). This analysis covered from control to pre-elimination (1993-2011) in a hypo-endemic region in southern Mexico. The 213 pvama1 I-II sequences presently analysed were grouped into six periods of three years each. They showed low genetic diversity, with 15 haplotypes resolved. Among the DNA sequences, there was a gradual decrease in genetic diversity, the number of mixed genotype infections and the intensity of positive selection, in agreement with the parallel decline in malaria cases. At the same time, linkage disequilibrium (R 2 ) increased. The three-dimensional haplotype network revealed that pvama1 I-II haplotypes were separated by 1-11 mutational steps, and between one another by 0-3 unsampled haplotypes. In the temporal network, seven haplotypes were detected in at least two of the six-time layers, and only four distinct haplotypes were evidenced in the pre-elimination phase. Structure analysis indicated that three subpopulations fluctuated over time. Only 8.5% of the samples had mixed ancestry. In the pre-elimination phase, subpopulation P1 was drastically reduced, and the admixture was absent. The results suggest that P. vivax in southern Mexico evolved based on local adaptation into three "pseudoclonal" subpopulations that diversified at the regional level and persisted over time, although with varying frequency. Control measures and climate events influenced the number of

  3. Dynamic change in left ventricular apical back rotation: a marker of diastolic suction with exercise.

    PubMed

    Hong, Sung-Jin; Shim, Chi Young; Kim, Darae; Cho, In-Jeong; Hong, Geu-Ru; Moon, Sun-Ha; Lee, Hyun-Jin; Lee, Jin-Kyung; Choi, Donghoon; Jang, Yangsoo; Ha, Jong-Won

    2018-01-01

    We hypothesized that the absence of a decrease in minimal left ventricular (LV) pressure during exercise would be associated with impaired LV apical back rotation during exercise. A total of 21 patients (59 ± 10 years) underwent invasive LV pressure measurements and simultaneous echocardiography at rest and during submaximal supine bicycle exercise. Patients were classified according to the changes in minimal LV pressure from rest to maximal exercise (Δminimal LVP); Group 1 (n = 8) had a decrease in minimal LV pressure with exercise, whereas Group 2 (n = 13) had an increase in minimal LV pressure. LV apical back-rotation parameters by speckle-tracking echocardiography at rest and during 50 W of exercise were compared. At rest, there were no differences in LV pressure and echocardiographic parameters between groups. However, at 50 W of exercise, Group 2 had higher LV early and end-diastolic pressures and a prolonged time constant of LV relaxation. In Group 2, e' velocity was lower and E/e' was higher. Apical back rotation at the mitral valve opening (MVO) was reduced and minimal apical back-rotation velocity was lower in Group 2. Δminimal LVP significantly correlated with apical back rotation at MVO (r = -0.77, P = 0.009) and minimal apical back-rotation velocity at 50 W (r = 0.69, P = 0.028). The lack of decrease in minimal LV pressure during exercise, a manifestation of impaired LV suction in early diastole, is linked closely with impaired LV apical back rotation during exercise. Dynamic changes in LV apical back rotation during exercise can be used as a non-invasive parameter of diastolic suction during exercise. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2017. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  4. Management of Teeth with Persistent Apical Periodontitis after Root Canal Treatment Using Regenerative Endodontic Therapy.

    PubMed

    Saoud, Tarek Mohamed A; Huang, George T-J; Gibbs, Jennifer L; Sigurdsson, Asgeir; Lin, Louis M

    2015-10-01

    Regenerative endodontic therapy (RET) is currently used to treat immature teeth with necrotic pulp and/or apical periodontitis. However, recently RET has been used to treat mature teeth with necrotic pulp and/or apical periodontitis and resulted in regression of clinical signs and/or symptoms and resolution of apical periodontitis. The purpose of this case report was to describe the potential of using RET to treat 2 mature teeth with persistent apical periodontitis after root canal therapy using RET. Two male patients, one 26-year old and another 12-year old, presented for retreatment of persistent apical periodontitis after root canal treatment of 2 mature teeth (#9 and #19). The gutta-percha fillings in the canals of teeth #9 and #19 were removed with Carvene gutta-percha solvent (Prevest DenPro, Jammu, India) and ProTaper Universal rotary retreatment files (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). The canals of both teeth were further chemomechanically debrided with rotary retreatment files and copious amounts of sodium hypochlorite irrigation and dressed with Metapaste (Meta Biomed, Chungbuk, Korea). RET was performed on teeth #9 and #19. Periapical bleeding was provoked into the disinfected root canals. The blood clots were covered with mineral trioxide aggregate plugs, and the access cavities were restored with intermediate restorative material. Teeth #9 and #19 showed regression of clinical signs and/or symptoms and healing of apical periodontitis after 13-month and 14-month follow-ups, respectively. Tooth #9 revealed narrowing of the canal space and apical closure by deposition of hard tissue. RET has the potential to be used to retreat teeth with persistent apical periodontitis after root canal therapy. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Conversion of proteins from a non-polarized to an apical secretory pattern in MDCK cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Vogel, Lotte K.; Larsen, Jakob E.; Hansen, Martin

    2005-05-13

    Previously it was shown that fusion proteins containing the amino terminus of an apical targeted member of the serpin family fused to the corresponding carboxyl terminus of the non-polarized secreted serpin, antithrombin, are secreted mainly to the apical side of MDCK cells. The present study shows that this is neither due to the transfer of an apical sorting signal from the apically expressed proteins, since a sequence of random amino acids acts the same, nor is it due to the deletion of a conserved signal for correct targeting from the non-polarized secreted protein. Our results suggest that the polarity ofmore » secretion is determined by conformational sensitive sorting signals.« less

  6. Effect of Reciprocating Systems and Working Lengths on Apical Microcrack Development: a micro-CT Study.

    PubMed

    Oliveira, Bruna Paloma de; Câmara, Andréa Cruz; Duarte, Daniel Amancio; Heck, Richard John; Antonino, Antonio Celso Dantas; Aguiar, Carlos Menezes

    2017-01-01

    The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of root canal preparation with single-file reciprocating systems at different working lengths on the development of apical microcracks using micro-computed tomographic (micro-CT) imaging. Forty extracted human mandibular incisors were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=10) according to the systems and working length used to prepare the root canals: Group A - WaveOne Gold at apical foramen (AF), Group B - WaveOne Gold 1 mm short of the AF (AF-1 mm), Group C - Unicone (AF) and Group D - Unicone (AF-1 mm). Micro-CT scanning was performed before and after root canal preparation at an isotropic resolution of 14 µm. Then, three examiners assessed the cross-sectional images generated to detect microcracks in the apical portion of the roots. Apical microcracks were visualized in 3, 1, 1, and 3 specimens in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. All these microcracks observed after root canal preparation already existed prior to instrumentation, and no new apical microcrack was detected. For all groups, the number of slices presenting microcracks after root canal preparation was the same as before canal preparation. Root canal preparation with WaveOne Gold and Unicone, regardless of the working length, was not associated with apical microcrack formation.

  7. Basilar membrane vibration is not involved in the reverse propagation of otoacoustic emissions

    PubMed Central

    He, W.; Ren, T.

    2013-01-01

    To understand how the inner ear-generated sound, i.e., otoacoustic emission, exits the cochlea, we created a sound source electrically in the second turn and measured basilar membrane vibrations at two longitudinal locations in the first turn in living gerbil cochleae using a laser interferometer. For a given longitudinal location, electrically evoked basilar membrane vibrations showed the same tuning and phase lag as those induced by sounds. For a given frequency, the phase measured at a basal location led that at a more apical location, indicating that either an electrical or an acoustical stimulus evoked a forward travelling wave. Under postmortem conditions, the electrically evoked emissions showed no significant change while the basilar membrane vibration nearly disappeared. The current data indicate that basilar membrane vibration was not involved in the backward propagation of otoacoustic emissions and that sounds exit the cochlea probably through alternative media, such as cochlear fluids. PMID:23695199

  8. Pulp revascularization of immature teeth with apical periodontitis: a clinical study.

    PubMed

    Ding, Rui Yu; Cheung, Gary Shun-pan; Chen, Jie; Yin, Xing Zhe; Wang, Qian Qian; Zhang, Cheng Fei

    2009-05-01

    The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a pulpal revascularization procedure for immature necrotic teeth with apical periodontitis. Twelve patients, each with an immature permanent tooth with chronic or acute apical periodontitis, were recruited. A triantibiotic mix (ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and minocycline) was used to disinfect the pulp for 1 week. Then a blood clot was created in the canal, over which grey mineral trioxide aggregate was placed. Patients were recalled periodically. Six patients dropped from the study (as a result of pain or failure to induce bleeding after canal disinfection) and instead received a standard apexification procedure. Another 3 patients did not attend any recall appointments. The remaining teeth (n = 3) were found to exhibit complete root development, with a positive response to pulp testing. Revascularization could be effective for managing immature permanent teeth with apical periodontitis with appropriate case selection.

  9. Carbachol-induced MUC17 endocytosis is concomitant with NHE3 internalization and CFTR membrane recruitment in enterocytes.

    PubMed

    Pelaseyed, Thaher; Gustafsson, Jenny K; Gustafsson, Ida J; Ermund, Anna; Hansson, Gunnar C

    2013-08-15

    We have reported that transmembrane mucin MUC17 binds PDZ protein PDZK1, which retains MUC17 apically in enterocytes. MUC17 and transmembrane mucins MUC3 and MUC12 are suggested to build the enterocyte apical glycocalyx. Carbachol (CCh) stimulation of the small intestine results in gel-forming mucin secretion from goblet cells, something that requires adjacent enterocytes to secrete chloride and bicarbonate for proper mucin formation. Surface labeling and confocal imaging demonstrated that apically expressed MUC17 in Caco-2 cells and Muc3(17) in murine enterocytes were endocytosed upon stimulation with CCh. Relocation of MUC17 in response to CCh was specific as MUC3 and MUC12 did not relocate following CCh stimulation. MUC17 colocalized with PDZK1 under basal conditions, while MUC17 relocated to the terminal web and into early endosomes after CCh stimulation. CCh stimulation concomitantly internalized the Na(+/)H(+) exchanger 3 (NHE3) and recruited cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) to the apical membranes, a process that was important for CFTR-mediated bicarbonate secretion necessary for proper gel-forming mucin unfolding. The reason for the specific internalization of MUC17 is not understood, but it could limit the diffusion barrier for ion secretion caused by the apical enterocyte glycocalyx or alternatively act to sample luminal bacteria. Our results reveal well-orchestrated mucus secretion and trafficking of ion channels and the MUC17 mucin.

  10. Clinical Profile and Prognosis of Left Ventricular Apical Aneurysm in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Yan; Wang, Lin-Ping; Yang, Yan-Kun; Tian, Tao; Yang, Kun-Qi; Sun, Xin; Jiang, Yong; Liu, Ya-Xin; Zhou, Xian-Liang; Li, Jian-Jun

    2016-01-01

    Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular apical aneurysm is a unique entity with diverse manifestations and varied prognoses among races. This study evaluated the prevalence, clinical characteristics and outcomes of apical aneurysm in Chinese patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Consecutive patients with apical aneurysm were recruited from 1,844 patients with HCM treated at our hospital from 2002-2013. Basic clinical data and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. Apical aneurysm was identified in 24 patients (1.3%) (mean age: 52 ± 14 years). We identified an hourglass-shaped (71%) or distally hypertrophic (29%) left ventricle and found mural thrombi and nonsustained and sustained ventricular tachycardia in 11 (46%), 4 (17%) and 9 (38%) patients, respectively. During follow-up (5.0 ± 3.4 years [range: 1-14 years]), following were the clinical adverse events experienced by 14 patients (58%) (annual rate: 11.7%): sudden cardiac death (n = 4), appropriate discharge of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (n = 4), progressive heart failure (n = 4) or heart failure-related death (n = 1) and stroke (n = 4). The 4 patients who underwent aneurysmectomy had no adverse events. Patients with SCD had a lower ejection fraction (P = 0.004) and a larger left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (P < 0.001) than nonoperated survivors. Apical aneurysm is not rare in patients with HCM and it confers an extremely poor prognosis. Early aggressive therapies should be considered for this entity and prophylactic aneurysmectomy may be an option. Copyright © 2016 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Concomitant apical suspensory procedures in women with anterior vaginal wall prolapse in the United States in 2011.

    PubMed

    Northington, Gina M; Hudson, Catherine O; Karp, Deborah R; Huber, Sarah A

    2016-04-01

    Although the surgical restoration of apical support has been shown to decrease reoperation rates, it is unclear whether this has been incorporated into current practice. The aims of this study were to determine the rate of concomitant apical suspensory procedures in women with anterior vaginal wall prolapse undergoing surgical repair in 2011 and to identify associated factors. This cross-sectional study queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for women with a primary diagnosis of cystocele who underwent prolapse repair in 2011. The study cohort was analyzed for demographics, concomitant procedures, and hospital characteristics. The rate of apical suspensory procedures was determined. Factors potentially associated with receiving concomitant apical suspensory procedure were evaluated using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. A total of 2,900 women in the database had a primary diagnosis of cystocele and underwent surgical prolapse repair in 2011. 925 (31.9 %) subjects underwent a concomitant apical suspensory procedure. The mean age in the study cohort was 61.9 ± 12.8 years. Hysterectomies were performed in 11.1 % of subjects. 61.1 % were performed vaginally, 26.5 % laparoscopically, and 12.5 % abdominally. On multivariate analysis, age greater than 50 years, Caucasian race, concomitant hysterectomy, and an urban teaching hospital setting were independently associated with receiving concomitant apical suspensory procedure in 2011. Despite evidence that the restoration of apical support is important for optimal anterior support, the overall rate of concomitant apical suspensory procedures is low. Several factors may play a role in whether or not women receive an apical suspensory procedure. This study highlights opportunities to improve the quality of surgical care provided to women with anterior vaginal prolapse.

  12. Oxidative Stress in the Local and Systemic Events of Apical Periodontitis

    PubMed Central

    Hernández-Ríos, Patricia; Pussinen, Pirkko J.; Vernal, Rolando; Hernández, Marcela

    2017-01-01

    Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory disorders. Apical periodontitis (AP) usually results in the formation of an osteolytic apical lesion (AL) caused by the immune response to endodontic infection. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by phagocytic cells in response to bacterial challenge represent an important host defense mechanism, but disturbed redox balance results in tissue injury. This mini review focuses on the role of oxidative stress in the local and associated systemic events in chronic apical periodontitis. During endodontic infection, ligation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) on phagocytes' surface triggers activation, phagocytosis, synthesis of ROS, activation of humoral and cellular responses, and production of inflammatory mediators, such as, cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The increment in ROS perturbs the normal redox balance and shifts cells into a state of oxidative stress. ROS induce molecular damage and disturbed redox signaling, that result in the loss of bone homeostasis, increased pro-inflammatory mediators, and MMP overexpression and activation, leading to apical tissue breakdown. On the other hand, oxidative stress has been strongly involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, where a chronic inflammatory process develops in the arterial wall. Chronic AP is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and especially atherogenesis. The potential mechanisms linking these diseases are also discussed. PMID:29163211

  13. AQP2 Plasma Membrane Diffusion Is Altered by the Degree of AQP2-S256 Phosphorylation

    PubMed Central

    Arnspang, Eva C.; Login, Frédéric H.; Koffman, Jennifer S.; Sengupta, Prabuddha; Nejsum, Lene N.

    2016-01-01

    Fine tuning of urine concentration occurs in the renal collecting duct in response to circulating levels of arginine vasopressin (AVP). AVP stimulates intracellular cAMP production, which mediates exocytosis of sub-apical vesicles containing the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2). Protein Kinase A (PKA) phosphorylates AQP2 on serine-256 (S256), which triggers plasma membrane accumulation of AQP2. This mediates insertion of AQP2 into the apical plasma membrane, increasing water permeability of the collecting duct. AQP2 is a homo-tetramer. When S256 on all four monomers is changed to the phosphomimic aspartic acid (S256D), AQP2-S256D localizes to the plasma membrane and internalization is decreased. In contrast, when S256 is mutated to alanine (S256A) to mimic non-phosphorylated AQP2, AQP2-S256A localizes to intracellular vesicles as well as the plasma membrane, with increased internalization from the plasma membrane. S256 phosphorylation is not necessary for exocytosis and dephosphorylation is not necessary for endocytosis, however, the degree of S256 phosphorylation is hypothesized to regulate the kinetics of AQP2 endocytosis and thus, retention time in the plasma membrane. Using k-space Image Correlation Spectroscopy (kICS), we determined how the number of phosphorylated to non-phosphorylated S256 monomers in the AQP2 tetramer affects diffusion speed of AQP2 in the plasma membrane. When all four monomers mimicked constitutive phosphorylation (AQP2-S256D), diffusion was faster than when all four were non-phosphorylated (AQP2-S256A). AQP2-WT diffused at a speed similar to that of AQP2-S256D. When an average of two or three monomers in the tetramer were constitutively phosphorylated, the average diffusion coefficients were not significantly different to that of AQP2-S256D. However, when only one monomer was phosphorylated, diffusion was slower and similar to AQP2-S256A. Thus, AQP2 with two to four phosphorylated monomers has faster plasma membrane kinetics, than the

  14. AQP2 Plasma Membrane Diffusion Is Altered by the Degree of AQP2-S256 Phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Arnspang, Eva C; Login, Frédéric H; Koffman, Jennifer S; Sengupta, Prabuddha; Nejsum, Lene N

    2016-10-28

    Fine tuning of urine concentration occurs in the renal collecting duct in response to circulating levels of arginine vasopressin (AVP). AVP stimulates intracellular cAMP production, which mediates exocytosis of sub-apical vesicles containing the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2). Protein Kinase A (PKA) phosphorylates AQP2 on serine-256 (S256), which triggers plasma membrane accumulation of AQP2. This mediates insertion of AQP2 into the apical plasma membrane, increasing water permeability of the collecting duct. AQP2 is a homo-tetramer. When S256 on all four monomers is changed to the phosphomimic aspartic acid (S256D), AQP2-S256D localizes to the plasma membrane and internalization is decreased. In contrast, when S256 is mutated to alanine (S256A) to mimic non-phosphorylated AQP2, AQP2-S256A localizes to intracellular vesicles as well as the plasma membrane, with increased internalization from the plasma membrane. S256 phosphorylation is not necessary for exocytosis and dephosphorylation is not necessary for endocytosis, however, the degree of S256 phosphorylation is hypothesized to regulate the kinetics of AQP2 endocytosis and thus, retention time in the plasma membrane. Using k-space Image Correlation Spectroscopy (kICS), we determined how the number of phosphorylated to non-phosphorylated S256 monomers in the AQP2 tetramer affects diffusion speed of AQP2 in the plasma membrane. When all four monomers mimicked constitutive phosphorylation (AQP2-S256D), diffusion was faster than when all four were non-phosphorylated (AQP2-S256A). AQP2-WT diffused at a speed similar to that of AQP2-S256D. When an average of two or three monomers in the tetramer were constitutively phosphorylated, the average diffusion coefficients were not significantly different to that of AQP2-S256D. However, when only one monomer was phosphorylated, diffusion was slower and similar to AQP2-S256A. Thus, AQP2 with two to four phosphorylated monomers has faster plasma membrane kinetics, than the

  15. Lubiprostone activates Cl- secretion via cAMP signaling and increases membrane CFTR in the human colon carcinoma cell line, T84.

    PubMed

    Ao, Mei; Venkatasubramanian, Jayashree; Boonkaewwan, Chaiwat; Ganesan, Nivetha; Syed, Asma; Benya, Richard V; Rao, Mrinalini C

    2011-02-01

    Lubiprostone, used clinically (b.i.d.) to treat constipation, has been reported to increase transepithelial Cl(-) transport in T84 cells by activating ClC-2 channels. To identify the underlying signaling pathway, we explored the effects of short-term and overnight lubiprostone treatment on second messenger signaling and Cl(-) transport. Cl(-) transport was assessed either as I(sc) across T84 monolayers grown on Transwells and mounted in Ussing chambers or by the iodide efflux assay. [cAMP](i) was measured by enzyme immunoassay, and [Ca(2+)](i) by Fluo-3 fluorescence. Quantitation of apical cell surface CFTR protein levels was assessed by Western blotting and biotinylation with the EZ-Link Sulfo-NHS-LC-LC-Biotin. ClC-2 mRNA level was studied by RT-PCR. Lubiprostone and the cAMP stimulator, forskolin, caused comparable and maximal increases of I(sc) in T84 cells. The I(sc) effects of lubiprostone and forskolin were each suppressed if the tissue had previously been treated with the other agent. These responses were unaltered even if the monolayers were treated with lubiprostone overnight. Lubiprostone-induced increases in iodide efflux were ~80% of those obtained with forskolin. Lubiprostone increased [cAMP](i). H89, bumetanide, or CFTR(inh)-172 greatly attenuated lubiprostone-stimulated Cl(-) secretion, whereas the ClC-2 inhibitor CdCl(2) did not. Compared to controls, FSK-treatment increased membrane-associated CFTR by 1.9 fold, and lubiprostone caused a 2.6-fold increase in apical membrane CFTR as seen by immunoblotting following cell surface biotinylation. Lubiprostone activates Cl(-) secretion in T84 cells via cAMP, protein kinase A, and by increasing apical membrane CFTR protein.

  16. Dexamethasone concentration gradients along scala tympani after application to the round window membrane

    PubMed Central

    Salt, Alec N

    2008-01-01

    Hypothesis Local application of dexamethasone-21-dihydrogene-phosphate (Dex-P) to the round window membrane (RWM) of guinea pigs produces a substantial basal-apical concentration gradient in scala tympani (ST) perilymph. Background In recent years, intratympanically-applied glucocorticoids are increasingly being used for the treatment of inner ear disease. Although measurements of intracochlear concentrations after round window (RW) application exist, there is limited information on the distribution of these drugs in the inner ear fluids. It has been predicted from computer simulations that substantial concentration gradients will occur with lower concentrations expected in apical turns after RW application. Concentration gradients of other substances along the cochlea have recently been confirmed using a sequential apical sampling method to obtain perilymph. Methods Dex-P (10mg/ml) was administered to the RWM of guinea pigs (n=9) in vivo for 2 to 3 hours. Perilymph was then collected using a protocol in which ten samples, each of approximately 1μl, were taken sequentially from the cochlear apex into capillary tubes. Dex-P concentration of the samples was determined by HPLC. Interpretation of sample data using a finite element model allowed the longitudinal gradients of Dex-P in scala tympani to be quantified. Results The Dex-P content of the first sample in each experiment (dominated by perilymph from apical regions) was substantially lower than that of the third and fourth sample (dominated by basal turn perilymph). These findings qualitatively demonstrated the existence of a concentration gradient along scala tympani (ST). After detailed analysis of the measured sample concentrations using an established finite element computer model, the mean basal-apical concentration gradient was estimated to be 17•103. Both absolute concentrations of Dex-P in ST and the basal-apical gradients were found to vary substantially. Conclusion The existence of substantial basal-apical

  17. Root canal microbiota of teeth with chronic apical periodontitis.

    PubMed

    Rôças, I N; Siqueira, J F

    2008-11-01

    Samples from infected root canals of 43 teeth with chronic apical periodontitis were analyzed for the presence and relative levels of 83 oral bacterial species and/or phylotypes using a reverse-capture checkerboard hybridization assay. Associations between the most frequently detected taxa were also recorded. The most prevalent taxa were Olsenella uli (74%), Eikenella corrodens (63%), Porphyromonas endodontalis (56%), Peptostreptococcus anaerobius (54%), and Bacteroidetes oral clone X083 (51%). When prevalence was considered only for bacteria present at levels >10(5), Bacteroidetes clone X083 was the most frequently isolated bacterium (37%), followed by Parvimonas micra (28%), E. corrodens (23%), and Tannerella forsythia (19%). The number of target taxa per canal was directly proportional to the size of the apical periodontitis lesion, with lesions >10 mm in diameter harboring a mean number of approximately 20 taxa. Several positive associations for the most prevalent taxa were disclosed for the first time and may have important ecological and pathogenic implications. In addition to strengthening the association of several cultivable named species with chronic apical periodontitis, the present findings using a large-scale analysis allowed the inclusion of some newly named species and as-yet-uncultivated phylotypes in the set of candidate pathogens associated with this disease.

  18. Actin Turnover-Mediated Gravity Response in Maize Root Apices

    PubMed Central

    Mancuso, Stefano; Barlow, Peter W; Volkmann, Dieter

    2006-01-01

    The dynamic actin cytoskeleton has been proposed to be linked to gravity sensing in plants but the mechanistic understanding of these processes remains unknown. We have performed detailed pharmacological analyses of the role of the dynamic actin cytoskeleton in gravibending of maize (Zea mays) root apices. Depolymerization of actin filaments with two drugs having different mode of their actions, cytochalasin D and latrunculin B, stimulated root gravibending. By contrast, drug-induced stimulation of actin polymerization and inhibition of actin turnover, using two different agents phalloidin and jasplakinolide, compromised the root gravibending. Importantly, all these actin drugs inhibited root growth to similar extents suggesting that high actin turnover is essential for the gravity-related growth responses rather than for the general growth process. Both latrunculin B and cytochalasin D treatments inhibited root growth but restored gravibending of the decapped root apices, indicating that there is a strong potential for effective actin-mediated gravity sensing outside the cap. This elusive gravity sensing outside the root cap is dependent not only on the high rate of actin turnover but also on weakening of myosin activities, as general inhibition of myosin ATPases induced stimulation of gravibending of the decapped root apices. Collectively, these data provide evidence for the actin turnover-mediated gravity sensing outside the root cap. PMID:19521476

  19. Cytokinin is required for escape but not release from auxin mediated apical dominance

    PubMed Central

    Müller, Dörte; Waldie, Tanya; Miyawaki, Kaori; To, Jennifer PC; Melnyk, Charles W; Kieber, Joseph J; Kakimoto, Tatsuo; Leyser, Ottoline

    2015-01-01

    Auxin produced by an active primary shoot apex is transported down the main stem and inhibits the growth of the axillary buds below it, contributing to apical dominance. Here we use Arabidopsis thaliana cytokinin (CK) biosynthetic and signalling mutants to probe the role of CK in this process. It is well established that bud outgrowth is promoted by CK, and that CK synthesis is inhibited by auxin, leading to the hypothesis that release from apical dominance relies on an increased supply of CK to buds. Our data confirm that decapitation induces the expression of at least one ISOPENTENYLTRANSFERASE (IPT) CK biosynthetic gene in the stem. We further show that transcript abundance of a clade of the CK-responsive type-A Arabidopsis response regulator (ARR) genes increases in buds following CK supply, and that, contrary to their typical action as inhibitors of CK signalling, these genes are required for CK-mediated bud activation. However, analysis of the relevant arr and ipt multiple mutants demonstrates that defects in bud CK response do not affect auxin-mediated bud inhibition, and increased IPT transcript levels are not needed for bud release following decapitation. Instead, our data suggest that CK acts to overcome auxin-mediated bud inhibition, allowing buds to escape apical dominance under favourable conditions, such as high nitrate availability. Significance Statement It has been proposed that the release of buds from auxin-mediated apical dominance following decapitation requires increased cytokinin biosynthesis and consequent increases in cytokinin supply to buds. Here we show that in Arabidopsis, increases in cytokinin appear to be unnecessary for the release of buds from apical dominance, but rather allow buds to escape the inhibitory effect of apical auxin, thereby promoting bud activation in favourable growth conditions. PMID:25904120

  20. Automatic detection of apical roots in oral radiographs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Yi; Xie, Fangfang; Yang, Jie; Cheng, Erkang; Megalooikonomou, Vasileios; Ling, Haibin

    2012-03-01

    The apical root regions play an important role in analysis and diagnosis of many oral diseases. Automatic detection of such regions is consequently the first step toward computer-aided diagnosis of these diseases. In this paper we propose an automatic method for periapical root region detection by using the state-of-theart machine learning approaches. Specifically, we have adapted the AdaBoost classifier for apical root detection. One challenge in the task is the lack of training cases especially for diseased ones. To handle this problem, we boost the training set by including more root regions that are close to the annotated ones and decompose the original images to randomly generate negative samples. Based on these training samples, the Adaboost algorithm in combination with Haar wavelets is utilized in this task to train an apical root detector. The learned detector usually generates a large amount of true and false positives. In order to reduce the number of false positives, a confidence score for each candidate detection result is calculated for further purification. We first merge the detected regions by combining tightly overlapped detected candidate regions and then we use the confidence scores from the Adaboost detector to eliminate the false positives. The proposed method is evaluated on a dataset containing 39 annotated digitized oral X-Ray images from 21 patients. The experimental results show that our approach can achieve promising detection accuracy.

  1. Association of apical rocking with long-term major adverse cardiac events in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy.

    PubMed

    Ghani, Abdul; Delnoy, Peter Paul H M; Ottervanger, Jan Paul; Ramdat Misier, Anand R; Smit, Jaap Jan J; Adiyaman, Ahmet; Elvan, Arif

    2016-02-01

    Correctly identifying patients who will benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is still challenging. 'Apical rocking' is observed in asynchronously contracting ventricles and is associated with echocardiographic response to CRT. The association of apical rocking and long-term clinical outcome is however unknown at present. We assessed the predictive value of left ventricular (LV) apical rocking on a long-term clinical outcome in patients treated with CRT. Consecutive heart failure patients treated with primary indication for CRT-D between 2005 and 2009 were included in a prospective registry. Echocardiography was performed prior to CRT to assess apical rocking, defined as motion of the LV apical myocardium perpendicular to the LV long axis. Major adverse cardiac event (MACE) was defined as combined end point of cardiac death and/or heart failure hospitalization and/or appropriate therapy (ATP and/or ICD shocks). All echocardiograms were assessed by independent cardiologists, blinded for clinical data. Multivariable analyses were performed to adjust for potential confounders. Two hundred and ninety-five patients with echocardiography prior to implantation were included in the final analyses. Apical rocking was present in 45% of the study patients. Apical rocking was significantly more common in younger patients, females, patients with sinus rhythm, non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy, and in patients with LBBB and wider QRS duration. During a mean clinical follow-up of 5.2 ± 1.6 years, 92 (31%) patients reached the end point of the study (MACE). Patients with MACE had shorter QRS duration, had more ischaemic cardiomyopathy, and were more often on Amiodarone. In univariate analyses, MACE was associated with shorter QRS duration, ischaemic aetiology, and the absence of apical rocking. After multivariable analyses, apical rocking was associated with less MACE (hazards ratio, HR 0.44, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.25-0.77). Apical rocking is an independent

  2. Apical accumulation of the Sevenless receptor tyrosine kinase during Drosophila eye development is promoted by the small GTPase Rap1.

    PubMed

    Baril, Caroline; Lefrançois, Martin; Sahmi, Malha; Knævelsrud, Helene; Therrien, Marc

    2014-08-01

    The Ras/MAPK-signaling pathway plays pivotal roles during development of metazoans by controlling cell proliferation and cell differentiation elicited, in several instances, by receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). While the internal mechanism of RTK-driven Ras/MAPK signaling is well understood, far less is known regarding its interplay with other co-required signaling events involved in developmental decisions. In a genetic screen designed to identify new regulators of RTK/Ras/MAPK signaling during Drosophila eye development, we identified the small GTPase Rap1, PDZ-GEF, and Canoe as components contributing to Ras/MAPK-mediated R7 cell differentiation. Rap1 signaling has recently been found to participate in assembling cadherin-based adherens junctions in various fly epithelial tissues. Here, we show that Rap1 activity is required for the integrity of the apical domains of developing photoreceptor cells and that reduced Rap1 signaling hampers the apical accumulation of the Sevenless RTK in presumptive R7 cells. It thus appears that, in addition to its role in cell-cell adhesion, Rap1 signaling controls the partitioning of the epithelial cell membrane, which in turn influences signaling events that rely on apico-basal cell polarity. Copyright © 2014 by the Genetics Society of America.

  3. [Outcome of traditional growing rods for correction of apical vertebra rotation in early-onset scoliosis].

    PubMed

    Sun, X; Xu, L; Chen, Z H; Chen, X; Du, C Z; Li, S; Liu, Z; Qian, B P; Wang, B; Zhu, Z Z; Qiu, Y

    2018-03-01

    Objective: To evaluate the correction result of traditional dual growing rods on apical vertebral rotation. Methods: This study recruited 19 early-onset scoliosis patients (6 boys and 13 girls) who had received traditional dual growing rods treatment at Department of Spine Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2009 to July 2015. The age at initial surgery was (5.7±1.7)years(range, 3 to 9 years). Measurements of primary curve magnitude, height of T(1)-S(1), apical vertebral translation(AVR), apical vertebral body-rib ratio, apical vertebral rotation, thoracic rotation and rib hump were compared between pre-operatively, post-operatively, and at latest follow-up, through a paired- t test. Pearson correlation test was used for correlation analysis between parameters. Results: All patients had a follow-up of (49.5±12.8)months(range, 24 to 71 months). A total of 111 operative procedures were performed, among which there were 92 lengthening procedures, averagely 4.8 lengthening procedures per patient. The average interval for each lengthening procedure was 10 months. The Cobb angle of primary curve was notably decreased from (66.5±13.2)° to (35.2±10.9)°( t =24.013, P <0.01), and no significant correction loss was found at the latest follow-up ((36.7±10.7)°)( t =-1.324, P =0.202). In addition, significant correction of AVR, thoracic rotation, apical vertebral translation, apical vertebra body-rib ratio, and rib hump were noted after initial surgery. Whereas, these parameters significant increased during follow-up(all P <0.05) except for thoracic rotation. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the increase of AVR during follow-up significantly correlated with change of apical vertebra translation, apical vertebral body-rib ratio, and rib hump( r =0.652, 0.814, 0.695; all P <0.05). Conclusions: Significant correction of AVR can be achieved after initial surgery in early-onset scoliosis patients treated with traditional dual growing rods. However, such

  4. Apical extrusion of debris in primary molar root canals using mechanical and manual systems.

    PubMed

    Buldur, B; Hascizmeci, C; Aksoy, S; Nur Aydin, M; Guvendi, O N

    2018-03-01

    Apical extrusion of debris in primary root canal treatment has not been well elucidated. The purpose of this study is to compare the amount of apically extruded debris during the preparation of primary molar root canals using ProTaper, ProTaper Next, Self-adjusting File (SAF) and hand files. One hundred sixty extracted primary mandibular molar teeth were assigned to 2 groups: Group 1: Resorbed (n=80) and Group 2: Non-resorbed (n=80) and randomly to four subgroups (n=20 teeth for each subgroup) according to the instruments used, ProTaper, ProTaper Next, SAF, and hand file. The apically extruded debris was collected and dried in preweighed Eppendof tubes. The dry weight was calculated by subtracting the preoperative weight from the postoperative weight. Data were analysed statistically using the ANOVA and the Bonferroni post hoc t-test. The amount of apically extruded debris was significantly less for the non-resorbed group compared to the resorbed group (P<0.05). Regardless of the resorption groups, ProTaper Next and SAF extruded significantly less debris than did the ProTaper and hand files (P<0.05), while no statistically significant difference was found between ProTaper Next and SAF (P>0.05). All instruments caused apically extruded debris in primary teeth.

  5. Association Analysis of Grain-setting Rates in Apical and Basal Spikelets in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

    PubMed

    Guo, Jie; Zhang, Yong; Shi, Weiping; Zhang, Boqiao; Zhang, Jingjuan; Xu, Yanhao; Cheng, Xiaoming; Cheng, Kai; Zhang, Xueyong; Hao, Chenyang; Cheng, Shunhe

    2015-01-01

    The rates of grain-setting in apical and basal spikelets in wheat directly affect the kernel number per spike (KNPS). In this study, 220 wheat lines from 18 Chinese provinces and five foreign countries were used as a natural population. Phenotypic analysis showed differences in grain-setting rates between apical and basal spikelets. The broad-sense heritability of grain-setting rate in apical spikelets (18.7-21.0%) was higher than that for basal spikelets (9.4-16.4%). Significant correlations were found between KNPS and grain numbers in apical (R (2) = 0.40-0.45, P < 0.01) and basal (R (2) = 0.41-0.56, P < 0.01) spikelets. Seventy two of 106 SSR markers were associated with grain setting, 32 for apical spikelets, and 34 for basal spikelets. The SSR loci were located on 17 chromosomes, except 3A, 3D, 4A, and 7D, and explained 3.7-22.9% of the phenotypic variance. Four markers, Xcfa2153-1A 202 , Xgwm186-5A 118 , Xgwm156-3B 319 , and Xgwm537-7B 210 , showed the largest effects on grain numbers in apical and basal spikelets. High grain numbers in apical and basal spikelets were associated with elite alleles. Ningmai 9, Ning 0569, and Yangmai 18 with high grain-setting rates carried larger numbers of favorable alleles. Comparison of grain numbers in basal and apical spikelets of 35 Yangmai and Ningmai lines indicated that the Ningmai lines had better grain-setting rates (mean 21.4) than the Yangmai lines (16.5).

  6. Non-surgical retreatment of a failed apicoectomy without retrofilling using white mineral trioxide aggregate as an apical barrier.

    PubMed

    Stefopoulos, Spyridon; Tzanetakis, Giorgos N; Kontakiotis, Evangelos G

    2012-01-01

    Root-end resected teeth with persistent apical periodontitis are usually retreated surgically or a combination of non-surgical and surgical retreatment is employed. However, patients are sometimes unwilling to be subjected to a second surgical procedure. The apical barrier technique that is used for apical closure of immature teeth with necrotic pulps may be an alternative to non-surgically retreat a failed apicoectomy. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has become the material of choice in such cases because of its excellent biocompatibility, sealing ability and osseoinductive properties. This case report describes the non-surgical retreatment of a failed apicoectomy with no attempt at retrofilling of a maxillary central incisor. White MTA was used to induce apical closure of the wide resected apical area. Four-year follow-up examination revealed an asymptomatic, fully functional tooth with a satisfactory healing of the apical lesion. White MTA apical barrier may constitute a reliable and efficient technique to non-surgically retreat teeth with failed root-end resection. The predictability of such a treatment is of great benefit for the patient who is unwilling to be submitted to a second surgical procedure.

  7. Reciproc versus Twisted file for root canal filling removal: assessment of apically extruded debris.

    PubMed

    Altunbas, Demet; Kutuk, Betul; Toyoglu, Mustafa; Kutlu, Gizem; Kustarci, Alper; Er, Kursat

    2016-01-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the amount of apically extruded debris during endodontic retreatment with different file systems. Sixty extracted human mandibular premolar teeth were used in this study. Root canals of the teeth were instrumented and filled before being randomly assigned to three groups. Guttapercha was removed using the Reciproc system, the Twisted File system (TF), and Hedström-files (H-file). Apically extruded debris was collected and dried in pre-weighed Eppendorf tubes. The amount of extruded debris was assessed with an electronic balance. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests. The Reciproc and TF systems extruded significantly less debris than the H-file (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was found between the Reciproc and TF systems. All tested file systems caused apical extrusion of debris. Both the rotary file (TF) and the reciprocating single-file (Reciproc) systems were associated with less apical extrusion compared with the H-file.

  8. Sealing ability, marginal adaptation and their correlation using three root-end filling materials as apical plugs

    PubMed Central

    OROSCO, Fernando Accorsi; BRAMANTE, Clovis Monteiro; GARCIA, Roberto Brandão; BERNARDINELI, Norberti; de MORAES, Ivaldo Gomes

    2010-01-01

    Objective This study used dye leakage assay and scanning electron microscopy to evaluate, respectively, the sealing ability and marginal adaptation of three root-end filling materials used as apical plugs, as well as the possible correlation between these properties. Material and Methods Ninety-eight single-rooted human teeth were prepared to simulate an open apex. The teeth were allocated to three experimental groups (n = 30), which received a 5-mm thick apical plug of (1) gray MTA AngelusTM, (2) CPMTM and (3) MBPc, and two controls groups (n = 4). After immersion in 0.2% Rhodamine B solution for 48 h, the teeth were sectioned longitudinally and analyzed by Image Tool 3.0 software. The marginal adaptation between apical plugs and the root canal walls were analyzed by SEM. Results MBPc had significantly less (p<0.05) apical leakage than the other materials. Regarding marginal adaptation, CPMTM showed the best numerical results, though without statistical significance from the other materials (p<0.05). There was no correlation between the two properties. Conclusions When used as apical plugs, the tested root-end filling materials had similar marginal adaptation to the dentin walls, but MBPc had the best sealing ability, as demonstrated by the least apical leakage from all tested materials. PMID:20485923

  9. Pathogenesis of apical periodontitis and the causes of endodontic failures.

    PubMed

    Nair, P N R

    2004-11-01

    Apical periodontitis is a sequel to endodontic infection and manifests itself as the host defense response to microbial challenge emanating from the root canal system. It is viewed as a dynamic encounter between microbial factors and host defenses at the interface between infected radicular pulp and periodontal ligament that results in local inflammation, resorption of hard tissues, destruction of other periapical tissues, and eventual formation of various histopathological categories of apical periodontitis, commonly referred to as periapical lesions. The treatment of apical periodontitis, as a disease of root canal infection, consists of eradicating microbes or substantially reducing the microbial load from the root canal and preventing re-infection by orthograde root filling. The treatment has a remarkably high degree of success. Nevertheless, endodontic treatment can fail. Most failures occur when treatment procedures, mostly of a technical nature, have not reached a satisfactory standard for the control and elimination of infection. Even when the highest standards and the most careful procedures are followed, failures still occur. This is because there are root canal regions that cannot be cleaned and obturated with existing equipments, materials, and techniques, and thus, infection can persist. In very rare cases, there are also factors located within the inflamed periapical tissue that can interfere with post-treatment healing of the lesion. The data on the biological causes of endodontic failures are recent and scattered in various journals. This communication is meant to provide a comprehensive overview of the etio-pathogenesis of apical periodontitis and the causes of failed endodontic treatments that can be visualized in radiographs as asymptomatic post-treatment periapical radiolucencies.

  10. Adenovirus Entry From the Apical Surface of Polarized Epithelia Is Facilitated by the Host Innate Immune Response

    PubMed Central

    Kotha, Poornima L. N.; Sharma, Priyanka; Kolawole, Abimbola O.; Yan, Ran; Alghamri, Mahmoud S.; Brockman, Trisha L.; Gomez-Cambronero, Julian; Excoffon, Katherine J. D. A.

    2015-01-01

    Prevention of viral-induced respiratory disease begins with an understanding of the factors that increase or decrease susceptibility to viral infection. The primary receptor for most adenoviruses is the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR), a cell-cell adhesion protein normally localized at the basolateral surface of polarized epithelia and involved in neutrophil transepithelial migration. Recently, an alternate isoform of CAR, CAREx8, has been identified at the apical surface of polarized airway epithelia and is implicated in viral infection from the apical surface. We hypothesized that the endogenous role of CAREx8 may be to facilitate host innate immunity. We show that IL-8, a proinflammatory cytokine and a neutrophil chemoattractant, stimulates the protein expression and apical localization of CAREx8 via activation of AKT/S6K and inhibition of GSK3β. Apical CAREx8 tethers infiltrating neutrophils at the apical surface of a polarized epithelium. Moreover, neutrophils present on the apical-epithelial surface enhance adenovirus entry into the epithelium. These findings suggest that adenovirus evolved to co-opt an innate immune response pathway that stimulates the expression of its primary receptor, apical CAREx8, to allow the initial infection the intact epithelium. In addition, CAREx8 is a new target for the development of novel therapeutics for both respiratory inflammatory disease and adenoviral infection. PMID:25768646

  11. Proliferative effects of apical, but not basal, matrix metalloproteinase-7 activity in polarized MDCK cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Harrell, Permila C.; McCawley, Lisa J.; Fingleton, Barbara

    2005-02-15

    Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) is primarily expressed in glandular epithelium. Therefore, its mechanism of action may be influenced by its regulated vectorial release to either the apical and/or basolateral compartments, where it would act on its various substrates. To gain a better understanding of where MMP-7 is released in polarized epithelium, we have analyzed its pattern of secretion in polarized MDCK cells expressing stably transfected human MMP-7 (MDCK-MMP-7), and HCA-7 and Caco2 human colon cancer cell lines. In all cell lines, latent MMP-7 was secreted to both cellular compartments, but was 1.5- to 3-fold more abundant in the basolateral compartment asmore » compared to the apical. However, studies in the MDCK system demonstrated that MMP-7 activity was 2-fold greater in the apical compartment of MDCK-MMP-7{sup HIGH}-polarized monolayers, which suggests the apical co-release of an MMP-7 activator. In functional assays, MMP-7 over-expression increased cell saturation density as a result of increased cell proliferation with no effect on apoptosis. Apical MMP-7 activity was shown to be responsible for the proliferative effect, which occurred, as demonstrated by media transfer experiments, through cleavage of an apical substrate and not through the generation of a soluble factor. Taken together, our findings demonstrate the importance of MMP-7 secretion in relation to its mechanism of action when expressed in a polarized epithelium.« less

  12. Mechanical roles of apical constriction, cell elongation, and cell migration during neural tube formation in Xenopus.

    PubMed

    Inoue, Yasuhiro; Suzuki, Makoto; Watanabe, Tadashi; Yasue, Naoko; Tateo, Itsuki; Adachi, Taiji; Ueno, Naoto

    2016-12-01

    Neural tube closure is an important and necessary process during the development of the central nervous system. The formation of the neural tube structure from a flat sheet of neural epithelium requires several cell morphogenetic events and tissue dynamics to account for the mechanics of tissue deformation. Cell elongation changes cuboidal cells into columnar cells, and apical constriction then causes them to adopt apically narrow, wedge-like shapes. In addition, the neural plate in Xenopus is stratified, and the non-neural cells in the deep layer (deep cells) pull the overlying superficial cells, eventually bringing the two layers of cells to the midline. Thus, neural tube closure appears to be a complex event in which these three physical events are considered to play key mechanical roles. To test whether these three physical events are mechanically sufficient to drive neural tube formation, we employed a three-dimensional vertex model and used it to simulate the process of neural tube closure. The results suggest that apical constriction cued the bending of the neural plate by pursing the circumference of the apical surface of the neural cells. Neural cell elongation in concert with apical constriction further narrowed the apical surface of the cells and drove the rapid folding of the neural plate, but was insufficient for complete neural tube closure. Migration of the deep cells provided the additional tissue deformation necessary for closure. To validate the model, apical constriction and cell elongation were inhibited in Xenopus laevis embryos. The resulting cell and tissue shapes resembled the corresponding simulation results.

  13. Sequential development of apical-basal and planar polarities in aggregating epitheliomuscular cells of Hydra.

    PubMed

    Seybold, Anna; Salvenmoser, Willi; Hobmayer, Bert

    2016-04-01

    Apical-basal and planar cell polarities are hallmarks of metazoan epithelia required to separate internal and external environments and to regulate trans- and intracellular transport, cytoskeletal organization, and morphogenesis. Mechanisms of cell polarization have been intensively studied in bilaterian model organisms, particularly in early embryos and cultured cells, while cell polarity in pre-bilaterian tissues is poorly understood. Here, we have studied apical-basal and planar polarization in regenerating (aggregating) clusters of epitheliomuscular cells of Hydra, a simple representative of the ancestral, pre-bilaterian phylum Cnidaria. Immediately after dissociation, single epitheliomuscular cells do not exhibit cellular polarity, but they polarize de novo during aggregation. Reestablishment of the Hydra-specific epithelial bilayer is a result of short-range cell sorting. In the early phase of aggregation, apical-basal polarization starts with an enlargement of the epithelial apical-basal diameter and by the development of belt-like apical septate junctions. Specification of the basal pole of epithelial cells occurs shortly later and is linked to synthesis of mesoglea, development of hemidesmosome-like junctions, and formation of desmosome-like junctions connecting the basal myonemes of neighbouring cells. Planar polarization starts, while apical-basal polarization is already ongoing. It is executed gradually starting with cell-autonomous formation, parallelization, and condensation of myonemes at the basal end of each epithelial cell and continuing with a final planar alignment of epitheliomuscular cells at the tissue level. Our findings reveal that epithelial polarization in Hydra aggregates occurs in defined steps well accessible by histological and ultrastructural techniques and they will provide a basis for future molecular studies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Incidence of apical crack formation and propagation during removal of root canal filling materials with different engine driven nickel-titanium instruments.

    PubMed

    Özyürek, Taha; Tek, Vildan; Yılmaz, Koray; Uslu, Gülşah

    2017-11-01

    To determine the incidence of crack formation and propagation in apical root dentin after retreatment procedures performed using ProTaper Universal Retreatment (PTR), Mtwo-R, ProTaper Next (PTN), and Twisted File Adaptive (TFA) systems. The study consisted of 120 extracted mandibular premolars. One millimeter from the apex of each tooth was ground perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth, and the apical surface was polished. Twenty teeth served as the negative control group. One hundred teeth were prepared, obturated, and then divided into 5 retreatment groups. The retreatment procedures were performed using the following files: PTR, Mtwo-R, PTN, TFA, and hand files. After filling material removal, apical enlargement was done using apical size 0.50 mm ProTaper Universal (PTU), Mtwo, PTN, TFA, and hand files. Digital images of the apical root surfaces were recorded before preparation, after preparation, after obturation, after filling removal, and after apical enlargement using a stereomicroscope. The images were then inspected for the presence of new apical cracks and crack propagation. Data were analyzed with χ 2 tests using SPSS 21.0 software. New cracks and crack propagation occurred in all the experimental groups during the retreatment process. Nickel-titanium rotary file systems caused significantly more apical crack formation and propagation than the hand files. The PTU system caused significantly more apical cracks than the other groups after the apical enlargement stage. This study showed that retreatment procedures and apical enlargement after the use of retreatment files can cause crack formation and propagation in apical dentin.

  15. Ganglioside structure dictates signal transduction by cholera toxin and association with caveolae-like membrane domains in polarized epithelia.

    PubMed

    Wolf, A A; Jobling, M G; Wimer-Mackin, S; Ferguson-Maltzman, M; Madara, J L; Holmes, R K; Lencer, W I

    1998-05-18

    In polarized cells, signal transduction by cholera toxin (CT) requires apical endocytosis and retrograde transport into Golgi cisternae and perhaps ER (Lencer, W.I., C. Constable, S. Moe, M. Jobling, H.M. Webb, S. Ruston, J.L. Madara, T. Hirst, and R. Holmes. 1995. J. Cell Biol. 131:951-962). In this study, we tested whether CT's apical membrane receptor ganglioside GM1 acts specifically in toxin action. To do so, we used CT and the related Escherichia coli heat-labile type II enterotoxin LTIIb. CT and LTIIb distinguish between gangliosides GM1 and GD1a at the cell surface by virtue of their dissimilar receptor-binding B subunits. The enzymatically active A subunits, however, are homologous. While both toxins bound specifically to human intestinal T84 cells (Kd approximately 5 nM), only CT elicited a cAMP-dependent Cl- secretory response. LTIIb, however, was more potent than CT in eliciting a cAMP-dependent response from mouse Y1 adrenal cells (toxic dose 10 vs. 300 pg/well). In T84 cells, CT fractionated with caveolae-like detergent-insoluble membranes, but LTIIb did not. To investigate further the relationship between the specificity of ganglioside binding and partitioning into detergent-insoluble membranes and signal transduction, CT and LTIIb chimeric toxins were prepared. Analysis of these chimeric toxins confirmed that toxin-induced signal transduction depended critically on the specificity of ganglioside structure. The mechanism(s) by which ganglioside GM1 functions in signal transduction likely depends on coupling CT with caveolae or caveolae-related membrane domains.

  16. A Comparison of Apical Transportation in Severely Curved Canals Induced by Reciproc and BioRaCe Systems.

    PubMed

    Nabavizadeh, Mohammadreza; Abbaszadegan, Abbas; Khojastepour, Leila; Amirhosseini, Mohsen; Kiani, Ebrahim

    2014-01-01

    Preserving the apical root structure during cleaning and shaping of the canal has always been a challenge in endodontics particularly when the root canals are curved. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the apical transportation induced by the Reciproc and BioRaCe rotary systems in preparing the mesiobuccal root canal of the human maxillary molars. The mesiobuccal canals of sixty extracted maxillary molars with curvature angle of 25˚-35˚ were selected and randomly assigned into two groups. Each canal was prepared by either Reciproc or BioRaCe rotary systems. A double-digital radiographic technique and AutoCAD software were used to compare the apical transportation at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm distances from the working length (WL). The distance between the master apical rotary file and the initial K-file in the superimposed radiographs determined the amount of apical transportation. An independent t-test was used to compare the groups. The statistical significant level was set at 0.05. Apical transportation of the Reciproc group was significantly greater than the BioRaCe group in all distances (P<0.001). The maximum apical transportation occurred in the Reciproc group at 0.5 mm from the WL (0.048±0.0028 mm) and the minimum occurred for BioRaCe at 5 mm from the WL (0.010±0.0005 mm). The Reciproc system produced significantly more apical transportation than the BioRaCe, but this fact does not seem to negatively alter the clinical success or quality of root canal treatment.

  17. A Comparison of Apical Transportation in Severely Curved Canals Induced by Reciproc and BioRaCe Systems

    PubMed Central

    Nabavizadeh, Mohammadreza; Abbaszadegan, Abbas; Khojastepour, Leila; Amirhosseini, Mohsen; Kiani, Ebrahim

    2014-01-01

    Introduction: Preserving the apical root structure during cleaning and shaping of the canal has always been a challenge in endodontics particularly when the root canals are curved. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the apical transportation induced by the Reciproc and BioRaCe rotary systems in preparing the mesiobuccal root canal of the human maxillary molars. Materials and Methods: The mesiobuccal canals of sixty extracted maxillary molars with curvature angle of 25˚-35˚ were selected and randomly assigned into two groups. Each canal was prepared by either Reciproc or BioRaCe rotary systems. A double-digital radiographic technique and AutoCAD software were used to compare the apical transportation at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm distances from the working length (WL). The distance between the master apical rotary file and the initial K-file in the superimposed radiographs determined the amount of apical transportation. An independent t-test was used to compare the groups. The statistical significant level was set at 0.05. Results: Apical transportation of the Reciproc group was significantly greater than the BioRaCe group in all distances (P<0.001). The maximum apical transportation occurred in the Reciproc group at 0.5 mm from the WL (0.048±0.0028 mm) and the minimum occurred for BioRaCe at 5 mm from the WL (0.010±0.0005 mm). Conclusions: The Reciproc system produced significantly more apical transportation than the BioRaCe, but this fact does not seem to negatively alter the clinical success or quality of root canal treatment. PMID:24688580

  18. Pulp and apical tissue response to deep caries in immature teeth: A histologic and histobacteriologic study.

    PubMed

    Ricucci, Domenico; Siqueira, José F; Loghin, Simona; Lin, Louis M

    2017-01-01

    Descriptions of the pathologic changes in the pulp and associated apical structures of human immature teeth in response to deep caries are lacking in the literature. This article describes the histologic events associated with the radicular pulp and the apical tissues of human immature teeth following pulp inflammation and necrosis. Twelve immature teeth with destructive caries lesions were obtained from 8 patients. Two intact immature teeth served as controls. Teeth were extracted for reasons not related to this study and immediately processed for histopathologic and histobacteriologic analyses. Serial sections were examined for the pulp conditions and classified as reversible or irreversible pulp inflammation, or pulp necrosis. Other histologic parameters were also evaluated. In the 3 cases with reversible pulp inflammation, tissue in the pulp chamber showed mild to moderate inflammation and tertiary dentin formation related to tubules involved in the caries process. Overall, the radicular pulp tissue, apical papilla and Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) exhibited characteristics of normality. In the 3 cases with irreversible pulp inflammation, the pulps were exposed and severe inflammation occurred in the pulp chamber, with minor areas of necrosis and infection. Large areas of the canal walls were free from odontoblasts and lined by an atubular mineralized tissue. The apical papilla showed extremely reduced cellularity or lack of cells and HERS was discontinuous or absent. In the 6 cases with pulp necrosis, the coronal and radicular pulp tissue was necrotic and colonized by bacterial biofilms. The apical papilla could not be discerned, except for one case. HERS was absent in the necrotic cases. While immature teeth with reversible pulpitis showed histologic features almost similar to normal teeth in the canal and in the apical region, those with irreversible pulpitis and necrosis exhibited significant alterations not only in the radicular pulp but also in

  19. Pulp Revascularization on Permanent Teeth with Open Apices in a Middle-aged Patient.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yu; Zhu, Xiaofei; Zhang, Chengfei

    2015-09-01

    Pulp revascularization is a promising procedure for the treatment of adolescents' immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp and/or apical periodontitis. However, the ability to successfully perform pulp revascularization in a middle-aged patient remains unclear. A 39-year-old woman was referred for treatment of teeth #20 and #29 with necrotic pulp, extensive periapical radiolucencies, and incomplete apices. Pulp revascularization procedures were attempted, including root canal debridement, triple antibiotic paste medication, and platelet-rich plasma transplantation to act as a scaffold. Periapical radiographic and cone-beam computed tomographic examinations were used to review the changes in the apical lesions and root apex configuration. The patient remained asymptomatic throughout the 30-month follow-up. Periapical radiographic examination revealed no change in the apical lesions of either tooth at 8 months. The periapical radiolucency disappeared on tooth #20 and significantly decreased on tooth #29 by the 30-month follow-up, findings that were also confirmed by cone-beam computed tomographic imaging. No evidence of root lengthening or thickening was observed. Successful revascularization was achieved in a middle-aged patient's teeth. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Regenerative Endodontic Treatment versus Apical Plug in Immature Teeth: Three-Year Follow-Up.

    PubMed

    Asgary, Saeed; Fazlyab, Mahta; Nosrat, Ali

    This report compares and evaluates the treatment outcomes of regenerative endodontic treatment and apical plug as two accepted treatment protocols in a pair of necrotic immature maxillary central incisors of a 12-year old female. The patient was referred complaining of a dull pain and swelling in her upper lip area. She had a history of trauma to the anterior maxilla two years earlier. Both teeth were clinically diagnosed with pulp necrosis and periapical radiographs revealed that separate periapical radiolucent lesions surrounded the immature apices of both teeth. The left and right incisors were treated with apical plug and regenerative endodontic treatment, respectively, using calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement. The patient was followed-up for three years. During this period, both teeth were clinically asymptomatic and showed complete radiographic healing of the periapical lesions. The right central incisor showed root development. No tooth discoloration was evident. Apexification by apical plug placement and pulp regeneration are both reliable treatments for immature non-vital teeth. In order to choose the right treatment the advantages of either technique should be weighed against its drawbacks. CEM cement can be successfully applied for both purposes. This biomaterial causes less discoloration of the tooth.

  1. Speckle tracking echocardiography to assess regional ventricular function in patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

    PubMed

    Saccheri, María Cristina; Cianciulli, Tomás Francisco; Morita, Luis Alberto; Méndez, Ricardo José; Beck, Martín Alejandro; Guerra, Juan Enrique; Cozzarin, Alberto; Puente, Luciana Jimena; Balletti, Lorena Romina; Lax, Jorge Alberto

    2017-04-26

    To explore regional systolic strain of midwall and endocardial segments using speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We prospectively assessed 20 patients (mean age 53 ± 16 years, range: 18-81 years, 10 were male), with apical HCM. We measured global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLPSS) in the midwall and endocardium of the left ventricle. The diastolic thickness of the 4 apical segments was 16.25 ± 2.75 mm. All patients had a normal global systolic function with a fractional shortening of 50% ± 8%. In spite of supernormal left ventricular (LV) systolic function, midwall GLPSS was decreased in all patients, more in the apical (-7.3% ± -8.8%) than in basal segments (-15.5% ± -6.93%), while endocardial GLPPS was significantly greater and reached normal values (apical: -22.8% ± -7.8%, basal: -17.9% ± -7.5%). This study shows that two-dimensional strain was decreased mainly confined to the mesocardium, while endocardium myocardial deformation was preserved in HCM and allowed to identify subclinical LV dysfunction. This transmural heterogeneity in systolic strain had not been previously described in HCM and could be explained by the distribution of myofibrillar disarray in deep myocardial areas. The clinical application of this novel finding may help further understanding of the pathophysiology of HCM.

  2. Cytoplasmic Dynein Regulation by Subunit Heterogeneity and Its Role in Apical Transport

    PubMed Central

    Tai, Andrew W.; Chuang, Jen-Zen; Sung, Ching-Hwa

    2001-01-01

    Despite the existence of multiple subunit isoforms for the microtubule motor cytoplasmic dynein, it has not yet been directly shown that dynein complexes with different compositions exhibit different properties. The 14-kD dynein light chain Tctex-1, but not its homologue RP3, binds directly to rhodopsin's cytoplasmic COOH-terminal tail, which encodes an apical targeting determinant in polarized epithelial Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. We demonstrate that Tctex-1 and RP3 compete for binding to dynein intermediate chain and that overexpressed RP3 displaces endogenous Tctex-1 from dynein complexes in MDCK cells. Furthermore, replacement of Tctex-1 by RP3 selectively disrupts the translocation of rhodopsin to the MDCK apical surface. These results directly show that cytoplasmic dynein function can be regulated by its subunit composition and that cytoplasmic dynein is essential for at least one mode of apical transport in polarized epithelia. PMID:11425878

  3. Apical bud toughness tests and tree sway movements to examine crown abrasion: preliminary results

    Treesearch

    Tyler Brannon; Wayne Clatterbuck

    2012-01-01

    Apical bud toughness differences were examined for several species to determine if crown abrasion affects shoot growth of determinate and indeterminate species during stand development. Determinate buds will set and harden after initial shoot elongation in the spring, while the indeterminate shoots form leaves from the apical meristem continuously based on the...

  4. Utilization of apical vaginal support procedures at time of inpatient hysterectomy performed for benign conditions: a national estimate.

    PubMed

    Ross, Whitney Trotter; Meister, Melanie R; Shepherd, Jonathan P; Olsen, Margaret A; Lowder, Jerry L

    2017-10-01

    Apical vaginal support is considered the keystone of pelvic organ support. Level I evidence supports reestablishment of apical support at time of hysterectomy, regardless of whether the hysterectomy is performed for prolapse. National rates of apical support procedure performance at time of inpatient hysterectomy have not been well described. We sought to estimate trends and factors associated with use of apical support procedures at time of inpatient hysterectomy for benign indications in a large national database. The National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample was used to identify hysterectomies performed from 2004 through 2013 for benign indications. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes were used to select both procedures and diagnoses. The primary outcome was performance of an apical support procedure at time of hysterectomy. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were performed. There were 3,509,230 inpatient hysterectomies performed for benign disease from 2004 through 2013. In both nonprolapse and prolapse groups, there was a significant decrease in total number of annual hysterectomies performed over the study period (P < .0001). There were 2,790,652 (79.5%) hysterectomies performed without a diagnosis of prolapse, and an apical support procedure was performed in only 85,879 (3.1%). There was a significant decrease in the proportion of hysterectomies with concurrent apical support procedure (high of 4.0% in 2004 to 2.5% in 2013, P < .0001). In the multivariable logistic regression model, increasing age, hospital type (urban teaching), hospital bed size (large and medium), and hysterectomy type (vaginal and laparoscopically assisted vaginal) were associated with performance of an apical support procedure. During the study period, 718,578 (20.5%) inpatient hysterectomies were performed for prolapse diagnoses and 266,743 (37.1%) included an apical support procedure. There was a significant increase in the proportion

  5. The subxiphoid view cannot replace the apical view for transthoracic echocardiographic assessment of hemodynamic status

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Introduction This prospective study aimed to assess whether use of the subxiphoid acoustic window in transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) can be an accurate alternative in the absence of an apical view to assess hemodynamic parameters. Methods This prospective study took place in a teaching hospital medical ICU. Over a 4-month period, TTE was performed in patients admitted for more than 24 hours. Two operators rated the quality of parasternal, apical, and subxiphoid acoustic windows as Excellent, Good, Acceptable, Poor, or No image. In the subpopulation presenting adequate (rated as acceptable or higher) apical and subxiphoid views, we compared the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), the ratio between right and left ventricular end-diastolic areas (RVEDA/LVEDA), the ratio between early and late mitral inflow on pulsed Doppler (E/A ratio), the aortic velocity time integral (Ao VTI), and the ratio between early mitral inflow and displacement of the mitral annulus on tissue Doppler imaging (E/Ea ratio). Results An adequate apical view was obtained in 80%, and an adequate subxiphoid view was obtained in 63% of the 107 patients included. Only 5% of patients presented an adequate subxiphoid view without an adequate apical view. In the subpopulation of patients with adequate apical and subxiphoid windows (n = 65), LVEF, E/A, and RVEDA/LVEDA were comparable on both views, and were strongly correlated (r > 0.80) with acceptable biases and precision. However, the Ao VTI and the E/Ea ratio were lower on the subxiphoid view than on the apical view (18 ± 5 versus 16 ± 5 cm and 9.6 ± 4.6 versus 7.6 ± 4 cm, respectively, P = 0.001 for both). Conclusions An adequate TTE subxiphoid window was obtained in fewer than two thirds of ICU patients. In addition to the classic indication for the subxiphoid window to study the vena cava and pericardium, this view can be used to study right and left ventricular morphology and function, but does not provide accurate hemodynamic

  6. Calcium-activated potassium channels in basolateral membranes of colon epithelial cells; reconstitution and functional properties.

    PubMed

    Wiener, H; Turnheim, K

    1990-10-26

    Using differential sedimentation, isopycnic and Ficoll-400 barrier centrifugation, basolateral membrane vesicles of surface and crypt cells of the rabbit distal colon were enriched 34- and 9-fold, respectively. 86Rb(+)-uptake into these vesicles, driven by an electrical potential difference, was stimulated by submicromolar Ca2+ activities and inhibited by Ba2+. These findings indicate the presence of Ca2(+)-activated K+ channels. The K+ channels in surface and crypt cell membranes differed with respect to inhibition by the bee venom apamin, the scorpion venom charybdotoxin and tetraethylammonium and exhibited a different pH dependence. Fusion of basolateral membrane vesicles with planar phospholipid bilayers revealed the presence of high-conductance Ba2(+)-sensitive K+ channels which were activated by micromolar Ca2+ and inhibited by crude scorpion venom and trifluoperazine. These K+ channels may be involved in the coupling of apical and basolateral membrane conductances during Na+ absorption and Cl- secretion, but they may also play a role in cell volume regulation.

  7. Apical Correlative Effects in Leaf Epinasty of Tomato 1

    PubMed Central

    Kazemi, Saidollah; Kefford, Noel P.

    1974-01-01

    The influence of the stem apex on leaf curvature was investigated using debudded tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv Anahu) plants and petiole explants, consisting of a section of petiole attached to a section of stem. Decapitation of the main shoot of tomato plants induced hyponasty of petioles in young leaves. Application of auxin in place of the removed apex or fumigation of intact tomato plants with ethylene produced epinastic curvature at the base of the petiole. Simultaneous carbon dioxide treatments prevented the development of petiolar epinasty due to auxin and ethylene treatments. Application of ethylene gas to the decapitated shoot or injection into the stem, induced petiolar epinasty. In a saturating level of ethylene gas, tomato petioles did not respond to indole-3-acetic acid applied to the cut apex. Auxin-induced ethylene production in petiole explants preceded the development of epinasty. Application of indoleacetic acid in lanolin to the entire lower side of the petioles of leaves in situ produced petiole epinasty. Petiolar epinasty due to apically applied indoleacetic acid resulted from differential cell elongation. The auxins indole-3-acetic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and naphthalene-1-acetic acid induced epinasty when applied apically to decapitated tomato plants, while gibberellic acid, kinetin, abscisic acid, and auxin or gibberellin antagonists had no effect. When such compounds were applied to petiole explants, only indole-3-acetic acid and kinetin caused an increase in ethylene production and the effect of kinetin was relatively weak. Application of 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid around the stem did not change the effect on petiolar epinasty of auxin applied to the decapitated shoot or around the stem. Radioautography showed that the label from 14C-indoleacetic acid applied apically entered the petiole and midrib tissue; however, extraction showed that only a fraction of the label in these tissues was in the form of indoleacetic

  8. An Innovative Regenerative Endodontic Procedure Using Leukocyte and Platelet-rich Fibrin Associated with Apical Surgery: A Case Report.

    PubMed

    Pinto, Nelson; Harnish, Alexandra; Cabrera, Carolina; Andrade, Catherine; Druttman, Tony; Brizuela, Claudia

    2017-11-01

    Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) associated with apical surgery could represent an alternative treatment strategy for patients whose teeth present incomplete root formation and extensive apical lesions. Leukocyte platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) has potential benefits in REPs; it could promote apical root formation and optimal bone healing. The aim of this case report was to describe innovative regenerative endodontic therapy using L-PRF in the root canal and an extensive apical lesion in an immature tooth with dens invaginatus and asymptomatic apical periodontitis. A healthy 20-year-old woman was referred to the dental clinic of the Universidad de Los Andes, Santiago, Chile, for endodontic treatment in tooth # 22 with incomplete root development and an extensive apical lesion. The diagnosis was asymptomatic apical periodontitis associated with dens invaginatus type II. The patient was treated with an innovative approach using L-PRF in REPs associated with apical surgery. Follow-ups were performed at 6 months and 1 year later. They included periapical radiographs, cone-beam computed tomographic imaging, sensitivity, and vitality tests. The clinical evaluations performed at 6 months and 1 year revealed an absence of symptoms. The radiographic evaluations showed that the apical lesion was resolved. The cone-beam images indicated that the root length increased and the walls had thickened. The sensitivity tests were positive, and the laser Doppler flowmetry showed positive blood flow after 1 year. The success of the results in this case report indicate that L-PRF can be used as a complement in apical surgery and REPs and could provide an innovative alternative treatment strategy for complex clinical cases like these. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Comparison of microtomography and optical coherence tomography on apical endodontic filling analysis.

    PubMed

    Suassuna, Fernanda Clotilde Mariz; Maia, Ana Marly Araújo; Melo, Daniela Pita; Antonino, Antônio Celso Dantas; Gomes, Anderson Stevens Leônidas; Bento, Patrícia Meira

    2018-02-01

    To comparein vitro differences in the apical filling regarding working length (WL) change and presence of voids and to validate optical coherence tomography (OCT) in comparison with computerized microtomography (µCT) for the detection of failures in the apical filling. Forty-five uniradicular teeth with round canals, divided into groups (n = 15) following the obturation protocols: LC (lateral condensation), TMC (thermomechanical compaction) and SC (single cone). Samples were scanned using µCT (parameters: 80 kV, 222 µA, and resolution of 11 µm), OCT (parameters: SSOCT, 1300 nm and axial resolution of 12 µm), and periapical digital radiography. The images were analyzsed by two blind and calibrated observers using ImageJ software to measure the boundary of the obturation WL and voids presence. Categorical and metric data were submitted to inferential analysis, and the validity of the OCT as a diagnostic test was assessed with performance and reliability tests. The WL average remained constant for all obturation techniques and image methods. OCT showed adequate sensitivity and specificity to detect voids in the WL of apical obturations in vitro in comparison with µCT. Both image methods found a higher number of voids for LC technique (µCT p = 0.011/OCT p = 0.002). OCT can be used in apical obturation voids assessment and the LC technique revealed more voids with larger dimensions.

  10. Identification of dominant pathogens in periapical lesions associated with persistent apical periodontitis.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Shuang; Wang, Qian Qian; Zhang, Cheng Fei; Soo, Irwan

    2010-01-01

    to identify dominant pathogens in the periapical lesions associated with persistent apical periodontitis. thirty-three root-filled teeth with persistent apical periodontitis referred for surgical treatment were selected. Microbial samples were collected from the periapical lesions during apical surgery. Microbial identification was performed with species-specific primers prepared according to the sequence analysis data using a 16S rRNA technique. among the 33 cases, in 5 cases none of the target species were detected, 6 cases showed the presence of only one species, and 22 cases showed more than two species. Porphyromonas endodontalis (45% of sample) was the most commonly detected dominant microbial species in the study sample, followed by Actinomyces viscosus (42%), Candida albicans (36%) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (27%). Fusobacterium, Actinomyces israelii and Enterococcus faecalis were also detected in 27%, 21% and 15% of the sample, respectively. The most frequently isolated species, P. endodontalis, was in most cases detected together with Actinomyces (14 cases) and P. gingivalis (6 cases). None of the lesions analysed in the present study contained Prevotella intermedia. There was no correlation in relation to the presence of sinus tracts and the bacterial species. a mixed population of pathogens was found in the endodontic lesions associated with persistent apical periodontitis. P. endodontalis, A. viscosus, C. albicans and P. gingivalis were the dominant species identified.

  11. Effects of loxoprofen on the apical root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement in rats.

    PubMed

    Yamamoto, Taeko; Kaku, Masato; Sumi, Hiromi; Yashima, Yuka; Izumino, Jin; Tanimoto, Kotaro

    2018-01-01

    Studies have revealed that severe apical root resorption during tooth movement is caused by the noninfective inflammatory reaction of apical root tissues. We hypothesized that loxoprofen can suppress apical root resorption during tooth movement. Cyclic tensile force (CTF) of 10 kPa was applied to the human pulp cells for 48 hours by the Flexcell Strain Unit. Loxoprofen (10 and 100 μM) was added to the culture cells, and expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1, COX-2, interleukin (IL)-1β, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) were examined. To determine the effects of loxoprofen sodium on apical root reabsorption during tooth movement, the upper first molars of 7-week-old rats were subjected to mesial movement by 10g force for 30 days with or without the oral administration of loxoprofen. Gene expression and protein concentration of COX-1, COX-2, IL-1β, TNF-α, RANKL and M-CSF were significantly higher in the CTF group than in the control group. However, these levels were decreased by loxoprofen administration. After orthodontic tooth movement, the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, RANKL and M-CSF decreased in the loxoprofen group than in the control group by immunohistochemical staining. In comparison to control group, less number of odontoclasts and a decrease in the amount of apical root resorption was observed in the loxoprofen group. Many osteoclasts became visible on the pressure side of the alveolar bone in the both groups, and the amount of tooth movement did not show a significant difference. These findings demonstrate that severe apical root resorption may be suppressed by loxoprofen administration, without a disturbance of tooth movement.

  12. Effects of loxoprofen on the apical root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement in rats

    PubMed Central

    Sumi, Hiromi; Yashima, Yuka; Izumino, Jin

    2018-01-01

    Studies have revealed that severe apical root resorption during tooth movement is caused by the noninfective inflammatory reaction of apical root tissues. We hypothesized that loxoprofen can suppress apical root resorption during tooth movement. Cyclic tensile force (CTF) of 10 kPa was applied to the human pulp cells for 48 hours by the Flexcell Strain Unit. Loxoprofen (10 and 100 μM) was added to the culture cells, and expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1, COX-2, interleukin (IL)-1β, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) were examined. To determine the effects of loxoprofen sodium on apical root reabsorption during tooth movement, the upper first molars of 7-week-old rats were subjected to mesial movement by 10g force for 30 days with or without the oral administration of loxoprofen. Gene expression and protein concentration of COX-1, COX-2, IL-1β, TNF-α, RANKL and M-CSF were significantly higher in the CTF group than in the control group. However, these levels were decreased by loxoprofen administration. After orthodontic tooth movement, the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, RANKL and M-CSF decreased in the loxoprofen group than in the control group by immunohistochemical staining. In comparison to control group, less number of odontoclasts and a decrease in the amount of apical root resorption was observed in the loxoprofen group. Many osteoclasts became visible on the pressure side of the alveolar bone in the both groups, and the amount of tooth movement did not show a significant difference. These findings demonstrate that severe apical root resorption may be suppressed by loxoprofen administration, without a disturbance of tooth movement. PMID:29694352

  13. An unusual ST-segment elevation: apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy shows the ace up its sleeve.

    PubMed

    de Santis, Francesco; Pergolini, Amedeo; Zampi, Giordano; Pero, Gaetano; Pino, Paolo Giuseppe; Minardi, Giovanni

    2013-01-01

    Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is part of the broad clinical and morphologic spectrum of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We report a patient with electrocardiographic abnormalities in whom acute coronary syndrome was excluded and apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was demonstrated by careful differential diagnosis. Copyright © 2012 Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. Published by Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

  14. Myosin II promotes the anisotropic loss of the apical domain during Drosophila neuroblast ingression

    PubMed Central

    Simões, Sérgio; Oh, Youjin; Wang, Michael F.Z.; Fernandez-Gonzalez, Rodrigo

    2017-01-01

    Epithelial–mesenchymal transitions play key roles in development and cancer and entail the loss of epithelial polarity and cell adhesion. In this study, we use quantitative live imaging of ingressing neuroblasts (NBs) in Drosophila melanogaster embryos to assess apical domain loss and junctional disassembly. Ingression is independent of the Snail family of transcriptional repressors and down-regulation of Drosophila E-cadherin (DEcad) transcription. Instead, the posttranscriptionally regulated decrease in DEcad coincides with the reduction of cell contact length and depends on tension anisotropy between NBs and their neighbors. A major driver of apical constriction and junctional disassembly are periodic pulses of junctional and medial myosin II that result in progressively stronger cortical contractions during ingression. Effective contractions require the molecular coupling between myosin and junctions and apical relaxation of neighboring cells. Moreover, planar polarization of myosin leads to the loss of anterior–posterior junctions before the loss of dorsal–ventral junctions. We conclude that planar-polarized dynamic actomyosin networks drive apical constriction and the anisotropic loss of cell contacts during NB ingression. PMID:28363972

  15. Prevalence and activity of Epstein-Barr virus and human cytomegalovirus in symptomatic and asymptomatic apical periodontitis lesions.

    PubMed

    Hernádi, Katinka; Szalmás, Anita; Mogyorósi, Richárd; Czompa, Levente; Veress, György; Csoma, Eszter; Márton, Ildikó; Kónya, József

    2010-09-01

    Apical periodontitis is a polymicrobial inflammation with a dominant flora of opportunistic Gram-negative bacteria; however, a pathogenic role of human herpesviruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been implicated recently. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence, activity, and disease association of EBV and HCMV in apical periodontitis in an Eastern Hungarian population. Forty samples with apical periodontitis (17 symptomatic and 23 asymptomatic) and 40 healthy pulp controls were collected. EBV and HCMV prevalences were measured by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of the viral DNA and viral activity was tested by reverse-transcription PCR amplification of viral messenger RNA. EBV DNA and EBNA-2 messenger RNA were found in apical periodontitis lesions at significantly (p < 0.0001) higher frequencies (72.5% and 50%, respectively) than in controls (both 2.5%). The occurrence of HCMV infection was rare in both apical lesions (10%) and controls (0%). The presence of EBV DNA in apical lesions was associated significantly with large (> or = 5 mm) lesion size (p = 0.02) but not with symptoms (p = 0.30). Symptomatic manifestation was significantly associated with the co-occurrence (odds ratio [OR], 8.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69-45.76) but not the sole occurrences of EBNA-2 messenger RNA (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 0.48-11.06) and large lesion size (OR, 4.02; 95% CI, 0.81-19.89). EBV infection is a frequent event in apical periodontitis, whereas the involvement of HCMV still remains to be elucidated. This study showed that symptomatic manifestation was likely to occur if a large-sized apical periodontitis lesion is aggravated with active EBV infection. Copyright 2010 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. ADF10 shapes the overall organization of apical actin filaments by promoting their turnover and ordering in pollen tubes.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Yuxiang; Wang, Juan; Xie, Yurong; Chen, Naizhi; Huang, Shanjin

    2017-12-01

    Here, we show that Arabidopsis ADF10 plays an important role in shaping the overall organization of apical actin filaments by promoting their turnover and ordering. ADF10 severs and depolymerizes actin filaments in vitro and is distributed throughout the entire pollen tube. In adf10 mutants, severing and monomer dissociation events for apical actin filaments are reduced, and the apical actin structure extends further toward the tube base than in wild-type tubes. In particular, the percentage of apical actin filaments that form large angles to the tube growth axis is much higher in adf10 pollen tubes, and the actin filaments are more randomly distributed, implying that ADF10 promotes their ordering. Consistent with the role of apical actin filaments in physically restricting the movement of vesicles, the region in which apical vesicles accumulate is enlarged at the tip of adf10 pollen tubes. Both tipward and backward movements of small vesicles are altered within the growth domain of adf10 pollen tubes. Thus, our study suggests that ADF10 shapes the organization of apical actin filaments to regulate vesicle trafficking and pollen tube growth. © 2017. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  17. Apical extrusion of debris: a literature review of an inherent occurrence during root canal treatment.

    PubMed

    Tanalp, J; Güngör, T

    2014-03-01

    Extrusion of intracanal debris as well as irrigants is a common occurrence during root canal treatment, and no instrument or technique has thoroughly solved this problem. Because flare-ups may arise with any irritation directed towards periapical tissues, a shaping or irrigation technique should minimize the risk of apical extrusion, even though it may not be prevented. There has been a rapid evolution of root canal instruments and irrigation systems through the last decade, and many have been assessed for their debris extrusion potential. The purpose of this review was to identify publications regarding the evaluation of debris, bacteria and irrigant extrusion during root canal treatment. A PubMed, Ovid and MEDLINE search was conducted using the keywords "apical extrusion", "debris extrusion" and "endodontic treatment". The literature search extended over a period of more than 30 years up to 2012. Content of the review was limited to apical extrusion of debris and irrigants, extrusion of liquid by irrigation methods and bacterial extrusion. Issues relevant to apical extrusion were obtained by further search in the reference sections of the retrieved articles. The review provides an update on the current status of apical extrusion. © 2013 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  18. Root Canal Microbiota of Teeth with Chronic Apical Periodontitis▿ †

    PubMed Central

    Rôças, I. N.; Siqueira, J. F.

    2008-01-01

    Samples from infected root canals of 43 teeth with chronic apical periodontitis were analyzed for the presence and relative levels of 83 oral bacterial species and/or phylotypes using a reverse-capture checkerboard hybridization assay. Associations between the most frequently detected taxa were also recorded. The most prevalent taxa were Olsenella uli (74%), Eikenella corrodens (63%), Porphyromonas endodontalis (56%), Peptostreptococcus anaerobius (54%), and Bacteroidetes oral clone X083 (51%). When prevalence was considered only for bacteria present at levels >105, Bacteroidetes clone X083 was the most frequently isolated bacterium (37%), followed by Parvimonas micra (28%), E. corrodens (23%), and Tannerella forsythia (19%). The number of target taxa per canal was directly proportional to the size of the apical periodontitis lesion, with lesions >10 mm in diameter harboring a mean number of approximately 20 taxa. Several positive associations for the most prevalent taxa were disclosed for the first time and may have important ecological and pathogenic implications. In addition to strengthening the association of several cultivable named species with chronic apical periodontitis, the present findings using a large-scale analysis allowed the inclusion of some newly named species and as-yet-uncultivated phylotypes in the set of candidate pathogens associated with this disease. PMID:18768651

  19. Ecology of the microbiome of the infected root canal system: a comparison between apical and coronal root segments

    PubMed Central

    Özok, A.R.; Persoon, I.F.; Huse, S.M.; Keijser, B.J.F.; Wesselink, P.R.; Crielaard, W.; Zaura, E.

    2016-01-01

    Aim To evaluate the microbial ecology of the coronal and apical segments of infected root canal systems using a complete sampling technique and next-generation sequencing. Methodology The roots of 23 extracted teeth with apical periodontitis were sectioned in half, horizontally, and cryo-pulverized. Bacterial communities were profiled using tagged 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S rDNA hypervariable V5–V6 region. Results The sequences were classified into 606 taxa (species or higher taxon), representing 24 bacterial phyla or candidate divisions and one archaeal phylum. Proteobacteria were more abundant in the apical samples (p<0.05), while Actinobacteria were in significantly higher proportions in the coronal samples. The apical samples harbored statistically significantly more taxa than the coronal samples (p=0.01), and showed a higher microbial diversity. Several taxa belonging to fastidious obligate anaerobes were significantly more abundant in the apical segments of the roots compared to their coronal counterparts. Conclusions Endodontic infections are more complex than reported previously. The apical part of the root canal system drives the selection of a more diverse and more anaerobe community than the coronal part. The presence of a distinct ecological niche in the apical region explains the difficulty of eradication of the infection, and emphasizes the need that new treatment approaches should be developed. PMID:22251411

  20. Detection of Apical Root Cracks Using Spectral Domain and Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography.

    PubMed

    de Oliveira, Bruna Paloma; Câmara, Andréa Cruz; Duarte, Daniel Amancio; Gomes, Anderson Stevens Leonidas; Heck, Richard John; Antonino, Antonio Celso Dantas; Aguiar, Carlos Menezes

    2017-07-01

    This study aimed to evaluate the ability of 2 optical coherence tomographic (OCT) systems to detect apical dentinal microcracks. Twenty extracted human single-rooted mandibular incisors were selected. After root canal preparation with an R40 Reciproc file (VDW, Munich, Germany), the specimens presenting apical microcracks were identified using micro-computed tomographic (micro-CT) scanning as the gold standard. Then, the apical portions of the roots were imaged with spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT) and swept-source OCT systems, and the resulting images were blindly evaluated by 3 independent examiners to detect microcracks. The diagnostic performance of each OCT device was calculated, and statistical analysis was performed. Based on the micro-CT images, 12 (60%) roots presented dentinal microcracks in the apical region. The images generated by the OCT systems were able to show microcrack lines at the same location as the corresponding micro-CT cross sections. Although the diagnostic performance of the SD-OCT device was superior, there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 OCT devices (P > .05). Interexaminer agreement was substantial to almost perfect for the SD-OCT system and moderate to almost perfect for the swept-source OCT system, whereas intraexaminer agreement was substantial to almost perfect for both OCT devices. The detection ability verified for both OCT systems renders them promising tools for the diagnosis of apical microcracks. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Impaired left ventricular diastolic function is related to the formation of left ventricular apical thrombus in patients with acute anterior myocardial infarction.

    PubMed

    Choi, Ung Lim; Park, Jae-Hyeong; Sun, Byung Joo; Oh, Jin Kyung; Seong, Seok Woo; Lee, Jae-Hwan; Choi, Si Wan; Jeong, Jin-Ok; Kwon, In Sun; Seong, In-Whan

    2018-05-01

    Left ventricular (LV) apical thrombus is a clinically important complication which can cause systemic embolization in patients with anterior acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Systolic dysfunction has been a risk factor for developing LV apical thrombus in AMI patients. However, the role of diastolic dysfunction in the development of LV apical thrombus in these patients is still unknown. We performed this study to evaluate whether diastolic dysfunction can influence the development of LV apical thrombus in anterior AMI patients. We retrospectively analyzed all consecutive anterior AMI patients with available echocardiographic images within 1 month from January 2005 to April 2016. After gathering clinical characteristics from their medical records, systolic and diastolic functions were analyzed from digitally stored echocardiographic images. We included a total of 1045 patients (748 males, mean age 64 ± 12 years) with anterior AMI, and 494 (47%) were diagnosed as STEMI. The incidence of LV apical thrombus was 3.3% (34/1045). The LV apical thrombus group had larger LV diastolic dimension, larger LV diastolic and systolic volumes, and lower LVEF than the no LV thrombus group. The LV apical thrombus group showed higher mitral E velocity over mitral annular E' velocity ratio, an indicator of LV end-diastolic pressure (P < 0.001). In the LV apical thrombus group, the incidence of grade 2 diastolic dysfunction (32 vs 12%, P = 0.001) and grade 3 diastolic dysfunction (26 vs 2%, P < 0.001) were significantly higher than in the no LV apical thrombus group. The presence of more than grade 2 diastolic dysfunction, LVEF and presence of LV apical aneurysm were statistically significant factors associated with LV apical thrombus after the multivariate analysis. In conclusion, along with LV systolic dysfunction and LV apical aneurysm, LV diastolic dysfunction was also related with the presence of LV apical thrombus in patients with anterior AMI.

  2. A case report of apical aneurysms and myocardial perfusion deficit with myocardial necrosis due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

    PubMed

    Gao, Xiangyu; Yang, Jigang; Zhang, Xiaojie; Wang, Ping; Li, Hongwei

    2018-05-01

    Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease that is characterized by inappropriate left ventricular and/or right ventricular hypertrophy and hypercontractility that is often asymmetrical and associated with microscopic evidence of myocardial fiber disarray. The aim of this study was to present a previously under-recognized subset of HCM patients with left ventricular (LV) apical aneurysms. A 33-year-old man who presented with chest discomfort for 10 days. He had an emerging apical aneurysm in the LV without midventricular obstruction. He had been diagnosed with apical HCM via abnormal electrocardiograms (ECG) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for 10 years. This time, a new significant change in ECG and SPECT was identified. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was observed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and SPECT showed myocardial fibrosis or necrosis involving the apical aneurysm and proximal portion of the heart, which was confirmed by left ventriculography. We present a relatively rare case of HCM patients with apical aneurysms, accompaning by myocardial necrosis markers increased due to ventricular muscle stress increases, rather than obstructive coronary artery disease. The patient was prescribed aspirin, metoprolol tartrate, perindopril, and atorvastatin and was strongly advised to quit cigarettes and reduce weight. Follow-up at half a year turned out well. LGE with a notable progression by ECG and SPECT along with an increase in myocardial necrosis markers in HCM patients with apical aneurysms, as was noted in the present case, is a relatively rare occurrence. Our present case may provide unique insights into the adverse remodelling process and the formation of apical aneurysms in HCM patients.

  3. Doppler Systolic Signal Void in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Apical Aneurysm and Severe Obstruction without Elevated Intraventricular Velocities.

    PubMed

    Po, Jose Ricardo F; Kim, Bette; Aslam, Farhan; Arabadjian, Milla; Winson, Glenda; Cantales, Deborah; Kushner, Josef; Kornberg, Robert; Sherrid, Mark V

    2015-12-01

    In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), akinetic apical aneurysms are associated with ventricular tachycardia, heart failure, apical thrombus, and mortality. The cause of apical aneurysms remains unresolved, and there is controversy about prevalence and significance of mid-left ventricular (LV) obstruction, often present in these patients. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that low velocities in patients with aneurysms are due to near complete cessation of mid-LV flow, characteristically marked by a Doppler signal void. This was a retrospective analysis of 39 patients with HCM with segmental hypertrophy of the mid left ventricle and complete systolic emptying at the mid-LV level. The severity of dynamic obstruction was evaluated by measuring the time during which cross-sectional mid-LV cavity area was <1 cm(2). Presence or absence of an LV Doppler midsystolic signal void was determined. Akinetic apical aneurysms were present in 21 patients. The duration of two-dimensional mid-LV short-axis complete emptying was longer in patients with akinetic apical aneurysms (194 ± 45 vs 148 ± 63 msec, P = .013), nearly 50% of systole. Midsystolic signal voids were seen only in patients with akinetic apical aneurysms (P < .001), present in 86%. In patients with akinetic aneurysms, there was a strong correlation between the duration of the systolic signal void and the proportion of systole with complete emptying < 1 cm(2) (r = 0.704; P = .001). Complete emptying < 1 cm(2) for ≥ 38% of systole was associated with akinetic aneurysm (odds ratio, 9.35; P < .004). Patients with akinetic apical aneurysm HCM have near complete cessation of flow across severe dynamic mid-LV obstruction for nearly 50% of systole. This explains how the adverse effects of obstruction may occur without high velocities on echocardiography. Copyright © 2015 American Society of Echocardiography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Identification of moesin as NKCC2-interacting protein and analysis of its functional role in the NKCC2 apical trafficking.

    PubMed

    Carmosino, Monica; Rizzo, Federica; Procino, Giuseppe; Zolla, Lello; Timperio, Anna Maria; Basco, Davide; Barbieri, Claudia; Torretta, Silvia; Svelto, Maria

    2012-11-01

    The renal Na(+) -K(+) -2Cl(-) co-transporter (NKCC2) is expressed in kidney thick ascending limb cells, where it mediates NaCl re-absorption regulating body salt levels and blood pressure. In this study, we used a well-characterised NKCC2 construct (c-NKCC2) to identify NKCC2-interacting proteins by an antibody shift assay coupled with blue native/SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry. Among the interacting proteins, we identified moesin, a protein belonging to ezrin, eadixin and moesin family. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that c-NKCC2 interacts with the N-terminal domain of moesin in LLC-PK1 cells. Moreover, c-NKCC2 accumulates in intracellular and sub-apical vesicles in cells transfected with a moesin dominant negative green fluorescent protien (GFP)-tagged construct. In addition, moesin knock-down by short interfering RNA decreases by about 50% c-NKCC2 surface expression. Specifically, endocytosis and exocytosis assays showed that moesin knock-down does not affect c-NKCC2 internalisation but strongly reduces exocytosis of the co-transporter. Our data clearly demonstrate that moesin plays a critical role in apical membrane insertion of NKCC2, suggesting a possible involvement of moesin in regulation of Na(+) and Cl(-) absorption in the kidney. Copyright © 2012 Soçiété Francaise des Microscopies and Société de Biologie Cellulaire de France.

  5. Protein kinase C restricts transport of carnitine by amino acid transporter ATB(0,+) apically localized in the blood-brain barrier.

    PubMed

    Michalec, Katarzyna; Mysiorek, Caroline; Kuntz, Mélanie; Bérézowski, Vincent; Szczepankiewicz, Andrzej A; Wilczyński, Grzegorz M; Cecchelli, Roméo; Nałęcz, Katarzyna A

    2014-07-15

    Carnitine (3-hydroxy-4-trimethylammoniobutyrate) is necessary for transfer of fatty acids through the inner mitochondrial membrane. Carnitine, not synthesized in the brain, is delivered there through the strongly polarized blood-brain barrier (BBB). Expression and presence of two carnitine transporters - organic cation/carnitine transporter (OCTN2) and amino acid transporter B(0,+) (ATB(0,+)) have been demonstrated previously in an in vitro model of the BBB. Due to potential protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation sites within ATB(0,+) sequence, the present study verified effects of this kinase on transporter function and localization in the BBB. ATB(0,+) can be regulated by estrogen receptor α and up-regulated in vitro, therefore its presence in vivo was verified with the transmission electron microscopy. The analyses of brain slices demonstrated ATB(0,+) luminal localization in brain capillaries, confirmed by biotinylation experiments in an in vitro model of the BBB. Brain capillary endothelial cells were shown to control carnitine gradient. ATB(0,+) was phosphorylated by PKC, what correlated with inhibition of carnitine transport. PKC activation did not change the amount of ATB(0,+) present in the apical membrane of brain endothelial cells, but resulted in transporter exclusion from raft microdomains. ATB(0,+) inactivation by a lateral movement in plasma membrane after transporter phosphorylation has been postulated. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Detection of zinc translocation into apical dendrite of CA1 pyramidal neuron after electrical stimulation.

    PubMed

    Suh, Sang Won

    2009-02-15

    Translocation of the endogenous cation zinc from presynaptic terminals to postsynaptic neurons after brain insult has been implicated as a potential neurotoxic event. Several studies have previously demonstrated that a brief electrical stimulation is sufficient to induce the translocation of zinc from presynaptic vesicles into the cytoplasm (soma) of postsynaptic neurons. In the present work I have extended those findings in three ways: (i) providing evidence that zinc translocation occurs into apical dendrites, (ii) presenting data that there is an apparent translocation into apical dendrites when only a zinc-containing synaptic input is stimulated, and (iii) presenting data that there is no zinc translocation into apical dendrite of ZnT3 KO mice following electrical stimulation. Hippocampal slices were preloaded with the "trappable" zinc fluorescent probe, Newport Green. After washout, a single apical dendrite in the stratum radiatum of hippocampal CA1 area was selected and focused on. Burst stimulation (100Hz, 500microA, 0.2ms, monopolar) was delivered to either the adjacent Schaffer-collateral inputs (zinc-containing) or to the adjacent temporo-ammonic inputs (zinc-free) to the CA1 dendrites. Stimulation of the Schaffer collaterals increased the dendritic fluorescence, which was blocked by TTX, low-Ca medium, or the extracellular zinc chelator, CaEDTA. Stimulation of the temporo-ammonic pathway caused no significant rise in the fluorescence. Genetic depletion of vesicular zinc by ZnT3 KO showed no stimulation-induced apical dendrite zinc rise. The present study provides evidence that synaptically released zinc translocates into postsynaptic neurons through the apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons during physiological synaptic activity.

  7. Optimization of micro-fabricated porous membranes for intestinal epithelial cell culture and in vitro modeling of the human intestinal barrier

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nair Gourikutty Sajay, Bhuvanendran; Yin, Chiam Su; Ramadan, Qasem

    2017-12-01

    In vitro modeling of organs could provide a controlled platform for studying physiological events and has great potential in the field of pharmaceutical development. Here, we describe the characterization of in vitro modeling of the human intestinal barrier mimicked using silicon porous membranes as a substrate. To mimic an intestinal in vivo setup as closely as possible, a porous substrate is required in a dynamic environment for the cells to grow rather than a static setup with an impermeable surface such as a petri dish. In this study, we focus on the detailed characterization of Caco-2 cells cultured on a silicon membrane with different pore sizes as well as the effect of dynamic fluid flow on the model. The porous silicon membrane together with continuous perfusion of liquid applying shear stress on the cells enhances the differentiation of polarized cells by providing access to the both their basal and apical surfaces. Membranes with pore sizes of 0.5-3 µm were used and a shear stress of ~0.03 dyne cm-2 was created by applying a low flow rate of 20 nl s-1. By providing these optimized conditions, cells were able to differentiate with columnar morphology, which developed microvilli structures on their apical side and tight junctions between adjacent cells like those in a healthy human intestinal barrier. In this setup, it is possible to study the important cellular functions of the intestine such as transport, absorption and secretion, and thus this model has great potential in drug screening.

  8. Morphology of the Physiological Apical Foramen in Maxillary and Mandibular First Molars

    PubMed Central

    Abarca, J.; Zaror, C.; Monardes, H.; Hermosilla, V.; Muñoz, C.; Cantin, M.

    2015-01-01

    SUMMARY Information regarding the anatomy of the physiological apical foramen is limited. Knowing its diameter and shapes contributes to clinical work, specifically to the cleaning and shaping of the apical third. The aim of this ex vivo study was to determine the minimum and maximum diameters and shape of the physiological apical foramen in the roots of maxillary and mandibular first molars. A descriptive study was conducted on 89 recently extracted first molars. Roots 3–5 mm from the apex were sectioned and prepared for analysis at 40× magnification. The minimum and maximum diameters of each physiological foramen were measured using the program Motic Images plus 2.0 ML. The shape of the foramina, classified as round, oval or irregular, was determined by the difference between the maximum and minimum diameters. A total of 174 physiological foramina were analyzed. The average of the minimum and maximum diameters was between 0.24–0.33 mm in maxillary first molars and between 0.25–0.33 mm in mandibular first molars. In maxillary molars, the most common shape of the foramen was oval (50%), then irregular (32%), then round (18%). In mandibular molars, the oval shape was also the most frequent (59%), followed by irregular (23%) and round (18%). The findings of this study regarding the morphology of physiological apical foramina in first molars make it easier for the operator to choose the appropriately-sized instruments to perform endodontic therapy successfully. PMID:25937698

  9. Morphology of the Physiological Apical Foramen in Maxillary and Mandibular First Molars.

    PubMed

    Abarca, J; Zaror, C; Monardes, H; Hermosilla, V; Muñoz, C; Cantin, M

    2014-06-01

    Information regarding the anatomy of the physiological apical foramen is limited. Knowing its diameter and shapes contributes to clinical work, specifically to the cleaning and shaping of the apical third. The aim of this ex vivo study was to determine the minimum and maximum diameters and shape of the physiological apical foramen in the roots of maxillary and mandibular first molars. A descriptive study was conducted on 89 recently extracted first molars. Roots 3-5 mm from the apex were sectioned and prepared for analysis at 40× magnification. The minimum and maximum diameters of each physiological foramen were measured using the program Motic Images plus 2.0 ML. The shape of the foramina, classified as round, oval or irregular, was determined by the difference between the maximum and minimum diameters. A total of 174 physiological foramina were analyzed. The average of the minimum and maximum diameters was between 0.24-0.33 mm in maxillary first molars and between 0.25-0.33 mm in mandibular first molars. In maxillary molars, the most common shape of the foramen was oval (50%), then irregular (32%), then round (18%). In mandibular molars, the oval shape was also the most frequent (59%), followed by irregular (23%) and round (18%). The findings of this study regarding the morphology of physiological apical foramina in first molars make it easier for the operator to choose the appropriately-sized instruments to perform endodontic therapy successfully.

  10. Micro-CT analyses of apical enlargement and molar root canal complexity.

    PubMed

    Markvart, M; Darvann, T A; Larsen, P; Dalstra, M; Kreiborg, S; Bjørndal, L

    2012-03-01

    To compare the effectiveness of two rotary hybrid instrumentation techniques with focus on apical enlargement in molar teeth and to quantify and visualize spatial details of instrumentation efficacy in root canals of different complexity. Maxillary and mandibular molar teeth were scanned using X-ray microcomputed tomography. Root canals were prepared using either a GT/Profile protocol or a RaCe/NiTi protocol. Variables used for evaluation were the following: distance between root canal surfaces before and after preparation (distance after preparation, DAP), percentage of root canal area remaining unprepared and increase in canal volume after preparation. Root canals were classified according to size and complexity, and consequences of unprepared portions of narrow root canals and intraradicular connections/isthmuses were included in the analyses. One- and two-way anova were used in the statistical analyses. No difference was found between the two techniques: DAP(apical-third) (P = 0.590), area unprepared(apical-third) (P = 0.126) and volume increase(apical-third) (P = 0.821). Unprepared root canal area became larger in relation to root canal size and complexity, irrespective of the technique used. Percentage of root canal area remaining unprepared was significantly lower in small root canals and complex systems compared to large root canals. The isthmus area per se contributed with a mean of 17.6%, and with a mean of 25.7%, when a narrow root canal remained unprepared. The addition of isthmuses did not significantly alter the ratio of instrumented to unprepared areas at total root canal level. Distal and palatal root canals had the highest level of unprepared area irrespective of the two instrumentation techniques examined. © 2011 International Endodontic Journal.

  11. Histobacteriologic Conditions of the Apical Root Canal System and Periapical Tissues in Teeth Associated with Sinus Tracts.

    PubMed

    Ricucci, Domenico; Loghin, Simona; Gonçalves, Lucio S; Rôças, Isabela N; Siqueira, José F

    2018-03-01

    This histobacteriologic study described the pattern of intraradicular and extraradicular infections in teeth with sinus tracts and chronic apical abscesses. The material comprised biopsy specimens from 24 (8 untreated and 16 treated) roots of teeth associated with apical periodontitis and a sinus tract. Specimens were obtained by periradicular surgery or extraction and were processed for histobacteriologic and histopathologic methods. Bacteria were found in the apical root canal system of all specimens, in the main root canal (22 teeth) and within ramifications (17 teeth). Four cases showed no extraradicular infection. Extraradicular bacteria occurred as a biofilm attached to the outer root surface in 17 teeth (5 untreated and 12 treated teeth), as actinomycotic colonies in 2 lesions, and as planktonic cells in 2 lesions. Extraradicular calculus formation (mineralized biofilm) was evident in 10 teeth. Teeth with chronic apical abscesses and sinus tracts showed a very complex infectious pattern in the apical root canal system and periapical lesion, with a predominance of biofilms. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Functional characterization of apical transporters expressed in rat proximal tubular cells (PTCs) in primary culture.

    PubMed

    Nakanishi, Takeo; Fukushi, Akimasa; Sato, Masanobu; Yoshifuji, Mayuko; Gose, Tomoka; Shirasaka, Yoshiyuki; Ohe, Kazuyo; Kobayashi, Masato; Kawai, Keiichi; Tamai, Ikumi

    2011-12-05

    Since in vitro cell culture models often show altered apical transporter expression, they are not necessarily suitable for the analysis of renal transport processes. Therefore, we aimed here to investigate the usefulness of primary-cultured rat proximal tubular cells (PTCs) for this purpose. After isolation of renal cortical cells from rat kidneys, PTCs were enriched and the gene expression and function of apical transporters were analyzed by means of microarray, RT-PCR and uptake experiments. RT-PCR confirmed that the major apical transporters were expressed in rat PTCs. Na(+)-dependent uptake of α-methyl-d-glucopyranoside (αMG), ergothioneine and carnitine by the PTCs suggests functional expression of Sglts, Octn1 and Octn2, respectively. Inhibition of pH-dependent glycylsarcosine uptake by low concentration of cephalexin, which is a β-lactam antibiotics recognized by Pepts, indicates a predominant role of high affinity type Pept2, but not low affinity type Pept1, in the PTCs. Moreover, the permeability ratio of [(14)C]αMG (apical to basolateral/basolateral to apical) across PTCs was 4.3, suggesting that Sglt-mediated reabsorptive transport is characterized. In conclusion, our results indicate that rat PTCs in primary culture are found to be a promising in vitro model to evaluate reabsorption processes mediated at least by Sglts, Pept2, Octn1 and Octn2.

  13. The effect of cervical preflaring using different rotary nickel-titanium systems on the accuracy of apical file size determination.

    PubMed

    Tennert, Christian; Herbert, Josef; Altenburger, Markus Jörg; Wrbas, Karl-Thomas

    2010-10-01

    An exact determination of the apical root canal diameter is crucial for correct cleaning and shaping of a root canal. The aim of this study was to investigate the discrepancies of the initial apical root canal diameter and the diameter that is measured by the initial apical file (IAF) after cervical flaring using current rotary nickel-titanium systems. Mesiobuccal canals of 40 extracted mandibular molars were randomly assigned to four groups. In the first group, root canals were not flared. Root canals of the other groups were preflared using FlexMaster (VDW, Munich, Germany), ProTaper (Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany), or RaCe (FKG Dentaire, Genf, Switzerland) instruments. The tooth length was determined by inserting an ISO 06 K-file to the apical foramen. The working length (WL) was set 1 mm short of the apical foramen. File sizes were increased after binding sensation was felt at the WL. Transversal sections of the WL regions were examined under stereomicroscope, and the diameter of the root canal and the IAF at WL were assessed. Canals preflared with RaCe instruments had the lowest discrepancy between the apical root canal diameter and the IAF diameter (15.7 ± 9.7 μm) followed by ProTaper (22.2 ± 11.0 μm) and FlexMaster (35.0 ± 17.2 μm). Preflaring of root canals prevents underestimation of the actual apical root canal diameter. The type of instruments used for preflaring show differences on the accuracy of IAF determination. Preflaring with larger tapered instruments leads to a more accurate apical sizing, and this information is crucial concerning the appropriate final diameter for complete apical shaping. Copyright © 2010 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Association analysis of clinical aspects and vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism with external apical root resorption in orthodontic patients.

    PubMed

    Fontana, Maria Luiza S Simas Netta; de Souza, Cleber Machado; Bernardino, José Fabio; Hoette, Felix; Hoette, Maura Levi; Thum, Lotario; Ozawa, Terumi O; Capelozza Filho, Leopoldino; Olandoski, Marcia; Trevilatto, Paula Cristina

    2012-09-01

    Vitamin D is responsible for the regulation of certain genes at the transcription level, via interaction with the vitamin D receptor, and influences host immune responses and aspects of bone development, growth, and homeostasis. Our aim was to investigate the association of TaqI vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism with external apical root resorption during orthodontic treatment. Our subjects were 377 patients with Class II Division 1 malocclusion, divided into 3 groups: (1) 160 with external apical root resorption ≤1.43 mm, (2) 179 with external apical root resorption >1.43 mm), and (3) 38 untreated subjects. External apical root resorption of the maxillary incisors was evaluated on periapical radiographs taken before and after 6 months of treatment. After DNA collection and purification, vitamin D receptor TaqI polymorphism analysis was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to verify the association of clinical and genetic variables with external apical root resorption (P <0.05). There was a higher proportion of external apical root resorption in orthodontically treated patients compared with the untreated subjects. In patients orthodontically treated, age higher than 14 years old, initial size of the maxillary incisor root superior to 30 mm, and premolar extraction were associated with increased external apical root resorption. Genotypes containing the C allele were weakly associated with protection against external apical root resorption (CC + CT × TT [odds ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.07-1.23; P = 0.091]) when treated orthodontic patients were compared to untreated individuals. Clinical factors and vitamin D receptor TaqI polymorphism were associated with external apical root resorption in orthodontic patients. Copyright © 2012 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Gradenigo's Syndrome in a Patient with Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media, Petrous Apicitis, and Meningitis.

    PubMed

    Taklalsingh, Nicholas; Falcone, Franco; Velayudhan, Vinodkumar

    2017-09-28

    BACKGROUND Gradenigo's syndrome includes the triad of suppurative otitis media, ipsilateral sixth (abducens) cranial nerve palsy and facial pain in the distribution of the fifth (trigeminal) cranial nerve. Gradenigo's syndrome is rare, and the diagnosis is easily overlooked. This case is the first to report Gradenigo's syndrome presenting with meningitis on a background of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) and petrous apicitis (apical petrositis). CASE REPORT A 58-year-old male African American presented with headaches and confusion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head showed petrous apicitis with mastoiditis and abscess formation in the cerebellomedullary cistern (cisterna magna). The case was complicated by the development of palsy of the fourth (trochlear) cranial nerve, fifth (trigeminal) cranial nerve, and sixth (abducens) cranial nerve, with radiological changes indicating infection involving the seventh (facial) cranial nerve, and eighth (vestibulocochlear) cranial nerve. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture results were positive for Klebsiella pneumoniae, sensitive to ceftriaxone. The patient improved with surgery that included a left mastoidectomy and debridement of the petrous apex, followed by a ten-week course of antibiotics. Follow-up MRI showed resolution of the infection. CONCLUSIONS This report is of an atypical case of Gradenigo's syndrome. It is important to recognize that the classical triad of Gradenigo's syndrome, suppurative otitis media, ipsilateral sixth (abducens) cranial nerve palsy and facial pain in the distribution of the fifth (trigeminal) cranial nerve, may also involve chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), which may lead to involvement of other cranial nerves, petrous apicitis (apical petrositis), and bacterial meningitis.

  16. Cell competition with normal epithelial cells promotes apical extrusion of transformed cells through metabolic changes.

    PubMed

    Kon, Shunsuke; Ishibashi, Kojiro; Katoh, Hiroto; Kitamoto, Sho; Shirai, Takanobu; Tanaka, Shinya; Kajita, Mihoko; Ishikawa, Susumu; Yamauchi, Hajime; Yako, Yuta; Kamasaki, Tomoko; Matsumoto, Tomohiro; Watanabe, Hirotaka; Egami, Riku; Sasaki, Ayana; Nishikawa, Atsuko; Kameda, Ikumi; Maruyama, Takeshi; Narumi, Rika; Morita, Tomoko; Sasaki, Yoshiteru; Enoki, Ryosuke; Honma, Sato; Imamura, Hiromi; Oshima, Masanobu; Soga, Tomoyoshi; Miyazaki, Jun-Ichi; Duchen, Michael R; Nam, Jin-Min; Onodera, Yasuhito; Yoshioka, Shingo; Kikuta, Junichi; Ishii, Masaru; Imajo, Masamichi; Nishida, Eisuke; Fujioka, Yoichiro; Ohba, Yusuke; Sato, Toshiro; Fujita, Yasuyuki

    2017-05-01

    Recent studies have revealed that newly emerging transformed cells are often apically extruded from epithelial tissues. During this process, normal epithelial cells can recognize and actively eliminate transformed cells, a process called epithelial defence against cancer (EDAC). Here, we show that mitochondrial membrane potential is diminished in RasV12-transformed cells when they are surrounded by normal cells. In addition, glucose uptake is elevated, leading to higher lactate production. The mitochondrial dysfunction is driven by upregulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4), which positively regulates elimination of RasV12-transformed cells. Furthermore, EDAC from the surrounding normal cells, involving filamin, drives the Warburg-effect-like metabolic alteration. Moreover, using a cell-competition mouse model, we demonstrate that PDK-mediated metabolic changes promote the elimination of RasV12-transformed cells from intestinal epithelia. These data indicate that non-cell-autonomous metabolic modulation is a crucial regulator for cell competition, shedding light on the unexplored events at the initial stage of carcinogenesis.

  17. Protein tyrosine phosphatase σ targets apical junction complex proteins in the intestine and regulates epithelial permeability

    PubMed Central

    Murchie, Ryan; Guo, Cong-Hui; Persaud, Avinash; Muise, Aleixo; Rotin, Daniela

    2014-01-01

    Protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)σ (PTPRS) was shown previously to be associated with susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). PTPσ−/− mice exhibit an IBD-like phenotype in the intestine and show increased susceptibility to acute models of murine colitis. However, the function of PTPσ in the intestine is uncharacterized. Here, we show an intestinal epithelial barrier defect in the PTPσ−/− mouse, demonstrated by a decrease in transepithelial resistance and a leaky intestinal epithelium that was determined by in vivo tracer analysis. Increased tyrosine phosphorylation was observed at the plasma membrane of epithelial cells lining the crypts of the small bowel and colon of the PTPσ−/− mouse, suggesting the presence of PTPσ substrates in these regions. Using mass spectrometry, we identified several putative PTPσ intestinal substrates that were hyper–tyrosine-phosphorylated in the PTPσ−/− mice relative to wild type. Among these were proteins that form or regulate the apical junction complex, including ezrin. We show that ezrin binds to and is dephosphorylated by PTPσ in vitro, suggesting it is a direct PTPσ substrate, and identified ezrin-Y353/Y145 as important sites targeted by PTPσ. Moreover, subcellular localization of the ezrin phosphomimetic Y353E or Y145 mutants were disrupted in colonic Caco-2 cells, similar to ezrin mislocalization in the colon of PTPσ−/− mice following induction of colitis. Our results suggest that PTPσ is a positive regulator of intestinal epithelial barrier, which mediates its effects by modulating epithelial cell adhesion through targeting of apical junction complex-associated proteins (including ezrin), a process impaired in IBD. PMID:24385580

  18. Evaluation of apical transportation and centring ability of five thermally treated NiTi rotary systems.

    PubMed

    Pinheiro, S R; Alcalde, M P; Vivacqua-Gomes, N; Bramante, C M; Vivan, R R; Duarte, M A H; Vasconcelos, B C

    2018-06-01

    To evaluate apical transportation and centring ability during root canal preparation in mesial root canals of mandibular molars associated with ProTaper Gold (PTG), ProDesign S (PDS), Hyflex CM (HCM), Hyflex EDM and ProDesign Logic (PDL). Sixty mandibular first molars with two separate canals in the mesial root were selected after root anatomy pairing by microcomputed tomography (microCT). The teeth were randomly divided into five groups (n = 24); the root canal volume was calculated to ensure sample homogeneity. All the root canals were prepared up to size 25 in accordance with the instructions of each rotary system manufacturer. After root canal preparation, the teeth were scanned by microCT to analyse apical transportation, root canal centralization and the pre- and post-preparation root canal volume at the apical and cervical levels. Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests were used for comparisons amongst groups for transportation values. For volume changes, the parametric ANOVA and Tukey's tests were used RESULTS: There were no significant differences in apical transportation amongst the rotary systems (P > 0.05). All the systems created apical transportation; values ranging from 0.031 mm (PDL) to 0.072 mm (PTG), and enlargements between 39% (HCM) and 91.1% (PDS) were observed. In relative to cervical transportation, significant differences were observed amongst the systems (P < 0.05). Mean transportation values between 0.07 mm (HCM) and 0.172 mm (PTG) were found, with enlargements between 35.4% (HCM) and 51.5% (PDS). All the thermally treated systems resulted in similar apical transportation. In the cervical region, the Hyflex CM and Prodesign Logic systems were associated with more centred preparations. © 2017 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  19. Galectin-3 modulates the polarized surface delivery of β1-integrin in epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Hönig, Ellena; Ringer, Karina; Dewes, Jenny; von Mach, Tobias; Kamm, Natalia; Kreitzer, Geri; Jacob, Ralf

    2018-05-10

    Epithelial cells require a precise intracellular transport and sorting machinery in order to establish and maintain their polarized architecture. This machinery includes beta-galactoside binding galectins for glycoprotein targeting to the apical membrane. Galectin-3 sorts cargo destined for the apical plasma membrane into vesicular carriers. After delivery of cargo to the apical milieu, galectin-3 recycles back into sorting organelles. We analyzed the role of galectin-3 in the polarized distribution of β1-integrin in MDCK cells. Integrins are located primarily at the basolateral domain of epithelial cells. We demonstrate that a minor pool of β1-integrin interacts with galectin-3 at the apical plasma membrane. Knockdown of galectin-3 decreases apical delivery of β1-integrin. This loss is restored by supplementation with recombinant galectin-3 and galectin-3 overexpression. Our data suggest that galectin-3 targets newly synthesized β1-integrin to the apical membrane and promotes apical delivery of β1-integrin internalized from the basolateral membrane. In parallel, galectin-3 knockout results in a reduction in cell proliferation and an impairment in proper cyst development. Our results suggest that galectin-3 modulates the surface distribution of β1-integrin and affects the morphogenesis of polarized cells. © 2018. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  20. Cryopreservation of in vitro shoot apices of Oxalis tuberosa Mol.

    PubMed

    Gonzalez-Benito, M E; Mendoza-Condori, V H; Molina-Garcia, A D

    2007-01-01

    Oca (Oxalis tuberosa Mol.) is an under-utilized tuber crop from the Andean region. Cryopreservation would allow the safe and long-term preservation of the genetic resources of this crop. A protocol for the cryopreservation of in vitro grown shoots has been developed using the vitrification solution PVS2. Two genotypes were studied (G1 and G27). Nodal segments were cultured on MS medium and incubated at 10 degree C with 16 h photoperiod and 10 mol per square meter per second irradiance, for two weeks. Apices were then excised and cultured on MS+0.15 M sucrose for 3 days at 5 degree C in darkness. Subsequently, apices were immersed in a loading solution (liquid MS medium+2 M glycerol+0.4 M sucrose), and then treated with the vitrification solution PVS2 for 0 to 40 minutes. Cryovials were then immersed in liquid nitrogen. Four weeks after rewarming and culture on recovery medium, genotype G1 showed approximately 60 percent recovery (normal growth) with 20 min PVS2 treatment. Genotype G27 showed lower recovery (30 percent). Differential scanning calorimetry yielded a Tg midpoint for PSV2 solution of ca. -120 degree C. Calorimetric studies on apices at different stages of the cryopreservation protocol showed a change in calorimetric parameters consistent with a decrease in the amount of frozen water as the protocol advanced.

  1. An Acidic Cluster in the Cytosolic Domain of Human Cytomegalovirus Glycoprotein B Is a Signal for Endocytosis from the Plasma Membrane

    PubMed Central

    Tugizov, Sharof; Maidji, Ekaterina; Xiao, Jianqiao; Pereira, Lenore

    1999-01-01

    We previously reported that human cytomegalovirus (CMV) glycoprotein B (gB) is transported to apical membranes in CMV-infected polarized retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells and in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells constitutively expressing gB. The cytosolic domain of gB contains a cluster of acidic amino acids, a motif that plays a pivotal role in vectorial trafficking in polarized epithelial cells and may also function as a signal for entry into the endocytic pathway. Here we compared gB internalization and recycling to the plasma membrane in CMV-infected human fibroblasts (HF) and ARPE-19 cells by using antibody-internalization experiments. Immunofluorescence and quantitative assays showed that gB was internalized from the cell surface into clathrin-coated transport vesicles and then recycled to the plasma membrane. gB colocalized with clathrin-coated vesicles containing the transferrin receptor in the early endocytic/recycling pathway, indicating that gB traffics in this pathway. The specific role of the acidic cluster in regulating the sorting of gB-containing vesicles in the early endocytic/recycling pathway was examined in MDCK cells expressing mutated gB derivatives. Immunofluorescence assays showed that derivatives lacking the acidic cluster were impaired in internalization and failed to recycle. These findings, together with our earlier observation that the acidic cluster is a key determinant for targeting gB molecules to apical membranes in epithelial cells, establish that this signal is recognized by cellular proteins that participate in polarized sorting and transport in the early endocytic/recycling pathway. PMID:10482621

  2. Comparison of apical debris extrusion using a conventional and two rotary techniques.

    PubMed

    Adl, Alireza; Sahebi, Safoora; Moazami, Fariborz; Niknam, Mahnaz

    2009-01-01

    Preparation techniques and instruments produce and push debris out of canals. This can induce inflammation within the periapical area. Therefore, instrumentation that causes less extrusion of debris is more desirable. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the quantity of debris extruded from the apical foramen during root canal preparation by using one hand, and two rotary instrumentation techniques. Three different groups each with 12 mesiobuccal roots of human maxillary first molar were instrumented using either step-back technique with hand instruments, FlexMaster or Mtwo rotary system. Debris extruded from the apical foramen during canal preparation was collected. The mean dry weights of debris were compared using one-way ANOVA. Step-back group had a significantly greater mean weight of debris compared to the other two groups (P<0.05). Mtwo group had the lowest mean weight of debris, though it was not significantly different from FlexMaster group. According to this study, the engine driven techniques were associated with less apical debris extrusion. [Iranian Endodontic Journal 2009;4(4):135-8].

  3. Radiographic, computed tomographic, gross pathological and histological findings with suspected apical infection in 32 equine maxillary cheek teeth (2012-2015).

    PubMed

    Liuti, T; Smith, S; Dixon, P M

    2018-01-01

    Equine maxillary cheek teeth apical infections are a significant disorder because of frequent spread of infection to the supporting bones. The accuracy of computed tomographic imaging (CT) of this disorder has not been fully assessed. To compare the radiographic and CT findings in horses diagnosed with maxillary cheek teeth apical infections with pathological findings in the extracted teeth to assess the accuracy of these imaging techniques. Observational clinical study. Thirty-two maxillary cheek teeth (in 29 horses) diagnosed with apical infections by clinical, radiographic and principally by CT examinations, were extracted orally. The extracted teeth were subjected to further CT, gross pathological and histological examinations. Four normal teeth extracted from a cadaver served as controls. Pulpar and apical changes highly indicative of maxillary cheek teeth apical infection were present in all 32 teeth on CT, but in just 17/32 teeth (53%) radiographically. Gross pulpar/apical abnormalities and histological pulpar/periapical changes were present in 31/32 (97%) extracted teeth. On CT, one tooth contained small gas pockets in the apical aspect of one pulp and adjacent periodontal space, however no pathological changes were found following its extraction. The study is descriptive and is confined to a small number of cases. This study showed a 97% agreement between CT diagnosis of maxillary cheek teeth apical infection and the presence of pathological changes in the extracted teeth, confirming the diagnostic accuracy of CT compared with radiography for this disorder. © 2017 EVJ Ltd.

  4. Laser Interferometer Measurements of the Viscoelastic Properties of Tectorial Membrane Mutants

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jones, Gareth; Russell, Ian; Lukashkin, Andrei

    2011-11-01

    The visco-elastic properties of the tectorial membrane (TM) can be determined by measuring the propagation velocity of travelling waves over a range of frequencies. This study presents a new method using laser interferometry and compares the TM's material properties (sheer storage modulus, G' and viscosity, η) at basal and apical locations in wild-type mice and basal locations of three mutant groups (TectaY1870C/+, Tectb-/- and Otoa-/-). The G' and η values calculated for the wild-type mice are similar to estimates derived using other methods whereas the mutant groups all exhibit slower wave propagation velocities and reduced longitudinal coupling.

  5. Systematic review: transient left ventricular apical ballooning: a syndrome that mimics ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

    PubMed

    Bybee, Kevin A; Kara, Tomas; Prasad, Abhiram; Lerman, Amir; Barsness, Greg W; Wright, R Scott; Rihal, Charanjit S

    2004-12-07

    The transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome, also known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is characterized by transient wall-motion abnormalities involving the left ventricular apex and mid-ventricle in the absence of obstructive epicardial coronary disease. In this paper, we review case series that report on patients with the transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome to better characterize patients presenting with the syndrome. We identified 7 case series that reported on at least 5 consecutive patients with the transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome. The syndrome more often affects postmenopausal women (82% to 100%) (mean age, 62 to 75 years). Patients commonly present with ST-segment elevation in the precordial leads, chest pain, relatively minor elevation of cardiac enzyme and biomarker levels, and transient apical systolic left ventricular dysfunction despite the absence of obstructive epicardial coronary disease. An episode of emotional or physiologic stress frequently precedes presentation with the syndrome. The in-hospital mortality rate seems to be low, as does the risk for recurrence.

  6. Computed tomographic features of apical infection of equine maxillary cheek teeth: a retrospective study of 49 horses.

    PubMed

    Bühler, M; Fürst, A; Lewis, F I; Kummer, M; Ohlerth, S

    2014-07-01

    Computed tomographic (CT) studies evaluating the relevance of individual CT features of apical infection in maxillary cheek teeth are lacking. To study the prevalence and relationship of single CT features in horses with and without clinical evidence of apical infection in maxillary cheek teeth. Retrospective case-control study. Multislice CT scans of the head of 49 horses were evaluated retrospectively. Changes of the infundibulum, pulp, root, lamina dura, periodontal space and alveolar bone in maxillary cheek teeth were recorded. Single CT changes were much more prevalent in the 28 horses with clinical signs. However, infundibular changes and a nondetectable lamina dura were also common in the 21 horses without clinical evidence of apical infection. Computed tomographic abnormalities of the pulp, root, periapical bone and periodontal space and the presence of a tooth fracture were significantly related. Infundibular changes were not associated with other CT signs of apical infection. Although nondetectable lamina dura was the most frequent CT change in all teeth in both studied groups, it was most commonly a solitary feature in otherwise normal teeth. Apical infections, defined as ≥3 CT changes, occurred mainly in the 108/208, 109/209 and 110/210 (Triadan numbers) and were found only in horses with clinical evidence of apical infection, except in one horse without clinical signs that had one affected root. Combined CT changes of the pulp, root, lamina dura, periapical bone and periodontal space and the presence of a tooth fracture appear to be reliable features to diagnose apical infection in maxillary cheek teeth. As a solitary feature, a nondetectable lamina dura should be interpreted cautiously and may even be considered normal due to its minor thickness and/or too low resolution of the imaging modality. © 2013 EVJ Ltd.

  7. The relationship between apical root resorption and orthodontic tooth movement in growing subjects.

    PubMed

    Xu, Tianmin; Baumrind, S

    2002-07-01

    To investigate the relationship between apical root resorption and orthodontic tooth movement in growing subjects. 58 growing subjects were collected randomly into the study sample and another 40 non-treated cases were used as control. The apical resoption of the upper central incisors was measured on periapical film and the incisor displacement was measured on lateral cephalogram. Using multiple linear regression analysis to examine the relationship between root resoption and the displacement of the upper incisor apex in each of four direction (retraction, advancement, intrusion and extrusion). The statistically significant negative association were found between resorption and both intrusion (P < 0.001) and extrusion (P < 0.05), but no significant association was found between resorption and both retraction and advancement. The regression analysis implied an average of 2.29 mm resorption in the absence of apical displacement. The likelihood that the magnitude of displacement of the incisor root is positively associated with root resoption in the population of treated growing subjects is very small.

  8. Management of an asymptomatic patient with the apical variant of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

    PubMed

    Trojan, Meghan K Borden; Biederman, Robert W

    2017-07-01

    Healthcare professionals are faced with challenging decisions regarding patient evaluation and management on a daily basis. Once a diagnosis is made, additional challenges include how to proceed with the management. Here, we present an eighty-two-year-old female who was incidentally diagnosed with the apical variant of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy on a transthoracic echocardiogram. She was found to have newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation, but was otherwise asymptomatic from a cardiomyopathy standpoint. No specific guidelines exist for this patient population. Therefore, how does one proceed with the management of an asymptomatic patient with the apical variant of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy? © 2017, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  9. Ubiquitin Lysine 63 Chain–Forming Ligases Regulate Apical Dominance in Arabidopsis[W][OA

    PubMed Central

    Yin, Xiao-Jun; Volk, Sara; Ljung, Karin; Mehlmer, Norbert; Dolezal, Karel; Ditengou, Franck; Hanano, Shigeru; Davis, Seth J.; Schmelzer, Elmon; Sandberg, Göran; Teige, Markus; Palme, Klaus; Pickart, Cecile; Bachmair, Andreas

    2007-01-01

    Lys-63–linked multiubiquitin chains play important roles in signal transduction in yeast and in mammals, but the functions for this type of chain in plants remain to be defined. The RING domain protein RGLG2 (for RING domain Ligase2) from Arabidopsis thaliana can be N-terminally myristoylated and localizes to the plasma membrane. It can form Lys-63–linked multiubiquitin chains in an in vitro reaction. RGLG2 has overlapping functions with its closest sequelog, RGLG1, and single mutants in either gene are inconspicuous. rglg1 rglg2 double mutant plants exhibit loss of apical dominance and altered phyllotaxy, two traits critically influenced by the plant hormone auxin. Auxin and cytokinin levels are changed, and the plants show a decreased response to exogenously added auxin. Changes in the abundance of PIN family auxin transport proteins and synthetic lethality with a mutation in the auxin transport regulator BIG suggest that the directional flow of auxin is modulated by RGLG activity. Modification of proteins by Lys-63–linked multiubiquitin chains is thus important for hormone-regulated, basic plant architecture. PMID:17586653

  10. Treatment of Mature Permanent Teeth with Necrotic Pulps and Apical Periodontitis Using Regenerative Endodontic Procedures: A Case Series.

    PubMed

    Saoud, Tarek Mohamed; Martin, Gabriela; Chen, Yea-Huey M; Chen, Kuang-Liang; Chen, Chao-An; Songtrakul, Kamolthip; Malek, Matthew; Sigurdsson, Asgeir; Lin, Louis M

    2016-01-01

    Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) are usually used to treat human immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulps and/or apical periodontitis. Successful REPs result in the elimination of clinical signs/symptoms, the resolution of apical periodontitis, and, in some cases, thickening of the canal walls and/or continued root development with or without apical closure. REPs can restore the vitality of tissue in the canals of immature permanent teeth previously destroyed by infection or trauma. Vital tissue is inherited with immune defense mechanisms to protect itself from foreign invaders. Recently, REPs have also been used to successfully treat human mature permanent teeth with necrotic pulps and apical periodontitis. The purpose of this case series was to present the potential of using REPs for mature permanent teeth with necrotic pulps and apical periodontitis. This case series consisted of 6 patients, 4 females and 2 males. The patients' ages ranged from 8-21 years old. Seven permanent teeth, 4 anterior and 3 molar teeth, with necrotic pulps and apical periodontitis were treated using REP. Radiographically, the root development of all teeth was almost completed except the apices of 2 molars, which showed slightly open. Complete chemomechanical debridement of the canals of the teeth was performed, and the canals were dressed with Metapaste (Meta Biomed Co, Ltd, Chungbuk, Korea) during treatment visits. Periapical bleeding into the canals was induced at the last treatment visit by placing a hand #20 or #25 K-file with the tip slightly bent through the apical foramina into the periapical tissues. A 3-mm thickness of mineral trioxide aggregate was placed into the coronal canals over semicoagulated blood. The access cavities were restored with either composite resin or amalgam. Follow-ups of the 7 teeth ranged from 8 to 26 months. The periapical lesions of 2 teeth were considered healed, and 5 teeth revealed healing. Clinical signs/symptoms were absent in all

  11. Absorbable Suture as an Apical Matrix in Single Visit Apexification with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate.

    PubMed

    Goyal, Ayush; Nikhil, Vineeta; Jha, Padmanabh

    2016-01-01

    Several procedures have been recommended to induce the root end barrier formation in teeth with open apices. Conventional treatment for such cases will require many appointments with an average duration of 12.9 months. During this period, the root canal is susceptible to reinfection from around the provisional restoration, which may promote apical periodontitis and arrest of apical repair. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been successfully used for one visit apexification wherein the root canal can be obturated within 24 hours after placement of MTA. Using a matrix prior to the placement of MTA avoids its extrusion, reduces leakage in the sealing material, and allows favorable response of the periapical tissues. This report presents a case of apexification where an absorbable suture was used as an apical matrix. Use of an absorbable suture circumvents all the problems associated with other conventional materials. Conclusion . Placement of the matrix made from the suture material is predictable and is easily positioned at the apex and the length can be adjusted as required. 10-month follow-up of the case shows resorbed matrix and bone healing in the periapical region. The patient was asymptomatic during the whole follow-up period and tooth exhibited mobility within physiologic limits and was functioning normally.

  12. Limited elimination of two viruses by cryotherapy of pelargonium apices related to virus distribution.

    PubMed

    Gallard, A; Mallet, R; Chevalier, M; Grapin, A

    2011-01-01

    The possibility of eradicating the pelargonium flower break virus (PFBV) and pelargonium line pattern virus (PLPV) by cryotherapy of axillary shoot apices was investigated using five Pelargonium cultivars. Viruses were detected by DAS-ELISA and their location was determined by immunolocalization. Apex culture did not permit elimination of PFBV and only 15 percent regenerated plants of 'Stellar Artic' cultivar were ELISA PLPV-negative. Plants regenerated from cryotherapy-treated apices were tested by DAS-ELISA after a 3-month in vitro culture period. Viruses were not detected in 25 percent and 50 percent of the plants tested for PFBV and PLPV, respectively. However, immunolocalization carried out on apices originating from cryopreserved shoot tips sampled from DAS-ELISA negative plants showed that they were still virus-infected. Using immunolocalization, PFBV and PLPV could be detected in Pelargonium apices, even in the meristematic dome. However, viral particles were more numerous in basal zone cells than in meristematic cells. Our results demonstrate that PFBV and PLPV are present within meristematic cells and that cryopreservation can partly reduce the quantity of these viruses in Pelargonium plants but not eliminate them totally. Additional knowledge on localization and behaviour of viruses during cryopreservation is essential to optimize cryotherapy and plant genetic resource management.

  13. Ion and lipid signaling in apical growth-a dynamic machinery responding to extracellular cues.

    PubMed

    Malhó, Rui; Serrazina, Susana; Saavedra, Laura; Dias, Fernando V; Ul-Rehman, Reiaz

    2015-01-01

    Apical cell growth seems to have independently evolved throughout the major lineages of life. To a certain extent, so does our body of knowledge on the mechanisms regulating this morphogenetic process. Studies on pollen tubes, root hairs, rhizoids, fungal hyphae, even nerve cells, have highlighted tissue and cell specificities but also common regulatory characteristics (e.g., ions, proteins, phospholipids) that our focused research sometimes failed to grasp. The working hypothesis to test how apical cell growth is established and maintained have thus been shaped by the model organism under study and the type of methods used to study them. The current picture is one of a dynamic and adaptative process, based on a spatial segregation of components that network to achieve growth and respond to environmental (extracellular) cues. Here, we explore some examples of our live imaging research, namely on cyclic nucleotide gated ion channels, lipid kinases and syntaxins involved in exocytosis. We discuss how their spatial distribution, activity and concentration suggest that the players regulating apical cell growth may display more mobility than previously thought. Furthermore, we speculate on the implications of such perspective in our understanding of the mechanisms regulating apical cell growth and their responses to extracellular cues.

  14. Gravity perception requires statoliths settled on specific plasma membrane areas in characean rhizoids and protonemata.

    PubMed

    Braun, Markus

    2002-05-01

    The noninvasive infrared laser micromanipulation technique (optical tweezers, optical trapping) and centrifugation were used to study susception and perception, the early events in the gravitropic pathway of tip-growing characean rhizoids and protonemata. Reorientation of the growth direction in both cell types was only initiated when at least 2-3 statoliths settled on specific areas of the plasma membrane. This statolith-sensitive plasma membrane area is confined to the statolith region (10-35 microns behind the tip) in positively gravitropic rhizoids, whereas in negatively gravitropic protonemata, this area is limited to the apical plasma membrane (0-10 microns). Statolith sedimentation towards the sensitive plasma membrane areas is mediated by the concerted action of actin and gravity. The process of sedimentation, the pure physical movement, of statoliths is not sufficient to initiate graviresponses in both cell types. It is concluded that specific statolith-sensitive plasma membrane areas play a crucial role in the signal transduction pathway of gravitropism. These areas may represent the primary sites for gravity perception and may transform the information derived from the gravity-induced statolith sedimentation into physiological signals which trigger the molecular mechanisms of the opposite graviresponses in characean rhizoids and protonemata.

  15. Chapter Four - Shoot apical meristem form and function. In:

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The shoot apical meristem (SAM) generates above-ground aerial organs throughout the lifespan of higher plants. In order to fulfill this function, the meristem must maintain a balance between the self-renewal of a reservoir of central stem cells and organ initiation from peripheral cells. The activit...

  16. Relationship between human cytomegalovirus transcription and symptomatic apical periodontitis in Iran.

    PubMed

    Yazdi, K A; Sabeti, M; Jabalameli, F; Eman eini, M; Kolahdouzan, S A; Slots, J

    2008-12-01

    Apical periodontitis of endodontic origin may develop as a result of cooperative interactions among herpesviruses, specific pathogenic bacteria and tissue-destructive inflammatory mediators. This study sought to identify the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) transcripts in symptomatic and asymptomatic periapical lesions of individuals living in Iran. Fifty endodontic patients (28 with symptomatic periapical lesions and 22 with asymptomatic periapical lesions) were included in the study. In each study subject, a microbiological periapical sample was collected using a curette in conjunction with periapical surgery. A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay was used to identify transcripts of EBV and HCMV. Human cytomegalovirus transcript was detected in 15 of the 28 (53.6%) symptomatic and in six of the 22 (27.3%) asymptomatic periapical study lesions (significant difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic lesions; P = 0.03, chi-square test). Epstein-Barr virus transcript was identified in one symptomatic and in two asymptomatic periapical lesions. This study establishes that HCMV transcription is common in apical periodontitis and is most frequent in symptomatic lesions. The high frequency of active herpesvirus infections in severe apical periodontitis changes the pathogenic paradigm of the disease and may also have preventive and therapeutic implications.

  17. Light microscopic study of periapical lesions associated with asymptomatic apical periodontitis.

    PubMed

    Kabak, S L; Kabak, Y S; Anischenko, S L

    2005-04-01

    The purpose of the study has been to evaluate the degree of chronic inflammation in tissues surrounding the apex of the tooth root in patients with apical periodontitis in the remission phase. The material included 37 apical granulomas and radicular cysts obtained as a result of apiectomy, and 20 teeth which were removed together with the focus of the periapical inflammation. Routine histological techniques, as well as the immunofluorescent and immuno-chemical methods were used to examine the material. Despite the absence of clinical symptoms in 23 of 57 cases, the morphological signs of chronic inflammation were observed in the apical area of the tooth root. Morphological signs of viral invasion of epithelial and stromal cells in the radicular cyst wall were revealed in six cases. The presence of the virus of Herpes simplex I in epithelial cells (five cases) and adenoviral invasion (one case) was confirmed by immuno-fluorescent and immuno-chemical methods. Histological examination often reveals morphological signs of an active inflammatory process in the periapical tissues of patients treated during clinical remission. In our opinion, the presence of viruses in the epithelial cells of the radicular cyst may contribute to the persistence of the active stage of the inflammatory process.

  18. Huntingtin Is Required for Epithelial Polarity through RAB11A-Mediated Apical Trafficking of PAR3-aPKC

    PubMed Central

    Elias, Salah; McGuire, John Russel; Yu, Hua; Humbert, Sandrine

    2015-01-01

    The establishment of apical-basolateral polarity is important for both normal development and disease, for example, during tumorigenesis and metastasis. During this process, polarity complexes are targeted to the apical surface by a RAB11A-dependent mechanism. Huntingtin (HTT), the protein that is mutated in Huntington disease, acts as a scaffold for molecular motors and promotes microtubule-based dynamics. Here, we investigated the role of HTT in apical polarity during the morphogenesis of the mouse mammary epithelium. We found that the depletion of HTT from luminal cells in vivo alters mouse ductal morphogenesis and lumen formation. HTT is required for the apical localization of PAR3-aPKC during epithelial morphogenesis in virgin, pregnant, and lactating mice. We show that HTT forms a complex with PAR3, aPKC, and RAB11A and ensures the microtubule-dependent apical vesicular translocation of PAR3-aPKC through RAB11A. We thus propose that HTT regulates polarized vesicular transport, lumen formation and mammary epithelial morphogenesis. PMID:25942483

  19. Deviations of Mesial Root Canals of Mandibular First Molar Teeth at the Apical Third: A Micro-computed Tomographic Study.

    PubMed

    Keles, Ali; Keskin, Cangül

    2018-06-01

    The present study aimed to quantitatively analyze apical foramen deviations of mesial root canals of mandibular first molar teeth by means of micro-computed tomographic (micro-CT) imaging. Micro-CT images of the mesial roots of 109 mandibular first molar teeth with independent mesiobuccal (MB) and mesiolingual (ML) root canals were analyzed. The deviations of the apical foramina of the MB, ML, and middle mesial root canals from the anatomic apex were measured. The vertical distance between the apical foramina of each mesial root canal in relation to each other was also calculated. The distances from the apical foramina of the MB, ML, and middle mesial root canals to the anatomic apex of the mesial root were up to 2.51 mm, 3.21 mm, and 5.67 mm, respectively. There was no significant difference between the deviations of MB and ML root canals from each other (P > .05). The middle mesial root canal showed the greatest deviation compared with the MB and ML canals (P < .05). The apical foramina of mesial root canals of mandibular first molar teeth showed greater variations from each other and anatomic apices than previously reported. Clinically, the use of electronic apex locators for the detection of minor apical foramen of each mesial root canal is of the utmost important. Copyright © 2018 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. [A prognostic model for assessment of outcome of root canal treatment in teeth with pulpitis or apical periodontitis].

    PubMed

    Zhang, M M; Zheng, Y D; Liang, Y H

    2018-02-18

    To present a prognostic model for evaluating the outcome of root canal treatment in teeth with pulpitis or apical periodontitis 2 years after treatment. The implementation of this study was based on a retrospective study on the 2-year outcome of root canal treatment. A cohort of 360 teeth, which received treatment and review, were chosen to build up the total sample size. In the study, 143 teeth with vital pulp and 217 teeth with apical periodontitis were included. About 67% of the samples were selected randomly to derive a training date set for modeling, and the others were used as validating date set for testing. Logistic regression models were used to produce the prognostic models. The dependent variable was defined as absence of periapical lesion or reduction of periapical lesion. The predictability of the models was evaluated by the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). Four predictors were included in model one (absence of apical lesion): pre-operative periapical radiolucency, canal curvature, density and apical extent of root fillings. The AUC was 0.802 (95%CI: 0.744-0.859). And the AUC of the testing date was 0.688. Only the density and apical extent of root fillings were included to present model two (reduction of apical lesion). The AUC of training dates and testing dates were 0.734 (95%CI: 0.612-0.856) and 0.681, respectively. As predicted by model one, the probability of absence of periapical lesion 2 years after endodontic treatment was 90% in pulpitis teeth with sever root-canal curvature and adequate root canal fillings, but 51% in teeth with apical periodontitis. When using prognostic model two for prediction, in teeth with apical periodontitis, the probability of detecting lesion reduction with adequate or inadequate root fillings was 95% and 39% 2 years after treatment. The pre-operative periapical status, canal curvature and quality of root canal treatment could be used to predict the 2-year outcome of root canal

  1. Apically extruded dentin debris by reciprocating single-file and multi-file rotary system.

    PubMed

    De-Deus, Gustavo; Neves, Aline; Silva, Emmanuel João; Mendonça, Thais Accorsi; Lourenço, Caroline; Calixto, Camila; Lima, Edson Jorge Moreira

    2015-03-01

    This study aims to evaluate the apical extrusion of debris by the two reciprocating single-file systems: WaveOne and Reciproc. Conventional multi-file rotary system was used as a reference for comparison. The hypotheses tested were (i) the reciprocating single-file systems extrude more than conventional multi-file rotary system and (ii) the reciprocating single-file systems extrude similar amounts of dentin debris. After solid selection criteria, 80 mesial roots of lower molars were included in the present study. The use of four different instrumentation techniques resulted in four groups (n = 20): G1 (hand-file technique), G2 (ProTaper), G3 (WaveOne), and G4 (Reciproc). The apparatus used to evaluate the collection of apically extruded debris was typical double-chamber collector. Statistical analysis was performed for multiple comparisons. No significant difference was found in the amount of the debris extruded between the two reciprocating systems. In contrast, conventional multi-file rotary system group extruded significantly more debris than both reciprocating groups. Hand instrumentation group extruded significantly more debris than all other groups. The present results yielded favorable input for both reciprocation single-file systems, inasmuch as they showed an improved control of apically extruded debris. Apical extrusion of debris has been studied extensively because of its clinical relevance, particularly since it may cause flare-ups, originated by the introduction of bacteria, pulpal tissue, and irrigating solutions into the periapical tissues.

  2. Effect of Instrumentation Length and Instrumentation Systems: Hand Versus Rotary Files on Apical Crack Formation - An In vitro Study.

    PubMed

    Devale, Madhuri R; Mahesh, M C; Bhandary, Shreetha

    2017-01-01

    Stresses generated during root canal instrumentation have been reported to cause apical cracks. The smaller, less pronounced defects like cracks can later propagate into vertical root fracture, when the tooth is subjected to repeated stresses from endodontic or restorative procedures. This study evaluated occurrence of apical cracks with stainless steel hand files, rotary NiTi RaCe and K3 files at two different instrumentation lengths. In the present in vitro study, 60 mandibular premolars were mounted in resin blocks with simulated periodontal ligament. Apical 3 mm of the root surfaces were exposed and stained using India ink. Preoperative images of root apices were obtained at 100x using stereomicroscope. The teeth were divided into six groups of 10 each. First two groups were instrumented with stainless steel files, next two groups with rotary NiTi RaCe files and the last two groups with rotary NiTi K3 files. The instrumentation was carried out till the apical foramen (Working Length-WL) and 1 mm short of the apical foramen (WL-1) with each file system. After root canal instrumentation, postoperative images of root apices were obtained. Preoperative and postoperative images were compared and the occurrence of cracks was recorded. Descriptive statistical analysis and Chi-square tests were used to analyze the results. Apical root cracks were seen in 30%, 35% and 20% of teeth instrumented with K-files, RaCe files and K3 files respectively. There was no statistical significance among three instrumentation systems in the formation of apical cracks (p=0.563). Apical cracks were seen in 40% and 20% of teeth instrumented with K-files; 60% and 10% of teeth with RaCe files and 40% and 0% of teeth with K3 files at WL and WL-1 respectively. For groups instrumented with hand files there was no statistical significance in number of cracks at WL and WL-1 (p=0.628). But for teeth instrumented with RaCe files and K3 files significantly more number of cracks were seen at WL than

  3. A retrospective comparison of two vaginal mesh kits in the management of anterior and apical vaginal prolapse: long-term results for apical fixation and quality of life.

    PubMed

    Lamblin, Gery; Gouttenoire, Chloé; Panel, Laure; Moret, Stéphanie; Chene, Gautier; Courtieu, Christophe

    2016-12-01

    To compare apical correction in stage ≥3 cystocele between two mesh kits. This was a retrospective, nonrandomized study that compared two groups matched on anterior/apical POP-Q stage: 84 received Elevate Ant™ single-incision mesh (Elevate Ant group) and 42 Perigee™ transvaginal mesh (Perigee group). Follow-up at 1 and 2 years comprised objective (POP-Q) and subjective (PFDI-20, PFIQ-7, PISQ-12) assessments. The primary endpoint was objective success: 2-year apical POP-Q stage ≤1. Secondary endpoints were anterior POP-Q stage, subjective results and complications. Groups were comparable in terms of age (66.6 and 64.7 years, respectively; p = 0.19), BMI (both 25.4 kg/m 2 ; p = 0.93), and history of hysterectomy (7.2 % and 14.3 %; p = 0.21) or prolapse surgery (12 % and 14.3 %; p = 0.72). Operative time was shorter in the Elevate Ant group (54.1 vs. 62.5 min; p = 0.048), and the 2-year objective apical success rate was higher (92.9 % vs. 66.7 %; p < 0.0001), with better point C correction (-5 vs. -3.8; p = 0.006). Function improved in both groups, with significantly better PFIQ-7 (p = 0.03) and PFDI-20 (p = 0.02) scores in the Elevate Ant group at 2 years. Vaginal exposure was not seen in the Elevate Ant group but occurred in two patients in the Perigee group (p = 0.33). Factors associated with success were age >65 years (OR 7.16, 95 % CI 1.83 - 27.97) and treatment with Elevate Ant mesh (OR 10.16, 95 % CI 2.78 - 37.14). Postoperative stress urinary incontinence rate was greater with the Elevate Ant group (29.8 % and 16.7 %; p = 0.11). The use of the Elevate Ant mesh was associated with significantly better apical correction at 2 years. Function improved in both groups, but with a significantly better PFDI-20 score in the Elevate Ant group at 1 and 2 years. The postoperative stress urinary incontinence rate, however, tended to be greater in the Elevate Ant group. The results need confirming

  4. Glycoconjugate pattern of membranes in the acinar cell of the rat pancreas.

    PubMed

    Willemer, S; Köhler, H; Naumann, R; Kern, H F; Adler, G

    1990-01-01

    Lectin-binding studies were performed at the ultrastructural level to characterize glycoconjugate patterns on membrane systems in pancreatic acinar cells of the rat. Five lectins reacting with different sugar moieties were applied to ultrathin frozen sections: concanavalin A (ConA): glucose, mannose; wheat-germ agglutinin (WGA): N-acetylglucosamine, sialic acid; Ricinus communis agglutinin I (RCA I): galactose; Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA I): L-fucose; soybean agglutinin (SBA): N-acetylgalactosamine). Binding sites of lectins were visualized either by direct conjugation to colloidal gold or by the use of a three-step procedure involving additional immune reactions. The rough endoplasmic reticulum and the nuclear envelope of acinar cells was selectively labelled for ConA. The membranes of the Golgi apparatus bound all lectins applied with an increasing intensity proceeding from the cis- to the trans-Golgi area for SBA, UEA I and WGA. In contrast RCA I selectively labelled the trans-Golgi cisternae. The membranes of condensing vacuoles and zymogen granules were labelled for all lectins used although the density of the label differed between the lectins. In contrast the content of zymogen granules failed to bind SBA and WGA. Lysosomal bodies (membranes and content) revealed binding sites for all lectins used. The plasma membranes were heavily labelled by all lectins except for SBA which showed only a weak binding to the lateral and the apical plasma membrane. These results are in accordance to current biochemical knowledge of the successive steps in the glycosylation of membrane proteins. It could be demonstrated, that the cryo-section technique is suitable for the fine structural localisation of surface glycoconjugates of plasma membranes and internal membranes in pancreatic acinar cells using plant lectins.

  5. Comparison of apical debris extrusion using a conventional and two rotary techniques

    PubMed Central

    Adl, Alireza; Sahebi, Safoora; Moazami, Fariborz; Niknam, Mahnaz

    2009-01-01

    INTRODUCTION: Preparation techniques and instruments produce and push debris out of canals. This can induce inflammation within the periapical area. Therefore, instrumentation that causes less extrusion of debris is more desirable. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the quantity of debris extruded from the apical foramen during root canal preparation by using one hand, and two rotary instrumentation techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three different groups each with 12 mesiobuccal roots of human maxillary first molar were instrumented using either step-back technique with hand instruments, FlexMaster or Mtwo rotary system. Debris extruded from the apical foramen during canal preparation was collected. The mean dry weights of debris were compared using one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Step-back group had a significantly greater mean weight of debris compared to the other two groups (P<0.05). Mtwo group had the lowest mean weight of debris, though it was not significantly different from FlexMaster group. CONCLUSION: According to this study, the engine driven techniques were associated with less apical debris extrusion. [Iranian Endodontic Journal 2009;4(4):135-8] PMID:24019834

  6. Novel navigation technique for the endodontic treatment of a molar with pulp canal calcification and apical pathology.

    PubMed

    Shi, Xilin; Zhao, Shiyong; Wang, Weidong; Jiang, Qianzhou; Yang, Xuechao

    2018-04-01

    Apical periodontitis, the inflammation of periapical tissue, commonly requires root canal treatment to achieve apical healing. However, if it is accompanied by pulp canal calcification, the treatment becomes complicated, and locating the root canal can be challenging. This case report describes a novel approach for treating a molar with pulp canal calcification and apical pathology. Due to the risk of perforation during treatment, a digitally printed template was used to assist in accurately locating the root canal. After six months, the patient was asymptomatic and the periradicular radiolucency was gradually reducing in size. © 2017 Australian Society of Endodontology Inc.

  7. Epithelial Membrane Protein 2 and β1 integrin signaling regulate APC-mediated processes.

    PubMed

    Lesko, Alyssa C; Prosperi, Jenifer R

    2017-01-01

    Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) plays a critical role in cell motility, maintenance of apical-basal polarity, and epithelial morphogenesis. We previously demonstrated that APC loss in Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells increases cyst size and inverts polarity independent of Wnt signaling, and upregulates the tetraspan protein, Epithelial Membrane Protein 2 (EMP2). Herein, we show that APC loss increases β1 integrin expression and migration of MDCK cells. Through 3D in vitro model systems and 2D migration analysis, we have depicted the molecular mechanism(s) by which APC influences polarity and cell motility. EMP2 knockdown in APC shRNA cells revealed that APC regulates apical-basal polarity and cyst size through EMP2. Chemical inhibition of β1 integrin and its signaling components, FAK and Src, indicated that APC controls cyst size and migration, but not polarity, through β1 integrin and its downstream targets. Combined, the current studies have identified two distinct and novel mechanisms required for APC to regulate polarity, cyst size, and cell migration independent of Wnt signaling. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Polarizing intestinal epithelial cells electrically through Ror2

    PubMed Central

    Cao, Lin; McCaig, Colin D.; Scott, Roderick H.; Zhao, Siwei; Milne, Gillian; Clevers, Hans; Zhao, Min; Pu, Jin

    2014-01-01

    ABSTRACT The apicobasal polarity of enterocytes determines where the brush border membrane (apical membrane) will form, but how this apical membrane faces the lumen is not well understood. The electrical signal across the epithelium could serve as a coordinating cue, orienting and polarizing enterocytes. Here, we show that applying a physiological electric field to intestinal epithelial cells, to mimic the natural electric field created by the transepithelial potential difference, polarized phosphorylation of the actin-binding protein ezrin, increased expression of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (ALPI, a differentiation marker) and remodeled the actin cytoskeleton selectively on the cathode side. In addition, an applied electric field also activated ERK1/2 and LKB1 (also known as STK11), key molecules in apical membrane formation. Disruption of the tyrosine protein kinase transmembrane receptor Ror2 suppressed activation of ERK1/2 and LKB1 significantly, and subsequently inhibited apical membrane formation in enterocytes. Our findings indicate that the endogenous electric field created by the transepithelial potential difference might act as an essential coordinating signal for apical membrane formation at a tissue level, through activation of LKB1 mediated by Ror2–ERK signaling. PMID:24928904

  9. Influence of cervical preflaring on apical file size determination.

    PubMed

    Pecora, J D; Capelli, A; Guerisoli, D M Z; Spanó, J C E; Estrela, C

    2005-07-01

    To investigate the influence of cervical preflaring with different instruments (Gates-Glidden drills, Quantec Flare series instruments and LA Axxess burs) on the first file that binds at working length (WL) in maxillary central incisors. Forty human maxillary central incisors with complete root formation were used. After standard access cavities, a size 06 K-file was inserted into each canal until the apical foramen was reached. The WL was set 1 mm short of the apical foramen. Group 1 received the initial apical instrument without previous preflaring of the cervical and middle thirds of the root canal. Group 2 had the cervical and middle portion of the root canals enlarged with Gates-Glidden drills sizes 90, 110 and 130. Group 3 had the cervical and middle thirds of the root canals enlarged with nickel-titanium Quantec Flare series instruments. Titanium-nitrite treated, stainless steel LA Axxess burs were used for preflaring the cervical and middle portions of root canals from group 4. Each canal was sized using manual K-files, starting with size 08 files with passive movements until the WL was reached. File sizes were increased until a binding sensation was felt at the WL, and the instrument size was recorded for each tooth. The apical region was then observed under a stereoscopic magnifier, images were recorded digitally and the differences between root canal and maximum file diameters were evaluated for each sample. Significant differences were found between experimental groups regarding anatomical diameter at the WL and the first file to bind in the canal (P < 0.01, 95% confidence interval). The major discrepancy was found when no preflaring was performed (0.151 mm average). The LA Axxess burs produced the smallest differences between anatomical diameter and first file to bind (0.016 mm average). Gates-Glidden drills and Flare instruments were ranked in an intermediary position, with no statistically significant differences between them (0.093 mm average). The

  10. Wizard CD Plus and ProTaper Universal: analysis of apical transportation using new software

    PubMed Central

    GIANNASTASIO, Daiana; da ROSA, Ricardo Abreu; PERES, Bernardo Urbanetto; BARRETO, Mirela Sangoi; DOTTO, Gustavo Nogara; KUGA, Milton Carlos; PEREIRA, Jefferson Ricardo; SÓ, Marcus Vinícius Reis

    2013-01-01

    Objective This study has two aims: 1) to evaluate the apical transportation of the Wizard CD Plus and ProTaper Universal after preparation of simulated root canals; 2) to compare, with Adobe Photoshop, the ability of a new software (Regeemy) in superposing and subtracting images. Material and Methods Twenty five simulated root canals in acrylic-resin blocks (with 20º curvature) underwent cone beam computed tomography before and after preparation with the rotary systems (70 kVp, 4 mA, 10 s and with the 8×8 cm FoV selection). Canals were prepared up to F2 (ProTaper) and 24.04 (Wizard CD Plus) instruments and the working length was established to 15 mm. The tomographic images were imported into iCAT Vision software and CorelDraw for standardization. The superposition of pre- and post-instrumentation images from both systems was performed using Regeemy and Adobe Photoshop. The apical transportation was measured in millimetres using Image J. Five acrylic resin blocks were used to validate the superposition achieved by the software. Student's t-test for independent samples was used to evaluate the apical transportation achieved by the rotary systems using each software individually. Student's t-test for paired samples was used to compare the ability of each software in superposing and subtracting images from one rotary system per time. Results The values obtained with Regeemy and Adobe Photoshop were similar to rotary systems (P>0.05). ProTaper Universal and Wizard CD Plus promoted similar apical transportation regardless of the software used for image's superposition and subtraction (P>0.05). Conclusion Wizard CD Plus and ProTaper Universal promoted little apical transportation. Regeemy consists in a feasible software to superpose and subtract images and appears to be an alternative to Adobe Photoshop. PMID:24212994

  11. Wizard CD Plus and ProTaper Universal: analysis of apical transportation using new software.

    PubMed

    Giannastasio, Daiana; Rosa, Ricardo Abreu da; Peres, Bernardo Urbanetto; Barreto, Mirela Sangoi; Dotto, Gustavo Nogara; Kuga, Milton Carlos; Pereira, Jefferson Ricardo; Só, Marcus Vinícius Reis

    2013-01-01

    This study has two aims: 1) to evaluate the apical transportation of the Wizard CD Plus and ProTaper Universal after preparation of simulated root canals; 2) to compare, with Adobe Photoshop, the ability of a new software (Regeemy) in superposing and subtracting images. Twenty five simulated root canals in acrylic-resin blocks (with 20º curvature) underwent cone beam computed tomography before and after preparation with the rotary systems (70 kVp, 4 mA, 10 s and with the 8×8 cm FoV selection). Canals were prepared up to F2 (ProTaper) and 24.04 (Wizard CD Plus) instruments and the working length was established to 15 mm. The tomographic images were imported into iCAT Vision software and CorelDraw for standardization. The superposition of pre- and post-instrumentation images from both systems was performed using Regeemy and Adobe Photoshop. The apical transportation was measured in millimetres using Image J. Five acrylic resin blocks were used to validate the superposition achieved by the software. Student's t-test for independent samples was used to evaluate the apical transportation achieved by the rotary systems using each software individually. Student's t-test for paired samples was used to compare the ability of each software in superposing and subtracting images from one rotary system per time. The values obtained with Regeemy and Adobe Photoshop were similar to rotary systems (P>0.05). ProTaper Universal and Wizard CD Plus promoted similar apical transportation regardless of the software used for image's superposition and subtraction (P>0.05). Wizard CD Plus and ProTaper Universal promoted little apical transportation. Regeemy consists in a feasible software to superpose and subtract images and appears to be an alternative to Adobe Photoshop.

  12. [Association between Bacteroides forsythus in the infected root canals and clinical symptoms of chronic apical periodontitis].

    PubMed

    Huang, Ding-ming; Fu, Chun-hua; Zhou, Xue-dong

    2005-01-01

    To investigate the distribution of Bacteroides forsythus in root canals with chronic apical periodontitis and to determine its associations with clinical symptoms. Thirty-eight tooth root canals from 31 subjects were studied with a 16S rDNA-directed polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These teeth were classified into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups according to the clinical symptoms and signs, including spontaneous pain, percussion pain, sinus tract and swelling, respectively. Ten of the 38 root canal samples were positive for B. forsythus. The prevalence of B. forsythus was 26.3% for 38 root canals, 45.5% for spontaneous pain group, 39.1% for percussion pain group, 29.4% for sinus tract group, 42.9% for swelling group, respectively. Significant positive associations were observed between B. forsythus in infected root canals and the spontaneous pain, percussion pain, and swelling of apical periodontitis, respectively (OR=infinity, 9, 12; P<0.05). There was no significant association between B. forsythus and sinus tract of apical periodontitis (OR=1.33). B. forsythus colonized in the infected root canals. It is the putative pathogen of apical periodontitis.

  13. Association of a GPI-anchored protein with detergent-resistant membranes facilitates its trafficking through the early secretory pathway.

    PubMed

    Hein, Zeynep; Hooper, Nigel M; Naim, Hassan Y

    2009-01-15

    Membrane microdomains are implicated in the trafficking and sorting of several membrane proteins. In particular GPI-anchored proteins cluster into Triton X-100 resistant, cholesterol- and sphingolipid-rich membrane microdomains and are sorted to the apical membrane. A growing body of evidence has pointed to the existence of other types of microdomains that are insoluble in detergents, such as Lubrol WX and Tween-20. Here, we report on the role of detergent-resistant membranes formed at early stages in the biosynthesis of membrane dipeptidase (MDP), a GPI-anchored protein, on its trafficking and sorting. Pulse-chase experiments revealed a retarded maturation rate of the GPI-anchor deficient mutant (MDPDeltaGPI) as compared to the wild type protein (wtMDP). However, Golgi to cell surface delivery rate did not show a significant difference between the two variants. On the other hand, early biosynthetic forms of wtMDP were partially insoluble in Tween-20, while MDPDeltaGPI was completely soluble. The lack of association of MDPDeltaGPI with detergent-resistant membranes prior to maturation in the Golgi and the reduction in its trafficking rate strongly suggest the existence of an early trafficking control mechanisms for membrane proteins operating at a level between the endoplasmic reticulum and the cis-Golgi.

  14. Plasma membrane-targeted PIN proteins drive shoot development in a moss.

    PubMed

    Bennett, Tom A; Liu, Maureen M; Aoyama, Tsuyoshi; Bierfreund, Nicole M; Braun, Marion; Coudert, Yoan; Dennis, Ross J; O'Connor, Devin; Wang, Xiao Y; White, Chris D; Decker, Eva L; Reski, Ralf; Harrison, C Jill

    2014-12-01

    Plant body plans arise by the activity of meristematic growing tips during development and radiated independently in the gametophyte (n) and sporophyte (2n) stages of the life cycle during evolution. Although auxin and its intercellular transport by PIN family efflux carriers are primary regulators of sporophytic shoot development in flowering plants, the extent of conservation in PIN function within the land plants and the mechanisms regulating bryophyte gametophytic shoot development are largely unknown. We have found that treating gametophytic shoots of the moss Physcomitrella patens with exogenous auxins and auxin transport inhibitors disrupts apical function and leaf development. Two plasma membrane-targeted PIN proteins are expressed in leafy shoots, and pin mutants resemble plants treated with auxins or auxin transport inhibitors. PIN-mediated auxin transport regulates apical cell function, leaf initiation, leaf shape, and shoot tropisms in moss gametophytes. pin mutant sporophytes are sometimes branched, reproducing a phenotype only previously seen in the fossil record and in rare natural moss variants. Our results show that PIN-mediated auxin transport is an ancient, conserved regulator of shoot development. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Effect of the size of the apical enlargement with rotary instruments, single-cone filling, post space preparation with drills, fiber post removal, and root canal filling removal on apical crack initiation and propagation.

    PubMed

    Çapar, İsmail Davut; Uysal, Banu; Ok, Evren; Arslan, Hakan

    2015-02-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of apical crack initiation and propagation in root dentin after several endodontic procedures. Sixty intact mandibular premolars were sectioned perpendicular to the long axis at 1 mm from the apex, and the apical surface was polished. Thirty teeth were left unprepared and served as a control, and the remaining 30 teeth were instrumented with ProTaper Universal instruments (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) up to size F5. The root canals were filled with the single-cone technique. Gutta-percha was removed with drills of the Rebilda post system (VOCO, Cuxhaven, Germany). Glass fiber-reinforced composite fiber posts were cemented using a dual-cure resin cement. The fiber posts were removed with a drill of the post system. Retreatment was completed after the removal of the gutta-percha. Crack initiation and propagation in the apical surfaces of the samples were examined with a stereomicroscope after each procedure. The absence/presence of cracks was recorded. Logistic regression was performed to analyze statistically the incidence of crack initiation and propagation with each procedure. The initiation of the first crack and crack propagation was associated with F2 and F4 instruments, respectively. The logistic regression analysis revealed that instrumentation and F2 instrument significantly affected apical crack initiation (P < .001). Post space preparation had a significant effect on crack propagation (P = .0004). The other procedures had no significant effects on crack initiation and propagation (P > .05). Rotary nickel-titanium instrumentation had a significant effect on apical crack initiation, and post space preparation with drills had a significant impact on crack propagation. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Survival and genetic stability of Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev shoot apices after cryopreservation by vitrification and encapsulation-dehydration.

    PubMed

    Martín, Carmen; González-Benito, M Elena

    2005-12-01

    The aim of this study was to compare the genetic stability of chrysanthemum (cv. Pasodoble) apices cryopreserved using two different methods: encapsulation-dehydration and vitrification. The assessment of the genetic stability was developed using RAPDs markers. Assessment of stability was evaluated in pot-cultivated mother plants (from which buds were excised for micropropagation), in shoots (leave tissue) from which apices were extracted for cryopreservation, and in shoots regenerated from cryopreserved apices 30 days after recovery and after further 3 months in culture. Throughout the process the origin of the apices (in vitro-shoot from which they were excised) was recorded. Twenty one regenerants cryopreserved by vitrification and 25 by encapsulation-dehydration were assessed. Only one cryopreserved regenerant from the encapsulation-dehydration method showed a different band pattern. These results support the necessity of monitoring the genetic stability of the regenerants obtained after cryopreservation, as this is a very useful technique for the conservation of plant genetic resources.

  17. Comparative evaluation of total RNA extraction methods in Theobroma cacao using shoot apical meristems.

    PubMed

    Silva, D V; Branco, S M J; Holanda, I S A; Royaert, S; Motamayor, J C; Marelli, J P; Corrêa, R X

    2016-03-04

    Theobroma cacao is a species of great economic importance with its beans used for chocolate production. The tree has been a target of various molecular studies. It contains many polyphenols, which complicate the extraction of nucleic acids with the extraction protocols requiring a large amount of plant material. These issues, therefore, necessitate the optimization of the protocols. The aim of the present study was to evaluate different methods for extraction of total RNA from shoot apical meristems of T. cacao 'CCN 51' and to assess the influence of storage conditions for the meristems on the extraction. The study also aimed to identify the most efficient protocol for RNA extraction using a small amount of plant material. Four different protocols were evaluated for RNA extraction using one shoot apical meristem per sample. Among these protocols, one that was more efficient was then tested to extract RNA using four different numbers of shoot apical meristems, subjected to three different storage conditions. The best protocol was tested for cDNA amplification using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction; the cDNA quality was determined to be satisfactory for molecular analyses. The study revealed that with the best RNA extraction protocol, one shoot apical meristem was sufficient for extraction of high-quality total RNA. The results obtained might enable advances in genetic analyses and molecular studies using reduced amount of plant material.

  18. How accurate replicates the Thermafil System the morphology of the apical endodontic space? An ex vivo study.

    PubMed

    Stratul, S I; Didilescu, Andreea; Grigorie, Mihaela; Ianes, Emilia; Rusu, D; Nica, Luminiţa

    2011-01-01

    To evaluate the morphology of the root canal in its apical third and the capacity of the Thermafil System to reproduce the entire morphology of the cleaned and shaped root canal. Thirty-two roots of periodontally compromised teeth were prepared using the ProTaper System to an apical size 30 and filled with the Thermafil obturation technique and sealer. The roots were surgically amputated and prepared for metallographic evaluation by incremental reductions of 0.5 mm each, starting with the apical foramen. Photomicrographs of each section were taken at a magnification of 500x and 100x. The images were analyzed and processed. The position of the apical foramen with respect to the anatomical apex was identified and marked. Additional morphological details as lateral canals and recesses were also recorded. The cross-sectioned area of the canal and gutta-percha, the total perimeter, the shaped perimeter and the filled perimeter were recorded for each sample and the results were expressed as percentages. Multiple images of successive sections were used to create a 3D reconstruction of the apical anatomy of the tooth. The ANOVA test was performed to assess mean differences between evaluations of perimeters/areas at different levels. The anatomical apical foramen was found at the tip of the root in 50% of the evaluated samples. In the remaining samples, the foramen was located between 0.5 and 2.5 mm from the centre of the apex. Lateral canals, which opened in accessory foramens, were recorded in 25% of the evaluated samples. Statistical significant differences (p<0.05) were found between different levels of preparation and obturation. The complex morphology of the apical third of the root canal is satisfactory microstructurally replicated by the Thermafil System. Moreover, polarized light microscopy and the 3D reconstruction offered a discriminative vision of morphological details as lateral canals, recesses, the gutta-percha and debris.

  19. Drosophila Big bang regulates the apical cytocortex and wing growth through junctional tension.

    PubMed

    Tsoumpekos, Giorgos; Nemetschke, Linda; Knust, Elisabeth

    2018-03-05

    Growth of epithelial tissues is regulated by a plethora of components, including signaling and scaffolding proteins, but also by junctional tension, mediated by the actomyosin cytoskeleton. However, how these players are spatially organized and functionally coordinated is not well understood. Here, we identify the Drosophila melanogaster scaffolding protein Big bang as a novel regulator of growth in epithelial cells of the wing disc by ensuring proper junctional tension. Loss of big bang results in the reduction of the regulatory light chain of nonmuscle myosin, Spaghetti squash. This is associated with an increased apical cell surface, decreased junctional tension, and smaller wings. Strikingly, these phenotypic traits of big bang mutant discs can be rescued by expressing constitutively active Spaghetti squash. Big bang colocalizes with Spaghetti squash in the apical cytocortex and is found in the same protein complex. These results suggest that in epithelial cells of developing wings, the scaffolding protein Big bang controls apical cytocortex organization, which is important for regulating cell shape and tissue growth. © 2018 Tsoumpekos et al.

  20. Influence of the parameters of the Er:YAG laser on the apical sealing of apicectomized teeth.

    PubMed

    Marques, Aparecida Maria Cordeiro; Gerbi, Marleny Elizabeth M M; dos Santos, Jean Nunes; Noia, Manuela Pimentel; Oliveira, Priscila Chagas; Brugnera Junior, Aldo; Zanin, Fátima Antonia Aparecida; Pinheiro, Antonio Luiz Barbosa

    2011-07-01

    Failures in the sealing of the tooth apex have been considered to be responsible for most of the failures of apical surgeries. The Er:YAG laser has been proposed as an alternative for the use of rotator instruments in surgical endodontics due to its precision, lack of vibration, less post-operative discomfort, bacterial reduction, and less stress for patients and professionals. Following approval by the ethics committee, 12 extracted human canines without previous endodontic treatment with anatomically normal roots and free from apical lesions were washed in running tap water and disinfected. The teeth were sectioned axially at the crown-root junction and submitted to routine endodontic treatment. The apical limit was set at 1 mm before the apical foramen. The root canals were routinely filled with Gutta-Percha points and Sealer 26 and were randomly distributed into two groups (n = 6). In group I, apicectomy was performed with the Er:YAG laser (KAVO KEY Laser II®, Germany, λ = 2.940 nm, pulsed mode, 2051 tip, with air spray cooling, 250 mJ/15 Hz). Apical cut was performed of perpendicular mode 3 mm from the apical foramen. In group II, the same procedures and the same sequence as above was used, varying only the parameters of the Er:YAG laser (400 mJ/6 Hz). Sealing of the cervical end the apex was carried out with acrylic resin; the roots were covered by a layer of epoxy glue and two layers of nail polish. The specimens were divided into groups and fixed, by the cervical third, on wax. Impermeabilization of the residual root apical third was performed following the same procedures used in the cervical third but the residual apex was left free from the impermeabilization. After that, the roots were immersed in a 2% methylene blue solution and placed in a bacteriological oven for 48 h and then washed in running tap water for 2 h. The samples were sagittally split into two parts. The segments were visually observed and the one showing the greatest

  1. RAB-5- and RAB-11-dependent vesicle-trafficking pathways are required for plasma membrane repair after attack by bacterial pore-forming toxin.

    PubMed

    Los, Ferdinand C O; Kao, Cheng-Yuan; Smitham, Jane; McDonald, Kent L; Ha, Christine; Peixoto, Christina A; Aroian, Raffi V

    2011-02-17

    Pore-forming toxins (PFTs) secreted by pathogenic bacteria are the most common bacterial protein toxins and are important virulence factors for infection. PFTs punch holes in host cell plasma membranes, and although cells can counteract the resulting membrane damage, the underlying mechanisms at play remain unclear. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model, we demonstrate in vivo and in an intact epithelium that intestinal cells respond to PFTs by increasing levels of endocytosis, dependent upon RAB-5 and RAB-11, which are master regulators of endocytic and exocytic events. Furthermore, we find that RAB-5 and RAB-11 are required for protection against PFT and to restore integrity to the plasma membrane. One physical mechanism involved is the RAB-11-dependent expulsion of microvilli from the apical side of the intestinal epithelial cells. Specific vesicle-trafficking pathways thus protect cells against an attack by PFTs on plasma membrane integrity, via altered plasma membrane dynamics. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Analysis of Aprotinin, a Protease Inhibitor, Action on the Trafficking of Epithelial Na+ Channels (ENaC) in Renal Epithelial Cells Using a Mathematical Model.

    PubMed

    Sasamoto, Kouhei; Marunaka, Rie; Niisato, Naomi; Sun, Hongxin; Taruno, Akiyuki; Pezzotti, Giuseppe; Yamamoto, Toshiro; Kanamura, Narisato; Zhu, Wenliang; Nishio, Kyosuke; Inui, Toshio; Eaton, Douglas C; Marunaka, Yoshinori

    2017-01-01

    Epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC) play a crucial role in control of blood pressure by regulating renal Na+ reabsorption. Intracellular trafficking of ENaC is one of the key regulators of ENaC function, but a quantitative description of intracellular recycling of endogenously expressed ENaC is unavailable. We attempt here to provide a model for intracellular recycling after applying a protease inhibitor under hypotonic conditions. We simulated the ENaC-mediated Na+ transport in renal epithelial A6 cells measured as short-circuit currents using a four-state mathematical ENaC trafficking model. We developed a four-state mathematical model of ENaC trafficking in the cytosol of renal epithelial cells that consists of: an insertion state of ENaC that can be trafficked to the apical membrane state (insertion rate); an apical membrane state of ENaC conducting Na+ across the apical membrane; a recycling state containing ENaC that are retrieved from the apical membrane state (endocytotic rate) and then to the insertion state (recycling rate) communicating with the apical membrane state or to a degradation state (degradation rate). We studied the effect of aprotinin (a protease inhibitor) blocking protease-induced cleavage of the extracellular loop of γ ENaC subunit on the rates of intracellular ENaC trafficking using the above-defined four-state mathematical model of ENaC trafficking and the recycling number relative to ENaC staying in the apical membrane. We found that aprotinin significantly reduced the insertion rate of ENaC to the apical membrane by 40%, the recycling rate of ENaC by 81%, the cumulative time of an individual ENaC staying in the apical membrane by 32%, the cumulative life-time after the first endocytosis of ENaC by 25%, and the cumulative Na+ absorption by 31%. The most interesting result of the present study is that cleavage of ENaC affects the intracellular ENaC trafficking rate and determines the residency time of ENaC, indicating that more active

  3. Comparison of apical debris extrusion of two rotary systems and one reciprocating system

    PubMed Central

    Vivekanandhan, Paramasivam; Subbiya, Arunajatesan; Mitthra, Suresh; Karthick, Arumugam

    2016-01-01

    Background: Postoperative inflammation and endodontic failure occur due to apical extrusion of debris. Aim: To evaluate the amount of apically extruded debris after preparation of straight root canals in extracted human teeth using three rotary systems. Materials and Methods: Sixty single-rooted human teeth with single root canal and apical foramen were selected and randomly divided into three experimental groups (n = 20) according to the rotary system used: Group 1 - ProTaper, Group 2 - Revo-S, Group 3 - WaveOne. Apical enlargement was done up to size 40/0.06 for Groups 1 and 2 and 40/0.08 for Group 3. For debris collection, each tooth was held in a preweighed Eppendorf tube fixed inside a glass vial through rubber plug. After instrumentation, each tooth was separated from the Eppendorf tube and the debris adhering to the root surface was collected by washing the root with 1 mL of bi-distilled water and incubated at 70°C for 5 days. The dry weight of extruded debris was weighed in an electronic balance. Statistical Analysis: The mean weights of extruded debris were statistically analyzed using GraphPad prism version 6 and the intergroup comparison was done using unpaired t-test. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the mean debris score among all the three groups - ProTaper (0.00065 g), Revo-S (0.00045 g) and WaveOne (0.00089 g). Conclusion: Revo-S system was associated with significantly less debris extrusion compared with ProTaper or WaveOne. PMID:27217638

  4. Association between the Presence of Apical Periodontitis and Clinical Symptoms in Endodontic Patients Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography and Periapical Radiographs.

    PubMed

    Weissman, Jake; Johnson, James D; Anderson, Melissa; Hollender, Lars; Huson, Tim; Paranjpe, Avina; Patel, Shanon; Cohenca, Nestor

    2015-11-01

    Cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging is a valuable adjunct to endodontic practice. Among the endodontic applications of CBCT imaging, it aids in the diagnosis of apical periodontitis, often in cases in which there is no evidence of pathosis identified by conventional imaging. The purpose of this study was to correlate the presence of apical periodontitis of teeth evaluated with 2-dimensional periapical (PA) radiographs and 3-dimensional CBCT volumes with clinical signs and symptoms. Clinical records were reviewed from patients examined at the graduate endodontics clinic. The examination included clinical examination, sensibility tests, PA radiographs, and limited field-of-view CBCT scans. Of 498 cases, 67 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were evaluated for apical periodontitis and symptomology. CBCT slices and PA radiographs were evaluated by 2 board-certified endodontists and a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist for the presence of apical periodontitis. Thirty eight of 67 teeth showed the presence of apical radiolucencies on PA radiographs and on CBCT imaging, whereas 14 teeth had no evidence of apical radiolucencies on either imaging modality. Fifteen cases showed the presence of apical radiolucencies visible on CBCT imaging that were not visible on PA radiographic images. The presence of apical radiolucencies on CBCT slices and PA radiographic images was correlated with clinical signs and symptoms, including the chief complaint. This research has important implications to prevent overexposure to radiation and to provide treatment for those patients with persistent symptoms lacking proper diagnosis based on conventional (2D) radiographs. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  5. Symptomatic and asymptomatic apical periodontitis associated with red complex bacteria: clinical and microbiological evaluation.

    PubMed

    Buonavoglia, Alessio; Latronico, Francesca; Pirani, Chiara; Greco, Maria Fiorella; Corrente, Marialaura; Prati, Carlo

    2013-01-01

    In this study, the association of red complex (RC) bacteria that include Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia and Porphyromonas gingivalis with acute, exacerbated or chronic apical periodontitis was evaluated. Seventy-one patients with periapical disease were evaluated by clinical examination and microbiological samples obtained from the root canals were analyzed by a polymerase chain reaction assay. Twenty-one (29.6%) samples were positive for RC bacteria, with T. denticola, T. forsythia and P. gingivalis being detected in 14 (19.7%), 10 (14.1%) and 6 (8.5%) samples, respectively. RC bacteria were mainly associated with acute apical periodontitis (29.2%) and phoenix abscess (63.2%), while they were only sporadically detected (7.1%) in patients with chronic apical periodontitis. Generally, RC bacteria were associated with pain and a higher frequency of intracanalar/intrasulcular pus drainage. Involvement of RC bacteria in symptomatic periapical disease should be suspected in the presence of particularly severe clinical pain and pus drainage.

  6. Gibberellin-enhanced elongation of inverted Pharbitis nil shoot prevents the release of apical dominance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Prasad, T. K.; Cline, M. G.

    1987-01-01

    Ethylene evolution resulting from the gravity stress of shoot inversion appears to induce the release of apical dominance in Pharbitis nil (L.) by inhibiting elongation of the inverted shoot. It has been previously demonstrated that this shoot inversion release of apical dominance can be prevented by promoting elongation in the inverted shoot via interference with ethylene synthesis or action. In the present study it was shown that apical dominance release can also be prevented by promoting elongation of the inverted shoot via treatment with gibberellic acid (GA3). A synergistic effect was observed when AgNO3, the ethylene action inhibitor, was applied with GA3. Both GA3 and AgNO3 increased ethylene production in the inverted shoot. These results are consistent with the view that it is ethylene-induced inhibition of elongation and not any direct effect of ethylene per se which is responsible for the outgrowth of the highest lateral bud.

  7. Breast cancer resistance protein regulates apical ectoplasmic specialization dynamics stage specifically in the rat testis

    PubMed Central

    Qian, Xiaojing; Mruk, Dolores D.; Wong, Elissa W. P.

    2013-01-01

    Drug transporters determine the bioavailability of drugs in the testis behind the blood-testis barrier (BTB). Thus, they are crucial for male contraceptive development if these drugs (e.g., adjudin) exert their effects behind the BTB. Herein breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp), an efflux drug transporter, was found to be expressed by both Sertoli and germ cells. Interestingly, Bcrp was not a component of the Sertoli cell BTB. Instead, it was highly expressed by peritubular myoid cells at the tunica propria and also endothelial cells of the microvessels in the interstitium at all stages of the epithelial cycle. Unexpectedly, Bcrp was found to be expressed at the Sertoli-step 18–19 spermatid interface but limited to stage VI-early VIII tubules, and an integrated component of the apical ectoplasmic specialization (apical ES). Apparently, Bcrp is being used by late-stage spermatids to safeguard their completion of spermiogenesis by preventing harmful drugs to enter these cells while they transform to spermatozoa. Also, the association of Bcrp with actin, Eps8 (epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 8, an actin barbed end capping and bundling protein), and Arp3 (actin-related protein 3, a component of the Arp2/3 complex known to induce branched actin polymerization) at the apical ES suggest that Bcrp may be involved in regulating the organization of actin filament bundles at the site. Indeed, a knockdown of Bcrp by RNAi in the testis perturbed the apical ES function, disrupting spermatid polarity and adhesion. In summary, Bcrp is a regulator of the F-actin-rich apical ES in the testis. PMID:23403943

  8. Demonstration of the Blood-Stage Plasmodium falciparum Controlled Human Malaria Infection Model to Assess Efficacy of the P. falciparum Apical Membrane Antigen 1 Vaccine, FMP2.1/AS01

    PubMed Central

    Payne, Ruth O.; Milne, Kathryn H.; Elias, Sean C.; Edwards, Nick J.; Douglas, Alexander D.; Brown, Rebecca E.; Silk, Sarah E.; Biswas, Sumi; Miura, Kazutoyo; Roberts, Rachel; Rampling, Thomas W.; Venkatraman, Navin; Hodgson, Susanne H.; Labbé, Geneviève M.; Halstead, Fenella D.; Poulton, Ian D.; Nugent, Fay L.; de Graaf, Hans; Sukhtankar, Priya; Williams, Nicola C.; Ockenhouse, Christian F.; Kathcart, April K.; Qabar, Aziz N.; Waters, Norman C.; Soisson, Lorraine A.; Birkett, Ashley J.; Cooke, Graham S.; Faust, Saul N.; Woods, Colleen; Ivinson, Karen; McCarthy, James S.; Diggs, Carter L.; Vekemans, Johan; Long, Carole A.; Hill, Adrian V. S.; Lawrie, Alison M.; Dutta, Sheetij; Draper, Simon J.

    2016-01-01

    Background. Models of controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) initiated by mosquito bite have been widely used to assess efficacy of preerythrocytic vaccine candidates in small proof-of-concept phase 2a clinical trials. Efficacy testing of blood-stage malaria parasite vaccines, however, has generally relied on larger-scale phase 2b field trials in malaria-endemic populations. We report the use of a blood-stage P. falciparum CHMI model to assess blood-stage vaccine candidates, using their impact on the parasite multiplication rate (PMR) as the primary efficacy end point. Methods. Fifteen healthy United Kingdom adult volunteers were vaccinated with FMP2.1, a protein vaccine that is based on the 3D7 clone sequence of apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) and formulated in Adjuvant System 01 (AS01). Twelve vaccinees and 15 infectivity controls subsequently underwent blood-stage CHMI. Parasitemia was monitored by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, and PMR was modeled from these data. Results. FMP2.1/AS01 elicited anti-AMA1 T-cell and serum antibody responses. Analysis of purified immunoglobulin G showed functional growth inhibitory activity against P. falciparum in vitro. There were no vaccine- or CHMI-related safety concerns. All volunteers developed blood-stage parasitemia, with no impact of the vaccine on PMR. Conclusions. FMP2.1/AS01 demonstrated no efficacy after blood-stage CHMI. However, the model induced highly reproducible infection in all volunteers and will accelerate proof-of-concept testing of future blood-stage vaccine candidates. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT02044198. PMID:26908756

  9. Acute ENaC Stimulation by cAMP in a Kidney Cell Line is Mediated by Exocytic Insertion from a Recycling Channel Pool

    PubMed Central

    Butterworth, Michael B.; Edinger, Robert S.; Johnson, John P.; Frizzell, Raymond A.

    2005-01-01

    Acute hormonal regulation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in tight epithelia increases transcellular Na+ transport via trafficking of intracellular channels to the apical surface. The fate of the channels removed from the apical surface following agonist washout is less clear. By repetitively stimulating polarized mouse cortical collecting duct (mCCD, MPKCCD14) epithelia, we evaluated the hypothesis that ENaC recycles through an intracellular pool to be available for reinsertion into the apical membrane. Short circuit current (ISC), membrane capacitance (CT), and conductance (GT) were recorded from mCCD epithelia mounted in modified Ussing chambers. Surface biotinylation of ENaC demonstrated an increase in channel number in the apical membrane following cAMP stimulation. This increase was accompanied by a 83 ± 6% (n = 31) increase in ISC and a 15.3 ± 1.5% (n = 15) increase in CT. Selective membrane permeabilization demonstrated that the CT increase was due to an increase in apical membrane capacitance. ISC and CT declined to basal levels on stimulus washout. Repetitive cAMP stimulation and washout (∼1 h each cycle) resulted in response fatigue; ΔISC decreased ∼10% per stimulation–recovery cycle. When channel production was blocked by cycloheximide, ΔISC decreased ∼15% per stimulation cycle, indicating that newly synthesized ENaC contributed a relatively small fraction of the channels mobilized to the apical membrane. Selective block of surface ENaC by benzamil demonstrated that channels inserted from a subapical pool made up >90% of the stimulated ISC, and that on restimulation a large proportion of channels retrieved from the apical surface were reinserted into the apical membrane. Channel recycling was disrupted by brefeldin A, which inhibited ENaC exocytosis, by chloroquine, which inhibited ENaC endocytosis and recycling, and by latrunculin A, which blocked ENaC exocytosis. A compartment model featuring channel populations in the apical

  10. Acute ENaC stimulation by cAMP in a kidney cell line is mediated by exocytic insertion from a recycling channel pool.

    PubMed

    Butterworth, Michael B; Edinger, Robert S; Johnson, John P; Frizzell, Raymond A

    2005-01-01

    Acute hormonal regulation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in tight epithelia increases transcellular Na(+) transport via trafficking of intracellular channels to the apical surface. The fate of the channels removed from the apical surface following agonist washout is less clear. By repetitively stimulating polarized mouse cortical collecting duct (mCCD, (MPK)CCD(14)) epithelia, we evaluated the hypothesis that ENaC recycles through an intracellular pool to be available for reinsertion into the apical membrane. Short circuit current (I(SC)), membrane capacitance (C(T)), and conductance (G(T)) were recorded from mCCD epithelia mounted in modified Ussing chambers. Surface biotinylation of ENaC demonstrated an increase in channel number in the apical membrane following cAMP stimulation. This increase was accompanied by a 83 +/- 6% (n = 31) increase in I(SC) and a 15.3 +/- 1.5% (n = 15) increase in C(T). Selective membrane permeabilization demonstrated that the C(T) increase was due to an increase in apical membrane capacitance. I(SC) and C(T) declined to basal levels on stimulus washout. Repetitive cAMP stimulation and washout (approximately 1 h each cycle) resulted in response fatigue; DeltaI(SC) decreased approximately 10% per stimulation-recovery cycle. When channel production was blocked by cycloheximide, DeltaI(SC) decreased approximately 15% per stimulation cycle, indicating that newly synthesized ENaC contributed a relatively small fraction of the channels mobilized to the apical membrane. Selective block of surface ENaC by benzamil demonstrated that channels inserted from a subapical pool made up >90% of the stimulated I(SC), and that on restimulation a large proportion of channels retrieved from the apical surface were reinserted into the apical membrane. Channel recycling was disrupted by brefeldin A, which inhibited ENaC exocytosis, by chloroquine, which inhibited ENaC endocytosis and recycling, and by latrunculin A, which blocked ENaC exocytosis. A

  11. Left ventricular assist device implantation in a patient who had previously undergone apical myectomy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

    PubMed

    Cho, Yang Hyun; Deo, Salil V; Topilsky, Yan; Grogan, Martha A; Park, Soon J

    2012-03-01

    Apical hypertrophy is a rare variant of hypertropic cardiomyopathy. These patients may present with end-stage congestive heart failure subsequent to long standing diastolic dysfunction. We report the technique for left ventricular assist device insertion in a patient with previous apical myectomy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  12. Equatorial and Apical Solvent Shells of the UO₂²⁺ Ion.

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Nichols, Pat; Bylaska, Eric J.; Schenter, Gregory K.

    2008-03-08

    First principles molecular dynamics simulations of the hydration shells surrounding UO₂²⁺ ions are reported for temperatures near 300 K. Most of the simulations were done with 64 solvating water molecules (22 ps). Simulations with 122 water molecules (9 ps) were also carried out. The hydration structure predicted from the simulations was found to agree very well known results from X-ray data. The average U=O bond length was found to be 1.77Å . The first hydration shell contained five trigonally coordinated water molecules that were equatorially oriented about the O-U-O axis with the hydrogen atoms oriented away from the uranium atom.more » The five waters in the first shell were located at an average distance of 2.44Å (2.46Å - 122 water simulation). The second hydration shell was composed of distinct equatorial and apical regions resulting in a peak in the U-O radial distribution function at 4.59Å. The equatorial second shell contained 10 water molecules hydrogen-bonded to the five first shell molecules. Above and below the UO₂²⁺ ion, the water molecules were found to be significantly less structured. In these apical regions, water molecules were found to sporadically hydrogen bond to the oxygen atoms of the UO₂²⁺; oriented in such way as to have their protons pointed towards the cation. While the number of apical waters varied greatly, an average of 5-6 waters was found in this region. Many water transfers into and out of the equatorial and apical second solvation shells were observed to occur on a picosecond (ps) time scale via dissociative mechanisms. Beyond these shells, the bonding pattern substantially returned to the tetrahedral structure of bulk water.« less

  13. Evaluation of Apical Vapor Lock Formation and comparative Evaluation of its Elimination using Three different Techniques: An in vitro Study.

    PubMed

    Agarwal, Anand; Deore, Rahul B; Rudagi, Kavitarani; Nanda, Zinnie; Baig, Mirza Osman; Fareez, Md Adil

    2017-09-01

    The aim of this study was (i) to evaluate the formation of air bubbles in the apical region of root canal (apical vapor lock) during syringe irrigation, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and (ii) comparative evaluation of the elimination of an established vapor lock by EndoActivator, ultrasonics, and manual dynamic agitation (MDA), using CBCT. A total of 60 extracted human single-rooted teeth were equally divided into three groups of 20 teeth each. The samples were decoronated 17 mm from the apex, cleaned, and shaped to size F4 Protaper using 3% sodium hypochlorite. Samples were irrigated with 3% sodium hypochlorite + cesium chloride radiopaque dye, and preoperative CBCT images were obtained. After formation of apical vapor lock in the scanned teeth, EndoActivator (group I), passive ultrasonic irrigation (group II), and MDA with K-file (group III) were performed and the teeth were again placed in CBCT scanner and results analyzed using the chi-square test. The apical vapor lock was formed in all the samples. Out of the 20 teeth in each group, the apical vapor lock was eliminated in 18 samples of EndoActivator group (90%), 16 samples of ultrasonic group (80%), while it was eliminated in 10 samples by MDA (50%). It is concluded that (1) apical vapor lock is consistently formed during endodontic irrigation in closed canal systems and (2) sonic activation performs better than the ultrasonics and MDA in eliminating the apical vapor lock, with statistically significant difference between all the three groups (p < 0.05). The results suggest that the apical vapor lock (dead water zone) is consistently formed during routine endodontic irrigation which impedes irrigant penetration till the working length, thereby leading to inefficient debridement. Hence, to eliminate this vapor lock, techniques, such as sonics or ultrasonics should be used along with the irrigant after shaping and cleaning of the root canal.

  14. Effect of Instrumentation Length and Instrumentation Systems: Hand Versus Rotary Files on Apical Crack Formation – An In vitro Study

    PubMed Central

    Mahesh, MC; Bhandary, Shreetha

    2017-01-01

    Introduction Stresses generated during root canal instrumentation have been reported to cause apical cracks. The smaller, less pronounced defects like cracks can later propagate into vertical root fracture, when the tooth is subjected to repeated stresses from endodontic or restorative procedures. Aim This study evaluated occurrence of apical cracks with stainless steel hand files, rotary NiTi RaCe and K3 files at two different instrumentation lengths. Materials and Methods In the present in vitro study, 60 mandibular premolars were mounted in resin blocks with simulated periodontal ligament. Apical 3 mm of the root surfaces were exposed and stained using India ink. Preoperative images of root apices were obtained at 100x using stereomicroscope. The teeth were divided into six groups of 10 each. First two groups were instrumented with stainless steel files, next two groups with rotary NiTi RaCe files and the last two groups with rotary NiTi K3 files. The instrumentation was carried out till the apical foramen (Working Length-WL) and 1 mm short of the apical foramen (WL-1) with each file system. After root canal instrumentation, postoperative images of root apices were obtained. Preoperative and postoperative images were compared and the occurrence of cracks was recorded. Descriptive statistical analysis and Chi-square tests were used to analyze the results. Results Apical root cracks were seen in 30%, 35% and 20% of teeth instrumented with K-files, RaCe files and K3 files respectively. There was no statistical significance among three instrumentation systems in the formation of apical cracks (p=0.563). Apical cracks were seen in 40% and 20% of teeth instrumented with K-files; 60% and 10% of teeth with RaCe files and 40% and 0% of teeth with K3 files at WL and WL-1 respectively. For groups instrumented with hand files there was no statistical significance in number of cracks at WL and WL-1 (p=0.628). But for teeth instrumented with RaCe files and K3 files

  15. Determining the apical terminus of root-end resected teeth using three modern apex locators: a comparative ex vivo study.

    PubMed

    ElAyouti, A; Kimionis, I; Chu, A-L; Löst, C

    2005-11-01

    To assess ex vivo the accuracy of various electronic apex locators in locating the apical terminus of root-end resected teeth. Ninety extracted human posterior teeth (182 root canals) were prepared to a minimum size of 40 and filled with gutta-percha and sealer. After resection of the apical 3 mm of the root, the root canal filling was removed using HERO rotary instruments. The size of the root canal at the apical terminus after removal of the filling ranged from size 50 to 90. The root canal length to the apical terminus was determined using 3 apex locators (Root ZX, Raypex4 and Apex Pointer). A new mounting model that utilized a micrometer was used to perform the measurements and to visually determine the actual position of the apical terminus. The frequency of locating the apical terminus and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Additionally, the coefficient of repeatability of each apex locator and the limits of inter-operator agreement were determined. All apex locators showed an acceptable repeatability (0.02-0.03 mm coefficient of repeatability) and narrow limits of inter-operator agreement (+0.07 and -0.07 mm). The accuracy of determining the apical terminus within 1 mm in the root canal was as follows: Root ZX 90% (164/182 root-canals) [95%CI: 86-94%], Raypex4 74% (135/182 root-canals) [95%CI: 68-80%], and Apex Pointer 71% (129/182 root canals) [95%CI: 65-77%]. No over-instrumentation resulted when the Root ZX device was used. In contrast, using the Raypex4 or the Apex Pointer device resulted in over-instrumentation in 8 of 182 root canals (4%). Under the conditions of this study all three apex locators were able to detect the apical terminus of root-end resected teeth with an acceptable range. The Root ZX device was the most accurate without over-instrumentation of the root canals.

  16. Torsional deformity of apical vertebra in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

    PubMed

    Kotwicki, Tomasz; Napiontek, Marek

    2002-01-01

    CT scans of structural thoracic idiopathic scoliosis were reviewed in nine patients admitted to our department for scoliosis surgery. The apical vertebra scans were chosen and the following parameters were evaluated: 1) alpha angle formed by the axis of vertebra and the axis of spinous process 2) beta concave and beta convex angle between the spinous process and the left and right transverse process, respectively, 3) gamma concave and gamma convex angle between the axis of vertebra and the left and right transverse process, respectively, 4) the rotation angle to the sagittal plane. The constant deviation of the spinous process towards the convex side of the curve was observed. The vertebral body itself was distorted towards the concavity of the curve. The angle between the spinous process and the transverse process was smaller on the convex side of the curve. The torsional, intravertebral deformity of the apical vertebra was a factor acting in the direction opposite to the rotation, in the sense to reduce the deformity of the spine in idiopathic scoliosis.

  17. Frequency of Apical and Laminal /s/ in Normal and Postglossectomy Patients

    PubMed Central

    Stone, Maureen; Rizk, Susan; Woo, Jonghye; Murano, Emi Z.; Chen, Hegang; Prince, Jerry L.

    2015-01-01

    American English can be produced with two types of /s/: apical or laminal. These productions differ in that the apical gesture requires independent tongue tip elevation, and the laminal does not. Postglossectomy speakers, who have lost a unilateral portion of the tongue body along the outer edge, lose innervation to the tongue tip. We hypothesize that postglossectomy patients, even those with a preserved tongue tip, will be more likely to use laminal tongue shapes because of reduced control of the tongue tip. This study examines /s/ type, palate height, and related parameters in 24 control participants and 13 patients with lateral resections using cine-MRI and dental casts. Results of this dataset show that palate height affects choice of /s/ in control participants, but not in patients. Patients tend to use laminal /s/. PMID:26157329

  18. Model for the dynamic responses of taste receptor cells to salty stimuli. I. Function of lipid bilayer membranes.

    PubMed Central

    Naito, M; Fuchikami, N; Sasaki, N; Kambara, T

    1991-01-01

    The dynamic response of the lipid bilayer membrane is studied theoretically using a microscopic model of the membrane. The time courses of membrane potential variations due to monovalent salt stimulation are calculated explicitly under various conditions. A set of equations describing the time evolution of membrane surface potential and diffusion potential is derived and solved numerically. It is shown that a rather simple membrane such as lipid bilayer has functions capable of reproducing the following properties of dynamic response observed in gustatory receptor potential. Initial transient depolarization does not occur under Ringer adaptation but does under water. It appears only for comparatively rapid flows of stimuli, the peak height of transient response is expressed by a power function of the flow rate, and the membrane potential gradually decreases after reaching its peak under long and strong stimulation. The dynamic responses in the present model arise from the differences between the time dependences in the surface potential phi s and the diffusion potential phi d across a membrane. Under salt stimulation phi d cannot immediately follow the variation in phi s because of the delay due to the charging up of membrane capacitance. It is suggested that lipid bilayer in the apical membrane is the most probable agency producing the initial phasic response to the stimulation. PMID:1873461

  19. A K(+)/H (+) P-ATPase transport in the accessory cell membrane of the blowfly taste chemosensilla sustains the transepithelial potential.

    PubMed

    Sollai, Giorgia; Solari, Paolo; Masala, Carla; Liscia, Anna; Crnjar, Roberto

    2008-11-01

    An electrogenic K(+) transport in the tormogen cell of insect chemosensilla is involved in the generation and maintenance of the transepithelial potential (TEP). To gain more information about the K(+) transport system underlying the TEP generation and the location of its components in the plasma membrane of the tormogen cell, we studied the effects of inhibitors of K(+)/H(+) P-ATPase (bafilomycin A1, omeprazole and Na-orthovanadate), of K(+)/Cl(-) co-transport (bumetanide), of Cl(-) channels (NPPB) and of a K(+) channel blocker (BaCl(2)). The relationship between TEP amplitude and spike firing activity was also studied. Experiments were performed on the labellar chemosensilla of the blowfly Protophormia terraenovae using a modified tip-recording technique. Results show that: (a) K(+)/H(+) P-ATPase inhibitors significantly decrease the TEP, when properly applied to the labellum for 20 min, so as to reach the basolateral side of the plasma membrane, while no effect was detected when applied to the apical side, (b) bumetanide, NPPB and BaCl(2) decrease the TEP value only when administered to the apical side, (c) spike activity is positively correlated with the TEP. A model is proposed of the active and passive K(+) transports sustaining the TEP associated with the blowfly chemosensilla.

  20. Orthograde retreatment failure with extruded MTA apical plug in a large periradicular lesion followed by surgical intervention: case report.

    PubMed

    Brito-Junior, Manoel; Faria-e-Silva, Andre Luis; Quintino, Alex Carvalho; Moreira-Junior, Gil; Geber, Mauro; Camilo, Carla Cristina; Soares, Janir Alves

    2012-01-01

    Absence of periapical healing after orthograde retreatment using an apical plug with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) can require surgical intervention. A patient with a root-filled maxillary central incisor with chronic apical periodontitis and sinus tract was referred for endodontic retreatment. Excessive apical enlargement was verified, indicating an MTA apical plug placement; however, an unintentional extrusion of MTA occurred during this step. The root canal was filled with gutta-percha and sealer, and periodic recalls were scheduled. The sinus tract was observed after six months and the lesion remained unaltered, although the extruded MTA had resorbed; therefore, an apicoectomy and retrograde root-end filling with MTA were performed. Absence of sinus tract, normal clinical aspect, and complete repair of the lesion were observed at the two-year follow-up.

  1. Assessment of apically extruded debris produced by the self-adjusting file system.

    PubMed

    De-Deus, Gustavo André; Nogueira Leal Silva, Emmanuel João; Moreira, Edson Jorge; de Almeida Neves, Aline; Belladonna, Felipe Gonçalves; Tameirão, Michele

    2014-04-01

    This study was designed to quantitatively evaluate the amount of apically extruded debris by the Self-Adjusting-File system (SAF; ReDent-Nova, Ra'anana, Israel). Hand and rotary instruments were used as references for comparison. Sixty mesial roots of mandibular molars were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n = 20). The root canals were instrumented with hand files using a crown-down technique. The ProTaper (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and SAF systems were used according to the manufacturers' instructions. Sodium hypochlorite was used as an irrigant, and the apically extruded debris was collected in preweighted glass vials and dried afterward. The mean weight of debris was assessed with a microbalance and statistically analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and the post hoc Tukey multiple comparison test. Hand file instrumentation produced significantly more debris compared with the ProTaper and SAF systems (P < .05). The ProTaper system produced significantly more debris compared with the SAF system (P < .05). Under the conditions of this study, all systems caused apical debris extrusion. SAF instrumentation was associated with less debris extrusion compared with the use of hand and rotary files. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. The High Level of Aluminum Resistance in Signalgrass Is Not Associated with Known Mechanisms of External Aluminum Detoxification in Root Apices1

    PubMed Central

    Wenzl, Peter; Patiño, Gloria M.; Chaves, Alba L.; Mayer, Jorge E.; Rao, Idupulapati M.

    2001-01-01

    Al resistance of signalgrass (Brachiaria decumbens Stapf cv Basilisk), a widely sown tropical forage grass, is outstanding compared with the closely related ruzigrass (Brachiaria ruziziensis Germain and Evrard cv Common) and Al-resistant genotypes of graminaceous crops such as wheat, triticale, and maize. Secretion of organic acids and phosphate by root apices and alkalinization of the apical rhizosphere are commonly believed to be important mechanisms of Al resistance. However, root apices of signalgrass secreted only moderately larger quantities of organic acids than did those of ruzigrass, and efflux from signalgrass apices was three to 30 times smaller than from apices of Al-resistant genotypes of buckwheat, maize, and wheat (all much more sensitive to Al than signalgrass). In the presence, but not absence, of Al, root apices of signalgrass alkalinized the rhizosphere more than did those of ruzigrass. The latter was associated with a shortening of the alkalinizing zone in Al-intoxicated apices of ruzigrass, indicating that differences in alkalinizing power were a consequence, not a cause of, differential Al resistance. These data indicate that the main mechanism of Al resistance in signalgrass does not involve external detoxification of Al. Therefore, highly effective resistance mechanisms based on different physiological strategies appear to operate in this species. PMID:11244126

  3. Identification of AQP5 in lipid rafts and its translocation to apical membranes by activation of M3 mAChRs in interlobular ducts of rat parotid gland.

    PubMed

    Ishikawa, Yasuko; Yuan, Zhenfang; Inoue, Noriko; Skowronski, Mariusz T; Nakae, Yoshiko; Shono, Masayuki; Cho, Gota; Yasui, Masato; Agre, Peter; Nielsen, Søren

    2005-11-01

    Aquaporin-5 (AQP5), an apical plasma membrane (APM) water channel in salivary glands, lacrimal glands, and airway epithelium, has an important role in fluid secretion. M(3) muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR)-induced changes in AQP5 localization in rat parotid glands were investigated with immunofluorescence or immunoelectron microscopy, detergent solubility, and gradient density floatation assays. Confocal microscopy revealed AQP5 localization in intracellular vesicles of interlobular duct cells in rat parotid glands and AQP5 trafficking to the APM 10 min after injection of the mAChR agonist cevimeline. Conversely, 60 min after injection, there was a diffuse pattern of AQP5 staining in the cell cytoplasm. The calcium ionophore A-23187 mimicked the effects of cevimeline. Immunoelectron microscopic studies confirmed that cevimeline induced AQP5 trafficking from intracellular structures to APMs in the interlobular duct cells of rat parotid glands. Lipid raft markers flotillin-2 and GM1 colocalized with AQP5 and moved with AQP5 in response to cevimeline. Under control conditions, the majority of AQP5 localized in the Triton X-100-insoluble fraction and floated to the light-density fraction on discontinuous density gradients. After 10-min incubation of parotid tissue slices with cevimeline or A-23187, AQP5 levels decreased in the Triton X-100-insoluble fraction and increased in the Triton X-100-soluble fraction. Thus AQP5 localizes in the intracellular lipid rafts, and M(3) mAChR activation induces AQP5 trafficking to the APM with lipid rafts via intracellular Ca(2+) signaling and induces AQP5 dissociation from lipid rafts to nonrafts on the APM in the interlobular duct cells of rat parotid glands.

  4. Ex vivo investigation on the postoperative integrity of the apical constriction after the sole use of electronic working length determination.

    PubMed

    Wolgin, Michael; Grundmann, Markus J; Tchorz, Jörg P; Frank, Wilhelm; Kielbassa, Andrej M

    2017-09-01

    The present study investigated the accuracy of root canal preparation with regard to the integrity of the apical constriction (AC) using two different working length determination approaches: (1) the electronic method of working length determination (EWLD), and (2) the radiologic "gold standard" method (GS). Simulation models were constructed by arranging extracted human teeth by means of silicon bolstered gingiva masks, along with a conductive medium (alginate). Electronic working length determination (group 1; EWLD) and radiologic plus initial electronic working length determination for posterior comparability (group 2; GS) preceded manual root canal preparation of teeth in both groups. Master cones were inserted according to working lengths obtained from the group specific method. Subsequently, root apices (n=36) were longitudinally sectioned using a diamond-coated bur. The distance between the achieved apical endpoint of the endodontic preparation and the apical constriction (AC) was measured using digital photography. Then, distances between radiologically identified apical endpoints and AC (GS-AC) were compared with the corresponding distances EWLD-AC. Moreover, the postoperative status of the AC was examined with regard to both preparation approaches. Differences between distances GS-AC and EWLD-AC were not statistically significant (p >0.401) (Mann-Whitney-U). Among EWLD samples, 83% of the master cones exhibiting tugback at final insertion terminated close to the apical constriction (±0.5 mm), and no impairment of the minor diameter's integrity was observed. The sole use of EWLD allowed for a high accuracy of measurements and granted precise preparation of the apical regions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Membrane proteins follow multiple pathways to the basolateral cell surface in polarized epithelial cells

    PubMed Central

    Farr, Glen A.; Hull, Michael; Mellman, Ira

    2009-01-01

    Newly synthesized apical and basolateral membrane proteins are sorted from one another in polarized epithelial cells. The trans-Golgi network participates in this sorting process, but some basolateral proteins travel from the Golgi to recycling endosomes (REs) before their surface delivery. Using a novel system for pulse–chase microscopy, we have visualized the postsynthetic route pursued by a newly synthesized cohort of Na,K-ATPase. We find that the basolateral delivery of newly synthesized Na,K-ATPase occurs via a pathway distinct from that pursued by the vesicular stomatitis virus G protein (VSV-G). Na,K-ATPase surface delivery occurs at a faster rate than that observed for VSV-G. The Na,K-ATPase does not pass through the RE compartment en route to the plasma membrane, and Na,K-ATPase trafficking is not regulated by the same small GTPases as other basolateral proteins. Finally, Na,K-ATPase and VSV-G travel in separate post-Golgi transport intermediates, demonstrating directly that multiple routes exist for transport from the Golgi to the basolateral membrane in polarized epithelial cells. PMID:19620635

  6. Comparison of apical centring ability between incisal-shifted access and traditional lingual access for maxillary anterior teeth.

    PubMed

    Yahata, Yoshio; Masuda, Yoshiko; Komabayashi, Takashi

    2017-12-01

    The aim of this study was to compare the apical centring ability of incisal-shifted access (ISA) with that of traditional lingual access (TLA). Fifteen three-dimensional printed resin models were prepared from the computed tomography data for a human maxillary central incisor and divided into ISA (n = 7), TLA (n = 7) and control (n = 1) groups. After access preparation, these models were shaped to the working length using K-files up to #40, followed by step-back procedures. An apical portion of the model was removed at 0.5 mm coronal to the working length. Microscopic images of each cutting surface were taken to measure the preparation area and the distance of transportation. TLA created a larger preparation area than ISA (P < 0.05). The distance of transportation (mean ± standard deviation) was 0.4 ± 0.1 mm for ISA and 0.7 ± 0.1 mm for TLA (P < 0.05). Access cavity preparation has a significant effect on apical centring ability. ISA is beneficial to maintaining apical configuration. © 2017 Australian Society of Endodontology Inc.

  7. Apical electrolyte concentration modulates barrier function and tight junction protein localization in bovine mammary epithelium.

    PubMed

    Quesnell, Rebecca R; Erickson, Jamie; Schultz, Bruce D

    2007-01-01

    In vitro mammary epithelial cell models typically fail to form a consistently tight barrier that can effectively separate blood from milk. Our hypothesis was that mammary epithelial barrier function would be affected by changes in luminal ion concentration and inflammatory cytokines. Bovine mammary epithelial (BME-UV cell line) cells were grown to confluence on permeable supports with a standard basolateral medium and either high-electrolyte (H-elec) or low-electrolyte (L-elec) apical medium for 14 days. Apical media were changed to/from H-elec medium at predetermined times prior to assay. Transepithelial electrical resistance (R(te)) was highest in monolayers continuously exposed to apical L-elec. A time-dependent decline in R(te) began within 24 h of H-elec medium exposure. Change from H-elec medium to L-elec medium time-dependently increased R(te). Permeation by FITC-conjugated dextran was elevated across monolayers exposed to H-elec, suggesting compromise of a paracellular pathway. Significant alteration in occludin distribution was evident, concomitant with the changes in R(te), although total occludin was unchanged. Neither substitution of Na(+) with N-methyl-d-glucosamine (NMDG(+)) nor pharmacological inhibition of transcellular Na(+) transport pathways abrogated the effects of apical H-elec medium on R(te). Tumor necrosis factor alpha, but not interleukin-1beta nor interleukin-6, in the apical compartment caused a significant decrease in R(te) within 8 h. These results indicate that mammary epithelium is a dynamic barrier whose cell-cell contacts are acutely modulated by cytokines and luminal electrolyte environment. Results not only demonstrate that BME-UV cells are a model system representative of mammary epithelium but also provide critical information that can be applied to other mammary model systems to improve their physiological relevance.

  8. Gradenigo’s Syndrome in a Patient with Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media, Petrous Apicitis, and Meningitis

    PubMed Central

    Taklalsingh, Nicholas; Falcone, Franco; Velayudhan, Vinodkumar

    2017-01-01

    Patient: Male, 58 Final Diagnosis: Bacterial meningitis Symptoms: Altered mental status • headache • neck stiffness • vomiting Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Infectious Diseases Objective: Rare disease Background: Gradenigo’s syndrome includes the triad of suppurative otitis media, ipsilateral sixth (abducens) cranial nerve palsy and facial pain in the distribution of the fifth (trigeminal) cranial nerve. Gradenigo’s syndrome is rare, and the diagnosis is easily overlooked. This case is the first to report Gradenigo’s syndrome presenting with meningitis on a background of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) and petrous apicitis (apical petrositis). Case Report: A 58-year-old male African American presented with headaches and confusion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head showed petrous apicitis with mastoiditis and abscess formation in the cerebellomedullary cistern (cisterna magna). The case was complicated by the development of palsy of the fourth (trochlear) cranial nerve, fifth (trigeminal) cranial nerve, and sixth (abducens) cranial nerve, with radiological changes indicating infection involving the seventh (facial) cranial nerve, and eighth (vestibulocochlear) cranial nerve. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture results were positive for Klebsiella pneumoniae, sensitive to ceftriaxone. The patient improved with surgery that included a left mastoidectomy and debridement of the petrous apex, followed by a ten-week course of antibiotics. Follow-up MRI showed resolution of the infection. Conclusions: This report is of an atypical case of Gradenigo’s syndrome. It is important to recognize that the classical triad of Gradenigo’s syndrome, suppurative otitis media, ipsilateral sixth (abducens) cranial nerve palsy and facial pain in the distribution of the fifth (trigeminal) cranial nerve, may also involve chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), which may lead to involvement of other cranial nerves, petrous apicitis

  9. SEALING ABILITY OF GRAY MTA ANGELUS™, CPM™ AND MBPC USED AS APICAL PLUGS

    PubMed Central

    Orosco, Fernando Accorsi; Bramante, Clovis Monteiro; Garcia, Roberto Brandão; Bernardineli, Norberti; de Moraes, Ivaldo Gomes

    2008-01-01

    This study evaluated the sealing ability of apical plugs fabricated with gray MTA Angelus™ sealer, CPM™ sealer and MBPc sealer. The root canals of 98 extracted single-rooted human teeth were instrumented with #5 to #1 Gates Glidden drills according to the crown-down technique until the #1 drill could pass through the apical foramen. The specimens were then prepared with K-files, starting with an ISO 50 until an ISO 90 could be visualized 1 mm beyond the apex. After root canal preparation, the external surface of each root was rendered impermeable and roots were assigned to 3 experimental groups (n = 30), which received a 5-mm thick apical plug of gray MTA Angelus™, CPM ™ and MBPc, and two control groups (n=4). The remaining portion of the canal in the experimental groups was filled by the lateral condensation technique. The teeth of each group, properly identified, were fixed on utility wax by their crowns and were placed in plastic flasks, leaving the apex free and facing upward. The flasks were filled with 0.2% Rhodamine B solution, pH 7.0, so as to completely cover the root apex of all teeth. The sealing ability was analyzed by measuring 0.2% Rhodamine B leakage after all groups had been maintained in this solution for 48 hours. Data were analyzed statistically by Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn test with a=5%. The results showed that, among the tested materials used for fabrication of apical plugs, MBPc sealer had the least amount of leakage with statistically significant difference (p<0.05). PMID:19089289

  10. Microflora of root filled teeth with apical periodontitis in Latvian patients.

    PubMed

    Mindere, Anda; Kundzina, Rita; Nikolajeva, Vizma; Eze, Daina; Petrina, Zaiga

    2010-01-01

    The aim of the present study was to investigate the microbial flora of root filled teeth with apical periodontitis and to determine the prevalence of β-lactamase producing strains in isolated bacteria in Latvian patients. 33 root filled teeth with asymptomatic persisting periapical lesions were selected for the present study. During nonsurgical endodontic retreatment, the root filling material was removed and canals were sampled. Determination of microbial species was based on series of biochemical tests using identification kits. All strains of bacteria were tested for β-lactamase production by using chromogenic nitrocefin-impregnated slides. Bacteria were found in 32 (97%) of initial specimens from the teeth. The number of isolated microbial strains in the specimens ranged from one to six (mean 2.7). 79% of the isolated microbial species were Gram-positive bacteria. The most common isolates were Streptococcus (27%), Actinomyces (27%), Staphylococcus (18%), Enterococcus (18%) and Lactobacillus (18%) spp. Yeasts were found as four isolates in 3 cases (9%). β-lactamase-producing bacterial strains were detected in 12 specimens, 36% of the patients. The most common enzyme-producing bacteria belonged to Actinomyces and Staphylococcus spp. The microbial flora in previously treated root canals with apical periodontitis is limited to a small number of predominantly Gram-positive microbial species. The most common isolates are Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Lactobacillus spp. A moderately high prevalence of β-lactamase producing bacterial strains was detected in patients with root filled teeth with apical periodontitis.

  11. Sampling of the anterior apical region results in increased cancer detection and upgrading in transrectal repeat saturation biopsy of the prostate.

    PubMed

    Seles, Maximilian; Gutschi, Thomas; Mayrhofer, Katrin; Fischereder, Katja; Ehrlich, Georg; Gallé, Guenter; Gutschi, Stefan; Pachernegg, Oliver; Pummer, Karl; Augustin, Herbert

    2016-04-01

    To evaluate whether biopsy cores taken via a transrectal approach from the anterior apical region of the prostate in a repeat-biopsy population can result in an increased overall cancer detection rate and in more accurate assessment of the Gleason score. The study was a prospective, randomised (end-fire vs side-fire ultrasound probe) evaluation of 288 men by repeat transrectal saturation biopsy with 28 cores taken from the transition zone, base, mid-lobar, anterior and the anterior apical region located ventro-laterally to the urethra of the peripheral zone. The overall prostate cancer detection rate was 44.4%. Improvement of the overall detection rate by 7.8% could be achieved with additional biopsies of the anterior apical region. Two tumours featuring a Gleason score 7 could only be detected in the anterior apical region. In three cases (2.34%) Gleason score upgrading was achieved by separate analysis of each positive core of the anterior apical region. A five-fold higher cancer detection rate in the anterior apical region compared with the transition zone could be shown. Sampling of the anterior apical region results in higher overall cancer detection rate in repeat transrectal saturation biopsies of the prostate. Specimens from this region can detect clinically significant cancer, improve accuracy of the Gleason Scoring and therefore may alter therapy. © 2015 The Authors BJU International © 2015 BJU International Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  12. Relationship between cell volume and ion transport in the early distal tubule of the Amphiuma kidney.

    PubMed

    Guggino, W B; Oberleithner, H; Giebisch, G

    1985-07-01

    The roles of apical and basolateral transport mechanisms in the regulation of cell volume and the hydraulic water permeabilities (Lp) of the individual cell membranes of the Amphiuma early distal tubule (diluting segment) were evaluated using video and optical techniques as well as conventional and Cl-sensitive microelectrodes. The Lp of the apical cell membrane calculated per square centimeter of tubule is less than 3% that of the basolateral cell membrane. Calculated per square centimeter of membrane, the Lp of the apical cell membrane is less than 40% that of the basolateral cell membrane. Thus, two factors are responsible for the asymmetry in the Lp of the early distal tubule: an intrinsic difference in the Lp per square centimeter of membrane area, and a difference in the surface areas of the apical and basolateral cell membranes. Early distal tubule cells do not regulate volume after a reduction in bath osmolality. This cell swelling occurs without a change in the intracellular Cl content or the basolateral cell membrane potential. In contrast, reducing the osmolality of the basolateral solution in the presence of luminal furosemide diminishes the magnitude of the increase in cell volume to a value below that predicted from the change in osmolality. This osmotic swelling is associated with a reduction in the intracellular Cl content. Hence, early distal tubule cells can lose solute in response to osmotic swelling, but only after the apical Na/K/Cl transporter is blocked. Inhibition of basolateral Na/K ATPase with ouabain results in severe cell swelling. This swelling in response to ouabain can be inhibited by the prior application of furosemide, which suggests that the swelling is due to the continued entry of solutes, primarily through the apical cotransport pathway.

  13. Relationship between cell volume and ion transport in the early distal tubule of the Amphiuma kidney

    PubMed Central

    1985-01-01

    The roles of apical and basolateral transport mechanisms in the regulation of cell volume and the hydraulic water permeabilities (Lp) of the individual cell membranes of the Amphiuma early distal tubule (diluting segment) were evaluated using video and optical techniques as well as conventional and Cl-sensitive microelectrodes. The Lp of the apical cell membrane calculated per square centimeter of tubule is less than 3% that of the basolateral cell membrane. Calculated per square centimeter of membrane, the Lp of the apical cell membrane is less than 40% that of the basolateral cell membrane. Thus, two factors are responsible for the asymmetry in the Lp of the early distal tubule: an intrinsic difference in the Lp per square centimeter of membrane area, and a difference in the surface areas of the apical and basolateral cell membranes. Early distal tubule cells do not regulate volume after a reduction in bath osmolality. This cell swelling occurs without a change in the intracellular Cl content or the basolateral cell membrane potential. In contrast, reducing the osmolality of the basolateral solution in the presence of luminal furosemide diminishes the magnitude of the increase in cell volume to a value below that predicted from the change in osmolality. This osmotic swelling is associated with a reduction in the intracellular Cl content. Hence, early distal tubule cells can lose solute in response to osmotic swelling, but only after the apical Na/K/Cl transporter is blocked. Inhibition of basolateral Na/K ATPase with ouabain results in severe cell swelling. This swelling in response to ouabain can be inhibited by the prior application of furosemide, which suggests that the swelling is due to the continued entry of solutes, primarily through the apical cotransport pathway. PMID:2411847

  14. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) is present on the basolateral, but not the apical, surface of enterocytes in the human gastrointestinal tract.

    PubMed Central

    Playford, R J; Hanby, A M; Gschmeissner, S; Peiffer, L P; Wright, N A; McGarrity, T

    1996-01-01

    BACKGROUND: While it is clear that luminal epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates repair of the damaged bowel, its significance in maintaining normal gut growth remains uncertain. If EGF is important in maintaining normal gut growth, the EGF receptor (EGF-R) should be present on the apical (luminal) surface in addition to the basolateral surface. AIMS/SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study examined the distribution of the EGF-R in the epithelium throughout the human gastro-intestinal tract using immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and western blotting of brush border preparations. RESULTS: Immunostaining of the oesophagus showed circumferential EGF-R positivity in the cells of the basal portions of the stratified squamous epithelium but surface cells were EGF-R negative. In the normal stomach, small intestine, and colon, immunostaining localised the receptor to the basolateral surface with the apical membranes being consistently negative. EGF-R positivity within the small intestine appeared to be almost entirely restricted to the proliferative (crypt) region. Western blotting demonstrated a 170 kDa protein in whole tissue homogenates but not in the brush border vesicle preparations. CONCLUSIONS: As the EGF-R is located only on the basolateral surfaces in the normal adult gastrointestinal tract, the major role of luminal EGF is probably to stimulate repair rather than to maintain normal gut growth. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 PMID:8977341

  15. Apical and root canal space sealing abilities of resin and glass ionomer-based root canal obturation systems.

    PubMed

    Royer, Kinga; Liu, Xue Jun; Zhu, Qiang; Malmstrom, Hans; Ren, Yan-Fang

    2013-01-01

    To investigate the apical sealing ability of glass ionomer and resin-based root canal obturation systems in comparison to a conventional vertical compaction of warm guttapercha. Forty-five extracted human teeth were randomly assigned into 3 groups of 15 each: a resin-based (EndoRez), a glass ionomer-based (Activ GP), and a conventional gutta-percha plus pulp sealer obturation system (GP/EWT). Apical and root canal space sealing abilities were assessed on five cross-sections 1.0 mm apart starting from the apex. Cross-section images were analysed using a focus-variation 3D scanning microscope and unsealed space was calculated as the percentage of total root canal space occupied by voids and debris. EndoRez had significantly higher rate of apical leakage and deeper dye penetration as compared to GP/EWT and Activ GP. EndoRez group had also more voids and debris (22.5%) in the root canal spaces as compared to GP/EWT (10.5%) and Activ GP (10.8%). Apical leakages occurred not only along the root canal walls, but also along the gutta-percha cones with EndoRez as a result of significant polymerisation shrinkage of the resin sealer. Resin-based EndoRez did not form an adequate apical seal of filled root canals. Glass ionomer-based Activ GP was comparable to a vertical compaction of warm guttapercha plus EWT sealer in sealing root canal spaces.

  16. Localization of the Calcium Regulated Citrate Transport Process in Proximal Tubule Cells

    PubMed Central

    Hering-Smith, Kathleen S.; Mao, Weibo; Schiro, Faith R.; Coleman-Barnett, Joycelynn; Pajor, Ana M.; Hamm, L. Lee

    2014-01-01

    Urinary citrate is an important inhibitor of calcium stone formation. Most of citrate reabsorption in the proximal tubule is thought to occur via a dicarboxylate transporter NaDC1 located in the apical membrane. OK cells, an established opossum kidney proximal tubule cell line, transport citrate but the characteristics change with extracellular calcium such that low calcium solutions stimulate total citrate transport as well as increase the apparent affinity for transport. The present studies address several fundamental properties of this novel process: the polarity of the transport process, the location of the calcium-sensitivity and whether NaDC1 is present in OK cells. OK cells grown on permeable supports exhibited apical > basolateral citrate transport. Apical transport of both citrate and succinate was sensitive to extracellular calcium whereas basolateral transport was not. Apical calcium, rather than basolateral, was the predominant determinant of changes in transport. Also 2,3-dimethylsuccinate, previously identified as an inhibitor of basolateral dicarboxylate transport, inhibited apical citrate uptake. Although the calcium-sensitive transport process in OK cells is functionally not typical NaDC1, NaDC1 is present in OK cells by Western blot and PCR. By immunolocalization studies, NaDC1 was predominantly located in discrete apical membrane or subapical areas. However by biotinylation, apical NaDC1 decreases in the apical membrane with lowering calcium. In sum, OK cells express a calcium-sensitive/regulated dicarboxylate process at the apical membrane which responds to variations in apical calcium. Despite the functional differences of this process compared to NaDC1, NaDC1 is present in these cells, but predominantly in subapical vesicles. PMID:24652587

  17. Influence of Apical Diameter on the Outcome of Regenerative Endodontic Treatment in Teeth with Pulp Necrosis: A Review.

    PubMed

    Fang, Yanjun; Wang, Xinhuan; Zhu, Jingjing; Su, Chaonan; Yang, Ying; Meng, Liuyan

    2018-03-01

    The aim of this review was to evaluate whether the apical diameter of teeth with necrotic pulp affects the outcomes of regenerative endodontic treatment and to determine the minimal apical size needed to obtain proper pulp revascularization. A literature search was performed from January 1, 2001, to November 25, 2016. Studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria were subjected to data extraction and analysis. In total, 14 studies with 85 patients were included. There were 10 case reports, 3 case series, and 1 prospective cohort study. The apical diameters of the teeth were divided into 3 groups: a narrow-sized group (group N), <0.5 mm (n = 10); a medium-sized group (group M), 0.5-1.0 mm (n = 25); and a wide-sized group (group W), >1.0 mm (n = 60). In group N, 1 tooth failed, 2 teeth completely healed, and 7 teeth incompletely healed. In group M, 2 teeth were excluded, and 1 tooth failed. In group W, 3 teeth were excluded, and 4 teeth failed. The clinical success rates were 90%, 95.65%, and 92.98% in groups N, M, and W, respectively. Within the limitations, the teeth with apical diameters <1.0 mm achieved clinical success after regenerative endodontic treatment. Meanwhile, the teeth with apical diameters of 0.5-1.0 mm attained the highest clinical success rate, which may be related to other potential factors, including patient age, pulp necrosis etiology, preoperative apical radiolucency, procedure details, follow-up period, and sample size. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Concentration gradient along the scala tympani after local application of gentamicin to the round window membrane.

    PubMed

    Plontke, Stefan K; Mynatt, Robert; Gill, Ruth M; Borgmann, Stefan; Salt, Alec N

    2007-07-01

    The distribution of gentamicin along the fluid spaces of the cochlea after local applications has never previously been demonstrated. Computer simulations have predicted that significant basal-apical concentration gradients might be expected, and histologic studies indicate that hair cell damage is greater at the base than at the apex after local gentamicin application. In the present study, gradients of gentamicin along the cochlea were measured. A recently developed method of sampling perilymph from the cochlear apex of guinea pigs was used in which the samples represent fluid originating from different regions along the scala tympani. Gentamicin concentration was determined in sequential apical samples that were taken after up to 3 hours of local application to the round window niche. Substantial gradients of gentamicin along the length of the scala tympani were demonstrated and quantified, averaging more than 4,000 times greater concentration at the base compared with the apex at the time of sampling. Peak concentrations and gradients for gentamicin varied considerably between animals, likely resulting from variations in round window membrane permeability and rates of perilymph flow. The large gradients for gentamicin demonstrated here in guinea pigs account for how it is possible to suppress vestibular function in some patients with a local application of gentamicin without damaging auditory function. Variations in round window membrane permeability and in perilymph flow could account for why hearing losses are observed in some patients.

  19. Concentration gradient along scala tympani following the local application of gentamicin to the round window membrane

    PubMed Central

    Plontke, Stefan K.; Mynatt, Robert; Gill, Ruth M.; Borgmann, Stefan; Salt, Alec N.

    2008-01-01

    Objectives The distribution of gentamicin along the fluid spaces of the cochlea following local applications has never previously been demonstrated. Computer simulations have predicted that significant basal-apical concentration gradients might be expected and histological studies indicate that hair cell damage is greater at the base than at the apex following local gentamicin application. In the present study, gradients of gentamicin along the cochlea were measured. Methods A recently-developed method of sampling perilymph from the cochlear apex of guinea pigs was used, in which the samples represent fluid originating from different regions along scala tympani. Gentamicin concentration was determined in sequential apical samples which were taken following up to three hours of local application to the round window niche. Results Substantial gradients of gentamicin along the length of scala tympani were demonstrated and quantified, averaging more than 4000 times greater concentration at the base compared to the apex at the time of sampling. Peak concentrations and gradients for gentamicin varied considerably between animals, likely resulting from variations in round window membrane permeability and rates of perilymph flow. Conclusions The large gradients for gentamicin demonstrated here in guinea pigs account for how it is possible to suppress vestibular function in some patients with a local application of gentamicin without damaging auditory function. Variations in round window membrane permeability and in perilymph flow could account for why hearing losses are observed in some patients. PMID:17603318

  20. Complex Apical Intraradicular Infection and Extraradicular Mineralized Biofilms as the Cause of Wet Canals and Treatment Failure: Report of 2 Cases.

    PubMed

    Ricucci, Domenico; Candeiro, George T M; Bugea, Calogero; Siqueira, José F

    2016-03-01

    This article describes 2 cases that showed persistent intracanal exudation (wet canal) even after several visits of antimicrobial endodontic treatment. Histologic and histobacteriologic investigation was conducted for determination of the cause. The 2 cases involved teeth with apical periodontitis lesions, which presented persistent exudation refractory to treatment after several visits. In case 1, it was not possible to achieve a dry canal, and surgery had to be performed. In case 2, attempts to dry the canal succeeded and the canal was filled, but follow-up examination showed an enlarged apical periodontitis lesion and extraction was performed. Biopsy specimens consisting of the root apex and apical periodontitis lesion for case 1 and the whole root for case 2 were subjected to histologic and histobacteriologic analyses. Both cases showed complex bacterial infection in the apical root, affecting both the intraradicular space and the outer root surface. Case 1 showed bacterial biofilms in ramifications, on untouched walls, and extending to the external root surface to form a thick and partially mineralized structure with high bacterial density. Different bacterial morphotypes were evidenced. Case 2 had a ledge on the apical canal wall created during instrumentation, which was filled with necrotic debris, filling material, and bacteria. The walls of the apical portion of the canal were covered by a bacterial biofilm, which was continuous with a thick extraradicular biofilm covering the cementum and dentin in resorptive defects. The extraradicular biofilm showed areas of mineralization and was dominated by filamentous bacteria. The 2 cases with wet canals and treatment failure were associated with complex persistent infection in the apical part of the root canal system extending to form thick and partially mineralized biofilm structures (calculus) on the outer apical root surface. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All