Mikhail Inyushin | Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine (original) (raw)

Papers by Mikhail Inyushin

Research paper thumbnail of An Integrative Approach to the Current Treatment of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders and the Implementation of Leukemia Inhibitor Factor as a Mediator of Neurocognitive Preservation

Life

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HANDs) continue to impact patients despite antiretrovira... more HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HANDs) continue to impact patients despite antiretroviral therapy. A combination of antiretroviral therapies can diminish the HIV viral load to near undetectable levels, but fails to preserve neurocognitive integrity. The cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has shown neuroprotective properties that could mitigate neurodegeneration in HANDs. The LIF promotes neurogenesis, neural cell differentiation, and survival. Combination antiretroviral therapy reduces severe forms of HANDs, but neurocognitive impairment persists; additionally, some antiretrovirals have additional adverse neurotoxic effects. The LIF counteracts neurotoxic viral proteins and limits neural cell damage in models of neuroinflammation. Adding the LIF as an adjuvant therapy to enhance neuroprotection merits further research for managing HANDs. The successful implementation of the LIF to current therapies would contribute to achieving a better quality of life for the affect...

Research paper thumbnail of Polyamine Transport by the Polyspecific Organic Cation Transporters OCT1, OCT2, and OCT3

Molecular Pharmaceutics, Mar 19, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) and amyloid precursor protein (APP) in tumors formed by a mouse xenograft model of inflammatory breast cancer

FEBS Open Bio, Sep 30, 2021

Accumulation of amyloid in breast cancer is a well‐known phenomenon, but only immunoglobulin ligh... more Accumulation of amyloid in breast cancer is a well‐known phenomenon, but only immunoglobulin light‐chain amyloidosis (AL) or transthyretin (TTR) amyloid had been detected in human breast tumor samples previously. We recently reported that another amyloidogenic peptide, amyloid beta (Aβ), is present in an aggregated form in animal and human high‐grade gliomas and suggested that it originates systemically from the blood, possibly generated by platelets. To study whether breast cancers are also associated with these Aβ peptides and in what form, we used a nude mouse model inoculated with triple‐negative inflammatory breast cancer cell (SUM‐149) xenografts, which develop noticeable tumors. Immunostaining with two types of specific antibodies for Aβ identified the clear presence of Aβ peptides associated with (a) carcinoma cells and (b) extracellular aggregated amyloid (also revealed by Congo red and thioflavin S staining). Aβ peptides, in both cells and in aggregated amyloid, were distributed in clear gradients, with maximum levels near blood vessels. We detected significant presence of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the walls of blood vessels of tumor samples, as well as in carcinoma cells. Finally, we used ELISA to confirm the presence of elevated levels of mouse‐generated Aβ40 in tumors. We conclude that Aβ in inflammatory breast cancer tumors, at least in a mouse model, is always present and is concentrated near blood vessels. We also discuss here the possible pathways of Aβ accumulation in tumors and whether this phenomenon could represent the specific signature of high‐grade cancers.

Research paper thumbnail of Visualization of implanted GL261 glioma cells in living mouse brain slices using fluorescent 4-(4-(dimethylamino)-styryl)-N-methylpyridinium iodide (ASP<sup>+</sup>)

BioTechniques, Nov 1, 2012

Here we describe a new method of glioma cell visualization in living brain slices that can be use... more Here we describe a new method of glioma cell visualization in living brain slices that can be used for evaluation of tumor size or visualization of internal tumor structures. Glial cells, as well as glioma cells of glial origin, express high levels of organic cation transporters. We demonstrate that application of a fluorescent substrate for these transporters 4-(4-(dimethylamino)-styryl)-N-methylpyridinium iodide (ASP +) to the incubation medium leads to quick accumulation of fluorescence in glioma cells during early developmental stages and in astrocytes, but not in neurons. Stained brain slices can be immediately investigated using confocal or fluorescence microscopy. Glioma and glial cells can be discriminated from each other because of their different morphology. The method described has the advantage of staining living tissue and is simple to perform.

Research paper thumbnail of Platelets are responsible for the accumulation of β-amyloid in blood clots inside and around blood vessels in mouse brain after thrombosis

Brain Research Bulletin, 2017

Introduction-Platelets contain beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) as well as Aβ peptide (Aβ) th... more Introduction-Platelets contain beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) as well as Aβ peptide (Aβ) that can be released upon activation. During thrombosis, platelets are concentrated in clots and activated. Methods-We used in vivo fluorescent analysis and electron microscopy in mice to determine to what degree platelets are concentrated in clots. We used immunostaining to visualize Aβ after photothrombosis in mouse brains. Results-Both in vivo results and electron microscopy revealed that platelets were 300-500 times more concentrated in clots than in non-clotted blood. After thrombosis in control mice, but not in thrombocytopenic animals, Aβ immunofluorescence was present inside blood vessels in the visual cortex and around capillaries in the entorhinal cortex. Conclusion-The increased concentration of platelets allows enhanced release of Aβ during thrombosis, suggesting an additional source of Aβ in the brains of Alzheimer's patients that may arise if frequent micro-thrombosis events occur in their brains.

Research paper thumbnail of The Effects of Amyloid-β on Metabolomic Profiles of Cardiomyocytes and Coronary Endothelial Cells

Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, May 2, 2023

Background: An increasing number of experimental and clinical studies show a link between Alzheim... more Background: An increasing number of experimental and clinical studies show a link between Alzheimer’s disease and heart diseases such as heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and atrial fibrillation. However, the mechanisms underlying the potential role of amyloid-β (Aβ) in the pathogenesis of cardiac dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease remain unknown. We have recently shown the effects of Aβ1 - 40 and Aβ1 - 42 on cell viability and mitochondrial function in cardiomyocytes and coronary artery endothelial cells. Objective: In this study, we investigated the effects of Aβ1 - 40 and Aβ1 - 42 on the metabolism of cardiomyocytes and coronary artery endothelial cells. Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze metabolomic profiles of cardiomyocytes and coronary artery endothelial cells treated with Aβ1 - 40 and Aβ1 - 42. In addition, we determined mitochondrial respiration and lipid peroxidation in these cells. Results: We found that the metabolism of different amino acids was affected by Aβ1 - 42 in each cell type, whereas the fatty acid metabolism is consistently disrupted in both types of cells. Lipid peroxidation was significantly increased, whereas mitochondrial respiration was reduced in both cell types in response to Aβ1 - 42. Conclusion: This study revealed the disruptive effects of Aβ on lipid metabolism and mitochondria function in cardiac cells.

Research paper thumbnail of Membrane potential and pH-dependent accumulation of decynium-22 (1,1'-diethyl-2,2'-cyanine iodide) flourencence through OCT transporters in astrocytes

Boletín de la Asociación Médica de Puerto Rico, Jul 1, 2010

1,1′-Diethyl-2,2′-cyanine iodide (decynium22; D22) is a potent blocker of the organic cation fami... more 1,1′-Diethyl-2,2′-cyanine iodide (decynium22; D22) is a potent blocker of the organic cation family of transporters (EMT/OCT) known to move endogenous monoamines like dopamine and norepinephrine across cell membranes. Decynium22 is a cation with a relatively high affinity for all members of the OCT family in both human and rat cells. The mechanism through which decynium22 blocks OCT transporters is poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that denynium22 may compete with monoamines utilizing OCT to permeate the cells. Using the ability of D22 to aggregate and produce fluorescence at 570 nm, we measured D22 uptake in cultured astrocytes. The rate of D22 uptake was strongly depressed by acid pH and by elevated external K +. The rate of uptake was similar to that displayed by 4-(4-(dimethylamino)-styryl)-Nmethylpyridinium (ASP+), a well established substrate for OCT and high-affinity Na+-dependent monoamine transporters. These data were supported by measurement of electrogenic uptake using whole cell voltage clamp recording. Decynium22 depressed norepinephrine, but not glutamate uptake. These data are also consistent with the described OCT transporter characteristics. Taken together, our results suggest that decynium22 accumulation might be a useful instrument to study monoamine transport in the brain, and particularly in astrocytes, where they may play a prominent role in monoamine uptake during brain dysfunction related to monoamines (like Parkinson disease)and drug addiction.

Research paper thumbnail of On the Role of Platelet-Generated Amyloid Beta Peptides in Certain Amyloidosis Health Complications

Frontiers in Immunology, Oct 2, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Intracellular spermine prevents acid-induced uncoupling of Cx43 gap junction channels

Neuroreport, Jun 17, 2015

Polyamines (PAs), such as spermine and spermidine, modulate the activity of numerous receptors an... more Polyamines (PAs), such as spermine and spermidine, modulate the activity of numerous receptors and channels in the central nervous system (CNS) and are stored in glial cells; however, little attention has been paid to their role in the regulation of connexin (Cx)-based gap junction channels. We have previously shown that PAs facilitate diffusion of Lucifer Yellow through astrocytic gap junctions in acute brain slices; therefore, we hypothesized that spermine can regulate Cx43-mediated (as the most abundant Cx in astrocytes) gap junctional communication. We used electrophysiological patch-clamp recording from paired Novikoff cells endogenously expressing Cx43 and HeLaCx43-EGFP transfectants to study pH-dependent modulation of cell-cell coupling in the presence or absence of PAs. Our results showed (i) a higher increase in gap junctional communication at higher concentrations of cytoplasmic spermine, and (ii) that spermine prevented uncoupling of gap junctions at low intracellular pH. Taken together, we conclude that spermine enhances Cx43-mediated gap junctional communication and may preserve neuronal excitability during ischemia and trauma when pH in the brain acidifies. We, therefore, suggest a new role of spermine in the regulation of a Cx43-based network under (patho)physiological conditions. NeuroReport 26:528

Research paper thumbnail of Müller Cell Alignment in Bird Fovea: Possible Role in Vision

Journal of Neuroscience and Neuroengineering, Dec 1, 2014

Birds which possess high visual acuity, such as eagles and falcons, are known to have retinas wit... more Birds which possess high visual acuity, such as eagles and falcons, are known to have retinas with a deep conically curved central foveal pit. There have been different attempts to explain the importance of this particular shape of the fovea in visual resolution. Recently, the function of Müller cells as "light fibers" was discovered, showing how the endfeet of Müller cells trap the light and then transfer it to a single cone photoreceptor. Here we describe how the endfeet of Müller cells line the walls of the foveal pit in the Pied Flycatcher, and how the Müller cell body extends its processes towards individual cones, forming machinery that could allow for light transfer from the pit wall to the photoreceptor layer alongside the pit. We describe how this construction may send an image from the fovea to the cones, and also, how the angular positioning of Müller cells, being optical extensions of the cones, has the advantage of being much denser than on a flat or slightly curved fovea. We, therefore, suggest that this type of optic fiber alignment can be used as a novel type of "amplifying array" that simply increases the amount of megapixels at the photoreceptor cell layer.

Research paper thumbnail of Foveolar Müller Cells of the Pied Flycatcher: Morphology and Distribution of Intermediate Filaments Regarding Cell Transparency

Microscopy and Microanalysis, Mar 1, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Use of artificial ion channels for quasi-intracellular recording of cerebral cortex neuron activity

Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology, Nov 1, 1997

Action potentials and synaptic potentials were recorded in vivo from cortical neurons in baby rat... more Action potentials and synaptic potentials were recorded in vivo from cortical neurons in baby rats aged 20-25 days using a new method based on the ionophore nystatin. Nystatin solution was used to fill a standard glass extracellular microelectrode, and became inserted into membranes. Spikes which were initially recorded as extracellular spikes showed increases in amplitude and were transformed into unipolar quasi-intracellular spikes at 0.5-5.0 min after formation of the high-conductance contact. This method allows stable recording of neuronal activity from cells for at least 1 h, and provides a good signal-to-noise ratio. The electrode does not puncture the neuron membrane, with the result that experiments do not require any isolation from vibration. Thus, the results obtained demonstrate that the method is highly efficient for recording the in vivo activity of small nerve cells.

Research paper thumbnail of Accumulation of amyloid beta in human glioblastomas

Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Aug 11, 2020

Many cancer types are intrinsically associated with specific types of amyloidosis, in which amylo... more Many cancer types are intrinsically associated with specific types of amyloidosis, in which amyloid is accumulated locally inside tumors or systemically. Usually, this condition relates to the hyperproduction of specific amylogenic proteins. Recently, we found that the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide immunofluorescence is linked to glioma cells in mouse tumors. Here we report that amyloid-specific histochemical dyes reveal amyloid accumulation in all human glioma samples. Application of two different antibodies against Aβ peptide (a polyclonal antibody against human Aβ1-42 and a monoclonal pan-specific mAb-2 antibody against Aβ) showed that the amyloid in glioma samples contains Aβ. Amyloid was linked to glioma cells expressing glial-specific fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and to glioma blood vessels. Astrocytes close to the glioma site and to affected vessels also accumulated Aβ. We discuss whether amyloid is produced by glioma cells or is the result of systemic production of Aβ in response to glioma development due to an innate immunity reaction. We conclude that amyloid build-up in glioma tumors is a part of the tumor environment, and may be used as a target for developing a novel class of anti-tumor drugs and as an antigen for glioma visualization.

Research paper thumbnail of Superparamagnetic Properties of Hemozoin

Scientific Reports, May 18, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Transport Reversal during Heteroexchange: A Kinetic Study

Journal of Biophysics, Oct 26, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of The Rac inhibitor HV-107 as a potential therapeutic for metastatic breast cancer

Molecular Medicine, Jun 14, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Mechanism of light energy transport in the avian retina

arXiv (Cornell University), Jun 11, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of On the Mechanism of Light Transmission by Müller Cells

arXiv (Cornell University), Mar 8, 2015

We report that Müller cells contain bundles of long specialized intermediate filaments, each abou... more We report that Müller cells contain bundles of long specialized intermediate filaments, each about 10 nm in diameter; most likely, these filaments are the channels providing light transmission to photoreceptor cells in mammalian and avian retinas. We interpret transmission of light in such channels using the notions of quantum confinement, describing energy transport in structures with electro-conductive walls and diameter much smaller than the wavelength of the respective photons. Model calculations produce photon transmission efficiency in such channels exceeding 0.8, in optimized geometry. We infer that protein molecules make up the channels, proposing a qualitative mechanism of light transmission by such structures. I.

Research paper thumbnail of Adjuvant effect of dendritic cells activator Imiquimod in genetic immunization with HIV-1 p55 Gag

PubMed, 2023

Dendritic cells (DC) are important antigen-presenting cells that have abilities to induce and mai... more Dendritic cells (DC) are important antigen-presenting cells that have abilities to induce and maintain T-cell immunity, or attenuate it during hyperimmunization. Additional activation of DCs may be useful for vaccination purposes. Imiquimod is known to be a specific agonist of the Toll-like receptors (TLR7), which are located mainly on DCs. To study the effect of DC stimulation on the effectiveness of an HIV-1 p55 gag DNA vaccine in a mice model, we employed 25, 50, and 100 nM of Imiquimod as an adjuvant. Subsequently, Western blot analysis was used to quantify p55 protein production after the immunization. To characterize T-cells immune response, both the frequency of IFN-γ -secreting cells and IFN-γ and IL-4 production were measured, via an ELIspot assay and ELISA, respectively. Low concentrations of Imiquimod were found to effectively stimulate Gag production and the magnitude of the T-cell immune response, whereas higher concentrations reduced vaccination effects. Our results show that the adjuvant effects of Imiquimod depend on concentration. The use of Imiquimod may be helpful to study DC to T cell communication, including possible induction of immunotolerance.

Research paper thumbnail of Amount of Melanin Granules in Human Hair Defines the Absorption and Conversion to Heat of Light Energy in the Visible Spectrum

Photochemistry and Photobiology, Dec 13, 2022

One of the known important functions of hair is protection from extensive sunlight. This protecti... more One of the known important functions of hair is protection from extensive sunlight. This protection is accomplished in large part due to natural hair pigmentation which is known to reflect the number of melanin granules (melanosomes) in the hair shaft, and melanin variants. Melanin takes in excessive light energy and converts it to heat in a process called absorption; heat is then dissipated into the environment as infrared radiation, thereby protecting the underlying skin. We used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to visualize the melanosome counts in samples of human hair, and used thermal microscopy to measure the temperature changes of the samples when exposed to green and blue light lasers. In our experiments green light conversion to heat was highly correlated to the number of melanosomes, whereas blue light conversion to heat was less correlated, which may be because the reddish melanosomes it contains are less effective in absorbing energy from the blue spectrum of light. Anyway, we have shown the metals accumulation in the melanin can be easily visualized with TEM. We confirmed that the amount of melanin granules in human hair defines the conversion to heat of light energy in the visible spectrum.

Research paper thumbnail of An Integrative Approach to the Current Treatment of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders and the Implementation of Leukemia Inhibitor Factor as a Mediator of Neurocognitive Preservation

Life

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HANDs) continue to impact patients despite antiretrovira... more HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HANDs) continue to impact patients despite antiretroviral therapy. A combination of antiretroviral therapies can diminish the HIV viral load to near undetectable levels, but fails to preserve neurocognitive integrity. The cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has shown neuroprotective properties that could mitigate neurodegeneration in HANDs. The LIF promotes neurogenesis, neural cell differentiation, and survival. Combination antiretroviral therapy reduces severe forms of HANDs, but neurocognitive impairment persists; additionally, some antiretrovirals have additional adverse neurotoxic effects. The LIF counteracts neurotoxic viral proteins and limits neural cell damage in models of neuroinflammation. Adding the LIF as an adjuvant therapy to enhance neuroprotection merits further research for managing HANDs. The successful implementation of the LIF to current therapies would contribute to achieving a better quality of life for the affect...

Research paper thumbnail of Polyamine Transport by the Polyspecific Organic Cation Transporters OCT1, OCT2, and OCT3

Molecular Pharmaceutics, Mar 19, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) and amyloid precursor protein (APP) in tumors formed by a mouse xenograft model of inflammatory breast cancer

FEBS Open Bio, Sep 30, 2021

Accumulation of amyloid in breast cancer is a well‐known phenomenon, but only immunoglobulin ligh... more Accumulation of amyloid in breast cancer is a well‐known phenomenon, but only immunoglobulin light‐chain amyloidosis (AL) or transthyretin (TTR) amyloid had been detected in human breast tumor samples previously. We recently reported that another amyloidogenic peptide, amyloid beta (Aβ), is present in an aggregated form in animal and human high‐grade gliomas and suggested that it originates systemically from the blood, possibly generated by platelets. To study whether breast cancers are also associated with these Aβ peptides and in what form, we used a nude mouse model inoculated with triple‐negative inflammatory breast cancer cell (SUM‐149) xenografts, which develop noticeable tumors. Immunostaining with two types of specific antibodies for Aβ identified the clear presence of Aβ peptides associated with (a) carcinoma cells and (b) extracellular aggregated amyloid (also revealed by Congo red and thioflavin S staining). Aβ peptides, in both cells and in aggregated amyloid, were distributed in clear gradients, with maximum levels near blood vessels. We detected significant presence of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the walls of blood vessels of tumor samples, as well as in carcinoma cells. Finally, we used ELISA to confirm the presence of elevated levels of mouse‐generated Aβ40 in tumors. We conclude that Aβ in inflammatory breast cancer tumors, at least in a mouse model, is always present and is concentrated near blood vessels. We also discuss here the possible pathways of Aβ accumulation in tumors and whether this phenomenon could represent the specific signature of high‐grade cancers.

Research paper thumbnail of Visualization of implanted GL261 glioma cells in living mouse brain slices using fluorescent 4-(4-(dimethylamino)-styryl)-N-methylpyridinium iodide (ASP<sup>+</sup>)

BioTechniques, Nov 1, 2012

Here we describe a new method of glioma cell visualization in living brain slices that can be use... more Here we describe a new method of glioma cell visualization in living brain slices that can be used for evaluation of tumor size or visualization of internal tumor structures. Glial cells, as well as glioma cells of glial origin, express high levels of organic cation transporters. We demonstrate that application of a fluorescent substrate for these transporters 4-(4-(dimethylamino)-styryl)-N-methylpyridinium iodide (ASP +) to the incubation medium leads to quick accumulation of fluorescence in glioma cells during early developmental stages and in astrocytes, but not in neurons. Stained brain slices can be immediately investigated using confocal or fluorescence microscopy. Glioma and glial cells can be discriminated from each other because of their different morphology. The method described has the advantage of staining living tissue and is simple to perform.

Research paper thumbnail of Platelets are responsible for the accumulation of β-amyloid in blood clots inside and around blood vessels in mouse brain after thrombosis

Brain Research Bulletin, 2017

Introduction-Platelets contain beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) as well as Aβ peptide (Aβ) th... more Introduction-Platelets contain beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) as well as Aβ peptide (Aβ) that can be released upon activation. During thrombosis, platelets are concentrated in clots and activated. Methods-We used in vivo fluorescent analysis and electron microscopy in mice to determine to what degree platelets are concentrated in clots. We used immunostaining to visualize Aβ after photothrombosis in mouse brains. Results-Both in vivo results and electron microscopy revealed that platelets were 300-500 times more concentrated in clots than in non-clotted blood. After thrombosis in control mice, but not in thrombocytopenic animals, Aβ immunofluorescence was present inside blood vessels in the visual cortex and around capillaries in the entorhinal cortex. Conclusion-The increased concentration of platelets allows enhanced release of Aβ during thrombosis, suggesting an additional source of Aβ in the brains of Alzheimer's patients that may arise if frequent micro-thrombosis events occur in their brains.

Research paper thumbnail of The Effects of Amyloid-β on Metabolomic Profiles of Cardiomyocytes and Coronary Endothelial Cells

Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, May 2, 2023

Background: An increasing number of experimental and clinical studies show a link between Alzheim... more Background: An increasing number of experimental and clinical studies show a link between Alzheimer’s disease and heart diseases such as heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and atrial fibrillation. However, the mechanisms underlying the potential role of amyloid-β (Aβ) in the pathogenesis of cardiac dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease remain unknown. We have recently shown the effects of Aβ1 - 40 and Aβ1 - 42 on cell viability and mitochondrial function in cardiomyocytes and coronary artery endothelial cells. Objective: In this study, we investigated the effects of Aβ1 - 40 and Aβ1 - 42 on the metabolism of cardiomyocytes and coronary artery endothelial cells. Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze metabolomic profiles of cardiomyocytes and coronary artery endothelial cells treated with Aβ1 - 40 and Aβ1 - 42. In addition, we determined mitochondrial respiration and lipid peroxidation in these cells. Results: We found that the metabolism of different amino acids was affected by Aβ1 - 42 in each cell type, whereas the fatty acid metabolism is consistently disrupted in both types of cells. Lipid peroxidation was significantly increased, whereas mitochondrial respiration was reduced in both cell types in response to Aβ1 - 42. Conclusion: This study revealed the disruptive effects of Aβ on lipid metabolism and mitochondria function in cardiac cells.

Research paper thumbnail of Membrane potential and pH-dependent accumulation of decynium-22 (1,1'-diethyl-2,2'-cyanine iodide) flourencence through OCT transporters in astrocytes

Boletín de la Asociación Médica de Puerto Rico, Jul 1, 2010

1,1′-Diethyl-2,2′-cyanine iodide (decynium22; D22) is a potent blocker of the organic cation fami... more 1,1′-Diethyl-2,2′-cyanine iodide (decynium22; D22) is a potent blocker of the organic cation family of transporters (EMT/OCT) known to move endogenous monoamines like dopamine and norepinephrine across cell membranes. Decynium22 is a cation with a relatively high affinity for all members of the OCT family in both human and rat cells. The mechanism through which decynium22 blocks OCT transporters is poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that denynium22 may compete with monoamines utilizing OCT to permeate the cells. Using the ability of D22 to aggregate and produce fluorescence at 570 nm, we measured D22 uptake in cultured astrocytes. The rate of D22 uptake was strongly depressed by acid pH and by elevated external K +. The rate of uptake was similar to that displayed by 4-(4-(dimethylamino)-styryl)-Nmethylpyridinium (ASP+), a well established substrate for OCT and high-affinity Na+-dependent monoamine transporters. These data were supported by measurement of electrogenic uptake using whole cell voltage clamp recording. Decynium22 depressed norepinephrine, but not glutamate uptake. These data are also consistent with the described OCT transporter characteristics. Taken together, our results suggest that decynium22 accumulation might be a useful instrument to study monoamine transport in the brain, and particularly in astrocytes, where they may play a prominent role in monoamine uptake during brain dysfunction related to monoamines (like Parkinson disease)and drug addiction.

Research paper thumbnail of On the Role of Platelet-Generated Amyloid Beta Peptides in Certain Amyloidosis Health Complications

Frontiers in Immunology, Oct 2, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Intracellular spermine prevents acid-induced uncoupling of Cx43 gap junction channels

Neuroreport, Jun 17, 2015

Polyamines (PAs), such as spermine and spermidine, modulate the activity of numerous receptors an... more Polyamines (PAs), such as spermine and spermidine, modulate the activity of numerous receptors and channels in the central nervous system (CNS) and are stored in glial cells; however, little attention has been paid to their role in the regulation of connexin (Cx)-based gap junction channels. We have previously shown that PAs facilitate diffusion of Lucifer Yellow through astrocytic gap junctions in acute brain slices; therefore, we hypothesized that spermine can regulate Cx43-mediated (as the most abundant Cx in astrocytes) gap junctional communication. We used electrophysiological patch-clamp recording from paired Novikoff cells endogenously expressing Cx43 and HeLaCx43-EGFP transfectants to study pH-dependent modulation of cell-cell coupling in the presence or absence of PAs. Our results showed (i) a higher increase in gap junctional communication at higher concentrations of cytoplasmic spermine, and (ii) that spermine prevented uncoupling of gap junctions at low intracellular pH. Taken together, we conclude that spermine enhances Cx43-mediated gap junctional communication and may preserve neuronal excitability during ischemia and trauma when pH in the brain acidifies. We, therefore, suggest a new role of spermine in the regulation of a Cx43-based network under (patho)physiological conditions. NeuroReport 26:528

Research paper thumbnail of Müller Cell Alignment in Bird Fovea: Possible Role in Vision

Journal of Neuroscience and Neuroengineering, Dec 1, 2014

Birds which possess high visual acuity, such as eagles and falcons, are known to have retinas wit... more Birds which possess high visual acuity, such as eagles and falcons, are known to have retinas with a deep conically curved central foveal pit. There have been different attempts to explain the importance of this particular shape of the fovea in visual resolution. Recently, the function of Müller cells as "light fibers" was discovered, showing how the endfeet of Müller cells trap the light and then transfer it to a single cone photoreceptor. Here we describe how the endfeet of Müller cells line the walls of the foveal pit in the Pied Flycatcher, and how the Müller cell body extends its processes towards individual cones, forming machinery that could allow for light transfer from the pit wall to the photoreceptor layer alongside the pit. We describe how this construction may send an image from the fovea to the cones, and also, how the angular positioning of Müller cells, being optical extensions of the cones, has the advantage of being much denser than on a flat or slightly curved fovea. We, therefore, suggest that this type of optic fiber alignment can be used as a novel type of "amplifying array" that simply increases the amount of megapixels at the photoreceptor cell layer.

Research paper thumbnail of Foveolar Müller Cells of the Pied Flycatcher: Morphology and Distribution of Intermediate Filaments Regarding Cell Transparency

Microscopy and Microanalysis, Mar 1, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Use of artificial ion channels for quasi-intracellular recording of cerebral cortex neuron activity

Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology, Nov 1, 1997

Action potentials and synaptic potentials were recorded in vivo from cortical neurons in baby rat... more Action potentials and synaptic potentials were recorded in vivo from cortical neurons in baby rats aged 20-25 days using a new method based on the ionophore nystatin. Nystatin solution was used to fill a standard glass extracellular microelectrode, and became inserted into membranes. Spikes which were initially recorded as extracellular spikes showed increases in amplitude and were transformed into unipolar quasi-intracellular spikes at 0.5-5.0 min after formation of the high-conductance contact. This method allows stable recording of neuronal activity from cells for at least 1 h, and provides a good signal-to-noise ratio. The electrode does not puncture the neuron membrane, with the result that experiments do not require any isolation from vibration. Thus, the results obtained demonstrate that the method is highly efficient for recording the in vivo activity of small nerve cells.

Research paper thumbnail of Accumulation of amyloid beta in human glioblastomas

Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Aug 11, 2020

Many cancer types are intrinsically associated with specific types of amyloidosis, in which amylo... more Many cancer types are intrinsically associated with specific types of amyloidosis, in which amyloid is accumulated locally inside tumors or systemically. Usually, this condition relates to the hyperproduction of specific amylogenic proteins. Recently, we found that the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide immunofluorescence is linked to glioma cells in mouse tumors. Here we report that amyloid-specific histochemical dyes reveal amyloid accumulation in all human glioma samples. Application of two different antibodies against Aβ peptide (a polyclonal antibody against human Aβ1-42 and a monoclonal pan-specific mAb-2 antibody against Aβ) showed that the amyloid in glioma samples contains Aβ. Amyloid was linked to glioma cells expressing glial-specific fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and to glioma blood vessels. Astrocytes close to the glioma site and to affected vessels also accumulated Aβ. We discuss whether amyloid is produced by glioma cells or is the result of systemic production of Aβ in response to glioma development due to an innate immunity reaction. We conclude that amyloid build-up in glioma tumors is a part of the tumor environment, and may be used as a target for developing a novel class of anti-tumor drugs and as an antigen for glioma visualization.

Research paper thumbnail of Superparamagnetic Properties of Hemozoin

Scientific Reports, May 18, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Transport Reversal during Heteroexchange: A Kinetic Study

Journal of Biophysics, Oct 26, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of The Rac inhibitor HV-107 as a potential therapeutic for metastatic breast cancer

Molecular Medicine, Jun 14, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Mechanism of light energy transport in the avian retina

arXiv (Cornell University), Jun 11, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of On the Mechanism of Light Transmission by Müller Cells

arXiv (Cornell University), Mar 8, 2015

We report that Müller cells contain bundles of long specialized intermediate filaments, each abou... more We report that Müller cells contain bundles of long specialized intermediate filaments, each about 10 nm in diameter; most likely, these filaments are the channels providing light transmission to photoreceptor cells in mammalian and avian retinas. We interpret transmission of light in such channels using the notions of quantum confinement, describing energy transport in structures with electro-conductive walls and diameter much smaller than the wavelength of the respective photons. Model calculations produce photon transmission efficiency in such channels exceeding 0.8, in optimized geometry. We infer that protein molecules make up the channels, proposing a qualitative mechanism of light transmission by such structures. I.

Research paper thumbnail of Adjuvant effect of dendritic cells activator Imiquimod in genetic immunization with HIV-1 p55 Gag

PubMed, 2023

Dendritic cells (DC) are important antigen-presenting cells that have abilities to induce and mai... more Dendritic cells (DC) are important antigen-presenting cells that have abilities to induce and maintain T-cell immunity, or attenuate it during hyperimmunization. Additional activation of DCs may be useful for vaccination purposes. Imiquimod is known to be a specific agonist of the Toll-like receptors (TLR7), which are located mainly on DCs. To study the effect of DC stimulation on the effectiveness of an HIV-1 p55 gag DNA vaccine in a mice model, we employed 25, 50, and 100 nM of Imiquimod as an adjuvant. Subsequently, Western blot analysis was used to quantify p55 protein production after the immunization. To characterize T-cells immune response, both the frequency of IFN-γ -secreting cells and IFN-γ and IL-4 production were measured, via an ELIspot assay and ELISA, respectively. Low concentrations of Imiquimod were found to effectively stimulate Gag production and the magnitude of the T-cell immune response, whereas higher concentrations reduced vaccination effects. Our results show that the adjuvant effects of Imiquimod depend on concentration. The use of Imiquimod may be helpful to study DC to T cell communication, including possible induction of immunotolerance.

Research paper thumbnail of Amount of Melanin Granules in Human Hair Defines the Absorption and Conversion to Heat of Light Energy in the Visible Spectrum

Photochemistry and Photobiology, Dec 13, 2022

One of the known important functions of hair is protection from extensive sunlight. This protecti... more One of the known important functions of hair is protection from extensive sunlight. This protection is accomplished in large part due to natural hair pigmentation which is known to reflect the number of melanin granules (melanosomes) in the hair shaft, and melanin variants. Melanin takes in excessive light energy and converts it to heat in a process called absorption; heat is then dissipated into the environment as infrared radiation, thereby protecting the underlying skin. We used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to visualize the melanosome counts in samples of human hair, and used thermal microscopy to measure the temperature changes of the samples when exposed to green and blue light lasers. In our experiments green light conversion to heat was highly correlated to the number of melanosomes, whereas blue light conversion to heat was less correlated, which may be because the reddish melanosomes it contains are less effective in absorbing energy from the blue spectrum of light. Anyway, we have shown the metals accumulation in the melanin can be easily visualized with TEM. We confirmed that the amount of melanin granules in human hair defines the conversion to heat of light energy in the visible spectrum.