Cycloheximide

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Life Sciences

Kinds of Cycloheximide

  • inhibitor cycloheximide
  • protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide
  • synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide
  • translation inhibitor cycloheximide


  • Selected Abstracts


    Role of the IGF-II receptor in mediating acute, non-genomic effects of retinoids and IGF-II on keratinocyte cell death

    EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2003
    F. Louafi
    Abstract:, In this study, we have examined the effects of retinoic acid (RA) on the human immortalized keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). A significant twofold (P < 0.01) increase in apoptotic cell death compared with the control was found within 24 h of treatment with 10,5 M of RA. Apoptosis was confirmed by flow cytometry. Cycloheximide did not inhibit this acute RA-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II, 50 ng/ml) was able to significantly (67.3%; P < 0.05) reduce RA effects, whereas IGF-I (50 ng/ml) and insulin (75 ng/ml) were without effect. Furthermore, analogues of IGF-II [leu27 IGF-II and Des(1-6) IGF-II], with altered affinities for the IGF-I receptor and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), but retained affinities for the IGF-II receptor, also completely inhibited (100%; P < 0.01) RA-induced apoptosis, while an IGF-I receptor antagonist did not reduce the survival effects of IGF-II. Insulin pretreatment negates the survival effect of IGF-II. In contrast, mannose 6 phosphate (M6P) did not alter RA or IGF-II actions. These results indicate that rapid induction of cell death by RA is independent of production or secretion of new proteins. The inhibition of RA action by IGF-II was independent of its ability to signal through the IGF-I receptor or to interact with IGFBPs. [source]


    Basic fibroblast growth factor induces the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 in human periodontal ligament cells through the MEK2 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway

    JOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2003
    Atsushi Shimazu
    Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, FGF-2) is one of the potent mitogens for periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. However, the role of bFGF on the matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) expression in PDL cells is unknown. In this study, the effect of bFGF on MMP-3 expression in PDL cells and the mechanism of this process were examined. Human PDL cells were exposed to bFGF at various concentrations (0.01,10 ng/ml) in monolayer cultures. bFGF increased [3H]thymidine incorporation and suppressed proteoglycan synthesis concentration-dependently. However, similar concentration ranges of bFGF increased the release of the cell-associated proteoglycans into the medium. Furthermore, bFGF increased MMP-3 mRNA levels concentration-dependently as examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Induction of MMP-3 after the stimulation with bFGF was observed as early as 12 h with maximal at 24 h. Thereafter, the MMP-3 mRNA level gradually decreased until 72 h. Cycloheximide blocked the induction of MMP-3 by bFGF, indicating the requirement of de novo protein synthesis for this stimulation. Furthermore, MMP-3 expression induced by bFGF was abrogated by U0126, a specific inhibitor of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 in mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway, not by PD98059, a specific inhibitor of MEK1. In addition, bFGF up-regulated the phosphorylated ERK1/2 in 5 min with the maximal at 20 min as examined by Western blotting, and U0126 inhibited the ERK1/2 phosphorylation induced by bFGF. These findings suggest that bFGF induces MMP-3 expression in PDL cells through the activation of the MEK2 in MAP kinase pathway. bFGF stimulation on MMP-3 synthesis may be involved in the control of the cell-associated proteoglycans in PDL cells during periodontal regeneration and degradation. [source]


    Dexamethasone reduces morphine-induced straub reaction in mice

    JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 7 2002
    Anna Capasso
    This study examined the effect of dexamethasone on morphine-induced straub reaction in mice. When morphine was administered in doses of 7.5, 15 and 30 mg kg,1 intraperitoneally, a dose-dependent straub reaction was produced. Dexamethasone per-se (0.1,10 mg kg,1 i.p.) did not modify the tail of control mice. Pre-treatmentwith dexamethasone 120 min before morphine injection caused a dose-dependent reduction of straub reaction. Cycloheximide (1 5 mg kg,1 i.p.) administered 2 h before morphine did not change morphine-induced straub reaction, but was able to prevent the effects of dexamethasone on morphine-induced straub reaction. The glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU-38486 (15 mg kg,1 i.p.) did not affect morphine-induced straub reaction, whereas it was able to block the effects of dexamethasone on morphine-induced straub reaction. Results of this study indicate that dexamethasone reduced morphine-mediated straub reaction in mice, indicating a further important functional interaction between dexamethasone and the opioid system. The ability of cycloheximide and RU-38486 to block dexamethasone's effects indicates that the steroid's interference with morphine-mediated straub reaction involves a protein-synthesis-dependent mechanism via gluco-corticoid receptors. [source]


    The role of cyclic-AMP on arginase activity by a murine macrophage cell line (RAW264.7) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans

    MOLECULAR ORAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2006
    W. Sosroseno
    Aims:, The aim of the present study was to determine the role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) on arginase activity in a murine macrophage cell line (RAW264.7 cells) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. Materials and methods:, The cells were treated with A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS for 24 h. The effects of SQ22536 (an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor), ODQ (a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor), dibutyryl cAMP (a cAMP analog), 8-bromo cyclic guanosine monophosphate (a cGMP analog), forskolin (an adenylyl cylase activator), and cycloheximide (a protein synthesis inhibitor) on arginase activity in A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells were also determined. Arginase activity was assessed in LPS-stimulated cells in the presence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), siguazodan and rolipram [phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors] as well as KT5720 [a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor]. Results:, Arginase activity in A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells was suppressed by SQ22536 but not ODQ. Enhancement of arginase activity was observed in the presence of cAMP analog or forskolin but not cGMP analog. Cycloheximide blocked arginase activity in the cells in the presence of cAMP analog or forskolin with or without A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS. IBMX augmented arginase activity in A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS-stimulated cells. Rolipram (a PDE4 inhibitor) increased the levels of arginase activity higher than siguazodan (a PDE3 inhibitor) in the antigen-stimulated cells. The effect of cAMP analog or forskolin on arginase activity in the presence or absence of A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS was blocked by the PKA inhibitor (KT5720). Conclusion:, The results of the present study suggest that A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS may stimulate arginase activity in murine macrophages (RAW264.7 cells) in a cAMP-PKA-dependent pathway. [source]


    Cycloheximide induces apoptosis of astrocytes

    PATHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2002
    Takahiro Tsuchida
    Cultured rat astrocytes were incubated in the presence of cycloheximide (CHX; 20 µg/mL), a potent neuroprotective agent. Then cells were subjected to DNA gel electrophoresis. Electrophoresis showed DNA ladder formation, which is characteristic of apoptosis. Inhibitors of interleukin-1,-converting enzyme (ICE) and caspase 32(CPP32), which play critical roles in certain apoptotic pathways, did not block the cycloheximide-induced apoptosis of cultured astrocytes. This observation indicates that the role of ICE and CPP32 is not significant in the CHX-induced astrocyte apoptosis process. When the blood,brain barrier was disrupted in the rat, the number of brain cells undergoing apoptosis was significantly higher after cycloheximide administration, in contrast to controls. Of the cells that produced glial fibrillary acidic protein, some were observed to undergo apoptosis. Although CHX has been shown to be useful as a neuroprotective agent against ischemic neuronal death, astroglial toxicity may be problematic, depending on CHX concentration. Therefore, a prudent use of this compound is recommended. [source]


    Abrogation of IFN-, mediated epithelial barrier disruption by serine protease inhibition

    CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2005
    L. E. M. Willemsen
    Summary The intestinal barrier function is often impaired in a variety of diseases including chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Increased intestinal permeability during episodes of active disease correlates with destruction or rearrangement of the tight junction protein complex. IFN-, has been widely studied for its effect on barrier function and tight junction structures but its mode of action remains unclear. Since the claudin family of tight junction proteins is proposed to be involved in barrier maintenance we studied the effect of IFN-, on claudin expression in relation to epithelial barrier function. Cycloheximide and protease inhibitors were used to study mechanisms of IFN-, mediated barrier disruption. Intestinal epithelial cells were exposed to IFN-, and permeability was evaluated by horse radish peroxidase (HRP) and 4 kD FITC-dextran fluxes. Occludin and claudin-1, -2, -3, and -4 tight junction protein expression was determined by Western blotting. Occludin and claudin-2 protein expression was dramatically reduced after IFN-, exposure, which correlated with increased permeability for HRP and FITC-dextran. Interestingly, cleavage of claudin-2 was observed after incubation with IFN-,. Serine protease inhibitor AEBSF completely abrogated IFN-, mediated barrier disruption which was associated with preservation of claudin-2 expression. Moreover, IFN-, induced loss of barrier integrity was found to affect claudin-2 and occludin expression through different mechanisms. Since inhibition of serine protease activity abrogates IFN-, mediated barrier disruption this may be an important target for therapeutic intervention. [source]


    IL-10 modulates cytokine gene transcription by protein synthesis-independent and dependent mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide-treated neutrophils

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 11 2007
    Marzia Rossato
    Abstract We have recently reported that the ability of IL-10 to rapidly exert its anti-inflammatory effects on human neutrophils is dependent upon exposure of these cells to LPS for at least 3,4,h. Here, we demonstrate that, in neutrophils "preconditioned" by LPS, IL-10 primarily targets the transcription of TNF-,, CXCL8 and IL-1ra genes, as revealed by primary transcript real-time RT-PCR. We also show that IL-10-induced transcriptional repression of TNF-, and CXCL8 genes consists of two distinct phases: an early one, occurring rapidly and in a protein synthesis-independent manner, followed by a second phase, more delayed and dependent on protein synthesis. Interestingly, the protein synthesis dependence of the latter phase coincides with a reduced ability of IL-10 to induce STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation. Importantly, inhibition of IL-10-induced STAT3 activation and IL-10-suppressive action by a prolonged exposure to cycloheximide (CHX) was observed to occur also in human monocytes and was caused by a defective IL-10-mediated activation of Jak1 and Tyk2 kinases. Taken together, our findings suggest that CHX interferes with the IL-10-mediated intracellular signaling pathway by interrupting events upstream of STAT3 activation. These data question the concept of the requirement of an IL-10-induced mediator as the unique mechanism to execute IL-10 anti-inflammatory program. [source]


    Proteasome inhibitor-induced apoptosis in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2006
    Alessio Nencioni Dr.
    Abstract Proteasome inhibitors possess potent antitumor activity against a broad spectrum of human malignancies. However, the effects of these compounds on the immune system still have to be clearly determined. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of proteasome inhibitors on dendritic cells (DC), antigen-presenting cells playing a key role in the initiation of immune responses. Exposure to the proteasome inhibitors bortezomib, MG132 or epoxomicin was found to promote apoptosis of human monocyte-derived DC and to reduce the yield of viable DC when given to monocytes early during differentiation to DC. DC apoptosis via proteasome inhibition was accompanied by mitochondria disruption and subsequent activation of the caspase cascade. Up-regulation and intracellular redistribution of Bcl-2-associated X,protein (Bax), a pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family protein, were observed in DC treated with these compounds and represent a suitable mechanism leading to activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Finally, active protein synthesis was found to represent an upstream prerequisite for DC apoptosis induced by proteasome inhibitors, since the translation inhibitor cycloheximide blocked all of the steps of the observed apoptotic response. In conclusion, induction of apoptosis in DC may represent a novel mechanism by which proteasome inhibitors affect the immune response at the antigen-presenting cell level. [source]


    The MHC class,II transactivator (CIITA) mRNA stability is critical for the HLA class,II gene expression in myelomonocytic cells

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2005
    Andrea De Lerma Barbaro
    Abstract The human promyelocytic U937 cells express detectable levels of MHC class,II (MHC-II) molecules. Treatment with 12-o- - tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA), inducing macrophage-like differentiation, produces a dramatic decrease of MHC-II expression as result of down-modulation of the activation of immune response gene,1 (AIR-1)-encoded MHC-II transactivator (CIITA). This event is specific, as MHC class,I remains unaffected. Similar results are observed with U937 cells expressing an exogenous full-length CIITA. Molecular studies demonstrate that TPA treatment affects the stability of CIITA mRNA rather than CIITA transcription. Importantly, cis -acting elements within the distal 650,bp of the 1035-bp 3,,untranslated region (3,UTR, nucleotides 3509,4543) are associated to transcript instability. Transcription inhibitors actinomycin,D and 5,6-dichlororibofuranosyl benzimidazole, and the translation inhibitor cycloheximide significantly rescue the accumulation of CIITA mRNA in TPA-treated cells. A similar effect is also observed after treatment with staurosporine and the PKC-specific inhibitor GF109203X. The instability of CIITA mRNA produced by TPA in U937 cells is not seen in B,cells. These results demonstrate the presence of an additional level of control of MHC-II expression in the macrophage cell lineage depending upon the control of CIITA mRNA stability, most likely mediated by differentiation-induced, 3,UTR-interacting factors which require kinase activity for their destabilizing function. [source]


    c-Src kinase activation regulates preprotachykinin gene expression and substance P secretion in rat sensory ganglia

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 7 2003
    Orisa J. Igwe
    Abstract Increased synthesis of substance P (SP) in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and enhanced axonal transport to and secretion from the primary afferent sensory neurons might enhance pain signalling in the spinal dorsal horn by modifying pronociceptive pathways. IL-1, increases SP synthesis by enhancing the expression of preprotachykinin (PPT) mRNA encoding for SP and other tachykinins in the DRG. Stimulation of IL-1 receptor by IL-1, may induce the phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in many effector proteins through the activation of p60c-src kinase. The hypothesis that the synthesis of SP in and secretion from the primary sensory ganglia are regulated by the activation of p60c-src kinase induced by IL-1, was tested. Pretreatment of DRG neurons in culture with herbimycin A, genistein or PP2, three structurally different nonreceptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors that act by different mechanisms, decreased the kinase activity of p60c-src induced by the activation of IL-1 receptor. PP3, a negative control for the Src family of tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP2 had no effect. Herbimycin A and genistein also decreased IL-1,-induced expression of PPT mRNA-encoding transcripts and the levels of SP-li synthesized in the cells and secreted into the culture medium in a concentration-dependent manner. SB 203580 [a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) inhibitor] and PD 98059 (a p44/42 MAPK kinase inhibitor) were ineffective in modulating IL-1,-induced SP synthesis and secretion, and p60c-src kinase activity in DRG neurons. Whereas, IL-1 receptor antagonist and cycloheximide inhibited IL-1,-evoked secretion of SP-like immunoreactivity (SP-li), actinomycin D decreased it significantly but did not entirely abolish it. These findings show that phosphorylation of specific protein tyrosine residue(s) following IL-1 receptor activation might play a key role in IL-1, signalling to modulate PPT gene expression and SP secretion in sensory neurons. In view of the role of SP as an immunomodulator, these studies provide a new insight into neural-immune intercommunication in pain regulation in the sensory ganglia through the IL-1,-induced p60c-src activation. [source]


    Mechanosensitive hyaluronan secretion: stimulus,response curves and role of transcription,translation,translocation in rabbit joints

    EXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
    A. K. T. Wann
    Joint movement was recently shown to stimulate the secretion of the lubricant hyaluronan (HA); also, exercise therapy and intra-articular hyaluronan injections are used to treat moderate osteoarthritis. The present study quantifies the stimulus,response curves for HA secretion in vivo and reports a role of transcription,translation,translocation in the secretory response. After washing out endogenous HA from anaesthetized, cannulated rabbit knees, the joints were cycled passively at various frequencies and durations, with or without intra-articular inhibitors of protein synthesis and Golgi processing. Newly secreted HA was harvested for analysis after 5 h. Joints displayed graded, non-linear stimulus,response curves to both duration and frequency of movement; 1 min duration per 15 min or a frequency of 0.17 Hz raised HA secretion by 42,54%, while rapid (1.5 Hz) or prolonged cycling (9 min per 15 min) raised it by 110,130%. Movement-stimulated secretion and phorbol ester-stimulated secretion were partly inhibited by the translation inhibitor cycloheximide, by the transcription,translation inhibitors actinomycin D and puromycin and by the Golgi translocation inhibitor brefeldin A. There is thus a graded coupling between HA secretion and cyclic joint movement that depends partly on new protein synthesis. This is likely to be important for joint homeostasis, providing protection during repetitive cycling and potentially contributing to exercise therapy for osteoarthritis. [source]


    The transporters Pdr5p and Snq2p mediate diazaborine resistance and are under the control of the gain-of-function allele PDR1-12

    FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 6 2004
    Eva Wehrschütz-Sigl
    The spontaneous acquisition of resistance to a variety of unrelated cytotoxic compounds has important implications in medical treatment of infectious diseases and anticancer therapy. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae this phenomenon is caused by overexpression of membrane efflux pumps and is called pleiotropic drug resistance. We have found that allelic forms of the genes for the transcription activators Pdr1p and Pdr3p, designated PDR1-12 and PDR3-33, respectively, mediate resistance to diazaborine. Here we demonstrate that the transporters Pdr5p and Snq2p are involved in diazaborine detoxification. We report that in the PDR3-33 mutant diazaborine resistance is exerted mainly via overexpression of the PDR5 and SNQ2 genes, while in the PDR1-12 mutant, additional genes, i.e. the Yap1p target genes FLR1 and YCF1, are also involved in diazaborine detoxification. In addition, we show that in the presence of cycloheximide or diazaborine PDR5 can be activated by additional transcription factors beside Pdr1p and Pdr3p. [source]


    E2F1-mediated transcriptional inhibition of the plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 gene

    FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 18 2001
    Magdalena Koziczak
    ,Gene expression of the plasminogen activation system is cell-cycle dependent. Previously, we showed that ectopic expression of E2F1 repressed the plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) promoter in a manner dependent on the presence of DNA-binding and transactivation domains of E2F1 but independent of binding to pocket-binding proteins, suggesting a novel mechanism for E2F-mediated negative gene regulation [Koziczak, M., Krek, W. & Nagamine, Y. (2000) Mol. Cell. Biol.20, 2014,2022]. However, it remains to be seen whether endogenous E2F can exert a similar effect. We report here that down-regulation of PAI-1 gene expression correlates with an increase in endogenous E2F activity. When cells were treated with a cdk2/4-specific inhibitor, which maintains E2F in an inactive state, the decline of serum-induced PAI-1 mRNA levels was suppressed. In mutant U2OS cells expressing a temperature-sensitive retinoblastoma protein (pRB), a shift to a permissive temperature induced PAI-1 mRNA expression. In U2OS cells stably expressing an E2F1-estrogen receptor chimeric protein that could be activated by tamoxifen, PAI-1 gene transcription was markedly reduced by tamoxifen even in the presence of cycloheximide. These results all indicate that endogenous E2F can directly repress the PAI-1 gene. DNase I hypersensitive-site analysis of the PAI-1 promoter suggested the involvement of conformation changes in chromatin structure of the PAI-1 promoter. 5, deletion analysis of the PAI-1 promoter showed that multiple sites were responsible for the E2F negative regulation, some of which were promoter dependent. Interestingly, one of these sites is a p53-binding element. [source]


    Bone morphogenetic protein-6 induces the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in macrophages

    IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1pt2 2009
    Seok J. Kwon
    Summary Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the transforming growth factor-, (TGF-,) superfamily. In the present study, we investigated the effect of BMPs on the production of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7, and in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Among the BMPs, only BMP-6 induced iNOS expression in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner in both cell types. Induction of iNOS was inhibited by both cycloheximide and actinomycin D, indicating that the induction of iNOS expression by BMP-6 requires new protein synthesis. Mechanistic studies revealed that the BMP-6-induced iNOS expression requires both Smads and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-,B) signalling pathways. Furthermore, induction of interleukin-1, (IL-1,) was necessary for iNOS induction by BMP-6. These observations suggest that BMP-6 stimulates macrophages to produce iNOS through IL-1, via Smad and NF-,B signalling pathways and that BMP-6 may be an important regulator of macrophages. [source]


    Aedes aegypti dopa decarboxylase: gene structure and regulation

    INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2000
    M. T. Ferdig
    Abstract Dopa decarboxylase converts l -dopa to dopamine, a precursor molecule for diverse biological activities in insects including neurotransmission and a variety of tanning reactions required for development, reproduction and defence against parasites. Herein, we report the cloning and sequencing of the Aedes aegypti Ddc gene, including 2.1 kb of the upstream promoter region. The transcribed region of the gene spans more than 16 kb and contains five exons. In situ hybridization localizes the blood-meal-induced ovarian transcription of this gene to the follicular epithelial cells surrounding individual oocytes. Ovary tissue transcription of Ddc is increased in response to injection of 20-hydroxyecdysone to levels equal to those observed for blood-fed controls, however coinjection with the translational inhibitor cycloheximide negates the effect, indicating an indirect regulatory role for this hormone. Clusters of putative ecdysone-responsive elements and zinc-finger binding domains for the products of Broad-Complex gene family are identified in the 5,-promoter region. These elements are discussed in the context of common insect Ddc regulatory mechanisms. [source]


    Specificity of a new lipid mediator produced by testicular and peritoneal macrophages on steroidogenesis

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 5 2000
    Lukyanenko
    Macrophage-derived factor (MDF) is a lipophilic factor produced by rat testicular and peritoneal macrophages that maximally stimulates testosterone production by rat Leydig cells through a steroidogenic acute regulatory protein independent mechanism. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether MDF is also produced by human macrophages, and/or if it acts on human steroidogenic cells. We also studied the tissue-specific functions of MDF by determining if it also acts on steroidogenic cells of the ovary and adrenal glands and, if so, does it require new protein synthesis. It was found that MDF was produced by human peritoneal macrophages, and was capable of stimulating human steroidogenic cells. In terms of tissue specificity, it was found that primary cultures of rat adrenocortical cells respond to MDF with increased secretion of aldosterone and corticosterone, as did rat granulosa cells by producing progesterone. MDF acted in the presence of cycloheximide, indicating that it does not require new protein synthesis. These results indicate that MDF may have significant therapeutic potential and provide a basis for future studies concerning its physiological role in humans. These results further suggest that MDF is not only involved in paracrine regulation of Leydig cells, but also has the potential for the local regulation of steroidogenesis in both granulosa and adrenal cortical cells. [source]


    Colocalization of Intracellular Osteopontin With CD44 Is Associated With Migration, Cell Fusion, and Resorption in Osteoclasts,

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 8 2002
    K. Suzuki
    Abstract Although osteopontin (OPN) is recognized generally as a secreted protein, an intracellular form of osteopontin (iOPN), associated with the CD44 complex, has been identified in migrating fibroblastic cells. Because both OPN and CD44 are expressed at high levels in osteoclasts, we have used double immunofluorescence analysis and confocal microscopy to determine whether colocalization of these proteins has functional significance in the formation and activity of osteoclasts. Analysis of rat bone marrow-derived osteoclasts revealed strong surface staining for CD44 and ,1- and ,3-integrins, whereas little or no staining for OPN or bone sialoprotein (BSP) was observed in nonpermeabilized cells. In permeabilized perfusion osteoclasts and multinucleated osteoclasts, staining for OPN and CD44 was prominent in cell processes, including filopodia and pseudopodia. Confocal microscopy revealed a high degree of colocalization of OPN with CD44 in motile osteoclasts. In cells treated with cycloheximide (CHX), perinuclear staining for OPN and BSP was lost, but iOPN staining was retained within cell processes. In osteoclasts generated from the OPN-null and CD44-null mice, cell spreading and protrusion of pseudopodia were reduced and cell fusion was impaired. Moreover, osteoclast motility and resorptive activity were significantly compromised. Although the area resorbed by OPN-null osteoclasts could be rescued partially by exogenous OPN, the resorption depth was not affected. These studies have identified an intracellular form of OPN, colocalizing with CD44 in cell processes, that appears to function in the formation and activity of osteoclasts. [source]


    The activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 induced by protein kinase C alpha in decidualization,

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2009
    Jen-Hsiang Tsai
    Abstract This study investigated the protein kinase C (PKC) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in the development of deciduomata in pseudo-pregnant and pregnant rats. The results showed that the expression of MMP-2 was significantly increased from day 2 to day 5 in pseudo-pregnancy and from day 7 to day 9 in pregnancy. To further investigate the correlation between MMP-2 and protein kinase C, (PKC,), the expression of MMP-2 in the 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-treated organotypic culture of decidual tissue was determined. The results showed that the active form of MMP-2 was significantly increased in the TPA-treated cultures. Moreover, this response was inhibited by the PKC inhibitor H7, the PKC, specific inhibitor Gö-6976 and the translation inhibitor cycloheximide, but not by the transcription inhibitor actinomycin D or the replication inhibitor mitomycin C. In addition, TPA also reversed the MMP-2 expression after by progesterone pretreatment in the primary decidual cells. These findings indicate that PKC, may play an important role in the regulation of the MMP-2 expression during decidualization. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 547,554, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Quercetin suppresses hypoxia-induced accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1, (HIF-1,) through inhibiting protein synthesis

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2008
    Dae-Hee Lee
    Abstract Quercetin, a ubiquitous bioactive plant flavonoid, has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and induce the accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1, (HIF-1,) in normoxia. In this study, under hypoxic conditions (1% O2), we examined the effect of quercetin on the intracellular level of HIF-1, and extracellular level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a variety of human cancer cell lines. Surprisingly, we observed that quercetin suppressed the HIF-1, accumulation during hypoxia in human prostate cancer LNCaP, colon cancer CX-1, and breast cancer SkBr3 cells. Quercetin treatment also significantly reduced hypoxia-induced secretion of VEGF. Suppression of HIF-1, accumulation during treatment with quercetin in hypoxia was not prevented by treatment with 26S proteasome inhibitor MG132 or PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Interestingly, hypoxia (1% O2) in the presence of 100 µM quercetin inhibited protein synthesis by 94% during incubation for 8 h. Significant quercetin concentration-dependent inhibition of protein synthesis and suppression of HIF-1, accumulation were observed under hypoxic conditions. Treatment with 100 µM cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, replicated the effect of quercetin by inhibiting HIF-1, accumulation during hypoxia. These results suggest that suppression of HIF-1, accumulation during treatment with quercetin under hypoxic conditions is due to inhibition of protein synthesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 546,553, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    High glucose levels upregulate upstream stimulatory factor 2 gene transcription in mesangial cells

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2008
    Lihua Shi
    Abstract Previously, we demonstrated that upstream stimulatory factor 2 (USF2) mediates high glucose-induced thrombospondin1 (TSP1) gene expression and TGF-, activity in glomerular mesangial cells and plays a role in diabetic renal complications. In the present studies, we further determined the molecular mechanisms by which high glucose levels regulate USF2 gene expression. In primary rat mesangial cells, we found that glucose treatment time and dose-dependently up-regulated USF2 expression (mRNA and protein). By using cycloheximide to block the de novo protein synthesis, similar rate of USF2 degradation was found under either normal glucose or high glucose conditions. USF2 mRNA stability was not altered by high glucose treatment. Furthermore, high glucose treatment stimulated USF2 gene promoter activity. By using the luciferase-promoter deletion assay, site-directed mutagenesis, and transactivation assay, we identified a glucose-responsive element in the USF2 gene promoter (,1,740 to ,1,620, relative to the transcription start site) and demonstrated that glucose-induced USF2 expression is mediated through a cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB)-dependent transactivation of the USF2 promoter. Furthermore, siRNA-mediated CREB knock down abolished glucose-induced USF2 expression. Taken together, these data indicate that high glucose levels up-regulate USF2 gene transcription in mesangial cells through CREB-dependent transactivation of the USF2 promoter. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 1952,1961, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Regulated expression of syndecan-4 in rat calvaria osteoblasts induced by fibroblast growth factor-2

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2007
    Shu Jun Song
    Abstract Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) is a member of a prominent growth factor family that drives proliferation in a wide variety of cell types, including osteoblasts. The binding and signal transduction triggered by these mitogens is dependent on glycosaminoglycan (GAG) sugars, particularly of the heparan sulfate (HS) class. These are secreted in proteoglycan (PG) complexes, some of which become FGF co-receptors. The syndecans, the transmembrane forms of HSPG of which there are four members, act as multifunctional receptors for a variety of ligands involved in cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion as well as growth factor binding. To understand the role of syndecans in developing osteoblasts, the effects of exogenous FGF2 on syndecan expression were examined using primary rat calvarial osteoblasts. All four syndecan mRNAs were expressed in the osteoblasts, although only syndecan-4 was upregulated by FGF2 treatment in a dose-dependent manner. This upregulation could be abrogated by pretreatment with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, suggesting that the upregulation of syndecan-4 by FGF2 is not a primary response. Osteoblast proliferation and mineralization were enhanced by exogenous FGF2 treatment, but could be specifically diminished by anti-syndecan-4 antibody pretreatment. This treatment also blocked FGF2-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation, but not the expression of the bone-specific transcription factor Runx2. These results demonstrate that mitogen-triggered syndecan-4 expression is an intrinsic part of the pathways subtending osteoblast proliferation and mineralization. J. Cell. Biochem. 100: 402,411, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    FAP-1-mediated activation of NF-,B induces resistance of head and neck cancer to fas-induced apoptosis

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2007
    Eva Wieckowski
    Abstract Molecular mechanisms responsible for tumor resistance to apoptosis often involve the Fas/FasL pathway. While squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN) express both Fas and FasL, their resistance to self-induced apoptosis or apoptosis mediated by Fas agonistic antibody (CH-11Ab) was independent of the level of Fas surface expression or the presence of soluble Fas in supernatants of primary or metastatic SCCHN cell lines. By in vitro immunoselection, using PCI-15A cell line treated with successive cycles of CH-11 Ab, Fas-resistant sublines with the parental genotype were selected. Such sublines failed to cleave caspase-8 upon Fas engagement and were resistant to CH-11 Ab, although they remained sensitive to VP-16 or staurosporin. In the presence of cycloheximide, the selected SCCHN sublines become susceptible to CH-11 Ab, and showed cleavage of caspase-8, suggesting that apoptosis resistance was mediated by an inhibitory protein(s) acting upstream of caspase-8. Overexpression of Fas-associated phosphatase 1 (FAP-1), but not cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (cFLIP) in SCCHN sublines was documented by Western blots and RT-PCR analyses. The FAP-1+ selected sublines also downregulated cell surface Fas. A high phosphorylation level of I,B,, NF,B activation and upregulation of Bcl-2 expression were observed in the FAP-1+ sublines. Treatment with the phosphatase inhibitor, orthovanadate, or silencing of FAP-1 with siRNA abolished their resistance to apoptosis, suggesting that FAP-1 phosphatase activity could be responsible for NF-,B activation and resistance of SCCHN cells to Fas-mediated apoptosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 100: 16,28, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    ,-cryptoxanthin stimulates cell differentiation and mineralization in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2005
    Satoshi Uchiyama
    Abstract The effect of ,-cryptoxanthin, a kind of carotenoid, on cell differentiation and mineralization in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells was investigated. Cells were cultured for 72 h in a minimum essential medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), and the cells with subconfluency were changed to a medium containing either vehicle or ,-cryptoxanthin (10,8 to 10,6 M) without FBS. Cells were cultured for 3 to 21 days. Gene expression in osteoblastic cells was determined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Culture with ,-cryptoxanthin (10,7 or 10,6 M) for 3 days caused a significant increase in Runx2 type 1, Runx2 type 2, ,1 (I) collagen, and alkaline phosphatase mRNA levels in osteoblastic cells. These increases were completely blocked in the presence of cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, or 5,6-dichloro-1-,- D -ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB), an inhibitor of transcriptional activity. Meanwhile, vitamin A (10,6 M) did not have a significant effect on Runx2 type 1 mRNA expression in the cells. The effect of ,-cryptoxanthin (10,6 M) in stimulating Runx2 type 1 and ,1 (I) collagen mRNA levels, protein content, and alkaline phosphatase activity in the cells was also seen in the presence of vitamin A (10,6 M), suggesting that the mode of ,-cryptoxanthin action differs from that of vitamin A. Prolonged culture with ,-cryptoxanthin (10,6 M) for 3 to 21 days caused a significant increase in cell number, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) content, protein content, and alkaline phosphatase activity in osteoblastic cells, suggesting that ,-cryptoxanthin stimulates cell proliferation and differentiation. Moreover, culture with ,-cryptoxanthin (10,7 or 10,6 M) for 5 to 21 days caused a remarkable increase in mineralization. This study demonstrates that ,-cryptoxanthin has a stimulatory effect on cell differentiation and mineralization due to enhancing gene expression of proteins, which involve in bone formation in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Modulation of O-GlcNAc glycosylation during Xenopus oocyte maturation,

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2004
    Tony Lefebvre
    Abstract O-linked N -acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) glycosylation is a post-translational modification, which is believed antagonises phosphorylation. We have studied the O-GlcNAc level during Xenopus oocyte meiotic resumption, taking advantage of the high synchrony of this model which is dependent upon a burst of phosphorylation. Stimulation of immature stage VI oocytes using progesterone was followed by a 4.51,±,0.32 fold increase in the GlcNAc content, concomitantly to an increase in phosphorylation, notably on two cytoplasmic proteins of 66 and 97 kDa. The increase of O-GlcNAc for the 97 kDa protein, which we identified as ,-catenin was partly related to its accumulation during maturation, as was demonstrated by the use of the protein synthesis inhibitor,cycloheximide. Microinjection of free GlcNAc, which inhibits O-glycosylated proteins,lectins interactions, delayed the progesterone-induced maturation without affecting the O-GlcNAc content. Our results suggest that O-GlcNAc glycosylation could regulate protein,protein interactions required for the cell cycle kinetic. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Differential regulation of P-glycoprotein genes in primary rat hepatocytes by collagen sandwich and drugs

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2002
    Chow H. Lee
    Abstract P-glycoprotein (Pgp) is a small family of plasma membrane proteins, which are capable of transporting substrates across cell membranes. Class I and II Pgp are able to transport drugs and have been shown to mediate multidrug resistance (MDR). Class III Pgp is a long chain phospholipid transporter and does not mediate MDR. The regulation of all three Pgp genes is still poorly understood. For instance, it is not clear if the three Pgp genes are co-regulated or differentially regulated by external stimuli. This study examined the effect of drugs and collagen sandwich system on expression and transcription of all the three Pgp genes in primary rat hepatocytes. Consistent with previous findings, dramatic overexpression (25-fold) of Class II Pgp mRNA was seen, upon culturing of hepatocytes onto a single layered collagen gel. Hepatocytes sandwiched between two layers of collagen gel exhibited decreased (4.5-fold) Class II Pgp mRNA expression as compared to the single layer system. Treatment of hepatocytes cultured on the single layer collagen system with cytoskeletal disrupting (cytochalasin D, colchicine) but not cytoskeletal stabilizing (phalloidin, taxol) drugs, suppressed Class II Pgp expression. In all cases, no change in Class II Pgp transcription was observed as demonstrated by nuclear run-on studies. This suggests that collagen configuration and drugs affect Class II Pgp mRNA expression predominantly through post-transcriptional mechanisms. In contrast, parallel increases in mRNA expression and transcription of Class I Pgp gene were observed upon culturing of hepatocytes, in the collagen sandwich system, and treatment with some drugs (cytochalasin D, colchicine, and phalloidin). This suggests that Class I Pgp gene is regulated primarily via transcriptional mechanisms by these stimuli. On the other hand, Class III Pgp gene appears to be post-transcriptionally co-regulated with Class II Pgp gene by treatment with the drugs, while collagen configuration affected both transcription and post-transcription of Class III Pgp gene. Finally, dose-dependent studies using cycloheximide provided further evidence that the two MDR-associated genes are not co-regulated. This study has implications for future studies on the molecular mechanisms of Pgp gene regulation. J. Cell. Biochem. 86: 12,20, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Reduction of intracellular pH inhibits constitutive expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 in human colon cancer cells

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2004
    Daniela Pirkebner
    Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) over-expression is critically involved in tumor formation. Intracellular pH (pHi) has been shown to be alkaline in cancer cells, and to be an important trigger for cell proliferation. This study therefore analyzed the relationship between pHi and COX-2 expression. HRT-18 and Caco-2 cells cultured in medium with bicarbonate maintained a pHi of ,7.6, which is higher than that of non-neoplastic cells. Cells grown in bicarbonate-free medium with a pH at 6.8 showed a reduction in pHi to approximately 7.0. Importantly, reduction of pHi resulted in a complete inhibition of COX-2 mRNA and protein expression. When cells were grown in bicarbonate-supplemented medium at pH 6.8, pHi maintained at ,7.6 and COX-2 expression was not inhibited. Additionally, analysis utilizing protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide demonstrated that pHi mediated inhibition of COX-2 mRNA expression requires de novo protein synthesis of regulatory protein(s). These data strongly suggest that an alkaline pHi is an important trigger for constitutive COX-2 expression. Defining pHi -mediated mechanisms that govern the constitutive COX-2 expression may help in developing new strategies to block COX-2 over-expression in cancer cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 198: 295,301, 2004© 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Retinoic acid induces expression of the interleukin-1, gene in cultured normal human mammary epithelial cells and in human breast carcinoma lines

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2002
    Limin Liu
    Retinoic acid (RA) and its derivatives inhibit the proliferation of normal human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC) and some breast carcinoma lines by mechanisms which are not fully understood. To identify genes that mediate RA-induced cell growth arrest, an HMEC cDNA library was synthesized and subtractive screening was performed. We identified the interleukin-1, (IL-1,) gene as an RA induced gene in HMEC. Northern blot analyses showed that the IL-1, gene was up-regulated as early as 2 h after RA treatment. Results from the treatment of HMEC with cycloheximide and actinomycin D indicated that the regulation of the IL-1, gene by RA occurred at the transcriptional level and that the IL-1, gene is a direct, downstream target gene of RA. To evaluate the effects of IL-1, on cell proliferation, the proliferation of HMEC was measured in the presence of RA or IL-1,, or both. Either RA or IL-1, could significantly inhibit the proliferation of HMEC. However, the addition of soluble IL-1 receptor antagonist (sIL-1ra) to the cell culture medium did not block RA-induced HMEC growth inhibition, whereas sIL-1ra did block the growth inhibition of HMEC by IL-1,. IL-1, expression was not observed in the three carcinoma cell lines, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468, as compared to the HMEC. Growth curves of the breast carcinoma cell lines showed strong inhibitory effects of RA and IL-1, on the growth of the estrogen receptor (ER) positive MCF-7 cell line, but only a small effect on the ER negative MDA-MB-231 cells. The expression of the IL-1, gene was also transcriptionally activated by RA in normal epithelial cells of prostate and oral cavity. Our results suggest that: (a) the IL-1, gene is a primary target of RA receptors in HMEC; (b) the enhanced expression of the IL-1, gene does not mediate the RA-induced growth arrest of HMEC; and (c) the expression of the IL-1, gene is low or absent in all three human breast carcinoma cell lines examined, but the defect in the IL-1, signaling pathway may be different in ER positive versus ER negative carcinoma cells. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    PTH-dependent adenylyl cyclase activation in SaOS-2 cells: Passage dependent effects on G protein interactions

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2002
    Hong Gao
    Parathyroid hormone (PTH) sensitive adenylyl cyclase activity (ACA) in SaOS-2 cells varies as a function of cell passage. In early passage (EP) cells (<,6), ACA in response to PTH and forskolin (FOR) was relatively low and equivalent, whereas in late passage (LP) cells (>,22), PTH exceeded FOR dependent ACA. Potential biochemical mechanisms for this passage dependent change in ACA were considered. In EP, prolonged exposure to pertussis toxin (PT) markedly enhanced ACA activity in response to PTH, Isoproterenol and Gpp(NH)p, whereas ACA in response to FOR was decreased. In contrast, the identical treatment of LP with PT diminished all ACA in response to PTH, Gpp(NH)p, and FOR. The dose dependent effects of PT on subsequent [32P]ADP-ribosylation of its substrates, GTPase activity, as well as FOR-dependent ACA, were equivalent in EP and LP. The relative amounts of G,i and G,s proteins, as determined both by Western blot, PT and cholera toxin (CT) dependent [32P]ADP-ribosylation, were quantitatively similar in EP and LP. Western blot levels of G,s and G,i proteins were not influenced by prior exposure to PT. Both PT and CT dependent [32P]ADP-ribosylation were dose-dependently decreased following exposure to PT. However, the PT-dependent decline in CT-dependent [32P]ADP-ribosylation occurred with enhanced sensitivity in LP. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide partially reversed the PT associated decrease in FOR dependent ACA in EP. In contrast, cycloheximide completely reversed the PT associated decrease in FOR and as well as PTH dependent ACA in LP. G,s activity, revealed by cyc, reconstitution, was not altered either by cell passage or exposure to PT. The results suggest that the coupling between the components of the complex may be pivotally important in the differential responsiveness of early and late passage SaOS-2 cells to PTH. J. Cell. Physiol. 193: 10,18, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Quantitative analysis of agonist-dependent parathyroid hormone receptor trafficking in whole cells using a functional green fluorescent protein conjugate

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2001
    Bruce R. Conway
    Many G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) undergo ligand-dependent internalization upon activation. The parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor undergoes endocytosis following prolonged exposure to ligand although the ultimate fate of the receptor following internalization is largely unknown. To investigate compartmentalization of the PTH receptor, we have established a stable cell line expressing a PTH receptor,green fluorescent protein (PTHR,GFP) conjugate and an algorithm to quantify PTH receptor internalization. HEK 293 cells expressing the PTHR,GFP were compared with cells expressing the wild-type PTH receptor in whole-cell binding and functional assays. 125I-PTH binding studies revealed similar Bmax and kD values in cells expressing either the PTHR,GFP or the wild-type PTH receptor. PTH-induced cAMP accumulation was similar in both cell lines suggesting that addition of the GFP to the cytoplasmic tail of the PTH receptor does not alter the ligand binding or G-protein coupling properties of the receptor. Using confocal fluorescence microscopy, we demonstrated that PTH treatment of cells expressing the PTHR,GFP conjugate produced a time-dependent redistribution of the receptor to the endosomal compartment which was blocked by pretreatment with PTH antagonist peptides. Treatment with hypertonic sucrose prevented PTH-induced receptor internalization, suggesting that the PTH receptor internalizes via a clathrin-dependent mechanism. Moreover, co-localization with internalized transferrin showed that PTHR,GFP trafficking utilized the endocytic recycling compartment. Experiments using cycloheximide to inhibit protein synthesis demonstrated that recycling of the PTHR,GFP back to the plasma membrane was complete within 1,2 h of ligand removal and was partially blocked by pretreatment with cytochalasin D, but not nocodazole. We also demonstrated that the PTH receptor, upon recycling to the plasma membrane, is capable of undergoing a second round of internalization, a finding consistent with a role for receptor recycling in functional resensitization. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Evaluation of extracts of Jatropha curcas and Moringa oleifera in culture media for selective inhibition of saprophytic fungal contaminants

    JOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS, Issue 3 2009
    Grace Mebi Ayanbimpe
    Abstract Most fungi occur in nature and utilize simple sources of carbohydrates and nitrogen for growth. Sabouraud's dextrose agar has been an ideal medium for primary isolation of fungi from clinical specimens, but for specimens from nonsterile sites or heavily contaminated ones, it has been necessary to include inhibitory substances such as antibiotics like chloramphenicol (antibacterial) and cycloheximide (antifungal). The problems we have in the our laboratory owing to frequent contamination of cultures and the delays in the procurement of cycloheximide have stimulated a search for alternatives in our local environment to enhance effective laboratory diagnoses of fungal infections. Purified extracts of the leaves and bark of Jatropha curcas and Moringa oleifera (common plants in our locality) were tested against clinical isolates of fungi at various concentrations to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration at which common fungal contaminants are inhibited, without affecting the growth of the pathogenic fungi sought for. At a concentration of 0.75,mg,ml,1 contaminants were totally inhibited by the leaf extracts. The bark extracts did not inhibit any fungus even at higher concentrations. From the results it was evident that the leaf extracts of both plants have potentials for use as inhibitory substances in culture media against contaminant fungi including Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., etc. J. curcas and M. oleifera are very common plants in our locality. They can be obtained at almost no cost and at any time needed. The benefits of these findings to mycology laboratories in a developing country are enormous. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:161,164, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]