Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UNIPROT:P61278 (somatostatin)
 22,083 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

An extract of the islet organ of the southern-hemisphere lamprey Geotria australis contained a high concentration of somatostatin-like immunoreactivity (34 nmol/g) but only trace amounts of insulin-like immunoreactivity. The primary structure of Geotria somatostatin-33 (AVQEAGGAAM10PPPGQRDRKA20GCKNFFWKTF30SSC) shows almost no similarity to somatostatins from the holarctic lampreys Petromyzon marinus and Lampetra fluviatilis in the N-terminal region but the functionally important C-terminal region, including the substitution Thr31 --> Ser, is the same. Insulin was not identified in the extract but proinsulin and an incompletely processed form with an intact A-chain/C-peptide junction were purified and partially characterized. The primary structure of the insulin region of Geotria proinsulin was established as A-chain; GIVEKCCHNR10CSIYQ MESYC20N; B-chain: SALTGSGGNY10LCGSYLVDAL20YLACGPRGFF30YTSTPV. This sequence contains 17 amino acid substitutions compared with the identical insulins from P. marinus and L. fluviatilis but the unusual extension to the N-terminus of the B-chain (SALTG) is present. Compared with mammalian insulins, Geotria insulin contains several substitutions of strongly conserved residues such as Gln(A5) --> Lys in the putative receptor-binding region, Glu(B26) --> Pro important in dimerization, and Leu(A13) --> Ile, His(B10) --> Tyr, and His(B21) --> Tyr important in hexamerization. Geotria proinsulin contains an Arg-Arg processing site at the B-chain/C-peptide junction but we speculate either that the Lys-Arg processing site at the C-peptide/A-chain junction is absent or that the Geotria pancreas is unable to synthesize a SPC2-type prohormone convertase. Our results are consistent with the view that G. australis and holarctic lampreys arose from a common stock but have been separated for a considerable period.
 ...
PMID:Proinsulin and somatostatin from the islet organ of the southern-hemisphere lamprey Geotria australis. 877 68

Accumulating evidence indicates that somatostatin (SS) is a key substance for the circadian rhythm of rodents. In the present study, we investigated whether SS mRNA coexists with arginine-vasopressin (AVP) mRNA, vasoactive intestinal peptide/peptide histidine isoleucine amide (VIP/PHI) mRNA and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) mRNA in neurons of the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) by double labeling in situ hybridization technique. SS mRNA-positive neurons were scattered in the whole region of rostral SCN, in the intermediate region between dorsomedial and ventrolateral region at the middle level, and in the mid to lateral region at the caudal level. These neurons were located in the close vicinities of the dorsomedial AVP and ventrolateral VIP/PHI mRNA-positive cell clusters. They rarely coexpressed AVP mRNA or VIP/PHI mRNA, but mostly coexpressed GAD mRNA. Thus, SS-synthesizing neurons are GABAergic and form a distinct cell group different from AVP or VIP/PHI cell groups.
 ...
PMID:Somatostatin neurons form a distinct peptidergic neuronal group in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus: a double labeling in situ hybridization study. 888 10

In the present study, facial skin from so-called "screen dermatitis" patients were compared with corresponding material from normal healthy volunteers. The aim of the study was to evaluate possible markers to be used for future double-blind or blind provocation investigations. Differences were found for the biological markers calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), somatostatin (SOM), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), peptide histidine isoleucine amide (PHI), neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY), protein S-100 (S-100), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 and phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT). The overall impression in the blind-coded material was such that it turned out easy to blindly separate the two groups from each other. However, no single marker was 100% able to pin-point the difference, although some were quite powerful in doing so (CGRP, SOM, S-100). However, it has to be pointed out that we cannot, based upon the present results, draw any definitive conclusions about the cause of the changes observed. Whether this is due to electric or magnetic fields, a surrounding airborne chemical, humidity, heating, stress factors, or something else, still remains an open question. Blind or double-blind provocations in a controlled environment are necessary to elucidate possible underlying causes for the changes reported in this investigation.
 ...
PMID:A screening of skin changes, with special emphasis on neurochemical marker antibody evaluation, in patients claiming to suffer from "screen dermatitis" as compared to normal healthy controls. 898 Oct 27

The occurrence and distribution of several neurochemical markers were investigated. Numerous nerve fibres were shown, using antibodies to protein gene product (PGP) 9.5, neurone-specific enolase, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P. neurokinin A or protein S-100. The presence of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), peptide histidine isoleucine amide (PHI), neuropeptide tyrosine, dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH), cholecystokinin/gastrin, glutamate and galanin was more scarce. Nerve fibres containing these above-mentioned markers were found at several locations, i.e. in the epithelium, connective tissue, and around blood vessels. In the taste buds, numerous PGP 9.5, neurone-specific enolase-, CGRP-, substance P-, neurokinin A- and protein S-100-containing structures were found, but few VIP and galanin ones. No immunoreactivity was found with antibodies against somatostatin, bombesin, enkephalin or dynorphin. These findings extend knowledge about the general as well as the neurochemical messenger-based innervation of rat fungiform papillae, forming a firm basis for future functional investigations of normal, experimental and also clinical materials.
 ...
PMID:An immunohistochemical screening of neurochemical markers in fungiform papillae and taste buds of the anterior rat tongue. 913 26

The concept of neuro-immuno-cutaneous system (NICS) means narrow interrelations between nervous system, immunity and skin. Indeed, there are numerous cellular contacts between nerve fibers, cutaneous cells and immune cells; cutaneous cells can synthesize neuromediators and they express receptors to these molecules; neuromediators are able to modulate functions of cutaneous and/or immune cells. Using confocal or electron microscopy, connexions between nerve fibers and cutaneous cells have been observed. In the skin, nerve fibers may secrete neuromediators: substance P, vaso-active intestinal peptide (VIP), somatostatin, calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP), gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), neuropeptide Y, peptide histidine-isoleucine (PHI), neurotensin, neurokinins A et B, bradykinin, acetylcholine, catecholamines, endorphins and enkephalins. Neurohormones such as prolactin, melano-stimulating hormone (MSH) or adreno-corticotrophic hormone (ACTH) are also expressed in the skin. Neuromediators and neurohormones are also secreted by cutaneous cells and these cells express receptors. Functions of epidermal or dermal cells are modulated by these substances. Immune cells transiently present in the skin (macrophages, lymphocytes...) are modulated by neuromediators through receptors. In the course of skin diseases, especially inflammatory diseases, the NICS is destabilized. Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are good examples. This phenomenon might be due to inflammation but is also responsible for induction and maintenance of the inflammation.
 ...
PMID:[Neuro-immuno-cutaneous system (NICS)]. 915 66

Insulin was purified from an extract of the pancreas of the Burmese python, Python molurus (Squamata:Serpentes) and its primary structure established as: A Chain: Gly-Ile-Val-Glu-Gln-Cys-Cys-Glu-Asn-Thr10-Cys-Ser-Leu-Tyr-Glu-Leu- Glu-Asn-Tyr-Cys20-Asn. B-Chain: Ala-Pro-Asn-Gln-His-Leu-Cys-Gly-Ser-His10-Leu-Val-Glu-Ala-Leu-Tyr- Leu-Val-Cys-Gly20-Asp-Arg-Gly-Phe-Tyr-Tyr-Ser-Pro-Arg-Ser30. With the exception of the conservative substitution Phe --> Tyr at position B25, those residues in human insulin that comprise the receptor-binding and those residues involved in dimer and hexamer formation are fully conserved in python insulin. Python insulin was slightly more potent (1.8-fold) than human insulin in inhibiting the binding of [125I-Tyr-A14] insulin to the soluble full-length recombinant human insulin receptor but was slightly less potent (1.5-fold) than human insulin for inhibiting binding to the secreted extracellular domain of the receptor. The primary structure of python glucagon contains only one amino acid substitution (Ser28 --> Asn) compared with turtle/duck glucagon and python somatostatin is identical to that of mammalian somatostatin-14. In contrast, python pancreatic polypeptide (Arg-Ile-Ala-Pro-Val-Phe-Pro-Gly-Lys-Asp10-Glu-Leu-Ala-Lys-Phe- Tyr20-Thr-Glu-Leu-Gln-Gln-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ile30-Asn-Arg-Pro-Arg -Phe.NH2) contains only 35 instead of the customary 36 residues and the amino acid sequence of this peptide has been poorly conserved between reptiles and birds (18 substitutions compared with alligator and 20 substitutions compared with chicken).
 ...
PMID:Purification and characterization of islet hormones (insulin, glucagon, pancreatic, polypeptide and somatostatin) from the Burmese python, Python molurus. 935 Sep 78

Connections between nerve fibres and cutaneous cells have been studied using confocal and electron microscopy. In the skin, nerve fibres may secrete neuromediators, i.e. substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide, somatostatin, calcitonin-gene-related peptide, gastrin-releasing peptide, neuropeptide Y, peptide histidine-isoleucine, neurotensin, neurokinins A and B, bradykinin, acetylcholine, catecholamines, endorphins and enkephalins. Neurohormones such as prolactin, melanocyte-stimulating hormone and adrenocorticotrophic hormone are also expressed in the skin. Neuromediators and neurohormones may be secreted by cutaneous cells, which also express receptors. Functions of epidermal and dermal cells are modulated by these substances. Immune cells transiently present in the skin (e.g. macrophages and lymphocytes) are modulated by neuromediators through receptors. During the course of skin disorders, especially inflammatory reactions, the neuroimmunocutaneous system is destabilized. This is particularly true in psoriasis. This destabilization may be secondary, although evidence shows it can also be responsible for the induction and maintenance of the inflammatory process. The skin, the nervous system and immunity are not independent systems but are closely associated and use the same language of cytokines and neurotransmitters. A new concept is suggested: the neuroimmunocutaneous system.
 ...
PMID:Skin, immunity and the nervous system. 947 Aug 98

The rat suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) consists of several classes of neurons which can be identified by their transmitter content. Knowledge of putative interaction between these different cell types is essential in order to understand the possibilities of information processing within the SCN. The aim of the present study was therefore to obtain more information about the mutual innervation between the main cell classes in the rat SCN, viz. those containing the neuropeptides arginine vasopressin (AVP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI), gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and somatostatin respectively. For this purpose, vibratome sections were double-immunolabelled for seven different peptide combinations and subsequently analysed by high-resolution confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy. Attention was focused on axosomatic appositions, the occurrence and frequency of which were quantitatively estimated. Our analysis of double-immunolabelled sections demonstrated that some of the VIP- and some of the GRP-immunoreactive nerve cells and endings showed colocalization. Assuming, on the basis of literature data, that VIP and PHI are always colocalized at the cellular level, the five main cell classes in the SCN appeared to be interconnected, at least axosomatically, in the following reciprocal way: AVP <--> VIP/PHI, AVP <--> GRP, AVP <--> somatostatin, somatostatin <--> VIP/PHI, somatostatin <--> GRP, VIP/PHI <--> GRP, VIP/PHI/GRP <--> GRP, VIP/PHI/GRP <--> VIP/ PHI. In addition to this heterologous axosomatic innervation, these cell groups also showed substantial homologous innervation. Supported by electron microscope data from the literature showing the existence of axodendritic synapses for some of these peptide combinations, our findings strongly suggest that the rat SCN comprises a complex synaptic network with strong interactive capabilities, which is probably a requisite for its biological clock function.
 ...
PMID:Evidence from confocal fluorescence microscopy for a dense, reciprocal innervation between AVP-, somatostatin-, VIP/PHI-, GRP-, and VIP/PHI/GRP-immunoreactive neurons in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus. 951 67

Several neuropeptides are present in the mammalian pineal gland. Most of these peptides, e.g. neuropeptide Y, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and peptide histidine isoleucine, are located in nerve fibres innervating the gland. In some mammalian species, neuropeptides are also found in cells scattered in the pineal parenchyma. In the rat, bipolar cells immunoreactive for somatostatin are present, just as cells containing mRNA encoding somatostatin can be detected in the gland by in situ hybridisation. In the pineal gland of the European hamster, many cells are immunoreactive for enkephalin. Ultrastructural cytochemical analysis of these cells reveals a pinealocyte morphology. Processes from the opioidergic pinealocytes terminate in the parenchyma between the non-immunoreactive pinealocytes. Some of the processes contain small clear and large dense core vesicles and end in club shaped swellings which make synapse-like contacts with other pinealocytes. The ultrastructural morphology suggests that the opioidergic cells exert a paracrine regulation on other pinealocytes.
 ...
PMID:Peptidergic cells in the mammalian pineal gland. Morphological indications for a paracrine regulation of the pinealocyte. 967 8

We have explored in detail the determinants of specificity for the hydrolysis by human tissue kallikrein (hK1) of substrates containing the Phe-Phe amino acid pair, after which hK1 cleaves kallistatin (human kallikrein-binding protein), a specific serpin for this protease, as well as somatostatin 1-14. Internally quenched fluorogenic peptides were synthesized with the general structure Abz-peptidyl-EDDnp [Abz, o-aminobenzoic acid; EDDnp, N-(2, 4-dinitrophenyl)ethylenediamine], based on the natural reactive-centre loop sequence of kallistatin from P9 to P'13, and the kinetic parameters of their hydrolysis by hK1 were determined. All these peptides were cleaved after the Phe-Phe pair. For comparison, we have also examined peptides containing the reactive-centre loop sequences of human protein-C inhibitor (PCI) and rat kallikrein-binding protein, which were hydrolysed after Phe-Arg and Leu-Lys bonds, respectively. Hybrid peptides containing kallistatin-PCI sequences showed that the efficiency of hK1 activity on the peptides containing kallistatin and PCI sequences depended on both the nature of the P1 amino acid as well as on residues at the P- and P'-sides. Moreover, we have made systematic modifications on the hydrophobic pair Phe-Phe, and on Lys and Ile at the P3 and P4 positions according to the peptide substrate, Abz-AIKFFSRQ-EDDnp. All together, we concluded that tissue kallikrein was very effective on short substrates that are cleaved after the Phe-Arg pair; however, hydrolysis after Phe-Phe or other hydrophobic pairs of amino acids was more restrictive, requiring additional enzyme-substrate interaction and/or particular substrate conformations.
 ...
PMID:Specificity of human tissue kallikrein towards substrates containing Phe-Phe pair of amino acids. 1019 Dec 81


<< Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next >>