Gérard Torpier

The Farnesoid X Receptor Modulates Adiposity and Peripheral Insulin Sensitivity in Mice

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a bile acid (BA)-activated nuclear receptor that plays a major role in the regulation of BA and lipid metabolism. Recently, several studies have suggested a potential role of FXR in the control of hepatic carbohydrate metabolism, but its contribution to the maintenance of peripheral glucose homeostasis remains to be established. FXR-deficient mice display decreased adipose tissue mass, lower serum leptin concentrations, and elevated plasma free fatty acid levels. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests revealed that FXR deficiency is associated with impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Moreover, whole-body glucose disposal during a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp is decreased in FXR-deficient mice. In parallel, FXR deficiency alters distal insulin signaling, as reflected by decreased insulin-dependent Akt phosphorylation in both white adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Whereas FXR is not expressed in skeletal muscle, it was detected at a low level in white adipose tissue in vivo and induced during adipocyte differentiation in vitro. Moreover, mouse embryonic fibroblasts derived from FXR-deficient mice displayed impaired adipocyte differentiation, identifying a direct role for FXR in adipocyte function. Treatment of differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes with the FXR-specific synthetic agonist GW4064 enhanced insulin signaling and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Finally, treatment with GW4064 improved insulin resistance in genetically obese ob/ob mice in vivo. Although the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be unraveled, these results clearly identify a novel role of FXR in the regulation of peripheral insulin sensitivity and adipocyte function. This unexpected function of FXR opens new perspectives for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

In vitro model for evaluating drug transport across the blood-brain barrier

The passage of substances across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is regulated in the cerebral capillaries, which possess certain distinct different morphological and enzymatic properties compared with the capillaries of other organs. Investigations of the functional characteristics of brain capillaries have been facilitated by the use of cultured brain endothelial cells, but in most studies some characteristics of the in vivo BBB are lost. To provide an in vitro system for studying brain capillary functions, we have developed a process of coculture that closely mimics the in vivo situation by culturing brain capillary endothelial cells on one side of a filter and astrocytes on the other. In order to assess the drug transport across the blood-brain barrier, we compared the extraction ratios in vivo to the permeability of the in vitro model. The in vivo and the in vitro values showed a strong correlation. The relative ease with which such cocultures can be produced in large quantities facilitates the screening of new centrally active drugs. This model provides an easier, reproducible and mass-production method to study the blood-brain barrier in vitro.

Toxoplasma gondii: Characterization and localization of antigens secreted from tachyzoites

Since we had previously demonstrated the protective role played by Toxoplasma excreted-secreted antigens, the aim of the present work was to produce monoclonal antibodies directed against these antigens in order to determine if their localization in the parasite is compatible with a mechanism of excretion or secretion. Western immunoblotting analysis revealed three monoclonal antibodies (TG17-179, TG17-43, and TG17-113) raised against excreted-secreted antigens of 28.5, 27, and 21 kDa, respectively. The TG17-179 which reacts with antigens isolated by Concanavalin A affinity chromatography is directed against a glycosylated 28.5-kDa component. Colloidal immunogold labeling showed the ultrastructural localization of the 21-, 27-, and 28.5-kDa antigens in the matrix of the dense granules of tachyzoites and associated with the microvilli network of the parasitophorous vacuole, after host cell invasion. These observations suggest the following mechanism of Toxoplasma secretion: secreted antigens are first stored in tachyzoite-dense granules and are then released inside the parasitophorous vacuole. Among the secretory molecules characterized here, the native 27-kDa antigen recognized by TG17-43 is a calcium-binding protein found to be intermixed with the 21- and 28.5-kDa antigens inside the dense granules and hence could play a role in the packaging of secretory products. In addition, the 21- and 28.5-kDa antigens were also located beneath the parasite plasma-lemma. This particular location could reflect a transient step characteristic of T. gondii secretion.

Proteolytic cleavage of IgG bound to the Fc receptor of Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula

After the binding of IgG to the surface Fc receptor of Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula, the Fab portions of IgG are cleaved and small peptides are liberated in the culture medium. At least two types of proteinase activities have been demonstrated in the secretory products of schistosomula. One is an endoprotease with trypsin‐like activity, with an optimum pH of 7 and an optimum temperature of 45°C. The other is a metalloaminopeptidase with an optimum pH of 7 and temperature of 37°C.

Receptor-Mediated Transcytosis of Transferrin through Blood-Brain Barrier Endothelial Cells

A cell culture model of the blood-brain barrier consisting of a coculture of bovine brain capillary endothelial cells (BBCECs) and astrocytes has been used to examine the mechanism of iron transport to the brain. Binding experiments showed that BBCECs express 35,000 high-affinity (concn at 50% receptor saturation = 11.3 +/- 2.1 nM) transferin (Tf) receptors per cell. In contrast to apo-transferrin (apoTf) we observed a specific transport of holo-transferrin (holoTf) across BBCECs. This transport was inhibited completely at low temperature. Moreover, the anti-Tf receptor antibody (OX-26) competitively inhibited holoTf uptake by BBCECs. Pulse-chase experiments demonstrated that only 10% of Tf was recycled to the luminal side of the cells, whereas the majority of Tf was transcytosed to the abluminal side; double-labeling experiments clearly demonstrated that iron crosses BBCECs bound to Tf. No intraendothelial degradation of Tf was observed, suggesting that the intraendothelial pathway through BBCECs bypasses the lysosomal compartment. These results clearly show that the iron-Tf complex is transcytosed across brain capillary endothelial cells by a receptor-mediated pathway without any degradation.

Hypoxia increases the susceptibility to oxidant stress and the permeability of the blood-brain barrier endothelial cell monolayer.

Abstract: Using a cell culture model of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB), we investigated the brain capillary endothelial cell (EC) response to hypoxia. The activities of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase and the GSH level of brain capillary ECs alone or in coculture with astrocytes, as well as those of pericytes, were compared with those obtained with freshly isolated microvessels. These results demonstrated that brain capillary ECs cocultured with astrocytes and used in the presence of a coculture‐conditioned medium provided a relevant in vitro model for studying the effect of hypoxia‐reoxygenation at the BBB level. The effect of hypoxia on antioxidant enzymes, GSH, and ATP levels was studied, as well as the modification of the permeability to small weight molecules. A decrease in all enzymes and the GSH level could explain an increase in the susceptibility of the brain capillary ECs to further oxidant injury. Second, profound rearrangements of F‐actin filaments of the ECs and a decrease in the ATP level could be associated with an increase in the permeability of the monolayer. Furthermore, an apoptotic process was detected by in situ end labeling of DNA. These results indicate that hypoxia distorts the function of ECs and that these cells in culture provide a valuable tool for exploring mechanisms after hypoxia‐reoxygenation.

Effector Mechanisms of Immunity to Schistosomes and Their Regulation

Increasing interest has been shown, during the last decade, in the study of immune mechanisms of defense against various parasites. Among the parasites which have been most widely used as models, schistosomes have been employed in a broad experimental approach which has illustrated the existence, among the immunological components of the specific response to metazoan parasites, of novel effector and regulatory mechanisms. Schistosomiasis, an infection which affects 300 million people in the world, is characterized by the presence of adult worms in the portal and mesenteric veins of man and various other mammalian species, as part of a complex migratory cycle initiated by the cutaneous penetration of water-living infective cercariae. These transform into schistosomula under the skin of appropriate hosts. It is generally agreed that pathological reactions to schistosome infection are related to the deposition of numerous eggs of the parasite in host tissues (Warren 1968). Although clinical studies have made possible the investigation of several immune mechanisms operating in man, most of information has been derived from the use of various experimental models, among which the mouse and the rat have been the most widely used. Rat infection by schistosomes deserves particular mention. In this rodent experimental infection by cercariae results in the establishment of a worm population which is almost entirely rejected 3 to 4 weeks after the initial challenge, this rejection being itself followed by a strong and prolonged immunity to reinfection. Many experimental observations, supported by epidemiological evidence in man, have pointed to the invasive larval stage of the parasite, i.e. schistosomulum, as the main target of immunity, while the adult population seems relatively unaffected by immune effector mechanisms (i.e. concomitant immunity) (Smithers & Terry 1969).

Freeze fracture study of the pellicle of an eimerian sporozoite (Protozoa, Coccidia).

Freeze fracture of Eimeria nieschulzi sporozoites reveals the structure of their three-membranous pellicle. The plasmalemma has an almost completely random distribution of intramembranous particles (IMP) but shows an apical rosette which may have a function in host cell penetration. The inner membrane complex is made of 13 longitudinal strips inserted on an apical truncated conical cap. Transverse sutures are present in the strips, as well as micropores. The two membranes have a similar, but back-to-back organization, which confirms the vesicular origin of the complex. The P faces bear very regular parallel alignments of IMP, with two dense lines per strip which might correspond with the underlying subpellicular microtubules (the number of which is twice the one of strips). The E faces are almost devoid of particles. The structural and functional significance of those findings are discussed.

Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor α Improves Pancreatic Adaptation to Insulin Resistance in Obese Mice and Reduces Lipotoxicity in Human Islets

Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR) α is a transcription factor controlling lipid and glucose homeostasis. PPARα-deficient (−/−) mice are protected from high-fat diet–induced insulin resistance. However, the impact of PPARα in the pathophysiological setting of obesity-related insulin resistance is unknown. Therefore, PPARα−/− mice in an obese (ob/ob) background were generated. PPARα deficiency did not influence the growth curves of the obese mice but surprisingly resulted in a severe, age-dependent hyperglycemia. PPARα deficiency did not aggravate peripheral insulin resistance. By contrast, PPARα−/− ob/ob mice developed pancreatic β-cell dysfunction characterized by reduced mean islet area and decreased insulin secretion in response to glucose in vitro and in vivo. In primary human pancreatic islets, PPARα agonist treatment prevented fatty acid–induced impairment of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, apoptosis, and triglyceride accumulation. These results indicate that PPARα improves the adaptative response of the pancreatic β-cell to pathological conditions. PPARα could thus represent a promising target in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Endothelin-1 as a Mediator of Endothelial Cell-Pericyte Interactions in Bovine Brain Capillaries

Endothelial cells and pericytes are closely associated in brain capillaries. Together with astrocytic foot processes, they form the blood–brain barrier. Capillaries were isolated from bovine brain cortex. Pure populations of endothelial cells and pericytes were isolated and cultured in vitro. Polarized monolayers of endothelial cells preferentially secreted immunoreactive endothelin-1 (Et-1) at their abluminal (brain-facing) membrane. They did not express receptors for Et-1. Pericytes expressed BQ-123-sensitive ETA receptors for endothelins as evidenced by 125I-Et-1 binding experiments. These receptors were coupled to phospholipase C as demonstrated by intracellular calcium measurements using indo-1-loaded cells. Addition of Et-1 to pericytes induced marked changes in the cell morphology that were associated with a reorganization of F-actin and intermediate filaments. It is concluded that Et-1 is a paracrine mediator at the bovine blood–brain barrier and that capillary pericytes are target cells for endothelium-derived Et-1.