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Showing papers in "Physiological Reviews in 1998"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The status of the free radical theory of aging is reviewed, by categorizing the literature in terms of the various types of experiments that have been performed, which include phenomenological measurements of age-associated oxidative stress, interspecies comparisons, dietary restriction, and the ongoing elucidation of the role of active oxygen in biology.
Abstract: Beckman, Kenneth B., and Bruce N. Ames. The Free Radical Theory of Aging Matures. Physiol. Rev. 78: 547–581, 1998. — The free radical theory of aging, conceived in 1956, has turned 40 and is rapidl...

3,812 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Target deletion of several of these dopamine receptor genes in mice should provide valuable information about their physiological functions and provide unequivocal evidence for the involvement of one of these receptors in the etiology of various central nervous system disorders.
Abstract: Missale, Cristina, S. Russel Nash, Susan W. Robinson, Mohamed Jaber, and Marc G. Caron. Dopamine Receptors: From Structure to Function. Physiol. Rev. 78: 189–225, 1998. — The diverse physiological actions of dopamine are mediated by at least five distinct G protein-coupled receptor subtypes. Two D1-like receptor subtypes (D1 and D5) couple to the G protein Gs and activate adenylyl cyclase. The other receptor subtypes belong to the D2-like subfamily (D2 , D3 , and D4) and are prototypic of G protein-coupled receptors that inhibit adenylyl cyclase and activate K+ channels. The genes for the D1 and D5 receptors are intronless, but pseudogenes of the D5 exist. The D2 and D3 receptors vary in certain tissues and species as a result of alternative splicing, and the human D4 receptor gene exhibits extensive polymorphic variation. In the central nervous system, dopamine receptors are widely expressed because they are involved in the control of locomotion, cognition, emotion, and affect as well as neuroendocrine s...

3,433 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Characterization of regulatory regions of adipose-specific genes has led to the identification of the transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP), which play a key role in the complex transcriptional cascade during adipocyte differentiation.
Abstract: Gregoire, Francine M., Cynthia M. Smas, and Hei Sook Sul. Understanding Adipocyte Differentiation. Physiol. Rev. 78: 783–809, 1998. — The adipocyte plays a critical role in energy balance. Adipose tissue growth involves an increase in adipocyte size and the formation of new adipocytes from precursor cells. For the last 20 years, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of adipocyte differentiation have been extensively studied using preadipocyte culture systems. Committed preadipocytes undergo growth arrest and subsequent terminal differentiation into adipocytes. This is accompanied by a dramatic increase in expression of adipocyte genes including adipocyte fatty acid binding protein and lipid-metabolizing enzymes. Characterization of regulatory regions of adipose-specific genes has led to the identification of the transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP), which play a key role in the complex transcriptional cascade during adipocyt...

2,270 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Cell volume may be considered a second message in the transmission of hormonal signals, and alterations of cell volume and volume regulatory mechanisms participate in a wide variety of cellular functions including epithelial transport, metabolism, excitation, hormone release, migration, cell proliferation, and cell death.
Abstract: Lang, Florian, Gillian L. Busch, Markus Ritter, Harald Volkl, Siegfried Waldegger, Erich Gulbins, and Dieter Haussinger. Functional Significance of Cell Volume Regulatory Mechanisms. Physiol. Rev. ...

1,839 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review raises the intriguing question of whether vitamin D plays an important role in embryonic development, since vitamin D deficiency does not prohibit development, nor does vitamin D receptor knockout.
Abstract: The important reactions that occur to the vitamin D molecule and the important reactions involved in the expression of the final active form of vitamin D are reviewed in a critical manner. After an overview of the metabolism of vitamin D to its active form and to its metabolic degradation products, the molecular understanding of the 1alpha-hydroxylation reaction and the 24-hydroxylation reaction of the vitamin D hormone is presented. Furthermore, the role of vitamin D in maintenance of serum calcium is reviewed at the physiological level and at the molecular level whenever possible. Of particular importance is the regulation of the parathyroid gland by the vitamin D hormone. A third section describes the known molecular events involved in the action of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on its target cells. This includes reviewing what is now known concerning the overall mechanism of transcriptional regulation by vitamin D. It describes the vitamin D receptors that have been cloned and identified and describes the coactivators and retinoid X receptors required for the function of vitamin D in its genomic actions. The presence of receptor in previously uncharted target organs of vitamin D action has led to a study of the possible function of vitamin D in these organs. A good example of a new function described for 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 is that found in the parathyroid gland. This is also true for the role of vitamin D hormone in skin, the immune system, a possible role in the pancreas, i.e., in the islet cells, and a possible role in female reproduction. This review also raises the intriguing question of whether vitamin D plays an important role in embryonic development, since vitamin D deficiency does not prohibit development, nor does vitamin D receptor knockout. The final section reviews some interesting analogs of the vitamin D hormone and their possible uses. The review ends with possible ideas with regard to future directions of vitamin D drug design.

1,247 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Analysis of the mechanisms of increased drinking caused by drugs and experimental procedures that activate the renal renin-angiotensin system, and clinical conditions in which renal renIn secretion is increased, have provided evidence that endogenously released renal ren in can generate enough circulating ANG II to stimulate drinking.
Abstract: Fitzsimons, J. T. Angiotensin, Thirst, and Sodium Appetite. Physiol. Rev. 78: 583–686, 1998. — Angiotensin (ANG) II is a powerful and phylogenetically widespread stimulus to thirst and sodium appet...

816 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The tissue expression, transport characteristics, structure-function relationship, and the putative physiological roles of four amino acid transporters belonging to four protein families are described.
Abstract: Palacin, Manuel, Raul Estevez, Joan Bertran, and Antonio Zorzano. Molecular Biology of Mammalian Plasma Membrane Amino Acid Transporters. Physiol. Rev. 78: 969–1054, 1998. — Molecular biology ente...

797 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The three-dimensional intracellular network formed by the filamentous polymers comprising the cytoskeletal affects the way cells sense their extracellular environment and respond to stimuli and can influence ion channel activity at the plasma membrane of cells and conduct mechanical stresses from the cell membrane to internal organelles.
Abstract: Janmey, Paul A. The Cytoskeleton and Cell Signaling: Component Localization and Mechanical Coupling. Physiol. Rev. 78: 763–781, 1998. — The three-dimensional intracellular network formed by the fil...

795 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review focuses on some physiological mechanisms of cerebral vasodilatation and alteration of these mechanisms by disease states.
Abstract: Faraci, Frank M., and Donald D. Heistad. Regulation of the Cerebral Circulation: Role of Endothelium and Potassium Channels. Physiol. Rev. 78: 53–97, 1998. — Several new concepts have emerged in re...

765 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: By controlling gap junction conductance, Ca2+ waves may define the limits of functional glial networks, and there is some evidence that glial [Ca2+]i waves can affect neurons.
Abstract: Verkhratsky, Alexej, Richard K. Orkand, and Helmut Kettenmann. Glial Calcium: Homeostasis and Signaling Function. Physiol. Rev. 78: 99–141, 1998. — Glial cells respond to various electrical, mechan...

675 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A comprehensive discussion is presented of advances in understanding the structure and function of phospholamban, the principal regulator of the Ca2+-ATPase of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Abstract: Simmerman, Heather K. B., and Larry R. Jones. Phospholamban: Protein Structure, Mechanism of Action, and Role in Cardiac Function. Physiol. Rev. 78: 921–947, 1998. — A comprehensive discussion is p...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Molecular mechanisms of the melatonin effects are not clear but may involve at least two parallel transduction pathways, one inhibiting adenylyl cyclase and the other regulating phospholipide metabolism and [Ca2+]i.
Abstract: Vanecek, Jiri. Cellular Mechanisms of Melatonin Action. Physiol. Rev. 78: 687–721, 1998. — The pineal hormone melatonin is involved in photic regulations of various kinds, including adaptation to l...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The cloning and reconstitution of the subunits of these channels demonstrate they are heteromultimers of inwardly rectifying potassium channel subunits (KIR6.x) and sulfonylurea receptors (SUR), members of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily.
Abstract: Adenosine 5'-triphosphate-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels couple metabolic events to membrane electrical activity in a variety of cell types. The cloning and reconstitution of the subunits of these channels demonstrate they are heteromultimers of inwardly rectifying potassium channel subunits (KIR6.x) and sulfonylurea receptors (SUR), members of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily. Recent studies indicate that SUR and KIR6.x associate with 1:1 stoichiometry to assemble a large tetrameric channel, (SUR/KIR6.x)4. The KIR6.x subunits form the channel pore, whereas SUR is required for activation and regulation. Two KIR6.x genes and two SUR genes have been identified, and combinations of subunits give rise to KATP channel subtypes found in pancreatic beta-cells, neurons, and cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle. Mutations in both the SUR1 and KIR6.2 genes have been shown to cause familial hyperinsulinism, indicating the importance of the pancreatic beta-cell channel in the regulation of insulin secretion. The availability of cloned KATP channel genes opens the way for characterization of this family of ion channels and identification of additional genetic defects.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The contributions of gut microorganisms common to all vertebrates are discussed, the numerous digestive strategies that allow herbivores to maximize these contributions, and the effects of low-fiber diets and discontinuous feeding schedules on these microbial digestive processes are discussed.
Abstract: Stevens, C. Edward, and Ian D. Hume. Contributions of Microbes in Vertebrate Gastrointestinal Tract to Production and Conservation of Nutrients. Physiol. Rev. 78: 393–427, 1998. — The vertebrate ga...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The roles of these transporters in nutrition, endocrinology, nitric oxide biology, and immunology, as well as in the genetic diseases cystinuria and lysinuric protein intolerance, are reviewed.
Abstract: Deves, R., and C. A. R. Boyd. Transporters for Cationic Amino Acids in Animal Cells: Discovery, Structure, and Function. Physiol. Rev. 78: 487–545, 1998. — The structure and function of the four ca...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A comprehensive review of the biophysical and electrophysiological evidence regarding the transduction processes as well as subsequent signal processing and spike generation in ORNs is presented.
Abstract: Schild, Detlev, and Diego Restrepo. Transduction Mechanisms in Vertebrate Olfactory Receptor Cells. Physiol. Rev. 78: 429–466, 1998. — Considerable progress has been made in the understanding of tr...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The diverse physiological effects ST has on growth and lactation is summarized and the underlying mechanisms that mediate these effects in domestic animals are discussed.
Abstract: Etherton, Terry D., and Dale E. Bauman. Biology of Somatotropin in Growth and Lactation of Domestic Animals. Physiol. Rev. 78: 745–761, 1998. — Impressive progress has been made during the past 15 ...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The emerging view is that even at the earliest stages in the cortical processing of visual information, cells are highly mutable in their functional properties and are capable of integrating information over a much larger part of visual space than originally believed.
Abstract: Gilbert, Charles D. Adult Cortical Dynamics. Physiol. Rev. 78: 467–485, 1998. — There are many influences on our perception of local features. What we see is not strictly a reflection of the physic...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Important new insights are revealed regarding the mechanism of protein translocation across the peroxisomal membrane, the conservation of PEX genes through evolution, the role of peroxins in fatal human peroxISomal disorders, and the biogenesis of the organelle.
Abstract: Subramani, Suresh. Components Involved in Peroxisome Import, Biogenesis, Proliferation, Turnover, and Movement. Physiol. Rev. 78: 171–188, 1998. — In the decade that has elapsed since the discovery...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The new biology suggests that gastrointestinal hormones should be conceived as intercellular messengers of general physiological impact rather than as local regulators of the upper digestive tract.
Abstract: Rehfeld, Jens F. The New Biology of Gastrointestinal Hormones. Physiol. Rev. 78: 1087–1108, 1998. — The classic concept of gastrointestinal endocrinology is that of a few peptides released to the c...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The features of ion channels in vascular tissues only recently are reviewed, since this article makes only limited reference to vascular smooth muscle research.
Abstract: Kuriyama, H., K. Kitamura, T. Itoh, and R. Inoue. Physiological Features of Visceral Smooth Muscle Cells, With Special Reference to Receptors and Ion Channels. Physiol. Rev. 78: 811–920, 1998. — Vi...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The evidence that retrograde interactions are involved in activity-dependent synapse competition and elimination in developing nervous systems and in long-term potentiation and depression at mature synapses is reviewed.
Abstract: Fitzsimonds, Reiko Maki, and Mu-ming Poo. Retrograde Signaling in the Development and Modification of Synapses. Physiol. Rev. 78: 143–170, 1998. — Retrograde signaling from the postsynaptic cell to...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The effects of lattice change on muscle contraction in vertebrate skeletal and cardiac muscle and in invertebrate striated muscle are reviewed and the force developed, the speed of shortening, and stiffness are compared with structural changes occurring within the lattice.
Abstract: Millman, Barry M. The Filament Lattice of Striated Muscle. Physiol. Rev. 78: 359–391, 1998. — The filament lattice of striated muscle is an overlapping hexagonal array of thick and thin filaments w...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Determining the signaling pathways controlling the electrophysiology of glomerular mesangial cells is important for understanding how glomersular filtration rate is regulated in health and disease.
Abstract: Stockand, James D, and Steven C Sansom Glomerular Mesangial Cells: Electrophysiology and Regulation of Contraction Physiol Rev 78: 723–744, 1998 — Mesangial cells are smooth muscle-like peri

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The primary aims of this review are to familiarize the nonspecialist with the techniques and limitations of mouse mutagenesis, to describe new technologies that may overcome these limitations, and to illustrate some of the ways in which genetically altered mice have been used to analyze central nervous system function.
Abstract: Picciotto, Marina R., and Kevin Wickman. Using Knockout and Transgenic Mice to Study Neurophysiology and Behavior. Physiol. Rev. 78: 1131–1163, 1998. — Reverse genetics, in which detailed knowledge of a gene of interest permits in vivo modification of its expression or function, provides a powerful method for examining the physiological relevance of any protein. Transgenic and knockout mouse models are particularly useful for studies of complex neurobiological problems. The primary aims of this review are to familiarize the nonspecialist with the techniques and limitations of mouse mutagenesis, to describe new technologies that may overcome these limitations, and to illustrate, using representative examples from the literature, some of the ways in which genetically altered mice have been used to analyze central nervous system function. The goal is to provide the information necessary to evaluate critically studies in which mutant mice have been used to study neurobiological problems.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The ability of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells and normal human kidney cortex cells to form cysts in culture and to secrete fluid and the functional similarities between these incompletely differentiated, proliferative cells and developing cells in the intestinal crypt and in the fetal lung have led us to suggest that Cl- and fluid secretion may be a common property of at least some renal epithelial cells in an intermediate stage of development.
Abstract: Sullivan, Lawrence P., Darren P. Wallace, and Jared J. Grantham. Epithelial Transport in Polycystic Kidney Disease. Physiol. Rev. 78: 1165–1191, 1998. — In autosomal dominant polycystic kidney dise...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The preponderance of evidence presented here demonstrates that CIT declines with chronological time, but it is unlikely that the mechanisms accounting for the decline in cold-induced thermoregulation during aging will be determined until biological aging is more precisely defined.
Abstract: Florez-Duquet, Maria, and Roger B. McDonald. Cold-Induced Thermoregulation and Biological Aging. Physiol. Rev. 78: 339–358, 1998. — Aging is associated with diminished cold-induced thermoregulation...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Evidence supporting a role for microtubule-based vesicle transport and the motor proteins, kinesin and cytoplasmic dynein, in different aspects of membrane trafficking in cells of the kidney and liver is discussed, with emphasis on those functions such as maintenance of ion channel and transporter composition in apical membranes that are specialized functions of these organs.
Abstract: Hamm-Alvarez, Sarah F., and Michael P. Sheetz. Microtubule-Dependent Vesicle Transport: Modulation of Channel and Transporter Activity in Liver and Kidney. Physiol. Rev. 78: 1109–1129, 1998. — Micr...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Chemotaxis is an essential function of most cells at some stage during their development, and a deeper understanding of the molecular signaling and structural components involved will enable rational design of therapeutic strategies in a wide variety of diseases.
Abstract: Pettit, Elizabeth J., and Frederic S. Fay. Cytosolic Free Calcium and the Cytoskeleton in the Control of Leukocyte Chemotaxis. Physiol. Rev. 78: 949–967, 1998. — In response to a chemotactic gradie...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: G protein-coupled receptors comprise a large and diverse family of molecules that play essential roles in signal transduction and the techniques used to achieve specific alterations and the consequences of altered expression patterns are discussed.
Abstract: Rohrer, Daniel K., and Brian K. Kobilka. G-Protein Coupled Receptors: Functional and Mechanistic Insights Through Altered Gene Expression. Physiol. Rev. 78: 35–52, 1998. — G protein-coupled recepto...