Investigation on the possibility for production of immune molecules by rat brain and pancreatic cells in their role as participants in regulatory pathways

Abstract

The main goal was directed to better understanding of the intra- and extra-cellular inter-molecular interactions as a part of the regulatory mechanisms, by which different cells, tissues and organs communicate to each other. The functions of protein Secretagogin (SCGN) and tri-peptide Glutathione (GSH) as tumor suppressors, neuroprotectors and endocrine regulators are known. The participation of these molecules in the regulation of cellular growth, proliferation, differentiation and death, but also of inflammatory and pro-inflammatory processes has also been proved. The role of SCGN and GSH in brain and pancreas of rat origin was investigated in the current study. Total lysates from rat brain and pancreas were prepared (controls). Equal volumes were passed through GSH-agarose columns to select molecules with affinity to GSH. Separate aliquotes were mixed with a total lysate of laboratory-incubated RIN-5F malignant rat insulinoma cells, which contain an additional copy of the tumor-suppressor gene scgn, coding the protein Secretagogin (SCGN), inserted by transfection with appropriate recombinant DNA-vectors, containing also a GST-tag. The average titers of gangliosides and of anti-ganglioside antibodies were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The possibility for production of immunoglobulins/antibodies by non-lymphoid cells, tissues and organs was proposed, probably as one of the steps in the cascade regulatory mechanisms. Because the produced antibodies are outside the germinative centers of the specialized lymphoid tissues and organs, control of their function by small molecules as gangliosides is very important, acting directly or indirectly on different intra- and extra-cellular inter-molecular interactions in various cascade regulatory pathways.