bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation, purification and cell-free synthesis of calmodulin from the pig anterior pituitary gland
Authors: Walker S W , Wark J D , MacNeil S , Mellersh H , Brown B L , Tomlinson S
Published: August 2015

Calmodulin was extracted and purified from pig anterior pituitary gland. The protein was characterized by its migration on sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis in the presence of Ca2+ or EGTA, its U.V. spectrum between 240 and 290 nm and the activation of calmodulin-deficient cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. The yield was 370 mg/kg wet wt. mRNA was also extracted from the same tissue and translated in a wheat-germ cell-free translation system. Translated calmodulin was identified by its heat-stability, its co-migration with authentic anterior-pituitary calmodulin on sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis, its acidic isoelectric point (4.15) on flat-bed isoelectric focusing, its Ca2+-dependent binding to fluphenazine-Sepharose 6B, and its co-elution from this gel with authentic unlabelled calmodulin with EGTA buffer. Calmodulin was not translated as a precursor form. In this tissue it was calculated that calmodulin accounted for 0.5-1% of the total translated protein.
Metallothionein-I in the plasma and liver of neonatal rats
Authors: Mehra R K , Bremner I
Published: August 2015

The concentrations of metallothionein-I in the plasma and liver of neonatal rats were measured by radioimmunoassay. Plasma concentrations of the protein in male and female 4-day-old rats were 350 and 740 ng/ml respectively, and declined rapidly to only 3.5 ng/ml at 32 days of age. Concentrations in liver were also high in the newborn rats (200 micrograms/g), and declined from 12 days of age onwards.
Human placental microvilli contain high-affinity binding sites for folate
Authors: Green T , Ford H C
Published: August 2015

Uptake of [3H]pteroylglutamic acid [(3H]PteGlu) was studied in microvilli isolated from the syncytiotrophoblast of the human term placenta. The effect of changes in medium osmolality on the equilibrium uptake of [3H]PteGlu was negligible, which suggested that the observed uptake represented binding to proteins on or within the microvilli rather than translocation of the vitamin from the incubation medium to a free state in the intravesicular fluid. Equilibrium uptake experiments performed over a wide range of [3H]PteGlu concentrations disclosed a class of binding sites with an association constant of 0.3 nM-1 as well as a second class of sites with high capacity and low affinity. Binding of [3H]PteGlu at the high-affinity sites was inhibited by tetrahydrofolate and N5-methyltetrahydrofolate, but not by several other structural analogues. It is likely that the high-affinity binding sites are receptors for maternal plasma folate; however, their role in placental transport or storage of the vitamin was not delineated in these studies.
Cell killing and DNA damage by hydrogen peroxide are mediated by intracellular iron
Authors: Mello Filho A C , Hoffmann M E , Meneghini R
Published: August 2015

Phenanthroline, a strong iron chelator, prevents both the formation of DNA single-strand breaks and the killing of mouse cells produced by H2O2. These results, taken together with our previous findings, indicate that the DNA damage is produced by hydroxyl radicals formed when H2O2 reacts with chromatin-bound Fe2+ and that this damage is responsible for the killing effect.
Thermodynamics of steroid binding to the human glucocorticoid receptor
Authors: Eliard P H , Rousseau G G
Published: August 2015

The thermodynamics of the interaction of glucocorticoids with their receptor were studied in cytosol from human lymphoblastoid cells. The rate and affinity constants of dexamethasone and cortisol between 0 degree and 25 degrees C were calculated by curve-fitting from time-course and equilibrium kinetics. The data were consistent with a simple reversible bimolecular interaction. Arrhenius and Van't Hoff plots were curvilinear for both steroids. At equilibrium, the solution for the equation delta G = delta H - T X delta S (eqn. 1) was (in kJ X mol-1) −47 = 36 − 83 (dexamethasone) and −42 = −9 − 33 (cortisol) at 0 degree C. Enthalpy and entropy changes decreased quasi-linearly with temperature such that, at 25 degrees C, the respective values were −50 = −75 + 25 and −43 = −48 + 5. Thus, for both steroids, the interaction was entropy-driven at low temperature and became entirely enthalpy-driven at 20 degrees C. Thermodynamic values for the transition state were calculated from the rate constants. For the forward reaction, eqn. (1) gave 45 = 84 − 39 (dexamethasone) and 46 = 60 − 14 (cortisol) at 0 degree C, and 44 = 24 + 20 (dexamethasone) and 46 = 28 + 18 (cortisol) at 25 degrees C. These data fit quite well with a two-step model [Ross & Subramanian (1981) Biochemistry 20, 3096-3102] proposed for ligand-protein interactions, which involves a partial immobilization of the reacting species governed by hydrophobic forces, followed by stabilization of the complex by short-range interactions. On the basis of this model, an analysis of the transition-state thermodynamics led to the conclusion that no more than half of the steroid molecular area is engaged in the binding process.
The metabolic state of muscle in the isolated perfused rat hemicorpus in relation to rates of protein synthesis
Authors: Preedy V R , Pain V M , Garlick P J
Published: August 2015

Measures of perfusion adequacy in perfused rat hemicorpus preparations were investigated as potential indices of tissue function during studies of muscle protein metabolism. Perfusion under normal conditions for up to 80 min resulted in rates of protein synthesis and concentrations of ATP in muscle that were similar to those in vivo, but phosphocreatine in muscle gradually decreased and muscle lactate increased. Hypoxic conditions led to lower rates of protein synthesis, lower phospho-creatine and raised lactate contents in muscle compared with normal perfusions, and ATP was slightly decreased. Hypoxic preparations also released more lactate and K+ into the medium and had higher perfusion pressures, but glucose uptake and muscle water content were not altered. In totally ischaemic muscle, concentrations of ATP and phosphocreatine were even lower than in hypoxic muscle, and that of lactate was higher. From 11 preparations perfused for 60 min under normal conditions, three were selected on the basis of lower muscle ATP content than the others. Preparations with low ATP also showed lower muscle phosphocreatine concentrations, O2 uptake and CO2 output, as well as higher perfusion pressure and muscle lactate concentrations than in the remaining preparations, but muscle water, ADP and AMP concentrations and lactate and K+ flux were no different. In perfusions extended to 3 h, deterioration of function was more apparent. There were significant correlations between rates of protein synthesis and the concentrations of ATP, phosphocreatine and lactate in two different muscles (r = 0.756-0.929), but not with any of the other indices investigated. Taken overall, these experiments showed that concentrations of ADP, AMP and water in muscle, rates of lactate and glucose metabolism, K+ output, perfusion pressure and blood gas parameters were unsuitable for distinguishing unsound from sound preparations, because they did not consistently demonstrate differences, or could not be ascribed to only muscle metabolism. It was found that ATP, phosphocreatine and lactate concentrations in muscle were the best indicators of impaired metabolic state in studies of protein synthesis. Measurements of these could be used on a routine basis for rejecting unsatisfactory preparations.
The oxidation of glutamine and glutamate in relation to anion transport in enterocyte mitochondria
Authors: Evered D F , Masola B
Published: August 2015

The oxidation of L-glutamate and L-glutamine by enterocyte mitochondria was supported by malate. The stimulation of the rate of oxidation of the two amino acids by small amounts of added malate was 93% and 76% respectively. This could not be accounted for by the oxidation of the small amounts of malate added. Amino-oxyacetate added initially inhibited malate-supported oxidation of L-glutamate by 81% and that of L-glutamine by 38%. The inhibition of L-glutamate oxidation was partially reversed by L-glutamine. The dicarboxylate-carrier inhibitor 2-phenylsuccinate inhibited the malate-supported oxidation of both amino acids, but appeared to be slightly stimulatory to L-glutamine oxidation when added initially. The inhibition of L-glutamate oxidation was reversed by L-glutamine. The mitochondrial uncoupler FCCP (carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone) inhibited malate-supported oxidation of L-glutamate by 78% when added initially. The oxidation of L-glutamine was completely inhibited. However, the uncoupler stimulated the oxidation of both amino acids when added finally. Pyruvate inhibited aspartate synthesis when either of these amino acids was the main substrate, alanine being synthesized. There was no effect on O2 uptake. Mitochondria did not swell in KCl solution, but swelled rapidly in water. Mitochondrial swelling in potassium phosphate and potassium acetate solutions was activated by valinomycin and to a lesser extent by the further addition of FCCP. With potassium malate, swelling was mainly activated by phosphate. The swelling of enterocyte mitochondria in potassium glutamate was slow. In glutamine solution, mitochondrial swelling was greater and appeared to be enhanced by the initial presence of small amounts of phosphate.
Two individuals with elliptocytic red cells apparently lack three minor erythrocyte membrane sialoglycoproteins
Authors: Anstee D J , Parsons S F , Ridgwell K , Tanner M J A , Merry A H , Thomson E E , Judson P A , Johnson P , Bates S , Fraser I D
Published: August 2015

We have studied the erythrocytes of two individuals (P. L. and K. W.) who lack the Gerbich (Ge) blood-group antigen. The erythrocytes of P. L. and K. W. were not reactive with two monoclonal antibodies (NBTS/BRIC 4 and NBTS/BRIC 10) which reacted with normal erythrocytes. The membranes of P. L. and K. W. erythrocytes appeared to lack three minor sialoglycoproteins (beta, beta 1 and gamma). These three minor sialoglycoproteins were found to be associated with the cytoskeletons of normal erythrocytes. Approx. 10% of the erythrocytes of P. L. and K. W. were frankly elliptocytic. We suggest that one or more of the minor sialoglycoproteins may play a part in maintaining the discoid shape of the human erythrocyte.
A problem in the radiochemical assay of glucose-6-phosphatase in muscle
Authors: Lackner R , Challiss R A J , West D , Newsholme E A
Published: August 2015

A radiochemical assay for glucose-6-phosphatase, which depends on the absorption of radiolabelled substrate on to a nascent precipitate of BaSO4 and Zn(OH)2, can give rise to erroneously high activities. Adsorption on to a Fe(OH)3 precipitate does not expose the incubation medium to extreme alkaline conditions and provides a satisfactory and simple assay. This method demonstrates a very low activity of the enzyme in mammalian muscle, in contrast with previous findings.
Competition among oxidizable substrates in brains of young and adult rats. Whole homogenates
Authors: Roeder L M , Tildon J T , Stevenson J H
Published: August 2015

The rates of conversion into 14CO2 of D-(-)-3-hydroxy[3-14C]butyrate, [3-14C]acetoacetate, [6-14C]glucose and [U-14C]glutamine were measured in the presence and absence of unlabelled alternative oxidizable substrates in whole homogenates from the brains of young and adult rats. The addition of unlabelled glutamine resulted in decreased 14CO2 production from [6-14C]glucose in brain homogenates from both young and adult rats. In contrast, glucose had no effect on [U-14C]glutamine oxidation. In suckling animals, both 3-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate decreased the rate of oxidation of [6-14C]glucose, but in adults only 3-hydroxybutyrate had an effect, and to a lesser degree. The addition of unlabelled glucose markedly enhanced the rates of oxidation of both ketone bodies in adult brain tissue and had little or no effect in the young. The rate of production of 14CO2 from [U-14C]glutamine was increased by the addition of unlabelled ketone bodies in brain homogenates from young, but not from adult rats. In the converse situation, unlabelled glutamine added to 14C-labelled ketone bodies diminished 14CO2 production in young rats, but had no effect in adult animals. These results revealed a complex age-dependent pattern of interaction in which certain substrates apparently competed with each other, whereas an enhanced rate of 14CO2 production was found with others.
Casein kinase activity in rat mammary gland Golgi vesicles. Demonstration of latency and requirement for a transmembrane ATP carrier
Authors: West D W , Clegg R A
Published: August 2015

A Golgi vesicle-enriched preparation from mammary tissue of lactating rats has been used to investigate the phosphorylation of caseins in vitro. Casein kinase, together with its casein substrates, is enclosed within the lumen of Golgi membrane vesicles and has a requirement for Ca2+ and ATP. The permeability characteristics of the Golgi membrane to ATP and Ca2+ therefore have a possible regulatory influence on casein kinase activity. This influence has been investigated by alteration of the permeability characteristics by using several agents having differing degrees of selectivity. The ionophore A23187, which permits loss of Ca2+ from the vesicles, caused a decrease in casein phosphorylation which could be reversed by externally supplied Ca2+. Alamethicin, an ionophore that creates larger transmembrane channels, caused an increase in casein phosphorylation. This increase showed a requirement for divalent metal ions which could be satisfied by either Ca2+ or Mn2+. Under the same conditions, La3+ was inhibitory. Triton X-100 caused loss of intravesicular Ca2+, yet this was accompanied by an increase in phosphate incorporation into the caseins. We conclude from these results that the binding site on casein kinase for ATP is within the Golgi membrane barrier and that they imply the presence of a transmembrane ATP-transport mechanism. Inhibition of casein phosphorylation by atractyloside and carboxyatractyloside lends support to this concept.
Benzyloxycarbonylphenylalanylcitrulline p-nitroanilide as a substrate for papain and other plant cysteine proteinases
Authors: Gray C J , Boukouvalas J , Szawelski R J , Wharton C W
Published: August 2015

After preliminary assays, with papain, bromelain and ficin, on a range of citrulline p-nitroanilides, values of Km and kcat. for the papain-catalysed hydrolysis of three derivatives, N alpha- benzyloxycarbonylcitrulline p-nitroanilide, benzyloxycarbonylphenylalanylcitrulline p-nitroanilide and benzyloxycarbonylglycylphenylalanylcitrulline p-nitroanilide, were obtained. It is concluded that benzyloxycarbonylphenylalanylcitrulline p-nitroanilide is a highly selective substrate for the sensitive detection and assay of the plant cysteine proteinases.
Characterization of two trehalases in baker's yeast
Authors: Londesborough J , Varimo K
Published: August 2015

Trehalase activities at pH 5 (not inhibited by EDTA) and pH 7 (inhibited by EDTA) were present in the soluble fraction of disintegrated commercial baker's yeast. The pH 5 activity binds strongly to concanavalin A, is only partially salted out by saturated (NH4)2SO4, has an apparent Mr of 215000 (by gel filtration) and is an acidic protein. It has a Km of 1.4 mM, a broad pH optimum (at 40 mM-trehalose) between pH 4 and 5, and is activated by about 30% by 20-300 mM neutral salts such as KCl, NaNO3 and MnCl2. The enzyme is strongly inhibited by acetic acid/acetate buffers, with a Ki of about 15 mM-acetic acid. The pH 7 activity does not bind to concanavalin A, is salted out at 20-32% (w/v) (NH4)2SO4 and has an Mr of 170000 (by gel filtration). It is absolutely dependent on Ca2+ or Mn2+ ions (Mg2+ is ineffective) and strongly inhibited by neutral salts in the 20-100 mM range. It can be activated by treatment with MgATP in the presence of cyclic AMP. Activation decreases, but does not abolish, the Ca2+ requirement, and does not change the Km for trehalose (5.7 mM) or shift the sharp pH optimum at pH 6.7 (at 40 mM-trehalose).
Inhibition of steroid production in Leydig cells by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and related compounds: evidence for the involvement of lipoxygenase products in steroidogenesis
Authors: Dix C J , Habberfield A D , Sullivan M H F , Cooke B A
Published: August 2015

The effect of inhibitors of the cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism on steroidogenesis in rat testis Leydig cells and rat tumour Leydig cells has been investigated. In the presence of nordihydroguaiaretic acid [NDGA; 4,4′-(2,3- dimethylbutan −1,4- diyl)bis[1,2- benzendiol]], 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), BW 755C [3-amino-1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-pyrazoline hydrochloride] and benoxaprofen [Opren; 2-(2-p-chlorophenyl- benzoxazol −5-yl)propionic acid)] (which inhibit lipoxygenase activity), but not indomethacin and aspirin (which inhibit cyclo-oxygenase activity), a dose-related inhibition of lutropin (LH)-stimulated testosterone and pregnenolone production was obtained (ID50 values of 2.5, 30, 25 and 30 microM for NDGA, ETYA, BW 755C and benoxaprofen were obtained, respectively). BW 755C and benoxaprofen had no significant effect on LH-stimulated cyclic AMP production except at the highest concentrations examined (330 and 380 microM, respectively), whereas NDGA and ETYA inhibited LH-stimulated cyclic AMP production in a dose-dependent manner (ID50 7.0 and 22 microM respectively). However, NDGA and ETYA also caused a dose-dependent inhibition of dibutyryl cyclic AMP-stimulated testosterone and pregnenolone production. The metabolism of exogenous (22R)-hydroxycholesterol or pregnenolone to testosterone by Leydig cells was not inhibited by either NDGA, ETYA or indomethacin. At low concentrations of NDGA and ETYA a significant increase in the conversion of both pregnenolone and (22R)-hydroxycholesterol to testosterone was obtained. Studies in which the metabolism of [14C]arachidonic acid by purified rat tumour Leydig cells was investigated indicate that products are formed by tumour Leydig cells that have similar mobilities in a thin layer chromatography system to 5-L-hydroxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid, 12-L-hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid and leukotriene B4. The formation of these products was inhibited to varying degrees by NDGA, BW 755C and benoxaprofen but not by aspirin and indomethacin. These studies demonstrate for the first time that inhibition of lipoxygenase activity but not cyclo-oxygenase activity causes an inhibition of LH- and dibutyryl cyclic AMP-stimulated steroid production and suggest a stimulatory role for products of the lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism in steroidogenesis. The site of this stimulation is apparently distal to the production of cyclic AMP and before the side chain cleavage of cholesterol.
Production of C-24- and C-23-oxidized metabolites of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol by cultured kidney cells (LLC PK1) and their presence in kidney in vivo
Authors: Napoli J L , Martin C A
Published: August 2015

1,25-Dihydroxy[3H]cholecalciferol was converted into several more-polar metabolites by a cultured pig kidney cell line (LLC PK1). The production of metabolites was stimulated by pretreating the cells with unlabelled 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. A similar profile of metabolites was observed on high-pressure-liquid-chromatographic analysis of an extract from the kidneys of rats dosed intravenously with 1,25-dihydroxy[3H]cholecalciferol. Among the metabolites detected were 1,24,25-trihydroxycholecalciferol, 1,25-dihydroxy-24-oxocholecalciferol, 1,23,25-trihydroxy-24-oxocholecalciferol and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol-26,23-lactone. The results are in accord with data reported for intestinal 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol metabolism [Napoli, Pramanik, Royal, Reinhardt & Horst (1983) J. Biol. Chem. 258, 9100-9107]. These data indicate that C-23- and C-24-oxidation of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol are phenomena common to calciferol target tissues, and that regulation of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol homoeostasis is dependent on the rate of its metabolism in addition to the rate of its synthesis.
Active-site-directed inactivators of the Zn2+-containing d-alanyl-d-alanine-cleaving carboxypeptidase of Streptomyces albus G
Authors: Charlier P , Dideberg O , Jamoulle J C , Frère J M , Ghuysen J M , Dive G , Lamotte-Brasseur J
Published: August 2015

Several types of active-site-directed inactivators (inhibitors) of the Zn2+-containing D-alanyl-D-alanine-cleaving carboxypeptidase were tested. (i) Among the heavy-atom-containing compounds examined, K2Pt(C2O4)2 inactivates the enzyme with a second-order rate constant of about 6 X 10(-2)M-1 X S-1 and has only one binding site located close to the Zn2+ cofactor within the enzyme active site. (ii) Several compounds possessing both a C-terminal carboxylate function and, at the other end of the molecule, a thiol, hydroxamate or carboxylate function were also examined. 3-Mercaptopropionate (racemic) and 3-mercaptoisobutyrate (L-isomer) inhibit the enzyme competitively with a Ki value of 5 X 10 X 10(-9)M. (iii) Classical beta-lactam compounds have a very weak inhibitory potency. Depending on the structure of the compounds, enzyme inhibition may be competitive (and binding occurs to the active site) or non-competitive (and binding causes disruption of the protein crystal lattice). (iv) 6-beta-Iodopenicillanate inactivates the enzyme in a complex way. At high beta-lactam concentrations, the pseudo-first-order rate constant of enzyme inactivation has a limit value of 7 X 10(-4)S-1 X 6-beta-Iodopenicillanate binds to the active site just in front of the Zn2+ cofactor and superimposes histidine-190, suggesting that permanent enzyme inactivation is by reaction with this latter residue.
Cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase and cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase activities of rat mammary tissue
Authors: Mullaney I , Clegg R A
Published: August 2015

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity in mammary tissue from rats in midlactation was resolved by DEAE-cellulose chromatography into three functionally distinct fractions: a Ca2+/calmodulin-stimulated cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase, a cyclic GMP-stimulated low-affinity cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase, and a high-affinity cyclic AMP-specific phosphodiesterase. The absolute activities and relative proportions of high- and low-affinity enzymes resemble those found, for example, in liver, as distinct from those in excitable tissues. Three functional characteristics are described which are peculiar to mammary-tissue phosphodiesterases. Firstly, the concentration of free Ca2+ required to achieve half-maximal activation of the Ca2+/calmodulin-stimulated phosphodiesterase is somewhat higher than for the analogous enzyme in other tissues; secondly, the activity of this enzyme towards cyclic AMP relative to that towards cyclic GMP is unusually low, and thirdly, the low-affinity cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase is inhibited by low concentrations of free Ca2+.
Characterization of [4Fe-4S]2+, [4Fe-4Se]2+ and hybrid (S, Se) clusters in Clostridium pasteurianum ferredoxin. A resonance Raman study
Authors: Moulis J M , Meyer J , Lutz M
Published: August 2015

Resonance Raman spectra of native 2[4Fe-4S] ferredoxin from Clostridium pasteurianum and of its selenium-substituted analogue 2[4Fe-4Se] are compared. The experimental conditions used in this study included low temperature (approx. 25K) and the absence of a glass sample cell, thus ensuring high signal-to-noise ratios. The spectra of the 2[4Fe-4S] and 2[4Fe-4Se] ferredoxins display similar numbers of bands, but the resonance Raman patterns differ largely, except for two bands observed at 353 cm-1 and 365 cm-1 in spectra of the native ferredoxin, which are only moderately shifted upon S----Se substitution and are attributed to Fe-S(cysteine) stretching modes. The activities of the latter modes, enhanced by 457.9 nm excitation, are nearly equal in both ferredoxins. These data were used to demonstrate the presence of hybrid clusters [4Fe-(4-n)S-nSe] (n = 1, 2, 3) in a ferredoxin the active sites of which had been reconstituted in the presence of both S and Se.
The reactivities of human erythrocyte autoantibodies anti-Pr2, anti-Gd, Fl and Sa with gangliosides in a chromatogram binding assay
Authors: Uemura K , Roelcke D , Nagai Y , Feizi T
Published: August 2015

The thin layer chromatogram binding assay was used to study the reaction of several natural-monoclonal autoantibodies which recognize sialic acid-dependent antigens of human erythrocytes. Immunostaining of gangliosides derived from human and bovine erythrocytes was achieved with four autoantibodies designated anti-Pr2, anti-Gd, Sa and Fl, each of which has a different haemagglutination pattern with untreated and proteinase-treated erythrocytes and with cells of I and i antigen types. From the chromatogram binding patterns of anti-Pr2 with gangliosides of the neolacto and the ganglio series, it is deduced that this antibody reacts best with N-acetylneuraminic acid when it is alpha 2-3- or alpha 2-6-linked to a terminal Gal(beta 1-4)Glc/GlcNAc GlcNAc sequence and to a lesser extent when it is alpha 2-3-linked to a terminal Gal(beta 1-3)GalNAc sequence or to an internal galactose and when it is alpha 2-8-linked to another, internal N-acetylneuraminic acid residue. The other three antibodies differ from anti-Pr2 in their lack of reaction with glycolipids of the ganglio series. They react with the NeuAc(alpha 2-3)Gal(beta 1-4)Glc/GlcNAc sequence as found in GM3 and in glycolipids of the neolacto series, but show a preference for the latter, longer sequences. Thus all four antibodies react with sialylated oligosaccharides containing i type (linear) and I type (branched) neolacto backbones. Fl antibody differs from the other three in its stronger reaction with branched neolacto sequences in accordance with its stronger agglutination of erythrocytes of I rather than i type. The four antibodies show a specificity for N-acetyl- rather than N-glycolyl-neuraminic acid.
Oleic acid promotes the activation and translocation of phosphatidate phosphohydrolase from the cytosol to particulate fractions of isolated rat hepatocytes
Authors: Cascales C , Mangiapane E H , Brindley D N
Published: August 2015

The incubation of hepatocytes with 1-4mM-oleate increased the total activity of phosphatidate phosphohydrolase that was measured in the presence of Mg2+ to about 2-fold. This was accompanied by an increase in the proportion of the enzyme that was isolated with the particulate fractions. Conversely, the addition of up to 4mM-oleate decreased the recovery of phosphatidate phosphohydrolase in the cytosolic fraction from about 70% to 3% when hepatocytes were lysed with digitonin. Most of the increase in the membrane-associated phosphohydrolase activity was isolated after cell fractionation in the microsomal fraction that was enriched with the endoplasmic-reticulum marker arylesterase. It is proposed that the translocation of phosphatidate phosphohydrolase facilitates the increased synthesis of triacylglycerols in the liver when it is presented with an increased supply of fatty acids.
Augmentation of dexamethasone induction of rat liver metallothionein by zinc
Authors: Quinones S R , Cousins R J
Published: August 2015

The induction of liver metallothionein by dexamethasone in adrenalectomized rats was augmented by zinc administration. Metallothionein synthesis was increased in an additive manner with both zinc and dexamethasone compared with either treatment alone. Translational activity of polyribosomal metallothionein mRNA was also greater in zinc + dexamethasone-treated rats. Northern-blot analyses showed that dexamethasone increased these mRNA contents to a greater extent at the lower zinc dose, suggesting that the induction may be maximal at the higher zinc dose when combined with dexamethasone.
Magnetic alignment of collagen during self-assembly
Authors: Torbet J , Ronzière M C
Published: August 2015

Magnetically induced birefringence is used to monitor the thermally induced self-assembly of collagen fibrils from a solution of molecules. The magnetic torque alone can, at best, only orient the fibrils into planes normal to the field direction. Nevertheless, the gels formed have a high degree of uniaxial alignment, probably due to the additional ordering effects of surface interactions. Thus magnetic orientation is potentially useful in the study of fibrillogenesis and in the production of highly oriented collagen gels.
An analysis of the heterogeneity of mucins. No evidence for a self-association
Authors: Harding S E
Published: August 2015

There are two possible contributions to the heterogeneity of mucus glycoproteins as observed in the analytical ultracentrifuge: firstly, from associative phenomena, and, secondly, from a polydisperse distribution of non-interacting species of different molecular masses. It is shown from the non-superposability of plots of point-weight-average relative molecular masses against concentration for differing initial cell-loading concentrations that polydispersity must be significant. It is further shown, by attempting to block any associative phenomena by competitive inhibition of potential sites for hydrophobic inter-particle interaction, that the observed heterogeneity is primarily a result of polydispersity and not a self-association.
Physicochemical properties and N-terminal sequence of eel lectin
Authors: Kelly C
Published: August 2015

Some physicochemical properties of the L-fucose-binding lectin from the serum of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) were determined. The lectin is a dimer composed of identical subunits of Mr approx. 40000. In agreement with previous results [Horejsí & Kocourek (1978) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 538, 299-315], the subunit was shown to comprise two non-glycosylated polypeptides of Mr approx. 20000 and linked by disulphide bonds. N-Terminal sequence analysis, carboxypeptidase digestion and peptide mapping indicated identity of the polypeptides. There were two L-fucose-binding sites per subunit with KD 1.6 X 10(-3) M for the lectin-fucose complex, as determined by equilibrium dialysis.
The coupling of metabolic to secretory events in pancreatic islets. The cytosolic redox state
Authors: Sener A , Malaisse-Lagae F , Dufrane S P , Malaisse W J
Published: August 2015

NADP-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme [malate dehydrogenase (decarboxylating) (NADP)] activities were characterized in the cytosol of pancreatic islet cells. D-Glucose and L-leucine augmented the cytosolic NADPH/NADP+ ratio, as judged from the isocitrate/2-oxoglutarate and malate/pyruvate islet contents. The flow rate through the malic enzyme was judged from the output of labelled pyruvate by islets exposed to either L-[U-14C]glutamine or L-[U-14C]leucine. The cytosolic generation of NADPH, e.g. at the level of the malic enzyme, may play a role in the coupling of metabolic to secretory events in the process of nutrient-stimulated insulin release.
Cadmium-binding proteins of rat testes. Apparent source of the protein of low molecular mass
Authors: Waalkes M P , Chernoff S B , Klaassen C D
Published: August 2015

Fractionation of rat testicular cytosolic proteins by gel filtration indicates three major metal-binding proteins, or groups of proteins, termed testicular metal-binding protein (TMBP) 1, 2 and 3 by order of elution. The major heat-stable, metal-binding proteins in testes is TMBP-2, which has an Mr of approx. 25000. In most tissues, metallothionein (MT) is the major heat-stable, metal-binding protein, but it has an Mr of 6000. This testicular protein (TMBP-2) is much larger than MT, and since polymeric forms of MT have been previously reported, further characterization of TMBP-2 was performed. TMBP-2 was separated into two forms by DEAE-Sephadex A-25 anion-exchange chromatography. Amino acid analysis of both forms of TMBP-2 revealed that they differed markedly from MT, having particularly low cysteine contents. However, amino acid analysis showed that TBMP-2 was strikingly similar to TMBP-3, with an approximate stoichiometric relationship of 4:1. Therefore, experiments were conducted to determine if TMBP-3 could be a breakdown product of TMBP-2. Heat treatment of testicular cytosol in room air before gel filtration resulted in a marked increase in TMBP-3 and loss of TMBP-2. Storing intact testes at −20 degrees C for 2 weeks before processing for gel filtration also resulted in an increase in TMBP-3 and a loss of TMBP-2. Addition of a reducing agent (dithiothreitol) or proteinase inhibitor (N-ethylmaleimide) in processing of samples before gel filtration inhibited the appearance of TMBP-3. Results suggest that the low-Mr Cd-binding protein (TMBP-3) of rat testes results from either proteolytic or oxidative breakdown of a higher-Mr species, or from a combination of such factors.
A comparison of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) lectin with its deglycosylated derivative
Authors: Kilpatrick D C , Graham C , Urbaniak S J , Jeffree C E , Allen A K
Published: August 2015

A deglycosylated derivative of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) lectin was prepared with the use of trifluoromethanesulphonic acid. Its properties were generally similar to those of the native lectin, but differences were evident in terms of relative agglutinating activity towards sheep, (untreated) human and trypsin-treated human erythrocytes. The two forms of tomato lectin were used in conjunction with a battery of specific antisera to investigate structural relatedness among solanaceous lectins. Immunological cross-reactivity between tomato, potato and Datura lectins depends on the integrity of the glycosylated region of those lectins; that between Datura lectin and other seed lectins, however, has a separate structural basis.
Isoprenaline-induced changes in rat parotid and submandibular glands are age- and dosage-dependent
Authors: Humphreys-Beher M G
Published: August 2015

Neonatal rats treated with chronic injections of isoprenaline (isoproterenol) for 10 days revealed differential induction of proline-rich proteins and glycoprotein synthesis between the parotid and submandibular glands. Biosynthesis of proline-rich proteins (Mr 17000-35000) and a Mr-220000 glycoprotein were detectable by solubilization in 10%-trichloroacetic acid extracts from parotid glands 14 days after birth. The enzyme lactose synthase (UDP-galactose: 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucosamine 4 beta-galactosyltransferase) (EC 2.4.1.22) is also induced 4-7-fold in specific activity compared with control neonatal rats, but again only after 14 days post partum, with isoprenaline treatment. This is in accord with the ability of the parotid gland to respond to beta-receptor stimulation and subsequent increases in intracellular cyclic AMP necessary for induction of protein synthesis [Grand, Chong & Ryan (1975) Am. J. Physiol. 228, 608-612]. Induction of the proline-rich proteins and a Mr-190000 glycoprotein in the soluble fraction from the submandibular gland were not detected until 49 days after birth under identical conditions in the same animal. Cyclic AMP in the submandibular gland undergoes increases on beta-receptor stimulation similar to those achieved in the adult animal, 1 day after birth (Grand et al., 1975). This same differential induction between parotid and submandibular gland was obtained with a range of isoprenaline dosages in adult animals. Trichloroacetic acid-soluble proline-rich proteins were isolated from parotid glands at a dosage of 4.0 mg of isoprenaline/kg body wt., but 7.0 mg/kg was required to induce also biosynthesis of these proteins in the submandibular gland. Gland hypertrophy showed the same differential dosage kinetics, based on gland weight, between the two glands; however, hypertrophy could be accomplished at a lower dosage of isoprenaline than that used to induce proline-rich-protein biosynthesis.
Methane synthesis by membrane vesicles and a cytoplasmic cofactor isolated from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum
Authors: Sauer F D , Mahadevan S , Erfle J D
Published: August 2015

Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum when grown on ordinary culture medium has a tough cell wall which is lysozyme-resistant and difficult to disrupt by physical means. The cell wall, however, can be weakened by the addition of D-sorbitol to the growth medium and the organisms form protoplasts after lysozyme addition. This technique allowed the isolation of two types of intracellular small vesicles: (a) isolated by disruption of the total cell population (lysozyme-sensitive and lysozyme-resistant cells) by ultrafrequency sound and (b) isolated by osmotic lysis of protoplasts. For the first time, a small vesicle fraction isolated as in (a) was capable of synthesizing methane from CO2 and H2 without cytoplasm. There was, however, an absolute requirement for a small, heat-stable, oxygen-sensitive cofactor which was isolated from the cytoplasm. Methane synthesis with this vesicle fraction was inhibited by the detergent deoxycholate, and by the protonophores 2,4-dinitrophenol and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone. Mg2+-ATPase appeared to be located on the outer or cytoplasmic surface of the small vesicle fraction isolated as in (b). The results were consistent with a previously made suggestion [Sauer, Erfle & Mahadevan (1981) J. Biol. Chem. 256, 9843-9848] that the interior of the small intracellular vesicles becomes acid during methane synthesis.
Isolation of two molecular populations of human complement factor H by hydrophobic affinity chromatography
Authors: Ripoche J , Al Salihi A , Rousseaux J , Fontaine M
Published: August 2015

Human complement factor H was prepared in highly purified form from fresh serum by euglobulin precipitation, DEAE-Sephacel chromatography and Sephacryl S-300 gel filtration. This preparation allowed the recovery of 37% of the initial factor H. Sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis revealed that factor H was homogeneous both in reduced and non-reduced media and exhibited a molecular mass of 150 kDa. Charge-shift experiments clearly showed the presence of hydrophobic sites in the factor H molecule. Charge shifts were observed with two detergent systems (Triton/sodium deoxycholate and Triton/cetyltrimethylammonium bromide). Factor H was able to bind to phenyl-Sepharose. This property allowed us to study two populations of factor H. These two populations exhibited the same physicochemical parameters, but revealed differences in their ability to aggregate in low- and iso-ionic-strength media. The molecular basis and biological significance of this heterogeneity are discussed.
Individuals lacking the Gerbich blood-group antigen have alterations in the human erythrocyte membrane sialoglycoproteins β and γ
Authors: Anstee D J , Ridgwell K , Tanner M J A , Daniels G L , Parsons S F
Published: August 2015

Membranes from erythrocytes with a new Gerbich (Ge)-negative phenotype (Leach phenotype), as well as those from two other Ge-negative phenotypes, were examined. Whereas cells of the Leach phenotype apparently lack three minor sialoglycoproteins (beta, beta 1 and gamma), the membranes of Ge- Yus- and Ge- Yus+ erythrocytes apparently lack beta- and gamma-sialoglycoproteins but contain additional diffusely migrating components of apparent Mr 30 500-34 500 and 32 500-36 500 respectively. Immunoprecipitation experiments showed that the abnormal components of both Ge- Yus- and Ge- Yus+ erythrocytes reacted with two monoclonal antibodies, BRIC 4 and BRIC 10. These antibodies have been shown to react with sialoglycoproteins beta and beta 1 in normal erythrocytes. Cytoskeletal preparations from Ge- Yus- and Ge- Yus+ erythrocyte membranes contained the abnormal components. In contrast with cells of the Leach phenotype, which are elliptocytic, Ge- Yus- and Ge- Yus+ were of normal shape, despite their apparent lack of beta- and gamma-sialoglycoproteins. It seems likely that the abnormal components in these cells contribute to their normal shape. Ovalocytic erythrocytes were shown to incorporate more radioactivity in the sialoglycoprotein-beta 1 region than normal erythrocytes after labelling by the periodate/NaB3H4 technique. It is suggested that abnormal components in Ge- Yus- and Ge- Yus+ erythrocytes result from chromosomal misalignment with unequal crossing-over at meiosis between the genes giving rise to beta-, beta 1- and gamma-sialoglycoproteins.
Purification of non-histone acceptor proteins for ADP-ribose from mouse testis nuclei
Authors: Faraone Mennella M R , Quesada P , Farina B , Leone E , Jones R
Published: August 2015

Acceptor proteins for poly(ADP-ribose) have been purified from mouse testis nuclei. Nuclear proteins were labelled in vitro with [14C]ribose and [3H]adenine, extracted with 5% (v/v) HClO4 and 0.25 M-HCl and separated by ion-exchange chromatography. Non-histone proteins were found to be the major acceptors in both the 5% (w/v)-HClO4-soluble and 5%-HClO4-insoluble HCl-extractable fractions. Of the two groups of non-histone proteins associated with chromatin, the LMG (low-mobility-group) proteins were preferentially ADP-ribosylated. HMG (high-mobility group) proteins were labelled to lower specific radioactivity. Six LMG proteins were purified to approx. 90% homogeneity and were identified from their mobility on polyacrylamide gels at pH 2.9 and from their amino acid composition. The average length of the poly(ADP-ribose) chain was estimated to be four to six repeating ADP-ribose units. It is suggested that ADP-ribosylation of LMG proteins, a long-neglected group of chromatin-associated proteins, is important during spermatogenesis for the production of spermatozoa with intact and competent DNA.
Different efflux rates may determine the cellular accumulation of various bis(guanylhydrazones)
Authors: Alhonen-Hongisto L , Fagerström R , Laine R , Elo H , Jänne J
Published: August 2015

Three bis(guanylhydrazones) (those of methylglyoxal, glyoxal and ethylglyoxal) were compared for their affinity for the putative polyamine carrier and for their cellular retention in L1210 mouse leukaemia cells. All the bis(guanylhydrazones) inhibited equally effectively the uptake of spermidine by the tumour cells, indicating that the compounds had roughly equal affinity for the polyamine carrier. The fact that methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) and glyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) were much more effectively concentrated in the animal cells than was ethylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) was obviously attributable to the finding that the efflux rate of ethylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) greatly exceeded that of the other bis(guanylhydrazones). The rate of efflux of the drugs was slowed down if the tumour cells were treated with 2-difluoromethylornithine before exposure to the bis(guanylhydrazones). These results suggest that intracellular binding of the bis(guanylhydrazones) determines their cellular accumulation.
The irreversible inhibition of urokinase, kidney-cell plasminogen activator, plasmin and β-trypsin by 1-(N-6-amino-n-hexyl)carbamoylimidazole
Authors: Walker B , Elmore D T
Published: August 2015

1-(N-Amino-n-hexyl)carbamoylimidazole hydrochloride was synthesized and shown to be a potent irreversible inhibitor of human urokinase (EC 3.4.21.31), pig kidney-cell plasminogen activator (EC 3.4.21.-), human plasmin (EC 3.4.21.7) and bovine pancreatic beta-trypsin (EC 3.4.21.4). The kinetics of inhibition of the enzymes were determined by monitoring the hydrolysis of an appropriate fluorogenic substrate. Bovine thrombin and Factor Xa are hardly affected by the inhibitor.
Stability of hexokinases A, B and C and N-acetylglucosamine kinase in liver cells isolated from rats submitted to diabetes and several dietary conditions
Authors: Reyes A , Rabajille E , Cárdenas M L , Niemeyer H
Published: August 2015

The effect of dietary and hormonal variations on the specific activities of hexokinase isoenzymes, N-acetylglucosamine kinase and pyruvate kinase isoenzymes in parenchymal and non-parenchymal liver cells was studied. Hexokinase D was markedly decreased in hepatocytes from animals fasted or fed on the carbohydrate-free diet as well as from diabetic rats, attaining a constant low level of about 17% of normal values. Pyruvate kinase L was also diminished in hepatocytes under the same experimental conditions. In contrast, the three high-affinity hexokinase isoenzymes A, B and C remained without variation in total amount or in their relative proportions in hepatocytes and non-parenchymal liver cells isolated from animals under the various conditions studied. N-Acetylglucosamine kinase activities also did not change either in parenchymal or in non-parenchymal liver cells under all conditions. The results are discussed in relation to the significance of N-acetylglucosamine kinase and the various hexokinase isoenzymes for the phosphorylation of glucose after dietary and hormonal manipulations.
Oxidative and reductive reactions of sulphhaemoglobin with various reagents correlated with changes in quaternary structure of the protein
Authors: Tomoda A , Kakizuka A , Yoneyama Y
Published: August 2015

The absorption maxima in the Soret region and near 620nm of sulphhaemoglobin shifted from 419.5nm to 423nm and from 623nm to 619nm respectively with a decrease in oxygen concentrations of the sulphhaemoglobin solution [101.3, 20.3 and 0 kPa (760, 152 and 0 mmHg) partial pressures]. The major changes in the positions of the absorption maxima occurred drastically at oxygen concentrations between 20.3 kPa and 0 kPa, suggesting that the quaternary structure of sulphhaemoglobin has changed from the R to the T state. Inositol hexaphosphate, a known allosteric effector of haemoglobin, enhanced the shift in peak location. This result supports the view that the shift of the absorption maxima reflects changes in the conformation of sulphhaemoglobin. To investigate the relationship between the conformation of sulphhaemoglobin and the reactivity of the protein with various reagents, we studied the oxidation and reduction reactions of the protein with ascorbic acid, ferricyanide and nitrite under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The results showed that the rates of oxidation and reduction of ferrous and ferric sulphhaemoglobins with these compounds are associated with the conformation of the protein.
Effects of glucose and glucagon on the fructose 2,6-bisphosphate content of pancreatic islets and purified pancreatic B-cells. A comparison with isolated hepatocytes
Authors: Sener A , Van Schaftingen E , Van de Winkel M , Pipeleers D G , Malaisse-Lagae F , Malaisse W J , Hers H G
Published: August 2015

Glucose caused a sustained and dose-related increase in the fructose 2,6-bisphosphate content of isolated pancreatic islets, as well as of purified pancreatic B-cells. With isolated B-cells, the glucose saturation curve was sigmoidal and superimposable on that obtained with hepatocytes isolated from unfed rats. However, the response to glucose was notably faster in purified B-cells than in isolated hepatocytes. In contrast again with the situation prevailing in the liver, glucagon failed to decrease significantly the concentration of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate in either islets or purified B-cells. It is proposed that, in the process of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, an early increase in fructose 2,6-bisphosphate formation may, by causing activation of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase, allow glycolysis to keep pace with the rate of glucose phosphorylation.