bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
pH-dependent forms of the ferryl haem in myoglobin peroxide analysed by variable-temperature magnetic circular dichroism
Authors: Foote N , Gadsby P M A , Greenwood C , Thomson A J
Published: August 2015

The reaction product of myoglobin and H2O2 exists in two different forms according to the external pH. Varied-temperature magnetic-circular dichroism (m.c.d.) spectroscopy demonstrates that both contain the oxyferryl ion Fe(IV) = O. Alkaline myoglobin peroxide has often been used as a model for oxidized intermediates in the catalytic cycles of haem-containing peroxidases, but absorption and m.c.d. spectra show that the acid form is much more closely related to species such as horeradish peroxidase Compound II. The differences are tentatively ascribed to ionization of the proximal histidine ligand in alkaline myoglobin peroxide. It is also shown that the m.c.d. method allows an estimate of the zero-field splitting parameter of both forms, values of D = 28.0 +/- 3 cm-1 and 35.0 +/- 5 cm-1 being obtained for the alkaline and acid forms respectively.
The effects of Triton X-100 and chlorpromazine on the Mg2+-dependent and Mg2+-independent phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activities of rat lung
Authors: Walton P A , Possmayer F
Published: August 2015

Lung contains both Mg2+-dependent and Mg2+-independent phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activities. Addition of Triton X-100 (0.5%) or chlorpromazine (1 mM) leads to a marked increase in the total phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activity in rat lung microsomes (microsomal fractions), but a decrease in the Mg2+-dependent activity. These observations suggest that the Mg2+-independent activity is stimulated, whereas the Mg2+-dependent activity is inhibited. However, the possibility exists that Triton X-100 could stimulate the Mg2+-dependent enzymic activity in an Mg2+-independent manner. In addition, the positively charged amphiphilic drug could be replacing the enzyme's requirement for Mg2+. These two possibilities were examined by using subcellular fractions in which the Mg2+-dependent phosphatidate phosphohydrolase had been abolished by heat treatment at 55 degrees C for 15 min. Heat treatment does not affect the microsomal Mg2+-independent phosphohydrolase to any great extent. Since the 6-8-fold stimulations due to Triton X-100 and chlorpromazine are retained after heat treatment of this fraction, the Mg2+-independent activity must be involved. Addition of Triton X-100 and chlorpromazine to cytosol virtually abolishes the Mg2+-dependent phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activity and decreases the Mg2+-independent activity by half. Heat treatment also abolishes the Mg2+-dependent activity and decreases the Mg2+-independent activity by over half. The Mg2+-independent phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activity remaining after heat treatment was not affected by Triton X-100 or chlorpromazine. These studies demonstrate that Triton X-100 and chlorpromazine specifically stimulate the heat-stable Mg2+-independent phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activity in rat lung microsomes. In contrast, the heat-labile Mg2+-independent phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activities in cytosol are inhibited by these reagents. Triton X-100 and chlorpromazine inhibit the Mg2+-dependent phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activities in both rat lung microsomes and cytosol. These results are consistent with the view that a single Mg2+-dependent phosphatidate phosphohydrolase present in both microsomes and cytosol is specifically involved in glycerolipid metabolism.
The novel thermogenic β-adrenergic agonist Ro 16-8714 increases the interscapular brown-fat β-receptor-adenylate cyclase and the uncoupling-protein mRNA level in obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats
Authors: Muzzin P , Revelli J P , Ricquier D , Meier M K , Assimacopoulos-Jeannet F , Giacobino J P
Published: August 2015

In obese (fa/fa) rats both the total (-)-isoprenaline- and NaF-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities of interscapular brown-adipose-tissue (IBAT) plasma membranes were decreased as compared with lean rats by 40 and 38% respectively. An acute treatment with Ro 16-8714 increased (-)-isoprenaline- and NaF-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities by 2.5- and 2.0-fold respectively, and beta-adrenoceptor number 2.8-fold in obese rat IBAT, but it had no effect on these parameters in lean rats. It increased mRNA for mitochondrial uncoupling protein in both lean and obese rats to the same extent.
The sequence of the mouse 14 kDa β-galactoside-binding lectin and evidence for its synthesis on free cytoplasmic ribosomes
Authors: Wilson T J G , Firth M N , Powell J T , Harrison F L
Published: August 2015

The partial amino acid sequence of the mouse 14 kDa beta-galactoside-binding lectin has been deduced from cDNA clones corresponding to 86% of the coding sequence and extending to the polyadenylation signal. The deduced amino acid sequence for the murine lectin shows 94% identity with the rat, 89% with human, 86% with bovine and 46% with the chicken 14 kDa lectins. A cDNA probe has been used to analyse genomic DNA and identify a single mRNA of approx. 570 bp in 3T3 fibroblasts, murine erythroleukaemia cells and the murine basement-membrane-secreting Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm tumour. Analysis of free and bound polyribosomes has shown that the lectin message is translated on free cytoplasmic ribosomes.
Stopped-flow kinetics of oxygen uptake and release by embryonic red blood cells
Authors: Brittain T , Simpson R
Published: August 2015

The processes of O2 uptake and release by the three embryonic haemoglobins contained within early mouse embryonic red blood cells have been studied using dual-wavelength stopped-flow kinetic spectroscopy. The rate of O2 uptake in the pseudo-spherical, nucleated, embryonic red blood cells exhibits a greater than first-order dependence on O2 concentration. The time courses for the release from the red blood cells into dithionite-containing solutions tends towards a limiting rate at high dithionite concentrations. The rates of both the uptake and release processes observed in the embryonic cells are compared with those previously seen for adult mouse red blood cells. A new mathematical model is described which accurately simulates both uptake and release experimental data for the nucleated embryonic red blood cells.
Polyamines and neomycin inhibit the purified plasma-membrane Ca2+ pump by interacting with associated polyphosphoinositides
Authors: Missiaen L , Wuytack F , Raeymaekers L , De Smedt H , Casteels R
Published: August 2015

We investigated the effect of spermine, spermidine, putrescine and neomycin on the activity of the plasma-membrane Ca2+ pump and on its stimulation by negatively charged phospholipids and calmodulin. Millimolar concentrations of spermine and to a lesser extent of spermidine decreased the ATPase activity in the presence of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), without affecting the stimulation by phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PIP). Sub-millimolar concentrations of neomycin inhibited the stimulation of the ATPase by PIP and by PIP2. Neomycin was more effective at the higher concentrations of PIP and PIP2. We discuss that these findings are compatible with the hypothesis that PIP and PIP2 bind to the ATPase and that several of these molecules have to be available to stimulate the ATPase.
Novel activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme. Hydrolysis of cholecystokinin and gastrin analogues with release of the amidated C-terminal dipeptide
Authors: Dubreuil P , Fulcrand P , Rodriguez M , Fulcrand H , Laur J , Martinez J
Published: August 2015

ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme; peptidyl dipeptidase A; EC 3.4.15.1), cleaves C-terminal dipeptides from active peptides containing a free C-terminus. We investigated the hydrolysis of cholecystokinin-8 [CCK-8; Asp-Tyr(SO3H)-Met-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2] and of various gastrin analogues by purified rabbit lung ACE. Although these peptides are amidated at their C-terminal end, they were metabolized by ACE to several peptide fragments. These fragments were analysed by h.p.l.c., isolated and identified by comparison with synthetic fragments, and by amino acid analysis. The initial and major site of hydrolysis was the penultimate peptide bond, which generated a major product, the C-terminal amidated dipeptide Asp-Phe-NH2. As a secondary cleavage, ACE subsequently released di- or tri-peptides from the C-terminal end of the remaining N-terminal fragments. The cleavage of CCK-8 and gastrin analogues was inhibited by ACE inhibitors (Captopril and EDTA), but not by other enzyme inhibitors (phosphoramidon, thiorphan, bestatin etc.). Hydrolysis of [Leu15]gastrin-(14-17)-peptide [Boc (t-butoxycarbonyl)-Trp-Leu-Asp-Phe-NH2] in the presence of ACE was found to be dependent on the chloride-ion concentration. Km values for the hydrolysis of CCK-8, [Leu15]gastrin-(11-17)-peptide and Boc-[Leu15]gastrin-(14-17)-peptide at an NaCl concentration of 300 mM were respectively 115, 420 and 3280 microM, and the catalytic constants were about 33, 115 and 885 min-1. The kcat/Km for the reactions at 37 degrees C was approx. 0.28 microM-1.min-1, which is approx. 35 times less than that reported for the cleavage of angiotensin I. These results suggest that ACE might be involved in the metabolism in vivo of CCK and gastrin short fragments.
Target cell metabolism of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 to calcitroic acid. Evidence for a pathway in kidney and bone involving 24-oxidation
Authors: Makin G , Lohnes D , Byford V , Ray R , Jones G
Published: August 2015

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 is converted to calcitroic acid before being excreted in the bile. Biosynthesis of calcitroic acid has been demonstrated in two target cells of vitamin D, in the kidney and the osteoblastic cell line UMR-106. Calcitroic acid was identified by combinations of h.p.l.c., u.v. spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Evidence is presented that calcitroate is derived from the 24-oxidation pathway, possibly through the intermediate 24,25,26,27-tetranor-1,23-dihydroxyvitamin D3. The 24-oxidation pathway to calcitroic acid in bone cells is stimulated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. The pathway in both bone cells and perfused kidney operates at physiological concentrations of substrate and appears to be capable of rapid clearance of the hormone.
The reaction of nitrogen monoxide with the haemocyanins of the crayfish Astacus leptodactylus and the snail Helix pomatia
Authors: Tahon J P , Gielens C , Vinckier C , Witters R , De Ley M , Préaux G , Lontie R
Published: August 2015

The rate of the reaction of Astacus leptodactylus methaemocyanin with NO follows the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation with a pKa of 5.85, suggesting that one imidazole ligand of Cu was exchanged for NO. The reaction is blocked by F- as a bridging ligand. The same imidazole residue might be responsible for the decomposition of nitrosylhaemocyanin, [Cu1NO+CuII], with an unlocated binding site for NO, into methaemocyanin and NO, as the rate increase with pH. NO could react preferentially with CuA of Helix pomatia methaemocyanin, CuA′IICuBII, as it possibly has only two histidine ligands instead of the three of CuA in Astacus haemocyanin. This difference might explain the higher formation rate and the much greater stability of Helix nitrosylhaemocyanin. The fast reaction is governed by a pKa of 6.80, probably of a bridging mu-aquo ligand. With F- or a mu-hydroxo bridging ligand a low reaction rate was still observed, in contrast with Astacus methaemocyanin. Helix nitrosylhaemocyanin was transformed by N3- into methaemocyanin with the liberation of N2 and N2O. This methaemocyanin could almost quantitatively be regenerated with H2O2. Helix nitrosylhaemocyanin was only partially regenerated by a direct treatment with H2O2 and almost quantitatively by HONH2 in a similar fairly fast reaction, followed by a much slower one.
Stimulation of intracellular topoisomerase I activity by vasopressin and thrombin. Differential regulation by pertussis toxin
Authors: Nambi P , Mattern M , Bartus J O , Aiyar N , Crooke S T
Published: August 2015

Incubation of cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells (A-10, ATCC CRL 1476) with [8-arginine]vasopressin (AVP) or thrombin increased the amount of DNA strand breakage induced by camptothecin, an inhibitor of topoisomerase I (DNA topoisomerase; EC 5.99.1.2) and transiently stimulated the extractable activity of this enzyme. Both topoisomerase-related responses were prevented by treatment of the cells with AVP or thrombin plus the appropriate receptor antagonist. The increase in strand breakage mediated by AVP and thrombin depended on the concentration of hormone. Neither AVP nor thrombin had any effect on strand breaks obtained with the epipodophyllotoxin VM-26, an inhibitor of topoisomerase II [DNA topoisomerase (ATP-hydrolysing); EC 5.99.1.3]. Pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin partially inhibited thrombin-mediated increases in camptothecin-induced strand breakage whereas AVP-mediated increases were unaffected. These results are consistent with the notion that AVP and thrombin induce a transient increase in intracellular topoisomerase I activity via interactions with their respective cell surface receptors and that the effects of the activation of these receptors are mediated by different G-proteins.
Mechanism of DNA strand nicking at apurinic/apyrimidinic sites by Escherichia coli [formamidopyrimidine]DNA glycosylase
Authors: Bailly V , Verly W G , O'Connor T , Laval J
Published: August 2015

Escherichia coli [formamidopyrimidine]DNA glycosylase catalyses the nicking of both the phosphodiester bonds 3′ and 5′ of apurinic or apyrimidinic sites in DNA so that the base-free deoxyribose is replaced by a gap limited by 3′-phosphate and 5′-phosphate ends. The two nickings are not the results of hydrolytic processes; the [formamidopyrimidine]DNA glycosylase rather catalyses a beta-elimination reaction that is immediately followed by a delta-elimination. The enzyme is without action on a 3′-terminal base-free deoxyribose or on a 3′-terminal base-free unsaturated sugar produced by a beta-elimination reaction nicking the DNA strand 3′ to an apurinic or apyrimidinic site.
Protein phosphatase composition in the smooth muscle of guinea-pig ileum studied with okadaic acid and inhibitor 2
Authors: Takai A , Troschka M , Mieskes G , Somlyo A V
Published: August 2015

Using okadaic acid, a potent inhibitor of type 2A and type 1 protein phosphatases, and inhibitor 2, an intrinsic inhibitory factor of type 1 phosphatase, we characterized the phosphorylated myosin light-chain (PMLC) phosphatase activity in the smooth-muscle extracts of guinea-pig ileum. In the intact fibres the control activity was 254 +/- 13 nmol of Pi/min per g wet wt. (n = 15) against 32P-labelled PMLC (4 microM) from chicken gizzard. The following phosphatase fractions were identified: an inhibitor-2-sensitive (type 1) fraction (fractional activity = 35%), a Mg2+-dependent and okadaic acid-insensitive (type 2C) fraction (17%), and two type 2A-like fractions that had different susceptibility to okadaic acid. The type 2A-like fraction with lower affinity to okadaic acid accounted for 30% of the control activity. After the cell membrane was permeabilized by Triton X-100, more than 60% of this fraction remained and accounted for about 90% of the total activity, whereas the other fractions were nearly abolished. The type 2A-like fraction may be bound to some intracellular structure such as contractile proteins.
Characterization of agonist-stimulated incorporation of myo-[3H]inositol into inositol phospholipids and [3H]inositol phosphate formation in tracheal smooth muscle
Authors: Chilvers E R , Barnes P J , Nahorski S R
Published: August 2015

The effects of the muscarinic agonist carbachol, histamine and bradykinin on incorporation of [3H]inositol into the phosphoinositides and the formation of [3H]InsPs were examined in bovine tracheal smooth-muscle (BTSM) slices labelled with [3H]inositol. These agonists result in substantial and dose-related increases in the incorporation of [3H]inositol into the phospholipids. Carbachol and histamine stimulated the incorporation of [3H]inositol into the phospholipids to the same degree, despite histamine being only 35% as effective as carbachol on [3H]InsP accumulation. Histamine and carbachol, at maximal concentrations, were non-additive with respect to both the stimulated incorporation of [3H]inositol and [3H]InsP formation. For carbachol this effect on incorporation was found to occur to a similar extent in PtdInsP and PtdInsP2 as well as PtdIns. The initial effect of carbachol on [3H]inositol incorporation was rapid (maximal by 10 min); however, with prolonged stimulation large secondary declines in PtdInsP and PtdInsP2 labelling were observed, with depletion of the much larger PtdIns pool only evident in the presence of Li+. Lowering buffer [Ca2+] increased the incorporation of [3H]inositol under basal conditions, but did not attenuate the subsequent agonist-stimulated incorporation effect. The large changes in specific radioactivity of the phosphoinositides, and consequently the [3H]InsP products, after carbachol stimulation resulted in the apparent failure of atropine to reverse the [3H]InsP response completely. Labelling muscle slices with [3H]inositol in the presence of carbachol or labelling for longer periods (greater than 6 h) prevented subsequent carbachol-stimulated effects on incorporation without significantly altering the dose-response relationship for carbachol-stimulated [3H]InsP formation and resulted in steady-state labelling conditions confirmed by the ability of atropine to reverse fully the [3H]InsP response to carbachol. This study demonstrates the profound effects of a number of agonists on [3H]inositol incorporation into the phospho- and polyphosphoinositides in BTSM with important consequent changes in the specific radioactivity of these lipids and the resulting [3H]InsP products. In addition, a selective depletion of PtdInsP and PtdInsP2 over PtdIns has been demonstrated with prolonged muscarinic-receptor stimulation.
Plasma-desorption mass spectrometry as an aid in protein sequence determination. Application of the method on a cuticular protein from the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria)
Authors: Klarskov K , Højrup P , Andersen S O , Roepstorff P
Published: August 2015

The complete amino acid sequence of a structural protein, protein 8, isolated from the pharate cuticle of the locust Locusta migratoria was determined. Protein 8 contains 148 amino acid residues and has an Mr of 15,224. By the extensive use of information obtained by plasma-desorption mass spectrometry (p.d.m.s.) it was possible to reduce the need for conventional sequence determination and to improve the reliability of the results. On the basis of the determined Mr of the intact protein all the peptides that constitute the complete sequence could be isolated from a time-course enzymic digestion. The isolated peptides were sequenced by using a combination of Edman degradation and carboxypeptidase digestion monitored by p.d.m.s. The alignment of the peptides was established from the time-course digestion and further verified by a second enzymic digestion. The primary structure of the protein consists of two hydrophilic and two hydrophobic regions. The hydrophobic regions are enriched in alanine, valine and proline and dominated by a repetitive sequence Ala-Ala-Pro-(Ala/Val). The sequence strengthens the view that the cuticle proteins belong to a unique family of structural proteins.
Automated isocratic high-performance liquid chromatography of inositol phosphate isomers
Authors: Wreggett K A , Irvine R F
Published: August 2015

Isomers of inositol phosphates from biological samples can be analysed by anion-exchange h.p.l.c., by using isocratic elution with phosphate buffers. The method involves the preliminary processing of the extracted samples with conventional soft-gel anion-exchange resins, including the commonly used Dowex resins, followed by direct analysis with h.p.l.c. of a portion of relevant fractions. Run times (up to 20 min) and collected fraction numbers (up to 24) are minimal, so that if the method is used in conjunction with automated h.p.l.c. injection a high throughput of samples is achieved.
A dimeric form of lipocortin-1 in human placenta
Authors: Pepinsky R B , Sinclair L K , Chow E P , O'Brine-Greco B
Published: August 2015

We have characterized a 68 kDa lipocortin from human placenta that was identified as a covalently linked homodimer of lipocortin-1 by peptide mapping and sequence analysis. The site of cross-linking was localized within the 3 kDa N-terminal tail region, an exposed domain that contains the phosphorylation sites for protein tyrosine kinase and protein kinase C and is sensitive to proteolysis. Sequence analysis of the corresponding peptide revealed that glutamine-18 was modified, suggesting that the cross-link may be generated by a transglutaminase. By incubating lipocortin-1 with placental membranes and with labelled glycine ethyl ester we observed a Ca2+-dependent labelling of lipocortin-1 within the tail region, supporting this notion. Like lipocortin-1, the dimer inhibits phospholipase Ad2 activity, is a substrate for the epidermal-growth-factor (EGF) receptor/kinase, and display Ca2+-dependent binding to phosphatidylserine-containing vesicles. In preparations from human placenta the dimer is particularly abundant, accounting for approx. 20% of the lipocortin-1.
Chromatin structure of erythroid-specific genes of immature and mature chicken erythrocytes
Authors: Delcuve G P , Davie J R
Published: August 2015

The beta-globin and histone H5 genes are transcriptionally active in immature chicken erythrocytes and potentially active in mature erythrocytes. In both immature and mature erythrocytes, the majority of these erythroid-specific gene sequences are located in two chromatin fractions: the low-salt-insoluble residual nuclear material and the 0.15 M-NaCl-soluble oligo- and poly-nucleosomes. These salt-soluble chromatin fragments are enriched in hyperacetylated species of H4 and H2B, ubiquitinated and polyubiquitinated species of H2A and H2B and are depleted of linker histones H1 and H5. The competent, transcriptionally inactive embryonic epsilon-globin gene, which is part of the DNAase I-sensitive beta-globin domain, is highly enriched in the 0.15 M-NaCl-soluble polynucleosome fraction but not in the insoluble nuclear material. The repressed vitellogenin gene shows no enrichment in either of these fractions. These results suggest that only those genes that are expressed or have the potential for expression are enriched in the low-salt-insoluble nuclear material of immature or mature erythrocytes. The enrichment of active genes in the low-salt-insoluble residual nuclear material of immature erythrocytes is not dependent on on-going transcription, the presence of RNA or changes in the amount of acetylated histone species. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that active and potentially active genes are insoluble because of the presence of preinitiation transcription complexes.
Relationship between hormonal, GTP and Ins(1,4,5)P3-stimulated Ca2+ uptake and release in pancreatic acinar cells
Authors: Muallem S , Beeker T G
Published: August 2015

Electrically permeabilized rat pancreatic acini were used to evaluate the contributions of GTP and Ins(1,4,5) P3 to hormone-stimulated Ca2+ uptake and release from intracellular pools. Treatment of permeabilized acini with Ca2+-mobilizing hormones, GTP or GTP[S] resulted in stimulation of an ATP-dependent, VO4(2-)-sensitive Ca2+ uptake into a non-mitochondrial intracellular pool. GTP and GTP[S] also augmented the hormone-mediated stimulation of Ca2+ uptake. Including oxalate in the uptake medium increased Ca2+ uptake into this pool but did not modify the stimulation of Ca2+ uptake induced by hormones or GTP. Ins(1,4,5)P3 released all the extra Ca2+ accumulated as a result of hormone, GTP or GTP[S] stimulation. Hence, these stimuli activated the Ca2+ pump localized in the membrane of the hormone and Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive Ca2+ pool. Including 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid (PGA) [an inhibitor of Ins(1,4,5)P3 hydrolysis] in the incubation medium blunted the GTP and GTP[S]-stimulated Ca2+ uptake. In the presence of PGA, the hormones inhibited Ca2+ accumulation, and GTP and GTP[S] augmented this effect. Accordingly, PGA stabilized the Ins(1,4,5)P3-evoked Ca2+ release from intracellular pools. Only in the presence of PGA was it possible to demonstrate hormonally-evoked Ca2+ release from permeabilized cells. GTP, and more importantly GTP[S], augmented the hormone-evoked Ca2+ release. Hormones and Ins(1,4,5)P3 in the presence or absence of GTP or GTP[S] released Ca2+ from the same intracellular pool. The extent of Ca2+ release caused by the combination of hormones and GTP or GTP[S] was similar to that evoked by Ins(1,4,5)P3 alone. Taken together, these results suggest that GTP or GTP[S] facilitates stimulation of phospholipase C by hormones. Such stimulation results in stimulation of protein kinase C and increased levels of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and is sufficient to explain the effects of GTP and GTP[S] on Ca2+ uptake and release from pancreatic acinar cells.
Spectroscopic studies of the type 2 and type 3 copper centres in the mercury derivative of laccase
Authors: Tamilarasan R , McMillin D R
Published: August 2015

U.v.-visible-absorption and e.p.r. spectroscopy were used to study the type 2 and type 3 copper centres in the mercury derivative of laccase. After treatment with peroxide the mercury derivative of laccase exhibits a fully developed absorption band at 330 nm (delta epsilon = 2900 +/- 100 M-1.cm-1, which is characteristic of type 3 copper in the oxidized state. In addition, there is a weak ligand-field absorption at 740 nm (epsilon = 380 +/- 30 M-1.cm-1), which can be assigned to the type 3 pair. Because the e.p.r. spectrum of the type 2 copper is well resolved in the case of the mercury derivative of laccase, for the first time we have been able to observe spectroscopic evidence for a pH-dependent structural transition that has been invoked to explain the kinetics of enzyme reduction [Andréasson & Reinhammar (1979) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 568, 145-156]. According to the e.p.r. data the pKa lies in the range 6-7, and comparisons with a model compound show that the spectral changes can plausibly be interpreted in terms of the deprotonation of a water molecule in the co-ordination sphere of the type 2 copper.
Human fibroblasts release reactive oxygen species in response to interleukin-1 or tumour necrosis factor-α
Authors: Meier B , Radeke H H , Selle S , Younes M , Sies H , Resch K , Habermehl G G
Published: August 2015

Human fibroblasts in primary culture released reactive oxygen species upon stimulation with cytokines such as interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1) or tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF). The primary radical produced was O2.- as determined by e.s.r. spin trapping and cytochrome c reduction. In contrast to the oxidative burst in granulocytes and monocytes, radical formation took place continuously for at least 4 h. Low-level chemiluminescence was increased by stimulation with IL-1 and TNF. Spectral characteristics and tests with azide led to the conclusion that the photoemissive species were excited carbonyls and not singlet oxygen. Further, there was a liberation of ethane from the cells. Radical production and light emission were not altered by either xanthine or allopurinol, nor by azide, cyanide or rotenone. O2.- production increased in the presence of NADH or NADPH, making an NAD(P)H oxidase a likely source.
Gluconeogenesis and the protection of hepatic intracellular pH during diabetic ketoacidosis in rats
Authors: Beech J S , Williams S R , Cohen R D , Iles R A
Published: August 2015

Studies were made of the mechanism whereby hepatic gluconeogenesis is increased in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) despite evidence in vitro of inhibition of gluconeogenesis by systemic acidosis. In perfused livers taken from normal rats, marked inhibition of lactate uptake and glucose output was achieved by simulation of metabolic acidosis in the perfusate. In perfused livers obtained from animals with DKA, lactate uptake and glucose output were greater than in normal perfused liver at all values of perfusate pH, and it was not possible to demonstrate significant inhibition of gluconeogenesis from lactate by perfusate acidosis. Varying severity of acidosis was induced in rats by (a) HCl infusion, (b) NH4Cl ingestion or (c) experimental DKA. Hepatic intracellular pH (pHi) was measured in vivo by 31P-n.m.r. spectroscopy. Whereas at the severer degrees of systemic acidosis marked falls in hepatic pHi were seen in the HCl- and NH4Cl-treated animals, little fall was seen in rats with DKA. The protection of hepatic pHi in rats with DKA was not due to differences in respiratory compensation compared with the other groups. It is suggested that this protection of hepatic pHi in DKA may be responsible for the failure of acidotic inhibition of gluconeogenesis from lactate. Possible reasons for pHi protection in DKA are considered. There is no difference in hepatic energy status as assessed in vivo by ATP/Pi ratios between control, DKA and NH4Cl-treated rats. DKA rats show a striking decrease in hepatic glycerophosphoethanolamine content.
Structural basis for the kinetic differences between flavocytochromes b2 from the yeasts Hansenula anomala and Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Black M T , Gunn F J , Chapman S K , Reid G A
Published: August 2015

To understand the structural basis for the different catalytic behaviour of the flavocytochromes b2 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Hansenula anomala we have cloned and sequenced the gene encoding the latter. We have compared the amino acid sequences of the mature proteins in the context of the known crystal structure of S. cerevisiae flavocytochrome b2. Overall there is 60% sequence identity, but two surface loops in particular are strikingly different in primary structure and net charge.
The cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors indomethacin and ibuprofen inhibit the insulin-induced stimulation of ribosomal RNA synthesis in L6 myoblasts
Authors: Palmer R M , Campbell G P , Whitelaw P F , Brown D S , Bain P A , Hesketh J E
Published: August 2015

Insulin stimulated total RNA accretion and the incorporation of [3H]uridine into RNA in L6 skeletal-muscle myoblasts. Incorporation of uridine into the rRNA was measured after either separation of 18 S and 28 S rRNA species by agarose-gel electrophoresis or separation of dissociated 40 S and 60 S ribosomal subunits on sucrose density gradients. Both methods showed a stimulation by insulin of uridine incorporation into the RNA of the two subunits. Two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, indomethacin and ibuprofen, which inhibit the metabolism of arachidonic acid by the cyclo-oxygenase pathway, inhibited the insulin-induced accretion of total cellular RNA and the incorporation of uridine into the RNA of both ribosomal subunits. The effect of insulin was observed both by using a tracer dose of [3H]uridine (5 microM) and in the presence of a high concentration (1 mM) of uridine to minimize possible changes in intracellular precursor pools. Neither insulin nor indomethacin was found to affect the incorporation of uridine into the total intracellular nucleotide pool, or the conversion of uridine into UTP. The ability of inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism to prevent insulin-induced increases in RNA metabolism suggests that a prostaglandin or other eicosanoid is involved in the signal mechanism whereby insulin stimulates RNA synthesis.
The effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on phenylalanine hydroxylase expression in rat liver
Authors: Taylor D S , Dahl H H M , Mercer J F B , Green A K , Fisher M J
Published: August 2015

The impact of experimentally induced diabetes on the expression of rat liver phenylalanine hydroxylase has been investigated. A significant elevation in maximal enzymic activity was observed in diabetes. This was associated with significant increases in the amount of enzyme, the phenylalanine hydroxylase-specific translational activity of hepatic RNA and the abundance of phenylalanine hydroxylase-specific mRNA. These changes in phenylalanine hydroxylase expression were not observed when diabetes was controlled by daily injections of insulin. These results are discussed in relation to the hormonal control of phenylalanine hydroxylase gene expression.
Effects of protein kinase C activation on the regulation of the stimulus-secretion coupling in pancreatic β-cells
Authors: Arkhammar P , Nilsson T , Welsh M , Welsh N , Berggren P O
Published: August 2015

Effects of protein kinase C (PKC) activation on the insulin-secretory process were investigated, by using beta-cell-rich suspensions obtained from pancreatic islets of obese-hyperglycaemic mice. The phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), which is known to activate PKC directly, the muscarinic-receptor agonist carbamoylcholine and high glucose concentration enhanced the phosphorylation of a specific 80 kDa PKC substrate in the beta-cells. At a non-stimulatory glucose concentration, 10 nM-TPA increased insulin release, although there were no changes in either the cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) or membrane potential, as measured with the fluorescent indicators quin-2 and bisoxonol respectively. At a stimulatory glucose concentration TPA caused a lowering in [Ca2+]i, whereas membrane potential was unaffected. Despite the decrease in [Ca2+]i, there was a large stimulation of insulin release. Addition of TPA lowered [Ca2+]i also in beta-cells stimulated by tolbutamide or high K+, although to a lesser extent than in those stimulated by glucose. There was no effect of TPA on either Ca2+ buffering or the ability of Ins(1,4,5)P3 to release Ca2+ in permeabilized beta-cells. However, the phorbol ester inhibited the rise in [Ca2+]i in response to carbamoylcholine, which stimulates the formation of InsP3, in intact beta-cells. Down-regulation of PKC influenced neither glucose-induced insulin release nor the increase in [Ca2+]i. Hence, although PKC activation is of no major importance in glucose-stimulated insulin release, this enzyme can serve as a modulator of the glucose-induced insulin-secretory response. Such a modulation involves mechanisms promoting both amplification of the secretory response and lowering of [Ca2+]i.
Development of insulin sensitivity in white adipose tissue during the suckling-weaning transition in the rat. Involvement of glucose transport and lipogenesis
Authors: Issad T , Ferré P , Pastor-Anglada M , Baudon M A , Girard J
Published: August 2015

The changes of insulin responsiveness of white adipose tissue during the suckling-weaning transition in the rat were investigated in vitro on isolated adipocytes. Insulin binding, glucose transport and glucose metabolism in adipocytes from suckling rats and from rats weaned on to a high-carbohydrate (HC) or a high-fat (HF) diet were compared. Despite similar insulin binding, insulin-stimulated glucose transport rate is lower in adipocytes from suckling rats and HF-weaned rats than in adipocytes from HC-weaned rats. Moreover, whereas insulin markedly stimulates glucose metabolism in adipocytes from HC-weaned rats, glucose metabolism is totally unresponsive to insulin in adipocytes from suckling and HF-weaned rats. This insulin resistance is associated with a very low rate of lipogenesis and low activities of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase and pyruvate dehydrogenase.
Adipocyte plasma-membrane Gi and Gs in insulinopenic diabetic patients
Authors: Ohisalo J J , Vikman H L , Ranta S , Houslay M D , Milligan G
Published: August 2015

Changes in the amounts and functions of G-proteins have been reported in diabetic rats. We determined the Gi/Gs ratio of adipocyte plasma membranes in six insulinopenic diabetic patients and matched controls by immunoblotting with antisera against synthetic peptides corresponding to regions of G-proteins. No consistent changes in the Gi/Gs ratio were observed. It is still possible that the functional status of the G-proteins may be altered in diabetes.
Heparin binds to Leishmania donovani promastigotes and inhibits protein phosphorylation
Authors: Mukhopadhyay N K , Shome K , Saha A K , Hassell J R , Glew R H
Published: August 2015

We show that promastigotes of Leishmania donovani, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar), possess heparin receptors on their surface. From a linear Scatchard plot of the binding data obtained using [3H]heparin and viable promastigotes, one derives a binding constant of 4.7 x 10(-7) M and an estimate of 860,000 receptors per parasite. The [3H]heparin bound to parasites could not be displaced by hyaluronic acid or by three other glycosaminoglycans (dermatan sulphate, chondroitin 4-sulphate and chondroitin 6-sulphate). It was demonstrated that exponential phase promastigotes growing in medium 199 supplemented with fetal bovine serum incorporate 35SO4 into a cell-associated macromolecule that has the properties of heparin proteoglycan. Heparin inhibits the activity of the cell-surface histone-protein kinase; incubation of viable promastigotes with [gamma-32P]ATP and MgCl2 (10 mM) in the absence and presence of heparin (0.01-0.5 mg/ml) for 10 min, followed by analysis by SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and autoradiography, revealed that the phosphorylation of 12 or 13 parasite proteins was inhibited by the glycosaminoglycan. These data suggest that heparin may play a role in the host-parasite relationship.
Endothelial inositol phosphate generation and prostacyclin production in response to G-protein activation by AlF4−
Authors: Magnússon M K , Halldórsson H , Kjeld M , Thorgeirsson G
Published: August 2015

In order to elucidate the role of guanine-nucleotide-binding proteins (G-proteins) in endothelial prostacyclin (PGI2) production, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, prelabelled with either [3H]inositol or [3H]arachidonic acid, were stimulated with the non-specific G-protein activator aluminium fluoride (AlF4-). AlF4- caused a dose- and time-dependent generation of inositol phosphates, release of arachidonic acid and production of PGI2. The curves for the three events were similar. When the cells were stimulated in low extracellular calcium (60 nM), they released [3H]arachidonic acid and produced PGI2, but depleting the intracellular Ca2+ stores by pretreatment with the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 totally inhibited both events, although the cells still responded when extracellular Ca2+ was added. The Ca2+ ionophore did not inhibit the generation of inositol phosphates in cells maintained at low extracellular Ca2+. Pertussis toxin pretreatment (14 h) altered neither inositol phosphate nor PGI2 production in response to AlF4-. To investigate the functional role of the diacylglycerol/protein kinase C arm of the phosphoinositide system, the cells were pretreated with the protein kinase C activator 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) or the protein kinase C inhibitor 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulphonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H7). TPA inhibited the AlF4(-)-induced inositol phosphate generation but stimulated both the release of arachidonic acid and the production of PGI2. H7 had opposite effects both on inositol phosphate generation and on PGI2 production. These results suggest that AlF4(-)-induced PGI2 production is mediated by a pertussis-toxin-insensitive G-protein which activates the phosphoinositide second messenger system. This production of PGI2 can be modulated by protein kinase C activation, both at the level of inositol phosphate generation and at the level of arachidonic acid release.
Receptor-mediated endocytosis and nuclear transport of human interleukin 1 α
Authors: Grenfell S , Smithers N , Miller K , Solari R
Published: August 2015

In this study we demonstrate that 125I-labelled interleukin (IL) 1 alpha binds specifically to its receptor on the surface of EL4 6.1 cells and is subsequently endocytosed and translocated from the cell membrane to the nucleus, where it progressively accumulates. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis revealed that the internalized 125I-IL1 alpha associated with the nucleus was intact, with negligible breakdown products present. Specific and saturable binding of 125I-IL1 alpha was demonstrated on purified nuclei isolated from these cells. Binding of the radiolabelled ligand showed similar kinetics to that of the plasma-membrane receptor, and was inhibited by both unlabelled IL1 alpha and IL1 beta. Equilibrium binding studies on isolated nuclei revealed a single high-affinity binding site, with a Kd of 17 +/- 2 pM, and 79 +/- 12 binding sites per nucleus. These studies demonstrate that receptor-mediated endocytosis of IL1 results in its accumulation in the nucleus, and this mechanism may play an important role in mediating some of the actions of IL1.
Molecular species composition of the major phospholipids in brain and retina from rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri). Occurrence of high levels of di-(n-3)polyunsaturated fatty acid species
Authors: Bell M V , Tocher D R
Published: August 2015

The molecular-species compositions of the diacyl classes of the major phospholipids from the brain and retina of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) were determined. A total of 46 possible species was identified. Didocosahexaenoyl species were major components of phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylserine (PS) from retina, comprising 14.1, 41.3 and 28.3% of the respective totals. This species was also abundant in PE and PS from brain, accounting for 14.9 and 19.9% of the totals respectively. Small amounts of di-polyunsaturated fatty acid species [C22:6(n-3) with C20:5(n-3), and C22:6(n-3) with C22:5(n-3)] were also found in these phospholipids. Phosphatidylinositol (PI) from both tissues contained no di-polyunsaturated fatty acid species. Retinal PI contained 40.1% C18:0-C20:4(n-6) with 14.9% of C18:0-C20:5(n-3); brain PI contained 42.3% of C18:0-C20:5 and 10.4% of C18:0-C20:4 species. Brain PC contained a substantial amount of nervonic acid-containing species with the pair C18:1-C24:1/C24:1-C18:1 comprising 8.9% of the total.
Identification and characterization of somatostatin receptors in neonatal rat long bones
Authors: Bruns C , Dietl M M , Palacios J M , Pless J
Published: August 2015

Somatostatin (somatotropin release inhibiting factor; SRIF) has widespread functions as a modulator of neural activity as well as of endocrine and exocrine secretion. In the present paper, the binding characteristics of somatostatin receptors have been investigated in rat long bones using the stable analogue, 125I-SDZ 204-090, as a ligand. Binding studies revealed the presence of a single class of high-affinity binding sites for 125I-SDZ 204-090 on cells prepared from neonatal rat long bones with an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 70.1 +/- 8.2 pM (n = 3). An excellent correlation was found between the ability of various somatostatin analogues to inhibit growth hormone in pituitary cells and to displace the binding of 125I-SDZ 204-090 to the bone cell preparation, indicating that the receptors are very similar, if not identical. The localization of the somatostatin-binding sites was examined by autoradiography after labelling in vitro and in vivo. The binding sites were shown by both procedures to be selectively localized to the metaphysis of rat long bones. The labelling experiments in vivo indicate that these receptors can be reached in the living animal by circulating somatostatin analogues. In addition, the analogue SMS 201-995 inhibited the forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in bone cell suspensions. These results suggest that somatostatin could be an important regulatory factor in bone metabolism.
Transient activation of topoisomerase I in leukotriene D4 signal transduction in human cells
Authors: Mattern M R , Mong S , Mong S M , Bartus J O'L , Sarau H M , Clark M A , Foley J J , Crooke S T
Published: August 2015

U937 human monoblast cells incubated with leukotriene D4 (LTD4) rapidly released arachidonic acid metabolites into the culture medium. Release was suppressed by the high-affinity LTD4 receptor antagonist SK&F 104353. Arachidonic acid release induced by LTD4 has been linked to a rapid induction of gene expression, and the propagation of the receptor binding signal is probably associated with enzymes that regulate gene expression. We have studied the participation of DNA topoisomerase I in LTD4 signal transduction. LTD4-specific release of arachidonic acid metabolites was inhibited (60-80%) by the topoisomerase I inhibitor camptothecin. LTD4 increased protein-linked DNA strand breakage induced by camptothecin in U937 cells; this enhancement was prevented by coincubation of the cells with LTD4 plus the receptor antagonist SK&F 104353. In addition, LTD4 produced a rapid transient increase in extractable topoisomerase I activity, which was maximum within the first 10 min after addition of LTD4 to the culture medium. Incubation of cultures for greater than 10 min with LTD4 before the addition of camptothecin resulted in no enhancement of camptothecin-induced DNA strand breakage, consistent with a reversal of topoisomerase I activation. Staurosporine, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, blocked LTD4-induced arachidonic acid release and attenuated the effect of LTD4 on camptothecin-induced DNA strand breakage. These results are consistent with the view that the regulation of topoisomerase I activity is involved in the propagation of LTD4-mediated signals in U937 cells.
Control analysis of transition times in metabolic systems
Authors: Meléndez-Hevia E , Torres N V , Sicilia J , Kacser H
Published: August 2015

The transition time, tau, of a metabolic system is defined as the ratio of the metabolite concentrations in the system, sigma, to the steady-state flux, J. Its value reflects a temporal characteristic of the system as it relaxes towards the steady state. Like other systemic properties, the value of tau will be a function of the enzyme activities in the system. The influence of a particular enzyme activity on tau can be quantified by a Control Coefficient, C tau ei. We show that it is possible to derive a Summation Theorem sigma ni = 1 C tau ei = -1 and a Connectivity Theorem sigma ni = 1 C tau ei.epsilon viSk = -Sk/sigma. We establish a ‘sign rule’ that predicts the order of positive and negative Control Coefficients in a sequence.