bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The gross architecture of an antibody-combining site as determined by spin-label mapping
Authors: Sutton Brian J. , Gettins Peter , Givol David , Marsh Derek , Wain-Hobson Simon , Willan Keith J. , Dwek Raymond A.
Published: August 2015

1. A series of Dnp (dinitrophenyl) nitroxide spin labels was used to map the dimensions of the combining site of the Dnp-binding immunoglobulin A myeloma protein MOPC 315. The method compares the observed e.s.r. (electron-spin-resonance) hyperfine splittings with those calculated on the basis of different postulated motions for the spin label. The analysis is complicated by the sensitivity of the e.s.r. hyperfine splitting to the overall ‘tumbling’ time of the antibody–hapten complex and the polarity of the spin-label's environment. When these effects are considered quantitatively, it is then possible to determine the degree of mobility of each hapten which is allowed by the shape of the combining site. 2. The dinitrophenyl ring is rigidly held, and the depth of the site is 1.1–1.2nm and has lateral dimensions at the entrance to the site ≥0.6nm×0.9nm. The analysis of the results for spin-labelled haptens with chiral centres allows these lateral dimensions to be refined to 0.8nm and 1.1nm, and it is shown that the site is asymmetric with respect to the plane of the dinitrophenyl ring. 3. A polarity profile of the combining site was also obtained and a positively charged amino acid residue, possibly arginine-95L (light chain), was located at the entrance to the site. 4. The binding of Gd(III) to the antibody–hapten complexes results in quenching of the e.s.r. signal of the nitroxide. By using La(III) as a control, the paramagnetic contribution to the quenching is measured. 5. Analysis of the differential quenchings of the enantiomers of two five-membered nitroxide ring spin labels gives two possible locations of the metal-binding site. One of these is equidistant (0.7nm) from each of the three dinitrophenyl aromatic protons, and nuclear-magnetic-resonance relaxation studies, at 270MHz, on solutions of dinitrobenzene, Gd(III) and the Fv fragment (variable region of heavy and light chain) from protein MOPC 315 support this location for the metal site. 6. The e.s.r. and metal-binding data were then compared with the results of a model of the combining site constructed on the basis of framework invariance in immunoglobulins [Padlan, Davies, Pecht, Givol & Wright (1976) Cold Spring Harbor Symp. Quant. Biol.41, in the press]. The overall agreement is very good. Assignments of possible chelating groups for the metal can be made.
The combining site of the dinitrophenyl-binding immunoglobulin A myeloma protein MOPC 315
Authors: Dower Steven K. , Wain-Hobson Simon , Gettins Peter , Givol David , Jackson W. Roland C. , Perkins Stephen J. , Sunderland Christopher A. , Sutton Brian J. , Wright Carolyn E. , Dwek Raymond A.
Published: August 2015

Magnetic-resonance techniques are used to refine the model of the combining site of the Fv fragment of the dinitrophenyl-binding mouse myeloma protein MOPC 315 constructed by Padlan, Davies, Pecht, Givol & Wright (1976) (Cold Spring Harbor Symp. Quant. Biol.41, in the press). Light-absorption studies indicate a dinitrophenyl–tryptophan interaction in the Fv fragment of the type occurring in free solution. The Dnp-aspartate–tryptophan complex is therefore used as a starting point for the n.m.r. (nuclear-magnetic-resonance) analysis of the dinitrophenyl–Fv fragment interaction. Ring-current calculations are used to determine the geometry of the complex. The specificity of complex-formation between dinitrophenyl and tryptophan is confirmed by the lack of ring-current shifts of the dinitrophenyl resonances when tryptophan is replaced by any other aromatic amino acid. Proton n.m.r. difference spectra (at 270MHz), resulting from the addition of a variety of haptens to the Fv fragment, show that the combining site is highly aromatic in nature. Calculations on the basis of ring-current shifts define the geometry of the combining site, which involves a dinitrophenyl ring in van der Waals contact with four aromatic amino acid residues on the protein. The observation of a nuclear Overhauser effect on the H(3) resonance of the dinitrophenyl ring provides additional constraints on the relative geometry of the H(3) proton and an aromatic amino acid residue on the Fv fragment. The specificity of the Fv fragment for dinitrophenyl ligands arises from a stacking interaction of the dinitrophenyl ring with tryptophan-93L, in an ‘aromatic box’ of essentially tryptophan-93L, phenylalanine-34H and tyrosine-34L; asparagine-36L and tyrosine-34L also contribute by forming hydrogen bonds with the nitro groups on the dinitrophenyl ring. The n.m.r. results also confirm that the antibody–hapten reaction may be visualized as a single encounter step. An Appendix shows the method of calculation of ring currents for the four aromatic amino acids and their use in calculating structures.
Purification and properties of histidinol dehydrogenases from psychrophilic, mesophilic and thermophilic bacilli
Authors: Lindsay J A , Creaser E H
Published: August 2015

As a first step in elucidating one molecular mechanism of adaptation to life at extreme temperatures, we purified and characterized the enzyme histidinol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.23) from a number of bacilli whose growth temperatures range from 5 degrees t to 90 degrees C. The enzymes were purified by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography on Sephadex, affinity chromatography on histamine- or histidine-Sepharose and preparative gradient gel electrophoresis. All had similar mol.wts. (29200), sedimentation coefficients (S20,w 2.56S), affinities for histidinol and NAD+ (Km = 48 micron and 0.2 mM respectively) and all had pH optima at 9.6. Marked differences were observed in stability with respect to temperature and the temperature at which the initial velocity for histidinol dehydrogenation was optimal. These optima range from 25 degrees C for the enzyme from the psychrophilic species through to 41 degrees C for the mesophiles to 85-92 degrees C for the extreme thermophiles. It is concluded that the ability of the enzymes to operate at their various optimum temperatures is an intrinsic property of their amino acid sequences.
Properties of soluble somatostatin-binding protein
Authors: Ogawa Norio , Thompson Tom , Friesen Henry G. , Martin Joseph B. , Brazeau Paul
Published: August 2015

A soluble somatostatin-binding protein was detected in the cytosol fractions of various rat, human and bovine tissues. Maximum binding occurred at pH8.0–8.5 and was Ca2+-dependent. The specific binding of somatostatin per 10μg of cytosol protein from 12 rat tissues ranged between 36 and 15%, and 3% for peripheral blood cells. There was also substantial binding in cytosol from human anterior pituitary and liver, and bovine anterior pituitary. The specific binding in rat and human plasma in the presence of EDTA was only 1%. Gel filtration suggested a molecular weight of approx. 80000 for the somatostatin-binding protein from several sources. Exposure of the binding protein to trypsin eliminates somatostatin-binding activity but ribonuclease and deoxyribonuclease have no effect. The binding protein is thermolabile, ethanol-precipitable, and not completely specific for somatostatin. Bound125I-labelled [Tyr1]somatostatin is not easily displaced by excess of unlabelled somatostatin. The effects of dithiothreitol and mercaptoethanol on the binding of125I-labelled [Tyr1]somatostatin to the binding protein suggests that binding involves two sequential steps, first loose binding, then disulphide linkage. Since semipurified somatostatin-binding protein causes a dose-related inhibition of the binding of125I-labelled [Tyr1]somatostatin in radioimmunoassays for somatostatin, estimates of somatostatin content of tissue extracts by radioimmunoassay in some cases may be spuriously high. It is not yet clear whether the binding protein is a true cytosol protein or an easily solubilized membrane protein.
Studies on the metabolism of oestrone sulphate. Comparative perfusions of oestrone and oestrone sulphate through isolated rat livers
Authors: Höller Michael , Grochtmann Wilhelm , Napp Mechthild , Breuer Heinz
Published: August 2015

The metabolism of [4-14C]oestrone and of [6,7-3H2]oestrone sulphate was studied during cyclic perfusion and once-through perfusion of the isolated rat liver. The following results were obtained. 1. As shown by once-through perfusion, the two steroids are metabolized differently during the first passage through the organ. [4-14C]Oestrone was taken up by the liver and partly delivered as oestradiol-17β and oestriol into the medium. After uptake of [6,7-3H2]oestrone sulphate, only oestrone, liberated by hydrolysis, was delivered into the medium; no oestradiol-17β or oestriol could be detected in the medium after one passage through the organ. This indicates that intracellular oestrone, which was taken up as such, and oestrone, which derived from intracellular hydrolysis, may be metabolized in different compartments of the liver cell. 2. The results of the cyclic perfusion showed that intracellular oestrone is preferentially conjugated with glucuronic acid, and subsequently excreted into the bile. Intracellular oestrone sulphate is preferably reduced to oestradiol sulphate, thus indicating that oestrone sulphate is a better substrate for the 17β-hydroxy steroid oxidoreductase than is oestrone. 3. Albumin-bound oestrone sulphate acts as a large reservoir, and in contrast with free oestrone is protected from enzyme attack by its strong binding to albumin. 4. Oestrone sulphate is partly converted into the hormonally active oestrone by liver tissue. This suggests that liver not only inactivates oestrogens, but also provides the organism with oestrone, which is subsequently readily taken up by other organs.
Transport and oxidation of choline by liver mitochondria
Authors: Tyler D. D.
Published: August 2015

1. Rapid choline oxidation and the onset of Pi-induced swelling by liver mitochondria, incubated in a sucrose medium at or above pH7.0, required the addition of both Pi and an uncoupling agent. Below pH7.0, Pi alone was required for rapid choline oxidation and swelling. 2. Choline oxidation was inhibited by each of several reagents that also inhibited Pi-induced swelling under similar conditions of incubation, including EGTA, mersalyl, Mg2+, the Ca2+-ionophore A23187, rotenone and nupercaine. None of these reagents had any significant effect on the rate of choline oxidation by sonicated mitochondria. There was therefore a close correlation between the conditions required for rapid choline oxidation and for Pi-induced swelling to occur, suggesting that in the absence of mitochondrial swelling the rate of choline oxidation is regulated by the rate of choline transport across the mitochondrial membrane. 3. Respiratory-chain inhibitors, uncoupling agents (at pH6.5) and ionophore A23187 caused a loss of endogenous Ca2+ from mitochondria, whereas nupercaine and Mg2+ had no significant effect on the Ca2+ content. Inhibition of choline oxidation and mitochondrial swelling by ionophore A23187 was reversed by adding Ca2+, but not by Mg2+. It is concluded that added Pi promotes the Ca2+-dependent activation of mitochondrial membrane phospholipase activity in respiring mitochondria, causing an increase in the permeability of the mitochondrial inner membrane to choline and therefore enabling rapid choline oxidation to occur. Nupercaine and Mg2+ appear to block choline oxidation and swelling by inhibiting phospholipase activity. 4. Choline was oxidized slowly by tightly coupled mitochondria largely depleted of their endogenous adenine nucleotides, suggesting that these compounds are not directly concerned in the regulation of choline oxidation. 5. The results are discussed in relation to the possible mechanism of choline transport across the mitochondrial membrane in vivo and the influence of this process on the pathways of choline metabolism in the liver.
Evidence that fatty acid synthesis in the interscapular brown adipose tissue of cold-adapted rats is increased in vivo by insulin by mechanisms involving parallel activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase
Authors: McCormack J G , Denton R M
Published: August 2015

Plasma insulin concentrations in cold-adapted rats were altered acutely by administration of glucose or anti-insulin serum. Rates of fatty acid synthesis in interscapular brown adipose tissue were determined from the incorporation of 3H from 3H2O into tissue lipid. Rates of synthesis were greatly elevated after glucose administration and markedly decreased after injection with anti-insulin serum. Parallel changes in the initial activities of both acetyl-CoA carboxylase and pyruvate dehydrogenase were observed under these conditions, but no changes in total activities were evident. The results suggest that this tissue is an important site of fatty acid synthesis in the cold-adapted rat and that this feature of the tissue is sensitive to changes in plasma insulin concentrations.
Differences in size, structure and function of free and membrane-bound polyribosomes of rat liver. Evidence for a single class of membrane-bound polyribosomes
Authors: Ramsey J C , Steele W J
Published: August 2015

Free loosely bound and tightly bound polyribosomes were separated from rat liver homogenate by salt extraction followed by differential centrifugation, and several of their structural and functional properties were compared to resolve the existence of loosely bound polyribosomes and verify the specificity of the separation. The free and loosely bound polyribosomes have similar sedimentation profiles and polyribosome contents, their subunit proteins have similar electrophoretic patterns and their products of protein synthesis in vitro show a close correspondence in size and amounts synthesized. In contrast, the tightly bound polyribosomes have different properties from those of the free and loosely bound polyribosomes; their average size is significantly smaller; their polyribosome content is higher; their 60 S-subunit proteins lack two components and contain four or more components not found elsewhere; their products of protein synthesis in vitro differ in size and amounts synthesized. These observations show that rat liver membranes entrap a large fraction of the free polyribosomes at low salt concentrations and that these polyribosomes are similar to those of the free-polyribosome fraction and are different from those of the tightly bound polyribosome fraction in size, structure and function.
A quantitative study of pinocytosis and intracellular proteolysis in rat peritoneal macrophages
Authors: Pratten M K , Williams K E , Lloyd J B
Published: August 2015

A method for the culture of rat peritoneal macrophages in vitro is described, in which pinocytic uptake of colloidal [198 Au]gold, 125I--labelled poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and [14C]sucrose proceeds at contant and fairly reproducible rates for several hours. The rat of uptake of colloidal [198 Au]gold, which wxhibited some inter-batch variation, was approx. 100 times that of the other two substrates. Colloidal gold did not affect the rate of uptake of 125I-labelled poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and therefore its own high rate of uptake could not be attributed to a stimulation of the formation of pinocytic vesicles. It conclude that uptake of collodial gold is highly dependent on adsorption on binding sites on the plasma membrane. Uptake of formaldehyde-treated 125I-labelled bovine serum albumin was followed by the release of [125I]iodo-L-tyrosine into the culture medium and took place at a rate intermediate between those of collodial [198Au]gold and the other two non-digestible substrates, 125I-labelled poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and [14C]sucrose.
Evidence for a high proportion of inactive ribosomes in slow-growing yeast cells
Authors: Waldron C , Jund R , Lacroute F
Published: August 2015

From the protein and RNA content of Saccharomyces cerevisiae growing in different media we calculate that ribosome efficiency is changed: incorporation of amino acids into protein decreases from 8.8 amino acids/s per ribosome in fast-growing cells (0.54 doubling/h) to 5.2 amino acids/s per ribosome in slow-growing cells (0.30 doubling/h). We could not detect significant protein turnover in either fast-or slow-growing cultures, so the lower ribosome efficiency does not seem to be an artifact caused by changes in unstable protein production at different growth rates. Nor is the lower ribosome efficiency due to slower migration of ribosomes along mRNA: the times required to complete polypeptides of known molecular weights are the same in slow-growing cells as those previously determined for fast-growing cells [Waldron, Jund & Lacroute (1974) FEBS Lett. 46, 11-16]. We therefore deduce that ribosome efficiency changes in yeast because the fraction of ribosomes engaged in protein synthesis falls (from 84% in fast-growing cells to 50% in slow-growing cells.
The role of nucleoside diphosphatase in a uridine nucleotide cycle associated with lactose synthesis in rat mammary-gland Golgi apparatus
Authors: Kuhn N J , White A
Published: August 2015

1. UDP-galactose utilization by isolated Golgi vesicles or rat mammary gland synthesizing lactose causes accumulation of UMP but not UDP, although UDP is the immediate product of lactose synthase (EC 2.4.1.22). 2. This can be ascribed to a nucleoside diphosphatase (EC 3.6.1.6), specific for UDP, GDP and IDP, activated by bivalent metal ions and apparently located on the luminal face of the Golgi membrane. 3. The uridine diphosphatase activity exceeds the total galactosyltransferase activity 5-fold, and is estimated to maintain UDP at about 14 micrometer within the Golgi lumen. 4. Evidence is given that UMP, but not UDP, penetrates the membrane and that UMP is rephosphorylated to UDP by a UMP kinase located in the cytosol. 5. Golgi-cytosol relationships with respect to lactose synthesis are formulated in terms of a uridine nucleotide cycle which throws new light on the energy cost and possible regulation of lactose synthesis.
Binding, interiorization and degradation of cholesterol ester-labelled chylomicron-remnant particles by rat hepatocyte monolayers
Authors: Florén Claes-Henrik , Nilsson Åke
Published: August 2015

1. The cholesteryl ester of isolated chylomicron-remnant particles was efficiently degraded by hepatocyte monolayers. The degradation was sensitive to metabolic inhibitors. 2. With increasing amounts of remnant cholesteryl ester the rate of uptake approached saturation and conformed to a linear double-reciprocal plot. The Vmax. was determined as 80ng of cholesteryl ester/h per mg of protein and the apparent Km as 1.4μg of cholesteryl ester per mg of protein. The time course for the uptake and hydrolysis suggested that binding of particles to the cell surface preceded the degradation. 3. Cholesteryl esters of native chylomicrons were degraded to a much smaller extent and their presence had only a small inhibitory effect on the degradation of chylomicron remnants. Intestinal very-low-density lipoproteins were degraded somewhat faster than chylomicrons, and caused more inhibition of remnant degradation. Rat high-density lipoproteins inhibited the hydrolysis of remnant cholesteryl ester by up to 50%, but had less influence on the amount of cholesteryl ester that was bound to the cells. Serum decreased both the uptake and hydrolysis, whereas d=1.21 infranatant had no effect. 4. The cholesteryl ester hydrolysis after the uptake by the cells was inhibited by chloroquine and by colchicine. Only 28–36% of the unhydrolysed cholesteryl ester could be released from these cells by trypsin treatment, indicating that the major portion was truly intracellular. The particles that could be released from the cell surface by trypsin and those remaining in the medium had the same triacylglycerol/cholesteryl ester ratio as the added remnant particles. Significant amounts of denser particles were thus not formed during contact with the cell surface. 5. The presence of heparin, as well as preincubation of the cells with heparin, increased the uptake of chylomicron remnants. This effect was most marked in the presence of serum. A much smaller proportion of the other serum lipoproteins was taken up, and this proportion was not increased by heparin.
Phospholipid requirement for 2-acetamidofluorene N-and ring-hydroxylation by hamster liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 enzyme system
Authors: Lotlikar P D , Dwyer E N , Baldy W J , Nyce J
Published: August 2015

A phospholipid requirement of 2-acetamidofluorene N- and ring-hydroxylation was investigated with partially delipidated microsomal fraction from livers of 3-methylcholanthrene-pretreated hamsters. Butan-1-ol extraction of microsomal fraction removed 90% of the total lipid content without any appreciable effect on microsomal proteins. Such extracted microsomal fractions had much lower capacity to N- and ring-hydroxylate 2-acetamidofluorene: 25 and 44% of control respectively. Addition of butan-1-ol-extracted total lipid restored both oxidations to some extent, whereas addition of phosphatidylcholine fraction restored both oxidations almost completely. Addition of synthetic phospholipid, dilauroyl phosphatidylcholine, restored both oxidations to a large extent, whereas synthetic dipalmitoyl or distearoyl phosphatidylcholine was ineffective in restoring these oxidations.
Actin in young and senescent fibroblasts
Authors: Anderson P J
Published: August 2015

Double labelling and the isolation of peptides specific to muscle actin were used to determine the amount of actin in young and senescent fibroblasts from chicken embryo. A 20-residue peptide produced from the C-terminus of muscle actin was found in amounts that indicated 6.9% of the protein of young fibroblasts and 11.5% of the protein of senescent fibroblasts to be actin. Two other peptides of muscle actin were present in very small amounts. This indicates that the actin of both young and senescent fibroblasts is homologous to, but not identical with, muscle actin. Increased actin content of senescent fibroblasts may be related to their loss of proliferative capacity and low cell density at confluence.
Interaction of the myelin basic protein with the anionic detergent sodium dodecyl sulphate
Authors: Jones A J S , Rumsby M G
Published: August 2015

The interaction of the myelin basic protein and two peptides derived from it with the anionic detergent SDS (sodium dodecyl sulphate) was studied. At molar ratios of detergent/protein of up to approx. 20:1 the transient increase in turbidity (as measured by increases in A230) is proportional to the ratio. Between ratios of 30:1 and 100:1 the effect of the detergent is constant and maximal. At molar ratios exceeding 100:1 the transient increase in turbidity decreases with increasing amounts of detergent. With increasing ionic strength the rapid development of turbidity is inhibited, whereas the slow decay of turbidity is not affected. Neither of the peptide fragments produced by cleavage of the myelin basic protein at the single tryptophan residue, nor both when mixed, produce measurable turbidity when mixed with SDS. Under similar conditions poly-L-lysine of similar molecular size to the basic protein shows the increase in turbidity but not the decay. The interaction between the protein and SDS is interpreted in molecular terms, which involve the initial ionic interaction of the detergent with protein resulting in aggregation and turbidity in the solution. Within the aggregated complexes molecules rearrange to maximize hydrophobic interactions.
Uridine diphosphate glucose-sterol glucosyltransferase and nucleoside diphosphatase activities in etiolated pea seedlings
Authors: Staver M J , Glick K , Baisted D J
Published: August 2015

1. UDP-glucose-sterol glucosyltransferase and nucleoside diphosphatases were isolated in a particulate fraction from 7-day-old etiolated pea seedlings. The glucosyltransferase and UDPase (uridine diphosphatase) are stimulated by Ca2+ cation, less so by Mg2+ cation, and inhibited by Zn2+. 2. Each activity has a pH optimum near 8. 3. The glucosyltransferase is specific for UDP-glucose as the glucosyl donor and is inhibited by UDP. Partial recovery from UDP inhibition is effected by preincubation of the enzyme. 4. Freeze-thaw treatment and subsequent sucrose-density-gradient centrifugation of the particulate fraction shows the glucosyltransferase to be widely distributed among cell fractions but to be most active in particles with a density of 1.15 g/ml. UDPase is most active in particulate material with a density of over 1.18 g/ml but an activity peak also appears at 1.15 g/ml. Of several nucleoside diphosphatase activities, UDPase activity is most enhanced by the freeze-thaw and sucrose-density-gradient-fractionation procedures. 5. Detergent treatment with 0.1% sodium deoxycholate allows the partial solubilization of the glucosyltransferase and UDPase. The two activities are similarly distributed between pellet and supernatant after high-speed centrifugation for two different time intervals. 6. A role for UDPase in the functioning of glucosylation reactions is discussed.
Demonstration of chymosin (EC 3.4.23.4) in the stomach of newborn pig
Authors: Foltmann B , Lønblad P , Axelsen N H
Published: August 2015

The stomach of newborn pig contains a proteinase that is immunologically closely related to calf chymosin (rennin) (EC 3.4.23.4.). None of the pepsins from the stomach of adult pig is present in the newborn pig. Pig chymosin has optimal general proteolytic activity around pH 3.5. The ratio of milk-clotting activity to general proteolytic activity is about 30–70 times higher than that of pyloric and fundic pepsins.
Glutathione S-transferase in human lymphoid cell lines and fractionated peripheral leucocytes
Authors: Kaplowitz N , Spina C , Graham M , Kuhlenkamp J
Published: August 2015

Glutathione S-transferase activity was identified in cytosol from human lymphoid-cell lines and peripheral leucocytes (polymorphonuclear-leucocyte/monocyte and small-lymphocyte fractions) and compared with human liver enzyme. The findings of closely similar elution volume in gel filtration, substrate (1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene) and inhibitory (probenecid) kinetics indicate that the liver, leucocyte and lymphoid-cell transferases are closely related. The interaction of reduced glutathione and 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene was shown to occur in intact-lymphoid-cell culture, to be linear with time and quantity of cells and to have kinetics similar to those of the enzyme reaction catalysed by cytosol.
Isolation and separation of α and β-tubulin from chick-embryo brain, muscle and skin
Authors: el-Hamalawi A R A
Published: August 2015

Two kinds of tubulin, alpha and beta, have been described in microtubules from many different systems. In the present study a new method is described for isolating and separating these two kinds of tubulin from chick-embryo brain, muscle and skin. The isolated tubulins were characterized by polyacrylamide-gel disc electrophoresis in the presence of urea and sodium dodecyl sulphate.
Surface glycosaminoglycans and calcium distribution in 3T3 cells
Authors: Vannucchi S , Del Rosso M , Cella C , Urbano P , Chiarugi V
Published: August 2015

Resting 3T3 cells have relatively more sulphated glycosaminoglycans and Ca2+ in their cell coat than do growing or SV40-virus-transformed cells. It is suggested that the different Ca2+-binding capacity controls cellular activities by affecting the distribution of Ca2+ between the intra- and ecto-cellular compartments.
Synthesis of guinea-pig cardiac myosin as measured by constant infusion
Authors: Wyborny L E , Kritcher E M , Luchi R J
Published: August 2015

An equation was derived from which the turnover time of individual muscle proteins could be calculated from measurements made at a single time interval in individual animals after initiation of constant intravenous infusion of labelled amino acid. The calculation requires only the specific radioactivities of the amino acid in plasma, in the intracellular fluid and in the protein under study. Pool sizes were not required. When the equation was applied to adult guinea-pig cardiac myosin, the average turnover time was 16 +/- 1 days.
Evidence for lysosomal enzyme recognition by human fibroblasts via a phosphorylated carbohydrate moiety
Authors: Ullrich Kurt , Mersmann Günther , Weber Ernst , Von Figura Kurt
Published: August 2015

Adsorptive endocytosis of five different lysosomal enzymes from various human and non-human sources was susceptible to inhibition by mannose and l-fucose, methyl α-d-mannoside, α-anomeric p-nitrophenyl glycosides of mannose and l-fucose, mannose 6-phosphate and fructose 1-phosphate. A few exceptions from this general scheme were observed for particular enzymes, particularly for β-glucuronidase from human urine. The inhibition of α-N-acetylglucosaminidase endocytosis by mannose, p-nitrophenyl α-d-mannoside and mannose 6-phosphate was shown to be competitive. The loss of endocytosis after alkaline phosphatase treatment of lysosomal enzymes supports the hypothesis that the phosphorylated sugars compete with a phosphorylated carbohydrate on the enzymes for binding to the cell-surface receptors [Kaplan, Achord & Sly (1977) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.74, 2026–2030]. Endocytosis of ‘low-uptake’ forms of α-N-acetylglucosaminidase and α-mannosidase was likewise susceptible to inhibition by sugar phosphates and by alkaline phosphatase treatment, suggesting that ‘low-uptake’ forms are either contaminated with ‘high-uptake’ forms or are internalized via the same route as ‘high-uptake’ forms. The existence of an alternative route for adsorptive endocytosis of lysosomal enzymes is indicated by the unaffected adsorptive endocytosis of rat liver β-glucuronidase in the presence of phosphorylated sugars and after treatment with alkaline phosphatase.
Hydroxytryptamine transport by the bovine chromaffin-granule membrane
Authors: Phillips J H
Published: August 2015

5-Hydroxytryptamine is accumulated by resealed chromaffin-granule ‘ghosts’ if a pH gradient (acid inside) is imposed across their membranes by preincubating them at low pH. This uptake, like that driven by MgATP, is reserpine- and uncoupler-sensitive. This strongly suggests that catecholamines are taken up by intact granules in response to a pH gradient. In line with this, it is shown that 5-hydroxytryptamine decreases the pH gradient generated in the presence of MgATP, an effect that is inhibited by reserpine; nigericin, which discharges the pH gradient in the presence of K+, inhibits uptake. Permeant anions, however, also inhibit uptake. It is suggested that this may be because they permit equilibration of amine cations directly across the membrane, down concentration gradients.
Incorporation and release of inorganic phosphate in horse spleen ferritin
Authors: Trefry A , Harrison P M
Published: August 2015

When ferritin is reconstituted from Fe and apoferritin in vitro in the presence of Pi, the product obtained differs both from native ferritin and from ferritin reconstituted in the absence of Pi. When the latter is incubated with Pi the product resembles native ferritin with respect both to the pattern of Pi incorporated per molecule or per Fe atom and to the ease of release of this Pi relative to Fe release. It is concluded that much of the Pi of native ferritin is adsorbed on surfaces of ferritin iron-core crystallites. The results also suggest that Pi is not present at the intracellular site of Fe incorporation into ferritin, but is added after Fe.
A comparative study of the proteoglycan of growth cartilage of normal and rachitic chicks
Authors: Dickson I R , Roughley P J
Published: August 2015

1. Proteoglycan was isolated from growth cartilage of normal and rachitic chicks. 2. The proteoglycan from normal cartilage showed differences in chemical composition and physical properties from a comparable fraction isolated from bovine nasal cartilage. 3. The proteoglycan from rachitic-chick cartilage was of smaller size than tis normal counterpart, though of similar average chemical composition. 4. Differences between proteoglycan from normal and rachitic cartilages can be explained in terms of limited proteolytic cleavage.
Intracellular relationships of the oestrogen receptor in the rat uterus and hypothalamus during the oestrous cycle
Authors: White J O , Thrower S , Lim L
Published: August 2015

Simultaneous measurements were made of the specific oestrogen receptor in the nuclear and cytosol fractions prepared from the uterus and hypothalamus of 50–81-day-old female rats undergoing a 4-day oestrous cycle. In the uterus, the content of nuclear receptor fluctuated in concert with known cyclic changes in the secretion of oestrogen, being maximal at pro-oestrus. Over the period of 50–81 days, the nuclear content at all phases increased with age, again corresponding to known age-related increases in ovarian secretion of oestrogen. This age-related increase in nuclear content, averaged from the values of the different phases in each age group, was related to equivalent increases in uterine wet weight, an increase of 1 pmol of receptor being accompanied by an increase of 80–90 mg. The concentration of cytosol receptor was maintained constant, with respect to wet weight, throughout the cycle and with age, irrespective of changes in nuclear content. In the uterus of normal mature females, translocation of receptor into the nucleus did not lead to depletion of cytosol receptor, suggesting a process of continuous replenishment/synthesis. In the hypothalamus, the nuclear content of oestrogen receptor was also maximal at pro-oestrus. In contrast with the uterus, the content of hypothalamic cytosol receptor was minimal at this phase and reflects depletion of the cytosol receptor, possibly as a result of translocation. The extent of translocation was low compared with that in the uterus and did not alter with age during the age-period studied. This low nuclear binding of the receptor in vivo is discussed in relation to the presence of a cytosol factor, present in limiting amounts, which in vitro mediates the binding of cytosol receptor to oligo(dT)-cellulose. The difference in the physiological response of the uterus and of the hypothalamus to oestrogens may be related to the extent of nuclear binding of receptor.
Calcium-dependent Golgi-vesicle fusion and cathepsin B in the conversion of proalbumin into albumin in rat liver
Authors: Quinn P S , Judah J D
Published: August 2015

1. An enzyme from rat liver that converts proalbumin into albumin is described. Partial purification, inhibitor studies and the conditions for maximum activity suggest that the enzyme is cathepsin B. 2. A membrane-bound enzyme, located mainly in lysosomes, also converts proalbumin into albumin. This appears to be a membrane-bound form of cathepsin B. 3. Isolated Golgi vesicles, incubated under conditions suitable for cathepsin B, convert endogenous proalbumin into albumin. 4. This conversion in Golgi vesicles has an absolute requirement for Ca2+ at micromolar concentrations. Mg2+ does not affect or substitute for Ca2+. Both the proalbumin and the albumin formed from it are intravesicular. 5. Converting activity is enhanced by pretreatment with the known chemical fusogen, poly(ethyleneglycol). 6. Vesicles preincubated at pH above 7 in the presence of dithiothreitol show a marked fall in converting activity. This can be partially restored by incubation with native vesicles. These results suggest that vesicle fusion is a requirement for conversion of proalbumin into albumin.
Effects of chronic hyperinsulinaemia on hepatic enzymes involved in lipogenesis and carbohydrate metabolism in the young rat
Authors: McCormick K L , Widness J A , Susa J B , Schwartz R
Published: August 2015

Chronic (6 days) hyperinsulinaemia in young rats produced lower blood glucose concentrations and augmented body- and liver-weight gain. The insulin-treated rats had increased hepatic activities of citrate-cleavage enzyme, ‘malic’ enzyme and high-substrate (6.6 mM-phosphoenolpyruvate) pyruvate kinase, and decreased glucose 6-phosphatase. There were no changes in activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, phosphofructokinase, low-substrate (1.3 mM-phosphoenolpyruvate) pyruvate kinase, glucokinase and hexokinase.
Phospholipase A2 of rat liver mitochondria in vitamin E deficiency
Authors: Pappu A. S. , Fatterpaker P. , Sreenivasan A.
Published: August 2015

1. There is a more than 2-fold increase in phospholipase A2 activity (EC 3.1.1.4) of liver mitochondria isolated from vitamin E-deficient rats compared with that in normal rats. 2. α-Tocopherol in lipoprotein-bound form is more effective than free α-tocopherol in restoring the enzyme activity to normal.
Stimulation of the respiratory chain of rat liver mitochondria between cytochrome c1 and cytochrome c by glucagon treatment of rats
Authors: Halestrap Andrew P.
Published: August 2015

Mitochondria from glucagon-treated rats oxidize succinate, but not ascorbate plus tetramethylphenylenediamine, faster in the uncoupled state than do control mitochondria. The rate of O2 uptake in the presence of both substrates is equal to the sum of the rates of the O2 uptake in the presence of either substrate alone. It is concluded that the mitochondrial respiratory chain is limited at some point between cytochromes b and c and that this step is regulated by glucagon. Measurement of the cytochrome spectra under uncoupled conditions in the presence of succinate and rotenone demonstrates a crossover between cytochromes c and c1 when control mitochondria are compared with those from glucagon-treated rats, cytochrome c being more oxidized and cytochrome c1 more reduced in control mitochondria. Under conditions where pyruvate metabolism is studied the control mitochondria are generally more oxidized than those from glucagon-treated rats, the redox state of cytochrome b-566 correlating with the rate of pyruvate metabolism in sucrose medium. However, when the redox state of the mitochondria is taken into account, a crossover between cytochromes c and c1 is again apparent. The spectra of the b cytochromes are complex, but cytochrome b-562 appears to become more reduced relative to cytochrome b-566 in mitochondria from glucagon-treated rats than in control mitochondria. This can be explained by the existence of a more alkaline matrix in glucagon-treated rats, the redox potential for cytochrome b being pH-sensitive. It is concluded that glucagon stimulates electron flow between cytochromes c1 and c. The physiological significance of these findings is discussed.
Kinetics of liver microsomal cholecalciferol 25-hydroxylase in vitamin D-depleted and -repleated rats
Authors: Delvin E E , Arabian A , Glorieux F H
Published: August 2015

Kinetics of vitamin D-depleted and -repleted rat liver microsomal cholecalciferol 25-hydroxylase were studied. Anaerobiosis, CO, omission of a NADPH-generating system and addition of detergents all decreased the activities, showing that the hydroxylase behaves like a cytochrome P-450-dependent enzyme. An apparent Km of 0.18 micrometer and Vmax. of 32pmol/min per g of tissue were found for vitamin D-deficient animals. Although both apparent Km and Vmax. were significantly altered in vitamin D-repleted animals no inhibition of the enzyme was elicited. These latter results show that at normal vitamin D intake, rat liver cholecalciferol 25-hydroxylase is not feedback-inhibited.
Effects of ammonia and norvaline on lactate metabolism by hepatocytes from starved rats. The use of 14C-labelled lactate in studies of hepatic gluconeogenesis
Authors: Grunnet Niels , Katz Joseph
Published: August 2015

1. Hepatocytes from starved rats were incubated with l-lactate and NH4Cl or norvaline, and the rates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and of gluconeogenesis were calculated from changes in metabolite concentrations or from radioisotopic data from incubations with labelled lactate or propionate. 2. Gluconeogenesis was stimulated by the addition of 10mm-NH4Cl, 5mm-norvaline or 1mm-oleate by 27, 45 and 59% respectively. NH4Cl or norvaline also increased lactate uptake. Norvaline inhibited urea synthesis from NH4Cl by 85%. 3. The effects of NH4Cl and norvaline were not additive. However, NH4Cl inhibited and norvaline was without effect on gluconeogenesis from pyruvate, indicating that the two compounds act by different mechanisms. 4. The tricarboxylic acid-cycle flux was increased 80% by lactate, and NH4Cl caused a further 25% stimulation. Norvaline had no effect on the tricarboxylic acid-cycle flux. NH4Cl and norvaline tripled and doubled, respectively, flux through pyruvate dehydrogenase. 5. Total ATP formation was calculated to range from 470 to 830μmol/h per 100mg of protein, of which the basic metabolic activity accounted for 400–450μmol/h per 100mg of protein. ATP formation does not seem to be rate-limiting for gluconeogenesis. 6. Pyruvate recycling was estimated from the 14C yield from [1-14C]propionate in lactate and glucose to be 10–30% of the flux of phosphoenolpyruvate to glucose. The further addition of NH4Cl more than doubled the recycling of pyruvate. 7. [1,4-14C]Succinate was rapidly metabolized by hepatocytes. About 20% of the radioactivity was recovered in glucose, indicating that succinate is also metabolized by intact (non-damaged) hepatocytes. 8. It is concluded that the metabolism of lactate by the liver is too complex to allow simple rate measurements with labelled compounds.
Solubilization of bovine heart-value collagen
Authors: Jimenez S A , Bashey R I
Published: August 2015

Complete solubilization of bovine heart-valve gollagen was obtained by using sequential pepsin digestion and extraction with dithiothreitol under non-denaturing conditions. Use of the reducing agent was the crucial step resulting in solubilization. These findings suggest that disulphide-bonded proteins may be in part responsible for the insolubility of bovine heart-valve collagen.
Purification and properties of γ-glutamylcyclotransferase from human erythrocytes
Authors: Board P G , Moore K A , Smith J E
Published: August 2015

1. GAMMA-Glutamylcyclotransferase was purified 10000-fold from human erythrocytes. 2. The purification steps involved fractionation with (NH4)(2)SO(4) and chromatography on Sephadex G-75, DEAE-cellulose and hydroxyapatite. The purified enzyme was found to be homogeneous on density-gradient polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. 3. The maximum reaction rate was observed at pH9.0 and the apparent Km value for gamma-glutamyl-L-alanine was 2.2mM. 4. The molecular weight (25250) of the purified enzyme agreed well with the value (25500) in fresh haemolysates, indicating no apparent structural modification of the enzyme during purification. However, rapid processing of the blood through the initial (NH4)(2)SO(4) and Sephadex-chromatography steps was required to prevent formation of a high-molecular-weight aggregate with substantially lower specific activity. 5. gamma-Glutamylcyclotransferase catalyses the formation of 5-oxoproline from gamma-glutamyl dipeptides. The role of this enzyme in erythrocytes is of particular interest, because gamma-glutamyl-L-cysteine serves as a substrate for both gamma-glutamylcyclotransferase and glutathione synthetase. Thus the cyclotransferase could modulate glutathione synthesis.
rac-Glycerol 1:2-cyclic phosphate 2-phosphodiesterase, a new soluble phosphodiesterase of mammalian tissues
Authors: Clarke N , Dawson R M C
Published: August 2015

1. A soluble phosphodiesterase is present in mammalian tissues which rapidly hydrolyses enantiomorphs of rac-glycerol 1:2-cyclic phosphate, producing rac-glycerol 1-phosphate. 2. The enzyme has been purified up to 1700-fold by a combination of acetone precipitation and chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex A-50, Sephadex G-150 and hydroxyapatite. 3. The Km with glycerol cyclic phosphate as substrate is 7.2 mM, and the pH optimum broad (6.9–7.5). The molecular weight (by gel filtration) of the enzyme is approx. 35500. 4. The phosphodiesterase has no requirement for Ca2+ or Mg2+, but is stimulated by reducing agents (cysteine, dithiothreitol) and Fe2+. 5. The purified phosphodiesterase preparation also hydrolysed 3′:5′-cyclic AMP, producing 5′-AMP exclusively, and 2′:3′-cyclic AMP, forming 3′-AMP and 2′-AMP in the ratio 7:3. Bis-(p-nitrophenyl) phosphate was slowly hydrolysed, but other phosphodiesters tested were not attacked. 6. The phosphodiesterase is inhibited by theophylline and o-phenanthroline. It is inhibited by Pi and by a variety of phosphomonoesters, of which certain aromatic primary phosphates are particularly effective.
Identification of histidine-122α in human haemoglobin as one of the unknown alkaline Bohr groups by hydrogen-tritium exchange
Authors: Nishikura K
Published: August 2015

Human carbonmonoxy- and deoxy-haemoglobins were incubated at 37 degrees C in 3H2O at various pH values to measure the pH-dependent hydrogen–tritium exchange at the C-2 position of the imidazole ring of histidine-122alpha. To obtain the pseudo-first-order rate constants for the exchange, k, the two peptides containing histidine-122alpha were isolated and the amounts of tritium incorporated were determined. The rate constants gave pK values for the histidine of 6.1 in carbonmonoxyhaemoglobin and 6.6 in deoxyhaemoglobin, showing that it contributes about 20% to the total alkaline Bohr effect and about 10% at pH7.4.
Purification and properties of succinyl-coenzyme A-3-oxo acid coenzyme A-transferase from sheep kidney
Authors: Sharp J A , Edwards M R
Published: August 2015

CoA-transferase (succinyl-CoA-3-oxo acid CoA-transferase, EC 2.8.3.5) isolated from sheep kidney was purified to homogeneity. The purified enzyme has a specific activity of approx. 200 units/mg. A mol.wt. of 110000 was obtained by gel filtration on Sephadex G-200, and a lower mol.wt. of 102000 was determined by analytical ultracentrifugation. A sedimentation coefficient of 5.6S was also determined. A subunit mol.wt. of 56000 was obtained by sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Isoelectric focusing of sheep kidney extracts indicated the presence of a single band of CoA-transferase activity with pI9.0. However, isoelectric focusing of purified CoA-transferase showed the presence of two peaks of CoA-transferase activity with pI values of 8.7 and 8.4, suggesting the presence of proteolytic activity during purification. Evidence for sheep kidney CoA-transferase being a dimer of two identical subunits has been obtained from sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis, the amino acid composition, peptide ‘mapping’ and N-terminal analysis.
Electron-paramagnetic-resonance studies on the redox properties of the molybdenum-iron protein of nitrogenase between +50 and −450 mV
Authors: O'Donnell M J , Smith B E
Published: August 2015

The midpoint potentials, Em, for the oxidation of the characteristic e.p.r. signal with g values near 4.3, 3.7 and 2.01, of the nitrogenase Mo-Fe proteins from a number of bacteria were measured. They were 0mV for Clostridium pasteurianum, −42mV for Azotobacter chroococcum and Azotobacter vinelandii, −95mV for Bacillus polymyxa and −180mV for Klebsiella pneumoniae Mo-Fe proteins at pH 7.9. The oxidations were thermodynamically reversible for the proteins from A. chroococcum, A. vinelandii and K. pneumoniae and the Em was independent of protein activity for this last protein. The protein from C. pasteurianum required a lower potential for reduction than for oxidation, and the oxidation of the protein from B. polymyxa was only 70% reversible. The apparent Em of the latter protein was decreased by 40mV in the presence of 60mM-MgCl2. The pH-dependence of the Em of the protein from K. pneumoniae was interpreted in terms of a single ionization, not directly associated with the e.p.r.-active centre, with a pKa of 7.0 in the oxidized form of the protein and a pH-independent region at low pH (Em = 118 +/- 6.3 mV). Approx. 20% increase in activity after oxidation was observed for the proteins from B. polymyxa, A. chroococcum and K. pneumoniae. The significance of the above results and their relationship to other published data are discussed.