bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Further theoretical refinement on the internal thermodynamics of perfect enzymes
Authors: Tian G
Published: August 2015

By solving simultaneously the equation for ‘uniform binding’ [Albery & Knowles (1976) Biochemistry 15, 5631-5640] and the equation for ‘differential binding’ [Chin (1983) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 105, 6502-6503], I derived the following simple equation for perfect enzymes (with single substrate and single product) under irreversible conditions: K2 = beta(1 + Rs)/1-beta(1 + Rs) where K2 is the internal equilibrium constant and beta is the Brönsted coefficient of the elementary catalytic step, and Rs is defined as [S]0/Ks, with [S]0 being the physiological substrate concentration and Ks being the substrate dissociation constant. The equation suggests that the perfect enzyme can have different internal thermodynamic properties depending on physiological conditions.
Compartmentation of glucose 6-phosphate in hepatocytes
Authors: Kalant N , Parniak M , Lemieux M
Published: August 2015

Rat hepatocytes were incubated with 14C-labelled hexoses, and the specific radioactivities of glucose 6-phosphate, glucose 1-phosphate and fructose 6-phosphate were determined. (1) When suspensions of freshly isolated hepatocytes were incubated with [14C]glucose, the specific radioactivities of glucose 1-phosphate and fructose 6-phosphate were severalfold higher than that of glucose 6-phosphate. The ratios of the specific radioactivities decreased with time of incubation. These relationships were also found when incubations were carried out with primary cultures of rat hepatocytes or with crude homogenates of hepatocytes, but not with isolated nuclei. (2) When cells were incubated with [14C]fructose, the ratios of the specific radioactivities were higher than with [14C]glucose, and also decreased with time. (3) Paired incubations were carried out with a mixture of galactose and fructose, with one or other sugar being labelled with 14C. The specific radioactivity of glucose released into the medium was greater than that of glucose 6-phosphate when fructose was labelled, but not when galactose was labelled. Furthermore, glucose 6-phosphate and glucose in the medium differed with regard to the distribution of 14C between C-1 and C-6. These results are interpreted as evidence that glucose 6-phosphate in hepatocytes does not exist as a homogeneous pool, but that subcompartments exist which are associated with glucose phosphorylation, gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis.
Effect of disulfiram on the pre-steady-state burst in the reactions of sheep liver cytoplasmic aldehyde dehydrogenase
Authors: Kitson T M
Published: August 2015

Stopped-flow spectrophotometric experiments show that modification by disulfiram not only lowers the steady-state rates but also decreases the size of bursts seen in both dehydrogenase and esterase reactions catalysed by sheep liver cytoplasmic aldehyde dehydrogenase. This observation is consistent with the proposal that a catalytically essential group is modified by disulfiram and that this group mediates both dehydrogenase and esterase activities.
Role of reversible phosphorylation in mediating changes in the activity of hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase during pregnancy and lactation in the rat
Authors: Easom R A , Zammit V A
Published: August 2015

1. The expressed and total (completely dephosphorylated) activities of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase were measured in microsomal fractions isolated from cold-clamped liver samples from female rats in various stages of the reproductive cycle. 2. There was little change in total HMG-CoA reductase activity during pregnancy and early lactation, but after 2 days post partum there was a marked increase in total activity. 3. The expressed/total activity ratio of HMG-CoA reductase showed a profound decrease during the last 2 days of pregnancy. The fraction of the enzyme in the active form increased progressively during the first 2 days of lactation. 4. The combined effect of these changes was that the expressed activity of HMG-CoA reductase changed in parallel with the known changes in the hepatic rate of cholesterogenesis during pregnancy and lactation in vivo.
Enzyme-assisted semisynthesis of polypeptide active esters and their use
Authors: Rose K , Herrero C , Proudfoot A E I , Offord R E , Wallace C J A
Published: August 2015

A method is described for the preparation of polypeptides activated uniquely at the C-terminus. The polypeptide is incubated in a concentrated solution of an amino acid active ester, the latter having its amino group free but adequately protected by protonation. The amino acid ester is coupled via its amino group to the C-terminus of the polypeptide by enzymic catalysis (reverse proteolysis). The resulting polypeptide C-terminal active ester is then isolated and coupled to a suitable amino component (generally a polypeptide) in a subsequent chemical coupling. The method appears to be generally applicable; fragments of horse heart cytochrome c, and porcine insulin, are used as examples. Two new analogues of cytochrome c have been prepared by using this method, with yields of up to 60% in the final coupling. Scope and limitations of the method are discussed.
Induction of mitochondrial proteins in MA-10 Leydig tumour cells with human choriogonadotropin
Authors: Stocco D M , Kilgore M W
Published: August 2015

The side-chain cleavage of cholesterol is the rate-limiting enzymic step in steroidogenesis and occurs in the mitochondria of steroid-producing tissues. In these studies, the effect of acute stimulation of MA-10 Leydig-tumour cells on the synthesis of mitochondrial proteins was investigated. Cells were incubated in the presence of stimulating levels of human choriogonadotropin (hCG) and [35S]methionine for 2 h periods. Mitochondria were isolated and their proteins analysed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and fluorography. At least three mitochondrial-specific proteins were found in cells exposed to gonadotropin, and these proteins were also found in cells treated with dibutyryl cyclic AMP (db cyclic AMP). The appearance of these proteins was prevented by the addition of cycloheximide to the cells, as was the production of progesterone, the major steroid produced in MA-10 cells. In addition, mitochondria isolated from cells stimulated with db cyclic AMP produced progesterone at a rate 3-fold greater than mitochondria isolated from control cells during 3 h of incubation. Lastly, mixing experiments demonstrated that sonicated mitochondria isolated from db cyclic AMP-treated cells stimulated progesterone production in control mitochondria 6-fold. These studies show that hCG and db cyclic AMP stimulation of MA-10 cells results in the rapid induction of cycloheximide-sensitive proteins located in the mitochondria which may be instrumental in the acute regulation of steroidogenesis.
Sodium-gradient-driven, high-affinity, uphill transport of succinate in human placental brush-border membrane vesicles
Authors: Ganapathy V , Ganapathy M E , Tiruppathi C , Miyamoto Y , Mahesh V B , Leibach F H
Published: August 2015

Brush-border membrane vesicles isolated from normal human term placentas were shown to accumulate succinate transiently against a concentration gradient, when an inward-directed Na+ gradient was imposed across the membrane. This uptake was almost totally due to transport into intravesicular space, non-specific binding to the membranes being negligible. The dependence of the initial uptake rate of succinate on Na+ concentration exhibited sigmoidal kinetics, indicating interaction of more than one Na+ ion with the carrier system. The Hill coefficient for this ion was calculated to be 2.7. The Na+-dependent uptake of succinate was electrogenic, resulting in the transfer of positive charge across the membrane. Kinetic analysis showed that succinate uptake in these vesicles occurred via a single transport system, with an apparent affinity constant of 4.8 +/- 0.2 microM and a maximal velocity of 274 +/- 4 pmol/20 s per mg of protein. Uptake of succinate was strongly inhibited by various C4 or C5 dicarboxylic acids, whereas monocarboxylic acids, amino acids and glucose showed little or no effect. Li+ and K+ could not substitute for Na+ in the uptake process. Instead, Li+ was found to have a significant inhibitory effect on the Na+-dependent uptake of succinate.
Δ
6-desaturase activity in liver microsomes of rats fed diets enriched with cholesterol and/or ω3 fatty acids
Authors: Garg M L , Sebokova E , Thomson A B R , Clandinin M T
Published: August 2015

The effect of feeding semipurified diets enriched in linseed (rich in C18:3, omega 3 fatty acid) or fish (rich in C20:5, omega 3 and C22:6, omega 3 fatty acid) oil with and without cholesterol supplementation on the desaturation of linoleic acid (C18:2, omega 6) by rat liver microsomal fractions was investigated. Animals fed diets supplemented with beef tallow were used as equal-energy controls. Both linseed-oil and fish-oil diets, without added cholesterol, decrease conversion of C18:2, omega 6 fatty acid to gamma-linolenic acid (C18:3, omega 6). Reduction in delta 6-desaturation was significantly greater for animals fed the diet containing fish oil than with animals fed the linseed-oil diet. The major effect of cholesterol supplementation was to decrease the rate of desaturation of C18:2, omega 6, when fed in combination with the beef-tallow diet, whereas delta 6-desaturation was unaffected when cholesterol was fed along with diets high in omega 3 fatty acids (linseed oil or fish oil). The activity of the delta 6-desaturase in vitro is consistent with the fatty acid composition observed for the microsomal membranes on which this enzyme is localized. Dietary linseed oil and fish oil lowered the arachidonic (C20:4, omega 6) acid content of rat liver microsomes, with an accompanying increase in membrane eicosapentaenoic (C20:5, omega 3) and docosahexaenoic (C22:6, omega 3) acid content, in comparison with the group fed beef tallow. Inclusion of cholesterol into the beef-tallow or linseed-oil diets resulted in decreased membrane C20:4, omega 6-fatty-acid content, with concomitant increase in C18:2, omega 6-fatty-acid content. However, addition of cholesterol to the fish-oil diet did not alter the microsomal membrane content of C20:4, omega 6 fatty acid. Thus it is suggested that (1) the decrease in prostaglandin E2, thromboxane and prostacyclin levels generally observed after fish-oil consumption may be at least partly due to inhibition of C20:4, omega 6-fatty-acid synthesis from C18:2, omega 6 fatty acid; and (2) consumption of fish oil prevents the further decrease in C20:4, omega 6-fatty-acid levels by dietary cholesterol that is apparent when cholesterol is fed in combination with diets high in saturated fat or C18:3, omega 3 fatty acid.
Regulation of protein metabolism and DNA synthesis by fibroblast growth factor in BHK-21 cells
Authors: Ross M , Ballard F J
Published: August 2015

1. Acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (aFGF, bFGF) were shown to inhibit protein breakdown in BHK-21 cells, with the latter exhibiting approx. 6-fold greater sensitivity. 2. The maximum response achieved was less than observed with insulin or insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and was not additive with those growth factors over the 4 h measurement period. The inhibition of protein breakdown followed the same time course with all the growth factors tested, and was enhanced equally by NH4+ ions. Taken together, these results suggest similar mechanisms for effects of the different growth factors on protein breakdown. 3. Protein synthesis was stimulated by bFGF, insulin and IGF-1, with partial additivity evident between bFGF and the other peptides. Increases in cell-culture protein content paralleled the changes in the rate of protein synthesis. 4. DNA synthesis was stimulated more effectively in BHK-21 cells by aFGF or bFGF than by insulin or IGF-1, with partial additivity between the two groups of growth factors. 5. Since each of the growth factors independently produced both relatively rapid effects on protein metabolism and more prolonged increases in DNA synthesis, some caution is warranted before classifying them into truly distinct groups as either competence or progression factors.
Stimulation of high-affinity GTPase by trypsin and trypsin-like proteinases in membranes of human platelets
Authors: Jakobs K H , Aktories K
Published: August 2015

The influence of various proteinases on GTP hydrolysis was studied in membranes of human platelets. Of the proteinases examined, trypsin, acrosin and a recently described trypsin-like proteinase from bovine sperm, but not chymotrypsin, increased GTP hydrolysis. Similar to what was described previously for hormone-like agents, the stimulation of GTP hydrolysis by the proteinases was only observed at low GTP concentrations, with apparent Km values of 0.2-0.3 microM-GTP. Stimulation of the high-affinity GTPase by the proteinases occurred without apparent lag phase and was constant over a long period of incubation. The proteinase inhibitors leupeptin and soya-bean trypsin inhibitor blocked the stimulation of GTP hydrolysis, but did not reverse the effect of the proteinases. Treatment of platelet membranes with N-ethylmaleimide, which eliminates Gi-protein (inhibitory guanine-nucleotide-binding protein)-related GTPase stimulation by adrenaline, decreased stimulation of GTP hydrolysis by the proteinases only partially. Activation of GTP hydrolysis by the proteinases was partially additive with that caused by adrenaline, whereas thrombin stimulation was not increased further. The data indicate that, similarly to the proteinase thrombin, trypsin and trypsin-like proteinases can activate GTP-hydrolysing protein(s) that exhibit high affinity for GTP in platelet membranes. It is suggested that the proteinases interact in platelet membranes with a receptor site similar to that used by thrombin and that the observed GTPase stimulation is a reflection of a proteinase-receptor interaction with a guanine-nucleotide-binding regulatory protein.
Absolute rates of adenosine formation during ischaemia in rat and pigeon hearts
Authors: Meghji P , Middleton K M , Newby A C
Published: August 2015

1. The activities of ecto- and cytosolic 5′-nucleotidase (EC 3.1.3.5), adenosine kinase (EC 2.7.1.20), adenosine deaminase (EC 3.5.4.4) and AMP deaminase (EC 3.5.4.6) were compared in ventricular myocardium from man, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, pigeons and turtles. The most striking variation was in the activity of the ecto-5′-nucleotidase, which was 20 times less active in rabbit heart and 300 times less active in pigeon heart than in rat heart. The cytochemical distribution of ecto-5′-nucleotidase was also highly variable between species. 2. Adenosine formation was quantified in pigeon and rat ventricular myocardium in the presence of inhibitors of adenosine kinase and adenosine deaminase. 3. Both adenosine formation rates and the proportion of ATP catabolized to adenosine were greatest during the first 2 min of total ischaemia at 37 degrees C. Adenosine formation rates were 410 +/- 40 nmol/min per g wet wt. in pigeon hearts and 470 +/- 60 nmol/min per g wet wt. in rat hearts. Formation of adenosine accounted for 46% of ATP plus ADP broken down in pigeon hearts and 88% in rat hearts. 4. The data show that, in both pigeon and rat hearts, adenosine is the major catabolite of ATP in the early stages of normothermic myocardial ischaemia. The activity of ecto-5′-nucleotidase in pigeon ventricle (16 +/- 4 nmol/min per g wet wt.) was insufficient to account for adenosine formation, indicating the existence of an alternative catabolic pathway.
Serum concentrations of the N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen and two type IV collagen fragments and gene expression of the respective collagen types in liver in rats with dimethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Savolainen E R , Brocks D , Ala-Kokko L , Kivirikko K I
Published: August 2015

Dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrosis was used as an experimental model to study the relationship between serum concentrations of the N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen [S-Pro(III)-N-P] and the N-terminal (S-7S) and C-terminal (S-NC1) domains of type IV collagen and hepatic concentrations of type III and IV collagen mRNAs. Increases in S-Pro(III)-N-P, and especially in the two type IV collagen-related antigens, were found to be early events in the formation of DMN-induced hepatic fibrosis. The mean concentration of S-Pro(III)-N-P was 120% of the control mean on day 7 of DMN treatment, 230% on day 14 and 250% on day 21. The corresponding values for S-7S were 260, 950 and 1100% and, for S-NC1, 310, 820 and 1000%. All these changes were very similar to those found in the hepatic concentrations of the respective mRNAs. These data support a previous suggestion that an enhanced production of basement-membrane (type IV) collagen is an early event in the development of the DMN-induced hepatic fibrosis. The results also indicate that S-7S and S-NC1 are very sensitive indicators of changes in type IV collagen metabolism. Data obtained in gel-filtration experiments for these three serum antigens were consistent with the suggestion that all three antigens are mainly derived from the synthesis of the respective collagens.
An ‘in situ’ perfusion system suitable for investigating mammary-tissue metabolism in the lactating rat. Hormonal regulation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase
Authors: Clegg R A , Calvert D T
Published: August 2015

A technique is described for the non-recirculating perfusion of inguinal/abdominal mammary tissue in situ in anaesthetized lactating rats. Tissue viability was maintained, without resort to infusion of vasoactive chemicals which may also be effectors of cellular metabolism, for at least 90 min. Total tissue adenine nucleotides (per mg of DNA) were somewhat decreased in perfused relative to non-perfused mammary tissue. DNA content (per g wet wt. of tissue) was diminished after 90 min of perfusion to approx. 65% of its value in control tissue. Adenylate energy-charge ratios were lower in perfused tissue in the absence of hormones than in control tissue. They were increased to control values by the presence of either insulin or isoprenaline in the perfusate. No changes occurred in flow rate of the perfusate that might account for these increases. In mammary tissue perfused without addition of hormones, acetyl-CoA carboxylase activities were similar to those measured in control tissue samples, although activity-ratio measurements implied some increase in the phosphorylation of this enzyme. Insulin or isoprenaline increased the activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, especially when this was measured at low concentrations of citrate. Confirming conclusions from previous experiments with mammary acini and explant preparations, insulin activated acetyl-CoA carboxylase in mammary tissue, but inhibition of its activity was not mediated by cyclic AMP.
Heparin uncouples α2-adrenoceptors from the Gi-protein in membranes of human platelets
Authors: Willuweit B , Aktories K
Published: August 2015

The influence of heparin was studied on the inhibitory regulation of adenylate cyclase in human platelet membranes. Heparin blocked the adrenaline-induced inhibition of adenylate cyclase and the stimulation of GTP hydrolysis with half-maximal and maximal efficiency at 0.3 and 1-3 micrograms/ml, respectively. The effect of heparin was reversed by washing the membranes. Heparin did not change the number of alpha-adrenoceptors. In contrast, the affinity of the alpha-adrenoceptor for adrenaline was decreased in the presence of heparin. The pertussis toxin-catalysed ADP-ribosylation of the inhibitory guanine nucleotide-binding Gi-protein was not altered by heparin. Heparin also abolished the inhibition of adenylate cyclase caused by GTP itself. The data indicate that heparin can impair the hormone-induced inhibition of adenylate cyclase and the stimulation of GTP hydrolysis and suggest that the effects of heparin are caused by an action at the Gi-protein of the adenylate cyclase system.
The calcium, copper and zinc content of some annelid extracellular haemoglobins
Authors: Standley P R , Mainwaring M G , Gotoh T , Vinogradov S N
Published: August 2015

The extracellular haemoglobins of Lumbricus and Tylorrhynchus contain 50 and 61 tightly bound calcium atoms per molecule, respectively. In addition, they contain one to four tightly bound copper and zinc atoms. Although the role of the latter is unknown, that of calcium is probably structural, assisting in the maintenance of the native hexagonal bilayer structure.
Effects of pH, detergent and salt on aggregation of Chinese-hamster-ovary-cell lysosomal enzymes
Authors: Buckmaster M J , Ferris A L , Storrie B
Published: August 2015

Upon detergent or hypo-osmotic lysis of CHO-cell postnuclear supernatants or isolated lysosomes at pH 4.8, the lysosomal enzymes beta-hexosaminidase, beta-galactosidase, alpha-fucosidase and cathepsin C were readily pelleted, whereas the exogenous marker, long-term-internalized horseradish peroxidase, was not. Salt or pH elevation greatly decreased lysosomal-enzyme pelletability. The results suggest that, under native conditions, lysosomal hydrolases may be aggregated. Aggregation could promote enzyme retention within the organelle.
Properties of hexose-transport regulatory mutants isolated from L6 rat myoblasts
Authors: D'Amore T , Lo T C Y
Published: August 2015

A hexose-transport regulatory mutant (D1/S4) was isolated from L6 rat myoblasts on the basis of its resistance to detachment and cell lysis in the presence of antibody and complement. Growth studies indicated that D1/S4 cells had a slower doubling time (29 h) compared with the parental L6 cells (22 h). Furthermore, after 9 days growth, less than 1% cell fusion was observed with D1/S4 cells, whereas 95% cell fusion was observed with the L6 cells. When the parental L6 cells were starved of glucose or treated with anti-L6 antibody, a significant increase in the Vmax, of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (dGlc) and 3-O-methyl-D-glucose (MeGlc) transport was observed. Although glucose-grown D1/S4 cells possessed normal hexose-transport activity, the above treatments had no effect on dGlc and MeGlc transport in these cells. Electrophoresis and immunoblotting studies revealed that D1/S4 cells possessed decreased amounts of a 112 kDa plasma-membrane protein. It is conceivable that this protein may play a role in triggering the antibody- and glucose-starvation-mediated activation of hexose transport and in myogenic differentiation. Unlike D1/S4, mutant F72, a mutant defective in the high-affinity hexose-transport system, was found to possess normal amounts of the 112 kDa protein. Although glucose starvation has no effect on the hexose-transport activity in this mutant, its hexose transport activity can be increased by antibody treatment. These studies with mutants suggest the involvement of regulatory components in the activation of hexose transport.
Studies on lipid peroxidation in normal and tumour tissues. The Yoshida rat liver tumour
Authors: Cheeseman K H , Emery S , Maddix S P , Slater T F , Burton G W , Ingold K U
Published: August 2015

Reduced rates of lipid peroxidation have been observed in Yoshida hepatoma cells and microsomes when compared with appropriate control tissue (normal rat liver) under the same pro-oxidant conditions. The pro-oxidant conditions used were incubation with NADPH+ADP+iron or ascorbate+iron or exposure to gamma-irradiation. As previously shown with the Novikoff hepatoma, the relative concentrations of alpha-tocopherol and polyunsaturated fatty acids are important in conferring resistance to lipid peroxidation in the Yoshida hepatoma. Furthermore, NADPH-cytochrome c reductase and the NADPH-cytochrome P-450 electron transport chain, which are involved in the initiation and propagation of certain types of lipid peroxidation, are found at very much reduced levels in the Yoshida hepatoma. The relative importance of these aberrations are discussed.
The active-site-serine penicillin-recognizing enzymes as members of the Streptomyces R61 dd-peptidase family
Authors: Joris B , Ghuysen J M , Dive G , Renard A , Dideberg O , Charlier P , Frère J M , Kelly J A , Boyington J C , Moews P C
Published: August 2015

Homology searches and amino acid alignments, using the Streptomyces R61 DD-peptidase/penicillin-binding protein as reference, have been applied to the beta-lactamases of classes A and C, the Oxa-2 beta-lactamase (considered as the first known member of an additional class D), the low-Mr DD-peptidases/penicillin-binding proteins (protein no. 5 of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis) and penicillin-binding domains of the high-Mr penicillin-binding proteins (PBP1A, PBP1B, PBP2 and PBP3 of E. coli). Though the evolutionary distance may vary considerably, all these penicillin-interactive proteins and domains appear to be members of a single superfamily of active-site-serine enzymes distinct from the classical trypsin or subtilisin families. The amino acid alignments reveal several conserved boxes that consist of strict identities or homologous amino acids. The significance of these boxes is highlighted by the known results of X-ray crystallography, chemical derivatization and site-directed-mutagenesis experiments.
Demonstration of calcium-dependent phospholipase A2 activity in membrane preparation of rabbit neutrophils. Absence of activation by fMet-Leu-Phe, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and A-kinase
Authors: Matsumoto T , Tao W , Sha'afi R I
Published: August 2015

The presence of a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity in rabbit neutrophil membrane preparation that is able to release [1-14C]oleic acid from labelled Escherichia coli has been demonstrated. The activity is critically dependent on the free calcium concentration and marginally stimulated by GTP gamma S. More than 80% of maximal activity is reached at 10 microM-Ca2+. The chemotactic factor, fMet-Leu-Phe, does not stimulate the PLA2 activity in this membrane preparation. Pretreatment of the membrane preparation, under various experimental conditions, or intact cells, before isolation of the membrane with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), does not affect PLA2 activity. Addition of the catalytic unit of cyclic AMP-dependent kinase to membrane preparation has no effect on PLA2 activity. Pretreatment of the intact neutrophil with dibutyryl-cAMP before isolation of the membrane produces a small but consistent increase in PLA2 activity. The activity of PLA2 in membrane isolated from cells treated with the protein kinase inhibitor 1-(5-isoquinolinesulphonyl)-2-methyl piperazine dihydrochloride (H-7) is significantly decreased. Furthermore, although the addition of PMA to intact rabbit neutrophils has no effect on the release of [3H]arachidonic acid from prelabelled cells, it potentiates significantly the release produced by the calcium ionophore A23187. This potentiation is not due to an inhibition of the acyltransferase activity. H-7 inhibits the basal release of arachidonic acid but does not inhibit the potentiation by PMA. These results suggest several points. (1) fMet-Leu-Phe does not stimulate PLA2 directly, and its ability to release arachidonic acid in intact neutrophils is mediated through its action on phospholipase C. (2) The potentiating effect of PMA on A23187-induced arachidonic acid release is most likely due to PMA affecting either the environment of PLA2 and/or altering the organization of membrane phospholipids in such a way as to increase their susceptibility to hydrolysis. (3) The intracellular level of cyclic AMP probably does not directly affect the activity of PLA2.
The chemical characterization of the radioactive products derived from [[3H]PheB1]insulin in the circulation of the rat
Authors: Davies J G , Offord R E
Published: August 2015

1. Gel filtration of rat plasma taken 1 h after subcutaneous injection of [[3H]PheB1]insulin gives three peaks of radioactivity. 2. The material in these peaks was characterized by electrophoresis and chromatography. 3. We conclude that [[3H]PheB1]insulin is rapidly degraded to free tritiated phenylalanine. The phenylalanine is subsequently used for synthesis of plasma proteins de novo.
Effect of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 metabolism in calcium-deficient rats
Authors: Matsumoto T , Ikeda K , Yamato H , Morita K , Ezawa I , Fukushima M , Nishii Y , Ogata E
Published: August 2015

The effect of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25(OH)2D3] on 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] metabolism was examined in rats fed on a low-calcium diet. These rats exhibit hypocalcaemia, high urinary cyclic AMP excretion, a markedly elevated serum 1,25(OH)2D concentration and low serum concentrations of both 24,25(OH)2D and 25(OH)D. When the rats are treated orally with 1, 5 or 10 micrograms of 24,25(OH)2D3/100 g every day, there is a dramatic decrease in serum 1,25(OH)2D concentration in a dose-dependent manner concomitant with an increase in serum 24,25(OH)2D concentration. Serum calcium concentration and urinary cyclic AMP excretion are not significantly affected by the 24,25(OH)2D3 treatment, which suggests that parathyroid function is not affected by the 24,25(OH)2D3 treatment. The 25(OH)D3 1 alpha-hydroxylase activity measured in kidney homogenates is markedly elevated in rats on a low-calcium diet but is not affected by any doses of 24,25(OH)2D3. In contrast, recovery of intravenously injected [3H]1,25(OH)2D3 in the serum is decreased in 24,25(OH)2D3-treated rats. Furthermore, when [3H]1,25(OH)2D3 is incubated in vitro with kidney or intestinal homogenates of 24,25(OH)2D3-treated rats there is a decrease in the recovery of radioactivity in the total lipid extract as well as in the 1,25(OH)2D3 fraction along with an increase in the recovery of radioactivity in the water-soluble phase. These results are consistent with the possibility that 24,25(OH)2D3 has an effect on 1,25(OH)2D3 metabolism, namely that of enhancing the degradation of 1,25(OH)2D3. However, because a considerable proportion of the injected 24,25(OH)2D3 is expected to be converted into 1,24,25(OH)3D3 by renal 1 alpha-hydroxylase in 24,25(OH)2D3-treated rats, at least a part of the decrease in serum 1,25(OH)2D concentration may be due to a competitive inhibition by 24,25(OH)2D3 of the synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D3 from 25(OH)D3. Thus the physiological importance of the role of 24,25(OH)2D3 in regulating the serum 1,25(OH)2D concentration as well as the mechanism and metabolic pathway of degradation of 1,25(OH)2D3 remain to be clarified.
Purification and characterization of [acyl-carrier-protein] acetyltransferase from Escherichia coli
Authors: Lowe P N , Rhodes S
Published: August 2015

A multi-step procedure has been developed for the purification of [acyl-carrier-protein] acetyltransferase from Escherichia coli, which allows the production of small amounts of homogeneous enzyme. The subunit Mr was estimated to be 29,000 and the native Mr was estimated to be 61,000, suggesting a homodimeric structure. The catalytic properties of the enzyme are consistent with a Bi Bi Ping Pong mechanism and the existence of an acetyl-enzyme intermediate in the catalytic cycle. The enzyme was inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide and more slowly by iodoacetamide in reactions protected by the substrate, acetyl-CoA. However, the enzyme was apparently only weakly inhibited by the thiol-specific reagent methyl methanethiosulphonate. The nature of the acetyl-enzyme intermediate is discussed in relationship to that found in other similar enzymes from E. coli, yeast and vertebrates.
Human placental calcitonin receptors
Authors: Nicholson G C , D'Santos C S , Evans T , Moseley J M , Kemp B E , Michelangeli V P , Martin T J
Published: August 2015

Receptors for the hypocalcaemic hormone, calcitonin (CT), have been identified in a membrane fraction prepared from term human placentae. Binding of 125I-labelled salmon CT (125I-sCT) to the membranes was time- and temperature-dependent, saturable (Bmax. 58 +/- 11 fmol/mg of protein), of high affinity (Kd 80 +/- 21 pM) and poorly reversible. Species-specific CTs and CT analogues competed for 125I-sCT binding with potencies proportional to their known biological potencies. Various unrelated peptide hormones did not compete, indicating that receptor binding was specific for CT. Photoaffinity labelling using a derivatized biologically active sCT analogue, [Arg11,18,3-nitrophenylazide-Lys14]sCT, identified a receptor component of Mr approximately 85,000, comparable with findings in osteoclasts and other target cells. The presence of CT receptors in the human placenta supports other evidence that CT may have a role in the regulation of placental function.
Studies on the interaction between actin and cofilin purified by a new method
Authors: Yonezawa N , Nishida E , Maekawa S , Sakai H
Published: August 2015

Cofilin is a 21,000-Mr actin-binding protein that widely exists in mammalian tissues. (1) A new purification procedure for porcine brain cofilin has been developed that involves (NH4)2SO4 fractionation and sequential chromatographies on Toyo Pearl and butyl-Toyo Pearl hydrophobic columns, hydroxyapatite, phosphocellulose and Sephadex G-75 gel-filtration columns. The purified cofilin bound to F-actin and increased the amount of G-actin to a limited extent, as previously reported [Nishida, Maekawa & Sakai (1984) Biochemistry 23, 5307-5313]. (2) The binding of cofilin to F-actin was scarcely affected by Mg2+, Ca2+ or by calmodulin. However, the binding was diminished by increasing concentrations of KCl, but was only slightly affected by temperature. (3) Cofilin and either alpha-actinin or filamin could bind to F-actin simultaneously with some competition, but the binding of caldesmon to F-actin was markedly inhibited by cofilin. Phalloidin inhibited the binding of cofilin to F-actin, and protected F-actin from depolymerization by cofilin.
Intracellular cascades in the parathyroid-hormone-dependent regulation of Na+/phosphate cotransport in OK cells
Authors: Malmström K , Stange G , Murer H
Published: August 2015

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) increased intracellular cyclic AMP and reduces Na+/phosphate cotransport activity in OK cells [Malmström & Murer (1986) Am. J. Physiol. 251, C23-C31; Caverzasio, Rizzoli & Bonjour (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 3233-3237]. It was also shown that PTH activates phosphoinositide metabolism in OK cells [Hruska, Moskowitz, Esprit, Civitelli, Westbrook & Huskey (1987) J. Clin. Invest. 79, 230-239]. In the present paper we show that tumour-promoting phorbol esters are effective in reducing Na+/phosphate cotransport. The Ca2+ ionophores A23187 and ionomycin had only a small effect on Na+/phosphate cotransport; added together, A23187 and phorbol esters showed a synergistic action. Phorbol esters and phorbol esters plus ionomycin stimulated prostaglandin synthesis as well as cyclic AMP production; acetylsalicylic acid prevented phorbol-ester-induced prostaglandin synthesis and cyclic AMP production, but had no effect on inhibition of Na+/phosphate cotransport. In suspensions of OK cells, PTH and thrombin produced a rise in intracellular Ca2+. In contrast with PTH, thrombin did not elevate cellular cyclic AMP in suspended OK cells. PTH and thrombin reduced Na+/phosphate cotransport in suspended OK cells. It is suggested that two regulatory cascades are involved in PTH action on Na+/phosphate cotransport: cyclic AMP/kinase A and Ca2+/diacylglycerol/kinase C.
Drosophila melanogaster alcohol dehydrogenase. Biochemical properties of the NAD+-plus-acetone-induced isoenzyme conversion
Authors: Winberg J O , McKinley-McKee J S
Published: August 2015

The NAD+ + acetone-induced isoenzyme conversion of the Drosophila melanogaster AdhS alleloenzyme was studied. Absorption and fluorescence spectra as well as electrophoretic and kinetic methods show that the conversion process proceeds through three steps. Initially a binary enzyme-NAD+ complex is formed, followed by a ternary enzyme-NAD+-acetone complex with a KEO, Ac of 1.7 M. The last step is a rate-limiting irreversible process in which NAD+ and acetone are covalently linked to the enzyme. A Vm of 2.4 min-1 was obtained at pH 8.6.
Regulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate metabolism in insulin-secreting RINm5F cells
Authors: Biden T J , Vallar L , Wollheim C B
Published: August 2015

Factors underlying the transience of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] accumulation following muscarinic stimulation of RINm5F cells were examined. Transience was not due to a protein kinase C-mediated stimulation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 dephosphorylation, since pretreatment of cells with tetradecanoyl-phorbol acetate (TPA) did not alter the rate of this conversion. However, preincubation with TPA did inhibit carbamoylcholine-stimulated Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation. In permeabilized cells, the conversion of Ins(1,4,5)P3 to inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate [Ins(1,3,4,5)P4] was slightly enhanced in the presence of TPA or cyclic AMP, but much more markedly by raising the Ca2+ concentration from 10(-7) M to 10(-6) or 10(-5) M. In intact cells the most rapid rate of accumulation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 occurred in the first 2 s following stimulation, whereas the levels of inositol 1,4-bisphosphate were not increased until after 5 s. This suggests that Ins(1,4,5)P3 kinase is chiefly responsible for the early disposal of Ins(1,4,5)P3 following cellular stimulation. The results are consistent with the proposal that the transient accumulation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 is due both to its enhanced metabolism via the Ca2+-calmodulin-sensitive Ins(1,4,5)P3 kinase, as well as a down-regulation of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate hydrolysis.
Hormonal regulation of rat foetal lipogenesis in brown-adipocyte primary cultures
Authors: Lorenzo M , Roncero C , Fabregat I , Benito M
Published: August 2015

Insulin stimulates lipogenesis by 100% for 5 h by a covalent modulation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and by 200% for 24 h by increasing malic enzyme and fatty acid synthase enzymic activities in brown-adipocyte primary cultures. At short times, noradrenaline and isoprenaline decrease lipogenesis. However, phenylephrine and glucagon have no effect. At long times, dexamethasone inhibits lipogenesis. This effect is precluded in the presence of insulin. Progesterone and tri-iodothyronine, alone or in the presence of insulin, produce a stimulation of the rates of lipogenesis.
Analysis of the phosphofructokinase subunits and isoenzymes in human tissues
Authors: Dunaway G A , Kasten T P , Sebo T , Trapp R
Published: August 2015

The 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase (PFK) subunits and isoenzymes were studied in human muscle, heart, brain, liver, platelets, fibroblasts, erythrocytes, placenta and umbilical cord. In each tissue, the subunit types in the native isoenzymes were characterized by immunological titration with subunit-specific antibodies and by column chromatography on QAE (quaternary aminoethyl)-Sephadex. Further, the subunits of the partially purified native isoenzymes were resolved by SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis, identified by immunoblotting, and quantified by scanning gel densitometry of silver-stained gels and immunoblots. Depending on the type of tissue, one to three subunits were detected. The Mr values of the L, M and C subunits regardless of tissue were 76,700 +/- 1400, 82,500 +/- 1640 and 86,500 +/- 1620. Of the tissues studied, only the muscle PFK isoenzymes exhibited one subunit, which was the M-type subunit. Of the other tissues studied, the PFK isoenzymes contained various amounts of all three subunits. Considering the properties of the native PFK isoenzymes, it is clear that, in human tissues, they are not simply various combinations of two or three homotetrameric isoenzymes, but complex mixtures of homotetramers and heterotetramers. The kinetic/regulatory properties of the various isoenzyme pools were found to be dependent on subunit composition.
Effects of oleic acid on the biosynthesis of lipoprotein apoproteins and distribution into the very-low-density lipoprotein by the isolated perfused rat liver
Authors: Salam W H , Wilcox H G , Heimberg M
Published: August 2015

The effects of oleic acid on the biosynthesis and secretion of VLDL (very-low-density-lipoprotein) apoproteins and lipids were investigated in isolated perfused rat liver. Protein synthesis was measured by the incorporation of L-[4,5-3H]leucine into the VLDL apoproteins (d less than 1.006) and into apolipoproteins of the whole perfusate (d less than 1.21). Oleate did not affect incorporation of [3H]leucine into total-perfusate or hepatic protein. The infusion of oleate, however, increased the mass and radioactivity of the VLDL apoprotein in proportion to the concentration of oleate infused. Uptake of oleate was similar with livers from fed or fasted animals. Fasting itself (24 h) decreased the net secretion and incorporation of [3H]leucine into total VLDL apoprotein and decreased the output of VLDL protein by the liver. A linear relationship existed between the output of VLDL triacylglycerol (mumol/h per g of liver) and secretion and/or synthesis of VLDL protein. Net output of VLDL cholesterol and phospholipid also increased linearly with VLDL-triacylglycerol output. Oleate stimulated incorporation of [3H]leucine into VLDL apo (apolipoprotein) E and apo C by livers from fed animals, and into VLDL apo Bh, B1, E and C by livers from fasted rats. The incorporation of [3H]leucine into individual apolipoproteins of the total perfusate lipoprotein (d less than 1.210 ultracentrifugal fraction) was not changed significantly by oleate during perfusion of livers from fed rats, suggesting that the synthesis de novo of each apolipoprotein was not stimulated by oleate. This is in contrast with that observed with livers from fasted rats, in which the synthesis of the total-perfusate lipoprotein (d less than 1.210 fraction) apo B, E and C was apparently stimulated by oleate. The observations with livers from fed rats suggest redistribution of radioactive apolipoproteins to the VLDL during or after the process of secretion, rather than an increase of apoprotein synthesis de novo. It appears, however, that the biosynthesis of apo B1, Bh, E and C was stimulated by oleic acid in livers from fasted rats. Since the incorporations of [3H]leucine into the VLDL and total-perfusate apolipoproteins were increased in fasted-rat liver when the fatty acid was infused, part of the apparent stimulated synthesis of the VLDL apoprotein may be in response to the increased formation and secretion of VLDL lipid.
Inositol 1:2(cyclic),4,5-trisphosphate is not a major product of inositol phospholipid metabolism in vasopressin-stimulated WRK1 cells
Authors: Wong N S , Barker C J , Shears S B , Kirk C J , Michell R H
Published: August 2015

1. A method has been devised for quenching cell incubations with an aqueous phenol/chloroform/EDTA mixture of neutral pH, to allow the analysis of acid-labile cell components. 2. Using this method, we have searched for the appearance of Ins(1:2cyclic,4,5)P3 [inositol 1:2(cyclic),4,5-trisphosphate] in WRK1 mammary tumour cells that were labelled to high specific radioactivity with [3H]inositol and then stimulated with 0.4 microM-vasopressin. 3. Vasopressin caused a very rapid accumulation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate), followed by a slower decline towards the original concentration. An acid-labile and inositol-labelled compound with the chromatographic properties of Ins(1:2cyclic,4,5)P3 was present in unstimulated cells at less than 5% of the elevated concentration of Ins(1,4,5)P3. Its concentration rose 2-3-fold during stimulation for 3 min, at which time its concentration was about 5% of the elevated concentration of Ins(1,4,5)P3. 4. We conclude that Ins(1,4,5)P3 is the major product of phosphoinositidase C-catalysed phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate hydrolysis in vasopressin-stimulated WRK1 cells. Ins(1:2cyclic,4,5)P3 is unlikely to be an important intracellular messenger in these cells, at least during the first few minutes of stimulation.
Ligand-receptor interactions involved in the stimulation of Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts by insulin-like growth factors and insulin
Authors: Corps A N , Brown K D
Published: August 2015

1. The binding of 125I-labelled insulin-like growth factor 1 (125I-IGF-1) to Swiss mouse 3T3 fibroblasts was time- and concentration-dependent. Unlabelled IGF-1 had a slightly higher potency than multiplication-stimulating activity (MSA) in inhibiting the binding of 125I-IGF-1, and insulin gave a parallel inhibition curve at 300-1000-fold lower potency. Chemical cross-linking of bound 125I-IGF-1 to its receptors, followed by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions, revealed a major band of Mr 130,000, the labelling of which was inhibited by IGF-1 or high concentrations of insulin. 2. The binding of 125I-IGF-1 was not affected by either co-incubation or preincubation of the cells with a range of heterologous growth factors and mitogens. However, IGF-1 and MSA each induced down-regulation of 125I-IGF-1 binding sites. 3. The maximal stimulations of DNA synthesis induced by IGF-1, MSA and insulin, in the presence of a synergizing mitogen, were similar. The dose-response curve for insulin was not parallel to those for IGF-1 and MSA; in particular, low concentrations of insulin induced a greater stimulation than expected on the basis of its potency in the inhibition or down-regulation of 125I-IGF-1 binding. 4. The preincubation of 125I-IGF-1 with Swiss 3T3 cells at 37 degrees C decreased its ability to bind to a second batch of cells. This inactivation did not occur when the preincubation was performed at 4 degrees C or in the presence of cycloheximide. Chemical cross-linking revealed that the cells released an IGF-binding protein, giving a complex of Mr about 48,000. 5. It is concluded that type I IGF receptors mediate the stimulation of Swiss 3T3 cells by insulin-like mitogens, but that insulin probably stimulates the cells through insulin receptors. The cells can modulate the amount of ligand binding, both by down-regulation of the receptors and by the secretion of an IGF-binding protein.
Characteristics of the Ca2+ pump and Ca2+-ATPase in the plasma membrane of rat myometrium
Authors: Enyedi A , Minami J , Caride A J , Penniston J T
Published: August 2015

A plasma membrane-enriched fraction from rat myometrium shows ATP-Mg2+-dependent active calcium uptake which is independent of the presence of oxalate and is abolished by the Ca2+ ionophore A23187. Ca2+ loaded into vesicles via the ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake was released by extravesicular Na+. This showed that the Na+/Ca2+ exchange and the Ca2+ uptake were both occurring in plasma membrane vesicles. In a medium containing KCl, vanadate readily inhibited the Ca2+ uptake (K1/2 5 microM); when sucrose replaced KCl, 400 microM-vanadate was required for half inhibition. Only a slight stimulation of the calcium pump by calmodulin was observed in untreated membrane vesicles. Extraction of endogenous calmodulin from the membranes by EGTA decreased the activity and Ca2+ affinity of the calcium pump; both activity and affinity were fully restored by adding back calmodulin or by limited proteolysis. A monoclonal antibody (JA3) directed against the human erythrocyte Ca2+ pump reacted with the 140 kDa Ca2+-pump protein of the myometrial plasma membrane. The Ca2+-ATPase activity of these membranes is not specific for ATP, and is not inhibited by mercurial agents, whereas Ca2+ uptake has the opposite properties. Ca2+-ATPase activity is also over 100 times that of calcium transport; it appears that the ATPase responsible for transport is largely masked by the presence of another Ca2+-ATPase of unknown function. Measurements of total Ca2+-ATPase activity are, therefore, probably not directly relevant to the question of intracellular Ca2+ control.