bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Purification and characterization of protein kinase C from rabbit iris smooth muscle. Myosin light-chain phosphorylation in vitro and in intact muscle
Authors: Howe P H , Abdel-Latif A A
Published: August 2015

Protein kinase C of rabbit iris smooth muscle was purified by the sequential use of three chromatographic steps, i.e. anion-exchange (DEAE-cellulose), gel filtration (Sephadex G-150) and substrate affinity (protamine-agarose), and its properties were investigated by using as substrate myosin light-chain protein (MLC) isolated from the same tissue. The enzyme appeared as a single band on SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis, with a molecular mass of approx. 80 kDa. Histone H-1 and iris muscle MLC, but not rabbit skeletal-muscle MLC, were effective substrates for the enzyme, with apparent Km values of 3.0 and 16.6 microM respectively. The enzyme, with MLC as substrate, had the following characteristics. (a) Its activity was dependent on Ca2+ and phosphatidylserine (PS). In the presence of Ca2+ and PS, diolein and phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu) increased its activity by 61 and 65% respectively. Half-maximal activation of the enzyme (Ka) occurred at 10 microM free Ca2+, and in the presence of diolein and PDBu the apparent Ka for Ca2+ was decreased to 3 microM and 2 microM respectively. (b) Studies on the relative potency of various cofactors in activating the enzyme revealed that PS, phorbol myristate acetate and 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonylglycerol were the most potent of the phospholipids, phorbol esters and diacylglycerols respectively. (c) H-7, a protein kinase C inhibitor, inhibited MLC phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner, with 50% inhibition at 10 microM. (d) Addition of carbamoylcholine (for 1 min) or PDBu (for 25 min) to iris sphincter muscle prelabelled with [32P]Pi specifically increased MLC phosphorylation, and only the stimulatory effect of the muscarinic agonist was blocked by atropine. The data provide additional support for a role for protein kinase C in the contractile response of the iris smooth muscle.
Is vitellogenin an ancestor of apolipoprotein B-100 of human low-density lipoprotein and human lipoprotein lipase?
Authors: Baker M E
Published: August 2015

Vitellogenin, an ancient animal protein, is the major yolk protein of eggs, where it is used as a food source during embryogenesis. Here it is shown that vitellogenins, including those from the invertebrates Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster, contain domains that are homologous with parts of apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100) of human low-density lipoprotein and human lipoprotein lipase. As vitellogenins are likely to have been used by invertebrates during embryogenesis well before the circulation of lipids appeared in vertebrates, it is suggested that copies of a precursor gene, serving a function similar to vitellogenin, were modified to code for part of apoB-100 and lipoprotein lipase in vertebrates. In addition to providing a link between invertebrates and vertebrates for proteins involved in lipid transport, these homologies suggest new functions for vitellogenin other than being a yolk food for the developing embryo.
Binding of human extracellular superoxide dismutase C to sulphated glycosaminoglycans
Authors: Karlsson K , Lindahl U , Marklund S L
Published: August 2015

The secretory enzyme extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) occurs in at least three forms, which differ with regard to heparin affinity: A lacks affinity, B has intermediate affinity, and C has relatively strong affinity. The affinity of EC-SOD C for various sulphated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) was assessed (a) by determining the concentration of NaCl required to release the enzyme from GAG-substituted Sepharose 4B and (b) by determining the relative potencies of the GAGs to release EC-SOD C from heparan sulphate-Sepharose 4B. Both methods indicated the same order of affinity. Heparin bound EC-SOD C about 10 times as avidly as the studied heparan sulphate preparation, which in turn was 10 and 150 times as efficient as dermatan sulphate and chondroitin sulphate respectively. Chondroitin sulphate showed weak interaction with EC-SOD C at physiological ionic strength. Heparin subfractions with high or low affinity for antithrombin III were equally efficient. The binding of EC-SOD C to heparin-Sepharose was essentially independent of pH in the range 6.5-9; below pH 6.5 the affinity increased, and beyond pH 9.5 there was a precipitous fall in affinity. The inhibitory effect of NaCl on the binding of EC-SOD C to GAGs indicates that the interaction is of electrostatic nature. EC-SOD C carries a negative net charge at neutral pH, and it is suggested that the binding occurs between the negative charges of the GAG sulphate groups and a structure in the C-terminal end of the enzyme that has a cluster of positive charges. These results are compatible with the notion that heparan sulphate proteoglycans on cell surfaces or in the intercellular matrix may serve to bind EC-SOD C in tissues.
Roles for Ca2+, Mg2+ and NaCl in modulating the self-association reaction of hyalin, a major protein component of the sea-urchin extraembryonic hyaline layer
Authors: Robinson J J
Published: August 2015

The self-association reaction of hyalin, a major protein component of the sea-urchin extraembryonic hyaline layer, was examined. Concentrations of Ca2+ below 1 mM had little effect on the hyalin gelation reaction, but higher concentrations of the cation induced protein aggregation. Quantitative aggregate formation required a Ca2+ concentration in excess of 10 mM. This reaction was modulated by both NaCl and Mg2+. The effectiveness of Ca2+ in inducing hyalin gelation was markedly enhanced in the presence of 500 mM-NaCl, the concentration found in sea water. Similarly, 20 mM-Mg2+ also enhanced Ca2+-induced hyalin gelation. Neither NaCl nor Mg2+ alone induced hyalin gelation. Concentrations of Ca2+ as low as 1 mM effectively protected hyalin from tryptic digestion both in the presence and in the absence of 500 mM-NaCl. The latter result suggested that, although higher concentrations of Ca2+ were required to induce the hyalin gelation reaction, lower concentrations of the cation could mediate a protein-protein interaction in an NaCl-independent fashion. These results identify the parameters that modulate hyalin self-association, a reaction that is essential for hyaline-layer assembly around the developing sea-urchin embryo.
1H- and 13C-n.m.r. studies of the antitumour antibiotic luzopeptin. Resonance assignments, conformation and flexibility in solution
Authors: Searle M S , Hall J G , Wakelin P G
Published: August 2015

The depsipeptide DNA-intercalating antibiotic luzopeptin was studied in solution by n.m.r. methods. Two-dimensional 1H double-quantum-filtered correlation spectroscopy (DQF-COSY) and nuclear-Overhauser-effect spectroscopy (NOESY) confirm the primary structure and twofold symmetry of luzopeptin and provide details of its three-dimensional conformation in solution. Trans-annular hydrogen bonds between the glycine NH groups and carbonyl oxygen atoms have been identified in the crystalline state [Arnold & Clardy (1981) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 103, 1243-1244], and are important in maintaining an antiparallel beta-sheet conformation. The n.m.r. data indicate that the glycine NH protons are appreciably shielded from the solvent molecules, which suggests that these hydrogen bonds are maintained in solution. The orientation of the quinoline chromophores is defined by two-dimensional NOE cross-peaks that position the N-methyl group of the L-beta-hydroxyvaline residue close in space to both the quinoline H-8 and serine NH proton. This pattern of NOEs is in accord both with the chromophore configuration found in the crystal and one where the quinoline rings are aligned in a parallel manner at right-angles to the depsipeptide ring. The n.m.r. data are consistent with a hydrogen bond between the quinoline hydroxy groups and the quinoline carbonyl oxygen atoms. The pyridazine acetylmethyl groups give NOEs to the C(alpha)H groups of the beta-hydroxy-N-methylvaline residues, showing that the acetyl groups, for at least some of the time, stretch over the depsipeptide ring, occluding one face of the molecule. Both of the latter features are also found in the crystal structure. Resonances in the 13C-n.m.r. spectrum of luzopeptin have been assigned by transferring 1H assignments to their covalently bonded carbon atoms via a heteronuclear shift-correlation experiment (HETCOR). The measurement of spin-lattice relaxation times and 1H-13C NOEs at specific sites in the molecule has led us to conclude that segmental motions within the depsipeptide ring are restricted and that the 13C relaxation data for luzopeptin's protonated carbon atoms are adequately described by isotropic tumbling in solution. Furthermore, relaxation data for the carbon atoms of the quinoline chromophores show that these rings exhibit similar motion to the depsipeptide ring and are not rotating rapidly with respect to it. Taken together all the data imply that luzopeptin is fairly rigid in solution, on the time scale of molecular tumbling, and has, or can readily attain, a staple-like structure suitable for bisintercalation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Inhibitory effect of a marine-sponge toxin, okadaic acid, on protein phosphatases. Specificity and kinetics
Authors: Bialojan C , Takai A
Published: August 2015

The inhibitory effect of a marine-sponge toxin, okadaic acid, was examined on type 1, type 2A, type 2B and type 2C protein phosphatases as well as on a polycation-modulated (PCM) phosphatase. Of the protein phosphatases examined, the catalytic subunit of type 2A phosphatase from rabbit skeletal muscle was most potently inhibited. For the phosphorylated myosin light-chain (PMLC) phosphatase activity of the enzyme, the concentration of okadaic acid required to obtain 50% inhibition (ID50) was about 1 nM. The PMLC phosphatase activities of type 1 and PCM phosphatase were also strongly inhibited (ID50 0.1-0.5 microM). The PMCL phosphatase activity of type 2B phosphatase (calcineurin) was inhibited to a lesser extent (ID50 4-5 microM). Similar results were obtained for the phosphorylase a phosphatase activity of type 1 and PCM phosphatases and for the p-nitrophenyl phosphate phosphatase activity of calcineurin. The following phosphatases were not affected by up to 10 microM-okadaic acid: type 2C phosphatase, phosphotyrosyl phosphatase, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate phosphatase, acid phosphatases and alkaline phosphatases. Thus okadaic acid had a relatively high specificity for type 2A, type 1 and PCM phosphatases. Kinetic studies showed that okadaic acid acts as a non-competitive or mixed inhibitor on the okadaic acid-sensitive enzymes.
Glutamine as a major nitrogen carrier to the liver in suckling rat pups
Authors: Casado J , Felipe A , Pastor-Anglada M , Remesar X
Published: August 2015

We measured the amino acid concentrations in the afferent and efferent vessels of the liver in anaesthetized fed adult rats and in fed suckling rat pups. A much higher content of glutamine in the portal vein and the aorta than in hepatic veins suggests that this amino acid is actively taken up by the liver of fed suckling rat pups, conversely to what is found in adult rats. In an attempt to characterize further the mechanism(s) contributing to this enhanced glutamine uptake, we monitored the time course of 1 mM-glutamine transport into plasma-membrane vesicles purified from the livers of either adult or suckling rats. The concentrative Na+-dependent uptake of glutamine was lower in those vesicles obtained from pups than in those obtained from adult rats. Glutaminase and glutamine synthetase activities in livers from both experimental groups were also measured. Glutaminase and glutamine synthetase activities in suckling rats were about 3-fold higher and 2-fold lower respectively than those in adult rats. It is concluded that glutamine is a main nitrogen carrier to the liver in fed suckling rats. A high availability of this amino acid and an enzyme imbalance between glutamine-synthesizing and -degrading activities may account for the net uptake found in vivo.
RNA transcription in myocardial-cell nuclei during postnatal development. A study establishing an assay system for transcription in vitro
Authors: McCully J D , Liew C C
Published: August 2015

A system for RNA transcription in vitro was established in order to determine the relative rate of RNA synthesis in neonatal and adult rat myocardial cells. This assay system optimizes the incorporation of [3H]UMP into RNA by using 3.5 x 10(7) myocardial-cell nuclei, and minimizes RNA degradation for at least 1 h in transcription in vitro, by the addition of human placental RNAase inhibitor. A 100% increase in the incorporation of [3H]UMP into myocardial-cell RNA was found on addition of this inhibitor. Myocardial-cell nuclei derived from 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, and greater than 100-day-old rat hearts indicated that there is a progressive decrease in RNA synthesis with age. A 3-fold increase in RNA synthesis in 5-day-old myocardial cell nuclei as compared with 20-day-old rat heart was found. RNA synthesis in the adult myocardial cell nuclei decreased more than 10-fold in comparison with the 5-day-old newborn. The incorporation of [3H]UMP into rat liver nuclear RNA was 3-fold greater than in the myocardial-cell nuclear RNA, even when compared with the highly active transcription of 12-day-old heart nuclei. In order to determine the relationship between total RNA synthesis and the extent of specific gene expression in myocardial-cell nuclei during development, two distinct cDNA probes were used for Northern-blot analysis. Our results indicate that myosin-heavy-chain gene expression is remarkably decreased with age, whereas the ‘housekeeping’ gene is continually expressed independently of age.
Differential regulation of amounts of the guanine-nucleotide-binding proteins Gi and Go in neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells in response to dibutyryl cyclic AMP.
Authors: Mullaney I , Magee A I , Unson C G , Milligan G
Published: August 2015

Incubation of the neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cell line NG108-15 in tissue culture with dibutyryl cyclic AMP (1 mM) for up to 8 days produced a morphological differentiation of the cells, during which they extended neurite-like processes. Pertussis-toxin-catalysed ADP-ribosylation indicated that amounts of guanine-nucleotide-binding proteins (G-proteins), which are substrates for this toxin, were approximately doubled in membranes from the ‘differentiated’ cells in comparison with the control cells. Immunoblotting of membranes derived from either untreated or dibutyryl cyclic AMP-treated cells with anti-peptide antisera specific for the alpha subunits of the pertussis-toxin-sensitive G-proteins Gi and Go demonstrated that amounts of these G-proteins were reciprocally modulated during the differentiation process. In comparison with the untreated cells, the amount of Gi in the ‘differentiated’ cells was decreased, whereas the amount of Go was substantially increased. Stimulation of high-affinity GTPase activity in response to opioid peptides, which in this cell line interact with an opioid receptor of the delta subclass, was much decreased, and inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity was almost entirely attenuated in the ‘differentiated’-cell membranes in comparison with membranes of untreated cells. Opioid receptor number was also decreased in membranes of the dibutyryl cyclic AMP-treated cells in comparison with the control cells. These data demonstrate that relatively small changes in the observed pattern of pertussis-toxin-catalysed ADP-ribosylation of membranes can mask more dramatic alterations in amounts of the individual pertussis-toxin-sensitive G-proteins, and further demonstrate the importance of methodologies able to discriminate between the different gene products.
Incorporation of lipoxygenase products into cholesteryl esters by acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase in cholesterol-rich macrophages
Authors: Mathur S N , Albright E , Field F J
Published: August 2015

Macrophages which were incubated with acetylated low-density lipoproteins, resulting in cholesteryl ester accumulation, incorporated the monohydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (5-, 15-, and 12-HETEs) into cholesteryl esters. The esterification of these hydroxy fatty acids to cholesterol by total membrane preparations of cholesterol-rich macrophages was dependent on the synthesis of the fatty acyl-CoA derivative, and was catalysed by acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT). Stimulation of membrane ACAT activity by 25-hydroxycholesterol increased the synthesis of cholesteryl 12-HETE by 40%. In contrast, inhibiting ACAT activity by progesterone and compound 58-035 decreased cholesteryl 12-HETE production by 60% and 90% respectively. Although 5-, 15- and 12-HETE were esterified to cholesterol by ACAT, these monohydroxy fatty acids were less optimal as substrates compared with oleic acid or arachidonic acid. The hydrolysis and release of 12-HETE and the other monohydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids from intracellular cholesteryl esters and phospholipids occurred at a faster rate than for the more conventional fatty acids, oleate and arachidonate. Cholesteryl esters which contain hydroxy fatty acids therefore provide only a transient storage for lipoxygenase products, as these fatty acids are released into the medium as readily as hydroxy fatty acids found in phospholipids and triacylglycerols. The data provide evidence, for the first time, of an ACAT-dependent esterification of the lipoxygenase products 5-, 15- and 12-HETEs to cholesterol in the macrophage-derived foam cell. The channelling of these monohydroxy fatty acids to cholesteryl esters provides a mechanism which can alter the amount of lipoxygenase products incorporated into cellular phospholipids, thus averting deleterious changes to cell membranes. ACAT, by catalysing the esterification of monohydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids to cholesterol, could play a key role in regulating the amount of lipoxygenase products in the pericellular space of the cholesterol-enriched macrophage.
Expression of the haemopexin-transport system in cultured mouse hepatoma cells. Links between haemopexin and iron metabolism
Authors: Smith A , Ledford B E
Published: August 2015

Minimal deviation hepatoma (Hepa) cells, from the mouse hepatoma B7756, synthesize and secrete haemopexin and express both the haemopexin receptor and the membrane haem-binding protein (MHBP) associated with the receptor, making this cell line the first available for detailed study of both haemopexin metabolism and hepatic transport. The 17.5 kDa MHBP was detected in Triton X-100 extracts of Hepa cells by immunoblotting with goat anti-rabbit MHBP. Scatchard-type analysis of haem-125I-haemopexin binding at 4 degrees C revealed 35,000 receptors per cell of high affinity (Kd 17 nM). Haemopexin-mediated haem transport at 37 degrees C is saturable, having an apparent Km of 160 nM and a Vmax. of 7.5 pmol of haem/10(6) cells per h during exponential growth. Haem-transport capacity is highest in the period just before the cells enter their exponential phase of growth and slowest in stationary phase. Interestingly, haem-haemopexin serves as effectively as iron-transferrin as the sole source of iron for cell growth by Hepa cells. Furthermore, depriving Hepa cells of iron by treatment with desferrioxamine (DF) increases the number of cell-surface haemopexin receptors to 65,000 per cell and consequently increases haemopexin-mediated haem transport. The effects of DF do not appear to require protein synthesis since they are not prevented by cycloheximide. Treatment of Hepa cells with hydroxyurea, an inhibitor of the iron-requiring enzyme ribonucleotide reductase that is obligatory for DNA synthesis, enhanced haemopexin-mediated haem transport. Thus, these studies provide the first evidence for regulation of haem transport by the iron status of cells and suggest a linkage between haemopexin, iron homeostasis and cell growth.
The synthesis and properties of peptidylmethylsulphonium salts with two cationic residues as potential inhibitors of prohormone processing
Authors: Zumbrunn A , Stone S , Shaw E
Published: August 2015

Peptidylmethylsulphonium salts incorporating consecutive basic residues at the C-terminus of the peptidyl portion such as -Arg-Arg-, -Arg-Lys-, -Lys-Lys- and -Lys-Arg- were synthesized and examined as proteinase inhibitors. Serine proteinases with a specificity directed towards hydrolysis at cationic residues were found to be unaffected by these derivatives. On the other hand, cysteine proteinases, cathepsin B and, in particular, clostripain were readily inactivated by affinity labelling. The reagents thus are of promise for the study of prohormone processing promoted by cysteine proteinases.
Conversion of a phosphoseryl/threonyl phosphatase into a phosphotyrosyl phosphatase
Authors: Goris J , Pallen C J , Parker P J , Hermann J , Waterfield M D , Merlevede W
Published: August 2015

By use of the autophosphorylated epidermal-growth-factor receptor and the synthetic peptide RRLIE-DAEY(P)AARG, representing an autophosphorylation site of the transforming protein of Rous-sarcoma virus, it is demonstrated that the phosphotyrosyl phosphatase activity of the polycation-stimulated phosphatases is substantially increased by an enzyme-directed effect of ATP or PPi. Concomitant with this increase in phosphotyrosyl phosphatase activity, the phosphorylase phosphatase activity is decreased, thus dramatically changing the substrate specificity of these enzymes. The dephosphorylation of four different phosphotyrosyl sites of the epidermal-growth-factor receptor is neither consecutive nor at random, but a preferred dephosphorylation of the P1 site over the P3 greater than P2 greater than P4 sites is observed. This phosphatase activity represents a substantial fraction of the total phosphotyrosyl phosphatase activity in the post-mitochondrial supernatant of Xenopus laevis oocytes.
Correlation of neuropathy target esterase activity with specific tritiated di-isopropyl phosphorofluoridate-labelled proteins
Authors: Thomas T C , Ishikawa Y , McNamee M G , Wilson B W
Published: August 2015

Neuropathy target esterase (NTE) is a membrane-bound carboxylesterase activity that has been proposed as the target site for initiation of organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy. This activity is identified by its resistance to treatment with Paraoxon and sensitivity to co-incubation with Paraoxon and Mipafox. Sucrose-density-gradient centrifugation of membrane-associated proteins isolated from chick-embryo brains identified three proteins, Mr 161,000, 116,500 and 103,000, that were labelled with [3H]di-isopropyl phosphorofluoridate in an NTE-like manner and that co-migrated with NTE. The 161,000-Mr and 116,500-Mr proteins were identified in both adult and embryo brain. One or both of these proteins may therefore contribute to the activity defined as NTE. In addition, a 61,000-Mr protein was identified that does not comigrate with NTE, but that was labelled with [3H]di-isopropyl phosphorofluoridate in a Paraoxon-resistant and Mipafox-sensitive manner. The effect of Mipafox on labelling, however, was reversibly blocked by co-incubation with Paraoxon. This protein, therefore, is not NTE, but has the necessary inhibitor-sensitivity to be the target site for organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy.
Longer-term regulation of branched-chain-2-oxoacid dehydrogenase complex studied in rat hepatocytes in culture
Authors: Beggs M , Shaw J M , Randle P J
Published: August 2015

The effect of protein-free diet to decrease liver activity of branched-chain (-2-oxoacid) dehydrogenase (BCD) complex (active form) and increase BCD kinase activity was unaffected by preparation of hepatocytes, but partially reversed by 25 h of culture of hepatocytes in medium 199. Activation of BCD complex preceded loss of BCD kinase. The effect of culture on BCD complex was completely prevented by omission of branched-chain amino acids and partially prevented by 1 mM-alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate or 0.2 mM-pyruvate/2 mM-lactate. Protein-free diet decreased plasma branched-chain amino and oxo (‘keto’) acids and increased plasma pyruvate and lactate. It is concluded: (1) that branched-chain amino acids are involved directly in regulation of activities of BCD complex and BCD kinase; (2) that mitochondrial uptake of branched-chain oxo acids is necessary for regulation of BCD complex activity; and (3) that the stable increase in BCD kinase may function as a hysteresis mechanism.
Investigation of α-deuterium kinetic isotope effects on the purine nucleoside phosphorylase reaction by the equilibrium-perturbation technique
Authors: Lehikoinen P K , Sinnott M L , Krenitsky T A
Published: August 2015

1. alpha-Deuterium kinetic isotope effects on the phosphorolysis of inosine catalysed by Escherichia coli purine nucleoside phosphorylase were measured by the equilibrium-perturbation technique, by using the change in absorbance at 250 nm (approx. 20%). 2. Values of 2H(V/K) of 1.13(9) at pH 5.0, 1.10(5) at pH 6.1, 1.09(4) at pH 7.3, 1.08 at pH 8.4 and 1.16(4) at pH 9.4 were obtained. 3. These are compared with literature alpha-deuterium kinetic isotope effects for this and related reactions. 4. The equilibrium constant, defined as [inosine].[H2PO4-]/[hypoxanthine] [alpha-Rib f OPO3H-], is 46 at 25 degrees C. 5. N-3-beta-D-Ribofuranosylhypoxanthine, an impurity in chemically synthesized inosine, is a substrate.
The effects of fasting or hypoxia on rates of protein synthesis in vivo in subcellular fractions of rat heart and gastrocnemius muscle
Authors: Preedy V R , Sugden P H
Published: August 2015

We measured rates of protein synthesis in vivo in subcellular fractions (soluble, myofibrillar and stromal fractions) of the heart and the gastrocnemius from rats after fasting or under hypoxic conditions (i.e. atmospheres containing 5% or 10% O2). Such interventions are known to inhibit protein synthesis under some circumstances. The recovery of tissue protein after fractionation was 80-100%. The proportions of protein present in the soluble and stromal fractions were different in the two muscles. The rates of protein synthesis in the myofibrillar and stromal fractions were less than those for total mixed tissue protein, whereas the rate for soluble protein was greater. Both fasting and moderate hypoxia (10% O2 for 24 h) inhibited protein synthesis in the gastrocnemius. In this tissue, the synthesis of the myofibrillar fraction was apparently the most sensitive to inhibition, and this resulted in some significant increases in the soluble-fraction/myofibrillar-fraction protein-synthesis rate ratios. In the heart, fasting inhibited protein synthesis, but moderate hypoxia (10% O2 for 24 h) did not. The rate of protein synthesis in the cardiac myofibrillar fraction was again more sensitive to fasting than were the rates in the other fractions, but it was not as sensitive as that in the gastrocnemius. Under severely hypoxic conditions (5% O2 for 1 or 2 h), protein synthesis was decreased in all fractions in both tissues. These results suggest that the rates of protein synthesis in these relatively crude subcellular fractions vary.
Comparison of the flux of carbon to hepatic glycogen deposition and fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis on refeeding rats fed ad libitum or meal-fed rats with a chow-diet meal
Authors: Pallardo F V , Williamson D H
Published: August 2015

Meal-fed rats and rats fed ad libitum had similar rates of hepatic glycogen deposition on refeeding with a chow meal. In contrast, the rate of hepatic lipid synthesis (cholesterol plus fatty acids) was 6-fold higher on refeeding in the meal-fed group compared with the ‘ad libitum’ group. There were no significant differences in the gastrointestinal or hepatic contents of glucose or lactate between the two groups. It is suggested that in the meal-fed group exogenous glucose may be directly converted into glycogen, whereas the substrate for lipid synthesis is a C3 unit.
Extremely rapid endocytosis mediated by the mannose receptor of sinusoidal endothelial rat liver cells
Authors: Magnusson S , Berg T
Published: August 2015

Isolated sinusoidal endothelial rat liver cells (EC) in suspension bound and internalized ovalbumin, a mannose-terminated glycoprotein, in a saturable manner. The binding and uptake were Ca2+-dependent and were effectively inhibited by alpha-methyl mannoside and yeast mannan, but not by galactose or asialoglycoproteins. This corresponds to the binding specificity described for the mannose receptor of macrophages and non-parenchymal liver cells. Binding studies indicated a surface pool of 20,000-25,000 mannose receptors per cell, with a dissociation constant of 6 x 10(-8) M. Uptake and degradation of ovalbumin by isolated EC were inhibited by weak bases and ionophores which inhibit acidification of endocytic vesicles and dissociation of receptor-ligand complexes. Cycloheximide had no effect on uptake or degradation. Degradation, but not uptake, was inhibited by leupeptin. We conclude that ovalbumin dissociates from the mannose receptors in the endosomal compartment and the receptors are recycled to the cell surface, while the ovalbumin is directed to the lysosomes for degradation. A fraction of the internalized ovalbumin was recycled intact to the cell surface and escaped degradation (retroendocytosis). The rate of internalization of ovalbumin by isolated EC was very fast, with a Ke (endocytotic rate constant) of 4.12 min-1, which corresponds to a half-life of 10 s for the surface pool of receptor-ligand complexes. To our knowledge, this is the highest Ke reported for a receptor-mediated endocytosis system.
Sequential changes in the expression of mitochondrial protein mRNA during the development of brown adipose tissue in bovine and ovine species. Sudden occurrence of uncoupling protein mRNA during embryogenesis and its disappearance after birth
Authors: Casteilla L , Champigny O , Bouillaud F , Robelin J , Ricquier D
Published: August 2015

Samples of adipose tissue were obtained from different sites in bovine and ovine foetuses and newborns. RNA was isolated and analysed using bovine cDNA and ovine genomic probe for uncoupling protein (UCP), cDNA for subunits III and IV of cytochrome c oxidase and cDNA for ADP/ATP carrier. UCP mRNA was characterized for the first time in foetal bovine and ovine adipose tissue. It appeared later than mRNA of cytochrome c oxidase subunit III, and increased dramatically at birth (10-fold). ADP/ATP carrier mRNA was expressed at a lower level but also increased 10-fold at birth. It was demonstrated that UCP mRNA reached its highest level at birth in all bovine adipose tissues studied, except subcutaneous tissue. It disappeared quickly afterwards, being no longer detectable two days after birth. Similar variations were observed in newborn lambs. ADP/ATP carrier mRNA showed the same pattern of expression as UCP mRNA; although it was still lightly expressed two days after birth, it disappeared soon afterwards. Only mRNAs for cytochrome c oxidase subunits III and IV remained at the same level during the first postnatal week. On the basis of these data and of observations reported in the literature a sequence of events for the development of brown adipose cells in vivo is proposed. Soon after birth the perirenal adipose tissue of ruminants, which still contains mitochondria of typical brown adipose tissue morphology and high levels of cytochrome c oxidase mRNA, lacks UCP mRNA. Can it still be considered as brown fat? Ruminant species appear to be attractive models to study both the differentiation of brown adipose tissue and its possible conversion to white fat in large animals.
Regulation of myosin heavy-chain gene expression during skeletal-muscle hypertrophy
Authors: Periasamy M , Gregory P , Martin B J , Stirewalt W S
Published: August 2015

Changes in the myosin phenotype of differentiated muscle are a prominent feature of the adaptation of the tissue to a variety of physiological stimuli. In the present study the molecular basis of changes in the proportion of myosin isoenzymes in rat skeletal muscle which occur during compensatory hypertrophy caused by the combined removal of synergist muscles and spontaneous running exercise was investigated. The relative amounts of sarcomeric myosin heavy (MHC)- and light (MLC)-chain mRNAs in the plantaris (fast) and soleus (slow) muscles from rats was assessed with cDNA probes specific for different MHC and MLC genes. Changes in the proportion of specific MHC mRNA levels were in the same direction as, and of similar magnitude to, changes in the proportion of myosin isoenzymes encoded for by the mRNAs. No significant changes in the proportion of MLC proteins or mRNA were detected. However, high levels of MLC3 mRNA were measured in both normal and hypertrophied soleus muscles which contained only trace amounts of MLC3 protein. Small amounts of embryonic and neonatal MHC mRNAs were induced in both muscles during hypertrophy. We conclude that the change in the pattern of myosin isoenzymes during skeletal-muscle adaptation to work overload is a consequence of changes in specific MHC mRNA levels.
Adipocyte G-proteins and adenylate cyclase. Effects of adrenalectomy
Authors: Ros M , Northup J K , Malbon C C
Published: August 2015

Steroid hormones modulate the ability of cells to respond to hormones that act via cyclic AMP. In adipocytes of adrenalectomized rats, cyclic AMP accumulation and lipolysis in response to adrenaline are attenuated. However, the mechanism(s) of these effects are poorly understood. The effects of altered glucocorticoid status in vivo on the steady-state amounts of components of the hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase were analysed in rat adipocytes. beta-Adrenergic receptors were analysed by using radioligand binding and immunoblotting with an anti-receptor antiserum. Neither the amount of radioligand binding nor the amount of beta-adrenergic-receptor peptide (Mr 67,000) was altered by adrenalectomy, whereas treatment of adrenalectomized rats with dexamethasone was found to increase both parameters by more than 25% with respect to the control. Forskolin-stimulated adenylated cyclase activity was unchanged in membranes isolated from adipocytes of adrenalectomized rats, but was decreased (50%) in those from dexamethasone-treated rats. The alpha-subunit of Gs was probed by using cholera-toxin-catalysed ADP-ribosylation. Immunoblotting was used to analyse the steady-state amounts of G-protein beta-subunits (beta-G35/36). Adrenalectomy was associated with decreases in the steady-state amounts of alpha-Gs (30%) and beta-G35/36 (50%). Dexamethasone treatment of adrenalectomized animals partially restored the lipolytic response of adipocytes to adrenaline and the amounts of alpha-Gs, increased the amounts of beta-G35/36 subunits from 50% to 150% of control values, increased beta-adrenergic receptors by more than 25% and decreased adenylate cyclase activity (50%). These results suggest that the steady-state amounts of components of hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase are differentially regulated by glucocorticoids.
Potentiation by lithium of CMP-phosphatidate formation in carbachol-stimulated rat cerebral-cortical slices and its reversal by myo-inositol
Authors: Godfrey P P
Published: August 2015

This paper describes a rapid and simple method for measuring CMP-phosphatidate (CMP-PA; CDP-diacylglycerol), providing a novel assay for inositol phospholipid metabolism. Rat cerebral-cortical slices labelled with [14C]cytidine were incubated with the muscarinic cholinergic agonist carbachol in the presence of various concentrations of LiCl; 10 mM-LiCl greatly enhanced the carbachol-stimulated formation of [14C]CMP-PA over a 60 min incubation period. The potentiation by Li+ was concentration-dependent, with a maximal enhancement at 3 mM and half-maximal enhancement at 0.6 mM-LiCl. The enhancement by Li+ could be reversed by incubation with myo-inositol; a maximal effect was observed with 10 mM-inositol. A similar, though smaller, enhancement of CMP-PA concentrations in the presence of LiCl was observed in slices stimulated with noradrenaline, 5-hydroxytryptamine and K+. The results are discussed in relation to previously observed effects of Li+ on inositol phospholipid metabolism.
The influence of fatty acid unsaturation and physical properties of microsomal membrane phospholipids on UDP-glucuronyltransferase activity
Authors: Castuma C E , Brenner R R
Published: August 2015

The relationship between lipid composition, the physical properties of microsomal phospholipids and the kinetics of liver UDP-glucuronyltransferase was studied in microsomes from guinea pigs supplied with a normal or a fat-free diet for 28 days. Fatty acid deficiency did not modify either the cholesterol/phospholipid molar ratio or the polar head group composition, but exclusively redistributed the unsaturated fatty acid pattern, by partially exchanging oleic for linoleic acid. This phenomenon accounts for the decrease of both rotational and translational mobilities of the fluorescent probes 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) and pyrene respectively. When the thermotropic behaviour of the different systems was assessed, no transition temperature (gel-liquid-crystalline) between 10 and 40 degrees C was seen as a consequence of the lower degree of unsaturation, either in the microsomal membranes or in the total lipid or total phospholipid extracts from the treated animals. In spite of this, the polarization ratio of trans-parinaric acid and the fluorescence intensity of merocyanine 540 revealed that a significant lateral phase separation occurred at 20-22 degrees C in the extracted phospholipids, which was smoother in the total lipid fractions and in the native microsomal membranes. Fatty acid deficiency caused an upward shift of the midpoint temperature of the lateral phase separation. Furthermore, the phosphatidylcholine extracted from the ‘normal’ microsomes showed a lateral phase separation centred at a lower temperature than that extracted from ‘fat-deficient’ microsomes. In contrast, the Arrhenius plot of UDP-glucuronyltransferase from ‘normal’ microsomes exhibited a change in slope at a higher temperature than that from treated microsomes. These results would suggest that fatty acid deficiency in guinea-pig liver microsomes, while rigidizing the bulk lipids, would segregate the most unsaturated phosphatidylcholine molecules towards the UDP-glucuronyltransferase microenvironment, in accordance with our previous results with cholesterol incorporation [Castuma & Brenner (1986) Biochemistry 25, 4733-4738].
Stimulation by ATP-Mg2+ and inactivation by cyclic-AMP-dependent phosphorylation of a cytosolic monkey brain aminopeptidase
Authors: Ramamoorthy S , Balasubramanian A S
Published: August 2015

The activity of a purified cytosolic aminopeptidase (Mr 79,000) from monkey brain was stimulated about 4-fold by ATP-Mg2+. The stimulation was seen with either synthetic aminopeptidase substrates or natural peptides such as enkephalins. Both ATP and Mg2+ were required for stimulation, and ADP did not inhibit the stimulation. Non-hydrolysable analogues of ATP, deoxy-ATP and other nucleoside triphosphates stimulated to a lesser extent compared with ATP, whereas nucleoside mono- or di-phosphates were ineffective. The enzyme did not exhibit any ATPase activity. An ATPase inhibitor, orthovanadate, had no inhibitory effect on the ATP-Mg2+ stimulation. The aminopeptidase was not autophosphorylated by [gamma-32P]ATP and Mg2+, but in the presence of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase underwent phosphorylation on serine residue(s). Phosphorylation resulted in inactivation of the aminopeptidase activity, and also resulted in a decreased stimulation of the enzyme by ATP-Mg2+.
Oxidation of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate in cobalamin-inactivated rats
Authors: Lumb M , Deacon R , Perry J , Chanarin I
Published: August 2015

Rats were exposed to nitrous oxide, which inactivates cob(I)alamin (Cbl). As in air-breathing rats methionine administration led to the conversion of hepatic 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (MeH4 folate) into formyltetrahydrofolate. The recovery of MeH4 folate levels in liver after its oxidation initiated by methionine was noted and the rate compared with that for air-breathing rats. Oxidation of MeH4 folate was less complete and occurred more slowly in Cbl-inactivated rats as compared with controls. However, recovery of MeH4 folate levels was more rapid in Cbl inactivation. S-Adenosylmethionine did not produce a significant change in MeH4 folate levels in Cbl-inactivated rats, whereas it did so in air-breathing animals.
Influx of bivalent cations can be independent of receptor stimulation in human endothelial cells
Authors: Hallam T J , Jacob R , Merritt J E
Published: August 2015

Stimulation of human umbilical-vein endothelial cells by agonists such as histamine or thrombin promotes an influx of Ca2+, causing an increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) that is dependent on the continued presence of both agonist and extracellular Ca2+. This influx can also be clearly detected by using Mn2+ as a marker for Ca2+ entry, since Mn2+ quenches fura-2 fluorescence. The internal stores can be discharged in nominally Ca2+-free solution by stimulation for a brief period by 100 microM-histamine, with the stimulation being terminated by addition of 20 microM of the H1 antagonist mepyramine. After this (i.e. in the continuous presence of antagonist) a stimulated bivalent-cation influx can still be detected, as evidenced by the following observations: (a) addition of Mn2+ produces a stimulated quench, (b) addition of Ca2+ produces a transient rise in [Ca2+]i, (c) addition of 1 unit of thrombin/ml produces a much attenuated response unless the cells are exposed for a short period to 1 mM extracellular Ca2+. These results imply that stimulated bivalent-cation influx may be a direct consequence of the discharge of the internal Ca2+ stores rather than a direct consequence of the presence of agonist.
Oxidative and non-oxidative mechanisms in the inactivation of cardiac mitochondrial electron transport chain components by doxorubicin
Authors: Marcillat O , Zhang Y , Davies K J A
Published: August 2015

The quinonoid anthracycline, doxorubicin (Adriamycin) is a potent anti-neoplastic agent whose clinical use is limited by severe cardiotoxicity. Mitochondrial damage is a major component of this cardiotoxicity, and rival oxidative and non-oxidative mechanisms for inactivation of the electron transport chain have been proposed. Using bovine heart submitochondrial preparations (SMP) we have now found that both oxidative and non-oxidative mechanisms occur in vitro, depending solely on the concentration of doxorubicin employed. Redox cycling of doxorubicin by Complex I of the respiratory chain (which generates doxorubicin semiquinone radicals, O2-, H2O2, and .OH) caused a 70% decrease in the Vmax. for NADH dehydrogenase during 15 min incubation of SMP, and an 80% decrease in NADH oxidase activity after 2 h incubation. This inactivation required only 25-50 microM-doxorubicin and represents true oxidative damage, since both NADH (for doxorubicin redox cycling) and oxygen were obligatory participants. The damage appears localized between the NADH dehydrogenase flavin (site of doxorubicin reduction) and iron-sulphur centre N-1. Succinate dehydrogenase, succinate oxidase, and cytochrome c oxidase activities were strongly inhibited by higher doxorubicin concentrations, but this phenomenon did not involve doxorubicin redox cycling (no NADH or oxygen requirement). Doxorubicin concentrations of 0.5 mM were required for 50% decreases in these activities, except for cytochrome c oxidase which was only 30% inhibited following incubation with even 1.0 mM-doxorubicin. Our results indicate that low concentrations of doxorubicin (50 microM or less) can catalyse a site-specific oxidative damage to the NADH oxidation pathway. In contrast, ten-fold higher doxorubicin concentrations (or more) are required for non-oxidative inactivation of the electron transport chain; probably via binding to cardiolipin and/or generalized membrane chaotropic effects. The development of agents to block doxorubicin toxicity in vivo will clearly require detailed clinical studies of doxorubicin uptake in the heart.
Evidence that the 14 kDa soluble β-galactoside-binding lectin in man is encoded by a single gene
Authors: Abbott W M , Feizi T
Published: August 2015

A full-length cDNA clone for the 14 kDa soluble beta-galactoside-binding lectin of man has been isolated from a cDNA library from HepG2 hepatoma cells. The derived amino acid sequence is identical with that of the 14 kDa lectin from human placenta. The results of Northern and Southern blotting of several different human cell lines using a cDNA probe for the 14 kDa lectin suggest the presence of a single gene for this protein. Thus, although there are multiple proteins in the range 14-200 kDa which are antigenically related to this lectin, we would conclude from the present study that there is only one gene for the 14 kDa lectin.
The interaction of cations with the dye arsenazo III
Authors: Rowatt E , Williams R J P
Published: August 2015

1. The dye arsenazo III combines with a selection of cations to give an altered absorption spectrum. 2. Large metal cations such as Ca2+, La3+ and quadrivalent cations give a 1:1 complex with two new absorption peaks at about 610 nm and 655 nm and a KD of about 10(-6) M. 3. Aliphatic polyamines and complex cobalt ions give a 1:1 complex, with one absorption peak at about 610 nm and a KD from 10(-6) to 10(-3) M. 4. Small metal cations finally form a 2:1 complex and also have one absorption peak at about 610 nm, but with a KD of 10(-5)-10(-4) M. 5. The absorption peak at 610 nm is similar to that formed at high pH in the absence of bivalent cations and is due to ionization of phenolic groups with the dye molecule in an extended form. 6. The peak at 655 nm with 1:1 complex can be explained as a change in orientation of the diazo bonds caused by a conformational change of the molecule when it wraps around the single atom of Ca2+ or other large cation.
The role of succinate in the respiratory chain of Trypanosoma brucei procyclic trypomastigotes
Authors: Turrens J F
Published: August 2015

Trypanosoma brucei procyclic trypomastigotes were made permeable by using digitonin (0-70 micrograms/mg of protein). This procedure allowed exposure of coupled mitochondria to different substrates. Only succinate and glycerol phosphate (but not NADH-dependent substrates) were capable of stimulating oxygen consumption. Fluorescence studies on intact cells indicated that addition of succinate stimulates NAD(P)H oxidation, contrary to what happens in mammalian mitochondria. Addition of malonate, an inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase, stimulated NAD(P)H reduction. Malonate also inhibited intact-cell respiration and motility, both of which were restored by further addition of succinate. Experiments carried out with isolated mitochondrial membranes showed that, although the electron transfer from succinate to cytochrome c was inhibitable by antimycin, NADH-cytochrome c reductase was antimycin-insensitive. We postulate that the NADH-ubiquinone segment of the respiratory chain is replaced by NADH-fumarate reductase, which reoxidizes the mitochondrial NADH and in turn generates succinate for the respiratory chain. This hypothesis is further supported by the inhibitory effect on cell growth and respiration of 3-methoxyphenylacetic acid, an inhibitor of the NADH-fumarate reductase of T. brucei.