On the mechanism of action of clozapine on the adrenergic neurone. 1 The antipsychotic drug, clozapine, lowered noradrenaline and metaraminol (MA) concentrations in the rat heart. This action was blocked by the presence of a ganglionic blocking drug. 2 Other alpha-adrenoceptor blocking drugs (phenoxybenzamine, phentolamine) did not significantly lower heart amine concentrations. An inhibitor of neuronal amine uptake (desipramine) caused only a slight lowering. The combination of phentolamine and desipramine showed considerable activity, and this action was blocked by ganglionic blockade. 3 Clozapine had little or no action in blocking amine uptake, yet greatly potentiated amine release caused by the phentolamine-desipramine combination. 4 Other antipsychotic drugs (haloperidol, chlorpromazine, thioridazine) or other agents (propranolol, atropine) did not share this action of clozapine. 5 Ganglionic blockade markedly delayed amine release induced by reserpine administration. 6 It is suggested that clozapine may have an incomplete reserpine-like effect specifically on the adrenergic neurone, facilitating impulse-induced amine release.


Effect of SAS (a new 10-N-acylaminophenothiazine) on gastric secretion and ulceration in rats. The antiulcer and antisecretory activity of 2-chloro-10-[4'(N-beta-hydroxyethyl) piperazinyl-1'] acetylphenothiazine (SAS) has been investigated. At 10 and 20 mg/kg (s.c.) the drug was found to possess potent antigastric secretory and antiulcer activity (both in shay and stress ulcers) and did not exhibit any peripheral parasympathetic blocking activity. The pronounced antispasmodic activity of SAS was nonspecific rather than a specific parasympatholytic effect.


Histamine H2-receptors in the human peripheral circulation. Histamine (10 mug/min for 3 min) infused into the brachial artery caused an increase in forearm blood flow which was reduced by mepyramine (25 mg). This effect was most marked in the first minute of the infusion. Metiamide (25 mg) had no effect on the dilatation during the infusion but caused a quicker return of flow to the resting level. The response was abolished when both drugs were given in combination. It is concluded that the response is initiated mainly by stimulation of H1-receptors and maintained by H1- and H2-receptors; continued activity of H2-receptors may account for the slow return of flow to the pre-infusional level.


A trial of fenfluramine in the treatment of the chronic alcoholic patient. In a double blind trial, 50 male chronic alcoholic patients were treated with either fenfluramine in a dose of 60 mg or 120 mg daily, or with identically prepared placebo tablets. Patients were interviewed on admission to the trial and then at four-weekly intervals for a period of one year and blood levels of delta-aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gammaGT) and fenfluramine were determined. The efficacy of fenfluramine at the two dose levels was compared with placebo on the basis of the number of lapses indicated by the clinical history and also by alterations in the biochemical indices. Twenty-seven patients completed the period of observation, there being 9 in each of the three groups. Those receiving 120 mg fenfluramine daily showed significantly fewer lapses than either of the other two groups (p less than 0-01) on biochemical but not on clinical criteria. Overall assessment revealed that 3 of the 9 patients receiving the high dose of fenfluramine had a good result during the period of the trial, but there were none in the 60 mg group or in those receiving placebo. More extensive trials of fenfluramine in the treatment of chronic alcoholism are indicated.


Towards rational therapy with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. A rational approach to the use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is outlined. Patients suitable for treatment cannot be classified adequately using conventional diagnostic labels. They include those with primary symptoms of hypochondriasis, agoraphobia and social phobias, irritability, somatic anxiety and anergia; those with primary depressed mood, guilt, ideas of reference and personality disorders seldom respond. There is great variation in the interval between the first administration of these drugs and clinical response, and this may account for the inconsistencies in published trials. The type of drug and its dose may affect rate of response, as may biochemical factors, including acetylator and monoamine oxidase status. To obtain maximum benefit, a course of therapy with MAOIs should last for several months.


Urinary gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, an indicator of renal ischaemic injury and homograft rejection. Gammaglutamyl transpeptidase is an enzyme primarily located in the brush border of the proximal convoluted tubules of the kidney. Its unique localisation in the renal cells most easily damaged by ischaemia and its ease of assay provides the rationale for its use in the measurement of renal ischaemic injury. Using a standard experimental animal model, canine urinary gamma-GT activity was shown to be increased up to 70-fold following 90 min of unilateral renal ischaemia and was significantly raised following only 5 min ischaemia. The urinary gamma-GT was used as a measure of ischaemic injury associated with renal transplantation in man and 20 consecutive patients undergoing kidney transplant were studied by daily 24-hour urinary gamma-GT estimations and excellent correlation was obtained between raised enzyme activity and the clinical diagnosis of transplant rejection.


Neutrophil pyruvate kinase deficiency with recurrent staphylococcal infections: first reported case. A woman with an intracellular killing defect in the neutrophils had neutrophil pyruvate kinase deficiency. She had had recurrent staphylococcal infections throughout her life. The enzyme present was unstable and its kinetics were abnormal.


Tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase: distribution in discrete areas of the rat limbic system. Tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase have been measured in 34 discrete areas and nuclei of the limbic system of the rat. Both enzymes showed an uneven distribution in this system. The ratio between tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activities showed a significant correlation when compared with the ratio of dopamine and norepinephrine concentrations for the areas studied. The results strongly suggest that dopaminergic terminals are present in discrete areas of the limbic cortex, and several septal and amygdaloid nuclei, and allow the precise localization of dopaminergic and noradrenergic areas in the limbic system.


Resolution, specificity and transphosphorylase activity of calcifying cartilage alkaline phosphatases. The phosphate releasing activity from calf scapula cartilage was resolved by DEAE-cellulose chromatography into two distinct phosphatase activities. The activity eluted first from the column (phosphatase I) was active towards a variety of phosphate esters and several linear oligo phosphates including sodium pyrophosphate, while the second phosphatase activity (phosphatase II) was active only towards simple phosphate esters. Phosphatase I acted towards oligo phosphates in a stepwise fashion hydrolyzing one phosphate at a time. Both phosphatase are sialoproteins and can transfer phosphate from any of their substrates into other than water phosphate acceptor molecules such as glycerol. By several criteria, it can be concluded that the two phosphatases are different enzyme entities.


Testosterone metabolism in male rat epiphysis. Using radioactive substrate, thin-layer chromatography and recrystallization methods as well as differential centrifugation, gel filtration and electrophoresis, testosterone metabolism was investigated in male rat epiphyseal growth plate. 5alpha-androstane 3alpha-17beta-diol was found to be a major metabolite in vitro; lesser amounts of androstenedione and androstanedione, and a very small amount of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone were also identified. Radioactivity was recovered in epiphyseal subcellular fractions 30 minutes following in vivo administration of tritiated 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone; within 2 hours radioactivity had fallen to essentially background level in all fractions but the cytosol. A testosterone binding protein could not be identified within epiphyseal cytosol.


Studies related to antitumor antibiotics. Part V. Reactions of mitomycin C with DNA examined by ethidium fluorescence assay. The cytotoxic action of the antitumor antibiotic mitomycin C occurs primarily at the level of DNA. Using highly sensitive fluorescence assays which depend on the enhancement of ethidium fluorescence only when it intercalates duplex regions of DNA, three aspects of mitomycin C action on DNA have been studied: (a) cross-linking events, (b) alkylation without necessarily cross-linking, and (c) strand breakage. Cross-linking of DNA is determined by the return of fluorescence after a heat denaturation step at alkaline pH's. Under these conditions denatured DNA gives no fluorescence. The cross-linking was independently confirmed by S1-endonuclease (EC 3.1.4.-) digestion. At relatively high concentrations of mitomycin the suppression of ethidium fluorescence enhancement was shown not to be due to depurination but rather to alkylation, as a result of losses in potential intercalation sites. A linear relationship exists between binding ratio for mitomycin and loss of fluorescence. The proportional decrease in fluorescence with pH strongly suggests that the alkylation is due to the aziridine moiety of the antibiotic under these conditions. A parallel increase in the rate and overall efficiency of covalent cross-linking of DNA with lower pH suggests that the cross-linking event, to which the primary cytotoxic action has been linked, occurs sequentially with alkylation by aziridine and then by carbamate. Mitomycin C, reduced chemically, was shown to induce single strand cleavage as well as monoaklylation and covalent cross-linking in PM2 covalently closed circular DNA. The inhibition of this cleavage by superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) and catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), and by free radical scavengers suggests that the degradation of DNA observed to accompany the cytotoxic action of mitomycin C is largely due to the free radical O2. In contrast to the behavior of the antibiotic streptonigrin, mitomycin C does not inactivate the protective enzymes superoxide dismutase or catalase. Lastly, mitomycin C is able to cross-link DNA in the absence of reduction at pH 4. This is consistent with the postulated cross-linking mechansims.


Acid proteases from species of Mucor. III. Interaction with concanavalin A and concanavalin A Sepharose. The reaction of Mucor miehei protease with concanavalin A was followed by a turbidimetric assay in the pH range 5-8. At pH 4.0, no turbidity developed but binding of the enzyme to concanavalin A could be demonstrated by gel filtration. Two fractions of apparent molecular weight 65000 and 52000 were isolated, the 65000 molecular weight species apparently representing a protomer of concanavalin A (24000) bound to the enzyme. An analysis of the circular dichroism spectrum of this complex suggested that protomer binding results in a conformational change in the enzyme which is associated with a 30% increase in proteolytic activity. At pH 6.0, the enzyme was strongly bound to columns of concanavalin A Sepharose but could be removed by including alpha-methyl D-glucoside and NaC1 in the elution buffer. Some column degradation occurred at room temperature but was not detectable at 4 degrees C where rapid elution of the enzyme resulted in a greater than 90% yield of highly active protein. Periodate-oxidized Mucor miehei protease and Mucor renin did not react with concanavalin A and were not bound to the affinity column.


Physical, chemical, and enzymatic studies on the major sucrase of honey bees (Apis mellifera). A sucrase from honey bees (Apis mellifera) which precipitates between ammonium sulfate saturations of 50 and 70% (5 mg protein per millilitre) and which makes up the major portion of the sucrases of honey bees was purified to homogeneity as shown by several criteria. A large part of the sucrase was found in the head while most of the rest was in the abdomen (a small amount was in the thorax). The enzyme precipitated between the same values of ammonium sulfate saturation as did the sucrase in honey and honey sucrase exhibited kinetics very similar to those of this enzyme. The enzyme was found to be a relatively nonspecific alpha-glucosidase and was shown to have transglucosidase activity. The production of glucose from sucrose was rectilinear when plotted by the Hofstee method at low substrate concentrations but decreased at high sucrose concentrations. The production of fructose was rectilinear throughout the concentration range used. The production of both glucose and rho-nitrophenol when rho nitrophenyl alpha-D-glucoside was the substrate was linear by the Hofstee plot. These effects were found to be due to transglucolysis and a mechanism of action is proposed. Amino acid and amino sugar analyses indicated that the sucrase was a glycoprotein. The molecular weight was found to be between 51000 and 82000 by three different methods and an so20.w value of 4.0 S was obtained. There was no evidence for subunit structure. Tests of the enzyme under various denaturation conditions did not reveal any unusual stabilities. The sucrase bound very tightly to a hydrophobic column. Iodoacetic acid decreased the activity of the sucrase but a large concentration was needed to bring about a 50% activity loss. Reducing agents caused some activity declines. Diethyl pyrocarbonate activated the enzyme.


Studies on the formation by rat brain preparations of CDP-diglyceride from CTP and phosphatidic acids of varying fatty acid compositions. The enzyme, CTP:phosphatidate cytidylyltransferase (EC2.7.7.41) which catalyses formation of CDP-diglyceride from CTP and phosphatidic acid has been studied in rat brain preparations and other tissues. Improvement, as judged by the higher tissue activities obtained, in the assay method for this enzyme was achieved through use of phosphatidic acids sonicated in buffer-detergent solution saturated with ether and containing bovine serum albumin and use of short incubation times which essentially provided a measure of initial rates. The enzyme of rat brain microsomes yielded with 1,2-dioleolphosphatidic acid as substrate a pH optimum of 6.8 with maleate buffer and optimal concentrations of 60mM for MG2+, 6MM for CTP and 250 mug per 0.8 ml for phosphatidic acid. Enzyme activity was mainly located in the 90,000 X g fraction (microsomal) with small but significant activity in the 12,000 X g fraction. Comparison of activities (nanomoles CTP incorporated per milligram protein per minute) amongst tissues showed the following order: brain, 1.87; liver, 1.32; lung, 1.19; small intestine, 1.00; kidney, 0.69; heart, 0.41; diaphragm, 0.07; skeletal muscle, 0.02. Examination of the effect of varying the fatty acid composition in the phosphatidic acids added exogenously gave the following order (activities in parentheses); 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl- (5.58), 1-oleoyl-2-stearoyl- (5.37), 1,2-dioleoyl- (4.49) 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-(3.85), 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-(3.31), 1-arachidonoyl-2-stearoyl-(3.16), 1,2-diarachidonoyl-(0.72), 1,2-dicaproyl-(0.67), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-(0.67) and 1,2-distearoyl-(0.18). The single bis- and lysophosphatidic acids tested were inactive as substrates. Apart from a possible preference for one or more unsaturated fatty acids the transferase enzyme showed no selectivity in respect to the fatty acid distribution of phosphatidic acids.


Effect of metiamide on acid secretion from isolated kitten fundic mucosa. Isolated kitten fundic mucosa demonstrates low rates of spontaneous acid secretion in vitro when bathed in Krebs-Henseleit solution, and responds consistently to histamine, pentagastrin, and acetylcholine placed in the bath. High rates of spontaneous secretion or secretion in response to histamine and pentagastrin were significantly inhibited by addition of metiamide (5 X 10(-3) M); but mucosa stimulated by constant addition of acetylcholine chloride (10(-4) M) was not inhibited by metiamide at the same concentration.


Myoplasmic impedance of the barnacle muscle fiber. Myoplasmic impedance was measured on a barnacle (Balanus nubilus) single muscle fiber that was placed in a cylindrical cavity to limit the volume and prevent the hydration of the myoplasm. At both ends of the cavity, the myoplasm was in direct contact with an electrolyte solution. When equilibrium with the external medium was reached, the myoplasmic impedance was measured at 10 degrees C with an impedance bridge at 1000 Hz. The results indicated that the myoplasmic impedance of the muscle fiber is mainly resistive. Treating the myoplasm as a suspension of small conductive particles, we deduced the specific conductivity of the contractile filaments kf and their volume fraction rho (kf = 2.78 X 10(-3) omega-1cm-1, and rho = 0.48). The experimental technique permits an estimate of the specific myoplasmic conductivity in vivo (6.27 X 10(-3) omega-1cm-1). Finally, a decrease in the pH of the external solution from 10.1 to 4.0 lowered the myoplasmic conductivity by 16%. This may be considered as indirect evidence that the conductivity of the contractile filaments is associated with the protein counter-ions, since Hinke et al. (1973. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 204, 274-296.) reported evidence that a lowering of pH decreases the number of counter-ions.


Pulmonary edema and ascorbic acid loss.

Pulmonary edema and ascorbic acid loss. Loss of ascorbic acid from lung and pulmonary edema were produced in mice by intravenous injection of either adrenaline or noradrenaline (5 mumol/kg). While adrenalectomy performed before noradrenaline administration reduced the degree of pulmonary edema, a prior dose of hexamethonium accentuated this effect. Given alone, hexamethonium caused both loss of ascorbic acid and pulmonary edema. The results show that although endogenous catecholamines can potentiate the pulmonary edema produced by either adrenaline or noradrenaline, they play no specific role in the ascorbic acid loss. The evidence suggests that lung ascorbic acid levels are decreased following the development of pulmonary edema, irrespective of how it was caused.


Development of amino acid uptake activity in Neurospora. During the germination and growth of Neurospora conidia, amino acid permease systems I (neutral) and II (general) increase in specific activity. System III (basic) decreases in specific activity with the onset of germination. System I shows two peaks of activity during the logarithmic phase of growth. One peak occurs at 6 h, the other at 12 h of growth. Both peaks are abolished in the mtr mutant. Both peaks have a Km for phenylalanine of 40 muM. The peaks of system I activity appear to correlate with morphological changes.


Production, purification and characterization of thermomycolase, the extracellular serine protease of the thermophilic fungus Malbranchea pulchella var. sulfurea. The thermophilic fungus Malbranchea pulchella produces a single extracellular, alkaline, serine protease when grown at 45 degrees C, on 2% casein as sole carbon source. The growth-associated production of protease in submerged cultures was inhibited by addition of glucose, amino acids, or yeast extract. A simple four-step purification which yields homogeneous protease in 78% yield is described. The protease has an isoelectric point of 6.0, a pH optimum of 8.5, and is completely inhibited by serine protease inhibitors. A specificity study with small synthetic ester substrates indicated that the protease preferentially hydrolyzed bonds situated on the carboxyl side of aromatic or apolar amino acid residues which are not beta-branched, positively charged or of the D configuration. Peptidase substrates and others such as N-acetyl-L-tyrosine-ethyl ester were not hydrolyzed. The protease was stable over a broad range of pH (6.5-9.5 at 30 degrees C, 20 h), and was particularly thermostable (t1/2 = 110 min at 73 degrees C, pH 7.4) in the presence of Ca2+ (10 mM). Macromolecules and Ca2+ also provide protection against the significant autolysis which occurs at pure protease concentrations greater than 0.01 mg/mo, as well as against surface denaturation which is enhanced by the presence of a silicone antifoam agent. Hence the stability of protease in submerged cultures is rationalized.


Biosynthesis of chloramphenicol in Streptomyces sp. 3022a. Identification of p-amino-L-phenylalanine as a product from the action of arylamine synthetase on chorismic acid. Products obtained from the action of arylamine synthetase on [G-14C]chorismic acid were fractionated by gel filtration and ion exchange column chromatography to yield a partially purified radioactive component with an arylamine function. From its ultraviolet absorption spectrum and thin-layer chromatographic behaviour the product was considered to be p-aminophenylalanine and the identification was confirmed by co-crystallization with an authentic specimen. Specific deamination of the product with L-amino-acid oxidase indicated that it was the L-epimer. These results strengthen previous evidence that arylamine synthetase is at a branch point in the shikimic acid pathway, specifically diverting intermediates to the synthesis of chloramphenicol.


Uptake and efflux of succinic acid by uninduced mycelium of Claviceps purpurea. Claviceps purpurea PRL 1980 grew on partially dissociated succinic acid (pH 4) but not on fully dissociated succinic acid (pH 7.2). Myeclium suspended in 42 mM solution of partially ionized succinic acid (pH 4; 60.1% nonionized, 39% monoanion, and 0.9% dianion, K+ salt) over a period of 25 min accumulated more succinic acid carbon than mycelium suspended in highly ionized solution (pH 6.8; 0.01% nonionized, 4.8% monoanion, and 95% dianion). The greater accumulation from partially ionized solution was not attributable solely to metabolism of succinic acid nor to the lower external concentration of potassium ion. Rate of uptake by sodium azide and iodoacetate-treated mycelium was proportional to external concentration at least up to 200 mumol/ml. External potassium or sodium ion was not required for uptake by inhibited or uninhibited mycelium and external sodium ion and glucose did not allow concentration of succinic acid. The internal concentrations of succinic acid carbon expressed as succinic acid in cell water were about the same as the external concentrations. Uptake was not appreciably affected by extent of ionization of external succinic acid but accumulation was markedly affected. A plot of accumulated succinic acid carbon against external pH produced a bimodal curve with the two maxima corresponding to the maximal concentrations of nonionized and monoanion succinic acid. The bimodal curve probably results from overlapping of two separate curves; the nonionized form accumulating efficiently because of one interaction with the cell and the monoanion form accumulating efficiently because of another interaction. Uptake from concentrated solution is by diffusion and efflux is rapid but not complete. Efflux is not retarded by presence of phosphate in the external solution.


Characterization of a nitrogen-fixing bacterial strain from the roots of Digitaria sanguinalis. Rates of nitrogen fixation of 3 to 10 g of N2 fixed per hectare per day were associated with root systems of Digitaria sanguinalis. A Gram-negative motile aerobic bacterial strain that was capable of N2 fixation was isolated from a washed root sample of one of these plants. Optimal growth and N2 fixation occurred at a pH of about 6.5, a temperature of 30-37 degrees C, and at a pO2 of about 0.01 atm. Increased rates of N2 fixation resulted when this strain was grown in mixed cultures with aerobic or facultative bacteria. Observations of cellular and cultural morphology and results of biochemical and physiological studies indicate that the isolate may be related to the Azotobacteraceae but that it is not identical with any of the members of this family. The importance of N2 fixation by this isolate in nature is unknown.


Beta-glucanases in the yeast Cryptococcus albidus var. aerius. Production and separation of beta-glucanases in asynchronous cultures. beta-Glucanases were detected in cell-free extracts of the yeast Cryptococcus albidus var. aerius when grown on glucose as the sole carbon source. The production of beta-glucanases was followed in log-phase cells and stationary-phase cells; the maximal production of beta-(1 leads to 3) and beta-(1 leads to 6) glucanases takes place respectively in log-phase and stationary-phase cells. The results show that there are marked differences in the elution profiles on Sephadex G-50 of fractions containing beta-glucanase from cells grown for 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. The possibility either of replacement changes in fractions containing beta-glucanase activity or of a different synthesis of each beta-glucanase during the growth of the yeast is discussed. The results suggest that all fractions containing beta-glucanases hydrolyze both beta-(1 leads to 3) and beta-(1 leads to 6) linkages. Evidence in support of the conclusion that a low molecular form of beta-glucanase has a molecular weight of 2100 +/- 100 is also shown.


Temperature-pH effect upon germination of bacterial spores. Using several kinds of criteria for the germination of bacterial spores, germination-pH curves were drawn for Bacillus subtilis spores observed at different temperatures. The experiments revealed that optimum pH for spore germination was markedly changed by changing the incubation temperature; the optimum pH for germination was 7.4 at 37 degrees C and 5.4 at 10 degrees C. A possible mechanism involved in this phenomenon is discussed.


Effect of variou cultural conditions on the fatty acid and lipid composition of Choanephora cucurbitarum. The fatty acid composition of the total and polar lipid fractions of Choanephora cucurbitarum grown under different cultural conditions were analyzed by thin-layer and gas-liquid chromatography. It was observed that temperature, age, pH, and light influenced the degree of unsaturation, this being due mainly to changes in the gamma-linolenic acid concentration. The conditions used in this study did not alter the qualitative profile of fatty acids normally present in the organism. Neither did these conditions stimulate the production of further long-chain fatty acids (C20-C26) beyond gamma-linolenic acid (C18:3) as reported earlier using growth media containing glutamic acid. The fatty acid pattern of lipid fractions though the same qualitatively, differed quantitatively. The polar lipid fractions, phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, and diphosphatidyl glycerol showed an appreciable variation in gamma-linolenic acid content under different cultural conditions. The degree of unsaturation of the various lipid fractions decreased with increases in temperature, light intensity, and pH, but within each treatment the same pattern of decreasing degree of unsaturation with increasing age was observed. The significance of these observations is discussed.


Superficial cell-wall layers on Spirillum "Ordal" and their in vitro reassembly. The cell envelope of Sporillum sp. strain "Ordal" (possibly a variety of S. anulus) demonstrated multiple superficial wall layers which were diverse in their macromolecular arrays. Negative staining and freeze-etching techniques revealed an outer hexagonally packed layer and an inner tetragonally packed layer. However, both thin sections and freeze-etched cleavages of the wall showed that each of these regular structures rested upon a backing layer, and that there was a delicate amorphous layer overlying the outer hexagonal array. Rotary integration, optical deffraction, and reconstruction of image were used to clarify measurements of each array and to verify the validity of a diagrammatic model of the outer hexagonal system. The integrity of these layers required suitable cations (Ca2+ appeared essential) and pH (pH less than or equal to 4.6 dissociated most superficial layers). These observations aided in the development of a low-pH cationic-substitution technique, in which Na+ replaced essential Ca2+, for extraction of the layers from the cell surface. Dialysis to remove Na+ and restoration of Ca2+ initiated in vitro reassembly of the superficial layer components until regularly structured assembly products were formed.


Premature labour.

Premature labour. Prematurity is by far the commonest cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The management of premature labour is empirical because little is understood about the mechanism of labour. Effective uterine relaxant drugs have an important, albeit minor role. Phototherapy has reduced the complications of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, and the beneficial effect of antepartum corticosteroid therapy in minimizing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome is now convincing. Prophylactic antibiotic therapy in premature rupture of the membranes does not alter perinatal mortality, although postpartum maternal morbidity is reduced. The introduction of neonatal intensive care units has improved the survival rate of premature infants. Sound clinical judgement remains the mainstay in the management of premature labour.


Liver metastases found by follow-up of patients operated on for colorectal cancer. One hundred and twenty-six patients earlier operated on for colorectal cancer were followed-up once yearly with serum screening tests. The activities of alkaline phosphatase (AP) and gammaglutamyltranspeptidase (GT) were recorded. 58 patients had positive tests. The majority of the patients with liver metastases (20/21) was possible to encircle with these simple serum tests. 38 of the 58 "screening positive patients" were further investigated with celiac angiography and/or liver scintigraphy and liver metastases were very suspect in 29 of these patients. 18 of them were laparotomized and the suspicion was verified in 8.7 of these patients could be subjected to surgery against their liver tumours and 2 of them have then survived more than 2 years. The authors suggest a follow-up system with shorter interval between the examinations.


Carcinoembryonic antigen and phosphohexose isomerase, gammaglutamyl transpeptidase and lactate dehydorgenase levels in patients with and without liver metastases. Plasma carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and serum enzyme levels of phosphohexose isomerase (PHI), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (psi-GTP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured in 147 patients with malignancy. Levels were higher in patients (particularly with G.I., breast and lung cancers) than in normals or in patients with cancer in clinical remission. Elevations of CEA and of all three enzymes in blood were most frequent in patients with hepatic metastases. CEA elevations correlated directly with PHI levels. Seventy-eight percent of patients with metastatic G.I. cancer could be identified by CEA (greater than 5 ng/ml) alone, as well as 38% with breast cancer and 85% with lung cancer; but only 17% of other cancers could be identified by CEA alone. CEA or one or more enzymes was elevated in 64% of metastatic breast cancer patients, 92% of lung cancer and 41% of other cancers, but enzyme measurement did not increase identification of G.I. cancer over that achieved by CEA alone. These findings suggest that circulating levels of CEA, PHI, psi-GTP and LDH may reflect a direct contribution from the malignant tissue and/or liver malfunction secondary to liver replacement.


Controlled environment culture of bone marrow explants from human myeloma. Bone marrow biopsy specimens from patients with myeloma were cultured in either 1 of 2 thin-film culture systems, a controlled environment steady state system or a rocker tube configuration of the system, for periods up to 42 days. Both functional and morphological characteristics of the myeloma cells were well-maintained in these systems. Cytocentrifuge preparations of the culture media disclosed hematopoietic cells that included from 5% to almost 100% plasma cells. Histological examination of the cultured specimens disclosed infiltration of the marrow with myeloma cells. Myeloma proteins were released at a steady rate throughout the period of culture after the 1st 4 days. Bone-resorbing activity was demonstrated in the culture media in 7 of 9 myeloma culture media and was well maintained, particularly during the 1st week of culture. This activity was associated with severe osteolytic lesions in the donor patient and marked infiltration of the cultured specimen by myeloma cells. The potential use of these organ culture systems for the further definitive identification of the factor responsible for bone destruction in myeloma is discussed.


Binding of 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea to L1210 cell nuclear proteins. The binding of 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-(cyclohexyl)-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) to the proteins of the L1210 cell nucleus has been studied using both [cyclohexyl-14C]CCNU and [chloroethyl-14C]CCNU. Most of the bound [cyclohexyl-14C] moiety of CCNU was found to exist in a form that was stable in acid solution but labile and dialyzable in alkaline solution. A small amount of the cyclohexyl moiety was bound to histones in a stable, nondialyzable form. The drug/protein ratio for the H1 histone was about 0.01 to 0.02 mole/mole. No binding of the cyclohexyl group to acidic proteins or of the chloroethyl group to either histones or acidic proteins was observed. Thus, the interaction of CCNU with the proteins of the cell nucleus can be defined in terms of the modification of histones by the cyclohexyl moiety.


31P nuclear magnetic resonance-pH titrations of myo-inositol hexaphosphate. With the use of 31P n.m.r. spectroscopy, the separate pKa values of each of the six phosphoric monoester groups of myo-inositol hexaphosphate were determined. The range of hydrogen-ion concentrations covered extended from that required for the phosphonium salts to that for the full dodecyl anion, and the determinations were carried out in the presence of sodium and tetrabutylammonium cations. The pKa for each phosphate grouping in the transition from the free acid forms of each group to the monoanion form of each group was determined to be: 1.1, C-2; 1.5, C-1 and C-3; 2.1, C-4 and C-6; and 1.7, C-5. In the mono- to di-anion transition, the pKa values were: 6.85, C-2; 7.60, C-5; 5.70 and 12.0, C-1 and C-3; and 10.0, C-4 and C-6. These data and the appearance of the 31P hexaphosphate n.m.r. multiplet are discussed in terms of conformations of myo-inositol hexaphosphate.


Age dependence of the number of the stem cells in haemopoietic tissues of rats. The number and concentration of haemopoietic stem cells in the femoral bone marrow and spleen of Wistar rats of different ages were investigated. Stem cells were assayed by the spleen colony technique in irradiated rat recipients. The ability of the recipient spleen to harvest transplanted tissue as a macroscopic colony was found to be dependent on the recipient's age. Changes with senescence were observed also in the concentration and the size of the stem cell compartment both in the marrow and spleen. No differences were demonstrated in the seeding of transplanted colony-forming units into the spleen of recipients of 1 and 4 months of age. A rats-mice strain difference in the effect of senescence on the haemopoietic stem cells is discussed.


Kinetics of haemopoietic recovery in endotoxin-treated mice. Kinetics of mouse spleen colony forming units were studied after intra-peritoneal injection of 1 mug/blody weight bacterial endotoxin S. typhosa. When these mice were used as unirradiated and sublethally irradiated donors, it was possible to study the effect of the endotoxin injection upon the cells. Use of the treated mice as irradiated recipients of normal cells gave information about the host effect. In treated unirradiated mice, the total nucleated cell and the CFU counts were disturbed, and 2 days later a large fraction of the CFU were found in the DNA synthesis (S) phase. This meant that injection of endotoxin generated factors affecting the kinetics of the CFU and triggering the resting CFU into the proliferative cycle. If then the mice were given supralethal irradiation and used as recipients of normal bone marrow cells, more CFU seeded to the spleen as compared to normal recipients; but the dip and the growth rate of the CFU were not changed. Hence the endotoxin-generated factors had been eliminated in 2 days. A total body sublethal irradiation by 400 rad X-ray 2 days after endotoxin injection reduced the post-irradiation dip in the recovery curve of the CFU, indicating that though the factors affecting the cell kinetics had been eliminated, the cycling CFU behaved like a growing population. During the first week, the growth rate of the CFU remained the same as in control irradiated mice. The growth rate of the spleen CFU of the endotoxin-treated mice slowed down during the second week, and their self-replicating ability was low. Fluctuations in the DNA synthesizing fraction of the spleen CFU suggested a variability in the ratio of the length of the S phase and the cell generation time.


[New interpretation of the symmetry of Cereus pedunculatus (Actiniaria) during embryonic development]. A spatial reconstitution is used to determine with precision the relative position of pharynx and mesenteries during the embryonic development of Cereus pedunculatus. Three successive stages are described for embryonic symmetrisation.


[Effect of ligating the pancreatic duct on the intestinal pH in rabbits]. In rabbits whose pancreatic ducts were ligatured, significant pH changes were observed in the anterior parts of the digestive tract (antrum and duodenum) but not in the posterior parts (jejunum and ileum) as could have been expected. These changes do not seem to be directly related to the lack of pancreatic juice, which leads one to think that, in the rabbit this secretion only plays a very limited role in the neutralisation processes.


[Demonstration of acidophilic neurosecretory cells in Crepidula fornicata Phil. (Mollusca, Gasteropoda, Prosobranchia) using the fluorescent dye, Geranine G]. The Fluorochrome Geranine G binds to acidophilic neurosecretory cells and produces red orange fluorescence. Chromolipids and pigments show green fluorescence. This method is easy and sensitive. Fluorescence fading during irradiation is low.


[A glycoprotein: galactosyltransferase activity in the ascitic fluid and serum of mice with the YC8 tumor]. Tranfer of (14C)-gal from exogenous UDP(14C)-gal has been demonstrated with ovomucoid as glycoprotein acceptor in ascitic fluid sera from Balb/c mice bearing isogenic YC8 tumor. Transfer exists without ovomucoid, in great ratio in ascitic fluid and in sera from ascitic mice too, showing occurrence of endogenous acceptors, the origin of which has to be proved.


Activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in serum of patients receiving anticonvulsant of anticoagulant therapy. 1. Effects of chronic anticoagulant therapy in heart patients and anticonvulsant therapy in epileptics on gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity in serum were investigated. 2. The enzyme was elevated in 22% of 18 patients receiving anticoagulants. In these patients prothrombin time was also abnormally high. 3. 84% of 65 epileptics exhibited elevated gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity, 67% of which were not associated with elevated alkaline phosphatase or aspartate aminotransferase activities. In these latter cases, involvement of the liver was not apparent. 4. Possible relationships of anticonvulsant mediated enzyme induction or hepatic toxicity to elevated gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity in serum in epileptics is discussed.


Human saliva peroxidase: microanalytical isoelectric fractionation and properties in normal persons and in cases with neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis. Human saliva contains a high peroxidase activity that can be estimated spectrophotometrically with the hydrogen donor p-phenylenediamine and the substrate hydrogen peroxide from 20 mul of material. The pH optimum of the enzyme with citrate-phosphate buffer is 5.5. After microanalytical isoelectric fractionation 3 main isoenzyme components at pI 8.6, 6.5 and 4.3, and a number of isoenzyme subfractions at pI 9.5, 7.3 and 3.8 are detectable. In 3 patients with the juvenile form of neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis (type Spielmeyer-Vogt), in which a deficiency of leukocyte peroxidase had been reported by other authors, both the total activity of saliva peroxidase and the activity of individual isoenzymes were found to be within normal limits. These findings are not consistent with a generalized peroxidase deficiency in this disease.


Theoretical approaches to estimation of plasma renin activity: a review and some original observations. Performance of accurrate, reproducible, and interpretable assays for plasma renin activity and other components of the renin/angiotensin system in the clinical setting requires a clear understanding of the various reactions in the renin/angiotensin cascade and the nature of their interactions. Plasma renin activity, the rate of angiotensin generations from plasma incubated in vitro, is the most commonly used clinical index of function in the renin/angiotensin system. Renin activity is measured by radioimmunoassay of angiotensin I generated in vitro under carefully controlled conditions. The value obtained for plasma renin activity depends on pH and duration of incubation and on the method used to protect the angiotensin I generated. We recommend incubation at neutral pH in buffered plasma for three hours in the presence of either ethylenediaminetetraacetate + 8-hydroxyquinolone + dimercaprol or ethylenediaminetetraacetate + phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride. Addition of a standard preparation of human renin to the plasma incubation step of the renin activity assay serves the dual purpose of permitting measurement of renin activity and furnishing an internal standard for comparison of assay procedures. The many variables among renin assay methods can be cancelled by referring to a common internal renin standard.


Improved specificity of serum albumin determination and estimation of "acute phase reactants" by use of the bromcresol green reaction. The reaction of serum samples with bromcresol green proceeds in two steps. Albumin is responsible for the faster (less than 1 min) reaction; the slower (30-min) reaction is a measure of "acute phase reactant(s)" in serum. Serum is simply mixed with bromcresol green reagent and the absorbance is measured twice, immediately and at 60 min. Albumin concentrations, determined from the absorbance at 0 min, correlate well with those determined by Laurell "rocket" immunoelectrophoresis; r = 0.95 with no certain deviation from unity for the slope and with a negligible difference at zero concentration. The slow reaction was expressed as deltaA% = 100 (deltaAs/deltaAv) where deltaAs and delta Av are the changes in absorbance between 60 and 0 min for the sample and a commercial control serum, respectively. The value for deltaA% correlates well with the percentage of alpha2-fraction as determined by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate, as well as with orosomucoid and ceruloplasmin, all of which are acute phase reactant(s). Whether these proteins or other acute phase reactant(s) actually cause the slow reaction has not yet been established.


Evaluation of lipase activity in serum by radial enzyme diffusion. Results of determination of serum lipase by radial enzyme diffusion correlate well with those by a titrimetric reference method in the abnormal range. The specificity of the diffusion assay allows the differentiation of patients with pancreatic disease, even when the lipase activity of the serum is within the normal limits of the tritrimetric assay. Pancreatic lipase is not detectable by the diffusion assay in the serum of individuals who are free from pancreatic disease.


Creatine kinase in serum: 1. Determination of optimum reaction conditions. To establish optimum conditions for creatine kinase (EC 2.7.3.2) activity measurement with the creatine phosphate in equilibrium creatine reaction, we re-examined all kinetics factors relevant to an optimal and standardized enzyme assay at 30 and 25 degrees C. We determined the pH optimum in vaious buffers, considering the effect of the type and concentration of the buffer, as well as the influence of various buffer anions on the activity. The relation between activity and substrate concentration was shown and the apparent Michaelis constants of creatine kinase for creatine phosphate and ADP were evaluated. We tested the effect on creatine kinase measurement of the concentration of substrates (glucose and NADP+) in the auxillary and indicator reactions, especially the influence of the added auxiliary (hexokinase) and indicator (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) enzymes on the lag phase, at different temperatures. The NADP+ concentration proved to be the factor limiting the duration of constant reaction rate. We studied the inhibition of creatine kinase and adenylate kinase by AMP and established a convenient AMP concentration. For reactivation of creatine kinase, N-acetyl cysteine as sulfhydryl compound was introduced. Finally, we examined the relationship between activity and temperature.


Radioiodination of human low density lipoprotein: a comparison of four methods. A comparison has been made of four labelling techniques used to radioiodinate human low density lipoprotein (LDL). (1) Chloramine T iodination at pH 7.4 was 20-25% efficient and gave a product immunologically indistinguishable from native LDL. Approximately 30% of the incorporated radioactivity, however, was found in LDL lipids, and the metabolic decay of the labelled complex in rats did not obey first order kinetics. Radiolabelling at pH 10 reduced the uptake of 125I into lipids to 10% but also cut the overall incorporation of radioiodine by a factor of 7. (2) Lactoperoxidase labelling and (3) conjugation with iodinated N-succinimidyl-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate were highly efficient (100%), but incorporation of radioactivity into the lipid moiety was unacceptably high (approximately 30%). (4) The efficiency of iodine monochloride labelling was highly reproducible and the product was immunologically indistinguishable from native LDL. Incorporation of radioactivity into the lipid moiety was less than 4% when the I/protein ratio of the product was kept at or below 1 : 1. Decay of the radiolabelled LDL in rats was monoexponential.


Purification and properties of human acid-thermostable ribonucleases, and diagnosis of childhood pancreatic fibrosis. Acid-thermostable ribonucleases were isolated from human pancreas, duodenal contents, liver, spleen, serum and urine, and purified 15--1000-fold. The pH optima, ionic requirements, and some of the specificity requirements, of these enzymes were investigated. The isolated enzymes formed two distinct groups: (a) The ribonucleases of the pancreas, duodenal contents and fraction A of serum and urine exhibit a pH optimum of 8.5, are inhibited by An2+ and Cu2+, and relatively rapidly hydrolyze the synthetic substrate uridine 3'-(alpha-naphthylphosphate); (b) the ribonucleases of the liver and spleen, and of fractions B of the serum and urine, with a pH optimum of 7, are less sensitive to An2+ and Cu2+, and exhibit negligible activity versus uridine 3'-(alpha-naphthylphosphate). Determination of the serum level of pancreatic-type ribonuclease activity, with the use of uridine 3'-(alpha-naphthylphosphate) or RNA as substrates, appears to be a valid diagnostic tool for pancreatic fibrosis in children.


Physico-chemical and immunological properties of acid alpha-glucosidase from various human tissues in relation to glycogenosis type II (Pompe's disease). The physico-chemical and immunological properties of acid alpha-glucosidase from various human tissues have been studied. Heat stability of acid alpha-glucosidase from heart, liver and skeletal muscle is identical, but for kidney some different results are obtained. Identical isoelectrofocussing patterns are found for heart, liver and skeletal muscle. Furthermore, the effect of antiserum against human liver acid alpha-glucosidase on the activity of acid alpha-glucosidase from various tissues is studied. The results are discussed in relation to glycogenosis type II (Pompe's disease).


Partial purification and properties of ovine liver Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices phospholgucose isomerase. Echinococcus granulosus protoscolex is the actual larval stage of the cestode causing echinococcosis both in man and animals. In the present report, certain properties of phosphoglucose isomerase from the ovine liver E. granulosus protoscolices have been studied and compared with those of the hydatid cyst fluid and the healthy ovine liver enzymes. The protoscolices enzyme prepared in a manner similar to the hydatid cyst fluid and the ovine liver enzymes exhibited the following properties: (1) pH optimum of 8.2 (2) KM value of 0.23 mM, (3) the enzyme was inhibited in the presence of high concentrations of alpha-D-glucose 6-phosphate, (4) no detectable inhibition of the enzyme was observed in the presence of phosphate ion up to 4.1 mM, (5) the protoscolices enzyme was less thermostable as compared to the hydatid cyst fluid and the ovine liver enzymes, (6) the protoscolices enzyme had a lower Ki value (0.7 mM) as compared to either the hydatid cyst fluid (1.1 mM) or the ovine liver enzymes (4.6 mM) when 6-phosphogluconic acid was used as a competitive inhibitor.


Biochemical differences between the MB and MM isoenzymes of creatine kinase. The biochemical properties of partially purified preparations of human myocardial MB and MM iosenzymes of creatine kinase have been compared with one another. Differences in substrate affinity, behaviour with inhibitors, and heat denaturation have been demonstrated. It is doubtful if the differences we have shown are sufficiently great to form the basis of a practical routine procedure for measuring serum levels of the MB isoenzyme.


The estimation of phospholipids in bile. Total and lipid phosphorus were measured in the duodenal aspirate of 24 fasting subjects following an injection of cholecystokinin. The lipid phosphorus values were lower than the total phosphorus, a difference most pronounced in dilute samples. Storage at -20 degrees C over 4 weeks resulted in a loss of over 50% lipid phosphorus. Such alterations in the lipid phosphorus affected the calculation of biliary phospholipid and hence the saturation index of cholesterol in bile causing it to be erroneously elevated. It is concluded that analysis of bile samples should be undertaken on freshly obtained samples and include a preliminary step for the extraction of lipids.


Two alpha-glucosidases in cultured amniotic fluid cells and their differentiation in the prenatal diagnosis of Pompe's disease. A sensitive fluorometric assay utilizing 4-methylumbelliferyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside has been developed for the determination of alpha-glucosidase. The enhanced sensitivity was achieved by increasing the solubility of the substrate with a water miscible organic solvent. With this system, cultured amniotic fluid cells were found to have two major forms of alpha-glucosidase with somewhat overlapping acidic pH optima; one with pH optimum at 4.5 is deficient in Pompe's disease (type II glycogenosis), while one with pH optimum at 6.0 is not affected in this disease. Specificity for the pH 4 form of alpha-glucosidase was achieved by exploiting the greater thermal lability of the pH 6 enzyme. The pH 6 form of the enzyme was also detectable in freshly prepared extracts of cultured fibroblasts. The procedure is direct and simple and has been applied to the prenatal diagnosis in two pregnancies at risk for Pompe's disease.


X-linked ichthyosis, bilateral cryptorchidism, hypogenitalism and mental retardation in two siblings. Two brothers showed ichthyosis, bilateral cryptorchidism, hypogenitalism and mental retardation. In addition, the younger brother had short stature associated with disorders of secretions of insulin, ACTH and GH. This is the third reported case of the syndrome of ichthyosis and hypogonadism.


A simple method for the cryopreservation of lymphocytes. Retention of specific immune effector functions by frozen-stored cells. A simple, quick and inexpensive method for cryostorage of lymphocytes is discribed. When injected into appropriate normal recipients, frozen-stored rat and sheep lymphocytes caused GVH and NLT reactions respectively. Sheep lymphocytes remained viable after several months storage and functioned satisfactorily as 51Cr-labelled target cells in assays for cytotoxic antibodies. Lymphocytes, including immunoblasts, drained from sheep efferent lymphatics during immune responses to injected murine P815 cells or allogeneic lymphocytes survived freezing; when thawed the cells retained specific immune cytotoxic effector functions including the ability to secrete complement-dependent and leucocyte-dependent antibodies


Mechanism of post dialysis hyperventilation in  patients with chronic renal insufficiency. Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain postdialysis hypocapnia. Three were tested in this study: impairment of tissue oxygenation by dialysis (D)-induced alkalosis (Bohr effect), the D disequilibrium syndrome, and the loss of carbon dioxide  (CO2) in D fluid. In 17 patients pre-DPCO2 was significantly correlated with plasma bicarbonate concentration (HCO3) and no disproportionate reduction of PCO2 was discernible. In 10 patients using a bath acetate concentration of 38 mEq/1 PCO2 was unchanged after D (35.4 versus 35.9 mm Hg before D), and was low relative to HCO3 whic increased from 21.2 to 28.0 mEq/1. After a dialysis using an acetate concentration of 25 mEq/1 HCO3 remained constant (20.4 versus 21.1 mEq/1 pre-D), whereas PCO2 fell from 35.3 to 30.8 mm Hg (P less than 0.001). Consequently PCO2 was again low relative to HCO3. Removal of CO2 by D fluid was excluded as a cause for low blood PCO2: addition of gaseous CO2 to the bath had no influence on arterial blood gases. Since post-D hypocapnia was not prevented when HCO3 was kept constant, it was concluded that post-D alkalosis cannot be the main reason for post-D hyperventilation, and that other factors related to the process of D are responsible.


Duration of cardiac effects of timolol and propranolol. The duration of the cardiac effects of single intravenous doses of the beta-antagonists, timolol and propranolol, was compared in 6 healthy male subjects. Timolol and propranolol were given in doses of 1 mg and 10 mg, respectively, and at specified times after their administration, beta-blockade was assessed by the reduction of maximal exercise-induced tachycardia and by the inhibition of the chronotropic and inotropic effects of isoproterenol. Inotropic effects were measured by changes in the pre-ejection period of left ventricular systole obtained from systolic time intervals. There was no statistically significant difference in the timolol and propranolol time-courses of beta-blockade. The change in exercise-tachycardia was maximal 5 min after beta-antagonist infusion but dissipated rapidly so that no statistically significant change was observed 9 hr later. The chronotropic and inotropic effects of isoproterenol were almost completely antagonized for 11/2 hr after beta-antagonist infusion, and significant beta-blockade could be demonstrated 9 hr later. There was no difference in the time-course of the negative chronotropic and inotropic effects of either beta-antagonist.


Hypnotic efficacy of lorazepam and flurazepam. In a double-blind crossover study involving 15 insomniac subjects, the hypnotic efficacy of lorazepam, 2 and 4 mg, was compared with flurazepam, 15 and 30 mg, and placebo. Five subjective measures were used: onset, length, and depth of sleep, number of times awakened, and satisfaction with the hypnotic. Lorazepam in 2- and 4-mg doses was comparable in hypnotic efficacy to flurazepam, 30 mg, according to most parameters of measurement. Side effects were minor, although relatively numerous at the 4-mg doses.


Acebultolol: basis for the prediction of effect on exercise tolerance. Twelve unselected males suffering from documented coronary insufficiency and moderately severe angina submitted to graded multistage treadmill exercise testing on 3 separate days, 3.5 hr after a single dose of 0,200, or 400 mg of acebulolol, a cardioselective beta blocker. Control measures included random allocation of 2 patients to each of 6 balanced sequences of administration, standardized double-blind conditions, and variance analysis for Latin-square design with repeated measures on each subject. Performance was evaluated by measuring time elapsed until anginal pain, peak heart rate, peak product of heart rate and blood pressure, and peak oxygen consumption. Mean values for all criteria were significantly atered by 400 mg of acebutolol. Seven out of twelve patients were classified as responders (i.e., exercise duration increased 100% or more). The response after acebutolol was correlated with the performance on placebo in the base of exercise duration, peak heart rate, and peak product of heart rate and blood pressure. It is concluded that: (1) performance criteria are useful predictors of response to beta blockade and (2) acebutolol is a potent antianginal agent when judged by an objective treadmill exercise test.


Radiology in Mendelson's syndrome.

Radiology in Mendelson's syndrome. Four cases of Mendelson's syndrome (acid pulmonary aspiration) are presented. They all demonstrate an acute diffuse alveolar filling pattern. This appearance is by no means specific. However, in the absence of other causes for this pattern and of evidence of left ventricular failure the radiologist may alert the clinician to the correct diagnosis. Early recognition of this syndrome will result in prompt treatment which differs significantly from that of other causes of this radiographic appearance. The differential diagnosis is discussed.


Growth hormone secretion in acid-base alterations at rest and during exercise. 1. Seven healthy males were studied during cycle ergometer exercise at 33%, 66% and 90% of VO2 max. on three occasions when NH4C1, NaHCO3 or CaCO3 (as a control substance) were administered in gelatin capsules double blind and in randomized order. Plasma growth hormone (HGH), lactic acid and hydrogen ion concentration ([H+]) were measured at frequent intervals. 2. Ammonium chloride produced highest blood [H+] and NaHCO3 the lowest. These differences were maintained during exercise and in recovery. Plasma lactic acid concentrations were similar at rest. At 66%, 90% VO2 max. and recovery lactic acid was highest with NaHCO3 and lowest with NH4C1. 3. Exercise stimulated HGH secretion in all studies and the elevation was proportional to the intensity of the exercise. NH4C1 caused a variable elevation of HGH at rest and 33% VO2 max. At 66% VO2 max., plasma HGH was significantly elevated to similar concentrations in all studies and, at 90% VO2 max., HGH was highest with NaHCO3. 4. An infusion of sodium L(+)-lactate producing plasma lactate concentrations of 3-5 mmol/l did not influence HGH secretion. 5. Exercise is a physiological stimulus to HGH secretion and the mechanism is independent of blood [H+] and lactate concentrations.


The intracellular pH of human leucocytes in response to acid-base changes in vitro. 1. Viable human leucocytes were isolated from venous blood and suspended in artificial media. Intracellular pH measurements were made by the dimethyloxazolidinedione technique in conditions simulating "respiratory" or "metabolic" acid-base disturbances. 2. Normal intracellular pH was 7-11 +/- 0-02 (mean +/- 2 SD) at an extracellular PCO2 of 5-8 kPa and a bicarbonate concentration of 25 mmol/l. 3. "Respiratory" and "metabolic" acidosis caused little change in pHi although increases in PCO2 led to relatively greater falls in pHi than did reduction in external bicarbonate concentration. 4. "Respiratory" and "metabolic" alkalosis caused similar and relatively greater increases in the pHi when compared with the response to an external acidosis.


Marrow transplantation in aplastic anemia and leukemia. Human marrow transplantation has resulted in observations of fundamental significance in understanding both aplastic anemia and acute leukemia. For example, the observation that transplanted marrow can grow successfully in patients with aplastic anemia indicates that the disease is due to a defect in the marrow precursor cells and not in the marrow microenvironment. Similarly, the observation of recurrent leukemia in donor cells has important implications. Nonetheless, marrow transplantation is sufficiently established therapeutically to be considered the treatment of choice for patients with severe aplastic anemia, and a realistic alternative for patients with recurrent acute leukemia. We suggest that patients be managed with regard to marrow transplantation according to the general approach outlined in Table 3. Marrow transplantation and histocompatibility typing are available at increasing numbers of institutions throughout the world. More and more patients with either severe aplastic anemia or recurrent acute leukemia should have marrow transplantation available to them when it is indicated as part of optimal management of these no longer hopeless diseases.


The objective and timing of drug disposition studies, appendix V. A comparison of the bioavailability of three dosage forms of terfenadine. Antagonistic effect against histamine-induced wheals was used to evaluate the bioavailability of terfenadine in monkeys. A rapidly dissolving tablet formulation of terfenadine shows essentially identical bioavailability to a liquid suspesion. A less readily dissolving capsule formulation lags considerably in time with regard to availability, and some question remains as to whether the total quantity in the capsule is available.


The difficult hypertensive.

The difficult hypertensive. With the wide range of medications available today it should be possible to obtain satisfactory control in the majority of hypertensive patients. However, there are various categories of patients who may present particular problems in management, as for example patients with cerebro-vascular and coronary disease, or with renal failure. A particularly important group is those presenting with severe resistant hypertension, and these patients may constitute about 5 to 10% of the hypertensive population. Considerations relevant to the management of patients presenting with such problems are discussed. Combined drug regimens employing clonidine or beta-blockers with peripheral vasodilators appear to be particularly useful.


[Our experience with the method of D'Amour and Smith]. The authors carried out studies on a group of analgetic preparations (morphine, lydol, thylidine, pentazocine and analgine) by the method of D Amour and Smith, using thermic painful stimulation. The experiments were carried out on white rats-young and adult of both sexes of the strain Wistar. The mean lethal dosis were determined as well as the mean effective doses and therapeutic indices. The experimental results showed that thylidine was the strongest analgetic agent with atherapeutic index of 67. The index of morphine was 63 and was close to that of thylidine, but without statistical significance. The remaining analgetic indices were with low indices: lyndiol-with 5, pentazocine - 12 and analgine - 2. The method used, according to our data, could be applied successfully on rats of both sexes, at various age groups and both strains. The method is convenient for testing analgetic activity of preparations from two basic types of analgetic agents-narcotic and nonnarcotic.


Persisting and unaltered circadian rhythms of six healthy young men with a night-work shift every 48 hrs and a 2% CO2 atmosphere during a 4-week span. Six apparently healthy young males (20 +/- 0.5 years of age) lived in a specially designed laboratory for a 1-week span in normal air, followed by 4 weeks in a 2% CO2 atmosphere and thereafter 1 week again in normal air. Room temperature was 24 degrees C. +/- 1 degrees C.; relative hygrometry 75% +/- 5%. With respect to socio-ecologic time clues and cues, the subjects were not isolated. The subjects' social synchronization was altered only by the shift-work schedule (light-on, 07(00); light-off, 22(30) on normal days). Every other day each subject had a 3-h night task, located between 23(00) and 07(00). Once a week, during 48 hrs (Saturday and Sunday) a set of physiologic variables was documented every 4 hrs in order to study their circadian changes: oral temperature, peak expiratory flow, grip strength, arterial blood pressure, tempo, and urinary pH, volume and potassium excretion. As far as rhythms are detectable (cosinor method) the most striking result is that both rhythm acrophases and amplitudes do not show any statistically significant changes when comparing either night-work versus day-work and/or normal air versus air with 2% CO2. Both 3 hrs of night-work every other day and an unusual amount of CO2 do not alter the parameters characterizing the circadian rhythms considered. The absence of desynchronization during night-work could be related to: 1) the speed of rotation in the shift-work; 2) the short duration of night-work; and 3) the youth of the subjects.


[Blood sugar and hypoxic dynamics in metabolic acidosis and alkalosis (experimental data)]. The dynamics of the glucose concentration and arterovenous glucose gradient was examined during different metabolic deviations in the acid-base balance. The metabolitic acidosis increased the level of sugar in the blood. A definite influence on the latter had the gravity of the acidosis and to a certain degree its pathogenetic form. The arterio-venous glucose difference changed from negative to positive with the increase of proton activity. The type of the peripheral hypoxic structure, formed  during the state of acidosis influenced both the glucose gradient and its quantitative relations to the acid-base and oxygen indices. The sugar content in the blood during metabolitic alcalosis was not changed significantly. There was an increase in the arterio-venous gradient and inverse correlation between the glucose level and the arterio-venous oxygen difference with the increase of the bicarbonate concentration.


[Effect of beta-adrenergic blockaders on the bioelectrical activity of the mesenchephalic reticular formation]. The authors examined the beta-adrenergic structures in the mesencephalic formation (MSF) in view of establishing their role on the activity of MSF in view of establishing the in rols on the activity of MSF itself and the relationship of the same formation with the cerebral cortex and the lymbic system. It was established that beta-adrenergic blockers after their local application in MSF could inhibit its function. The data from the effect on the induced bioelectrical activity indicated also diminution in the functional activity of MSF. The authors found that the inhibiting influences of beta-blockers were abolished by their antagonist isoprenalite. An inference is made that there are beta-adrenergic structures, which act excitatory.


[Age-related changes in the content and characteristics of glycosaminoglycans in human aortas]. The vascular wall is rich in glucoseaminglicanes (GAG), which form the basic intercellular substance and determine its multiple functions. Using analytic and chromatographic methods the author examined hexauronic acid (HA), pentoses (P), sulphate groups and various derivatives of GAG (hyaluronic acid (HA), pentoses (P), sulphate groups and various derivatives of GAG (hyaluronic acid (HA), dermatan-sulfate (DS), keratansulfate (KS), chondroitinsulfate (HS), and cheransulfate (HES) in human aorta, obtained from persons at the age of 10 and over 70 years of age. Ten aortas of each group were examined. The studies showed that in the aortas of the adult persons the content of HA, P, HS, KS and sulphate groups was considerably higher than that of the aourtas, obtained form the young persons. There was an impression that the adult factor affected substantialy the qualitative characteristics of GAG--with advancement of age the lenght of polysaccharide chains was shortened and the degree of sulphatation was increased. The accumulation of acid GAG in the aorta of adult persons impaired the metabolism of substances between blood and tissue, which enhanced the infiltration of the blood vessels with lipids and proteins, especialy when there was a blood increase in their content (hyperlipemia, hypercholesterinemia, ect.)


[Beta blockers as psychotropic drugs].

[Beta blockers as psychotropic drugs]. The range of indications for beta blocking substances has extended to various fields of pathology : vascular system, endocrinology... The discovery of some of their side effects give good reasons to try to find out whether they should have a place in psychopharmacotherapy and wheter they could meet its present requirements.  The initial target symptoms were anxiety--which, being polymorphous, can be, at various degrees, reactionnal to obviously stressing surroundings, but which is also implied by structural distortions of personality--and psychosomatic manifestations. If their site of actions was initially thought peripherical, it now seems that their action is also central, genuinely psychotropic, anxiolytic, and non sedative, psychoanaleptic and, at the same time, stimulating and increasing the level of attention (we have observed in some cases a reduction of sleep time)--thymoanaleptic, increasing the incitement to action. On the other hand, they quiet certain excitation states caused by appearence of badly controled anxieties. This study contains three series of experiments conceived with a similar methodology.


Nuclear 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3alphaOHD) activity for 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone in the rat prostate. The in vitro examination of adult male rat prostatic 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3alphaOHD) activity using 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone4 as substrate indicates that significant levels of enzyme activity are associated with purified nuclei as well as with the cytosol fractions. Both the purified nuclear and the cytosol fractions exhibited higher levels of 3alphaOHD activity with NADH than with NADPH. The pH activity curves for the NADH and NADPH catalyzed reactions were different for both the nuclear and cytosol fractions. The results suggest the presence of a number of 3alphaOHD enzymes in rat prostate.


Inhibition of pancreatic islet monoamine oxidase by adrenergic antagonists and ethanol. Although the alpha-adrenergic antagonist phentolamine potentiates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion of intact animals, it either does not alter, or it inhibits in vitro insulin secretion. This may be because in the higher concentration used in in vitro studies, phentolamine exerts a second pharmacological effect that counterbalances its primary effect of blocking monoamine action. We recently demonstrated that pancreatic islets contain substantial amounts of monoamine oxidase (MAO), and that MAO inhibitors such as iproniazid and tranylcypromine can alter insulin secretion. In the present study, we determined if other drugs that affect insulin secretion, alter the MAO activity of homogenates of rabbit pancreatic islets (collagenase technique) or liver. Phentolamine, phenoxybenzamine and propranolol (10 muM and 100 muM) inhibit islet and hepatic MAO. Haloperidol (10muM) inhibits hepatic but not islet MAO, while haloperidol (10muM) does not inhibit MAO in either tissue. Ethanol (270 to 2.7mM) inhibits islet MAO. Hepatic MAO is inhibited by high (270 to 180mM) but not by low (27 to 2.7mM) concentrations of ethanol. Collagenase digestion does not increase the sensitivity of islet and liver MAO to inhibition by phentolamine or ethanol. In the absence of added monoamines, phentolamine and phenoxybenzamine do not alter basal or glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from rabbit pancreas. Preincubation of rabbit pancreas with the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) increases the beta cell serotonin content and inhibits glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Alpha adrenergic antagonists not only fail to block, but actually potentiate the serotonin inhibition of insulin secretion. We conclude that inhibition of islet MAO may cause an increase in islet monoamine content and these monoamines may alter in vitro insulin secretion. One mechanism through which adrenergic antagonists and ethanol modify in vitro insulin secretion may be by inhibiting pancreatic islet MAO.


Distribution of releasing factors, biogenic amines, and related enzymes in the bovine median eminence. The bovine median eminence was dissected into eight different subdivisions: rostral, anterior internal, anterior external, middle external medial, middle external lateral, middle internal medial, middle internal lateral, and caudal. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) was found in the highest concentrations in the middle external medial and lateral subdivisions; luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) was concentrated in the middle external lateral and anterior internal subdivisions. Among the various neurotransmitters and enzymes assayed, only dopamine and choline acetyltransferase were present in highest concentrations in the same subdivisions of the bovine median eminence found to be rich in TRH and LHRH. The distributions of norepinephrine, dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, serotonin, tryptophan hydroxylase, phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase, glutamic acid decarboxylase, and histamine appeared to correlate poorly with the major distributions of TRH and LHRH. These findings suggest that at the level of the median eminence, central neuroendocrine regulation of TRH and LHRH release may involve an interaction only with dopamine and acetylcholine.


The effects of neurally active amino acids on prolactin secretion. Several neurally active amino acids were injected into the third ventricle of anesthetized male rats. Two or eight mumole of GABA produced significant increases in the plasma concentrations of prolactin (PRL), indicating increased PRL release from the pituitary. Two mumole of glycine was also effective in elevating PRL levels. The intraventricular injection of the lowest dose of GABA (1.0 mumole), glutamate (0.4 or 2.3 mumole), lysine (0.2 or 2.0 mumole), or 0.9% NaCl did not alter PRL levels significantly. Plasma PRL concentrations did not increase following the injection of GABA or glycine directly into the anterior pituitary gland. The results suggest that GABA and glycine may play a role in the neural regulation of PRL secretion.


Determination of D-3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase in mouse pancreatic islets with a photokinetic technique using bacterial luciferase. A sensitive assay for d-3hydroxybutrate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.30) was developed for use with the minute amounts of material obtained from islets of Langerhans microdissected from freeze-dried pancreatic sections. NADH formed in the enzyme reaction was determined by photokinetic analysis of the luminescence obtained with bacterial luciferase from Achromobacter fishcherii. In this way, accurate determination was obtained with less than 0.1 mug dry weight of islet material. In obese hyperglycemic mice, the islet enzyme had an activity of 4.7 mumoles/min and g dry weight. Optimal enzyme activity was found at pH 8 for the islet enzyme. The enzyme activity was similar in pancreatic islets and acini, while considerably higher activity was found in cardiac muscle, liver and renal cortex. Normal mouse islets showed about equal enzyme activity as the islets from obese hyperglycemic mice.


Human platelet glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Total purification, kinetic studies and relationship with enzyme from other blood cells. Human platelet G-6-PD has been highly purified, to homogeneity, and its kinetic, electrophoretic and immunological characteristics have been studied. Platelet G-6-PD differs from erythrocyte or leukocyte enzymes by an increased Michaelis constant for G-6-P and a slow activity at the acid pHs. By electrofocusing only a main active band (band a) of platelet G-6-PD was found. The incubation at 37 degrees C in the presence of NADP+ and dithiothreitol normalize Km-G-6-P of platelet G-6-PD; the incubation with boiled and ultrafiltered leukemic granulocyte extracts led to an anodisation of G-6-PD active forms, a decrease of the molecular specific activity and a further increase of Km-G-6-P; these last modifications are the same as those undergone by G-6-PD incubated in crude extracts of normal or leukemic granulocytes.


Clinical evaluation of blood lactate levels in equine colic. Blood lactate levels were evaluated in 36 horses (43 cases) presented with colic. A correlation between increasing blood lactate levels and decreasing percentage survival has been shown. An appreciable anion gap was found in 7 of 10 cases analyzed in detail but in each case the entire gap could not be accounted for by lactate alone. Proposals are offered to account for the unmeasured anions. Blood lactate determination is suggested as a prognostic rather than a diagnostic aid for the equine practitioner and should be used to augment other clinical findings in the horse exhibiting colic.


Equine viral encephalitis.

Equine viral encephalitis. The most important neurotropic viral infections of the horse are the arthropod-borne encephalitides. These include Venezuelan encephalitis (VE), eastern encephalitis (EE) and western encephalitis (WE), which are found in the Americas, and Japanese B encephalitis which occurs in the Far East. All the viruses cause encephalitis in man. Between 1969 and 1972 an epidemic of VE occurred in Central America. In 1971 the disease was reported in Texas, where it was brought under control by the vaccination of susceptible horses with an attenuated live virus vaccine and by the reduction of the mosquito population with insecticides sprayed from aircraft. A high titre viraemia occurs with VE virus in the horse and epidemics are maintained by a mosquito/horse cycle; infection of man and other species is incidental. EE and WE have been recognised as separate diseases since 1933 and in the U.S.A. horses are protected by routine vaccination. Epidemics of these diseases are routine vaccination. Epidemics of these diseases are now uncommon. In contrast with VE, both EE and WE viruses are maintained by a bird/mosquito cycle. The viraemia in the horse is generally considered insufficient to infect mosquito vectors; the horse is a "dead end host". Several species of mosquito can act as vectors of VE, WE and EE. The extension of other arthropod-borne diseases to areas originally outside their geographical distribution (e.g. bluetongue in sheep) serves to illustrate the potential of VE, WE and EE to cause disease on other continents.


The threonine-sensitive homoserine dehydrogenase and aspartokinase activities of Escherichia coli K-12. Incubation of the enzyme in alkaline conditions: dissociation and disulfide-bridge formation. Aspartokinase I - homoserine dehydrogenase I from Escherichia coli K-12, a homotetrameric enzyme, dissociates into dimers upon alkaline treatment. Both aspartokinase and homoserine dehydrogenase inactivation, as well as desensitazion towards L-threonine, occur in a multi-step process. Dithiothreitol stabilizes a dimeric form retaining full activity and sensitivity; L-homoserine stabilizing another dimeric form devoid of aspartokinase activity and retaining a substantial dehydrogenase activity insensitive toward L-threonine. A model is proposed showing that dissociation into dimers occurs in a first step, the resulting dimer losing both aspartokinase and homoserine dehydrogenase sensitivity in two subsequent steps involving the formation of intrachain disulfide bonds.


A calorimetric study of the CO Bohr effect of monomeric haemoglobins. A calorimetric study has been made of the heats of CO reaction with the monomeric haemoglobins of Chironomus thummi thummi III and IV as a function of pH. The number of Bohr protons released at pH 7.1 was determined from heats of reaction in different buffers as 0.19 and 0.31 mol H+/mol CO for haemoglobin III and IV respectively. The heat of the Bohr ionization process was found to be 6 and 8 kcal/mol H+ (25 and 34 kJ/mol) for the haemoglobins III and IV. These values are consistent with values found for histidine groups. A pH-independent part of the reaction enthalpy was determined as - 19.7 kcal/mol CO (-82.4 kJ/mol). The same reaction with myoglobin is less exothermic. From the combination of deltaG0 and deltaH0 values TdeltaS0 values have been calculated. It was found for both haemoglobins that the entropy of reaction is greater by 2 cal K-1 mol-1 (8.4 JK-1 mol-1) at pH 9.5 as compared to pH 6.0.


Conformational studies of two non-histone chromosomal proteins and their interactions with DNA. The conformational properties of two non-histone chromosomal proteins (high-mobility-group proteins 1 and 2) have been studied by spectroscopic methods. The interaction of high-mobility-group protein 1 with DNA has also been studied. 1. Circular dichroism results indicate that in the presence of salt both proteins are 40-50% helical between pH 1 and 9. Above pH 9 denaturation takes place. In the absence of salt the proteins denature below pH 4. 2. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra show the presence of ring-current shifted peaks and perturbed aromatic resonances, demonstrating that the helix formation is accompanied by specific tertiary folding. 3. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of compelxes between high mobility group protein 1 and DNA demonstrate that a low ionic strength a portion of the molecule rich in lysine and containing all the aromatic residues is bound to DNA, whilst a more acidic region of the chain remains free from the DNA.


Succinylation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from Bacillus stearothermophilus. A reactive threonine residue in the apoenzyme. 1. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from bacillus stearothermophilus can be extensively succinylated in the presence of substrates and coenzyme without appreciable loss of activity. 2. The apoenzyme in the absence of substrates is rapidly inhibited by small amounts of succinic anhydride. NAD+, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and inorganic phosphate all afford protection from inhibition, and inhibition is slowly reversed in the presence of pyrophosphate at pH 8.5. 3. Kinetic and spectral studies have shown that the specific inhibition is associated with the succinylation of the aliphatic hydroxyl group of a serine or threonine residue. 4. The residue specifically succinylated has been identified as one of the two threonine residues, most probably Thr-150, adjacent to the activ-site cysteine residue in the primary structure. Its unusual reactivity is discussed in relation to the three-dimensional structure of the enzyme. 5. A second residue, a lysine homologous with Lys-212 in the pig muscle enzyme, can be succinylated in both holoenzyme and apoenzyme with no detectable effect upon the enzymic activity.


Membrane-reversible H+-ATPase from Micrococcus lysodeikticus. Treatment of phosphorylating fragments of bacterial membrane from Micrococcus lysodeikticus with trypsin leads to increase ATPase activity. As a result of this treatment, the membrane fragments acquire the ability to transform the ATP energy into transmembrane difference in potential. Dithiothreitol has a similar effect to that of trypsin on the membrane fragments from M. lysodeikticus. Dicyclohexylcarbodimide inhibits ATPase of the membrane fragments of M. lysodeikticus, and also the ATPase-reaction-coupled generation of membrane potential. It has been suggested that the increased ATPase activity of membranes from M. lysodeikticus during treatment with trypsin and dithiothreitol is connected with the effect of these agents on the protein inhibitor of ATPase.


Active-site-directed inhibition of the plasma-membrane carrier transporting short-chain, neutral amino acids into Trypanosoma brucei. 1. Glycine chloromethyl inhibited the active-transport of L-serine into bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei. 2. Substrates of the short-chain, neutral amino acid transport system (N1), but not of other amino acid transport systems, protected the carrier protein from inhibition. 3. Inhibition was never more than 80% complete. The residual activity might have due to a proportion of N1 carrier active sites which had not reacted with the inhibitor. 4. The inhibition was highly selective for the N1 amino acid transport system. Other amino acid transport systems were not affected and the rate of respiration was only slightly affected. 5. The inhibition was first-order with respect to concentration, indicating that one molecule of the inhibitor reacted with each carrier active-site. 6. The high selectivity of this inhibitor should make it a useful labelling agent during the isolation and purification of the N1 amino acid transport carrier protein(s).


A quantitative model for partition in aqueous multiphase systems. A model for the partition of charged molecules in aqueous multiphase systems has been developed. The partition coefficient of one component, or the overall partition coefficient of a number of components, between two arbitrary phases is expressed in terms of the difference in electrical potential between the phases (due to electrolytes present in the system), the net charges of the partitioned components and their partition coefficients in a (sometimes hypothetical) uncharged state. The fraction of material in one phase has also been described as a function of the net charges of the partitioned components. The model fits well to experimental data for partition of chromate, pyridine, ribonuclease A, two types of CO-hemoglobin and an enzyme mixture (yeast lysate) in three-phase systems consisting of poly(ethylene glycol), dextran, Ficoll and water. Minor deviations from the model are construed to be a pH-dependent uptake of ions. The data have also been used to detect differences in solvation of similar proteins, as well as the presence of several forms of some glycolytic enzymes present in yeast lysate.


Lysis of yeast cell walls. Lytic beta-(1 leads to 6)-glucanase from Bacillus circulans WL-12. When grown in a mineral medium with yeast cell walls or yeast glucan as the sole carbon source, Bacillus circulans WL-12 produces wall-lytic enzymes in addition to non-lytic beta-(1 leads to 3) and beta-(1 leads to 6)-glucananases. The lytic enzymes were isolated from the culture liquid by adsorption on insoluble yeast glucan in batch operation. After digestion of the glucan, the mixture of enzymes was chromatographed on hydroxylapatite on which the lytic activity could be resolved into one lytic beta-(1 leads to 6)glucanase and two lytic beta-(1 leads to 3)-glucanase was further purified by chromatography over diethylamino-ehtyl-agarose and carboxymethyl cellulose. Its specific activity on pustulan was 6.2 units per mg of protein. The enzyme moved as a single protein with a molecular weight of 54000 during sodium dodecylsulphate electrophoresis in slab gels. Hydrolysis of pustulan went thorugh a series of oligosaccharides, leading to a mixture of gentiotriose, gentiobiose and glucose. The enzyme also produced small amounts of gentiobiose from laminarin and pachyman and on this basis its lytic activity on yeast cell walls,was attribut beta-(1 leads to 3)-linked oligosaccharides were not detected. The lytic beta-(1 leads to 6)-glucanase has an optimum pH of 6.0. Pustulan hydrolysis followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics. A Km of 0.29 mg pustulan per ml and a V of 9.1 micro-equivalents of glucose released/min per mg of enzyme were calculated. The enzyme has no metal ion requirement. The lytic beta-(1 leads to 6)-glucanase differs in essence from the non-lytic beta-(1 leads to 6)-glucanase of the same organism by its positive action on yeast cell walls and yeast glucan and its much lower specific activity on soluble pustulan.


Lysis of yeast cell walls. Lytic beta-(1 leads to 3)-glucanases from Bacillus circulans WL-12. Bacillus circulans WL-12 when grown in a mineral medium with yeast cell walls or yeast glucan as the soli carbon source, produced five beta-glucanases. Two beta-(1 leads to 3)-glucanases (I and II), which are lytic to yeast cell walls, were isolated from the culture liquid by batch adsorption on yeast glucan, and separated by chromatography on hydroxylapatite. Lytic beta-(1 leads to 3)-glucanase I was further purified by carboxymethylcellulose chromatography. The specific activity of lytic beta-(1 leads to 3)-glucanase I on laminarin was 4.1 U per mg of protein. The enzyme moved as a single protein with a molecular weight of 40000 during sodium dodecylsulfate electrophoresis in slab gels. It was specific for the beta-(1 leads to 3)-glucosidic bond but the enzyme did not hydrolyze laminaribiose. Hydrolysis of laminarin went through a series of oligosaccharides, and laminaribiose and glucose accumulated till the end of the reaction. A small amount of gentibiose was also produced from laminarin. Products from yeast cell walls and yeast glucan included laminaripentaose, laminaritriose, laminaribiose, glucose and gentiobiose, but no laminaritetraose was detected. This glucanase has an optimum pH of 5.5.


Algal glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Pyridine-nucleotide requirements of two enzymes purified from Scenedesmus obliquus. Two enzymes with glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity have been purified from heterotrophically grown Scenedesmus obliquus by ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The D-enzyme has a molecular weight of 550000 and a VNADH: VNADPH ratio of 16 whereas the T-enzyme has a molecular weight of 140000 and a VNADH:VNADPH ratio of 0.15. The two enzymes, however, are very similar with regard to their Michaelis constants for the reduced pyridine nucleotides, pH optimum, subunit size and ultraviolet absorption.


Multiple forms of cyclohexanone oxygenase from Nocardia globerula CL1. The cyclohexanone 1,2-monooxygenase of Nocardia globerula CL1 exists as two electrophoretically distinct forms. These are present in crude cell extracts and are not artifacts of enzyme purification or electrophoresis. They have been separated in mg amounts by preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and shown to have essentially identical kinetic, spectral and physical characteristics. They do differ in pH-activity profile and temperature stability. Whether or not they are conformational isoenzymes or arise by gene duplication and divergent evolution has not been established. Cyclohexanone oxygenase constitutes 8% of the soluble protein of induced cells. This high level would correlate well with the presence of duplicate genes. It is proposed that the presence of a large amount of cyclohexanone oxygenase may confer an ecological advantage on the organism.


Purification and properties of cyclopentanone oxygenase of Pseudomonas NCIB 9872. 1. Cyclopentanone oxygenase from Pseudomonas NCIB 9872 has been purified some 40-fold. It gives a single peak in the ultracentrifuge and a single major protein band on polyacrylamide gels contaminated with about 5% of a slower migrating impurity. Flavin dissociates from the protein during electrophoresis. 2. The enzyme has a molecular weight of about 200000 and is a homopolymeric assemblage of either three of four subunits of molecular weight 54000-58000. 3. The prosthetic group is FAD and values of about 2.5 are typically obtained for the number of moles bound to each mole of holoenzyme. Some FAD probably dissociates during purification and it seems likely that each subunit binds one FAD in the undamaged protein.


Purification and properties of a methanol-oxidizing enzyme in Pseudomonas C. A methanol-oxidizing enzyme has been purified from Pseudomonas C, grown on methanol as a sole source for carbon and energy. The purification procedure involved ammonium sulphate precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration and resulted in a yield of 35.4%. Enzyme activity can be coupled to phenazine methosulfate and requires the presence of ammonium ions in the assay mixtures. The enzymes possesses a broad specificity for primary alcohols. Formaldehyde is also oxidized by the purified enzyme. The Km value for methanol is 15 muM. The optimum pH for the oxidation of both methanol and formaldehyde is about 10.4. The enzyme has a molecular weight of about 128000 and consists of two subunits each having a molecular weight of 60000.


Temperature-dependent change in rate-limiting step of the magnesium-stimulated ITPase of myosin. The effects of temperature on Mg-ITPase activity of heavy meromyosin and myosin subfragment 1 were measured in 0.1 M KC1. The initial burst of Pi liberation was one mol per mol of heavy meromyosin or two mol of myosin subfragment 1, i.e. one mol per two mol of myosin active sites, at 20 degrees C. However, it was almost zero mol below 8degrees C. Effects of KC1 concentration and pH on ITPase activity of heavy meromyosin at 20 degrees C were different from those below 8 degrees C, suggesting that the rate-limiting step in the Mg-ITP hydrolysis of myosin depends on temperature. The effect of temperature on the actin activation of heavy meromyosin Mg-ITPase was analyzed by measuring the temperature dependence of double-reciprocal plots of ITPase activity against actin concentration. The extent of actin activation was larger at low temperture. The results presented in this paper might be explained by assuming the existence of two kinds of active sites on a myosin molecule.


Nuclear-magnetic-resonance study of the active-site structure of yeast phosphoglycerate kinase. The enzyme 3-phosphoglycerate kinase from yeast has been studied by observation of the proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum at 270 MHz using Fourier transform techniques. Difference spectroscopy was used to enhance the resolution and to identify specific ligand binding effects and conformational changes. Perturbations involving single protons of amino-acid residues could thus be detected despite the relatively high molecular weight of the protein (47000), particularly in the aromatic (6-9 ppm) and methylene (2-3 ppm) regions of the spectrum.


Fluroescence of proteins in 6-M guanidine hydrochloride. A method for the quantitative determination of tryptophan. To determine the tryptophan content in proteins,an analytical ultraviolet fluroescence method is proposed based on making uniform the environment of aromatic chromophores in 6-7 M guanidine hydrochloride. The fluorescence intensity scale is calibrated using standard solutions of free tryptophan. A correlation coefficient between the fluorescence of protein tryptophanyl residues and of free tryptophan was estimated in testing 17 well characterized proteins. This method is particularly suited to proteins carrying groups absorbing in the 290-370 nm region, such as flavin, heme and pyridoxal phosphate and in the presence of substances such as 2-mercaptoethanol which prohibit the use of the spectroscopic or magnetic circular dichroism methods. It is less time-consuming than techniques requiring hydrolysis or chemical reactions.


An extracellular aminopeptidase from Clostridium histolyticum. An aminopeptidase was isolated from the culture filtrate of Clostridium histolyticum and purified to homogeneity. Absence of endopeptidase activity in the purified preparation was demonstrated. Gel filtration on a calibrated column indicates an apparent molecular weight of 340000 for the native enzyme. Gel electrophoresis of the denatured enzyme in the presence of dodecylsulfate in constant acrylamide concentration and in a concentration gradient, resulted in the appearance of a single component for which a molecular weight of 51000 and 59000 respectively, was calculated. From mobilities of crosslinked and denatured protein species a molecular weight of 56000 was obtained for the monomer. Specificity studies show that the enzyme cleaves all types of N-terminel amino acid residues including proline and hydroxyproline from small peptides and from polypeptides. The peptide bond formed between an N-terminal amino acid residue and proline is not cleaved by the enzyme. The combined action of aminopeptidase-P and clostridal aminopeptidase leads to complete hydrolysis of the proline-rich nonapeptide bradykinin. Low rates of hydrolysis was observed for charged residues, and amides of amino acids. Kinetic studies with five tripeptides of the general structure X-Gly-Gly, where X stands for Leu, Phe, Val, Ala, or Pro, show a decrease in Km with the increasing size of the hydrophobic side chain of X. The highest Kcat values are observed with proline and alanine. In the series Pro-Gly, Pro-Gly-Pro, Pro-Gly-Pro-Pro, the last peptide is the best substrate, indicating an active site complementary to at least four amino acid residues. The enzymatic activity is dependent on the presence of divalent cations, maximal activation being reached with Mn2+ and Co2+. The optimal pH for the Mn2+ and Co2+- activated enzyme is 8.6 and 8.2 respectively. The optimal temperature is 40 degrees C. Inhibition of the aminopeptidase was achieved with Zn2+, Cu2+ and p-mercuribenzoate, but not with diisopropylphosphofluoridate.


Ornithine carbamoyltransferase from Escherichia coli W. Purification, structure and steady-state kinetic analysis. Ornithine carbamoyltransferase from Escherichia coli W was purified to homogeneity. The enzyme has a molecular weight of 105000. It is composed of three apparently identical subunits with molecular weights of 35000. The mechanism of the ornithine carbamoyltransferase enzyme system from E. coli W was investigated kinetically by using the approach of product inhibition and dead-end inhibition of both forward and reverse reactions. On the basis of the kinetic data and binding studies it appears that the mechanism of the reaction involves a compulsory sequence of substrate binding to the enzyme, in which carbamoylphosphate is the first substrate to bind to the enzyme and phosphate the last product to be released. The same studies also indicate that the mechanism involves dead-end complexes. The reaction mechanism appears consistent with that proposed by Theorell and Chance. Values have been determined for the Michaelis and dissociation constants involved in the combination of each reactant with the enzyme. Comparison of the values for the kinetic constants which are common to both forward and reverse reaction have shown that they are always of a comparable magnitude.