Biosynthesis of spin-labeled peptidoglycan: spin-spin interactions. Membrane preparations from Gaffkya homari catalyzed the in vitro biosynthesis of soluble uncross-linked spin-labeled peptidoglycan, a uniformly labeled polynitroxide, from the spin-labeled nucleotide UDP-MurNAc-Ala-DGlu-Lys(Nepsilon-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-1-pyrrolin-1-oxyl-3-carbonyl)-DAla-DAla (I) and UDP-GlcNAc. Soluble spin-labeled peptidoglycan was separated from membrane fragments and its spin-labeled precursor by centrifugation and gel filtration. The molecular weight distribution of the polymer was examined by agarose gel filtration. Spin-labeled [14C]peptidoglycan was polydisperse with a peak of radioactivity corresponding to a molecular weight of 5.0 X 10(5). The electron spin resonance spectrum of spin-labeled peptidoglycan was extensively broadened by spin-spin exchange interactions. These interactions were modified by changes in temperature, reduction by ascorbate, hydrolysis by lysozyme, and complexation with the antibiotic, vancomycin. Spin-spin exchange was reduced or eliminated in spin-labeled peptidoglycan by the random reduction of free radicals by ascorbate. A rotational correlation time of 0.37 ns was calculated for the probe in partially reduced spin-labeled peptidoglycan. This compares to a correlation time of 0.13 ns for the substrate (I). Raising the temperature increases spin-spin exchange line broadening. No transition points were observed for spin-labeled peptidoglycan as measured by this method. Degradati on of spin-labeled peptidoglycan by lysozyme eliminated the observed spin-spin exchange and yielded products with a mobility similar to I. Complexation of spin-labeled peptidoglycan with vancomycin resulted in both pronounced free-radical immobilization and a decrease in spin-spin exchange. The exchange effects are consistent with distance measurements in molecular models for peptidoglycan.


Affinity labeling of rabbit muscle pyruvate kinase by 5'-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyladenosine. Rabbit muscle pyruvate kinase is irreversibly inactivated upon incubation with the adenine nucleotide analogue, 5'-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyladenosine. A plot of the time dependence of the logarithm of the enzymatic activity at a given time divided by the initial enzymatic activity(logE/Eo) reveals a biphasic rate of inactivation, which is consistent with a rapid reaction to form partially active enzyme having 54% of the original activity, followed by a slower reaction to yield totally inert enzyme. In addition to the pyruvate kinase activity of the enzyme, modification with 5'-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyladenosine also disrupts its ability to catalyze the decarboxylation of oxaloacetate and the ATP-dependent enolization of pyruvate. In correspondence with the time dependence of inactivation, the rate of incorporation of 5'-p-[14C]fluorosulfonylbenzoyladenosine is also biphasic. Two moles of reagent per mole of enzyme subunit are bound when the enzyme is completely inactive. The pseudo-first-order rate constant for the rapid rate is linearly dependent on reagent concentration, whereas the constant for the slow rate exhibits saturation kinetics, suggesting that the reagent binds reversibly to the second site prior to modification. The adenosine moiety is essential for the effectiveness of 5'-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyladenosine, since p-fluorosulfonylbenzoic acid does not inactivate pyruvate kinase at a significant rate. Thus, the reaction of 5'-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyladenosine with pyruvate kinase exhibits several of the characteristics of affinity labeling of the enzyme. Protection against inactivation by 5'-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyladenosine is provided by the addition to the incubation mixture of phosphoenolpyruvate. Mg-ADP or Mg2+. In contrast, the addition of pyruvate, Mg-ATP, or ADP and ATP alone has no effect on the rate of inactivation. These observations are consistent with the postulate that the 5'-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyladenosine specifically labels amino acid residues in the binding region of Mg2+ and the phosphoryl group of phosphoenolpyruvate which is transferred during the catalytic reaction. The rate of inactivation increases with increasing pH, and k1 depends on the unprotonated form of an amino acid residue with pK = 8.5. On the basis of the pH dependence of the reaction of pyruvate kinase with 5'-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyladenosine and the elimination of cysteine residues as possible sites of reaction, it is postulated that lysyl or tyrosyl residues are the most probably candidates for the critical amino acids.


Selective chemical modification of Escherichia coli elongation factor G: butanedione modification of an arginine essential for nucleotide binding. Treatment of Escherichia coli elongation factor G with the arginine reagent, 2,3-butanedione, leads to the inactivation of the enzyme when performed in sodium borate buffers. The inhibition follows pseudo-first-order kinetics until 95% of the activity has been lost and further incubation results in complete inhibiton. Removal of the borate by exhaustive dialysis results in the restoration of approximately 85% of the original activity. The pH dependence of the reaction suggests that the ionization of a group in the protein with a pKa of approximately 8.8 facilitates the reaction with butanedione. A reaction order of 1.01 +/- 0.13 was calculated for the inhibition reaction, indicating that the incorporation of one butanedione per elongation factor G results in the inactivation of the enzyme. The kinetics of inhibition in the presence of GTP indicate that the elongation factor G-GTP complex is refractory to butanedione inhibiton. Elongation factor G which has been partially inactivated by butanedione has the same apparent Km for GTP as does the native enzyme. These results indicate that elongation factor G contains only one essential arginine residue which is reactive with butanedione and that this residue is located at its nucleotide binding site.


Light-activated calcium release from sonicated bovine retinal rod outer segment disks. Calcium trapped within sonicated and resealed bovine rod outer segment disks is released upon light exposure with a stoichiometry of 0.75 +/- 0.05 calcium for each rhodopsin bleached. The amount of calcium liberated is proportional to the amount of bleaching in the range of 20 to 100% bleaching and is relatively insensitive to the internal trapped calcium concentration. The results are obtained using a flow system in which the disk membrane vesicles are adsorbed on glass particle supported by a filter. The external calcium is washed away and subsequent calcium release is monitored by collecting fractions of the effluent before, during, and after light exposure. Disks that are sonicated and allowed to reseal prior to incubation with 45Ca show no change in calcium efflux upon bleaching. The light-activated calcium release is also eliminated if disks sonicated in the presence of 45Ca are treated with a calcium ionophore prior to bleaching. The results demonstrate that the light-released calcium comes from the disks and not from the external disk surface. Lowering temperature to 3--4 degrees C surpresses the light-stimulated release, implicating a transition after the formation of metarhodopsin I in the transport process. The resluts suggest a model for the disk in which each bleached rhodopsin functions as a "one-shot carrier" to transport a single calcium ion across the membrane.


A proton magnetic resonance study of the conformation of methionine-enkephalin as a function of pH. It is found that methionine-enkephalin has at least two different conformations in aqueous solution, one at low and one at high pH. From inspection of titration curves and coupling constant values, it seems reasonable to conclude that these conformations are characterized by a folding so as to bring the two ends of the molecule in close proximity. This behavior parallels that found recently in (CD3)2SO as the solvent. It follows that the Phe-Met region of the molecule constitutes a relatively rigid region, but that the chain possesses flexibility around the first Gly residue. Possible implications of this behavior with respect to the receptor site are discussed.


Proton translocation in chloroplasts and its relationship to electron transport between the photosystems. Using dark adapted isolated spinach chloroplasts and sequences of brief saturating flashes the correlation of the uptake and release of protons with electron transport from Photosystem II to Photosystem I were studied. The following observations and conclusions are reported: (1) Flash-induced proton uptake shows a weak, damped binary oscillation, with maxima occurring after the 2nd, 4th, etc. flashes. The damping factor is comparable to that observed in the O2 flash yield oscillation and therefore explained by misses in Photosystem II. (2) On the average and after a steady state is reached, each flash (i.e. each reduction of Q) induces the uptake of 2H+ from outside the chloroplasts. (3) Flash induced proton release inside the chloroplast membrane shows a strong damped binary oscillation with maximum release occurring also after the 2nd, 4th, etc. flashes. (4) This phenomenon is correlated with the earlier reported binary oscillations of electron transport [2] and shows that both electrons and protons are transported in pairs between the photosystems. (5) In two sequential flashes 4H+ from the outside of the thylakoid and 2e- from water are accumulated at a binding site B. Subsequently, the two electrons are transferred to non-protonated acceptors in Photosystem I (probably plastocyanin and cytochrome f) and the 4H+ are released inside the thylakoid. (6) It is concluded that a primary proton transporting site and/or energy conserving step located between the photosystems is being observed.


Light-depending rubidium transport in intact Halobacterium halobium cells. The uptake of rubidium in intact Halobacterium halobium cells was followed, and found to be light-dependent. The exchange process is slow, the steady-state rate of 86Rb+/Rb+ exchange being given by k. = 6.3 - 10(-4) min-1. Starved cells exhibited a faster rate than unstarved cells. The influx of 86Rb+ was almost completely blocked in the presence of proton conductors (CCCP, FCCP, and SF 6847), and was sensitive to the presence of the permeant cation TPMP+. Valinomycin very slightly increased the rate of uptake, while 1 - 10(-6) M nigericin showed significant inhibition. On the other hand, release of 86Rb+ was not light-dependent, although still affected by uncouplers, TPMP+, and nigericin. These experimental observations may be explained in terms of a passive flux driven by an electrical potential difference, and influenced by positive isotope interaction within the membrane. In carefully matched influx-efflux studies, the extent of the positive isotope interaction was measured. Using the formal treatment of Kedem and Essig, the ratio (exchange resistance)/(resistance to net flow) for 86Rb+ was found to be 1.7.


The pH dependence of the oxidation-reduction midpoint potential of cytochromes c2 in vivo. A recent report by Pettigrew et al. [Biochim, Biophys. Acta 430, (1976), 197-208] has examined the pH dependence of the oxidation-reduction midpoint potential of cytochromes c2 in vitro. In media of low ionic strength, these workers identified several pKs on the oxidized forms of the cytochromes, and in some cases there were also pKs on the reduced species. In this work we examine the pH dependence of the midpoint potentials of the cytochromes in situ, attached to the chromatophore membrane. Under these conditions no pK values are detected, and we conclude that in vivo there is no net change in the protonation of cytochrome c2 during oxidation or reduction.


Acetylation of histones in isolated avian erythroid nuclei. 1. Suspensions of avian erythroid nuclei, of high purity, were prepared. Acetylation of histones was observed when nuclei were incubated in the presence of [1-14C]acetyl CoA, but not in the presence of sodium [3H]acetate. 2. The acetylation reaction was very heat labile and reproduced the in vivo reaction with high fidelity. The reaction was strongly inhibited by divalent cations and cysteine. 3. Studies, in which intact cells were pre-incubated with cycloheximide prior to the isolation of nuclei, suggested that histone acetylation in isolated erythroid nuclei was largely independent of histone synthesis. 4. The pH profile suggested the presence of at least two histone acetyltransferases, with pH optima at 8.0 and 8.6. Acetylation of histone H4 appeared to be favoured at pH 8.0. 5. Studies on histone acetylation in isolated nuclei should be very useful in correlating observations on histone acetylation in vivo, with experiments using purified histone acetyltransferases.


Separation of DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activities in Micrococcus radiodurans. DNA polymerase activities in Micrococcus radiodurans were separated into two fractions after purification more than 2000 fold. They differ in pH optimum and residual activities in the absence of a full deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates complement. NAD partly inhibited one of the activities. Both activities were eluted as a single peak on gel filtration and sedimented at the same rate on glycerol gradient centrifugation. Molecular weight 140000 was calculated from Stokes radius and sedimentation constant. Deoxyribonuclease activity was detected on one of the polymerase activities which preferentially degraded double-stranded DNA. Priming activity of nicked DNA was reduced by gamma-irradiation. These results have been related to the possible rolls in repair synthesis in vivo or DNA synthesis in permeable cells of M. radiodurans.


Iodination-deiodination. A radiochemical method for detection of structure and changes in structure in RNA. Bound iodine is released from radioiodinated nucleotides in polymers exposed to sodium bisulfite. The rate of bisulfite-catalyzed deiodination of pyrimidines can be controlled both by change of temperature of pH and is also dependent on the molecular association of the nucleotide. The rate of release of iodine from iodocytidine in polycytidylate is greater than the rate of elimination from RNA. Experiments testing the influence of base-pairing of the iodopyrimidines in synthetic polynucleotides showed that pairing of the substituted nucleotide protected the iodine bond. The rates of bisulfite-catalyzed deiodination of several radioiodinated RNAs were measured. The action of bisulfite on all single stranded RNAs tested was multiphasic consisting of a rapid early deiodination reaction supplanted by a slower phase which was followed by reacceleration of release. The release of iodine from double stranded RNA and DNA-RNA duplexes was retarded in comparison with the release from ribosomal and messenger RNA fractions. The deiodination profiles of single and double stranded RNA suggested that the intermediate stage iodine release is governed by melting of paired zones of low stability. Late release may result from destablization of the molecule through the addition of bisulfite to the pyrimidine ring or deamination. The effect of several substances expected to complex with polynucleotides was tested. Acridine orange and ethidium bromide increased loss of iodine from ribosomal RNA but slightly decreased elimination from double stranded viral RNA. A basic protein fraction isolated from ribosomal particles accelerated the deiodination of ribosomal RNA. While the destabilization caused by this protein fraction was greater than that caused by an equal amount of albumin, as tested the effect was non-specific. The results show that a change in sensitivity to chemical deiodination may folow the interaction of small amounts of protein with polynucleotides.


The effect of monovalent and divalent cations on the activity of Streptococcus lactis C10 pyruvate kinase. The pyruvate kinase (ATP: pyruvate 2-O-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.40) from Streptococcus lactis C10 had an obligatory requirement for both a monovalent cation and divalent cation. NH+4 and K+ activated the enzyme in a sigmoidal manner (nH =1.55) at similar concentrations, whereas Na+ and Li+ could only weakly activate the enzyme. Of eight divalent cations studied, only three (Co2+, Mg2+ and Mn2+) activated the enzyme. The remaining five divalent cations (Cu2+, Zn2+, Ca2+, Ni2+ and Ba2+) inhibited the Mg2+ activated enzyme to varying degrees. (Cu2+ completely inhibited activity at 0.1 mM while Ba2+, the least potent inhibitor, caused 50% inhibition at 3.2 mM). In the presence of 1 mM fructose 1,6-diphosphate (Fru-1,6-P2) the enzyme showed a different kinetic response to each of the three activating divalent cations. For Co2+, Mn2+ and Mg2+ the Hill interaction coefficients (nH) were 1.6, 1.7 and 2.3 respectively and the respective divalent cation concentrations required for 50% maximum activity were 0.9, 0.46 and 0.9 mM. Only with Mn2+ as the divalent cation was there significatn activity in the absence of Fru-1,6-P2. When Mn2+ replaced Mg2+, the Fru-1,6-P2 activation changed from sigmoidal (nH = 2.0) to hyperbolic (nH = 1.0) kinetics and the Fru-1,6-P2 concentration required for 50% maximum activity decreased from 0.35 to 0.015 mM. The cooperativity of phosphoenolpyruvate binding increased (nH 1.2 to 1.8) and the value of the phosphoenolpyruvate concentration giving half maximal velocity decreased (0.18 to 0.015 mM phosphoenolyruvate) when Mg2+ was replaced by Mn2+ in the presence of 1 mM Fru-1,6-P2. The kinetic response to ADP was not altered significantly when Mn2+ was substituted for Mg2+. The effects of pH on the binding of phosphoenolpyruvate and Fru-1,6-P2 were different depending on whether Mg2+ or Mn2+ was the divalent cation.


Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases of Hyalophora cecropia silkmoth fat body. Two soluble forms of 3':5'-cyclic-nucleotide phosphodiesterase (o':5'-cyclic-nucleotide 5'-nucleotidohydrolase, EC 3.1.4.17) were found in the larval fat body of the silkmoth Hyalophora cecropia. These differ in elution profile on Sephadex G-200, solubility in ammonium sulfate, metal ion requirements and kinetic properties. Phosphodiesterase I has Km values of 11 muM and 1.8 muM for cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, respectively, has 5-fold greater maximal activity with cyclic AMP than with cyclic GMP, and is activated by Mg2+ and Co2+, and inhibited by EDTA. phosphodiesterase II has Km values of 625 muM and 125 muM for cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, respectively, has similar maximal activity with both substrates, and is not activated by divalent metal ions or inhibited by EDTA. Cyclic nucleotides and methylxanthines competitively inhibit both enzymes. Phosphodiesterase is found in both soluble and particulate fractions of homogenates. Total activity is highest during the larval stage of the insect, drops markedly following pupation, and rises again during pharate adult development.


Influence of pH and sodium on the inhibition of guinea-pig heart (Na+ + K+)-ATPase by calcium. The inhibition of guinea-pig heart (Na+ + K+)-ATPase (ATP phosphohydrolase EC 3.6.1.3) by calcium has been studied at pH 7.4, 6.8 and 6.4. 1. A decrease in pH reduced the threshold inhibitory concentration of calcium and the calcium concentration producing an inhibition of 50% of the enzyme activity. 2. Calcium reduced the apparent affinity of the enzyme of Na+, this effect occurred only at pH 7.4. 3. Calcium increased the apparent affinity of the enzyme for K+, this effect was enhanced at acidic pH. 4. Activation of the enzyme by Na+ for a constant Na+ : K+ ratio has been studied at pH 7.4 and at pH 6.8 in the absence and in the presence of 3.10(-4) M Ca 2+; the results of this experiment indicate that Ca2+ effect at pH 7.4 was not influenced by Na+ -- K+ competition and was probably due to a Na+ -- Ca2+ interaction. 5. At pH 7.4, the calcium inhibitory threshold concentration and the concentration producing 50% inhibition were reduced when Na+ was low; at pH 6.8, the calcium inhibition was not markedly modified by the change of Na+ concentration. 6. The Ca2+ -activated ATPase of myosin B which is related to the contractile behaviour of muscle and the Ca2+  -ATPase of the sarcoplasmic reticulum which is related to the ability of this structure to accumulate calcium were activated in a range of calcium concentration producing an inhibition of (Na2+ + K+) -ATPase. The present results indicate that the increase by acidity of the (Na2+ + K+) -ATPase sensitivity to calcium might be due to a suppression of a Na+ -Ca2+ interaction. On the basis of these observations, it is proposed that calcium might inhibit the Na+ -pump during the repolarization phase of the action potential and that, by this effect, it might control cell excitability.


Mn2+-sensitive, soluble adenylate cyclase in rat testis. Differentiation from other testicular nucleotide cyclases. In subcellular fractions prepared from homogenate of adult rat testis adenylate cyclase (ATP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.1) activity was found in the particulate, primarily 600 X g for 10 min, fractions, as well as in the cytosol. The properties of the adenylate cyclase in the cytosol differs substantially from the adenylate cyclase system associated with the 600 X g for 10 min particulate fraction. The cytosol enzyme, in contrast to the particulate adenylate cyclase, was found to be fluoride- and gonadotropin hormone-insensitive. The cytosol adenylate cyclase appears to be located in the germ cell while the particulate enzyme system in the non-germ cell component of the seminiferous tubules, The cytosol adenylate cyclase was found to be distinct also from the guanylate cyclase present in the rat testis cytosol. The adenylate cyclase appears to be located in the germ cell component while the guanylate cyclase, in the non-germ cell tubular component. Furthermore, it was found that the cytosol guanylate cyclase develops at an earlier stage of spermatogenesis, and precedes the development of the cytosol adenylate cyclase.


Sulphur metabolism in Paracoccus denitrificans. Purification, properties and regulation of serine transacetylase, O-acetylserine sulphydrylase and beta-cystathionase. 1. Serine transacetylase, O-acetylserine sulphydrylase and beta-cystathionase were purified from Paracoccus denitrificans strain 8944. 2. Serin transacetylase was purified 150-fold. The enzyme has a pH optimum between 7.5 and 8.0, is specific for L-serine and is inhibited by sulphydryl-group reagents. The apparent Km values for serine and acetyl-CoA are 4.0 - 10(-4) and 1.0 - 10(-4) M, respectively. Serine transacetylase is strongly inhibited by cysteine. 3. O-Acetylserine sulphydrylase was purified 450-fold. The enzymes has a sharp pH optimum at pH 7.5. In addition to catalysing the synthesis of cysteine, O-acetylserine sulphydrylase catalyses the synthesis of selenocysteine from O-acetylserine and selenide. The Km values for sulphide and O-acetylserine are 2.7 - 10(-3) and 1.25 - 10(-3) M, respectively. The enzyme was stimulated by pyridoxal phosphate and was inhibited by cystathionine, homocysteine and methionine. 4. beta-Cystathionase was purified approx. 50-fold. beta-Cystathionase has a pH optimum between pH 9.0 and 9.5, is sensitive to sulphydryl-group reagents, required pyridoxal phosphate for maximum activity and has an apparent Km for cystathionine of 4.2 - 10 (-3) M. beta-Cystathionase also catalyses the release of keto acid from lanthionine, djenkolic acid and cystine. Cysteine, O-acetylserine, homocysteine and glutathione strongly inhibit beta-cystathionase activity and homocysteine and methionine represses enzyme activity. 5. O-Acetylserine lyase was identified in crude extracts of Paracoccus denitrificans. The enzyme is specific  for O-acetyl-L-serine, requires pyridoxal phosphate and is inhibied by KCN and hydroxylamine. The enzyme has a high Km value for O-acetylserine (50--100 mM).


Sulphur metabolism in Paracoccus denitrificans. Purification, properties and regulation of cysteinyl-and methionyl-tRNA synthetase. Cysteinyl- and methionyl-tRNA synthetases (EC 6.11.-) were purified 1200- and 1000-fold, respectively, from sonic extracts of Paracoccus denitrificans strain 8944, and kinetics, substrate specificity and regulatory properties were determined using the ATP-PPi exchange reaction. Both enzymes had pH optima of approx. 8 and were inhibited by sulphydryl-group reagents. Cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase catalysed L-selenocysteine- and alpha-aminobutyric acid-dependent ATP-PPi exchange and methionyl-tRNA synthetase catalysed L-homocysteine-, L-selenomethionine- and norleucine-dependent ATP-PPi exchange. Both enzymes were inhibited by O-acetylserine. Cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase activity was stimulated by methionine and methionyl-tRNA synthetase activity was stimulated by sulphide, cysteine, and cysteic acid.


The rate of reaction between cytochrome C peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide is not diffusion limited. The apparent biomolecular rate constant for the cytochrome C peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.5)-hydrogen peroxide reaction has been measured as a function of temperature between 5 and 25 degree C at pH 4,5.5, and 7 and as a function of viscosity over a fifteen-fold range. From the independence of the rate constant on the viscosity, it is concluded that the reaction is not diffusion limited.


L-glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from the insect Ceratitis capitata. Purfication, physicochemical and enzymic properties. Soluble L-glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (sn-glycerol-3-phosphate: NAD+ 2-oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.8) from the mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata has been purified 130-fold with an overall yield of about 40%. The final preparation had a specific activity of about 200 mumol NADH/min/mg protein. The enzyme preparation has been shown to be homogeneous throughout disc gel electrophoresis, dodecyl sulphate gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing and ultracentrifugation. The Km values for dihydroxyacetone phosphate, NADH, L-glycerol-3-phosphate and NAD+ were respectively 0.33, 0.018, 0.74 and 0.26 mM. L-glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from the insect had a maximal activity around pH 6.6 for the oxidation of NADH and pH 10.0 for the reduction of NAD+. It was stable from pH 6.0 to pH 9.0 at 20 degrees C for 1 h and remained active after incubating at 30 degrees C for 30 min at pH 6.6. The enzyme was completely inactivated by incubating at 60 degrees C for 5 min. Enzyme stability versus ionic strength as well as the dependence of the reaction velocity on temperature are also reported. The active enzyme was found to have a minimum molecular weight of approx. 63 000. Molecular weight determinations by sodium dodecyl sulphate gel electrophoresis gave subunit weights of 33 500. The isoelectric point of the protein was determined by electrofocusing and found to be 5.75 +/- 0.05. The extinction coefficient at 278 nm was calculated by dry weight measurements to be E1cm 1mg/ml = 0.42 +/- 0.1. Sedimentation velocity studies on ultracentrifuge indicated a dependence of the sedimentation coefficient on the enzyme concentration. The amino acid composition of the enzyme was determined. The protein has no free N-terminal residue and the digestion with carboxypeptidases gave the C-terminal sequence: -ala-gly-ser. All these data are discussed in relation to the properties of the enzyme from other sources.


Presence and properties of thymidylate synthase in trypanosomatids. High speed centrifugal supernatant fractions of homogenates of a number of trypanosomatids were assayed for thymidylate synthase (5,10-methylene-tetrahydrofolate: dUMP C-methyltransferase, EC 2.1.1.45) activity using the method of Lomax and Greenberg (1967) J. Biol. Chem. 242, 109-113). Similar activities were detected in Crithidia fasciculata, Crithidia oncopelti, the blood forms of Trypanosoma brucei, Trypansoma congolense and Trypanosoma lewisi and the blood, intracellular and culture forms of Trypanosoma cruzi, suggesting that all species synthesize at least some thymidylate de novo. The properties of the activities in C. fasciculata and the three forms of T. cruzi were compared with those of the isofunctional bacterial and mammalian enzymes. The trypanosotamid enzyme was inhibited by Mg2+, was much more sensitive to mercaptoethanol, had higher apparent Km values for substrate (dUMP) and cofactor (tetrahydrofolate), had a higher apparent molecular weight and was markedly more sensitive to inhibition by suramin. It is, therefore a possible target for chemotherapeutic attack, either on its own or in combination with a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor. No evidence was obtained for the regulation of the trypanosomatid enzyme, either by its product, dTMP, or by dTDP or dTTp. This result agrees with previous studies which suggested that in trypanosomatids, the level of dTMP was regulated, at least in part, by a catabolic pathway consisting of a thymidylate phosphatase and a thymidine phosphorylase which degraded the excess of dTMP to thymine.


A microacalorimetric study of the interaction between trypsin and sodium n-dodecyl sulphate. 1. The binding of sodium n-dodecyl sulphate to trypsin and reduced trypsin has been measured by equilibrium dialysis at pH 3.5 and 5.5. 2. At pH 3.5 trypsin specifically binds surfactant at low concentration, at higher concentrations co-operative binding occurs. 3. Reduction of trypsin destroys the specific binding sites at pH 3.5. 4. At pH 5.5 both trypsin and reduced trypsin show only co-operative binding. 5. The interaction of sodium n-dodecyl sulphate with trypsin, reduced, inhibited, and thermally denatured trypsins has been studied by microcalorimetry at 25 degrees C. 6. The microcalorimetric measurements have been used to estimate enthalpy changes (deltaHd) on unfolding of trypsin; deltaHd = 82 +/- 5 kJ-mol-1 at pH 3.5 and 128 +/- 5 kJ-mol-1 at pH 5.5. 7. The unfolding of trypsin follows a different thermochemical pathway to that of reduced trypsin.


Modification of amino acids and bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A by kethoxal. Kethoxal (3-ethoxy-2-ketobutanal) reacts with the guanidino group of Nalpha-acetylarginine to produce four derivatives, reactive to periodate, stable at pH 7, with 15% reverting to arginine on acid hydrolysis. Other amino acids with blocked alpha-amino groups do not react, except the epsilon-amino of lysine (slowly). The pK of the mixed Kethoxal-Nalpha-acetylarginine derivatives is 5.8-6.1. Kethoxal reacts at neutral pH with arginyl residues of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A. In the presence of an active-site ligand, arginine-39 and arginine-85 react at about equal rates. The loss of enzymic activity at pH 7 is proportional to the combined loss of these residues. The enzymic activity toward RNA is 20-25% of that of native RNAase at pH 7, and 90-100% at pH 5. In the absence of an active site ligand, arginine-10 is also modified with the loss of almost all enzymic activity, although arginine-10 is not an active-site residue. Arginine-33 is unreactive. Kethoxal-modified RNAase undergoes cross-linking in solution at pH 7 or in the freeze-dried state, Incubation at pH 9 in the presence of homoarginine results in partial regeneration of arginyl residues and activity at pH 7. Kethoxal modification of arginines-39 and -85 appears to raise the pK of lysine-41 by about 1 unit, as indicated ty the pH dependence of arylation by 2-carboxy-4,6-dinitrochlorobenzene. The claims of Patthy and Smith (J. Biol, Chem. (1975) 250, 565-569), and of Takahashi (J. Biol. Chem. (1968) 243, 6171-6179) that arginine-39 is a more important functional residue than is arginine-85 are questioned.


Low pH stability of alpha-1-antititrypsin. According to the previous findings of others, the trypsin inhibitory capacity of alpha-1-antitrypsin is irreversibly lost in acidic solutions below pH 5.0. In contrast, experiments reported herein show that considerable inhibitory activity can be regenerated as a time-dependent phenomena following titration to basic media. The rate of recovery of activity is accompanied by a decreasing amplitude in the fluorescent emission spectrum at 335 nm of acidified alpha-1-antitrypsin solutions following adjustment to pH 8.0. Acidic media also results in the slow, progressive formation of protein aggregates as measured using Sephadex gel filtration. This latter process is more prominent at pH 4.0, near the isoelectric point of alpha-1-antitrypsin than at pH 3 or 2. Both monomer and polymeric forms of alpha-1-antititrypsin were isolated before or after adjustment to basic media. Isolated monomeric material shows a high recovery of biological and immunological activity; aggregate forms, however, are immunologically cross-reactive but show little enzyme inhibitory activity.


The subunit characterization of Callinectes sapidus hemocyanin. Hemocyanin from the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, sediments at 25.7 S and has a native molecular weight of 940 000 +/- 20 000. Under solution conditions of increased pH (approximately 10) or ionic strength, the native molecule dissociates to a 17 S species. Reversal of this dissociation was unsuccessful. At pH 10 and with the removal of Mg2+, the 17 S species reversibly dissociates to form a subunit species which sediments at 6 S. A comparison of the circular dichroic spectra of the 25.7 S and 6 S hemocyanins suggests that little happens to the structural integrity of the polypeptide backbone upon the two dissociations. Molecular weight estimations under reducing and denaturing conditions indicate that the 6 S hemocyanin species represents the constituent polypeptide chain of the protein molecule. Chemical analysis suggests the presence of a small amount, less than 3%, of carbohydrate bound to the polypeptide chain. Electrophoresis of the hemocyanin in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate or urea reveals two major electrophoretic species of either slightly different chemical composition or slightly different polypeptide chain length.


Heterogeneity in alpha-lactalbumins. I. Human alpha-lactalbumin. alpha-Lactalbumin from human milk shows an heterogeneous behaviour when subjected to ion exchange chromatography with DEAE-Sephadex. Two components have been separated, showing identical patterns in the following studies: amino acid compositions, fluorescence and circular dichroism spectra, transition temperature of denaturation, antigenicity, lactose synthase specifying activity and hydrodynamic properties. After rechromatography of either peak, these two components appeared to be in equilibrium. This equilibrium varies with the temperature and the pH of chromatography. Moreover, an increase of n-alcohol concentration in the eluting buffer also induces an increase of the second protein peak eluting at higher ionic strength. These two peaks seem to be the result of some conformational change induced upon the binding of the protein to the solid anionic matrix.


Relationship between culture density and catabolite repression of an inducible aliphatic amidase in a thermophilic bacillus. A direct correlation between the absorbance of a thermophilic bacillus and specific amidase activity was observed, which was found to depend on the cell density of the culture rather than on the time of contact of the culture with the inducer. Dilution of high density cultures caused the specific amidase activity to decrease. Environmental factors such as pH, concentration of inducer or degree of aeration, and level of NH+4 and glutamate had no effect on amidase synthesis. The decrease in amidase activity upon dilution could not be ascribed to destruction by oxygen or by inactivation or decay. Several lines of evidence suggest that catabolite repression is responsible for the phenomenon described. Succinate-grown cultures gave a stronger dilution effect thatn glutamate-grown cells. The mutant strain E-21, relatively resistant to catabolite repression, did not show the characteristic dilution effect nor the direct correlation between absorbance and specific amidase activity.


Biosynthesis of dimethyl selenide from sodium selenite in rat liver and kidney cell-free systems. A pathway for the synthesis of dimethyl selenide from sodium selenite was studied in rat liver and kidney fractions under anaerobic conditions in the presence of GSH, a NADPH-generating system, and S-adenosylmethionine. Chromatography of liver or kidney soluble fraction on Sephadex G-75 yielded a Fraction C (30,000 molecular weight) which synthesized dimethyl selenide, but at a low rate. Addition of proteins eluting at the void volume (Fraction A) to Fraction C restored full activity. Fractionation of Fraction A on DEAE-cellulose revealed that its ability to stimulate Fraction C was associated with two fractions, one containing glutathione reductase and the other a NADPH-dependent disulfide reductase. It was concluded that Fraction C contains a methyltransferase acting on small amounts of hydrogen selenide produced non-enzymically by the reaction of selenite with GSH, and that stimulation by Fraction A results partly from the NADPH-linked formation of hydrogen selenide catalyzed by glutathione reductase present in Fraction A. Washed liver microsomal fraction incubated with selenite plus 20 mM GSH also synthesized dimethyl selenide, but addition of soluble fraction stimulated activity. A synergistic effect was obtained when liver soluble fraction was added to microsomal fraction in the presence of a physiological level of GSH (2 mM), whereas at 20 mM GSH the effect was merely additive. The microsomal component of the liver system was labile, had maximal activity around pH 7.5, and was exceedingly sensitive to NaAsO2 (93% inhibition by 10(-6) M arsenite in the presence of a 20,000-fold excess of GSH). The microsomal activity apparently results from a Se-methyltransferase, possibly a dithiol protein, that methylates hydrogen selenide produced enzymically by the soluble fraction or non-enzymically when a sufficiently high concentration of GSH is used.


Cathepsin D of mouse leukemia L1210 cells. Unusual intracellular localization and biochemical properties. Mouse leukemia L1210 cells contain lysosomes, but cathepsin D, a typical lysosomal enzyme, has an unusual localization. After fractionation of homogenates of L1210 cells by isopycnic density gradient centrifugation, most of the activity for all of the acid hydrolases studied, except cathepsin D, is sedimentable and shows a similar density distribution around a peak having a modal density of 1.16. In contrast, much more of the total activity for cathepsin D is not sedimentable, while the sedimentable activity has a distribution around a peak at a higher density of 1.18. After chromatography on Sephadex G-100 of cell extracts, two molecular weight forms of cathepsin D are found. One has an apparent molecular weight of approx. 45,000, similar to rat liver cathepsin D, while the apparent molecular weight of the second form is approx. 95,000. Both forms are 4-5 times more active than rat liver cathepsin D. The high molecular weight L1210 cathepsin D converts to the low molecular weight form with no loss in activity after treatment with beta-mercaptoethanol. In all respects the unusual intracellular localization and molecular weight forms of cathepsin D in mouse leukemia L1210 cells are similar to the situation found for rat thoracic duct lymphocytes.


Specific inhibition of the synthesis of putrescine and spermidine by 1,3-diaminopropane in rat liver in vivo. Chronic administration of 1,3-diaminopropane, a compound inhibiting mammalian ornithine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.17) in vivo, effectively prevented the large increases in the concentration of putrescine that normally occur during rat liver regeneration. Furthermore, repeated injections of diaminopropane depressed by more than 85% ornithine decarboxylase activity in rat kidney. Administration of diaminopropane 60 min before partial hepatectomy only marginally inhibited ornithine decarboxylase activity at 4 h after the operation. However, when the compound was given at the time of the operation (4 h before death), or any time thereafter, it virtually abolished the enhancement in ornithine decarboxylase activity in regenerating rat liver remnant. An injection of diaminopropane given 30 to 60 min after operation, but not earlier or later, depressed S-adenosyl-L-methionine decarboxylase activity (EC 4.1.1.50) 4 h after partial hepatectomy. Diaminopropane likewise inhibited ornithine decarboxylase activity during later periods of liver regeneration. In contrast to early regeneration, a total inhibition of the enzyme activity was only achieved when the injection was given not earlier than 2 to 3 h before the death of the animals. Diaminopropane also exerted an acute inhibitory effect on adenosylmethionine decarboxylase activity in 28-h regenerating liver whereas it invariably enhanced the activity of tyrosine aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.5), used as a standard enzyme of short half-life. Treatment of the rats with diaminopropane entirely abolished the stimulation of spermidien synthesis in vivo from [14C]methionine 4 h after partial hepatectomy or after administration of porcine growth hormone. Both partial hepatectomy and the treatment with growth hormone produced a clear stimulation of hepatic RNA synthesis, the extent of which was not altered by injections of diaminopropane in doses sufficient to prevent any enhancement of ornithine decarboxylase activity and spermidine synthesis.


Electron spin relaxation time of Fe(III) in high spin heme proteins. The electron spin relaxation time of high spin Fe(III), taus, was determined from the frequency dependence (5-100 MHz) of the longitudinal proton relaxation rates of water in solutions of catalase, metmyoglobin and acid ferricytochrome c. In all three high-spin heme proteins the relaxation rates incrased below 25 MHz, while no frequency dependence was observed above that frequency. The results are interpreted by assuming that taus, which modulates the dipolar interaction between the unpaired electrons of the iron and the water protons, is frequently independent. Its value was determined to be (6 +/- 1) - 10(-11) s.


The 5,5-dimethyloxazolidine-2[14C],4-dione distribution technique and the measurement of intracellular pH in Acer pseudoplatanus cells. The intracellular pH of suspension-cultured Acer pseudoplatanus cells, was estimated from the distribution of 5,5-dimethyloxazolidine-2[14C],4-dione (DMO) between the culture medium and the cells. The metabolization of DMO in this biological system introduces an error in the calculated intracellular pH value. Three methods are given to overcome this difficulty and to estimate the equilibrium between intracellular and extracellular DMO molecules. A preliminary study has shown that the intracellular pH remains constant about 6.5 when the extracellular pH increases from 5.6 to 7.3.


The effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine and other indole derivatives on the formation of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate in pigeon erythrocytes. 1. The effect of insulin, acetylcholine, histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and prostaglandins E1, E2 and F2alpha on basal and adrenalin-stimulated cyclic AMP content in intact pigeon erythrocytes was investigated. 2. None of these compounds influenced basal cyclic AMP contest, and only 5-hydroxytryptamine antagonized the effect of adrenalin. The increase in cyclic AMP with 0.55 micronM adrenalin was inhibited by approx. 60% in the presence of 10 muM 5-hydroxytryptamine. The interaction between adrenalin and 5-hydroxytryptamine was competitive. 3. 5-Hydroxytryptamine did not affect the rate of degradation of cyclic AMP in intact cells, but did inhibit adrenalin-stimulated cyclic AMP formation in permeable or resealed cell "ghosts". 4. The effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine to inhibit cyclic AMP accumulation was not dependent on the presence of Ca2+, in either intact cells or "ghosts". 5. Various indole derivatives and other compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit the effect of adrenalin on cyclic AMP accumulation. Only those derivatives with a free amino group and net positive charge in the side chain were effective. 6. It was concluded that 5-hydroxytryptamine inhibits adrenalin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in pigeon erythrocytes, possibly by competing with adrenalin for binding to the beta-adrenergic receptor.


Characteristics of the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases of normal and leukemic lymphocytes. The specific activity of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase and cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase of leukemic lymphocytes was 5-10-fold greater than that of purified normal lymphocytes or of homogenates of spleen, thymus or lymph nodes of normal mice. This rise was demonstrable over a wide range of substrate concentrations. Both normal and leukemic lymphocytes contained a heat-stable, calcium-dependent activator of phosphodiesterase. However, the increased activity of phosphodiesterase in leukemic lymphocytes was not due to this protein activator since (a) phosphodiesterase activity from these cells was not stimulated by this activator and (b) phosphodiesterase activity of leukemic lymphocytes was not inhibited by the calcium chelater, ethylene-glycol-bis,(beta-aminoethylether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid, suggesting that the enzyme was not already maximally activated. A comparison of several other properties of phosphodiesterase from normal and leukemic lymphocytes showed that the enzymes have similar pH optima, similar stabilities to freezing and thawing and similar sensitivities to inhibition by the phosphodiesterase inhibitors, chlorpromazine, papaverine and isobutylmethylxanthine. However, the subcellular distribution of the phosphodiesterases was different, and the phosphodiesterase of leukemic lymphocytes was significantly more resistant to heat than that of normal lymphocytes. Although no differences were found between the phosphodiesterases of normal and leukemic lymphocytes in their sensitivities to drugs, there were marked differences in drug sensitivity between the phosphodiesterase of lymphocytes and that of other tissue. For example, concentrations of chlorpromazine which inhibited phosphodiesterase of cerebrum by 70% had no effect on phosphodiesterase activity of lymphocytes. On the othere hand, the papaverine-induced inhibition of phosphodiesterase was similar in lymphocytes and cerebrum. Since an optimal concentration of cyclic nucleotides is essential to maintain normal cell growth, these results suggest that the abnormal growth characteristics of leukemic lymphocytes may be explained by their high activity of phosphodiesterase. Furthermore, the qualitative and quantitiative differences between the phosphodiesterases of leukemic lymphocytes and other tissues raise the possibility of selectively inhibiting the phosphodiesterase of the leukemic lymphocytes, thereby reducing their rate of growth, without affecting other tissues.


[Electron transfer through the octane/water interface in the presence of chlorophyll]. The data obtained by the vibrating electrode method in the investigation of the system octane/water containing chlorophyll adsorbed on the interface and redox systems in both phases show that chlorophyll is capable in the absence of illumination to transfer electrons from one redox reaction to another one, injecting charges from water into octane. It was shown that charge transfer reaction accompanied by proton injection in the unstirred interfacial layer.


[Adenylate kinase of plants. Properties of adenylate kinase of pea leaves]. The properties of adenylate kinase in 2 ADP in equilibrium ATP + AMP reaction have been studied. The dependence of the enzyme activity on medium pH, protein concentration, substrates, Mg++ ions, AMP, adenine and adenosine has been also investigated. pH optimum is found to be 8.5 for forward reaction and 8-9--for the reverse one. The Michaelis constants are as follows: for ADP--1.17-10(-4) M, for ATP--3.33-10(-4) M at 24 degrees C, in 50 mM tris-HCl pH 7.6. The optimal ratio, Mg++ ions/substrates (ADP, ATP + AMP), is 1:2. The chelates of adenine nucleotides with Mg++ ions are proved to be "true" reaction substrates. Unlike adenine and adenosine, the product of AMP reaction inhibits adenylate kinase activity. It is concluded that the properties of adenylate kinase in plants are similar to those of animals and humans (moikinase).


[Several physical aspects of intracellular energy transformation]. Physical principles underlying the chemiosmotic hypothesis of membrane phosphorylation are analysed. The utilization of free energy determined by dydrogen ions concentration difference across the membrane for ATP synthesis requires ATP-synthetase to be an entropy machine able to perform work on account of heat. The chemiosmotic hypothesis assumes the possibility of interchangeable utilization of both components of proton electrochemical potential-the membrane electrical difference and proton concentration gradient-for ATP synthesis. This assumption requires the fulfillment of practically unrealizable conditions. Energetic coupling of intracellular chemical reactions must be realized by means of a mechanism in which every act of energydonating reaction leads compulsory to one act of energyaccepting reaction. For such a mechanism both reactions ought to proceed essentially in one elementary act. For intracellular macromolecular and supramolecular systems it implies the necessity of excitation of specific mechanical slowly relaxing degrees of freedom.


[Effect of pH on the kinetics of the reaction catalyzed by beta-D-hexosaminidase from Halocynthia roretzi]. The analysis of the pH-dependence of Michaelis constant and maximal velocity for the reaction catalyzed by beta-D-hexosaminidase from Halocynthia roretzi revealed two essential ionazable groups of the enzyme. One of them controls substrate binding and has a pKa of 5.5 in free enzyme. The other group (pKa=5.6) is necessary for the occurrence of the catalytic step and appears not to change its pKa on substrate binding.


[Structural lability of biomembranes and their components studied by fluorescent analysis. V. Liposomes]. The nature of binding of ionic and neutral fluorescent probes in liposome structures of natural lecithin at various pH and ionic strength of the medium. Temperature relationship of fluorescence intensity of both probes presented in Arrhenius coordinates is shown to have bends at 32--42degrees C. A smaller bend in the temperature range of 20--40degrees C is fixed while studying the correlation time of the spin probe, line width of (CH2)n groups in the NMR-spectrum and light scattering at the angle of 90 degrees. Differences between the sensitivity of these procedures to the phase transition in the lipid structure and the method of measuring fluorescence probe intensity is discussed in terms of literature data.


[Conditions of spontaneous gelatinization of sarcoplasmic proteins]. Ca2+ ions at low concentration (10(-4)-10(-5) M) when added to ultracentrifugates of sarcoplasmic proteins with minimal content of sarcoplasmic reticulum fragments completely prevent protein gelatinization or gels, formed in these conditions, quickly dilute. Ca2+ ions at the concentration of 10(-3) M prevented in these conditions gelatinization in all the cases studied. Strong gels of sarcoplasmic proteins are formed afterwards in weak acid (pH 6.1-6.75), neutral (pH 7.0) and weak alkaline (pH 7.25-7.45 and higher) media. It is suggested that gelatinization of sarcoplasmic proteins is closely related with the development of plastic tonus, obturatory muscle function and viscous after-effect.


[Effect of Ca ions and pH on the osmotic potential across the epithelium of the small intestine]. It was found that kinetic features of the behaviour of osmotic potential differences through epithelial cells layer were characteristic of determination of mechanic properties of separate structures of intercellular junctions. The quantitative estimation of the contribution of tight junction and simple junctions to the value of mechanic connection was performed. The mechanism of structure reorganisation in intercellular junctions under osmotic pressure are discussed. A model of intercellular junctions that accounts for the essential feature of transepithelial potential differences behavior under the osmotic pressure is proposed.


[Isolation and properties of tripolyphosphatase from Neurospora crassa]. Homogenous preparation of tripolyphosphatase from Neurospora crassa is obtained. The enzyme is found to consist of two equal subunits with molecular weight of 40 000 and to have pH optimum 7.0 and temperature optimum 50 degrees C. Bivalent metal ions are required for its catalytical activity, the hest activators being Co2+, Mg2+ and Mn2+. Strict specificity of the enzyme to tripolyphosphate is demonstrated, Km being 5.9-10(-4) M. The enzyme hydrolyses tripolyphosphate to equimolar mixture of ortho- and pyrophosphate. The enzyme activity depends on orthophosphate and pyrophosphate concentrations in the incubation medium.


[Isolation and some properties of Ca2+-, Mg2+-dependent deoxyribonuclease from sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus intermedius) embryos]. Ca2+-Mg2+-dependent deoxyribonuclease (deoxyribonucleate-5'-oligonucleotidehydrolase E. C. 3.1.4.5). Molecular weight of the enzyme is found to be 40 000 daltons isoelectric point--4.4. The enzyme degraded DNA only in the presence of bivalent cations. It hydrolyses preferentially native DNA with pH optimum 7.0-7.2 in the presence of Mg2+ ions. Ca2+ ions shift the pH optimum to 8.0-8.5. Combined addition of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions results in a sinergic effect and changes the enzyme specificity to the secondary DNA structure. The enzyme hydrolyses both native and denatured DNA by the endonucleolytic type to form oligonucleotides with 5' terminal phosphate the content of tetra-octanucleotides being 80-85%.


[Protease from bovine spleen with kininogenase activity]. A protease with kininogenase activity at pH 7.5 was isolated from bovine spleen extract by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography. The protease was found in the fraction with molecular weight lower than 25.000 and was separated from the other neutral SH-dependent protease by chromatography on KM-cellulose. The kininogenase activity was inhibited by DFP and trasylol; soybean trypsin inhibitor had no effect. The protease did not split N-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester and N-benzoyl-D, L-arginine p-nitroanilide.


[The activity of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase in the soluble fraction of rat liver]. Assay conditions are worked out for determination of activity of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) in 140.000 g supernatant fraction of the rat liver. Some kinetic properties of the enzyme are studied: the activity dependency on the incubation time, protein concentration, pH, glutathione, dithiothreitol and HMG-CoA contents in the incubation medium. The effect of Triton WR 1339 on the activity of HMG-CoA reductase in the liver 140.000 g supernatant and microsomal fractions is comparatively studied. Diurnal activity variations of soluble and microsomal enzymes are also investigated. It is suggested that the rat liver HMG-CoA reductase in the 140.000 g supernatant fraction is not identical to the enzyme located in the microsomal fraction.


[cAMP phosphodiesterase from phototrophic bacteria Rhodospirillum rubrum]. cAMP phosphodiesterase activity is discovered in supernatant of R. rubrum cell homogenate after centrifugation at 1000 g. The enzyme is highly active (5.62 nmoles/mg of protein per 1 min) at a broad pH range--from 7.0 to 9.0. The enzyme activity is strongly inhibited with caffeine and dithiotreitol and very significantly inhibited by ascorbic acid. The dependence of the enzyme activity on the incubation time and protein and substrate concentrations in the reaction mixture is estimated. cAMP phosphodiesterase is found in soluble fraction and in particule fractions sedimenting at 30 000 g. The enzyme activity is completely absent in washed chromatophores sedimenting at 160 000 g.


[Influence of dinitrophenol, octanol and toluene upon pH-dependence of ca-ATPase activity of heavy meromyosin]. It is found that dinitrophenol, octanol and toluene produce similar effects on pH-dependence of ATPase of myosin and heavy meromyosin (HMM), i.e. they decrease or remove the neutral suppression of ATPase activity. The appearance of pH-dependence curves is simplified and approaches the form, which is characteristic for the ionisation curve of one; in the last resort two groups, participating in the enzyme activity. The activity of HMM is higher and the zone of the neutral suppression is diminished at low ionic strength, the activation by the modifiers being observed at the significantly lesser degree. CaATPase activation by dinitrophenol, octanol and toluene is suggested to be of the same nature and is accounted for the masking of "the inhibiting" ionizable group of the enzyme with near to neutral pK. This masking may be the result of the conformational changes occuring at the deformation of hydrofobic regions. The ionization of "the activity inhibiting" group of the enzyme depends directly or indirectly on the concentration of potassium chloride and the increase of KCl concentration bring to the inhibition of ATPase activity.


[Mechanism of amylase action on glucoside starch bonds]. Functional groups of glucoamylase and alpha-amylase from Asp. awamori, alpha-amylase from Asp. oryzae and alpha- and beta-amylases from barley malt are identified. Kinetic curves of the activity dependency on pH, values of ionization heats and photooxidative inactivation draw to the conclusion that carboxyl-imidazole system enters into the active site of the enzymes. A hypothetic mechanism of hydrolysis of alpha-1,4-glucoside bond in starch molecule by alpha- and beta-amylases and of alpha-1,4- and alpha-1,6-glucoside bonds by glucoamylase is given. A theory of induced correspondence of enzyme and substrate satisfactorily explains the specificity of the enzyme action and the cause of complete starch convertion into glucose under glucoamylase action and of terminal starch hydrolysis by alpha- and beta-amylases.


[Serine proteases from Bac. subtilis].

[Serine proteases from Bac. subtilis]. Using biospecific adsorbent and subsequent gel-filtration of Sephadex G-75 three fractions of serine proteases (I--III) having different physicochemical properties were isolated from Bac. subtilis. The first protease had molecular weight of 23000--24000 (pH optimum 6,5, activation energy 16,6 ccal/mol. The second one had molecular weight of 29000, pH optimum 11,0, activation energy 14,4 ccal/mol. The third protease was a mixture of proteases with average molecular weights 26000 and pH optima at 7,0, 8,5 and 11,0.


[Methylation of liver cell chromatin proteins at different stages of post-natal development of albino rats]. Methylation of acid proteins and various histone fractions of liver cell chromatin was studied. The intensity of methylation of acid proteins of animals, differing in age, was shown to be 8--16 times higher than that for histone methylation, despite the fact that the rates of 2-14C-methionine incorporation into these two groups of proteins were practically the same. The intensity of methylation of acid proteins and total histones significantly increased during the post-natal development of the animals. Histone methylation largely occurred at the expense of the arginine-rich H3 fraction and the H2 fraction with a moderate level of arginine and lysine. Lysine-rich histone fractions were not subjected to methylation. It is assumed that chromatin proteins methylation regulates conformational properties of the complex and matrix properties of the genome.


[Cytosolic alcohol dehydrogenases from yeast Torulopsis candida]. A comparative study of cell cytosol alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) from yeast Torulopsis candida IBFM-Y-127 grown on glucose and hexadecane which were the only source of carbon, was made. In both cases ADH had a pH optimum within the range of 7.0--10.0, when various normal primary alcohols (C2--C16) were used. The enzyme was active only in the presence of NAD, which cannot be substituted by NADP. The total activity of ADH decreased approximately 8-fold when the length of hydrocarbon radicals was changed from C2 up to C16. When the cells were grown on hexadecane, only ethyl, n-buthyl, n-amyl and n-hexyl alcohols were active as substrates. The dehydration rate of each alcohol was far lower than that for the cytosol of glucose-grown cells. In the latter case the enzyme activity also decreased with an increase in the alcohol radical from C2 to C6. In all cases studied methyl alcohol and cyclic (cinnamyl alcohol--C8) alcohol were not dehydrated at all. Disc-electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel, involving gel colouration for the assay of enzyme activity showed that glucose--grown cell cytosol contained three forms of ADH. One of those forms was highly active when short--chain normal primary alcohols were used; this form may be probably regarded as "classical" ADH (EC 1.1.1.1). The two other forms caused intensive dehydration of long-chain alcohols (the best substrates were C7--C10 alcohols for one form and C10--C14 for the others). The two forms of ADH are probably isoenzymes of octanol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.73). Cytosol of cells grown on n-alcane, had a reduced number of ADH forms. The data obtained are discussed in terms of the regulatory role of carbon and energy source (glucose or hexadecane) in the redistribution of alcohol dehydrogenases between structural components of cells (mitochondria) and cytosol.


[Human serum albumin: microheterogeneity and hemin-binding ability]. Microheterogeneity of human serum albumin was studied by isoelectric focussing in ampholines and the borax-borate buffer-mannite system within the pH range 4.0--6.0 and by fractional precipitation in 3 M KCl. Albumin was found to have the same degree of heterogeneity in all separating systems. However, during focussing in ampholines microheterogeneity is partially due to the albumin binding with the ampholines. In other systems similar binding was not observed. Studies of the albumin-hemin complex showed that different fractions bind hemin in a different degree, maximal binding being observed within the pH range of 5.0--5.2. Defatting does not affect the distribution of hemin within the fractions of serum albumin.


[Nuclear ribonucleases and post-transcriptional changes of RNA. Specificity and other properties of rat liver nuclear endonuclease]. Some physico-chemical properties, specificity and the character of action of rat liver nuclear ribonuclease are studied. The enzyme maximal activity was observed at pH 7.5--8.0, ionic strength 0.02--0.3, Mg2+ being necessary. Nuclease is an oligomer, having molecular weight is 160000--180000 daltons and containing separate associates. Purified enzyme is free of contaminating activities (polynucleotidephosphorylase, DNAse; 5'-nucleotidase, and alkaline phosphatases). It is shown to hydrolyse polyA and RNA for endonuclease type, degradation products being oligonucleotides terminating with 5'-phosphate and 3'-hydroxyl groups. RNAse hydrolyses all phosphodiester bonds in polynucleotides, developing no specificity to the nature of bases. Relative hydrolysis rate for different substrates decreased as follows: polyA greater than yeast RNA greater than polyC greater than polyU greater than 28S rRNA greater than greater than 18S rRNA greater than polyA-polyU. The enzyme may be classified as ribonucleate-5'-nucleotidehydrolase (EC 3.1.4.9.).


[Pterin-protein complex and ferredoxin as possible components of a molecular complex in photosystem I]. Properties are studied of pterin-protein complex (PPC), possible precursor of ferredoxin in electrone transport chain PS-I. PPC is shown to form chelate complex with Fe ions which are capable to activate the process of light reduction of NADP+ by chloroplasts in the absence of ferrodoxin. A possibility of dark reduction of NADP+ with the participation of light pre-activated PPC is found. Two-step scheme of electrone transport from P700 to ferredoxin is supposed. The data obtained indicate that one of sites of electrone transport into interior part of tilakoid is located on the reduction side of PS-I. An additional possibility of NADP+ reduction with the participation of PPC-Fe in vivo is suggested.


[Isolation and properties of cytoplasmic L(+)-lactatoxydase of Candida lipolytica yeasts]. The enzyme preparation of L(+)-lactatoxydase (K.F. 1.1.3.2) with molecular weight of 230 000 has been isolated from the soluble fraction of the C. lipolytica cells and purified similar 360 times. The enzyme oxydizes L(+)-lactate, the optimum activity of the enzyme being observed at pH 8.0. Oxydation of the substrate is followed by accumulation of H2O2. Silver ions, p-chloromercurybenzoate and dicumarol inhibit the activity of L(+)-lactatoxydase. Iron complexones, cyanide and L-malate do not inhibit oxydation of the substrate. Pyruvate and its fluorine derivative practically do not produce any inhibiting effects either. The enzyme preparation contains 0.6 moles of flavin and 2 moles of nonhaem iron per a mole of the enzyme. Km value for the substrate is equal to 4-10(-4) M, Vmax--4.5 mkatom O/min/mg. Acidation of incubation medium leads to a decrease both of Km and Vmax. Km value for oxygen is equal to 3.1 mkM O2. Beside oxygen, ferricyanide, 2.6-dichlorphenolindophenol, phenazine methosulphate and cytochrome C may also serve as acceptors of L(+)-lactatoxydase electrons. The oxydized enzyme preparation is characterized by a spectrum absorption maximum at 410 nm. Upon L(+)-lactatoxydase reduction the maximum is shifted up to 420 nm.


[The pH dependence of kinetic parameters of Penicillium brevicompactum RNAase]. The effect of pH on the kinetic parameters (Km and Ki) for extracellular acid Penicillium brevicompactum RNAse (pH max 4.7+/-0.1), non-specific to the chemical nature of nucleic bases, was studied. The pKm--pH dependence curve showed bends within the following intervals of pH: 3.5--4.0 and 5.6--6.0 (upward side concavity) and 6.2--6.8 (downward side concavity). The pKi--pH dependence for adenosine-3'-monophosphate as an inhibitor is identical to the pH dependence on pKm for the substrate. On the other hand, the pKi--pH dependence curves obtained for the base-free inhibitors (ribose-5'-monophosphate, or phosphate (adenosine) show no bends within the pH intervals of 3.0--4.0 and 5.6--7.0 respectively. A possibility is discussed of the presence of a carboxylic (pK 3.58+/-0.1) and two imidazole groups (pK 6.42+/-0.1--a weakly protonated and 5.8+/-+/-0.1--a strongly protonated group) in the RNAse active site and their participation in the formation of the RNAse-nucleotide (RNAse-substrate) complex.


[Alkaline activation of myosin ATPase: some thermodynamic characteristics]. The increase in temperature leads to a decrease in pKa of the group responsible for the activation of CaATP2- hydrolysis by myosin in the alkaline zone of pH. At 20-25 degrees the pKa value is about 9. The value of ionization heat (deltaHi) calculated from pKa temperature dependence is 7.6+/-+/-0.8 kcal/mol. These values are approximated to the values known for phenol hydroxyl of tyrosine. It has been demonstrated that the acceleration of CaATP2- hydrolysis at alkaline values of pH is accompanied by an increase in the Arrhenius energy of activation (Ea), determined from the temperature dependence of the maximal reaction rate (V). The increase of Ea at alkaline values of pH is apparent and is due to an increase in the concentration of a deprotonized form of the enzyme, having a higher activity. A comparison of activation parameters of the reaction at alkaline and neutral values of pH permits to conclude that the acceleration of CaATP2- hydrolysis at alkaline values of pH is due to the acceleration of the limiting step of the reaction. It has also been found that at alkaline values of pH the power of myosin binding with ADP, a competitive inhibitor and the reaction product, is decreased. It is assumed that the acceleration of ATP hydrolysis at alkaline values of pH is due to accelerated dissociation of the reaction products from the active centre of the enzyme, as a result of ionization of a functional group of myosin, probably of the tyrosine residue.


[Sulfhydryl groups of L-asparaginase A from Pseudomonas fluorescens AG]. It has been demonstrated that the activity of asparaginase A from Ps. fluorescens AG is completely inhibited by 10(-4) M p-chloromercurybenzoate and by 70-85% by Zn2+, Ca2+ and Cu2+ (2.10(-2) M). Iodoacetate, iodoacetamide, N-ethylimide of maleic acid and 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) do not decrease the enzyme activity. Dithiothreitol and beta-mercaptoethanol reactivate the enzyme. L-asparagine, the substrate of asparaginase, protects the enzyme in a large degree against the inhibitory action of p-chloromercurybenzoate. p-chloromercurybenzoate induces a sharp increase in the asparaginase inactivation rate at acidic (6.5--5.5) and alkaline (7.5-8.5) values of pH. The enzyme modification by p-chloromercurybenzoate does not change the Km value for L-asparagine, but decreases Vmax. Thus it may be assumed, that asparaginase from Ps. fluorescens AG contains sulfhydryl groups essential for the enzyme activity.


Effect of hypoxia on monoamine synthesis in brains of developing rats. Tyrosine and tryptophan hydroxylase activity was studied in the postnatal rat brain in vivo by measuring the accumulation of dihydroxyphenylalanine and 5-hydroxytryptophan, respectively after inhibition of L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase with NSD 1015. With increasing age there was a significant increase in the amount of dopa and 5-HTP accumulated in the brain after administration of NSD 1015. After 30 min in a 12% oxygen environment there were significant reductions of tyrosine hydroxylase and tryptophan hydroxylase activity at 1,14 and 28 but not 4 days of postnatal age. Further, the decrease in 5-HTP accumulation was significantly more marked at 14 and 28 days than at 1 day of age. Thus, the oxygen-dependent synthesis of the neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine seems to be less vulnerable in the early postnatal rat brain.


Indication of the metarhodopsin I-II transition by absorption-changes of Eriochromblack T. The dye eriochromblack T (erio T), added to an aqueous suspension of bovine retinal outer segments solubilized by digitonin, shows a light-induced absorption-increase at lambda = 645 nm. Erio T is shown to directly interact with miscellar metarhodopsin I and metarhodopsin II. The absorption-changes of erio T can be regarded as an indication of the transition from the metarhodopsin I conformation (with associated Ca2+) to the metarhodopsin II conformation (with associated H+).


Nonporous magnetic materials as enzyme supports: studies with immobilized chymotrypsin. Chymotrypsin has been immobilized to several nonporous magnetic materials. Nickel particles were considered to be most suitable as immobilized enzyme supports. Chymotrypsin immobilized to nonporous magnetic supports was not fouled significantly by either whole milk or clarified yeast homogenate. AE-cellulose-chymotrypsin was rapidly fouled by both these materials and chymotrypsin immobilized to acrylic-based ion exchangers was slowly fouled. Immobilized enzyme activity was found to be inversely proportional to particle diameter for nonporous rock magnetic particles. Immobilization by adsorption and then glutaraldehyde crosslinking was used to produce controlled amounts of chymotrypsin on the particles. Esterolytic activity increased with enzyme loading but caseinolytic activity did not increase. Chymotrypsin is inhibited by metal ions from the magnetic supports. It is partially protected by use of a preliminary protein coating and may be reactivated by incubation with EDTA or BSA.


Chemically activated collagen for amyloglucosidase attachment. Use in a helicoidal reactor. Amyloglucosidase was covalently bound to collagen sheets by a previously described method. The time of acidic methylation (first step of the collagen activation process) was important to obtain a good enzymatic surfacic activity. Homogeneity of the coupling procedure on the surface of collagen films was shown. Some properties of free enzyme were not affected after grafting; optimum pH and temperature, activation energy, and Km for maltose. Heat stability of the bound enzyme was slightly better; Km for soluble starch increased fivefold. In contrast, the maximal velocity in the presence of soluble starch remained four times that of maltose hydrolysis. Amyloglucosidase collagen membranes were used in a helicoidal reactor to produce glucose from maltose or soluble starch solutions. Tracer studies have shown that the helicoidal reactor behaved as a CSTR. The influence of maltose concentration and flow rate on conversion was studied and confirmed the absence of diffusional limitations for maltose. Recycling of concentrated solutions of maltose and soluble starch indicated strong diffusional restrictions for soluble starch. The catalytic support kept all its activity for 18 days continuous operation at 40 degrees C and 80% after 17 months storage at 4 degrees C.


A fermentation process for producing both ethanol and lysine-enriched yeast. In 18 batch-fermentation experiments, baker's yeast was grown in an enriched mineral medium, containing 10% by weight glucose, at various pH and temperature levels. The pH and temperature are just two representative engineering variables which can be easily varied at negligible cost. The commercial yeast inoculum, 20% by weight or about .16% viable cells, was selected to represent industrial (nonsterile) conditions. Free L-lysine, ethanol, and cell growth were followed in time for each batch run held at a fixed pH and temperature. The maximum free lysine level reached at either 10 1/2 or 24 hr occurred at a pH of 5 and 32 degrees C. At 24 hr, the peak free lysine level, 120 mg/liter, is three times as great as the uncontrolled pH counterpart. In terms of total L-lysine (free plus protein-bound) the peak represents a 25% improvement over the uncontrolled case, based on an average 3.5% lysine level per cell weight. The greatest measured cell level, .9% by weight in the fermentation broth, or a 5 1/2-fold increase over th inoculum, was reached during the 36 degrees C and pH 3 run, while the largest measured ethanol value (3%, or 30% conversion by weight from glucose) was achieved during the 28 degrees C and pH 6 experiment. The optimal lysine  run product, however, no less than 15% of the maximum cell and 30% of the maximum ethanol levels.


Production of Schardinger beta-dextrin by soluble and immobilized cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase of an alkalophilic Bacillus sp. Succinylated cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (EC 3.2.1.19) of an alkalophilic Bacillus sp. was adsorbed on a vinylpyridine copolymer. The enzyme had about 25% of the activity of soluble enzyme added. No increase of pH or thermal stability of the enzyme was observed by the adsorption, whereas optimum temperature for the enzyme action was shifted from 50 to 55 degrees C. The enzyme converted starch to cyclodextrine without significant loss of activity under the conditions of 4 times reusing of 6 hr conversion by the batch system or 2 weeks continuous reaction by the column system at 55 degrees C and pH 8.0. About 46% of the potato starch solution [15% (w/v)] was converted to cyclodextrins by the enzyme, and 52% was converted by the simultaneous action of the enzyme and alkaline pullulanase of alkalophilic Bacillus sp. (No. 202-1). These values were almost the same as those obtained by the soluble enzyme or enzymes system.


Bacteriolysis by immobilized enzymes.

Bacteriolysis by immobilized enzymes. Bacteriolytic enzymes produced by Achromobacter lunatus were immobilized in collagen membrane. Intact bacteria such as Pseudomonas solanacearum, Xanthomonas oryzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were lyzed with the bacteriolytic enzyme-collagen membrane. Relative activity of the bacteriolytic enzyme-collagen membrane against Pseu. solanacearum was about 2% of that of native bacteriolytic enzymes. No difference in the optimum pH was observed between immobilized enzymes and native enzymes. The bacteriolytic enzymes in the collagen membrane were stable against sodium chloride which was an inhibitor of the native bacteriolytic enzymes. Xanthomonas oryzae and Pseu. aeruginosa were continuously lyzed by a reactor containing the rolled bacteriolytic enzyme-collagen membrane.


Aminoacylase pellets.

Aminoacylase pellets. Aminoacylase was immobilized on the mycelium pellets of Aspergillus ochraceus by using albumin and glutaraldehyde. No difference in the optimum pH was observed between native aminoacylase and aminoacylase pellets. The aminoacylase pellets were stable in pH 4-8 but they were unstable in alkaline conditions. The aminoacylase pellets were more stable against heavy metal ions and inhibitors than native aminoacylase. However, the degree of the activation of aminoacylase with cobalt ion decreased with the immobilization. It was suggested that most of aminoacylase was covalently coupled to the mycelium with glutaraldehyde.


Properties of enzymes immobilized by the diazotized m-diaminobenzene method. Some properties of a number of enzymes immobilized by the diazotized m-diaminobenzene (dDAB) method are described. The pH-activity profiles of beta-D-glucosidase, glucoamylase, peroxidase, uricase, and D-glucose oxidase were virtually unchanged on immobilization while those of catalase and dextranase were significantly altered. beta-D-Glucosidase, glucoamylase, and glucose oxidase were found to be more susceptible to denaturation on lyophilization when immobilized than in the native state; however, sorbitol had a marked protective effect in every case examined. Sorbitol was also found to exert a stabilizing effect when lyophilized immobilized preparations were stored. Immobilization marginally improved the stabilities of a number of enzymes to heating at 60 degrees at pH 8.0. The usefulness for continuous reaction of a column of glucoamylase attached to celite was established. The reuse of the solid supports was demonstrated.


Characteristics of yeast invertase immobilized on porous cellulose beads. Invertase from Candida utilis was immobilized on porous cellulose beads by an ionic-quanidino bond. The immobilized invertase showed optimum activity between pH 4.0 and 5.4, while the free enzyme had a sharp optimum at pH 4.1. Both temperature profiles were fairly similar up to 55 degrees C. However, above this temperature the immobilized enzyme was more stable than the free enzyme. From the temperature data, the activation energies were found to be 7,322 and 4,052 cal/g mol for the free and the immobilized enzyme, respectively. Candida invertase shows characteristics of substrate inhibition. Both the Km and Ki for the free and the immobilized enzymes were determined. The apparent Ki for the immobilized invertase was much higher than the Ki of the free enzyme, suggesting a diffusion effect. Immobilized invertase molecules deep in the pores only see sucrose concentrations much less than the bulk concentrations. Immobilization, thus, offers certain processing advantages in this regard.


One hundred patients with acute leukemia treated by chemotherapy, total body irradiation, and allogeneic marrow transplantation. One hundred patients, 54 with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and 46 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), considered to be in the end stages of their disease, after combination chemotherapy were treated by marrow transplantation. All patients were given a marrow graft from an HLA-identical sibling after receiving 1000-rad total body irradiation (TBI). One group of 43 patients was given cyclophosphamide (CY), 60 mg/kg on each of 2 days, 5 and 4 days before TBI. In a second group of 31 patients, additional chemotherapy was given before CY and TBI. In a third group of 19 patients, BCNU was given before CY and TBI. A fourth group of 7 patients received other chemotherapy regimens before TBI. Six patients died 3-17 days after marrow infusion without evidence of engraftment. Ninety-four patients were engrafted and only one patient rejected the graft. Thirteen patients are alive with a marrow graft, on no maintenance antileukemic therapy, and without recurrent leukemia 1-4 1/2 yr after transplantation. Three have chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Four patients are alive 1 1/2 - 3 1/2 yr after grafting but have had a relapse of their leukemia. Of 93 evaluable patients, 19 did not develop GVHD and 24 developed very mild GVHD. Fifty patients developed moderate to severe GVHD, and 40 of these were treated with antithymocyte globulin. Interstitial pneumonia occurred in 54 patients and was the primary cause of death in 34. Interstitial pneumonia often occurred in association with GVHD and the most common etiologic agent was cytomegalovirus. A total of 31 patients have had a relapse of leukemia. There was no definite correlation between relapse of leukemia and the presence or absence of GVHD. The relapse rate appeared to be relatively constant over the first 2 yr and was extremely low after that time. Neither survival nor leukemic relapse appeared to be influenced by the type of leukemia nor by the preparative chemotherapy regimen given before TBI. Patients in fair clinical condition at the time of transplantation showed significantly longer survival times than patients in poor condition (p = 0.001). This observation, coupled with the observation that some patients may be cured of their disease, indicates that marrow transplantation should now be undertaken earlier in the management of patients with acute leukemia who have an HLA-matched sibling marrow donor.


[Mucociliary function and its alteration by certain irritants (author's transl)]. Mucociliary clearance is usually estimated in vivo by the measurement of mucus transfer or by clearance of radio-active tracers previously deposited in the airways. These methods are relatively difficult and complex so that for routine studies measures are usually made of ciliary activity. To clarify the consequences of changes in activity the authors have established the relationship between the speed of mucus transport and the frequency of ciliary beating. From their own studies and from evidence in the literature they show how the clearance function of mucociliary activity can be disturbed by a fall in temperature and humidity, by viral infection, by atmospheric pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and aldehydes and by tobacco smoking. They indicate the beneficial effects obtained by the administration of beta adrenergic compounds and the limits of efficiency of mucolytic agents. They examined the pathophysiological consequences of the slowing down or arrest of mucus drainage with particular reference to the proliferation of infectious agents and their penetration into respiratory mucus membranes.


[La culture cellulaire en phase gazeuse. Un nouveau modèle expérimental d'étude in vitro des activités des macrophages alvéolaires]. Alveolar macrophages, collected by bronchopulmonary lavage and deposited on a membrane filter applied to the surface of a reservoir filled with nutrient medium, were maintained alive in direct contact with the atmosphere. Studies of morphology (using both optic and electron microscopy), of bactericidal activity and of ATP content confirmed the viability and vitality of the cell culture. This new experimental technique permits the in vitro reconstitution of the alveolar and bronchial microenvironment and offers a new method for the study of the cytotoxicity of toxic gases.


A simple and effective treatment for flight phobia. Seventeen patients were treated by group desensitization and autohypnotic training over a period of six weeks for flight phobia, with a highly significant reduction of fear for the group. Expectation of benefit correlated positively with fear reduction.


Peptides with morphine-like action in the brain. The reasons which led to the search in the brain for substances with morphine-like actions actions are discussed. Two pentapeptides, methionineenkephalin and leucine-enkephalin, were isolated. The amino acid sequence of methionine-enkephalin occurs also in the pituitary prohormone beta-lipotropin, of which longer fragments (endorphins) of up to 31 amino acids exhibit strong morphine-like action. The physiological significance of these short and long opioid peptides is discussed, particularly with regard to their possible roles as neurotransmitter or neuromodulator. With regard to the mechanisms involved in the development of tolerance to and dependence on opiates, the importance of interaction between the endogenous opioid peptides and the exogenous opiate alkaloids is stressed. The possible therapeutic implications are discussed briefly.


Drain-cover injuries in children.

Drain-cover injuries in children. This report highlights unnecessary injuries to the hands, forearms, and feet of small children, caused by falling drain-cover gratings, colloquially known as "shores". It is suggested that a simple locking device, similar to that employed on manhole covers, would eliminate this type of injury.


The effect of a single dose of reserpine administered prior to incubation on the development of tyrosine hydroxylase activity in chick sympathetic ganglia. A single dose of reserpine administered into the yolk sac of chicken eggs prior to incubation produces two distinct periods of significant increase in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity over controls. The first period is 21 days of incubation (55%) and the second is between day 14 and 30 after hatching (a.h.) (69%). Cholineacetyltransferase (ChAc) and dopadecarboxylase (DDC) are not modified in the two periods of increased TH activity. Reserpine had no effect on cholinergic parasympathetic synapses and neurons in the ciliary ganglion, as judged by ChAc activity. When reserpine was acutely administered in three different posthatching periods only the injection at the latest period (days 26 and 27) caused a significant (38%) increase in TH activity at day 30. Postsynaptic nicotinic receptors were blocked selectively by injecting chlorisondamine in the chick starting at hatching for one week. The administration of chlorisondamine almost completely abolished the reserpine induced increase of TH activity at day 15 a.h. The present results support the view that the development of enzyme activities specifically related to neurotransmitter biosynthesis in chick autonomic ganglia is regulated not only by transsynaptic influences but also by regulatory inputs originating in the periphery.


Responsiveness of neurones in the hippocampal region of anaesthetised and unanaesthetised cats to stimulation of sensory pathways. The responses to sensory stimuli and to shocks to the optic pathways have been studied for 399 units in the hippocampal region of 19 cats. 172 units were recorded from anaesthetised cats and 229 from 7 unanaesthetised cats. In the unanaesthetised animals the proportions of units responding were high (60%) and did not differ significantly between regions for each type of stimulation investigated: visual, auditory and optic chiasma shocks. The proportion of units responsive to chiasmatic stimulation was related to the background firing rate. The latencies and duration of the responses were relatively long and variable. Both increases and decreases in responsiveness occurred. In a number of units response were erratic, sometimes being brisk and at other times totally absent. Responses during one series of stimuli were not always similar to those during a subsequent series. A higher proportion of units responded decrementally to a series of sensory stimuli than to a series of shocks to the optic chiasma. Movement by the animal was wihtout consistent effect on unit activity. Responses were markedly influenced according to whether or not the cat looked intently at an object. An important determinant of HR unit responses was the state of arousal, the effect being regionally distributed. In anaesthetised animals the proportions of responding units were substantially lower and the responses were weaker than those in the unanaesthetised cats.


Target organ regulation of sympathetic neuron development. The role of target organs in the morphological and biochemical development of sympathetic neurons was examined in the neonatal rat. The superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and its end organs, the salivary glands and iris were employed as a model system. Unilateral sialectomy and iridectomy prevented the normal developmental increase in ipsilateral ganglion tyrosine hydroxylase (T-OH) activity, a marker for adrenergic maturation. Enzyme activity remained depressed by approximately 30% for at least 6 months, the longest time tested. Ganglion morphometry was performed to investigate the basis of the abnormal biochemical ontogeny. Target organ removal significantly decreased the number of adrenergic neurons in the Scg by approximately 30%. Total ganglion volume was reduced in a parallel fashion. Thus, end organ extirpation may prevent the biochemical maturation of the SCG by decreasing adrenergic neuron survival. Sialectomy without iridectomy prevented the normal postnatal increase in ganglion T-OH activity, but did not alter iris activity. These observations suggest that target removal prevents the development of only those neurons destined to innervate that organ. In addition to preventing normal adrenergic neuron ontogeny, target extirpation also prevented the normal development of presynaptic choline acetyltransferase activity. Presynaptic ganglion terminal may have failed to mature normally secondary to adrenergic destruction, or may have responded in some other manner to target organ extirpation.


A comparative study of alkaline phosphatase in calcifying cartilage, odontoblasts and the enamel organ. The enzyme alkaline phosphatase (AP) (EC 3.1.3.1) in three different calcification areas was studied by means of a spectrophotometric micro method using p-nitrophenylphosphate as a substrate. Rat maxillary incisor odontoblasts and enamel organ from the zones of matrix formation and maturation and tissue from rabbit metatarsal cartilage were allowed to react with the substrate in glycine-NaOH buffer at room temperature. The reaction was found to be linear for a minimum of 20 min. The pH optima for AP from these tissues were in the pH range of 10.0-10.3. In order to compare AP from the four calcification areas different parameters were studied. Heating at 56 degrees C or 60 degrees C for varying times revealed that the enzymes were almost completely inactivated after 10 min. Mg2+ ions activated the enzymes by about 25% at concentrations of 2.5 mM (enamel organ 1.25 mM); while only higher concentrations of Mg2+ had an inactivating effect, Ca2+ and PO3-4 ions were inactivating at varying concentrations. F- ions showed no effect on AP activity at concentrations below 250 mM (enamel organ 125 mM) but caused inactivation of the enzymes at about 50% at 1 M. EDTA was found to be a very effective AP inactivator at concentrations above 0.06 mM, whereas urea did not noticeably affect the enzyme reactions at concentrations below 1 M. At higher concentrations, inactivation was observed. In order to determine AP localization in the epiphyseal plate successive 40-mum-thick, freeze-sectioned slices were analyzed. The activity was highest nearest the zone of cartilage calcification and decreased towards the reserve cell zone. It was concluded that the same AP isoenzyme is present in these quite different calcification loci.


Buprenorphine hydrochloride: determination of analgesic potency. An open evaluation of relief from severe pain following major abdominal operations was carried out on at least ten patients, who had given written consent, with 0.1 to 0.4 mg doses of buprenorphine hydrochloride administered intramuscularly. Statistical analysis of the data showed that 0.3 mg of this compound provided quite satisfactory relief from pain for up to six hours. Seven more consenting patients were given buprenorphine hydrochloride 0.5 to 0.6 mg, but they did not receive much greater or longer pain relief than those receiving 0.3 to 0.4 mg. However, the latter patients were younger and heavier. It was concluded that buprenorphine hydrochloride 0.2 to 0.4 mg provided relief of severe pain probably as well as is observed with morphine 10 mg for the average-size patient, but the duration of pain relief with the new compound is substantially longer than with other strong analgesics previously tested. The only common side effect noted was drowsiness, which was observed during the analgesic action of the compound. No appreciable alterations were seen in the respiration, pulse rate and blood pressure. On the basis of these tests, buprenorphine hydrochloride appears to be a satisfactory analgesic for severe postoperative pain, and it deserves extensive study.


Rapid intubation with fazadinium and suxamethonium. Fazadinium at two dose levels (1 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg) and suxamethonium at three dose levels (50 mg, 75 mg and 100 mg) were investigated in 106 adult patients to determine the time interval from injection to tracheal intubation. The intubating conditions were graded according to the scheme described by Lund and Stovner. Suxamethonium 100 mg gave the shortest time interval between the end of injection and intubation. There was no significant difference between the intubation time when smaller doses of suxamethonium (50 mg and 75 mg were used and those when AH8165 (1 mg and 1.5 mg/kg) were given. Suxamethonium 100 mg also produced a significantly higher incidence of excellent intubating conditions. The clinical implications of the findings are discussed.


Characterization of the interaction between chymotrypsin and heparin. Heparin forms a complex with chymotrypsin which is active towards glutaryl-L-phenylalanine-p-nitroanilide (GPANA) and glutaryl-L-phenylalanine-beta-naphthylamide (GPNA) at pH 7.6. The activity of chymotrypsin towards GPANA at pH 7.6 is enhanced in the presence of heparin. Heparin does not bind at the active site of the enzyme since proflavin is not displaced from the active site of chymotrypsin upon complex formation. The heparin-chymotrypsin complex migrates under basic polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis conditions to a position intermediate between heparin and free chymotrypsin. The complex is dissociable under acidic polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis conditions. It is estimated that one to three molecules of heparin can bind to each chymotrypsin molecule on the basis of electrophoretic and enzymic activity data.


Isolation and properties of a ferredoxin from leaves of Sambucus racemosa L. Ferredoxin was isolated in good yield from leaves of Sambucus racemosa L. by the following procedure: (1) homogenization in buffered acetone-water (1:1v/v); (2) ion-exchange chromatography on several columns of DEAE-cellulose; and (3) purification by gel filtration with Sephadex G-75. The ultraviolet and visible spectrum showed maxima at 277, 331, 423, and 466 nm. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum was centered around g = 1.957. The protein sustained an initial photoreduction rate of 86 mumol NADP per milligram chlorophyll per hour. The amino acid composition was found to be Lys 5, His 2, Arg1, Asx11, Thr5, Ser7, Glx17, Pro6, Gly7, Ala6-7, Cys4, Val8, Ile5, Leu7, Tyr3, Phe2, and Trp1. The molecule had a molecular weight of 10 700 and contained two atoms of iron. The amino-terminal residue was alanine. These properties are highly similar to those of other angiosperm ferredoxins. Sambucus ferredoxin was found to be most closely related to that of Leucaena.


NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation and its effects on aminopyrine N-demethylation in subcellular fractions of human neonatal liver. NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation was determined in humans, using subcellular fractions of livers obtained from newborn infants. As reported for other species, activity was concentrated in the microsomal fraction and was similar to that found in the rat. High activity of lipid peroxidation induced by iron decreased aminopyrine N-demethylation and slightly reduced linearity time for the reaction. Compared with the rat, however, human microsomes were more resistant to the effects of lipid peroxidation. If liped peroxidation occurs in vivo it is unlikely to affect drug oxidation to any great degree in human infants.


Flow rates of components in digesta of pigs prepared with re-entrant cannulas in the proximal duodenum and terminal ileum, and fed semipurified, hard wheat, and soft wheat diets. Four pigs prepared with re-entrant cannulas in the proximal duodenum and terminal ileum were used to study flow rates of total digesta, insoluble dry matter, nitrogen, and amino acids entering and leaving the small intestine. The pigs received a semipurified diet, a hard wheat diet, or a soft wheat diet. These were approximately isonitrogenous. A higher rate of passage of digesta through the proximal duodenum and terminal ileum were measured in pigs receiving the hard wheat diet. Peak flow of digesta at the duodenum of all pigs occurred at 1 h post feeding. Peak flow of digesta at the ileum occurred at 9 h post feeding on the soft wheat diet, but somewhat earlier on the hard wheat and semipurified diet. More nitrogen and essential amino acids flowed in the solid fraction of duodenal digesta during the first 2 h post feeding for the wheat diets and 4 h post feeding for the semipurified diet. It was concluded that flow rate of most nutrients from the stomach and through the small intestine of pigs is modified by the composition and texture of the food ingested. It is postulated that efficiency of mixing of digesta with digestive secretions in the stomach is a major factor influencing rate of flow.


Evoked release from guinea pig cerebral cortex slices of endogenous 14C-labelled amino acids, labelled via D-[U-14C]glucose. Release of endogenous amino acids labelled via D-[U-14C]glucose was compared with that of several exogenous labelled amino acids using slices of guinea pig cerebral cortex. Electrical field stimulation evoked a selective release of endogenous [14C]glutamate, [14C]aspartate, and gamma-amino[14C]butyrate (14C-labelled GABA). The selectivity of release correlated well with 14C incorporation into endogenous amino acids. Calculations of the fraction of the tissue radioactivity released indicated that the selectivity was not an artifact due to differential incorporation. Because glucose in mammalian brain is metabolized almost entirely by the so-called 'large compartment', it is tentatively concluded that the releasable 'transmitter pool' of glutamate, aspartate, and GABA is located in this 'large compartment'.