Acid-base status during reconstructive surgery of the abdominal aorta. Abolition of a temporary occlusion of the circulation in the legs during surgical reconstruction of the abdominal aorta generally exerts but little influence on the patient's acid-base status. The changes in acid-base status can be corrected by the patient himself. Routine administration of sodium bicarbonate or Tham is unnecessary. However, respiration, circulation and electrolyte balance should be carefully monitored to ensure that any disturbances in this respect can immediately be given adequate treatment. Determination of the acid-base status during the operation is a valuable aid in evaluation of the patient's condition and can be used as a guideline in therapy.


The effect of prolonged experimental hypercapnia on the brain. Thirteen adult rabbits were exposed to a breathing air mixture containing an increasing amount of CO2 for eight weeks. When the CO2 content reached 9 Vol% the animals became apathic and lost body weight. The EEG showed a reduction of the amplitudes of 1o Hz frequences. Blood gases revealed an increase of bicarbonate but no change of pH. The blood brain barrier which was tested when the animals were killed was not disturbed. Enzyme histochemistry, light and electron microscopy revealed that moderate brain edema had occurred. From these results it is concluded that chronic hypercapnia has a hypnotic effect which in combination with chronic edema may depress vital activities considerably. However, there seem to be no irreversible morphological alterations of the brain.


Effect of lactate on FFA--release and cyclic 3', 5' AMP accumulation in fat cells at different pH. Effect of lactate on FFA--release and cyclic 3', 5-AMP accumulation in fat cells at different pH. Acta Physiol. Pol., 1977, 28 (6): 505--510. The effect of sodium lactate on noradrenaline (NA), theophyline (Th), and dibutyryl cyclic 3', 5'AMP stimulated free fatty acid (FFA) release as well as on NA--stimulated cyclic 3', 5'AMP (cAMP) accumulation in isolated fat cells at different pH was studied. It was shown that at each of examined pH (6.8, 7.1, 7.4, 7.7) sodium lactate inhibits NA and Th-induced FFA release and NA-stimulated cAMP accumulation. It did not significantly change FFA release induced by dibutryl cyclic 3', 5'AMP. The inhibitory effect of sodium lactate both on FFA release and cAMP accumulation was markedly augmented at pH 7.1 and especially at pH 6.8 as compared to pH 7.4, while at pH 7.7 it remained essentially the same as at pH 7.4. The obtained results showed that lactate exerts its antilipolytic effect through the inhibitory action on cAMP accumulation and subsequently on the activity of the hormone-sensitive triglyceride lipase. An effect of lactate on FFA reesterification cannot be however excluded. It seems that the potentiation of the antilipolytic effect of lactate at pH below 7.4 has an important physiological significance. The mechanism protects effectively against an excessive, undesirable FFA-outflow from adipose tissue in situations in which FFA cannot be utilized.


Relationship between adrenergic blocking and antihypertensive effects of beta receptor antagonists. In hypertensive patients, whose blood pressure was decreased by racemic propranololthe dextrorotatory isomer had no antihypertensive effect. The differences in antihypertensive activity of racemic and dextrorotatory propranolol cannot be explained by different plasma levels; the data indicate that the hypotensive effect of propranolol is due to beta receptor blockade.


The significance of beta1-beta2-selectivity and intrinsic sympathomimetic activity in beta-blockers, with particular reference to antihypertensive treatment. From the findings described in the already fairly copious literature on antihypertensive therapy with beta-blockers, as well as on the basis of theoretical considerations, it may be concluded that neither cardio-selectivity nor intrinsic sympathomimetic activity is of decisive importance with regard to the blood-pressure-lowering action of these these compounds. As far as hypotensive potency alone is concerned, none of the known beta-blocking agents is fundamentally superior to the others. There are, however, considerable differences between them in respect of their safety in use, tolerability and side effects, and during long-term treatment especially these must be taken into account.


Neuropharmacology and aging.

Neuropharmacology and aging. This review has attempted to convey the idea that the current concepts of psychotropic drug actions are based largely around the monoamine transmitter systems. Several of the hypotheses which implicate abnormalities of these systems as factors involved in the aging brain are discussed. It is suggested that the current lack of specific geriatric psychotropic agents is in part a reflection of our ignorance of the neurochemical basis of the aging process.


Tardive dyskinesia.

Tardive dyskinesia. The movement disorder may appear after prolonged use of antipsychotic agents. Differential diagnosis includes hereditary, infectious, toxic and drug-induced causes of extrapyramidal dysfunction. Pathophysiology appears to be related to induced changes in dopamine neuronal function and may represent irreversible extrapyramidal synaptic modification. Treatment includes removing the offending agent when possible or using the lowest effective dose if the medication cannot be totally discontinued. Indiscriminate use of antipsychotic agents in nonpsychotic patients should be avoided.


Persuader sex differences and peer pressure effects on attitudes toward drug abuse. This experiment was performed to assess the effects of the experimental confederates' sex and contrived group peer pressure on the drug attitudes of male college students. Subjects were exposed to all-male or all-female groups of experimental confederates (ersuaders) who expressed either extremely pro-drug or anti-drug sentiments in a guided group discussion. A drug attitude survey encompassing four drug categories was administered immediately following the discussion. Significant differences were found between subjects in the anti-drug and pro-drug groups. The sex effect data indicated that the male subjects reported more liberal drug attitudes following exposure to female persuaders in both the anti-and pro-drug treatment conditions for the more socially acceptable drugs such as marijuana, hashish, and stimulants. Implications of these findings for possible prevention and intervention strategies and for further research are discussed.


Evaluation of some pharmaceutical aspects of intrathecal methotrexate sodium, cytarabine and hydrocortisone sodium succinate. Methotrexate sodium, cytarabine and hydrocortisone sodium succinate were evaluated in three vehicles, Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, Lactated Ringer's Injection, USP, and Elliott's B solution, an artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Osmolarity values of all drug solutions studied were within 10% of normal human. No vehicle-related alterations in the stability of methotrexate or cytarabine were detected under simulated use conditions. However, the degradation of hydrocortisone sodium succinate was faster in Elliott's B solution than in the other vehicles. Principal differences among the vehicles involved electrolyte content, pH and buffer capacity. Elliott's B solution is similar to CSF in electrolyte composition and buffer capacity, and was the only vehicle to maintain the pH of dilute methotrexate and cytarabine solutions between 7.2 and 7.8. The significance of these in vitro data await a careful clinical study.


Prevalence of endocrine abnormalities in patients with the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and in their families. To evalute the frequency of associated and hereditary endocrinopathies in the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, 10 patients with the syndrome were studied. In seven of them, coexisting endocrine disease was found. In six, the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome was probably a feature of multiple endocrine adenomatosis type I, whereas Cushing's syndrome in the remaining patient may have been caused by the production of an ACTH-like substance by a mixed pancreatic tumor. A total of 109 family members, including all living first degree relatives over 15 years of age, were screened for endocrine abnormalities. All six patients with evidence of multiple endocrine adenomatosis type I had relatives with endocrinopathies. In the families of the four other patients with the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, no endocrine abnormalities were found. During this study four new cases of pituitary tumor, 17 of hyperparathyroidism, seven of the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and one of insulinoma were detected. Although most of the disorders were asymptomatic, this clearly indicates that patients suffering from Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and also their families should undergo detailed endocrine studies.


Cyclophosphamide-induced remissions in advanced polyarteritis nodosa. Two patients with far advanced polyarteritis nodosa involving multiple organ systems and with aneurysm formation demonstrable by celiac axis and renal arteriograms were treated with oral cyclophosphamide, 1 to 2 mg/kg/day, and alternate day prednisone therapy. Dramatic remissions of disease activity were achieved within weeks of initiation of therapy. Repeat angiograms obtained after one year revealed complete resolution of all aneurysms. Both patients are now receiving only cyclophosphamide and are maintained in complete remission 27 and 18 months after the start of therapy. Cyclophosphamide therapy can thus be highly effective even in far advanced polyarteritis nodosa.


Biochemical evaluation of liver function. Several chemistry tests for liver function are examined. Included are the transaminases, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and bromsulphalein (BSP), as well as combinations of these and the ALP isoenzymes.


Adoption of a manual kinetic gamma-glutamyl transferase method in the clinical laboratory. Following our recommended protocol for establishing analytical methods in a clinical laboratory, a rapid, simplified manual kinetic method for determining Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase activity in serum was adopted to meet the needs of our laboratory. The steps taken, from the selection of the assay conditions through the introduction of the new test ot staff physicians, are described. The assay, which requires only 50 microliter of serum or plasma, uses L-gamma-glutamyl-p-nitroanilide as the substrate, and is controlled at 30C and a pH of 8.20. The reaction is monitored by the increase in absorbance at 405 nm. Up to 30 samples per hour may be analyzed using a manual spectrophotometer. The substrate is simple to prepare and is stable for one working day at room temperature and for at least one month for frozen at -20C.


Immunologic aspects of malignancy.

Immunologic aspects of malignancy. Animal experimental studies and clinical observations closely relate the development and course of malignancy with immune function. The immune apparatus serves as a homeostatic system capable of recognizing "sell" from "non-self." Neoplasia is characterized by new surface components against which immune reactivity may be directed. Subpopulations of lymphocytes are stimulated by such tumor antigens leading to both humoral and cellular responses. Immunodeficiency, the surveillance role of immune responses, and immune competition are intimately concerned with the eventual outcome of the malignant state. These concepts are examined as supplying the theoretical background for development of new therapeutic procedures. Immunotherapy in the future may offer the most effective means of controlling the neoplastic state.


Cardiac pacemakers in absence of the SA node: responses to exercise and autonomic blockade. Surgical excision of the sinoatrial node, verified histologically, is followed by a supraventricular (atrial) rhythm in both resting and exercising dog whether anesthetized or conscious. The ECG is characterized by a definitive P wave and associated atrial electrograms. Waxing and waning in heart rate, generally referred to as sinus arrhythmia continues in the awake animal after complete excision of the SA node. This arrhythmia is responsive to both adrenergic and cholinergic interventions, thus indicating the presence of both sympathetic and parasympathetic regulation of subsidiary atrial pacemaking tissues.


Renal sugar transport in the winter flounder: V. secretion of 2-deoxy-D-galactose. Isolated renal tubules and renal clearance techniques were used to characterize the renal handling of 2-deoxy-D-galactose (2-d-Gal) by the winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus). In vitro, energy-dependent, pH-sensitive uptake of 2-d-Gal (2-100 micron) was seen at the antiluminal face of the cell. Clearance measurements showed net secretion of 2-d-Gal in vivo. The mean clearance of 2-d-Gal in 18 fish was 0.98 +/- 0.16 ml/h while the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was only 0.37 +/- 0.10 ml/h. Secretion was associated with marked renal accumulation of both 2-d-Gal and phosphorylated derivatives (2-d-Gal-1-phosphate). Tissue-to-plasma ratios (T/P) averaged 19 for free sugar and 59 for total sugar. Both clearance ratio and T/P were reduced to approximately 1 by injection of galactose (2.5 mmol/kg) simultaneously with 2-d-Gal (25 mumol/kg). Phlorizin (2.5 mumol/kg) increased net 2-d-Gal secretion, whereas glucose (2.5 mmol/kg) produced no change in secretion. Both compounds depressed 2-d-Gal T/P. This result suggests the presence of readsorptive transport at the brush border, sensitive to glucose and phlorizin.


Dose-related biphasic effect of prolyl-leucyl-glycinamide (MIF-I) in depression. Five of 8 patients with unipolar or bipolar endogenous depressions taking prolyl-leucyl-glycinamide (MIF-I), 75 mg/day, showed substantial improvement within a few days of beginning treatment compared with similar improvement in only 1 of 10 receiving 750 mg/day of MIF-I and only 1 of 5 patients taking placebo. The lower dose of MIF-I was associated with significantly greater improvement than both the higher dose and placebo on all of the rating scales used. The authors suggest that an even lower dose of MIF-I, on the order of 0.1 mg/kg, may have a greater effect as an antidepressant.


The presence of collagenolytic cathepsin in uveal lysosomes of bovine eye. Collagenolytic cathepsin, which can liberate soluble hydroxyproline-containing products from insoluble vitreous collagen with maximum activity at pH 3.5, was biochemically studied in uveal lysosomes of bovine eye. Collagen solubilization was proportional to both enzyme concentration and incubation time. When the enzyme was heated, no reaction was observed. Collagen solubilization by uveal lysosomal extract was almost unaffected by Ca2+ ion, cysteine, beta-mercaptoethanol, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, but inhibited about one-third by pepstatin. The possible role of collagenolytic cathepsin in vitreous liquefaction was considered.


[Aerobic blood sampling technique using the B 109-syringe (author's transl)]. A syringe (B 109 Radiometer) for arterial blood sampling with modified aerobic technique is described. The blood sampling and subsequent storage during 2 h in ice water induces no clinically significant changes in the pH, pCO2 and pO2 of the blood.


Identification of phosphates on the membranes of guinea pig sperm. Guinea pig epididymal sperm, incubated for ATPases at pH 7.0 or pH 9.0, localize reaction product on both the periacrosomal segment of the plasmalemma and the outer acrosome membrane. In other species, e.g., rabbit, Ca++-ATPase is identified with the  outer acrosome membrane. It may transport Ca++ into the acrosome for activation of enzymes released during the acrosome reaction. The neutral ATPase is demonstrable on the periacrosomal plasmalemma and possibly modifies Ca++ concentration in the fluid around the acrosome. In guinea pig sperm, Ca++-ATPase is sensitive to centrifugation or washing of sperm which indicates that the ductal fluid has unusual properties for preservation of the acrosome. Inhibition of the enzyme by these treatments suggests that conditions on the plasmalemmal surface affect the acrosome membrane. Inability to separate reaction product on the plasmalemma from that on the acrosome membrane may be due to migration of reaction product across the periacrosomal space. However, the ATPases are elicited in the guinea pig under the same conditions as in other species. The pH 9.0 enzyme requires Ca++ while the enzyme at pH 7.0 has no ion specificities. Demonstration of these enzymes indicates that mechanisms of acrosome activation, similar to those in other sperm, are relevant to the guinea pig.


[Mosquito studies on Hiddensee].

[Mosquito studies on Hiddensee]. The author reports on the biting activity of mosquitoes during the years 1957-77. His observations were made in the locality called "Duenenheide" on the island of Hiddensee, GDR. This "Duenenheide" is a heath-landscape with downs, situated near the village of Vitte. The daily rhythm of the mosquitoes is analyzed as well as the dependence on wind speed and air temperature near the ground. The results are compared with sporadic data on Stomoxys and on biting midges. The behaviour of chironomids is integrated in this comparison.


Histochemical identification of fiber types in canine skeletal muscle. Proximal and distal skeletal muscles from pectoral and pelvic limbs were histochemically examined in 18 neuromuscular disease-free dogs. On the basis of the human system of classification and nomenclature and results of standard adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and glycine-formaldehyde preincubation procedures, the fiber types identified in immature and mature canine skeletal muscles were I, IIA, and IIC.


Effect of liver microsome enzyme-inducing drugs on blood serum pentobarbital clearance and sleep time in sheep and rabbits. Sheep were administered phenobarbital, diphenylhydantoin, chlorcyclizine, or phenylbutazone over 27 days. Rabbits were administered phenobarbital, diphenylhydantoin, or chlorcyclizine for 15 days. After the last treatment, pentobarbital was administered intravenously, and measurements were made of sleep time and blood serum pentobarbital concentrations over a 2-hour period. Treatment of ewes with phenobarbital or phenylbutazone increased the rate of pentobarbital clearance from the circulation and shortened sleep time; treatment with diphenylhydantoin or chlorcyclizine decreased the rates of pentobarbital clearance from blood and increased sleep time. Treatment of rabbits with phenobarbital or diphenylhydantoin accelerated pentobarbital clearance from blood and shortened sleep time; chlorcyclizine had no effect on blood pentobarbital concentrations or sleep time. The results suggest that accelerated or delayed clearance of pentobarbital from the circulation was largely responsible for shortened or prolonged sleep times. Other factors may have been involved to some extent in determining sleep time, because ewes with shortened sleep time tended to awake with lower circulating concentrations of pentobarbital than did control ewes, and those with prolonged sleep time tended to awake with higher pentobarbital values.


Cytochemical demonstration of esterases in peripheral blood leukocytes. Cytochemical methods for alpha naphthyl acetate esterase and chloroacetate esterase have been used to identify human monocytes and granulocytes. In this study, a standard procedure for staining alpha naphthyl acetate and chloroacetate esterase activities was modified by extending the range of pH of the incubation mixture and the duration of staining and was applied to cat, dog, goat, guinea pig, hamster, human, pig, rabbit, rat, and sheep leukocytes. The results for both enzymes showed (1) incubation time and pH had discrete effects on staining and (2) species differences for in vitro conditions to demonstrate esterase activity were pronounced.


[Flocculant interaction with native antibiotic solutions. The effect of flocculants on the quality indices of native solutions as dependent on a number of factors]. Flocculants had a significant effect on the characteristics of the fermentation broth filtrates of some antibiotics. They decreased the filtrate turbidity, concentration of the organic ballast, etc. The size of the floccules depended on a number of factors, including the fluocculant concentration, agitation rate, concentration of the dispersing phase in the initial filtrate. The optimal concentration of the flocculant was defined not only by the type of the antibiotic-producing organism but also by composition of the nutrient medium used for the biosynthesis. Floccculant treatment provided a significant increase in the quality of the fermentation broth filtrates with respect to the main parameters: levels of proteins, pigments, emulgation capacity.


[Rifamycin in B distribution between aqueous and organic phases]. Dependence of the coefficient of rifamycin B distribution in the system of butyl acetate-buffer solution on pH of the equilibrium acqueous phase, antibiotic concentration in the solution and temperature was studied. It was shown that the coefficient value did not depend on the antibiotic concentration within 1000-2000 gamma/ml and temperature.


Physiological conditions affecting Staphylococcus aureus susceptibility to staphylococcin 1580. Loss of salt tolerance, irreversible loss of viability, inhibition of l-glutamic acid uptake and effects on the high energy state of the membrane were used as parameters to measure the injury induced by staphylococcin 1580, a bacteriocin of Staphylococcus epidermidis, in susceptible cells of Staphylococcus aureus Oxford 209P. A small part of a growing cell population appeared to be temporarily resistant to the bacteriocin, and the cells were arrested in this stage when suspended in buffer. The proportion of susceptible cells may rapidly shift during exponential growth, apparently concomitantly with a change in cell metabolism. Glucose- and pyruvate-grown cells were equally susceptible to salts after staphylococcin treatment. Only in pyruvate-grown cells was amino acid uptake strongly inhibited, and the membrane potential was abolished after a short lag time. Also, irreversible killing was more distinct in pyruvate-grown cells. The proton gradient across the cell membrane was only slightly disturbed in both types of cells. Specific inhibitors of the energy metabolism revealed that the high energy state of the membrane was largely supported by hydrolysis of adenosine 5'-triphosphate in glucose-grown cells, whereas the oxidative input through electron transport appeared to be relatively more important in pyruvate-grown cells. Staphylococcin 1580 affected primarily the oxidative energy metabolism, although electron transport is not inhibited. Below a distinct incubation temperature cells were completely resistant to the action of the bacteriocin. Varying the growth temperature had only a slight effect on the transition temperature, but growth in the presence of Tween 80, which greatly enhanced the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, decreased the transition temperature.


Partial characterization of a beta-lactamase from Vibrio parahaemolyticus by a new automated microiodometric technique. A number of characteristics were determined with a new automated method for a partially purified beta-lactamase from Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The enzyme had a molecular weight of 28,000 by gel filtration, a pH optimum between 6.5 and 7.0, and a temperature optimum at 36 degrees C. With penicillin G as the substrate, the K(m) value for the beta-lactamase was 54.4 muM. The beta-lactamase was inhibited by cloxacillin but not by p-chloromercuribenzoate. The enzyme was similar but not identical to beta-lactamases from gram-negative, "nonhalophilic" organisms described by other workers. The microiodometric assay to measure beta-lactamase activity was automated with the use of a centrifugal analyzer that permitted 14 simultaneous determinations. Within-run precision was tested by putting the same reaction mixture in each well, and the coefficient of variation was only about 3%. Four extracts from different strains of halophilic vibrios were used to demonstrate that reaction rates were linear with enzyme concentration. The correlation coefficient of activity by the automated method with activity by the spectrophotometric method was 0.9721, demonstrating that the methods compared favorably with each other. The automated method greatly facilitated the characterization of the beta-lactamase.


Secretion of cell wall polymers into the growth medium of lysis-defective pneumococci during treatment with penicillin and other inhibitors of cell wall synthesis. Autolysin-defective pneumococci secrete into the growth medium choline-containing macromolecules during treatment with any one of a large number of inhibitors of cell wall biosynthesis, including beta-lactams, beta-halogeno-d-alanines, cephalosporins, and d-cycloserine. Secretion is closely related to the dose response of the bacteria to the various drugs: (i) secretion can already be detected at the minimum inhibitory concentration; (ii) the rate and extent of secretion is dependent upon the drug concentration; and (iii) secretion commences within minutes after the addition of the antibiotics to the cultures. Reversal of the growth-inhibitory effect of benzylpenicillin (by penicillinase addition) is accompanied by a halt in secretion just at the time when the bacteria resume normal growth. Secretion of the choline-containing macromolecules seems to be a specific consequence of the inhibition of peptidoglycan biosynthesis, since inhibition of growth by drugs affecting protein, ribonucleic acid, or deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis does not cause secretion. The choline-containing macromolecules include both the pneumococcal lipid-containing teichoic acid (Forssman antigen) and wall teichoic acids made after the addition of antibiotics. The appearance of these macromolecules in the growth medium is not due to the hydrolytic activity of an autolysin, since penicillin-induced secretion could be demonstrated in autolysin-defective mutants, in pneumococci grown on ethanolamine-containing medium (such cells are known to have defective autolytic systems), and in wildtype pneumococci grown under conditions nonpermissive for lysis.


Characterization of cell wall polymers secreted into the growth medium of lysis-defective pneumococci during treatment with penicillin and other inhibitors of cell wall synthesis. Autolysin-defective pneumococci secrete large quantities of choline-containing cell wall polymers into the growth medium during treatment with inhibitors of peptidoglycan synthesis. The secreted polymers were separated into three fractions by a combination of gel filtration on agarose and sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis. Fraction I had a high apparent molecular size and contained the Forssman antigen in complex with material exhibiting properties of cell wall teichoic acid. Choline-containing polymers of as yet uncharacterized structure were present in both fractions IIA and IIB, and fraction IIA also contained peptidoglycan components.


Production of trypsin inhibitor by a Cephalosporium sp. Conditions for the production of the trypsin inhibitor from Cephalosporium sp. KM 388 were investigated. Polypeptone-meat extract-glucose medium supported excellent production of the trypsin inhibitor. In this medium, polypeptone and meat extract were utilized both as carbon and nitrogen sources and as limiting substrates for the cell growth. Glucose was consumed during the stationary growth phase and prevented the disappearance of inhibitor activity. Cephalosporium sp. KM 388 grew at a rate of a first-order reaction for the cell concentrations. Trypsin inhibitor production paralleled cell growth. At 27 degrees C the maximum specific rates of growth and inhibitor production were 0.14 h-1 and 2.1 U of inhibitor/h per mg of cell, respectively. The production rate and the maximum yield of the inhibitor were increased 1.5- and 1.2-fold, respectively, when the initial pH 6.3 was maintained throughout the fermentation.


Role of lime treatment in the removal of bacteria, enteric viruses, and coliphages in a wastewater reclamation plant. Lime flocculation/sedimentation in the first process unit of a 4,500-m3/day wastewater reclamation plant reduced numbers of microorganisms extensively when operated at pH 11.2. The efficiency was much less at lower pH values, and some bacteria even multiplied at pH 9.6. Data on reduction in the number of microorganisms in the lime treatment and subsequent units indicate that inactivation by hydroxide alkalinity plays an important role in the efficiency of lime treatment. Reductions in the numbers of enteric viruses were higher than those of coliphages, enterococci, and total plate and coliform bacteria, which indicate that lime treatment can be monitored by means of coliphage and conventional bacteriological tests. This paper illustrates the valuable role of high-pH lime treatment in reducing the load of pathogenic microorganisms on subsequent units, including ultimate disinfection processes, which is important in the multiple safety barrier concept of wastewater reclamation processes.


Hydrogen production by Anabaena cylindrica: effects of varying ammonium and ferric ions, pH, and light. Anabaena cylindrica sparged with argon gas produced H2 continuously for 30 days under limited light conditions (6.0 W/m2) and for 18 days under elevated light conditions (32 W/m2) in the absence of exogenous nitrogen. The efficiency of converting visible light energy (32 W/m2) into chemical energy that is trapped as H2 ranged between 0.35 and 0.85% (approximately 13 microliter of H2 per mg [drywt] per h). Ammonium additions (0.2 mM NH4+) at various times destabilized the system and eventually suppressed H2 production completely, as compared with the control. Cultures grown with 5.0 mg of Fe3+ per liter produced H2 at a rate about twice that of cultures with 0.5 mg of Fe3+ per liter. Cultures grown at pH 7.4 produced H2 at the same initial rates as cultures that were grown at pH 9.4; however, the latter cultures continued to produce H2 after CO2 deprivation.


Regiospecific synthesis of isoapocodeine from 10,11-dimethoxyaporphine by using Cunninghamella elegans. A preparative-scale regiospecific conversion of 10,11-dimethoxyaporphine to isoapocodeine was conducted with Cunninghamella elegans ATCC 9245. This biotransformation proceeded quantitatively in suspensions and was pH dependent. The influence of antioxidants on the conversion was studied. Attempts to preserve the activity of isolated C. elegans cells by a number of methods were unsuccessful.


Immobilization of Aspergillus beta-glucosidase on chitosan. beta-Glucosidase of Aspergillus phoenicis QM 329 was immobilized on chitosan, using the bifunctional agent glutaraldehyde. The most active preparation based on the amount of support contained a 1:2.5 enzyme-to-chitosan ratio (wt/wt). However, the specific activity of the bound enzyme decreased from 10 to 1% with increasing enzyme-to-chitosan ratio. Compared with free beta-glucosidase, the immobilized enzyme exhibited: (i) a similar pH optimum but more activity at lower pH values; (ii) improved thermal stability; (iii) a similar response to inhibition by glucose; and (iv) mass transfer limitations as reflected by higher apparent Km and lower energy of activation.


Physiology of L-asparaginase synthesis in recombinants of Escherichia coli A-1. A mating between Escherichia coli 4318 (thi leu Las- Hfr) and E. coli A-1 (Met- Las+ F-) resulted in the formation of prototrophic recombinants having L-asparaginase activities at three distinct levels. The physiology of L-asparaginase synthesis in these recombinants is decribed. One class of recombinants produced significantly more L-asparaginase than E. coli A-1. L-Asparaginase synthesis in the recombinants was inhibited by the presence of dissolved oxygen in the medium and was transiently repressed by the presence of glucose in the same manner as that observed in the parental strains. L-Asparaginase activity was increased by the addition of oxalacetate as well as other members of the tricarboxylic acid cycle.


PR toxin production in different Penicillium roqueforti strains. Different Penicillium roqueforti strains from the American Type Culture Collection were tested for the production of PR toxin. All four strains were able to produce the toxin on semisynthetic medium at 24 degrees C after certain periods of incubation. The yields were correlated with the pH of the medium. Timing of the harvest influenced both the yield and purification of the toxin.


Endocrine studies in Fanconi's anaemia. Report of 4 cases. Four boys with Fanconi's anaemia and growth hormone (GH) deficiency are reported. Case 1 had isolated GH deficiency and responded to HGH and to oxandrolone treatment. Case 2, his brother, had milder haematological and dysmorphic manifestations and maintained a low-normal growth rate without treatment in spite of laboratory evidence of GH deficiency. Case 3 had multiple hypothalamopituitary defects, including deficiencies of GH, ACTH, and gonadotrophins. Case 4 had isolated GH deficiency and responded moderately well to HGH treatment. 3 of the 4 patients had bilateral cryptorchidism, 2 with increased plasma gonadotrophins, indicating primary testicular failure. We conclude that GH deficiency, isolated or combined with other hypothalamopituitary defects, and primary testicular failure with cryptorchidism are frequent but not constant features of Fanconi's anaemia.


Luteinising hormone-releasing hormone nasal spray as therapy for undescended testicle. Twenty-two prepubertal children with unilateral cryptorchidism were treated. None had undergone previous medical or surgical to modify the abnormal position of the testes, all of which were located inthe inguinal canal. Treatment was with luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) nasal spray given for 7 days. 9 boys insufflated 100 microgram LH-RH in each nostril  6 times per 24 hours (1200 microgram/24 h); the remaining 13 boys insufflated 500 microgram 12-hourly (1000 microgram/24 h). An LH-RH test (500 microgram IV) was carried out before and after therapy. Full descent of the testis into the scrotum was obtained in 7 out of the 22 cases; in a further 6 cases the testis moved down the inguinal canal. Basal values of luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone and those for pituitary reserve remained unchanged before and after therapy, and were similar to the values of a control group. No correlation was found between response to therapy and bone age, testosterone level in serum, basal values or pituitary reserve of luteinising hormone or follicle-stimulating hormone.


Acute response to acid-base stress.

Acute response to acid-base stress. A method previously established in the experimental animal for predicting the acute response to either metabolic stress (bicarbonate administration) or respiratory stress(manipulation of oxygenator gas during cardiopulmonary bypass) has been extended to man. The method is based on a single nomogram. The accuracy of the nomogram is demonstrated using data from 13 patients on cardiopulmonary bypass. Similar agreement obtains between the nomogram and data reported by others. The nomogram can be used to estimate the therapeutically required dose of bicarbonate.


Renal concentration gradients of salicylic acid and its metabolic congeners in the dog. Salicylic acid and its principal metabolic product, salicyluric acid, are ultrafiltered at the glomeruli, secreted by the proximal segment and undergo back diffusion; the net effect being an accumulation of salicylates in the cortex. The back diffusion of salicylate is pH-sensitive (salicylurate is not) and its secretion is less sensitive than that of salicylurate to depression by probenecid. There was an increasing concentration gradient of these salicylates from outer cortex to innermost medulla. The clearance of salicyluric acid exceeded glomerular filtration rate even at very low urine flow and was not pH-dependent, so that total salicylate accumulation in the medulla was less affected by adjustment of urinary pH. Increasing perfusion of the nephron markedly reduced the inner medulla/cortical concentration ratios and segmental concentrations of salt and urea and reduced the cortical concentrations of salicylates. Diuresis may decrease the medullary concentration of salicylates, depending on the rate and duration of increased urine flow.


Effects of l-penbutolol (Hoe 893d) on the transmembrane potentials of canine purkinje fibers and ventricular muscle fibers. Intrinsic membrane effects (non-specific effects) and beta-adrenergic blocking action (specific effects) of l-penbutolol were studied using intracellular microelectrode techniques. l-Penbutolol in concentrations above 0.1 mg/L reduced the maximum rate of depolarization at phase O of both Purkinje fibers and ventricular muscle fibers without affecting their maximum diastolic potential. The action potential duration of Purkinje fibers were also shortened. The shortening of action potential duration and enhancement of automaticity in Purkinje fibers, normally induced by isoproterenol (0.2 mg/L), were antagonized by l-penbutolol in much lower concentraions (0.1--1.0 microgram/L) than those at which nonspecific effects are observed. The difference between these two concentration ranges is sufficient to suggest that l-penbutolol might be a highly specific beta-adrenergic blocking agent.


Inhibition of experimental immediate hypersensitivity reactions by a novel xanthone, RU 31156. RU 31156, the tris-(hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane salt of 7-(S-methylsulphonimidoyl)-5-(n-hexyl)-xanthen-9-one-2-carboxylic acid has been found to be a potent inhibitor of experimental immediate hypersensitivity reactions in vivo. In the IgE-mediated rat PCA test, RU 31156 had an ED50 of 0.0046 (00037--0.0057) mg/kg which compared to a figure of 1.21 (1.04--1.42) mg/kg for disocium cromoglycate (DSCG), both compounds being administered intravenously. RU 31156 was also active when administered orally, having an ED50 of 0.19 (0.07--0.30) mg/kg when given 10 min before antigen. RU 31156 partially inhibited an IgG-mediated PCA reaction in the rat. Both RU 31156 and DSCG inhibited anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in the rat, giving bell-shaped dose-response curves. From the upward part of the curves, approximate ED30 values of 0.02 and 2.0 mg/kg were obtained for RU 31156 AND DSCG respectively. Anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in the guinea-pig was not affected by RU 31156 and pinnal anaphylaxis was inhibited at only relatively high doses of 1--10 mg/kg i.v. The effects of both histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine in the mouse pinna were not affected by RU 31156. In PCA experiments, RU 31156 showed self-tachyphylaxis following both intravenous and oral administration. It also showed cross-tachyphylaxis with DSCG, indicating that these compounds are likely to share a similar mode of action.


Acute nephritis and pulmonary alveolitis following pneumococcal pneumonia. Acute glomerulonephritis developed in a man with pneumococcal pneumonia. Serum complement studies revealed decreased levels of C4, properdin, and C3. Renal immunofluorescence studies demonstrated pneumococcal antigen, C1q, C4, C3 proactivator, properdin, C3, IgG, and IgM. Circulating cryoglobulin contained pneumococcal antigen and antibody, C3, and immunoglobulins. Serial pneumococcal antigen and antibody levels did not display patterns that were characteristic of classical immune elimination, but the patterns may have been influenced by the reentry of antigen. A diffuse, pulmonary alveolitis also developed in the patient. Lung immunofluorescence studies revealed pneumococcal antigen, IgG, and C3 in alveolar walls and capillary basement membranes. The glomerulonephritis and alveolitis resolved after a prolonged course. These findings provide presumptive evidence for pneumococcal, immune complex glomerulonephritis with complement activation via both classical and alternative pathways and suggest an immunologic pathogenesis for the pulmonary alveolitis.


Effects of host aging, ions, and pH on the adsorption of the cyanovirus N-1 to Nostoc muscorum. The adsorption rate of the cyanovirus N-1 infecting the nitrogen-fixing blue-green alga Nostocmuscorum decreased with aging of algal cultures and the virus failed to adsorb to the dead host cells. The adsorption rate declined in saline magnesium chloride solution compared to that in algal growth medium. The addition of amino acids like L-tryptophan and L-phenylalanine failed to enhance the adsorption rate of the virus. Optimal pH of adsorption was 7.6 to 8;1.


A comparative study of five commercial reagents for the Coulter Model S: a proposed method for reagent evaluation. A comparative study of five competitive commercial reagents for the Coulter Model S was performed jointly by two large, busy hospital laboratories with active quality control programs. Both laboratories, independently using the same reagent systems, studied 20 consecutive blood samples from patients from their own respective hospital for 20 days. Data from both laboratories were analyzed by standard and nonstandard statistical methods, and the results from both laboratories were compared. Although all reagent systems performed reasonably well in a clinical setting, highly significant statistical differences in their precisions were demonstrated by using univariate and multivariate techniques. The statistical method developed in this study can be applied to other systematic investigations that compare reagent systems.


Acidification of rat colon with lactulose. Its effects on the healing of colonic anastomoses. Preoperative preparation of rats with lactulose, 2.5 ml/kg of a 52.5% w/w solution, for two days resulted in increased bursting pressure and bursting wall tension of low colonic anastomoses three days postoperatively when compared with unprepared controls (85.8, viz, 36.1 mm Hg and 0.55, viz, 0.19 dynes/cm X 10(-5). After seven days, there was no appreciable difference in the rats with colonic acidification and in the controls.


Instability of the bovine MOR-2AB (mitochondrial malate: NAD oxidoreductase) heterodimeric molecule of heterozygous subjects after isoelectric focusing. The heterodimeric molecule which is characteristic of animals heterozygous for the MOR-2 polymorphism and which is readily seen on enzymograms after electrophoresis is reported to be absent from zymograms performed after isoelectric focusing. A possible explanation is presented based on monomer--dimer equilibrium at pH 8.0--8.5.


Biochemical genetics of a new glucosephosphate isomerase allele (Gpi-1c) from wild mice. We have found a new allele at the structural locus for glucosephosphate isomerase (called Gpi-1c) in a population of wild mice. The Gpi-1c allele codes for an enzyme of greater cathodal electrophoretic mobility than either the Gpi-1a or Gpi-1b alleles found in the wild and in the SM/J and C57BL/6J inbred strains. Mice homozygous for Gpi-1c have erythrocyte enzyme activity reduced to 33% of normal levels, altered pH profile, lowered heat stability, and normal Km's when compared with SM/J and C57BL/6J mice. The activity of the enzyme in brain, liver, and kidney is not so markedly lowered, although the electrophoretic mobility, pH profile, and heat stability are altered in these tissues. Deficiencies of erythrocyte glucosephosphate isomerase in man, to this level, can cause severe hemolytic anemia. Homozygotes for Gpi-1c show only mild hematological symptoms. The frequency of Gpi-1c in wild populations of mice is discussed and the occurrence of a further rare allele Gpi-1d is reported.


Chemical and enzymic studies on the characterization of intermediates during the removal of the 14alpha-methyl group in cholesterol biosynthesis. The use of 32-functionalized lanostane derivatives. By using cell-free preparations of rat liver it was shown that the removal of the 14alpha-methyl group (C-32) of steroids containing either a delta7(8) or a delta8(9) double bond is attended exclusively by the formation of the corresponding 7,14- and 8,14-dienes respectively (structures of types III and VIII). Cumulative evidence from a variety of experimental approaches had led to the deduction that delta8(14)-steroids are not involved as intermediates on the major pathway of cholesterol biosynthesis. The metabolism of [32-3H]lanost-7-ene-3beta,32-diol (structure of type I) results in the formation of radioactive formic acid, no labelled formaldehyde being formed. By using appropriately labelled species of the compound (I) it was found that the release of formic acid and the formation of 4,4-dimethylcholesta-7,14-dien-3beta-ol (strurcture of type III) were closely linked processes, and that in the conversion of compound (I) into compound (III), 3-beta-hydroxylanost-7-en-32-al (II) is an obligatory intermediate. Both the conversion of lanost-7-ene-3beta,32-diol (I) into 3beta-hydroxylanost-7-en-32-al (II) and the further metabolism of the latter (II) to 4,4-dimethylcholesta-7,14-dien-3beta-ol (III) exhibited a requirement for NADPH and O2. This suggests that the oxidation of the 32-hydroxy group of compound (I) to the aldehyde group of compound (II) does not occur by the conventional alcohol dehydrogenase type of reaction, but may proceed by a novel mechanism involving the intermediacy of a gem-diol. A detailed overall pathway for the 14alpha-demethylation in cholesterol biosynthesis is considered, and proposals about the mechanism of individual steps in the pathway are made.


Magnetic coupling of the molybdenum and iron-sulphur centres in xanthine oxidase and xanthine dehydrogenases. Magnetic interaction between molybdenum and one of the iron-sulphur centres in milk xanthine oxidase [Lowe, Lynden-Bell & Bray (1972) Biochem. J. 130, 239-249] was studied further, with particular reference to the newly discovered Mo(V) e.p.r.(electron-paramagnetic-resonance) signal, Resting II [Lowe, Barber, Pawlik & Bray (1976) Biochem. J. 155, 81-85]. E.p.r. measurements at 35GHz near to 4.2K showed that the interaction has the same sign at all molybdenum orientations and is ferromagnetic. The predicted splitting of the e.p.r. signal from the reduced iron-sulphur centre, Fe/S I, was observed, Providing positive identification of this as the other interacting species. Chemical modification of the molybdenum environment in xanthine oxidase can change the size of the interaction severalfold, but interaction always remains approximately isotropic. The interaction in turkey liver xanthine dehydrogenase is indistinguishable from that in the oxidase. However, a bacterial xanthine dehydrogenase with different iron-sulphur centres shows rather larger interaction. Guanidinium chloride disturbs the iron-sulphur centres of the oxidase, and when this occurs there is a parallel and relatively small change in the interaction. Removal of flavin from the molecule, or raising the pH to 12.0, changes the interaction slightly without affecting the chromophores themselves. It is concluded that the Fe/S I centre and the Mo are at least 1.0nm and probably nearer 2.5nm apart, and that the conformation of the protein between them is relatively stable up to pH 12.


Pyruvate carboxylase from a thermophilic Bacillus. Studies on the specificity of activation by acyl derivatives of coenzyme A and on the properties of catalysis in the absence of activator. 1. Oxaloacetate synthesis catalysed by pyruvate carboxylase from a thermophilic Bacillus in the absence of acetyl-CoA required addition of high concentrations of pyruvate, MgATP(2-) and HCO(3) (-), and at 45 degrees C occurred at a maximum rate approx. 20% of that in the presence of a saturating concentration of acetyl-CoA. The apparent K(m) for HCO(3) (-) at pH7.8 was 400mm without acetyl-CoA, and 16mm with a saturating activator concentration. The relationship between reciprocal initial rate and reciprocal MgATP(2-) concentration was non-linear (convex-down) in the absence of acetyl-CoA, but the extent of deviation decreased as the activator concentration was increased. The relationship between reciprocal initial rate and reciprocal pyruvate concentration was non-linear (convex-down) in the presence or absence of acetyl-CoA. 2. The optimum pH for catalysis of oxaloacetate synthesis was similar in the presence or absence of acetyl-CoA. The variation with pH of apparent K(m) for HCO(3) (-) implicated residue(s) with pK(a) 8.6 in catalysis of the activator-independent oxaloacetate synthesis. 3. Linear Arrhenius and van't Hoff plots were observed for the temperature-dependence of oxaloacetate synthesis in the absence of acetyl-CoA over the range 25-55 degrees C. E(a) (activation energy) was 56.3kJ/mol and DeltaH(double dagger) (HCO(3) (-)) (enthalpy of activation) was -38.6kJ/mol. In the presence of acetyl-CoA, biphasic Arrhenius and van't Hoff plots are observed with a change of slope at 30 degrees C in each case. E(a) was 43.7 and 106.3kJ/mol above and below 30 degrees C respectively. 4. Incubation of Bacillus pyruvate carboxylase with trinitrobenzenesulphonate caused specific inactivation of acetyl-CoA-dependent catalytic activity associated with the incorporation of 1.3+/-0.2 trinitrophenyl residues per subunit. Activator-independent catalysis and regulatory inhibition by l-aspartate were unaffected. The rate of inactivation of acetyl-CoA-dependent catalysis by trinitrobenzenesulphonate was specifically decreased by addition of acetyl-CoA and other acetyl-CoA and other acyl-CoA species, but complete protection was not obtained. 5. All alkylacyl derivatives of CoA tested activated Bacillus pyruvate carboxylase; acetyl-CoA was the most effective. The apparent K(a) exhibited a biphasic relationship with acyl-chain length for the straight-chain homologues. Certain long-chain acyl-CoA species showed additional activation at a high concentration. Weak activation occurred on addition of CoA or adenosine 3',5'-bisphosphate, but carboxyacyl-CoA species and derivatives containing a modified phosphoadenosyl group were inhibitory. Thioesters of CoA with non-carboxylic acids, e.g. methanesulphonyl-CoA, serve as activators of the thermophilic Bacillus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae pyruvate carboxylases, but as inhibitors of pyruvate carboxylases obtained from chicken and rat liver. 6. alpha-Oxoglutarate mimics the effect of l-aspartate as a regulatory inhibitor of the pyruvate carboxylases from both the thermophilic Bacillus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. l-Glutamate was ineffective in both cases.


The isolation and properties of a non-pepsin proteinase from human gastric mucosa. 1. A non-pepsin proteinase, proteinase 2, was successfully isolated free from pepsinogen (by repetitive chromatography on DEAE- and CM-celluloses) from the gastric mucosa of a patient with a duodenal ulcer and the uninvaded mucosa of a patient with a gastric adenocarcinoma. 2. Proteinases 1a and 1b, found in gastric adenocarcinoma, were not found in the gastic mucosa of these patients. 3. Proteinase 2 was shown to have an asymmetrical broad pH-activity curve with a maximum over the pH range 3.0-3.7. 4. Proteolytic activity of proteinase 2 was inhibited by pepstatin; the concentration of pepstatin giving 50% inhibition is of the order of 3nm. 5. Inhibition of proteolytic activity by carbenoxolone and related triterpenoids indicated that at pH 4.0 proteinase 2 possesses structural characteristics relating it to the pepsins and at pH 7.4 to the pepsinogens. 6. The sites of cleavage of the B-chain of oxidized insulin for proteinase 2 at pH 1.7 and pH 3.5 were shown to be similar to those previously established for human pepsin 3 and for the cathepsin E of rabbit bone marrow. 7. The non-pepsin proteinase 2 (cathepsin) of human gastric mucosa has properties more similar to cathepsin E than to the cathepsins D.


The biochemical pathway for the breakdown of N4-ethyl-L-asparagine in the bacterium Pseudomonas stutzeri. N4-Ethyl-L-[u-14C]asparagine and L-[U-14C]aspartate give identical metabolites, mainly intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and related amino acids, in whole cells of Pseudomonas stutzeri. The labelled asparagine derivative is converted into [14C]-aspartate by cell-free extracts, and this reaction, which has an optimum pH of 8.8 +/- 0.2, is neither inhibited by unlabelled asparagine nor enhanced by unlabelled 2-oxoglutarate. No labelled keto acid corresponding to N4-ethylasparagine was detected in either whole cells or cell-free extracts. Thus N4-ethyl-L-asparagine, like asparagine, must be broken down by hydrolysis, at least in this bacterium.


The microbial metabolism of Cl compounds. The stoicheiometry of respiration-driven proton translocation in Pseudomonas AM1 and in a mutant lacking cytochrome c. This paper clarifies the role of cytochrome c in Pseudomonas AM1 by measuring the stoicheiometry of proton translocation driven by respiration of endogenous or added substrates in wild-type bacteria and in a mutant lacking cytochrome c (mutant PCT76). The maximum -->H(+)/O ratio (protons translocated out of the bacteria per atom of oxygen consumed during respiration) was about 4 and, except when respiration was markedly affected, this ratio was similar in mutant and wild-type bacteria. The -->H(+)/O ratios were unaltered when the usual oxidase (cytochrome a(3)) was inhibited by 300mum-KCN and respiration involved the single cytochrome b functioning as an alternative oxidase. Ratios measured in cells respiring endogenous substrate and in cells loaded with malate or 3-hydroxybutyrate suggest that there are two proton-translocating segments operating during the oxidation of NADH. By contrast, during oxidation of formaldehyde or methylamine only one pair of protons is translocated. Proton translocation could not be measured with methanol as substrate, because its oxidation was inhibited (90-95%) by 5mm-KSCN. It is tentatively proposed that the electron-transport chain for NADH oxidation in Pseudomonas AM1 is arranged such that the NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase forms one proton-translocating segment and the second segment consists of ubiquinone and cytochromes b and a/a(3). The cytochrome c appears to be essential only for respiration and proton translocation from methanol (and possibly from methylamine); there is no conclusive evidence that cytochrome c ever mediates between cytochromes b and a/a(3) in Pseudomonas AM1.


Regulation of the oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate cycle in mussels. 1. The mechanisms that control the oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate cycle in mussel hepatopancreas were investigated. 2. The effects of GSSG (oxidized glutathione) on the inhibition of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase by NADPH [Eggleston & Krebs (1974) Biochem. J. 138, 425-435] extend to 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase. 3. The effect of GSSG on both enzymes increases as the [NADP+1]/[NADPH] ratio decreases; greater percentage deinhibition always was obtained for 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase. 4. Increasing concentration of GSSG increased the percentage deinhibition. This effect is more pronounced with 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase. 5. We confirmed the apparent imbalance between the activities of the two enzymes [sapag-Hagar, Lagunas & Sols (1973) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun, 50, 179-185] in the presence of 10mM-Mg2+. 6. The imbalance practically disappears when the substrate concentrations are less than saturating and Mg2+ approaches physiological concentrations. 7. The addition of GSSG at physiological concentrations allows the activities of both enzymes to be measured at high [NADPH]/[NADP+] ratios ratios and the co-operative action of GSSG and Mg2+ on the imbalance between the two enzymes to be verified. 8. The control of the activity of the two enzymes of the pentose cycle could be carried out by deinhibition of the two dehydrogenases and by the intracellular concentrations of substrates and inorganic ions.


Proton translocation of the bovine chromaffin-granule membrane. Bovine chromaffin granules were lysed and their membranes resealed to give osmotically sensitive 'ghosts'. These swell in the presence of salts and MgATP. It is shown that this is due to proton entry accompanied by anions. The rate of swelling depends on the anion present, but swelling is not limited to media containing permeant anions. It is quite marked in solutions of sulphates, phosphates and acetates. It is not uncoupler-sensitive, suggesting that at least one component of swelling is due to coupled proton and anion entry (non-electrogenic proton translocation). Direct measurements of transmembrane pH and potential gradients generated in the presence of MgATP shows that these are rapidly established in sucrose media, and are rather little affected by the presence of salts. They contribute roughly equally to the total protonmotive force. The potential gradient is establihsed very rapidly, but the pH gradient is generated over several minutes. The gradients are not completely dissipated by uncoupler, and it is shown that, in media containing sulphate but no permeant anion, sulphate can be taken up by the 'ghosts'. There thus appear to be two mechanisms of proton translocation across the membrane, both dependent on ATP hydrolysis: an electrogenic transfer of protons, and proton movement linked to an anion transporter of broad specificity.


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


Contribution of cytochromes and proteins to the effect of ascorbic acid on artificial and microsomal hydroxylation systems containing oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. Hydroxylation systems containing cytochromes, proteins and ascorbic acid were studied at physiological pH (7.4) under O2 or N2 with added H2O2. Proteins inhibited aromatic hydroxylation of p-nitrophenol or oxidative demethylation of ethylmorphine in ascorbic acid-containing systems incubated under O2, but strongly activated the systems containing H2O2. Cytochrome c and partially purified cytochrome P-450 from rat liver microsomal preparations activated the system in either O2 or H2O2. The systems needed ascorbic acid (or other enol structures) for activation. Cytochrome iron participated probably in the activation of O2, whereas cytochrome protein participated in a free radical activation of H2O2 (or of O2).


Evidence for a pH-dependent irreversible formation of a stable conformation of phenacyl-alpha-chymotrypsin. A reinvestigation of the modification reactions of alpha-chymotrypsin with phenacyl bromide was carried out. Results conclusively demonstrate that the chemically and physically different modified enzymes prepared at pH 4 and at pH 7 both contain the phenacyl group at methionine-192 in the sulphonium salt form. Evidence to suppoort this conclusion derives from 13C nuclear-magnetic-resonance spectroscopic observations on [methylene-13C]phenacyl-enriched enzymes. More conclusively, the methionine-192-containing C-chain, derived by performic acid oxidative cleavage of radioactively-labelled enzyme prepared at pH 7, was shown to contain the phenacyl moiety and to undergo dealkylation by 2-mercaptoethanol with loss of this moiety. In addition, thermolytic cleavage of the high-pH enzyme results in fragmentation of the polypeptide chain in a fashion analogous to model reactions of phenacylmethionyl dipeptides and other methionine-192 sulphonium salts. A rationalization of the unusual nature of the high-pH phenacyl-modified enzyme based on the irreversible formation of stable conformation in which the phenacyl moiety is rigidly located in interior regions of the enzyme is presented and discussed.


Pressure relaxation of the equilibrium of the pig heart lactate dehydrogenase system. The relaxation behaviour of a system of reactants equilibrated in the presence of pig heart lactate dehydrogenase was studied after pressure perturbation. Two relaxations were observed when protein fluorescence was recorded, but only the slower relaxation was apparent in observations of A340. The faster relaxation therefore involves transfer between free and enzyme-bound NADH, whereas the slower relaxation represents the reduction of NAD+. Both relaxations were observed in Tris buffer, where there is little effect of pressure on pH, and in phosphate buffer, where pH changes are significant; however, the amplitudes depended on the buffer used. The slower reciprocal relaxation time increases with increasing total enzyme concentration and decreases slightly with increasing NAD+ concentration. Computer simulations, based on a proposed mechanism, were compared with the experimentally determined amplitudes and relaxation times as a test of the mechanism.


Pyruvate-to-ethanol pathway in Entamoeba histolytica. The pyruvate-to-ethanol pathway in Entamoeba histolytica is unusual when compared with most investigated organisms. Pyruvate decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.1), a key enzyme for ethanol production, is not found. Pyruvate is converted into acetyl-CoA and CO2 by the enzyme pyruvate synthase (EC 1.2.7.1), which has been demonstrated previously in this parasitic amoeba. Acetyl-CoA is reduced to acetaldehyde and CoA by the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase (acylating) (EC 1.2.1.10) at an enzyme activity of 9 units per g of fresh cells with NADH as a reductant. Acetaldehyde is further reduced by either a previously identified NADP+-linked alcohol dehydrogenase or by a newly found NAD+-linked alcohol dehydrogenase at an enzyme activity of 136 units per g of fresh cells. Ethanol is identified as the product of soluble enzymes of amoeba acting on pyruvate or acetyl-CoA. This result is confirmed by radioactive isotopic, spectrophotometric and gas-chromatographic methods.


DNA polymerases from Chlamydomonas reinhardii. Purification and properties. Three DNA polymerase activities, A, B and C, were identified in extracts of exponentially growing synchronous cultures of Chlamydomonas reinhardii, and DNA polymerases A and B were characterized in detail. Both enzymes have the same binding affinity for DEAE-cellulose at pH 7.8, but can be distinguished from each other by their behaviour on phosphocellulose and DNA-agarose. 'Activated' calf thymus DNA was used as template, and the pH, K+ and bivalent-cation optima were measured. DNA polymerase A sediments at 5.3 S in glycerol gradients, with an apparent mol.wt. of 90000-100000. Polymerase B sediments between 8S and 10S in 100mM-KCl, the predominant species having an apparent mol.wt. of 200000. In 200mM-KCl, polymerase B dissociates to a single species, which sediments at 5.8S. A 3S species was found in aged preparations of both enzymes. The activity of polymerase B from cells harvested during nuclear DNA synthesis is twice that found in Chlamydomonas at other times during the cell cycle.


The purification and properties of urocanase from Pseudomonas testosteroni. Urocanase (urocanate hydratase, EC 4.2.1.49) purified from Pseudomonas testosteroni has a mol.wt. of 118000 determined by sedimentation-equilibrium analysis. Ultracentrifugation in 6M-guanidine hydrochloride and polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulphate show that the enzyme consists of two identical or very similar subunits. It is, like urocanase isolated from other sources, inhibited by reagents that react with carbonyl groups. Although urocanase from Ps. testosteroni is strongly inhibited by NaBH4, no evidence could be obtained for the presence of covalently bound 2-oxobutyrate as a prosthetic group; this is in contrast with findings elsewhere for urocanase from Pseudomonas putida. Urocanase from Ps. testosteroni does not contain pyridoxal 5'-phosphate as a coenzyme and in this respect is similar to all urocanases studied in purified form.


A reappraisal of the reaction of butyryl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase with phenylmercuric acetate. Evidence that de-greening involves a reaction of the tightly bound thioester. Phenylmercuric acetate reversibly de-greens butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase from Megasphaera elsdenii, abolishing the absorption band at 710nm. The view that this is a result of modification of a protein thiol group is re-examined in the light of the following new observations. (i) After treatment with phenylmercuric acetate, the enzyme's ability to be re-greened by addition of thiols was not decreased by gel filtration or precipitation with (NH(4))(2)SO(4). (ii) Phenylmercuric acetate caused the same extent of de-greening whether added in a few large amounts or many small ones. The overall time taken for de-greening was, however, greatly extended when many small additions were made. (iii) In Tris/acetate buffer, pH7.5, 3.5mol of phenylmercuric acetate/mol of enzyme subunit was required for complete de-greening, compared with only 2.5mol/mol in phosphate buffer, pH7. (iv) None of the groups that react with phenylmercuric acetate is accessible to iodoacetate or iodoacetamide. (v) On a molar basis dithiothreitol, mercaptoethanol and CoA are equally effective in re-greening the enzyme. (vi) Provided that phenylmercuric acetate is not present in excess, the de-greened enzyme forms normal and stable complexes with crotonyl-CoA and acetoacetyl-CoA. (vii) When a small excess of phenylmercuric acetate is present, full stable development of the enzyme-acetoacetyl-CoA complex requires addition of several mol of acetoacetyl-CoA/mol of enzyme subunit. (viii) The ability of de-greened enzyme to be immediately re-greened by an excess of thiol declines with time, more rapidly at pH6 than at pH7 or 8, but at all three pH values the instantaneous re-greening was followed by a slow phase of further increase in A(710). This further recovery was most extensive and most rapid at pH8. These findings are reminiscent of the previously described reversible decline in the re-greening capacity of a protein-free acid extract of green butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase. It is concluded that the likely cause of de-greening is chemical modification of the tightly bound thioester rather than a protein thiol group. The reversibility would be explained if the thioester exists on the surface of the enzyme in equilibrium with free CoA and a lactone, or if the acyl group is readily and reversibly transferred from the thiol of CoA to a protein side chain.


A study of the enhanced toxicity of doxapram in rodents treated with narcotic analgesics. It has been shown in both mice and rats that the LD50 value for doxapram is reduced in rodents treated with narcotic analgesics. In both species the site of the toxic interaction appears to be the cardiovascular system. Doxapram alone, in sub-lethal doses, appears to cause conduction defects in the heart and this action of doxapram is increased in rodents treated with morphine. The enhancement of the toxicity of doxapram by morphine appears to involve an action in the central nervous system probably not related to respiratory depression.


Lorazepam, hyoscine and atropine as i.v. surgical premedicants. Lorazepam 2 and 4 mg alone and in combination with atropine 0.4 mg and hyoscine 0.4 mg were studied as i.v. surgical premedicants in 150 patients. Relief of anxiety, sedation, patient acceptance, lack of recall and side-effects were evaluated. Hyoscine was found to improve the relief of anxiety and sedation associated with lorazepam, but did not significantly increase lack of recall or patient acceptance. The addition of atropine to lorazepam did not significantly alter its effects. A high frequency of agitation and restlessness in patients receiving lorazepam and hyoscine make this combination undesirable for surgical premedication.


Exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: exogenous or endogenous infection? Six male patients with chronic bronchitis, who were known previously to have excreted Streptococcus pneumoniae and/or Haemophilus influenzae, both at the times of exacerbations and during remission, were studied for 43 to 52 months. Sputum was examined fortnightly and at the time of exacerbations. Strains of Strep. pneumoniae were serotyped and those of Haemophilus species were typed by antibiograms along with other supporting methods. Sera collected before or at the time of an exacerbation and seven and 30 days afterwards were examined by complement fixation tests against respiratory viruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. In 18 out of 25 exacerbations there was evidence of a new type of Strep. pneumoniae and/or Haemophilus spp. or of a current virus infection, suggesting exogenous infection in the majority of these cases. There was a possible reason for failure to detect a new pathogen in three of the seven cases in which none was found. In five further exacerbations adequate investigation was not possible.


Cell membrane enzymes: L-gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, leucine aminopeptidase, maltase and trehalase in normal and leukaemic lymphocytes. Several cell-membrane enzymes, which serve functions in amino acid and sugar transport, were measured in peripheral blood lymphocytes from chronic B and T lymphocytic disorders, blast cells in acute leukaemias, and in normal lymphocytes from cord blood, peripheral blood of adults, tonsils and bone-marrow plasma cells in myelomatosis. The specific activities of L-gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, maltase and trehalase were low, as compared with those measured in normal blood lymphocytes, in the acute leukaemias and in the chronic B-cell disorders. In myelomatosis and in the chronic T-cell disorders, the specific activity of these three enzymes was in the normal range or above normal. The specific activity of leucine aminopeptidase was low in all the chronic B-cell disorders and in some of the lymphoblastic leukaemias. It was elevated in Sézary syndrome cells but low in T-chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. All four enzymes were lower than normal in cord blood lymphocytes and higher than normal in tonsils. These findings are discussed in relation to the patterns of lymphoid cell differentiation and maturation in normal tissues and in leukaemic states.


Characterization of marrow granulocyte development: enzyme-specific activity profiles in response to inflammatory reactions. Isopycnic sedimentation has been used to separate granulocytes of varying stages of maturity from the bone marrows of normal rabbits and rabbits stimulated to undergo an intense inflammatory response. The separated cell populations were in turn utilized to study the specific activities of six intracellular enzymes. The study revealed an increase with cell maturation in the specific activities of myeloperoxidase, NADPH oxidase, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase in normal animals; in stimulated animals only myeloperoxidase and NADPH oxidase increased significantly with cell maturation. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase showed no change in specific activity in all animals studied. Malate dehydrogenase tended to show a specific activity decrease in the maturing cells of normal but not in those of stimulated animals.


Fluorescence-quenching study of glucose binding by yeast hexokinase isoenzymes. A study of the effect of varying ionic strength on the glucose-induced quenching of tryptophan fluorescence of hexokinase isoenzymes A(P-I) and B(P-II) was carried out at pH 8.3 and pH 5.5. At p/ 8.3 both isoenzymes gave apparently linear Scatchard-type data plots even with protein concentrations and ionic strengths for which both dimeric and monomeric forms of hexokinase coexist in signiciant amounts. Taking inco account a 1% accuracy in the experimental measurements, we concluded that the intrinsic dissociation constants K(M) and K(D), for the binding of glucose to the monomeric and dimeric forms of HkB, are within a factor of two of each other, i.e. K(D)/K(M) less than or equal to 2. The values of K(M), estimated from the apparent K, were so greatly influenced by ionic strength that it is clear that it is meaningless to compare K(M) and K(D) values measured at different ionic strengths as has been done in the literature. Curvature in the pH 5.5. fluorescence-quenching plots for relatively low ionic strengths demonstrates cooperativity for glucose-binding to the dimer, positive for HkA but negative for HkB. In contrast, the binding is relatively non-cooperative at high ionic strength at this pH. These results were attributed to the well known effect of salt-neutralization of side chain electrical charges on the flexibility and compactness of proteins.


Use of salicylic acid to measure the apparent intracellular pH in the Ehrlich ascites-tumor cell and Escherichia coli. The distribution of salicylic acid between the intracellular and extracellular phases has been used to estimate the intracellular pH in the Ehrlich cell and Escherichia coli. The validity of the method was established by: (i) comparison of the results obtained with salicylic acid with those obtained with 5,5-dimethyloxazolidine-2,4-dione; (ii) by following changes of the apparent intracellular pH under circumstances in which such changes are predictable, e.g., the addition of weak acids or proton conductors to the incubation medium during incubation at acidic pH; (iii) by comparison of the apparent intracellular pH changes with the uptake of H+ by the cells estimated from the changes of the medium pH. Optimal results are obtained with this indicator when the extracellular pH is below 5.5, because in this case the indicator is to a sufficient extent in its penetrating form, so that its movement can reflect intracellular pH changes occurring in less than 30 s. When the intracellular pH falls below 5.2 measurable binding of salicylic acid to the intracellular material of the Ehrlich cell takes place, but above this pH no binding has been found. The Ehrlich cell and cells of Escherichia coli behaved similarly under various experimental circumstances tested, but striking difference were found in the inherent permeability of the membrane to H+ and in the changes in this parameter by lowering the temperature to 2 degrees C.


Complexes of cobalt (II) and manganese (II) with adenosine 5'-diphosphate and adenosine 5'-triphosphate. A circular dichroism study. For studies of interactions between Co2+ and adenosine 5'-diphosphate or adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ADPH4+ and ATPH5+ in strongly acidic medium) visible circular dichroism (d-d transitions of Co2+) and ultraviolet circular dichroism (adenine transitions) have proven to be very sensitive to structural changes. Drastic variation of spectra as a function of pH and concentration enabled us to show the existence of various species, to state their stoichiometry and eventually, their self-association. With ATPH22-, C.D. results are in agreement with recent N.M.R. results. With ligands bearing three negative charges, complexes (1 metal:2 nucleotides)n are formed in which bases of the two nucleotides of the molecule are self-associated. With ADP3-, the visible C.D. spectrum of this complex is intense and hides the spectra of the complexes formed with other protonated species of ADP; this self-associated complex is detected up to a lower limit of 5 X 10(-4) M concentration. With ATPH3-, a complex exhibiting the same characteristics as the one with ADP3- is formed but in about twenty times less amount which explains why it was not detected by potentiometry. With 0.1 M ATP4-, dimeric (or polymeric) complexes, of 1:2 and 1:1 stoichiometry are observed. With 0.01 M ATP4-, 1:1 monomeric and 2:1 dimeric (or polymeric) complexes are detected. The interactions between Mn2+ ions and ADP or ATP have been studied by C.D. on the UV range. The same species as with Co2+ ions have been found but the 1:2 complex formation with ADP3- was shown to occur to a lesser extent and was not observed below a 10(-2) M ADP concentration.


[Reaction between polycytidylic acid and guanosine-5'-triphosphate at neural pH]. The effect of changing the solution acidity in the interval of pH 7--8 on complex formation between polycytidilyc acid (polyC) and guanosine-5'-triphosphate (GTP) has been studied by the equilibrium dialysis and hydrogen ion titration methods. It is shown that in 1 M NaCl at 3 degrees C the complex stoichiometry undergoes changes in a narrow pH interval being equal to 2 poly C: 1 GTP at pH 7,0--7,3 and to 1 poly C:1 GTP at pH 7,6--8,0. In the presence of GTP the apparent pK of poly C protonation increases by 1,4 PK units and becomes equal to 7,1 in 1 M NaCl at 3 degrees C. Thus, the protonated poly-C takes part in the three-stranded poly-C--GTP complex formation. According to Hill's model of cooperative linear adsorption it is shown that the cooperativity of the three-stranded complex formation is greater than of the two-stranded one. The possibility of drastic changes in the structure of biopolymers with small pH changes in neutral region we have found for the poly-C--GTP system as an example may play an essential role in matrix synthesis and other intracellular processes.


Nonenzymatic hydrolysis reactions of adenosine 5'-triphosphate and its related compounds. III: Catalytic aspects of some cobalt(III) complexes in ATP-hydrolysis. Trichlorodiethylenetriaminecobalt (III), [CoCl3dien], which is provided with three good leaving ligands and, hence, capable of binding ATP in a characteristic mode, accelerated effectively and specifically hydrolysis of ATP to ADP and Pi. A kinetic study of the reaction indicated that the rate of hydrolysis was first order with respect to the concentration of ATP in the presence of an excess of [CoCl3dien]. The rate constant was calculated to be 1.05 X 10(-2) min-1 at pH 4.0 (50 degrees C), corresponding to a catalysis of the hydrolysis of ATP by a factor of 150. The complex possessing one good leaving ligand, chlorotetraethylenepentaminecobalt(III), and that having two of them in trans-position, dichlorobis(dimethylglyoximato)cobalt(III) only slightly enhanced the hydrolysis of ATP. Dichloro-cis-alpha- and dichloro-cis-beta-triethylenetetraminecobalt(III) complexes, which have two good leaving ligands and allow chelation of ATP in their coordination sphere, exhibited fairly good activities, although the hydrolysis reactions of ATP occurred in two modes as ATP leads to ADP + Pi and ATP leads to AMP + PPi. The mechanism of ATP-hydrolysis reaction with [CoCl3dien] was also discussed on the basis of the kinetic data.


[Coupled transport of K+, Cl-, H+ and OH- ions in a liposome suspension]. By means of the system of ion-selective electrodes the coupling transport of K+, H+ and Cl- ions in liposome suspension was studied. Nigericin and tributyl tin (TBT) were used as inductors of cation and anion exchange. Effect of pH gradient created on the membrane on ionic transport was studied. The latter was shown to control the antiport exchange of both, cations and anions. At the joint effect of nigericin and TBT the yield of K+ and Cl- ions from liposomes independent of the pH gradient was observed.


Stacking interactions between aromatic amino acids and adenine ring of ATP in zinc mediated ternary complexes. Spectrophotometric studies have provided evidence for zinc-mediated ternary complexes between ATP and aromatic amino acids. The hypochromicity observed in the 260 nm band of ATP increased in the order phenylalanine less than tyrosine less than tryptophan. Adding alanine did not produce any change of the ATP spectrum. The association constant was four fold higher for the ATP-Zinc-Tryptophan complex than for that of the ATP-Zinc-Alanine. The increased stability of the former complex was ascribed to the stacking interaction between indole and adenine rings. The maximum concentration of the ATP-Zinc-Tryptophan complex occurred at about pH 8.0. For these ternary complexes several possible stacked structures involving or not involving N(7) of adenine are discussed.


[Neuron membrane depolarization under the influence of cyclic-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate and its possible role in the neuronal molecular computer (MC)]. The separate fourth intracellular microelectrode was used for controlling the conditions of cyclic nucleotide injection in neurons of Helix pomatia. Ionoforetic increase in intracellular cyclic AMP concentration elicits membrane depolarization in many neurons. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors 3-isobutyl-1-methylxantine and SQ-20009 prolong this depolarization and raise its level. In cell F-1 of helix brain sometimes cAMP induces weak hyperpolarization, but this response turns to usual depolarization after 3-isobutyl-1-methylxantine application. It is suggested that cell molecular computer has an analog input, where diffusion of cAMP, cGMP and Ca++ being a modelling process. Adenylate cyclase and guanylate cyclase and ionic channels of membrane are regulated sources. Phosphodiesterases with Ca2+-binding activator proteins are molecular out flowers and protein kinases--detectors that transform the data about the concentrations of cAMP and cGMP into codes for MCC. Protein kinases control over the activity of proteins directly. The depolarization effect on neuron membrane seems to be associated with protein kinase activation or with direct action of cAMP on phospholipase.


[Activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase of sheep cerebral cortex with respect to amino acids and glutathione]. gamma-glutamyl Transferase fron Sheep brain cortex capillaries was studied from the point of view of transport of aminoacids across blood brain barrier. Excess substrate inhibition was competitive and observed both with donor (glutathione) and various acceptors (methionine, alanine, tryptophan) but not with arginine. Excess glutathione inhibition of transfer reaction is concomitant with an increase of total reaction (transfer + hydrolysis + autotranspeptidation). With regard to aminoacids, the greater the K'm the stronger the inhibition. This inhibition is the result of formation of a dead complex. Lineweaver-Burk plots 1/v versus 1/[acceptor] give straight lines meeting at the same point, whereas 1/v verus 1/[donor] plots are roughly parallel for high aminoacid concentrations and become secant for the low ones. Replots of slopes vs. 1/[acceptor] are not linear: the lower the aminoacid affinity the more pronounced the slope replot curvature. Thus kinetic patterns are consistent with a branched ping-pong mechanism including a ternary complex (Enzyme-acceptor-H2O) at high or low relative concentration, which balances the two branches. The estimated value of kinetic parameters does not support the hypothesis of major implication of the enzyme in brain uptake of aminoacids.


[Glutamate dehydrogenases of unicellular green algae: effects of nitrate and ammonium in vivo]. The constitution and control by the inorganic nitrogen source of glutamate dehydrogenases of some unicellular green algae have been studied. The Ankistrodesmus braunii and Scenedesmus obliquus cells contain two different glutamate dehydrogenases, one of which is NADP-specific, the other is active with both NAD and NADP. Their synthesis does not depend on the nitrogen source. The activity of NADP-specific glutamate dehydrogenase increases sharply during nitrogen starvation. In Chlorella pyrenoidosa 82 and Ch. ellipsoidea only one constitutive double specific glutamate dehydrogenase is observed. Its activity does not change depending on the nitrogen nutrition conditions. In the cells of the thermophylic Chlorella strain Chlorella sp. K. ammomium induces a de novo synthesis of NADP-specific glutamate dehydrogenase in addition to the constitutive double specific glutamate dehydrogenase. Thus, the algae tested contain constitutive double specific glutamate dehydrogenase. The NADP-specific enzyme is absent in two Chlorella strains, is constitutive in A. braunii and S. obliquus, and is ammonium-inducible in three thermophylic Chlorella strains.


[Role of pyruvate kinase in non-specific changes of carbon photosynthetic metabolism, caused by the photophosphorylation inhibition]. The decrease in the level of NADP reduction in chloroplasts under injections of cofactors of pseudocyclic FMN photophosphorylation (vitamin K3 and methylviologen) into pea, tomato and cucumber leaves resulted in the decrease of 14CO2 autotrophic accumulation rate and in the change of distribution of assimilated carbon among the assimilation products. The inhibition of synthesis of labelled sugars and the increase of the content of 3-phosphoglyceric and glyceric acids in the labelled low molecular fraction were observed in all the experiments. Similar changes in the distribution of synthesized in Kalvin cycle labelled products, associated with the inhibition of its reduction unit, were observed under the effect of photophosphorylation uncoupling agents. However, the decrease of ATP/NADP ratio in chloroplasts resulted in the simultaneous increase of fixed 14CO2 incorporation into alanine. The role of pyruvate kinase in "alanine" effect, characteristic of non-specific changes of carbon photosynthetic metabolism, is discussed on the basis of the authors' previous data on the effect of phosphorylation on glycolysis reactions and on the basis of results of ADP introduction into leaf cuts.


[Accessibility of sulfhydryl groups to 5,5'-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid and acid-base properties of bovine and walleye pollock rhodopsin preparations]. Both the number of exposed SH-groups and the rate of reaction with 5,5'dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) in walleye pollock and bovine rhodopsin depend on a degree of native structure of the preparation to be investigated. The preparations studied can be arranged in the order of increase of these parameters as follows: ROS less than rhodopsin extracted by digitonin less than triton X-100 less than cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) less than sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS). After illumination of ROS and digitonin, triton X-100 and CTAB-solubilized rhodopsin, and increase was observed in the number of modified SH-groups. Dark and bleached samples of walleye pollock rhodopsin exhibited a faster rate reaction and a more number of modified SH-groups as compared to bovine preparation. The differences between bovine and walleye pollock preparation disappeared after complete opsin unfolding as a result ROS solubilization in SDS. Six SH-groups per molecule of rhodopsin were modified in both preparation under these conditions. No differences in the number of cysteine residues (10--11), disulfide groups (2), acid (35--40) and base (25--30) titratable groups per rhodopsin molecule were found between bovine and walleye pollock ROS membranes. The isoelectric point of both rhodopsin preparations was within the pH range 5.2--5.6. After proteolysis of ROS with papain, a fragment with molecular weight 24500 +/- 1000 was detected, which contained the same number of SH-groups and cysteine residues as in the case of intact rhodopsin. The results obtained suggest that, in spite of a similar primary structure, the walleye pollock visual pigment has more "loose" and "fluid" space packing in the ROS membrane than the bovine pigment.


Magnetic circular dichroism studies of myoglobin, hemoglobin and peroxidase at room and low temperatures. Ferrous high spin derivatives. The magnetic circular dichroism spectra (MCD) recorded for the visible and near-UV regions of high-spin ferrous derivatives of myoglobin, hemoglobin, hemoglobin dimers and isolated chains as well as of horseradish peroxidase at pH 6.8 and 11.4 have been compared at the room and liquid nitrogen temperatures. The MCD of the Q00- and QV-bands have been shown to be sensitive to structural differences in the heme environment of these hemoproteins. The room temperature visible MCD of native hemoglobin differs from that of myoglobin, hemoglobin dimers and isolated chains as well as from that of model pentacoordinated complex. The MCD of hemoglobin is characterized by the greater value of the MCD intensity ratio of derivative shape A-term in the Q00-band to the A-term in the QV-band. The evidneces are presented for the existence of two pH-dependent forms of ferroperoxidase, the neutral peroxidase shows the "hemoglobin-like" MCD, while the alkaline ferroperoxidase is characterized by the "myoglobin-like" MCD spectrum in the visible region. The differences in the MCD of deoxyhemoglobin and neutral ferroperoxidase as compared with other high-spin ferrous hemoproteins are considered to result from the constraints on heme group imposed by quaternary and/or tertiary protein structure. The differences between hemoporteins which are seen at the room temperature become more pronounced at liquid nitrogen temperature. Except the peak at approximately 580 nm in the MCD of deoxymyoglobin and reduced peroxidase at pH 11.4 the visible MCD does not show appreciable temperature dependent C-terms. The nature of the temperature dependent effect at approximately 580 nm is not clear. The Soret MCD of all hemoproteins studied are similar and are predominantly composed of the derivative-shaped C-terms as revealed by the increase of the MCD peaks approximately in accordance with Boltzmann distribution. The interpretation of temperature-dependent MCD observed for the Soret band has been made in terms of porphyrin to Fe-iron charge-transfer electronic transition which may be assigned as b( pi) leads to 3d. This charge-transfer band is strongly overlapped with usual B(pi --pi*) band resulting in diffuse Soret band. Adopting that only two normal vibrations are sinphase with charge-transfer transition the extracted C-terms of the Soret MCD have been fitted by theoretical dispersion curves.


Immobilization of Streptomyces flavochromogenes pullulanase on tannic acid and TEAE--cellulose. Pullulanase was immobilized successfully by simple, inexpensive methods that may be useful for industrial application of this enzyme. A tannin--pullulanase(TP) complex was obtained by addition of tannic acid to the culture filtrate of thermophilic Streptomyces flavochromogenes. TP could be bound to TEAE--cellulose (TTCP). Immobilization in this manner took place with quantitative retention of activity. The immobilized enzymes were stable for more than six months. The optimum temperatures of the native enzyme and TP were both 50 degrees C; that of TTCP was 45 degrees C. In the presence of 5mM Ca2+, the activity of TTCP was increased approximately twofold and the optimum temperature was raised to 50--60 degrees C. Pullulanase was not significantly eluted from TP or TTCP by NaCl solution (0.1--0.5M).


Purinergic innervation of the guinea-pig urinary bladder. 1 A number of criteria for considering adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) as a neurotransmitter in the guinea-pig urinary bladder have been examined. In addition, the effect of tachyphylaxis to ATP on the response to non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nerve stimulation has been re-examined.2 Quinacrine fluorescence histochemistry revealed a population of nerve fibres, ganglion cells, and nerve bundles in the bladder which were not seen in either the iris or vas deferens, where adrenergic and cholinergic nerves predominate. The distribution and morphology of the quinacrine-positive nerves in the bladder were different from those observed with catecholamine fluorescence and cholinesterase histochemistry, and were unaffected by chemical sympathectomy.3 Release of ATP from the bladder during stimulation of intramural excitatory nerves, in the presence of atropine and guanethidine increased to 3-12 times prestimulation levels. Tetrodotoxin abolished both the contractile response and the increase in ATP release resulting from intramural nerve stimulation. There was no increase in ATP release during contraction resulting from direct muscle stimulation following nerve paralysis with tetrodotoxin.4 Sympathectomy with 6-hydroxydopamine did not affect release of ATP in response to intramural nerve stimulation.5 Release of ATP was dependent on the concentration of calcium ion in the medium.6 Contractions in response to non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic intramural nerve stimulation were closely mimicked by ATP, but not by acetylcholine or histamine.7 Adenosine and dipyridamole reduced the contractions to both ATP and non-cholinergic nerve stimulation.8 2-2'-Pyridylisatogen was not a specific blocker of either ATP or intramural nerve stimulation in the guinea-pig bladder. 2-Substituted imidazolines initiated spontaneous activity making it impossible to assess any blocking action that they may have had.9 Prostaglandins (E(1), E(2) and F(2alpha)) gave weak, slow contractions and an increase in spontaneous activity. Both the response to ATP and non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nerve stimulation were greatly potentiated in the presence of prostaglandins.10 In the presence of indomethacin the response to non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nerve stimulation was virtually abolished following desensitization to ATP.


Inhibition of [3H]-dihydroalprenolol binding to rat cardiac membranes of various beta-blocking agents. Binding of [3-H]-dihydroalprenolol ([3-H]-DHA) to rat cardiac membranes was rapid and reversible (k1 = 0.633-0.701 x 10(6) M(-1) S(-1) And k(-1) = 0.0017-0.0043 s(-1). 2 [3-H]-DHA bound to a single class of binding sites with an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd25degreesc) of 5.7+/-1.1 x 10(-9) M. 3 This binding was specific and the order of potency of adrenoceptor agonists in competing for the binding sites was (-)-isoproterenol greater than (+/-)-isoproternol greater than (+)-isoproterenol greater than (-)-adrenaline greater than (-)-noradrenaline. This was in agreement with the beta1 nature of the cardiac beta-receptors. 4 Cardioselective beta-blockers (i.e. metoprolol, acebutolol and practolol) were shown to have lower binding site affinities, when compared to other blockers. This may be related to steric hindrance by the side-chain at the aromatic end of these molecules.


Glycine high affinity uptake and strychnine binding associated with glycine receptors in the frog central nervous system. Accumulation of [3H]glycine into synaptosomal fractions occurs by high affinity systems in cerebral cortex, optic tectum, brain stem and spinal cord of the frog. Specific [3H]strychnine binding which appears associated with postsynaptic glycine receptors is also demonstrable in these regions. By contrast, only very low levels of strychnine binding and high affinity glycine uptake occur in higher centers of the rat central nervous system. The relative potencies of small neutral amino acids in competing for [3H]strychnine binding are similar in frog brain and spinal cord. No evidence for a high affinity accumulation of [3H]taurine by synaptosomal fractions of frog spinal cord can be demonstrated. These observations favor glycine rather than taurine as an inhibitory transmitter in frog spinal cord. Moreover, these findings suggest that glycine may have a synaptic role in higher brain centers in the frog.


The effect of castration, thyroidectomy and haloperidol upon the turnover rates of dopamine and norepinephrine and the kinetic properties of tyrosine hydroxylase in discrete hypothalamic nuclei of the male rat. Adult male rats were either castrated, thyroidectomized, or treated with haloperidol and the rates of turnover of dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) in the median eminence (ME), the arcuate and dorsomedial nuclei of the hypothalamus were estimated from the rate of decay of DA and NE concentrations as determined by radioenzymatic assay following blockade of catecholamine synthesis by alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine. The ME of animals similarly prepared was also examined for changes in the total activity and kinetic properties of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Four days following the administration of haloperidol (400 microgram/kg) or 10 days after castration, there was a significant increase in the rate of turnover of DA but not NE in the ME accompanied by an increase in the Vmax but not Km for the substrate or cofactor of TH. Furthermore, the administration of haloperidol to hypophysectomized rats also significantly increased the TH activity in the ME, indicating that such changes may occur independently of any changes in serum prolactin levels. Ten days after thyroidectomy, or three weeks after treatment with prophylthiouracil, there was a significant increase in the turnover rate of DA in both the ME and dorsomedial nucleus but not in the arcuate nucleus. No changes in the turnover rates of NE in any of the three areas were observed following thyroidectomy. In the ME, the increase in turnover of DA was accompanied by an increase in the total TH activity (Vmax) as welll as a decrease in Km for tetrahydrobiopterin but not tyrosine. From these results 4 conclusions were drawn: (1) following halperidol, castration, and thyroidectomy there are increases in the activity of dopaminergic terminals within the ME; (2) castration, haloperidol and thyroidectomy may influence the activity of dopaminergic terminals within the ME by different mechanisms; (3) changes in tyrosine hydroxylase and turnover of catecholamines within the ME may occur independently of changes in prolactin levels; and (4) local recurrent afferent circuits may exist in the arcuate nucleus region of the hypothalamus.