Intracellular enzymes of collagen biosynthesis in rat liver as a function of age and in hepatic injury induced by dimethylnitrosamine. Purification of rat prolyl hydroxylase and comparison of changes in prolyl hydroxylase activity with changes in immunoreactive prolyl hydroxylase. Prolyl hydroxylase was purified from newborn rats by affinity chromatography using poly(L-proline), and antiserum to the enzyme was prepared in rabbits. The rat prolyl hydroxylase was similar to the chick and human enzymes with respect to specific activity, molecular weight and molecular weights of the polypeptide chains. The activity of prolyl hydroxylase and the content of immunoreactive enzyme were measured in rat liver as a function of age in experimental hepatic injury. Active prolyl hydroxylase comprised about 13.2% of the total immunoreactive protein in the liver of newborn rats and the value decreased to about 3.6% at the age of 420 days. This decrease was due to a decrease in the enzyme activity, whereas only minor changes were found in the content of the immunoreactive protein. In hepatic injury, a significant increase was found in the ratio of active enzyme to total immunoreactive protein, owing to an increase in the enzyme activity. The data indicate that prolyl hydroxylase activity in rat liver is controlled in part by a mechanism which does not involve changes in the content of the total immunoreactive protein.


Precocious development of UDP-glucuronyltransferase activity in chick-embryo liver after administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone and of certain 11beta-hydroxy corticosteroids. 1. Precocious development of UDP-glucuronyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.17) and of glucuronidation by endogenous compounds of known chemical composition is reported for the first time. 2. This development occurs precociously in chick-embryo liver after administration to the egg of mammalian adrenocorticotropic hormone, of Synacthen (a synthetic compound possessing adrenocorticotropic activity), or of certain corticosteroids possessing a hydroxy or an oxo group at C-11. 3. Corticosterone-dependent transferase development parallels the rise of infused corticosterone in plasma, but does not require the presence of embryo pituitary in ovo, and is demonstrable in embryo liver explants in vitro. 4. Competence of embryo liver transferase to respond to corticosterone (or dexamethasone) begins over days 13-14, the time of competence to respond to grafted pituitary gland. 5. The transferase appearing after treatment with corticosterone or adrenocorticotropic hormone, like that appearing after pituitary grafting or on natural development and unlike that from the untreated embryo, is markedly activated by membrane-perturbation procedures, suggesting it appears through induction, not activation. 6. Thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine accelerate transferase development after treatment with adrenocorticotropic hormone or corticosteroid to the rate seen after pituitary grafting. 7. A wide range of other hormones and steroids did not obviously influence transferase development in this system. 8. We suggest that grafted pituitary gland evokes precocious transferase development in embryo liver through production of adrenocorticotropic hormone and hence of the active corticosteroids; thyrotropin and thyroxine hasten the process. The role of this mechanism in the natural development of UDP-glucuronyltransferase is discussed.


Transport of sugars in chick-embryo fibroblasts. Evidence for a low-affinity system and a high-affinity system for glucose transport. The rate of D-glucose uptake by cells that had been deprived of sugar for 18-24h was consistently observed to be 15-20 times higher than that in control cells maintained for the same length of time in medium containing glucose. This increased rate of glucose transport by sugar-starved cells was due to a 3-5-fold increase in the Vmax. value of a low-affinity system (Km 1 mM) combined with an increase in the Vmax of a separate high-affinity system (Km 0.05-0.2 mM). The high-affinity system, which was most characteristic of starved cells, was particularly sensitive to low concentrations of the thiol reagent N-ethylmaleimide; 50% inhibition of uptake occurred at approx. 0.01 mM-N-ethylmaleimide. In contrast with the high-affinity system, the low-affinity system of either the fed cells or the starved cells was unaffected by N-ethylmaleimide. In addition to the increases in the rate of D-glucose transport, cells deprived of sugar had increased rates of transport of 3-O-methyl-D-glucose and 2-deoxy-D-glucose. No measurable high-affinity transport system could be demonstrated for the transport of 3-O-methylgucose, and N-ethylmaleimide did not alter the initial rate. Thus the transport of 3-O-methyglucose by both fed and starved cells was exclusively by the N-ethylmaleimide-insensitive low-affinity system. The low-affinity system also appeared to be the primary means for the transport of 2-deoxyglucose by fed and starved cells. However, some of the transport of 2-deoxyglucose by starved cells was inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide, suggesting that 2-deoxyglucose may also be transported by a high-affinity system. The results of experiments that measured transport kinetics strongly suggest that glucose can be transported by a least two separate systems, and 3-O-methylglucose and 2-deoxyglucose by one. Support for these interpretations comes from the analysis of the effects of N-ethylmaleimide and cycloheximide as well as from the results of competition experiments. The uptake of glucose is quite different from that of 2-deoxyglucose and 3-O-methylglucose. The net result of sugar starvation serves to emphasize these differences. The apparent de-repression of the transport systems studied presents an interesting basis for further studies of the regulation of transport in a variety of cells.


Plasma-membrane components can be removed from isolated lymphocytes by the bile salts glycocholate and taurocholate without cell lysis. Glycocholate and taurocholate removed from isolated pig lymphocytes a proportion of the cells' complement of 5'-nucleotidase, alkaline phosphatase and alkaline phosphodiesterase I before cell lysis. This may indicate a loss of externally orientated plasma-membrane components.


Testosterone and 6-N,2'-O-dibutyryladenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate stimulate protein and lysosomal enzyme secretion in rat seminal vesicle. Rat seminal-vesicle secretion was studied in vitro in a slice-incubation system. Seminal-vesicle slices were preincubated with 32Pi for 15 min, rinsed, and incubated in an isotope-free 'chase' medium for up to 4h. Gland slices spontaneously discharged protein, three lysosomal hydrolases and trichloroacetic acid-insoluble 32P into the medium in a time- and temperature-dependent manner. Testosterone (10 muM) and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (1 mM) stimulated the discharge of protein, acid hydrolases and trichloroacetic acid-insoluble 32P, and also stimulated the incorporation of 32Pi into trichloroacetic acid-insoluble components. The acid phosphatase and beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase isoenzymes were separated by isoelectric focusing. These hydrolases were secreted into the medium as acidic isoenzymes, presumably contained within primary lysosomes, whereas they occurred largely as less acidic and basic isoenzymes in the glandular tissue.


Lowered respiratory activity in hypo-osmotically shocked mitochondria without loss of cytochrome c. Brief exposure of rat liver mitochondria to hypo-osmotic sucrose media caused a decline in the rates of succinate and ascorbate-NNN'N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine oxidation without loss of cytochrome c when assayed in iso-osmotic media. Lowered respiration rates in mitochondria after brief exposure to hypo-osmotic media may reflect a modification of cytochrome c binding.


Activities and some properties of adenylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase in muscle, liver and nervous tissues from vertebrates and invertebrates in relation to the control of the concentration of adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate. 1. The basal and fluoride-stimulated activities of adenylate cyclase, and the maximal activities of 3':5'-cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase and 3':5'-cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase, together with the Km values for their respective substrates, were measured in muscle, liver and nervous tissues from a large range of animals to provide information on the mechanism of control of cyclic AMP concentrations in these tissues. High activities of adenylate cyclase and cyclic AMP diesterase are found in nervous tissues and in the more aerobic muscles (e.g. insect flight muscles, cardiac muscle and some vertebrate skeletal muscles). The activities of these enzymes in liver are similar to those in the heart of the same animal. The Km values for the enzymes from different tissues and animals are remarkably similar. 2. The comparison of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase and cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase activities suggests that in vertebrate tissues only one enzyme (the high-Km enzyme), which possesses dual specificity, exists, whereas in invertebrate tissues there are at least two phosphodiesterases with separate specificities. 3. A simple quantitative model to explain the control of the steady-state concentrations of cyclic AMP is proposed. The maximum increase in cyclic AMP concentration predicted by comparison of basal with fluoride-stimulated activities of adenylate cyclase is compared with the maximum increases in concentration produced in the intact tissue by hormonal stimulation: reasonable agreement is obtained. The model is also used to predict the actual concentrations and the rates of turnover of cyclic AMP in different tissues and, where possible, these values are compared with reported values. Reasonable agreement is found between predicted and reported values. The possible physiological significances of different rates of turnover of cyclic AMP and the different ratios of high- and low-Km phosphodiesterases in different tissues are discussed.


Composition of HDL-2 and HDL-3 in familial hyperalphalipoproteinemia. The content and percent composition of cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipids, and total proteins in HDL-2 and HDL-3 were quantitated in 5 women with familial hyperalphalipoproteinemia to determine if there are any distinctive characteristics of the high density lipoproteins in this heritable disorder. The 5 women with familial hyperalphalipoproteinemia (FHA) were compared to 4 normal women, with the groups being comparable in regards to age (40 +/- 3 and 37 +/- 5 years), total plasma cholesterol (202 +/- 9 and 188 +/- 16 mg/100 ml), triglyceride (75 +/- 12 and 95 +/- 19), and differing in levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (C-HDL, 84 +/- 6 and 61 +/- 3 mg/100 ml) respectively. Total cholesterol in the HDL-2 and HDL-3 fractions obtained by ultracentrifugation were 43.2 +/- 3.3 and 33.8 +/- 4.1 in FHA subjects, higher than total cholesterol in HDL-2 and HDL-3 in normals, 25.8 +/- 6.2 and 21.5 +/- 1.3 mg/100 ml, P less than 0.025. Total concentration of HDL-3 was higher in FHA than in normal subjects, respectively 222.4 +/- 22.6 and 149 +/- 7.2 mg/100 ml, P less than 0.025. Lipid-protein percent composition of HDL-2 and HDL-3 in FHA and normals was nearly identical, and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed no qualitative differences in band migration and appearance of the HDL-2 and HDL-3 fractions in normal and FHA subjects. In these women with FHA, there appears to be an increased concentration of normal HDL-2 and HDL-3.


Modification of nicotinic acid and prostaglandin E1 antilipolytic action in vitro. In epididymal adipose tissue from rats, human serum antagonizes inhibition of basal lipolysis by nicotinic acid in vitro. Under similar conditions caffeine-stimulated lipolysis was unaffected by the presence of human serum. Very low density (VLDL), low density (LDL) and high density (HDL) lipoproteins were all found to antagonize the action of nicotinic acid on basal lipolysis. VLDL also antagonized prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)-inhibition of basal lipolysis in vitro. The fat cell membrane was suggested as the site at which human serum lipoproteins antagonize nicotinic acid or PGE1 antilipolytic action on basal lipolysis in vitro.


The release of an immobilized lipoprotein fraction from atherosclerotic lesions by incubation with plasmin. A large amount of plasma low density lipoprotein is present in human aortic intima, and this can be removed and measured by electrophoresis directly from the minced tissue into an antibody-containing gel. We now find that, in addition to this electrophoretically mobile lipoprotein, there is an immobilized lipoprotein fraction than can be released from lesions by incubation of the tissue sample with plasmin or other proteolytic enzymes after the mobile lipoprotein has been removed. The concentration of immobilized lipoprotein is highly correlated with the concentration of the residual cholesterol (not mobile on electrophoresis) that has accumulated in the tissue (r = 0.702; P less than 0.001). Thus, in normal intima and early gelatinous lesions it is about 15% of the concentration of mobile lipoprotein, whereas in the atheroma lipid layers of fibrous or gelatinous plaques it may be 2 or 3 times greater than the concentration of mobile lipoprotein. This suggests that immobilization of plasma lipoprotein is an intermediate step in the irreversible deposition of extracellular cholesterol in atherosclerotic lesions. Incubation with plasmin allowed maximum release of lipoprotein: plasmin = crude collagenase greater than trypsin greater than "pure" collagenase greater than chondroitinase ABC in order of their relative effectiveness. The concentration of immobilized lipoprotein was significantly correlated (r = 0.793; P less than 0.001) with the concentration in the tissue of fibrin or other insoluble derivatives of fibrinogen ("fibrin"). In aliquots of lesions incubated with varying amounts of plasmin for varying times there was a constant relation between release of lipoprotein and release of fibrin-degradation products. Together, these findings suggest that the lipoprotein is associated with insoluble "fibrin". This appears to be of considerable clinical interest, suggesting a synergism between lipoprotein and fibrinogen in the accumulation of lipid in lesions.


Maximal exercise stress testing in normal and hyperlipidemic children. Electrocardiographic and cardiovascular responses during maximal exercise were evaluated in 103 normal children and in 82 children with familial hyperlipoproteinemia. The normal and hyperlipidemic children were comparable in regards to age, weight--height index, resting and exercise blood pressures, and maximal working capacity indices. The cohort of 82 hyperlipidemic children included 61 children (29 boys and 32 girls) with well defined "monogenic" familial hyperlipoproteinemia. Segmental ST depression on the exercise electrocardiogram occurred in 8 of these 29 boys (27.6%) as compared to 4 of 55 normal boys (7.3%), P less than 0.025 and in 6 of the 32 girls (19%) as compared to 7 of 48 normal girls (14.6%), P greater than 0.1. Segmental ST depression was present in 14 of 61 (23%) children with "monogenic" hyperlipoproteinemia, as compared to 11 of 103 (10.75%) normal (x2 = 4.47, P less than 0.05). An assessment of the clinical significance of an abnormal exercise electrocardiogram in male children with "monogenic" hyperlipoproteinemia must await the following: (1) two to four decades of observation and study of the development of morbid or mortal coronary disease, or (2) the future development of improved invasive or noninvasive techniques for the early detection of covert coronary occlusive disease. Currently, maximal exercise electrocardiography cannot be contemplated as a useful indicator of eventual premature coronary artery disease in asymptomatic hyperlipidemic children.


Serum lipoproteins and atherosclerosis in animals. The lipoproteins have been examined in more than 300 serum or plasma samples taken during life or at post mortem from a fairly wide range of mammals, birds and reptiles. The material, which was collected over a period of several years, was subjected to a limited range of lipid analyses, but all specimens were submitted to electrophoresis with paper or cellulose acetate membrane as supporting medium. The lipoprotein pattern in mammals appears to be basically similar to that in man, but there are wide variations in lipid concentrations; the highest levels being found in bears, seals and primates. High concentrations were also observed in many birds and a few reptiles, but the lipoprotein patterns in these vertebrates differ from those in mammals and are further greatly modified by oviparity. Semi-quantitative data on the degree of atherosclerosis were available on the animals that died. There was only a crude positive correlation between the intensity of the arterial disease and high serum beta-lipoprotein levels, and it was concluded that the latter are probably of only secondary importance in the development of spontaneous atherosclerosis in animals.


Reconstitution of T cell function in patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis treated with thymus humoral factor. Two patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) showed impairment of cell-mediated immunity, as indicated by a low T cell number, decreased intracellular cyclic AMP levels of peripheral blood lymphocytes, negative graft-vs.-host reaction in vivo, negative skin reactions to common antigens and, in one of the patients, abnormal reactions in migration inhibition factor tests. Since some of the impaired T cell functions in one of the patients were reconstituted in vitro by the administration of thymus humoral factor (THF), a thymic hormone shown in an earlier study to regulate maturation of T lymphocytes in in vitro and in vivo animal models, a course of THF administration was given to both patients in this study. In vitro and in vivo assays, which reflect T cell competence, were performed before and after a daily schedule of THF administration that lasted for 10 days in one patient and 21 days in the other. The results of this preliminary trial suggested that THF was capable of reconstituting the impaired T cell functions in both patients after a short term of treatment. These preliminary results should encourage additional long-term therapeutic trials with THF in SSPE patients with impaired cell-mediated immunity.


Apha-adrenergic receptor blockade increases human REM sleep. 1 An alpha-adrenergic receptor blocking agent, thymoxamine (150 mg i.v.) in the early night sleep of young adults increased REM sleep duration and also brief awakenings in the early night, while slow wave sleep, stage 3+4, was diminished. In the later night, however, stage 3+4 sleep was increased. Control experiments demonstrated that thymoxamine (i.v.) was without effect on blood pressure. 2 REM sleep duration may be inversely proportional to noradrenaline available at central alpha-adrenoceptors, but the control mechanisms for REM sleep appear interdependent with those for NREM sleep.


Beta-adrenoceptors in the human dorsal hand vein, and the effects of propranolol and practolol on venous sensitivity to noradrenaline. 1 Infusion of isoprenaline into dorsal hand veins preconstricted with noradrenaline produced vasodilatation in four subjects out of five which was reversed by addition of propranolol. It is confirmed that beta-adrenoceptors are present in the hand veins of most subjects. 2 Addition of either propranolol or practolol to infusions of vasoconstrictor doses of noradrenaline potentiated the vasoconstriction in the hand vein. 3 After systemic administration of propranolol (0.3 mg/kg) or of practolol (1.0 mg/kg) intravenously, the sensitivity of the hand vein to the vasoconstrictor activity of noradrenaline was increased by 7.5 times and 2.9 times respectively. Significant reductions in hand skin temperature and resting pulse rate occurred after propranolol only. 4 It is suggested that this may be a useful method for the quantitative estimation of peripheral vascular beta-adrenoceptor blocking activity in man. At the doses used, significant beta-adrenoceptor blockade appears to occur at this site with practolol as well as propranolol.


Distant visceral metastases in pleural mesothelioma. Distant visceral metastases were found in 15 of 32 cases of pleural mesothelioma (47%). Contrary to earlier reports pleural mesothelioma should be regarded as a tumour in which visceral metastases are not uncommon. No association was found between the histological type of mesothelioma and visceral metastases; the peritoneal involvement found in five cases is probably due to local infiltration and seeding.


Abnormal fibrin polymerization in liver disease. Although there have been isolated reports of an acquired abnormal fibrinogen in patients with liver disease, its frequency and clinical significance is not known. In this study 121 consecutive patients with a wide spectrum of hepatic disorders were screened for abnormal fibrin polymerization. A simple colorimetric method using Reptilase was employed. Of 32 patients with proven cirrhosis, 16 (50%) showed abnormal fibrin polymerization. The incidence in decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis was particularly high. The abnormality was also detected in all patients with acute liver failure and seven of 15 with chronic active liver disease. Clinical improvement often correlated with its disappearance. Two patients with primary liver cell tumours demonstrated the abnormal polymerization. In patients with bleeding oesophageal varices the detection of abnormal fibrin polymerization was associated with a poor prognosis. None of the patients with surgical obstructive jaundice (26) or miscellaneous liver disorders (37) had abnormal fibrin polymerization. The occurrence of abnormal fibrin polymerization in liver disease is more frequent than previously suspected and usually signifies severe primary hepatocellular dysfunction. Evidence is presented to support the presence of a primary abnormality of fibrinogen as the cause of impaired fibrin monomer polymerization.


ACTH levels in amniotic fluid during pregnancy. The fetal pituitary-adrenal axis plays an important role in the role in the regulation of fetal development. In order to obtain information about fetal ACTH secretion at different gestational ages, a total of 109 amniotic fluid ACTH determinations was performed by radioimmunoassay. There was a significantly higher level of ACTH during 26 to 30 weeks of pregnancy (429 +/- 180-4 pg/ml) than in early (208-7 +/- 90-6 pg/ml) and in late (172-7 +/- 97-4 pg/ml) pregnancy; fetal sex, uterine contractions and maternal complications in pregnancy did not affect levels. The ACTH level in the first urine of six newborn infants (160-0 +/- 40-6 pg/ml) approximated to that in the amniotic fluid in late pregnancy. Our results support the assumption of a fetal origin for ACTH in amniotic fluid. The high secretion of ACTH at the beginning of the last trimester of pregnancy may stimulate the development of the adrenal cortex and result in the increased cortisol secretion necessary for fetal lung maturation.


Selective interaction of 5'-bromodeoxyuridine substituted DNA with different chromosomal proteins. Chromosomal proteins selectively interact with 5'-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) substituted DNA relative to unsubstituted DNA. The relative affinities of chromosomal proteins for BrdUrd-DNA and unsubstituted DNA were measured by both thermal chromatography on hydroxylapatite and selective retention on nitrocellulose filters. Certain chromosomal proteins have a high affinity for hydroxylapatite; thus, during thermal chromatography of chromatin, the single-stranded DNA component percolates across a bed of adsorbed proteins as it elutes. We have measured the relative affinities of Brd-Urd-DNA and normal DNA for chromosomal proteins by chromatographing appropriate mixtures on hydroxylapatite. The results show that, under these conditions, the histone components, rather than the nonhistone chromatin proteins, retard the BrdUrd-substituted DNA. In addition, the individual histones vary in the degree of their affinity for BrdUrd-DNA in the order H3 greater than H4 greater than H2A greater than H2B greater than H1. We have used the property that protein-DNA complexes have a preferential affinity for nitrocellulose filters over naked DNA to measure the selective binding of BrdUrd-DNA and unsubstituted DNA's to both histone and nonhistone chromosomal proteins at low temperatures. The histones selectively retained BrdUrd-DNA on filters in the order H4 greater than H2A greater than H3 greater than H2B greater than H1. Using this assay, the nonhistones displayed greater selectivity toward BrdUrd-DNA than the histone fraction. We interpret these results to mean BrdUrd-containing DNA has a specific affinity for certain chromosomal proteins with BrdUrd-DNA may be the basis for selective inhibition of cytodifferentiation by the thymidine analogue, BrdUrd.


Estimation of membrane surface potential and charge density from the phase equilibrium of a paramagnetic amphiphile. The distribution of a paramagnetic amphiphile, N,N-dimethyl-N-nonyl-N-tempoylammonium ion, between the membranes of charged phospholipid vesicles and the surrounding aqueous medium was studied by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. By systematically varying the surface charge of the vesicles and the aqueous electrolyte concentration, the distribution was shown to indicate vesicle surface potential. At each fixed phospholipid composition, the surface potential exhibited a dependence on aqueous NaCl concentration very similar to that predicted by the Gouy equation. The ability to sense and quantitate surface potentials makes this facile and sensitive technique of value in the study of cell and organelle surfaces.


Membrane fluidity change in erythrocytes induced by complement system. The structural change in erythrocyte membranes induced by antibody and complement was studied using phospholipid spin-labels. Sheep erythrocytes were labeled with phosphatidylcholine spin-label and various intermediate cells (erythrocyte-antibody complex (EA), EA bound with complement components from C1 to C7 (EAC1-7), EAC1-8, and EAC1-9) were prepared. Electron spin resonance spectra of EA, EAC1-7, and EAC1-8 were very similar to that of the erythrocytes, while that of EAC1-9 was markedly different. The overall splitting value for the lysed EAC1-9 (53 G) was much smaller than that for the erythrocytes (57 G), indicating a marked fluidization around the phosphatidylcholine label. The unlysed EAC1-9 membranes contained a limited fraction of the fluidized area. When EA was reacted with complement in the presence of 36% bovine serum albumin, the membranes were fluidized similarly to the lysed EAC1-9, although the hemolysis was largely blocked. The membranes of unlysed EAC1-9 prepared in isotonic (ethylenedinitrilo)tetraacetic acid were also fluidized, but to somewhat smaller extent. The role of C9 in the modification of erythrocyte membranes was also demonstrated using Mg2+ ghosts, which were prepared by hypotonic hemolysis in the presence of Mg2+. The membranes of Mg2+ ghost of EAC1-7 were markedly fluidized when bound with C8 and C9, but not affected by binding of C8 only. The component C8 was found to give a latent effect on the membranes that caused irreversible fluidization upon osmotic shock. The terminal component thus creates a fluidized area in the erythrocyte membranes through which small ions and molecules may diffuse more easily and the resulting osmotic unbalance may finally cause hemolysis.


Determination of the hydride transfer stereospecificity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide linked oxidoreductases by proton magnetic resonance. A facile proton magnetic resonance technique is described for the determination of the coenzyme stereospecificity during hydride transfer reactions catalyzed by pyridine nucleotide dependent oxidoreductases. The reliability of this technique was demonstrated by examining the coenzyme stereospecificity of lactate, malate, and 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenases, which are known to be A-stereospecific enzymes, as well as triosephosphate and octopine dehydrogenases, which are known to be B-stereospecific enzymes. Furthermore, by applying this technique, it was shown that the previously unstudied enzymes D-beta-hydroxybutyrate and 4-aminobutanal dehydrogenases are B- and A-stereospecific enzymes, respectively. In addition, the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide linked reaction of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides was found to be B stereospecific, like the reaction of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate linked yeast enzyme.


Substrate binding properties of converting enzyme using a series of p-nitrophenylalanyl derivatives of angiotensin I. The binding properties of angiotensin I for the active site of rabbit lung converting enzyme (CE) have been investigated. A series of angiotensin I like substrates, all containing the C-terminal tripeptide, (NO2)Phe-His-Leu, were synthesized by increasing the length of the peptide at the N-terminal end. A total of eight peptides were studied, the largest being [Asn1, (NO2)Phe8]angiotensin I. As determined by thin-layer chromatography, all substrates were hydrolyzed only at the (NO2)Phe-His bond by purified converting enzyme, with the release of the dipeptide, His-Leu. By using an absorbance increase upon hydrolysis, the Michaelis constants and velocity maxima were determined and used to estimate those amino acids in the angiotensin I molecule that contribute significantly to binding to converting enzyme. It was hypothesized that, upon addition or substitution of one or more amino acids to the N-terminal end, a proportional decrease in both KM and Vm is needed in order to conclude that the substrate actually increases its affinity for the enzyme. A test of the proportionality for the variation of KM and Vm was found to be positive for all the substrates, except the N-terminal carbobenzoxy-blocked tripeptide, Z(NO2)Phe-His-Leu. Substitutions near the bond that is hydrolyzed (e.g., proline for the carbobenzoxy group) appear to alter the catalytic properties of CE, while additions far removed from the site of hydrolysis (e.g., the N-terminal tripeptide Asn-Arg-Val) may enhance binding affinity.


Characterization of procollagen synthesized by matrix-free cells isolated from chick embryo tendons. The genetic type and molecular structure of the precursor forms of collagen synthesized by matrix-free tendon cells isolated from 17-day old chick embryos were examined by chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques. The [14C]proline-labeled collagenous proteins secreted by the cells resolved on diethylaminoethylcellulose into two peaks, A and B. Both peaks contained type I collagenous proteins since on chromatography on carboxymethylcellulose, after limited pepsin proteolysis, both peaks contained alpha1 and alpha2 chains of collagen in a 2:1 ratio, and cyanogen bromide peptide maps of the 14C-labeled protein in both peaks were similar to cyanogen bromide peptide maps derived from authentic type I collagen. Enzymatic digestion with purified mammalian collagenase demonstrated that the collagen precursor in peak B contained noncollagenous peptide extensions at both the amino- and carboxy-terminal ends of the molecule, while peak A had only carboxy-terminal extension peptides. Although both the amino- and carboxy-terminal extensions incorporated radioactive cystine, only the carboxy-terminal extensions contained interchain disulfide bonds. The carboxy-terminal extensions were also shown to incorporate radioactive tryptophan. Since most of the precursor forms of collagen recovered in the incubation medium chromatographed in peak B, it is concluded that matrix-free tendon cells secrete only type I procollagen with extension peptides at both the amino- and carboxy-terminal ends of the molecule.


A transition state analogue for two pyruvate metabolizing enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase and alanine dehydrogenase. The synthesis of 5-(2-oxalylethyl)-NADH, a reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) derivate with pyruvate covalently attached to the 5 position of the dihydronicotinamide ring over an additional methylene group has been described previously (Trommer, W.E., Blume, H., and Kapmeyer, H. (1976) Justus Liebigs Ann. Chem., 848). In the presence of lactate dehydrogenase, the dihydropyridine ring of this coenzyme-substrate analogue is oxidized and the carbonyl function of the side chain is reduced to the corresponding L-hydroxy derivative with a maximum velocity of 1/3000 of the natural reaction. This reaction is intramolecular as shown by competition experiments with pyruvate. 5-(2-oxalylethyl)-NADH (pyr-NADH) appears to be a true transition state analogue, proving its postulated structure. Pyr-NADH is high specific for this enzyme as demonstrated by the facts that (1) D-lactate dehydrogenase does not catalyze the intramolecular redox reaction, although the substrate moiety of pyr-NADH is reduced in the presence of NADH; (2) when tested with malate dehydrogenase, alcohol dehydrogenase, glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase,glycerate dehydrogenase, and glycerol dehydrogenase pyr-NADH is not even oxidized in the presence of the corresponding substrates. However, a great similarity between the transition states of the reduction of pyruvate catalyzed by lactate dehydrogenase and alanine dehydrogenase could be shown. Alanine dehydrogenase catalyzes the intramolecular redox reaction as well. In the presence of ammonium ions, pyr-NADH is transformed to 5-(3-carboxyl-3-aminopropyl)-NAD+.


Pulmonary angiotensin-converting enzyme antienzyme antibody. A method has been developed for quantitating anticatalytic activity in antibody preparations made in goats against pure solubilized angiotensin-converting enzyme from rabbit pulmonary membranes. Anticatalytic activity was purified about 90-fold from a single batch of serum by a procedure including diethylaminoethylcellulose chromatography and elution from Sepharose columns containing covalently bound pure enzyme. Antiholoenzyme antibody was fractionated with respect to charge and binding affinity; however, these different populations each inhibited enzymatic hydrolysis of hippurylhistidylleucine, angiotensin I, and bradykinin. The inhibition dose-response curves were similar for hydrolysis of hippurylhistidylleucine and angiotensin I despite the difference in molecular weight of these substrates. Evidence is presented suggesting that a single molecule of antibody can bind two molecules of enzyme and that at least 18% of the total antiholoenzyme antibody population is directed against determinants which influence catalytic activity. A competitive immunoassay was developed with radioiodinated pulmonary enzyme as displaceable antigen. The anticatalytic and radioimmune assays were used to examine immunological properties of converting enzymes in various rabbit organs and fluids. Kidney, brain, and serum were found to contain converting enzymes which were immunologically identified with that in rabbit lung. Converting enzyme in seminal plasma was similar to the lung enzyme in the anticatalytic assay, but showed lower immunoreactivity in the radioimmune assay.


Adenosine and adenine nucleotides stimulation of skin (epidermal) adenylate cyclase. Adenosine, AMP, ADP and ATP activated adenylate cyclase in pig skin (epidermis) slices resulting in the accumulation of cyclic AMP. This effect was highly potentiated by the addition of the cyclic AMP-phosphodiesterase inhibitor, papaverine. But another inhibitor, theophylline, strongly blocked the activation of adenylate cyclase by adenosine and adenine nucleotides. Theophylline apparently competed with adenosine for the cell surface receptor. Like theophylline, the addition of adenine alone caused no accumulation of cyclic AMP, but it significantly inhibited the stimulatory effect of adenosine. Guanosine, or guanine, cytidine, uridine, or thymidine nucleotides had no effect on the accumulation of cyclic AMP. Among other adenine nucleotides we tested, adenosine 5'-monophosphoramidate, but not adenosine 5'-monosulfate significantly increased cyclic AMP especially with the addition of papaverine. Neither 2'- nor 3'-adenylic acid were effective. Our data indicate that pig epidermis has four specific and independent adenylate cyclase systems for adenosine (and adenine nucleotides), histamine, epinephrine and prostaglandin E.


Effect of cold exposure on phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (GTP) activity and cyclic amp concentration in livers of starved rats. Role of glucorticoids. The effect of cold exposure (5 degrees C) on the concentration of cyclic AMP and on the activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (GTP: oxaloacetate carboxy-lyase (transphosphorylating), EC 4.1.1.32) was investigated in the liver of intact and adrenalectomized starved rats. Intact starved rats responded to cold exposure with a large increase in  both the concentration of hepatic cyclic AMP and the activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase above the starvation level. Adrenalectomy did not impair the cold-induced maximum elevation of cyclic AMP but totally prevented the response of the enzyme to cold. Yet, this response was completely restored by hydrocortisone treatment, while the steroid per se had no effect on enzyme activity. In isolated perfused livers of intact starved rats dibutyryl cyclic AMP provoked an immediate dramatic increase in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity above the starvation level even if mRNA synthesis was inhibited by cordycepin. However, cyclic AMP was ineffective in increasing enzyme activity in livers of adrenalectomized rats. From these results it is suggested (i) that in starved rats the adaptation to the enhanced glucose demand provoked by cold exposure includes the induction of hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase above the starvation level, (ii) that this induction is due to the cold-induced increase in hepatic cyclic AMP levels, (iii) that cyclic AMP stimulates enzyme synthesis at a post-transcriptional step and (iv) that the cold-induced cyclic AMP-mediated induction of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase above the starvation level requires the "permissive" effect of glucocorticoids.


Effect of substance P and eledoisin on K+ efflux, amylase release and cyclic nucleotide levels in slices of rat parotid gland. The undecapeptides, substance P and eledoisin, caused a rapid, concentration-dependent increase in K+ efflux and amylase release from parotid tissue slices. The effects were not blocked by beta-adrenergic, alpha-adrenergic, or cholinergic antagonists. Incubation buffer calcium was required for stimulation of K efflux and amylase release. The action of the undecapepides was independent of any effects on parotid cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP levels. Since the actions of the undecapeptides were Ca2+ dependent and no effects on cyclic nucleotide levels were discerned it was concluded that Ca2+ plays a primary role in agonist regulation of K+ efflux from the parotid.


Effect of high level section of the spinal cord on the cyclic AMP system in rat liver. The effect of high level section of the spinal cord upon the hepatic cyclic AMP system was investigated in the rat. We report that transection of the spinal cord dramatically decreases the basal level of cyclic AMP from 0.88 nmol/g liver to 0.36 nmol/g at 1 h and to 0.20 nmol/g at 4 h. This was not due to increased activity of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase or to decreased activity of basal adenylate cyclase. The sensitivity of adenylate cyclase to its usual effectors in vitro was not impaired. It is proposed that the lowering of liver cyclic AMP below its basal level after high level section of the spinal cord is due to decreased levels of hepatic catecholamines and/or plasma glucagon.


Separation and characterization of two distinct hemagglutinins contained in purified leukocytosis-promoting factor from Bordetella pertussis. 1. The leukocytosis-promoting factor of Bordetella pertussis was found to contain two hemagglutinins with different susceptibilities to papain and separable from each other by agarose gel filtration with Tris - HCl buffer containing 1 M NaCl. 2. One hemagglutinin, referred to as hemagglutinin HA, had a high hemagglutinating activity, but neither leukocytosis-promoting nor histamine-sensitizing activity. The other hemagglutinin, referred to as hemagglutinin LPF appeared to be identical with the leukocytosis-promoting factor and possessed a low hemagglutinating and high leukocytosis-promoting and histamine-sensitizing activities. 3. The hemagglutinating activity of hemagglutinin HA was highly sensitive to papain. The hemagglutinating, leukocytosis-promoting, and histamine-sensitizing activities of hemagglutinin LPF were fairly resistant to the enzyme. 4. The two hemagglutinins were distinct from each other in immunological and chemical properties. 5. Morphologically, hemagglutinin HA showed itself to be filamentous molecules of approx. 2 X 40 nm, while hemagglutinin LPF comprised of spherical molecules of approx. 6 nm diameter. 6. The molecular weight values of hemagglutinin HA estimated by sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and sucrose density gradient centrifugation were approx. 126 000 and 133 000, respectively. Those of hemagglutinin LPF estimated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoreis at pH 4.5, sucrose density gradient centrifugation and gel filtration on a 10% agarose column were 107 000, 103 000 and 30 000, respectively. A possible reason for obtaining such a low molecular weight value by gel filtration is discussed.


Moenomycin: an inhibitor of c55-isoprenoid-alcohol kinase from Staphylococcus aureus. The effect of a variety of structurally diverse antibiotics on C55-isoprenoid-alcohol kinase (EC 2.7.1.66) from Staphylococcus aureus has been examined. Only moenomycin was found to be inhibitory (Ki = 0.2 mM). Moenocinol, the C25 lipid component of moenomycin, did not serve as a substrate of the kinase reaction and was less inhibitory than the intact antibiotic. It is concluded that the observed inhibition may be due to the structural similarity between C55-isoprenylmonophosphate and the substituted moenocinol moiety of moenomycin.


Subcellular localization of gamma-glutamyl carboxypeptidase and of folates. The subcellular distributions of glutamyl carboxypeptidase, folate specific activities, and radioactive metabolites of injected [3H] folic acid were studied in rat liver. The specific activity of glutamyl carboxypeptidase in the lysosomal fraction was near or greater than four times that in the other subcellular fractions. The specific activity of folates was highest in the soluble fraction (102 ng folate/mg protein) and lowest in the microsomal fraction (22 ng folate/mg protein). Nuclear, mitochondrial, and lysosomal folates were 95% folate polyglutamates, and microsomal and soluble folates were 85--90% folate polyglutamates. Injected [3H] folic acid was initially concentrated in the microsomal fraction, as measured by 3h cpm per ng folate. Initially, injected [3H] folic acid was found converted to folate penta- and hexaglutamates in all fractions to a similar extent except in the microsomes where the percentage conversion was much less, as measured by the percentage of total 3H cpm determined to be [3H] folate penta- and hexaglutamates. At 24 h, the conversion of [3H] folates to penta- and hexaglutamates in each fraction was less than that found for the endogenous folates. Injected [3H] folic acid after 2h was found to consist of 94% reduced folates in the soluble fraction, 56% in the mitochondrial, 55% in the nuclear, 20% in the lysosomal, and 15% in the microsomal fraction.


A Limulus glucose-6-phosphatase with phosphotransferase activity characteristic of vertebrate liver microsomes. Its possible evolutionary significance. 1. Limulus hepatopancreas, coxal glands and intestine contain a particulate enzyme which can synthesize glucose 6-phosphate from glucose and inorganic pyrophosphate or carbamyl phosphate as well as hydrolyze glucose 6-phosphate. This has been clearly differentiated from hydrolysis by lysosomal or soluble phosphatases. 2. The enzyme resembles vertebrate glucose-6-phosphatase in its specific anatomical distribution, pH optimum, kinetic properties, donor specificity and phospholipid dependence, as indicated by its satency and lability to detergent treatment. 3. A variety of other invertebrates tested exhibited little or no PPi-glucose phosphotransferase activity with these properties. A similar phosphotransferase activity of lobster hepatopancreas had somewhat different kinetic properties and pH optimum. 4. The hypothesis that a specific glucose-6-phosphatase is to be found only in those animals which utilize free glucose as an important circulating form of energy is presented and discussed. It appears that a variety of transport compounds, such as trehalose and glucose, was tried at the evolutionary level of the Arthropods.


The use of affinity chromatography in purification of cyclic nucleotide receptor proteins. Biospecific affinity chromatography has been used to purify specific cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP receptor proteins. Several variables are important for successful purification of the cyclic AMP receptor protein, the most critical being the length of the aliphatic spacer side arm. 8-(2-Aminoethyl)-amino-cyclic AMP coupled to the aliphatic spacer side arm. 8-(2-Aminoethyl)-amino-cyclic AMP coupled to agarose specifically retains the cyclic AMP receptor protein by interaction with the immobilized nucleotide. Binding of the cyclic AMP receptor subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase to the immobilized nucleotide results in dissociation of the catalytic protein phosphokinase subunit which is not retained. The retained cyclic AMP receptor protein is subsequently eluted by cyclic AMP. Homogeneous cyclic AMP receptor protein prepared from rabbit skeletal muscle by affinity chromatography has been characterized. The molecular weight of the native protein as determined by analytical ultracentrifugation and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at varying acrylamide concentrations is 76 800 and 82 000, respectively. The protein is asymmetric with frictional and axial ratios of 1.64 and 12. SDS and urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicate that the native cyclic AMP receptor is composed of two identical subunits of 42 700 molecular weight. The native protein dimer binds 2 moles of cyclic AMP per mole of protein and is active in suppressing activity of isolated catalytic subunits of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. Cyclic GMP receptor protein from bovine lung has been purified using the same affinity chromatography media. Since cyclic nucleotide binding to cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase does not result in dissociation of regulatory receptor and catalytic phosphotransferase subunits, the cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase holoenzyme is retained on the column and can be subsequently specifically eluted with cyclic GMP.


Protein components in the very low density lipoproteins of hen's egg yolks. Identification of highly aggregating (gelling) and less aggregating (non-gelling) proteins. Apoproteins of hen's egg yolk very low density lipoprotein has been separated by Sephadex G-200 gel filtration in 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate into three categories of proteins termed apoprotein A, apoprotein B and apoprotein C. Apoprotein A fraction consists of several aggregated proteins (linked possibly by -S-S- bridges) as shown by acrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol. Apoprotein B contains two major protein components, B1 and B2, with molecular weights of 78 000 and 64 000, respectively, and two minor proteins components. Apoprotein C was obtained in a pure form as a low molecular weight, -S-S- linked dimer protein and accounted for about 30% of the total protein. In the monomeric form, apoprotein C has a molecular weight of 9400. Apoprotein A and apoprotein B have similar amino acid composition, except in isoleucine content which is over two times in apoprotein B as compared to apoprotein A. Apoprotein C lacks histidine and is richer in arginine than apoproteins A or B. Apoprotein C has lysine as N-terminal, while apoproteins A and B have predominantly arginine as the N-terminal amino acid. All the three fractions contain carbohydrate residues, apoprotein B being the richest in carbohydrate content. Cold-stored apoproteins A forms a clear gel when dispersed in 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate at concentration of above 2 mg/ml, while apoprotein B forms a gel only above 10 mg/ml. Apoprotein C, even at 35 mg/ml, forms a clear solution with no tendency to gel.


Electron paramagnetic resonance of Hb St Louis beta28 (B10) Leu replaced by Gln. Hemoglobin St Louis beta28 (B10) Leu replaced by Gln is a new mutant which occurs as a natural valency hybrid (alpha2beta+2), or hemoglobin M (Cohen-Solal, M., Seligmann, M., Thillet, J. and Rosa, J. (1973) FEBS Lett. 33, 37-41). The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum of native Hb St Louis at pH 6.2 shows a mixture of three species. Two are high spin, one with tetragonal symmetry, like Hb+ A, the other with rhombic distortion. The third is a low-spin form corresponding to a hemichrome with the distal (E7) histidine as the sixth ligand of the ferric iron. The hemichrome is also found in red blood cells. After oxidation to the alpha+2beta+2 form, three EPR species are seen. Surprisingly, there remains only one high-spin signal, with almost tetragonal symmetry. Besides the low-spin hemichrome, a hydroxy signal is observed even at pH 6.2. These observations imply interactions between the alpha and beta hemes.


Function of three cytochromes in photosynthesis of whole cells of Rhodospirillum rubrum as studied by flash spectroscopy. Evidence for two types of reaction center. 1. Changes in the absorption spectrum induced by 10-mus flashes and continuous light of various intensities were studied in whole cells of Rhodospirillum rubrum in the presence and absence of 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide(HOQNO) and antimycin A. 2. Three cytochromes, c-420 (cytochrome c2), c-560 (cytochrome b) and c-428 were photoactive and gamma and alpha peaks at 420 and 550, 428 and 560, and 428 and 551 nm, respectively; they were photooxidized following the flash with half times of 0.3, 0.6 and 7 ms in the approximate ratios of 1/100, 1/300 and 1/1000 (cytochrome oxidized/antenna chlorophyll) and became reduced with half times of 12 ms, 60 ms and 0.7 s, respectively. c-428 and c-560 have not been distinguished before. 3. From a detailed analysis of the kinetics of P+ (oxidized reaction center chlorophyll) and the cytochromes, we conclude that 5% of the P+ (P2+) oxidizes c-428, whereas the remaining 95% of P+ (P1+) oxidizes c-420. At actinic light intensities low enough to keep c-420 fully reduced, approx. 4-5% of P becomes oxidized, accompanied by all c-428. The P2+ -P2 difference spectrum induced by this weak light is, when corrected for a shift to longer wavelengths of the bacteriochlorophyll absorption band at 878 nm, identical to the difference spectrum caused by the photooxidation of the remaining P1. At low flash intensity, c-428 becomes preferentially photooxidized, which suggests that the reaction centers where c-428 functions as a secondary donor contain much more antenna pigments compared to the centers where c-420 serves this purpose. 4. c+-420 is reduced in a competitive way by reduced c-560 (t 1/2=7 ms), and by an electron donor pool, (t 1/2=15 ms). HOQNO inhibits both pathways; antimycin A only the first. In the presence of HOQNO, c-560 is in the oxidized state in the dark, and is reduced in a light flash (t 1/2=100 ms), indicating that c-560 acts in a cyclic electron transport chain connected to P1. 5. The ratio of numbers of molecules P1 and antenna bacteriochlorophyll, transferring excitation energy to P1, is P1/bacteriochlorophyll1=1/30 P2: bacteriochlorophyll2=1/300; c-420/P1=1:2; c-560/P1=1/6; C-428/P2=1/1; bacteriochlorophyll2=7:3. If P2 is oxidized, excitation energy is transferred from bacteriochlorophyll2 to bacteriochlorophyll1.


Ligand-induced spectral changes in cytochrome c oxidase and their possible significance. 1. The spectral shifts induced on the binding of H2S to ferric cytochrome aa3 are similar to those induced by cyanide, reflecting a possible high- to low-spin state change in the a3 haem. Opposite shifts are seen with either formate or low azide concentrations, while high azide concentrations reverse the change induced at lower concentrations. The unusually high Soret band in the half-reduced sulphide-inhibited species (a2+a33+H2S) results from the superposition of cytochrome a2+ and cytochrome a33+H2S peaks. 2. The difference spectra in the visible region for cytochrome a2+ minus cytochrome a3+ obtained with four inhibitors (cytochrome a2+ a3+I minus minus a3+a33+I)are similar, except that azide and sulphide induce blue shifts of the alpha-peak. The trough in the Soret region for the azide complex is much deeper than that for the other complexes, suggesting changes in the cytochrome a33+HN3 centre on reduction of cytochrome a. 3. The "oxygenated" and "high-energy" forms of cytochrome aa3 both involve spectral changes at the a3 haem similar to the changes induced by cyanide and sulphide. The spectrum of partially reduced cytochrome aa3 in the presence of reductant and oxygen indicates the steady-state occurrence of appreciable levels of low-spin (oxygenated) cytochrome aa3. These may be important for energy conservation during the action of cytochrome aa3 in the intact mitochondrial membrane.


Oxidative phosphorylation properties of mitochondria isolated from transplanted hepatoma. Mitochondria were isolated from Morris hepatomas with rapid (types 3683, 7777, and 3924A) and intermediate (types 5123D and 7800) growth rates, using proteolytic digestion of minced tumor tissue to release the particles. Mitochondria isolated by the same procedure from rat liver were employed as controls. All the hepatoma mitochondria were capable of coupled respiration with normal phosphorylation yields (ADP/O) and respiratory control ratios ranging from 2 to considerably more than 10. Particles from hepatomas 7777 and 7800 exhibited properties closest to liver mitochondria, while those from hepatomas 3683 and 3924A showed the greatest difference. All the hepatoma mitochondria were capable of oxidizing succinate, 3-hydroxybutyrate and monoamines. However, the oxidation rates of the latter two substrates by mitochondria from hepatomas 3683 and 3924A were only a fraction of the control rates. These differences appeared to be due, at least in part, to the structural instability of the isolated hepatoma mitochondria. In contrast to the reports of others, all hepatoma mitochondria exhibited considerable stimulation of ATPase activity by uncouplers. Maximal stimulation of ATPase activity by representatives of three classes of uncouplers was in all instances comparable to the values obtained for rat liver mitochondria.


A quench-flow kinetic investigation of calcium ion accumulation by isolated cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum. Dependence of initial velocity on free calcium ion concentration and influence of preincubation with a protein kinase, MgATP, and cyclic AMP. Ca2+ accumulation at pH 6.8 by isolated rabbit heart microsomes derived chiefly from sarcoplasmic reticulum was investigated by a quench-flow technique. The reaction was terminated at preset times by addition to the reaction mixture of an equal volume of 10 to 50 mM ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid buffered at pH 6.0. The initial velocity of Ca2+ accumulation by microsomal preparations exhibiting a steady state Ca2+ accumulation of 25.6 nmol Ca2+/mg increased from 3.67 to 33.4 nmol Ca2+/mg - s as the free Ca2+ concentration was raised from 0.2 to 18.9 muM. Preincubation of the cardiac microsomes with a partly purified soluble cardiac cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, MgATP, and cyclic AMP lead to a significant increase in the initial Ca2+ accumulation rate. The amounts of Ca2+ that were found to accumulate in the first 200 ms of the reaction are comparable to the quantities of the ion that according to literature data need to be removed from the myofilaments and the myoplasm for induction of relaxation of the myocardial fibers.


Studies on pulmonary surfactant. Effects of cortisol administration to fetal rabbits on lung phospholipid content, composition and biosynthesis. Corticosteroids are known to accelerate maturation of the fetal lung and production of surfactant. We examined the effect of cortisol administration to fetal rabbits on the phospholipid content and composition of lung lavage and lung tissue, as well as on the activities of enzymes involved in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol, the major surface-active components of surfactant. Cortisol was administered by intrauterine injection at 25 days' gestation and the fetuses were delivered at 27 days (full term, 31 days). Saline-injected fetuses, littermates of the cortisol-treated as well as non-littermates, were used as controls. The amount of phospholipid in lung lavage from the hormone-treated fetuses was almost double that of the saline-injected controls and was similar to that of an untreated fetus of more than 30 days' gestation. Similarly, the phospholipid composition of lung lavage from the hormone-treated fetuses was similar to that of an untreated fetus at a greater gestational age. These data, therefore, suggest that cortisol acts by accelerating physiological development. Cortisol administratration stimulated the activity of cholinephosphate cytidylyltransferase and lysolecithin acyltransferase to a small, but statistically significant extent. This is also consistent with an acceleration of normal development. The stimulation of lysolecithin acyltransferase is of interest, since this enzyme is believed to be involved in the synthesis of dipalmitoylglycerophosphocholine, the major surface-active species of phosphatidylcholine. Cortisol administration had no effect on the activities of pulmonary choline kinase, cholinephosphotransferase, lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase and glycerolphosphate phosphatidyltranferase,  although we have previously shown the latter enzyme to be stimulated following a longer period of exposure to the hormone. Saline injection produced some maturational effects presumably as a result of stress, which may be mediated by corticosteroids or other hormones.


The effects of dietary fat and cholesterol on the metabolism of plasma low density lipoprotein apoproteins in squirrel monkeys. Low density lipoprotein apoproteins from squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) had characteristic 2-phase die-away curves in plasma. The kinetic constants were similar with three methods of labeling: in vitro with 125I by the iodine monochloride or the Bolton-Hunter methods or in vivo by the injection of [3H]-leucine into a donor animal. Dietary cholesterol and the type of dietary fat influenced the concentration of plasma cholesterol and low density lipoproteins. The fractional turnover of low density lipoprotein apoprotein was greaterin monkeys fed semipurified diets with safflower oil than in those on butter but was not influenced by dietary cholesterol. The total low density lipoprotein apoprotein turnover (the product of fractional turnover and plasma lipoprotein concentration) was highest in monkeys fed butter plus added cholesterol and lowest in those on safflower oil without cholesterol. Dietary safflower oil resulted in a smaller proportion of the total low density lipoprotein pool in the intravascular compartment than did butter, regardless of whether cholesterol was added.


Effect of cyclic AMP on glycogen phosphorylase in Coprinus macrorhizus. Glycogen phosphorylase (1,4-alpha-D-glucan:orthophosphate alpha-glucosyltransfase, EC 2.4.1.1) activity was found in mycelial extracts of Coprinus macrorhizus concurrently with decrease of glycogen content in mycelial cells. Incubation of the enzyme sample with cyclic AMP and ATP leads to a 3-fold activation of the glucogen phosphorylase activity. Activation of the enzyme partially purified through Sepharose 6B required a cellular fraction containing cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase.


Solubilization of angiotensin I-coverting enzyme from rabbit lung using trypsin treatment. The solubilization of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (peptidyldipeptide hydrolase, EC 3.4.15.1) from rabbit lung was carried out using trypsin treatment. A good recovery of 76% was obtained. The enzyme from solubilized fraction was purified using colums of Sephadex G-200, hydroxyapatite and DEAE-cellulose. The purified enzyme was shown to convert angiotensin I to angiotensin II and also to inactivate bradykinin. The specific activity of the enzyme was 24.3 units/mg protein for hippurylhistidylleucyl hydroxide and 0.182 mumol/min per mg protein for angiotensin I. The enzymic activity obtained after trypsin treatment for 5 h could be divided into two components: (i) an enzyme of molecular weight 300 000 (peak II) and (ii) an enzyme of molecular weight 145 000 (peak III), by Sephadex G-200 gel filtration. The molecular weight of the denatured enzyme was found to be 155 000 by disc gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. Km values of peak II and peak III fraction for Hippuryl-His Leu-OH were 2.6 mM.


Polymeric collagen fibrils. An example of substrate-mediated steric obstruction of enzymic digestion. Polymeric collagen fibrils have been reacted with fluorescein and rhodamine isothiocyanates to produce fluorescent dye-labelled fibrils, containing seven dye substituents per molecule of tropocollagen within the polymeric collagen fibrils. Two dye-labelled peptides per molecule of tropocollagen were solubilised by trypsin (EC 3.4.21.4) from the telopeptide regions and four dye-labelled peptides were located in the helical regions solubilised by bacterial collagenase (EC 3.4.24.3). The solubilisation of dye-labelled peptides from these insoluble substrates were employed to measure the kinetics of trypsin and collagenase digestion of the telopeptide and helical regions, respectively, of the insoluble polymeric collagen fibrils. These studies demonstrated an apparent excess of enzyme for the readily available substrate under conditions when it was known that a vast excess of substrate existed in the reaction mixture calculated in terms of a molecular ratio. A point of equivalence was established for both trypsin and bacterial collagenase, approximately one enzyme molecule per 870 substrate molecules. On either side of this point the quantity of products formed was controlled by either the enzyme concentration or the substrate concentration. The results can be explained in terms of the inaccessibility of tropocollagen molecules within the molecular architecture of the polymeric collagen fibrils. The external layer of tropocollagen molecules obstruct collagenolytic enzymes penetrating to, and forming enzyme-substrate complexes with, the bulk of the substrate within the interior of the fibrils.


Coenzyme B-12-dependent reactions. Part IV. Observations on the purification of ethanolamine ammonia-lyase. Purification of ethanolamine ammonia-lyase (EC 4.3.1.7) from a Clostridium sp. grown at the University of Sussex, U.K. and the National Institutes of Health, U.S.A., has been compared and an improved isotopic assay for the enzyme has been developed. Successful purification of this enzyme from Sussex-grown cells requires modification of the published procedure (Kaplan and Stadtman (1968) J. Biol, Chem. 243, 1787-1793) principally a 70% decrease in volume during precipitation with 0.4 M NaCl. This modification also increases the yield from N.I.H.-grown cells. Purified enzyme, resolved of inactive cobalamins, has the same high specific activity from both sources and behaves in the same way on disc gel electrophoresis. Sussex enzyme, before resolution, has less than 20% of the specific activity of unresolved N.I.H. enzyme and contains over 50% more inactive cobalamin. The bound cobalamin from both preparations has been identified as a "base-on" Co11 psi-cobalamin.


Nitrogenase IX. Effect of the MgATP generator on the catalytic and EPR properties of the enzyme in vitro. Nitrogenase(nitrogen:(acceptor) oxidoreduction, EC 1.7.99.2) of Clostridium pasteuranium is very sensitive to the ratio of MgADP/MgATP in dithionite oxidation assays. Variation of concentration of creatine kinase, an ATP-regenerating enzyme, can be used to control the ratio of ADP/ATP and thereby the dithionite oxidation activity of nitrogenase. The in vitro properties of nitrogenase support the suggestion of Haaker (Haaker, H., deKok, A. and Veeger, C. (1974) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 357, 344-357) that in vivo the nucleotide ratio and not the electron supply normally regulates nitrogenase activity. In EPR experiments it has been shown that the "steady state" varies as a function of the concentration of creatine kinase. The spectral differences are interpreted as being a function of the ratio of MgADP/MgATP obtained in the pseudo steady-state condition, which occurs as a result of variation in relative rates of ATP-utilizing and ATP-generating reactions, that is, the relative nitrogenase and creatine kinase activities. Implications of these finding for interpretation of previously reported kinetic and EPR studies are discussed.


The effect of oxygen concentration on the steady-state kinetics of the solubilized cytochrome c oxidase. 1. The steady-state kinetics of ascorbate oxidation as a function of oxygen concentration was measured with a solubilized cytochrome c oxidase (ferrocytochrome c:oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.9.3.1) preparation. 2. Linear double reciprocal plots were obtained at various fixed concentrations of ascrobate, cytochrome c and cytochrome aa3. 3. The results are interpreted in terms of an oxidase model similar to that put forward by Minnaert in 1961 (Minnaert, K. (1961) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 50, 23-34). 4. The Km for oxygen at infinite cytochrome c concentration is 0.95 muM and the intramolecular rate constant for the transfer of electrons from cytochrome c to cytochome aa3 is 400 s(-1). According to the model, this implies that the second order rate constant for the reaction between oxygen and the oxidase is 9.5 X 10(7)M(-1)-s(-1).


Purification and properties of soluble hydrogenase from Alcaligenes eutrophus H 16. The soluble hydrogenase (hydrogen: NAD+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.12.1.2) from Alcaligenes eutrophus H 16 was purified 68-fold with a yield of 20% and a final specific activity (NAD reduction) of about 54 mumol H2 oxidized/min per mg protein. The enzyme was shown to be homogenous by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Its molecular weight and isoelectric point were determined to be 205 000 and 4.85 respectively. The oxidized hydrogenase, as purified under aerobic conditions, was of high stability but not reactive. Reductive activation of the enzyme by H2, in the presence of catalytic amounts of NADH, or by reducing agents caused the hydrogenase to become unstable. The purified enzyme, in its active state, was able to reduce NAD, FMN, FAD, menaquinone, ubiquinone, cytochrome c, methylene blue, methyl viologen, benzyl viologen, phenazine methosulfate, janus green, 2,6-dichlorophenoloindophenol, ferricyanide and even oxygen. In addition to hydrogenase activitiy, the enzyme exhibited also diaphorase and NAD(P)H oxidase activity. The reversibility of hydrogenase function (i.e. H2 evolution from NADH, methyl viologen and benzyl viologen) was demonstrated. With respect to H2 as substrate, hydrogenase showed negative cooperativity; the Hill coefficient was n = 0.4. The apparent Km value for H2 was found to be 0.037 mM. The absorption spectrum of hydrogenase was typical for non-heme iron proteins, showing maxima (shoulders) at 380 and 420 nm. A flavin component could be extracted from native hydrogenase characterized by its absorption bands at 375 and 447 nm and a strong fluorescense at 526 nm.


Selective solubilization of the components of the mitochondrial inner membrane by lysolecithin. 1. Of various phospholipids tested, lysolecithin was the most efficient in the solubilization of the components of beef heart submitochondrial particles. Lysolecithin solubilized selectively nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, NADH dehydrogenase and oligomycin-sensitive ATPase. Various cytochromes other than cytochrome c were only slightly solubilized. 2. The effect of various parameters, e.g. ionic strength, pH, time of centrifugation, and concentrations of lysolecithin and protein was investigated. Increasing times of centrifugation led to a partial sedimentation of NADH dehydrogenase, and a complete sedimentation of oligomycin-sensitive ATPase and cytochrome oxidase. 3. Further fractionation of the lysolecithin extract by centrifugation in the presence of low concentrations of cholate gave a complete separation of NADH dehydrogenase and transhydrogenase, indicating that these enzymes are not related functionally. 4. With the lysolecithin fractionation procedure a more than 10-fold purification of transhydrogenase was achieved. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the partially purified transhydrogenase in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate showed major increases in protein-stained bands corresponding to between 70 000 and 54 000 daltons. 5. A possible mechanism for the detergent action of lysolecithin involving a specific exchange of bound phospholipids for lysolecithin is discussed.


Stimulation of Na+ transport across the toad urinary bladder by p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate. The sulfhydryl reagent p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate increased the ISC across substrate-replete toad urinary bladder when applied to the mucosal (apical) surface. This increase was accounted for by an increased mucosal to serosal net flux of Na+. In the absence of substrate, the rise in ISC was accompanied by an irreversible increase in tissue conductance which was not apparent in the replete preparation. These findings suggest that p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate may be useful in marking mucosal functions associated with the Na+ transport apparatus.


Nucleotide sequence study of mouse 5.8S ribosomal RNA. The primary structure of 5.8S mouse ribosomal RNA has been studied and compared to the structures previously established for other animal species. The results obtained show that mouse 5.8S ribosomal RNA yields pancreatic oligonucleotides with the same nucleotide sequence as the homologous oligonucleotides from rat cells. Furthermore T1 oligonucleotides of 5.8S ribosomal RNA from rat, mouse and human cells behave identically on fingerprinting fractionation and have the same composition as judged by pancreatic digestion. These results strongly suggest that the primary structures of 5.8S ribosomal RNA from rat, mouse and human cells are identical. This identity of structure is also found when the presence of several modified bases (psi and methylated bases) is considered. The findings emphasize the remarkable evolutionary stability of ribosomal gene structure. Comparison of the terminal regional of 5.8S RNA with those of 18S RNA reveals differences which imply a more complex mechanism underlying the maturation of 45S precursor RNA than the finding of identical structure would have suggested.


Comparison of zymogram of three lymphoblastoid cell lines with a new microtechnique. The enzymatic activities of three lymphoblastoid cell lines were subjected to a comparative analysis of 22 enzymatic activities with a new microtechnique "Apizym". This method is easy, requires only a small number of cells and allows simultaneous testing of many enzymatic activities from the same sample. The three cell lines can be easily distinguished despite their close origin: NAB, derived from a malignant retroperitoneal mass in an American patient, is the cell line with the greatest total activity and HRlK (a clone of P3J, derived from an African lymphoma) with the lowest and RAJI (a non-virus producing line derived from an African lymphoma) being the intermediate. The more striking differences concern the activity of phosphatases (NAB greater than RAJI greater than or equal to HRlK), esterases-lipases (NAB greater than or equal to RAJI greater than HRlK), beta glucosaminidase, beta glucuronidase beta glucosidase (NAB greater than or equal to RAJI greater than HRlK). On the other hand, alpha mannosidase and alpha fucosidase are more active in RAJI (RAJI greater than NAB greater than or equal to HRlK).


An appraisal of the interrelationships between prostaglandins and cyclic nucleotides in inflammation. The evidence supporting the role of prostaglandins and cyclic nucleotides "in vitro" has been reviewed. The pro-inflammatory role of prostaglandins of the E series (PGE) is typified by its ability to induce increased vascular permeability. Prostaglandins of the F series (PGF) may be anti-inflammatory via their inhibitory effect on increased vascular permeability. However, a paradox exists which suggests that PGE may also be anti-inflammatory via its stimulatory effect on cyclic AMP synthesis as shown "in vitro" (e.g. decreased leucocyte lysosomal enzyme secretion; decreased lymphocyte cytotoxicity and mitosis; decreased release of mediators from sensitized tissues during anaphylaxis). Conversely PGF is capable of stimulating cyclic GMP which augments the processes listed above, and may therefore be termed pro-inflammatory. An attempt has been made to correlate these findings with "in vivo" studies which support the anti-inflammatory role of cyclic GMP. However, the significance of PGE and PGF in the inflammatory response "in vivo" appears to be more complex. It is suggested that greater emphasis should be placed on the "in vivo" study of beta-adrenergic and cholinergic mediators, substances which induce the anti- and pro-inflammatory effects of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP "in vitro", respectively.


[Adrenal glucocorticoid function and cytoplasmic dehydrogenase activity in the presnece of mechanical and toxic liver damage]. Against the background of low steroid metabolism in the liver there was noted some decrease in the rate of corticosterone synthesis by the adrenal gland sections, and also, a decrease in the dehydrogenase activity in the cytoplasm of adrenal cells in male rats 48 hours after partial hepatectomy, as compared to the sham-operated animals. These changes resulted from suppression of the central mechanisms of stress realization due to the lowered steroid metabolism. Intraperitoneal administration of carbon tetrachloride (0.1 ml per 100 g of body weight) at the same periods led to a significant intensification of the steroidogenesis in the adrenal tissue and to the activation of NAD-dependent dehydrogenases in the cytoplasm. The role of toxic injury of the glands in the changes of the functional state of the adrenal cortex cells is discussed.


[Effect of imidazole compounds on the activity of adenosine-3', 5'-monophosphoric acid phosphodiesterase]. The effect of 24 imidazol derivatives on the activity of phosphodiesterase (3', 5'-AMP-phosphohydrolase; KF3.1.4.1) was studied in the experiments with the homogenates of the rat brain and of the Rana temporaria skeletal muscles. Imidazol derivatives could produce both the activating and inhibitory influence on the enzyme. Imidazol and seven of its alkyl-substituted derivatives activated the phosphodiesterase. TTFB (tetrachloro-2-trifluoromethylbenzimidazol) produced the greatest inhibitory effect among the inhibitors on the phosphodiesterase activity.


[Possible participation of cyclic AMP in regulating acid hydrolase activity in muscle tissue in avitaminosis E and denervation]. In the muscles of denervated and vitamin E-deficient rabbits the level of 3', 5'-cyclic AMP proved to decrease with a simultaneous increase in the activity of cAMP phosphodiesterase. In vivo experiments showed that at the concentration of 10(-4) cAMP was capable of retarding the release of acid phosphatase from the lysosome-rich fraction obtained from the muscles of E-deficient rabbits. Thus, in muscular dystrophy elevation of acid hydrolase activity in the skeletal muscle was due to leakage of the enzymes from the lysosomes as a result of decreased lysosome membrane stability because of decreased cAMP level.


Membrane changes in virus transformed cells. Various aspects of membrane changes in cells transformed by oncogenic viruses are briefly described and discussed. Emphasis is made on changes recently observed in the hydrophobic portion of plasma membrane with the freeze-etching technique. The hypothesis is put forward that other changes seen at the surface of transformed cells are caused by a primary event occuring in proteins of the hydrophobic area.


[Transmission and expression of malignancy in somatic hybrid cell lines (hamster/hamster, mouse/mouse, hamster/mouse)]. Various characteristics of transformation were studied in subclones isolated from a hybrid cell line obtained by fusion of two Chinese hamster sub-lines having the same origin but presenting different properties, particularly in respect to heterotransplantability. Different subclones were obtained by cloning on semisoft agar. Transplantability, plating efficiency, agglutinability by concanavalin A and actinomycin D resistance were studied in parallel with the evolution of the karyotype to try to find a correlation between these various parameters. A relationship seems to exist between a chromosome marker arising in the hybrid and the percentage of tumours. The second part of this work dealth with the study of intra and interspecies hybrids, one of the parents of which was a normal, fibroblastic cell and the other of which contained the polyoma virus genome. In the hybrid cell this viral genome was expressed at several levels. Firstly, in the formation of specific polyoma virus-induced antigens and secondaryly, in surface properties normally considered related to the expression of tumorigenicity. Nevertheless, tumour development was repressed. Though the presence of characteristic antigens seemed necessary for the expression of malignant transformation, presence alone was not sufficient to induce malignant transformation of the cell. The study of inter-species mouse/hamster hybrids showed that this situation is not general. For this we examined the properties of hybrid cells between, on the one hand, a mouse tumorigenic cell bearing polyoma virus genetic information and, on the other, non-tumorigenic mouse or hamster cell. In this case the complete hamster genome could bot repress malignancy whereas a few mouse chromosomes sufficed to code for the expression of virus-induced tumour antigens and various malignant properties. It may be hoped that these hybrids could be used to pin-point the chromosome localization of the genetic factors of malignancy and could be used in immunoprotection studies or immunotherapy research.


Degeneration in central and peripheral nervous systems produced by pure n-hexane: an experimental study. Rats intoxicated with pure n-hexane, either by repetitive subcutaneous injection or by continuous inhalation, developed clinical and/or pathological evidence of peripheral neuropathy. Animals intoxicated by inhalation (400-600 ppm) developed clinical signs after forty-five days and displayed giant axonal swellings and fibre degeneration both in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The changes were most strking in tibial nerves supplying calf muscles and in selected areas of the cerebellum, medulla and spinal cord. In contrast to the usual picture associated with dying-back disease, the distal regions of proximal nerve fibres supplying calf muscles degenerated before equivalent regions of longer fibres supplying the hindfeet. The relevance of the central nervous changes to individuals recovering from toxic neuropathies and the need for a reduction of the present Threshold Limit Value (500 ppm) for human exposure are discussed.


Inputs to trigeminal brain stem neurones from facial, oral, tooth pulp and pharyngolaryngeal tissues: II. Role of trigeminal nucleus caudalis in modulating responses to innocuous and noxious stimuli. Trigeminal (V) tractotomy and cold block of synaptic transmission in V nucleus caudalis were used to show that caudalis modulates the responses to innocuous and noxious stimuli of single V main sensory-oralis neurones recorded in anaesthetized or decerebrate cats. Cold block caused a reversible depression of mechanosensitivity of 91 of 105 V-thalamic relay and non-relay cells tested; V tractotomy also decreased sensitivity. The possibliity that the effects observed with cold block of caudalis were caused by direct spread of cooling to the main sensory-oralis region, and not by depression of a tonic, net facilitatory influence of caudalis on main sensory-oralis cells, was ruled out by several controls. With cold block of caudalis there also occurred a reversible shrinkage in mechanoreceptive field size and reversible reduction in sensitivity of rapidly adapting and slowly adapting mechanoreceptive neurones. Occasionally no change or an increase in sensitivity occurred, the latter suggesting the liklihood of an inhibitory influence from caudalis as well as the facilitatory influence. The effects of interactions of innocuous and noxious V stimuli were likewise subject to ascending influences from caudalis. Cold block also reversibly depressed responses to tooth pulp and V cutaneous noxious stimuli, although pulp-evoked responses were depressed less than mechanical or infraorbital nerve-elicited responses. Our results indicate that caudalis, as well as acting as a relay site to thalamus, also exerts a predominantly facilitatory influence on the relay to the thalamus and local reflex centres of mechanoreceptive and nociceptive information through the V main sensory-oralis region. The findings also might in part explain the analgesia, partial loss of tactile sensibility, and relief from V neuralgia reported after V tractotomy.


Response of toad brain respiratory chain enzymes to ouabain, elevated potassium, and electrical stimulus. Spectrophotometric and fluorometric techniques were used to monitor the proportion of reduced to oxidized cytochrome (cyt) and levels of reduced pyridine nucleotide in preparations of whole toad brain in vitro. In resting, well-oxygenated brain, levels of reduction for cyt a3 ranged between 5% and 23%; for cyt a, 17-23%; for cyt c, 18-32%, and for cyt b, 25-42%. These levels of reduction cannot be due to functional hypoxia since hemoglobin in resting brains is 100% oxygenated. In brains treated with 10(-4) M ouabain, stimulant of brain respiration, the cytochromes first become more oxidized, then more reduced; ultimately there is a tendency to return to the initial levels of reduction. In brains bathed with solutions containing 30 mM potassium, also a stimulant of brain respiration, the response is an immediate pulse of reduction in all cytochromes, followed by a tendency to return to the initial levels. Short trains of pulses of electrical field stimulation result in a biphasic change in the level of reduction of cyt a3, an initial slight reduction being followed by a transient of increased oxidation. This response can be abolished by low-sodium bathing solution but not by ouabain. Cytochromes a, b and c show a simple oxidative response to electrical stimulation; the kinetics of this oxidative response are similar to those of the oxidative transient of the cyt a3 response. Pyridine nucleotides, as measured by their fluorescence, respond to electrical stimulation with a transient oxidation which exhibits slower kinetics than the response of the cytochromes. The high resting levels of reduction of cyt a and cyt a3, the reductive response to ouabain and potassium, and the oxidative response of all cytochromes to electrical stimulation suggest a tighter coupling between oxygen utilization and neuronal function than would be expected if mitochondrial redox states simply reflected changes in phosphate acceptor potential resulting from activity of Na+-K+ ATPase.


The thiol-oxidizing agent diamide increases transmitter release by decreasing calcium requirements for neuromuscular transmission in the frog. Diamide, which in concentrations of 10(-5) M and higher oxidizes glutathione intracellularly, produces a dose-related increase in the frequency of miniature end-plate potentials (MEPPs). With high enough doses, quantal release is blocked, apparently through exhaustion. The early phase of MEPP frequency increase is accompanied by an increase in EPP amplitude that may reach more than 10-fold and is therefore not produced by depolarization of axon terminals. Subsequently, EPP amplitude is reduced and falls to zero, associated with failure of invasion of the nerve action into the terminals while the MEPP frequency remains elevated. Both facilitation and PTP follow the time course of change in EPP amplitude. The increase in MEPP frequency with diamide does not require external Ca2+ but raising external Ca2+ increases the MEPP rate in the presence of diamide. External Ca2+ is necessary for EPP appearance and also potentiates the diamide effects. Conversely diamide reduces the requirements for Ca2+ in releasing ACh. Diamide substitutes for external Ca2+ in K+ evoked MEPP release and in the absence of external Ca2+, diamide-evoked MEPP release is increased by raising external Mg2+ levels. The action of diamide may be dependent on the actual release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores or it may work through mimicking some of the actions of Ca2+. The action of diamide bears close resemblance to the effects of prolonged stimulation of the motor axon at 10 Hz.


Free amino acids and related substances in human glial tumours and in fetal brain: comparison with normal adult brain. An ion exchange automatic chromatographic analysis of the free amino acid concentrations of 18 human glial tumours and of 4 human fetal brains was carried out and the concentrations were compared to those of 13 biopsy specimens of normal adult brain. In addition, the concentrations of the amino acids of the glial tumours were compared to those of 7 intracerebral metastases of various origin. The chromatograms of several tumour specimens showed an unidentified peak overlapping proline. As far as the amino acid concentrations are concerned they varied depending upon the origin of the sample. The concentrations of most amino acids were higher in fetal brain than in adult brain with the exception of aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, cystathionine and GABA. Two peptides: glutathione and homocarnosine were absent in fetal brain and were present in adult brain. In glial tumours, homocarnosine and some amino acids, namely aspartic acid, glutamic acid and GABA, showed lower concentrations than in normal brain. Some amino acids were in the same concentration as in normal brain: taurine, phosphoethanolamine, glutamine and cystathionine. Most of the others were in higher concentrations than in normal brain, mainly proline. The results suggest that the concentrations of 5 compounds: taurine, proline, cystathionine, GABA and homocarnosine, taken as a whole, provide information on the origin of the sample.


Synaptic transmission between rat spinal cord explants and dissociated superior cervical ganglion neurons in tissue culture. Physiological properties of the synapses formed between explants of spinal cord and dissociated autonomic ganglion neurons in tissue culture were studied using intracellular and extracellular stimulation and recording techniques (as well as iontophoresis) with a culture perfusion system allowing continuous microscopic observation during repeated changes of the bathing medium. The principal neurons of the superior cervical ganglion (SCGN) were dissociated from perinatal rats and the spinal cord explants were obtained from 15-day rat fetuses; these were allowed to mature for 3-10 weeks in co-culture. Recordings from over 1000 SCGN established that: (a) spontaneous small depolarizations and action potentials occurred in 20% of the SCGN studied, (b) the EPSPs observed in SCGN after spinal cord stimulation were sensitive to decreased Ca2+ and increased Mg2+, as well as to D-tubocurare, hexamethonium and mecamylamine, but not to atropine (at 10(-6) M concentration) or to the alpha-adrenergic blocking agents phentolamine or phenoxybenzamine; no potentiation of the EPSPs was seen with neostigmate or eserine, (c) acetylcholine directly applied to the SCGN was seen to mimic the responses seen after spinal cord stimulation; tetrodotoxin blocked both direct and iontophoretically fired action potentials, with only a suprathreshold acetylcholine potential remaining. These synapses were not sensitive to alpha-bungarotoxin. It is concluded that the synapses formed by spinal cord neurites on principal SCGN in tissue culture are nicotinic cholinergic, and that the evoked EPSPs recorded in this study are thus similar to the orthodromic fast EPSPs observed in vivo. No slow synaptic responses were observed and no demonstrable effects were noted that could be attributed to adrenergic transmission.


Synaptic transmission between rat superior cervical ganglion neurons in dissociated cell cultures. The principal neurons of the rat superior cervical ganglion (SCGN) when established as dissociated cells in tissue culture form synapses among themselves. In the present study we have examined this synaptic interaction when these neurons are co-cultured with several other types of tissues. Dissociated SCGN were prepared from perinatal rats and studied, after 3-4 weeks maturation, with intracellular recording techniques. Synaptic interactions between sympathetic neurons were demonstrated when these cells were: (a) grown with explants from newborn rat thoracic spinal cord, (b) when the SCGN had survived for several weeks subsequent to removal of the spinal cord explants, and (c) when the SCGN were grown in the presence of an adrenergic target (interscapular brown fat cells). Unidirectional, reciprocal, recurrent and complex chemical synaptic networks, consisting of convergence and divergence, characterized connections between SCGN. All synaptic responses were cholinergic since they were reversibly blocked by hexamethonium or mecamylamine but were not sensitive to 10(-5) M phenoxybenzamine. Removal of the spinal cord explants did not significantly alter the proportion of chemical synaptic interactions between SCGN (more than 25%) from matched cultures. Anatomical observations established that in cultures with brown fat, innervating neurites appeared on the fat cells; these neurites frequently expanded to form varicosities that resembled the adrenergic terminals normally seen on brown fat in the animal. Synaptic profiles also occurred on the neurons in these cultures and some of these were shown to be cholinergic. The proportion of neuronal interactions in the combined SCGN + fat cultures was low, however, suggesting that co-culture with target tissue might influence the frequency of interconnections developed between SCGN in culture. Other factors, such as the presence of non-neuronal cells, degree of dissociation, cellular density, culture age and the survival of certain types of SCGN in culture are discussed as variables related to the formation of synapses between SCGN. Non-rectified electrical coupling between SCGN was also observed in 17 out of 679 pairs (2.5%) of neurons. Attenuation factor for electrically coupled action potentials ranged between 1 and 43.5.


Facilitation and depression of synaptic transmission in amphibian sympathetic ganglia. There have been few reports concerning facilitation and depression in sympathetic ganglia9,17,40. In the present investigation, pairs of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) were recorded intracellularly from bullfrog paravertebral sympathetic ganglia for an analysis of the site and mechanism responsible for the phenomena of facilitation and depression of ganglionic transmission. The ratio of the amplitude of the second of a depression of ganglionic transmission. The ratio of the amplitude of the second of a pair of EPSPs divided by the first was compared to the time interval between each pair of EPSPs divided by the first was compared to the time interval between each pulse. These ratios demonstrated two phases: an earlier phase of facilitation (20-500 msec pulse intervals) and a later phase of depression (500 msec-10 sec). Additional parameters-rate of rise of synaptic potentials (dV/dt), synaptic currents (EPSCs), and synaptic conductances (Gtr)-were determined and all confirmed the results obtained with EPSPs. Furthermore, the degree of facilitation or depression could be modulated by altering the extracellular concentration of calcium. On the other hand, comparison of the amplitude of pairs of presynaptic terminal spikes did not show any variability over similar stimulus intervals, nor were the amplitudes of miniature EPSPs significantly different before or after an evoked EPSP. Therefore, the processes of facilitation and depression of ganglionic transmission occur as a result of normal nerve terminal activity. The processes are occurring simultaneously, such that one or the other may predominate depending upon the interval between pulses, as well as the relative concentration of extracellular calcium.


Localization of active sites in the neuromuscular junction of the frog. Spontaneous quantal discharges at the frog neuromuscular junction were simultaneously monitored with three glass microelectrodes. Two extracellular electrodes were located at the synaptic cleft a few microns apart from each other so that each quantal discharge occurring nearby evoked signals in both electrodes. From the observed ratios of the signal amplitudes it is inferred that quantal discharges exclusively occur at discrete sites. The distance between active sites is in the same range as that between "active zones" seen from electron micrographs.


Radiogenic free radicals in apatite: the influence of fluoride and hydroxide. Fluor-hydroxyapatites of varying fluoride and hydroxide contents were irradiated by soft x-rays at -188 degrees C and examined by means of electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Variation in fluoride-hydroxide contents affected radical yield and resulted in the observation of two kinds of oxygen anion resonances: a doublet due to hydrogen hyperfine splitting and a singlet. At higher temperatures a spin transfer process became operative which enhanced the oxygen anion radical population. Increasing fluoride content was paralleled by decreasing g-values for the oxygen anion resonances, possibly attributable to increased delocalization of the unpaired spin.


Evidence against the involvement of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate in glucose inhibition of beta-galactosidase induction in Bacillus megaterium. When Bacillus megaterium cells are grown on D-galactose as the sole carbon source, the cells actively synthesize beta-galactosidase (beta-D-galactoside galactohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.23). However, D-galactose, when added to a glucose-grown culture, did not induce beta-galactosidase, apparently because of the glucose inhibition of the transport of galactose. On the other hand, when glucose was added to a galactose-grown culture, the transport of galactose continued at  a reduced but significate rate, whereas further synthesis of beta-galactosidase was halted. Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (camp) or guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (Cgmp) did not relieve the glucose inhibition of beta-galactosidase synthesis in the preinduced culture. A method which gave a reproducible assay of c[32P]AMP in Escherichia coli did not detect cAMP or cGMP in a B. megaterium culture undergoing beta-galactosidase induction, but revealed the extracellular accumulation of two unknown phosphorylated compounds. Cell-free extracts prepared from galactose-grown cells did not catalyze the degradation of cAMP or cGMP.


Effects of an ATP analogue (alpha,beta-methylene-adenosine-5'-triphosphate) on cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP levels, 45Ca efflux, and protein secretion from rat pancreas. The effects of the alpha,beta-methylene analogue of ATP (Ap(CH2)pp), described as a competitive inhibitor of adenylate cyclase (EC 4.6.1.1), were studied in the rat pancreas in vitro. The analogue did not alter basal cyclic AMP production and basal or carbachol-stimulated efflux of 45Ca from isotope-preloaded glands. On the other hand, Ap(CH2)pp reduced the secretory responses to carbachol, carbachol in the presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP, pancreozymin (PZ), and the calcium ionophore, A-23187. Release of pancreatic protein in response to dibutyryl cyclic AMP itself was unaffected by the ATP analogue, suggesting that the other secretagogues tested share a common, Ap(CH2)pp-inhibitable pathway in their respective stimulatory actions. Though carbachol, PZ, and A-23187 all stimulated a rapid production (30 s) of pancreatic cyclic GMP, these responses were not affected by Ap(CH2)pp. Additional studies with the analogue indicated that it has a slow onset of action (30-45 min), i.e., its effect on secretion is preceded by secretagogue-induced changes in nucleotide levels and calcium efflux. Nonetheless, the analogue may affect cellular calcium homeostasis, if not during the initial events triggering secretion then during those events which maintain continued secretory output in the presence of a stimulus.


Preparation and characterization of adrenocortical plasma membrane angiotensin II receptors. A bovine adrenocortical particulate fraction prepared by zonal ultracentrifugation and banding between rho20 1.08 and 1.101 in a linear sucrose gradient bound 7.3 times more [3H]angiotensin II (ATII) per milligram protein than the original homogenate. Enzyme marker and electron microscope studies indicated that this fraction was largely devoid of mitochondria while being enriched in smooth membranes of predominantly plasmalemmal origin. The binding of labeled ATII was maximal after 10 min incubation (22degreesC) and remained at equilibrium for at least 20 min thereafter. [3H]ATII binding was completely inhibited by saturating concentrations of nonradioactive ATII. The high-affinity binding site in the preparation had a specific binding capacity of 2.38 pmol-mg-1, with an equilibrium constant of 2.36 x 10(8) M(-1). Inhibition-displacement studies with unlabeled ATI,ATII,ATII fragments, analogs, and antagonists show that the receptor fraction has the highest affinity for the intact native octapeptide. ACTH and bradykinin had no specific effects on [3H]ATII binding. The current study suggests that the receptor fraction may be of use in a highly sensitive ATII radioligand assay.