Endothelial contractility - an undecided problem in vascular research. The rather old conception that endothelial cells possess an autonomous contractile capability has been reevaluated by several suthors during the past ten years on the basis of three different arguments of various validity: (1) After the topical application of inflammatory mediators tmajno et al. regularly found the endothelial nuclei furnished with numerous identations together with many interendothelial "gaps"; Both findings are assumed to be the morphological correlate of an endothelial shortening due to the contraction of the cells. While nuclear indentations seemed to be a rather weak argument to substantiate contractile capabilities, a mechanism other than contraction is outlined for the formation of "gaps"; (2) The second argument in favour of endothelial contractility is the occurrence of cytoplasmic filaments that occasionally form cross striated bundles and/or show a "thick" and "thin" variety. If all these data are assumed to be the morphological evidence for the contractile capability of cells then the conclusion: the more filaments the higher the contractile activity, must be valid. But when compiling those endothelia that are particularly rich in filaments this conclusion does not make sense, because e.g. the endothelium covering the venous valves is crowded with filaments yet an especially high "contractile activity" does not seem very probabble. On the other hand, the supposition that endothelial conttractility is entirely independent of the existence of cytoplasmic filaments leaves the question unanswered what then are the filaments for if not serving mechanical purposes. This line of reasoning is supported by both the localization of the filaments predominantly in those endothelia that have to sustain higher degrees of various mechanical stresses and the fact that filamentous structures significatnly increase in number under the influence of hypertension. (3) The final argument brought forward to substantiate endothelial contractility is the demonstration of actin and tropomyosin in the endothelium of various types of blood vessels that also occur under the influence of hypertension; tbut the significance of these findings as a proof for endothelial contractility is curtailed by the fact that the occurrence of actin alone is not conclusive for any contractile capabilities; Furthermore, a convincing demonstration of myosin in endothelial cells is still lacking and the "thick" filaments are believed to be noncontractile. Hence we suggest that the endothelial filaments together with the myoid proteins do not serve as a means for "contractility" in a true sense but simply act as a design to originate tensile strength.


[Early lesions of the human kidney in paraproteinemie an electron microscopic study (author's transl)]. In paraproteinemia, especially in multiple myeloma, the origin and morphology of lesions in the kidneys still remain controversial. In many studies mostly of tissue obtained post mortem and examined with light microscopy, a discrepancy between impairment of renal function and minimal pathomorphological findings is often striking. The few studies done with the electron microscope up to now present a wide variety of morphological findings probably due to the different stages of kidney lesions examined, generally in patients with renal insufficiency and nephrotic syndrome. We have therefore tested the question whether early lesions are detectable in the nephron of patients with paraproteinemia who do not show any impairment of renal function. Kidney biopsies were obtained from 8 patients with an average age of 58 years. 6 had multiple myeloma (3 IgG-, I IgA-, 2 Bence-Jones plasmacytoma), 1 Waldenström's disease and 1 an idiopathic paraproteinemia. Confirmation of the diagnoses was obtained by immunoelectrophoresis, bone marrow biopsy, and sternal puncture. In all cases creatinine clearance was normal and proteinuria was not increased substantially even in patients with a slight Bence-Jones-proteinuria. For electron microscopy small pieces from the renal biopsies were fixed in aldehydes followed by osmium tetroxide and embedded in Epon. The thin sections were stained with uranyl acetate followed by lead citrate...


[Definition and differential diagnosis of chromophobe pituitary adenomas: light and electron microscopic studies]. Chromophobe adenomas have been defined by the absence of secretory granules in them. But this definition has become doubtful since a granulation could be electron microscopically demonstrated. Hence we studied a collection of more than 100 surgically removed pituitary adenomas in order to find precise morphological criteria for the differential diagnosis of chromophobe adenomas, specially from the sparsely granulated chromophilic tumors. Furthermore we tried to find relations between the amount and type of granulation of the tumor cells and the clinical endocrine hyperfunction. 108 unselected pituitary tumors were studied by light and electron microscopic methods. For histology the tissue was fixed in Helly's fluid or in buffered formalin. The paraffin wax sections were stained with haematoxylin-eosin, PAS, gallocyanin-chrome alum, carmoisine L-orange G-wool green, Herlant's tetrachrome method, and performic acid-alcian blue-PAS-orange G. For electron microscopy small pieces of the tumor were fixed in buffered glutaraldehyde, postfixed in osmium tetroxide, and embedded in epon 812. Sections were stained with toluidine blue for light microscopy. Thin sections were stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. Electron microscopical pictures with a primary magnification of 4000 were semi-quantitatively judged for the content and the extent of rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complexes, secretory granules, lysosomes, and mitochondria by a grading with 6 degrees. Results. With special stains and the electron microscope 46 adenomas could be identified which consisted only of slightly granulated or agranular cells but not of densely granulated cells. These were defined as chromophobe adenomas. Oncocytic adenomas were regarded as another tumor type and were not included. One half of the chromophobe adenomas showed ultrastructurally well developed protein-synthesizing organellas. The diameter of the secretory granules amounts up to 500 mum. One quarter had many autolysosomes or lipid droplets. On the other hand, 18 adenomas of our collection exhibited moderate acidophilic granulation with only a few denser or fully granulated cells. These were designated as sparsely granulated acidophilic adenomas. They were rich in organelles. 89% of them showed a well developed rough endoplasmic reticulum and large Golgi complexes as signs of high endocrine activity. The secretory granules had diameters between 200 and 600 upsilonm. The autolysosomes were for the most part small and rare. The 20 fully granulated acidophilic adenomas could be easily recognized and are not discussed in this paper. The sparsely granulated mucoid cell-adenomas were easily identified by a positive PAS-reaction. From our studies we conclude that chromophobe adenomas exhibit only sparse granulation and no denser or fully granulated tumor cell...


Immunogenetic study on the polymorphism of serum alpha2-lipoproteins in mink. I. Identification and genetic control of five Lpm allotypes. Five allotypes, Lpm 1, Lpm 2, Lpm 3, Lpm 4, and Lpm 5, were detected by isoimmunization in mink sera. Immunoelectrophoresis, preparative ultracentrifugation, and histochemical tests for lipids and esterase permitted reference of these alloantigenic markers to a very high density alpha2-lipoprotein. Based on population analysis and breeding tests, five genetic units are postulated: Lpm1, Lpm4, Lpm3,4, Lpm1,2, and Lpm2,4,5. These units determine the polymorphism of the Lpm system and behave as Mendelian alleles.


Adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate-dependence of protein kinase isoenzymes from mouse liver. Conditions influencing the cyclic AMP-dependence of protein kinase (ATP-protein phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.37) during the phosphorylation of histone were studied. Protein kinase from mouse liver cytosol and the two isoenzymes [PK (protein kinase) I and PK II] isolated from the cytosol by DEAE-cellulose chromatography were tested. A relation between concentration of enzyme and cyclic AMP-dependence was observed for both isoenzymes. Moderate dilution of isoenzyme PK II decreased the stimulation of the enzyme by cyclic AMP. Isoenzyme PK I could be diluted 200 times more than isoenzyme PK II before the same decrease in cyclic AMP-dependence appeared. Long-term incubation with high concentrations of histone increased the activity in the absence of cyclic AMP relative to the activity in the presence of the nucleotide. This was more pronounced for isoenzyme PK II than for isoenzyme PK I. The cyclic AMP concentration needed to give half-maximal binding of the nucleotide was the same as the cyclic AMP concentration (Ka) at which the protein kinase had 50% of its maximal activity. The close correlation between binding and activation is also found in the presence of KCl, which increased the apparent activation constant (Ka) for cyclic AMP. With increasing [KCl], a progressively higher proportion of the histone phosphorylation observed in cytosol was due to cyclic AMP-independent (casein) kinases, leading to an overestimation of the degree of activation of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases present. The relative contributions of cyclic AMP-dependent and -independent kinases to histone phosphorylation at different ionic strengths was determined by use of heat-stable inhibitor and phospho-cellulose chromatography.


Kinetics and reaction mechanism of yeast alcohol dehydrogenase with long-chain primary alcohols. Kinetic studies of yeast alcohol dehydrogenase with NAD+ and ethanol, hexanol or decanol as substrates invariably result in non-linear Lineweaver-Burk plots if the alcohol is the variable substrate. The kinetic coefficients determined from secondary plots are consistent with an 'equilibrium random-order' mechanism for extremely low alcohol concentrations and for all alcohols, the transformation of the ternary complexes being the rate-limiting step of the reaction. This mechanism also applies to long-chain substrates at high concentrations, whereas the rate of the ethanol-NAD+ reaction at high ethanol concentrations is determined by the dissociation of the enzyme-NADH complex. The dissociation constants for the enzyme-NAD+ complex and for the enzyme-alcohol complexes obtained from the kinetic quotients satisfactorily correspond to the dissociation constants obtained by use of other techniques. It is suggested that the non-linear curves may be attributed to a structural change in the enzyme itself, caused by the alcohol.


Kinetics of reaction of (nitrotyrosyl)cytochrome c with ligands. The reaction of [nitrotyrosyl]cytochrome c with ligands was studied by stopped-flow techniques. At pH 7.0 the reaction with imidazole shows two distinct phases, one fast phase being concentration-dependent and a slow phase being concentration-independent. The results are consistent with the existence of two forms of [nitrotyrosyl]cytochrome c in solutions [Schejter et al. (1970) Biochemistry 9, 5118-5122]; form I, the smaller fraction, seems to be responsible for the slow first-order process.


Demonstration of an androgen receptor in rat pancreas. [1,2,6,7-3H]Testosterone (250 muCi) was administered to castrated male rats; after 30 min a labelled testosterone-receptor protein complex with a pI of 5.1 was recovered from the pancreatic cytosol. A labelled testosterone-receptor complex with an identical pI was also extracted from the nuclear fraction of rat pancreas after incubation of minced pancreatic tissue with 0.1 muM-]1,2,6,7-3H]testosterone for 30 min at 37 degrees C. Studies in vitro showed that [1,2,6,7-3H]testosterone was bound to a receptor protein focusing at a pI of 5.1 and with a Kd of 2 nM and a number of binding sites of 4.7 fmol/mg of protein in castrated male rats. The testosterone-receptor complex sedimented at 3.5 S in high-salt sucrose-density gradients, was excluded from Sephadex G-200 and Ultragel ACA-34, was stable towards treatment with dextran-coated charcoal, was relatively sensitive to heat, and was stable to treatment with deoxyribonuclease and ribonuclease, but was sensitive to treatment which proteinase. It is suggested that the pancreatic androgen receptor, which was also present in castrated female rats, may play a role in sex-steroid regulation of pancreatic function.


Autoxidation of soluble trypsin-cleaved microsomal ferrocytochrome b5 and formation of superoxide radicals. The rate and mechanism of autoxidation of soluble ferrocytochrome b5, prepared from liver microsomal suspensions, appear to reflect an intrinsic property of membrane-bound cytochrome b5. The first-order rate constant for autoxidation of trypsin-cleaved ferrocytochrome b5, prepared by reduction with dithionite, was 2.00 X 10(-3) +/- 0.19 X 10(-3) S-1 (mean +/- S.E.M., n =8) when measured at 30 degrees C in 10 mM-phosphate buffer, pH 7.4. At 37 degrees C in aerated 10 mM-phosphate buffer (pH 7.4)/0.15 M-KCl, the rate constant was 5.6 X 10(-3) S-1. The autoxidation reaction was faster at lower pH values and at high ionic strengths. Unlike ferromyoglobin, the autoxidation reaction of which is maximal at low O2 concentrations, autoxidation of ferrocytochrome b5 showed a simple O2-dependence with an apparent Km for O2 of 2.28 X 10(-4) M (approx. 20kPa or 150mmHg)9 During autoxidation, 0.25 mol of O2 was consumed per mol of cytochrome oxidized. Cyanide, nucleophilic anions, EDTA and catalase each had little or no effect on autoxidation rates. Adrenaline significantly enhanced autoxidation rates, causing a tenfold increase at 0.6 mM. Ferrocytochrome b5 reduced an excess of cytochrome c in a biphasic manner. An initial rapid phase, independent of O2 concentration, was unaffected by superoxide dismutase. A subsequent slower phase, which continued for up to 60 min, was retarded at low O2 concentrations and inhibited by 65% by superoxide dismutase at a concentration of 3 mug/ml. It is concluded that autoxidation is responsible for a significant proportion of electron flow between cytochrome b5 and O2 in liver endoplasmic membranes, this reaction being capable of generating superoxide anions. A biological role for the reaction is discussed.


An investigation of the nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide-induced 'tightening' of the structure of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase. An investigation was made of the effect of NAD+ analogues on subunit interactions in yeast and rabbit muscle glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenases by using the subunit exchange (hybridization) method described previously [e.g. see Osborne & Hollaway (1975) Biochem. J. 151, 37-45]. The ligands ATP, ITP, ADP, AMP, cyclic AMP and ADP-ribose like NADH, all caused an apparent weakening of intramolecular subunit interactions, whereas NAD+ caused an apparent increase in the stability of the tetrameric enzyme molecules. A mixture of NMN and AMP, although it did not simulate completely the NAD+-induced 'tightening' of the enzyme structure, did result in a more than 20-fold decrease in the rate of subunit exchange compared with that in the presence of AMP alone. These results show that occupancy of the NMN subsite of the enzyme NAD+-binding site is insufficient in itself to give the marked tightening of the enzyme structure induced by NAD+. The 'tightening' effect is specific in that it seems to require a phosphodiester link between NMN and ADP-ribose. These effects are discussed in terms of the detailed X-ray structure of the lobster holoenzyme [Buehner et al. (1974) J. Mol. Biol. 90, 25-49].


Kinetic analysis of experiments involving the single turnover of an enzyme. The complete solution to the kinetic equation for nucleotide fluorescence quenching on addition of pyruvate to the late dehydrogenase-NADH complex modifies previous interpretations of such experiments.


The elementary reactions of the pig heart pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. A study of the inhibition by phosphorylation. 1. A method was devised for preparing pig heart pyruvate dehydrogenase free of thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP), permitting studies of the binding of [35S]TPP to pyruvate dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphate. The Kd of TPP for pyruvate dehydrogenase was in the range 6.2-8.2 muM, whereas that for pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphate was approximately 15 muM; both forms of the complex contained about the same total number of binding sites (500 pmol/unit of enzyme). EDTA completely inhibited binding of TPP; sodium pyrophosphate, adenylyl imidodiphosphate and GTP, which are inhibitors (competitive with TPP) of the overall pyruvate dehydrogenase reaction, did not appreciably affect TPP binding. 2. Initial-velocity patterns of the overall pyruvate dehydrogenase reaction obtained with varying TPP, CoA and NAD+ concentrations at a fixed pyruvate concentration were consistent with a sequential three-site Ping Pong mechanism; in the presence of oxaloacetate and citrate synthase to remove acetyl-CoA (an inhibitor of the overall reaction) the values of Km for NAD+ and CoA were 53+/- 5 muM and 1.9+/-0.2 muM respectively. Initial-velocity patterns observed with varying TPP concentrations at various fixed concentrations of pyruvate were indicative of either a compulsory order of addition of substrates to form a ternary complex (pyruvate-Enz-TPP) or a random-sequence mechanism in which interconversion of ternary intermediates is rate-limiting; values of Km for pyruvate and TPP were 25+/-4 muM and 50+/-10 nM respectively. The Kia-TPP (the dissociation constant for Enz-TPP complex calculated from kinetic plots) was close to the value of Kd-TPP (determined by direct binding studies). 3. Inhibition of the overall pyruvate dehydrogenase reaction by pyrophosphate was mixed non-competitive versus pyruvate and competitive versus TPP; however, pyrophosphate did not alter the calculated value for Kia-TPP, consistent with the lack of effect of pyrophosphate on the Kd for TPP. 4. Pyruvate dehydrogenase catalysed a TPP-dependent production of 14CO2 from [1-14C]pyruvate in the absence of NAD+ and CoA at approximately 0.35% of the overall reaction rate; this was substantially inhibited by phosphorylation of the enzyme both in the presence and absence of acetaldehyde (which stimulates the rate of 14CO2 production two- or three-fold). 5. Pyruvate dehydrogenase catalysed a partial back-reaction in the presence of TPP, acetyl-CoA and NADH. The Km for TPP was 4.1+/-0.5 muM. The partial back-reaction was stimulated by acetaldehyde, inhibited by pyrophosphate and abolished by phosphorylation. 6. Formation of enzyme-bound [14C]acetylhydrolipoate from [3-14C]pyruvate but not from [1-14C]acetyl-CoA was inhibited by phosphorylation. Phosphorylation also substantially inhibited the transfer of [14C]acetyl groups from enzyme-bound [14C]acetylhydrolipoate to TPP in the presence of NADH. 7...


Electrophoretic analysis of multiple forms of myosin in fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscles of the chick. 1. A method is described for the electrophoretic analysis of intact myosin in polyacrylamide gel in a buffer system containing 0.02 M-pyrophosphate and 10% (v/v) glycerol, pH 8.8. 2. In this system chicken skeletal-muscle myosins reveal five distinct electrophoretic components, three components from the fast-twitch posterior latissimus dorsi muscle and two slower-migrating components from the slow-twitch anterior latissimus dorsi muscle. 3. The Ca2+-activated ATPase (adenosine triphosphatase) activity of myosin components was measured by densitometric scanning of the gel for the Ca3(PO4)2 precipitate formed during the ATPase reaction and subsequently for stained protein. Each component from the same muscle appears to have identical ATPase activity, but components from the fast-twitch muscle had an activity 2.2 times higher than those from the slow-twitch muscle. 4. On re-electrophoresis in the same buffer system, individual fractions of fast-twitch myosin did not reproduce the three-band pattern of the original myosin, but migrated at rates consistent with their original mobility. 5. Analysis of the mobility of the three fast-twitch myosin components in gels of different concentrations suggests that they are not stable oligomers of each other. 6. It is suggested that these components of fast-twitch myosin and slow-twitch myosin are isoenzymes of myosin.


The identification and properties of phosphatases in skeletal muscle with activity towards the inhibitory subunit of troponin, and their relationship to other phosphoprotein phosphatases. 1. Phosphoprotein phosphatases with activity towards the inhibitory subunit of troponin (troponin I), phosphorylase a and lysine-rich histone (fraction F1) have been fractionated from rat skeletal muscle by chromatography on Sephadex G-200 and polylysine-Sepharose. Six separate fractions were identified on the basis of substrate specificity and behaviour during chromatography. 2. All fractions showed similar Km values for any given protein substrate. The Km for troponin I (5 muM) was significantly lower than that previously reported. 3. Phosphatase activities towards troponin I and hosphorylase a did not show a requirement for bivalent-metal ions. Two of the fractions with only minor activity towards histone were activated by Mn2+. 4. Discontinuous polyacrylamide-gel-electrophoresis studies indicated that several of the fractions contained more than one phosphatase activity, and additionally showed that several of the activities could exist in different aggregation states. On the basis of these studies at least two phosphatases with activity only towards troponin I were identified. In addition, phosphorylase phosphatase (which has considerable activity towards troponin I) and a general phosphatase with activity towards all three substrates were found. 5. A fraction with mol.wt. of 150000 could be activated by freezing with 2-mercaptoethanol or by heating to 55 degrees C. This activation was accompanied by a decrease in mol.wt. to 25000. 6. The total amount of phosphatase with activity towards troponin I which was extracted would be sufficient to dephosphorylate all the troponin I present in skeletal muscle in approximately 10s.


Investigation of the abnormal low-density lipoproteins occurring in patients with obstructive jaundice. The abnormal lipoproteins of the density range 1.019-1.063g/cm3 occurring in the plasma of patients with obstructive jaundice were studied. Subfractionation of this density class by combined sodium phosphotungstate precipitation, ultracentrifugation, and column chromatography on hydroxyapatite and agarose gel yielded essentially three fractions: (1) lipoprotein-X, (2) A triglyceride-rich lipoprotein for which we propose the term lipoprotein-Y and (3) an abnormal lipoprotein, lipoprotein-B. Marked differences between these fractions with respect to electron-microscopic appearance, hydrated densities, chemical composition and immunochemical characteristics were observed. The protein moiety of lipoprotein-X consisted primarily of apolipoprotein-C and albumin. Lipoprotein-Y showed, in addition to apolipoprotein-C, the presence of apolipoprotein-B. The 'lipoprotein-B' fraction isolated from sera of these patients had higher triglyceride and free cholesterol contents than that of normal individuals and an unusually high content of apolipoprotein-C. The relative distribution of lipoprotein-X, lipoprotein-Y and 'lipoprotein-B' varied from patient to patient. The importance of considering the existence of lipoprotein-Y in screening patients for cholestasis by the lipoprotein-X test is discussed.


A purification procedure for the soluble cytochrome oxidase and some other respiratory proteins from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The production of the soluble cytochrome oxidase/nitrite reductase in the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa is favoured by anaerobic conditions and the presence of KNO3(20g/l) in the culture medium. Of three methods commonly used for the disruption of bacterial suspensions (ultrasonication, liquid-shear homogenization and glass-bead grinding), sonication proved the most efficient in releasing the Pseudomonas cytochrome oxidase. A polarographic assay of Pseudomonas cytochrome oxidase activity with sodium ascorbate as substrate and NNN'N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride as electron mediator is described. A purification procedure was developed which can be used on the small scale (40-litre cultures) or the large scale (400-litre cultures) and provides high yields of three respiratory-chain proteins, Pseudomonas cytochrome oxidase, cytochrome c551 and azurin, in a pure state. A typical preparation of 250g of Ps.aeruginosa cell paste yielded 180mg of Pseudomonas cytochrome oxidase, 81 mg of Pseudomonas cytochrome c551 and 275mg of Pseudomonas azurin.


Some spectral and steady-state kinetic properties of Pseudomonas cytochrome oxidase. Some spectra of Pseudomonas cytochrome oxidase are reported, both for comparison with those of other workers and to illustrate the differences between the ascorbate- and dithionite-reduced forms of the enzyme. A spectrum of the reduced enzyme-CO complex, prepared in the absence of added reductants by incubation under CO, is also included. Ultracentrifugation studies yielded a value for the sedimentation coefficient (s20,w) of 7.5S, and an isoelectric point of pH6.9 was determined by isoelectric focusing. Steady-state kinetic constants of the electron donors, quinol, sodium ascorbate, reduced Pseudomonas azurin and Pseudomonas ferrocytochrome c551 were investigated giving Km values of 30mM, 4mM, 49muM and 5.6muM respectively. The two protein substrates were observed to be subject to product inhibition and the Ki for oxidized Pseudomonas azurin was evaluated at 4.9muM. Steady-state kinetics were also used to investigate the effects of the oxidation products of dithionite on the oxidase and nitrite reductase activities of Pseudomonas cytochrome oxidase. These experiments showed that whereas the oxidase activity was inhibited, the nitrite reductase activity was slightly enhanced.


Oxidation-reduction potentials of molybdenum, flavin and iron-sulphur centres in milk xanthine oxidase. 1. The mid-point reduction potentials of the various groups in xanthine oxidase from bovine milk were determined by potentiometric titration with dithionite in the presence of dye mediators, removing samples for quantification of the reduced species by e.p.r. (electron-paramagnetic-resonance) spectroscopy. The values obtained for the functional enzyme in pyrophosphate buffer, pH8.2, are: Fe/S centre I, -343 +/- 15mV; Fe/S II, -303 +/- 15mV; FAD/FADH-; -351 +/- 20mV; FADH/FADH2, -236 +/-mV; Mo(VI)/Mo(V) (Rapid), -355 +/- 20mV; Mo(V) (Rapid)/Mo(IV), -355 +/- 20mV. 2. Behaviour of the functional enzyme is essentially ideal in Tris but less so in pyrophosphate. In Tris, the potential for Mo(VI)/Mo(V) (Rapid) is lowered relative to that in pyrophosphate, but the potential for Fe/S II is raised. The influence of buffer on the potentials was investigated by partial-reduction experiments with six other buffers. 3. Conversion of the enzyme with cyanide into the non-functional form, which gives the Slow molybdenum signal, or alkylation of FAD, has little effect on the mid-point potentials of the other centres. The potentials associated with the Slow signal are: Mo(VI)/Mo(V) (Slow), -440 +/- 25mV; Mo(V) (Slow)/Mo(IV), -480 +/- 25 mV. This signal exhibits very sluggish equilibration with the mediator system. 4. The deviations from ideal behaviour are discussed in terms of possible binding of buffer ions or anti-co-operative interactions amongst the redox centres.


Mitochondrial glycerol kinase activity in rat brain. Glycerol kinase activity was found in the particulate fraction of rat brain homogenates predominantly associated with mitochondria. The enzyme remained bound to the particulate fraction after treatment with a variety of solubilizing agents.


Effects of calcium ions and the bivalent cation ionophore A23187 on the agglutination and fusion of chicken erythrocytes by Sendai virus. 1. Ca2+ (0.4-16 mM) had no detectable action on the agglutination of hen erythrocytes by Sendai virus. 2. Pretreatment of the cells with Ca2+ (0.1-8 mM) in the presence of the bivalent cation ionophore A23187 led, however, to a significant decrease in the subsequent agglutination of the cells by the virus. 3. It thus appears that the entry of Ca2+ into the interior of these cells decreases cellular agglutination by Sendai virus; possible interpretations of this phenomenon are discussed in terms of the movement of intramembranous particles. 4. With a small number of virions, maximum cell fusion by Sendai virus occurred in the presence of EGTA [ethanedioxybis(ethylamine)tetra-acetate]. 5. Virus-induced cell fusion was significantly decreased by Ca2+, even at a concentration of 0.2 mM; it is suggested that this may result from diminished interactions between virus particles and erythrocyte membranes.


The properties of the primary electron acceptor in the Photosystem I reaction centre of spinach chloroplasts and its interaction with P700 and the bound ferredoxin in various oxidation-reduction states. The properties of the component 'X' identified as the primary electron acceptor of Photosystem I in spinach was investigated by electron-paramagnetic-resonance spectroscopy and the complete spectrum obtained for the first time. Component 'X' has gx = 1.78, gy = 1.88 and gz = 2.08; it can be observed only at very low temperatures (8--13K) and high microwave powers. Component X was identified in Photosystem I particles prepared with the French press or with Triton X-100. In samples reduced with ascorbate, illumination at low temperatures results in the photo-oxidation of P700 and reduction of a bound iron-sulphur protein; this is irreversible at low temperature. In samples in which the iron-sulphur proteins are reduced by sodium dithionite, illumination at low temperature results in the oxidation of P700 and the reduction of component 'X'; this is reversible at low temperature. The light-induced P700 signal is the same size with either ascorbate or dithionite as reducing agent, showing that all of the P700 involved in reduction of bound ferredoxin also functions in the reduction of component 'X'.


[Azidocillin: activity in vitro, pharmacokinetics and therapeutic results in whooping cough]. In vitro activities of acidocillin and ampicillin were compared in 20 strains of Haemophilus influenzae, 50 strains of Enterococci and 4 strains of Bordetella pertussis by serial dilution test. There were no significant differences between both antibiotics. On Staphylococcus aureus (100 strains) and Streptococcus group A (25 strains) acidocillin was effective at the same degree as phenoxymethylpenicillin. After oral administration of 0.75 g acidocillin (1 h after a standard breakfast) serum peaks in 10 healthy adults were 6.1 +/- 0.51 mug/ml (after 1 1/2 h) which decreased to 0.5 +/- 0.10 mug/ml (after 4 h) and to 0.045 +/- 0.02 mug/ml (after 6 h). Urine-recovery in 9 h after oral administration of 0.75 g was found as of 58%, after i.v. administration of the same dose 78% (absorption rate nearly 74%). Therapy of whooping cough in 12 children with acidocillin (60 mg/kg/die) led to the disappearance of Bordetella pertussis from nasal swabs (only one failure caused by the child's frequent vomiting).


[Qualitative and quantitative histoenzymatic study on isoproterenol induced myocardial necroses in rats (author's transl)]. By means of a 2-day s.c. application of 60 mg/kg isoproterenol in Wistar rats reproducible myocardium necroses with a characteristic topography were induced. The lesions were particularly found in the sub-endocardial area, penetrating intramurally into the wall of the left ventricle and spreading to the papillary muscle, the area of the apex of the heart, and they also appeared in the neighbourhood of the coronary arteries. The quantitative and qualitative histo-enzymatic determinations of the activity of oxydative mitochondrial enzymes, cytochromoxydase and succinatedehydrogenase do not only show a marked decrease of activity in the area of lesions proved by histopathological investigations, but also very sensitively demonstrate a beginning myocardial hypoxia in such areas which in histopathological tests only show light to medium infiltrations and above that also signify clearly that in the neighbourhood of the lesions a compensatory increase of the oxydative metabolism is found. The possibility of using myocardial necroses in rats, induced by the application of isopreterenol, as a model for the experimental study of new heart and coronary drugs, is discussed.


Protecting action of aspartate on the hepatic changes induced by D-galactosamine. The protective action of aspartic acid on isolated and perfused rat liver was studied. In case of D-galactosamine intoxication the GOT, GPT and SDH activity and the lactate and pyruvate concentration in the perfusion medium were less augmented and the glycogen level in hepatic tissue was less diminished in animals treated with aspartic acid, as compared to controls. The histochemical applied (PAS reaction for glycogen, nucleic acids, NADH2-diaphorase, glucose-6-phosphatase and membrane-ATP-ase), also stated a protecting effect in the treated animals. The protective action of aspartate is hypothetically considered to be exerted by its capacity to reestablish the cellular deficit of pyridine nucleotides and thus to improve the synthesis of nucleic acids, glycoprotein and glycolipids or/and by its participation in various metabolic pathways.


Atilipidemic drugs. Part 5: Evaluation of the hypolipidemic effect of LF 178 in 191 patients affected by the atherogenic form of endogenous hyperlipoproteinemia (types IIa, IIb and IV). The effect of isopropyl-[4'-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-2-phenoxy-2-methyl]-propionate (LF 178; procetofene; Lipanthyl), a new hypolipidemic agent, has been evaluated in 191 patients affected by endogenous hyperlipoproteinemia (IIa, IIb and IV). Data were collected from patients on active drug trial from 1 to 18 months. The daily administered dose varied from 200 to 400 mg according to pretreatment dietary stabilized lipid values. Under the controlled experimental conditions described, LF-178 lowered cholesterol by 20 to 36% in types IIa and IIb and triglycerides by 30 to 50% in types IIa and IV of H. L. P. A comparative trial of LF 178 and clofibrate indicates that the drug is significantly more potent than the reference compound after 1 month of treatment. Tolerance has always been excellent throughout the study.


Antilipidemic drugs. Part 6: LF 178 in man. A preliminary note on a multicenter investigation bearing on 393 subjects with pure or mixed forms of hyperlipidemia. A total of 393 patients affected by different foms of hyperlipoproteinemia have been treated for up to 12 months or more with a daily dose of 200-400 mg of isopropyl-4'-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-2-phenoxy-2-methyl]-propionate (LF 178; procetofene; Lipanthyl). In pure hypercholesterolemia (IIa) the mean depression of cholesterol exceeded 26% and the drug induced degree of normalization was 85%. In mixed hypercholesterolemia (IIa) cholesterol was depressed by 23% and triglycerides by approximately 40%. In major affections of hypercholesterolemia (cholesterol > 3.5 gll) the mean induced depression exceeded 30%. Pure hypertriglyceridemia (IV) was strongly affected by the drug LF 178 induced a mean depression of triglycerides exceeding 60% after 6 months of treatment. In all cases the antilipidemic effect was fast and well sustained...


[Investigation of adrenal function with corticotrophin-(1-23)-tricosipeptide-amide (author's transl)]. The new peptide corticotrophin-(1-23)-tricosipeptide-amide (Acethropan S) was shown to be useful in the assessment of adrenal function. Both in normal subjects and patients with adrenal insufficiency, the cortisol releasing capacity could be better evaluated with a dosage of 0.5 mg than with 0.25 mg. There were no obvious side effects induced by corticotrophin-(1-23)-tricosipeptide-amide.


[Studies on the stability of human ultradian rhythms (author's transl)]. It was investigated whether the REM-NREM (rapid eye movement-non-REM) sleep rhythm has a stable period during long-term observations. Sequences of 17 to 31 consecutive sleep records were analyzed for 6 test subjects and 1 patient. Period stability was confirmed for three experimental conditions: a) undisturbed night sleep, b) inversion of the sleep-waking cycle, c) absence of external timing mechanisms. The period of the ultradian REM sleep rhythm is no integral submultiple of 24 h, so that the remainder causes a daily drift in the REM sleep rhythm. It is assumed that the ultradian process is controlled endogenously. In contrast to the circadian rhythm the ultradian rhythm appears to be free-running under normal conditions. The stability of the ultradian period has been shown in long-term observations.


[Pharmacological investigations of 4'-fluoro-4-(4-methyl-peperidono)-butyrophenone with respect to its sedative and sleep-inducing properties (author's transl)]. The butyrophenone melperone (Eunerpan) in mice and rats caused a prominetn inhibition of spontaneous activity, whereas cataleptogenic and apomorphine-antagonistic properties were less pronounced. In rats the sleep-cycle was altered: decrease of wakefulness, increase of slow-wave sleep and a moderate reduction of rapid eye movement-(REM) sleep. In contrast to thioridazine and chlorpromazine the effect lasted only for 4 h, followed by a slight REM rebound. In rabbits melperone caused a decrease of muscle tone and with somewhat higher doses an inhibition of the arousal-reaction. As seen by the computerized spontaneous cortical EEG, dosages below 1 mg/kg caused a shift of the dominant frequency from theta- to delta-rhythm and an increase of power. Therefore the neuropharmacological pattern of the butyrophenone melperone is closely related to those of thioridazine or chlorpromazine, without, however, having their long action.


[Effects of levodopa and piribedil on cyclic AMP levels in cerebrospinal fluid in rats (author's transl)]. 30 min after injection of levodopa (200 mg/kg) into rats the cAMP levels in the cisternal fluid were significantly elevated by 60% over controls. When dopamine-beta-hydroxylase was inhibited by bis-(4-methyl-1-homopiperazinyl-thiocarbonyl)-disulfide (Fla 63) the levodopa induced increase of cAMP levels was less marked, it was suppressed by propranolol (10 mg/kg), a beta-adrenergic blocking agent. Piribedil (10 mg/kg) failed to influence cisternal cAMP concentrations. The findings do not support the concept of a dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase in vivo, and suggest a beta-adrenergic stimulation of cerebral adenylate cyclase by metabolites of levodopa.


[Adenylat-kinase-Systeme, ein Beitrag zum manisch-depressiven Kranksein (MDK)]. Adenylate-kinase (AK) interacts in the balance of phosphate acceptors and donators. With respect to the polymorphism of enzyms of erythrocytes there can be assumed a system of two co-dominate allels determined by the genotype of AK 1 and AK 2 with the phenotypes of AK 1-1, AK 2-1 and AK 2-2. The distribution of AK within 108 cases of MDS and 90 controls was examined. AK 2-1 was found in about 30% of bipolar MDS, but in no case of unipolar MDS or controls. The possible relations were discussed demonstrating a synopsis of the pathogenesis of MDS.


Pharmacodynamics of tubocurarine in humans. The pharmacodynamics of neuromuscular transmission, following blockade by a single i.v. dose of tubocurarine (dtc) in humans, were simulated from experimental serum dtc concentration versus time data and serum dtc concentration versus percentage recovery data. Good agreement was obtained between the simulated and experimental time course of recovery at five different therapeutic doses. The initial apparent volume of distribution (Vapp) of dtc was approximately the same as the serum volume and appeared to increase with the size of the dose. These results were consistent with the suggestion that a greater fraction of the dose of dtc was distributed in non-vascular spaces or bound to tissue at larger doses. A pharmacodynamic working model using an average Vapp of 2848 ml simulated times up to 40% recovery within 15-20% error for doses of dtc of 0.30 mg/kg or less.


Cardiovascular and neuromuscular effects of dimethyl tubocurarine in anaesthetized cats and rhesus monkeys. Intravenous dose-response relationships for dimethyl tubocurarine showed that vagal blockade only became appreciable (50-83%) at doses 8-16 times those sufficient for full neuromuscular paralysis in anaesthetized cats (0.0625 mg/kg) and rhesus monkeys (0.125 mg/kg); heart rate was unchanged. Sympathetic function was unimpaired by supramaximal paralysing doses of 0.5 and 1 mg/kg in cats, but was reduced (20-41%) by comparable neuromuscular paralysing doses of 1 and 2 mg/kg in rhesus monkeys; these doses decreased carotid arterial pressure by 22-36%. The duration of action of dimethyl tubocurarine was prolonged; more than 60 min was required for recovery from full neuromuscular paralysis; the drug was even more persistent in rhesus monkeys than in cats. Thus the need remains for a drug resembling dimethyl tubocurarine in its highly specific action at the neuromuscular junction, but with a much shorter duration of action.


Membranous nephropathy long-term follow-up and association with neoplasia. A ten years follow-up has been made on 66 patients with membranous glomerulonephritis. Eighty per cent of them showed nephrotic syndrome, one third elevated diastolic pressure and in 50% of the patients the GFR was reduced. Histopathologic stating and evolution were made as described by Ehrenreich histology with clinic and prognosis. Seven of 76 cases (11%) showed association with neoplasia; different pathogenetic hypothesis could be risen by this observation. The five year survival was 84% and the ten year survival about 50%. Increasing age and the presence of nephrotic syndrome mainly contribute to a poor prognosis.


Transformation of primary hamster embryo fibroblasts by type 2 simplex virus: evidence for a "hit and run" mechanism. The phenomenon of cell transformation by type 2 herpes simplex virus has been investigated. Primary hamster embryo fibroblasts were exposed to type 2 herpes virus under conditions which would restrict or inhibit the lytic events of virus-cell interaction. Cell lines were established by single-cell cloning. There was evidence of altered cell morphology with altered biological activity in terms of longevity and oncogenicity; there was, however, no evidence of virus specific antigen or incorporation of viral nucleic acid into the host cell genome. Virus specific antigen was only detected in the early passages of an uncloned transformed cell line. We are thus unable to confirm previous studies (vide supra) and are obliged to propose a "hit and run" model for in vitro cell transformation by type 2 herpes simplex virus.


The fine structure of blood vessels in ethylnitrosourea-induced tumours of the rat nervous system: with special reference to the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier. The fine structure of capillaries in and around ethylnitrosourea-induced tumours, gliomas and schwannomas, was examined in rats. A great variation was observed in the severity of changes: the degree of abnormality depended on the histological type and size of the tumour and on the site of the capillaries within the neoplasm. Endothelial cells, basement membranes and pericytes all demonstrated changes in their fine structure. The most striking alterations occurred in the endothelial cells: luminal cell membranes, tight junctions and pinocytotic activity were all modified. The widened extracellular spaces, particularly around capillaries, were frequently seen to contain proteinaceous material and haematogenous cells. Invasion of these spaces by neoplastic cells, however, rarely occurred. Formation of new capillaries was indicated by the mitotic activity of endothelial cells. These changes in the blood vessels of cerebral tumours have an important role in the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier.


Organ culture studies on the efficiency of infection of chicken tissues with avian infectious bronchitis virus. Long-term organ cultures of a range of tissues collected from specific pathogen-free chickens were employed to determine their susceptibility, and their capacity for subsequent virus production, following inoculation with avian infectious bronchitis (AIB) virus. When inoculated with approximately 2-0 log10 median ciliostatic doses (CD50) of a classical highly egg-adapted vaccine strain (H120) of AIB virus, 9 of 23 tissues were shown to be susceptible, namely the nasal turbinates, trachea, air sac membranes,lungsasal turbinates, trachea, air sac membranes, lungs, proventriculus mucosa, thyroid, kidney, ovary and oviduct. When the remaining 14 tissues were inoculated with a high dose of virus (6.8 log10 CD50), the conjunctiva, caecel tonsil, testis and bursa of Fabricius were susceptible whereas the oesophagus and cloaca responded minimally. Inoculation of the same range of tissues with a high or low dose of a field strain (HVI9) of AIB virus produced similar results, except for a number of individual variations in response, due possibly to strain differences in pathogenicity. Determinations of the minimal infectious dose requirements of the susceptible tissues revealed that the efficiency of infection with the H120 strain was highest for the nasal turbinate and tracheal tissues, and thereafter, in order of decreasing efficiency, were the air sac membranes, lung, oviduct, proventriculus mucosa, conjunctiva, kidney, ovary, bursa of Fabricius, thyroid, testis, caecal tonsil, cloaca and oesophagus. The relevance of these results is discussed in connection with the early events in the pathogenesis and the clinical syndrome of AIB infection in chickens.


Replication of type 2 herpes simplex virus in human endocervical tissue in organ culture. The replication of type 2 herpes simplex virus in human endocervical tissue in organ culture was investigated. The temporal profile of virus replication was related to the initial virus inoculum; high input inocula induced a rapid increase in virus titre while lower multiplicities induced a more slow-rising increase in virus titre. Our evidence suggested that explants were capable of initiating and supporting virus replication for at least 2 weeks following establishment of the culture. Virus yields were optimal when explants were cultured at 37 degrees and in serum-supplemented medium. Explants also supported the replication of type 1 herpes simplex virus and a "non-human" herpes simplex virus (pseudo-rabies virus). The optimal conditions for replication of type 2 herpes simplex virus in human endocervical explants have been established and will provide a model permitting precise investigation of lytic or other virus-cervical cell interactions and their possible relationship to herpes virus-induced pre-invasive carcinoma of this organ.


Cholesterol esterase activity in body fluids. Antistreptolysin O activity (greater than or equal to 200 Todd units/ml) was found in 20% of 25 ascitic fluids, 20% of 55 pleural fluids and 37-5% of 56 joint fluids. These levels are not due to antibody but to the cholesterol moiety of altered beta-lipoproteins. The activity is precipitable with 10% dextran sulphate. Incubation of mixtures of fluids with titres less than 200 and normal human serum generated eight-fold or greater rises in antistreptolysin titres. This results from the activity of cholesterol esterase in the fluid acting on the beta-lipoprotein of the serum and activity was noted in 90% of ascitic fluids, 59% of pleural fluids and 54% of joint fluids. However, mixtures showing no such rise probably also contain esterase, the failure to demonstrate antistreptolysin activity being due to equilibration of ester derived cholesterol with sub-fractions of high density and very low density lipoproteins.


Changes in tertiary structure accompanying a single base change in transfer RNA. Proton magnetic resonance and aminoacylation studies of Escherichia coli tRNAMet f1 and tRNAMet f3 and their spin-labeled (s4U8) derivatives. The properties of Escherichia coli tRNAMet f1 and tRNAMet f3 that differ by only one base change, m7G to A at position 47, have been compared structurally by proton magnetic resonance and functionally by the aminoacylation reaction. The NMR spectra of the two tRNA species in the region between 0 and 4 ppm below 4,4-dimethyl-4-silapentane-1-sulfonic acid (DSS) (methyl and methylene region) were the same except for the absence of the lowest field peak at 3.8 ppm in tRNAMet f3, thus unequivocally identifying this resonance at the methyl group of m7G47 of tRNAMet f1. The same resonance disappears in tRNAMet f1 spin-labeled at s4U8 and reappears in the diamagnetic reduced spin-labeled tRNAMet f1 from which the average distance between the spin-label and the methyl protons of m7G is estimated to be less than 15 A. The proximity of m7G47 but not T55 to s4U8 in the structure of E. coli tRNAMet f1 in solution is consistant with the crystallographic model for yeast tRNAPhe. A spectral comparison of the hydrogen-bond regions (11-14 ppm below DSS) of tRNAMet f1 and tRNAMet f3 reveals major shifts of four resonances previously assigned to tertiary hydrogen bonds. Of the four, the one at lowest field (14.8 ppm) had been assigned by chemical modification to the tertiary (s4U8-A14) hydrogen bond and the one at 13.3 ppm had been tentatively assigned to the tertiary hydrogen bond G23-m7G47 of the 13-23-47 triple. A more positive assignment of the G23-m7G47 at 13.3 ppm could be made from the additional evidence that this resonance, which was first observed in the difference spectrum between spin-labeled tRNAMet f1 and its reduced form, is the only one missing in the analogous difference spectrum of tRNAMet f3. At low ionic strength and in the absence of magnesium ions, the differences in the hydrogen-bonded region of the NMR spectra of tRNAMet f1 and tRNAMet f3 are much greater than in the presence of magnesium ions. The optimal magnesium concentration required for maximal initial velocities is also higher for tRNAMet f3 than for tRNAMet f1. The perturbation caused by the spin-label in destabilizing hydrogen bonds in the region between 13 and 14 ppm is greater for tRNAMet f3 than tRNAMet f1 but the distance relations for the hydrogen bonds in the region between 12 and 13 ppm (the major paramagnetic perturbations) are conserved in the two species. The disruption of one hydrogen bond relative to native tRNAMet f1 either by spin-labeling (s4U8-A14) or by substitution of m7G by A in tRNAMet f3 has little effect on the aminoacyl acceptor activity or the velocity of the aminoacylation reaction at optimal magnesium concentration, but the absence of both tertiary hydrogen bonds in the augmented D-helix region in the spin-labeled tRNAMet f3 results in approximately 60% reduction both in acceptance activity and in initial velocity of the aminoacylation reaction.


Lysine-sensitive aspartokinase of Escherichia coli K12. Synergy and autosynergy in an allosteric V system. The interactions of the lysine-sensitive aspartokinase of E. coli K12 with lysine and leucine, as evidenced in the inhibition and binding curves, are well explained by the equations of an allosteric V model. Mathematical treatments of such a model lead to new linearized plots. These representations are applied to our experimental results and allow the direct determination of some parameters of the model (equilibrium constant L' and leucine dissociation constants). The other parameters are obtained by an optimization method. The theoretical curves drawn according to this model account well for the synergistic inhibition between lysine and leucine and for the role of the two nonequivalent lysine binding sites ("autosynergy").


Electrophoretic analysis of substrate-attached proteins from normal and virus-transformed cells. The proteins which have been left tightly bound to the tissue culture substrate after ethylenebis (oxyethyl-enenitrilo) tetraacetic acid (EGTA)-mediated removal of normal, virus-transformed, and revertant mouse cells and which have been implicated in the substrate adhesion process have been analyzed by slab sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Three size classes of hyaluronate proteoglycans were resolved in the 5% well gel; approximately half of the protein in the substrate-attached material coelectrophoresed with these polysaccharides-so-called glycosaminoglycan-associated protein(GAP). A portion of the GAP was shown to be highly heterogeneous and displaced from the polysaccharide by preincubation with calf histone before electrophoresis. The relative proportions of the proteoglycans varied in material deposited during a variety of cellular attachment and growth conditions. The remainder of the cellular protein in substrate-attached material was resolved as several major and distinct protein bands in 8 or 20% separating gels (a limited number of distinct serum proteins have also been identified as substrate bound). Protein C0 (molecular weight 220 000) was a prominent component in the material from a variety of normal and virus-transformed cells and resembled the so-called LETS or CSP glycoprotein in several respects; protein Ca was myosin-like in several respects; protein C2 was shown to be actin; and protein C1 (molecular weight 56 000) does not appear to be tubulin. Histones were also present in most preparations of substrate-attached material, particularly at high levels in transformed cell meterial, and may result from EGTA-mediated leakiness of the cell and subsequent binding to the negatively charged polysaccharide. These substrate-attached proteins were (a) prominent in substrate-attached material from many cell types in characteristic relative proportions, (b) deposited by EGTA-subcultured cells during the first hour of attachment to fresh substrate, (c) deposited by cells growing on plastic or glass substrates (three additional) components were also prominent in glass-attached material), and (d) deposited during long-term growth on or initial attachment to substrates coated wit 3T3 substrate-attached material. Pulse-chase analyses with radioactive leucine indicated that these proteins exhibit different turn-over behaviors. These results are discussed with regard to the possible involvement of these substrate-attached proteins in the substrate adhesion process, with particular interest in the interaction of cytoskeletal microfilaments with other surface membrane components and with regard to alteration of substrate adhesion by virus transformation.


Annular lipids determine the ATPase activity of a calcium transport protein complexed with dipalmitoyllecithin. Pure complexes of dipalmitoyllecithin (DPL, 16:0) which Ca2+, Mg2+ dependent ATPase from sarcoplasmic reticulum are unusual in retaining significant ATPase activity down to about 30 degrees C, well below the transition temperature of the pure lipid at 41 degrees C. A minimum of about 35 lipid molecules per ATPase is required to maintain maximal ATPase activity, but the complexes are progressively and irreversibly inactivated at lower lipid to protein ratios. Complexes containing more than the minimum lipid requirement show very similar temperature profiles of activity about 30 degrees C over a wide range of lipid to protein ratios, up to 1500:1. Spin-label studies indicate that, at lipid to protein ratios of less than about 30 lipids per ATPase, no DPL phase transition can be detected, but at all higher ratios, a phase transition occurs at about 41 degrees C. In all of these complexes there are breaks in the Arrhenius plots of ATPase activity at 27--32 degrees C and at 37.5--38.5 degrees C. Experiments with perturbing agents, such as cholesterol and benzyl alcohol which have well-defined effects on the DPL phase transition, indicate that these breaks in the Arrhenius plots of ATPase activity cannot be attributed to a depressed and broadened phase transition in the lipids near the protein molecules. These results are interpreted as evidence for a phospholipid annulus of at least 30 lipid molecules with interact directly with the ATPase and cannot undergo a phase transition at 41 degrees C. This structural interaction of the ATPase with the annular DPL molecules has a predominant effect in determining the form of the temperature-activity profiles. However, the perturbation of the DPL phase transition does not extend significantly beyond the annulus since a phase transition which starts at 41 degrees C can be detected as soon as extraannular lipid is present in the complexes. We suggest that it may be a general feature of membrane structure that penetrant membrane proteins interact with their immediate lipid environment so as to cause only a minimal perturbation of the lipid bilayer.


Temperature-dependent 13C nuclear magnetic resonance studies of human serum low density lipoproteins. The natural abundance 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum of human serum low density lipoproteins (LDL) shows significant temperature-dependent changes. These temperature-dependent spectra have been used to monitor changes in the organization of cholesterol esters within the LDL particle. Comparison with 13C NMR spectra of both cholesterol linoleate and an aqueous codispersion of cholesterol linoleate and egg phosphatidylcholine suggests that at low temperatures (10 degrees C), the cholesterol esters in LDL are organized in a smectic-like, liquid-crystalline arrangement. At temperatures above the order-disorder transition exhibited by the cholesterol esters of LDL, the cholesterol esters appear to be partially melted but still are motionally restricted compared with liquid cholesterol esters.


Limitation of reticulocyte transfer RNA in the translation of heterologous messenger RNAs. The effect of various tRNAs on protein synthesis was investigated using a tRNA-dependent cell-free system from Ehrlich ascites cells. Ascites cell tRNA and rabbit liver tRNA were found to promote efficient translation of globin mRNA, oviduct mRNA, and encephalomycarditis (EMC) viral RNA. In contrast, reticulocyte tRNA participated efficiently only in the translation of globin mRNA; the translation  of oviduct mRNA AND EMC viral RNA in the presence of reticulocyte tRNA resulted in the synthesis of relatively few large mature proteins and the accumulation of discrete, smaller polypeptides. These results suggest that isoaccepting tRNA species required for the synthesis of ovalbumin and EMC viral protein (but not hemoglobin) are probably functionally absent in reticulocyte tRNA, causing a premature, nonrandom termination of synthesis of these proteins. This provides preliminary evidence that variations in tRNA populations, frequently observed between different cell types, are large enough to define and perhaps regulate the proteins that the cell is capable of synthesizing.


The primary photoreactions in the complex cytochrome-P-890-P-760 (bacteriopheophytin760) of Chromatium minutissimum at low redox potentials. Experimental evidence for electron transfer, photosensitized by bacteriochlorophyll, from cytochrome c to a pigment complex P-760 (involving bacteriopheophytin-760 and also bacteriochlorophyll-800) in the reaction centers of Chromatium minutissimum has been described. This photoreaction occurs between 77 and 293 degrees K at a redox potential of the medium between -250 and -530 mV. Photoreduction of P-760 is accompanied by development of a wide absorption band at 650 nm and of an EPR signal with g=2.0025+/-0.0005 and linewidth of 12.5+/-0.5 G, which are characteristic of the pigment radical anion. It is suggested that the photoreduction of P-760 occurs under the interaction of reduced cytochrome c with the reaction center state P+-890-P--760 which is induced by light. The existence of short-lived state P+-890-P--760 is indicated by the recombination luminescence with activation energy of 0.12 eV and t 1/2 less than or equal to 6 ns. This luminescence is exicted and emitted by bacteriochlorophyll and disappears when P-760 is reduced. At low redox potentials, the flash-induced absorbance changes related to the formation of the carotenoid triplet state with t 1/2 = 6 mus at 20 degreesC are observed. This state is not formed when P-760 is reduced at 293 and 160 degrees K. It is assumed that this state is formed from the reaction center state P+-890---760, which appears to be a primary product of light reaction in the bacterial reaction centers and which is probably identical with the state PF described in recent works.


Thermodynamic properties of the reaction center of Rhodopseudomonas viridis. In vivo measurement of the reaction center bacteriochlorophyll-primary acceptor intermediary electron carrier. The thermodynamic properties of redox components associated with the reaction center of Rhodopseudomonas viridis have been characterized with respect to their midpoint potentials and relationship with protons. In particular a midpoint potential for the intermediary electron carrier acting between the reaction center bacteriochlorophyll and the primary acceptor has been determined. The rationale for this measurement was that the light-induced triplet/biradical EPR signal would not be observed if this intermediate was chemically reduced before activation. The midpoint potential of the intermediary at pH 10.8 is about --400 mV (n=1).


Kinetics of populating and depopulating of the components of the photoinduced triplet state of the photosynthetic bacteria Rhodospirillum rubrum, Rhodopseudomonas spheroides (wild type), and its mutant R-26 as measured by ESR in zero-field. Optically detected ESR spectra in zero magnetic field of the triplet state of three photosynthetic bacteria are presented. The zero field splitting parameters [D] and [E] and the widths of the resonances show small but significant differences for the three bacteria. The resonance lines are inhomogeneously broadened as demonstrated by hole-burning experiments. The populating probabilities and depopulating rates for the triplet sublevels have been measured. The populating kinetics are very similar for the three bacteria. The depopulating rates are more than one order faster than those of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b and of porphyrin model systems. The populating probability of the lowest level is about 6 times less, and the depopulating rate about 6 times slower, than for the upper levels, identifying this level as the level connected to the molecular z-axis perpendicular to the plane of the molecule. The relative populations of the triplet sublevels are almost equal in zero magnetic field.


Interactions between 125-I-labelled RNA from RNA tumor viruses and RNA of other sources. Fragmented 125I-labelled RNA from RNA tumor viruses was hybridized to unlabelled RNA from cells, viruses, and homoribopolymers. The viral RNA interacted with all RNA tested, except for certain homoribopolymers. Complex formation with unlabelled RNA was verified by nuclease resistance, buoyant density measurements, and thermal stability in solutions of different ionic strength. The RNAase-resistant complex involved 20-30% of the sequences in the 125I-labelled viral RNA and formed preferentially with nuclear RNA of cells. 125I-labelled hemoglobin mRNA, 125I-labelled immunoglobulin light chain (lambda2) mRNA, or 125I-labelled viral RNA from encephalomyocarditis virus (EMC) dit not from RNAase-resistant complexes with unlabelled cellular RNA.


Efficeint transcription of RNA into DNA by avian sarcoma virus polymerase. The DNAase digestion end-product of calf thymus DNA contains oligonucleotides that will function as primers for the efficient transcription into DNA of many naturally-occurring RNA's by purified avian sarcoma virus RNA-directed DNA polymerase. The labeled DNA transcripts so obtained are valuable as probes for molecular hybridization studies. Typical applications of the method include the efficient transcription into DNA of 18 and 28 S rRNA as well as the RNA's of avian sarcoma virus, polio virus, influenza virus, satellite tobacco necrosis virus and tobacco mosaic virus. In addition, when these primers are added to avian sarcoma virus particles that have been partially-disrupted with non-ionic detergent there is 6-fold stimulation of the endogenous RNA-directed DNA synthesis.


Effect of cyclic AMP on chromatin-bound protein kinases in WI-38 fibroblasts stimulated to proliferate. When resting confluent monolayers of WI-38 fibroblasts are stimulated to proliferate by serum, DNA synthesis begins to increase between 15-18 h after stimulation. Chromatin-bound protein kinase activity increases in stimulated cells within 1 h after the nutritional change, concomitant with an increase in the template activity of nuclear chromatin. Addition of dibutyryl 3' : 5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (dibutyryl cyclic) AMP to the stimulating medium inhibits the entrance of cells into S phase, but only if dibutyryl cyclic AMP (5-10(-4) M) is added before the onset of DNA synthesis. The increases in chromatin template activity and in the chromatin-bound kinase activity are not inhibited by dibutyryl cyclic AMP in the early hours after stimulation, but are completely inhibited after the 5th hour from the nutritional change. This seems to indicate that in stimulated WI-38 cells, dibutyryl cyclic AMP exerts its inhibitory action somewhere between 5 and 12 h after stimulation. A number of protein kinase activities were extracted from chromatin with 0.3 M NaCl and partially resolved on a phosphocellulose column. Two distinct peaks of protein kinase activity appeared to be markedly increased in WI-38 cells 6 h after serum stimulation. Both peaks of increased activity were inhibited by dibutyryl cyclic AMP in vivo. Adenosine, sodium butyrate and adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) do not inhibit the increase in DNA synthesis nor the increase in protein kinase activity. The results suggest that stimulation of cell proliferation in confluent monolayers of WI-38 cells causes an increase (or the new appearance) of certain chromatin-bound protein kinases, and that this increase is inhibited by cyclic AMP in vivo.


Laser Raman spectroscopy of lipid-protein systems. Differences in the effect of intrinsic and extrinsic proteins on the phosphatidylcholine Raman spectrum. Laser Raman spectroscopy is used to examine the interactions of intrinsic and extrinsic proteins with the lipid layer structure. The interactions of cytochrome c and cytochrome c oxidase with lipids have been well established by others using a variety of techniques. Cytochrome c is thought to act as an extrinsic membrane protein while cytochrome c oxidase is thought to act as an intrinsic membrane protein. The lipid-cytochrome c and lipid cytochrome c oxidase systems are used to assist in interpreting the spectral changes due to extrinsic and intrinsic protein interactions. The two types of proteins examined produced differential changes in the lipid hydrocarbon C-H stretch Raman modes for both dimyristoyl and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine. The plasma proteins albumin and fibrinogen were also found to differentially affect the lipid hydrocarbon C-H stretch Raman nodes. These proteins appear to interact with lipids in an extrinsic manner different from that of cytochrome c.


The relationship between environmental temperature, cell growth and the fluidity and physical state of the membrane lipids in Bacillus stearothermophilus. A definite and characteristic relationship exists between growth temperature, fatty acid composition and the fluidity and physical state of the membrane lipids in wild type Bacillus stearothermophilus. As the environmental temperature is increased, the proportion of saturated fatty acids found in the membrane lipids is also markedly increased with a concomitant decrease in the proportion of unsaturated and branched chain fatty acids. The temperature range over which the gel to liquid-crystalline membrane lipid phase transition occurs is thereby shifted such that the upper boundary of this transition always lies near (and usually below) the temperature of growth. This organism thus possesses an effective and sensitive homeoviscous adaptation mechanism which maintains a relatively constant degree of membrane lipid fluidity over a wide range of environmental temperatures. A mutant of B. stearothermophilus which has lost the ability to increase the proportion of relatively high melting fatty acids in the membrane lipids, and thereby increase the phase transition temperature in response to increases in environmental temperature, is also unable to grow at higher temperatures. An effective homeoviscous regulatory mechanism thus appears to extend the growth temperature range of the wild type organism and may be an essential feature of adaptation to temperature extremes. Over most of their growth temperature ranges the membrane lipids of wild type and temperature-sensitive B. stearothermophilus cells exist entirely or nearly entirely in the liquid-crystalline state. Also, the temperature-sensitive mutant is capable of growth at temperatures well above those at which the membrane lipid gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition is completed. Therefore, although other evidence suggests the existence of an upper limit on the degree of membrane fluidity compatible with cell growth, the phase transition is completed. Therefore, although other evidence suggests the existence of an upper limit on the degree of membrane fluidity compatible with cell growth, the phase transition upper boundary itself does not directly determine the maximum growth temperature of this organism. Similarly, the lower boundary does not determine the minimum growth temperature, since cell growth ceases at a temperature at which most of the membrane lipid still exists in a fluid state. These observations do not support the suggestion made in an earlier study, which utilized electron spin resonance spectroscopy to monitor membrane lipid lateral phase separations, that the minimum and maximum growth temperatures of this organism might directly be determined by the solid-fluid membrane lipid phase transition boundaries. Evidence is presented here that the electron spin resonance techniques used previously did not in fact detect the gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition of the bulk membrane lipids, which, however, can be reliably measured by differential thermal analysis.


Characterization, enzymatic and lectin properties of isolated membranes from Phaseolus aureus. Cellular membranes were prepared from the non-extending part of dark grown hypocotyls of Phaseolus aureus. The relative effectiveness of continuous and discontinuous sucrose gradient centrifugation for the separation of membranes was investigated. Characteristic densities of membranes were determined by the localization of enzyme activities on continuous sucrose gradients: NADH-cytochrome c-reductase for endoplasmic reticulum, beta-1-3-glucan synthetase for plasma-membrane and IDPase for dictyosomes. The difficulties involved in the application of ATPase and IDPase as specific membrane markers are discussed. Negative staining of isolated fractions indicated that intact dictyosomes could be prepared from this tissue without the use of chemical fixatives in the homogenization medium. Extraction of isolated membranes showed that carbohydrate-binding proteins (lectins) were present both in an easily removable and in a more strongly bound form. In vivo incorporation of D-[U-14C]glucose and subsequent isolation and solubilization of the different membranes showed that sugar-containing polymers could be released without hydrolytic techniques and were present in the equivalent extracts that exhibited lectin activity. The possibility of lectin-polysaccharide complexes in endoplasmic reticulum and dictyosomes and their involvement in the synthesis and transport of secretory substances by the membranes is discussed.


Stimulation of the biosynthesis of membrane glycoproteins from Zajdela ascites hepatoma cells by Robinia lectin. Membrane glycoprotein biosynthesis of ascites hepatoma cells is followed by [14C]glucosamine and [3H]leucine incorporation into cells in culture. The rate of incorporation is strongly increased by the addition of Robinia lectin in culture medium. Labeled glycoproteins are released from lectin stimulated and non-stimulated cells by trypsin digestion. Studies of labeled trypsinates on sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis and Sephadex G-200 filtration exhibit two fractions both labeled with [14C]glucosamine and [3H]leucine and having different molecular weights, one over 200000 and the other about 2000. Identical results are obtained when external membrane glycoproteins are solubilized by sodium deoxycholate. Comparison of surface glycoproteins isolated by trypsinization from control cells labeled with [3H]-glucosamine and from lectin stimulated cells labeled with [14C]glucosamine displays no significant qualitative differences between glycoprotein fractions released from both cell groups.


Differential inactivation of the "L" and "Ly+" amino acid transport systems by a sulfhydryl reagent and a photo-affinity probe. Using a substrate-stimulated amino acid efflux system, it has been shown that the "Ly+" and "L" amino acid transport systems of mouse embryo cells in culture are differentially inhibited by parachloromercuribenzene sulfonate (PCMB-S) and the photoaffinity probe 4-fluoro-3-nitrophenylazide (FNPA). Three types of evidence support the conclusion that these transport systems are mediated by separate carrier proteins. (1) The specificity of substrate-stimulated efflux is high for each system; (2) PCMB-S inhibits L-phenylalanine and L-leucine stimulated L-[3H]phenylalanine efflux with no effect on L-lysine stimulated L-[3H]lysine efflux, and (3) the photo-affinity probe FNPA inhibits L-lysine efflux with little effect on the L-phenylalanine-stimulated efflux.


Membrane lipid acyl group alterations in cells infected with a temperature-conditional mutant of Rous sarcoma virus. The increased percentage of oleic acid and decreased percentage of arachidonic acid which occurs in the lipids of chicken embryo fibroblasts transformed by Rous sarcoma virus was shown to be transformation specific rather than a consequence of virus infection. Cells infected with a temperature conditional mutant of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV-T5) had a normal type fatty acid composition when held at the restrictive temperature of 41 degrees C, but had a transformed type fatty acid composition when held at the permissive temperature of 36 degrees C. However, these acyl group changes occurred slowly in the course of transformation, suggesting that they are not a primary event in the genesis of the transformed phenotype.


The effect of hypoxia on collagen synthesis in cultured 3T6 fibroblasts and its relationship to the mode of action of ascorbate. When exposed to low oxygen tension, in the absence of added ascorbic acid 3T6 mouse fibroblast cultures in late log phase respond by increased lactate production and increased hydroxylation of proline in nascent collagen, which is paralleled by an increase in prolyl hydroxylase activity. After 6 h recovery from the anoxic stimulus, however, cultures still yield more prolyl hydroxylase than controls, but the effect on hydroxylation of nascent collagen has disappeared. These observations help to dissect the dual role of ascorbate which can stimulate hydroxylation both by increasing the amount of active enzyme and by a cofactor-like role; in addition, these observations may be relevant to wound healing.


Attenuation of epinephrine-induced increase in liver cyclic AMP by endogeneous insulin in vivo. 1. Epinephrine-induced increase in rat liver cyclic AMP in vivo was potentiated when the circulating insulin was suppressed by injection of anti-insulin serum or by induction of diabetes. Consequently, phosphorylase was activated, glycogen synthetase was inactivated and glycogen accumulation induced by glucose load was prevented by epinephrine in the insulin-deficient rats to a much larger extent than in normal rats. 2. Insulin lack was effective in potentiating epinephrine-induced increase in liver and muscule cyclic AMP even after the treatment of rats with theophylline; the potentiation could not be solely accounted for by the inhibition of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. Thus, it is likely that insulin lack enhaces epinephrine activation of adenylate cyclase. 3. Unlike epinephrine, glucagon increased liver cyclic AMP to essentially the same extent whether the rat was treated with anti-insulin serum or not. 4. Based on the difference in dose-response curves between normal and insulin-deficient rats, a possibility is discussed that there are two adenylate cylase in the liver with higher and lower affinities for epinephrine and that circulating insulin blocks the high affinity enzyme selectively.


Cyclic AMP and growth of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. Lack of cyclic AMP elevation in nutritionally deprived cells and mechanism of retardation of growth by dibutryl cyclic AMP. Cyclic AMP levels in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells changed little after deprivation of cells of essential nutrients, serum, glucose and amino acids, deprival of each of which leads to marked inhibition of growth and protein synthesis. Cyclic AMP levels also changed little after the addition of these nutrients to deprived cells. Thus cyclic AMP is not likely to be the intracellular mediator for growth regulation by these three nutrients. Elevation of cyclic AMP levels for short periods by exposure of cells to choleratoxin or theophylline produced only slight changes in parameters of protein synthesis (polyribosome pattern and rate of [3H]leucine incorporation). An exposure for 1 day to dibutyryl cyclic AMP did not inhibit cell growth. However, prolonged exposure to dibutyryl cyclic AMP inhibited the multiplication of Ehrlich  ascites cells both in suspension and in stationary cultures. No morphological effects were evident in the former; in the latter, cells attached firmly to the substratum and formed elongated cytoplasmic processes. Inhibition of cell multiplication by dibutyryl cyclic AMP was related to cell density and to serum concentration. Cells in dibutyryl cyclic AMP-containing media plated at low cell densities multiplied as rapidly as control cells. The final densities cells reached were determined by the serum concentration; in dibutyryl cyclic AMP-containing media these densities were about one-half those of respective control cells. Limitation of cell multiplication by dibutyryl cyclic AMP was reversed by the addition of serum, by resuspending cells at lower densities, or by resuspending cells in media without dibutyryl cyclic AMP. These findings suggested that dibutyryl cyclic AMP may affect the utilization of serum factors by cells. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP did not inactivate serum factors and did not change the rate at which cells depleted the growth medium of serum factors. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP may limit cell multiplication by increasing the cellular requirement for serum factors.


Ontogenetic changes in levels of phosphodiesterase for adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate and glucosine 3':5'-monophosphate in the lung, brain and heart from guinea pigs. Changes in tissue levels of the low Km phosphodiesterase for adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and guanosine 3':5'-monophosphate (cyclc GMP) in the lung, liver, heart and brain from developing guinea pigs were studied. It was found that the contents of the soluble (cytosol) phosphodiesterase for both cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP were higher in the lung from the fetus than from the neonate and adult. The ontogenetic changes seen in the liver were qualitatively similar to thos in the lung with respect to cyclic GMP hydrolysis, while a reversed pattern of change was noted in the brain. The level of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase was highest in the fetal heart. Throughout the fetal stage, the levels of the enzyme for cyclic GMP hydrolysis were higher than those for cyclic AMP in the lung. At or around birth, a reversal in the relative levels of the two enzymes took place; two days after birth, the level of the enzyme for cyclic AMP was 2-3times higher than thos for cyclic GMP. Kinetic analysis showed that phohphodiesterases from extracts of the lung from all developmental stages of guinea pigs had the same Km (2.6 muM) for cyclic AMP and the same Km (6.6 muM) for cyclic GMP. The relative values of V, based on assays using the same amount of enzyme protein, in decreasing order, were fetus greater than neonate greater than adult. The present findings suggest that metabolism of the two cyclic nucleotides may be closely related to developmental processes of the tissues. Moreover, the actions involving cyclic GMP may be more predominent in the fetal lung and adult brain.


Antagonism of the prostaglandin endoperoxide imhibition of hormone-stimulated adenylate cyclase by guanosine triphosphate and 5'-guanylyl-imidodiphosphate. The prostaglandin endoperoxide prostaglandin H2 (15-hydroxy-9alpha, 11alpha-peroxidoprosta-5,13-dienoic acid) inhibits basal and hormone-stimulated adenylate cyclase in fat cell ghosts. This inhibition by prostaglandin H2 has been found to be antagonized by GTP and Gpp(NH)p. Dose response studies have shown GTP and Gpp(nh)p to be maximally effective at 3.3 muM, the lowest concentration tested. Although the system is exceedingly sensitive to modulation by GTP or Gpp(NH)p UTP, CTP, GMP, and cyclic GMP did not antagonize the antihormone activity of prostaglandin H2. Kinetic studies indicate that the GTP or Gpp(NH)p antagonism of prostaglandin H2 is observable on initial rates of cyclic AMP synthesis, and persists throughout the adenylate cyclase measurements. Preincubation of fat cell ghosts with GTP followed by washing and resuspension results in a prostaglandin H2-sensitive adenylate cyclase system. However, the same preincubation experiment with Gpp(NH)p produces an irreversible antagonism of the prostaglandin H2 inhibition of hormone-stimulated adenylate cyclase. It is suggested that prostaglandin H2 stabilizes the fat cell adenylate cyclase system in a state that is resistant to hormone stimulation, and GTP or Gpp(NH)p overcome this stabilization.


[The effects of adrenalectomy and of hydrocortisone administration on adenylate cyclase activity in rabbit adipose cells (author's transl)]. Adenylate cyclase activity in rabbit adipocyte plasma membranes was studied with special reference to the effects of adrenalectomy and administration of cortisol in vivo. Adrenalectomy was accompanied by an increase in adenylate cyclase activity during basal conditions; cortisol (5 mg/kg body wt., intramuscularly) partly prevents this effect of adrenalectomy. The response of adenylate cyclase to corticotropin, epinephrine and norepinephrine stimulation was higher in the adrenalectomized rabbit than in the sham operated animal. Our in vitro results were in agreement with the striking fat mobilization observed in rabbit plasma after adrenalectomy and with the hypolipemic effects of cortisol we had previously observed in both normal and adrenalectomized rabbit.


Production of collagenase by mouse peritoneal macrophages in vitro. Characterization of sites of cleavage of tropocollagen. Macrophages from mineral oil-stimulated mice produce collagenase at a constant rate over several days in culture. Phagocytosis of latex does not increase production of enzyme. Gel electrophoretic and electron microscopic analyses indicate that the specificity of the macrophage enzyme is similar to that of other previously characterized mammalian collagenases.


Repair replication of DNA in the intact animal following treatment with dimethylnitrosamine and with methyl methanesulphonate, studied by fractionation of nuclei in a zonal centrifuge. To relate repair of lesions in DNA with carcinogenesis, it is necessary to study repair in the intact animal under conditions which will and will not induce cancer. The methods used to study the replications stage of repair in isolated cells are not suitable for use in the intact animal. A method is presented which depends on the fact that during cell replication the nuclei enlarge, and may be separated from nuclei of non-replicating cells by rate zonal centrifugation on a sucrose gradient in a zonal rotor. Thus incorporation of [3H]thymidine as a result of de novo synthesis of DNA in replicating nuclei can be separated from incorporation due to repair synthesis in non-replicating nuclei. Treatment of animals with dimethylnitrosamine or with methyl methanesulphonate produced a "repair-type" profile, which contrasted with that given by liver nuclei from untreated animals, or from animals in which DNA synthesis had been reduced by treatment with cycloheximide, a compound which is not known to cause direct damage to DNA. Evidence is presented which suggests that the method is a rapid sensitive test for the occurrence of repair replication of some kind in the liver of the intact animal.


An enzymic analysis of a nuclear envelope fraction. A rat liver nuclear envelope fraction isolated essentially by the technique of Monneron et al. (J. Cell Biol. 55, 104-125 (1972) is characterized by high levels of glucose-6-phosphatase and 5'-nucleotidase. A broadly specific nucleoside triphosphatase activity is present. Cytochromes b5 and P-450 as well as NADPH- and NADH-cytochrome c reductase activities are present but at lower levels than found in microsomes. Cytochrome c oxidase activity is low. RNA polymerase activity is absent from the nuclear envelope fraction. Cytochemistry shows that glucose-6-phosphatase activity is strong and restricted to the nuclear envelope of nuclei. 5'-Nucleotidase shows weak reaction deposit in whole nuclei but in contrast gives clear reaction deposit in isolated nuclear envelopes. Cytochemical reaction deposit due to nucleoside triphosphatase activity is not restricted to the nuclear envelope but is found to a larger extent within the nucleus.


Milk fat globule membranes. Inhibition by sucrose of the alkaline phosphomonoesterase. Sucrose, a widely used agent in the preparation of membranes, inhibited the alkaline phosphomonoesterase of the milk fat globule membrane in both its membrane-bound and detergent-solubilized forms. The inhibition was kinetically competitive and reversible by dialysis. However, its mechanism was more complex than simple competition with substrate because: (a) sucrose induced the appearance of prolonged time-lags in the progress curves of the enzyme; (b) the extent of inhibition and of the time-lags depended on the age of the membrane preparation, the period of pre-exposure of the membranes to sucrose, and the temperature of pre-exposure. On the other hand the acid phosphomonoesterase and the phosphodiesterase activities also present in the membrane preparations were unaffected by the disaccharide.


REM latency: a psychobiologic marker for primary depressive disease. Previous investigations have indicated that one of the most consistent EEG sleep findings in depressive patients has been a shortened REM latency. On the basis of these studies, we have concluded that with the exception of drug withdrawal states (such as CNS depressant or amphetamine withdrawal and narcolepsy) shortened REM latency points to a strong affective component in the patient's illness. Short REM latency has also been observed in patients suffering from schizo-affective illness as well as in certain schizophrenic patients who require tricyclic antidepressants in their management. Furthermore, this psychobiologic marker is a persistent, rather than a transient phenomenon, and can be observed over a period of several weeks unless a patient's condition becomes more favorable through clinical intervention. This present report indicates that short REM latency is found in virtually all primary depressive illness and is absent in secondary depression. Thus, REM latency appears to be a dependable, measurable marker for diagnosing primary depression, and we argue that the phenomenon is independent of age, drug effect and changes in other sleep parameters. It is expected that EEG sleep and motor measurements can yield further significant data and improve differential diagnosis in psychiatry, in much the same way that laboratory data support other medical specialities.


[Study of conformational transitions in myosin using 2 types of spin label]. It is shown that three types of ESR spectra of myosin labeled with both acetate and acetamide spin labels are distinguished. These three types are the spectrum of initial preparation, myosin--ADP complex spectrum and the spectrum recorded during ATP hydrolysis. The ESR spectra of myosin labeled with acetate spin label are more sensitive to conformational changes of myosin induced by complex formation and temperature.


XC-cell fusion induced by murine plasmocytoma cell. III. RNA gene expression correlated to syncytium formation. The MF2 strain, a mouse myeloma derived cell line, was found to continuously produce C-type viral particles when maintained in tissue-culture. These cells when cultured in an ascitic form by injection to Balb/c mice lost this property. The ability to induce syncytia by cocultivation of the MF2 cell with XC-cells was shown to be related to the viral production. A DNA complementary to viral 70 S RNA was synthesized using the viral reverse-transcriptase endogenous activity. The quality of the probe is discussed and the expression of the viral genome among cellular poly A rich RNA varied concomitently to the syncytium inducing ability as evidenced by molecular hybridization experiments.


Electron-nuclear double resonance in melanins. Electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) signals from matrix protons interacting with the stable free radicals of "A"- and "B"-type melanins have been observed as a function of pH. In all samples the single line is similar in width and unusually narrow. The ENDOR reduction varies by more than a factor of 10, indicating a large sensitivity of relaxation properties of melanin to sample type. Signals were observed over a wide range of experimental conditions with good signal-to-noise ratio, establishing feasibility for further more detailed ENDOR studies. Incubation in D2O resulted in little change, indicating that the free radical is well buried or protected. No resolved hyperfine structure was seen, consistent with the generally accepted view that melanin is a heterogeneous polymer.


Simultation of gradient and band propagation in the centrifuge. A technique is developed for simulating the behavior of both the gradient-forming solute and macromolecular bands in a centrifuge. The change with time of the density gradient due to diffusion and sedimentation of the gradient-forming solute is calculated by a finite difference method, making use of the results of earlier work on the theory of the equilibrium density gradient. Using a perturbation technique, the concentration profiles of dilute bands of macromolecules are then calculated as they sediment and diffuse through the varying supporting gradient. Results of the stimulaion techniques are compared with experiment.


Structure of a DNA intercalation complex as determined by NMR using a paramagnetic probe. Longitudinal relaxation rates of the protons of the 3,8-dimethyl-N-methyl-phenanthrolinium (DMP) cation in solutions containing DNA are strongly affected by the addition of the paramagnetic manganese (II) ions due to the electron-nuclear dipolar interaction in the ternary Mn-DNA-DMP Complex. Two possible models for the DMP-DNA intercalation complex are examined and one of them is unequivocally discriminated on the basis of the proton relaxation data. It is concluded that in the intercalation complex the long axis of the DMP molecule is almost perpendicular to the hydrogen bonds of the DNA base-pairs.


Is the contractile response to exogenous acetylcholine due to a presynaptic effect? Whether the contractile response induced by exogenous acetylcholine (ACh) chiefly involved the pre- or post-synaptic junctional site of the motor endplate was studied by using the cat gastrocnemius nerve muscle preparation poisoned with beta-bungarotoxin (beta-BuTX), a toxin isolated from the venom of Bungarus multicinctus which acts presynaptically. 2 After neuromuscular transmission was completely blocked by beta-BuTX, the dose-response curve of the contractile response induced by close intra-arterial injection of ACh, was compared with that of the control. No appreciable difference was observed. 3 In contrast, the response to ACh was completely abolished when neuromuscular transmission was blocked by alpha-bungarotoxin, a toxin isolated from the same venom which acts postsynaptically. 4 It is concluded that postjunctional site of the motor end-plate is chiefly involved in the contractile response produced by exogenous ACh.


Prevention by zinc of cadmium-induced alterations in pancreatic and hepatic functions. Subacute cadmium treatment (CdCl2, 1 mg/kg twice daily for 7 days) in rats disturbs glucose homeostasis as shown by hyperglycemia and decreased glucose tolerance associated with suppression of insulin release, enhancement of hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes and decrease in hepatic glycogen content. 2 Exposure to cadmium increases hepatic cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and this is accompanied by stimulation of basal, adrenaline- as well as glucagon-stimulated form(s) of adenylate cyclase. 3 In contrast to cadmium, subacute administration of zinc (ZnCl2, 2 mg/kg twice daily for 7 days) fails to alter the activities of hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes, cyclic AMP synthesis, as well as glucose clearance and insulin release in response to a glucose load. 4 Zinc, when administered at the same time as cadmium, prevents the cadmium-induced lesions in both hepatic and pancreatic functions. 5 The results are discussed in relation to the possible mechanisms of cadmium toxicity and to the role of sulphydryl groups in the protection exercised by zinc.


An evaluation of psychiatric after-care in a developing country (Fiji). The effectiveness of a community mental health programme in a developing country (Fiji) is examined. The programme was remarkable in that very little expertise was available in the community for it to be carried through. The results indicate that one category of hospital in-patient will subsequently derive significant benefit, namely the patient diagnosed as having schizophrenia who has been in a mental hospital more than once. Evidence from this study confirmed observations made by others that benign acute psychotic episodes are not infrequent in this sort of setting.


Urinary adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate: effects of electroconvulsive therapy. Serial studies of urinary cyclic AMP in in-patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) have been carried out. No consistent pattern of change following ECT could be demonstrated. The results do not support earlier reports of large rises in urinary cAMP directly after administration of ECT.


The application of a digital whole body scanner to the dosimetry of intralymphatic 32P/131I Lipiodol. A quantitative, digital-output, whole-body scanner in a low background area has been used in the dosimetry of 32P/131I Lipiodol for intralymphatic radiotherapy. Five patients with malignant melanoma received intralymphatic administrations of Lipiodol labelled with 6 mCi 32P and 1.5 mCi 131I. The 131I is used primarily as a tracer for external measurements and the 32P as the chief therapeutic agent. Whole body scans were made at intervals for up to 15 days using the digital scanner, with the spectrometer set over the 364 keV photopeak of 131I. On the same occasions complete gamma-spectra were obtained for these patients using a 2 m arc, single detector whole body counter. The method used in estimating the activity at various sites in the body from the digital whole body scans is described and problems that arise in using 131I as a tracer for 32P Lipiodol in this work are discussed. For the administered activities mentioned above, maximum absorbed doses to the lymph nodes were found to range from 30-96 krad with a mean value of 51 krad. Uptake of radioactivity was also found in the lungs, resulting in absorbed doses of 350-960 rad with a mean value of 540 rad.


Peripheral nerve fibre changes in asymptomatic children of patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy. Sural nerve biopsies of 5 children of patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy were studied by electronmicroscopy. The subjects were 14-17 years old and were in normal health. Neurological examination was negative. In none of the sural nerve specimens were there any amyloid deposits. In Case 4 no fine structural changes were detected. In the remaining 4 cases, there were frequent deposits of glycogen and clusters of multimembranous bodies in the Schwann-cell crescents of large myelinated fibres which presented infoldings of the myelin sheath, irregular myelin lamellation and a great number of Schmidt-Lanterman incisures. In one nerve fasciculus of Case 5 the myelin sheaths of some large myelinated fibres were extremely thickened; the axoplasm exhibited dilated vesicles and disordered microfilaments. These findings were taken as evidence of the occurrence of nerve fibre lesions at the pre-symptomatic stage of the disease, which seem to precede the appearance of amyloid deposition. The lesions affected primarily the Schwann cell and myelin sheath, and spared the unmyelinated fibres.


Calcium dependency of excitatory chemical synaptic transmission in the frog cerebellum in vitro. Chemical synaptic transmission was studied with microelectrode techniques in isolated frog cerebella maintained in vitro. Purkinje cell (PC) EPSPs, elicited by selective monosynaptic electrical stimulation of both the parallel fiber (PF) and climbing fiber (CF) inputs, could be inverted by depolarizing (outward) current injections. Evoked synaptic transmission at both junctions was reduced by lowering the extracellular concentration of calcium ions ([Ca2+]) below 2 mM. Raising [Ca2+] above 2 mM to 8 mM did not further increase synaptic transmission. Mg2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+ did not substitute for Ca2+ in the transmission process.


Selective antagonism of frog cerebellar synaptic transmission by manganese and cobalt ions. Parallel fiber-Purkinje cell synaptic transmission of the frog cerebellum can be selectively blocked by Mn2+ and Co2+. The interaction of these cations with Ca2+ indicates that they act, as has been found for other chemical synapses, at the presynaptic terminals where Ca2+ is required for release of neurotransmitters. Climbing fiber-Purkinje cell synaptic transmission was similarly blocked by Mg2+, Mn2+ and Co2+.