Binding of radioactivity from (14C)thiourea to rat lung protein. Binding of radioactivity from [14C]thiourea (TU) to rat lung protein was found to occur in vitro. Two binding sites are present. One possesses low affinity/high capacity while the other is characterized by high affinity/low capacity. In vitro binding of [14C]TU to lung protein can be antagonized by the presence of either unlabeled congeners (alpha-napthylthiourea or phenylthiourea) or thiol-containing compounds (cysteine, reduced glutathione). Conversely, depletion of lung-reduced glutathione by means of diethyl maleate administration results in elevated protein binding. Prior administration (24 hr) of a sublethal dose of TU (which renders tolerance to a subsequent lethal dose in vivo) results in a decrease in in vitro binding of radioactivity from [14C)TU to lung protein. In addition, immature rats, which are less sensitive to the edematogenic effect of TU, bind less radioactivity from [14C]TU to lung protein when the drug is administered in vivo. These results suggest a correlation between [14C]TU binding to lung protein and the pathophysiological effect of the drug in the lung.


Uptake and disposition of chlorinated biphenyls by isolated perfused rat liver. The hepatic disposition of four chlorinated biphenyls was studied in isolated perfused rat liver preparations perfused with 30% rat blood. Biliary excretion of 14C-labeled 4-chlorobiphenyl (1-CB): 4,4'-dichlorobiphenyl (2-CB): 2,4,5,2',5'-pentachlorobiphenyl (5-CB) and 2,4,5,2',5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (6-CB) appeared to be inversely related to increased chlorination. Each of the compounds was rapidly taken up by the liver from the circulating perfusate. After 4 hr of perfusion, biliary excretion of 14C from 1-CB, 2-CB, 5-CB, and 6-CB was 48.2, 29.6, 20.5, and 1.3% of total dose, respectively. For 1-CB, this rate of biliary elimination represents a maximum perfusate/bile ratio of 107. About 97% of the label in the bile from 1-CB experiments was in the form of metabolites. Biliary excretion of 1-CB was biphasic: an initial rapid phase (t 1/2 = 13 min) was followed by a slower second phase (t 1/2 = 122 min). When the metabolites of 1-CB were added to the perfusate, biliary excretion of these metabolites was monophasic; t 1/2 = 120 min, which corresponded to the slower phase observed when the parent compound was presented to the liver. 1-CB disappeared from the perfusate via a biphasic process. Metabolites of 1-CB effused into the perfusate immediately after the initial rapid uptake of 1-CB by the liver, and the recirculating pool of metabolites was eliminated in the bile by the slow postsynthetic phase of biliary elimination. Less than 2% of 1-CB was present as the parent compound in the perfusion system after 4 hr of perfusion. These findings indicate that the metabolism of 1-CB is not the limiting factor in the hepatic disposition of 1-CB and that the circulating metabolites of 1-CB effusing from the liver might be the major source for urinary excretion.


(14C)Methylphenidate hydrochloride. Studies on disposition in rat brain. Studies with [14C]methylphenidate-HCl were carried out in rats administered the drug intravenously or intraperitoneally. Levels of total radioactivity and parent drug were measured in plasma, brain, and certain brain regions up to 6 hr after dosing. The intravenous route of administration was characterized by rapid entry into brain; during the first half hour, brain levels were 3- to 6-fold higher than those obtained by the intraperitoneal route. At later time periods, brain and plasma concentration for both routes were comparable, and the decline of drug concentrations in brain paralleled that in plasma. No significant variance was found in regional distribution of drug in brain. Whereas the major fraction of circulating drug consisted of metabolites, predominantly unchanged drug was found in brain. After intravenous injection of [14C]ritalinic acid (the major metabolite of methylphenidate), no substantial concentrations were found in brain.


The absorption, distribution, and excretion in mice of a quinolinemethanol antimalarial, 2,8-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4-(1-hydroxy-3-(N-t-butylamino)propyl)quinoline phosphate (WR 184,806). Approximately 75% of the radioactivity derived from WR 184806-14C was excreted in the feces with the remainder in the urine after po administration. At least 77-85% of the dose was absorbed by 2-8 hr; lungs, liver, skeletal muscle, kidneys, small intestine (less contents) and residual carcass were major sites of deposition of total radioactivity. Within these tissues the radioactivity present was predominantly as WR 184,806 rather than its metabolites. Peak blood plasma levels of WR 184,806 occurred at 2-4 and 7-10 hr. The peak erythrocyte level of WR 184,806 occurred at 6 hr. The presence in the urine and feces of unchanged WR 184,806 was confirmed by thin-layer chromatography and inverse isotope dilution.


Oxisuran metabolism in pigs.

Oxisuran metabolism in pigs. The fate of oxisuran in the pig was studied with 14C-labeled drug to quantify its biotransformation and disposition. Despite interanimal differences, it was clear that the compound absorbed rapidly and biotransformed extensively to metabolites which were excreted principally in urine rather than in feces. Direct attacks upon oxisuran involved reduction to diastereo-isomeric oxisuran alcohol sulfoxides and oxidation to oxisuran sulfone. Subsequently, the oxisuran alcohol sulfoxides were reduced to a sulfide and oxidized to a sulfone. Phase II reactions appeared to be limited to sulfation of oxisuran alcohol sulfoxides and oxisuran alcohol sulfone. Pharmacokinetics were investigated for oxisuran and its metabolites.


Qualitative metabolic fate of phenoxybenzamine in rat, dog, and man. Use of 15N-labeling. Administration of an equimolar mixture of unlabeled and 15N-labeled phenoxybenzamine to rats and dogs facilitated identification of urinary metabolites by gas chromatography/chemical-ionization mass spectrometry by virtue of the the conspicuous equal-intensity ion pairs produced. By use of this technique N-benzyl-N-phenoxyisopropylamine (III), N-benzyl-N-(p-hydroxy-phenoxyisopropyl)amine (IV), and 2-benzylamino-1-propanol (VI) were identified as metabolites in rats. Phenoxyisopropylamine (V) as well as III and IV were identified in dogs. Compound IV was identified in humans under clinical treatment with phenoxybenzamine. The metabolites were screened for cardiovascular activity in rats. Compound III had weak alpha-adrenergic blocking activity and V elicited a hypertensive response.


Metabolism of trans-stilbene in rabbits and rats. The biotransformation of intramuscularly administered 14C-labeled trans-stilbene was investigated in both rabbits and rats. In rabbits radioactivity was excreted (78.8% in 17 days) almost exclusively in the urine. In rats, feces accounted for more than half of the total excretion (80.3% in 19 days). Hydroxylated metabolites in urine and feces were identified by thin-layer chromatography and quantitated by liquid scintillation counting. They were 4-hydroxy and 4,4'-dihydroxystilbene, and the two monomethyl ethers of 3,4-dihydroxystilbene and 4,4'-dihydroxybibenzyl. In addition, four polyhydroxylated metabolites of stilbene and bibenzyl were identified in rat urine by comparison of gas-liquid chromatography retention times of their silyl derivatives with synthetic reference compounds. They were 3,4,4'-trihydroxystilbene, and 3,4-dihydroxy-, 3,4,4'=trihydroxy-, and 3,4,3',4'-tetrahydroxybibenzyl. Oxidative cleavage of trans-stilbene to benzoic acid and 4-hydroxy- and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid was established by the presence of both the free acids and conjugates of these compounds in both rabbit and rat urine. Their glycine conjugates were identified by thin-layer chromatography and quantitated by reverse isotope dilution procedures from unhydrolyzed rabbit and rat urine. Percentages obtained indicate that cleavage of trans-stilbene is more extensive in rabbits (9.5%) than in rats (2.7%).


Differential dependence on NADPH concentrations of two microsomal corticosteroid 21-hydroxylation reactions. The dependency on NADPH concentrations of the bovine adrenal cortex microsomal 21-hydroxylation of progesterone and of 17-hydroxyprogesterone was investigated. The average Km for NADPH in the 21-hydroxylation of progesterone is 10.4 muM while that for the 21-hydroxylation of 17-hydroxyprogesterone is 0.6 muM. The optimal NADPH concentrations for these two hydroxylations are, in average, one order of magnitude apart. The different affinities of the two 21-hydroxylating activities with respect to NADPH may indicate the presence of independent 21-hydroxylation reactions for these two steroid substrates. This evidence is consistent with the observed genetic data in human congenital adrenal hyperplasia.


Identification of the urinary metabolites of 14C-bumetanide in the rat and their excretion by rats and dogs. Unchanged bumetanide, 3-(n-butylamino)-4-phenoxy-5-sulfamoylbenzoic acid, and five metabolites were excreted in the urine of rats given 50 mg of 14C-labeled drug per kg intravenously. The metabolites, which were identified by mass spectrometry and/or nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, arose by metabolic alteration of the n-butyl sidechain. In metabolites I-V, the butylamino group was converted to -NHCH2CH2CH2COOH, -NHCH2CH2CH2CH2OH,, -NHCH2CH2CHOHCH3, -NHCH2CH2CHOHCH2OH and -NH2, respectively. The total urinary and fecal excretion of labeled drug and metabolites after iv and oral administration of 14C-bumetanide was estimated in dogs given 0.5 mg/kg and in rats given 5 mg/kg. In the dog, the primary excretion product was unchanged drug, although evidence was obtained that the acyl glucuronide of bumetanide was secreted in dog bile. The major metabolite excreted by the rat was I, and negligible quantities of intact drug were excreted in the urine after oral or iv administration. Optical activity was found for the two metabolites that contained a chiral center (III and IV), indicating that they were formed by a stereoselective hydroxylation.


Studies of the metabolism of parathion with an apparently homogeneous preparation of rabbit liver cytochrome P-450. The metabolism of parathion has been examined by use of a reconstituted mixed-function oxidase enzyme system isolated from the livers of phenobarbital-pretreated rabbits. The cytochrome P-450 used in these studies was apparently homogeneous as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by assay of the preparation for contaminating microsomal enzymes and enzyme activity. These studies revealed that the apparently homogeneous preparation of cytochrome P-450, in the presence of the appropriate cofactors, can catalyze the conversions of parathion to both paraoxon and diethyl phosphorothioic acid. The present studies have also shown that parathion is metabolized by the reconstituted mixed-function oxidase enzyme system to diethyl phosphoric acid, a product which, in previous studies with intact liver microsomes, had been thought to arise exclusively from the hydrolysis of paraoxon by a microsomal esterase(s). The available data suggest that all three of the products of the metabolism of parathion by the reconstituted mixed-function oxidase enzyme system, namely, paraoxon, diethyl phosphorothioic acid, and diethyl phosphoric acid, are formed nonenzymatically by breakdown by different pathways of a common enzymatically formed intermediate. This common intermediate is thought to be the sulfine derivative of parathion formed in the mixed-function oxidase-catalyzed addition of an oxygen atom to one of the unshared electron pairs of the thiono-sulfur atom.


Reconstituted liver microsomal enzyme system that hydroxylates drugs, other foreign compounds, and endogenous substrates. IX. The formation of a 455-nm metabolite-cytochrome P-450 complex. The reconstituted liver microsomal hydroxylation system was used to study the formation of a metabolite-cytochrome P-450 complex absorbing maximally at 455 nm, with benzphetamine and N-hydroxyamphetamine as substrates. Complex formation required the presence of NADPH, substrate, NADPH-cytochrome c reductase, lipid, and cytochrome P-450, indicating that metabolism of the substrate is essential. In the presence of fixed amounts of lipid and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase, the rate of complex formation with cytochrome P-450 isolated from phenobarbital-treated rats was much greater than that observed with cytochrome P-48 from 3-methylcholanthrene-treated rats or rabbits. These results are consistent with recent studies indicating that different forms of cytochrome P-450 with distinct spectral, catalytic, and immunological properties exist in liver microsomes.


The response of Ca-mediated action potentials and contractile activity in mammalian ventricular myocardium towards alkalosis. Alkalosis (pH 7.8) produced by reduction of CO2 concentration augmented both upstroke velocity of Ca action potentials and isometric contractile force of mammalian heart muscle. If the increase of pH to 7.8 was achieved by a raise of HCO3 concentration (with simultaneous reduction of CO2 concentration), the positive inotropic response was not accompanied by an augmented Ca current. Obviously, the well-known positive inotropic effect of alkalosis does not only depend upon the enhancement of transmembrane Ca influx during excitation, but can be mediated alone by affecting intracellular Ca movements as well.


The in vitro effect of adrenergic agents and related compounds on triglyceride levels of guinea-pig lymphoid cells. Isoproterenol, epinephrine and norepinephrine were highly potent in decreasing the triglyceride levels of the splenic lymphoid cells from guinea-pigs in vitro, while they were quite inert upon the inguinal lymph node cells.


Assimilation of ammonia and growth of biotin deficient Aspergillus nidulans. Biotin deficiency in Aspergillus nidulans has been found to increase the uptake of ammonium ions, associated with a marked increase in the activity of NADP-linked glutamate dehydrogenase, which is found to be the major route of ammonia assimilation in this culture. The results obtained are discussed with respect to the growth of Aspergillus nidulans during biotin deficiency.


[Differential properties of two molecular forms of 4-aminobutyrate-2-ketoglutarate transaminase (GABAT) from pig brain (author's transl)]. The two forms isolated exhibit some differences concerning their physicochemical and functional properties. They are identical with the previously purified molecular fomrs, GABAT I and GABAT II, separated by DEAE cellulose chromatography.


Acrosomal hydrolases in buffalo spermatozoa. Buffalo sperm acrosome resembles its counterpart in other species, being rich in hydrolytic enzymes. Of the enzyme activities estimated, acid phosphatase, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase and hyaluronidase were low compared to those of ram semen. However, the aryl sulphatase activity was high. GOT activity estimated in sperm preparation may not be of acrosomal origin.


Ecdysome 20-hydroxylase from the midgut of the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta L.). An ecdysone 20-hydroxylase enzyme system that converts alpha-ecdysone to 20-hydroxyecdysone was prepared from the midgut of the tobacco hornworm prepupa. This partially purified enzyme is NADPH dependent and is localized in the mitochondrial fraction of the midgut tissue.


On the regulatory properties of a halophilic malic enzyme from Halobacterium cutirubrum. The NADP-linked malic enzyme from Halobacterium cutirubrum is strongly inhibited by acetyl-CoA and NADH, and rather weakly inhibited by oxaloacetate and glyoxylate, in the presence of very high KCl concentrations (3 M), considered physiological for the extremely halophilic bacteria.


Fermentative digestion of food in the colobus monkey, Colobus, polykomos. Fermentation of leafy food occurs in the enlarged saccus gastricus of the colobus monkey with the formation of volatile fatty acid, as in the rumen of ruminant animals. About half of the digestible organic matter and cellulose of the diet is digested in this way.


Isolation, purification and properties of aortic elastase. An elastase from pig aorta has been partially purified and characterised; it exhibits immunological cross reaction with pig pancreatic elastase. Its proteolytic (k-elastin gel and polymeric elastin substrates) and esterolytic (N-succinoyl-trialanine paranitroanilide) activities as well as its degree of inhibition by serum protease inhibitors (alpha1-antitrypsin and alpha2-macro-globulin) differ sensibly from those of pancreatic elastase [14,16].


Some chemical aspects of histamine H2-receptor antagonists. Certain chemical properties, which may determine the biological actions of the recently discovered histamine H2-receptor antagonists burimamide and metiamide, are identified, partly by considering the derivation of these antagonists. Examples are given of attempts to design antagonists using histamine as starting point. A partial agonist was eventually obtained through modifying the side chain of histamine but retaining the imidazole ring. Further developments led to the synthesis of uncharged thioureido analogues and to the discovery of the antagonist, burimamide. Consideration of the relative concentration of imidazole tautomers led to the replacement of a methylene group (-CH2-) with an isosteric thioether (-S-) link in the side chain, and incorporation of a methyl group in the imidazole ring; these changes afforded metiamide, an orally active antagonist. These developments emphasize that the imidazole ring appears to have a special importance at H2 receptors. Burimamide and metiamide are hydrophilic molecules that resemble histamine in having an imidazole ring but differ in the side chain which, though polar, is uncharged. By contrast, the H1-receptor antihistaminic drugs are lipophilic molecules; their resemblance to histamine is in having a positively charged ammonium side chain. These substantial chemical differences between the respective antagonists probably determine their selectivity in distinguishing between the two types of histamine receptor. Furthermore, the very low lipophilicities of these H2-receptor antagonists probably account for the lack of central nervous system and local anesthetic effects normally associated with the use of antihistaminic drugs.


The pharmacology of burimamide and metiamide, two histamine H2-receptor antagonists. Burimamide and metiamide are two histamine H2-receptor antagonists. Evidence is presented that indicates the competitive nature and the specificity of the antagonism. Metiamide is about ten times more potent than burimamide and is also more effective than burimamide when given orally. Both compounds inhibit gastric secretion and the evidence is consistent with this inhibition being due to competitive antagonism of H2 receptors in the gastric mucosa. Burimamide, unlike metiamide, causes release of catecholamines even at dose levels that are just sufficient to produce H2-receptor antagonism. Burimamide, but not metiamide, has alpha-adrenoceptor blocking activity. In certain models for inflammation, particularly rat paw edema induced by compound 48/80, burimamide in combination with the H1-receptor antagonist mepyramine shows anti-inflammatory activity. This may, in part, be associated with the catecholamine-releasing properties of the compound. Metiamide is less active in this respect.


Identification and blockade of vascular H2 receptors. Experiments were conducted in anesthetized dogs to determine the nature of receptors mediating vascular actions of histamine. In the perfused gracilis muscle histamine caused vasodilatation that was attenuated in part by mepyramine, an H1-receptor blocker. Metiamide, an H2 blocker, given alone had no effect on dilatation. However, the combination of mepyramine and metiamide resulted in a large attenuation of dilatation. Histamine caused constriction of the perfused saphenous vein that was totally blocked by mepyramine suggesting that venoconstriction by histamine involves only H1 receptors. Histamine infusion caused a fall in arterial pressure and a large reduction in peripheral resistance. Mepyramine attenuated the fall in pressure but not the reduction in resistance. Combined H1- and H2-receptor blockade largely eliminated the effects of histamine infusion further documenting the existence of H1 and H2 receptors. The effects of H1 and H2 antihistamines on a variety of physiological vasodilator responses were examined. Evidence was obtained to indicate that H1- and H2-histamine receptors are involved in the active component of baroreceptor-mediated reflex vasodilatation, poststimulation vasodilatation, sympathetic vasodilatation in the guanethidine-treated dog, and vasodilator responses following compound 48/80. No evidence for the participation of either H1- or H2-histamine receptors in reactive hyperemia or the dilatation accompanying exercise was found. It is concluded that in the dog both endogenously-released and exogenous histamine exert vascular effects by activation of both H1 and H2 receptors.


Cardiac histamine receptors.

Cardiac histamine receptors. Current evidence pertinent to the identification of cardiac histamine receptors in the guinea pig is reviewed. Pharmacological characterization has been aided by the use of selective agonists and antagonists for both types of histamine receptors. It appears that both H1 and H2 receptors mediate the cardiac effects of histamine. Histamine H2 receptors mediate the positive chronotropic and ventricular inotropic effects. H1 receptors mediate the negative dromotropic effect of histamine and possibly the atrial inotropic effect. Histamine-induced arrhythmias involve H1 receptors (arrhythmias of conduction) or H2 receptors (arrhythmias of automaticity), or both. The receptors mediating the histamine-induced increase in coronary flow are not as clearly defined: both H1 and H2 receptors might be implicated.


Lack of relationship between cyclic nucleotide levels and spermatozoal function in human semen. Cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) levels were determined in 103 samples of human semen and grouped according to the number of spermatozoa in the ejaculate. No correlation was found between cyclic AMP concentrations and the number, motility, and morphology of the spermatozoa or the fructose content, pH, and volume of the ejaculate. Similar findings were obtained with cyclic guanosine 3':5'-monophosphate levels in 24 samples of human semen. Therefore, cyclic nucleotide levels in human semen appear to be derived from sources other than spermatozoal adenylyl or guanylyl cyclase.


Quality, efficiency, and cost of a physician-assistant-protocol system for managment of diabetes and hypertension. Briefly trained physicians assistants using protocols (clinical algorithms) for diabetes, hypertension, and related chronic arteriosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease abstrated information from the medical record and obtained history and physical examination data on every patient-visit to a city hospital chronic disease clinic over a 18-month period. The  care rendered by the protocol system was compared with care rendered by a "traditional" system in the same clinic in  which physicians delegated few clinical tasks. Increased thoroughness in collecting clinical data in the protocol system led to an increase in the recognition of new pathology. Outcome criteria reflected equivalent quality of care in both groups. Efficiency time-motion studies demonstrated a 20 per cent saving in physician time with the protocol system. Coct estimates, based on the time spent with patients by various providers and on the laboratory-test-ordering patterns, demonstrated equivalent costs of the two systems, given optimal staffing patterns. Laboratory tests were a major element of the cost of patient care,and the clinical yield per unit cost of different tests varied widely.


Suppression and stimulation mechanisms controlling glucagon secretion in a case of islet-cell tumor producing glucagon, insulin, and gastrin. The mechanisms controlling secretion of glucagon and other pancreatic hormones were studied in a patient affected with multihormone-secreting islet-cell tumor. Fasting glucagon levels (3,000 pg./ml.) rose to 10 ng./ml. following arginine stimulation. While oral glucose load and intravenous glucose infusion did not suppress glucagon secretion, insulin administration induced a prompt depression in glucagon levels. Glucagon, insulin, and gastrin levels were suppressed by somatostatin while calcium infusion caused a paradoxical increase. It is suggested that only some of the stimulation-inhibition mechanisms were conserved in this case of glucagon-secreting pancreatic tumor.


Histamine effects on H+ permeability by isolated gastric mucosa. This study examines the effects of histamine on mucosal permeability to acid by isolated stomach of rabbits. Histamine (9 X 10(-5) M) decreased antral luminal acid loss which could not be accounted for by active H+ secretion or appearance of organic acid. Histamine also increased antral electrical resistance and decreased the unidirectional luminal to serosal flux (Jls) of (14)c-erythritol. Histamine, theophylline, and N(6),O(2)-dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate did not significantly alter secretion by fundus in the presence of salicylate (5 X 10(-3)M). However, after removal of salicylate, these agents stimulated acid secretion. Histamine decreased luminal acid loss by both antrum and fundus treated with salicylate, increased the electrical resistance of these tissues, and decreased Jls erythritol of fundic mucosa. Burimamide (1 X 10(-3) M) inhibited the permeability effects of histamine on antrum and fundus. The data indicate that histamine decreases spontaneous antral mucosal permeability as well as salicylate-induced increase in mucosal permeability of both antrum and fundus. The effects of burimamide suggest that antrum contains H2 receptor sites urelated to acid secretion and that fundus contains H2 receptor sites which also govern permeability but are independent of those related to acid secretion.


Genetics of murine liver and kidney arysulfatase b. Mice from 12 inbred strains were surveyed for variation of kidney and liver arylsulfatase levels. Kidney variation was due to differences in the activity of arylsulfatase B. Twofold higher activities of arylsulfatase B in SWR/J kidney compared to A/HeJ kidney were determined by an autosomal gene which may be identical to the structural gene for arylsulfatase B since the SWR/J enzyme was more heat-stable than the A/HeJ enzyme. C57BL/6J mice possessed two-fold higher liver arylsulfatase levels than did A/HeJ mice. The major portion of this variation could be attributed to differences in arylsulfatase B, and appeared to be inherited in autosomal fashion. Although some evidence supports the existence of a major locus influencing liver arylsulfatase activity, this must be substantiated by further studies. Whatever the nature of the genetic factors involved, they do not appear to involve structural genes since no differences were discernible between the enzymes of the two strains relevant to Km, heat stability, electrophoretic mobility, pH optimum, activation energy, or response to several inhibitors. Furthermore, the rank ordering of strains on the basis of kidney arylsulfatase activity differed markedly from that which pertained to liver activity. Kidney arylsulfatase levels, but not brain or liver arylsulfatase activities, appear subject to androgenic influences.


[A study of H-2 mutations in mice. V. Detection of mutations M505, Hzl and M506 in the host vs transplant reaction]. H-2 mutant/normal pairs of congenic mouse strains C57BL/6equilibriumB6.M505 (H-2Kbd), C57BL/6equilibriumB6.C(Hz1) (H-2Kba) and A.CAequilibriumA.CA(M506) (H-2fa) were studied in the graft versus host assay. All the three mutations were expressed in these tests as gain and loss of H-2 antigen. The data obtained confirm an earlier suggestion that the H-2K antigenic molecule bears antigenic determinants which could be detected by a variety of immunological techniques.


[Description of new mutant forms of erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in man]. 9 variants of human erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) were isolated from erythrocytes of patients with G6PD deficiency and partially purified according to WHO program for stanartization of methods for studying G6PD. The results of physico-chemical study of these enzymes (determination of electrophoretic mobility, kappaM for G6P and NADP, pH optimum and thermostability) permit tu consider 5 of them to be new mutations of G6PD previously not described in literature. The observed high geterogeneity of variants of G6PD in Azerbaijan is discussed.


[The interrelationship between the inhibitory activity of milk with different types of beta-lactoglobulins and the resistance of cattle to mastitis]. In the course of the investigation of piebald (black-white) cattle it is found that 17,62% animals produce the AA type beta-lactoglobulin, 49,52%--the AB type and 32,86%--the BB type. The higher inhibitory activity of milk with the BB type beta-lactoglobulin was found which retained in dilution 1 : 32. The total flora of teat, cyst and parenchyma milk of animals with the BB type beta-lactoglobulin as well as Enterococcus bacteria were much lower than in milk of cows with the AA type homogenous form. The animals with the first type of milk protein had mastitis more rarely as compared to those with the second type. The animals with heterogenous form of beta-lactoglobulin had intermediate values in most of their characteristics.


[Genetic control of allogenic inhibition of hematopoietic stem cells]. Adult mice of C57BL/6, CBA (CBA X C57BL/6) F1, (CBA X C57BL/6) F2, F1 X CBA and F1 X C57BL/6 strains were lethally irradiated and reconstituted with a constant dose of 3-10(5) C57BL/6 bone marrow cells. At the 9th day after the bone marrow transplantation the colony count was performed in spleen of irradiated recipients. In the spleen of F1, CBA and C57BL/6 mice were registered low (0--8, intermediate (6--18) and high (22-40) numbers of colonies respectively. The segregation ratios in F2 progeny were close to 2 (low): 1(intermediate): 1(high). The segregation ratios in backcross (F1 X CBA) were close to 1(low): 1(intermediate)numbers of colonies. Backcrosses (F1 X C57BL/6) were distributed to low and high numbers of colonies with the ratio 1:1. The number of spleen colonies of males and females was the same in all segregating progeny. The results of hybrid analysis suggest that a single pair of allelic genes is involved in genetic control of allogenic inhibition, and that the resistance (manifestation of inhibition) to C57BL/6 stem cells is conferred by the dominant allele.


Inhibition of food-stimulated gastric acid secretion by cimetidine. The effect of cimetidine, a new histamine H2-receptor antagonist, on gastric acid secretion stimulated by a homogenised meal was studied in six normal volunteers using an in vivo intragastric titration technique. The subjects were studied twice, no more than 48 h apart, receiving either cimetidine 200 mg or placebo in random order. Cimetidine administered either 32 men before (three subjects) or with the meal (three subjects) significantly inhibited gastric acid secretion in all the subjects throughout the period of study; 96 min after food, total acid secretion decreased by 67 and 57% respectively. When the drug was taken with the meal absorption was slower (mean peak blood level 2-34 mumol/l, 80-128 min after dosing) than when administered on an empty stomach (mean peak blood level 5-08 mumol/l, 48-64 min after dosing). Blood cimetidine concentration correlated significantly (P less than 0-01) with percentage inhibition of acid output and the calculated concentration resulting in 50% inhibition of gastric acid secretion (IC50) was 1-6 mumol/l. Secretion of gastrin in response to food was unaffected by cimetidine. The results suggest that 200 mg cimetidine effectively inhibits food-stimulated acid secretion and that the bioavailability of the drug may be affected by the timing of dosage in relation to meals. No unwanted effect were observed.


[Morbus Crohn (enteritis regionalis)].

[Morbus Crohn (enteritis regionalis)]. Crohn's disease (regional enteritis) is a chronic non-specific inflammatory intestinal disorder of unknown etiology. Most commonly the terminal ileum in involved, a segmentary involvement of the bowel wall is rather characteristic. Main symptoms are recurrent abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea and weight loss. Radiological and endoscopic examination confirms the diagnosis, granulomas in the biopsy specimen are pathognomonic. In differential diagnosis ulcerative and ischaemic colitis have to be ruled out. Conservative therapy with prednisolone and salazopyrin is the method of choice, however, complications like small bowel obstruction, toxic megacolon and fistulae ask for surgical intervention.


[Levamisole, a chemically defined substance with immunostimulating potential--a review]. In contrast to immunosuppression, immunostimulation is still at an early stage of development. Levamisole is the first chemically defined substance with immunostimulating potential which can be applied systemically. After a short consideration of the chemistry and pharmacology of Levamisole, its effect in different animal experimental models of humoral and cell-mediated immunity are discussed in detail. Moreover, the following review deals with the influence of Levamisole on several immunological parameters in man. Finally, the therapeutical results achieved up to now by different clinical indications are reported.


Oral lesions caused by habits.

Oral lesions caused by habits. Oral lesions caused by habits can be of teeth only, of teeth and the soft tissues of the mouth or may be only of the soft tissues. Lesions of teeth are permanent and may remain even when there has been total destruction of soft tissues. Recognition of lesions due to habits such as betel chewing, snuff dipping, pipe smoking and certain sexual practices may help towards establishing the sex, the ethnic grouping or even the place of origin of a person or their remains. Certain dental and gingival changes may indicate a person's working circumstances and even the type of treatment received.


Adherence of bacterial to vaginal epithelial cells. Vaginal epithelial cells from healthy women were washed and incubated in tissue culture medium with freshly isolated bacteria of the indigenous vaginal flora and with bacteria of species that have been discussed in conjunction with genital infections. After incubation and washing, the number of bacteria that adhered per cell was determined. The influence on the attachment rate of such factors as variations in the washing procedure, bacterial density, and incubation time was assessed. Lactobacillus acidophilus and other bacterial species that occur in the lower genital tract of healthy women, e.g., some strictly anaerobic species, adhered by significantly lower numbers per cell than Neisseria gonorrhoeae, group B streptococci, and Corynebacterium vaginale. Significantly more freshly isolated gonococci adhered per cell than gonococci that had been passaged on artificial medium. The adherence of gonococci increased with increasing acidity of the test medium.


Biological properties of an immunogenic pneumococcal subcellular preparation. A subcellular fraction, designated PSP-3R, prepared from rough, type 3R Streptococcus pneumoniae is described, which affords excellent protection to mice against challenge with smooth organisms of the homologous serotype 3S and significant protection against heterologous challenge with serotypes 1S and 2S. Adjuvant enhances the protective capacity of the vaccine but is not necessary for immunogenicity. Protection induced by PSP-3R can be passively transferred tp normal mice with serum from actively immunized animals. The protective capacity can be completely absorbed out with rough or smooth type 3 organisms but not with rough type 1R or 2R cells. PSP-3R immune serum was tested in a passive hemagglutination assay against type 3 capsular polysaccharide-coated erythrocytes and found to have no detectable anticapsular antibody. The possible identity of the immunogen (s) in the vaccine is discussed.


Nonspecific bactericidal activity of the lactoperoxidases-thiocyanate-hydrogen peroxide system of milk against Escherichia coli and some gram-negative pathogens. Two strains of Escherichia coli and one strain each of Salmonella typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were killed by the bactericidal activity of the lactoperoxidase-thiocyanate-hydrogen peroxide system in milk and in a synthetic medium. H2O2 was supplied exogenously by glucose oxidase, and glucose was produced at a level which was itself noninhibitory. Two phases were distinguished: the first phase was dependent on the oxidation of SCN(-) by lactoperoxidase and H2O2, which was reversed by reducing agent, and the second phase was dependent on the presence of accumulated H2O2, which was reversed by catalase. The latter enzyme could also reverse the first phase, but only when present in excessive and unphysiological levels. The bactericidal activity was greatest at pH 5 and below, and it depended on the SCN(-)concentration and on the number of organisms. Since raw or heated milk neutralizes the acid barrier against infection in the stomach, the bactericidal system discussed may contribute to the prevention of enteric infections in neonates.


Germination of Candida albicans induced by proline. Blastospores of Candida albicans germinated in proline-biotin-buffer medium incubated at 37 C. Certain other amino acids in the glatamate, asparate, and pyruvate families also fostered germinaton but generally to a lesser extent than did proline. L-Cysteine, D-proline, and certain structural analogues of L-proline inhibited proline-stimualted germination. The concentration of phosphate and glucose was crucial to amino acid-stimulated germination of C. albicans. Clinical isolates and stock cultures varied in their response to the germ tube-inducing activity of proline or other amino acids. The proline-buffer medium cannot be used in a diagnostic test for production of germ tubes by isolates of yeasts.


Partial purification and properties of Enterobacter cloacae heat-stable enterotoxin. Cell free preparations of the whole-cell lysate and ultrafiltration (UF) fractions of broth cultures of a strain of Enterobacter cloacae, isolated from a Puerto Rican with tropical sprue, were assayed for their ability to induce in vivo net water secretion in the rat jejunum. The whole-cell lysate and UM-10 retentate of broth cultures were inactive. The UM-2 retentate and filtrate were active at a concentration of 100 mug/ml or more; the toxigenic activity was entirely retained, and increased to 1 mug/ml, by a UM-05 membrane; washing this retentate yielded a fraction with an activity of 10 ng/ml. Stationary aerobic culture conditions yielded the most active UF fractions when ammonium sulfate was used as the precipitating agent, whereas anaerobic culture conditions produced the most active fractions in broth cultures precipitated by acetone. Passage of the active acetone-precipitated UF fractions through a Sephadex G-25 column yielded eluate pools with enhanced toxigenic activity in, or adjacent to, the void volume, but maximum activity of the ammonium sulfate-precipitated UM-05 retentate eluated at a Kav of 0.38 to 0.52. Neither of the most active gel filtration elution fractions of the UM-05 retentates contained detectable carbohydrate, suggesting that the toxin is not associated with endotoxin. Toxigenic activity was unaltered by exposure to a temperature of 100C for 30 min, lowering the pH to 1, or incubation with either Pronase or trypsin. These observations indicate that the strain of E. cloacae under study elaborates a heat-stable enterotoxin htat has approximately the same molecular weight and shares many of the characteristics of the heat-stable enterotoxin produced by some strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.


Further studies of the physical and metabolic properties of foot-and-mouth disease virus temperature-sensitive mutants. Three temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants of foot-and-mouth disease virus were classified as ribonucleic acid negative and as belonging to the same complementation group when measured by virus yields and [3H] uridine incorporation in paired, mixed infections at the nonpermissive temperature (38.5C). Mutant ts-22, the only mutant able to produce plaques at 38.5 C, was more sensitive to acid than were the parental wild-type or other mutant viruses. Diethylaminoethyl-dextran did not enhance the plaque-forming ability of the mutant viruses at 38.5C. All of the viruses inhibited host cell protein syntehsis at both permissive (33C) and nonpermissive (38.5C) temperatures.


Interaction of cholera toxin and toxin derivatives with lymphocytes. II. Modulating effects of cholera toxin on in vivo humoral and cellular immune responses. The in vivo effects of cholera toxin on lymphoid organ structure and function in mice were investigated. It was found that within a day following intravenous injection of 1 mug of toxin, thymus as well as spleen weight decreased but the animals remained healthy. Histological studies suggested that the involution of lymphoid organs was due to cell death. Injection of cholera toxin into adrenalectomized mice was lethal within 36 h. In these animals no decrease in lymphoid organ weight was noted. Thymus cells from toxin-treated mice were found to be much inferior to thymocytes of untreated animals in their in vitro response to Concanavalin A, whereas the response of spleen cells from toxin-treated animals to mitogens was slightly increased. 1 mug of cholera toxin increased primary antibody formation when given to mice together with antigen (sheep erythrocytes) and decreased primary antibody formation when given before or after the antigen. The toxin also increased secondary antibody formation when injected simultaneously with or after the booster antigen dose, and decreased the antibody formation when given a few days before the booster injection. Treatment of mice with toxin was found to increase the capacity of spleen cells from these animals to induce the parental effect on antibody formation and to induce graft-versus-host reactions. The mechanisms behind the observed effects are discussed. It is suggested that cholera toxin affects different types of cells involved in immune responses primarily by a direct inhibitory action on cellular proliferation but also indirectly by causing release of adrenal gland hormones.


Electron paramagnetic resonance studies on spin-labelling of pepsin: effects of temperature, pH and urea on its conformation. Pepsin was spin-labelled with N-(1-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) bromoacetamide, possibly at the active site, at a beta-catboxyl group of a reactive aspartic acid. The spectrum of the spin-labelled pepsin showed that the spin probe was strongly immobilized (correlation time is greater than or equal to 10(-8) sec). Spin-labelled pepsin was thermally denatured at various temperatures and electron paramagnetic resonance (e.p.r.) spectra were taken at various times. Rates of denaturation estimated from the e.p.r. spectra at various temperatures showed that the enthalpy and entropy of thermal denaturation of spin-labelled pepsin at pH 3.5 were 48.0+/-4.9 kcal/mole and 214.7+/-14.5 e.u. respectively. Addition of conc. NaOH or 1 M acetate buffer at pH 6.0 sharpened e.p.r. spectra of the spin-labelled pepsin, indicating that the spin probe became mobilized by alkaline denaturation. Addition of urea caused unfolding of the protein which increased with the urea concentration, although only slight transition of conformational changes was observed in the e.p.r. spectra.


Characterization of an alkaline subtilopeptidase type Pfizer. The physiochemical properties, amino acid composition and profile of the the tryptic peptides for an alkaline subtilopeptidase type Pfizer have been determined. The enzyme is stable in the pH range from 5 to 10, has a pH optimum of 9.5 to 10, and is relatively stable for a period of 2 h up to a temperature of 50C. Homogeneity was demonstrated by electrophoretic techniques and the mobilities indicated on isoelectric point of 8.7. The molecular weight was found to be 25,000 by gel filtration. The amino acid composition was found to be Ala32, Arg4, Aspgamma8, Glu15, Gly29, His4, Ile9, Leu13, Lys11, Met5, Phe4, Pro14, Ser31, Thr17, Tyr9, Val22, a total of 247 amino acid residues. The enzyme does not contain either disulfide bonds or cysteine, and lacks tryptophan as well. The N-terminal end-group residue is alanine: the C-terminal amino acid is arginine. Tryptic hydrolysis of the enzyme produced 15 peptides which were separated by gradient elution on Dowex 50-X2. The amino acid composition of each appropriately purified tryptic peptide was established.


Psychosomatic studies of psychiatric disorders: schizophrenia. This paper uses some of the data on central nervous dysfunction in schizophrenic patients as a paradigm for the integration of biologic data with psychopathologic conditions. As such, a good portion of the paper emphasizes the methodologic and interpretive problems one must consider in "psychosomatic" studies of mental illness. A possible theory to integrate these findings is presented.


Biofeedback and self-control of physiological functions: clinical applications. The parameters amenable to biofeedback learning are mentioned, including brainwaves, muscle tension, temperature, the cardiovascular system, and others. A discussion follows of the clinical application of biofeedback in the treatment of such disorders as tension headaches, neuromuscular re-education, epilepsy, "dysponesis," cardiac arrhythmias, blood pressure and migraines. The usefulness of biofeedback has been demonstrated also in the field of psychotherapy for purposes of desensitization, treating anxious patients, encouraging specific personality changes, and indicating stress to patients.


Psychophysiology of pain.

Psychophysiology of pain. The recent literature on pain states shows: pain thresholds are relatively constant for an individual, but pain tolerance is influenced by psychological state; the expression of pain is a function partly of ethnic membership and degree of extroversion; pain complaints are determined as well by cultural and extroversive factors, and also degree of neuroticism. Studies of pain patients reveals that those with acute pain tend to show normal personality profiles, but the degree of pain experienced is related to the degree of anxiety present. Most chronic pain patients, like those with psychogenic pain, show somatic preoccupations and reactive depression. The treatment and/or rehabilitation of pain patients has developed in three areas. In cases of peripheral neuropathy and some spinal cord lesions, electrical stimulation with "neural pacemakers" can often "close the gate" to pain signals and provide significant reduction or abolition of pain. Psychotropic medications, particularly the tricyclic antidepressants, sometimes in combination with phenothiazines and antihistamines, are effective in many instances of central pain, and help increase the pain tolerance and decrease the need for narcotics in other pain states. Operant conditioning, including the use of biofeedback, extinguishes pain behavior and increases pain-incompatible behaviors, with good long-term results.


[Foot tendon dislocations].

[Foot tendon dislocations]. Two luxations of the tendon of the Peroneus longus and one luxation of the Tibialis posterior muscle are reported. All the three cases had a traumatical cause and none of them showed symptoms of dysplasia. That is why a simple reconstruction of the retinaculum strengthened by a flap of the periost seemed to be justified. One year after the operation good results were verified by controls, therefore the method may be recommended for similar cases.


Simultaneous pH and fluoride telemetry. A supplemental report. Simultaneous telemetry of salivary fluoride and of interproximal plaqua pH at the entrance to an interproximal space was used to investigate the effects of sucrose-containing fluoride tablets dissolving in the vicinity of the fluoride and pH sensors. The dissolving of 1.0 mg fluoride-42 mg sucrose tablets caused only slight pH depressions ranging between 6.7 and 6.0 with concurrent increases in salivary F to as high as 190 ppm. Acid formation in interproximal plaque by fluoride-free, sucrose-containing placebo tablets decreased pH to 4.2.


Isolations in a mosquito (Aedes pseudoscutellaris) cell line (Mos. 61) of yellow fever virus strains from original field material. A simple, rapid and inexpensive method of isolating yellow fever (YF) virus from naturally infected mosquitoes, human liver and the serum of a sentinel monkey by inoculation of a continuous line of mosquito cells is described. The mosquito cells were more sensitive than suckling mice and marginally better than Vero cells for primary isolation. This is the first time that mosquito cells have been successfully used for primary isolation of YF virus from field material.


The effect of sorbose on pH of mixed saliva and interproximal plaque. Stimulated mixed saliva and interproximal plaque were exposed to the ketohexose sorbose. The average pH of an in vitro 1%-sorbose/saliva mixture increased with time when compared with a highly significant pH-decrease of a sucrose/saliva mixture. In contrast to sucrose rinses, the telemetrically recorded pH of interproximal plaque did not drop below pH 5.5 during and subsequent to rinsing with sorbose solutions.


Comparison of antibiotic-amended potato dextrose agar and acidified potato dextrose agar as growth substrates for fungi. Fifteen fungal species, all isolated from food, were compared for their growth abilities on potato dextrose agar acidified to pH 3.5, and on nonacidified potato dextrose agar amended with 40 ppm chlortetracycline hydrochloride. Comparisons were made at 16, 21, 26, 32, and 37 degrees C. Of the 15 species, only Penicillium expansum exhibited better growth on the acidified medium than on the nonacidified antibiotic medium, while 9 species grew better on the nonacidified antibiotic medium. Five species grew equally well on either medium.


Luminescence and respiratory activities of Photobacterium phosphoreum. Competition for cellular reducing power. Changes in the in vivo luminescence, respiratory activities, contents of cytochromes, extractable luciferase and NAD(P)H-FMN reductase during growth of the wild (bright) strain of Photobacterium phosphoreum and its dim mutant were determined. The intensity of the in vivo luminescence per cell increased 10 times in the wild strain and 750 times in the dim strain during logarithmic growth, while the contents of luciferase and NAD(P)H-FMN reductase remained almost constant. It is suggested that a characteristic change in the mode of competition of the luminescence reaction system with another electron transfer chain involving cytochromes for NAD(P)H take place during the growth of this bacterium.


Purification and characterization of inorganic pyrophosphatase from Bacillus stearothermophilus. Inorganic pyrophosphatase [EC 3.6.1.1] was purified from Bacillus stearothermophilus to a homogeneous state both ultracentrifugally and electrophoretically. Ultracentrifugal analysis revealed that the molecular weight of the enzyme is 122,000 and the sedimentation coefficient (S0.34%/20, W) is 5.2S. The enzyme molecule in 0.1% sodium dodecylsulfate solution containing 1 mM 2-mercaptoethanol had an estimated molecular weight of 70,000 on the basis of SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis results, which indicates that the enzyme may consist of two subunits. Divalent cations such as Mg2+, Mn2+, and Co2+ are required for the enzymatic activity. Pyrophosphate is the only substrate for the enzyme. ATP and p-chloromercuribenzoate inhibit the enzyme reaction markedly.


Studies on peroxisomes. V. Effect of ethyl p-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate on the centrifugal behavior of rat liver peroxisomes. After Wistar male rats had been fed on a diet containing 0.25% of ethyl p-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate (CPIB) for 28 days, changes in the enzyme activities and centrifugal behavior of rat liver peroxisomes were investigated. (1) Compared with control rats fed on the basal diet, the catalase [EC 1.11.1.6] activity of rat livers after the administration of CPIB increased about 2.5-fold, while urate oxidase [EC 1.7.3.3] activity did not change significantly. Though D-amino acid oxidase [EC 1.4.3.3] activity markedly decreased to approximately one-sixth of the control, the activity of L-alpha-hydroxy acid oxidase [EC 1.1.3.15], a flavin enzyme like D-amino acid oxidase, was not affected significnatly after the administration of CPIB. (2) When the hepatic cells of CPIB-treated rats were fractionated by differential centrifugation, most of the increase of catalase activity appeared in the supernatant fraction. A decrease in the hepatic D-amino acid oxidase activity of CPIB-treated rats was observed in all the fractions. As for the subcellular distribution of the particle-bound enzymes, the specific activities of both catalase and urate oxidase of CPIB-treated rat livers were higher in the light mitochondrial fraction than in other fractions. (3) Sedimentation patterns in a sucrose density gradient did not show any difference between normal peroxisomers, and CPIB-treated ones. (4) In the case of CPIB-treated rats, studies of their sedimentation patterns by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation showed two main particulate peaks containing both catalase and urate oxidase, although only a single peak was observed in the case of control rats.


Purification and characterization of pyruvate decarboxylase from sweet potato roots. Pyruvate decarboxylase [2-oxo acid carboxy-lyase, EC 4.1.1.1] was isolated from sweet potato roots and was partially purified from healthy and diseased tissues. There was no appreciable difference in properties between the enzymes from healthy and diseased tissues. The molecular weight of the enzyme was found to be 240,000 by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Since sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gave a molecular weight of 60,000 for the monomeric form of the enzyme, it is likely that sweet potato pyruvate decarboxylase contains 4 single polypeptide chains. The optimal pH of the decarboxylation reaction was 6.1--6.6. The Lineweaver-Burk double reciprocal plot curved upward, and the Hill coefficient was more than 1, with low concentrations of pyruvate. The enzyme was localized in the cytosol fraction. The activity of the enzyme increased in response to black-rot fungus infection, but decreased in response to cutting.


Quantitative determination of anomeric forms of sugar produced by amylases. V. Anomeric forms of maltose produced in the hydrolytic reaction of substituted phenyl alpha-maltosides catalyzed by saccharifying alpha-amylase from B. subtilis. 1. Hydrolyses of phenyl alpha-maltoside and its derivatives with various substituents (p-NO2, p-C1, p-CH3, p-C2H5, and p-C(CH3)3) catalyzed by saccharifying alpha-amylase from B. subtilis3 [EC 3.2.1.1] were studied under conditions such that the products were only maltose and the corresponding phenols (1), in order to determine quantitatively the anomeric form of the sugar produced from each substrate. 2. At the optimum pH of this enzyme (pH-5.4), maltose released from all the substituted substrates studied was entirely in the beta-form. These results are in remarkable contrast to the previous finding that alpha-maltose is exclusively produced from unsubstituted phenyl alpha-maltoside by this enzyme (2). 3. At pH 6.18 and 6.73, maltose produced from unsubstituted phenyl alpha-maltoside (øM) or p-tert-butylphenyl alpha-maltoside (PTBøM) was a mixture of alpha- and beta-anomers, the ratio being dependent on pH as follows: For øM, the percentage of alpha-anomer was 100% (pH 5.4), 80 (pH 6.18), and 55% (pH 6.73), whereas for PTBøM, the percentage of beta-anomer was 100% (pH 5.4), 75% (pH 6.18), and 60% (pH 6.73).


Studies on a phospholipase B from Penicillium notatum. Purification, properties, and mode of action. 1. Phospholipase B which hydrolyzes both the acyl ester bonds of diacylphospholipids (diacyl-hydrolase) and the acyl ester bond of monoacylphospholipids or lysophospholipids, [monoacyl-hydrolase or lysophospholipase, EC 3.1.1.5] was purified from Penicillium notatum about 2000-fold over the crude extract. The final preparation was homogeneous on disc electrophoresis. The apparent molecular weight, determined by gel filtration on Sephadex G-200, was about 116,000. The isoelectric point was pH 4.0. 2. The purified enzyme was a glycoprotein. The carbohydrate content was approximately 30%, consisting of mannose, glucose, and glucosamine. The amino acid composition was also determined. 3. The ratio of monoacyl-hydrolase to diacyl-hydrolase activities was influenced by the physical state of the substrate in the assay system. It was about 1 : 1 or 100 : 1 in the presence of absence of Triton X-100, respectively, and the latter value remained constant throughout the purification procedures. 4. Both enzyme activities had the same pH optimum, 4.0, and were heat-labile. None of the metals tested had any effect on either activity except for Fe2+ and Fe3+. Diisopropyl fluorophosphate at relatively high concentrations completely inhibited both enzyme activities. 5. The Michaelis-Menten constants (Km) of the enzyme for egg lecithin were about 1.5 and 25 mM in the absence and presence of Triton X-100, respectively. The Km value for dicaproyllecithin was 9.8 mM in the absence of Triton X-100. 6. Using a mixture of 1-[14C]stearoyl-lecithin and 2-[14C]oleoyl-lecithin in the presence of Triton X-100 as a substrate, it was found that the P. notatum phospholipase B attacked the acyl ester bonds sequentially, first the 2-acyl and then 1-acyl groups.


Substrate specificity of carboxypeptidase from Watermelon. The substrate specificity of carboxypeptidase (F-II) purified from watermelon for various synthetic peptides and esters was examined kinetically. The enzyme showed a broad substrate specificity against various carbobenzoxy- and benzyl-dipeptides. Peptides containing glycine or proline were hydrolyzed slowly by the enzyme. Peptides containing hydrophobic amino acids were hydrolyzed rapidly. The presence of hydrophobic amino acid residues, not only at the C-terminal position but also at the second position and probably the third position from the C-terminal resulted in an increase in the rate of hydrolysis. Inhibition studies with diisopropyl flurophosphate and diastereomers of carbobenzoxy-Phe-Ala demonstrated that the peptidase and esterase activities of the enzyme are both catalyzed by the same site of the enzyme molecule, but the binding sites for peptides and esters seem not to be the same. The enzyme also had amidase activity, which was optimal at pH 7.0.


Further confirmation of carboxypeptidase Y as a metal-free enzyme having a reactive serine residue. The metal content of carboxypeptidase Y was analyzed by the atomic absorption method. After exhaustive dialysis against an EDTA solution, the enzyme showed no loss of activity nor any significant content of metals (Zh,Mg,Ca,Cu,Mn,Ni,Fe, and Co). The activity was, however, rather sensitive to preincubation with various metals. The reactivity of a serine residue of the enzyme was also reevaluated. Diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) and phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) stoichiometrically and irreversively inhibited the enzyme. The rate of inactivation with DFP was much faster than that for typsin [EC 3.4.21.4] and chymotrypsin [EC 3.4.21.1.], while the rate with PMSF was one-fifteenth of that for chymotrypsin. The pH-dependence of the inactivation by DFP was similar to that of the enzymatic hydrolysis of acetylphenylalanine ethyl ester. The present results indicate that carboxypeptidase Y is free of metals and has a serine residue with a vital role in the catalytic process, though the functional role of this SH group remains to be clarified.


Inhibition of polypeptide synthesis by tRNA fractions in rat liver cell-free systems. The mechanism of inhibition of polypeptide synthesis by the addition of a tRNA fraction in a rat liver cell-free system was studied. The inhibition was found to occur at the step of aminoacyl-tRNA binding to ribosomes, in which aminoacyl-tRNA's were mainly responsible for the inhibition. The addition of EF-1 decreased the inhibition by the tRNA fraction. The tRNA fraction inhibited polypeptide synthesis in a polysome-S100 system under conditions in which poly U- and poly A-dependent polypeptide syntheses were not inhibited. The possibility that the aminoacyl-tRNA inhibitory activity functions through improper binding to the ribosomes in the polysome-S100 system is discussed.


alpha-Chymotryptic hydrolysis of derivatives of the specific substrates with substituents in the nucleus. Steady state kinetic studies of alpha-chymotrypsin [EC 3.4.21.1]-catalyzed hydrolysis of nucleus-substituted derivatives of the specific substrates were made at pH 6.5 and 7.8. Ac-Trp(NCps)-OMe was hydrolyzed more readily than Ac-Trp-OMe owing to its smaller Km value. The kcat values of Ac-Trp(CHO)-OMe and Ac-Tyr(3-no2)-ome were higher than those of the corresponding unmodified substrates, suggesting that derivatives with a substituent as large as a formyl or nitro group at the epsilon-position are stereochemically favorable to the catalytic process. Derivatives of Ac-Phe-OMe with a chain of four atoms at the 3 or 4-position of the phenyl nucleus and 2,3-dihydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indoles derived from Ac-Trp-OMe were not hydrolyzed at all.


Intracellular pH (pHi) of red cells stored in acid citrate dextrose medium. Effects of temperature and citrate anions. The intracellular pH (pHi) of red cells stored in acid citrate dextrose (ACD) medium was estimated by the 5,5'-dimethyloxazoldine,-2,4-dione (DMO) method. The initial pHi at 4degrees was about 7.6 and was higher than the extracellular pH (pHe) at 4degrees. During storage, both pHi and pHe decreased, but the former was always higher than the latter and the former decreased more slowly than the latter. The high pHi of ACD blood was a results of the temperature at which the pHe and the pHi were measured (4degrees) and the presence of citrate anions in the medium, and could be explained by application of the Donnan-Gibbs equilibrium. ATP and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG) were well-maintained in heparinized blood when it was acidified and pHe and pHi at 4degrees were both about 7.4, which suggests that improvement of blood preservation may be attained by suitable adjustment of the pHi and pHe of the blood.


Purification and properties of two ribonucleases in different intracellular compartments in pea root tissue. Two RNases in bound forms associated with the microsomal membrane and with the ribosomes or unknown particles in pea root tissue were solubilized by subjecting the membrane to sonic oscillation in the presence of EDTA and KC1 and by treating the particles with EDTA, respectively. The RNases were than purified by DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-75 column chromatographies. The elution profiles of RNases from the columns were very similar. No significant differences were observed in their electrophoretic mobilities in polyacrylamide gels, in molecular weight, in activation by inorganic ions, urea or phospholipid micelles or in the dependence of their activities upon pH. The purified RNASES were not different from the bound enzymes as regards activation by inorganic ions and urea and the dependence of the activity upon pH. Triton X-100 stimulated the activity only if RNase was in a bound form associated with the microsomal membrane. We propose that the two RNases may be the same molecular species and differ only in the form of association with intracellular structures.


Purification and properties of an exo-cellulase component of novel type from Trichoderma miride. An enzyme extract from Cellulase-Onozuka, a commercial product of Trichoderma viride, was fractionated by Amberlite CG-50 column chromatography into three cellulase [EC 3.2.1.4] groups, peaks I to III. A noval enzyme, which has both beta-glucosidase [EC 3.2.1.21] and exo-carboxymethyl-cellulase (exo-CMCase) properties was obtained from peak III by extensive purification throuh consecutive column chromatography. The enzyme was homogeneous on ultracentrifugation, SDS-gel and cellulose acetate film electrophoreses and molecular sieve chromatography on Bio-Gel P-150. The molecular weight of this enzyme was estimated to be 53,000. The enzyme appeared to release cellobiose residues one by one from the nonreducing end of higher cellooligosaccharides and CM-cellulose (CMC), but to release glucosyl residues from reduced cellotriose and beta-cellobioside, resembling a beta-glucosidase in this respect. Furthermore, this exo-CMCase also attacked xylan exo-wise to produce xylobiose moleculaes one by one, but it scarcely attacked insoluble cellulose, except for a cellodextrin apparently rich in amorphous structure.


Studies on D-tetrose metabolism. VI. Crystallization and some properties of D-erythrulose reducatase from beef liver. D-Erythrulose reductase of beef liver was crystallized from ammonium sulfate solution at pH 8.17. The crystals are needle-shaped. The enzyme protein contains 851 amino acid residues per mole of the enzyme: Lys28, His11, Arg52, Asp79, Thr58, Ser56, Glu68, Pro20, Gly80, Ala107, Val112, Met24, Ile31, Leu88, Tyr7, Phe22, Trp4, and Cys4. The enzyme is inactivated by exposure to temperatures below 12degrees. The inactivation is accelerated by increasing the salt concentration and decreasing the enzyme concentration. The pH of the medium also has a pronounced effect, the maximum stability of the enzyme is obtained at pH 8.5. NADP+ protected the enzyme from cold inactivation at all stages of the process and also afforded protection against inactivation by heat and pH. The cold inactivation of the enzyme is accompanied by dissociation of the enzyme protein to subunits.


Studies on phospholipases from Streptomyces. III. Purification and properties of Streptomyces hachijoensis phospholipase C. 1. Phospholipase C [EC 3.1.4.3] found in the growth medium of Streptomyces hachijoensis was purified about sixty-fold by dialysis and column chromatography on Sephadex G-50. 2. The active fraction was separated by isoelectric focusing into two fractions, phospholipase C-I (pI 6.0) and phospholipase C-II (pI 5.6). 3. Both purified phospholipases C were homogeneous by immunodiffusion and were not differentiated as regards antigencity. 4. Phospholipase C-I had maximal activity at pH 8.0 and the optimal temperature was 50degree. Phospholipase C-I was stable at 50degrees for 30 min and was stable at neutral pH. 5. The activity of phospholipase C-I was inhibited by high concentrations of various detergents such as Triton X-100, sodium, cholate, SDS and was also inhibited by Ca2+, Ba2+, Al3+, and EDTA, but was stimulated by Mg2+, and ethyl ether. 6. The Km value of phospholipase C-I was 0.9 mM, using phosphatidylcholine as a substrate. 7. By the gel filtration procedure, the molecular weights of phospholipase C-I and -II were both determined to be 18,000. 8. Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, cardiolipin, sphingomyelin, and lysophosphatidylcholine were hydrolyzed by phospholipase C-I, but phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine were hydrolyzed with difficulty under the same conditions, Phospholipase C-I also hydrolyzed phosphatidic acid.


Thermal denaturation and regeneration of japanese-radish peroxidase. Thermal denaturation of Japanese-radish peroxidase [EC 1.11.1.7] was investigated with respect to its spectrophotometric properties and effect on the enzymatic activity. Inactivation of the peroxidase occurred at temperatures higher than 60degrees and involved three processes, i.e., dissociation of protohemin from the holoperoxidase, a conformation change in the apperoxidase, and the modification or degradation of protohemin. The splitting process of protohemin from holoperoxidase as followed by the change in the absorption spectrum at high temperatures coincided with the degrease in the activity, and it was found to be at least biphasic. The regeneration of peroxidase on cooling to room temperature was essentially reversible at neutral pH, while at pH 5 and pH 9 these processes were irreversible. The irreversibility at acidic pH was mainly due to an irreversible change in the conformation of the apoenzyme. The difference spectrum of heat-treated apoperoxidase exhibited a denaturation blueshift with negative maxima at 287 and 294 nm, and the total protein fluorescence quantum yield. qprotein, increased by 20% compared to that of the untreated apoenzyme. On the other hand, the irreversibility at alkaline pH was largely attributable to the modification of protohemin. Apoperoxidase was more resistnat to heat denaturation but the modification or degradation of protohemin in heated enzyme was greater at alkaline pH than at acidic pH. The pyridine-ferrohemochrome spectrum of peroxidase exhibited slight shifts of the maxima of the alpha-band to shorter wavelength on heat treatment, and the paper chromatogram showed the presence of a new derivative other than protohemin. The modified product is probably (2(4)-vinyl-4(2)-hydroxyethyldeuterohemin.


pH dependence of the binding constants of N-acetylglucosamine monomers to hen and turkey egg-white lysozymes. The binding constants of N-acetylglucosamine (G1cNAc) and its methyl alpha- and beta- glycosides to hen and turkey egg-white lysozymes [EC 3.2.1.17], in the latter of which Asp 101 is replaced by Gly, were determined at various pH values by measuring changes in the circular dichroic (DC) band at 295 nm. The binding of beta-methyl-G1cNAc to turkey and hen lysozymes perturbed the pK value of Glu 35 from 6.0 to 6.5, the pK value of Asp 52 from 3.5 to 3.9, and the pK value of Asp 66 from 1.3 to 0.7. In addition, perturbation of the pK value of Asp 101 from 4.4 to 4.0 was observed in the binding of this saccharide to hen lysozyme. The binding of alpha-methyl-GlcNAc to hen and turkey lysozymes perturbed the pK value of Glu 35 to the alkaline side by about 0.5 pH unit, the pK value of Asp 66 to the acidic side by about 0.5 pH unit, and the pK value (4.4) of an ionizable group to the acidic side by about 0.6 pH unit. The last ionizable group was tentatively assigned to Asp 48. The pK value of Asp 52 was not perturbed by the binding of this saccharide. The pH dependence curves for the binding of GlcNAc to hen and turkey lysozymes were very similar and it was suggested that Asp 48, in addition to Asp 66, Asp 52, and Glu 35, is perturbed by the binding of GlcNAc.


Elementary processes in the interaction of serine protease with a possible transition state analog. Subtillisin-benzeneboronic acid system. The interaction of benzeneboronic acid(BBA), a possible transition state analog, with subtilisin BPN' [EC 3.4.21.14] was studied by the temperature-jump method at various pH's, temperatures and in D2O as well as H2O. From analysis of the concentration dependence of the relaxation times, it was suggested that the subtillsin-BBA interactions consist of at least two elementary steps, a fast bimolecular association followed by a slow unimolecular process. Similar concentration dependence was observed at pH 6.1-6.7 at 25degrees. However, in D2O the reciprocal relaxation times generally decreased compared to those in H2O and became concentration-independent below pD 6.5. The relaxation times were influenced considerably by the temperature. From these results, the slow unimolecular process was assigned to the trigonal-tetrahedral interconversion of BBA at the active site of the enzyme.


Kinetic studies of carboxypeptidase Y. III. Action on ester, amide, and anilide substrates and the effects of some environmental factors. Kinetic parameters of carboxypeptidase Y are given for the hydrolyses of ester, amide, and anilide substrates. The kcat/Km values were compatible with those of chymotrypsin [EC 3.4.21.1] with a few exceptions. One ionizable group with a pK of around 5.8 was suggested to be involved in the free enzyme in hydrolyzing all the substrates, including peptide substrates. In addition, hydroxylaminolysis and the kinetic isotope effects of deuterium oxide indicated, with some reservations, a reaction mechanism which proceeds via the formation of an acyl intermediate.


Developmental changes in the structure and kinetic properties of myosin adenosinetriphosphatase of rabbit skeletal fast muscle. Structural and functional changes in myosin of fast muscles during early post-natal development were studied to seek correlations with well-known physiological changes in the contraction rate. The findings were as follows: 1. It is known that fetal fast muscle myosin contains three kinds of light chains. It was confirmed that their molecular weights were the same as those of adult fast muscle myosin, but different from those of adult slow muscle myosin. The amount of the smallest light chain, g3, was confirmed to increase markedly during the postnatal period. 2. The ATPase [EC3.6.1.3] activity of fetal fast muscle myosin (-1 day) was found to be about 50% of that of adult myosin. The pH-activity curve of fetal myosin ATPase was confirmed to be similar to that of adult myosin. 3. The rate of formation of the reactive myosin-phosphate-ADP complex, MADPP, was found not to change during post-natal development. 4. It was found that the rate of decomposition of MADPP in the presence of F-actin increased markedly during the post-natal period, and that the rate of decomposition of the complex of fetal mysoin was only 1/6 to 1/4 of that of adult myosin. The change in the actomyosin ATPase activity was found to be closely correlated with the increase in the g3 content during development.


Control of rabbit liver fructose-1, 6-diphosphatase activity by magnesium ions. EDTA at a concentration of 1 muM produced a threshold effect in the activation of purified rabbit liver fructose-1, 6-diphosphatase [EC 3.1.3.11] in the presence of 5 mM Mg2+ at pH 7.2. Without EDTA, biphasic activation curves were produced by Mg2+. A double-reciprocal plot of the data gave the Km values corresponding to the two linear regions. They were 0.19 and 0.83 mM at pH 7.5, and 0.055 and 0.83 mM at pH 9.1. In the presence of 5muM EDTA a sigmoidal curve was obtained for Mg2+ activation in the range of noninhibitory Mg2+ concentrations at pH 7.2. The apparent Km value for Mg2+ was 0.15 mM, and the Hill coefficient was 2.0. At pH 9.1 cooperativity among the Mg2+ sites disappeared, and the apparent Km value for Mg2+ was 0.055 mM. These Km values at pH 7.2 or 9.1 corresponded to the smaller of the biphasic Km values obtained without EDTA. In the absence of EDTA, no inhibition by Mg2+ was observed in the Mg2+ concentration range below 10 mM. In the presence of EDTA, the enzyme was inhibited markedly by Mg2+ at concentrations above 0.5 mM at pH 7.2, and was more sensitive to inhibition at pH 9.1. The effects of pH on the Km value for Mg2+ activation and on the Mg2+ inhibition contributed to an apparent shift of the pH optimum for activity induced by EDTA. Cooperative interaction among fructose-1, 6-diphosphate sites was observed for the enzyme in the presence of EDTA. The Hill coefficient was approximatley 1.8, and the apparent Km value for the substrate was 0.74 muM. EDTA appears to make liver fructose-1, 6-diphosphatase very sensitive to various effectors. It is suggested that Mg2+ serves as a regulator for the enzyme activity.


Two molecular forms of thymidine kinase in the cytosol of regenerating rat liver. Two forms (Peak A and Peak B) of thymidine kinase [EC 2.7.1.75] from regenerating rat liver cytosol were resolved and partially purified by Deae-cellulose chromatography. Both fractions were identical with respect to their substrate requirement, pH optima, metal requirements, and molecular weight, as judged by their sedimentation in sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Peak B differed from Peak A in heat sensitivity, inhibition by dCTP and Km for thymidine and ATP. Peak B enzyme was the only enzyme found in normal adult liver and Peak A enzyme was the form increasing predominantly in regenerating liver.


The modification of sulfhydryl groups of glutamine synthetase from Bacillus stearothermophilus with 5, 5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid). The SH groups of glutamine synthetase [EC 6.3.1.2] from Bacillus stearothermophilus were modified with 5, 5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) in order to determine the number of SH groups in the molecule  as well as the effect of the modification on the enzyme activity. Three SH groups per subunit were detected after complete denaturation of the enzyme with 6 M urea, one of which was essential for the enzyme activity in view of its reactivity with 5, 5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) on addition of MgCl2 with loss of the activity. The CD spectra of the modified enzyme in the near ultraviolet region changed from that of the native enzyme, indicating that aromatic amino acid residues were affected by modification of the SH group. The fluorescence derived from tryptophanyl residue(s) was quenched depending on the extent of modification of the SH group, suggesting that the tryptophanyl residue(s) was located in the proximity of the SH group. The thermostability of the enzyme was remarkably decreased by modification of the SH group.


Titration study of acetylated lysozyme.

Titration study of acetylated lysozyme. To study the interaction between carboxyl groups and amino groups in native lysozyme [EC 3.2.1.17], and to identify the positions and the pK values of the abnormal carboxyl groups, N-acetylated lysozyme was prepared. The acetylation did not affect the molecular shape of the enzyme, but changed six amino groups to a non-ionizable form, leaving one amino group free; this was determined to be Lys 33. In addition, pH titration of the acetylated lysozyme in 0.2 or 0.02 M KCl aqueous solution indicated fewer titratable groups with pK(int) of 7.8 or 10.4 compared with the native protein, though the number of titratable carboxyl groups was not affected by the acetylation. From the pH titration results and structural considerations, the unititratable carboxyl groups were suggested to be Asp 48, Asp 66, and Asp 87. On the other hand, spectrophotometric titration in 0.2 M KCl showed that all three tyrosine residues are titratable in the acetylated protein, although an abnormal tyrosine residue exists in the native state. Tyr 20 was suggested to be untitratable in the pH range of 8-12.6.


Isolation of a low molecular weight active fragment of potato proteinase inhibitor IIb. A low molecular weight active fragment of potato proteinase inhibitor IIPB was obtained by incubating the inhibitor with an equimolar amount of trypsin [EC 3.4.21.4] at pH 8 and 30 degrees for 16 hr, followed by gel filtration through Sephadex G-50, treatment with trichloroacetic acid, and CM-cellulose chromatography. The purified active fragment consisted of a single peptide chain with a molecular weight of 4,300, comprising 39 amino acid residues. It retained very strong inhibitory activity against chymotrypsin [EC 3.4.21.1] and subtilisin [EC 3.4.21.14]. However, the yield of this active fragment was rather low and was variable. On further incubation with trypsin, it was converted into smaller inactive peptides.


Isolation and characterization of a proteinase from the sarcocarp of melon fruit. A proteinase from the sarcocarp of melon (Cucumis Melo L. var. Prince) was purified by a three-step procedure involving batch-wise treatment with CM-cellulose fibers, column chromatography on CM-cellulose powder and gel filtration on Sephadex G-75. The final enzyme preparation was homogeneous on acrylamide gel electrophoresis. Its molecular weight was estimated by two different methods to be about 50,000. Anlayses indicated tha presence of 475 amino acid residues and at least 7 moles of hexose. The maximum activity was found in the alkaline pH region against casein as a substrate. The optimum temperature against casein was 70 degrees at pH 7.1. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by diisopropyl fluorophosphate, partly inhibited by HgCl2 and not inhibited by EDTA, p-chloromercuribenzoic acid, N-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone, N-tosyl-L-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone, and soybean trypsin inhibitor. The reduced and carboxymethylated insulin B-chain was cleaved at the peptide bonds of Asn3-Gln4, Cm-Cys7-Gly8, Glu13-Ala14, Leu15-Tyr16, Cm-Cys19-Gly20, Phe25-Tyr26, Pro28-Lys29, and Lys29-Ala30 by the enzyme.


D-alpha-Hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase of Rhodospirillum rubrum. D-alpha-Hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase of R. rubrum grown anaerobically in the light was partially purified and some properties were investigated. 1. The enzyme catalyze stoichiometrically the dehydrogenation reaction of D-alpha-hydroxyglutarate into alpha-oxoglutarate, coupled with the reduction of 2, 6-dichlorophenolindophenol. 2. Cytochrome c2, cytochrome c, and ferricyanide are effective as electron acceptors with the crude enzyme but not with the purified one, whereas NAD+ and NADP+ are completely ineffective. The enzyme is thought to play a role in the electron transport system of the organism. 3. D-alpha-Hydroxyglutarate is virtually the sole substrate for the enzyme. The apparent activity against L-alpha-hydroxyglutarate is presumed to be due to contamination of the L-isomer sample with the D-isomer. The enzyme shows barely detectable activity against both isomers of malate and virtually no activity against DL-lactate and glycolate. 4. Both isomers of malate and oxalate, which are presumably substrate analogues, inhibit the enzyme activity. 5. The enzyme is not an inducible enzyme but rather is a constitutive one for R. rubrum, unlike from the enzyme of Pseudomonas putida which is an inducible enzyme for the catabolism of lysine.


Effects of pH indicators on various activities of chromatophroes of Rhodospirillum rubrum. 1. The effects of pH indicators on activities for ATP hydrolysis in the dark and ATP-Pi exchange in the dark were examined with chromatophores from Rhodospirillum rubrum. Of thirty-one pH indicators tested, eleven (metanil yellow, 2, 4-dinitrophenol, ethyl orange, bromocresol green, resazurin, neutral red, bromthymol blue, alpha-naphtholphthalein, o-cresolphthalein, phenolphthalein, and alizarin yellow G) almost completely inhibited the activities for ATP formation and ATP-Pi exchange at concentrations of 1 mM, and were studied in detail. 2. Of the eleven pH indicators, those other than alpha-naptholphthalein, o-cresolphthalein and phenolphthalein, when assayed at appropriate concentrations, inhibited ATP-Pi exchange, but not ATP hydrolysis. In ATP-Pi exchange, these eight pH indicators at the concentrations described above were competitive against Pi, and non-competitive against ATP. The remaining three kinds of pH indicators were non-competitive against either Pi or ATP, when assayed at concentrations of the dyes that inhibited both activities. 3. The amounts of pH indicators bound with chromatophores were measured. No correlation was found between the amounts of the bound dyes and the extents of their inhibition of either ATP formation or ATP-Pi exchange. 4. Ethyl orange (pKa=4.1) and 2, 4-dinitrophenol (pKa=3.9) stimulated ATP hydrolysis to the greatest extent. The latter dye was hardly bound with chromatophores. 5. The stimulatory effects of pH indicators on ATP hydrolysis were hardly affected by extraction of quinones from chromatophores. 6. Most of the pH indicators stimulated both succinate-cytochrome c2 and NADH-cytochrome c2 reductions in the dark. 7. The mechanism of uncoupling of the electron transfer system and the phosphorylation system by pH indicators and the mechanism of the coupling are discussed.


Binding of substrate analogues to subsites D, E, and F of hen egg-white lysozyme. The pH dependence of the binding of dye, Beibrich Scarlet, to hen egg-white lysozyme[EC 3.2.1.17] was studied at ionic strength 0.3 and 25 degrees by following circular dichroic (CD)bands originating from the bound dye. This binding involved one of the catalytic groups, Glu 35. The effect of the binding of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), its dimer or trimer on the binding of this dye was also studied at pH 7.5 by measuring changes in the CD bands of the dye bound to lysozyme. It was shown that there are two sites for simultaneous binding of these saccharides in the lysozyme molecule. The stronger binding of the saccharide was noncompetitive and the weaker binding was competitive with dye binding. The binding constants for the stronger binding site (the upper portion of lysozyme cleft) were in good agreement with those previously determined by following changes in the tryptophyl CD bands of lysozyme. The binding constants to the weaker site were about 1.1 x 10(-4), 5 x 10(2), and 5M(-1) for the trimer, dimer, and monomer of GlcNAc, respectively. Assuming that the trimer, dimer, and monomer occupy subsites D, E, and F; E and F; and E, respectively, the unitary free energies of saccharide binding were estimated to be about --1.9, --3.3, and --2.7 kcal/mole for D, E, and F, respectively.


Purification and characterization of alkaline phosphatase from rat kidney. Alkaline phosphatase [EC 3.1.3.1.] was purified about 250-fold from rat kidney, and its enzymological properties were studied. Kidney homogenate was extracted with n-butanol, passed through Sephadex G-200 and chromatographed on a DEAE-cellulose column. The peak from the DEAE-cellulose column was subjected to isoelectric focusing, and the alkaline phosphatase activity was separated into two peaks. The molecular weights of alkaline phosphatase in these peaks were 4.8.X10(4) and 1.0X10(5), as determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Anti-serum against alkaline phosphatase from rat kidney was prepared, and was shown to neutralize the activity from kidney, liver or bone, but not that from intestine.


Studies on a microchemical method for the determination of the degree of polymerization of neutral oligo- and polysaccharides. I. Quantitative separation of trace amounts of alditols from mixtures with a large excess of monosaccharides. A method has been devised for the quantitative separation of trace amounts of alditols from mixtures with large amounts of monosaccharides, using a strongly basic ion-exchange resin. Ten kinds of common reducing monosaccharides used were strongly retained by a very basic anion-exchange resin in the hydroxyl form, whereas the corresponding alditols showed no significant affinity for the basic resin. Model studies showed excellent recoveries of alditol from known mixtures of alditol and the corresponding aldose at ratios in the range from 1 : 1X10(3) TO 1 : 1X10(4) (by weight). Application of this procedure to dextrans after reduction and hydrolysis resulted in quantitative separation of the terminal alditol.


Studies on barley trypsin inhibitor. II. Structural changes induced by denaturants and their reversibility. No change in the activity of a trypsin inhibitor from barley was observed on treatment with heat and denaturants such as urea and guanidine hydrochloride. Thus, the conformational properties of the inhibitor were investigated. CD spectra of the native inhibitor were analysed on a curve-fitting technique using the data for poly-L-lysine...


Isolation and some properties of NAD+ reductase of the green photosynthetic bacterium Prosthecochloris aestuarii. NAD+ reductase of the green photosynthetic bacterium Prosthecochloris aestuarii was isolated and purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation, DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, and Sephadex G-200 gel filtration. This enzyme is an FAD-containing flavoprotein and has absorption maxima at 485 (shoulder0 452, 411, and 385 nm (the 411 nm band is due to cytochrome). The molecular weight of the enzyme as determined by gel filtration using Sephadex G-200 is 119,000. The enzyme catalyzes the reduction of NAD+ and NADP+ by photoreduced spinach ferredoxin or reduced benzyl viologen...


Interaction of cyclodextrins with fluorescent probes and its application to kinetic studies of amylase. It was found that 6-p-toluidinylnaphthalene-2-sulfonate (TNS) showed pronounced fluorescence enhancement when it was added to alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrin solutions. 2. The following results were obtained by quantitative study of the interactions of three kinds of cyclodextrins with TNS by following TNS fluorescence at pH5.3. and 25 degrees. i) alpha-Cyclodextrin forms a l : l complex with TNS. ii) beta- and gamma-Cyclodextrins form 1 : 1 and also 2 : 1 complexes; in the latter two cyclodextrin molecules bind to one TNS molecule. iii) The dissociation constants of cyclodextrin-TNS complexes were determined to be 54.9 mM for alpha-cyclodextrin, 0.65 mM for beta-cyclodextrin and 0.66 mM for gamma-cyclodextrin in the 1 : 1 complex, and the secondary dissociation constants in the 2 : 1 complex were 71.4 mM for beta-cyclodextrin in the 1 : 1 complex, and the secondary dissociation constants in the 2 : 1 complex were 71.4 mM for beta-cyclodextrin and 32.6 mM for gamma-cyclodextrin. iv)...


Fluorine-19 as a covalent active site-directed magnetic resonance probe in aspartate transaminase. Phosphypyridoxyl trifluoroethylamine has been synthesized as an active site-directed 19F NMR probe for aspartate transaminase. This coenzyme derivative adds stoichiometrically to the apotransaminase as observed by both fluorescence and circular dichroism measurements. The fluorinated phosphypyridoxamine derivative, when bound to the apotransaminase, will not dissociate upon extensive dialysis or passage through Sephadex G-25. The compound behaves as a pyridoxamine phosphate derivative and not as a coenzyme-substrate complex, since both competing anions and dicarboxylic acid inhibitors still bind to the phosphopyridoxyl trifluoroethylamine enzyme. The 19F NMR spectra of the enzyme-bound phosphopyridoxyl trifluoroethylamine were measured as a function of pH, ionic strength, and temperature. The 19F MNR of the enzyme-bound coenzyme derivative revealed no predetermined asymmetry in the subunits of aspartate transaminase insolution in terms of differences in chemical shift or resonance line shape between the two environments. A pH-dependent chemical shift change of the single 19F resonance was observed, which is consistent with the influence of a single ionization with an apparent pKa of 8.4 in 0.10 M KCl at 30 degrees. Increasing the ionic strength resulted in increasing values for the observed pKa, the highest recorded value was 9.1 in 3.0 M KCl. The temperature dependence of the pH titration of the chemical shift gives deltaH' of ionization of 10.5 kcal/mol. The evidence suggests a possible epsilon-amino group, electrostatically affected by positive charges, being responsible for the titration effect of the active site-bound fluorine derivative of pyridoxamine phosphate.


Spot hemoglobin. Studies on the Root effect hemoglobin of a marine teleost. The Spot, Leiostomus xanthrus, has a single tetrameric hemoglobin. Structural studies indicate the presence of alpha- and beta-like chains with COOH-terminal sequences of --Arg and --TYR-His, respectively, the same as is found in human hemoglobin. Spot hemoglobin possesses a Root effect: a heterotropic control mechanism like the Bohr effect but with more extreme pH dependence in the equilibria and kinetics of O2 and CO binding. The Root effect seems to be a molecular adaptation, in that pH- and anion-sensitive hemoglobins may help fish achieve neutral buoyancy by facilitating O2 delivery to the swim bladder. Changes in the kinetics of both "on" and "off" processes contribute to the greatly decreased ligand affinity of Spot hemoglobin at low pH. The time course ofligand combination at low pH is biphasic and wavelength dependent, suggesting a differential effect of pH on the alpha- and beta-like chains. The change in the shape of the ligand-binding curve with pH may be interpreted in terms of a proton-dependent transition between low (T) and high (R) affinity conformations. However, this may not be the only mechanism, since differential pH effects on the two types of chains may also contribute to the observed pH dependence.


Site-site interactions among insulin receptors. Characterization of the negative cooperativity. By studying the dissociation of 125I-instulin from its receptors in the absence and phe negatively cooperative type for the insulin receptors. In the present study we extend oy purified mouse and rat liver membranes as well as in human circulating monocytes and human cultured lymphocytes demonstrated negative cooperativity that was extraordinarily simn membranes more slowly than it does from its receptors on whole cells. The dissociaty a small percentage of the receptor sites (1 to 5%), are sufficient to accelerate dissociation of hormone from receptor. At these insulin concentrations insulin is entirely monomeric, and in fact at higher concentrations of insulin (greater than 10(-7) M) where insulin dimers predominate, the cooperativity effect is progressively lost. The dissociation rate of 125I-insulin alone (that is at very low fractional saturation of receptors) was markedly accelerated by dripping the pH from 8.0 to 5.0, whereas the dissociation of 125I-insulin at high receptor occupancy was only slightly accelerated by the fall in pH. The dissociation rate was directly related to temperature, but the dissociation rate of 125I-insulin at low receptor occupancy was much more affected by reduction in temperature and showed a sharp transition at 21 degrees. Urea at concentrations as low as 1 M produced a marked acceleration of 125I-insulin dissociation. Divalent cations (calcium and magnesium) appear to stabilize the insulin-receptor interaction, since higher degrees of receptor occupancy were required to achieve a given rate of dissociation of 125I-insulin. These data make it likely that the insulin receptors exist as oligomeric structures or clusters in the plasma membrane. Insulin receptor sites appear to switch from a "slow dissociating" state to a "fast dissociating" state when their occupancy increases; the proportion of sites in each state is a function of occupancy of the receptor sites by the insulin monomer as well as of the physiochemical environment. Other models which could explain apparent negative cooperativity besides site-site interactions, i.e. polymerization of the hormone, steric or electrostatic hindrance due to ligand-ligand interactions, or unstirred (Noyes-Whitney) layers are considered unlikely in the case of insulin receptors on both experimental and theoretical grounds.


Rabbit skeletal muscle glycogen synthase. II. Enzyme phosphorylation state and effector concentrations as interacting control parameters. The effects of several inhibitors (ATP, ADP, AMP, UDP, and P1) and activators (Mg2+, glucose-6-P) of rabbit muscle glycogen synthase (UDP-glucose:glycogen 4-alpha-glucosyltransferase, EC 2.4.1.11) were studied in relation to the phosphorylation state of the purified enzyme. All the modifiers had increasing effects with enzyme of increasing alkali-labile phosphate content. In experiments where combinations of effectors were present, it was apparent that (a) concentrations of modifiers in the physiological range could be significant in determining enzymic activity and (b) the sensitivity of the reaction rate to changes in phosphorylation state was critically dependent on the concentration of the small molecules. Changes in the phosphorylation of the enzyme corresponding to changes in the %I activity reported in the literature for studies in vivo were capable of producing large alterations in glycogen synthase activity. Because the magnitudes of such changes were dependent on the effector concentrations, there may be an integration of local cellular control, through small molecule effects, with hormonal control, through the phosphorylation state of glycogen synthase.


Kinetic study of the action of snake venom phospholipase A2 on human serum high density lipoprotein 3. The hydrolysis of the phospholipids of intact human serum high density lipoprotein 3 (HDL3) by pure alpha-phospholipase A2 from Crotalus adamanteus was studied by pH-stat titration. The enzyme quantitatively hydrolyzed phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine and left sphinogomyelin intact, yielding a stable and water-soluble modified HDL. Lysophospholipids and free fatty acids, the products of hydrolysis, remained in the lipoprotein. When 1 mol of defatted bovine serum albumin/mol of substrate phospholipids was added to the reaction mixture, up to 60% of the fatty acids and 85% of the lysophospholipids were removed from the modified lipoprotein. The immunological reactivity of the hydrolyzed HDL remained unaltered in both the presence and absence of albumin. The changes in the physical properties of the lipoprotein during hydrolysis were rather small, the most notable being an increase in the hydrated density and in the electrophoretic mobility in alkaline buffers. The hydrolysis followed an apparent first order time course with product inhibition (KI) and yielded values of kcat/Km = 7 X 10(5 M(-1)s(-1) and KI congruent to 1 X 10(-4) M. Addition of albumin to the reaction mixture relieved the product inhibition without any alteration of the kinetic parameters. High concentrations of albumin protected some of the substrate phospholipids from hydrolysis, presumably through complexation to the lipoprotein. The Arrhenius plot for the experimental first order rate constant in the absence of albumin (kexp = kcat (KI/Km)) was linear between 15 degrees and 47 degrees, indicating the absence of any phospholipid phase transitions and yielding an activation energy of 15.2 kcal/mol. From the accessibility of the HDL phospholipids to phospholipase A2 one concludes that the phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine are located at, or are in rapid equilibrium with, the surface of this lipoprotein. It also appears that these phospholipids are not essential for maintaining the supramolecular properties of the lipoprotein in vitro. Thsu the study of the modified Hdl should provide valuable information concenring the structure and function of this lipoprotein particularly with regard to the role played by shiingomyelin.