Kinetics of some uranyl nitrate-organic phosphate exchange reactions

Earlier work from this laboratory has concerned the possible use of phosphorus n.m.r. as a method to monitor, in a non-invasive manner, the biochemical state of the perfused heart as a function of its mechanical performance. We showed that a simulated coronary infarction could be detected by 31 P n.m.r. (Hollis et al 1978 a and that hypothermia and KC1 arrest could preserve the pH and the ATP levels at more nearly normal values than in a non-arrested heart during long periods (40 min) of ischaemia (Hollis et al . 1978 b ).More recently it was shown that multiple doses of KC1, given at intervals, were more effective in this respect than was a single dose (Flaherty et al . 1979). These studies essentially followed the kinetics of transitions of the heart between two or more distinct physiological states (i.e. normoxic and ischaemic, with or without KC1 arrest) by observation of the 31 P n.m.r. spectra at various time intervals over periods of up to 1 h. As described in detail and demonstrated in Dr Truman Brown’s contribution to these discussions, the rates of chemical exchange reactions occurring in a steady state can be measured by the techniques of saturation transfer in various biological systems, including perfused hearts.

Download Full-text

Kinetics of Fertilization in the Sea Urchin: A Comparison of Methods

Journal of Experimental Biology ◽

10.1242/jeb.52.2.455 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 52 (2) ◽

pp. 455-468

Author(s):

R. PRESLEY ◽

P. F. BAKER

Keyword(s):

Sea Urchin ◽

Uranyl Nitrate ◽

Sea Water ◽

Fertilization Rate ◽

The Other ◽

Jelly Coat ◽

Cortical Responses ◽

Direct Counting ◽

Further Development ◽

Kinetics Of

1. A method is described for the direct counting of male pronuclei in recently fertilized sea-urchin eggs. 2. Using this method, fertilization rate determinations were made to compare 30% artificial sea water (A.S.W.), isotonic KCl, sea water containing lauryl sulphate, calcium-free and magnesium-free A.S.W. containing EDTA, and sea water containing uranyl nitrate, as agents blocking fertilization but permitting further development of previously fertilized eggs. 3. 30% A.S.W. was found to be less satisfactory than the other agents, lacking instant effect, and tending to promote polyspermy. The other agents all gave sigmoid rate curves, that of uranyl nitrate lagging 15-25 sec. behind the others. 4. Evidence was found that uranyl nitrate acts at a later stage in fertilization than the other agents. 5. Sigmoid rate curves were found, except with 30% A.S.W., when eggs with the bulk of the jelly coat removed, and nicotine-treated eggs, were fertilized. 6. Analysis of sperm distribution among eggs from samples fertilized for more than 40 sec. confirmed that re-fertilization takes place at a lower rate than primary fertilization. 7. The processes blocked by KCl and uranyl nitrate were found to precede the cortical responses to fertilization, and the termination of nicotine sensitivity.

Download Full-text