scholarly journals Effects of Tetrahydrobiopterin on Endothelial Dysfunction in Rats with Ischemic Acute Renal Failure

2000 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 301-309
Author(s):  
MASAO KAKOKI ◽  
YASUNOBU HIRATA ◽  
HIROSHI HAYAKAWA ◽  
ETSU SUZUKI ◽  
DAISUKE NAGATA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perfusion Pressure ◽  
Tissue Injury ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
Excretory Function ◽  
Calcium Dependent ◽  
Ischemic Tissue ◽  
No Release ◽  
Dimeric Form

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in ischemic renal injury is still controversial. NO release was measured in rat kidneys subjected to ischemia and reperfusion to determine whether (6R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-L-biopterin (BH4), a cofactor of NO synthase (NOS), reduces ischemic injury. Twenty-four hours after bilateral renal arterial clamp for 45 min, acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation and NO release were reduced and renal excretory function was impaired in Wistar rats. Administration of BH4 (20 mg/kg, by mouth) before clamping resulted in a marked improvement of those parameters (10-8 M acetylcholine, Δrenal perfusion pressure: sham-operated control -45 ± 5, ischemia -30 ± 2, ischemia + BH4 -43 ± 4%; ΔNO: control +30 ± 6, ischemia +10 ± 2, ischemia + BH4 +23 ± 4 fmol/min per g kidney; serum creatinine: control 23 ± 2, ischemia 150 ± 27, ischemia + BH4 48 ± 6 μM; mean ± SEM). Most of renal NOS activity was calcium-dependent, and its activity decreased in the ischemic kidney. However, it was restored by BH4 (control 5.0 ± 0.9, ischemia 2.2 ± 0.4, ischemia + BH4 4.3 ± 1.2 pmol/min per mg protein). Immunoblot after low-temperature sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that the dimeric form of endothelial NOS decreased in the ischemic kidney and that it was restored by BH4. These results suggest that the decreased activity of endothelium-derived NO may worsen the ischemic tissue injury, in which depletion of BH4 may be involved.

A metalloproteinase extracellularly released byCrithidia deanei

2003 ◽  
Vol 49 (10) ◽  
pp. 625-632 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Masini d'Avila-Levy ◽  
Rodrigo F Souza ◽  
Rosana C Gomes ◽  
Alane B Vermelho ◽  
Marta H Branquinha
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mass ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
Gel Filtration ◽  
Residual Activity ◽  
Major Protein ◽  
Motile Cells ◽  
Sds Page ◽  
Triton X

Actively motile cells from a cured strain of Crithidia deanei released proteins in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). The molecular mass of the released polypeptides, which included some proteinases, ranged from 19 to 116 kDa. One of the major protein bands was purified to homogeneity by a combination of anion-exchange and gel filtration chromatographs. The apparent molecular mass of this protein was estimated to be 62 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE). The incorporation of gelatin into SDS–PAGE showed that the purified protein presented proteolytic activity in a position corresponding to a molecular mass of 60 kDa. The enzyme was optimally active at 37 °C and pH 6.0 and showed 25% of residual activity at 28 °C for 30 min. The proteinase was inhibited by 1,10-phenanthroline and EDTA, showing that it belonged to the metalloproteinase class. A polyclonal antibody to the leishmanial gp63 reacted strongly with the released C. deanei protease. After Triton X-114 extraction, an enzyme similar to the purified metalloproteinase was detected in aqueous and detergent-rich phases. The detection of an extracellular metalloproteinase produced by C. deanei and some other Crithidia species suggests a potential role of this released enzyme in substrate degradation that may be relevant to the survival of trypanosomatids in the host.Key words: endosymbiont, trypanosomatid, extracellular, proteinase.

Increased coronary perfusion augments cardiac contractility in the rat through stretch-activated ion channels

2002 ◽  
Vol 282 (4) ◽  
pp. H1334-H1340 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. R. Lamberts ◽  
M. H. P. van Rijen ◽  
P. Sipkema ◽  
P. Fransen ◽  
S. U. Sys ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channels ◽  
Perfusion Pressure ◽  
Cardiac Contractility ◽  
No Synthase ◽  
Coronary Perfusion ◽  
Channel Blockade ◽  
No Release ◽  
Sustained Increase ◽  
Stretch Activated Ion Channels

The role of stretch-activated ion channels (SACs) in coronary perfusion-induced increase in cardiac contractility was investigated in isolated isometrically contracting perfused papillary muscles from Wistar rats. A brief increase in perfusion pressure (3–4 s, perfusion pulse, n = 7), 10 repetitive perfusion pulses ( n = 4), or a sustained increase in perfusion pressure (150–200 s, perfusion step, n = 7) increase developed force by 2.7 ± 1.1, 7.7 ± 2.2, and 8.3 ± 2.5 mN/mm2 (means ± SE, P < 0.05), respectively. The increase in developed force after a perfusion pulse is transient, whereas developed force during a perfusion step remains increased by 5.1 ± 2.5 mN/mm2 ( P < 0.05) in the steady state. Inhibition of SACs by addition of gadolinium (10 μmol/l) or streptomycin (40 and 100 μmol/l) blunts the perfusion-induced increase in developed force. Incubation with 100 μmol/l N ω-nitro-l-arginine [nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibition], 10 μmol/l sodium nitroprusside (NO donation) and 0.1 μmol/l verapamil (L-type Ca2+ channel blockade) are without effect on the perfusion-induced increase of developed force. We conclude that brief, repetitive, or sustained increases in coronary perfusion augment cardiac contractility through activation of stretch-activated ion channels, whereas endothelial NO release and L-type Ca2+channels are not involved.

scholarly journals Increased membrane binding of erythrocyte catalase in hereditary spherocytosis and in metabolically stressed normal cells

Blood ◽  
1977 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
DW Allen ◽  
S Cadman ◽  
SR McCann ◽  
B Finkel
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Hereditary Spherocytosis ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Membrane Binding ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
Protein Band ◽  
Normal Cells ◽  
Calcium Dependent ◽  
Subunit Molecular Weight ◽  
Erythrocyte Catalase

Abstract Normal red blood cell (RBC) membranes were compared with (1) RBC membranes from six patients with hereditary spherocytosis (HS), (2) normal membranes after hemolysis of the RBC in the presence of calcium, or (3) normal membranes after incubation of RBC for 24 hr in phosphate- buffered saline containing calcium without added glucose. When compared with normal controls, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with sodium dodecyl sulfate (PAGE SDS) of all three preparations showed an increase in membrane binding of globin and protein band 4.5 (60,000 molecular weight). In an attempt to identify band 4.5, 14 enzymes were assayed in the RBC membranes. Of these, catalase and lactate dehydrogenase were increased in membranes from HS RBC and from normal cells exposed to calcium. Only catalase, however, was present in sufficient quantity and had the correct subunit molecular weight on PAGE SDS and calcium- dependent membrane binding to account for an appreciable portion of 4.5. Caralase was further identified with a component of band 4.5 by double immunodiffusion using a specific anti-catalase antibody.

Dicoumarol-induced prothrombins containing 6, 7, and 8 γ-carboxyglutamic acid residues: isolation and characterization

1989 ◽  
Vol 67 (8) ◽  
pp. 411-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Om P. Malhotra
Keyword(s):  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Polyclonal Antibodies ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Calcium Dependent ◽  
Isolation And Characterization ◽  
Carboxyglutamic Acid ◽  
K Deficiency ◽  
Agar Gel Electrophoresis

Isolation and characterization of γ-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) deficient prothrombins induced by Warfarin or dicoumarol are useful for studying the role of specific Gla residues in prothrombin. In addition to 7-Gla prothrombin, we have isolated two more atypical prothrombins from the barium citrate eluate, one containing 6.11, and the other, 7.85 Gla residues, presumably 6- and 8-Gla prothrombins. The actual Gla content of the 7-Gla isomer was 7.05. Each of the 6-, 7-, and 8-Gla variants showed a single component by agar or dodecyl sulfate Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. When agar gel electrophoresis was performed in calcium, each of the variants moved more rapidly than normal (10-Gla) prothrombin. In the presence of EDTA, the 8-Gla isomer exhibited the fastest mobility, equivalent to that of normal prothrombin, followed by 7-, and then 6-Gla variants. The physiological activities of the isomers were found to be 18 to 23% for 8-, 6 to 8% for 7-, and 2 to 3% of normal prothrombin for 6-Gla variant. Prothrombin fragment 1, derived from 8-Gla prothrombin, exhibited 23% of calcium-induced fluorescence quenching, compared with 40% for 10-Gla and 8% or less for 7- and 6-Gla fragments 1. Competition radioimmunoassay data show that calcium-dependent anti (normal) prothrombin polyclonal antibodies are not specific for 10-Gla prothrombin, since the 7- and 8-Gla isomers were able to displace radiolabeled (125I) normal prothrombin.Key words: prothrombin, blood clotting, dicoumarol, Warfarin, γ-carboxyglutamic acid, vitamin K deficiency.

scholarly journals Accelerated hepatic haem catabolism in the selenium-deficient rat

1977 ◽  
Vol 168 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
R F Burk ◽  
M A Correia
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Excretion ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Microsomal Cytochrome ◽  
Haem Oxygenase ◽  
Cytochrome P 450

1. Hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 concentrations are lower in selenium-deficient rats treated with phenobarbital for 4 days than in similarly treated control rats. 2. No defect in haem synthesis was found on the basis of measurements of delta-aminolaevulinate synthase (EC 2.3.1.37), delta-aminolaevulinate dehydratase (EC 4.2.1.24) and ferrochelatase (EC 4.99.1.1) activities, and urinary excretion of delta-aminolaevulinate, porphobilinogen, uroporphyrin and coproporphyrin. 3. No defect in apo-(cytochrome P-450) separated by sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. 4. An increase in haem catabolism was found. An 8-fold increase in hepatic microsomal haem oxygenase (EC 1.14.99.3) activity occurred in selenium-deficient rats after phenobarbital treatment, compared with a less than 2-fold increase in control rats. Also excretion of 14CO in the breath after administration of delta-amino[5-14C]laevulinate was greater by phenobarbital-treated selenium-deficient rats than by similarly treated controls. 5. These studies demonstrate that the defective induction of cytochrome P-450 by phenobarbital in selenium-deficient rats is accompanied by increased haem catabolism. This could be due to increased breakdown of cytochrome P-450 or to catabolism of haem before it attaches to the apo-cytochrome. The role of selenium in stabilizing cytochrome P-450 and/or in protecting haem from breakdown remains to be determined.

Substitution of the γ-chain Asn308 disturbs the D:D interface affecting fibrin polymerization, fibrinopeptide B release, and FXIIIa-catalyzed cross-linking

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 103 (11) ◽  
pp. 4157-4163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nobuo Okumura ◽  
Oleg V. Gorkun ◽  
Fumiko Terasawa ◽  
Susan T. Lord
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
Factor Xiiia ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Dimer Formation ◽  
Polymer Formation ◽  
Crystallographic Structures ◽  
Link Formation

Abstract Crystallographic structures indicate that γ-chain residue Asn308 participates in D:D interactions and indeed substitutions of γAsn308 with lysine or isoleucine have been identified in dysfibrinogens with impaired polymerization. To probe the role of Asn308 in polymerization, we synthesized 3 variant fibrinogens: γAsn308 changed to lysine (γN308K), isoleucine (γN308I), and alanine (γN308A). We measured thrombin-catalyzed polymerization by turbidity, fibrinopeptide release by high-performance liquid chromatography, and factor XIIIa–catalyzed cross-linking by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In the absence of added calcium, polymerization was clearly impaired with all 3 variants. In contrast, at 0.1 mM calcium, only polymerization of γN308K remained markedly abnormal. The release of thrombin-catalyzed fibrinopeptide B (FpB) was delayed in the absence of calcium, whereas at 1 mM calcium FpB release was delayed only with γN308K. Factor XIIIa–catalyzed γ-γ dimer formation was delayed with fibrinogen (in absence of thrombin), whereas with fibrin (in presence of thrombin) γ-γ dimer formation of only γN308K was delayed. These data corroborate the recognized link between FpB release and polymerization. They show fibrin cross-link formation likely depends on the structure of protofibrils. Together, our results show substitution of Asn308 with a hydrophobic residue altered neither polymer formation nor polymer structure at physiologic calcium concentrations, whereas substitution with lysine altered both.

Serotypes of Neisseria meningitidis associated with an increased incidence of meningitis cases in the Hamilton area, Ontario, during 1978 and 1979

1983 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fraser E. Ashton ◽  
J. Alan Ryan ◽  
Colina Jones ◽  
Bernard R. Brodeur ◽  
Benito B. Diena
Keyword(s):  
Neisseria Meningitidis ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Double Diffusion ◽  
Sds Page ◽  
Class 1 ◽  
Group B

The distribution of serotypes among strains of Neisseria meningitidis responsible for a marked increase of meningitis cases in the Hamilton area, Ontario, in 1978 and 1979 was determined. Twenty-six serogroup B and two serogroup W135 strains isolated from cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and skin of 28 patients were serotyped by agar gel double diffusion. Twenty-one (81 %) of the group B strains were serotype 2b as judged by the formation of characteristic serotype precipitin bands with the specific anti-2996 (type 2b) serum. Fourteen of the serotype 2b strains also reacted with anti-77252 serum, which suggested that one strain or several closely related strains were mainly responsible for the increase in meningitis during the 2-year period. Examination of the outer membrane complexes (OMC) of the strains by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS–PAGE) revealed that all 21 of the serotype 2b strains contained the class 2 protein (molecular weight 41 500) which is known to be the site of the serotype 2b determinant. Further characterization of the serotype 2b,77252 strains by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and SDS–PAGE suggested that the 77252 determinant was present in the class 1 proteins of these strains. The serotype 2b containing strains were isolated from 77.7 and 70% of males and females, respectively, from 81.8% of children less than 5 years of age, and from 75.0% of patients of all age groups. The study indicates the important role of serotype 2b meningococci in causing the increased incidence of meningitis and further substantiates the important association of the serotype 2b determinant with group B serotype 2 meningococcal disease in Canada.

scholarly journals Increased membrane binding of erythrocyte catalase in hereditary spherocytosis and in metabolically stressed normal cells

Blood ◽  
1977 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-123
Author(s):  
DW Allen ◽  
S Cadman ◽  
SR McCann ◽  
B Finkel
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Hereditary Spherocytosis ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Membrane Binding ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
Protein Band ◽  
Normal Cells ◽  
Calcium Dependent ◽  
Subunit Molecular Weight ◽  
Erythrocyte Catalase

Normal red blood cell (RBC) membranes were compared with (1) RBC membranes from six patients with hereditary spherocytosis (HS), (2) normal membranes after hemolysis of the RBC in the presence of calcium, or (3) normal membranes after incubation of RBC for 24 hr in phosphate- buffered saline containing calcium without added glucose. When compared with normal controls, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with sodium dodecyl sulfate (PAGE SDS) of all three preparations showed an increase in membrane binding of globin and protein band 4.5 (60,000 molecular weight). In an attempt to identify band 4.5, 14 enzymes were assayed in the RBC membranes. Of these, catalase and lactate dehydrogenase were increased in membranes from HS RBC and from normal cells exposed to calcium. Only catalase, however, was present in sufficient quantity and had the correct subunit molecular weight on PAGE SDS and calcium- dependent membrane binding to account for an appreciable portion of 4.5. Caralase was further identified with a component of band 4.5 by double immunodiffusion using a specific anti-catalase antibody.

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