In vitro metabolism of an insect neuropeptide by homogenates of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

The cytosolic fraction of homogenates from the free-living soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is capable of metabolizing the insect neuropeptide adipokinetic hormone, a decapeptide blocked at the N-terminus by a pGlu residue. Analysis of digests by RP-HPLC and LC-MS revealed that an initial endoproteolytic cleavage step produced a heptapeptide with an unblocked N-terminus that can serve as a substrate for aminopeptidases. The aminopeptidase activity is depressed in the presence of the inhibitor amastatin; the initial product of the endoproteolytic step accumulates during incubation, and expected aminopeptidase product peptides are reduced in amount, as assessed by chromatographic peak size. The absence of some expected peptide fragments in the reaction mixtures suggests that multiple proteases contribute to short peptide half-lives. Comparison of the adipokinetic hormone digestion in C. elegans to that reported previously for insects reveals the same general pattern of peptide fragment production.     

Digestion of invertebrate neuropeptides by preparations from the free-living nematode Panagrellus redivivus

Proteases in the soluble fraction of homogenates prepared from the free-living nematode Panagrellus redivivus hydrolysed the amidated invertebrate neuropeptides FMRFa and FLRFa, and nematode FMRFa-like peptides (FLPs) KPNFLRFa (FLP-1-H), APKPKFIRFa (FLP-5-A), KNEFIRFa (FLP-8), KPSFVRFa (FLP-9), RNKFEFIRFa (FLP-12) and KHEYLRFa (FLP-14) in vitro. Results were assessed by analysing reaction components with RP-HPLC, UV detection at 210 nm and peak integration. Based upon substrate peak size, more than 90% of most of the peptide substrates was consumed after 1 h at 27 degrees C, but digestion was not complete even with a crude protease mixture. Two peptides, FLP-12 and FLP-14, were significantly less susceptible to digestion than the others. FLP-12 was the least susceptible of all sequences (71% loss; P < 0.0001), while FLP-14 was digested less (84% loss; P < 0.0004) than all but FLP-12. Product peak digestion patterns of FLP-12, a second nonapeptide (FLP-5-A), and FMRFa, incubated with aminopeptidase (amastatin) and serine endoprotease (AEBSF) inhibitors, demonstrated highly specific behaviours of each sequence to protease cleavage. Amastatin significantly (P < 0.03) reduced digestion of FLP-12 (54% loss) and FMRFa (61% loss; P < 0.0005), but had no effect on FLP-5-A. AEBSF had no protective effect on FMRFa but significantly decreased hydrolysis of FLP-5-A (77% loss; P < 0.0001) and FLP-12 (59% loss; P < 0.03). The combination of both inhibitors had additive effects only for FMRFa (34% loss; P < 0.0005). Further analysis of FMRFa digestion using peptides with D-amino acid substitutions demonstrated nearly complete protection of FdMRFa (2% loss; P < 0.0001) from all proteolytic digestion, whereas digestion of FMRdFa was complete. Results suggest that in addition to aminopeptidase and serine proteases, both deamidase and aminopeptidase P participate in neuropeptide metabolism in P. redivivus.     

Characterisation of aminopeptidase activity in scab mites (Psoroptes spp.)

Soluble and membrane-bound aminopeptidase activities were demonstrated in extracts of P. cuniculi (Delafond). Leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) activity in the soluble fraction of P. cuniculi extracts displayed substrate preference for amino acid derivatives with terminal leucine and methionine over those with acidic, basic or heterocyclic groups. P. cuniculi LAP was inhibited by leucinethiol (IC(50) = 1.4 +/- 0.4 nM), bestatin (IC(50) = 3.9 +/- 1.7 microM), Arphamenine A (IC(50) = 0.37 +/- 0.03 mM) the chelating agent 1,10-phenanthroline (IC(50) = 2.3 +/- 0.5 mM), Zn(2+), Cu(2+) Ni(2+), and Co(2+), and activated by Mn(2+) and Mg(2+). The LAP activity was visualised as a single major band after electrophoresis on native gels and eluted from a size exclusion column as a single major peak representing a molecular mass range of 85-116 kDa. Degenerate oligonucleotide primers were used to amplify short fragments of genomic DNA containing nucleotide sequence coding for the cation-binding motifs of the co-catalytic Zn(2+) binding domains of dizinc leucine aminopeptidases in both P. cuniculi and P.ovis (Hering). The major soluble aminopeptidase from these mites therefore displays most of the characteristics associated with typical cytosolic leucine aminopeptidases belonging to the M17 family of metalloproteinases.     

Aminopeptidase-like activities in Caenorhabditis elegans and the soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines

Aminopeptidase-like activities in crude whole body extracts of the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the plant parasitic soybean cyst nematode Heterodera glycines were examined. General characteristics including pH optima, heat lability, and inactivation of enzyme by organic solvent were the same for the two species. All developmental stages of H. glycines exhibited activity. In older females, activity was present primarily in the eggs. Affinity for the substrate L-alanine-4-nitroanilide was the same regardless of the stage examined, and was similar for the two species (m for C. elegans and m for H. glycines). Nearly all (>95%) of C. elegans aminopeptidase-like activity was present in the soluble fraction of the extract, while H. glycines activity was distributed between the soluble and membrane fractions. Specific activities of the soluble enzymes were highest in C. elegans and H. glycines juveniles. The C. elegans enzyme was susceptible to a number of aminopeptidase inhibitors, particularly to amastatin and leuhistin, each of which inhibited aminopeptidase-like activity more than 90% at 90 microm. In H. glycines, aminopeptidase-like activity was inhibited 39% by amastatin at 900 microm. The apparent molecular weight of the soluble C. elegans enzyme is 70-80 kDa. Some activity in H. glycines is present in the 70-80 kDa range, but most activity (80-90%) is associated with a very high molecular weight (>240 kDa) component.     

In vitro proteolysis of nematode FMRFamide-like peptides (FLPs) by preparations from a free-living nematode (Panagrellus redivivus) and two plant-parasitic nematodes (Heterodera glycines and Meloidogyne incognita)

Proteolytic activities in extracts from three nematodes, the plant parasites Heterodera glycines and Meloidogyne incognita, and the free-living Panagrellus redivivus, were surveyed for substrate preferences using a battery of seven FRET-modified peptide substrates, all derived from members of the large FMRF-amide like peptide (FLP) family in nematodes. Overall protease activity in P. redivivus was four- to fivefold greater than in either of the parasites, a result that might reflect developmental differences. Digestion of the M. incognita FLP KHEFVRFa (substrate Abz-KHEFVRF-Y(3-NO2)a) by M. incognita extract was sevenfold greater than with H. glycines extract and twofold greater than P. redivivus, suggesting species-specific preferences. Additional species differences were revealed upon screening 12 different protease inhibitors. Two substrates were used in the screen, Abz-KHEFVRF-Y(3-NO2)a and Abz-KPSFVRF-Y(3-NO2)a), which was digested equally by all three species. The effects of various inhibitor, substrate and extract source combinations on substrate digestion suggest that M. incognita differs significantly from P. redivivus and H. glycines in its complement of cysteine proteases, particularly cathepsin L-type protease.     

Kinin metabolism in human nasal secretions during experimentally induced allergic rhinitis

We have previously shown that both bradykinin and lysylbradykinin are generated in nasal secretions upon nasal challenge of allergic individuals with appropriate allergen and have suggested that these potent pro-inflammatory peptides may contribute to the pathogenesis of the allergic response. In this study we used a variety of synthetic substrates together with both thin layer and high performance liquid chromatography systems to examine the metabolism of these peptides in nasal secretions obtained by lavage. We now demonstrate that in addition to low levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme, nasal lavages contain an aminopeptidase activity that converts lysylbradykinin to bradykinin, and a carboxypeptidase that removes the C-terminal arginine from bradykinin and lysylbradykinin. The levels of all these activities are significantly increased after allergen challenge of allergic, but not nonallergic, individuals. The aminopeptidase and carboxypeptidase activities present in post-challenge lavages from allergic individuals convert lysylbradykinin to intermediate products (bradykinin and des (Arg10) lysylbradykinin) and eventually to des (Arg9) bradykinin. The nasal carboxypeptidase was activated 475% by 0.1 mM CoCl2 and was inhibited by the carboxypeptidase N inhibitor, MERGETPA (D-L-mercaptomethyl-3-guanidino-ethylthiopropanoic acid) (IC50 = 10 microM). The aminopeptidase activity was not affected by MERGETPA but was potently inhibited by amastatin and bestatin (IC50 = 0.05 microM and 3.0 microM, respectively). The activity of the aminopeptidase against its synthetic substrate was also inhibited by lysylbradykinin (IC50 = 50 microM). Both the carboxypeptidase and aminopeptidase activities had neutral pH optima and were inhibited by o-phenanthroline, but were unaffected by inhibitors of neutral endopeptidases (phosphoramidon) or angiotensin-converting enzyme (Captopril). The Km of bradykinin for the nasal carboxypeptidase was 139 +/- 14 microM (n = 3). We conclude that during the allergic response, nasal secretions contain aminopeptidase and carboxypeptidase activities that convert lysylbradykinin and bradykinin (B2 agonists) to des (Arg9) bradykinin (a B1 agonist). Because the nature of the kinin receptors in the nasal mucosa are currently unknown, it remains to be determined whether this metabolism results in the termination of biologic activity or the production of a biologically active moiety.     

Proctolin degradation by membrane peptidases from nervous tissues of the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria).

The hydrolysis of the insect neuropeptide proctolin (Arg-Tyr-Leu-Pro-Thr) by enzyme preparations from the nervous tissue of the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) was investigated. Neural homogenate degraded proctolin (100 microM) at neutral pH by cleavage of the Arg-Tyr and Tyr-Leu bonds to yield Tyr-Leu-Pro-Thr, Arg-Tyr and free tyrosine. Arg-Tyr was detected as a major metabolite when the aminopeptidase inhibitors amastatin and bestatin were present to prevent Arg-Tyr breakdown. Around 50% of the proctolin-degrading activity was isolated in a 30,000 g membrane fraction and was shown to be almost entirely due to aminopeptidase activity. The aminopeptidase had an apparent Km of 23 microM, a pH optimum of 7.0 and was inhibited by 1 mM-EDTA and amastatin [IC50 = 0.3 microM], but was relatively insensitive to bestatin, actinonin and puromycin. Phenylmethanesulphonyl fluoride (1 mM) and p-chloromercuriphenylsulphonic acid (1 mM) had no effect on this enzyme activity. Although the bulk of the Tyr-Leu hydrolytic activity was located in the 30,000 g supernatant, some weak activity was detected in a washed membrane preparation. This peptidase displayed a high affinity for proctolin (Km = 0.35 microM) and optimal activity at around pH 7.0. Synaptosome- and mitochondria-rich fractions were prepared from crude neural membranes. The aminopeptidase activity was concentrated in the synaptic-membrane preparation, whereas activity giving rise to Arg-Tyr was predominantly localized in the mitochondrial fraction. The subcellular localization of the membrane aminopeptidase is consistent with a possible physiological role for this enzyme in the inactivation of synaptically released proctolin.     

Metabolism of opioid peptides by cerebral microvascular aminopeptidase M

Aminopeptidase M (EC 3.4.11.2), which can degrade low molecular weight opioid peptides, has been reported in both peripheral vasculature and in the CNS. Thus, we have studied the metabolism of opioid peptides by membrane-bound aminopeptidase M derived from cerebral microvessels of hog and rabbit. Both hog and rabbit microvessels were found to contain membrane-bound aminopeptidase M. At neutral pH, microvessels preferentially degraded low molecular weight opioid peptides by hydrolysis of the N-terminal Tyr1-Gly2 bond. Degradation was inhibited by amastatin (I50 = 0.2 microM) and bestatin (10 microM), but not by a number of other peptidase inhibitors including captopril and phosphoramidon. Rates of degradation were highest for the shorter peptides (Met5- and Leu5-enkephalin) whereas beta-endorphin was nearly completely resistant to N-terminal hydrolysis. Km values for the microvascular aminopeptidase also decreased significantly with increasing peptide length (Km = 91.3 +/- 4.9 and 28.9 +/- 3.5 microM for Met5-enkephalin and Met5-enkephalin-Arg6-Phe7, respectively). Peptides known to be present within or in close proximity to cerebral vessels (e.g., neurotensin and substance P) competitively inhibited enkephalin degradation (Ki = 20.4 +/- 2.5 and 7.9 +/- 1.6 microM, respectively). These data suggest that cerebral microvascular aminopeptidase M may play a role in vivo in modulating peptide-mediated local cerebral blood flow, and in preventing circulating enkephalins from crossing the blood-brain barrier.     

Evaluation of a novel aminopeptidase N inhibitor, in vitro, using two assay systems

The activities of the novel aminopeptidase N inhibitor (APNI), beta-Amino-alpha-Hydroxyl-Phenyl butanic acid-Valine (AHPA-Val), were compared with APNI (amastatin). AHPA-Val and amastatin produced competitive inhibition of the hydrolysis of Tyr-Gly in the guinea-pig striatal membrane preparation, with K(i) equal to 14.06 microM and 12.48 microM respectively. Met-enkephalin-induced twitch inhibition of the guinea-pig ileum preparation was enhanced by AHPA-Val and amastatin with pA(1/2) values (the negative logarithm concentration of APNI that decreased the IC(50) of Met-enkephalin by half), of 7.08 and 7.79 respectively. These results suggest that AHPA-Val has good activity as an APNI and that these two assay systems are useful for evaluating the potency of novel APNIs.     

Purification and Characterization of Two Soluble C1−-Activated Arginyl Aminopeptidases from Human Brain and Their Endopeptidase Action on Neuropeptides

Two closely related Cl(-)-activated arginyl aminopeptidases (I and II) were purified from a soluble extract of postmortem human cerebral cortex by anion-exchange chromatography and preparative gel electrophoresis. The electrophoretic mobility of II was approximately 80% that of I; the molecular mass of both enzymes was approximately 70 kilodaltons (kDa) (gel filtration). The aminopeptidase action of I and II on aminoacyl-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin (AMC) substrates was restricted to the Arg and Lys derivatives. Both enzymes had significant endopeptidase activity, hydrolysing several biologically active peptides including neurotensin, bradykinin, angiotensin-I, substance P, luliberin, and somatostatin at internal bonds. Other peptides [Leu-enkephalin, proctolin, thyroliberin, adrenocorticotropin18-39 (ACTH18-39), ACTH11-24, and dynorphin (1-13)] were not appreciably hydrolysed. The amino- and endopeptidase activities had pH optima at 6.5 and 7, respectively, and were both inhibited by metal ion chelators and sulphydryl group blocking agents. The aminopeptidase activity was stimulated 20-fold by Cl- ions, whereas the endopeptidase activity was unaffected by the latter. Km values for neurotensin degradation were 20 microM (I) and 37 microM (II) and for Arg-AMC hydrolysis they were 167 microM (I) and 125 microM (II). The endopeptidase activity was not inhibited by the aminopeptidase inhibitors arphamenine or bestatin (IC50 = 9 nM and 0.1 microM, respectively, with Arg-AMC substrate).     

Aminopeptidase resistant Arg-Gly-Asp analogs are stable in plasma and inhibit platelet aggregation.

Tetrapeptides containing the sequence Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) antagonize fibrinogen binding to its platelet receptor (gp IIb/IIIa, integrin alpha IIb beta 3) and inhibit platelet aggregation in vitro. The peptides RGDS and RGDY(Me)-NH2 were rapidly degraded when incubated in human, rat, and dog plasma. HPLC analysis indicated that amino acids were sequentially removed from the peptide N-terminus, and this degradation was prevented by the aminopeptidase inhibitor bestatin. Analogs of RGDY(Me)-NH2 with an acetylated or deleted alpha-amino group were prepared. Both analogs were stable when incubated in plasma, blocked 125I-fibrinogen binding to activated platelets (IC50 = 10-30 microM) and inhibited ADP induced platelet aggregation (IC50 = 10-30 microM). This study concludes that aminopeptidase rapidly degrades RGD peptides in plasma, an important issue for in vivo testing of RGD peptides and analogs. RGD analogs intrinsically stabilized against aminopeptidase are stable in plasma and are important tools for antithrombotic studies involving antagonism of gp IIb/IIIa.     

Neuropeptide-degrading endopeptidase activity of locust (Schistocerca gregaria) synaptic membranes.

Locust adipokinetic hormone (AKH, pGlu-Leu-Asn-Phe-Thr-Pro-Asn-Trp-Gly-Thr-NH2) was used as the substrate to measure neuropeptide-degrading endopeptidase activity in neutral membranes from ganglia of the locust Schistocerca gregaria. Initial hydrolysis of AKH at neural pH by peptidases of washed neural membranes generated pGlu-Leu-Asn and Phe-Thr-Pro-Asn-Trp-Gly-Thr-NH2 as primary metabolites, demonstrating that degradation was initiated by cleavage of the Asn-Phe bond. Amastatin protected the C-terminal fragment from further metabolism by aminopeptidase activity without inhibiting AKH degradation. The same fragments were generated on incubation of AKH with purified pig kidney endopeptidase 24.11, and enzyme known to cleave peptide bonds that involve the amino group of hydrophobic amino acids. Phosphoramidon (10 microM), a selective inhibitor of mammalian endopeptidase 24.11, partially inhibited the endopeptidase activity of locust neural membranes. This phosphoramidon-sensitive activity was shown to enriched in a synaptic membrane preparation with around 80% of the activity being inhibited by 10 microM-phosphoramidon (IC50 = 0.2 microM). The synaptic endopeptidase was also inhibited by 1 mM-EDTA, 1 mM-1,10-phenanthroline and 1 microM-thiorphan, and the activity was maximal between pH 7.3 and 8.0. Localization of the phosphoramidon-sensitive enzyme in synaptic membranes is consistent with a physiological role for this endopeptidase in the metabolism of insect peptides at the synapse.     

Coprinus comatus damages nematode cuticles mechanically with spiny balls and produces potent toxins to immobilize nematodes

We reported recently a unique fungal structure, called the spiny ball, on the vegetative hyphae of Coprinus comatus (O. F. Müll.:Fr.) Pers. Although some observations regarding the role of this structure were presented, its function remained largely unknown. In this study, we showed that purified (isolated and washed) spiny balls could immobilize and kill the free-living nematode Panagrellus redivivus Goodey highly efficiently. Scanning electron microscopy studies illustrated that the spiny structure damaged the nematode cuticle, suggesting the presence of a mechanical force during the process of nematode immobilization. Severe injuries on nematode cuticles caused the leakage of inner materials of the nematodes. When these structures were ground in liquid nitrogen, their killing efficacy against nematodes was lost, indicating that the shape and the complete structure of the spiny balls are indispensable for their function. However, extraction with organic solvents never lowered their activity against P. redivivus, and the extracts showed no obvious effect on the nematode. We also investigated whether C. comatus was able to produce toxins which would aid in the immobilization of nematodes. In total, we identified seven toxins from C. comatus that showed activity to immobilize the nematodes P. redivivus and Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid et White) Chitwood. The chemical structures of these toxins were identified with nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, infrared, and UV spectrum analysis. Two compounds were found to be novel. The toxins found in C. comatus are O-containing heterocyclic compounds.     

The metabolism of neuropeptides. Phase separation of synaptic membrane preparations with Triton X-114 reveals the presence of aminopeptidase N.

The property of solutions of Triton X-114 to separate into detergent-rich and detergent-poor phases at 30 degrees C has been exploited to investigate the identities of the aminopeptidases in synaptic membrane preparations from pig striatum. When titrated with an antiserum to aminopeptidase N (EC 3.4.11.2), synaptic membranes solubilized with Triton X-100 revealed that this enzyme apparently comprises no more than 5% of the activity releasing tyrosine from [Leu]enkephalin. When assayed in the presence of puromycin, this proportion increased to 20%. Three integral membrane proteins were fractionated by phase separation in Triton X-114. Aminopeptidase activity, endopeptidase-24.11 and peptidyl dipeptidase A partitioned predominantly into the detergent-rich phase when kidney microvillar membranes were so treated. However, only 5.5% of synaptic membrane aminopeptidase activity partitioned into this phase, although the other peptidases behaved predictably. About half of the aminopeptidase activity in the detergent-rich phase could now be titrated with the antiserum, showing that aminopeptidase N is an integral membrane protein of this preparation. Three aminopeptidase inhibitors were investigated for their ability to discriminate between the different activities revealed by these experiments. Although amastatin was the most potent (IC50 = 5 X 10(-7) M) it failed to discriminate between pure kidney aminopeptidase N, the total activity of solubilized synaptic membranes and that in the Triton X-114-rich phase. Bestatin was slightly more potent for total activity (IC50 = 6.3 X 10(-6) M) than for the other two forms (IC50 = 1.6 X 10(-5) M). Puromycin was a weak inhibitor, but was more selective. The activity of solubilized membranes was more sensitive (IC50 = 1.6 X 10(-5) M) than that of the pure enzyme or the Triton X-114-rich phase (IC50 = 4 X 10(-4) M). We suggest that the puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase activity that predominates in crude synaptic membrane preparations may be a cytosolic contaminant or peripheral membrane protein rather than an integral membrane component. Aminopeptidase N may contribute to the extracellular metabolism of enkephalin and other susceptible neuropeptides in the brain.     

携带cip基因的酿酒酵母对自由生活线虫Panagrellus redivivus生长繁殖的影响

Photorhabdus luminescens细菌与昆虫病原异小杆属Heterorhabditis线虫专性共生。初生型共生细菌产生两种胞内晶体蛋白CipA and CipB,为共生线虫提供营养。为探索Cip蛋白是否对自由生活的全齿复活线虫Panagrellus redivivus具有类似的营养功能,建立了Cip蛋白的重组酿酒酵母表达体系,并用于饲喂无菌的P. redivivus线虫J1幼虫。重组酿酒酵母表达的Cip蛋白能为线虫所利用,表现为营养支持作用,体现为线虫生长发育速度的加快以及繁殖能力的提高,说明Cip蛋白能为此种自由生活线虫提供营养来源。     

白花除虫菊化学成分及其生物活性的研究

该研究应用柱层析法、薄层层析法和波谱法对白花除虫菊(Pyrethrum cinerariifolium)全株甲醇提取物进行分离纯化、结构鉴定,并分别采用 MTT 法、生物活性测定法和抑菌圈法测定所得化合物抗肿瘤、杀线虫和抑菌活性。结果表明：经波谱法鉴定化合物结构分别为 tulirinol (1),sesamin (2),β-cyclopyrethrosin (3)和3,5-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-7,8-dimethoxy-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (4)。抗肿瘤活性显示化合物3对白血病细胞株 HL-60、肝癌细胞株 SMMC-7721、肺癌细胞株 A-549、乳腺癌细胞株 MCF-7和结肠癌细胞株SW480均表现出显著的抑制活性,其 IC50分别为3.800、2.890、2.930、4.600和5.160μmol?L-1;化合物1活性比3稍弱,其 IC50分别为5.020、10.760、12.310、12.310和12.250μmol?L-1;其中化合物3对各肿瘤细胞株 IC50值均小于顺铂。抗菌活性表明化合物3对大肠杆菌、蜡样芽孢杆菌、枯草芽孢杆菌和金黄色葡萄球菌均表现出明显的抑菌活性,且随着浓度增加活性逐渐增强,而化合物1和化合物2仅对部分菌株表现出微弱抑菌活性;杀线虫活性显示化合物3对秀丽隐杆线虫和全齿复活线虫均表现出显著的毒杀活性,且随着时间、浓度增加活性逐渐增强;而在同一时间点对秀丽隐杆线虫的毒杀活性强于全齿复活线虫。从白花除虫菊中分离所得4个化合物均为首次从该植株中发现,且首次报道了化合物3杀线虫和抑菌活性,值得进一步开发应用。     

Development of a low-cost technology for mass production of the free-living nematode <Emphasis Type="Italic">Panagrellus redivivus</Emphasis> as an alternative live food for first feeding fish larvae

The free-living nematode Panagrellus redivivus is a suitable food source for first feeding fish. In the present report, a new method for the mass production of P. redivivus is presented. The technique involves multiplication of the nematode in monoxenic (single microorganism: Saccharomyces cerevisiae) solid culture (fluid media supported by 1- to 4-cm(3) sponge cubes) in autoclavable plastic bags (size range: 50 x 30 cm to 75 x 67 cm). Two growing media were tested: oat-meal medium (OM), which is an oat-based medium (16.7% oat-meal flour in 0.8% saline solution), and purified ingredient medium (PIM), a semi-synthetic medium (1.64% meat peptone, 0.94% yeast extract, 12.6% corn starch, 0.24% glucose, 1.48% sunflower oil, in 0.8% saline solution). The bags were inoculated with 350 nematodes/g medium. After an average period of 12 days (11-13 days) at 25 degrees C, the average yield (number of nematodes/g medium) was 241 x 10(3) for OM and 333 x 10(3) for PIM in 12-l bags (50 x 30 cm). The production scale has currently reached a bag volume of 50 l (75 x 67 cm); using PIM and the conditions described above, it was possible to harvest more than 1.3 x 10(9) nematodes/bag (291 x 10(3) nematodes/g medium). In PIM, when sun flower oil was replaced with the same amount of fish oil or cod liver oil, yields of 259 x 10(3) and 290 x 10(3) nematodes/g medium, respectively, were attained. The technology for mass production and formulation of P. redivivus should enable fish-hatchery operators to rely on a cheap, standardised, and permanently available live food product for first feeding fish larvae.     

Sterol biosynthesis in the free-living nematode Panagrellus redivivus

The fate of the known sterol precursor squalene 2,3-oxide was investigated in the free-living nematode Panagrellus redivivus. The nematodes were cultured axenically in the presence of [4-(3)H]squalene 2,3-oxide. Radioactivity was found in the total lipids of the isolated nematodes. Essentially all of the radioactivity encountered in the total lipids was found in the non-saponifiable fraction. The components present in the non-saponifiable fraction were separated and isolated by t.l.c. Three labelled components were identified by a combination of t.l.c., g.l.c. and mass spectroscopy. It is established that P. redivivus has the capacity for biosynthesis of lanosterol. No labelled C(27) sterols could be detected.     

A critical comparison of the hemolytic and fungicidal activities of cationic antimicrobial peptides.

The hemolytic and fungicidal activity of a number of cationic antimicrobial peptides was investigated. Histatins and magainins were inactive against human erythrocytes and Candida albicans cells in phosphate buffered saline, but displayed strong activity against both cell types when tested in 1 mM potassium phosphate buffer supplemented with 287 mM glucose. The HC50/IC50 ratio, indicative of the therapeutic index, was about 30 for all peptides tested. PGLa was most hemolytic (HC50 = 0.6 microM) and had the lowest therapeutic index (HC50/IC50 = 0.5). Susceptibility to hemolysis was shown to increase with storage duration of the erythrocytes and also significant differences were found between blood collected from different individuals. In this report, a sensitive assay is proposed for the testing of the hemolytic activities of cationic peptides. This assay detects subtle differences between peptides and allows the comparison between the hemolytic and fungicidal potency of cationic peptides.     

Panagrellus redivivus: failure to find evidence for the occurrence and biosynthesis of sialic acids.

The occurrence of sialic acids in the free-living nematode Panagrellus redivivus was studied by periodate oxidation/[3H]sodium borohydride reduction of about 10(7) nematodes. In parallel, the capability of sialic acid biosynthesis was examined by metabolic labeling of the same number of nematodes with N-[3H]acetylmannosamine. In both experiments, radioactivity was incorporated into the nematodes. Mild acid hydrolysis, however, did not release radioactively labeled sialic acids or derivatives as tested by radio thin-layer chromatography, suggesting that P. redivivus does not contain or synthesize sialic acids.