Release of NO by a nitrosyl complex upon activation by the mitochondrial reducing power

The reaction of trans-[Ru(NH(3))(4)P(OEt)(3)NO](3+) and mitochondria was investigated through differential pulse polarography and fluorimetry. The nitrosyl complex undergoes one-electron reduction centered on the NO ligand site. The reaction between the mitochondrial reductor and trans-[Ru(NH(3))(4)P(OEt)(3)NO](3+) exhibits a second order specific rate constant calculated as k=2 x 10(1) M(-1) s(-1). The reduced species, trans-[Ru(NH(3))(4)P(OEt)(3)NO](2+), quickly releases NO, yielding trans-[Ru(NH(3))(4)P(OEt)(3)H(2)O](2+). The low toxicities of both trans-[Ru(NH(3))(4)P(OEt)(3)(NO)](2+) and trans-[Ru(NH(3))(4)P(OEt)(3)H(2)O](2+) and its ability to release NO after reductive activation in a biological medium make the nitrosyl compound a useful model of a hypotensive drug.     

trans-[Ru(NO)(NH3)4(py)](BF4)3.H2O encapsulated in PLGA microparticles for delivery of nitric oxide to B16-F10 cells: Cytotoxicity and phototoxicity

The NO donor trans-[Ru(NO)(NH(3))(4)(py)](BF(4))(3).H(2)O (py=pyridine) was loaded into poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microparticles using the double emulsification technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering revealed that the particles are spherical in shape, have a diameter of 1600nm, and have low tendency to aggregate. The entrapment efficiency was 25%. SEM analysis of the melanoma cell B16-F10 in the presence of the microparticles containing the complex trans-[Ru(NO)(NH(3))(4)(py)](BF(4))(3).H(2)O (pyMP) showed that the microparticles were adhered to the cell surface after 2h of incubation. The complex with concentrations lower than 1x10(-4)M did not show toxicity in B16-F10 murine cells. The complex in solution is toxic at higher concentrations (>1x10(-3)M), with cell death attributed to NO release following the reduction of the complex. pyMP is not cytotoxic due to the lower bioavailability and availability of the entrapped complex to the medium and its reducing agents. However, pyMP is phototoxic upon light irradiation. The phototoxicity strongly suggests that cell death is due to NO release from trans-[Ru(NO)(NH(3))(4)(py)](3+). This work shows that pyMP can serve as a model for a drug delivery system carrying the NO donor trans-[Ru(NO)(NH(3))(4)(py)](BF(4))(3).H(2)O, which can release NO locally at the tumor cell by irradiation with light only.     

The influence of NO-containing ruthenium complexes on mouse hippocampal evoked potentials in vitro

The influence of different, nitric oxide-containing ruthenium complexes on the evoked potentials recorded from the CA1 region of the mouse hippocampus in vitro has been investigated. Of the compounds tested, only trans-[(NO)(P(OEt)3)(NH3)4Ru](PF6)3 (1-2.5 mM) exerted a strong facilitatory action on the population spike, the EPSP, and the spontaneous activity. Its activity probably depends upon its ability to release NO following reduction. The phosphito ligand is important both in terms of adjusting the reduction potential of the complex to be biologically accessible and in labilizing the coordinated NO. The effects of this compound could not be reversed by perfusion. Scavenging NO in slices preincubated with oxyhemoglobin prior to the addition of this compound eliminated its neurophysiological effects. The control molecules trans-[(P(OEt)3)2(NH3)4Ru](PF6)2, trans-[(H2O)(P(OEt)3) (NH3)4Ru](PF6)3, and [(NO)(NH3)5Ru]Cl3, which are structurally similar, but unable to generate NO, were ineffective. NaNO2 suppressed neuronal firing. Attempts to induce Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) at the time of maximal effect of trans-[(NO)(P(OEt)3)(NH3)4Ru](PF6)3 were unsuccessful, suggesting that the mechanism of amplification induced by trans-[(NO)(P(OEt)3)(NH3)4Ru](PF6)3 and LTP may share common pathways.     

The macrocyclic effect and vasodilation response based on the photoinduced nitric oxide release from trans-[RuCl(tetraazamacrocycle)NO](2+)

Irradiation of trans-[RuCl(cyclam)(NO)](2+), cyclam is 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane, at pHs 1-7.4, with near UV light results in the release of NO and formation of trans-[Ru(III)Cl(OH)(cyclam)](+) with pH dependent quantum yields (from approximately 0.01 to 0.16 mol Einstein(-1)) lower than that for trans-[RuCl([15]aneN(4))(NO)](2+), [15]aneN(4) is 1,4,8,12-tetaazacyclopentadecane, (0.61 mol Einstein(-1)). After irradiation with 355 nm light, the trans-[RuCl([15]aneN(4))(NO)](2+) induces relaxation of the aortic ring, whereas the trans-[RuCl(cyclam)(NO)](2+) complex does not. The relaxation observed with trans-[RuCl([15]aneN(4))(NO)](2+) is consistent with a larger quantum yield of release of NO from this complex.     

Hypotensive properties and acute toxicity of trans-[Ru(NH(3))(4)P(OEt)(3)(NO)](PF(6))(3), a new nitric oxide donor.

The hypotensive effect and the acute toxicity of trans-[Ru(NH(3))(4)P(OEt)(3)(NO)](PF(6))(3) (RuNO) were investigated in conscious animals. The approximate lethal dose of RuNO is 257.5 micromol/kg in mice i.p. and the IC(50) values evaluated for V79 culture cell cytotoxicity were higher than 2.0 mM, suggesting that the ruthenium species are significantly less toxic than Na(2)[Fe(CN)(5)(NO)] (SNP) species. The RuNO hypotensive effect measured through in-bolus intravenous administration in chronically instrumented normotensive and hypotensive adult male Wistar rats is similar to that exhibited by equivalent doses of SNP. The hypotensive effect of the ruthenium complex is fully inhibited by methylene blue and PTIO, suggesting that the RuNO effect is likely to be primarily dependent on the NO-[cGMP] pathway in the smooth muscle cells.     

Synthesis and characterization of polypyridineruthenium(II) complexes containing a linear ambidentate ligand, NCO or NCS, and reaction of isocyanato complexes under acidic conditions

Isocyanato and isothiocyanatopolypyridineruthenium complexes, [Ru(NCX)Y(bpy)(py)₂]ⁿ⁺ (bpy=2,2′-bipyridine, PY=pyridine; X=O, Y=NO₂ for n=0, and Y=py for n=1; X=S, Y=NO₂ for n=0, Y=NO for n=2, and Y=py for n=1), were synthesized by the reaction of polypyridineruthenium complexes with potassium cyanate or sodium thiocyanate salt. Isocyanatoruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(NCO)(NO₂)(bpy)(py)₂] and [Ru(NCO)(bpy)(py)₃]⁺, react under acidic conditions to form the corresponding ammineruthenium complexes, [Ru(NO)(NH₃)(bpy)(py)₂]³⁺. The molecular structures of [Ru(NCO)(bpy)(py)₃]ClO₄, [Ru(NCS)(NO)(bpy)(py)₂](PF₆)₂ and [Ru(NO)(NH₃)(bpy)(py)₂](PF₆)₃ were determined by X-ray crystallography.     

The [Ru(Hedta)NO](0.1-) system: structure, chemical reactivity and biological assays

The [Ru(II)(Hedta)NO(+)] complex is a diamagnetic species crystallizing in a distorted octahedral geometry, with the Ru-N(O) length 1.756(4) A and the RuNO angle 172.3(4) degrees . The complex contains one protonated carboxylate (pK(a)=2.7+/-0.1). The [Ru(II)(Hedta)NO(+)] complex undergoes a nitrosyl-centered one-electron reduction (chemical or electrochemical), with E(NO+/NO)=-0.31 V vs SCE (I=0.2 M, pH 1), yielding [Ru(II)(Hedta)NO](-), which aquates slowly: k(-NO)=2.1+/-0.4x10(-3) s(-1) (pH 1.0, I=0.2 M, CF(3)COOH/NaCF(3)COO, 25 degrees C). At pHs>12, the predominant species, [Ru(II)(edta)NO](-), reacts according to [Ru(II)(edta)NO](-)+2OH(-)-->[Ru(II)(edta)NO(2)](3-), with K(eq)=1.0+/-0.4 x 10(3) M(-2) (I=1.0 M, NaCl; T=25.0+/-0.1 degrees C). The rate-law is first order in each of the reactants for most reaction conditions, with k(OH(-))=4.35+/-0.02 M(-1)s(-1) (25.0 degrees C), assignable mechanistically to the elementary step comprising the attack of one OH(-) on [Ru(II)(edta)NO](-), with subsequent fast deprotonation of the [Ru(II)(edta)NO(2)H](2-) intermediate. The activation parameters were DeltaH(#)=60+/-1 kJ/mol, DeltaS(#)=-31+/-3 J/Kmol, consistent with a nucleophilic addition process between likely charged ions. In the toxicity up-and-down tests performed with Swiss mice, no death was observed in all the doses administered (3-9.08 x 10(-5) mol/kg). The biodistribution tests performed with Wistar male rats showed metal in the liver, kidney, urine and plasma. Eight hours after the injection no metal was detected in the samples. The vasodilator effect of [Ru(II)(edta)NO](-) was studied in aortic rings without endothelium, and was compared with sodium nitroprusside (SNP). The times of maximal effects of [Ru(II)(edta)NO](-) and SNP were 2 h and 12 min, respectively, suggesting that [Ru(II)(edta)NO](-) releases NO slowly to the medium in comparison with SNP.     

Similar binding of the carcinostatic drugs cis-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2] and [Ru(NH3)5Cl] Cl2 to tRNAphe and a comparison with the binding of the inactive trans-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2] complex - reluctance in binding to Watson-Crick base pairs within double helix.

A comparative study of the binding of square planar cis- and trans-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2] complexes and the octahedral [Ru(NH3)5(H2O)]3+ complex to tRNAphe from yeast was carried out by X-ray crystallography. Both of the carcinostatic compounds, cis-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2] and [Ru(NH3)5(H2O)]3+ show similarities in their mode of binding to tRNA. These complexes bind specifically to the N(7) positions of guanines G15 and G18 in the dihydrouridine loop. [Ru(NH3)5(H2O)]3+ has an additional binding site at N(7) of residue G1 after extensive soaking times (58 days). A noncovalent binding site for ruthenium is also observed in the deep groove of the acceptor stem helix with shorter (25 days) soaking time. The major binding site for the inactive trans-[Pt(NH3)Cl2] complex is at the N(1) position of residue A73, with minor trans-Pt binding sites at the N(7) positions of residues Gm34, G18 and G43. The similarities in the binding modes of cis-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2] and [Ru(NH3)5(H2O)]3+ are expected to be related to their carcinostatic properties.     

Syntheses,characterization and X-ray structures of the fac-[RuCl3(NO)(dppe)] and the trans-[RuCl(NO)(dppe)2]2+ species

Trans-[RuCl(NO)(dppe)2]2+ species were prepared. The complexes have been characterized by microanalysis, IR and 31P[1H] NMR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The trans-[RuCl(NO)(dppe)2](ClO4)2 complex shows a reversible one-electron-reduction process at E(1/2) = 0.200 V and another one-electron-reduction irreversible process at -0.620 V, both centered at the NO+ group. The dissociation of the NO group from the trans-[RuCl(NO)(dppe)2]2+ after two one-electron reductions results in the formation of the trans- and cis-[RuCl2(dppe)2] isomers. The product of an electrolyzed solution of the same complex at -0.300 V shows an EPR signal consistent with the presence of the [RuCl(NO(0))(dppe)2]+ complex. Crystal data for trans-[RuCl(NO)(dppe)2]2+*[RuCl4(NO)(H2O)]*1/2[RuCl6]4-*2[H2O] (I) and trans-[RuCl(NO)(dppe)(2)]2+*2[RuCl4(NO)(CH3O)]-*3[CH3OH] (II) are as follow: (I) Space group P-1, a=10.4040(3) A, b=12.3470(4) A, c=23.5620(8) A, alpha=95.885(2) degrees, beta=99.608(2) degrees, gamma=104.378(2) degrees, R=0.0521; (II) space group P-1, a=10.9769(2) A, b=13.2753(3) A, c=24.0287(4) A, alpha=99.743(1) degrees, beta=95.847(1) degrees, gamma=97.549(1) degrees; R=0.0496. The fac-[RuCl3(NO)(dppe)] (III) complex has been also prepared; its crystal data are: space group P2(1)/n (No. 14), a=11.841(2) A, b=13.775(2) A, c=16.295(4) A, beta=92.81(2) degrees; R1=0.0395.     

The rate of nitrite reduction in leaves as indicated by O₂ and CO₂ exchange during photosynthesis

Light response (at 300 ppm CO(2) and 10-50 ppm O(2) in N(2)) and CO(2) response curves [at absorbed photon fluence rate (PAD) of 550 μmol m(-2) s(-1)] of O(2) evolution and CO(2) uptake were measured in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) leaves grown on either NO(3)(-) or NH(4)(+) as N source and in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), and amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) leaves grown on NH(4)NO(3). Photosynthetic O(2) evolution in excess of CO(2) uptake was measured with a stabilized zirconia O(2) electrode and an infrared CO(2) analyser, respectively, and the difference assumed to represent the rate of electron flow to acceptors alternative to CO(2), mainly NO(2)(-), SO(4)(2-), and oxaloacetate. In NO(3)(-)-grown tobacco, as well as in sorghum, amaranth, and young potato, the photosynthetic O(2)-CO(2) flux difference rapidly increased to about 1 μmol m(-2) s(-1) at very low PADs and the process was saturated at 50 μmol quanta m(-2) s(-1). At higher PADs the O(2)-CO(2) flux difference continued to increase proportionally with the photosynthetic rate to a maximum of about 2 μmol m(-2) s(-1). In NH(4)(+)-grown tobacco, as well as in potato during tuber filling, the low-PAD component of surplus O(2) evolution was virtually absent. The low-PAD phase was ascribed to photoreduction of NO(2)(-) which successfully competes with CO(2) reduction and saturates at a rate of about 1 μmol O(2) m(-2) s(-1) (9% of the maximum O(2) evolution rate). The high-PAD component of about 1 μmol O(2) m(-2) s(-1), superimposed on NO(2)(-) reduction, may represent oxaloacetate reduction. The roles of NO(2)(-), oxaloacetate, and O(2) reduction in the regulation of ATP/NADPH balance are discussed.     

Preparation, cytotoxicity and interactions with nucleophiles of three isomeric transplatinum complexes containing methylpiperidine ligands

Three isomeric complexes, trans-[PtCl2(NH3)(2-methylpiperidine)], trans-[PtCl2(NH3)(3-methylpiperidine)] and trans-[PtCl2(NH3)(4-methylpiperidine)], were prepared and their cytotoxicities against six ovarian cancer cell lines, three sensitive and three resistant to cisplatin, were measured. There were no significant differences in the cytotoxicities of the three isomers against these cell lines. The interactions of the three complexes with reduced glutathione (GSH) and with ubiquitin (Ub), as a model protein, were studied. The trans-[PtCl2(NH3)(2-methylpiperidine)] reacted approximately twice as slowly with GSH as did the other two isomers. In the 1:1 interactions of the three complexes with ubiquitin (Mr = 8565 amu), trans-[PtCl2(NH3)(3-methylpiperidine)] and trans-[PtCl2(NH3)(4-methylpiperidine)] attained 100% modification while trans-[PtCl2(NH3)(2-methylpiperidine)] reached only less than 50% modification. Trans-[PtCl2(NH3)(2-methylpiperidine)] reacts significantly less efficiently with GSH and proteins than the other two isomers yet this is not reflected in the cytotoxicity values. These results indicate that for these complexes, in these cell lines, cytosolic detoxification probably does not play a dominant role in determining the cytotoxicity of the complexes.     

A nitrosyl hydride complex of a heme model [Ru(ttp)(HNO)(1-MeIm)] (ttp=tetratolylporphyrinato dianion)

Hydride reduction of the bound nitrosyl ligand in [Ru(ttp)(NO)(1-MeIm)]BF(4) (upsilon NO 1862 cm(-1); ttp=tetratolylporphyrinato dianion) by sodium borohydride in anhydrous methanol leads to the generation of the first experimentally observable heme-model-HNO complex [Ru(ttp)(HNO)(1-MeIm)] in 77% isolated yield. The (1)H NMR spectrum of the compound in CDCl(3) shows a downfield resonance at 13.64 ppm assigned to the proton of the HNO ligand, and this peak splits into a doublet (JNH Hz) in the [Ru(ttp)(H(15)NO)(1-MeIm)] derivative. The IR spectrum of the solid as a KBr pellet reveals a strong band at 1380 cm(-1) assigned to upsilon NO; this band shifts to 1348 cm(-1) in the isotope-labeled [Ru(ttp)(H(15)NO)(1-MeIm)].     

Electrochemiluminescence determination of codeine or morphine with an organically modified silicate film immobilizing Ru(bpy)3(2+).

An ECL approach was developed for the determination of codeine or morphine based on tris(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)) immobilized in organically modified silicates (ORMOSILs). Tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) and dimethyldimethoxysilane (DiMe-DiMOS) were selected as co-precursors for ORMOSILs, which were then immobilized on a surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by a dip-coating process. Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) was immobilized in the ORMOSIL film via ion-association with poly(p-styrenesulphonate). The ORMOSIL-modified GCE presented good electrochemical and photochemical activities. In a flow system, the eluted codeine or morphine was oxidized on the modified GCE and reacted with immobilized Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) at a potential of +1.20 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The modified electrode was used for the ECL determination of codeine or morphine and showed high sensitivity. The calibration curves were linear in the range 2 x 10(-8)-5 x 10(-5) mol/L for codeine and 1 x 10(-7)-3 x 10(-4) mol/L for morphine. The detection limit was 5 x 10(-9) mol/L for codeine and 3 x 10(-8) mol/L for morphine, at signal:noise ratio (S:N)=3. Both codeine and morphine showed reproducibility with RSD values <2.5% at 1.0 x 10(-6) mol/L. Furthermore, the modified electrode immobilized Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) was applied to the ECL determination of codeine or morphine in incitant samples.     

Effect of surface charges on the rates of intermolecular electron-transfer between de novo designed metalloproteins

A de novo designed coiled-coil metalloprotein was prepared that uses electrostatic interactions to control both its conformational and bimolecular electron-transfer properties. The title protein exists as a coiled-coil heterodimer of the [Ru(trpy)(bpy)-KK(37-mer)] and [Ru(NH(3))(5)-EE(37-mer)] polypeptides which is formed by interhelix electrostatic attractions. Circular dichroism studies show that the electrostatic heterodimer has K(d) = 0.19 +/- 0.03 microM and is 96% helical at high concentrations. Intercomplex electron-transfer reactions were studied that involve the [Ru(NH(3))(5)-H21](2+) electron-donor and the [Ru(trpy)(bpy)-H21](3+) electron-acceptor belonging to different electrostatic dimers. An important feature of the designed metalloprotein is its two cationic redox centers embedded within protein surfaces having opposite charge. Thus, the Ru(II)(NH(3))(5)-H21 site was placed on the surface of one chain of the coiled-coil which was made to be positively charged, and the Ru(III)(trpy)(bpy)-H21 site was placed on the surface of the other chain which was negatively charged. The rates of intermolecular electron-transfer increased from (1.9 +/- 0.4) x 10(7) M(-1) s(-1) to (3.7 +/- 0.5) x 10(7) M(-1) s(-1) as the ionic strength was increased from 0.01 to 0.20 M. This indicates that the electrostatic repulsion between the ruthenium centers dominates the kinetics of these reactions. However, the presence of the oppositely charged protein surfaces in the coiled-coils creates an electrostatic recognition domain that substantially ameliorates the effects of this repulsion.     

Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen and sulphur compounds in the Czech Republic

Estimates of dry and wet deposition of nitrogen and sulphur compounds in the Czech Republic for the years 1994 and 1998 are presented. Deposition has been estimated from monitored and modeled concentrations in the atmosphere and in precipitation, where the most important acidifying compounds are sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and their reaction products. Measured atmospheric concentrations of SO2, NOx, NH3, and aerosol particles (SO4(2-), NO3-, and NH4+), along with measured concentrations of SO4(2-), NO3-, and NH4+ in precipitation, weighted by precipitation amounts, were interpolated with Kriging technique on a 10- x 10-km grid covering the whole Czech Republic. Wet deposition was derived from concentration values for SO4(2-), NO3-, and NH4+ in precipitation and from precipitation amounts. Dry deposition was derived from concentrations of gaseous components and aerosol in the air, and from their deposition velocities. A multiple resistance model was used for calculation of SO2, NOx, and NH3 deposition velocities. Deposition velocities of particles were parameterized. It was estimated that the annual average deposition of SOx in the Czech Republic decreased from 1384 to 1027 mol H + ha(-1) a(-1) between 1994 and 1998. The annual average NOy deposition was estimated to be 972 and 919 mol H + ha(-1) a(-1) in 1994 and 1998, respectively. The annual average NHx deposition was estimated to be 887 mol H+ ha(-1) a(-1) and 779 mol H + ha(-1) a(-1) in 1994 and 1998, respectively. It was estimated that the annual average of the total potential acid deposition decreased from 3243 to 2725 mol H + ha(-1) a(-1) between 1994 and 1998. Sulphur compounds (SOx) contributed about 38%, oxidized nitrogen species (NOy) 34%, and reduced nitrogen species (NHx) 28% to the total potential acid deposition in 1998. The wet deposition contributed 42% to the total potential acid deposition in 1998.     

Modulation of the chemical and biological properties of trans platinum complexes: monofunctional platinum complexes containing one nucleobase as potential antiviral chemotypes

Replacement of one of the chloride leaving groups in trans-[PtCl2(NH3)(L)] by the nucleobase 9-ethylguanine gives the nucleobase cations [SP-4-2]-[PtCl(9-ethylguanine)(NH3)(L)]+ (L = NH3, 1; L = quinoline, 3), which are models for the monofunctional adduct on DNA. Displacement of Cl- in 1 and 3 by either 5'-guanosine monophosphate (5'-GMP) or N-acetyl-L-methionine (N-AcMet) showed clear kinetic preference for the sulfur (estimated half-lives of 1.5 and 4 h with N-AcMet against 7 and 17 h for 5'-GMP for 1 and 3, respectively). To further examine the kinetic preference, 1-methylcytosine (1-MeCyt) analogs were prepared, [SP-4-2]-[PtCl(1-Me-Cyt)(NH3)(L)]+ (L=NH3, 2; L=quinoline, 4). The -MeCyt compounds, 2 and 4, resulted in slower rates of substitution by both 5'-GMP and N-AcMet in comparison to 1 and 3 (estimated half-lives for N-AcMet of 5 and 13.5 h and for 5'-GMP of 6 and 14 h for 2 and 4, respectively). Interestingly in this case, however, no selectivity for the sulfur site was observed, a possible explanation being that molecular recognition across the square plane enhances the rate of reaction with 5'-GMP. The affinity of 3 towards S-donor ligands was exploited to remove zinc from the zinc-finger site of the C-terminal finger of the HIV-nucleocapsid protein, NCp7. The ability to eject zinc further suggested the biological antiviral application of [SP-4-2]-[PtCl(nucleobase)(NH3)(L)]+. A preliminary survey against HIV and herpes viruses indeed showed encouraging results with some antiviral specificity, dependent on the exact nature of the compound. The initial results suggest consideration of [SP-4-2]-[PtCl(nucleobase)(NH3)(L)]+ as a novel antiviral chemotype.     

Determination of iodide using flow injection with acidic potassium permanganate chemiluminescence detection.

A simple and rapid flow-injection method is described for the determination of iodide, based on potassium permanganate chemiluminescence detection via oxidation of formaldehyde in aqueous hydrochloric acid. The calibration graph was linear over the range 1.0-12 x 10(-6) mol/L (r2 = 0.9955) with relative standard deviations (n = 4) in the range 1.0-3.5%. The detection limit (3sigma) was 1.0 x 10(-7) mol/L, with sample throughput of 120/h. The effect of interfering cations [Ca(II), Mg(II), Ni(II), Fe(II), Fe(III) and Pb(II)] and anions (Cl-, SO4(2-), PO4(3-), NO3-, NO2-, F- and SO3(2-)) were studied. The method was applied to iodized salt samples and the results obtained in the range 0.03 +/- 0.005 - 0.10 +/- 0.006 mg I/g were in reasonable agreement with the amount labelled. The method was statistically compared with the results obtained by titration; no significant disagreement at 95% confidence was observed.     

Photocytotoxic activity of a nitrosyl phthalocyanine ruthenium complex--a system capable of producing nitric oxide and singlet oxygen

The synthesis, structural aspects, pharmacological assays, and in vitro photoinduced cytotoxic properties of [Ru(NO)(ONO)(pc)] (pc = phthalocyanine) are described. Its biological effect on the B16F10 cell line was studied in the presence and absence of visible light irradiation. At comparable irradiation levels, [Ru(NO)(ONO)(pc)] was more effective than [Ru(pc)] at inhibiting cell growth, suggesting that occurrence of nitric oxide release following singlet oxygen production upon light irradiation may be an important mechanism by which the nitrosyl ruthenium complex exhibits enhanced biological activity in cells. Following visible light activation, the [Ru(NO)(ONO)(pc)] complex displayed increased potency in B16F10 cells upon modifications to the photoinduced dose; indeed, enhanced potency was detected when the nitrosyl ruthenium complex was encapsulated in a drug delivery system. The liposome containing the [Ru(NO)(ONO)(pc)] complex was over 25% more active than the corresponding ruthenium complex in phosphate buffer solution. The activity of the complex was directly proportional to the ruthenium amount present inside the cell, as determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the photocytotoxic activity was mainly due to apoptosis. Furthermore, the vasorelaxation induced by [Ru(NO)(ONO)(pc)], proposed as NO carrier, was studied in rat isolated aorta. The observed vasodilation was concentration-dependent. Taken together, the present findings demonstrate that the [Ru(NO)(ONO)(pc)] complex induces vascular relaxation and could be a potent anti-tumor agent. Nitric oxide release following singlet oxygen production upon visible light irradiation on a nitrosyl ruthenium complex produces two radicals and may elicit phototoxic responses that may find useful applications in photodynamic therapy.     

林肯链霉菌丙氨酸脱氢酶的纯化和性质

采用硫酸铵分级沉淀、DEAE-纤维素52柱层析、亲和蓝柱层析和琼脂糖凝胶Sepharose6B柱层析的方法,分离纯化了林肯链霉菌丙氨酸脱氢酶,用聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳鉴定为单一组分。以凝胶过滤和聚丙烯酰胺梯度凝胶电泳测得该酶的分子量为170000,SDS-聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳测得其亚基分子量为42500,表明林肯链霉菌丙氨酸脱氢酶由四个相同的亚基组成。该酶加氨反应最适pH为9．0,脱氨反应最适pH为9．5,加氨反应和脱氨反应的最适温度均为50℃。加氨反应丙氨酸脱氢酶的表现米氏常数km值为：丙酮酸2．08×10－4mol／L,NH4+2．00×10-2mol／L,NADH2．38×10-5mol／L;脱氨反应的Km为：L-Ala1．43×10-2mol／L;NAD+6．67×10-5mol／L。     

The reduction of (ImH)[<Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis>-Ru<Superscript>III</Superscript>Cl<Subscript>4</Subscript>(dmso)(Im)] under physiological conditions: preferential reaction of the reduced complex with human serum albumin

A systematic study of the reduction of (ImH)[trans-RuCl(4)(dmso)(Im)] (NAMI-A; dmso is dimethyl sulfoxide, Im is imidazole), a promising antimetastasing agent, by L: -ascorbic acid under physiological conditions is reported. Under blood plasma conditions (pH 7.4, 0.1-0.15 M NaCl , 37 degrees C) the rapid reduction of trans-[Ru(III)Cl(4)(dmso)(Im)](-) results in the formation of trans-[Ru(II)Cl(4)(dmso)(Im)](2-) within seconds, and is followed by successive dissociation of the chloride ligands, whereas neither dmso nor imidazole ligands are released during the reaction. Under our experimental conditions, the formation of the ascorbate dianion is the rate-determining step, and once it has formed it reacts rapidly with NAMI-A. Moreover, the NAMI-A complex is very unstable at physiological pH (7.4); therefore, the hydrolysis of NAMI-A cannot be excluded as a competing reaction. During hydrolysis, aquated derivatives via stepwise dissociation of chloride and dmso ligands are formed, and most of these species have a higher redox potential and are expected to be even more easily reduced by ascorbic acid. Thus, it is very likely that the reduced form of NAMI-A or the reduction products of its hydrolytic derivatives react with albumin. The reaction of reduced NAMI-A with human serum albumin leads to the formation of stable adducts, with a binding efficiency very similar to that of the parent complex, viz., 3.2 +/- 0.3 and 4.0 +/- 0.4 mol of Ru(II) and Ru(III) per mole of albumin, respectively, however with a significantly higher reactivity.