萹蓄的化学成分研究

从药用植物蓄 (Polygonumaviculare)全草的丙酮提取物中分离鉴定了 10个化合物 ,经波谱学鉴定为 :山奈酚 (kaempferol) (1) ,槲皮素 (quercetin) (2 ) ,胡桃宁 (juglanin) (3) ,黄芪甙 (astragalin) (4) ,蓄甙 (avicularin) (5 ) ,槲皮甙 (quercetrin) (6 ) ,杨梅树皮甙 (myricitrin) (7) ,desmanthin 1(8) ,loliolide(9)和丁香脂素 (syringaresinol) (10 )。其中 ,化合物 (8) ,(9) ,(10 )为首次从该植物中分离得到。     

肾茶的化学成分

从肾茶 (Clerodendranthusspicatus)的地上部分共分离了 19个化合物 ,分别被鉴定为 5 羟基 7,3′ ,4′ 三甲氧基黄酮 (1) ,鼠尾草素 (2 ) ,5 羟基 6 ,7,3′ ,4′ 四甲氧基黄酮 (3) ,泽兰黄素 (4 ) ,3′ 羟基 5 ,7,8,4′ 四甲氧基黄酮 (5 ) ,异橙黄酮 (6 ) ,黄芪苷 (7) ,异槲皮素 (8) ,咖啡酸 (9) ,对 -羟基苯甲醛 (10 ) ,对 -羟基苯甲酸 (11) ,原儿茶醛 (12 ) ,原儿茶酸 (13) ,3,4 二羟基苯酰甲醇 (14 ) ,迷迭香酸 (15 ) ,迷迭香酸乙酯 (16 ) ,秦皮乙素(17) ,neoorthosipholA (18)和β 谷甾醇 (19)。迷迭香酸和其它酚性化合物可能与该植物的抗菌、消炎的药效有着直接的关系。     

鬼针草中一个新的查耳酮甙

从鬼针草BidenspilosaL .地上部分的丙酮提取物中 ,分离鉴定了 1 8个化合物 ,其中包括一个新的查耳酮甙类化合物 (α,3,2′,4′ tetrahydroxy 2′ O β D glucopyranosylchalcone,2 )。其它化合物分别鉴定为butein (1 ) ,okanin 4 methylether 3′ O β glucoside (3) ,sulfuretin (4) ,6 ,7,3′,4′ tetrahydroxyaurone (5) ,海生菊苷 (maritimein ,6) ,(Z ) 6 O (6″ acetyl β D glucopyr anosyl) 6 ,7,3′,4′ tetrahydroxy aurone (7) ,(Z ) 6 O (4″,6″ diacetyl β D glucopyranosyl) 6 ,7,3′,4′ tetrahydroxy aurone (8) ,(Z ) 6 O (3″,4″,6″ triacetyl β D glucopyranosyl) 6 ,7,3′,4′ tetrahydroxy aurone (9) ,木犀草素 (luteolin ,1 0 ) ,槲皮素 (quercetin,1 1 ) ,异槲皮苷 (iso quercitrin,1 2 ) ,芦丁 (rutin,1 3) ,黄芪苷 (astragalin,1 4 ) ,quercetin 3,4′ dimethylether 7 O rutinoside (1 5) ,反式丁烯二酸 (1 6) ,2 β D glucopyranosyloxy 1 hydroxy trideca 3 ,5,7,9,1 1 pentayne (1 7)和 3 β D glucopyranosyloxy 1 hydroxy 6 (E ) tetradecene 8,1 0 ,1 2 triyne (1 8)。     

唐古特瑞香的化学成分研究

从唐古特瑞香(Daphne tangutica Maxim)95%乙醇提取物石油醚部分分离得到14个化合物,通过波谱学方法鉴定为β-谷甾醇(1)、β-胡萝卜苷(2)、2,4-二羟基-3,6-二甲基苯甲酸甲酯(3)、蛇床子素(4)、植物醇(5)、软脂酸(6)、stigmast-5-ene-3β,7α-diol(7)、(-)-lariciresinol(8)、daphnetin(9)、daphnoretin(10)、(-)-丁香树脂醇(11)、( )-medioresinol(12)、daphnelicin(13)和咖啡酸二十二酯(14)。     

基于SRAP分子标记的海南沼虾种群遗传多样性

为了调查我国海南沼虾(Macrobrachium hainanense)不同地理种群遗传多样性及遗传分化状况,本文采用序列相关扩增多态性(sequence-related amplified polymorphism,SRAP)标记对我国南方瓯江(OJ)、闽江(MJ)、珠江(PR)、万泉河(WQ)、昌化江(CH)等5个海南沼虾种群的遗传多样性进行了研究。共得到255个清晰、稳定的位点,平均多态位点比例为47.05%,由小到大依次为:PR(43.92%)=WQ(43.92%)相似文献   

茶树花香气及茶叶气味对中华蜜蜂的引诱效应

我国茶园面积约占全球的60%,茶树花已成为我国主要植物蜜源之一,尤其在秋冬季。茶树花招引蜜蜂的机理尚不清晰,遂以中华蜜蜂Apis cerana cerana为试虫,以8个国家级良种茶树的鲜花、茶树花主要香气组分和茶鲜叶重要挥发性组分为味源,用Y形嗅觉仪进行行为测定,结果表明:①在0.25—5.00 g质量范围内,不仅8个良种茶树的鲜花明显引诱该蜂,而且每种茶树花质量为某一确定值时,其引诱的蜂数与CK(洁净空气)引诱的蜂数差异显著(P0.05);②在茶树花27个主要香气组分中,发现苯乙酮(10~(-6) g/mL)、芳樟醇(10~(-6)、10~(-2) g/mL)、莰烯(10~(-4) g/mL)、顺-3-己烯-1-醇(10~(-10) g/mL)、α-法尼烯(10~(-6)、10~(-4)、10~(-2) g/mL)、癸醛(10~(-6) g/mL)、β-紫罗兰酮(10~(-6) g/mL)、亚油酸(10~(-4)、10~(-2) g/mL)、顺-2-戊烯-1-醇(10~(-4) g/mL)和苯甲醛(10~(-2) g/mL)显著引诱该蜂(P0.05),而水杨酸甲酯(10~(-2) g/mL)、橙花醇(10~(-2) g/mL)和辛醛(10~(-6) g/mL)排斥该蜂(P0.05);③在茶鲜叶24个重要挥发性组分中,发现十八醇(10~(-4) g/mL)、正辛醇(10~(-2) g/mL)、吲哚(10~(-6) g/mL)、柠檬醛(10~(-2) g/mL)、薄荷醇(10~(-6) g/mL)、β-石竹烯(10~(-4) g/mL)、薄荷酮(10~(-4)、 10~(-2) g/mL)显著引诱该蜂(P0.05),而邻甲苯酚(10~(-2) g/mL)、香茅醇(10~(-6) g/mL)、1,3-丙二醇(10~(-2) g/mL)、α-松油烯(10~(-6) g/mL)和正戊醇(10~(-4) g/mL)排斥该蜂(P0.05)。认为:茶树花气味及其主要香气组分和茶鲜叶主要挥发性组分显著引诱中华蜜蜂,尤其是茶树花香气组分中含量分别超过20%的苯乙酮和芳樟醇强烈引诱该蜂,导致花季时期广袤的茶园及其中的茶树花对该蜂具有强大的引诱效应。     

中国陆地生态系统土壤氮矿化速率和硝化速率及影响因素——基于文献数据的统计分析

~(15)N同位素稀释技术是测量土壤氮总矿化速率(N_(min))和总硝化速率(N_(nit))的有效方法。为了解中国陆地生态系统土壤N_(min)和N_(nit)的空间格局及影响因素,本文基于采用~(15)N同位素稀释技术研究氮总转化速率(室内培养)的121篇文献,收集中国陆地生态系统(林地、草地、农田)N_(min)和N_(nit)数据进行分析。结果表明:1)全国土壤N_(min)和N_(nit)分别为6.03 mg N kg~(-1)d~(-1)和7.45 mg N kg~(-1)d~(-1)。北方土壤N_(min)(8.39 mg N kg~(-1)d~(-1))显著高于南方土壤(4.66 mg N kg~(-1)d~(-1));N_(nit)(8.40 mg N kg~(-1)d~(-1))高于南方土壤(6.96 mg N kg~(-1)d~(-1)),但差异性不显著(P0.05)。2)不同生态系统土壤N_(min)和N_(nit)的大小关系为:草地农田林地;农田草地林地。草地土壤N_(min)与林地、农田差异显著,显著高于林地(P=0.002)、农田(P=0.005);农田土壤N_(nit)与林地差异显著(P0.001),与草地差异不显著(P0.05)。3)北方土壤N_(min)和N_(nit)主要影响因素均为pH,与pH显著正相关;南方土壤N_(min)主要影响因素是总氮(Total Nitrogen, TN),与TN显著正相关;N_(nit)主要影响因素是铵态氮(Ammonium nitrogen, NH~+_4-N),与NH~+_4-N显著负相关。4)林地生态系统N_(min)和N_(nit)主要影响因素分别为TN和NH~+_4-N,N_(min)与TN显著正相关;N_(nit)与NH~+_4-N显著负相关;草地N_(min)和N_(nit)主要影响因素分别为土壤碳氮比(C/N)和总碳(Total Carbon, TC),N_(min)与土壤C/N显著负相关,N_(nit)与TC显著正相关;农田N_(min)和N_(nit)主要影响因素均为土壤C/N,与土壤C/N显著负相关。     

饲养条件下白(既鱼)豚微量元素的积累

白(鱼既)豚(Lipotes vexillifer)是仅分布于我国长江中下游水域的一种珍稀濒危动物.长江水体污染(如有毒元素等)被认为可能是白(鱼既)豚种群致危的主要因素之一(Yang,1997).迄今,有关白(鱼既)豚体内微量元素的研究尚很少,只有陆佩洪等(1983)、杨利寿等(1988)曾报道过白(鱼既)豚组织中铁(Fe)、铜 (Cu)、锌 (Zn)、锰 (Mn)、镍(Ni)、铅 (Pb)、汞(Hg)和镉 (Cd)在某些组织器官中的积累水平.本文对1头饲养条件下白(鱼既)豚"淇淇"体内的必需元素Cu、Zn、锰 (Mn)、钼 (Mo)、硒 (Se)和有毒或非必需元素砷 (As)、Cd、铝 (Al)的积累特征进行了报道,以期为白(鱼既)豚的保护提供基础资料.     

疏花卫矛化学成分的研究

从疏花卫矛(Euonymus laxiflorus Champ. ex Benth.)树皮的乙醇提取物中分离得到14个化合物,通过波谱分析(NMR、MS、IR等),鉴定其结构分别为：羽扇豆醇 (1)、木栓酮 (2)、羽扇豆酮 (3)、3-羟基-4-甲氧基苯甲醛 (4)、东莨菪内酯 (5)、(+)-松脂醇 (6)、(-)-Isoyatein (7)、4-羟基-3-甲氧基肉桂醛 (8)、京尼平苷酸 (9)、胆甾醇 (10)、(8R,8′R,9R)-cubebin (11)、(8R,8′R,9S)-cubebin (12)、4-羟基-3,5-二甲氧基肉桂醛 (13)、二十六碳酸 (14)。化合物1～14均为首次从该植物中分离得到。     

不同运动强度对黑鲷生长、血清和肝脏抗氧化指标的影响

研究以黑鲷(Sparus macrocephalus)[体长(6.75±0.03) cm, 体重(11.56±0.15) g]为研究对象, 设计对照组(0 bl/s、体长/秒)和训练组(1.0、2.0和4.0 bl/s)4个水流速度, 探讨2周游泳运动训练对黑鲷生长、血清和肝脏抗氧化指标的影响。结果表明, 训练组的特定生长率(SGR)和增重率(WGR)都出现显著下降(P<0.05), 4.0 bl/s组存活率(SR)最低(P<0.05)。在2.0 bl/s强度下, 血糖(GLU)、总胆固醇(TCHO)、甘油三酯(TG)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL)、谷丙转氨酶(GPT)和谷草转氨酶(GOT)均显著下降(P<0.05), 而总蛋白(TP)、白蛋白(ALB)、球蛋白(GLB)、酸性磷酸酶(ACP)、碱性磷酸酶(AKP)、血清总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)和谷胱甘肽(GSH)则显著升高(P<0.05)。随着强度的增加, 训练组的超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性出现不同程度的下降, 过氧化氢(H₂O₂)含量、过氧化氢酶(CAT)和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-PX)活性上升; 丙二醛(MDA)和蛋白质羰基含量呈先下降后上升趋势, 差异不显著。2周的训练显著增强了抑制羟自由基能力(P<0.05), 对溶菌酶(LZM)活性无显著影响。运动训练对黑鲷肝脏T-AOC和MDA没有显著性影响, GSH含量、AKP、ACP和CAT活性均呈现上升的趋势。综合考虑黑鲷生长、血清和肝脏抗氧化指标得出, 在游泳训练强度为2.0 bl/s时, 最有利于提升黑鲷机体抗氧化能力。     

Metabolism of (1-(13)C) glucose and (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H(3)) acetate in the neuronal and glial compartments of the adult rat brain as detected by [(13)C, (2)H] NMR spectroscopy

Ex vivo ?(13)C, (2)H? NMR spectroscopy allowed to estimate the relative sizes of neuronal and glial glutamate pools and the relative contributions of (1-(13)C) glucose and (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H(3)) acetate to the neuronal and glial tricarboxylic acid cycles of the adult rat brain. Rats were infused during 60 min in the right jugular vein with solutions containing (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H(3)) acetate and (1-(13)C) glucose or (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H(3)) acetate only. At the end of the infusion the brains were frozen in situ and perchloric acid extracts were prepared and analyzed by high resolution (13)C NMR spectroscopy (90.5 MHz). The relative sizes of the neuronal and glial glutamate pools and the contributions of acetyl-CoA molecules derived from (2-(13)C, (2)H(3)) acetate or (1-(13)C) glucose entering the tricarboxylic acid cycles of both compartments, could be determined by the analysis of (2)H-(13)C multiplets and (2)H induced isotopic shifts observed in the C4 carbon resonances of glutamate and glutamine. During the infusions with (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H(3)) acetate and (1-(13)C) glucose, the glial glutamate pool contributed 9% of total cerebral glutamate being derived from (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H(3)) acetyl-CoA (4%), (2-(13)C) acetyl-CoA (3%) and recycled (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H) acetyl-CoA (2%). The neuronal glutamate pool accounted for 91% of the total cerebral glutamate being mainly originated from (2-(13)C) acetyl-CoA (86%) and (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H) acetyl-CoA (5%). During the infusions of (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H(3)) acetate only, the glial glutamate pool contributed 73% of the cerebral glutamate, being derived from (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H(3)) acetyl-CoA (36%), (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H) acetyl-CoA (27%) and (2-(13)C) acetyl-CoA (10%). The neuronal pool contributed 27% of cerebral glutamate being formed from (2-(13)C) acetyl-CoA (11%) and recycled (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H) acetyl-CoA (16%). These results illustrate the potential of ?(13)C, (2)H? NMR spectroscopy as a novel approach to investigate substrate selection and metabolic compartmentation in the adult mammalian brain.     

Design of peptide oxytocin antagonists with strikingly higher affinities and selectivities for the human oxytocin receptor than atosiban.

The peptide oxytocin (OT) antagonist atosiban, approved for tocolytic use in Europe (under the tradename Tractocile), represents an important new therapeutic advance for the treatment of premature labor. This paper presents some new peptide OT antagonists which offer promise as superior tocolytics. The solid phase synthesis is reported of four pairs of L and D-2-naphthylalanine (L/D-2Nal) position-2 modified analogs of the following four oxytocin (OT) antagonists: des-9-glycinamide [1-(beta-mercapto-beta,beta-pentamethylene propionic acid), 2-O-methyltyrosine, 4-threonine]ornithine-vasotocin (desGly-NH(2),d(CH(2))(5)[Tyr(Me)(2),Thr(4)]OVT) (A); the Tyr-NH(2) (9) analog of (A), d(CH(2))(5)[Tyr(Me)(2),Thr(4),Tyr-NH(2) (9)]OVT (B); the Eda(9) analog of (A), d(CH(2))(5)[Tyr(Me)(2),Thr(4),Eda(9)]OVT (C); and the retro COCH(2)Ph(4-0H)(10) modified analog of (C), d(CH(2))(5)[Tyr(Me)(2),Thr(4),Eda(9)<-- COCH(2)Ph(4-0H)(10)]OVT (D). The eight new analogs of A-D are (1) desGly-NH(2),d(CH(2))(5)[D-2Nal(2),Thr(4)]OVT, (2) desGly-NH(2),d(CH(2))(5)[2-Nal(2),Thr(4)]OVT, (3) d(CH(2))(5)[D-2Nal(2),Thr(4),Tyr-NH(2) (9)]OVT, (4) d(CH(2))(5)[2Nal(2),Thr(4),Tyr-NH(2) (9)]OVT, (5) d(CH(2))(5)[D-2Nal(2),Thr(4),Eda(9)]OVT, (6) d(CH(2))(5)[2Nal(2),Thr(4),Eda(9)]OVT, (7) d(CH(2))(5)[D-2Nal(2),Thr(4),Eda(9)<-- COCH(2)Ph(4-0H)(10)]OVT, (8) d(CH(2))(5)[2Nal(2),Thr(4),Eda(9)<-- COCH(2)Ph(4-OH)(10)]OVT. Peptides 1-8 were evaluated for agonistic and antagonistic activities in in vitro and in vivo rat bioassays, in rat OT receptor (rOTR) binding assays and in human OT receptor (hOTR) and human vasopressin (VP) vasopressor (V(1a)) receptor (hV(1a)R) binding assays. Also reported are the hOTR and hV(1a)R affinity data for atosiban and for B. None of the eight peptides exhibit oxytocic or vasopressor agonism. Peptides 1-8 exhibit weak antidiuretic agonism (activities in the range 0.014-0.21 U/mg). Peptides 1-6 exhibit potent in vitro (no Mg(2+)) OT antagonism (anti-OT pA(2) values range from 7.63 to 8.08). Peptides 7 and 8 are weaker OT antagonists. Peptides 1-6 are all OT antagonists in vivo (estimated in vivo anti-OT pA(2) values in the range 6.94-7.23). Peptides 1-8 exhibit vasopressor antagonism, anti-V(1a) pA(2) values in the range 5.1-7.65. Peptides 1-8 exhibit high affinities for the rOTR (K(i) values = 0.3-7.8 nM). Peptides 1-4 and B exhibit surprisingly very high affinities for the hOTR; their K(i) values are 0.17, 0.29, 0.07, 0.14 and 0.59 nM, respectively. Peptides 1-4 and B exhibit respectively 449, 263, 1091, 546 and 129 times greater affinity for the hOTR than atosiban (K(i) = 76.4 nM). Peptides 1-4 exhibit high affinities for the hV(1a)R (K(i)s = 1.1 nM, 1.3 nM, 0.19 nM and 0.54 nM, all higher than the hV1(a)R affinities exhibited by atosiban (K(i) = 5.1 nM) and by B (K(i) = 5.26 nM). Because of their strikingly higher affinities for the hOTR than atosiban, peptides 1-4 and B exhibit gains in anti hOT/anti hV(1a) receptor selectivity compared with atosiban of 93, 64, 39, 56 and 127, respectively. These OT antagonists are thus promising candidates for development as potential new tocolytic agents.     

Characterisation and biological activity of Glu3 amino acid substituted GIP receptor antagonists

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is an important gastrointestinal hormone, which regulates insulin release and glucose homeostasis, but is rapidly inactivated by enzymatic N-terminal truncation. Here we report the enzyme resistance and biological activity of several Glu(3)-substituted analogues of GIP namely; (Ala(3))GIP, (Lys(3))GIP, (Phe(3))GIP, (Trp(3))GIP and (Tyr(3))GIP. Only (Lys(3))GIP demonstrated moderately enhanced resistance to DPP-IV (p<0.05 to p<0.01) compared to native GIP. All analogues demonstrated a decreased potency in cAMP production (EC(50) 1.47 to 11.02 nM; p<0.01 to p<0.001) with (Lys(3))GIP and (Phe(3))GIP significantly inhibiting GIP-stimulated cAMP production (p<0.05). In BRIN-BD11 cells, (Lys(3))GIP, (Phe(3))GIP, (Trp(3))GIP and (Tyr(3))GIP did not stimulate insulin secretion with both (Lys(3))GIP and (Phe(3))GIP significantly inhibiting GIP-stimulated insulin secretion (p<0.05). Injection of each GIP analogue together with glucose in ob/ob mice significantly increased the glycaemic excursion compared to control (p<0.05 to p<0.001). This was associated with lack of significant insulin responses. (Ala(3))GIP, (Phe(3))GIP and (Tyr(3))GIP, when administered together with GIP, significantly reduced plasma insulin (p<0.05 to p<0.01) and impaired the glucose-lowering ability (p<0.05 to p<0.01) of the native peptide. The DPP-IV resistance and GIP antagonism observed were similar but less pronounced than (Pro(3))GIP. These data demonstrate that position 3 amino acid substitution of GIP with (Ala(3)), (Phe(3)), (Tyr(3)) or (Pro(3)) provides a new class of functional GIP receptor antagonists.     

不同浓度Ni、Cu处理对骆驼蓬光合作用和叶绿素荧光特性的影响水

以骆驼蓬幼苗为材料,采用盆栽试验研究不同浓度(0、50、100、200、400 mg·kg-1)Ni、Cu处理对骆驼蓬叶片光合作用、叶绿素荧光特性及生长状况的影响.结果表明:随着Ni浓度的增加,骆驼蓬幼苗叶片的光合色素含量、净光合速率(Pn)、气孔导度(Gs)、蒸腾速率(Tr)、PS Ⅱ最大光化学效率(Fv/Fm)、PS Ⅱ电子传递量子产率(φpsⅡ)、光化学猝灭系数(qp)及各项生长指标均呈显著下降趋势,而细胞间隙CO2浓度(Ci)和非光化学猝灭系数(qn)呈显著增加趋势,其中Pn的下降主要是由非气孔限制所致;骆驼蓬幼苗叶片的光合色素含量、Pn、Gs、Tr、Ci、Fv/Fm、φpsⅡ、qp及各项生长指标均在50 mg·kg-1Cu处理时达到峰值,叶绿素a和b、Pn、Gs、Tr、Ci、Fv/Fm及各项生长指标值在100 mg·kg-1Cu处理时仍微高于对照,而后随Cu浓度的增加,光合色素含量、Pn、Gs、Tr、Ci、Fv/Fm、φpsⅡ、qp及各项生长指标均呈下降趋势,qN呈增加趋势,其中Pn的下降主要是由气孔限制所致.     

The effects of drug complexation on the stability and conformation of human serum albumin

We report different analytical methods used to study the effects of 3\'-azido-3\'-deoxythymidine, aspirin, taxol, cisplatin, atrazine, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic, biogenic polyamines, chlorophyll, chlorophyllin, poly(ethylene glycol), vanadyl cation, vanadate anion, cobalt-hexamine cation, and As2O3, on the stability and secondary structure of human serum albumin (HSA) in aqueous solution, using capillary electrophoresis, Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet visible, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic methods. The concentrations of HSA used were 4% to 2% or 0.6 to 0.3 mM, while different ligand concentrations were 1 microM to 1 mM. Structural data showed drugs are mostly located along the polypeptide chains with both specific and nonspecific interactions. The stability of drug-protein complexes were in the order K(VO(2+)) 1.2 x 10(8) M(-1) > K(AZT) 1.9 x 10(6) M(-)1 > K(PEG) 4.1 x 10(5) M(-1) > K(atrazine) 3.5 x 10(4) M(-1) > K(chlorophyll) 2.9 x 10(4) M(-1) > K2,4-D 2.5 x 10(4) M-1 > K(spermine) 1.7 x 10(4) M(-1) > K(taxol) 1.43 x 10(4) M(-1) > K(Co(3+)) > 1.1 x 10(4) M(-1) > K(aspirin) 1.04 x 10(4)i(-1) > K(chlorophyllin) 7.0 x 10(3) M(-1) > K(VO(3)(-)) 6.0 x 103 M(-1) > K(spermidine) 5.4 x 10(3) M(-1) > K(putrescine) 3.9 x 10(3) M(-1) > K(As(2)O(3)) 2.2 x 10(3) M(-1)> K(cisplatin) 1.2 x 10(2) M(-1). The protein conformation was altered (infrared and CD results) with major reduction of alpha-helix from 60 to 55% (free HSA) to 49 to 40% and increase of beta-structure from 22 to 15% (free HSA) to 33 to 23% in the drug-protein complexes. The alterations of protein secondary structure are attributed to a partial unfolding of HSA on drug complexation.     

Analysis of the interaction between lectins and tetra- and tri-saccharide mimics of the Sd(a) determinant by surface plasmon resonance detection

The binding properties of a spacer-linked synthetic Sd(a) tetrasaccharide beta-D-GalpNAc-(1-->4)-alpha-Neu5Ac-(2-->3)]-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->O)-(CH(2))(5)-NH(2) (1), two tetrasaccharide mimics beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-alpha-Neu5Ac-(2-->3)]-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->O)-(CH(2))(5)-NH(2) (2) and beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->4)-alpha-Neu5Ac-(2-->3)]-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->O)-(CH(2))(5)-NH(2) (3), and two trisaccharide mimics beta-D-GalpNAc-(1-->4)-3-O-(SO(3)H)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->O)-(CH(2))(5)-NH(2) (4) and beta-D-GalpNAc-(1-->4)-3-O-(CH(2)COOH)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->O)-(CH(2))(5)-NH(2) (5) with lectins from Dolichos biflorus (DBL), Maackia amurensis (MAL), Phaseolus limensis (PLL), Ptilota plumosa (PPL), Ricinus communis 120 (RCL120) and Triticum vulgaris (wheat germ agglutinin, WGA) have been investigated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detection. MAL, PPL, RCL120 and WGA did not display any binding activity with compounds 1-5. However, DBL and PLL, both exhibiting GalNAc-specificity, showed strong binding activity with compounds 1, 4 and 5, and 1, 3, 4 and 5, respectively. The results demonstrate that SPR is a very useful analysis system for identifying biologically relevant oligosaccharide mimics of the Sd(a) determinant.     

Reconstitution of vacuolar-type rotary H+-ATPase/synthase from Thermus thermophilus

Vacuolar-type rotary H(+)-ATPase/synthase (V(o)V(1)) from Thermus thermophilus, composed of nine subunits, A, B, D, F, C, E, G, I, and L, has been reconstituted from individually isolated V(1) (A(3)B(3)D(1)F(1)) and V(o) (C(1)E(2)G(2)I(1)L(12)) subcomplexes in vitro. A(3)B(3)D and A(3)B(3) also reconstituted with V(o), resulting in a holoenzyme-like complexes. However, A(3)B(3)D-V(o) and A(3)B(3)-V(o) did not show ATP synthesis and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide-sensitive ATPase activity. The reconstitution process was monitored in real time by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between an acceptor dye attached to subunit F or D in V(1) or A(3)B(3)D and a donor dye attached to subunit C in V(o). The estimated dissociation constants K(d) for V(o)V(1) and A(3)B(3)D-V(o) were ～0.3 and ～1 nm at 25 °C, respectively. These results suggest that the A(3)B(3) domain tightly associated with the two EG peripheral stalks of V(o), even in the absence of the central shaft subunits. In addition, F subunit is essential for coupling of ATP hydrolysis and proton translocation and has a key role in the stability of whole complex. However, the contribution of the F subunit to the association of A(3)B(3) with V(o) is much lower than that of the EG peripheral stalks.     

Kinetic study of the quenching reaction of singlet oxygen by tea catechins in ethanol solution

A kinetic study of the quenching reaction of singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)) with catechins (catechin (CA), epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)) and related compounds (5-methoxyresorcinol (MR), 4-methylcatechol (MC), and n-propyl gallate (PG)) was performed in ethanol at 35 degrees C. MR, MC, and PG are considered to be a model of resorcinol (A)-, catechol (B)-, and gallate (G)-rings in catechins, respectively. The overall rate constants, k(Q) (= k(q) + k(r), physical quenching + chemical reaction), for the reaction of catechins with (1)O(2) increased in the order of PG < MR < MC < CA < EC < EGC < ECG < EGCG. In a comparison of the rate constants, the relationship between quenching rates and chemical structures is discussed. The catechins which have lower peak oxidation potentials, E(P), show higher reactivities. It was observed that the chemical reaction (k(r)) is almost negligible in the quenching reaction of (1)O(2) by catechins. The k(Q) values of EGCG (1.47 x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1)) and ECG (7.81 x 10(7)) were found to be larger than those of lipids (1.3 x 10(5)-1.9 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1)), amino acids (<3.7 x 10(7)), and DNA (5.1 x 10(5)). Further, these values are similar to those (1.15 x 10(8)-2.06 x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1)) of alpha- and gamma-tocopherol, ubiquinol-10, and gamma-tocopherol hydroquinone (plastoquinol model). The result suggests that catechins may contribute to the protection of oxidative damage in biological systems, by quenching (1)O(2).     

Conformational analysis of a potent SSTR3-selective somatostatin analogue by NMR in water solution.

The three-dimensional structure of a potent SSTR3-selective analogue of somatostatin, cyclo(3-14)H-Cys(3)-Phe(6)-Tyr(7)-D-Agl(8)(N(beta) Me, 2-naphthoyl)-Lys(9)-Thr(10)-Phe(11)-Cys(14)-OH (des-AA(1, 2, 4, 5, 12, 13)[Tyr(7), D-Agl(8)(N(beta) Me, 2-naphthoyl)]-SRIF) (peptide 1) has been determined by (1)H NMR in water and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The peptide exists in two conformational isomers differing mainly by the cis/trans isomerization of the side chain in residue 8. The structure of 1 is compared with the consensus structural motifs of other somatostatin analogues that bind predominantly to SSTR1, SSTR2/SSTR5 and SSTR4 receptors, and to the 3D structure of a non-selective SRIF analogue, cyclo(3-14)H-Cys(3)-Phe(6)-Tyr(7)-D-2Nal(8)-Lys(9)-Thr(10)-Phe(11)-Cys(14)-OH (des-AA(1, 2, 4, 5, 12, 13)[Tyr(7), D-2Nal(8)]-SRIF) (peptide 2). The structural determinant factors that could explain selectivity of peptide 1 for SSTR3 receptors are discussed.     

Physiological significance of C-28 hydroxylation in the metabolism of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(2).

In our previous study, we indicated for the first time that C-28 hydroxylation plays a significant role in the metabolism of 1alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D(2) [1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(2)] by identifying 1alpha,24(S),25,28-tetrahydroxyvitamin D(2) [1alpha,24(S),25, 28(OH)(4)D(2)] as a major renal metabolite of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(2) [G. S. Reddy and K-Y. Tserng Biochemistry 25, 5328-5336, 1986]. The present study was performed to establish the physiological significance of C-28 hydroxylation in the metabolism of 1alpha, 25(OH)(2)D(2). We perfused rat kidneys in vitro with 1alpha, 25(OH)(2)[26,27-(3)H]D(2) (5 x 10(-10)M) and demonstrated that 1alpha,24(R),25-trihydroxyvitamin D(2) [1alpha,24(R),25(OH)(3)D(2)] and 1alpha,24(S),25,28(OH)(4)D(2) are the only two major physiological metabolites of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(2). In the same perfusion experiments, we also noted that there is no conversion of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(2) into 1alpha,25,28-trihydroxyvitamin D(2 )[1alpha,25,28(OH)(3)D(2)]. Moreover, 1alpha,24(S),25,28(OH)(4)D(2) is not formed in the perfused rat kidney when synthetic 1alpha,25, 28(OH)(3)D(2) is used as the starting substrate. This finding indicates that C-28 hydroxylation of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(2) occurs only after 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(2) is hydroxylated at C-24 position. At present the enzyme responsible for the C-28 hydroxylation of 1alpha, 24(R),25(OH)(3)D(2) in rat kidney is not known. Recently, it was found that 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3)-24-hydroxylase (CYP24) can hydroxylate carbons 23, 24, and 26 of various vitamin D(3) compounds. Thus, it may be speculated that CYP24 may also be responsible for the C-28 hydroxylation of 1alpha,24(R),25(OH)(3)D(2) to form 1alpha, 24(S),25,28(OH)(4)D(2). The biological activity of 1alpha,24(S),25, 28(OH)(4)D(2), determined by its ability to induce intestinal calcium transport and bone calcium resorption in the rat, was found to be almost negligible. Also, 1alpha,24(S),25,28(OH)(4)D(2) exhibited very low binding affinity toward bovine thymus vitamin D receptor. These studies firmly establish that C-28 hydroxylation is an important enzymatic reaction involved in the inactivation of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(2) in kidney under physiological conditions.