Glutathione and glutathione conjugate efflux from cultured liver cells

Efflux of glutathione (GSH) and GSH-conjugates from cultured rat liver epithelial cell lines; the non-tumorigenic ARL-15C₁ and the -glutamyl transpeptidase containing, tumorigenic ARL-16T₂, has been assessed under basal condition and during chronic treatment with 75 and 150 M ethacrynic acid (EA). The intracellular level of GSH increased in proportion to EA concentration during chronic exposure. The rates of GSH and GSH-EA conjugate efflux increased with intracellular GSH in both ARL cell lines.Glutathione-S-transferase activity measured with EA as substrate increased over the experimental time course after treatment with 150, but not 75 M EA. When intracellular GSH content was increased by treatment with the cysteine pro-drug, 2-L-oxothiazolidine 4-carboxylic acid, the rate of GSH efflux was increased, but not the rate of GS-EA conjugate export. Inhibition of -glutamyl transpeptidase by acivicin (AT-125) increased the GSH and GS-EA conjugate efflux rate in ARL-16T₂ cells by factors of approximately 2 and 15, respectively. Acivicin treatment of ARL-16T₂ cells chronically treated with EA elevated GSH efflux rate by 10-fold and GS-EA efflux by 40-fold versus control samples. These studies show that GSH and GSH conjugate efflux are accomplished as independently regulated processes. Efflux of GSH is enhanced by increased in racellular GSH, but increase in the conjugate transport rate requires the presence of the GSH conjugate. The response of the efflux process to treatment with a chronic GSH depleting agent was identical in two cell lines in which the metabolic fate of glutathione is known to differ fundamentally.Abbreviations GSH reduced glutathione - GSSG oxidized glutathione - GS-EA the glutathione conjugate of ethacrynic acid - EA ethacrynic acid - CDNB 1-chloro 2,4-dinitrobenzene - HBS HEPES buffered saline - OTC 2-L-oxothiazolidine 4-carboxylic acid - CYSSG cysteinyl-glutathione mixed disulfide - FDNB 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene - GCS -glutamyl cysteine synthetase - GST glutathione-S-transferase - BCA bicinchoninic acid - SDS sodium dodecyl sulfate - PCA perchloric acid     

Comparative analysis of the two-step reaction catalyzed by prokaryotic and eukaryotic phytochelatin synthase by an ion-pair liquid chromatography assay

Genes encoding phytochelatin (PC) synthase have been found in higher plants, fission yeast and worm. Recently, kinetic and mutagenic analyses of recombinant PC synthase have been revealing the molecular mechanisms underlying PC synthesis, however, a conclusive model has not been established. To clarify the mechanism of PC synthase found in eukaryotes, we have compared the two-step reactions catalyzed by the prokaryotic Nostoc PC synthase (NsPCS) and the eukaryotic Arabidopsis PC synthase (AtPCS1). Comparative analysis shows that in the first step of PC synthesis corresponding to the cleavage of -glutamylcysteine (-EC) from glutathione (GSH), free GSH or PCs acts as a donor molecule to supply a -EC unit for elongation of the PC chain, and heavy metal ions are required to carry out the cleavage. Furthermore, functional analyses of various mutants of NsPCS and AtPCS1, selected by comparing the sequences of NsPCS and AtPCS1, indicate that the N-terminal region (residues 1–221) in AtPCS1 is the catalytic domain, and in this region, the Cys⁵⁶ residue is associated with the PC synthesis reaction. These results enable us to propose an advanced model of PC synthesis, describing substrate specificity, heavy metal requirement, and the active site in the enzyme.     

Alterations in tissue glutathione antioxidant system in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Changes in tissue glutathione antioxidant system in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for a period of 15 weeks were examined. Total glutathione level was significantly increased in kidney tissue, but were slightly decreased and increased in liver and heart tissues, respectively. The small changes in total glutathione level in the liver and heart, though not statistically significant, were associated with reciprocal alterations in the activity Of -glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCS). While the GCS activity was not changed in kidney tissue, the activity of -glutathione peroxidase was significantly increased in kidney tissue. Insulin treatment could completely or partly normalize almost all of these changes induced by diabetes. However, the decrease in hepatic glutathione S-transferases activity in diabetic rats was not reversed by the insulin treatment. The ensemble of results suggests that the diabetes-induced alterations in tissue glutathione antioxidant system may possibly reflect an inter-organ antioxidant response to a generalized increase in tissue oxidative stress associated with diabetes.Abbreviations AGES advanced glycosylation end-products - EDTA ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid - GCS -glutamylcysteine synthetase - GlyHb glycated hemoglobin - GPX Se-glutathione peroxidase - GRD glutathione reductase - GSH reduced glutathione - GSSG oxidized glutathione - GST glutathione S-transferases - SSA sulfosalicylic acid - STZ streptozotocin     

Comparison of [35S]GTPγS binding to plasma membranes and endomembranes prepared from soybean and rat

Summary Plasma membranes were prepared from soybean hypocotyls and roots by aqueous two-phase partitioning and subsequent free-flow electrophoresis. The highly purified plasma membranes bound [³⁵S]GTPS with a relatively high affinity (K_d10nM). The binding was saturable and specific as it was indicated by the displacement of bound [³⁵S]GTPS by unlabeled GTPS and GTP, but not by ATPS, ATP, UTP or CTP. ITP was intermediate in its ability to displace [³⁵S]GTPS. When soybean plasma membrane proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE and displayed by autoradiography, two major [³⁵S]GTPS binding proteins were revealed with apparent molecular weights of 24 and 28 kDa. Results with plasma membranes from soybean hypocotyls and roots were similar but differed from those with plasma membranes prepared from rat liver and adipocytes where only a single major [³⁵S]GTPS binding activity with a molecular weight of 28 kDa was observed.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - G protein hetero-trimeric GTP binding protein with , , subunits - G_n protein GTP binding protein detected on nitrocellulose blots - GTPS guanosine 5-[-thio]triphosphate - IAA 3-indoleacetic acid - SDS-PAGE sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis     

Glutathione synthesis in maize genotypes with different sensitivities to chilling

The effect of chilling on enzymes, substrates and products of sulfate reduction, gultathione synthesis and metabolism was studied in shoots and roots of maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes with different chilling sensitivity. At full expansion of the second leaf, chilling at 12 °C inhibited dry weight increase in shoots and roots compared to controls at 25 °C and induced an increase in adenosine 5-phosphosulfate sulfotransferase and -glutamylcysteine synthetase (EC 6.3.2.2) activity in the second leaf of all genotypes tested. Glutathione synthetase (EC 6.3.2.3) activity was about one order of magnitude higher than -glutamylcysteine synthetase activity, but remained unchanged during chilling except for one genotype. During chilling, cysteine and glutathione content of second leaves increased to significantly higher levels in the two most chilling-tolerant genotypes. Comparing the most tolerant and most sensitive genotype showed that chilling induced a greater incorporation of³⁵S from [³⁵S]sulfate into cysteine and glutathione in the chilling-tolerant than in the sensitive genotype. Chilling decreased the amount of³⁵S-label incorporated into proteins in shoots of both genotypes, but had no effect on this incorporation in the roots. Glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2) and nitrate reductase (EC 1.6.6.1) activity were constitutively higher in the chilling-tolerant genotypes, but showed no changes in most examined genotypes during 3 d at 12 °C. Our results indicate that in maize glutathione is involved in protection against chilling damage.Abbreviations APSSTase adenosine 5-phosphosulfate sulfotransferase - EC -glutamylcysteine - GR glutathione reductase - OSH glutathione - NR nitrate reductase We thank M. Suter for preparing [³⁵S]adenosine 5-phosphosulfate, Dr. A. Fleming (both our Institute) for correcting the English and M. Soldati (Eschlikon, Switzerland) for his help with the plant material. This work was supported by COST 814 Crop development for the wet and cool regions of Europe.     

Redox interconversion of Escherichia coli glutathione reductase. A study with permeabilized and intact cells

Summary The redox interconversion of Escherichia coli glutathione reductase has been studied both in situ, with permeabilized cells treated with different reductants, and in vivo, with intact cells incubated with compounds known to alter their intracellular redox state.The enzyme from toulene-permeabilized cells was inactivated in situ by NADPH, NADH, dithionite, dithiothreitol, or GSH. The enzyme remained, however, fully active upon incubation with the oxidized forms of such compounds. The inactivation was time-, temperature-, and concentration-dependent; a 50% inactivation was promoted by just 2 M NADPH, while 700 M NADH was required for a similar effect. The enzyme from permeabilized cells was completely protected against redox inactivation by GSSG, and to a lesser extent by dithiothreitol, GSH, and NAD(P)⁺. The inactive enzyme was efficiently reactivated in situ by physiological GSSG concentrations. A significant reactivation was promoted also by GSH, although at concentrations two orders of magnitude below its physiological concentrations. The glutathione reductase from intact E. coli cells was inactivated in vivo by incubation with DL-malate, DL-isocitrate, or higher L-lactate concentrations. The enzyme was protected against redox inactivation and fully reactivated by diamide in a concentration-dependent fashion. Diamide reactivation was not dependent on the synthesis of new protein, thus suggesting that the effect was really a true reactivation and not due to de novo synthesis of active enzyme. The glutathione reductase activity increased significantly after incubation of intact cells with tert-butyl or cumene hydroperoxides, suggesting that the enzyme was partially inactive within such cells. In conclusion, the above results show that both in situ and in vivo the glutathione reductase of Escherichia coli is subjected to a redox interconversion mechanism probably controlled by the intracellular NADPH and GSSG concentrations.     

ATP synthesis associated with the conversion of hexachlorocyclohexane related compounds

Clostridium rectum strain S-17 converts -1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) related compounds to chlorobenzenes. The metabolites from -1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexene and -1,3,4,5,6-pentachlorocyclohexene are identified as 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene and 1,4-dichlorobenzene, respectively. ATP synthesis, converting these chlorinated compounds, is observed in the cell suspension of C. rectum as indicated by luciferase-luciferin reaction and phosphorylation of ³²P-labeled phosphate. These observation lead to the conclusion that HCH and related compounds serve as artificial electron acceptors of the Stickland reaction, and therefore, the reductive dechlorination is associated with ATP synthesis.Abbreviations HCH -1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane - HCCH -1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexene - PCCH -1,3,4,5,6-pentachlorocyclohexene - TCCH -3,4,5,6-tetrachlorocyclohexene - 1,2,4-TCB 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene - 1,4-DCB 1,4-dichlorobenzene - MCB monochlorobenzene - DTT 1,4-dithiothreitol - IAA monoiodoacetic acid     

Mutation induction by γ and X-ray irradiation in tissue cultured lotus

Mutations of tissue cultured lotus were induced by treating plantlets with either acute -rays at doses of 0, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 krad or X-rays at doses of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 krad. The 2-krad dose of either - or X-ray treatments resulted in a 50% survival rate. The use of - and X-rays to induce mutation in lotus resulted in 21 altered characteristics. Mutants from 1- and 2-krad of either or X-rays had long secondary roots and numerous adventitious roots. These mutants also exhibited good shoot growth and healthy rhizome development. Most plants treated with 3–5 krad of either - or X-rays exhibited abnormal characteristics including vitrification, chlorosis, deformed petioles and in addition had inhibited growth of lateral buds, secondary roots and rhizomes. All plants treated with 6 krad of -rays died within 4 weeks. Control plants had stoma lengths of 2.56 m and cytological analysis of the root tips confirmed the diploid chromosome number of 16. Two groups of aneuploid cells were achieved using irradiation at doses of 3 and 4 krad of either - or X-ray. Chromosome numbers were 2n=18 and 20 with associated stoma lengths of 3.43 and 4.34 m, respectively. Abnormal stomata (cyclocytic and deformity) were observed in plants treated with 4 krad of -ray.     

Partial purification and properties of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase from mycelia of Morchella esculenta

Three -glutamyltranspeptidase (enzymes I, II and III) were partially purified from the cell free extracts of the cultured mycelia of Morchella esculenta Fr. The molecular masses of enzymes were 155,000 (I), 219,000 (II) and 102,000 (III). All of them catalyzed both hydrolysis and transpeptidation of various -glutamyl compounds. -l-Glutamyl-cis-3-amino-l-proline occurring in the cultured mycelia of this fungus was a good substrate for both reactions. K _m values for hydrolysis were in the order of 10^-4 to 10^-5 M, and those for transpeptidation were in the order of 10^-2 to 10^-4 M. The enzymes were inhibited by a -glutamyltranspeptidase inhibitor, l-serine plus borate.Abbreviations -GTP -glutamyltranspeptidase - HPLC High-performance liquid chromatography     

Concurrent effect of visible light on γ-particles,chitin synthetase,and encystment capacity in zoospores ofBlastocladiella emersonii

Summary Zoospores derived from ordinary colorless plants ofBlastocladiella emersonii grown under 240 W/cm² of visible light contain an average of ca. 5 -particles and numerous aggregates of cytoplasmic granules which resemble the -matrix, while spores from dark-grown plants contain ca. 12 -particles but none of the granules. Correspondingly, the amount of chitin synthetase associated with -particles is approximately proportional to the number of -particles in the two spore types. The foregoing light effects, known to be accompanied by an increased capacity for encystment, probably take place before sporogenesis. Conversely, zoospores derived from dark-grown plants do not encyst appreciably over an 8 h period unless they are illuminated, but the number of -particles/spore decreases from 12 to ca. 6 whether or not light is present. Arguments are presented for considering the latter disappearance of -particles as an essential ark reaction which precedes a photochemical reaction, both being needed for light-induced encystment.     

Effects of glutathione on thiol redox systems, chromosomal aberrations, and the ultrastructure of meristematic root cells ofPicea abies (L.) Karst.

Summary Young spruce seedlings (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) grown in hydroponic culture were exposed to three different concentrations (50,100, and 500 M) of reduced glutathione for 24 h. These physiologically relevant concentrations of glutathione had a multiple effect on the investigated tissue. Feeding of glutathione to roots increased the concentrations of thiols (glutathione, cysteine, and -glutamyl-cysteine) in roots, decreased the rate of cell divisions, induced mitotic abnormalities, and affected the cell ultrastructure. Electron micrographs showed effects such as advanced vacuolation, dilated rough-endoplasmic-reticulum cisternae, and separations of the plasma membrane from the cell wall.Abbreviations GSH reduced glutathione - GSSG oxidised glu-tathione - rER rough endoplasmic reticulum Dedicated to Professor Walter Gustav Url on the occasion of his 70th birthday     

Glutathione and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase are differentially distributed in the olfactory mucosa of rats

Summary Components of the -glutamyl cycle, including thiols, glutathione (GSH) and -glutamyl transpeptidase (-GT), were localized in the nasal mucosae of rats using histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. In olfactory mucosa, thiols were widely distributed, with intense staining in the mucociliary complex (MC), basal cells, acinar cells of Bowman's glands (BG), and olfactory nerve bundles, and with moderate staining in olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). GSH was localized in MC, BG acinar cells, nerve bundles and, to a lesser extent, in ORNs. -GT immunoreactivity was restricted to the MC and to basolateral and apical membranes of BG acinar and duct cells. The basolateral membrane of BG acinar cells, located in close association with blood vessels and connective tissue, showed granule-like immunoreactivity. Inrespiratory mucosa, all three compounds were localized in the MC and acinar cells of respiratory glands (RG). In the MC, -GT immunoreactivity was associated primarily with brush borders of ciliated cells. Granular immunoreactivity was also apparent in the supranuclear region of RG acinar cells. These results demonstrate that components of the -glutamyl cycle are localized in olfactory and respiratory glands, and that they are secreted into the mucus, where they may mediate perireceptor events such as detoxification and/or solubilization of air-borne xenobiotics, toxicants and odorants.     

Utilization and degradation of lindane by soil microorganisms

Of 147 microorganisms isolated from a loamy sand, 71 showed good growth with lindane (-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane) and produced chloride in an aqueous medium. Thirteen soil microorganisms were selected to study the utilization of lindane. Lindane was metabolized by the microbes to -2,3,4,5,6-pentachloro-1-cyclohexene (-PCCH), -3,4,5,6-tetrachloro-1-cyclohexene (-TCCH), -3,4,5,6-tetrachloro-1-cyclohexene (-TCCH), -3,4,5,6-tetrachloro-1-cyclohexene (-TCCH), and pentachlorobenzene (PCB). Cells of Pseudomonas sp. No. 62 grown on lindane simultaneously adapted to -PCCH, -TCCH, -TCCH, -TCCH, PCB, 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorobenzene (1,2,3,4-TCB) and 1,2,4,5-tetrachlorobenzene (1,2,4,5-TCB). The bacteria degraded each of these chemicals at least partially as indicated by an increased rate of oxygen consumption.Abbreviations Lindane -1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane - -PCCH -2,3,4,5,6-pentachloro-1-cyclohexene - -TCCH -3,4,5,6-tetrachloro-1-cyclohexene - -TCCH -3,4,5,6-tetrachloro-1-cyclohexene - -TCCH -3,4,5,6-tetrachloro-1-cyclohexene - PCB pentachlorobenzene - 1,2,3,4-TCB 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorobenzene - 1,2,3,5-TCB 1,2,3,5-tetrachlorobenzene - 1,2,4,5-TCB 1,2,4,5-tetrachlorobenzene - 1,2,3-tCB 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene - 1,2,4-tCB 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene - 1,3,5-tCB 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene - 1,2-DCB 1,2-dichlorobenzene - 1,3-DCB 1,3-dichlorobenzene - 1,4-DCB 1,4-dichlorobenzene - MCB monochlorobenzene Contribution No. 631, Research Institute, Agriculture Canada, University Sub Post Office, London, Ontario N6A 5B7     

Calcium Dobesilate protects human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from oxidation and apoptosis

The antioxidant effects of Calcium Dobesilate (CD, Doxium ®) were investigated in relation to the oxidative status, apoptosis and in vitro proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from healthy donors. CD alone did not modify cell growth in vitrountil 10 M. This molecule counteracted oxidative damages generated by the high reducing sugar dR and was shown to reduce apoptosis by delaying both membrane permeability changes and DNA fragmentation. CD 10 M affected in a time-dependent dynamics several parameters representative of the cellular oxidative status. In particular, CD significantly increased the activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST) after three days of treatment and also, but to a lower extent, the activity of -glutamyltransferase (-GT). Both enzymes are known to be involved in the glutathione (GSH) metabolic cycle. This enzymatic behaviour was reversed at seven days of treatment, with a significant GST decrease and a -GT activation. After seven days of CD exposure, the intracellular GSH content was enhanced and this resulted in a dramatic decrease in lipid peroxidation, underlining the powerful antioxidant properties of CD in human PBMC.     

Glutathione Is an Endogenous Ligand of Rat Brain N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) and 2-Amino-3-Hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-Isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) Receptors

A study was made of the effects of reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione on the Na⁺-independent and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) displaceable bindings of glutamate, on the binding of kainate, 2-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA), and ligands of the brain NMDA receptor-ionophore complex: glycine, dizocilpine (MK-801) and (±)-3-(2-car-boxypiperazin-4-yl)propyl-1-phosphonate (CPP). GSH and GSSG strongly inhibited the binding of glutamate, CPP and AMPA, kainate and glycine binding being less affected. Both peptides enhanced the binding of dizocilpine in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. This activatory effect was not additive to that of saturating concentrations of glutamate or glutamate plus glycine. The activation of dizocilpine binding by GSH and GSSG was prevented by the competitive NMDA and glycine antagonists DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate and 7-chlorokynurenate. GSH and GSSG may be endogenous ligands of AMPA and NMDA receptors, binding preferably to the glutamate recognition site via their -glutamyl moieties. In addition to this, at millimolar concentrations they may regulate the redox state of the NMDA receptor-ionophore complex.     

γ-Glutamylamine cyclotransferase

Summary -Glutamylamine cyclotransferase, an enzyme found in a number of animal tissues and cells, catalyzes the conversion of -(L--glutamyl)-L-lysine to free lysine and 5-oxo-L-proline as well as the release of free amines and the formation of 5-oxo-L-proline from a variety of other L--glutamylamines. Among its substrates are both the mono- and di--glutamyl derivatives of putrescine, spermidine and spermine, and a derivative of -(L--glutamyl)-L-lysine in which both the -amino group and the carboxyl group of the lysine moiety are blocked. The enzyme does not act on most -glutamyl--amino acids, nor is it active toward the -lysyl derivatives of L-aspartic acid or D-glutamic acid. Derivatives of -(L--glutamyl)-L-lysine in which the -amino or the -carboxyl function of the glutamyl moiety is blocked also do not serve as substrates. The specificity of -glutamylamine cyclotransferase is in accordance with the proposal that it functions biologically in the latter stages of the catabolism of products of the action of transglutaminases. Some suggestions as to the manner in which -glutamylamine cyclotransferase serves this function are made based on present knowledge of protein degradation.     

Immunocytochemical localization of γ-glutamyl-transferase on isolated renal cortical tubular fragments

Summary The localization of -Glutamyltransferase (-GT, E.C.2.3.2.2.) was studied on isolated tubular fragments from rat kidney cortex immunocytochemically. Monospecific antibodies raised in the goat against rat kidney -GT were used. Antigoat immunoglobulin from the rabbit conjugated with ferritin was used for visualisation of the antibody binding sites. The enzyme was found to be localized at the brush border membrane of proximal tubules, the luminal membrane of distal tubules and collecting duct segments.The enzyme could further be localized on the antiluminal or basolateral cell membranes of proximal and distal tubular fragments, whereas no such localization was verified for collecting duct segments. The role of this basolateral -GT localization in context with the kidney's ability to extract over 83% of the renal arterial glutathione (GSH) input during a single passage is discussed.     

γδ T-cell receptor repertoire in human peripheral blood and thymus

T-cell clones expressing the T-cell receptor (Tcr) were generated from peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and from a thymus sample. In the panel of ten thymus-derived clones, four Tcr phenotypes [as defined by the reaction of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against known V and V regions] were identified. All the clones lacked expression of the V3 V region, while seven clones were V1+ . V1 was found in combination with V9 or with undefined VVregions. In addition, two other Tcr phenotypes were identified on these clones: V9⁺ V1^– V3^– and V9^– V1^– V3^– One of the clones expressed CD4 and another was CD8positive. The remaining clones were CD4^– CD8^–. In the panel of 76 PBL-derived, Tcr-bearing clones, five Tcr phenotypes could be identified. In contrast to the thymus-derived clones, 30% of the clones were V3⁺ whereas V1 was expressed by a minority of the clones only. One clone was CD4-positive and approximately 30% of the clones were CD8-positive. Four of the five mAb-defined Tcr phenotypes could be identified on both thymus and PBL-derived T-cell clones. However, biochemical analysis of the Tcrs demonstrates differences in the usage of Ct- and C2-encoded y chains by T cells derived from the thymus and PBLs. The results therefore indicate that, at the clonal level, similarities and differences exist between the Tcr repertoires expressed in the thymus and by PBLs. Furthermore, they indicate that combinatorial Tcr heterogeneity is larger than has so far been described. The receptor diversity, combined with the potential of Tcr+ cells to express CD4 or CD8, indicates that these cells are a heterogeneous population that might mediate a number of immune functions.