Content of adenosine phosphates and adenylate energy charge in germinating ponderosa pine seeds

An average of 540 picomoles of total adenosine phosphates was found in the embryo of mature seeds of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Laws.) and 1140 picomoles in the gametophyte. Adenylate energy charges were 0.44 and 0.26, respectively. After stratification, total adenosine phosphates increased 7-fold and 6-fold in embryo and gametophyte, respectively, and energy charges rose to 0.85 and 0.75. During germination, total adenosine phosphates increased to a 20-fold peak on the 9th day in gametophytic tissue, parallel with the peak of reserve regradation and organellar synthesis, and then decreased. In embryo and seedling, total adenosine phosphates elevated 80-fold with two distinct oscillating increases of AMP and ADP. The oscillating increases occurred before the emergence of radicle and cotyledons during which the highest mitotic index prevailed in all tissues. Energy charges fluctuated between 0.65 at the rapid cell dividing stage to 0.85 at the fully differentiated stage of the seedling, while energy charges remained around 0.75 in the gametophyte. These data indicated that the content of adenosine phosphates of germinating seeds reflects growth, organogenesis, and morphogenesis, and that a compartmentalized energy metabolism must exist in dividing and growing plant cells.     

State of adenosine phosphates during dehydration of yeast

Summary The effect of cultivation and dehydration conditions on the adenosine phosphate content of yeast cells has been studied. Irrespective of the cultivation conditions the total pool of adenosine phosphates was found to increase, mainly due to accumulation of ATP, during the exponential phase of cell growth and to decrease during transition of the culture into the stationary phase. Changes in the intracellular content of adenosine phosphates were parallel with changes in the respiratory activity of yeast cells cultivated under batch conditions. Yeast cells harvested at the exponential growth phase were sensitive to dehydration, losing a notable amount of adenosine phosphates as well as respiratory capacity during drying, leading to a massive dying-off of the cells. Yeast at the stationary phase was resistant to drying, and, during this process, accumulated ATP by mitochondrial oxidation of endogenous carbohydrates. The accumulated ATP was used by the dried yeast cells as an energy source in the first minutes of reactivation. On the basis of our results we recommend that the ATP content of dried yeast cells should be used as an indicator of their capacity to recover their viability by reactivation.     

Phosphorylated Compounds in Plants: II. THE ESTIMATION OF HEXOSE PHOSPHATES AND ADENOSINE PYROPHOSPHATES IN PLANT TISSUE 3

Modifications of the method of Slater for the estimation ofhexose phosphates and adenosine pyrophosphates in plant tissueare described. Triphosphatea of nucleosides other than adenosineinterfere with the estimation of adenosine pyrophosphates inplant tissue, but other interference is not serious if the concentrationof hexose phosphates or adenosine pyrophosphates is not lowerthan about 0.15 µmoles per ml. of tissue extract.     

Adenosine Inhibits Histamine-Induced Phosphoinositide Hydrolysis Mediated via Pertussis Toxin-Sensitive G Protein in Human Astrocytoma Cells

The effect of adenosine on phosphoinositide hydrolysis was examined in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells. Adenosine, L-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (L-PIA), and 5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido)adenosine (NECA) inhibited histamine-stimulated accumulation of inositol phosphates in a concentration-dependent manner. The potency order of adenosine analogues for inhibition of inositol phosphate accumulation was L-PIA greater than adenosine greater than NECA, a finding indicating that A1-class adenosine receptors are involved in the inhibition. The reduction in inositol phosphate accumulation by L-PIA was blocked by an adenosine receptor antagonist, 8-phenyltheophylline. Stimulation of A1-class adenosine receptors inhibited isoproterenol-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation as well as histamine-induced inositol phosphate accumulation. Both inhibitory effects were blocked by pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin [islet-activating protein (IAP)]. L-PIA also inhibited guanosine 5'-(gamma-thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S)-stimulated accumulation of inositol phosphates in membrane preparations, and 8-phenyl-theophylline antagonized the inhibition. L-PIA could not inhibit GTP gamma S-induced accumulation of inositol phosphates in IAP-treated membranes. Gi/Go, purified from rabbit brain, inhibited GTP gamma S-stimulated accumulation of inositol phosphates in a concentration-dependent manner in membrane preparations. These results suggest that stimulation of A1-class adenosine receptors interacts with the IAP-sensitive G protein(s), resulting in the inhibitions of phospholipase C as well as adenylate cyclase in human astrocytoma cells.     

The Control of Respiration of Turnip Disks by L-Methionine

It has been shown that washed disks of turnip storage tissueaccumulate S-adenosylmethionine when incubated with L-methionine.This accumulation of S-adenosylmethionine is correlated withthe inhibition of respiration and amino-acid uptake. The inhibitioncan be reversed by either adenosine or adenosine phosphatesbut it has been demonstrated that the phosphates are nine hasthe effect of reducing the amount of adenosine phosphates presentin the turnips slices. Feeding with both adenosine and methioninefurther increases the accumulation of S-adenosylmethionine whichis metabolically inactive. It is concluded that methionine inhibitstissue respiration by trapping adenosine as s-adenosylmethionineand so limiting the rate of oxidative phosphorylation.     

Retardation of bean leaf senescence by benzyladenine and its influence on phosphate metabolism

The levels of glucose, sugar phosphates, and adenosine phosphates were determined in primary leaves of intact bean plants during normal senescence and compared to leaves in which senescence was delayed by application of benzyladenine (BA). In both cases there was a rise with time in the levels of glucose 1-phosphate, glucose 6-phosphate, and fructose 6-phosphate, and a decline in 2-phosphoglyceric acid, inorganic phosphate, and the adenosine phosphates (AMP, ADP, ATP). The levels of fructose 1,6-diphosphate remained fairly constant. Although the levels of hexose phosphates, adenosine phosphates, and inorganic phosphate were lower in the BA-treated leaves, the incorporation of ³²P into these compounds by 3- and 6-week-old plants was higher than in the controls. These results suggest that the retardation of leaf senescence by BA in intact bean plants is associated with increased utilization of metabolites, indicating a more rapid turnover of the adenosine phosphates. It is concluded that this effect is brought about by a regulatory coordination of metabolic processes in relation to energy production and utilization.     

Kinetic studies on degradation of nucleotides catalyzed by phosphodiesterase-phosphomonoesterase from Fusarium moniliforme

Degradation of the 2'-phosphates, 3'-phosphates, 5'-phosphates, 2':3'-cyclic phosphates, 3':5'-cyclic phosphates, and 5'-(p-nitrophenylphosphates) of adenosine, guanosine, cytidine, and uridine catalyzed by Fusarium phosphodiesterase-phosphomonoesterase was followed by means of high performance liquid chromatography. All the nucleotides were susceptible to the enzyme to a greater or lesser degree, and the kinetic constants, Km and kcat, were determined at pH 5.3 and 37 degrees C. These constants were affected by both the nucleoside moiety and the position of the phosphate. Judged from kcat/Km, the 3'-phosphates, 2':3'-cyclic phosphates, and 5'-(p-nitrophenylphosphates) were good substrates, whereas the 2'-phosphates, 5'-phosphates, and 3':5'-cyclic phosphates were poor substrates except for adenosine 2'-phosphate, adenosine 5'-phosphate, and cytidine 5'-phosphate, which were hydrolyzed relatively easily. Among the phosphodiesters, the 2':3'-cyclic phosphates of adenosine, guanosine, and cytidine; and the 3':5'-cyclic phosphates of adenosine and cytidine were degraded into nucleoside and inorganic phosphate without release of intermediary phosphomonoester into the medium. Other phosphodiesters were degraded stepwise releasing definite intermediates.     

Implications of the reorganizational behavior of condensed phosphates for mitochondrial phosphorylation.

The composition of phosphorus-32 labeled polyphosphoric acid (32PPA) prepared from, (i) H3(32)PO4 and (82 percent w/w) P2O5 and, (ii) by incorporation of radioactivity from H3(32)PO4 into unlabeled polyphosphoric acid (PPA) was examined and found to be the same. The identity of these condensed phosphorate mixtures, as established, argues strongly in favor of a rapid and complete equilibration and provides direct evidence in support of Van Wazer's reorganization theory of condensed phosphates. No evidence for metaphosphates or label exchange in an aqueous environment was found. 32PPA was found to exist in metastable equilibrium with 32PPA as a crystalline solid of different composition. Agreement of hydrolytic rate data from the mixtures of condensed phosphates with literature values for individual species suggests that the hydrolysis of the pyro- and tripoly-phosphate species proceeds independently in the presence of other homologs. The rate of hydrolysis of the condensed phosphates (at pH5.0 and 65 degrees C) was found to be proportional to chain length, increasing about four-fold between pyro- and hexapoly-phosphate. The same correlation is also manifest in the adenosine 5' polyphosphates. A slight enhancement in the rate of hydrolysis of adenosine diphosphate, increasingly more pronounced in the case of adenosine tri- and tetra-phosphate, was also noted. This effect is attributed to the presence of the adenosine moiety. The most interesting aspect of the rate data is to be found in the similarity of the rates of hydrolysis of the adenosine 5' polyphosphates, relative to their inorganic polyphosphate counterparts. The significance of these findings is discussed and the viewpoint is presented that the properties of condensed phosphates are compatible with the requisite characteristics that must be predicated of any in situ phosphoryl precursor in mitochondrial phosphorylation.     

Determination of myocardial high-energy phosphates using bioluminescence

The measurement of myocardial high-energy phosphates (HEP) has become essential in the evaluation of current methods of myocardial protection both in the experimental and clinical setting. Assays for high-energy phosphates have required as much as 50 mg of myocardial tissue which prevents repeated biopsies in the clinical setting as well as in the experimental laboratory. Using the reaction of bioluminescence described by McElroy W. D. and B. L. Strehler (1949, Arch. Biol. Chem.22, 420), we have developed a technique to measure both adenosine triphosphate and creatine phosphate on samples of myocardial tissue weighing less than 10 mg. A liquid scintillation counter measures the light produced by ATP when added to a firefly extract containing luciferin/luciferase. The reaction is complete in seconds and is detected in the counter during the first 10-s count. Repeated samples have demonstrated a variation of less than 4% between samples. A 25-μl sample is diluted up to 40 μl of firefly extract for detection of adenosine triphosphate. Creatine phosphate is measured by the in vitro production of adenosine triphosphate which is maximum in 10 min when adenosine diphosphate and creatine kinase are added. Again reproducibility of repeated analyses demonstrates a 4% difference in creatine phosphate values. The rapidity, reproducibility, and ability to use ultramicrosamples allows investigators to analyze high-energy phosphates during various methods of myocardial protection currently used in clinical setting.     

Transplanted human cord blood-derived unrestricted somatic stem cells preserve high-energy reserves at the site of acute myocardial infarction

Background aimsIt has been demonstrated that transplantation of human cord blood-derived unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSC) in a porcine model of acute myocardial infarction (MI) significantly improved left ventricular (LV) function and prevented scar formation as well as LV dilation. Differentiation, apoptosis and macrophage mobilization at the infarct site could be excluded as the underlying mechanisms. The paracrine effect of the cells is most likely to be observed as the cause for the USSC treatment. The aim of our study was to examine the cardiomyocyte metabolism and the role of high-energy phosphates at the marginal infarct.MethodsUSSC were transplanted into the myocardium of the LV, which was supplied by a ligated circumflex artery. Forty-eight hours later, the hearts were harvested and biopsies were performed from the marginal infarct zone surrounding the site of the cell injection. The concentrations of creatinine phosphate (CP), adenosine monophosphate (AMP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were determined by chromatography.ResultsThe concentration of ADP, ATP and CP in the marginal zone of the infarction was significantly higher in the USSC group. The mean global left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (SD) was 64% (8%) before MI; post-MI, LVEF decreased to 35% (9%).ConclusionsPreservation of high-energy phosphates in the marginal infarct zone suggests that the preservation of energy reserves of surviving cardiomyocytes is a possible mechanism of action of transplanted stem cells in acutely ischemic myocardium.     

Prebiotic phosphorylation of nucleosides in formamide.

A possible prebiotic phosphorylation method has been investigated in which formamide served as the reaction medium. Nucleotides and nucleotide derivatives were formed when nucleosides were allowed to react with different orthophosphate, hydrogen phosphate or dihydrogen phosphate salts or with different condensed phosphate salts. The reaction products obtained from the phosphorylation of adenosine were 2'3' and 5'-AMPs, 2',5' and 3',5'-ADPs and 2',3'-cyclic AMP. The extent of phosphorylation in formamide exceeded 50% under favorable conditions after 15 days at 70 degrees. The acidic dihydrogen phosphates and condensed hydrogen phosphates proved to be the best phosphorylating agents. The presence of water in the medium decreased the yield of nucleotide derivatives, but some phosphorylation of adenosine was detected using dihydrogen phosphate in formamide containing water. The phosphorylation reactions were also observed for deoxynucleosides. Little decompression of the nucleosides was detected during the reaction time needed to form nucleotide derivatives. The facility with which phosphorylation takes place in formamide under very mild conditions may justify further studies both of prebiotic phosphorylation and synthetic phosphorylation using this solvent.     

Formation of sugar phosphates in colicin K-treated Escherichia coli.

Colicin K greatly decreased the incorporation of 32P-labeled inorganic orthophosphate into nucleotides and nucleic acids, causing a concomitant increase in the formation of 32P-labeled sugar phosphates in sensitive cells of Escherichia coli. These sugar phosphates were formed in aerobically growing cells, as well as in cells under stringent control of ribonucleic acid synthesis. The main 32P-labeled product was identified as sedoheptulose 7-phosphate in two strains (B1 and K-12 MK-1) and fructose 1,6-diphosphate in one strain (K-12 CP78). The formation of sugar phosphates induced by colicin K was inhibited by carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone. It was also not observed in N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide-treated cells or Mg2+-(Ca2+)-adenosine triphosphatase-less mutant (strain K-12 AN120) cells. Thus, the formation of sugar phosphates in colicin K-treated cells is dependent on the formation of adenosine 5'-triphosphate by oxidative phosphorylation.     

Prediction of the rate of glucose utilization from cellular levels of glucose 6-phosphate and fructose 1,6-diphosphate in Escherichia coli.

A comprehensive equation, upsilon = VM/[1 + (A0.5/Fru-P2)n] [ 1 + (Glc-6-P/I0.5)], has been proposed to represent the quantitative interrelationships between the rate of glucose utilization and the levels of glucose-6-phosphate and fructose-1,6-diphosphate in the intact Escherichia coli cell. This comprehensive equation was derived from empirical equations that describe the relationship between the rate of glucose utilization and one of these hexose phosphates in metabolic situations where the other hexoses phosphate was not altered. In the experiments described in this report, treatment of nitrogen (NH4+)-starved cultures of E. coli W4597 (K) with various concentrations of sodium azide altered the levels of both hexose phosphates as well as the rate of glucose utilization. In each case the observed rate and the rate predicted by the comprehensive equation agreed closely, substantiating the validity of this comprehensive relationship as a quantitative indicator of metabolic events in the intact cell. The mechanism of metabolic regulation that is represented by this equation is discussed in light of the cellular levels of adenosine 5'-triphosphate and phosphoenolpyruvate observed in these experiments.     

Catalysis of the dephosphorylation of an ATP-molybdate complex by calcium and magnesium ions

Calcium and magnesium catalyze the dephosphorylation of a molybdate complex of adenosine triphosphate but not the corresponding molybdate complex of adenosine disphosphate. We conclude that catalysis of breaking the bond between the beta and gamma phosphates involves metal chelation of the alpha and beta phosphates. ATP hydrolysis with calcium was stimulated by phosphate, apparently because of formation of a calcium-phosphomolybdate complex. The reaction with magnesium, which does not form a comparable complex, was not affected by phosphate. Strontium, cadmium, and barium behaved like calcium. The reactions with transition metal cations showed autoinhibition.     

Adenosine stimulates anabolic metabolism in developing castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) cotyledons

In previous experiments it was shown that Castor-bean (Ricinus communis) endosperm releases carbohydrates, amino acids and nucleoside derivatives, which are subsequently imported into the developing cotyledons (Kombrink and Beevers in Plant Physiol 73:370-376, 1983). To investigate the importance of the most prominent nucleoside adenosine for the metabolism of growing Ricinus seedlings, we supplied adenosine to cotyledons of 5-days-old seedlings after removal of the endosperm. This treatment led to a 16% increase in freshweight of intact seedlings within 16 h, compared to controls. Using detached cotyledons, we followed uptake of radiolabelled adenosine and identified 40% of label in solubles (mostly ATP and ADP), 46% incorporation in RNA and 2.5% in DNA, indicating a highly active salvage pathway. About 7% of freshly imported adenosine entered the phloem, which indicates a major function of adenosine for cotyledon metabolism. Import and conversion of adenosine improved the energy content of cotyledons as revealed by a substantially increased ATP/ADP ratio. This effect was accompanied by slight increases in respiratory activity, decreased levels of hexose phosphates and increased levels of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate and triose phosphates. These alterations indicate a stimulation of glycolytic flux by activation of phosphofructokinase, and accordingly we determined a higher activity of this enzyme. Furthermore the rate of [(14)C]-sucrose driven starch biosynthesis in developing castor-bean is significantly increased by feeding of adenosine. In conclusion, our data indicate that adenosine imported from mobilizing endosperm into developing castor-bean cotyledons fulfils an important function as it promotes anabolic reactions in this rapidly developing tissue.     

Deoxyribose 1-phosphate: radioenzymatic and spectrophotometric assays

A method has been developed to measure deoxyribose 1-phosphate in the presence of ribose 1-phosphate and other sugar phosphates. The specificity of the method is based on the observation that only deoxyribose 1-phosphate is hydrolyzed by heating at pH 7.4, while both deoxyribose 1-phosphate and ribose 1-phosphate remain unchanged when heated at pH 10. A tissue extract is heated at pH 10. The amount of deoxyribose 1-phosphate plus ribose 1-phosphate is determined from that of deoxyinosine plus inosine formed in a coupled enzymatic reaction, based on the following two-stage transformation: deoxyribose 1-phosphate (ribose 1-phosphate) + adenine in equilibrium deoxyadenosine (adenosine) + inorganic phosphate, catalyzed by adenosine phosphorylase; deoxyadenosine (adenosine) + H2O----deoxyinosine (inosine), catalyzed by adenosine deaminase. By taking advantage of its unique heat lability, deoxyribose 1-phosphate is eliminated by heating the tissue extract at pH 7.4, and ribose 1-phosphate is determined as above. The amount of deoxyribose 1-phosphate stems from the difference between the amount of deoxyinosine plus inosine measured in the tissue extract heated at pH 10 and that of inosine measured in the tissue extract heated at pH 7.4. Free deoxyribose 1-phosphate has been found in rat tissues, as well as in Bacillus cereus during stationary phase of growth.     

Time-course of cardiac myocyte injury due to oxidative stress

Time course of changes in cell morphology, cation content, lipid peroxidation and high energy phosphates was examined in isolated rat cardiac myocytes exposed to oxygen radicals for 0 to 20 min. Xanthine (2 mM) and xanthine oxidase (10 U/L) mixture was used as a source of oxygen radicals. A significant decrease in the number of rod-shape cells with a concomitant increase in the number of hypercontracted cells was observed within 5 min of exposure to xanthine-xanthine oxidase (x-xo). At 10,15 and 20 min of exposure to x-xo, there was a time-dependant increase in the number of round cells. Lipid peroxide content, as indicated by the thiobarbituric acid reactive material, was significantly and progressively increased between 10 to 20 min of perfusion with x-xo. In myocytes exposed to x-xo, Ca²⁺ and Na⁺ were increased by 15% and 45% at 15 min and by 55% and 100% at 20 min respectively. Levels of adenosine tri- and di- phosphates were significantly depressed and that of adenosine mono- phosphate were higher at 20 min. These data support the hypothesis that reactive oxygen intermediates can directly influence myocyte structure and function, but these changes seem to occur more slowly in isolated myocytes than in whole hearts.     

Adenosine Inhibition of Histamine-Stimulated Inositol Phospholipid Hydrolysis in Mouse Cerebral Cortex

The effects of adenosine on inositol phospholipid hydrolysis in mouse cerebrocortical slices were examined. Despite having no effect alone, adenosine and some structural analogues inhibited histamine-stimulated accumulation of inositol phosphates in a concentration-dependent manner. The responses to carbachol, noradrenaline, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and elevated KCl levels were unaffected. The effect of adenosine was on the maximal response to histamine rather than on its EC50. Several adenosine antagonists competitively blocked the inhibition due to adenosine. The results are discussed in relation to the previously reported enhancement of histamine-stimulated hydrolysis of inositol phospholipids in guinea pig brain.     

Changes in the intracellular concentrations of adenosine phosphates and nicotinamide nucleotides during the aerobic growth cycle of yeast on different carbon sources

1. Methods for the quantitative extraction of adenosine phosphates and nicotinamide nucleotides from yeast cells are described. 2. The intracellular concentrations of adenosine phosphates and nicotinamide nucleotides were measured during the aerobic growth cycle of yeast on glucose and galactose. 3. When sugars were still present in the media the intracellular concentrations of NADH and AMP were in general higher in glucose- than in galactose-grown cells, whereas ADP concentration was always lower in glucose-grown cells. 4. The adenylate-kinase reaction was found to be far from equilibrium in the glucose-grown cells and when glucose was still present in the growth medium. 5. The significance of the changes in the intracellular concentrations of adenosine phosphates and nicotinamide nucleotides observed during growth on either sugar is discussed in relation to the metabolism and growth of the cells. 6. The differences observed in the concentrations of these cofactors in glucose- and galactose-grown cells are also discussed in relation to the type of metabolism of these cells. Control of glycolysis at the level of phosphofructokinase in galactose-grown cells and at the level of phosphoglycerate kinase in glucose-grown cells is suggested. 7. ADP is suggested to be the inducer of formation of respiratory enzymes.     

Analysis of phosphate esters in plant material: Extraction and purification

1. A critical study was made of the quantitative extraction of nucleotide and sugar phosphates from plant tissue by either boiling aqueous ethanol or cold trichloroacetic acid. The effect of the extraction technique on the inactivation of the enzymes in the plant tissue and the possibility of adsorption of the phosphate esters on the cell wall were especially considered. 2. In the recommended method the plant tissue was frozen in liquid nitrogen, ground to a powder and then blended with cold aqueous trichloroacetic acid containing 8-hydroxyquinoline to prevent adsorption. 3. The extract contained large amounts of trichloroacetic acid, cations, chloride, sugars, amino acids, hydroxy organic acids, phytic acid, orthophosphoric acid and high-molecular-weight material including some phosphorus-containing compounds. All of these were removed as they were liable to interfere with the chromatographic or enzymic assay of the individual nucleotide or sugar phosphates. 4. The procedure was as follows: the last traces of trichloroacetic acid were extracted with ether after the solution had been passed through a column of Dowex AG 50 in the hydrogen form to remove all cations. High-molecular-weight compounds were removed by ultrafiltration and low-molecular-weight solutes by a two-stage chromatography on cellulose columns with organic solvents. In the first stage, sugars, amino acids, chloride and phytic acid were separated by using a basic solvent (propan-1-ol-water-aqueous ammonia) and, in the second stage, the organic acids and orthophosphoric acid were separated by using an acidic solvent (di-isopropyl ether-formic acid-2-methylpropan-2-ol-water). The final solution of nucleotide and sugar phosphates was substantially free from other solutes and was suitable for the detection of individual phosphate esters by either chromatography or enzymic assay. 5. The recovery of d-glucose 6-phosphate or adenosine 5'-triphosphate added to a trichloroacetic acid extract simulating that from peas and potatoes, and isolated according to the standard procedures, was better than 95%. Estimation of naturally occurring d-glucose 6-phosphate and adenosine 5'-triphosphate in the initial extract of peas and potatoes and in the final purified extract also indicated a recovery of about 95%. A similar estimation of uridine diphosphate glucose in potatoes showed that little or no breakdown occurred.