Diffusion studies of bile acids,fatty acids and sucrose-NaCl-water systems at 37 °C by a modified capillary cell apparatus and their application to membrane transport studies

A capillary cell apparatus is described that allows accurate measurement of solute tracer diffusion coefficients in biological solutions at 37 °C. The apparatus has a unique stirring mechanism to provide a uniform flow pattern over the capillaries with only 18 ml of the bulk solution. Four capillaries of 2 cm length are used. With this apparatus measurement can be made at relatively short time periods so that bacterial overgrowth in the solutions is minimized. Using this apparatus tracer diffusion coefficients of three bile acids, cholic, taurochollic and taurodeoxycholic acids, and four fatty acids, acetic, pentanoic, octanoic and decanoic acids, were measured in an isotonic phosphate buffer, pH 7.1, at 37 °C. Viscosity, density and diffusion coefficients of sucrose in physiological saline solutions were also measured.     

Simultaneous quantitation of fatty acids,sterols and bile acids in human stool by capillary gas-liquid chromatography

A simple method for the simultaneous gas-liquid chromatographic quantitation of fatty acids, sterols and bile acids from human fecal samples is described. The various compounds are directly converted into the n-butyl ester-trimethylsilyl ether derivatives, without prior isolation from the stool. Under these conditions, fecal bile acid derivatives are well resolved from each other and from those of fecal fatty acids and sterols without overlaps. The method was found to be reproducible and recoveries were similar to those obtained after exhaustive solvent extraction of fecal sterols, fatty acids and bile acids. Optimum derivatization conditions that allowed maximum recovery of fecal components with minimal destruction and application of the method for simultaneous bile acid, fatty acid and sterol analysis in human stool are described.     

Structure of membrane lipids and physico-biochemical properties of the plasma membrane from Thermoplasma acidophilum, adapted to growth at 37 degrees C.

Thermoplasma acidophilum, a mycoplasma-like organism, grows optimally at 56 degrees C and pH2. The low temperature extreme of growth is 37 degrees C. The plasma membrane of cells grown at 37 degrees C was isolated and characterized physicobiochemically. Membrane lipids which comprise 25% of the membrane dry weight consist mainly of two repetitively methyl-branched C40 side chains that were ether-linked to two glycerol molecules. The lipid structures were elucidated by combined gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, direct probe mass spectroscopy and 13C NMR. 37 degrees C-grown cells contained lipids with 42% more pentane cyclization than the 56 degrees C-grown cells. In 37 degrees C-grown cells, phospholipid and serine content decreased by about 10% each, carbohydrate content increased by 5%. EPR studies demonstrated an increase in membrane lipid fluidity of 37 degrees C-grown cells with an upper transition temperature at 35 degrees C which was shifted down by 10 degrees C compared with cells grown at 56 degrees C. Membrane-bound ATPase activities also indicated similar changes upon adaptation. There is a close correlation between membrane fluidity and physiological functioning of this membrane-bound enzyme.     

Ultrastructural and hormonal metabolic studies of rat liver maintained in vitro by perfusion at 30 degrees C and 37 degrees C: a time course study by TEM, SEM and RIA

Isolated rat liver perfusion system has been extensively used for metabolic and functional studies. Results derived from the application of this system may reflect true biochemical changes but they may also be associated with some structural changes. This study was undertaken to correlate the cytological changes and functional integrity of isolated rat liver perfused in vitro at normal physiological temperature (37 degrees C) and 30 degrees C, using a non-recirculating system. The livers were perfused for 3 hours with modified Ham's F10 culture medium supplemented with thyroxine hormone (T4). The hepatocyte structural integrity was studied by light microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The triiodothyronine (T3) and T4 hormones in the perfusion medium and the effluent fractions were assessed by radioimmunoassay. The livers perfused at 30 degrees C remained morphologically intact at the ultrastructural level for 3 hours whilst at 37 degrees C, hepatocytes in the centrilobular zone exhibited marked structural alterations. The percentage of T4 uptake was significantly higher (P less than 0.01) in livers perfused at 30 degrees C (50.8 +/- 7.7% vs 38 +/- 7.7%, 37 degrees C), but the net T3 output (3.16 +/- 1.04 micrograms) and the conversion of T4 to T3 (4 +/- 0.62%) were significantly higher (P less than 0.001) in livers perfused at 37 degrees C in comparison to livers perfused at 30 degrees C (1.61 +/- 0.84 micrograms and 1.68 +/- 0.76%, respectively). In conclusion, at 30 degrees C the hepatic T4 uptake is not inhibited, but the rate of T4 to T3 conversion has decreased, additionally the livers remain morphologically well preserved throughout the experimental period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Differential regulation of human cathelicidin LL-37 by free fatty acids and their analogs

LL-37 is the single cathelicidin host defense peptide in humans with direct antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. Specific regulation of LL-37 synthesis has emerged as a novel non-antibiotic approach to disease control and prevention. Short-chain fatty acids, and butyrate in particular, were found recently to be strong inducers of LL-37 gene expression without causing inflammation. Here, we further evaluated the LL-37-inducing efficiency of a broad range of saturated free fatty acids and their derivatives in human HT-29 colonic epithelial cells and U-937 monocytic cells by real-time RT-PCR. Surprisingly, we revealed that valerate, hexanoate, and heptanoate with 5–7 carbons are more potent than 4-carbon butyrate in promoting LL-37 gene expression in both cell types. Free fatty acids with longer than 7 or shorter than 4 carbons showed only a marginal effect on LL-37 expression. Studies with a series of fatty acid derivatives with modifications in the aliphatic chain or carboxylic acid group yielded several analogs such as benzyl butyrate, trans-cinnamyl butyrate, glyceryl tributyrate, and phenethyl butyrate with a comparable LL-37-inducing activity to sodium butyrate. On the other hand, although reactive, the anhydride derivatives of short- and medium-chain fatty acids are as potent as their corresponding free acid forms in LL-37 induction. Thus, these newly identified free fatty acids and their analogs with a strong capacity to augment LL-37 synthesis may hold promise as immune boosting dietary supplements for antimicrobial therapy.     

In vitro survival of Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices in several media, at +4 degrees C and +37 degrees C

As a first step towards hydatid disease control, the in vitro survival of protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus was investigated for various media and temperatures. Higher percentage survival was obtained than previously reported: at 4 degrees C, 100% survival was obtained for 20 days in medium 199 (GIBCO) and for 25 days in hydatid fluid from the host of origin. Maximal survival was 30% at 55 days in these conditions. Flame cell activity was the criterion of choice for viability. At 37 degrees C survival rates were lower and morphological changes in protoscolices were observed.     

Biosynthesis of C30 to C56 fatty acids by an extract of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra.

A 10,800 X g supernatant fraction from disrupted cells of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra was incubated with [2-14C]malonate to produce labeled long-chain fatty acids upon saponification. These acids were derivatized to the p-bromophenacyl ester and separated into the nonmycolic saturated, monounsaturated, and multiunsaturated esters by argentation thin-layer chromatography. Each of these fractions was then analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography by using a C18-bonded silica cartridge and a mobile phase of a linear gradient of 0 to 70% p-dioxane in acetonitrile. The results showed that the cell-free system is able to synthesize both saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids of the sizes C30 to C40 and C48 to C56. This latter series was strikingly similar to meromycolic acid, a putative precursor of mycolic acid. When acetate or oleate was used as the labeled substrate, the major products were no longer than C32. When palmitate was used as the labeled substrate, the saturated acids ranged in size from C18 to C32, whereas the monounsaturated products contained C18, C26 to C30 and C40 fatty acids. Fatty acids greater than C40 were also detected. When methyl-labeled S-adenosyl-L-methionine was used as the substrate, the methyl group was incorporated into short-chain and C48 to C56 fatty acids. Unlabeled malonyl-coenzyme A was included in all of these reactions. This cell-free system was not able to synthesize mycolic acid (final product) or its keto derivative (intermediate product). However, since the meromycolate-like C48 to C56 fatty acids were synthesized, we suggest that the present system is able to take the synthesis to a point before the alpha-alkyl condensation reaction.     

Bicarbonate/chloride transport kinetics at 37°C and its relationship to membrane lipids in mammalian erythrocytes

The rate of exchange of HCO₃^? with Cl^? at 37°C in erythrocytes of ten mammalian species was studied. The rate constant increases from 7s^?1 (ox) to 16s^?1 (rat), and is inversely proportional to the body size (log₁₀) of the species. It is found that the membrane permeability in different species is positively correlated to the red cell membrane phosphatidylcholine or arachidonate content, and is negatively correlated to the sphingomyelin or linoleate content.     

Identification and assignment of function to the genes of Aspergillus fumigatus expressed at 37 degrees C

Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungal pathogen, causes a spectrum of allergic and invasive disorders. In order to rapidly identify genes of this fungus relevant for pathogenesis and as potential antifungal drug targets, 125 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were generated from 200 phage clones of a non-normalized cDNA library. Out of a novel 68 ESTs, 45 were assigned putative functions based on the sequence similarity. The identities of some of these genes suggest that they may be involved in pathogenesis or autoimmune reactions. Additional genes were identified that are possible targets for the development of antifungal drugs or that may be of use in diagnosing fungal infections.     

Incubation at 37 degrees C prior to cryopreservation decreases viability of liver slices after cryopreservation by rapid freezing

Precision-cut liver slices are to some extent resistant to ice formation induced by rapid freezing. Susceptibility to rapid freezing damage has been shown to be (partly) dependent on intrinsic properties of cells. In the present study an attempt was made to decrease the susceptibility of rat liver slices for rapid freezing damage: the slices were pre-incubated at 37 degrees C under oxygen, prior to cryopreservation to recover from low ATP levels, impaired ion regulation and cell swelling induced by their preparation. It was shown that, unexpectedly, recovery of cellular homeostasis prior to the cryopreservation procedure by the 37 degrees C pre-incubation markedly decreased viability of rapidly frozen slices (in which ice was formed), but not of vitrified slices (in which no ice was formed), in a time- and temperature-dependent manner. UW was found to protect slices from this 'warm pre-incubation phenomenon.' Apparently, pre-incubation prior to freezing causes certain cellular alterations that render slices more susceptible to rapid freezing damage.     

Stimulation of chloride transport by fatty acids in corneal epithelium and relation to changes in membrane fluidity.

The effect of altering cell membrane lipids on ion transport across isolated corneas was studied. Corneas mounted in Ussing-type chambers showed a rapid increase in short-circuit current following treatment with a variety of unsaturated fatty acids of varying chain length and unsaturation. Measurements of membrane fluidity which utilize immunofluorescence labelling of membrane proteins showed corneal epithelial cell membranes to be significantly more fluid following linoleic acid treatment. Uptake studies indicate rapid incorporation of [14C]linoleic acid into corneal cell membranes. Highly unsaturated fatty acids were found to have the greatest ability to stimulate chloride transport. Saturated fatty acids were tested and were found to have no effect on chloride transport at any concentration. It is proposed that unsaturated fatty acids activate chloride transport by increasing membrane lipid fluidity. The relationship of these parameters is discussed in terms of a mobile receptor model. We speculate that an increase in membrane lipid fluidity promotes lateral diffusion of membrane receptor proteins and enzymes, increasing protein-protein interactions within the membrane, ultimately resulting in the enhancement of cyclic AMP synthesis.     

Binding of bile acids, organic anions, and fatty acids by bovine intestinal Z protein.

Z protein from bovine small intestinal mucosa was purified and its binding affinities for bile acids, organic anions, and fatty acids were compared with those of bovine hepatic Z protein. Purification of Z protein from intestinal and hepatic cytosol was performed by gel filtration, chromatofocusing, and hydroxyapatite chromatography. Both purified proteins had the same molecular weight (Mr 14,000) and eluted from a chromatofocused gel at about pH 10. Binding studies were performed by the competitive displacement of 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid and by equilibrium dialysis. Binding affinities for bile acids, organic anions, and fatty acids were very similar between intestinal and hepatic Z proteins. Although the real physiologic role of Z protein remains to be further elucidated, these data indicate that intestinal Z protein participates in the mechanism of intracellular bile acid transfer in enterocytes.     

Radiation inactivation of multispecific transport systems for bile acids and xenobiotics in basolateral rat liver plasma membrane vesicles.

The functional molecular mass of the cholate, phallotoxin, iodipamide, and ouabain transport proteins in isolated basolateral plasma membrane vesicles was determined by radiation inactivation. Purified basolateral plasma membrane vesicles were irradiated (-90 to -120 degrees C) with high energy electrons from a 10-MeV linear accelerator at doses from 0 to 30 megarads. After each dose, the initial uptake, the equilibrium binding, and the binding of the substrates at 4 degrees C were checked. The size of the transporting function was, for cholate, 107 +/- 8.9 kDa; for phallotoxin, 104 +/- 7 kDa; and for ouabain, 120 +/- 4.7 kDa. The target size for the binding proteins was 56 +/- 4.2, 57 +/- 5, and 47.2 +/- 1.95 kDa for cholate, phallotoxin, and taurocholate, respectively. In the case of iodipamide, the functional molecular mass for both the transport and binding proteins was 54 +/- 4.8 kDa.     

Interaction of amphiphiles with integral membrane proteins. I. Structural destabilization of the anion transport protein of the erythrocyte membrane by fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and fatty amines

The effect of model amphiphiles on the structural stability of the anion exchange protein (band 3) of the human erythrocyte membrane was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The concentration of membranes, as well as the concentration, head group, alkyl chain length, degree of unsaturation, and double bond configuration of a variety of alkane derivatives were all varied in a systematic way. The depression of the denaturation temperature of band 3 per unit membrane concentration of the amphiphile was then determined in order to quantitate the potency of each drug. Saturated fatty acids of chain length C8 to C24 displayed a monotonic decrease in potency up to C20, followed by a dramatic diminution in potency at C22 and C24. Unsaturation caused only minor increases in the abilities of fatty acids to perturb the anion exchanger, and surprisingly, there was neither a trend for the number of double bonds nor a significant cis-trans distinction. Arachidonic acid, as an exception, was much more effective than any other amphiphile in destabilizing band 3. Fatty acids were about three times more potent than fatty amines and fatty alcohols; however, the enhanced partitioning of the latter into the membrane compensated at certain membrane/buffer ratios for its reduced intrinsic potency. A quantitative model interpretation of the data is presented in an accompanying paper.     

Cessation of growth to prevent cell death due to inhibition of phosphatidylcholine synthesis is impaired at 37 degrees C in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Phosphatidylcholine is the most abundant phospholipid in eukaryotic cells, comprising 50% of total cellular phospholipid, and thus plays a major role in cellular and organellar biogenesis. In this study, we have used both nutritional deprivation as well as a conditional temperature sensitive allele of PCT1 (CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase) coupled with an inactivated phosphatidylethanolamine methylation pathway to determine how cells respond to inactivation of phosphatidylcholine synthesis. Metabolic studies determined that phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis decreased to negligible levels within 1 h upon shift to the nonpermissive temperature for the temperature-sensitive PCT1 allele. Phosphatidylcholine mass decreased to negligible levels upon removal of choline from the medium or growth at the nonpermissive temperature, with the levels of the other major phospholipids increasing slightly. Cell growth rate visibly slowed upon cessation of phosphatidylcholine synthesis. Cells remained viable for 7-8 h after phosphatidylcholine synthesis was prevented; however, at time points beyond 8 h, viability was significantly reduced but only if the cells had been previously grown at 37 degrees C and not 25 degrees C. The inhibition of phosphatidylcholine synthesis at 37 degrees C did not alter Golgi-derived vesicle transport to the vacuole as monitored by carboxypeptidase Y processing or to the plasma membrane as determined by invertase secretion. Immunofluorescence microscopy localized Pct1p to the nucleus and nuclear membrane. Pct1p activity is regulated by Sec14p, a cytoplasm/Golgi localized phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylinositol binding protein that regulates Golgi-derived vesicle transport partially through its ligand-dependent regulation of PCT1 derived enzyme activity. Our nuclear localization of Pct1p indicates that the regulation of Pct1p by Sec14p is indirect.