On lipid droplets in renal interstitial cells

Summary By ultracentrifugation of homogenates of rat renal papillae, a low density layer composed of small primary fluorescing lipid droplets was isolated. Probably the isolated lipid material originates mainly from the primary fluorescing lipid droplets of the renal interstitial cells. The isolated lipid droplets were mainly triglycerides, cholesterol esters and free longchain fatty acids. The long-chain fatty acid composition of the main components differed markedly from that of the analogous components of plasma and depot fat. The findings suggest that the complex lipids of the isolated lipid droplets are synthetized by the renal papilla and probably by the renal interstitial cells. The prostaglandin precursor arachidonic acid constitutes a significant fraction of the triglyceride long-chain fatty acids. Usually also small quantities of prostaglandins were present. Altogether the results suggest that the lipid droplets of the renal interstitial cells may function as a storage site for prostaglandin precursor.This work was supported by a grant from the Danish State Research Foundation. — The authors wish to acknowledge the support and inspiration given by E. Bojesen, M.D., Ph.D., the Institute of Experimental Medicine, Division of Endocrinology. — The authors wish to thank Dr. John E. Pike of the Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, Michigan, for supplying the Prostaglandins used in this study.     

Estimation of ouabain specifically bound to dog renal (Na+ + K+)-ATPase in vivo.

Suspensions of viable renal cortical cells hydrolyzed a synthetic ester substrate (alpha-N-tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester, Tos-Arg-OMe) and generated kinins from a kininogen substrate. This kallikrein-like esterase activity increased linearly with cell number, or time of exposure to substrate. No radiolabelled substrate or product was found within the cells. Most of the activity appeared to be on cell surfaces as supernatant media had less than 20% of the Tos-Arg-OMe esterase activity on the cell suspensions. Cell surface Tos-Arg-OMe esterase activity was inhibited by aprotinin, benzamidine, pentamidine, and a tris-amidine derivative (alpha,alpha',alpha'-tris(3-amidinophenoxy)mesitylene). Preincubation of cells with phospholipase A2 increased renal cell surface esterase activity up to 76% while only slightly increasing supernatant activity. In contrast, preincubation with deoxycholate caused clearing of suspensions and a marked increase in supernatant esterase activity. Renal cell kininogenase (EC 3.4.21.8) activity was inhibited by preincubation with aprotinin, the tris-amidine derivative, or anti-rat urinary kallikrein antibody. Kallikrein elaborated by renal cells formed a single precipitin line with an antibody to rat urinary kallikrein but the two enzymes were not immunologically identical. We conclude that kallikrein's active sites are facing the external environment of renal cortical cells in suspension with access to substrates, inhibitors, and antibody.     

The EstA esterase is responsible for the main capacity of Lactococcus lactis to synthesize short chain fatty acid esters in vitro

AIMS: Esters of short-chain fatty acids and alcohols participate significantly in the overall flavour of foods. The capacity of the lactic acid bacterium Lactococcus lactis to synthesize such esters is known even though the enzymes involved in the process are not well identified. The objective of our work is to determine whether the esterase is responsible for the whole capacity of L. lactis to synthesize esters in vitro. METHODS AND RESULTS: A negative mutant for the esterase was constructed and its capacity to synthesize short chain fatty acid esters from different substrate couples was compared to that of the wild type. We observed that the esterase is responsible for the main ester synthesis activity of L. lactis in vitro. However, in the presence of some substrates, the esterase negative mutant still synthesizes low amounts of esters. CONCLUSIONS: In favourable environmental conditions, the L. lactis esterase is responsible for the main ester synthesizing activity, even though another pathway for ester synthesis probably exists. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Since esters are potent aroma compounds, esterase is probably a key enzyme in the development of food flavour.     

Characterization of a thermostable esterase activity from the moderate thermophile Bacillus licheniformis

A new esterase activity from Bacillus licheniformis was characterized from an Escherichia coli recombinant strain. The protein was a single polypeptide chain with a molecular mass of 81 kDa. The optimum pH for esterase activity was 8-8.5 and it was stable in the range 7-8.5. The optimum temperature for activity was 45 degrees C and the half-life was 1 h at 64 degrees C. Maximum activity was observed on p-nitrophenyl caproate with little activity toward long-chain fatty acid esters. The enzyme had a KM of 0.52 mM for p-nitrophenyl caproate hydrolysis at pH 8 and 37 degrees C. The enzyme activity was not affected by either metal ions or sulfydryl reagents. Surprisingly, the enzyme was only slightly inhibited by PMSF. These characteristics classified the new enzyme as a thermostable esterase that shared similarities with lipases. The esterase might be useful for biotechnological applications such as ester synthesis.     

A cold-adapted esterase from psychrotrophic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudoalteromas</Emphasis> sp. strain 643A

A psychrotrophic bacterium producing a cold-adapted esterase upon growth at low temperatures was isolated from the alimentary tract of Antarctic krill Euphasia superba Dana, and classified as Pseudoalteromonas sp. strain 643A. A genomic DNA library of strain 643A was introduced into Escherichia coli TOP10F', and screening on tributyrin-containing agar plates led to the isolation of esterase gene. The esterase gene (estA, 621 bp) encoded a protein (EstA) of 207 amino acid residues with molecular mass of 23,036 Da. Analysis of the amino acid sequence of EstA suggests that it is a member of the GDSL-lipolytic enzymes family. The purification and characterization of native EstA esterase were performed. The enzyme displayed 20-50% of maximum activity at 0-20 degrees C. The optimal temperature for EstA was 35 degrees C. EstA was stable between pH 9 and 11.5. The enzyme showed activity for esters of short- to medium-chain (C(4) and C(10)) fatty acids, and exhibited no activity for long-chain fatty acid esters like that of palmitate and stearate. EstA was strongly inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, 2-mercaptoethanol, dithiothreitol and glutathione. Addition of selected divalent ions e.g. Mg(2+), Co(2+) and Cu(2+) led to the reduction of enzymatic activity and the enzyme was slightly activated ( approximately 30%) by Ca(2+) ions.     

Esterase activities in Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens strains

Thirty strains of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens isolated in diverse geographical locations were examined for esterase activity by using naphthyl esters of acetate, butyrate, caprylate, laurate, and palmitate. All strains possessed some esterase activity, and high levels of activity were observed with strains 49, H17c, S2, AcTF2, and LM8/1B. Esterase activity also was detected in other ruminal bacteria (Bacteroides ruminicola, Selenomonas ruminantium, Ruminobacter amylophilus, and Streptococcus bovis). For all B. fibrisolvens strains tested, naphthyl fatty acid esterase activity paralleled culture growth and was predominantly cell associated. With strains 49, CF4c, and S2, the activity was retained by protoplasts made from whole cells. Esterase activity was detected with all strains when grown on glucose, and some strains showed higher activity levels when grown on other substrates (larchwood xylan or citrus pectin). When nitrophenyl esters of fatty acids were used to measure esterase activity, generally four- to sevenfold-higher activity levels were detected, and with a number of strains substantial levels were found in the culture fluid. Cultures of these strains (H17c, NOR37, D1, and D30g) contained xylanase and acetyl xylan esterase activities, neither of which was associated to any great extent with the cells. Acetyl xylan esterase has not been previously detected in ruminal bacteria and may be important to overall digestion of forage by these organisms.     

Esterase activities in Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens strains.

Thirty strains of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens isolated in diverse geographical locations were examined for esterase activity by using naphthyl esters of acetate, butyrate, caprylate, laurate, and palmitate. All strains possessed some esterase activity, and high levels of activity were observed with strains 49, H17c, S2, AcTF2, and LM8/1B. Esterase activity also was detected in other ruminal bacteria (Bacteroides ruminicola, Selenomonas ruminantium, Ruminobacter amylophilus, and Streptococcus bovis). For all B. fibrisolvens strains tested, naphthyl fatty acid esterase activity paralleled culture growth and was predominantly cell associated. With strains 49, CF4c, and S2, the activity was retained by protoplasts made from whole cells. Esterase activity was detected with all strains when grown on glucose, and some strains showed higher activity levels when grown on other substrates (larchwood xylan or citrus pectin). When nitrophenyl esters of fatty acids were used to measure esterase activity, generally four- to sevenfold-higher activity levels were detected, and with a number of strains substantial levels were found in the culture fluid. Cultures of these strains (H17c, NOR37, D1, and D30g) contained xylanase and acetyl xylan esterase activities, neither of which was associated to any great extent with the cells. Acetyl xylan esterase has not been previously detected in ruminal bacteria and may be important to overall digestion of forage by these organisms.     

Characteristics and function of Alcaligenes sp. NBRC 14130 esterase catalysing the stereo‐selective hydrolysis of ethyl chrysanthemate

Aims: Alcaligenes sp. NBRC 14130 was found as a strain hydrolysing a mixture of (±)‐trans‐ and (±)‐cis ethyl chrysanthemates to (1R,3R)‐(+)‐trans‐chrysanthemic acid. The Alcaligenes cells also have hydrolytic activity for 6‐aminohexanoate‐cyclic dimer (6‐AHCD, 1,8‐diazacyclotetradecane‐2,9‐dione). The correlation of function on the enzyme from the Alcaligenes strain with hydrolysis activities for both ethyl chrysanthemate and 6‐AHCD was demonstrated. Methods and Results: The esterase was purified to homogeneity. The purified esterase hydrolysed 20 mmol l^?1 ester including the four stereoisomers to the corresponding (+)‐trans acid with a 37% molar conversion of ethyl (+)‐trans chrysanthemate. The esterase showed high hydrolytic activity for various short‐chain fatty acid esters, n‐hexane amide and 6‐AHCD. The amino acid sequence of the Alcaligenes esterase was identical to that of Arthrobacter 6‐AHCD hydrolase (EC 3.5.2.12) and similar to that of fatty acid amide hydrolase (EC 3.5.1.4) from Rattus norvegicus, having both serine and lysine residues of the catalytic site and the consensus motif Gly‐X‐Ser‐X‐Gly. Conclusion: The stereo‐selective hydrolytic activity was found in Alcaligenes sp. NBRC14130 by screening of ethyl chrysanthemate‐hydrolysing activity in micro‐organisms, and the purified esterase also acted on fatty acid esters and amides. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study has demonstrated that there are great differences in the enzymatic properties, amino acid sequence and catalytic motif of esterases in both Alcaligenes and Arthrobacter globiformis with excellent stereo‐selectivity for (+)‐trans‐ethyl chrysanthemate, but the amino acid sequence of Alcaligenes esterase is identical to that of Arthrobacter 6‐AHCD hydrolase.     

Post-heparin plasma hepatic triacylglycerol lipase-catalyzed tributyrin hydrolysis. Effect of trypsin treatment

Hepatic triacylglycerol lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) hydrolyzes water-insoluble fatty acid esters, e.g., trioleoylglycerol (lipase activity) and water-soluble fatty acid esters, e.g., tributyrin (esterase activity). Esterase activity of hepatic triacylglycerol lipase is enhanced by triolein emulsion and phospholipid vesicles [1]. The catalytic mechanism and structure of human hepatic triacylglycerol lipase isolated from human post-heparin plasma and the effect of trypsin treatment on the lipase and esterase activities of the enzyme were examined. Treatment of hepatic triacylglycerol lipase with trypsin resulted in loss of its lipase activity, but had no effect on its esterase activity. Chromatography of hepatic triacylglycerol lipase on Bio-Gel A5m showed that hepatic triacylglycerol lipase binds to dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine vesicles. However, on chromatography of the trypsin-treated enzyme after incubation with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine vesicles, a part of hepatic triacylglycerol lipase that retained esterase activity was eluted separately from the dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine vesicles. Addition of vesicles of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine to the trypsin-treated enzyme did not enhance its esterase activity. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that hepatic triacylglycerol lipase has a catalytic site that hydrolyzes tributyrin and a lipid interface recognition site, and that these sites are different: trypsin modified the lipid interface recognition site of the hepatic triacylglycerol lipase but not the catalytic site.     

Specific destruction of Leydig cells in mature rats after in vivo administration of ethane dimethyl sulfonate

Effects of ethane dimethyl sulfonate (EDS) on Leydig cells have been studied using the following parameters: morphology, histochemistry of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) and esterase, quantitative activity of esterase, testosterone concentrations in plasma, and steroid production by isolated interstitial cells in vitro. Degenerating Leydig cells were observed within 16 h after the injection of mature rats with EDS (75 mg/kg body weight). At that time the testosterone concentration in plasma and the specific activity of esterase in testis tissue were decreased to approximately 35% and 60% of the control value, respectively. At 48 h after EDS only a few normal Leydig cells were left and the plasma testosterone concentration was less than 5% of the control value. The specific activity of esterase in total testis tissue was similar to the activity of dissected tubules from untreated rats. At 72 h no Leydig cells could be detected and no 3 beta-HSD and esterase-positive cells were present. At that time macrophages were still present in the interstitium and the appearance of the spermatogenic epithelium was normal, but 1 wk after EDS the elongation of spermatids was disturbed, probably due to a lack of testosterone. In some of the animals the cytotoxic effects of EDS on Leydig cells could be partly inhibited by human chorionic gonadotropin treatment. The basal steroid production by interstitial cells from mature rats 72 h after EDS was not significant and no stimulation by LH was observed, whereas no effect of EDS could be detected on steroid production by interstitial cells isolated from immature rats and mice 72 h after treatment. Other compounds with similar structures, such as butane dimethyl sulfonate (busulfan) and ethane methyl sulfonate (EMS) had no effect on Leydig cells from mature rats. It is concluded that EDS specifically destroys Leydig cells in mature rats.     

Histochemical localization of enzyme activity in the kidneys of male marmosets (Callithrix jacchus and Callithrix penicillata).

The distribution of several hydrolases and oxidoreductases was studied in the renal parenchyma of adult male marmosets (Callithrix jacchus and Callithrix penicillata). The oxidative enzymes showed a high reactivity in the proximal and distal tubules, whereas the hydrolases reacted strongly in the proximal tubules but only weakly or not at all in the thick limb of Henle's loop, distal tubules and collecting ducts. The NAD-dependent enzymes (except alpha-GPDH) showed a stronger reactivity in the proximal tubules, while the NADP-dependent ones were more reactive in the thick limb of Henle's loop and distal convoluted tubules. Two groups of interstitial cells were found in the medulla. A first group inside the outer medulla, showing cells rich in acid phosphatase and nonspecific esterases and a second group, close to the papilla, reactive to a certain number of oxidative enzymes. A different reactivity in cells of the distal convoluted tubules, thick limb of Henle's loops and collecting ducts (dark cells) was seen in the case of some enzymes like nonspecific esterase, alpha-GPDH and SDH.     

Diet and kidney disease: the role of dietary fatty acids

Several general principles with respect to the role of the fatty acids in the progression of kidney disease have begun to emerge from the mass of observational detail. Interventions that increase renal exposure to prostaglandins of the E series appear to be beneficial. They include administration of prostaglandin analogues and dietary supplementation with their fatty acid precursor, linoleate. The beneficial effects may be attributed to preservation of renal blood flow and glomerular filtration, reduction in blood pressure, direct effects on the lipid composition and function of cell membranes, and immune suppression. Interventions that inhibit thromboxane and leukotriene production, such as omega-3 fatty acid supplementation of the diet or administration of enzyme or receptor inhibitors, are also protective. Prevention of vasoconstriction, inhibition of platelet activation, and regulation of cell proliferation and matrix production have all been implicated in the mediation of the observed retardation of sclerosis. Fish oil may have synergistic, suppressive effects on various parameters of immune activation. Essential fatty acid deficiency, of course, inhibits both prostaglandin E and thromboxane production, cancelling out the protective and injurious components of arachidonate oxidation. Yet, studies on its beneficial effects have revealed another aspect of eicosanoid metabolism, independent of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase activity, that appears to regulate monocyte migration into injured tissue. Dietary interruption of this pathway has proven protective to renal structure and function. Alterations in lipid metabolism may represent a common, mediating pathway of glomerular and interstitial susceptibility to progressive sclerosis in the kidney. The process appears to be amenable to manipulation by pharmacologic or dietary modulation of fatty acid metabolism. Eicosanoid metabolites and tissue-leukocyte signaling are two mechanisms by which lipid alterations can affect renal function. There are doubtless many others awaiting elucidation. Delineation of all the mechanisms whereby fatty acid metabolism can contribute to progressive kidney injury may provide a useful model for the examination of progressive sclerosis affecting other tissues subsequent to immune, vascular, or metabolic injury.     

Purification and some properties of a thermostable acid esterase from Acidiphilium sp. AIU 409

Extracellular and cell-bound esterases produced by Acidiphilium sp. AIU 409 were homogeneously purified from culture broth and cells, respectively, and some properties were investigated. Both esterases more rapidly hydrolyzed p-nitrophenyl acyl esters containing long-chain fatty acids from C 8:0 to C 18:0 than those containing short-chain fatty acids from C 2:0 to C 6:0. The Km values for p-nitrophenyl long-chain fatty acid esters from C 8:0 to C 18:0 were approximately 1.3-1.5 mM. The enzymes were stable at 50 degrees C for 2 days between pH 3.0 and 6.5, and optimum pH and temperature were 5.0 and 70 degrees C, respectively. Enzyme activity was inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and SDS. The molecular mass of both enzymes was estimated to be approximately 64 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The 23 amino acid sequence from the NH(2)-terminus was also the same in both enzymes. These results suggest that extracellular esterase might be composed of the same components as cell-bound esterase.     

Estradiol esters can replace 17 beta-estradiol in the stimulation of DNA and esterase synthesis by MCF-7 cells: a possible role for the estrogen-sensitive MCF-7 cell esterase

In this communication we extend our earlier observations on estrogen-sensitive carboxyl esterases in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells able to hydrolyze esters of estradiol. Using either estradiol acetate or p-nitrophenyl hexanoate as substrates, esterase activity was found to increase 2-3-fold in MCF-7 cells maintained in the presence of 10(-8) M estradiol. Following sucrose density centrifugation, over 85% of total esterase activity was found in the cytoplasmic fraction. No esterase activity was found in spent media from growing cells. By size exclusion chromatography, estradiol acetate esterase activity exhibited a mol. wt of 45-50 kDa. Attempts to demonstrate incorporation of [3H]estradiol into estradiol fatty acid esters by the above MCF-7 cell line (203P) were unsuccessful, although, such incorporation could be demonstrated in two other MCF-7 cell sublines. Incubation of the 203P cells with 10 nM [3H]estradiol in the presence of 0.5 mM radioinert estradiol acetate resulted in the incorporation of 35 +/- 12% of the label into the estradiol acetate in 10 min. In the absence of radioinert estradiol acetate, no incorporation was observed. When MCF-7 cells were incubated with [3H]estradiol in the presence of a large excess of radioinert estradiol valerate, label was found only in estradiol valerate. Similarly, when the incubation was carried out in the presence of a mixture of radioinert estradiol acetate and valerate, label was incorporated into both esters. We conclude that the apparent formation of radiolabeled estradiol esters by MCF-7 cells incubated under the above conditions, results at least in part, from an esterase-catalyzed exchange reaction. Under conditions where no ester hydrolysis could be detected in the absence of cells, valerate and stearate esters of estradiol were found to be as effective as unesterified estradiol in stimulating esterase synthesis and the incorporation of [3H]thymidine into DNA. These results are consistent with a model in which an intracellular esterase in MCF-7 cells can generate estradiol from an exogenous lipoidal steroid and elicit an estrogen response.     

Hydrolysis of dolichyl esters by rat liver lysosomes

Dolichyl ester hydrolase activity is broadly distributed among the organs of the rat. The highest activity was found in spleen, brain, lung, and thyroid tissues, whereas this activity is very low in stomach and intestine. The esterase involved is localized to the lumen of lysosomes and, to some extent, in the plasma membranes. Hydrolysis occurs with both alpha-saturated and alpha-unsaturated polyisoprenes esterified with different fatty acids, but the rate of hydrolysis is strongly dependent on the nature of the substrate. The enzyme involved is inhibited by divalent cations, EDTA and EGTA and also by one of the products, dolichol. The esterase is activated by 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl) dimethylammonio]-1-propranesulfonic acid and taurodeoxycholate and inhibited by Triton X-100. Dolichyl esterase activity is completely inhibited by alpha- and beta-naphthyl acetate, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, and beta-chloromethylmercurisulfate. These inhibitors, as well as the pH optimum for dolichyl ester hydrolysis, clearly differentiate the enzyme involved from cholesteryl esterase and triglyceride lipase. Microsomal phospholipase A hydrolyzes dolichyl esters at a slow rate only. In vivo labeling experiments with [3H]mevalonate demonstrated that newly synthesized dolichol is transported in esterified form to the lysosomes, where this lipid is slowly hydrolyzed by the esterase. The possibility is raised that the role of the fatty acyl moiety may be to target dolichol to its final location in the cell.     

Does diaminobenzidine demonstrate prostaglandin synthetase?

Summary A method histochemical localization of prostaglandin synthetase using DAB, potassium cyanide and polyunsaturated fatty acid has been revised. The arachidonic acid-induced DAB oxidation observed in the secretory epithelium of sheep vesicular glands and in collecting tubules as well as interstitial cells of rabbit kidney medulla was found to be insensitive to antiinflammatory cyclooxygenase (formerly referred as prostaglandin synthetase) inhibitors, such as indomethacin, aspirin, mefenamic acid and paracetamol, whereas aminotriazole caused complete inhibition of the reaction. Furthermore, DAB was oxidized in the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids inconvertible to prostaglandins (linoleic and linolenic acid) as well as in the presence of H₂O₂ — in the latter case reaction possessed identical features with that induced by fatty acids. Ultrastructurally, the reaction product was localized on the membranes of nuclear envelope and endoplasmic reticulum. On the ground of the results obtained a hypothesis is presented, that the polyunsaturated fatty acid-induced DAB oxidation is due to a peroxidatic activity of the investigated tissues. Possible relations between such peroxidatic activity and prostaglandin biosynthesis are discussed.     

Acetylcholine esterase as a probe for erythrocyte-membrane intactness

Erythrocyte acetylcholine esterase can be assayed in intact cells and was tested as a probe for membrane changes. Acetylcholine esterase activity correlated with the erythrocyte relative volume. Antihemolytic acyl sorbitols, fatty acids and phenothiazines inhibit to varying extents the activity of acetylcholine esterase. The inhibition of acetylcholine esterase by linolenoyl sorbitol was further characterized and found to be non-competitive and critically dependent on cell intactness over a wide temperature range. Neither solubilized nor ghost acetylcholine esterase was affected by the acyl sorbitol while under conditions optimal for ghost resealing, the enzyme resumed the sensitivity to the acyl sorbitol. Acetylcholine esterase sensitivity thus appears to be a promising tool to follow the dynamics of membrane integrity.     

Modulation of the albumin–paraoxon interaction sites by fatty acids: Analysis by the molecular modeling methods

It is known that albumin can break the ester bonds in organophosphorus compounds (OPs). Amino acids responsible for esterase and pseudoesterase activity of albumin towards OPs are still not determined. It is assumed that Sudlow’s site I with residue Tyr150 exhibits the “true” esterase activity; and Sudlow’s site II containing residue Tyr411, a pseudoesterase one. Binding of fatty acids to albumin affects the efficiency of its interaction with xenobiotics; however, the effect of fatty acids on the interaction of albumin with OPs was not studied. The purpose of this work was to study the interaction of OPs with potential sites of albumin enzymatic activity and to examine the effect of fatty acids on the efficiency of such interaction using the molecular modeling methods by the example of paraoxon, a known inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, and oleic acid. The structures of the protein complexes with paraoxon and oleic acid were determined by the molecular docking procedure; the conformational changes were calculated by the molecular dynamics method. It has been shown that sorption of oleic acid in one of the fatty acid-binding sites leads to the conformational changes in Sudlow’s sites I and II due to a “reversal” of the side chains of Arg410 and Arg257 residues by 90°. It has been found that this change in geometry reduces the affinity of Sudlow’s site I and increases the Sudlow’s site II affinity to paraoxon. The amino acid residue Ser193, which was previously identified as a site of possible albumin esterase activity, is not able to bind paraoxon efficiently. It is assumed that its activity can be affected by the interaction of the oleic acid molecules with other fatty acid-binding sites. It is hypothesized that the lesser toxicity of paraoxon compared to soman may be associated not only with its lower inhibitory activity against cholinesterases, but also with the increased affinity of paraoxon to albumin. It was concluded that albumin may serve as an alternative means of OP detoxification.     

Histological localization of hydrolases in the epididymis of the dog]

Localization and activity of five hydrolases (alkaline phosphatase, adenosine triphosphatase, acid phosphatase, nonspecific esterase and leucylamino-peptidase) were evaluated histochemically in the epididymides of mature dogs. In the ductuli efferentes, cilia and apical parts of the epithelial cells displayed high activity of alkaline phosphatase and adenosine triphosphatase. Strong activity of acid phosphatase, nonspecific esterase and leucylamino-peptidase was present in the basal and supranuclear zones of the epithelium of the ductuli efferentes. Stereocilia of all three segments of the ductus epididymidis showed a high activity of alkaline phosphatase. Positive adenosine triphosphatase reaction was confined to the stereocilia of the initial segment. A complex pattern of acid phosphatase activity was observed in the middle segment. The subdivision of the middle segment in four subsegments was therefore suggested. In the epithelium of the initial segment only a few nonspecific esterase-positive cells were seen. The infranuclear and basal areas of the epithelium in the middle segment and the supranuclear zone of the terminal segment displayed distinct nonspecific esterase activity. The possible contribution of the hydrolases to the function of the epididymis is discussed.     

Studies on rat renal cortical cell kallikrein. I. Separation and measurement.

A technique has been developed to separate and measure kallikrein in a heterogeneous population of rat renal cortical cells in suspension. After rat kidneys were perfused in situ in anaesthetized rats, viable, counted cortical cell suspensions were obtained. Cells were suspended in a sucrose/Tris buffer containing 0.5% deoxycholate, homogenized, centrifuged, dialyzed, and gel filtered on Sephadex G-25. Column chromatography on DEAE-cellulose resulted in a single peak of esterase activity between 0.20 to 0.25 M NaCl/sodium phosphate buffer. Subsequent elution yielded an alkaline esterase which was identical to kallikrein isolated from rat urine, insofar as pH optimum, effects of inhibitors, bioassay activity and immunological properties were concerned. Calculated yields were about 70% of the total esterase activity present in the parent cell homogenates. Recoveries of a purified rat urinary kallikrein added to the cell homogenates, the DEAE-cellulose columns, or the eluates from the columns ranged from 83-108% (mean 96%). Using this technique, it was found that the amount of kallikrein activity present in non-incubated renal cortical cells ranged from 0.6-10(-2) to 4.6 - 10(-2) alpha-N-tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester (Tos-Arg-OMe) esterase units per 10(8) cells. However, cells incubated in a nutrient medium at 37 degrees C for 3-8 h contained no measurable kallikrein activity, whereas the surrounding medium had kallikrein activity which could be significantly increased by aldosterone and decreased by spironolactone.