The Role of GlycineB Binding Site and Glycine Transporter (GlyT1) in the Regulation of [3H]GABA and [3H]Glycine Release in the Rat Brain

The effect of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA), a selective glutamate receptor agonist, on the release of previously incorporated [³H]-aminobutyric acid(GABA) was examined in superfused striatal slices of the rat. NMDA (0.01 to 1.0 mM) increased [³H]GABA overflow with an EC₅₀ value of 0.09 mM. The [³H]GABA releasing effect of NMDA was an external Ca²⁺-dependent process and the GABA uptake inhibitor nipecotic acid (0.1 mM) potentiated this effect. These findings support the view that NMDA evokes GABA release from vesicular pool in striatal GABAergic neurons. Addition of glycine (1 mM), a cotransmitter for NMDA receptor, did not influence the NMDA-induced [³H]GABA overflow. Kynurenic acid (1 mM), an antagonist of glycine_B site, decreased the [³H]GABA-releasing effect of NMDA and this reduction was suspended by addition of 1 mM glycine. Neither glycine nor kynurenic acid exerted effects on resting [³H]GABA outflow. These data suggest that glycine_B binding site at NMDA receptor may be saturated by glycine released from neighboring cells. Glycyldodecylamide (GDA) and N-dodecylsarcosine, inhibitors of glycineT1 transporter, inhibited the uptake of [³H]glycine (IC₅₀ 33 and 16 M) in synaptosomes prepared from rat hippocampus. When hippocampal slices were loaded with [³H]glycine, resting efflux was detected whereas electrical stimulation failed to evoke [³H]glycine overflow. Neither GDA (0.1 mM) nor N-dodecylsarcosine (0.3 mM) influenced [³H]glycine efflux. Using Krebs-bicarbonate buffer with reduced Na⁺ for superfusion of hippocampal slices produced an increased [³H]glycine outflow and electrical stimulation further enhanced this release. These experiments speak for glial and neuronal [³H]glycine release in hippocampus with a dominant role of the former one. GDA, however, did not influence resting or stimulated [³H]glycine efflux even when buffer with low Na⁺ concentration was applied.     

Chemical formation of 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3[2H]-furanone from D-fructose 1,6-diphosphate

The selective chemical formation of 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3[2H]-furanone (HDF) from D-fructose 1,6-diphosphate in the presence of reduced nicotinamide-adenine-dinucleotides (NAD(P)H) was investigated by means of HPLC-DAD and HPLC-UV-MS/MS. The temperature optimum for HDF formation was 30 degrees C, whereas the pH value (pH 3-10) and chemical nature of the buffer had no significant influence. A linear correlation of reaction time and D-fructose 1,6-diphosphate concentration with the obtained HDF yield was observed. Proteins appeared to have a stabilizing effect. The NAD(P)H were mandatory, even in the presence of protein, implying a non-enzymatic hydride-transfer to an unknown intermediate which finally leads to the selective formation of HDF. The hydride-transfer was confirmed by the application of selectively pro-4R or pro-4S deuterium labeled NADH resulting in each case in the formation of HDF exhibiting a deuterium labeling of approx 30% and employment of [4R,S-(2)H(2)]-NADH led to a deuterium labeling of approx 66%. The incubation of [1-(13)C]-D-fructose 1,6-diphosphate with [4R,S-(2)H(2)]-NADH revealed that the hydride is transferred to C-5 or C-6 of the D-fructose 1,6-diphosphate skeleton. Thus, a chemical HDF formation from D-fructose 1,6-diphosphate under physiological reaction conditions was shown and for the first time to our knowledge a non-enzymatic hydride-transfer from NADH to a carbohydrate structure was demonstrated.     

ATP-independent luminal oscillations and release of Ca2+ and H+ from mast cell secretory granules: implications for signal transduction

InsP(3) is an important link in the intracellular information network. Previous observations show that activation of InsP(3)-receptor channels on the granular membrane can turn secretory granules into Ca(2+) oscillators that deliver periodic trains of Ca(2+) release to the cytosol (T. Nguyen, W. C. Chin, and P. Verdugo, 1998, Nature, 395:908-912; I. Quesada, W. C. Chin, J. Steed, P. Campos-Bedolla, and P. Verdugo, 2001, BIOPHYS: J. 80:2133-2139). Here we show that InsP(3) can also turn mast cell granules into proton oscillators. InsP(3)-induced intralumenal [H(+)] oscillations are ATP-independent, result from H(+)/K(+) exchange in the heparin matrix, and produce perigranular pH oscillations with the same frequency. These perigranular pH oscillations are in-phase with intralumenal [H(+)] but out-of-phase with the corresponding perigranular [Ca(2+)] oscillations. The low pH of the secretory compartment has critical implications in a broad range of intracellular processes. However, the association of proton release with InsP(3)-induced Ca(2+) signals, their similar periodic nature, and the sensitivity of important exocytic proteins to the joint action of Ca(2+) and pH strongly suggests that granules might encode a combined Ca(2+)/H(+) intracellular signal. A H(+)/Ca(2+) signal could significantly increase the specificity of the information sent by the granule by transmitting two frequency encoded messages targeted exclusively to proteins like calmodulin, annexins, or syncollin that are crucial for exocytosis and require specific combinations of [Ca(2+)] "and" pH for their action.     

The trans labilization of cis-[PtCl2(13CH3NH2)2] by glutathione can be monitored at physiological pH by [1H,13C] HSQC NMR

In order to monitor the trans labilization of cisplatin at physiological pH we have prepared the complex cis-[PtCl₂(¹³CH₃NH₂)₂] and studied its interactions with excess glutathione in aqueous solution at neutral pH by two-dimensional [1H,13C] heteronuclear single-quantum correlation (HSQC) NMR spectroscopy. [1H,13C] HSQC spectroscopy is a good method for following the release of ¹³CH₃NH₂ but is not so good for characterizing the Pt species in solution. In the reaction of cisplatin with glutathione, Pt–S bonds are formed and Pt–NH₃ bonds are broken. The best technique for following the formation of Pt–S bonds of cisplatin is by UV spectroscopy. [1H,13C] HSQC spectroscopy is the best method for following the breaking of the Pt–N bonds. [1H,15N] HSQC spectroscopy is the best method for characterizing the different species in solution. However, the intensity of the peaks in the ¹⁵NH₃–Pt–S region, in [1H,15N] HSQC, reflects a balance between the formation of Pt–S bonds, which increases the signal intensity, and the trans labilization, which decreases the signal intensity. [1H,15N] HSQC spectroscopy and [1H,13C] HSQC spectroscopy are complementary techniques that should be used in conjunction in order to obtain the most accurate information on the interaction of platinum complexes with sulfur-containing ligands.     

Intrathecal [Nphe1]nociceptin( 1-13)NH2 selectively reduces the spinal inhibitory effect of nociceptin

The effects of intrathecal (i.t.) application of the proposed nociceptin receptor antagonist [Nphe1]nociceptin(1-13)NH2 on the flexor reflex was evaluated in spinalized rats. I.t. [Nphe1]nociceptin (1-13)NH2 dose-dependently facilitated the flexor reflex with no depression. Pretreatment with 16.5 nmol of [Nphe1]nociceptin(1-13)NH2 prevented the development of reflex depression following 0.55 nmol i.t. nociceptin, but strongly enhance the initial excitatory effect of nociceptin. The reflex depressive effect of i.t. endomorphine-2 was not blocked by [Nphe1]nociceptin(1-13)NH2 pretreatment. It is concluded that [Nphe1]nociceptin(1-13)NH2 is a selective antagonist of the spinal receptor mediating the inhibitory action of nociceptin. It can be further suggested that the spinal inhibitory effect of nociceptin may be tonically active.     

Synthesis and DNA threading properties of quaternary ammonium [Ru(phen)2(dppz)] derivatives

Ruthenium complexes with one dipyrido[3,2-a:2′-3′-c]phenazine (dppz) ligand, e.g. [Ru(phen)₂(dppz)]²⁺ (phen = phenanthroline), shows strong binding to double helical DNA and are well-known DNA “light-switch” molecules. We have here investigated four new [Ru(phen)₂(dppz)]²⁺ derivatives with different bulky quaternary ammonium substituents on the dppz ligand to find relationships between molecular structure and intercalation kinetics, which is considered to be of importance for antitumor applicability. Linear dichroism spectroscopy shows that the enantiomers of the new complexes exhibit very similar binding geometries (intercalation of dppz moiety between adjacent DNA base pairs) as the enantiomers of the parent [Ru(phen)₂(dppz)]²⁺ complex. Absorption spectra and luminescence properties provide further evidence for a final intercalative binding mode which has to be reached by threading of a bulky moiety between the strands of the DNA. Δ-enantiomers of all the new complexes show much slower association and dissociation kinetics than that of a reference complex without a cationic substituent. Kinetics were not very different whether the bulky quaternary group was derived from hexamethylene tetramine or 1,4-diazabicyclo-(2,2,2)octane (DABCO) or whether it had one or two positive charges. However, a complex in which the hexamethylene tetramine substituent is attached via a phenyl group showed a lowered association rate, in addition to an improved quantum yield of luminescence. A second positive charge on the DABCO substituent resulted in a much slower dissociation rate, suggesting that the distance from the Ru-centre and the amount of charge are both important for threading intercalation kinetics.     

Polarization of Na(+)/H(+) and Cl(-)/HCO (3)(-) exchangers in migrating renal epithelial cells

Cell migration is crucial for processes such as immune defense, wound healing, or the formation of tumor metastases. Typically, migrating cells are polarized within the plane of movement with lamellipodium and cell body representing the front and rear of the cell, respectively. Here, we address the question of whether this polarization also extends to the distribution of ion transporters such as Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE) and anion exchanger in the plasma membrane of migrating cells. Both transporters are required for locomotion of renal epithelial (Madin-Darby canine kidney, MDCK-F) cells and human melanoma cells since their blockade reduces the rate of migration in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibition of migration of MDCK-F cells by NHE blockers is accompanied by a decrease of pH(i). However, when cells are acidified with weak organic acids, migration of MDCK-F cells is normal despite an even more pronounced decrease of pH(i). Under these conditions, NHE activity is increased so that cells are swelling due to the accumulation of organic anions and Na(+). When exclusively applied to the lamellipodium, blockers of NHE or anion exchange inhibit migration of MDCK-F cells as effectively as when applied to the entire cell surface. When they are directed to the cell body, migration is not affected. These data are confirmed immunocytochemically in that the anion exchanger AE2 is concentrated at the front of MDCK-F cells. Our findings show that NHE and anion exchanger are distributed in a polarized way in migrating cells. They are consistent with important contributions of both transporters to protrusion of the lamellipodium via solute uptake and consequent volume increase at the front of migrating cells.     

Regioselective sulfonylation at O-2 of cyclomaltoheptaose with 1-(p-tolylsulfonyl)-(1H)-1,2,4-triazole

2(I)-O-p-Tolylsulfonylcyclomaltoheptaose was obtained in 42% yield by reaction of 1-(p-tolylsulfonyl)-(1H)-1,2,4-triazole on NaH-deprotonated cyclomaltoheptaose in DMF and further converted into the corresponding mono-2(I),3(I)-manno-epoxide.     

Menadione- and cyclic AMP-induced alteration of the ratio between D-[2-3H]glucose detritiation and phosphorylation in rat erythrocytes

When rat erythrocytes are exposed to both dibutyryl-cyclic AMP and isobutylmethylxanthine, the rates of D-glucose phosphorylation and glycolysis are both markedly increased. On the contrary, menadione by increasing the flow rate through the pentose phosphate pathway, decreases the generation rate of triose phosphates from exogenous D-glucose. Yet, both procedures lead to a decrease in the production of³HOH from D-[2-³H]glucose relative to its phosphorylation rate. It is proposed, therefore, that such a radioactive measurement should no more be considered as a reliable index of D-glucose phosphorylation, at variance with current practice.     

Interference of methyl trachyloban-19-oate ester with CF(0) of spinach chloroplast H(+)-ATPase

In isolated spinach chloroplasts, low concentrations (I(50)=14 microM) of methyl trachyloban-19-oate ester inhibited ATP synthesis and coupled electron transport as well as light-activated membrane-bound Mg(2+)-ATPase activity. Basal (-Pi) and uncoupled electron transport and heat-activated Ca(2+)-dependent ATPase activity of isolated coupling factor proteins were unaffected by methyl trachyloban-19-oate. Thylakoids partially stripped of coupled factor by EDTA were unable to accumulate protons in the light. However, increasing concentrations of methyl trachyloban-19-oate ester restored this ability. It is concluded that the methyl trachyloban-19-oate ester effects result from blocking proton transport through the CF(0) channel. Methyl trachyloban-19-oate ester exhibited non-competitive kinetics with DCCD and triphenyltin. These results suggest that the natural products, DCCD and triphenyltin, access inhibition sites in CF(0). The K(i) is 75 microM.     

Reactions of the fac-[Re(CO)3] and [ReO] moieties with substituted benzothiazoles

The reaction of 2-(2-aminophenyl)benzothiazole (Habt) with [Re(CO)₅Br] led to the isolation of the rhenium(I) complex fac-[Re(Habt)(CO)₃Br] (1). With trans-[ReOCl₃(PPh₃)₂], the ligand Habt decomposed to form the oxofree rhenium(V) complex [Re(itp)₂Cl(PPh₃)] (2) (itp = 2-amidophenylthiolate). From the reaction of trans-[ReOBr₃(PPh₃)₂] with 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole (Hhpd) the complex [Re^VOBr₂(hpd)(PPh₃)] (3) was obtained. Complexes 1-3 are stable and lipophilic. ¹H NMR and infrared assignments, as well as the X-ray crystal structures, of the complexes are reported.     

Comparison of [(3)H]-(2S,4R)-4-methylglutamate and [(3)H]D-aspartate as ligands for binding and autoradiographic analyses of glutamate transporters

While studies with [(3)H]D-aspartate ([(3)H]d-Asp) illustrate specific interactions with excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs), new insights into the pharmacological characteristics and localization of specific EAAT subtypes depend upon the availability of novel ligands. One such ligand is [(3)H]-(2S,4R)-4-methylglutamate ([(3)H]4MG) which labels astrocytic EAATs in homogenate binding studies. This study examined the utility of [(3)H]4MG for binding and autoradiography in coronal sections of rat brain. Binding of [(3)H]4MG was optimal in 5mM HEPES buffer containing 96 mM NaCl, pH 7.5. Specific binding of [(3)H]4MG exhibited two components, but was to a single site when glutamate receptor (GluR) sites were masked with kainate (KA; 1 microM): t(1/2) approximately 5 min, K(d) 250 nM and B(max) 5.4 pmol/mg protein. Pharmacological studies revealed that [(3)H]4MG, unlike [(3)H]d-Asp, labeled both EAAT and ionotropic GluR sites. Further studies employed 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline (30 microM) to block GluR sites, but selective EAAT ligands displayed lower potency than expected for binding to transporters relative to drugs possessing mixed transporter/receptor activities. Autoradiography in conjunction with densitometry with [(3)H]4MG and [(3)H]d-Asp revealed wide, but discrete distributions in forebrain; significant differences in binding levels were found in hippocampus, nucleus accumbens and cortical sub-areas. Although EAAT1 and EAAT2 components were detectable using 3-methylglutamate and serine-O-sulphate, respectively, the majority of [(3)H]4MG binding was to KA-related sites. Overall, in tissue sections [(3)H]4MG proved unsuitable for studying the autoradiographic localization of EAATs apparently due to its inability to selectively discriminate Na(+)-dependent binding to Glu transporters.     

The effect of fructan on membrane lipid organization and dynamics in the dry state

Fructans are a group of fructose-based oligo- and polysaccharides, which appear to be involved in membrane preservation during dehydration by interacting with the membrane lipids. To get further understanding of the protective mechanism, the consequences of the fructan-membrane lipid interaction for the molecular organization and dynamics in the dry state were studied. POPC and DMPC were investigated in the dry state by (2)H, (31)P NMR, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy using two types of fructan and dextran. The order-disorder transition temperature of dry POPC was reduced by 70 degrees C in the presence of fructan. Fructan increased the mobility of the acyl chains, but immobilized the lipid headgroup region. Most likely, fructans insert between the headgroups of lipids, thereby spacing the acyl chains. This results in a much lower phase transition temperature. The headgroup is immobilized by the interaction with fructan. The location of the interaction with the lipid headgroup is different for the inulin-type fructan compared to the levan-type fructan, since inulin shows interaction with the lipid phosphate group, whereas levan does not. Dextran did not influence the phase transition temperature of dry POPC showing that reduction of this temperature is not a general property of polysaccharides.     

Synthesis and characterization of three group 10 complexes containing nido-carborane diphosphine: [MCl(PPh3){7,8-(PPh2)2-7,8-C2B9H10}] (M = Ni, Pd, Pt)

Three group 10 complexes containing nido-carborane diphosphine, [NiCl(PPh₃){7,8-(PPh₂)₂-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₀}] (1), [PdCl(PPh₃){7,8-(PPh₂)₂-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₀}] · 1.25CH₂Cl₂ (2) and [PtCl(PPh₃){7,8-(PPh₂)₂-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₀}] · 2.5CH₂Cl₂ (3) have been synthesized by the reactions of [M(PPh₃)₂Cl₂] (M = Ni, Pd, Pt) with closo carborane diphosphine 1,2-(PPh₂)₂-1,2-C₂B₁₀H₁₀ in ethanol. For complex 3, it could also be obtained under solvothermal condition. All three complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and X-ray structure determination. Single crystal structures show that their structures are similar to each other. In each complex, the nido [7,8-(PPh₂)₂-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₀]⁻, which resulted from the degradation of the initial closo ligand 1,2-(PPh₂)₂-1,2-C₂B₁₀H₁₀ during the reaction process, was coordinated bidentately through the P atoms to M(II) ion, and this resulted in a stable five-membered chelating ring between the bis-diphosphine ligand and the metal. The coordination mode of the metal can be described as a slightly distorted square-planar, in which the remaining two positions were occupied by one Cl⁻ and one PPh₃ group.     

Conversion of diacetyl-C-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)phloroglucinol to spiroketal compounds

Diacetyl-C-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)phloroglucinol was converted by refluxing in water to spiro(benzofuran-[2H]furan) a new compound, along with spiro(benzofuran-[2H]pyran). The stereochemistry of the quaternary carbon of both spiro compounds had an S-configuration.     

H2O2 resistance is linked to the degree of fatty acid unsaturation in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2)

In Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2), as the content of palmitoleic acid increased with decreasing growth temperature, H₂O₂ resistance decreased. Production of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances upon H₂O₂ treatment was increased by supplementing unsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, the content of palmitoleic acid is a determining factor for the survival of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) subjected to H₂O₂ stress.     

Novel drug interactions at D(2) dopamine receptors: modulation of [3H]quinpirole binding by monoamine oxidase inhibitors

D(2) dopamine receptors are the principal target of drugs used to treat schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. Recent findings suggest novel drug interactions at D(2) receptors, specifically interactions of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) at a novel binding site that modulates the binding of [3H]quinpirole to the D(2) receptor. That MAOIs inhibit [3H]quinpirole binding challenges the traditional understanding of ligand interactions at dopamine receptors and may shed light on the mechanism of behavioral sensitization to psychostimulants and the pharmacology and toxicity of MAOIs.     

Solubility of cyclomaltooligosaccharides (cyclodextrins) in H2O and D2O: a comparative study

Cyclomaltooligosaccharides (cyclodextrins, CDs) are cyclic oligomers having six, seven, or eight units of alpha-D-glucose, named as cyclomaltohexaose (alpha-CD), cyclomaltoheptaose (beta-CD) and cyclomaltooctaose (gamma-CD), respectively. The molecule of CD has a cavity in which the interior is hydrophobic relative to its outer surface. The solubility of cyclodextrins in water is unusual, as an irregular trend is observed in the series of the cyclic oligomers of glucose. beta-CD is at least nine times less soluble than the others CDs. This intriguing behavior has been investigated, and some interesting explanations in terms of the effect caused by CD on the water lattice structure have been proposed. In this work a comparative study on the solubility of alpha, beta, and gamma-cyclodextrins was carried out in H2O and D2O and reveals a much lower solubility of the three CDs in D2O. The solid-phase structure of the CDs in equilibrium with the solution is quite similar with both solvents. The results are discussed in terms of the CD molecular structure and the differences in the hydrogen bonds formed between H2O and D2O.     

Formation of covalent beta-linked carbohydrate-enzyme intermediates during the reactions catalyzed by alpha-amylases

Porcine pancreatic and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens alpha-amylases were examined for the formation of covalent carbohydrate intermediates during reaction. The enzymes were precipitated and denatured by adding 10 volumes of acetone. When these denatured enzymes were mixed with methyl alpha-6-[(3)H]-maltooligosaccharide glycosides and chromatographed on BioGel P-2, no carbohydrate was found in the protein void volume peak. When the enzymes were added to the methyl alpha-6-[(3)H]-maltooligosaccharide glycosides and allowed to react for 15s at 1 degrees C and then precipitated and denatured with 10 volumes of acetone, (3)H-labeled carbohydrates were found in the BioGel P-2 protein void volume peak, indicating the formation of enzyme-carbohydrate covalent intermediates. (1)H NMR analysis of the denatured enzyme from the reaction with methyl alpha-maltooligosaccharide glycosides confirmed that carbohydrate was attached to the denatured enzyme. (1)H NMR saturation-transfer analysis further showed that the carbohydrate was attached to the denatured enzyme by a beta-configuration. This configuration is what would be expected for an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of alpha-(1-->4) glycosidic linkages by a two-step, S(N)2 double-displacement reaction to give retention of the alpha-configuration of the substrates at the reducing-end of the products.     

Regulation of Plasma Membrane H+-Pump Activity by 14-3-3 Proteins in Barley (Hordeum disticum) Roots under Salt Stress

Regulatory changes in the activity of the plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase in salt-stressed roots were investigated using seven-day-old seedlings of two cultivars of barley (Hordeum disticum L.) with different salt tolerances: Moskovskii-121 (salt-tolerant) and Elf (salt-sensitive). During the first hour of salt stress, the rate of proton extrusion from the excised roots increased in parallel with the ATP hydrolase activity and the amount of 14-3-3 proteins bound to H⁺-ATPase in isolated plasma membranes. Subsequently, all these parameters decreased and dropped after 3–6 h below the initial levels. The initial stimulation of proton extrusion from the detached barley roots was caused by osmotic stress, whereas the subsequent retardation of proton extrusion was probably caused by a toxic effect of excessive Na⁺ content in the cytoplasm. The salt-stress responses showed similar trends in both cultivars, with the exception that Moskovskii-121 responded faster than cv. Elf. The results indicate that 14-3-3 proteins regulate the H⁺-ATPase activity in the plasma membranes of barley root cells during salt stress; furthermore, the response time might be a useful indicator to discriminate cultivars with different salt tolerances.