Cortisol metabolism in vitro—III. Inhibition of microsomal 6β—hydroxylase and cytosolic 4-ene-reductase

The in vitro metabolism of cortisol in human liver fractions is highly complex and variable. Cytosolic metabolism proceeds predominantly via A-ring reduction (to give 3,5β-tetrahydrocortisol; 3,5β-THF), while microsomal incubations generate upto 7 metabolites, including 6β-hydroxycortisol (6β-OHF), and 6β-hydroxycortisone (6β-OHE), products of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A subfamily. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to examine two of the main enzymes involved in cortisol metabolism, namely, microsomal 6β-hydroxylase and cytosolic 4-ene-reductase. In particular, we wished to assess the substrate specificity of these enzymes and identify compounds with inhibitory potential. Incubations for 30 min containing [³H]cortisol, potential inhibitors, microsomal or cytosolic protein (3 mg), and co-factors were followed by radiometric HPLC analysis. The K_m value for 6β-OHF and 6β-OHE formation was 15.2 ± 2.1 μM (mean ± SD; n = 4) and the V_max value 6.43 ± 0.45 pmol/min/mg microsomal protein. The most potent inhibitor of cortisol 6β-hydroxylase was ketoconazole (K_i = 0.9 ± 0.4 μM; N = 4), followed by gestodene (K_i = 5.6 ± 0.6 μM) and cyclosporine (K_i = 6.8 ± 1.4 μM). Both betamethasone and dexamethasone produced some inhibition (K_i = 31.3 and 54.5 μ, respectively). However, substrates for CYP2C (tolbutamide), CYP2D (quinidine), and CYP1A (theophylline) were essentially non-inhibitory. The K_m value for cortisol 4-ene-reductase was 26.5 ± 11.2 μM (n = 4) and the V_max value 107.7 ± 46.0 pmol/min/mg cytosolic protein. The most potent inhibitors were androstendione (K_i = 17.8 ± 3.3 μM) and gestodene (K_i = 23.8 ± 3.8 μM). Although both compounds have identical A-rings to cortisol, and undergo reduction, inhibition was non-competitive.     

Studies on the kinetics and mechanism of anation reactions of some six-coordinate complexes of chromium(III) in aqueous solution

Rates of stepwise anation of cis-Cr(ox)₂(H₂O₂)⁻ with SCN⁻/N₃⁻, Cr(acac)₂(H₂O)₂⁺ with SCN⁻ and Cr(atda)(H₂O)₂ with SCN⁻ have been investigated in weakly acidic aqueous solutions. Rate constants, k_I and k_II for the two steps in each system, are composite as k_x = k_x⁰+k_x^X[X⁻] (x = I, II; X⁻ = SCN⁻, N₃⁻). These rate constants have been evaluated also as the corresponding ΔH^≠ and ΔS^≠ values. The results obtained and the plausible I_d mechanism seem to suggest Cr---OOC bond dissociation (hence a strongly negative ΔS^≠) generating the transition state in each system with outer-sphere association forming the precursor complex in the X⁻ dependent paths.     

Crystal growth in aqueous hydrofluoric acid and (HF)x · pyridine solutions: syntheses and crystal structures of [Ni(H2O)6][MF6] (M = Ti, Zr, Hf) and Ni3(py)12F6 · 7H2O

The syntheses and structures of [Ni(H₂O)₆]²⁺[MF₆]²⁻ (M = Ti,Zr,Hf) and Ni₃(py)₁₂F₆·7H₂O are reported. The former three compounds are isostructural, crystallizing in the trigonal space group (No. 148) with Z = 3. The lattice parameters are a = 9.489(4), C = 9.764(7) Å, with V = 761(1) ų for Ti; a = 9.727(2), C = 10.051(3) Å, with V = 823.6(6) ų for Zr; and a = 9.724(3), C = 10.028(4)Å, with V = 821.2(8)ų for Hf. The structures consist of discrete [Ni(H₂O)₆]²⁺ and [MF₆]²⁻ octahedra joined by O---HF hydrogen bond Large single crystals were grown in an aqueous hydrofluoric acid solution. Ni₃(py)₁₂F₆·7H₂O crystallizes in the monoclinic space group I2/a (No. 15) with Z = 4. The lattice parameters are a = 16.117(4), B = 8.529(3), C = 46.220(7) Å, β = 92.46(2)°, and V = 6348(5) ų. The structure consists of discrete Ni(py)₄F₂ octahedra linked through H---O---HF and H---O---HO hydrogen bonding interactions. Single c were grown from a (HF)_x·pyridine/pyridine/water solution.     

Action of endogenous steroid inhibitors of brain aromatase relative to fadrozole

To study mechanisms of aromatase inhibition in brain cells, a highly effective non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor (Fadrozole; 4-[5,6,7,8-tetra-hydroimidazo-(1,5-a)-pyridin-5-yl] benzonitrile HCl; CGS 16949A) was compared with endogenous C-19 steroids, known to be formed in the preoptic area, which inhibit oestrogen formation. Using a sensitive in vitro tritiated water assay for aromatase activity in avian (dove) preoptic tissue, the order of potency, with testosterone as substrate was: Fadrozole (K_i < 1 × 10⁻⁹ M) > 4-androstenedione 5-androstanedione > 5-dihydrotestosterone (K_i = 6 × 10⁻⁸ M) > 5β-androstanedione > 5β-dihydrotestosterone (K_i = 3.5 × 10⁻⁷ M) > 5-androstane-3, 17β-diol (K_i = 5 × 10⁻⁶ M) > 5β-androstane-3β,17β-diol. Five other steroids, 5β-androstane-3,17β-diol, 5-androstane-3β,17β-diol, progesterone, oestradiol and oestrone, showed no inhibition at 10⁻⁴ M. The kinetics indicate that endogenous C-19 steroids show similar competitive inhibition of the aromatase as Fadrozole. Mouse (BALB/c) preoptic aromatase was also inhibited by Fadrozole. We conclude that endogenous C-19 metabolites of testosterone are effective inhibitors of the brain aromatase, and suggest that they bind competitively at the same active site as Fadrozole.     

Structural determinations, magnetic and EPR studies of complexes involving the Cr(OH)2Cr unit

Five heterometallic compounds with formulae [Ba(H₂O)₄Cr₂(μ-OH)₂(nta)₂] · 3H₂O (I), [M(bpy)₂(H₂O)₂] [Cr₂(OH)₂(nta)₂] · 7H₂O, where M²⁺ = Zn, (II); Ni, (III); Co, (IV) and [Mn(H₂O)₃(bpy)Cr₂(OH)₂(nta)₂] · (bpy) · 5H₂O (V); bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, (nta = nitrilotriacetate ion) have been prepared by reaction of I with the corresponding M^II-sulfates in the presence of 2,2′-bipyridine. Substances I–V have been characterized by magnetic susceptibility measurements, EPR and X-ray determinations. I represents a 2D coordination polymer formed by coordination of centrosymmetrical dimeric chromium(III) units and Barium cations. The 10-coordinate Ba polyhedron is completed by four water molecules. Compounds II–IV are isostructural and consist of non-centrosymmetric dimeric anions [Cr₂(μ-OH)₂(nta)₂]²⁻, complex cations [M^II(bpy)₂(H₂O)₂]²⁺ and solvate water molecules. The octahedral coordination of chromium atoms implies four donor atoms of the nta³⁻ ligands and two bridging OH groups. Multiple hydrogen bonds of coordinated and solvate water molecules link anions and cations in a 3D network. A similar [Cr₂(μ-OH)₂(nta)₂]²⁻ unit is found in V. The bridging function is performed by a carboxylate oxygen atom of the nta ligand that leads to the formation of a trinuclear complex [Mn(bpy)(H₂O)₂Cr₂(μ-OH)₂(nta)₂]. Experimental and calculated frequency and temperature dependences of EPR spectra of these compounds are presented. The fine structure appearing on the EPR spectra of compound V is analyzed in detail at different temperatures. It is established that the main part of the EPR signals is due to the transitions in the spin states of a spin multiplet with S = 2. Analyses of experimental and calculated spectra confirm the absence of interaction between metal ions (M^II) and Cr-dimers in complexes III and IV and the presence of weak Mn–Cr interactions in V. The temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibilities for I–V was fitted on the basis of the expression derived from isotropic Hamiltonian including a bi-quadratic exchange term.     

Multiple functions of aromatase and the active site structure; aromatase is the placental estrogen 2-hydroxylase

Androgen aromatase was found to also be estrogen 2-hydroxylase. The substrate specificity among androgens and estrogens and multiplicity of aromatase reactions were further studied. Through purification of human placental microsomal cytochrome P-450 by monoclonal antibody-based immunoaffinity chromatography and gradient elution on hydroxyapatite, aromatase and estradiol 2-hydroxylase activities were co-purified into a single band cytochrome P-450 with approx. 600-fold increase of both specific activities, while other cytochrome P-450 enzyme activities found in the microsomes were completely eliminated. The purified P-450 showed M_r of 55 kDa, specific heme content of 12.9 ± 2.6 nmol·mg⁻¹ (±SD, N = 4), reconstituted aromatase activity of 111 ± 19 nmol·min⁻¹·mmg⁻¹ and estradiol 2-hydroxylase activity of 5.85 ± 1.23 nmol·min⁻¹·mg⁻¹. We found no evidence for the existence of catechol estrogen synthetase without concomitant aromatase activity. The identity of the P-450 for the two different hormone synthetases was further confirmed by analysis of the two activities in the stable expression system in Chinese hamster ovarian cells transfected with human placental aromatase cDNA, pH β-Aro. Kinetic analysis of estradiol 2-hydroxylation by the purified and reconstituted aromatase P-450 in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.6) showed K_m of 1.58 μM and V_max of 8.9 nmol·min⁻¹·mg⁻¹. A significant shift of the optimum pH and V_max, but not the K_m, for placental estrogen 2-hydroxylase was observed between microsomal and purified preparations. Testosterone and androstenedione competitively inhibited estradiol 2-hydroxylation, and estrone and estradiol competitively inhibited aromatization of both testosterone and androstenedione. Estrone and estradiol showed K_i of 4.8 and 7.3 μM, respectively, for testosterone aromatization, and 5.0 and 8.1 μM, respectively, for androstenedione aromatization. Androstenedione and testosterone showed K_i of 0.32 and 0.61 μM, respectively, for estradiol 2-hydroxylation. Our studies showed that aromatase P-450 functions as estrogen 2-hydroxylase as well as androgen 19-, 1β-,and 2β-hydroxylase and aromatase. The results indicate that placental aromatase is responsible for the highly elevated levels of the catechol estrogen and 19-hydroxyandrogen during pregnancy. These results also indicate that the active site structure holds the steroid ssubstrates to face their β-side of the A-ring to the heme, tilted in such a way as to make the 2-position of estrogens and 19-, 1-, and 2-positions of androgens available for monooxygenation.     

Structures and magnetism of rubidium and cesium salts of dimeric oxovanadium(IV) tartrate(4−) complexes

Complexes of type A₄[VO(tart)]₂·nH₂O, where A = Rb or Cs and tart =d,l-tartrate(4−) (n = 2) or d,d-tartrate(4−) (n = 2 for Rb and n = 3 for Cs), were prepared from an aqueous mixture of V₂O₅, AOH and H₄tart. These complexes were studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods: Rb₄[VO(d,l-tart)]₂·2H₂O, space group P1 with a = 8.156(1),b = 8.246(1),c = 8.719(1)Å, = 66.09(1)°, β = 65.07(1)°, γ = 82.40(1)°,Z = 2, 1917 observed reflections, and final R_w = 0.035; Cs₄[VO(d,l-tart)]₂·2H₂O, space group P₂₁/c with a = 9.350(1),b = 13.728(2),c = 8.479(1)Å, β = 106.77(1)°,Z = 4, 2235 observed reflections, and final R_w = 0.054; Rb₄[VO(d,d-tart)]₂·2H₂O, space group P₄₁₂₂ with a = 8.072(1),c = 32.006(3)Å,Z = 8, 1014 observed reflections and final R_w = 0.038; Cs₄[VO(d,d-tart)]₂·3H₂O, space group P₁₂₂ with a = 8.184(1),c = 33.680(5)Å,Z = 8, 1310 observed reflections, and final R_w = 0.063. Bulk magnetic susceptibility data (1.5–300 K) for these compounds and A₄[VOl,l-tart)]₂·nH₂O (A = Rb, Cs) were obtained on polycrystalline samples. These data were analyzed in terms of a Van Vleck exchange coupled S = 1/2 model which was modified to include an interdimer exchange parameters Θ. Analysis of the low-temperature (1.5–20 K) susceptibility data gave 2J = +1.30 cm⁻¹ and Θ = −1.86 K for Rb₄[VO(d,l-tart)]₂·2H₂O, 2J = +1.16 cm⁻¹ and Θ = −1.69 K for Cs₄[VO(d,l-tart)]₂·2H₂O, 2J = +1.90 cm⁻¹ and Θ = −0.82 K for Rb₄[VO(d,d-tart)]₂·2H₂O, 2J = +2.04 cm⁻¹ and Θ = −0.80 K for Rb₄[VO(l,l-tart)]₂·2H₂O, 2J = +1.52 cm⁻¹ and Θ = −0.25 K for Cs₄[VO(d,d-tart)]₂·3H₂O, and 2J = +1.64 cm⁻¹ and Θ = −0.31 K for Cs₄[VO(l,l-tart)]₂·3H₂O. These results suggest the magnitudes of intradimer (ferromagnetic and interdimer (antiferromagnetic) exchange interactions are similar in these complexes, as observed for the analogous Na salts.     

Crystal and molecular structure of μ-oxo-bis((5,10,15,20)tetrakispentafluorophenyl)porphinatoiron(III)

In this paper, we report the crystal and molecular structure of μ-oxo-bis(5,10,15,20)tetrakispentafluorophenyl)porphinatoiron(III) [(TPP(F₅)Fe)₂O]. The crystals belong to the tetragonal system, space group I4₁/a, with a =b = 26.362(7),c = 30.886(8)Å,V = 21465ų,Z = 8 and D_calc = 1.496. Discrepancy indices are R₁ = 0.084 and R₂ = 0.104 for 3320 reflections having I3σ(I). The FeN_p average distance, 2.088(11)Å, is at the long end of the range of high-spin ferric porphyrin while the FeO distances (1.775(1)Å) are similar to those of the non-halogenated analog (TPPFe)₂O. The FeOFe angle of 178.4(5)° shows an essentially linear oxo bridge. The 0.673(2)Ådisplacement of the iron atom from the porphyrin mean plane is unusually large. The facing porphyrin rings are twisted 47° with respect of each other giving the molecule nearly exact D_4d symmetry.     

Fuscin, an inhibitor of mitochondrial SH-dependent transport-linked functions

1. 1. Fuscin, a mould metabolite, is a colored quinonoid compound which reacts readily with −SH groups to give colorless addition derivatives.

2. 2. Binding of fuscin to mitochondria has been monitored spectrophotometrically. Fuscin binding is prevented by −SH reagents such as N-ehylmaleimide, N-Methylmaleimide, mersalyl or p-chloromercuribenzoate. Conversely, fuscin prevents the binding of −SH reagents as shown with N-[¹⁴C]ethylmaleimide. Once bound to mitochondria, fuscin is not removable by washing of mitochondria.

3. 3. High affinity-fuscin binding sites (K_d = 1 μM, N = 4–8 nmoles/mg protein) are present in whole mitochondria obtained from rat heart, rat liver, pigeon heart or yeast (Candida utilis). They are lost upon sonication but are still present in digitonin inner membrane + matrix vesicles. On the other hand, lysis of mitochondria by Triton X-100 does not increase the number of high affinity binding sites indicating that all these sites are accessible to fuscin in whole mitochondria. The number of fuscin high affinity sites appears to correlate with the glutathione content of mitochondrial preparations.

4. 4. Fuscin as well as N-ethylmaleimide and avenaciolide are penetrant SH-reagents;

5. 5. Fuscin interferes with the ADP-stimulated respiration of mitochondria on NAD-linked substrates, several functions of the mitochondrial respiratory apparatus being inhibited by fuscin in a non-competitive manner, but to various extents: (a) The electron transfer chain (K_i in the range of 0.1 mM); (b) the lipoamide dehydrogenase system (K_i = 5–10 μM); (c) the transport systems of phosphate (K_i ≈ 20 μM) and of glutamate (K_i = 3–5 μM); (d) the ADP transport, indirectly (K_i ≈ 10 μM).

6. 6. Like N-ethylmaleimide, fuscin inhibits the glutamate-OH⁻ carrier, the inhibition of that carrier bringing about an apparent increase of aspartate entry in glutamate-loaded mitochondria by the glutamate-aspartate carrier.

7. 7. The inhibition of phosphate transport by fuscin probably accounts for the inhibition of the reduction of endogenous NAD by succinate in intact pigeon heart mitochondria.

8. 8. By binding the −SH groups of mitochondrial membrane specifically unmasked by addition of micromolar amounts of ADP, fuscin, like N-ethylmaleimide, prevents the functioning of ADP translocation.

9. 9. Because of their specific and analogous effects on some well defined mitochondrial functions such as glutamate transport and ADP transport, fuscin and N-ethylmaleimide can be distinguished from other −SH reagents. The lipophilic nature of fuscin and N-ethylmaleimide which accounts for the accessbility of these compounds to hydrophobic sites in the mitochondrial membrane or on the matrix side of this membrane may be partly responsible for their characteristic inhibitory effects on mitochondrial functions.

Hetero-polynuclear complexes containing bridging diphenylphosphino-alkenes and -alkynes. The crystal structure of an Rh2{μ−ν:ν−P(Ph2) (CH2)3C≡CR}Co2 complex

The phosphinoalkenes Ph₂P(CH₂)_nCH=CH₂ (n= 1, 2, 3) and phosphinoalkynes Ph₂P(CH₂)_n C≡CR (R = H, N = 2, 3; R = CH₃, N = 1) have been prepared and reacted with the dirhodium complex (η−C₅H₅)₂Rh₂(μ−CO) (μ−η²−CF₃C₂CF₃). Six new complexes of the type (ν−C₅H₅)₂(Rh₂(CO) (μ−η¹:η¹−CF₃C₂CF₃)L, where L is a P-coordinated phosphinoalkene, or phosphinoalkyne have been isolated and fully characterized; the carbonyl and phosphine ligands are predominantly trans on the Rh---Rh bond, but there is spectroscopic evidence that a small amount of the cis-isomer is formed also. Treatment of the dirhodium-phosphinoalkene complexes with (η−CH₃C₅H₄)Mn(CO)₂thf resulted in coordination of the manganese to the alkene function. The Rh₂---Mn complex [(η−C₅H₅)₂Rh₂(CO) (μ−η¹:η¹−CF₃C₂CF₃) {Ph₂P(CH₂)₃CH=CH₂} (η−CH₃C₅H₄)Mn(CO)₂] was fully characterized. Simi treatment of the dirhodium-phosphinoalkyne complexes with Co₂(CO)₈ resulted in the coordination of Co₂(CO)₆ to the alkyne function. The Rh₂---Co₂ complex [(η−C₅H₅)₂Rh₂(CO) (μ−η¹:η¹−CF₃C₂CF₃) {Ph₂PCH₂C≡CCH₃}Co₂(CO)₂], C₃₇H₂₅Co₂F₆O₇PRh₂, was fully characteriz spectroscopically, and the molecular structure of this complex was determined by a single crystal X-ray diffraction study. It is triclinic, space group (C_i¹, No. 2) with a = 18.454(6), B = 11.418(3), C = 10.124(3) Å, = 112.16(2), β = 102.34(3), γ = 91.62(3)°, Z = 2. Conventional R on |F| was 0.052 fo observed (I > 3σ(I)) reflections. The Rh₂ and Co₂ parts of the molecule are distinct, the carbonyl and phosphine are mutually trans on the Rh---Rh bond, and the orientations of the alkynes are parallel for Rh₂ and perpendicular for Co₂. Attempts to induce Rh₂Co₂ cluster formation were unsuccessful.     

Molecular structures of Fe(II) complexes with mono- and di-protonated ethylenediamine-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetate (Hedta and H2edta), as determined by X-ray crystal analyses

The molecular structure of the title complexes [Fe(H₂O)₄][Fe(Hedta)(H₂O)]₂ · 4H₂O (I) and [Fe(H[₂edta)(H₂O)] · 2H₂O (II) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray analyses. The crystal data are as follows: I: monoclinic, P2₁/n, A = 11.794(2), B = 15.990(2), C = 9.206(2) Å, β = 90.33(1)°, V = 1736.1(5) ų, Z = 2 and R = 0.030; II: monoclinic, C2/c, A = 11.074(2), B = 9.856(2), C = 14.399(2) Å, β = 95.86(1)°, V = 1563.3(4) ų, Z = 4 and R = 0.025. I is found to be isomorphous with the Mn^II analog reported earlier and to contain a seven-coordinate and approximately pentagonal-bipyramidal (PB) [Fe^II(Hedta)(H₂O]⁻ unit in which Hedta acts as a hexadentate ligand. The [Fe^II(H₂edta)(H₂O)] unit in II has also a seven-coordinate PB structure with the two protonated equatorial glycine arms both remaining coordinated, and thus bears a structural resemblance to the seven-coordinate [Co^II(H₂edta)(H₂O)] reported previously.     

Studies of the oxovanadium(IV)—oxalate system: syntheses and crystal structures of binuclear (Ph4P)2[(VO)2(H2O)2(C2O4)3]·4H2O and of the one-dimensional chain material, (Ph4P)[VOCl(C2O4)]

The hydrothermal reactions of (Ph₄P)[VO₂Cl₂] and H₂C₂O₄ at 150 and 125°C yield (Ph₄P)₂[V₂O₂(H₂O)₂(C₂O₄)₃]·4H₂O (1) and (Ph₄P)[VOCl(C₂O₄)] (2), respectively. The structure of the molecular anion of 1 consists of a binuclear unit of oxovanadium(IV) octahedra bridged by a bisbidentate oxalate group. The VO₆ coordination geometry at each vanadium site is defined by a terminal oxo group, an aquo ligand, and four oxygen donors — two from the bisbidentate bridging oxalate and two from the terminal bidentate oxalate. The structure of 2 consists of discrete Ph₄P⁺ cations occupying regions between [VOCl(C₂O₄)]⁻_∞ spiral chains. The structure of the one-dimensional anionic chain exhibits V(IV) octahedra bridged by bisbidentate oxalate groups. Crystal data: 1·4H₂O, monoclinic P2₁/n, A = 12.694(3), B = 12.531(3), C = 17.17(3) Å, β = 106.32(2)°, V = 2621.3(13) ų, Z = 2, D_calc = 1.501 g cm⁻³, structure solution and refinement converged at a conventional residual of 0.0518; 2, tetragonal P4₃, A = 12.145(2), C = 15.991(3) Å, V = 2358.7(12) ų, Z = 4, R = 0.0452.     

Uptake and release effects of diethylpropion and its metabolites with biogenic amine transporters

Three metabolites of diethylpropion (1), (±)-2-ethylamino-1-phenyl-propan-1-one (2), (1R,2S)-(−)-N,N-diethylnorephedrine (3a) and (1S,2R)-(−)-N,N-diethylnorephedrine (3b) were synthesized. Their uptake and release effects with biogenic amine transporters were evaluated. A major finding of this study is that the in vivo activity of diethylpropion on biogenic amine transporters is most likely due to metabolite 2 as diethylpropion (1) and the metabolites 3a and 3b showed little or no effect in the assays studied. These studies also revealed that 2 acted as a substrate at the norepinephrine (IC₅₀=99 nM) and serotonin transporters (IC₅₀=2118 nM) and an uptake inhibitor at the dopamine transporter (IC₅₀=1014 nM). The potent action of 2 at the NE transporter supports the hypothesis that amphetamine-type subjective effects may be mediated in part by brain norepinephrine.     

Cardiac output and oxygen uptake kinetics at the onset and offset of exercise

1. 1. The aim of the present study is to assess the relationship between rapidity of oxygen uptake (V_O2 and cardiac output (Q) kinetics at the transient phase of the onset and offset of exercise.

2. 2. Five healthy male subjects performed multiple rest-exercise-recovery transitions on an electrically braked ergometer, work rate was 50, 75, or 100 W for 6 min, respectively.

3. 3. V_O2 was obtained by a breath-by-breath method, and Q was measured by an impedance method during normal breath, using an ensemble averaged method.

4. 4. On transition from rest to exercise, V_O2 rapidly increased as phase I with a time constant of 7.0–7.8 s. Q also showed a similar rapid increment with a time constant of 6.3–6.8 s in phase I.

5. 5. In this phase I, V_O2 increased approx. 42–68% of steady state value and Q increased 71–84%. Thereafter, V_O2 and Q increased monoexponentially up to steady state with a time constant of 26.7–32.3 and 23.7–34.4 s, respectively.

6. 6. During recovery, V_O2 (with a time constant of 35.7–38.1 s and time delay (TD) of −1 to −2 s), while Q remained to sustain the value of steady state exercise with a couple of time delay (TD = 2–7 s), and thereafter decreased monoexponentially (with a time constant of 18.9–31.6 s).

7. 7. The stroke volume showed the similar behavior to the Q kinetics after exercise, while heart rate rapidly decreased (time constant = 10.6–21.2 s).

8. 8. It is suggested that the delayed Q kinetics after exercise might be attributable to the sustained level of venous return and that Q kinetics is not linked with V_O2 kinetics after exercise.

Syntheses, structures and magnetic properties of mono- and di-manganese inclusion compounds

Mono- and di-manganese inclusion compounds 1 and 2 are reported. Two mono-manganese molecules Mn(bpy)₂(NO₃)₂ (bpy=2,2′-bipyridine) and [Mn(bpy)₂(NO₃)(H₂O)]·NO₃ coexist in the mole ratio of 1:1 in the structure of 1, while two di-manganese molecules [Mn₂O(bpy)₂(phtha)₂(H₂O)₂]·(NO₃)₂ (phtha=phthalate) and [Mn₂O(bpy)₂(phtha)₂(NO₃)(H₂O)]·NO₃ in the structure of 2. Refluxing Mn(NO₃)₂/bpy/phthalic acid reaction mixtures in CH₃CN leads to the isolation of 1, further concentration of the reaction solution in raising temperature results in 2. The Mn₁ and Mn₂ units in the inclusion compounds 1 and 2 are similar to other reported Mn₁ and Mn₂ analogs, respectively. The Jahn–Teller distortion was observed to give rise to the elongation along the O_terminal---Mn---O_carboxyl axes for all the four Mn(III) sites in 2, leading to unexpected longer Mn(III)---O_aqua than Mn(II)---O_aqua in 1. Extensive hydrogen bonding interactions among H₂O, NO₃ ⁻ and COOH were observed in the two inclusion compounds. Cyclic voltammetry of 2 in DMF displays two quasi-reversible redox couples at +0.10/+0.22 and −0.43/−0.36 V assigned to the Mn(III)Mn(IV)/2Mn(III) and 2Mn(III)/Mn(III)Mn(II), respectively. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibilities of 1 and 2 were measured. The data were fit to a model including axial zero-field splitting term and a good fit was found with D=1.77 cm⁻¹, g=1.98 and F=1.48×10⁻⁵ for 1. For 2, the least-squares fitting of the experimental data led to J=2.37 cm⁻¹, g=2.02 and D=0.75 cm⁻¹ with R=1.45×10⁻³.     

Synthesis and characterization of SrCu2(O2CR)3(bdmap)3 and Bi2(O2CCH3)4(bdmap)2(H2O) (R = CH3, CF3; bdmap = 1,3-bis(dimethylamino)-2-propanolato)

New mixed metal complexes SrCu₂(O₂CR)₃(bdmap)₃ (R = CF₃ (1a), CH₃ (1b)) and a new dinuclear bismuth complex Bi₂(O₂CCH₃)₄(bdmap)₂(H₂O) (2) have been synthesized. Their crystal structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Thermal decomposition behaviors of these complexes have been examined by TGA and X-ray powder diffraction analyses. While compound 1a decomposes to SrF₂ and CuO at about 380°C, compound 1b decomposes to the corresponding oxides above 800°C. Compound 2 decomposes cleanly to Bi₂O₃ at 330°C. The magnetism of 1a was examined by the measurement of susceptibility from 5–300 K. Theoretical fitting for the susceptibility data revealed that 1a is an antiferromagnetically coupled system with g = 2.012(7), −2J = 34.0(8) cm⁻¹. Crystal data for 1a: C₂₇H₅₁N₆O₉F₉Cu₂Sr/THF, monoclinic space group P2₁/m, A = 10.708(6), B = 15.20(1), C = 15.404(7) Å, β = 107.94(4)°, V = 2386(2) ų, Z = 2; for 1b: C₂₇H₆₀N₆O₉Cu₂Sr/THF, orthorhombic space group Pbcn, A = 19.164(9), B = 26.829(8), C = 17.240(9) Å, V = 8864(5) ų, Z = 8; for 2: C₂₂H₄₈O₁₁N₄Bi₂, monoclinic space group P2₁/c, A = 17.614(9), B = 10.741(3), C = 18.910(7) Å, β = 109.99(3)°, V = 3362(2) ų, Z = 4.     

Application of the hydro(solvo)thermal technique to the synthesis of metal carbonyl chalcogenide clusters Part 3. Synthesis, structural characterization, and spectroscopic studies of the clusters [{M(CO)4}n(MS4)] (M = Mo, W; N=1, 2)

The methanothermal reactions of M(CO)₆ (M = Mo, W) with Na₂S₂ gave a series of homonuclear clusters [{M(CO)₄}_n(MS₄)]²⁻ (M=Mo, W; N=1, 2), i.e. (Ph₄P)₂[(CO)₄Mo(MoS₄)] (I), (Ph₄P)₂[(CO)₄W(WS₄)] (II), (Ph₄P)₂[(CO)₄Mo(MoS₄)Mo(CO)₄] (III) and (Ph₄P)₂[(CO)₄W(WS₄)W(CO)₄] (IV). The two dimers, I and II, as well as the two trimers, III and IV, are isostructural to each other, respectively. All compounds crystallize in the triclinic space group with Z=2. The cell dimensions are: a=12.393(8), b=19.303(9), c=11.909(6) Å, =102.39(5), β=111.54(5), γ=73.61(5)°, V=2522(3) ų at T=23 °C for I; a=12.390(3), b=19.314(4), c=11.866(2) Å, =102.66(2), β=111.49(1), γ=73.40(2)°, V=2511(1) ų at T=23 °C for II; a=11.416(3), b=22.524(4), c=10.815(4) Å, =91.03(2), β=100.57(3), γ=88.96(2)°, V=2733(1) ų at T=−100 °C for III, a=11.498(1), b=22.600(4), c=10.864(3) Å, =90.92(2), β=100.85(1), γ=88.58(1)°, V=2771(2) ų at T=23 °C for IV. The dimers are each formed by the coordination of the tetrathiometalate as a bidentate chelating ligand to an M(CO)₄ fragment while addition of another M(CO)₄ fragment to the dimers results in the trimers. All compounds contain both tetrahedral and octahedral metal centers with the formal 6+ and 0 oxidation states, respectively.     

Two new hydrothermally synthesised hexamine bridged L–M–L type coordination polymers: Characterisation and magneto-structural correlation

Two new L–M–L type transition metal coordination polymers [M(C₆H₁₂N₄)(NCO)₂(H₂O)₂]_n, where M = Co(II) (1) and Ni(II) (2), have been synthesised under controlled hydrothermal condition and characterised spectroscopically and by thermal analyses. Here hmt or hexamethylenetetramine has behaved as a neutral organic bidentate spacer molecule. Both the complexes crystallise in the monoclinic system as confirmed from single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Cryomagnetic susceptibility measurements over a wide range of temperature (2–300 K) under 0.5 T magnetic fields show a weak antiferromagnetic interaction of J = −0.65 cm⁻¹ for 1 and −1.6 cm⁻¹ for 2. The values have been given a favorable support by weak covalent and H-bonding interactions between octahedral M(II) metal centers as revealed from X-ray structure determination. The high dimensionality of the structures is probably a manifestation of extensively weak covalent interactions and H-bondings.     

Biological characterization of A-ring steroids

Hydroxylated 2,19-methylene-bridged androstenediones were designed as potential mimics of enzyme oxidized intermediates of androstenedione. These compounds exhibited competitive inhibition with low micromolar affinities for aromatase. These inhibitory constants (K_i values) were 10 times greater than the 2,19-methylene-bridged androstenedione constant (K_i = 35–70 nM). However, expansion of the 2,19-carbon bridge to ethylene increased aromatase affinity by 10-fold (K_i = 2 nM). Substitution pf a methylene group with oxygen and sulfur in this expanded bridge resulted in K_i values of 7 and 20 nM, respectively. When the substituent was an NH group, the apparent inhibitory kinetics changed from competitive to uncompetitive. All of these analogs exhibited time-dependent inhibition of aromatase activity following preincubation of the inhibitor with human placental microsomes prior to measuring residual enzyme activity. Part of this inhibition was NADPH cofactor-dependent for the 2,19-methyleneoxy- but not for the 2,19-ethylene-bridged androstenedione. The time-dependent inhibition for these four analogs was very rapid since they exhibited τ₅₀ values, the t_1/2 for enzyme inhibition at infinite inhibitor concentration, of 1 to 3 min. These A-ring-bridged androstenedione analogs represent a novel series of potent steroidal aromatase inhibitors. The restrained A-ring bridge containing CH₂, O, S, or NH could effectively coordinate with the heme of the P450 aromatase to allow the tight-binding affinities reflected by their nanomolar K_i values.     

Dirhodium(II) tetrakis[N,N-dimethyl-2-pyrrolidone-5(S)-carboxamide]. Structural effects on enantioselection in metal carbene transformations

The preparation and structural characterization of dirhodium(II) tetrakis[N,N-dimethyl-2-pyrrolidone-5(S)-carb- oxamide], Rh₂(5S-DMAP)₄, a new sterically-demanding catalyst for enantioselective metal carbene transformations, is described. The pyrrolidone ligands are arrayed around the dirhodium(II) core with two oxygen and two nitrogen donor atoms, each oriented cis, bound to each octahedral rhodium. The crystal structure of this compound has been determined to be that of Rh₂(5S-DMAP)₄(CH₃CN)₂·CH₃CN·6H₂O: space group P2₁2₁2₁ with cell constants a= 12.685(4), b=15.050(3), c=24.035(4) Å; V=4588.5(1.9) ų, Z=4, R=0.0316, Rh---Rh DISTANCE =2 4538(5) Å. Decreased activity for diazodecomposition catalyzed by Rh₂(5S-DMAP)₄ is observed, and enantiocontrol for cyclopropanation and carbon-hydrogen insertion is lower than expected by analogy to the corresponding di- rhodium(II) tetrakis[methyl 2-pyrrolidone-5(S)-carboxylate], Rh₂(5S-MEPY)₄ Electronic stabilization of the in- termediate metal carbene is absent in reactions catalyzed by Rh₂(5S-DMAP)₄.