A bioluminescence method for determining adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphate (PAP) and adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-sulfatophosphate (PAPS) in biological materials.

A rapid, sensitive, bioluminescence technique for detecting PAPS (adenosine 3′-phosphate 5′-sulfatophosphate) in biological materials is described. PAPS is first hydrolysed in 0.2 n HCl to PAP (adenosine 3′-phosphate 5′-phosphate) and is then assayed by the luciferin-luciferase system of the sea pansy, Renilla reniformis, which is specific for PAP. This bioluminescence system produces light at a rate that is proportional to the amount of PAP present. Light emission is measured in a liquid scintillation spectrometer with the two photomultipliers out of coincidence.Very low amounts of PAPS (10–100 pmoles) have been determined in extracts of yeast and various plant tissues by this method. The production of PAPS in extracts of young wheat leaves is enhanced by including either 5′-AMP or 3′-AMP in the reaction mixture. It is possible that these nucleotides protect PAPS from enzymes that degrade this compound, e.g., a nucleotidase.     

A sensitive analytical method for the detection and quantitation of adenosine in biological samples

A new method for the measurement of adenosine in biological materials has been developed. The method is based on the combined principles of isotope dilution and enzymatic catalysis using a highly specific adenosine kinase isolated from rat heart. By differential centrifugation and gel filtration, this adenosine kinase was obtained free of adenosine deaminase and other enzymes which would have been a source of error in the use of this enzyme in the adenosine assay. The cardiac adenosine kinase was shown to be highly specific and to exhibit an apparent K_m for adenosine of 0.35 μM. Using this enzyme, unknown quantities of adenosine could be detected by measuring the effect of their addition on the conversion of radioisotopic adenosine to 5′-AMP in the kinase reaction. In this procedure, as little as 20 pmoles of adenosine could be detected. To test the applicability of the assay, measurements of the tissue content of this nucleoside were made in samples of dog and rat hearts frozen in situ under control, hypoxic, or ischemic conditions. The assay has several advantageous features when compared to other existing methods used to measure adenosine: a minimum of sample preparation is required before the actual assay procedure; many samples can be processed per day by a single operator; single determinations can be done on as little as 5 μl of sample, and the specificity of the assay can be readily checked by treatment of samples with adenosine deaminase.     

Radioactive measurement of 2' ,3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase activity in the central and peripheral nervous system and in extraneural tissue.

This paper describes a new, sensitive, and reproducible method for the determination of 2′,3′-cyclic-nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase (EC 3.1.4.37) activity in both central and peripheral nervous system tissue, as well as in extraneural tissue. Radioactive [8-³H]adenosine 2′,3′-cyclic monophosphate was used as the substrate. The [8-³H]2′-AMP product formed was isolated by thin-layer chromatography, or, alternatively, the reaction was coupled with an excess of Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase, and the [8-³H]adenosine formed was isolated by column chromatography on AG 1-X2 resin. The values obtained by the two methods were compared with those obtained using a spectrophotometric method. Hydrolysis rates of 0.50 nmol/min could be reproducibly measured in 18-day fetal rat spinal cord.     

Recognition of Ribose Moiety by Adenosine (Phosphate) Deaminase from Squid Liver

An adenosine (phosphate) deaminase from the squid liver had much lower activity for 5′-deoxyadenosine than that for adenosine, 2′-, or 3′-deoxyadenosine. 3′-IMP and inosine as well as purine riboside and adenine competitively inhibited the deamination of adenosine 3′ phenylphosphonate by the enzyme, but 5′-AMP and 5′-IMP did not. The enzyme deaminated the 5′-hydroxyl terminal adenosine residue in dinucleotides and trinucleotide, but not the 3′-hydroxyl terminal one in dinucleotides. The 5′-hydroxyl group of the ribose moiety was necessary for the substrate binding and catalytic activity of the squid enzyme. These results indicated that the recognition of ribose moiety in the substrate by the squid enzyme might be intermediate between those by adenosine deaminase and adenosine (phosphate) deaminase from microorganisms.     

Elevation of guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate level by adenosine in cerebellar slices of guinea pig

Effect of adenosine on the level of guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate in guinea pig cerebellar slices was investigated. Adenosine increased the concentration of guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate in the slices 3–4-fold. Upon removal of adenosine from the medium, the concentration of guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate returned to the initial level. AMP, ADP or ATP also increased the guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate level to the same extent as adenosine, while adenine or other nucleotides were not effective. In the absence of Ca²⁺ in the incubation medium, adenosine did not increase the concentration of guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate in cerebellar slices although level of adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate was elevated by adenosine.Anticholinergic agents, adrenergic blocking agents or antihistaminics did not prevent the increase of guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate by adenosine indicating that the effect of adenosine was not mediated by the release of neurotransmitters.The combination of adenosine with depolarizing agents showed an additive effect on the level of guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate indicating that adenosine increased the level of guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate by a different mechanism from the depolarization.     

Purification and Some Properties of Adenosine (Phosphate) Deaminase from the Liver of the Squid Todarodes pacificus

An enzyme that catalyzed the deamination of adenosine 3′-phenylphosphonate was purified from squid liver to homogeneity as judged by SDS-PAGE. The molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated to be 60,000 by SDS-PAGE and 140,000 by Sephadex G-150 gel filtration. The enzyme deaminated adenosine, 2′-deoxyadenosine, 3′-AMP, and 2′,3′-cyclic AMP, but not adenine, 5′-AMP, 3′,5′-cyclic AMP, ADP, or ATP. The apparent K_m and V_max at pH 4.0 for these substrates were comparable (0.11-0.34mM and 179-295 μmol min^?1 mg^?1, respectively). The enzyme had maximum activity at pH 3.5-4.0 for adenosine 3′-phenylphosphonate, at pH 5.5 for adenosine and 2′-deoxyadenosine, and at pH 4.0 for 2′,3′-cyclic AMP and 3′-AMP when the compounds were at concentration of 0.1 mM. The K_m at 4.0 and 5.5 for each substrate varied, but the Vmax were invariant. These results indicated that the squid enzyme was a novel adenosine (phosphate) deaminase with a unique substrate specificity.     

On the presence of adenosine 3′, 5′ -cyclic monophosphate in moss (Funariahygrometrica)

Partially purified nucleotide fraction of moss containing [14C]-labelled putative adenosine 3′, 5′ -cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and marker authentic [3H] -cAMP was characterized by chemical deamination and also by the enzymatic hydrolysis with beef heart cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase. A significant conversion of marker authentic [3H] -cAMP into [3H] -inosine 3′, 5′ -cyclic monophosphate (cIMP) and [3H] -5′ adenosine monophosphate was observed by respective treatments. In contrast, the [14C] -labelled putative cAMP from control and theophylline-treated moss tissue was insensitive to chemical deamination and enzymatic hydrolysis. Apparently, the [14C] -labelled product which comigrates with authentic [3H] -cAMP does not represent true cAMP. Both the methods employed for characterization of the labelled putative cAMP were sensitive enough to detect picomole quantities of authentic [3H] -cAMP. Lack of detectability of prelabelled [14C] -cAMP in our preparations implies that the tissue may contain authentic cyclic AMP below the picomole levels. Thus, the attributed physiological role to adenosine 3′, 5′ -cyclic monophosphate in moss tissue appears somewhat skeptical.     

Comparison of the sensitivity of in vivo antibody production tests with in vitro PCR-based methods to detect infectious contamination of biological materials

Bacteria and viruses may be transmitted to laboratory rodents by contaminated biological materials such as transplantable tumours, cell lines, sera or other biological materials. Biological materials are currently being screened using the mouse or rat antibody production (MAP/RAP) test (serological testing). We decided to test and validate an alternative assay using polymerase chain reaction (PCR/realtime PCR) technology to detect viral contamination directly in biological material. The aim of this study therefore is the validation of our new PCR assays and the comparison of PCR and the MAP test. For 8/14 viruses, conventional PCR was more sensitive and more specific than the MAP test in detecting murine viruses. For 12/14 viruses, the realtime PCR was more sensitive than the MAP test. In 2/14 cases, all three detection methods had the same sensitivity. Furthermore, PCR screening clearly conforms to the principles of the 3Rs as a replacement technique because it eliminates the need for using animals to screen for murine viruses in biological material.     

Synthesis of Nucleoside 3′-Thiophosphates in One Step Procedure

Abstract

A mild and efficient one-step method of thiophosphorylation was devised for acid-sensitive nucleosides. The procedure is based on thiophosphorylation of nucleoside magnesium alkoxide by 2-chloro-2-thio-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane. The utility and efficiency of this method combined with deprotection of the resulting cyclic triester were demonstrated by its application to the synthesis of both adenosine 3′- and 5′-thiophosphates. The procedure does not require protection of the exocyclic amino group and can be successfully used for the thiophosphorylation of nucleosides that are unusually sensitive to depurination.     

Characterization of a Novel 2′-5′ Oligoadenylate in Stimulated Lymphocytes

Abstract

We have analysed Con A-stimulated mouse lymphocytes for the presence of 2′-5′-linked oligoadenylates using a radioimmunoassay based on a monoclonal antibody raised against adenylyl (2′-5′) adenosine (A2′pA). Time-course and Con A dose dependence were performed.

We found that Con A induced, in a dose-dependant manner, the accumulation of immunoreactive material, together with the incorporation of ³H-thymidine in DNA. We showed that the immunoreactive material was constituted for the essential, by a novel 2′-5′ oligoadenylate. It was isolated and characterized as adenylyl 2′-5′adenylic acid (2′ and 3′P) according to the combination of criteria such as immunoreactivity, enzyme susceptibility, chromatographic behaviour and comparison with A2′pA3′(³²P)p, A2′pA3′p acid A2′pA2′p that we have chemically synthetized. This is the first example of significant variations of a 2′-5′ oligoadenylate level in circumstances other than the antiviral mechanism of interferon.     

Adenosine as a putative transmitter in the cerebral cortex. Studies with potentiators and antagonists.

Adenosine has a potent depressant action on cerebral cortical neurons, including identified corticospinal cells. Adenosine 2′-, 3′- and 5′-phosphates, including adenosine 5′-imidodiphosphate, had comparable depressant actions and 2-chloroadenosine was an even more potent depressant. Inhibitors of adenosine uptake, hexobendine and papaverine, potentiated the actions of adenosine and adenosine 5′-monophosphate. Theophylline and caffeine antagonized the depressant actions of adenosine and adenosine 5′-monophosphate. The results are compatible with the hypothesis that adenosine depresses neurons by activating an extracellular receptor and that this effect can be blocked by theophylline and caffeine.     

Synthesis of 2′-Deoxyformycin B and 2′-Deoxyoxoformycin B

Abstract

3-β-D-Ribofuranosylpyazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidines (formycins)¹ modified in the heteroaromatic moiety are of biological interest as analogues of adenosine and guanosine, and have been the objects of intensive synthetic chemical effort by several groups.^2-9 2′-Deoxynucleosides^2c,2d,7b,13 and other analogties of the formycins modified in the sugar moiety^10-12 are also of potential interest, but have been less extensively studied. Examples of the 2′-deoxyribonucleoside type known to date include the 2′-deoxy-6-thioguanosine analogue 1, the 2′-deoxyadenosine (dAdo) analogue 2 (2′-deoxyformycin A),^10,13 and the 2-chloro-2′-deoxyadenosine analogue 3.^7b Compound 2 was found to be 10-15 times more potent than 2′-deoxyadenosine as an inhibitor of the growth of S49 cells, a murine lymphoma line of T-cell origin.¹³ Activity depended on 5′- phosphorylation, since mutants lacking the enzymes adenosine kinase (AK) and deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) were insensitive to the drug. Furthermore, activity was comparable in the presence and absence of an AK inhibitor, suggesting that 2, unlike dAdo, may be a poor substrate for adenosine deaminase. That 5′-phosphorylation of 2 was mediated by AK rather than dCK was indicated by the fact that miitants lacking only dCK retained sensitivity. This contrasted with the behavior of dAdo, which is known to be n substrate for both AK and dCK.¹⁴     

Synthesis and Biological Activity of 3′-Modified 2′-5′ Adenylate Trimers

Abstract

One of the most important mediators in the mode of action of interferon is the (2′-5′)(A)n synthetase-RNase L pathway. The 2′-5′oligoadenylates (2–5A), synthesized from ATP, activate a pre-existing endonuclease that cleaves single-stranded RNA. The biological activity of 2–5A is rapidly lost due to cleavage of the 2′-5′ internucleotide bond by a specific 2′-5′-phosphodiesterase starting at the 3′end. This rapid cleavage and the poor uptake of 2–5A in intact cells limit the use of 2–5A as an antiviral or antineoplastic agent. Although several modified 2–5A analogues have been synthesized in order to improve the enzymatic stability, only few have proven to be resistant to degradation and still able to activate the 2–5A dependent endonuclease. 1-4 On the other hand, relative drastic methodology such as calcium coprecipitation, microinjection and liposome encapsulation5 has been used to introduce 2–5A into intact cells. Here, we present the synthesis and biological activity of oligoadenylates in which one or more adenosine residues were replaced by 9-(3-azido-3-deoxy-6-D-xylofuranosyl)adenine or 9-(3-amino-3-deoxy-D-xylofuranosyl)adenine. The oligonucleotides were synthesized by the phosphotriester method with triisopropylbenzenesulfonyl-chloride in the presence of N-methylimidazole as the condensing agent. The p-nitrophenylethyl group was used as the protecting group for the 2′-hydroxylfunction .(carbonate), the internucleotide linkage (phosphate ester) and the exocyclic amino groups of the heterocyclic base (carbamate). Bis(p-nitrophenylethy1)phosphoromonochloridate was used to phosphorylate the 5′-hy-droxyl group. All these blocking groups were removed with DBU in pyridine.     

Quantitative Analysis of Similarities and Differences in Neurotoxicities Caused by Adenosine and 2'-Deoxyadenosine in Sympathetic Neurons

Abstract: These experiments characterize the nucleoside transport and quantify the neurotoxicity of adenosine and 2′-deoxyadenosine (dAdo) in chick sympathetic neurons. We show that [³H]adenosine transport was sensitive to low temperature, specific inhibitors of nucleoside transport, and an excess concentration of adenosine. However, many of these treatments had a marginal effect on [³H]dAdo transport. Total retention of [³H]dAdo over short and long periods was ～10 times less than that of [³H]adenosine. These data suggest that adenosine and dAdo enter sympathetic neurons by different routes. Uptake of [³H]norepinephrine ([³H]NE) decreased in neurons damaged by nucleosides and increased to control levels when neurons were protected by various agents against adenosine or dAdo toxicity. These results indicate that [³H]NE uptake serves as a quantitative index of toxicity by the nucleosides. Using this approach we demonstrate that phosphorylation of both nucleosides is essential for their lethal action. For example, iodotubercidin prevented nucleoside-induced neuronal death, but the effect was much more pronounced in the case of dAdo toxicity (IC₅₀ of 0.83 ± 0.4 vs. 30 ± 1.6 nM). Another kinase inhibitor, 5′-amino 5′-deoxyadenosine, was effective in protecting neurons against dAdo but had no effect against adenosine toxicity. These results suggest that specific kinases are associated with the phosphorylation of adenosine and dAdo in sympathetic neurons to produce toxic metabolic products. Finally, neurons were susceptible to dAdo toxicity from the time of plating to 4 weeks in culture but were resistant to adenosine toxicity 8 h after plating. In conclusion, our results highlight major differences in the mechanism of neurotoxicity by adenosine and dAdo and provide insights for identification of biochemical pathways leading to neuronal death.     

A simple method of the preparation of 2′-O-Methyladenosine Methylation of adenosine with methyl iodide in anhydrous alkaline medium

A simple and effective method of the methylation on the 2′-O position of adenosine is described. Adenosine is treated with CH₃I in an anhydrous alkaline medium at 0°C for 4 h. The major products of this reaction are monomethylated adenosine at either the 2′-O or 3′-O position (total of 64%) and the side products are dimethylated adenosine (2′,3′-O-dimethyladenosi, 21%, and N⁶-2′-O-dimethyladenosine, 11%). The ratio of 2′-O- and 3′-O-methyladenosine has been found to be 8 to 1. Therefore, this reaction preferentially favors the synthesis of 2′-O-methyladenosine. The monomethylated adenosine is isolated from reaction mixture by a silica gel column chromatography. Then the pure 2′-O-methyladenosine can be separated by crystallization in ethanol from the mixture of 2′-O and 3′-O-methylated isomers. The overall yield of 2′-O-methyladenosine is 42%.     

A micromethod for estimation of adenosine deaminase and adenosine nucleosidase with modified cellulose nitrate membranes

Modified cellulose nitrate membrane strips were applied in a new chromatographic procedure for rapid and sensitive estimation of adenosine deaminase (EC 3.5.4.4) and adenosine nucleosidase (EC 3.2.2.7). In this method the enzymes serve each other as reagents. The products of their subsequent action are adenine and inosine, well separable on membrane strips, thanks to the different adsorptive affinities of these two compounds to the cellulose nitrate membranes. Employing adenine-labeled adenosine, microgram amounts of wet biological material may be used for estimation of the enzymes. The method has been applied to routine estimations of these two enzymes in various biological materials and examples are presented. A simple method is described for preparative purification and stabilization of adenosine nucleosidase of barley leaves used as reagent for adenosine deaminase assay.     

Characteristics of high-affinity [3H]adenosine binding to rat brain synaptosomes and turkey erythrocyte membranes

High affinity binding sites for [³H]adenosine in rat brain and in turkey erythrocytes can be identified by binding experiments. Displacement experiments using a number of adenosine analogs indicate that these high affinity sites do not represent the R-type adenosine receptors which mediate activation of adenylate cyclase, although the binding is theophylline sensitive. Similarly, the binding of [³H]adenosine is not to the P-site, which mediates inhibition of adenylate cyclase, since the high affinity binding persists in the presence of 2′,5′-dideoxyadenosine. Furthermore, these results remain qualitatively similar also in the presence of dipyridamole which blocks adenosine transport sites. We conclude that theophylline sensitivity does not indicate that [³H]adenosine binding sites correspond to adenosine receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase.     

Adenosine 5‘-Phosphosulfate Sulfotransferase from Norway Spruce: Biochemical and Physiological Properties*

Biochemical and physiological properties of adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate sulfotransferase, a key enzyme of assimilatory sulfate reduction, from spruce trees growing under field conditions were studied. The apparent K_m for adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (APS) was 29 ± 5.5μM, its apparent M_r was 115,000. 5′-AMP inhibited the enzyme competitively with a K_i of 1 mM, but also stabilized it. MgS0₄ at 800 mM increased adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate sulfotransferase activity by a factor of 3, concentrations higher than lOOOmM were inhibitory. Treatment of isolated shoots with nutrient solution containing 1 or 2 mM sulfate, and 3 or 10 mM glutathione, respectively, induced a significant decrease in extractable adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate sulfotransferase activity over 24h, whereas GSH as well as S^2- up to 5mM cysteine and up to 200 mM SO₃^2- had no effect on the in vitro activity of the enzyme. As with other enzymes involved in assimilatory sulfate reduction, namely ATP sulfurylase (EC 2.7.7.4), sulfite reductase (EC 1.8.7.1) and O-acetyl-L.-serine sulfhydrylase (EC 4.2.99.8), adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate sulfotransferase was still detected at appreciable activities in 2- and 3-year-old needles. Adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate sulfotransferase activity was low in buds and increased during shoot development, parallel to the chlorophyll content. The enzyme activity was characterized by an annual cycle of seasonal changes with an increase during February and March.     

Studies on cyclic adenosine 3' ,5'-monophosphate levels, Adenylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase activities in the dimorphic fungus Mucor rouxii.

The germination of spores of Mucor rouxii into hyphae was inhibited by 2 mm dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate or 7 mm cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate; under these conditions spores developed into budding spherical cells instead of filaments, provided that glucose was present in the culture medium. Removal of the cyclic nucleotides resulted in the conversion of yeast cells into hyphae. Dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (2 mm) also inhibited the transformation of yeast to mycelia after exposure of yeast culture to air.Since in all living systems so far studied adenylate cyclase and cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate phosphodiesterase are involved in maintaining the intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate level, the activity of both enzymes and the intracellular concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate were investigated in yeast and mycelium extracts. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase and adenylate cyclase activities could be demonstrated in extracts of M. rouxii. The specific activity of adenylate cyclase did not vary appreciably with the fungus morphology. On the contrary, cyclic adenosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase activity was four- to sixfold higher in mycelial extracts than in yeast extracts and reflected quite accurately the observed changes in intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels; these were three to four times higher in yeast cells than in mycelium.     

Synthesis,characterization, and reactions of 2′-, 3′-, and 5′-(2-bromoethyl)-AMP: Potential affinity labels for nucleotide binding sites in enzymes

Two new adenosine analogs, 2′-(2-bromoethyl) adenosine monophosphate and 3′-(2-bromoethyl) adenosine monophosphate, were synthesized, purified by semipreparative high-pressure liquid chromatography, and completely characterized. A new synthesis of 5′-(2-bromoethyl) adenosine monophosphate is presented which facilitates the preparation of radioactive reagent with label either in the ethyl group or the purine ring of the nucleotide derivative. The reactive moiety of these derivatives, a bromoalkyl group, has the ability to react with the nucleophilic side chains of several amino acids. The second-order, pH-independent rate constants for reaction with the side chains of the amino acids cysteine, lysine, histidine, and tyrosine were determined as 3×10^?4, 6×10^?6, 3×10^?7, and <1×10^?7 M^?1 sec^?1, respectively. These data could be use in estimating the rate enhancement observed in modification of a protein by these affinity-labeling reagents. 5′-(S-(2-hydroxyethyl)cysteine) adenosine monophosphate, the derivative expected from exhaustive digestion of protein in which a cysteinyl residue is modified by 5′-(2-bromoethyl) adenosine monophosphate, and S-2-hydroxyethyl)cysteine, the derivative anticipated upon acid hydrolysis of such a modified protein, were synthesized, characterized, and their elution positions from an amino acid analyzer determined. These bromoethyl AMP derivatives are potential affinity labels for enzymes that bind 2′-, 3′-, or 5′-nucleotides such as TPN, coenzyme A, or ADP, respectively.