血清NGAL 在大鼠肾脏缺血再灌注损伤不同时段 的表达及其意义

目的:观察大鼠肾脏缺血再灌注损伤不同时段血中性粒细胞明胶酶相关脂质运载蛋白(NGAL)的表达并探讨其在急性肾脏缺血再灌注损伤中的意义.方法:建立大鼠肾脏缺血再灌注损伤模型,将50只大鼠随机分为假手术组(S组)和模型组(M组),每组分为5个亚组,包括2h、6h、12h、24h、48h,每亚组大鼠5只.观察各组血NGAL,β2-微球蛋白及血尿素氮,肌酐的变化.结果:M组血NGAL于再灌注损伤后早期(2h)即开始升高,于24h达高峰,至48h仍高于正常(P＜0.05);β2-微球蛋白于12h升高至48h达高峰(P＜0.01);尿素氮于6h升高于48h达高峰(P＜0.01);而血肌酐则于48h才显著升高(P＜0.05).病理显示:M组2h时可见受损肾小管上皮细胞肿胀,管腔扩张、刷状缘消失,至6h时少量上皮细胞脱落、变性甚至坏死,管腔内可见坏死脱落的细胞碎屑,蛋白管型出现,12h时可见间质水肿压迫至管腔明显狭窄,于24h、48h可见蛋白管型显著增多.结论:血NGAL可作为肾脏缺血再灌注损伤早期敏感的生物标志物.     

Stability of [3H]ouabain binding to the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase solubilized with C12E8

The (Na+ + K+)-ATPase from dog kidney and partially purified membranes from HK dog erythrocytes were labeled with [3H]ouabain, solubilized with C12E8 and analyzed by HPLC through a TSK-GEL G3000SW column in the presence of C12E8, Mg2+, HPO4(2-) and glycerol at 20-23 degrees C. The peaks of [3H]ouabain bound to the enzyme from dog kidney and HK dog erythrocyte membranes corresponded to each other with apparent molecular weights of 470 000-490 000. In addition, these bindings of [3H]ouabain to the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase were observed to be stable at 20-23 degrees C for at least 18 h after the solubilization.     

Temperature-induced absorbance changes in developing barley chloroplasts

Absorbance changes on cooling and heating of barley ( Hordeum vulgare L. cv. IB65) chloroplasts greened for 12, 48 and 72 h were investigated to understand the structural changes during biogenesis of chloroplast membranes. Upon cooling the chloroplast suspension from 24 to 8°C, a positive absorbance change occurred at 678, 435 and 495 nm in 12, 48 and 72 h greened chloroplasts. During heating from 24 to 45°C negative absorbance changes were observed with some shifts in positions in different chloroplast preparations and a simultaneous increase in absorbance between 690 and 735 nm. For chloroplasts developed for 12, 48 and 72 h the changes in absorbance on cooling were 3.8, 3.3 and 1.9% at 678 nm, and on heating, 8.9, 8.3 and 4.1% at 680 nm.
The differences in absorbance changes are considered as an indication of variations in the structural organization and composition of developing chloroplasts. The reversibility of the absorbance changes was maximum in chloroplasts greened for 72 h and minimum in chloroplasts greened for 12 h. This would suggest that fully developed chloroplasts have more flexibility towards temperature-induced changes in the membranes.     

Membrane Populations of Bovine Choroid Plexus: Separation by Density Gradient Centrifugation in Modified Colloidal Silica

Abstract: The choroid plexus is intimately involved in the production and regulation of the cerebrospinal fluid. Populations of surface membranes from this epithelial tissue were separated by density gradient centrifugation by use of modified colloidal silica (Percoll). A fraction of heavy microsomes (P₃) containing plasma membranes was prepared by differential centrifugation. Membranes in fraction P₃ were mixed with a given concentration of Percoll and density gradients generated during centrifugation. When fraction P₃ was mixed with 20% (v/v) Percoll and centrifuged at 20,000 r.p.m. for 1 h in a 50.2 Ti fixed-angle rotor, membranes containing alkaline phosphatase (AP) were found at a density of 1.037 g/cm³ while those containing NaK ATPase were found at 1.047 g/cm³. With more shallow density gradients using 12% and 14% Percoll, a broad shoulder of AP activity became manifest at densities greater than 1.060 g/cm³ suggesting multiple populations of membranes containing AP. Membranes containing AP could also be separated from membranes containing γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP); this separation was most pronounced in 12% Percoll. The activity of γ-GTP could not be separated from activity of NaK ATPase. Total protein was distributed broadly throughout the gradients. Studies have been undertaken to compare the behavior of choroidal membranes in Percoll gradients with that of renal membranes because the biochemical anatomy of the kidney has been extensively studied. In contrast to choroidal membranes, renal membranes with NaK ATPase activity were found to have densities lower than those membranes with AP. Thus, the distribution of membrane-bound enzymes from kidney in a Percoll gradient was exactly the opposite of that observed for these same enzymes from choroid plexus. In addition, unlike the γ-GTP activity of choroid plexus, γ-GTP from kidney could be separated from the activities of both alkaline phosphatase and NaK ATPase. These marked differences in membrane populations between choroid plexus and kidney as defined by Percoll density gradient centrifugation analyses are presumably reflective of differences in the functions of the two epithelial tissues.     

Renotropic functions of hepatocyte growth factor in renal regeneration after unilateral nephrectomy.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a most potent growth factor for mature hepatocytes may act as a trigger for liver regeneration. We reported that HGF strongly stimulates DNA synthesis of rabbit renal tubular cells in secondary culture (Igawa, T., Kanda, S., Kanetake, H., Saitoh, Y., Ichihara, A., Tomita, Y., and Nakamura, T. (1991) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 174, 831-838). To investigate whether or not HGF is involved in renal regeneration, we examined changes in HGF mRNA, HGF activity, and HGF receptor in the rat kidney following unilateral nephrectomy or treatment with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). In the intact kidney, the HGF mRNA increased markedly reaching a maximum 6 h after unilateral nephrectomy, followed by an increase of HGF activity at 12 h after the surgery. The marked increase in HGF mRNA and HGF activity was also found in the kidney of rats treated with CCl4. Results of in situ hybridization suggested that cells producing HGF in the kidney are endothelial cells. The number of HGF receptors on renal plasma membranes decreased to 30% of the normal value 12 h after unilateral nephrectomy, with no change in the Kd value. The HGF receptor was greatly diminished 24 h after the operation, and recovery to 60% of the normal level was evident 1 week after the operation. Because the decrease in HGF binding may result from internalization of the HGF receptor, the HGF may bind to its receptor in vivo and act as a mitogen for renal epithelial cells. HGF may function as a renotropic factor during renal regeneration after kidney injury.     

Activities of enzymes from canine kidney plasma membranes under effects of polyene antibiotics in vivo and in vitro]

The effects of amphotericin B drug containing sodium deoxycholate (DOC) and those of DOC and nistatin on the activities of Na+, K+-ATPase and 5'-nucleotidase of canine kidney plasma membranes were studied. It was found that the activities of Na+, K+-ATPase and 5'-nucleotidase were markedly inhibited only after intravenous injection of amphotericin B, whereas the other agents tested caused no changes in the enzyme activities. Similar results were obtained in vitro. In the presence of amphotericin B the activity of Na+, K+-ATPase was noticeably inhibited already at the antibiotic concentration of 0,1 mkg per mg of membrane protein. It was found that the injection of amphotericin B, DOC and nistatin did not qualitatively or quantitatively affect the phospholipid composition of the plasma membranes. This is indicative of the lack of correlation between the enzyme activities and changes in the phospholipid composition of the plasma membranes under effects of amphotericin B. The pyrimidine derivative--amygluracyl--markedly removes the inhibiting effect of amphotericin B on the enzyme activity of plasma membranes.     

Incorporation of D-glucose-, L-alanine- and phosphate-transport systems from rat renal brush-border membranes into liposomes.

An extract of soluble proteins was prepared from a rat kidney brush-border membranes by Triton X-100 solubilization followed by centrifugation for 1 h at 100000g. Its protein composition was markedly different from that of the brush-border membranes. Proteoliposomes were formed by co-sonication of the Triton X-100-free extract with a naturally occurring mixture of phospholipids extracted from rat kidney. These proteoliposomes were shown to contain Na+-stimulated D-glucose-, L-alanine- and phosphate-transport systems.     

The hydrolysis of brain and atrial natriuretic peptides by porcine choroid plexus is attributable to endopeptidase-24.11.

The hydrolysis of the porcine 26-residue brain natriuretic peptide (BNP-26) and its counterpart human 28-residue atrial natriuretic peptide (alpha-hANP) by pig membrane preparations and purified membrane peptidases was studied. When the two peptides were incubated with choroid plexus membranes, the products being analysed by h.p.l.c., alpha-hANP was degraded twice as fast as BNP. The h.p.l.c. profiles of alpha-hANP hydrolysis, in short incubations with choroid plexus membranes, yielded alpha hANP' as the main product, this having been previously shown to be the result of hydrolysis at the Cys7-Phe8 bond. In short incubations this cleavage was inhibited 84% by 1 microM-phosphoramidon, a specific inhibitor of endopeptidase-24.11. BNP-26 was hydrolysed by choroid plexus membranes, kidney microvillar membranes and purified endopeptidase-24.11 in a manner that yielded identical h.p.l.c. profiles. In the presence of phosphoramidon, hydrolysis by the choroid plexus membranes was 94% inhibited. Captopril had no effect and, indeed, no hydrolysis of BNP-26 by peptidyl dipeptidase A (angiotensin-converting enzyme) was observed even after prolonged incubation with the purified enzyme. The stepwise hydrolysis of BNP-26 by endopeptidase-24.11 was investigated by sequencing the peptides produced during incubation. The initial product resulted from hydrolysis at Ser14-Leu15, thereby opening the ring. This product (BNP') was short-lived; further degradation involved hydrolysis at Ile12-Gly13, Arg8-Leu9, Gly17-Leu18, Val22-Leu23, Arg11-Ile12 and Cys4-Phe5. Thus endopeptidase-24.11 is the principal enzyme in renal microvillar and choroid plexus membranes hydrolysing BNP-26 and alpha-hANP.     

A blood plasma inhibitor is responsible for circadian changes in rat renal Na,K-ATPase activity

Rhythmic changes in activity following a circadian schedule have been described for several enzymes. The possibility of circadian changes in Na,K-ATPase activity was studied in homogenates of rat kidney cortex cells. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were kept on a schedule of 12h light (06:00-18:00 h) and 12 h darkness (18:00-06:00 h) for 2 weeks. At the end of the conditioning period, one rat was killed every 2 h, until completion of a 24 h cycle. Outermost kidney cortex slices were prepared, homogenized and assayed for Na,K-ATPase activity. The whole procedure was repeated six times. Na,K-ATPase activity shows an important oscillation (2 cycles/24 h). Peak activities were detected at 09:00 and 21:00 h, whereas the lowest activities were detected at 15:00 and 01:00-03:00 h. The highest activity was 40+/-3 nmoles Pi mg protein(-1)min(-1) (09:00 h), and the lowest was 79+/-3 nmoles Pi mg protein(-1)min(-1) (15:00 h). The amount of the Na+-stimulated phosphorylated intermediate is the same for the 09:00 h and 15:00 h homogenates. Preincubation of 09:00 h kidney cortex homogenates with blood plasma drawn from rats at either 03:00 h or 15:00 h, significantly inhibited their Na,K-ATPase activity. This inhibition was not seen when the preincubation was carried out with either 09:00 h or 21:00 h blood plasma. The striking oscillation (2 cycles/24 h) of the Na,K-ATPase activity of rat kidney cortex cells is ascribed to the presence of an endogenous inhibitor in blood plasma.     

缺血缺氧再灌注对胎鼠肾组织环氧化酶表达的影响

目的观察宫内缺血缺氧再灌注后,胎鼠肾组织COX蛋白表达及其AA代谢产物PGI2、PGE2和TXA2含量的变化,探讨COX在宫内窘迫胎鼠肾损伤发病机制中的作用.方法制备胎鼠子宫内缺血缺氧再灌注模型(缺血缺氧组：缺血缺氧30min;再灌注组：缺血缺氧30min后,分别再灌注30min,2h,6h,12h,24h,30h)缺血氧组：取胎鼠18只;再灌注组各时间点分别取胎鼠18只;对照组取胎鼠20只.将肾组织匀浆后采用Western免疫印迹和放免法检测COX蛋白表达及其PGI2、PGE2和TXA2含量的变化.同时HE染色观察肾组织病理学改变.结果子宫内缺血缺氧再灌注后胎肾组织COX-2蛋白表达上调,PGI2的稳定代谢产物6-Keta-PGF1α及PGE2均于再灌注2h开始增高(P<0.05).其中6-keta-PGF1α增加迅速,于再灌注12h达假手术组的6倍(P<0.01),PGE2于再灌注24h达假手术组的2倍(P<0.01),而TXB2增加幅度不大,无统计学意义.结论宫内缺血缺氧再灌注选择性地诱导胎肾COX-2蛋白表达增强,COX-2可能通过PGI2和PGE2对缺血性胎肾损伤具有保护作用,因此,在围产期肾损伤不宜应用COX-2抑制剂.     

Effect of antimicrotubule agents on terminal glycosyltransferases and other enzymes associated with rat liver subcellular fractions.

Previous studies have shown that anti microtubule agents disrupt Golgi complexes in hepatocytes and other cells, causing breakdown or vesiculation of Golgi cisternal membranes. Whether this change in the structure of the Golgi membranes is associated with changes in Golgi membrane function is not known. The present study was initiated to investigate this issue; i.e., to determine whether anti-microtubule agents that cause structural changes in Golgi membranes in vivo would, at the same time, affect characteristic enzyme functions of Golgi membranes. To this end, colchicine was given to young rats in vivo and various hepatic subcellular membranes were subsequently isolated and utilized for enzyme assays. Initially it was shown that colchicine (2.5 mg/kg body wt.) given for 5h significantly decreased the activities of the Golgi membrane associated enzymes galactosyl-, sialyl- and N-acetylglucosaminyl-transferases. More detailed experiments indicated that low doses of colchicine (0.8 mg/kg body wt.), although less effective than higher doses, decreased the activities of the terminal glycosylating enzymes maximally at 5h, with partial and complete recovery at 12 and 24h respectively. Treatment in vivo of rats with vinblastine (20 mg/kg body wt.) for 5h mimicked the action of colchicine. Two microsomal glycosylating enzymes (mannosyl and N acetylglucosaminyl transferases) were unaffected by the treatment with colchicine, as were various hepatic 'marker' enzymes such as 5' nucleotidase, glucose 6 phosphatase and succinate: 2-(p iodophenyl)-3-(p nitrophenyl)-5-phenyltetrazolium reductase (succinate dehydrogenase; EC 1.3.99.1), which were found to be enriched in plasma membrane, endoplasmic-reticulum and mitochondrial-membrane fractions respectively. These results show that anti-microtubule agents specifically suppress the activity of Golgi-associated glycosyltransferases in liver. Although it seems likely that these changes are related to the previously observed structural changes in hepatocyte Golgi complexes after colchicine treatment, to what extent the results are linked to the interaction of colchicine with microtubule protein remains to be clarified.     

The Golgi complex. III. The effects of puromycin on ultrastructure and glycoprotein synthesis.

The effect of puromycin has been investigated on protein and glycoprotein synthesis and on ultrastructure of the Golgi complex from rat liver. Incorporation of [14C]leucine into protein in Golgi fractions and into serum proteins was depressed rapidly after puromycin treatment. In the serum proteins, incorporation returned to normal levels at 2 h whereas in Golgi fractions it continued to rise to 200% of the control levels at 3 h and was still elevated at 24 h after puromycin treatment. Incorporation of [14C]glucosamine into glycoprotein was depressed in Golgi and serum fractions in a similar manner but slightly later than that of leucine. Leucine labelled material found at 3 h was a poor acceptor for carbohydrate, since [14C]glucosamine incorporation was not elevated above control values. Galactosyl transferase activity was not depressed in the Golgi membranes and, at 3 h, was elevated implying that an adequate supply of enzyme was available at all times. The activity of the galactosyl transferase in serum appeared to be depressed suggesting that transport of enzyme from Golgi complex to serum was defective. Ultrastructural changes in the Golgi complex were observed to occur rapidly after puromycin treatment. The cisternae became irregular, compressed, and degenerated progressively from central region towards the periphery. Irregular tubular structures formed at the expense of cisternal membrane and showed accumulation of low density lipoprotein. Vesiculation and degenerative changes of the Golgi membranes continued from 2-12 h while more typical arrangements of the Golgi complex were observed between 24-48 h. The morphological changes correlated with changes in glycoprotein synthesis.     

Chitosan oligomers as drug carriers for renal delivery of zidovudine

Chitosan oligomers (COS) are water soluble and can be a potential drug carrier for renal targeting delivery. Zidovudine (AZT), a FDA approved antiretroviral drug, has a very short half life and is eliminated very quickly in human plasma and kidney after administration. In this study, AZT-COS conjugates were prepared and evaluated in terms of renal targeting. The in vitro release of AZT from AZT-COS conjugates was confirmed in mice plasma and renal homogenate. The pharmacokinetics study indicated longer mean retention time of AZT-COS conjugates with the values of about 1.5 h than 0.59 h of AZT. The AZT-COS conjugates were found accumulated in kidney other than heart, liver, spleen, lung and brain after i.v. administration, in line with the evidence of the fluorescence imaging of FITC labeled COS in 12 h. In conclusion, AZT-COS conjugates have the potential to be developed into a renal-targeting drug delivery system.     

Decreased agonist, but not antagonist, binding to the naturally occurring Thr92Lys variant of the h5-HT7(a) receptor

In the present study on transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK)293 cells, we aimed at establishing whether expression of the naturally occurring Thr92Lys variation of the Gs-coupled h5-HT7(a) receptor leads to changes of ligand binding properties, of agonist-evoked cAMP formation and/or of antagonist-mediated blockade of the latter. Binding of [3H]5-carboxamidotryptamine ([3H]5-CT) to membranes and stimulated [3H]cAMP accumulation in whole cells were determined. Saturation binding experiments in membranes of transiently transfected cells expressing either the wild-type or the variant receptor revealed a single binding site in both cases and no difference in Bmax between both receptor isoforms. In competition binding experiments in membranes of stably transfected cells, the Thr92Lys variant exhibited a 2.8-11 times lower binding affinity of the ligands 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-CT, 5-methoxy-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4yl)-1H-indole (RU24969), (+/-)-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT) and sumatriptan compared to the wild-type receptor. However, the variant did not differ from the wild-type with respect to the binding properties of the antagonists (R)-3-(2-(2-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-pyrrolodine-1-sulfonyl)phenol hydrochloride (SB-269970), risperidone, mesulergine and clozapine. In agreement with the decreased binding affinity of 5-HT, 5-CT, RU24969 and 8-OH-DPAT for the variant receptor, these agonists were less potent in stimulating [3H]cAMP accumulation in cells stably expressing the Thr92Lys h5-HT7(a) receptor. Sumatriptan did not stimulate cAMP accumulation in spite of its affinity for both receptor isoforms pointing to a putative weak antagonistic property of this drug at the h5-HT7 receptor. SB-269970 and clozapine were equipotent at both the variant and the wild-type receptor in producing a rightward shift of the 5-HT concentration-response curve for its stimulant effect on [3H]cAMP accumulation. In view of, e.g., the purported involvement of the 5-HT7 receptor in the regulation of circadian rhythm, it may be concluded that the decrease in affinity of 5-HT and other 5-HT receptor agonists at the (Thr92Lys) h5-HT7 receptor may be associated with changes of sleep physiology and of actions of new 5-HT7 receptor agonists designed to treat circadian dysregulation.     

Peripartum changes in the bovine placenta related to fetal membrane retention

To understand fetal membrane retention in dairy cattle, we examined these tissues in the immediate peripartum period before tissue separation. Placentomes were collected at 270-280 d of gestation from pre-partum Holstein cows (n = 5) and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 h postpartum from a) cows releasing fetal membranes in less than 12 h (n = 7), b) cows retaining fetal membranes for more than 12 h (n = 5), and c) cows induced to calve with dexamethasone (releasing membranes in more than 12 h; n = 5). Subjective evaluations of necrosis, distribution, and condition of binucleate giant and of principal cells were made. Necrotic foci and binucleate giant cells were counted for each interval for which tissue was available. Necrosis, existing prepartum, was identical to that observed at 1 h postpartum in all treatment groups (P > 0.05). Necrosis gradually increased in all treatment groups with time (P < 0.05); thus necrosis is unrelated to initiation of calving and is indirectly related to fetal membrane retention. Many binucleate giant cells were observed prepartum. In cows releasing fetal membranes normally, a significant (P < 0.05) decline in these cell numbers had occurred by 1 h postpartum. When fetal membrane retention occurred, no such decrease in binucleate giant cells was observed before 12 h postpartum. Loss of binucleate giant cells appears necessary for, or must occur with, separation of fetal membranes.     

Long-Lasting Ibogaine Protection against NMDA-Induced Convulsions in Mice

Ibogaine, a putative antiaddictive drug, is remarkable in its apparent ability to downgrade withdrawal symptoms and drug craving for extended periods of time after a single dose. Ibogaine acts as a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, while NMDA has been implicated in long lasting changes in neuronal function and in the physiological basis of drug addiction. The purpose of this study was to verify if persistent changes in NMDA receptors could be shown in vivo and in vitro after a single administration of ibogaine. The time course of ibogaine effects were examined on NMDA-induced seizures and [³H] MK-801 binding to cortical membranes in mice 30min, 24, 48, and 72h post treatment. Ibogaine (80 mg/kg, ip) was effective in inhibiting convulsions induced by NMDA at 24 and 72 hours post administration. Likewise, [³H] MK-801 binding was significantly decreased at 24 and 72 h post ibogaine. No significant differences from controls were found at 30min or 48h post ibogaine. This long lasting and complex pattern of modulation of NMDA receptors prompted by a single dose of ibogaine may be associated to its antiaddictive properties.     

Comparative studies on lipid peroxidation of microsomes and mitochondria obtained from different rat tissues: effect of retinyl palmitate

The effect of retinyl palmitate on the polyunsaturated fatty-acid composition, chemiluminescence and peroxidizability index of microsomes and mitochondria obtained from rat liver, kidney, brain, lung and heart, was studied. After incubation of microsomes and mitochondria in an ascorbate Fe++ system (120 min at 37 degrees C) it was observed that the total cpm/mg protein originated from light emission: chemiluminescence was lower in liver microsomes, mitochondria and kidney microsomes in the vitamin A group than in the control group. In mitochondria obtained from control rats, the most sensitive fatty acids for peroxidation were arachidonic acid C20:4 n6 in liver and docosahexaenoic acid C22:6 n3 in kidney and brain. In microsomes obtained from control rats, the most sensitive fatty acids for peroxidation were linoleic acid C18:2 n6 and C20:4 n6 in liver and C22:6 n3 in kidney. Changes in the most polyunsaturated fatty acids were not observed in organelles obtained from lung and heart. As a consequence the peroxidizability index, a parameter based on the maximal rate of oxidation of fatty acids, showed significant changes in liver, kidney and brain mitochondria, while in microsomes changes were significant in liver and kidney. These changes were less pronounced in membranes derived from rats receiving vitamin A. Our results confirm and extend previous observations that indicated that vitamin A may act as an antioxidant protecting membranes from deleterious effects.     

Hepatic changes in the freeze-tolerant turtle Chrysemys picta marginata in response to freezing and thawing

Select hepatic changes in the freeze-tolerant hatchling turtle, Chrysemys picta marginata, were studied in response to freezing at -2.5 degrees C and thawing. Upon freezing, a small, selective increase in the liver weight with no increase in body weight was seen suggestive of an hepatic capacitance response. In all turtles studies, lobular differences in the hepatic content of glycogen were evident: the smaller lobe contained twice as much glycogen as the larger lobe. The response to freezing and thawing was comparable. Total hepatic glycogen levels of turtles were reduced approximately 60 per cent from control levels in the frozen state and recovered to >80 per cent of control levels in the thawed state. Compared to the control state, turtle blood glucose levels were: unchanged after 12 h in the cool state; reduced 28 per cent after 24 h and increased two-fold after 48 h in the frozen state; and increased 4.5-fold in the thawed state. Thus, changes in hepatic glycogen metabolism occur without large changes in blood glucose levels. In turtle liver plasma membranes, the hepatic alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor was barely detectable and did not change. The beta(2)-adrenergic receptor was expressed at high levels and, compared to control levels, was: unchanged after 12 h in the cool state; reduced 20 per cent after 24 h and 40 per cent after 48 h in the frozen state. On thawing, this receptor was 50 per cent of control levels. While catecholamines working through the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor may effect early hepatic glycogen breakdown in response to freezing, other factors must be involved to complete the process. The plasma membrane-bound enzyme gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase displayed a different pattern of changes indicative of selective modulation: it was increased 2.7-fold over control levels in the cool state; unchanged in the frozen state; and increased 1.8-fold in the thawed state. The activity of the kidney enzyme was decreased in the cool state and slightly increased in the frozen and thawed states emphasizing the tissue-specific nature of the changes in the activity of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase in response to freezing and thawing. The similarities and differences of the hepatic changes in response to freezing and thawing in the freeze-tolerant hatchling turtle to those we have previously reported for the freeze-tolerant frog are discussed.     

Temperature-induced changes of spin-labelled radioactive lipids in isolated guinea pig liver microsomal membranes before and in mitochondrial membranes after their translocation.

Lipids of isolated guinea pig liver microsomal membranes were labelled biosynthetically with isomeric doxyl stearic acid and temperature-induced changes of these membranes were studied by electron spin resonance. A noticeable discontinuity was detected at 10--12 degree C with 12- or 16-doxyl stearic acid containing membrane lipids which was attributed to the spin-labelled lipid--microsomal membrane protein interactions since no such discontinuity was detected in liposomes prepared from total lipid extracts of microsomal membranes. When microsomal membranes containing radioactive isomeric spin-labelled lipids were incubated with unlabelled mitochondria, reisolated mitochondrial membranes contained translocated radioactive isomeric spin-labelled lipids. Temperature-induced changes in these membranes showed no discontinuity with either isomeric doxyl stearic acid derivative, establishing a difference in the environment of translocated lipids in the membrane donor compared with that in the membrane acceptor. Microsomal membranes recovered from translocation experiments showed the same behaviour as the original membranes and exhibited the same discontinuity at 10--12 degree C, establishing that the translocation incubation itself did not alter the spin-labelled lipid interaction within these membranes. Studies of the loss of paramagnetism of spin-labelled lipids in microsomal membranes before and in mitochondrial membranes after their translocation showed a significant difference and suggested that both the outer and the inner mitochondrial membranes might have been involved.     

Effect of iron deficiency and iron restoration on ultrastructure of Anacystis nidulans.

The effects of iron deficiency and iron reconstitution on the ultrastructure of the unicellular cyanobacterium Anacystis nidulans R2 were studied by electron microscopy. Low-iron cells, grown with different amounts of aeration, were analyzed at 6, 12, and 24 h after the addition of iron. Low-iron cells had a decrease in the quantities of membranes, phycobilisomes, and carboxysomes and a large increase in glycogen storage granules. In cells aerated with gentle shaking, the addition of iron caused the number of carboxysomes to increase rapidly within 6 h. This was paralleled by a decrease in the quantity of glycogen storage granules. Carboxysomes were associated with the nucleoplasmic face of the inner photosynthetic membrane in normal, but not low-iron, cells; they once more contacted the membrane by 6 h after iron addition. Phycobilisome assembly was apparent by 6 h, and the number of phycobilisomes increased throughout reconstitution. Membrane restoration was accomplished in two stages: (i) components were added to preexisting membranes until about 12 h, and (ii) new membranes were synthesized beginning at 12 to 18 h. Low-iron cells grown by bubbling with air had only one to two concentric layers of membrane per cell. The addition of iron led to a pattern of reconstitution that was similar to that described above with two important exceptions. Under these conditions, the number of carboxysomes remained low and the carboxysomes rarely contacted the photosynthetic membranes. New membranes were not synthesized until the culture had reached the late-logarithmic growth phase and after all other morphological features had returned to normal.