Primary metabolites of Phaseolus vulgaris nodules

More ethanol soluble material (carbohydrate and amino nitrogen) was found in both host cell and bacteroid components of Phaseolus vulgaris nodules from plants grown at 28 W/m² than from plants grown at 7 W/m². The range of compounds identified was similar at the two irradiances. On feeding ¹⁴CO₂ to the plant tops at either irradiance the labelling patterns of carbohydrates and organic acids in the nodule host cells and bacteroids suggested that any or all of the following substances could be donated by the host to the bacteroids for general metabolism: sucrose, fructose, glucose, an unidentified carbohydrate, malic acid and an organic acid co-chromatographing with 6-phosphogluconate. Distribution and labelling patterns of nodule amino compounds were consistent with the hypothesis that ammonia is the primary product of nitrogen fixation within bacteroids, and that this ammonia is transported to host cells for assimilation, initially into glutamine and glutamate.     

Bile acids in asymmetric synthesis and chiral discrimination

An overview on the use of bile acid‐based compounds able to catalyze transformations, control the stereochemical course of a given reaction, recognize and bind other molecules, is presented. The recent developments in inclusion discrimination of chiral and achiral guests and enantioselective recognition achieved by bile acid are described with suitable examples. Chirality 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

A comparison between the amino acid composition of an egg parasitoid wasp and some of its hosts

Amino acid compositions of the eggs of five lepidopteran hosts for Trichogramma minutum were compared with each other and with a non-host species, Rhodnius prolixus, in which T. minutum oviposits but does not develop. Host eggs are quite homogeneous, particularly when compared according to groupings of potentially interconvertible amino acids. Combined mole percent values for glycine, serine and alanine were higher in hosts (27.5–29.2 mole%) than in R. prolixus eggs (21.5 mole%), in bovine serum albumin (14.9%), which has been used as a protein source in artificial diets for T. minutum, or in many of the mixtures used in published diets for this species. Since these three amino acids make up 26.3 mole% of the adult amino acid content of T. minutum, their deficiency in diets could require metabolic compensation detrimental to development.Adult T. minutum arising from eggs of Manduca sexta, Choristoneura fumiferana, and Sitotroga cerealella are similar in amino acid composition to each other and, in general, to their hosts. Variability appears greater in hosts than in adult wasp composition, suggesting some interconversion of host amino acids to accommodate inflexible nutritional requirements of T. minutum.In the three host species tested, free amino acids constituted 15.8–19.3% by weight of the amino acid in egg contents. In M. sexta eggs, glycine, serine and alanine together make up 28.4% by weight of the total free amino acid, a much higher proportion than in many published diets. The four free amino acids (isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine and histidine) reported to be oviposition stimulants in experiments on encapsulated diets are present in sufficient concentrations to induce oviposition in the host species tested and in R. prolixus. S. cerealella egg contents having approximately 1.8 g amino acid, yield one or rarely two adult T. minutum (1g amino acid/insect). In contrast, M. sexta eggs with 94 g amino acid each yield an average of 10–12 adults (8.2g amino acid/insect). This suggests that small hosts are allocated few eggs which can only develop into small adults because of nutrient supply (parasitoid size in metabolically restricted), whereas much larger hosts are allocated proportionately fewer eggs than the former resulting in larger, and presumably more viable and fecund, adults (parasitoid size is established behaviourally).     

Molecular simulation of β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex with 2-phenylethyl alcohol

The structures of β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes with 2-phenylethyl alcohol in vacuum and aqueous solution have been investigated by using molecular dynamics simulation. The inclusion structures and the physicochemical stability of the complexes were also analysed, discussed and validated by ultraviolet spectrums and thermodynamic properties. The results of molecular dynamics simulation indicate that the A-type β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex with 2-phenylethyl alcohol in both vacuum and aqueous solution have better physical stability, and its chemical stability also has obvious promotion than that of free one. Therefore, the β-cyclodextrin can be used to control and regulate the release of the 2-phenylethyl in food.     

Heterogeneous distribution of functionally important amino acids in brain areas of adult and aging humans

The regional distribution of seven amino acids thought to have inhibitory neurotransmitter or neurotransmitter precursor function—GABA, glycine, taurine, serine, threonine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine—was determined in 52 discrete areas from brain of adult and old humans. Significant heterogeneity was found, with 3- to 16-fold differences in levels in the various regions analyzed. The patterns of distribution were somewhat different from those in the adult or old rat brain. Relatively few changes were seen in old brain. Heterogeneity in distribution has to be taken into account in assessing physiological changes in amino acid levels and metabolism.Special issue dedicated to Dr. Claude Baxter.     

苯丙氨酸在宿主和肠道微生物中的代谢研究进展

肠道微生物是宿主生理活动的重要参与者,与宿主的健康和疾病密切相关。研究表明,肠道微生物代谢产物是饮食诱导宿主－微生物相互作用的关键介质,这些代谢产物由微生物直接产生或由环境和宿主中相关分子的代谢转化产生。宿主和肠道微生物之间的化学对话是影响宿主生理的重要环节,对这些代谢途径和信号通路的研究可以进一步揭示微生物代谢与宿主的相互作用机制。芳香族氨基酸包括苯丙氨酸、酪氨酸和色氨酸,是宿主－微生物相互作用的重要信号分子,在胃肠道和远隔器官中发挥着重要的调节作用。本文就苯丙氨酸与肠道微生物的最新研究进展进行综述,重点阐述苯丙氨酸在宿主和肠道微生物中的代谢情况。

     

三个褐飞虱寄主种群对氨基酸需求的分化(英文)

取分别在水稻品种TN1 (常用感虫对照 )、Mudgo(含Bph1 )或ASD7(含bph2 )上连续饲养 3 0代以上的3个褐飞虱Nilaparvatalugens寄主种群 ,分别饲养于 2 0种氨基酸总量与配比不同的全纯人工饲料上 ,以羽化率、短翅率、若虫历期以及初羽化成虫体重为指标对不同种群的氨基酸需求进行了比较。发现不同褐飞虱种群随氨基酸营养条件的改变有明显不同的表现 ,其中Mudgo种群最容易受到氨基酸营养条件的影响 ,而TN1种群所受影响最小。抗虫品种ASD7和Mudgo上的两褐飞虱种群所需的最佳氨基酸总浓度 (分别为 4 0 %～ 4 8%、4 0 % )高于TN1种群 (2 4%～ 3 2 % ) ,同时 ,前两种群对必需氨基酸浓度的变化较TN1种群敏感。这些结果表明 ,不同褐飞虱寄主种群对饲料氨基酸的需求存在明显的分化 ,推测氨基酸可能是抗虫水稻品种胁迫褐飞虱致害性变异的一种重要机制。     

An electrochemical sensor based on cellulose nanocrystal for the enantioselective discrimination of chiral amino acids

A novel electrochemical sensor based on 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-oxidized cellulose nanocrystals (TOCNCs) and l-cystines (l-Cys) modified Au electrode (TOCNC/l-Cys/Au) has been fabricated for detection and discrimination of the enantiomers of phenylalanine (Phe), leucine (Leu), and valine (Val). The three amino acids are in connection with metabolism diseases. The TOCNC/l-Cys/Au electrode exhibited obvious peak current difference for the amino acid enantiomers by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The TOCNCs on the electrode surface expressed different interactions with d- and l-amino acids, so the electrochemical recognitions of the three amino acid enantiomers were achieved. TOCNCs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The modified electrodes were characterized by SEM and electrochemical techniques. According to DPV, peak currents of the two enantiomers decreased linearly with their concentrations. Furthermore, satisfactory results were obtained when this electrode was applied to measure the d- and l-Phe mixture. The experimental results show that TOCNCs are suitable material for chiral sensor. The contrast of serum sample of healthy people and patients with type 2 diabetes also was proposed, and significant difference was exhibited on the modified electrode. This work is significant for the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of multiple metabolic diseases.     

Free amino acids in some sponges

Most invertebrates, particularly those of marine origin, have relatively high concentrations of free amino acids which are considered an important constituent of their osmoregulatory mechanisms [1]. Very little information is available on the free amino acid distribution in Porifera [2,3]. Common amino acids in some sponges were recognised by paper chromatography by Inskip and Cassidy [4] and Ackermann et al. [5,6] included a few sponges in their survey of the occurence of nitrogen compounds in marine invertebrates. More recently Bergquist and Hartman [7] surveyed semiquantitatively the distribution of free amino acids in several sponges. In the present paper we report on the amino acid composition of 12 species of sponges belonging to the class Demospongiae as a part of a study on the metabolites of Porifera [8]. Fresh sponges were extracted with aqueous ethanol. The organic solvent was removed and the aqueous solution, after removal of the ether soluble compounds, was separated into cationic, anionic and neutral fractions by ion-exchange chromatography. The cation fraction was analysed for amino acids using an automatic amino acid analyser. The results, which are presented in Table 1, show that all species of sponges examined have a similar composition in common amino acids. Glycine almost always appears as the dominant protein amino acid, followed by high concentrations of alanine and glutamic acid, whereas relatively lower concentrations of basic amino acids are present. In Axinella cannabina, Chondrosia reniformis, Chondrilla nucula, Cliona viridis and Hymeniacidon sanguinea, glycine represents more than 77% of the total amino acids. The high percentage of free glycine (90.4%) in Chondrosia reniformis is noteworthy. The anionic and the neutral fractions were examined for sulfur-containing amino acids using PC. Taurine (Table 2) was detected in all the Porifera examined; this is in agreement with previous observations [5–7]. N-Methyltaurine was identified in some of the species examined, whereas neither N,N-dimethyltaurine nor N,N,N-trimethyltaurine were found.     

健康学龄前儿童血浆游离氨基酸含量研究

采用丹酰氯薄膜层析法分析了６５名３～７岁健康儿童血浆游离氨基酸含量。结果表明：血浆１１种游离氨基酸含量未见性别年龄差异,其正常值可供临床实践应用。血浆游离氨基酸在健康组中显著高于残疾组,提示重度营养不良时,各种氨基酸含量显著下降。     

Difficulties in location and acceptance of phloem sap combined with reduced concentration of phloem amino acids explain lowered performance of the aphid Rhopalosiphum padi on nitrogen deficient barley (Hordeum vulgare) seedlings

Effects of nitrogen deficiency in hydroponically grown barley seedlings (Hordeum vulgare L.) on the development and reproduction of the aphid Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were investigated.Plant growth was significantly reduced in seedlings grown without nitrogen. Aphid intrinsic rate of increase (r _m) was also significantly lower on these plants compared with that on plants grown with 8 mol m^–3 nitrogen. Phloem sap was collected from seedling stems by aphid stylectomy and amino acids quantified by HPLC. There was a significant reduction in the concentration of non-essential amino acids as a group, but not of essential amino acids. Electrical penetration graphs (EPG) indicated that aphids reached the phloem more quickly and fed for longer on plants grown with nitrogen. This is the first reported study in which this combination of techniques has been used to understand the interactions of an aphid and plant under different environmental conditions.     

Changes with aging in the levels of amino acids in rat CNS structural elements II. Taurine and small neutral amino acids

Taurine (Tau) and the small neutral amino acids glycine (Gly), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), and alanine (Ala) were measured in 53 brain areas of 3- and 29-month-old male Fisher 344 rats. The ratio of highest to lowest level was 34 for Tau, 9.1 for Thr, 7.6 for Gly and Ser, and 6.5 for Ala. The heterogeneity was found in numerous areas; for example, Tau levels were more than 90 nmol/mg protein in 6 areas, and less than 20 nmol/mg protein in 10 areas. Similar heterogeneity was found with the other amino acids. The relative distribution of the small neutral amino acids showed several similarities; Tau distribution was different. With age, four amino acids decreased in 10–18 areas, and increased in only 1–3, while Thr increased in more areas than it decreased. The five amino acids of this paper, and the four of the previous paper, are among the amino acids at highest level in the brain; the sequence in their levels shows considerable regional heterogeneity.     

不同品种早实核桃氨基酸含量测定与比较分析

对种植在我国不同区域、不同品种早实核桃的氨基酸质量分数进行了测定.结果表明氨基酸质量分数中新新2号最高为18.79％、其次为鲁光18.72％.人体必需氨基酸质量分数中鲁光最高为5.34％、其次是新新2号,为5.31％.     

米蛾对三种赤眼蜂的适合性及被寄生后卵内游离氨基酸含量的变化

寄生发生前寄生蜂的寄生行为及寄生发生后寄生蜂的生长发育情况能够反映出寄主对寄生蜂的适合性,而寄生蜂对寄主营养物质的吸收和利用是寄生蜂完成发育的生理基础。为了从寄生蜂利用寄主营养能力的角度探讨寄主对不同种赤眼蜂适合性变化的原因,本文观察了以米蛾Corcyra cephalonica Stainton卵为寄主时拟澳洲赤眼蜂Trichogramma confusumViggiani、松毛虫赤眼蜂T. dendrolimi Matsumura和玉米螟赤眼蜂T. ostriniae Pang et Chen的寄生行为及发育和存活情况,测定了被寄生米蛾卵内游离氨基酸的含量 。结果发现,玉米螟赤眼蜂的产卵时间为84.9 s,显著长于拟澳洲赤眼蜂和松毛虫赤眼蜂的产卵时间。拟澳洲赤眼蜂检测寄主所需时间为30.8 s,显著长于玉米螟赤眼蜂和松毛虫赤眼蜂所需时间,但从每寄主卵中羽化出的拟澳洲赤眼蜂数量显著高于松毛虫赤眼蜂及玉米螟赤眼蜂寄生的结果。3种赤眼蜂卵+幼虫的发育历期间不存在显著差异,但卵成虫的发育历期间存在显著差异。玉米螟赤眼蜂幼虫期和预蛹期的死亡率均显著高于拟澳洲赤眼蜂和松毛虫赤眼蜂相应虫期的死亡率。这些结果表明：米蛾卵对松毛虫赤眼蜂及拟澳洲赤眼蜂的适合性高于对玉米螟赤眼蜂的适合性。未被寄生的米蛾卵内游离氨基酸的总量在24～96 h时间段内从开始的2.194 mg/mL逐渐下降到1.565 mg/mL,而被寄生的米蛾卵内游离氨基酸总量均出现先升高后下降的现象。被松毛虫赤眼蜂和拟澳洲赤眼蜂寄生的米蛾卵内游离氨基酸总量在48 h达到最高值,分别为4.239 mg/mL和3.222 mg/mL,被玉米螟赤眼蜂寄生的米蛾在72 h达到最高值,为4 .323 mg/mL,显示同玉米螟赤眼蜂相比,松毛虫赤眼蜂和拟澳洲赤眼蜂能够更快地分解利用寄主营养。这些结果提示,3种赤眼蜂利用米蛾卵内营养物质能力的不同导致了米蛾卵对3种蜂适合性的不同。     

Effect of Impact Trauma on Neurotransmitter and Nonneurotransmitter Amino Acids in Rat Spinal Cord

N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) administration exacerbates neurological dysfunction after traumatic spinal cord injury in rats, whereas NMDA antagonists improve outcome in this model. These observations suggest that release of excitatory amino acids contributes to secondary tissue damage after traumatic spinal cord injury. To further examine this hypothesis, concentrations of free amino acids were measured in spinal cord samples from anesthetized rats subjected to various degrees of impact trauma to the T9 spinal segment. Levels of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter amino acids [gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, aspartate, glycine, taurine] and levels of nonneurotransmitter amino acids (asparagine, glutamine, alanine, threonine, serine) were determined at 5 min, 4 h, and 24 h posttrauma. Uninjured surgical (laminectomy) control animals showed modest but significant declines in aspartate and glutamate levels, but not in other amino acids, at all time points. In injured animals, the excitatory amino acids glutamate and aspartate were significantly decreased by 5 min posttrauma, and remained depressed at 4 h and 24 h as compared with corresponding laminectomy controls. In contrast, the inhibitory amino acids, glycine, GABA, and taurine, were decreased at 5 min postinjury, had partially recovered at 4 h, and were almost fully recovered at 24 h. The nonneurotransmitter amino acids were unchanged at 5 min posttrauma and significantly increased at 4 h, with partial recovery at 24 h. At 4 h postinjury, severe trauma caused significantly greater decreases in aspartate and glutamate than did either mild or moderate injury. These findings are consistent with the postulated role of excitatory amino acids in CNS trauma.