A glass-membrane pH microelectrode.

By miniaturizing the original MacInnes and Dole glass-membrane pH electrode a new pH microelectrode has been developed. The technique developed utilizes the tip of a high electrical resistance glass pipet that can be sealed with a thin membrane of H⁺-sensitive glass. Single-barreled electrodes have been made with tip diameters ranging from 1.5 to 100 μm and double-barreled electrodes with tip diameters from 2 to 28 μm. The glass-membrane pH microelectrode provided a means for sensing the pH of biological solutions with an electrode having theoretical slope and tip configurational control. The most unique characteristics of the electrode were: the pH sensing surface was quite small, the tip diameter could be controlled, and the problem of electrode insulation was eliminated.     

An improved pCO2 microelectrode

By utilizing the recently developed glass-membrane pH microelectrode an improved pCO₂ microelectrode has been manufactured. The new pCO₂ microelectrode described here has been made with tip diameters ranging from 2 to 200 μm. In addition, the sensitivity (slope) was nearly theoretical, 56 to 60 mV/log pCO₂, the response time was 1–3 min, and the intercept stability (drift) was less than 3 mV/20-min time interval. Finally, the lifetime of this electrode was several days to a week when stored correctly. The most unique quality of this pCO₂ microelectrode was that the eperatienal characteristics, tip diameter, sensitivity, and response time, could be controlled by adhering to predetermined design considerations.     

A new solid-state microelectrode for measuring intra-cellular chloride activities

Solid-state microelectrodes for measuring intracellular Cl^? activity (aⁱCl) were made by sealing the tips of tapered glass capillaries (tip diameter 0.3 μm), coating them under vacuum with a 0.2–0.3 μm thick layer of spectroscopic grade silver, and sealing them (except for the terminal 2–5 μm of the tip) inside tapered glass shields. 106 microelectrodes had an average slope of 55.0 ± 0.6 mV (S.E.) per decade change in α_Cl. Tip resistance was (77.1 ± 3.1 × 10⁹ω (n=30). Electrode response was rapid (10–20 s), was unaffected by HCO₃^?, H₂PO₄^2? or protein, and remained essentially unchanged over a 24-h period. αⁱ_Cl in frog sartorius muscle fibers and epithelial cells of bullfrog small intestine was measured in vitro. In both tissues, αⁱ_Cl significantly exceeded the value corresponding to equilibrium distribution of Cl^? across the cell membrane.     

Purification and characterization of human lung calmodulin-independent cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase

A high-affinity calmodulin-independent cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase was purified to homogeneity from human lung tissue. This enzyme has a molecular weight of 60,000, a sedimentation coefficient of 3.2–3.4 S, and an isoelectric pH of 4.6–4.8. Neither Ca²⁺ nor calmodulin (in the presence or absence of added Ca²⁺) stimulates the enzymatic activity. This enzyme appears to be very similar to that described previously from dog kidney (W. J. Thompson, P. M. Epstein, and S. J. Strada, (1979) Biochemistry18, 5228–5237). Hydrolysis of cyclic AMP is greatly enhanced by Mg²⁺ (25–30× at 10 mm Mg²⁺) and Mn²⁺ (20× at 10 mm Mn²⁺). Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Co²⁺ are ineffective at these concentrations. Cyclic AMP is the exclusive substrate with a K_m of 0.7–0.8 μm. The I₅₀ of cyclic GMP is 1 mm using 1 μm cyclic AMP as substrate. In contrast, aminophylline, MIX, and SQ 20009 have I₅₀s of 0.28, 0.021, and 0.001 mm, respectively). The purified enzyme is susceptible to temperature inactivation and protease degradation. Significant (10%) inhibition is seen at 37 °C for 20 min. Trypsin, at 0.1 μg/ml, destroys 50% of the activity in 30 min at 25 °C. Our observations concerning its lability to temperature and proteases coupled with its lack of response to calmodulin suggest this enzyme is a basic catalytic subunit of other cyclic AMP phosphodiesterases present within human lung tissue.     

Differential pulse polarographic determination of plasma menadione

A differential pulse polarographic assay for plasma vitamin K₃ (menadione) has been developed. Details of the assay are (i) lipid-soluble material is extracted from plasma into ether by the method of Bjornsson et al. [(1978) Thromb. Haemostas.2, 466–473]; (ii) ether is evaporated under nitrogen and the residue is dissolved in the supporting electrolyte, methanol: 0.2 m borate buffer (9:1), pH 6.8; (iii) current height is measured at ?0.32 V vs SCE on the differential pulse polarogram. The lower sensitivity limit of this technique after addition of standard vitamin K₃ to plasma is 0.3 μm; the calibration curve is linear from 0.6 through 10 μm. Two patients treated with a single dose of menadiol sodium diphosphate, 20 mg/M² i.m., achieved measurable plasma vitamin K₃ levels at 0.5 to 1.0 h ranging between 0.5 (0.08 μg/ml) and 2 μm (0.3 μg/ml).     

Efficient high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for the simultaneous determination of metoprolol and two main metabolites in human urine by solid-phase extraction and fluorescence detection

An improved, more efficient method for the determination of metoprolol and its two metabolites in human urine is reported. The simultaneous analysis of the zwitterionic metoprolol acidic metabolite (III, H117/04) with the basic metabolites α-hydroxymetoprolol (II, H119/66), metoprolol (I) and guanoxan (IV, internal standard) was achieved employing solid-phase extraction and isocratic reversed-phase HPLC. The analytes were extracted from urine (100 μl) using C₁₈ solid-phase extraction cartridges (100 mg), and eluted with aqueous acetic acid (0.1%, v/v)–methanol mixture (40:60, v/v, 1.2 ml). The eluents were concentrated (250 μl) under vacuum, and aliquots (100 μl) were analysed by HPLC with fluorescence detection at 229 nm (excitation) and 309 nm (emission) using simple isocratic reversed-phase HPLC (Novapak C₁₈ radial compression cartridge, 4 μm, 100×5 mm I.D.). Acetonitrile–methanol–TEA/phosphate buffer pH 3.0 (9:1:90, v/v) was employed as the eluent (1.4 ml/min). All components were fully resolved within 18 min, and the calibration curves for the individual analytes were linear (r²≥0.996) within the concentration range of 0.25–40.0 mg/ml. Recoveries for all four analytes were greater than 76% (n=4). The assay method was validated with intra-day and inter-day variations less than 2.5%.     

A micro pCO2 electrode

By utilizing a previously developed micro pH glass electrode it has been possible to make a micro pCO₂ electrode with a tip diameter of about 10 μm. This was accomplished by placing the micro pH electrode in a conical tube containing a weak NaHCO₃ solution. The tip of the conical tube was closed with Teflon^® oil wax mixture. This closure prevented the flow of solution, but allowed CO₂ to pass into the NaHCO₃ solution thus altering the pH of this solution. Changes in pH were seen and measured by the micro pH electrode and could be related to the pCO₂ of gas or solution in which the total electrode system was placed. This electrode, principally because of its small size, has many possible applications in biological research.     

Stereoselective determination of R(−)- and S(+)-MK-571, a leukotriene D4 antagonist,in human plasma by chiral high-performance liquid chromatography

A stereoselective high-performance liquid chromatographic method that utilizes fluorescence detection was developed for the selective and sensitive quantification of R(−)- and S(+)-enantiomers of MK-571 (1), a potent and specific leukotriene D₄ antagonist, in human plasma. Racemic 1 was isolated from the acidified plasma using solid-phase extraction and the resulting residue was successfully reacted with isobutyl chloroformate and R(+)-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine in triethylamine—acetonitrile medium to form the diastereomer of each enantiomer. A structural analogue of 1 was used as internal standard. The derivatized sample was dissolved in 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane and an aliquot was chromatographed on a (R)-urea chiral column using a mobile phase containing 89% triethylamine—pentane (3:1000, v/v), 10% 2-propanol, and 1% acetonitrile at a flow-rate of 1.5 ml/min. The fluorescence response (excitation wavelength, 350 nm; emission wavelength, 410 nm) was linear (r²>0.999) for concentrations of enantiomers of 1 from 0.05 μg/ml, the lowest quantitation limit, up to 2.5 μg/ml. Intra-day coefficients of variation at 0.05 μg/ml were 2.4% for the R(−)-isomer and 2.0% for S(+)-isomer. The corresponding inter-day coefficients of variation for R(−)- and S(+)-1 were 2.6 and 3.6%, respectively. The utilit of the methodology was established by analysis of plasma samples from male volunteers receiving single intravenous and oral doses of racemic 1.     

Alteration in properties of thymidylate synthetase from pyrimethamine-resistant Plasmodium chabaudi

Alteration in properties of thymidylate synthetase from pyrimethamine-resistant smodium chabaudi. International Journal for Parasitology16: 483–490. Thymidylate synthetase from cloned strains of pyrimethamine-sensitive and resistant P. chubaudi were partially purified and characterized. The enzyme from both strains have equal mol. wt of 120,000 as estimated by Sephadex G-200 column chromatography. The enzyme from drug-sensitive parasites has an optimum pH of 6.5–7.5 and is stable at pH 4–11 while that from drug-resistant strain has an pH optimum of 7.0–8.0 and is stable at pH 5–10. The K_m for methylenetetrahydrofolate are 206 ± 6 and 495 ± 5 μm for the enzyme from drug-resistant and sensitive parasites, respectively. The K_m for dUMP of the enzyme from drug-resistant and sensitive parasites are 42 ± 1 and 49 ± 6 μm, respectively. Inhibition of the enzyme from both strains by FdUMP are competitive with dUMP; however,the K_is for the enzyme from drug-resistant strain (0.043 ± 0.005 μm) is less than that from drug-sensitive strain (0.11 ± 0.007 μm) by a factor of 2.5. The K_ii for methotrexate with respect to methylenetetrahydrofolate of the enzyme from drug-resistant parasites (58 ± 3 μm) is 3 times larger than that from drug-sensitive parasites (17 ± 1 μm).     

Lower postprandial oxidative stress in women compared with men

Background: Previous studies indicate that oxidative stress is increased following intake of a high-fat meal, mediated in large part by the triglyceride (TG) response to feeding as well as fasting oxidative stress values. It has been suggested that women may process TG more efficiently after high-fat meals, based on the antilipidemic properties of estrogen. It has also been reported that women present with lower fasting oxidative stress values than do men. It is possible that women experience attenuated postprandial oxidative stress compared with men.Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the postprandial TG and oxidative stress response after a lipid meal in healthy men and women.Methods: This study was conducted at The University of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee, from October to December 2008. Blood samples were collected before (in a 10-hour fasted state), and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours after ingestion of a lipid load (heavy whipping cream at 1 g · kg^?1). Blood samples were analyzed for TG, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and nitrate/nitrite (NOx). The AUC was calculated for each variable and results were compared using a t test. Effect-size calculations were performed using Cohen's d.Results: Samples from 10 men and 10 women, aged 18 to 47 years (17 subjects aged <37 years), were compared. AUC data were not significantly different for TG (mean [SEM] 330 [48] vs 354 [34] mg · dL^?1 · 6h^?1 for men and women, respectively; effect size = 0.09) or NOx (165 [25] vs 152 [17] μmol · L^?1 · 6h^?1 for men and women; effect size = 0.09). However, significant differences were noted for MDA (10.7 [1.3] vs 6.1 [0.5] μmol · L^?1 · 6h^?1 for men and women, respectively; P = 0.002; effect size = 0.61) and H₂O₂ (154 [23] vs 86 [8] μmol · L^?1 · 6h^?1 for men and women; P = 0.013; effect size = 0.53).Conclusions: These data indicate that women experience lower oxidative stress than do men, with regard to MDA and H₂O₂, after ingestion of a lipid load in the form of heavy whipping cream. Considering the strong association between oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease, lower postprandial oxidative stress may be one mechanism associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular disease in women compared with men. Further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.     

Syntheses of iron(III) aroyl hydrazones containing pyridoxal and salicylaldehyde. The crystal and molecular structure of two iron(III)-pyridoxal isonicotinoyl hydrazone complexes

Iron(III) complexes of three aroyl hydrazones, pyridoxal isonicotinoyl hydrazone (H₂pih), pyridoxal benzoyl hydrazone (H₂pbh), and salicylaldehyde benzoyl hydrazone (H₂sbh), were synthesized and characterized. In aqueous medium at pH 7, [Fe(pih)(Hpih)]·3H₂O is formed. In acidic methanol, a 1:1 ligand-to-metal complex is formed, [FeCl₂(H₂pih)]Cl (1), whereas in aqueous medium at low pH cis-[FeCl₂(H₂pih)(H₂O)]Cl·H₂O (2) is formed. Compounds 1 and 2 are high-spin d⁵ with μ_eff = 5.88 μ_B and 5.93 μ_B (298 K). The crystal structures of 1 and 2 show that H₂pih acts as a tridentate neutral ligand in which the phenolic and hydrazidic protons have shifted to the pyridine nitrogen atoms. The co- ordination polyhedron of 1 is ‘square’ pyramidal, whereas that of 2 is pseudo-octahedral. Compound 1 is triclinic, space group P$\text{l}$, with a = 12.704(2) Å, b = 8.655(2) Å, c = 8.820(2) Å, α = 105.42(1)°, β = 89.87(1)°, γ = 107.60(1)°, V = 888 ų, and Z = 2; 2 is monoclinic, space group P2₁/c, with a = 15.358(4) Å, b = 7.304(3) Å, c = 17.442(4) Å, β = 101.00(2)°, V = 1921 ų, and Z = 4.     

A more sensitive radioimmunoassay (RIA) for guanosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) involving prior 2'-O-succinylation of samples.

The sensitivity of the radioimmunoassay (RIA) for cGMP has been increased approximately thirtyfold by prior 2′-O-succinylation of the assay samples according to the procedure of Cailla et al. (Anal. Biochem. (1973) 56, 394). Assay samples (100 μl, in 50 mm sodium acetate, pH 6.2) were first reacted with succinic anhydride (50 μl, 100 mg/ml in tetrahydrofuran) in the presence of triethylamine (10 μl) for 10 min at 20–30°C. These reaction conditions were shown to result in quantitative derivatization of picomole amounts of [³H]cGMP. The RIA was then carried out in the usual manner with these derivatized samples, employing heterologous anti-γ globulin to precipitate the [¹²⁵I] antigen-antibody complex. With this methodology, 1 fmol of cGMP could be detected using commercially available cGMP antiserum. This modified RIA exhibited excellent specificity for cGMP and routinely operated with a precision of ±10%. Tissue levels of cGMP determined with this modified RIA are generally in good agreement with those reported with other assay procedures.     

Tip growth of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Neurospora crassa</Emphasis> upon resource shortage: Disturbances of the coordination of elongation,branching, and septation

The characteristics of elongation, branching, septation, and nuclear morphology in hyphal tips (of ~400 μm in length) of the mycelial fungus Neurospora crassa isolated from the mycelium and cultivated for several hours have been investigated using intracellular fluorescent markers. The newly formed branches had the following characteristic features: (1) the predefined orientation was conserved, whereas the diameter decreased (from 10–20 to 6.5 ± 0.4 μm), as did the elongation rate (from 24 ± 1 to 6.7 ± 0.5 μm/min); (2) a disturbed branching pattern with abnormally large internodal distances (up to 1471 μm) and developmental arrest of part of the buds of lateral branches; and (3) a conserved septation pattern and a relatively constant length of hyphal segments (68 ± 2 μm). The size of the nucleus-free zone at the tip (5–33 μm) and the distance between the first septum and the growth point (210 ± 15 μm) in the daughter branches of the isolated fragments were almost the same as in hyphae connected to the mycelium, whereas the average distance between the growth point and the first lateral branch (492 ± 127 μm) and the variability of this parameter were higher in the isolated fragments. The morphology of the nuclei and the size of the nucleus-free zone near the growth point did not differ from those reported for normal vegetative hyphae of N. crassa. The experimental model developed may be used for the elucidation of details of molecular genetic mechanisms that underlie the regulation of interactions between the intracellular structures that provide tip growth of the hyphae in N. crassa.     

Temporal variability in egg production rates of Acartia tonsa Dana in Long Island Sound

The relationship between week-by-week variations in the in situ egg production rates of Acartia tonsa Dana and changes in chlorophyll concentration in several size fractions was investigated by incubating adult females in natural sea water for 24-h periods. Our results indicate that the egg production of A. tonsa in Long Island Sound was better related to the 10 μm chlorophyll size fraction than to the total chlorophyll concentration. The < 10 μm size fraction comprised the greatest percentage of the chlorophyll during July and August when the water column was stratified. Egg production rates were lowest (8.7 eggs · female⁻¹ · day⁻¹) in early August when less than 0.5 μg chlorophyll 1 ⁻¹ was observed in the 10 μm chlorophyll a size fraction. Following destratification in late August, the “fall” diatom bloom occurred and egg production rates increased to the maximum observed rate of 56.6 eggs · female⁻¹ · day⁻¹. At this time, the concentration of the 10μm chlorophyll size fraction was 5.5 μg 1⁻¹. Maximum egg production rates were observed at chlorophyll concentrations as low as 0.8 μg 1⁻¹ in the 10 μm size fraction.     

Effects of salts and pH on the rate of erythrocyte diphosphoglycerate mutase

Erythrocyte diphosphoglycerate mutase is inhibited by several inorganic salts, the extent of the effect being characteristic of the anionic component, i.e., at ionic strength of about 0.1, SO₄^2? > Cl^? > CH₃COO^?. Using a partially purified enzyme preparation from human red blood cells, kinetic constants were determined in the presence of 0.1 m KCl to simulate the ionic environment of the cell. At pH 7.5, the addition of salt caused a 10-fold increase in the K_m of 1,3-diphosphoglycerate and a 46-fold increase in the K_i of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate. There was no effect of salt on the K_m of 3-phosphoglycerate or on the maximal velocity of the reaction. In the presence of 0.1 m KCl, the _i of inorganic phosphate increased from 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm. The K_m of 1,3-diphosphoglycerate was pH dependent, the values obtained being 3.6 μm at pH 6.75, 3.1 μm at pH 7.24, and 6.7 μm at pH 7.75. The K_i values for 2,3-diphosphoglycerate under the same conditions were: 12 μm at pH 6.75, 20μm at pH 7.24, and 53 μm at pH 7.75. The relative maximal velocity of the reaction has been evaluated over the same pH range. The maximal activity of the enzyme measured at 25 °C and pH 7.5 was 2 units/min/ml of packed red cells. From these studies, it is concluded that the effective enzymatic rate increases fourfold when the pH increases from 6.75 to 7.75.     

Equilibria of the anomeric and ring forms of ammonium 3-deoxy-d-manno-octulosonate in deuterium oxide

The tautomeric composition of a solution of ammonium 3-deoxy-d-manno-octulosonate (KDO, 1a) in D₂O at 28° was assessed by means of ¹³ C-F.t.-n.m.r. spectroscopy. The results revealed the presence of 6?0 and 11 % of the α and β anomers of the pyranose, and 20 and 9 % of the two furanoses, and suggested, but did not unequivocally prove, that the major furanose form is the α anomer. To facilitate interpretation of the spectral results for 1, ammonium 3,5-dideoxy-d-arabino(or ribo)-octulosonate (3a) was prepared by the reaction of 5-deoxy-d-erythro-pentose with sodium oxalacetate at pH 11. A chromatographically homogeneous, noncrystalline sample of 3 was obtained by lyophilization, and characterized as its (4-nitrophenyl)hydrazone (m.p. 162-163°). The ¹³C-n.m.r. spectrum of a solution of 3a in D₂O revealed it to be substantially all in the α-pyranose form. No signals were obtained for the possible 1,4-lactone of 3. As the 1,5-lactone and furanose forms are impossible for 3, it exhibited no signals analogous to those attributed to furanoid 1. On the basis of these results for 3, the two lactone forms of 1 were excluded from consideration, and the three pairs of ¹³C-n.m.r. signals observed at ≈45, 86, and 104 p.p.m. were assigned to the furanose forms of 1.     

N.M.R. spectroscopy and calcium binding of sialic acids: N-glycolylneuraminic acid and periodate-oxidized N-acetylneuraminic acid

N.m.r. spectroscopy (¹H- and ¹³C-) of N-glycolylneuraminic acid, and of its interaction product with Ca²⁺ at pH 7, indicated that a 1:1 complex is formed, with a formation constant of 193 M^?1 [compared to 121 M^?1 for N-acetylneuraminic acid (1)]. From analysis of electric-field shifts, an approximate position of the Ca²⁺ ion in the complex is inferred, with the hydroxyl group of the N-glycolyl group providing the additional binding. Compound 1 was oxidized with sodium periodate, and ¹³C-n.m.r. spectroscopy was applied in an attempt to identify the aldehyde formed, and to demonstrate that the loss of the glycerol-1-yl side-chain (carbon atoms 8 and 9) decreases its Ca²⁺ ion-binding capacity.     

Ultrastructural study of collagen fibrils,proteoglycans and lamellae of the cornea treated with iontophoresis – UVA cross-linking and hypotonic riboflavin solution

To investigate the effects of iontophoresis–ultraviolet A (UVA) cross-linking (CXL) with hypotonic riboflavin solution on the ultrastructural changes in the lamellae, collagen fibrils (CFs), and proteoglycans (PGs) in the central and peripheral stroma of the human corneal buttons. The iontophoresis method was used for the trans-epithelial application of hypotonic riboflavin in ex vivo corneal culture for 5 min. The corneas were irradiated using three methods: Group 1 (G1), a UVA irradiance of 3 mW/cm² for 30 min; Group 2 (G2), a UVA irradiance of 10 mW/cm² for 9 min; Group 3 (G3), without UVA irradiation. Three untreated corneas were used as controls (G0). After the CXL procedure, the corneas were processed for electron microscopy. The CF diameter and PGs in each sample were analyzed using the iTEM program. The keratocyte organelles and stromal architecture in the peripheral cornea were better preserved than those in the central cornea. In G1 and G2, the mean CF diameter in the peripheral cornea was significantly higher than that in the central cornea. In G3, the CF diameter in the central cornea was significantly larger than that in the peripheral cornea. Furthermore, differences in PG area size were observed between the central and peripheral corneas in all groups. Riboflavin + UVA application at 3 mW/cm² for 30 min and 10 mW/cm² for 9 min was a suitable method of CXL; however, 3 mW/cm² for 30 min improved the organization and size of the collagen fibrils. CXL treatment applied at the periphery was more effective than that applied at the center.     

Transport and metabolism of N-δ-chloroacetyl-l-ornithine by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The general amino acid transport system of Saccharomyces cerevisiae functions in the uptake of neutral, basic, and acidic amino acids (M. Grenson, C. Hou, and M. Crabeel, 1970,J. Bacteriol. 103, 770–777; J. Rytka, 1975,J. Bacteriol.121, 562–570; C. Darte and M. Grenson, 1975,Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun.67, 1028–1033). We have previously demonstrated that this transport system can be inhibited by the amino acid, N-δ-chloroacetyl-l-ornithine (NCAO) (F. S., Larimore and R.J. Roon, 1978,Biochemistry17, 431–436). In the present study radiolabeled NCAO was synthesized and its transport and metabolism studied. Under initial rate conditions: (a) NCAO was transported by the general amino acid transport system with a K_m of 52 μm, a V of 32 nmol/min/mg cells, and a pH optimum of 5.0; (b) the V for NCAO transport in gap mutants, which lack the general amino acid transport system, was approximately 1% of that observed with wild-type cells; (c) the V for NCAO in cells deprived of glucose was less than 5% of that observed when glucose was present. NCAO was transiently concentrated more than 1000-fold by yeast cells when glucose served as an energy source. The internal pool of NCAO was metabolized by the yeast cells and the products were excreted. When 100 μm [¹⁴C]NCAO was incubated with a yeast cell suspension for 8 h, more than 95% of the compound was converted into two ninhydrin-negative excretory products. The effect of NCAO on the growth of yeast cells was determined. Wild-type strains did not grow when 1 mm NCAO was present in the medium. The growth of gap mutants was not inhibited by 1 mm NCAO.