Evidence that the F2-isoprostane, 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α, is formed in vivo

F₂-isoprostanes are prostaglandin (PG)F₂-like compounds that are produced in vivo as non-enzymatic products of free radical catalyzed peroxidation of arachidonic acid. One F₂-isoprostane whose formation should be favored is 8-epi-PGF_2α. 8-Epi-PGF_2α has been shown to exert potent bioactivity but proof that it is formed in vivo is lacking. Evidence is now presented suggesting that 8-epi-PGF_2α is, in fact, formed in vivo by demonstrating that an endogenous F₂-isoprostane with a retention time on capillary GC identical with that of 8-epi-PGF_2α co-chromatographs through four high resolving HPLC purification procedures with authentic radiolabelled 8-epi-PGF_2α.     

通光藤甙F,G,H和I结构

从通光藤(Marsdeniatenacissima)的茎中分离得到4个新的C21甾体甙———通光藤甙F(3),G(4),H(5)和I(6),以及2个已知化合物通光藤甙A(1)和B(2)。根据光谱数据和化学方法推定了其结构。同时,通过COLOC谱和二维核磁共振谱指定了这些化合物中甙元上11和12位的酯基确切连接位置。     

相思子根化学成分研究——相思子醌A,B,D,E,F,G

从民间药用抗肝炎药相思子（ＡｂｒｕｓｐｒｅｃａｔｏｒｉｕｓＬ．）根中分得８个异黄烷醌类化合物,即相思子醌Ａ、Ｂ、Ｄ、Ｅ、Ｆ、Ｇ以及已知化合物３,７二羟基６甲氧基双氢黄酮和２,８二羟基３,４,９,１０四甲氧基紫檀素。用化学转化和光谱学方法包括１Ｈ１ＨＣＯＳＹ、１Ｈ１３ＣＣＯＳＹ、ＣＤ等方法鉴定它们的结构。     

The Na(+)-translocating F₁F₀-ATPase from the halophilic, alkalithermophile Natranaerobius thermophilus

Natranaerobius thermophilus is an unusual anaerobic extremophile, it is halophilic and alkalithermophilic; growing optimally at 3.3-3.9M Na(+), pH(50°C) 9.5 and 53°C. The ATPase of N. thermophilus was characterized at the biochemical level to ascertain its role in life under hypersaline, alkaline, thermal conditions. The partially purified enzyme (10-fold purification) displayed the typical subunit pattern for F-type ATPases, with a 5-subunit F(1) portion and 3-subunit-F(O) portion. ATP hydrolysis by the purified ATPase was stimulated almost 4-fold by low concentrations of Na(+) (5mM); hydrolysis activity was inhibited by higher Na(+) concentrations. Partially purified ATPase was alkaliphilic and thermophilic, showing maximal hydrolysis at 47°C and the alkaline pH(50°C) of 9.3. ATP hydrolysis was sensitive to the F-type ATPase inhibitor N,N'-dicylohexylcarbodiimide and exhibited inhibition by both free Mg(2+) and free ATP. ATP synthesis by inverted membrane vesicles proceeded slowly and was driven by a Na(+)-ion gradient that was sensitive to the Na(+)-ionophore monensin. Analysis of the atp operon showed the presence of the Na(+)-binding motif in the c subunit (Q(33), E(66), T(67), T(68), Y(71)), and a complete, untruncated ε subunit; suggesting that ATP hydrolysis by the enzyme is regulated. Based on these properties, the F(1)F(O)-ATPase of N. thermophilus is a Na(+)-translocating ATPase used primarily for expelling cytoplasmic Na(+) that accumulates inside cells of N. thermophilus during alkaline stress. In support of this theory are the presence of the c subunit Na(+)-binding motif and the low rates of ATP synthesis observed. The complete ε subunit is hypothesized to control excessive ATP hydrolysis and preserve intracellular Na(+) needed by electrogenic cation/proton antiporters crucial for cytoplasmic acidification in the obligately alkaliphilic N. thermophilus.     

Urinary F₂-isoprostanes, obesity, and weight gain in the IRAS cohort

Obesity has been associated with increased F(2)-isoprostane (F(2)-IsoP) levels cross-sectionally. However, the prospective association may be inverse, based on our earlier finding that elevated urinary F(2)-IsoP levels predict lower risk of diabetes. This earlier finding led us to hypothesize that urinary F(2)-IsoPs reflect the intensity of oxidative metabolism and as such predict lower risk of both diabetes and weight gain. We examined cross-sectional relationships with obesity and prospective relationships with weight gain using the data from 299 participants of the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS), all of whom were free of diabetes at baseline. Four urinary F(2)-IsoPs were assayed in stored baseline urine samples using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry: iPF(2α)-III, 2,3-dinor-iPF(2α)-III, iPF(2α)-VI, and 8,12-iso-iPF(2α)-VI (F(2)-IsoP 1-4, respectively). Baseline F(2)-IsoPs were positively associated with baseline measures of obesity; the strongest associations were found with two F(2)-IsoPs: odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for overall and abdominal obesity were 1.74 (1.26-2.40) and 1.63 (1.18-2.24) for F(2)-IsoP2 and 1.47 (1.12-1.94) and 1.64 (1.22-2.20) for F(2)-IsoP4. F(2)-IsoP2 showed the strongest and significant inverse association with weight gain during the 5-year follow-up period: increase in F(2)-IsoP2 equal to 1 s.d. was associated with 0.90 kg lower weight gain (P = 0.02) and the odds ratios for relative (≥5%) and absolute (≥5 kg) weight gain were 0.67 (0.47-0.96) and 0.57 (0.37-0.87), respectively. The other three F(2)-IsoPs were consistently inversely associated with weight gain, although not significantly, suggesting that different F(2)-IsoPs vary in their ability to detect the association with weight gain.     

Coupling between cyclooxygenases and prostaglandin F2α synthase: Detection of an inducible,glutathione-activated,membrane-bound prostaglandin F2α-synthetic activity

Distinct functional coupling between cyclooxygenases (COXs) and specific terminal prostanoid synthases leads to phase-specific production of particular prostaglandins (PGs). In this study, we examined the coupling between COX isozymes and PGF synthase (PGFS). Co-transfection of COXs with PGFS-I belonging to the aldo-keto reductase family into HEK293 cells resulted in increased production of PGF_2α only when a high concentration of exogenous arachidonic acid (AA) was supplied. However, this enzyme failed to produce PGF_2α from endogenous AA, even though significant increase in PGF_2α production occurred in cells transfected with COX-2 alone. This poor COX/PGFS-I coupling was likely to arise from their distinct subcellular localization. Measurement of PGF_2α-synthetic enzyme activity in homogenates of several cells revealed another type of PGFS activity that was membrane-bound, glutathione (GSH)-activated, and stimulus-inducible. In vivo, membrane-bound PGFS activity was elevated in the lung of lipopolysaccharide-treated mice. Taken together, our results suggest the presence of a novel, membrane-associated form of PGFS that is stimulus-inducible and is likely to be preferentially coupled with COX-2.     

Die Fähigkeit der Bienen,visuelle Reize zu generalisieren

Zusammenfassung Auf Grund von Dressurversuchen wird gefolgert, daß Bienen visuelle Reize abstrahieren und komplizierte Erkennungs-Aufgaben lösen können. Die visuellen Erscheinungsformen der Objekte werden hierbei nicht nur nach ihrer Gestalt, sondern auch nach schwierigeren Gesichtspunkten wie z.B. der Buntscheckigkeit sowie Lage des Testobjektes im Verhältnis zu anderen Objekten im Zentralnervensystem verarbeitet. Der Begriff entsteht bei der Dressur an einer Reihe von 2–3 umgestalteten Objekten oder ist auch schon nach einer Dressur an einem einzigen Objekt zu erkennen. Der Erfolg des ersten Tests ist damit zu erklären, daß die Biene vor dieser Dressur bereits eine Vorprägung des Begriffs hatte oder daß sie eine Erfahrung besaß, die zusammen mit neuer Erfahrung ausreichte, um einen echten Begriff entstehen zu lassen. Diese Vermutung wird durch die Ergebnisse von speziellen Dressurversuchen bestätigt, in denen das Verhalten der Bienen mit anfänglicher Erfahrung in neuer Situation geprüft wurde.Diese Untersuchungen sowie die Ergebnisse anderer Autoren führen zu der Folgerung, daß bei Bienen bereits von einem intelligenten Verhalten gesprochen werden darf.

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The ability of honey bees to generalize visual stimuli

Summary Behavioural studies permit the conclusion that bees can abstract visual stimuli and solve complicated recognition problems. The appearance of objects is processed in the central nervous system not only according to their shape but also according to more difficult viewpoints such as, multicoloured and checkered or position of test object relative to other objects. A succession of two or three changes in the changes in the total pattern during training, or even a single pattern is sufficient for a concept to develop. The success of a single training pattern can be explained through previous impressions or experience in combination with the new experience. This suspicion is confirmed by special training experiments in which bees with incipient experience were tested in a new situation.These investigations and the results of other authors as well lead to the conclusion, that it is permissible to speak of intelligent behaviour in bees.

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Herrn Prof. v. Frisch danke ich herzlich für die mir wertvolle Diskussion über meine Versuche, wenn wir uns auch über die Anwendbarkeit des Intelligenzbegriffes nicht einigen konnten.

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Den Herren Prof. Dr. M. Lindauer und Prof. Dr. W. Reichardt danke ich für die kritische Durchsicht des Manuskriptes, wie auch Dr. F. G. Barth und Frau Dr. Kolb für die sprachliche Redaktion.     

F43Y及I354M,L358F定点突变对植酸酶热稳定性及酶活性的改善

对重组酵母PPNPm8的植酸酶phyAm基因进行PCR介导的定点突变,即将植酸酶43位的苯丙氨酸替换为酪氨酸(F43Y),将其354、358位的异亮氨酸、亮氨酸分别替换为甲硫氨酸和苯丙氨酸(I354M,L358F),得到了2个突变体PPNPm-1(F43Y)及PPNPm-2(I354M,L358F).含突变基因的重组表达载体pPIC9kphyAm-1,pPIC9kphyAm-2在毕赤酵母GS115中表达,对表达产物进行酶活性测定及热稳定性检测.结果表明:突变体PPNPm-1最适反应温度比未突变体PPNPm8上升了3℃,75℃处理10min,热稳定性提高15%,比活力提高11%;PPNPm-2最适反应温度未改变,热稳定性比PPNPm8仅提高3%,比活力降低6.5%.对突变前后的植酸酶空间结构进行比较预测,发现突变氨基酸Tyr43与空间位置相邻的Asn416之间形成氢键,增强了酶的热稳定性.     

Ultramarine, a chromoprotein acceptor for Förster resonance energy transfer

We have engineered a monomeric blue non-fluorescent chromoprotein called Ultramarine (fluorescence quantum yield, 0.001; ε _{585 nm}, 64,000 M⁻¹. cm⁻¹) for use as a Förster resonance energy transfer acceptor for a number of different donor fluorescent proteins. We show its use for monitoring activation of caspase 3 in live cells using fluorescence lifetime imaging. Ultramarine has the potential to increase the number of cellular parameters that can be imaged simultaneously.     

F16,一种以线粒体为靶点的抗癌分子

寻找以线粒体为靶点的抗癌新药,是近年来的研究热点。研究在探讨HER-2／ErbB-2下游信号传导通路的过程中,发现了一种新的抗癌分子——F16。这是一种高度疏水、电子移位亲脂性阳离子,能够靶向聚集于肿瘤细胞线粒体基质内,引起线粒体渗透性转换孔开放,导致肿瘤细胞凋亡;同时,在肿瘤细胞过度表达抗凋亡蛋白的情况下,能够通过干扰肿瘤细胞能量代谢、增加活性氧中间产物产生等途径,诱导肿瘤细胞坏死。     

质量—数量性状遗传参数估计的P1,P2,F1,B1,B2联合分析方法

提出利用亲本Ｐ_１和Ｐ_２、杂种Ｆ_１、回交Ｂ_１和Ｂ_１五个世代联合分析包括两个位点主基因控制的质量－数量性状遗传的统计方法,共建立了可供选择的微基因遗传、一对主基因＋微基因混合遗传、二对主基因＋微基因混合遗传三类五种（套）共 ２８个遗传模型,采用 ＡＩＣ信息准则选择最适模型,并通过适合性检验对所选择的遗传模型做进一步的检验．文章最后还讨论了两种变型设计．     

中国蚊类新纪录,5.Aedes(F.)gilli(Barraud,1924)

Aedes(F.)gilli(Barraud,1924)(全背伊蚊)属纷蚊亚属(Finlaya) 的白环伊蚊组(alboannulatusgroup)。成蚊的喙深褐色;前胸后背片是宽鳞,上部有窄鳞;中胸盾片前部3/5金黄色()或白而带黄色光泽();后跗节Ⅰ—Ⅲ基部具白环。幼虫头毛5-C和6-C单枝而特长,远超过头的长度,我国伊蚊幼虫中是有这样头毛的只此一种,因而容易辨认。     

Human F1F0 ATP Synthase,Mitochondrial Ultrastructure and OXPHOS Impairment: A (Super-)Complex Matter?

Mitochondrial morphogenesis is a key process of cell physiology. It is essential for the proper function of this double membrane-delimited organelle, as it ensures the packing of the inner membrane in a very ordered pattern called cristae. In yeast, the mitochondrial ATP synthase is able to form dimers that can assemble into oligomers. Two subunits (e and g) are involved in this supramolecular organization. Deletion of the genes encoding these subunits has no effect on the ATP synthase monomer assembly or activity and only affects its dimerization and oligomerization. Concomitantly, the absence of subunits e and g and thus, of ATP synthase supercomplexes, promotes the modification of mitochondrial ultrastructure suggesting that ATP synthase oligomerization is involved in cristae morphogenesis. We report here that in mammalian cells in culture, the shRNA-mediated down-regulation of subunits e and g affects the stability of ATP synthase and results in a 50% decrease of the available functional enzyme. Comparable to what was shown in yeast, when subunits e and g expression are repressed, ATP synthase dimers and oligomers are less abundant when assayed by native electrophoresis. Unexpectedly, mammalian ATP synthase dimerization/oligomerization impairment has functional consequences on the respiratory chain leading to a decrease in OXPHOS activity. Finally these structural and functional alterations of the ATP synthase have a strong impact on the organelle itself leading to the fission of the mitochondrial network and the disorganization of mitochondrial ultrastructure. Unlike what was shown in yeast, the impairment of the ATP synthase oligomerization process drastically affects mitochondrial ATP production. Thus we propose that mutations or deletions of genes encoding subunits e and g may have physiopathological implications.     

Endogenous prostaglandin F2α concentrations in bovine whole semen, seminal plasma, and extended semen

A series of experiments were conducted to quantify PGF_2α in bovine semen, seminal plasma, and extended semen, and to determine if PGF_2α was synthesized or released during extension of bovine semen. Concentrations of PGF_2α were measured in paired samples of whole and extended semen from beef and dairy bulls. Concentrations of PGF_2α did not differ between beef and dairy (mean ± SEM, 273.8 ± 42.8 vs. 210.3 ± 18.5 pg/mL, respectively; P = 0.12), but tended (P = 0.08) to be greater for whole compared with extended semen (255.5 ± 29.8 vs. 194.5 ± 17.0 pg/mL). Whole semen was extended at eight dilution rates (regardless of initial sperm concentration), using a diluent consisting of two fractions. Samples collected after each dilution step resulted in four subsamples. Concentrations of PGF_2α in subsamples decreased (P < 0.001) at higher dilution rates and later steps of extension. Subsequently, whole semen and seminal plasma were extended at three dilution rates. Initial PGF_2α concentration was greater (P < 0.001) for whole semen compared with seminal plasma. During extension, PGF_2α synthesis or release resulted in less disparity, but the amount synthesized or released was greater (P = 0.03) for semen compared with seminal plasma. We concluded that synthesis or release of PGF_2α during extension resulted in concentrations similar to whole semen.     

Direct actions of prostaglandins E1, A1, and F2α on myocardial contraction

The inotropic and chronotropic actions of prostaglandin (PG) types PGE₁, PGA₁, and PGF_2α were studied in isolated guinea pig right and left atria, and papillary muscles; rabbit atria; and toad ventricular strips in order to more completely define the cardiac contractile properties of PG. All three prostaglandins, in muscle bath concentrations of 10μg/ml, exerted positive inotropic and chronotropic actions on guinea pig atrium. These contractile effects were persistent after removal of PG from the muscle bath and appeared to limit the relative response to a subsequent dose of PG. The inotropic action of PGE₁ was present over a wide range of bath calcium concentrations (1.1 to 4.4 mM/L). Beta adrenergic receptor blockade, histamine blockade, and pretreatment with reserpine failed to significantly affect the inotropic actions of PG. Norepinephrine and histamine produced more potent inotropic and chronotropic effects on guinea pig atria than did PG and these contractile effects did not exhibit persistence or tachyphylaxis. The prostaglandins did not significantly affect dose response curves for norepinephrine inotropic and chronotropic actions. The prostaglandins had no effect on the force or frequency of contraction in rabbit atria. PGE₁ exerted a positive inotropic effect on toad ventricular myocardium whereas PGA₁ had no effect and PGF_2α had a negative inotropic action.     

Morphological characteristics and chromosome behaviour in F1, F2 and BC1 progenies between Chrysanthemum × morifolium and Ajania pacifica

The garden chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × morifolium) variety ??Aoyunhuoju?? (2n = 6x = 54) was crossed as female with Ajania pacifica (2n = 10x = 90) to produce intergeneric F1 hybrids, which were used both as the source of F₂ generation and as the parent for a first back-cross with ??Aoyunhuoju??. The morphology of all of the F₁ hybrids and hybrid derivatives was intermediate with respect to the two parents, although the BC₁ progenies resembled ??Aoyunhuoju?? more closely than any of the F₁ and F₂ progenies did. In the F₁ generation, the density of silvery hairs on the lower leaf surface and along the margin of the leaf was lower than in A. pacifica, while that in the BC1 generation, this trait was less prominent than in the F₁. The somatic chromosome number of the F₁, F₂ (with an exception of F₂-6 of a mainly 63) and BC1 generations was 2n = 8x = 72, 2n = 8x = 72 and 2n = 7x = 63 respectively, as expected. The hybrids and their derivatives retained a variable degree of fertility. There was a low frequency of meiotic chromosome pairing failure in all three hybrid generations, with most of the chromosomes involved as bivalents. Some BC₁ individuals show potential for commercialization thanks both to their flower shape and the inheritance of the silvery leaf trait from A. pacifica.     

F₂-isoprostane formation, measurement and interpretation: the role of exercise

The level of F₂-isoprostanes (F₂-IsoP) in blood or urine is widely regarded as the reference marker for the assessment of oxidative stress. As a result, nowadays, F₂-IsoP is the most frequently measured oxidative stress marker. Nevertheless, determining F₂-IsoP is a challenging task and the measurement is neither free of mishaps nor straightforward. This review presents for the first time the effect of acute and chronic exercise on F₂-IsoP levels in plasma, urine and skeletal muscle, placing emphasis on the origin, the methodological caveats and the interpretation of F₂-IsoP alterations. From data analysis, the following effects of exercise have emerged: (i) acute exercise clearly increases F₂-IsoP levels in plasma and this effect is generally short-lived, (ii) acute exercise and increased contractile activity markedly increase F₂-IsoP levels in skeletal muscle, (iii) chronic exercise exhibits trend for decreased F₂-IsoP levels in urine but further research is needed. Theoretically, it seems that significant amounts of F₂-IsoP can be produced not only from phospholipids but from neutral lipids as well. The origin of F₂-IsoP detected in plasma and urine (as done by almost all studies in humans) remains controversial, as a multitude of tissues (including skeletal muscle and plasma) can independently produce F₂-IsoP.