Physical properties of poly (3,N4-ethenocytidylic acid)

Homopolymers of etheno CMP have been prepared by the action of polyribonucleotide phosphorylase upon etheno CDP. At alkaline pH the optical properties are consistent with a structure consisting of partially helical single-stranded chains whose helical regions are stabilized by base stacking. At acid pH the degree of helicity increases markedly. The degree of cooperativity displayed by the helix leads to coil transition induced by pH or temperature is less than for the case of polyribocytidylic acid. In the presence of acridine orange the alkaline form develops a strong extrinsic CD spectrum.     

Capillary transport of adenosine

We tested the hypothesis that capillary exchange of adenosine is influenced by the ability of endothelial cells (ECs) to take up adenosine. Triple-indicator diffusion experiments were performed by injecting [14C]adenosine, [3H]9-beta-D-arabinofuranosylhypoxanthine ( [3H]araH), and radioiodinated serum albumin (RISA) into the arterial perfusate of isolated nonworking guinea pig hearts. Tracer appearance in venous effluent was observed over time. The early extraction of [14C]adenosine was much higher than that of [3H]araH. Extracted [3H]araH returned to the vascular space, but [14C]adenosine did not. Quantitative analysis of the curves by using a mathematical model indicates that approximately half of the extracted adenosine enters ECs and is metabolized. The remainder enters the interstitium and is taken up by myocytes, ECs, or other cells and is metabolized. We conclude that uptake of adenosine by ECs represents a significant influence on the capillary exchange of adenosine.