A comparison of the effect of vanadate on the binding of myosin-subfragment-1.ADP to actin and on actomyosin subfragment 1 ATPase activity

Equilibrium binding studies were used to determine the binding constant of vanadate ion (Vi), to the complex of actomyosin subfragment 1 (S1) with ADP and Vi and of actin to the myosin S1.ADP.Vi complex. The proteins used were obtained from rabbit skeletal muscle. Pre-steady-state measurements were also performed to determine the rates of Vi association and dissociation from the actomyosin S1.ADP.Vi complex. Using these measured values in a simple model, the steady-state actomyosin S1 ATPase activity was predicted over a range of Vi concentrations. This model predicted that Vi would have little effect on the actomyosin S1 ATPase activity. In agreement with this prediction, the measured ATPase activity of actomyosin S1 was not greatly inhibited by Vi, except at high concentrations at which polymeric species of Vi may occur (greater than 900 microM).     

Protective impacts of household-based tuberculosis contact tracing are robust across endemic incidence levels and community contact patterns

There is an emerging consensus that achieving global tuberculosis control targets will require more proactive case finding approaches than are currently used in high-incidence settings. Household contact tracing (HHCT), for which households of newly diagnosed cases are actively screened for additional infected individuals is a potentially efficient approach to finding new cases of tuberculosis, however randomized trials assessing the population-level effects of such interventions in settings with sustained community transmission have shown mixed results. One potential explanation for this is that household transmission is responsible for a variable proportion of population-level tuberculosis burden between settings. For example, transmission is more likely to occur in households in settings with a lower tuberculosis burden and where individuals mix preferentially in local areas, compared with settings with higher disease burden and more dispersed mixing. To better understand the relationship between endemic incidence levels, social mixing, and the impact of HHCT, we developed a spatially explicit model of coupled household and community transmission. We found that the impact of HHCT was robust across settings of varied incidence and community contact patterns. In contrast, we found that the effects of community contact tracing interventions were sensitive to community contact patterns. Our results suggest that the protective benefits of HHCT are robust and the benefits of this intervention are likely to be maintained across epidemiological settings.     

Amino-terminal sequence of glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2.

Glycoprotein D (gD) of herpes simplex virus is a structural component of the virion envelope which stimulates production of high titers of herpes simplex virus type-common neutralizing antibody. We carried out automated N-terminal amino acid sequencing studies on radiolabeled preparations of gD-1 (gD of herpes simplex virus type 1) and gD-2 (gD of herpes simplex virus type 2). Although some differences were noted, particularly in the methionine and alanine profiles for gD-1 and gD-2, the amino acid sequence of a number of the first 30 residues of the amino terminus of gD-1 and gD-2 appears to be quite similar. For both proteins, the first residue is a lysine. When we compared our sequence data for gD-1 with those predicted by nucleic acid sequencing, the two sequences could be aligned (with one exception) starting at residue 26 (lysine) of the predicted sequence. Thus, the first 25 amino acids of the predicted sequence are absent from the polypeptides isolated from infected cells.     

Diazepam withdrawal as demonstrated by changes in plasma corticosterone: a role for the hippocampus

Elevations in plasma corticosterone were shown to be a reliable indication of antagonist-precipitated withdrawal from diazepam in the rat. Dependence to the benzodiazepine was produced by a single daily injection for eight days at which time CGS-8216 was injected i.v. via a chronic indwelling catheter. This injection and subsequent serial blood samples were withdrawn from conscious, unrestrained animals that were placed previously in sound-attenuated one-way vision boxes. The magnitude of the hormone change was correlated with either the chronic dose of diazepam or the dose of the antagonist used to precipitate withdrawal. When CGS-8216 was administered chronically with the diazepam, antagonist-precipitated abstinence did not occur. Additional results showed that dependence could be produced by bilateral intracerebral placement of micropellets of diazepam into the dorsal and ventral hippocampus. These data show that dependence to diazepam can be demonstrated in a relatively short time using modest doses of drug, and, further, that exposure of the hippocampus, an area with a high concentration of benzodiazepine receptors, to diazepam will initiate dependence.     

Effects of beta-carboline-ethyl ester on plasma corticosterone--a parallel with antagonist-precipitated diazepam withdrawal

Diazepam has been shown to produce physical dependence based on observations of behavioral stimulation or, in our laboratory, by increases in plasma corticosterone (CS) during antagonist-precipitated withdrawal. The behavioral excitation appears similar to that observed following the administration of beta-carboline esters--agents reported to interact with benzodiazepine receptors and termed "inverse agonists." The focus of the present study is to correlate the occurrence of changes in CS with behavioral excitation previously observed by others. Further, these studies are designed to show a parallel between the manifestations of benzodiazepine withdrawal and the pharmacologic effects of beta-carboline ethyl ester. Experiments were done in conscious unrestrained male Sprague-Dawley rats, with chronic i.v. catheters, using sound-attenuated one-way vision boxes. These studies compared the hormonal and behavioral changes induced by beta-carboline ethyl ester (beta CCE) with CGS-8216-precipitated withdrawal in rats treated with diazepam for 8 days. Rats treated chronically with diazepam (5 mg/kg/day), showed a significant increase in plasma (CS) following CGS-8216. Behavioral abstinence scores were also significantly elevated. beta CCE (0.5-5.0 mg/kg) showed a significant dose-related increase in plasma CS. Behavioral scores were also increased at doses of 0.5 and 2.0 mg/kg. beta CCE-induced plasma CS increases were antagonized by CGS-8216 at doses of 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg but not by 0.5 mg/kg. In animals chronically treated with diazepam, beta CCE evoked a more prolonged plasma CS elevation than in vehicle-treated animals suggesting a dual agonist/antagonist effect. These data suggest a parallel between CS elevations and behavioral effects during withdrawal as well as similarities between the action of beta CCE and the manifestations of this withdrawal.     

Molecular basis for the special properties of proteins and enzymes from Halobacterium marismortui

Abstract Three proteins from Halobacterium marismortui , malate dehydrogenase (hMDH), glutamate dehydrogenase (hGDH) and ferredoxin (hFD) were purified and characterized with respect to their molecular masses, amino acid composition and, for hFD only, primary structure. Striking features of halophilic proteins are: the high excess of acidic over basic residues; acidic clusters in the sequence. Low-salt concentration causes inactivation and changes in structural parameters of hMDH and hGDH. Reactivation of hMDH involves long-lived stable intermediates. The salt concentration optimum of enzymic activity is independent of salt nature. The high capacity of halophilic proteins to retain water and salt is due to unique molecular properties, studied by physico-chemical techniques.