Identification and partial purification of a novel milk clotting enzyme from Onopordum turcicum

Summary Seeds, flowers and leaves of Onopordum turcicum were found to contain proteolytic enzymes able to coagulate milk. Extraction, concentration and identification of the operational parameters affecting the activity of the enzyme complex were followed by partial purification steps involving gel-filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. Milk clotting activity of the enzyme complex was tested in several steps of its purification and an increase of almost 200 fold was obtained. Molecular weight of the proteolytic enzyme fraction having the maximum activity was determined to be about 19000–24000. Isoelectric point (pI) of the enzyme complex with maximum activity was estimated to be in the range 3.3–3.7.     

Interaction between protein kinase C and regulatory ligand is enhanced by a chelatable pool of cellular zinc

At micromolar concentrations, zinc (Zn) and cadmium, but not other metals, greatly augmented binding of [3H]phorbol dibutyrate ([3H]PDBu) to protein kinase C (PKC) in cell homogenates and intact cells (in the presence of ionophore). Increased binding persisted for several hours. The heavy-metal chelating agent 1,10-phenanthroline completely reversed the increased [3H]PDBu binding in cells pretreated with 65Zn and ionophore and this was associated with a decline of about 20% in cell-associated 65Zn, suggesting that a relatively small pool of intracellular Zn acts on PKC. This may be a membrane-associated pool, since 65Zn readily bound to isolated erythrocyte inside-out membranes. Phenanthroline also partially inhibited binding of [3H]PDBu to PKC in untreated cells and extracts in a Zn-reversible manner. Therefore, cellular Zn appears to regulate the interaction of ligand with PKC. PKC bound to a Zn affinity column and was eluted by metal-chelator, confirming that Zn interacts directly with PKC.     

Morphofunctional indices of the effects of pyracryl on the organs of female genital system in rats

Morphofunctional indices of pyracryl (phosphate poly-2-pyridylethylmethacrilate) effecting reproduction system of Wistar rats have been studied. It has been shown that monthly administration of pyracryl in doses 1 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg lead to infiltration of mast cells and their pronounced degranulation and impairment of blood and lymph microcirculation. As far as gonadotropic effect is concerned, its parametres depend on the administration of pyracryl. Pyracryl in doses of 1 mg/kg stimulates folliculogenesis in ovaries, a dose of 5 mg/kg may cause expressed atresia of growing follicules and changes of oestrous cycle. It is suggested that biologically active substances of mast cells in female reproduction system play an important role in realization of gonadotropic effects of pyracryl.     

The Effects of Severe Hypobaric Hypoxia and Inhibition of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 (HIF-1) on Biomarkers of Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Injury in Rats

Biophysics - Abstract—The goal of the present study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie heart and skeletal muscle damage in male Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g in...