An Ecteola-cellulose chromatography assay for 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate: Phenol sulfotransferase

A new assay procedure for phenol sulfotransferase which employs [35S]-3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate as a sulfate donor and a variety of phenols as sulfate acceptors was developed. The appearance of the 35S-sulfated products or the disappearance of the [35S]-3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate are determined simultaneously by chromatography of the assay incubation mixtures on Ecteola-cellulose columns, eluting with an NH4HCO3 step gradient. Various acidic, neutral, and basic phenols can be employed as substrates for phenol sulfotransferase using this procedure.     

A single succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase is involved in 4-hydroxyphenylacetate and 4-aminobutyrate catabolism in Klebsiella pneumoniae M5a1

Abstract Klebsiella pneumoniae M5a1 grows readily on two compounds, 4-hydroxyphenylacetate and 4-aminobutyrate, whose catabolism produces succinic semialdehyde. A single succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase was detected, native molecular weight 52000, that has NAD as the preferred cofactor and is induced by succinic semialdehyde functions in the oxidation of succinic semialdehyde during growth on both 4-hydroxyphenyl-acetate and 4-aminobutyrate. This contrasts with the situation for Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida where two distinct forms of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase have been observed.     

Demonstration of prolactin messenger RNA after amplification in the brain in rats]

By means of immunocytochemistry, a central neuronal network containing a prolactin-like substance has been described in the rat. In order to demonstrate the synthesis of this peptide in these cells, we examined the presence of prolactin messenger RNA (PRL mRNA) in several brain samples including the pituitary gland. Amplification of the PRL mRNA was performed by the polymerase chain reaction technique, followed by southern blotting and hybridization with a specific oligonucleotide. Results showed the presence of the expected cDNA (468 bp) in the hypothalamus. Another cDNA with a lower molecular weight was also observed.     

Fluorimetric determination of carbamoyl phosphate

A simple fluorimetric assay for the determination of carbamoyl phosphate in tissue extracts is described. In the assay, production of ATP from carbamoyl phosphate and ADP by carbamate kinase is coupled to the formation of NADPH, using glucose, hexokinase, NADP⁺, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Production of NADPH in this system proved to be equal to the amount of carbamoyl phosphate present.     

Predicting neurodegenerative disease in idiopathic rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder: Conference proceedings,REM Sleep Behavior Symposium 2011

Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia characterized by dream enactment behavior during rapid eye movement sleep, which is generally related to damage of pontomedullary structures. Idiopathic RBD is a well-established risk factor for neurodegenerative disease; at least 40-65% of patients with idiopathic RBD will develop a defined neurodegenerative phenotype over 10 years. This is almost always a “synucleinopathy” (Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, or multiple system atrophy). Often, patients develop a syndrome with overlapping parkinsonism and cognitive impairment. The ability of RBD to predict disease has major implications for development of neuroprotective therapy, by providing a high-risk prodromal group for neuro-protective trials. In addition, it allows testing of other predictive markers of neurodegeneration. Recent prospective studies found that idiopathic RBD patients with abnormal olfaction at baseline had a 65% 5-year risk of developing neurodegenerative disease, compared with a 14% risk in those with normal olfaction. Those with abnormal color vision had a 74% risk of neurodegenerative disease compared with 26% in those with normal vision. Additionally, neuroimaging markers of the sub-stantia nigra including dopaminergic functional imaging and transcranial ultrasound have been able to predict imminent development of defined neurodegenerative disease in RBD, although sensitivity and lead time have not been established. Future studies will continue to expand the list of predictive markers of neurodegeneration and will better define specificity, sensitivity, and lead time of prodromal markers.

     

Erratum to: Exogenous Adipokine Peptide Resistin Protects Against Focal Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Mice

Neurochemical Research -