Buffering capacity of deproteinized human vastus lateralis muscle

The in vitro deproteinized vastus lateralis muscle buffer capacity, carnosine, and histidine levels were examined in 20 men from 4 distinct populations (5 sprinters, 800-m runners; 5 rowers; 5 marathoners; 5 untrained). Needle biopsies were obtained at rest from the vastus lateralis muscle. The buffer capacity was determined in deproteinized homogenates by repeatedly titrating supernatant extracts over the pH range of 7.0-6.0 with 0.01 N HCl. Carnosine and histidine levels were determined on an amino acid AutoAnalyzer. Fast-twitch fiber percentage was determined by staining intensity of myosin adenosinetriphosphatase. High-intensity running performance was assessed on an inclined treadmill run to fatigue (20% incline; 3.5 m X s-1). Significantly (P less than 0.01) elevated buffer capacities, carnosine levels, and high-intensity running performances were demonstrated by the sprinters and rowers, but no significant differences existed between these variables for the marathoners vs. untrained subjects. Low but significant (P less than 0.05) interrelationships were demonstrated between buffer capacity, carnosine levels, and fast-twitch fiber composition. These findings indicate that the sprinters and rowers possess elevated buffering capabilities and carnosine levels compared with marathon runners and untrained subjects.     

Purification and properties of dolphin muscle aspartate and alanine transaminases and their possible roles in the energy metabolism of diving mammals

1. Mitochondrial and supernatant aspartate transaminases (EC 2.6.1.1) and supernatant alanine transaminase (EC 2.6.1.2) were purified 89-, 204- and 240-fold respectively, from dolphin muscle. Starch-gel electrophoresis of crude and purified preparations revealed that all three enzymes exist as single forms. 2. K(m) values of alpha-oxoglutarate, alanine, pyruvate and glutamate for the alanine transaminase were 0.45, 8.2, 0.87 and 15mm respectively. For the aspartate transaminases, the K(m) values of alpha-oxoglutarate, aspartate, oxalacetate and glutamate were 0.76, 0.50, 0.10 and 9.4mm respectively, for the mitochondrial form and 0.13, 2.4, 0.06 and 3.2mm respectively, for the supernatant form. 3. In all cases, as the assay pH value was decreased from pH7.3, the K(m) values of the alpha-oxo acids decreased whereas those of the amino acids increased. 4. The apparent equilibrium constants for the aspartate transaminases were independent of pH. These values were 9.2 and 6.8 for the mitochondrial and supernatant forms respectively, where [Formula: see text] 5. Studies of the inhibition of the aspartate transaminases by dicarboxylic acids indicated that these enzymes may be controlled by pools of metabolic intermediates. 6. Three key roles are suggested for the transaminases in the energy metabolism of the diving animal. First, it is believed that a combined action of the transaminases could enhance energy production during hypoxia by providing (a) fumarate from aspartate for the ATP-producing reversal of succinate dehydrogenase, and (b) alpha-oxoglutarate from glutamate for the GTP-producing succinyl thiokinase reaction. Secondly, diving mammals probably accumulate more NADH than other mammals during hypoxia. The aspartate transaminases seem particularly well suited for restoring and maintaining redox balance via the malate-aspartate cycle after aerobic metabolism is resumed. Finally, since the preferred fuel for aerobic work is fat, the combined reactions of the transaminases could be instrumental in providing increased supplies of oxaloacetate for sparking the tricarboxylic acid cycle.     

Cardiovascular adaptations in Andean natives after 6 wk of exposure to sea level

Six male Quechua Indians (34.0 +/- 1.1 yr, 159.5 +/- 2.1 cm, 60.5 +/- 1.6 kg), life-long residents of La Raya, Peru (4,350-m altitude with an average barometric pressure of 460 Torr), were studied using noninvasive methods to determine the structural and functional changes in the cardiovascular system in response to a 6-wk deacclimation period at sea level. Cardiac output, stroke volume, and left ventricular ejection fractions were determined using radionuclide angiographic techniques at rest and during exercise on a cycle ergometer at 40, 60, and 90% of a previously determined maximal O2 consumption. Subjects at rest were subjected to two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiograms and a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram. Hemoglobin and hematocrit were measured on arrival at sea level by use of a Coulter Stacker S+ analyzer. After a 6-wk deacclimation period, all variables were remeasured using the identical methodology. Hemoglobin values decreased significantly over the deacclimation period (15.7 +/- 1.1 to 13.5 +/- 1.2 g/dl; P less than 0.01). The results indicate that the removal of these high-altitude-adapted natives from 4,300 m to sea level for 6 wk results in only minor changes to the cardiac structure and function as measured by these noninvasive techniques.     

Pyruvate carboxylase from rainbow trout liver

Summary A method is described for the partial purification of pyruvate carboxylase from rainbow trout liver. The enzyme has a pH optimum of about 8.0, possesses an absolute requirement for activation by acetylCoA, and prefers MgATP over other nucleoside triphosphates. K⁺ causes a decrease in the apparentK _m for HCO ₃ ^– . AcetylCoA activation shows positive cooperativity withK _a=0.072 mM andn _H=1.78 at pH 7.7, 2.5 mM free Mg²⁺, 100 mM K⁺, and saturating concentrations of substrates. A high acetylCoA concentration causes a decrease in the apparentK _m values for MgATP and HCO ₃ ^– and a biphasic double reciprocal plot with pyruvate as the varied substrate. MgADP and AMP are competitive inhibitors with respect to MgATP. The enzyme shows a U-type response to the adenylate energy charge and retains considerable activity throughout a wide range of energy charge values. It is proposed that intramitochondrial acetylCoA concentration and the adenylate energy charge control the rate of pyruvate carboxylation in vivo.Abbreviations DTT dithiothreitol - PMSF phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride     

Intermediate habitat associations by hybrids may facilitate genetic introgression in a songbird

Hybridization or the interbreeding of genetically discrete populations or species can occur where ranges of genetically distinct units overlap. Golden‐winged warblers Vermivora chrysoptera, a species that has been in steady decline for decades, highlight the potential population‐level consequences of hybridization. A major factor implicated in their decline is hybridization with their sister species, the blue‐winged warbler Vermivora cyanoptera, which has likely been exacerbated by historic and current land‐use practices. We examined habitat associations of golden‐winged and blue‐winged warblers, phenotypic hybrids, and cryptic hybrids (i.e. mismatch between plumage phenotype and genotype as identified by mitochondrial DNA) in an area of relatively recent range overlap and hybridization in northern New York, USA. To explore the robustness of these results, we then compared the patterns from New York with habitat associations from the central Pennsylvanian Appalachian Mountains where blue‐winged warblers either do not occur or are in very low abundance, yet cryptic golden‐winged warbler hybrids are present. From 2008 to 2011, we captured 122 birds in New York and 28 in Pennsylvania and collected blood samples, which we used to determine maternal ancestry. For each bird captured, we measured territory‐level (50‐m radius circles) habitat, and later used remote‐sensing data to quantify habitat on the territories and in surrounding areas (100‐, 250‐, and 500‐m radius circles). In New York, golden‐winged warblers occupied structurally heterogeneous territories surrounded by homogeneously structured, contiguous deciduous forest, far from urban areas. Blue‐winged warblers showed opposite associations, and hybrids’ habitat associations were typically intermediate. In Pennsylvania, the habitat associations of golden‐winged warblers and their cryptic hybrids were remarkably similar to those in New York. These findings suggest that patterns of habitat occupancy by hybrids may promote contact with golden‐winged warblers and thus likely facilitate genetic introgression, even in areas where the parental species are not sympatric.