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Biomedical subjects

J B Hunt

Publications and source records attributed to J B Hunt.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Comparison of rat and human intestinal perfusion models for assessing efficacy of oral rehydration solutions.

The optimal composition for oral rehydration solutions remains controversial. Animal models have been used to assess the efficacy of new formulations but the relevance of these studies to the handling of oral rehydration solutions in human intestine during diarrhoeal disease states remains uncertain. Using steady state perfusion techniques we have compared water and solute transport from a variety of oral rehydration solutions in both the entire rat small intestine and in the human jejunum. Overall the pattern of water, sodium and glucose absorption was similar from the three oral rehydration solutions tested, indicating close parallelism between the two models despite the species and methodological differences. Although the relationship between the findings of these studies to the handling of oral rehydration solution in diarrhoeal disease states remains uncertain, we believe they do support the view that animal models may have a part to play in the preliminary screening of oral rehydration solutions before clinical trial.

Adult↗

Assessment of water and solute absorption from experimental hypotonic and established oral rehydration solutions in secreting rat intestine.

Water and solute absorption from three experimental hypotonic oral rehydration solutions (HYPO-ORS; sodium 45, 60 and 75 mmol/L, glucose 90 mmol/L), the World Health Organization recommended ORS (WHO-ORS; sodium 90 mmol/L, glucose 111 mmol/L), and the British National Formulary recommended ORS (BNF-ORS; sodium 35 mmol/L, glucose 200 mmol/L), have been assessed by perfusion studies in cholera toxin-induced secreting rat intestine. Net water absorption was greatest from the most hypotonic solution (HYPO-45; P less than 0.05). UK-ORS prevented net water secretion and WHO-ORS promoted moderate net water absorption. Net sodium secretion was seen with all solutions but was least from WHO-ORS and greatest with BNF-ORS (P less than 0.01). Glucose absorption was similar from BNF-ORS, WHO-ORS and HYPO-45 and in each case was greater than glucose absorption from HYPO-60 and HYPO-75 (P less than 0.05). These results suggest that net water and sodium absorption from ORS may be enhanced if osmolality is reduced by decreasing the glucose content.

Animals↗

Feasibility of epidural morphine for postoperative analgesia in a small community hospital.

The first 6-mo experience of a two-physician APS using primarily epidural morphine in a community hospital is presented. After-hours anesthesia coverage was from home. The only monitoring was by nursing service observation. Complications occurred at incidences comparable to larger studies. Using the precautions outlined in the text, complications were appropriately diagnosed and treated despite the lack of 24-h in-house anesthesia coverage.

Adult↗

Zinc interactions with regulatory dimers from Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamoylase.

Zn2+ is tetrahedrally bonded to the 4 nonadjacent thiols of each regulatory chain (Mr 17,000) near r-c contacts between catalytic (c) and regulatory chains (r) in aspartate transcarbamoylase (ATCase; c6r6). This paper reports on Zn2+ interactions with r dimer in the absence of stabilizing r-c contacts. After r2 and c3 subunits were separated, -SH groups of r2 were titrated with p-(hydroxymercuri)benzenesulfonate (PMPS) at pH 7.0. The concomitant release of Zn2+ (2 equiv/r dimer) was quantitated with 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR) and was a linear function of PMPS added until 8 mercaptide bonds per r2 were formed. Breakage of 1 of 4 Zn2(+)-sulfur bonds in a Zn2+ binding cluster therefore makes the other three bonds more labile. From stopped-flow measurements, the PMPS-promoted Zn2+ release from r2 or mercaptide bond formation with 10- to 20-fold excess PMPS/r2-SH at pH 7.0 was first order with an Arrhenius activation energy Ea = 10 kcal/mol and a half-time t 1/2 = 9 +/- 2 ms at 20 degrees C without inhibitory anions present. The rate of mercurial-promoted Zn2+ release from r2 is at least 77 times faster than that from intact c6r6 [Hunt, J.B., Neece, S.H., Schachman, H.K., and Ginsburg, A. (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 14793]; this indicates that Zn2+ binding clusters are more accessible to attack by PMPS than are those in ATCase. The addition of a 25-fold excess of the multidentate fluorescent chelator quin-2 to r2 gave a rate of Zn2+ dissociation that was 1/210th of that observed with excess mercurial. Furthermore, the Zn(PAR)1 complex was identified as the active species in the transfer of Zn2+ from Zn(PAR)2 to aporegulatory subunits, with kappa = (8 +/- 3) x 10(5) M-1 s-1 at pH 7.0 and 15 degrees C for this second-order association reaction. Although kinetic results are dependent on the mechanisms involved, an affinity constant K'A = (1.3 +/- 0.6) x 10(12) M-1 for Zn2+ binding to r dimer at pH 7.0 and 20 degrees C in the absence and presence of 100 mM KCl could be determined spectrally by rapid equilibration with the high-affinity, sensitive metalloindicators indo-1 and quin-2. This K'A value is based on the assumptions that Zn2+ binding sites in r2 are equivalent (noninteracting) and that apo-r2 does not dissociate; if apo-r2 dissociates, K'A approximately 10(14) M-1. Within experimental error, the K'A value was independent of [indo-1]/[r2] ratios from 36 to 3 with 0.3-8 microM r2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Allosteric Regulation↗

Characterization of indo-1 and quin-2 as spectroscopic probes for Zn2(+)-protein interactions.

1-[2-Amino-5-(6-carboxyindol-2-yl)phenoxyl]-2-(2'- amino-5'-methylphenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (indo-1) and 2-[2-(bis(carboxymethyl)amino-5-methylphenoxy) methyl]-6- methyl-8-[bis-(carboxymethyl)amino]quinoline (quin-2) are sensitive, spectral indicators for Zn2+. Additions of subsaturating Zn2+ to 10-80 microM indo-1 or quin-2 at pH 7.0 produce uv difference spectra with isosbestic wavelengths at 342 and 282 nm or at 342, 317, and 252 nm, respectively. Formation of 1:1 Zn2+:indicator complexes at pH 7.0 and 20 degrees C in the absence (presence) of 100 mM KCl gives delta epsilon max = -2.4 +/- 0.2 X 10(4) M-1 cm-1 at 367 nm (-2.1 +/- 0.2 X 10(4) M-1 cm-1 at 365 nm) for indo-1 and delta epsilon max = -2.7 +/- 0.1 X 10(4) M-1 cm-1 at 266 nm (-2.6 +/- 0.1 X 10(4) M-1 cm-1 at 265 nm) for quin-2. Competition experiments at pH 7.0 and 20 degrees C with indo-1 and quin-2 and also 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR) as the second chelator in the absence (presence) of 100 mM KCl yield apparent affinity constants: K'A = 2.5 +/- 1.0 X 10(10) M-1 (6.2 +/- 0.5 X 10(9) M-1) for indo-1 binding Zn2+ and K'A = 9.4 +/- 3.3 X 10(11) M-1 (2.7 +/- 0.1 X 10(11) M-1) for quin-2 binding Zn2+. The above constants provide the basis for rapid steady-state spectrophotometric determinations of the affinity of a protein for Zn2+ with K'A approximately 10(10) - 10(13) M-1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aminoquinolines↗

Spin-labeled analogues of ATP, ADP and AMP: substitutes for normal nucleotides in biochemical systems.

The different roles and effectiveness of adenosine monophosphate, diphosphate and triphosphate labeled at the 6 position of the purine ring with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl in reactions catalyzed by Escherichia coli glutamine synthetase (GS) have been investigated. Our results show that the spin-labeled ATP (Tempo-ATP) serves as a substrate in the glutamine synthesis reaction and in the adenylation of E. coli glutamine synthetase catalyzed by ATP: glutamine adenylyl transferase (ATase) with essentially the same effectiveness as normal ATP. In another reaction (gamma-glutamyltransferase), Tempo ADP serves as an effector with a Km of 9.4 . 10(-8) M compared to 1.2 . 10(-8) M for the normal ADP, while covalently bonded Tempo-AMP serves as a modifier on the catalytic properties of E. coli glutamine synthetase just as the covalently bonded normal AMP does. The dissociation constants between the labeled nucleotides, Mn2+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ are in the same order of magnitude as the binding constants for those cations and the corresponding normal nucleotides. Our findings indicate that the spin-labeled nucleotides are good substitutes for the normal nucleotides in the biochemical systems studied.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Efficacy of a standard United Kingdom oral rehydration solution (ORS) and a hypotonic ORS assessed by human intestinal perfusion.

Human triple-lumen intestinal perfusion was used to compare water and solute absorption from the oral rehydration solution (ORS) most widely used in the United Kingdom and a new experimental hypotonic ORS (HYPO-ORS). HYPO-ORS (osmolality 210 mOsm/kg) promoted significantly greater water absorption than UK-ORS (7.03 +/- 1.1 vs 2.73 +/- 1.0 ml cm-1 h-1; P less than 0.01). HYPO-ORS produced net sodium and chloride absorption whereas the low sodium UK-ORS produced a net secretion of these ions. Bicarbonate absorption was also greater from HYPO-ORS although potassium and glucose absorption were similar from both solutions. This study suggests that UK-ORS may not promote optimal water and solute absorption and that clinical studies with HYPO-ORS are indicated.

Adult↗

Death from electrical arc flash burns. A report of 2 cases.

Two cases of fatal accidental electrocution involving high-tension cables are reported in which autopsy revealed the presence of flash burns and, more significantly, multiple circumscribed and cavitated lesions associated with arcing. Attention is drawn to the danger of 'near-contact' with high-tension cables. The autopsy findings of severe internal injuries, which may be associated with the blast of the electrical discharge or occur secondary to a fall are discussed. In the absence of an adequate history, the autopsy findings may help to elucidate more accurately the circumstances of death and the type of electrical injury involved in fatal electrocution.

Adult↗

Facile synthesis of 2-[(3-aminopropyl)thio]adenosine 5'-diphosphate: a key intermediate for the synthesis of molecular probes of adenosine 5'-diphosphate function.

Adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) and, uniquely, its C-2 derivatized analogues are able to induce platelet activation. We here report the synthesis of 2-[(3-aminopropyl)thio]-ADP from ADP itself via 1,N6-etheno-ADP. 2-[(3-Aminopropyl)thio]-ADP induced platelet aggregation with a potency about one-seventh that of ADP itself and should prove a useful intermediate in the synthesis of other probes of platelet function.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

The use of 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol in studies of zinc release from Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamoylase.

The metallochromic indicator 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR) has been used at pH 7.0 to monitor the mercurial-promoted Zn2+ release from Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamoylase and Zn2+ uptake by regulatory dimers upon displacement of the mercurial reagent with 2-mercaptoethanol. The release of Zn2+ (as reflected by a yellow to orange color change in PAR solutions) is linked to dissociation of the enzyme since the six Zn2+ bonding domains stabilize catalytic and regulatory chain contacts; the rebinding of Zn2+ produces enzyme assembly and a corresponding decrease in the amount of PAR-Zn2+ complex. Using greater than 10-fold PAR to free Zn2+ at pH 7.0, delta epsilon = 6.6 +/- 0.2 X 10(4) M-1 cm-1 at 500 nm (20 degrees C) for (PAR)2Zn2+ complex formation (beta'2 approximately equal to 10(12) M-1). In kinetic studies at pH 7.0, PAR (10(-4) M) has been used to measure the instantaneous concentration of Zn2+ released from micromolar quantities of protein; second-order k = 2 X 10(7) M-1 s-1 for forming the 1:1 PAR:Zn2+ complex. These properties of PAR-Zn2+ interactions make PAR a generally useful reagent for studying Zn2+ release from proteins.

Aspartate Carbamoyltransferase↗

Mercurial-promoted Zn2+ release from Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamoylase.

The release of Zn2+ from aspartate transcarbamoylase (ATCase; c6r6) upon challenge by p-hydroxymercuriphenylsulfonate (PMPS) has been studied using the sensitive, high-affinity metallochromic indicator 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol at pH 7.0. When the--SH group of each catalytic (c) chain is protected, 1 Zn2+ is released for every 4 eq of PMPS added to ATCase during titration of the 24--SH groups of regulatory (r) chains. Moreover, the release of Zn2+ is a linear function of PMPS added, indicating that the rate-limiting step in Zn2+ release is mercurial attack on the 1st of the 4 r--SH groups bonded tetrahedrally to Zn2+ in an r chain near c:r contacts. Dissociation of ATCase is linked to Zn2+ release and mercaptide formation; e.g. upon addition of 4 eq of PMPS to ATCase in 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (Hepes) buffer, 1/6th of ATCase is dissociated to c3 and r2 subunits at approximately 83% of the rate of Zn2+ release, with no accumulation of the c6r4 intermediate as is observed in KPO4 buffer. Adding less than or equal to 4 PMPS/ATCase, the release of Zn2+ is first-order in [PMPS] and is virtually independent of [ATCase] with an activation energy of 18 kcal/mol. With large excesses of PMPS, stopped-flow traces show a lag period followed by pseudo first-order release of Zn2+ from ATCase and the reaction order in [PMPS] = approximately 1.3. Under these conditions, PMPS has a chaotropic effect on ATCase; the activation energy for Zn2+ release is much lower than that obtained with limiting PMPS and is increased by the presence of phosphate or active-site ligand from 6.6 to approximately 12 kcal/mol. A reasonable explanation of the observed kinetic data is that the organomercurial reagent binds reversibly to nitrogenous side chain groups in an ATCase molecule prior to the rate-limiting reaction with a sulfhydryl group.

Aspartate Carbamoyltransferase↗

Catalytic cycle of the biosynthetic reaction catalyzed by adenylylated glutamine synthetase from Escherichia coli.

The covalently attached AMP moiety of adenylylated glutamine synthetase from Escherichia coli has been replaced by its fluorescent analog, 2-aza-1,N6-etheno-AMP (aza-epsilon-AMP). The modified glutamine synthetase (aza-epsilon-GS) exhibits divalent cation requirement (Mn2+, rather than Mg2+), pH profile, Vmax, and Km similar to those of naturally adenylylated glutamine synthetase. Whereas naturally adenylylated glutamine synthetase exhibits only negligible fluorescence changes upon the binding of substrates, aza-epsilon-GS exhibits large fluorescence changes. The fluorescence changes have been used by means of a stopped flow technique to reveal the involvement of five fluorometrically distinct intermediates in the catalytic cycle for the biosynthesis of glutamine catalyzed by the adenylylated glutamine synthetase. The mechanism is very similar to that previously established for the unadenylylated enzyme, using intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence. Substrates bind via a rapid equilibrium random mechanism, but the reaction proceeds in a stepwise manner. The formation of an enzyme-bound intermediate (probably gamma-glutamyl phosphate + ADP) from ATP and L-glutamate is the rate-limiting step, with the subsequent reaction of the enzyme-bound intermediate occurring very rapidly. The success in elucidating this complex mechanism is due largely to the vastly different amplitudes of the fluorescence changes at the two excitation maxima (300 nm and 360 nm) of the aza-epsilon-AMP moiety which accompany the formation of the various intermediates.

Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Fluorometric studies of aza-epsilon-adenylylated glutamine synthetase from Escherichia coli.

Glutamine synthetase in Escherichia coli is regulated by adenylation and deadenylation reactions. The adenylation reaction converts the divalent cation requirement of the enzyme from Mg2+ to Mn2+. Previously, the catalytic action of unadenylated glutamine synthetase was elucidated by monitoring the intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence change accompanying substrate binding. However, due to the lack of changes in the tryptophan fluorescence, a similar study could not be done with the adenylated enzyme. In this study, therefore, an extrinsic fluor is introduced into the adenylated glutamine synthetase by adenylating the enzyme with 2-aza-1,N6-ethenoadenosine triphosphate, a fluorescent analog of ATP. The modified enzyme (aza-epsilon-glutamine synthetase) exhibits catalytic and kinetic properties similar to those of the naturally adenylated enzyme. The results of fluorometric studies on this aza-epsilon-glutamine synthetase indicated that L-glutamate and ATP bind to both Mn2+ and Mg2+ forms of the enzyme in a random order, but only the Mn2+ form is capable of forming a highly reactive enzyme-bound intermediate which is a prerequisite for the reaction with NH4+ to form products. The extrinsic fluorescence changes are also used to determine the binding constants of various substrates and inhibitors of both the biosynthetic and gamma-glutamyl transfer reactions.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

The midline preperitoneal approach to orchiopexy.

The midline preperitoneal approach has been used to facilitate delivery of 42 high undescended testicles into a suitable scrotal position. The gonads were situated preoperatively either within the abdomen (59.5%) or in a high inguinal position (40.5%). The technique described here has allowed marked lengthening of the spermatic cord and visibly shortened the distance between the spermatic vessel-great vessel juncture and the most dependent portion of the scrotum. It has virtually eliminated the necessity for staged orchiopexy in patients with heretofore difficult to manage cryptorchism. In this series an overall satisfactory anatomic result was achieved in 76.9 per cent of patients.

Adolescent↗

Progestin reversal of ureteral endometriosis.

Successful medical therapy of ureteral obstruction secondary to pelvic endometriosis has not previously been documented by roentgenography. Reversal of ureteral obstruction by progestin therapy is reported in a patient with laparotomy-proved pelvic endometriosis.

Adult↗