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Biomedical subjects

Z Lojda

Publications and source records attributed to Z Lojda.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1981

Proteinases in pathology. Usefulness of histochemical methods.

The usefulness of optimized and newly elaborated histochemical methods for proteinases is illustrated on two selected substances. DAP IV (Gly-Pro-MNA,FBB,pH 7.2) was discovered in 39% and DAP II (Lys-Ala-MNA,FBB,pH 5.5) in 60% of the lymphocytes of human peripheral blood (ly). The reaction product of such ly differs in quality and quantity. On the ultrastructural level, the reaction product of DAP IV (Gly-Pro-MNA,HNF) was found in cell membranes and lysosomes. Enzyme activity in other areas was probably suppressed during the preparation procedure. Although the number of ly revealed with Lys-Pro-MNA and Phe-Pro-MNA at pH 5.5 and with Lys-Pro-MNA at pH 7.2 is high, these substrates do not distinctly discriminate DAP IV and DAP II. DAP IV occurs exclusively in T lymphocytes. The number of DAP IV-positive ly was not decreased in patients with myelofibrosis, plasmacytoma, chronic granulocytic leukemia, or tricholeukemia. It was, however, greatly reduced in chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL). In patients with malignant lymphomas other than CLL, ly presence is related to the stage of the disease. Decreased values indicate a more severe stage or a relapse. In the majority of patients with gastric cancer DAP IV-positive ly were decreased. They were normal or increased in patients with peptic ulcer. The assessment of the number of DAP IV-positive ly is a simple method that provides information regarding the condition of patients with malignant lymphomas and gastric carcinoma. Neutrophilic leukocytes and their precursors, and to a lesser extent monocytes, are revealed when N-acetyl-Met-I-naphthyl ester (Ac-Met-N) is used as substrate. Membrane-bound lysosomal and cytosol proteinases were investigated together with disaccharidases in jejunal biopsies of patients with malabsorption syndrome. Activities of all enzymes were affected in patients with celiac disease. According to their impairment enzymes could be arranged: Lactase(L). trehalase (T), brush border endopeptidase (BBEP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), DAP IV, enzyme(s) cleaving Ac-Mer-N, aminopeptidase A, cytosol peptidases and aminopeptidase M. In the propria, DAP IV is decreased or absent, while GGT and, particularly, DAP II are increased. After a gluten-free diet, activities are restored in a reverse order. BBEP and GGT are useful as auxiliary parameters in the assessment of the damage or differentiation degree of enterocytes. DAP IV is a sensitive indicator of the involvement of the propria.

Cytosol↗
PubMed1980

Study on dipeptidylpeptidase II (DPP II).

The activity of dipeptidylpeptidase II (DPP II; E.C. 3.4.14.2) was investigated by biochemical and histochemical methods in rat, mouse and guinea-pig organs as well as in human enterobiopsies. Lys-Pro-MNA and Ala-Pro-MNA showed the most favorable kinetic properties (Km, Vmax) and proved to be the most sensitive substrates for biochemical and histochemical studies of DPP II. Lys-Ala-MNA is more specific and is to be preferred due to its relatively low hydrolysis by DPP IV. Lys-Ala-2NA is suitable for the biochemical determination of DPP II activity. Lys-Ala-1NA, Leu-Ala-2NA, Phe-Pro-2NA and Phe-Pro-MNA are inferior. The pH optimum of DPP II amounts to 5.5. Cacodylate, phosphate, citric acid phosphate and succinate buffers deliver similar hydrolysis rates; with citrate and acetate buffers the recorded activities are lower. The reaction can be inhibited by 1 mM DFP, 50 mM Tris and 10 mM puromycin. In the ileum of suckling rats and in human enterobiopsies similar data (Km, pH optimum, optimal substrate concentration) were obtained by biochemical determination and by quantitative histochemistry (microdensitometry) with Lys-Ala-MNA. For the histochemical demonstration of DPP II freeze-dried celloidin-coated cryostat sections are very suitable. Frozen sections of formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde fixed tissue blocks are inferior due to a higher inhibition of DPP II and less precise localization of the azo-dye. Km values and optimal pH are identical in fresh and fixed material. Fast Blue B is the best coupling agent for light microscopical localization. DPP II is present in all organs and tissues investigated. Conspicuous organ and species differences exist. In adult rats the highest DPP II activity resides in the kidney, epididymis and spleen; in guinea-pigs the epididymis and testis are the most active organs. In the majority of guinea-pig organs the DPP II activity is lower than in rats. The histochemical demonstration of DPP II shows, in addition, cell-dependent differences of DPP II activity. In most cells the enzyme activity is depicted in lysosomes. Highly active are lysosomes of cells of proximal renal tubules, macrophages, thyroid cells, clear and principal cells of the epididymis of adult animals and of enterocytes of suckling rats. Lysosomes of endocrine cells of adenohypophysis, pancreas, stomach, small intestine and nerve cells display moderate activity. In lysosomes of smooth muscle cells (intestine, myometrium), myocardial cells, and fibers of striated muscle the enzyme is also present. Spermatids and sperms of guinea-pigs are highly active. In some cases secretion granules of endocrine and exocrine gland cells display a positive reaction. Possibly the Golgi apparatus and the endoplasmic reticulum also show a positive staining in the principle cells of the rat and mouse epididymis. Furthermore, DPP II seems to be secreted into the lumen of several organs.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Electron-cytochemical localization of phospho(enol)pyruvate carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.31) in fungal cells.

New cytochemical method, based on biochemical experiments, was elaborated for the ultrastructural localization of phospho(enol)pyruvate carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.31). The procedure was used to study the saprophytic submerged mycelium of the ascomycetous fungus Claviceps purpurea Tul. producing clavine alkaloids. The pelleted mycelium was fixed in ice cold 3% glutaraldehyde in 50 mM cacodylate buffer pH 7.2 and washed repeatedly in the same cold buffer The reaction mixture contained 100 mM Tris-HCl buffer pH 9.0, 10 mM phospho(enol)pyruvate, 30 mM sodium potassium tartrate, 3 mM Pb(NO3)2, 60 mM MgCl2 and 30 mM NaHCO3. Enzyme activity was localized in vacuoles, particularly inside lipid globules (spherosomes) and less frequently in membranous vesicles. Acetyl-CoA activated PEP-carboxylase both in cell free extracts and in the cytochemical staining. Aspartate inhibited the enzyme in the biochemical assay with coupled malate dehydrogenase system; the cytochemical reaction was not influenced, probably due to the interference of asparagine synthase (EC 6.3.1.1).

Carboxy-Lyases↗