Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Succinates”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources

Succinic acid production with reduced by-product formation in the fermentation of Anaerobiospirillum succiniciproducens using glycerol as a carbon source.

Succinic acid was produced by fermentation of Anaerobiospirillum succiniciproducens using glycerol as a carbon source. When cells were anaerobically cultured in a medium containing 6.5 g/L glycerol, a high succinic acid yield (133%) was obtained while avoiding the formation of by-product acetic acid. The gram ratio of succinic acid to acetic acid was 25.8:1, which is 6.5 times higher than that obtained using glucose (ca. 4:1) as a carbon source. Therefore, succinic acid can be produced with much less by-product formation by using glycerol as a carbon source, which will facilitate its purification. When glucose and glycerol were cofermented with the increasing ratio of glucose to glycerol, the gram ratio of succinic acid to acetic acid and succinic acid yield decreased, suggesting that glucose enhanced acetic acid formation irrespective of the presence of glycerol. Glycerol consumption by A. succiniciproducens required unidentified nutritional components present in yeast extract. By intermittently feeding yeast extract along with glycerol, a high succinic acid yield (160%) could be obtained while still avoiding acetic acid formation. This resulted in the highest ratio of succinic acid to acetic acid (31.7:1).

Acetic Acid↗

[Effects of succinic acid on the function of in vitro cultured human fibroblasts].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of injurious effect of succinic acid on human fibroblast and it's role in bacteroides fragilis infection. METHODS: In vitro cultured human fibroblasts were challenged by succinic acid in concentrations of 5, 10, 20 and 30 mmol/L (pH5.5), respectively. The cellular activity, apoptosis rate, the collagen synthesis in the supernatant of the cell culture, and the activity of caspase-3 were determined 24 hours after challenge. Isotonic saline challenged fibroblast were employed as control and the changes in the indices before and after succinic acid challenge were observed. RESULTS: Along with the increase in the concentration of succinic acid, the fibroblast proliferation rate was decreased and so was the collagen synthesis. But the apoptosis rate and caspase-3 activity were increased. The activity of caspase-3 was markedly higher than that in normal control when the succinic acid concentration was 10-30 mmol/L. The cellular activity and collagen synthesis were significantly lower and the apoptosis rate was obviously higher than those in control group when the succinic acid concentration was 20 or 30 mmol/L (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The proliferation and collagen synthesis in fibroblast culture could be significantly inhibited and the cellular apoptosis could be promoted by succinic acid. The process of wound healing of the wounds infected by bacteroides fragilis would be delayed due to the production of succinic acid by the bacteria.

Apoptosis↗

Myeloperoxidase-mediated damage to the succinate oxidase system of Escherichia coli. Evidence for selective inactivation of the dehydrogenase component.

Myeloperoxidase, a granule-associated enzyme of neutrophils and monocytes, combines with H2O2 and chloride to form a potent microbicidal system that contributes to phagocyte antimicrobial activity. The nature of the lesion or lesions induced by the myeloperoxidase system which are responsible for the loss of microbial replicative activity (viability) remains unknown. Using Escherichia coli grown to late log or stationary phase under conditions of low aeration with succinate as the sole carbon source, we found that myeloperoxidase-induced loss of microbial viability could be correlated with a decrease in succinate-dependent respiration (succinate oxidase activity). Succinate dehydrogenase activity fell rapidly to undetectable levels during incubation with the myeloperoxidase system, suggesting that damage to the dehydrogenase was a major factor in the loss of oxidase activity. Other components of the succinate oxidase system were resistant to the actions of myeloperoxidase. The ubiquinone-8 and cytochrome components of the respiratory chain remained nearly constant in amount despite reduction of respiration to undetectable levels. However, as expected from the loss of succinate dehydrogenase activity, succinate-ubiquinone reductase and succinate-cytochrome reductase activities were markedly impaired. We propose that the loss of E. coli viability induced by the myeloperoxidase-H2O2-chloride system is due in part to the loss of electron transport function consequent to the oxidation of critical catalytic centers in susceptible dehydrogenases.

Electron Transport↗

Characterization by electron paramagnetic resonance and studies on subunit location and assembly of the iron-sulfur clusters of Bacillus subtilis succinate dehydrogenase.

Succinate dehydrogenase is a conserved membrane-bound enzyme consisting of two nonidentical subunits: a flavo iron-sulfur protein (Fp) subunit, containing a covalently bound flavin, and an iron-sulfur protein (Ip) subunit. Bacillus subtilis succinate dehydrogenase in wild type bacteria and 12 well characterized succinate dehydrogenase-defective mutants were examined by low temperature EPR spectroscopy to characterize the enzyme and study subunit location and biosynthesis of its iron-sulfur clusters. The wild type B. subtilis enzyme contains iron-sulfur clusters which are analogous to clusters S-1 and S-3 of bovine heart succinate dehydrogenase but with slightly different EPR characteristics. Spins from cluster S-2 were not detectable as in the case of the intact form of bovine heart succinate dehydrogenase. However, dithionite reduction of the B. subtilis enzyme greatly enhanced spin relaxation of the ferredoxin-type cluster S-1, indicating the presence of the cluster S-2. Iron-sulfur cluster S-1 was found to be assembled in soluble succinate dehydrogenase subunits in the cytoplasm, but only if full-length Fp polypeptides and relatively large fragments of Ip polypeptides were present. Cluster S-1 was not detected in mutants with soluble mutated Fp polypeptides or in a mutant totally lacking Ip subunit polypeptide. Iron-sulfur clusters S-1, S-2, and S-3 were assembled also when the covalently bound flavin in the Fp subunit was absent. Clusters S-1 and S-3 in the membrane-bound flavin-deficient succinate dehydrogenase were not reduced by succinate but could be reduced by electron transfer from NADH dehydrogenase via the menaquinone pool.

Bacillus subtilis↗

[The effect of fluoride ion on the activity of succinate dehydrogenase isolated from the pig's renal cortex].

Succinate dehydrogenase is a membrane-bound mitochondrial enzyme providing the respiratory chain with electrons. In natural environment the enzyme is a part of the respiratory chain and slight changes in the content of phospholipids (during preparation) qualify the enzyme to ubiqinone reductase titer. The actual paper answers the question of how major, selected inorganic anions metabolically influence succinate dehydrogenase. The objective of the paper was to determine: 1) what influence on SDH activity is exerted by ionic strength; 2) how do fluoride, phosphate and chloride influence the activity of succinate dehydrogenase present in submitochondrial particles. Mitochondria were prepared on the basis of King's method. Mitochondria and submitochondrial particles were obtained from mitochondria isolated from the pig's kidney. The activity of enzyme was measured by polarographic method with the aid of phenasine methosulphate and dichloroindophenol. The protein concentration was determined by the Gornal's method. The following conclusions have been drawn, namely: The activity of enzyme is not modified by means of ionic strength (Fig. 1, 2, 3). Fluoride exerts influence on the enzyme as a competitive inhibition when the concentration of succinate in the sample is of the order 1 x 10(-3), 5 x 10(-4), 2 x 10(-4) mol/dm3, with concentrations of succinate higher than 2 x 10(-2), 2 x 10 mol/dm3 the fluoride ion behaves as a typical non-competitive inhibitor (Fig. 4). Phosphates modified the activity of enzyme, and exerted influence as its competitive inhibitor (Fig. 5, 6). In the process of SDH inhibition induced by fluoride ion there are two separately acting mechanisms which respectively involve one or two ions. As it has been found out their effect also depends on the amount of succinate in the environment. The first mechanism appears in condition of high succinate concentration in the solution (about 20 mmol/dm3), when the active centre of enzyme is completely saturated by the substrate. The by fluoride induced inhibition is of non-competitive character, which means that single F ion binds to enzyme outside its active centre (which is occupied by substrate). On the other hand, when the concentration of succinate is close to 1 mmol/dm3, under conditions of incomplete saturation of the active centre by substrate, the enzyme is being inhibited competitively, and, as indicated, 2 fluoride ions bind with it (Fig. 7, 8).

2,6-Dichloroindophenol↗

[Kinetic and structural characteristics of succinate dehydrogenase components reacting with natural and artificial electron acceptors].

A new catalitic activity of soluble succinate dehydrogenase, i.e. the reduction of low (20-200 muM) concentration of ferricyanide in the presence of succinate is described. The apparent Km value for the acceptor is about 200 muM. The turnover numbers of the enzyme measured in this reaction, with PMS as an electron acceptor and in the system reconstituted from soluble enzyme and alkali-treated submitochondrial particles (succinate oxidase) are found to be almost the same. The new succinate. ferricyanide reductase activity is very sensitive to oxygen, high (3 mM) ferricyanide concentration and mercaptide-forming agents. When the enzyme is stored under aerobic conditions the loss of this activity occurs according to the first-order kinetics with the same rate constants as the reconstitutive activity decreases. The rate constants both for ferricyanide reductase and reconstitution decay do not depend on pH within the range of 6,5--7,5 (k = 8.10(-2) min-1) and increase dramatically at pH 8,5 (K = 4.10(-1) MIN-1). When these two activities are lost after oxygen exposure the PMS-reductase fall down to about 50% of its original activity. The new ferricyanide reductase is found only in the soluble preparation of the enzyme succinate: cytochrome c reductase, succinate dehydrogenase of submitochondrial particles and reconstituted succinate oxidase do not interact with low concentrations of ferricyanide. The treatment of the enzyme after inactivation by oxygen exposure with sulfide ion--iron--mercaptoethanol mixture followed by Sephadex filtration completely restores the original reconstitutive, ferricyanide and PMS reductase activities. The hypothesis is suggested that succinate dehydrogenase contains at least two red-ox centers reacting with electron acceptors. The first one is located in hydrophylic environment (mitochondrial matrix) being accessible for high concentrations of ferricyanide. The second one (iron--sulfur complex, Hipip-type) is responsible for ferricyanide reductase activity described, being located intramembraneously and involved in the electron transfer between dehydrogenase and the rest of the respiratory chain.

Animals↗

Differential investigation of the capacity of succinate oxidation in human skeletal muscle.

Procedures are described for the estimation of the succinate:ubiquinone oxidoreductase and succinate:phenazine methosulfate oxidoreductase activities in post-nuclear supernatants of human skeletal muscle homogenates using 2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol as the terminal electron acceptor. The influence of ionic strength and of sucrose upon these assays and upon the succinate:cytochrome c oxidoreductase activity has been investigated. Sucrose markedly interferes with the activation of the succinate dehydrogenase complex. Succinate:cytochrome c oxidoreductase activity and succinate:phenazine methosulfate oxidoreductase activity are inhibited by increasing concentrations of ions and of sucrose. Our results lead us to propose the existence of a single acceptor site for phenazine methosulfate at the succinate dehydrogenase complex, not involved in the physiological electron flux across ubiquinone. Estimation of the enzymatic activities mentioned above allows differential investigation of the functional integrity of a large part of the respiratory chain in patients suspected of suffering from a neuromuscular disorder.

2,6-Dichloroindophenol↗

EPR characterization of an archaeal succinate dehydrogenase in the membrane-bound state.

The membrane-bound succinate dehydrogenase from the thermoacidophilic archaeon Thermoplasma acidophilum was characterized by EPR spectroscopy and its functional properties were determined. The highest turnover values of succinate dehydrogenase activity were observed at pH 7.4, which is somewhat above the internal pH value of T. acidophilum. The temperature optimum of the reaction was determined as 78 degrees C and the Km value for succinate using phenazine methosulfate as the electron acceptor at 53 degrees C was 0.32 mM. The membrane-bound enzyme was able to reduce the artificial electron acceptors phenazine methosulfate, N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine, and 2,6-dichloroindophenol. Succinate oxidation was coupled to oxygen consumption in a completely 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide-sensitive manner. In the oxidized state, T. acidophilum membranes exhibited an almost isotropic EPR spectrum with g-values at gz = 2.017, gy = 2.000, and gx = 1.968 that were assigned to a [3Fe-4S]1+ cluster (S3). Upon reduction with succinate, the membranes displayed a spectrum characteristic of 2Fe-2S clusters (S1), with g-values at gz = 2.029, gy = 1.935, and gx = 1.915. In the dithionite-reduced state, additional resonances can be observed. An axial component, with g-values at gz = 2.057, gy = 1.917, and gx = 1.917 was assigned to a [4Fe-4S]1+ cluster. The saturation behaviour of the S1 cluster was strongly altered in the dithionite-reduced form, thus indicating spin-spin interaction between the S1 center and another paramagnetic center, possibly cluster S2. In both the succinate and the dithionite-reduced membranes, parallel-mode EPR spectra displayed a resonance at g = 14, which may be due to a transition of the S = 2 multiplet of the reduced 3Fe-4S cluster. Spin quantitation yielded a relative stoichiometry of cluster S1 to cluster S3 of 1:1. The results obtained by EPR spectroscopy indicated that the characteristic iron-sulfur cluster S1 [2Fe-2S], S2 [4Fe-4S], and S3 [3Fe-4S], were also present in this archaeal succinate dehydrogenase. EPR redox titrations of T. acidophilum membranes at pH 5.5 yielded a reduction potential of +60 +/- 20 mV for cluster S3 and of +68 +/- 20 mV for cluster S1. The axial [4Fe-4S]2+/1+ center had a reduction potential of -210 +/- 20 mV.

Dithionite↗

Defective succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase activity in 4-hydroxybutyric aciduria.

Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency has been demonstrated in a fourth patient with 4-hydroxybutyric aciduria. Lysates of freshly isolated lymphocytes and cultured lymphoblasts of the patient had much lower than control activity in the conversion of U-14C-4-aminobutyric acid to 14C-succinic acid in an assay designed to estimate succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase utilizing endogenous 4-aminobutyrate transaminase. Lymphocyte and lymphoblast lysates of the patient accumulated U-14C-succinic semialdehyde when incubated with U-14C-4-aminobutyric acid and NAD+ whereas none could be detected in controls. Assays using U-14C-succinic semialdehyde as substrate for succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase in lysates of cultured lymphoblasts characterized the patient as having a severe deficiency of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase. The data indicate that defective activity of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase is responsible for 4-hydroxybutyric aciduria.

4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase↗

Modulation of TCDD-induced fetotoxicity and oxidative stress in embryonic and placental tissues of C57BL/6J mice by vitamin E succinate and ellagic acid.

The ability of vitamin E succinate and ellagic acid to modulate 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced developmental toxicity and oxidative damage in embryonic/fetal and placental tissues was studied in C57BL/6J mice. Vitamin E succinate (100 mg/kg per day) and ellagic acid(6 mg/kg per day) were administered by gavage to groups of pregnant mice on days 10, 11 and 12 of gestation and 40 mg vitamin E succinate/kg or 3 mg ellagic acid/kg on day 13 of gestation. A number of animals from the vitamin E succinate and ellagic acid treated groups also received 30 microg TCDD/kg on day 12 of gestation, 2 h prior to vitamin E succinate or ellagic acid treatment. Groups of treated animals were terminated on day 14 of gestation, and the biomarkers of oxidative stress, including superoxide anion production and the induction of lipid peroxidation and DNA-single strand breaks (SSB), were determined in whole embryonic and placental tissues homogenates. Groups of treated animals were also killed on day 18 of gestation for investigation of the fetotoxic and teratogenic effects as well as effects on the placentae. Vitamin E succinate and ellagic acid significantly decreased TCDD-induced fetal growth retardation fetal death and placental weight reduction, with no significant ameliorating effects on TCDD-induced malformations including cleft palate and hydronephrosis. Vitamin E succinate treatment resulted in decreases of 77-88%, 70-87%, and 21-47% in the production of superoxide anion, lipid peroxidation and DNA-SSB, respectively, in embryonic and placental tissues, while ellagic acid caused 47-98%, 79-93%, and 37-53% decreases, respectively, in these parameters. These results indicate that TCDD-induced fetal death and fetal and placental weight reductions in C57BL/6J mice may be due to oxidative damage induced by TCDD, and ellagic acid and vitamin E succinate provide protection against those effects. Ellagic acid provided better protection than vitamin E succinate against TCDD-induced fetal growth retardation and increases in lipid peroxidation in embryonic and placental tissues.

Animals↗

Effect of alpha-tocopherol succinate on free radical and lipid peroxidation levels in BL6 melanoma cells.

Numerous studies have proposed a radical or oxidant involvement in a number of degenerative diseases such as cancer. This has led to suggestions that the supplementation of antioxidants such as alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) may function to reduce the growth of cancer. In this study, a nonmalignant Monkey kidney (LLCMK) and a malignant Murine melanoma (BL6-F10) cell line were supplemented with varying levels of alpha-Tocopherol acid succinate (vitamin E succinate) ranging from 1 to 10 microg/ml. BL6-F10 cells supplemented with 5, 7, and 10 microg/ml vitamin E succinate, showed significant decreases in cell proliferation, and this decrease was accompanied by a concomitant increase rather than a decrease in the levels of free radicals and lipid peroxidation. LLCMK cells supplemented with 1-10 microg/ml vitamin E succinate showed no significant increase or decrease in growth, while the levels of lipid peroxidation were shown to be insignificantly elevated at 5, 7, and 10 microg/ml vitamin E succinate. Free radical levels in LLCMK cells were significantly decreased at 1 microg/ml vitamin E succinate, while at 3, 5, 7, and 10 microg/ml supplementary vitamin E succinate, free radical levels increased compared to the 1 microg/ml group, but not compared to control cultures. These results suggest that the inhibitory effects of vitamin E succinate on BL6-F10 cell growth in vitro is not a consequence of its antioxidant properties, but may, in fact, be due to one or more of its other potential roles within the cells, such as the regulation of cellular enzyme activities involved in growth.

Animals↗

Cloning and expression of succinic semialdehyde reductase from human brain. Identity with aflatoxin B1 aldehyde reductase.

The neuromodulator gamma-hydroxybutyrate is synthesized in vivo from gamma-aminobutyrate by transamination to succinic semialdehyde and subsequent reduction of the aldehyde group. In human brain, succinic semialdehyde reductase is thought to be responsible for the conversion of succinic semialdehyde to gamma-hydroxybutyrate. In the present work, we cloned the cDNA coding for succinic semialdehyde reductase and expressed it in Escherichia coli. A data bank search indicated that the enzyme is identical with aflatoxin B1-aldehyde reductase, an enzyme implicated in the detoxification of xenobiotic carbonyl compounds. Structurally, succinic semialdehyde reductase thus belongs to the aldo-keto reductase superfamily. The recombinant protein was indistinguishable from native human brain succinic semialdehyde reductase by SDS/PAGE. In addition to succinic semialdehyde, it readily catalyzed the reduction 9,10-phenanthrene quinone, phenylglyoxal and 4-nitrobenzaldehyde, typical substrates of aflatoxin B1 aldehyde reductase. The results suggest multiple functions of succinic semialdehyde reductase/aflatoxin B1 aldehyde reductase in the biosynthesis of gamma-hydroxybutyrate and the detoxification of xenobiotic carbonyl compounds, respectively.

Aldehyde Reductase↗

Compatibility of premixed theophylline and methylprednisolone sodium succinate intravenous admixtures.

The stability of theophylline supplied as a premixed injection and of methylprednisolone sodium succinate in admixtures containing both drugs was studied. Solutions containing theophylline in concentrations of 4.0 mg/mL and 0.4 mg/mL were used. Methylprednisolone sodium succinate was added to each solution to produce a final concentration of 0.5 mg/mL and 2.0 mg/mL of methylprednisolone alcohol, a pharmacologically active form of methylprednisolone sodium succinate. Each admixture was prepared in triplicate, and samples were kept at room temperature in glass containers. Immediately after admixture and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours, samples were visually inspected, tested for pH, filtered, and assayed in duplicate by high-performance liquid chromatography for theophylline concentration and for both methylprednisolone sodium succinate and methylprednisolone alcohol content. Control solutions containing only one of the two drugs were also tested. No visual changes were observed. The addition of theophylline in 5% dextrose injection to the methylprednisolone sodium succinate solutions resulted in decreased pH values for all solutions, which did not vary significantly throughout the study period. Theophylline concentrations did not change significantly compared with baseline. In solutions containing theophylline 0.4 mg/mL with either 2.0 or 0.5 mg/mL of methylprednisolone sodium succinate, less than 90% of the initial methylprednisolone sodium succinate concentrations remained at 24 hours. However, within three hours after admixture preparation, methylprednisolone alcohol was detected in those solutions in increasing concentrations. A commercial preparation of premixed theophylline in 5% dextrose injection in a concentration of 4 mg/mL or less can be mixed with methylprednisolone sodium succinate in a final concentration of 2 mg/mL or less and administered intravenously within 24 hours after mixing.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

RRR-alpha-tocopheryl succinate induced interleukin-2 production by avian splenic T lymphocytes and murine EL-4 thymic lymphoma cells.

RRR-alpha-tocopheryl succinate (vitamin E succinate) was studied for its effects on interleukin-2 (IL-2) production by chicken splenic derived T lymphocytes and murine EL-4 thymic lymphoma cells. Supernatants from 0.1 microgram/mL vitamin E succinate-supplemented chicken splenic T cell cultures exhibited 42-72% enhanced IL-2 production over vehicle controls when tested in a chicken T cell blast bioassay. Supplementation of chicken splenic T lymphocyte cultures with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHT) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHA) also induced elevated levels of IL-2, suggesting a role for antioxidants in IL-2 production by avian splenic T lymphocytes. Supernatants from vitamin E succinate-supplemented murine EL-4 cells (0.1 microgram/mL vitamin E succinate) induced 52-75% increased levels of IL-2 when compared to supernatants from vehicle controls when tested using a murine, IL-2-dependent CTLL-2 bioassay. IL-2 production by EL-4 cells was not enhanced by treatments with BHT, BHA, or Trolox, suggesting that vitamin E succinate-induced IL-2 production by EL-4 cells may involve a mechanism other than antioxidant effects. Vitamin E succinate plus suboptimal levels of the protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) induced the highest levels of IL-2 by EL-4 cells. The studies provide evidence that vitamin E succinate can directly potentiate either the production or release of IL-2 from avian splenocytes and murine EL-4 cells.

Animals↗

Hexose metabolism in pancreatic islets: succinate dehydrogenase activity in islet homogenates.

Succinate dehydrogenase activity was measured in rat pancreatic islet homogenates incubated in the presence of [1,4-14C]succinate, the reaction velocity being judged through the generation of 14CO2 in the auxiliary reactions catalysed by pig heart fumarase and chicken liver NADP-malate dehydrogenase. In the presence of 1.0 mM succinate, the reaction velocity averaged 5.53 +/- 0.44 pmol min-1 microgram-1 islet protein. The Km for succinate was close to 0.4 mM and the enzymic activity was restricted to mitochondria. These kinetic results indicate that, under the present experimental conditions, the activity of succinate dehydrogenase does not vastly exceed that of either NAD-isocitrate dehydrogenase or the 2-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex, at least when the latter enzymes are activated by ADP and/or Ca2+. Nevertheless, the activity of succinate dehydrogenase is sufficient to account for the increase in O2 uptake evoked in intact islets by the monomethyl ester of succinic acid. It could become a rate-limiting step of the Krebs cycle in models of B-cell dysfunction.

Animals↗

Menaquinone is an obligatory component of the chain catalyzing succinate respiration in Bacillus subtilis.

The question was investigated as to whether the bacterial menaquinone (MK) is a component of the electron transport chain catalyzing succinate respiration in Bacillus subtilis. Three different methods were applied, and the following consistent results were obtained. (i) Solvent extraction of MK from the bacterial membrane caused total inhibition of the respiratory activities with succinate and NADH, while the activity of succinate dehydrogenase remained unaffected. The respiratory activities were restored on incorporation of vitamin K1 into the membrane preparation. (ii) The membrane fraction of a B. subtilis mutant containing 15% of the wild-type amount of MK, respired succinate and NADH at reduced activities. Wild-type activities were restored on fusion of the preparation to liposomes containing vitamin K1. (iii) The membrane fraction of B. subtilis catalyzed succinate oxidation by various water-soluble naphtho- or benzoquinones at specific activities exceeding to that of succinate respiration. The results suggest that MK is involved in succinate respiration, although its redox potential is unfavorable.

Bacillus subtilis↗

Inhibition of membrane-bound succinate dehydrogenase by disulfiram.

The effect of disulfiram on succinate oxidase and succinate dehydrogenase activities of beef heart submitochondrial particles was studied. Results show that disulfiram inhibits both functions. Succinate and malonate suppress the inhibitory action of disulfiram when succinate dehydrogenase is stabilized in an active conformation. Disulfiram is not able to inhibit the enzyme when succinate dehydrogenase is inactivated by oxaloacetate. The inhibitory effect of disulfiram is reverted by the addition of dithiothreitol. From these results, it is proposed that disulfiram inhibits the utilization of succinate by a direct modification of an -SH group located in the catalytically active site of succinate dehydrogenase.

Animals↗

Alternative system of succinate oxidation in glyoxysomes of higher plants.

Succinate oxidation in scutella of germinating seeds of wheat and maize was investigated. Besides oxidation via succinate dehydrogenase (SDH; EC 1.3.99.1), an alternative path of succinate oxidation insensitive to SDH inhibitors--malonate and thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTFA)--was revealed. Using isopicnic sucrose gradient it was shown that this path is localized in glyoxysomal membranes. Glyoxysomal succinate oxidase (GSO) converts succinate directly into malate with the production of hydrogen peroxide identified using auxiliary enzymes malate dehydrogenase and peroxidase. GSO is most active during the intensive operation of the glyoxylate cycle (3-5 days of germination). Quinacrine, the inhibitor of flavine-containing oxidases, strongly suppressed the activity of GSO. Km for succinate is 18 mM for GSO from maize scutellum. It is concluded that in scutella of cereal seeds the glyoxysomal succinate oxidation non-linked with ATP synthesis operates.

Hydrogen-Ion Concentration↗