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Formation and elution of toxic compounds from sterilized medical products: methylenedianiline formation in polyurethane.

The formation of a toxic and carcinogenic compound, methylenedianiline (MDA), in sterilized medical use polyurethane (PU) is discussed. Due to good biocompatibility and biostability, PU is widely used for blood-containing devices. There are two types of PU currently available for medical use. One is chain-extended thermoplastic PU, the other is thermosetting PU used for potting material connecting fibers and modules in artificial dialyzers and plasma separators. Both gamma-ray irradiation and autoclave sterilization are predominantly used for the sterilization of these devices. MDA formation in sterilized PUs by gamma-ray irradiation and by autoclave treatment is compared. The Delany clause in the USA prohibits the manufacture of medical devices producing any toxic compound during fabrication and sterilization, therefore, the formation and elution of MDA and other toxic compounds should be seriously considered. Although MDA formation at a concentration of a few to a few hundred ppb in autoclaved chain-extended thermoplastic PU has been reported, there have been no papers describing MDA formation in autoclaved thermosetting PU potting material, or describing MDA formation in gamma-ray irradiated chain-extended thermoplastic PU and thermosetting PU. We elected to determine whether MDA was in fact produced in Pus sterilized by gamma-ray irradiation or by autoclave sterilization. Our objective was to estimate the risk factor to the human patients or recipient. Our conclusion is to confirm which sterilization of gamma-ray or autoclave is more appropriate. No formation of MDA was observed in autoclaved thermosetting PU potting material at 121 degrees C for 60 min. A few ppm of MDA was formed in irradiated potting material. MDA formation increased with increasing irradiation doses. MDA formed in irradiated potting material at 2.5 Mrad (less than one ppm) is not a significant risk to the recipient. The estimated cancer causing risk factor when absorbing one mg MDA/kg body weight/day is 0.29. Twenty-nine persons per 100 persons exhibit a cancer potential. More importantly, our experimental evidence indicated that serum extracts from irradiated potting material contained unknown compounds other than MDA. The presence of these compounds is considerably more significant and toxic. When tested, these compounds proved to be mutagenic in the absence of metabolic activity, thus promoting a need to identify and study further. Compounds indicating mutagenicity increased with increasing irradiation. Small amounts of mutagenic compounds were determined in extract from autoclaved potting material, smaller than that by gamma-ray irradiation. Therefore, autoclave sterilization is more appropriate, providing materials can withstand the process.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Aniline Compounds↗

Identification of the formate dehydrogenases and genetic determinants of formate-dependent nitrite reduction by Escherichia coli K12.

The formate dehydrogenases of Escherichia coli involved in electron transfer from formate to nitrite (Nrf activity: nitrite reduction by formate) have been identified. No previously undescribed selenoprotein was detected in bacteria grown under conditions optimal for the expression of Nrf activity. The Nrf activities of single mutants defective in either FdhN or FdhH were between 50 and 60% that of the parental strain. A double mutant defective in both FdhN and FdhH retained less than 10% of the activity of the FdhN+ FdhH+ strain. No Nrf activity was detected in a triple mutant defective in FdhN, FdhH and FdhO or in the selC strain. It is concluded that all three of the known formate dehydrogenases of E. coli can contribute to the transfer of electrons from formate to the Nrf pathway. Mutants defective in Nrf activity and cytochrome c552 synthesis were isolated by insertion mutagenesis or identified amongst strains received from the E. coli Genetic Stock Center. The mutations were located in at least three regions of the chromosome, including the 92 to 94 minute region which includes fdhF, the gene encoding FdhH required for formate hydrogenlyase activity. Fine structure mapping by P1 transduction established that the nrf mutations in the fdhF region were due to defects in three separable loci, all of which were independent of but close to fdhF. Clones were isolated from a cosmid library that complemented a deletion extending from fdhF into a region essential for Nrf activity. From these clones, plasmids were isolated that complemented only some of the Nrf- mutations in the 92 to 94 minute region, confirming the presence of different operons essential for Nrf activity and cytochrome c552 synthesis in this region. Suggested reasons for this genetic complexity include the need for proteins involved in electron transfer from the various formate dehydrogenases to cytochrome c552, for the attachment of the haem group to the apocytochrome and for cytochrome c552 export into the periplasm.

Cloning, Molecular↗

Differentiation between Clostridium acidiurici and Clostridium cylindrosporum on the basis of specific metal requirements for formate dehydrogenase formation.

The formate dehydrogenases of Clostridium acidiurici and of C. cylindrosporum coupled the oxidation of formate with the reduction of viologen dyes. The basal activity level was about 0.85 mumoles/min X mg of protein for both species. The level of formate dehydrogenase of C. acidiurici increased 12-fold when 10(-7) M tungstate and selenite were present during growth. Molybdate exerted no effect. On the other hand, molybdate and selenite were required to increase the formate dehydrogenase of C. cylindrosporum, and tungstate exhibitedan antagonistic effect in this organism. Growth on hypoxanthine generally depended on the addition of bicarbonate. Supplementation with tungstate and selenite accellerated growth of C. acidiurici and increased again the level of formate dehydrogenase. The addition of both, molybdate and selenite was necessary to initiate growth of C. cyclindrosporum and to form an active formate dehydrogenase. The differences in the requirement for metal ion supplementation to form high levels of formate dehydrogenase and their involvement in hypoxanthine degradation can be used to differentiate between C. acidiurici and C. cylindrosporum.

Aldehyde Oxidoreductases↗

Gamma globulin and antibody formation in vitro. I. Gamma globulin formation in tissues from immature and normal adult rabbits.

Gamma globulin formation in vitro by various tissues was studied using the incorporation of C(14)-L-lysine into a protein precipitable by a specific anti rabbit gamma globulin serum prepared in a sheep. It was demonstrated that the rate of gamma globulin formation in similar numbers of spleen cells is much higher if taken from an immunized rabbit at the height of antibody formation than that in normal spleen cells. Besides spleen, other tissues shown to form gamma globulin in normal adult rabbits were: peripheral lymph nodes, bone marrow, lung, mesenteric lymph nodes, appendix, and thymus. In tissues from newborn rabbits gamma globulin formation could not be demonstrated. Rabbits 1 week old already showed a beginning of significant gamma globulin formation in appendix tissue, followed approximately 3 weeks later by gamma globulin synthesis in spleen and thymus. Histological observations on these tissues were described and correlated with findings on gamma globulin formation. In the discussion an attempt has been made to relate these observations on newborn and immature rabbits to those available in the literature on antibody formation in newborn animals.

Animals↗

Radiation induced formation of giant cells (Saccharomyces uvarum). I. Budding process and chitin ring formation.

X-irradiated yeast cells (Saccharomyces uvarum) grown in liquid media stop mitosis and form giant cells. Chitin ring formation, being a prerequisite for cell separation, was studied by fluorescence microscopy using calcofluor white, a chitin specific dye. Experiments with inhibitors of DNA synthesis (hydroxyurea) and chitin synthesis (polyoxin D) demonstrate chitin ring formation to be dependent on DNA synthesis, whereas bud formation is independent of DNA synthesis and chitin ring formation respectively. Basing on these results the formation of X-ray induced giant cells implies one DNA replication which in turn induces the formation of only one chitin ring between mother cell and giant bud. Obviously no septum can be formed. Thus cell separation does not occur, but the bud already formed, produces another bud demonstrating that bud formation itself is independent of DNA synthesis.

Cells, Cultured↗

Cytochrome c oxidase inhibition in the rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L.) by formate, the toxic metabolite of volatile alkyl formates.

Volatile alkyl formates are potential replacements for the ozone-depleting fumigant, methyl bromide, as postharvest insecticides and here we have investigated their mode of insecticidal action. Firstly, a range of alkyl esters, ethanol and formic acid were tested in mortality bioassays with adults of the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and the grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) to determine whether the intact ester or one of its components was the toxic moiety. Volatile alkyl formates and formic acid caused similar levels of mortality (LC(50) 131-165 micromol l(-1)) to S. oryzae and were more potent than non-formate containing alkyl esters and ethanol (LC(50)>275 micromol l(-1)). The order of potency was the same in R. dominica. Ethyl formate was rapidly metabolised in vitro to formic acid when incubated with insect homogenates, presumably through the action of esterases. S. oryzae and R. dominica fumigated with a lethal dose of ethyl formate had eight and 17-fold higher concentrations of formic acid, respectively, in their bodies than untreated controls. When tested against isolated mitochondria from S. oryzae, alkyl esters, alcohols, acetate and propionate salts were not inhibitory towards cytochrome c oxidase (EC 1.9.3.1), but sodium cyanide and sodium formate were inhibitory with IC(50) values of 0.0015 mM and 59 mM, respectively. Volatile formate esters were more toxic than other alkyl esters, and this was found to be due, at least in part, to their hydrolysis to formic acid and its inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase.

Animals↗

Enthalpy and heat capacity changes for formation of an oligomeric DNA duplex: interpretation in terms of coupled processes of formation and association of single-stranded helices.

The thermodynamics of self-assembly of a 14 base pair DNA double helix from complementary strands have been investigated by titration (ITC) and differential scanning (DSC) calorimetry, in conjunction with van't Hoff analysis of UV thermal scans of individual strands. These studies demonstrate that thermodynamic characterization of the temperature-dependent contributions of coupled conformational equilibria in the individual "denatured" strands and in the duplex is essential to understand the origins of duplex stability and to derive stability prediction schemes of general applicability. ITC studies of strand association at 293 K and 120 mM Na+ yield an enthalpy change of -73 +/- 2 kcal (mol of duplex)-1. ITC studies between 282 and 312 K at 20, 50, and 120 mM Na+ show that the enthalpy of duplex formation is only weakly salt concentration-dependent but is very strongly temperature-dependent, decreasing approximately linearly with increasing temperature with a heat capacity change (282-312 K) of -1.3 +/- 0.1 kcal K-1 (mol of duplex)-1. From DSC denaturation studies in 120 mM Na+, we obtain an enthalpy of duplex formation of -120 +/- 5 kcal (mol of duplex)-1 and an estimate of the corresponding heat capacity change of -0.8 +/- 0.4 kcal K-1 (mol of duplex)-1 at the Tm of 339 K. van't Hoff analysis of UV thermal scans on the individual strands indicates that single helix formation is noncooperative with a temperature-independent enthalpy change of -5.5 +/- 0.5 kcal at 120 mM Na+. From these observed enthalpy and heat capacity changes, we obtain the corresponding thermodynamic quantities for two fundamental processes: (i) formation of single helices from disordered strands, involving only intrastrand (vertical) interactions between neighboring bases; and (ii) formation of double helices by association (docking) of single helical strands, involving interstrand (horizontal and vertical) interactions. At 293 K and 120 mM Na+, we calculate that the enthalpy change for association of single helical strands is approximately -64 kcal (mol of duplex)-1 as compared to -210 kcal (mol of duplex)-1 calculated for duplex formation from completely unstructured single strands and to the experimental ITC value of -73 kcal (mol of duplex)-1. The intrinsic heat capacity change for association of single helical strands to form the duplex is found to be small and positive [ approximately 0.1 kcal K-1 (mol of duplex)-1], in agreement with the result of a surface area analysis, which also predicts an undetectably small heat capacity change for single helix formation.

Calorimetry↗

Amyloid-like fibril formation in an all beta-barrel protein involves the formation of partially structured intermediate(s).

In the present study, we demonstrate the thermal induced amyloid formation in a beta-barrel protein, such as the acidic fibroblast growth factor from Notopthalmus viridescens (nFGF-1). Fibril formation in nFGF-1 is observed to occur maximally at 65 degrees C. Electron microscope analysis of the thermal induced fibrils of nFGF-1 shows that they are filamentous with an average diameter of about 20 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the thermal induced fibrils of nFGF-1 have a typical "cross-beta" structure with the beta-strands perpendicular to the fibril axis. By using a variety of biophysical techniques including multidimensional NMR, we demonstrate that fibril formation involves the formation of a partially structured intermediate(s) in the thermal unfolding pathway of the protein (nFGF-1). Results of the anilino-8-napthalene sulfonate binding experiments indicate that fibril formation occurs due to the coalescence of the protein (in the intermediate state(s)) through the solvent-exposed non-polar surface(s). In this study, we also demonstrate that organic osmolytes, such as proline, can efficiently prevent the thermal induced amyloid formation in nFGF-1. Proline is found to stabilize the native conformation of the protein. The addition, proline is observed to increase the cooperativity of the unfolding (native <--> denatured) reaction and consequently decrease the population of the "sticky" thermal equilibrium intermediate(s) responsible for the fibril formation.

Amyloid↗

Transient kinetics of formation of phosphorylated intermediate (EP) by fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum from bullfrog skeletal muscle: ligand addition sequence-dependent rate of EP formation.

In order to obtain a better understanding of Ca2+-activated ATP hydrolysis by sarcoplasmic reticulum, the transient kinetics of phosphorylated intermediate (EP) formation was examined with different sequences of addition of Ca2+ and ATP to GEDTA-added (Ca2+-free) fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum (FSR) from bullfrog skeletal muscle. With a short delay line (10-20 ms), the addition sequence of ATP followed by Ca2+ gives rise to a faster EP formation without any lag time. In the reverse sequence of ligand addition, a lag time of 2.5-3 ms was consistently observed irrespective of ATP concentration, and the rate of EP formation was lower. As the preincubation time with Ca2+ became longer, the rate constant for EP formation and the maximum level of EP attainable increased even in the presence of fixed concentrations of Ca2+ and ATP. The rate constant per the unit concentration of EP, however, remained constant, indicating second-order kinetics between Ca2+-activated FSR and ATP. With a preincubation time of 83.6 ms, no lag time was observed. In the addition sequence of ATP and 83.6 ms later Ca2+, a burst in EP formation was observed, which was followed by a usual exponential time-course of EP formation. Similar determinations in the presence of various concentrations of ATP led us to the following estimates of the rates of the reactions leading to EP formation at 15 degrees C. (formula: see text)

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Interruption of vascular thrombus formation and vascular lesion formation by dietary n-3 fatty acids in fish oil in nonhuman primates.

BACKGROUND: Because of discrepant claims regarding the relative biological effects of n-3 fatty acids (n-3FAs), we have concurrently measured the effects of dietary n-3FAs on blood and vascular lipid composition, hemostatic function, blood thrombotic responses, vascular thrombus formation, and vascular lesion formation in baboons. METHODS AND RESULTS: Dietary n-3FAs displaced n-6FAs in plasma, platelets, blood vessels, and corresponding urinary eicosanoid metabolites (p < 0.01 in all cases) within weeks after initiation of a semipurified diet containing 1 g/kg per day n-3FA-ethyl ester concentrate (composed of two thirds eicosapentanoic acid and one third docosahexanoic acid). Coincidentally, platelet hemostatic function became minimally impaired (template bleeding times prolonged from 4.3 +/- 0.5 minutes to 7.6 +/- 1.3 minutes, p = 0.039); concentrations of collagen producing half-maximal platelet aggregation increased (from 6.4 +/- 2.1 to 8.5 +/- 2.5 micrograms/mL, p = 0.045); and tissue factor expression by endotoxin-stimulated blood monocytes fell (from 6.5 +/- 1.2 to 1.7 +/- 0.14 mU/10(6) cells, p < 0.005). Dietary n-3FAs decreased deposition of platelets onto thrombogenic segments of Dacron vascular graft incorporated into chronic exteriorized femoral arteriovenous (AV) shunts, a thrombotic process resistant to the effects of both aspirin and heparin (111In-labeled platelet deposition decreased from 14.1 +/- 1.4 x 10(9) platelets/5-cm segment at 40-60 minutes with occlusion to 7.5 +/- 0.8 x 10(9) platelets/5-cm segment without occlusion; p < 0.001). Platelet deposition onto segments of endarterectomized homologous normal aorta in the AV shunts of n-3FA-treated animals was similarly reduced (from 4.4 +/- 0.9 to 1.8 +/- 0.4 x 10(9) platelets; p < 0.01). Dietary n-3FAs interrupted vascular thrombus formation at sites of surgical carotid endarterectomy (platelet deposition, 1.5 +/- 0.4 versus 4.4 +/- 1.0 x 10(9) platelets in untreated controls; p < 0.001). Moreover, endarterectomized aortic segments (EASs) from n-3FA-treated donors exhibited little capacity to induce thrombus formation when tested in the AV shunts of control recipient animals (0.24 +/- 0.10 versus 4.4 +/- 0.90 x 10(9) platelets). However, in the converse crossover experiments, EASs from control animals actively accumulated platelets when studied in the AV shunts of n-3FA-treated animals (1.8 +/- 0.4 x 10(9) platelets; p < 0.01 versus n-3FA-treated EASs in shunts of normal animals). Dietary n-3FAs also abolished vascular lesion formation at sites of carotid endarterectomy 6 weeks after surgery (cross-sectional area of neointima 0.048 +/- 0.031 mm2 compared with 0.428 +/- 0.104 mm2 in control arteries; p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: In nonhuman primates, dietary n-3FAs in high doses eliminate both vascular thrombus formation and vascular lesion formation after mechanical vascular injury while largely sparing hemostatic function and modestly reducing blood thrombotic responses. These effects are attributed to selective n-3FA-dependent alterations in cellular membrane functions.

Animals↗

Catechol estrogen formation by brain tissue: a comparison of the release of tritium from [2-3H]estradiol with [6,7-3H]2-hydroxyestradiol formation from [6,7-3H]estradiol by rabbit hypothalami in vitro.

In the course of establishing an assay for estrogen-2-hydroxylase activity, a detailed comparison was made between the formation of tritiated water (3H2O) and [6,7-3H]2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OHE2) by rabbit hypothalami in vitro from 2-3H- and 6,7-3H-labeled estradiol, respectively. The amounts of both 3H2O and [6,7-3H]2-OHE2 formed were stimulated several-fold by the nonionic detergent Tween-80. Maximum activity for both functions was associated with the soluble fractions (S2, 17,500 X g supernatant, for tritium release; S3, 100,000 X g supernatant, for 2-OHE2 formation). In contrast, maximal 3H2O formation by rat liver was associated with the microsomal (P3, 100,000 X g pellet) fraction and was virtually abolished by Tween-80. The amount of 3H2O formed exceeded, up to severalfold, the amount of 2-OHE2 produced under all conditions examined and in all subcellular fractions. The bulk of the excess 3H2O formation, unrelated to the production of 2-OHE2, could be eliminated by adding ascorbic acid (10 mM) to the incubation medium. However, a second, smaller component of spurious 3H2O release could not be suppressed. This component was responsible for a persistent lack of stoichiometry between the formation of 3H2O and 2-OHE2, with the former exceeding the latter by up to 2-fold. This discrepancy was unaffected by ascorbic acid (up to 20 mM), unlabeled 2-OHE2 (up to 10 microM), and reducing the temperature of incubation from 37 to 30 C, measures that prolonged the t1/2 of 2-OHE2 during incubation with hypothalamic tissue from under 3 min to over 100 min. These findings 1) raise doubts about the validity of using 3H2O formation from [2-3H]estradiol as a quantitative index of estrogen-2-hydroxylase activity, and 2) establish conditions under which further metabolism of 2-OHE2 is inhibited, thereby making it practical to quantify enzyme activity on the basis of the amount of catechol estrogen formed. Evidence is also presented that the release of 3H2O from [2-3H]estradiol by hypothalamic tissue, unrelated to 2-OHE2 formation, may be enzymatically mediated.

Animals↗

Impaired marrow osteogenesis is associated with reduced endocortical bone formation but does not impair periosteal bone formation in long bones of SAMP6 mice.

UNLABELLED: We used the SAMP6 osteoporotic mouse to examine the link between marrow osteogenic potential and in vivo cortical bone formation. SAMP6 marrow supported less in vitro osteogenesis than marrow from SAMR1 controls; SAMP6 mice had a corresponding deficit in endocortical mineralizing surface. This marrow/endocortical defect did not affect the periosteum, where SAMP6 mice had normal to enhanced bone formation. INTRODUCTION: With aging, there may be a reduction in the number or proliferative capacity of bone marrow osteoprogenitors that may contribute to age-related decreases in bone formation. To examine the link between the ability of the marrow to support osteogenesis and age-related changes in bone formation, we measured in vitro and in vivo indices of osteogenesis in a model of osteoporosis, the senescence-accelerated mouse SAMP6. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Femora and tibias from SAMP6 and SAMR1 (control) mice were harvested at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months of age (168 bones total). Bone marrow cells were cultured under osteogenic conditions and stained for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red. Dynamic indices of bone formation were assessed histologically from calcein labels. RESULTS: ALP+ and alizarin red-positive areas were significantly less in cultures from SAMP6 bones versus SAMR1 (p < 0.05), indicating less osteogenic potential. For example, SAMP6 tibial cultures had 21% less ALP+ area and 36% less alizarin red-positive area than SAMR1. Marrow from tibias had 2-fold greater osteogenesis than femoral marrow (p < 0.001). SAMP6 mice had a deficit in endocortical mineralizing surface across all age groups (p < 0.05), but no deficit in mineral apposition rate. Last, despite the marrow and endocortical deficits, SAMP6 mice had normal or slightly increased periosteal bone formation, consistent with their larger bone size. CONCLUSION: SAMP6 bone marrow supports less in vitro osteogenesis than SAMR1, consistent with a lower concentration of marrow osteoprogenitors in SAMP6. SAMP6 mice have less endocortical mineralizing surface than SAMR1 at all ages but no detectable deficit in mineral apposition rate, which suggests a reduction in osteoblast number but normal function. Periosteal bone formation is unimpaired in SAMP6 mice, indicating that the marrow/endocortical defect does not affect the periosteal surface.

Animals↗

[Effects of attitude formation, persuasive message, and source expertise on attitude change: an examination based on the Elaboration Likelihood Model and the Attitude Formation Theory].

The purpose of this study was to investigate how attitude change is generated by the recipient's degree of attitude formation, evaluative-emotional elements contained in the persuasive messages, and source expertise as a peripheral cue in the persuasion context. Hypotheses based on the Attitude Formation Theory of Mizuhara (1982) and the Elaboration Likelihood Model of Petty and Cacioppo (1981, 1986) were examined. Eighty undergraduate students served as subjects in the experiment, the first stage of which involving manipulating the degree of attitude formation with respect to nuclear power development. Then, the experimenter presented persuasive messages with varying combinations of evaluative-emotional elements from a source with either high or low expertise on the subject. Results revealed a significant interaction effect on attitude change among attitude formation, persuasive message and the expertise of the message source. That is, high attitude formation subjects resisted evaluative-emotional persuasion from the high expertise source while low attitude formation subjects changed their attitude when exposed to the same persuasive message from a low expertise source. Results exceeded initial predictions based on the Attitude Formation Theory and the Elaboration Likelihood Model.

Adult↗

Effects of partial sleep deprivation on within-format and cross-format priming.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of sleep on long-term priming. We report the results of a preliminary experiment that enabled us to verify that priming can last for 4 hours, and we also report the results of a study of partial sleep-deprivation. DESIGN: Subjects performed 2 tasks: within-format and cross-format priming. SETTINGS: Sleep laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-eight healthy young subjects participated in the 2 studies reported here: 48 in the preliminary experiment and 50 in the sleep-deprivation study. INTERVENTION: Testing after a 4-hour diurnal retention interval (Experiment 1) or after an equivalent interval filled with early or late sleep, or corresponding periods of wakefulness (Experiment 2). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: A tachistoscopic identification paradigm, consisting of naming aloud briefly flashed drawings, was used to assess 2 priming conditions: a same-format or within-format condition (in which items were drawings in the study and test phases) and a different- or cross-format condition (in which the symbolic format of the items differed between the 2 phases: words/drawings). In Experiment 1, we revealed significant priming effects in both conditions after a 4-hour interval. In Experiment 2, only same-format priming effects were observed, but their magnitude was smaller than in Experiment 1. There was no significant difference in priming scores between the sleep and wake groups. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep does not appear to have a strong effect on priming. Instead, priming appears to be affected by circadian influences.

Adolescent↗

[Genetic control of the formation of plasmid F'. I. Effect of recA- and seg-2 mutations in an Hfr donor strain on the character of plasmid F' formation].

Assuming the similarity of the processes of illegitimate recombination, such as deletion formation, with the process of F' plasmid formation, we have undertaken the study of the influence of recA- and seg- alleles of Hfr donor on the F' plasmid formation. The data obtained demonstrate the strong influence of donor genotype on the frequency of F' plasmid formation and on the nature of F' plasmids formed, thus demonstrating that the most of F' plasmids have been formed via recombination in Hfr donor cells. The recA- mutation decreased the total yield of F' plasmids selected using both proximal and distal Hfr markers and affected drastically the distribution of the F' plasmids inheriting different proximal unselected markers. The existence of recA-dependent and recA-independent modes of F' plasmid formation was demonstrated. The Escherichia coli chromosome contains regions which involve preferentially in recA-dependent (between proA and gal, and clockwise from gal) or recA-independent (between leu and proA, and the region counterclockwise from argE) recombination. The seg-2 mutation causes only partial block of both recA-dependent and recA-independent recombination pathways, however it causes dramatic decrease of genetic exchanges leading to the formation of the type II F' plasmids. Both seg- and recA- mutations decrease the frequency of the formation of Tra+ F' transconjugants. The percent of Tra- transconjugants, which remain sensitive to MS2 and Q beta donor specific phages, also drops significantly under the influence of the recA- and seg- alleles. Thus, the recombination involving the F structure in wild type strains and seg- mutants occures preferentially in the points of F outside the regions essential for transfer and sensitivity to male specific phages, while in recA- and recA-ges- strains the points inside these regions (tra operon) frequently involved in F' plasmid looping out. There exist more strict correlation between the fertility and sensitivity to phage Q beta than to phage MS2.

Chromosome Deletion↗

A mutant insulin receptor induces formation of a Shc-growth factor receptor bound protein 2 (Grb2) complex and p21ras-GTP without detectable interaction of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) with Grb2. Evidence for IRS1-independent p21ras-GTP formation.

The activation of p21ras by receptor tyrosine kinases involves the translocation of the growth factor receptor bound protein 2-mammalian son of sevenless protein (Grb2-SOS) complex to the plasma membrane where p21ras is localized. Insulin receptors induce p21ras-GTP formation by two possible mechanisms: tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and its subsequent association with Grb2, or Shc phosphorylation and its subsequent association with Grb2. We investigated the contribution of the major tyrosine autophosphorylation sites Tyr1158, Tyr1162, and Tyr1163 of the insulin receptor to IRS1.Grb2 and Shc.Grb2 association and the formation of p21ras-GTP. Chinese hamster ovary-derived cell lines were used overexpressing mutant insulin receptors in which the major tyrosine autophosphorylation sites were stepwise replaced by phenylalanines. In cell lines expressing wild type or mutant Y1158F,Y1162,Y1163 (FYY) receptors, insulin stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS1 and Shc and the formation of IRS1.Grb2 and Shc.Grb2 protein complexes, together with an increase in p21ras-GTP. Cell lines expressing mutant Y1158,Y1162F,Y1163F (YFF) receptors showed insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc, Shc.Grb2 complex formation, and p21ras-GTP formation, whereas tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS1 was strongly decreased and formation of IRS1.Grb2 complexes was undetectable. The activity of FYY and YFF receptors to mediate p21ras-GTP formation correlated with their activity to induce Shc phosphorylation and Shc.Grb2 association. The mutant insulin receptors Y1158F,Y1162F,Y1163 and Y1158F,Y1162F,Y1163F were inactive in inducing any of these responses. We conclude that phosphorylation of Tyr1158 and Tyr1162 of the insulin receptor is linked to distinct post-receptor processes and that YFF receptors generate p21ras-GTP via the Shc.Grb2 pathway rather than one involving IRS1.Grb2 interaction.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Determinants of weddellite formation: chondroitin sulfates and citrate determine weddellite formation in vitro.

In synthetic urine (SU), addition of oxalate tends to form monohydrates of calcium oxalate. However, addition of oxalate to natural urine preferably forms calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD). Urine apparently contains a determinant for COD formation. To identify the determinant, the effects of pH, temperature, oxalate, calcium, urate, citrate, magnesium, sulfate and chondroitin sulfates (CS) on calcium oxalate crystal formation were studied. Lower temperatures, higher oxalate concentrations and higher pH favored COD formation in a SU. Mixed CS in the presence of citrate were the most decisive determinant of COD formation. Substitution of CS for agar and gelatin produced similar results, indicating that the colloidal effect of the macromolecules determines COD formation. Identification of the determinants led to a simple, reproducible method of COD formation in SU without natural urine. Addition of strontium to SU resulted in dodecahedral bipyramids. Interpenetration twinning of bipyramids occur within seconds of the crystal formation.

Calcium Oxalate↗

Regulation of Escherichia coli formate hydrogenlyase activity by formate at alkaline pH.

Escherichia coli possesses two hydrogenases, Hyd-3 and Hyd-4. These, in conjunction with formate dehydrogenase H (Fdh-H), constitute distinct membrane-associated formate hydrogenlyases, FHL-1 and FHL-2, both catalyzing the decomposition of formate to H(2) and CO(2) during fermentative growth. FHL-1 is the major pathway at acidic pH whereas FHL-2 is proposed for slightly alkaline pH. In this study, regulation of activity of these pathways by formate has been investigated. In cells grown under fermentative conditions on glucose in the presence of 30 mM formate at pH 7.5, intracellular pH was decreased to 7.1, the activity of Fdh-H raised 3.5-fold, and the production of H(2) became mostly Hyd-3 dependent. These results suggest that at alkaline pH formate increases an activity of Fdh-H and of Hyd-3 both but not of Hyd-4.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗