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Chemical modification of rabbit skeletal muscle phosphorylase kinase with phenylglyoxal.

Nonactivated phosphorylase kinase from rabbit skeletal muscle is inactivated by treatment with phenylglyoxal. Under mild reaction conditions, a derivative that retains 10-15% of the pH 8.2 catalytic activity is obtained. The kinetics of inactivation profile, differential effects of modification on pH 6.8 and 8.2 catalytic activities, and the insensitiveness of the modified enzyme to activation by ADP reveal that the 10-15% of catalytic activity remaining is very likely due to intrinsic catalytic activity of the derivative rather than to the presence of unmodified enzyme molecules. The kinetic results also suggest that the inactivation is correlatable with the reaction of one molecule of the reagent with the enzyme without any prior binding of phenylglyoxal. The phenylglyoxal modification reduces the autophosphorylation rate of the kinase. Autophosphorylated phosphorylase kinase is inactivated by phenylglyoxal at a much slower rate than the inactivation of nonactivated kinase. Thus, phenylglyoxal modification influences the phosphorylation and vice versa. The modified enzyme can be reactivated by treatment with trypsin or by dissociation using chatropic salts. The activity of the phenylglyoxal-modified enzyme after trypsin digestion or dissociation with LiBr reaches the same level as that of the native enzyme digested with trypsin or treated with LiBr under identical conditions. The results suggest that the effect of modification is overcome by dissociation of the subunits of phosphorylase kinase and that the catalytic site is not modified under conditions when 85% of the pH 8.2 catalytic activity is lost. Among various nucleotides and metal ions tested, only ADP, with or without Mg2+, afforded effective protection against inactivation with phenylglyoxal. At pH 6.8, 1 mM ADP afforded complete protection against inactivation. Experiments with 14C-labeled phenylglyoxal revealed that ADP seemingly protects one residue from modification. This result is in agreement with the kinetic result that the inactivation seemingly is due to reaction of one molecule of the reagent with the enzyme. The results confirm the existence of a high-affinity ADP binding site on nonactivated phosphorylase kinase and suggest the involvement of a functional arginyl residue at or near the ADP binding site in the regulation of of pH 8.2 catalytic activity of the enzyme.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Chemical modification of histidyl and lysyl residues in yeast enolase.

Modification of yeast enolase (2-phospho-D-glycerate hydro-lyase, EC 4.2.1.11) by diethyl pyrocarbonate at either pH 6.1 or 6.6 caused a biphasic inactivation of the enzyme. In the presence of excess Mg2+, either an equilibrium mixture of substrates or 3-phosphoglycerate, a competitive inhibitor, prevented the second slower phase of inactivation, but had no effect on the first rapid phase. Complete inactivation by diethyl pyrocarbonate correlates with the modification of six histidyl residues/subunit, while 3-phosphoglycerate protects two histidyl residues/subunit from modification. Modification of enolase by two lysine-specific reagents, 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonate and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, at pH 8.3 caused a slow loss of enzyme activity. However, substrates did not significantly protect against inactivation by either reagent, and inactivation with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonate correlates with the modification of 18 lysyl residues/enzyme subunit.

Binding Sites↗

Modification of the carboxypeptidase A active site residue Glu-270 prevents interaction with a protein protease inhibitor from Ascaris.

The involvement of two active site residues of carboxypeptidase A in binding a protein inhibitor from Ascaris was studied. Glu-270 was modified with N-ethyl-5-phenylisoxazolium-3'-sulfonate and Tyr-248 was modified with tetranitromethane or diazotized arsanilic acid. Modification of Glu-270 abolished protein inhibitor binding and Glu-270 was protected from modification when the enzyme was bound to the protein inhibitor. In contrast, modification of Tyr-248 did not abolish protein inhibitor binding, nor did such binding protect Tyr-248 from modification. The absorption isosbestic point of arsanilazocarboxypeptidase A (Tyr-248 chemically modified) underwent a blue shift from 428 to 416 nm when the modified enzyme was bound to the protein inhibitor between pH 7.7 and 9.0. The 416 nm isosbestic point is characteristic of the loss of interaction between modified Tyr-248 and the active site zinc ion. These results with a protein inhibitor can be compared to substrate catalysis in which Tyr-248 moves away from the active site zinc ion of carboxypeptidase A when substrate binds. The close association of Glu-270 with Ascaris inhibitor interaction is consistent with other results which show that of the active site residues, only the modification of Glu-270 completely abolishes catalysis.

Animals↗

1 Acyl-2 acetyl-sn-glycero-3 phosphocholine decreases the susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein to oxidative modification by copper ions, monocytes or endothelial cells.

The effects of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and its analogue, 1 acyl-2 acetyl-sn-glycero-3 phosphocholine (1 acyl-2 acetyl-GPC), were investigated on the oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by copper ions, U937 monocyte-like cells or endothelial cells, by determination of the lipid peroxidation end products (TBARS) content and measurement of the electrophoretic mobility of the particle. 1 Acyl-2 acetyl-GPC, in the concentration range 1-5 micrograms/ml, inhibited LDL oxidation in a dose-dependent manner in the three systems, whereas PAF had no effect. The protective effect of 1 acyl-2 acetyl-GPC was markedly more important when oxidative modification was performed with endothelial cells, leading to total inhibition at 5 micrograms/ml. At the same concentration, the TBARS production was inhibited by 60% and 20% with monocytes and copper ions, respectively. The degradation by J774 macrophage-like cells of LDL modified by copper ions, U937 monocyte-like cells or endothelial cells was also inhibited when modification was performed in the presence of 1 acyl-2 acetyl-GPC. Furthermore, preincubation of the LDL particle with 1 acyl-2 acetyl-GPC before modification protected the lipoprotein against oxidation, whereas preincubation of the cultured cells with the phospholipid had no effect. Thus 1 acyl-2 acetyl-GPC decreases the susceptibility of the LDL particle to oxidative modification, possibly by intercalation within the lipid phase of the particle. Since LDL oxidation is believed to play an important role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, this inhibitory effect of 1 acyl-2 acetyl-GPC might be of importance in view of the fact that this phospholipid is produced concomitantly with PAF in some inflammatory cells.

Cell Line↗

Iron-ascorbate-phospholipid mediated modification of low density lipoprotein.

LDL can be oxidized by a variety of agents to form a modified lipoprotein which is capable of being avidly metabolized by macrophages. While previous in vitro studies have focused exclusively on the oxidation of LDL, other lipids found in the atheroma are also subject to oxidation and its lipoperoxide byproducts may contribute to the process of LDL modification. To examine the relationship between the oxidation of phospholipids and the subsequent modification of LDL, we incubated 250 microM phosphatidylcholine with 10 microM ferrous sulfate and 50 microM ascorbic acid in 10 mM Tris (pH 7.0). After 18 h at 37 degrees C, significant amounts of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were formed. The inclusion of LDL (100 micrograms protein/ml) elevated the TBARS and increased the electrophoretic mobility of the lipoprotein. LDL treated with iron and ascorbate in the absence of phosphatidylcholine did not result in the modification of this lipoprotein. LDL that was incubated with phosphatidylcholine, iron and ascorbate was found to be metabolized by macrophages to a far greater extent than native LDL or LDL treated with phosphatidylcholine alone. Probucol (10 microM) inhibited the LDL modification process. These results demonstrate that while iron and ascorbate cannot oxidize LDL directly, the addition of phosphatidylcholine to these initiators of lipid peroxidation can mediate and lead to the modification of LDL.

Animals↗

Modification of protein synthetic components by aflatoxin B1.

Molecular sites of perturbation by the hepatocarcinogen aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in the protein synthesis initiation complex were assessed using isolated hepatocytes and a cell-free activating system containing microsomes and cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein complexes (cRPC). Ribosomal proteins showed no detectable modification by the toxin in either system. With hepatocytes, initiation factors demonstrated only slight modification by AFB1. RNAs from both hepatocytes and the cell-free system with microsomes and cRPC were modified, with poly(A)-containing RNA exhibiting at least a 5-fold higher modification than poly(A)-lacking RNA. The poly(A)-lacking RNAs were modified in the order 28S rRNA greater than 18S rRNA greater than 5-6S rRNA greater than 4S tRNA. Guanine was the target base of AFB1, but only 10% of the AFB1-GMP adducts were on guanines located in a poly(G) region. These results suggest that guanine modification in RNAs may be responsible for the observed inhibition of translational initiation by AFB1 to a greater extent than modification of either ribosomal intrinsic or associated proteins.

Aflatoxin B1↗

DNA modification in rat lungs following intratracheal or subcutaneous administration of 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide, benzo[a]pyrene or 2-aminoanthracene.

Benzo[a]pyrene (BP)-, 2-aminoanthracene (2AA)- and 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO)-mediated DNA modification were investigated in rat lungs by using alkaline sucrose gradient sedimentation. The exposure-route, the physicochemical nature of the administered compound and the number of treatments were all important in determining the extent of DNA modification. 4NQO produced qualitatively similar modification whether instilled intratracheally (i.t.) as a suspension or injected subcutaneously (s.c.) in a soluble form. BP and 2AA produced no DNA alteration when injected s.c; they did, however, modify DNA sedimentation when instilled as a suspension, but not until 24 h after treatment. Furthermore, BP caused no DNA modification at any sampling time when instilled in a lipid solvent. In contrast to the DNA modification observed at 24 h after a single i.t. treatment with a BP suspension, no such alteration was detected 12 or 24 h after the last of 5 similar daily treatments. These results are discussed with respect to mechanisms of differential transport, clearance and metabolism of administered carcinogens.

4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide↗

Biophysical studies of the modification of poly(rG) . poly(rC) by cisplatin. Relations to the biological activity of the complex.

The integrity of the double-stranded complex polyriboguanylic.polyribocytidylic acid [poly(rG).poly(rC)] modified by antitumour cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II)(cis-DDP) was studied with the aid of differential pulse polarography and terbium fluorescence measurement. The modification was made to level corresponding to rb = 0.05 (rb is defined as the number of platinum atoms covalently bound per one nucleotide residue). Two modes of the modification of the polynucleotide complex were employed: The action of cis-DDP on poly(G) before formation of the complex with poly(C) and on the complex already formed from non-modified polynucleotides. It was shown that in the latter case modification disordered the integrity of the complex only negligibly. while in the former case the modification resulted in a noticeably more extensive disturbance of the double-stranded polynucleotide complex. Moreover, the modification of the complex (after its formation) at rb = 0.02 led to improved interferon-inducing and antiviral activity of poly(rG).poly(rC) tested on mice infected by influenza virus. It was suggested that the combined effects of interferon-inducing and antiviral activities of poly(rG).poly(rC) and antiviral activity of cis-DDP may result in an increased effect over and above what may be expected from the actions of the two modalities separately.

Antiviral Agents↗

Precocious loss of cortical granules during mouse oocyte meiotic maturation and correlation with an egg-induced modification of the zona pellucida.

Fertilization results in cortical granule exocytosis, which is thought to be involved in modifications of the zona pellucida that constitute the zona pellucida block to polyspermy. A previous report demonstrated that a decrease in the number of Lens culinaris agglutinin-staining granules, which are likely to be cortical granules, occurred during in vivo mouse oocyte maturation with arrest at metaphase II, as well as the formation of a cortical granule-free domain in the area of the metaphase II spindle (T. Ducibella, E. Anderson, D.F. Albertini, J. Aalberg, and S. Rangarajan, 1988, Dev. Biol. 130, 184-197). We extend these observations by reporting here that germinal vesicle-intact oocytes matured in vitro to metaphase II in either the absence or the presence of serum develop a cortical granule-free domain and have reduced numbers of cortical granules when compared to germinal vesicle-intact oocytes; these changes are similar to those of oocytes matured in vivo. The reduction in the number of cortical granules requires germinal vesicle breakdown, since it is prevented by dibutyryl cAMP, which inhibits germinal vesicle breakdown in vitro. The ability of oocytes to respond to the calcium ionophore A23187 with a reduction in the number of cortical granules is also associated with meiotic maturation and develops between 7 and 12 hr after initiation of maturation. The maturation-associated reduction in the number of cortical granules is likely to represent cortical granule exocytosis, since this reduction is accompanied by the formation of a cortical granule-free domain and a conversion of ZP2 to ZP2f when the oocytes are matured in vitro in serum-free medium; this zona pellucida modification occurs following fertilization and is thought to be due to cortical granule exocytosis. In contrast, the loss of cortical granules and development of the cortical granule-free domain of oocytes matured in vitro in the presence of serum is not accompanied by the modification of ZP2. The inhibitory effect of serum on the ZP2 modification may afford in vivo a physiological mechanism to prevent a precocious modification of the zona pellucida that could result in a premature block to polyspermy and hence inhibit fertilization.

Animals↗

Modification of macrophage glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in response to nitric oxide.

A potential cytotoxic, self-destructive role of endogenously generated and exogenously supplied nitric oxide (NO) was studied in two mouse monocytic macrophage cell lines (RAW 264.7 and J774.1). Our attention centered on NO-mediated glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) modification and inhibition of the Krebs cycle enzyme, aconitase, related to macrophage cell death. NO formed by an active inducible nitric oxide synthase significantly decreased cell viability in the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) cytotoxicity assay. Similarly, cell viability was inversely and dose-dependently correlated to increasing concentrations of the NO-releasing compound, sodium nitroprusside. Biochemically, we noticed a correlation between endogenously derived or exogenously generated NO and inhibition of GAPDH as well as aconitase enzyme activity. The involvement of NO was further substantiated by the use of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine. Associated with decreased GAPDH enzyme activity, 32P-NAD(+)-dependent modification of the enzyme in the cytosol of pretreated cells was hindered. This reflects intracellular protein modification as a result of NO signalling. Using sodium nitroprusside we achieved GAPDH translocation from the cytosol to the plasma membrane or the nucleus of treated cells. However, despite GAPDH modification, lactate production was not rate limiting during NO intoxication. Furthermore, blocking the iron-sulfur-containing enzyme, aconitase, is insufficient to produce macrophage cell death. Although RAW 264.7 and J774.1 cells show substantial variation in their sensitivity towards NO it can be concluded that NO-mediated macrophage cell death is not linked to energy depletion. For GAPDH, NO-mediated protein modification may be related to functions of the enzyme, other than its glycolytic role.

Aconitate Hydratase↗

Alterations in nuclear anatomy by chemical modification of proteins in isolated rat liver nuclei.

Whole rat liver nuclei were treated with citraconic anhydride, a reagent specific for primary amines. Dramatic changes were observed in nuclear morphology and light scattering properties. An analysis for DNA and RNA content suggested that DNA was released from the nuclei with a short half-time, approximately 2-4s demonstrating a biphasic release profile. RNA was similarly released but with a monophasic profile. Analysis of SDS-PAGE gels of modified nuclei demonstrated a progressive enrichment of nuclear matrix (lamins) polypeptides with extent of modification. H1 histone was quantitatively lost as a function of modification reagent concentration, while approx. 50% of the nucleosomal histones cosedimented with DNA- and RNA-free nuclei. Modification in the presence of 2 mM EGTA released all the DNA and RNA [less than or equal to 1% remaining) while retaining structures characteristic of nuclear matrix, nucleoli, and ribonucleoprotein (predominantly hnRNA group A and B). These nucleic acid-deficient structures have been termed nuclear fossils to differentiate them from high salt detergent-prepared empty nuclear sacks, nuclear remnants, or nuclear scaffolds. Modification in the presence of 2% Triton X-100 results in structures similar to the nuclear fossils (EGTA treatment), but missing the double bilayer and a 51K polypeptide that is a major component of the other structures. The use of chemical modification on the nucleus provides an experimental approach for examining the role of ionic interactions in controlling nuclear structure. Citraconylation may thus serve two functions: (a) as a protein-specific perturbant of nuclei capable of simply and rapidly preparing a range of structural variants for the analysis of nuclear interactions; (b) offer a paradigm for control of nucleic acid-polypeptide interactions based on post-translational alterations in protein charge.

Animals↗

A dynamical model for post-translational modifications of microtubules.

In many cases, post-translational modifications constitute indirect markers of non-dynamic microtubules. The correlation between stability of microtubular systems and post-translational modifications suggests that they may act as a signal in patterning mechanisms. However, a crucial question remains as to how the repertoire of distinctly modified microtubules is generated. We propose here an ubiquitous mechanism of spatial and temporal differentiation of microtubules. In this model, the diversity of post-translational modifications results from a dynamical pathway separation which is ensured by biochemical switches between self-regulated mechanisms of differentiation. Thus, it does not require any hypothetical subcellular compartmentalization of enzymatic activities responsible for the various post-translational modifications. These results are discussed in relation to experimental evidences for a temporal and spatial regulation of microtubule modifications.

Microtubules↗

Physiologic levels of ascorbate inhibit the oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein.

Oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein (LDL) could contribute to the atherosclerotic process by its cytotoxic effect, uptake by the scavenger receptor and influence on monocyte and macrophage motility. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of physiologic levels of alpha-tocopherol and ascorbate on Cu2(+)-induced oxidative modification of LDL. Whereas alpha-tocopherol had an inhibitory effect on the oxidative modification of LDL only for 5 h, as evidenced by the electrophoretic mobility and lipid peroxide content, ascorbate inhibited the oxidative modification of LDL for both 5 and 24 h. By inhibiting the oxidative modification of LDL, ascorbate prevented the uptake and degradation of oxidatively modified LDL by the scavenger-receptor mechanism of cultured human monocyte derived macrophages. It thus appears that in this cell-free system (2.5 microM Cu2+), ascorbate is a more potent antioxidant than alpha-tocopherol. These findings indicate that ascorbate in physiologic concentrations should inhibit the oxidate modification of LDL in vivo.

Ascorbic Acid↗

Cigarette smoke extract inhibits oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein.

Oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) by cigarette smoke has been suggested in several recent studies. To characterize possible modification of LDL by cigarette smoke extract (CSE), we incubated LDL with CSE either in the presence or absence of the chemical pro-oxidants, cupric chloride or 2,2'-azo-bis(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH). Surprisingly, CSE inhibited oxidative modification of LDL induced by either copper or AAPH. Under such oxidant stress conditions, CSE inhibited formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and also inhibited the increased agarose gel electrophoretic mobility of LDL in a dose-response manner. In addition, CSE prevented degradation of phosphatidylcholine to lysophosphatidylcholine and also fragmentation of the apolipoprotein B-100 moiety of LDL. Finally, CSE inhibited loss of immunoreactivity of the treated LDL with a murine monoclonal antibody against human apolipoprotein B-100. On the other hand, at higher concentrations, CSE per se was still able to cause structural changes in LDL. After incubation with CSE for 24 h, LDL showed a slight increase in agarose gel electrophoretic mobility, a slight loss of immunoreactivity with monoclonal antibody, and a marked increase in protein carbonyl formation. Lipid peroxidation did not appear to be involved in the modification of LDL caused by CSE. It is suggested that reactive aldehydes present in cigarette smoke may cause direct chemical modification of LDL. Furthermore, the free radical-scavenging potential of the tar fraction of cigarette smoke may be responsible for the apparent antioxidant properties of CSE against LDL oxidation.

Electrophoresis, Agar Gel↗

Dipyridamole inhibits the oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein.

The oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) is believed to play an important role in the initiation of the atherosclerotic lesion. Dipyridamole, which is used clinically as a coronary vasodilator and an antiplatelet agent, has antioxidant properties. Probucol is a lipid-lowering agent which inhibits the oxidative modification of LDL. We have compared the effect of pharmacological concentrations of dipyridamole and probucol on the oxidative modification of LDL by copper or endothelial cells in vitro. Dipyridamole protected LDL from oxidative modification by either copper ions or endothelial cells at concentrations as low as 2.5 microM while probucol had no effect at this concentration. LDL oxidized with copper in the presence of dipyridamole (20 microM) was less effective than LDL oxidized in the absence of dipyridamole at inhibiting [3H]acetyl-LDL binding to cultured human. THP-1 monocyte derived macrophages. The concentrations of dipyridamole found to inhibit the oxidative modification of LDL in vitro are achieved in vivo using clinically recommended doses.

Cells, Cultured↗

Studies on the chemical modification of hemorrhagic toxin I from five pace snake (Agkistrodon acutus) venom.

The chemical modification of hemorrhagic toxin I (AaHI) from Agkistrodon acutus has been studied. Inactivation was observed upon modification of 3 out of 7 histidine residues with diethyl pyrocarbonate. The His residues are deblocked, accompanied by a return of activity, upon treatment with neutral hydroxylamine. The circular dichroism and fluorescence spectra of diethyl pyrocarbonate inactivated toxin and the native toxin are the same, indicating that modification with diethyl pyrocarbonate does not cause any gross change in the structure of the protein. At least one His residue may thus play an essential role in the enzyme activity. Reaction of the toxin with N-bromosuccimide abolished the enzyme activity, with modification of Trp, Tyr and His residues. The loss of Trp did not parallel the inactivation. Hydrogen peroxide, dioxane and 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl-bromide treatment damaged the Trp residues, but did not affect the activity. Therefore, the modified tryptophan side chains are not essential for activity. Modification of 2.5-3.0 Tyr residues out of 9 with acetylimidazole did not affect the enzyme activity, nor did nitration of the toxin with tetranitromethane. The reactive tyrosines are apparently not essential.

Amino Acids↗

Polylactosaminoglycan modification of the respiratory syncytial virus small hydrophobic (SH) protein: a conserved feature among human and bovine respiratory syncytial viruses.

We investigated the nature of the oligosaccharide modification of the glycosylated forms of the small hydrophobic integral membrane protein, SH (previously designated 1A), of respiratory syncytial (RS) virus. Analysis of SH protein expressed in cells infected with RS virus or with a recombinant vaccinia virus revealed two glycosylated SH protein species, SHg and SHp, which contained N-linked carbohydrate residues. SHp migrated diffusely on polyacrylamide gels, which suggested modification by polylactosaminoglycan oligosaccharides. Polylactosaminoglycan modification of SHp was established from three lines of investigation: (1) the synthesis of SHp in a cell line (IdID) conditionally defective in the ability to add specific carbohydrate residues to N- or O-linked oligosaccharide chains required the addition of galactose, which is a component of the N-acetyllactosamine repeating unit; (2) SHp was sensitive to digestion with endo-beta-galactosidase, which cleaves the beta 1-4 linkage between galactose and N-acetylglucosamine of the repeated N-acetyllactosamine subunit; and (3) SHp was selected by Datura stramonium lectin (Dsl), which has specificity for polylactosaminoglycans. The presence of SHp as a component of purified human subgroups A and B and bovine RS virus particles was demonstrated by Dsl affinity selection. In addition to SHp, nonglycosylated SHo was selected by Dsl affinity, indicating that SHp and SHo may associate to form complexes within infected cells and virus particles. To identify conserved amino acid residues among the human and bovine SH glycoproteins that may function as signals for polylactosaminoglycan modification, the nucleotide sequences of the SH protein genes of a human subgroup B virus (8/60) and a bovine virus (391-2) were determined and compared to those of a human subgroup A virus (A2), a subgroup B virus (18537), and a bovine virus (A51908). A comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences of the human and bovine RS virus SH proteins indicated that a central hydrophobic region and the presence of potential N-linked glycosylation sites on either side of the central hydrophobic region were conserved features that may be required for the polylactosaminoglycan modification of SH.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Influence of chemical modification of tryptophan residues on the properties of human antithrombin III.

According to the reaction conditions selected, chemical modification of tryptophan residues in antithrombin III by dimethyl (2-hydroxy-5 nitrobenzyl) sulfonium bromide (HNBSB) generated products with similar levels of modification (equivalent to 0.9 mole 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl (HNB) incorporated/mole of antithrombin III) but with high or low affinity for heparin. These products were subjected to digestion by cyanogen bromide and shown to be modified equivalently in fragment II containing Trp 189 and Trp 225 and fragment III containing Trp 49. The molar level of incorporation of HNB into these fragments was similar in the high and low affinity forms. Both high and low affinity forms showed loss of heparin cofactor activity. A recovery of heparin cofactor activity towards coagulation factor Xa was observed upon prolonged storage of low affinity forms at -70 degrees C. It is considered that the loss of high affinity for heparin upon modification of antithrombin III arises from change or stabilization of conformation associated with tryptophan modification and is not a singular property of modification of Trp 49.

Antithrombin III↗