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The inhibitory effect of monensin on high K-induced contraction in guinea-pig taenia coli.

This study deals with the effects of monensin, a Na ionophore, on contraction, cellular Na content, oxygen consumption and tissue ATP content of smooth muscle of the guinea-pig taenia coli depolarized by high K (62.7 mM) solution. The application of monensin (10(-8) -10(-6) M) had little effect on the phasic component of the K contraction while it decreased the tonic component. The inhibitory effect of monensin, unlike that of verapamil, was not antagonized by raising the concentration of external Ca. Under hypoxic conditions, the inhibitory action of monensin (10(-7) M) was greatly reduced. The removal of Na (choline or sucrose substitution) from the high K solution did not attenuate the inhibitory effect of hypoxia or monensin. Monensin (10(-7) M) produced only a small increase in cellular Na in the depolarized muscle. The K-induced increase in the rate of oxygen consumption was suppressed by monensin (10(-6) M). In high K solution, but not in normal solution, monensin (10(-6) M) decreased the tissue ATP content. These results suggest that the relaxing action of monensin is mainly due to the inhibition of aerobic energy metabolism of the smooth muscle of guinea-pig taenia coli.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Reduced substrate oxidation in postischemic myocardium: 13C and 31P NMR analyses.

13C and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were used to assess substrate oxidation and high-energy phosphates in postischemic (PI) isolated rabbit hearts. Phosphocreatine (PCr) increased in nonischemic controls on switching from glucose perfusion to either 2.5 mM [3-13C]pyruvate (120%, n = 7) or [2-13C]acetate (114%, n = 8, P less than 0.05). ATP content, oxygen consumption (MVO2), and hemodynamics (dP/dt) were not affected by substrate availability in control or PI hearts. dP/dt was 40-60% lower in PI hearts during reperfusion after 10 min ischemia. Hearts reperfused with either pyruvate (n = 11) or acetate (n = 8) regained preischemic PCr levels within 45 s. Steady-state ATP levels were 55-70% of preischemia with pyruvate and 52-60% with acetate. Percent maximum [4-13C]glutamate signal showed reduced conversion of pyruvate to glutamate via the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle at 4-min reperfusion (PI = 24 +/- 4%, means +/- SE; Control = 48 +/- 4%). The increase in 13C signal from the C-4 position of glutamate was similar to control hearts within 10.5 min. The increase in [4-13C]glutamate signal from acetate was not different between PI and control hearts. The ratio of [2-13C]Glu:[4-13C]Glu, reflecting TCA cycle activity, was reduced in PI hearts with acetate for at least 10 min (Control = 0.76 +/- 0.03; PI = 0.51 +/- 0.09) until steady state was reached. Despite rapid recovery of oxidative phosphorylation, contractility remained impaired and substrate oxidation was significantly slowed in postischemic hearts.

Acetates↗

The effect of halothane, isoflurane, and verapamil on ischemic-isolated rabbit renal tubules.

The effects of the volatile anesthetics halothane and isoflurane, and the calcium entry blocker verapamil, were studied in isolated rabbit renal tubules under nonischemic and simulated ischemic conditions. Isolated rabbit renal tubules were subjected to zero (control), 30 (I-30), or 60 (I-60) minutes of simulated ischemia following the method of Weinberg. Following the ischemic period, tubules were reoxygenated in a Gilson respirometer (simulated reperfusion) and treated with either halothane (1%) or isoflurane (1%) in the controls and at I-30, or halothane (1%, 2%, 4%) or verapamil (5 microM, 15 microM, 30 microM) at I-60. Tubules were analyzed for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release (measuring cell membrane integrity), intracellular potassium and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and oxygen consumption (cellular respiratory rate). In nonischemic tubules, exposure to 1% isoflurane caused significantly reduced LDH release compared with that released by controls, indicating cell membrane protection, whereas 1% halothane had no effect on these cells. With 30 min of ischemia, 1% isoflurane was associated with significantly higher cellular LDH release and lower ATP concentration, suggesting increased cellular damage. Halothane (1%) was associated with only an increased ATP concentration in tubules exposed to 30 min of ischemia. Following 60 min of ischemia, halothane (4%) decreased LDH release by 45% (29.2 +/- 2.3% vs. 47.0 +/- 9.6% without halothane). Tubules exposed to halothane also had higher intracellular potassium and ATP concentrations, and increased respiratory rates. Halothane (2%) was less protective and only increased the ATP concentration. The release of LDH was not statistically different with or without 2% halothane.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and a selective cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor uncouple mitochondria in intact cells.

OBJECTIVE: Uncoupling of isolated mitochondria by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been considered relevant to the development of gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. We investigated the occurrence of NSAID-induced uncoupling of mitochondria in intact cells (rat thymocytes) compared with the effects of a selective cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitor. METHODS: Oxygen consumption and mitochondrial membrane potential were simultaneously measured amperometrically and by distribution of radioactive tracer molecules, respectively, in the presence and absence of pharmacologically relevant concentrations of the NSAIDs indomethacin and diclofenac and the selective COX-2 inhibitor SC-236. Analysis of data by a technique related to top-down elasticity analysis permitted assessment of the influence of these compounds on individual components of cellular energy metabolism. RESULTS: Indomethacin, diclofenac, and SC-236 increased proton leak in isolated mitochondria. Both diclofenac and SC-236 significantly stimulated proton leak in intact cells and simultaneously inhibited substrate oxidation and ATP turnover. Oxygen consumption rates of isolated cells remained unchanged over a wide concentration range of the drugs, despite significant effects on subsystems of cellular energy metabolism. CONCLUSION: NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors have significant and equally directed effects on cellular energy metabolism. They both uncouple mitochondrial respiration and inhibit substrate oxidation and ATP turnover. However, the topical effect and selective COX-2 inhibition may not be sufficient to cause NSAID-like damage to the GI tract.

Animals↗

Erianin induces a JNK/SAPK-dependent metabolic inhibition in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Erianin is a natural product derived from Dendrobium chrysotoxum, with promising antitumor activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate the metabolic effect of erianin, a cytosensor assay for acidification rate, MTT assay, measurement of lactate, glucose and ATP were performed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to 1-100 nM erianin. JNK/SAPK activity was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Twelve- or 24- hour incubation with erianin induced a dose-dependent metabolic inhibition, as indicated by reduced acidification rate and cell viability, with an endothelium-selectivity. Erianin caused decreases in lactate production, glucose consumption and intracellular ATP level. Pretreatment with the JNK/SAPK inhibitor SP600125 significantly abolished these inhibitory responses, and especially restored the erianin-induced decreases in ATP and the erianin-induced phosphorylation of JNK/SAPK with dose- and time- dependence. CONCLUSION: Erianin inhibited endothelial metabolism in a JNK/SAPK-dependent manner. This mechanism may be involved in the potential antitumnor and antiangiogenic actions of erianin.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

ATP catabolism and adenosine generation during ischemia in the aging heart.

Myocardial injury following ischemia and reperfusion is increased in the aging heart. The mechanisms underlying the increased susceptibility of the aging heart to ischemic injury remain unknown. We investigated whether decreased glycogen utilization with a more rapid depletion of ATP occurred during ischemia in the aging heart. Isolated buffer-perfused hearts from adult (6 months old) and aging (24 months old) Fischer 344 rats were subjected to 0, 2, 5, 10, 15 or 25 min of global stop-flow ischemia following a 15 min equilibration period (n = 5-6 for each ischemic time at each age). ATP level were decreased at preischemic baseline in aging hearts. ATP levels remained lower in the aging heart throughout ischemia (P < 0.001) with a similar pattern of decrease in both age groups. The decrease in tissue glycogen and increase in lactate contents was similar during ischemia in both age groups, suggesting that comparable glycogen utilization occurred during ischemia in adult and aging hearts. ATP catabolism leads to ADP, AMP and then adenosine. Tissue levels of adenosine, an important cardioprotective metabolite, were measured during ischemia. Tissue adenosine levels were decreased by 50% in the aging heart at 5 and 10 min, and remained depressed at 15 min and 25 min of ischemia compared to adult controls. Thus, increased ischemic injury in the aging heart is not related to differences in glycogen consumption. Lower tissue ATP levels and decreased adenosine levels were observed during ischemia. The differences in ATP content between adult and aging hearts occurred only during early ischemia and are unlikely to provide a mechanism for the increased damage observed following more prolonged periods of ischemia in the aging heart. The potential contribution of these decreases in tissue adenosine content to the increased injury observed in the aging heart will require further study.

Adenosine↗

Linoleic acid epoxide promotes the maintenance of mitochondrial function and active Na+ transport following hypoxia.

Low concentrations of arachidonic acid monoepoxides protect against ischemia/reperfusion injury. This study examined whether low concentrations of the linoleic acid monoepoxide, cis-12,13-epoxy-9-octadecenoic acid (12,13-EOA), protect renal cells against decreases in mitochondrial and transport functions induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation. Primary cultures of rabbit renal proximal tubular cells (RPTC) were pretreated with diluent or 1, 5, or 10 microM 12,13-EOA for 1 h and exposed to 2 h hypoxia/0.5 h reoxygenation in the absence of 12,13-EOA. Basal respiration, oligomycin-sensitive oxygen consumption (QO2), and ATP content decreased 31, 35 and 65%, respectively, following hypoxia/reoxygenation. Hypoxia/reoxygenation also increased mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)). Pretreatment with 12,13-EOA prevented decreases in basal and oligomycin-sensitive QO2s and increases in DeltaPsi(m). Despite the protection against decreases in mitochondrial function, 12,13-EOA pretreatment did not prevent the initial decrease in intracellular ATP content following hypoxia. However, pretreatment did accelerate the recovery of intracellular ATP levels during reoxygenation. Pretreatment with 12,13-EOA also prevented hypoxia-induced decreases in active Na+ transport. Ouabain-sensitive QO2 (a marker of active Na+ transport) decreased 38% following hypoxia/reoxygenation but was maintained in RPTC pretreated with 1, 5 or 10 microM 12,13-EOA prior to hypoxia. Pretreatment of RPTC with the hydrolyzed product of 12,13-EOA, 12,13-dihydroxyoctadecenoic acid, did not have any protective effects against mitochondrial dysfunction and decreases in active Na+ transport. Thus, this is the first report demonstrating that preconditioning of RPTC with low concentrations of 12,13-EOA, but not its hydrolyzed product, maintains mitochondrial respiration, accelerates restoration of ATP levels, and prevents decreases in active Na+ transport following hypoxia/reoxygenation.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Acidification power: indicator of metabolic activity and autolytic changes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Acidification power, defined as the sum of the spontaneous pH change determined after suspending yeast cells in water and the substrate-induced pH change after addition of glucose to the resulting suspension, reflects the level of cellular energy sources. Its use as an indicator of metabolic state of the cells was tested during a 120-h aerobic starvation. Its changes coincided with changes in cell viability, initial rate of endogenous oxygen consumption rate, cell ATP, extra- and intracellular buffering capacity, and the ability of cell-free extract to produce acidity by glucose fermentation. It was used as a sensitive marker of metabolic changes occurring during starvation, on treatment with glycolytic and respiratory inhibitors, and at elevated temperature.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Parallel activation in the ATP supply-demand system lessens the impact of inborn enzyme deficiencies, inhibitors, poisons or substrate shortage on oxidative phosphorylation in vivo.

A potential kinetic impact of parallel activation of different steps during an increased energy demand on the effect of inborn enzyme deficiencies, physiological inhibitors, external poisons and substrate shortage on oxidative phosphorylation was studied in the theoretical way. Numerical simulations were performed with the aid of the previously developed computer model of oxidative phosphorylation. It was demonstrated that the parallel activation mechanism diminishes significantly changes in fluxes and metabolite concentrations occurring at a given degree of inactivation of the system by one of the above-mentioned factors. It was also shown that parallel activation decreases greatly the threshold value of the relative activity of oxidative phosphorylation, below which the oxygen consumption flux and ATP turnover flux become significantly affected. Finally, computer simulations predicted that parallel activation leads to a considerable increase in the apparent affinity of oxidative phosphorylation to oxygen, which delays the effect of inhibitors and poisons competing with oxygen for the active centre of cytochrome oxidase. It is concluded that one of possible functions of parallel direct activation of different steps of oxidative phosphorylation is to increase the resistance of the system to a decrease in the concentration/activity of different oxidative phosphorylation complexes.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Induction of mitochondrial oxidative stress in astrocytes by nitric oxide precedes disruption of energy metabolism.

Inhibition of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) ultimately limits ATP production and depletes cellular ATP. However, the individual complexes of the ETC in brain mitochondria need to be inhibited by approximately 50% before causing significant depression of ATP synthesis. Moreover, the ETC is the key site for the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of one or more of the complexes of the ETC may increase the rate of mitochondrial ROS generation. We asked whether partial inhibition of the ETC, to a degree insufficient to perturb oxidative phosphorylation, might nonetheless induce ROS production. Chronic increase in mitochondrial ROS might then cause oxidative damage to the ETC sufficient to produce prolonged changes in ETC function and so compound the defect. We show that the exposure of astrocytes in culture to low concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) induces an increased rate of O2*- generation that outlasts the presence of NO. No effect was seen on oxygen consumption, lactate or ATP content over the 4-6 h that the cells were exposed to NO. These data suggest that partial ETC inhibition by NO may initially cause oxidative stress rather than ATP depletion, and this may subsequently induce irreversible changes in ETC function providing the basis for a cycle of damage.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Effect of monovalent cation ionophores on lymphocyte cellular metabolism.

The effect of valinomycin, nigericin and gramicidin on the cellular O2 consumption and on ATP content has been investigation. It has been found that while valinomycin and nigericin interfere with mitochondrial functions, gramicidin D does not show any appreciable effect. These results are explained in terms of the differing abilities of ionophores to redistribute among intracellular membranes.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Intracoronary trimetazidine does not improve recovery of regional function in a porcine model of repeated ischemia.

We evaluated the effect of trimetazidine (TMZ) on recovery of regional cardiac function in anesthetized open-chest pigs, subjected to fifteen 2-minute occlusions of the left anterior descending coronary artery, separated by 2 minutes of reperfusion and a 120-minute recovery period. Regional myocardial function was evaluated by sonomicrometry-derived segment lengthening and the area enclosed by the left ventricular pressure-segment length loop (external work, EW) in animals, which received either an intracoronary infusion of TMZ (33 micrograms/kg/min, n = 6) or saline (1 ml/min, n = 7), starting 15 minutes before the first occlusion and ending 2 minutes after the 15th occlusion. In addition, myocardial malondialdehyde production to evaluate oxygen free radical production, oxygen consumption, and the ATP, ADP, and AMP content, as well as the energy charge, were determined at regular time intervals. In control pigs the sequences of occlusion-reperfusion did not affect systemic hemodynamics, except for the LVdP/dtmax, which decreased by 11% during the interventions and did not recover during the following reperfusion period of 2 hours (78% of baseline, p < 0.05). Systolic segment length shortening and EW were increased at the end of the first occlusion-reperfusion cycle, decreased gradually during the remainder of the occlusion-reperfusion periods, and did not improve during the recovery period. Energy charge and myocardial blood flow were not impaired, but oxygen consumption was decreased during the recovery period. The malondialdehyde data did not provide evidence for production of oxygen free radicals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Changes in platelet beta-thromboglobulin, fibrinogen, albumin, 5-hydroxytryptamine, ATP, and ADP during and after surgery with extracorporeal circulation in man.

Surgery with extracorporeal circulation (ECC) is associated with transient alterations of platelet function whose pathogenic mechanisms are not completely understood. To define further the platelet abnormalities, we determined the changes in platelet content of several granule-associated substances during and after ECC in patients subjected to aortocoronary bypass surgery. Platelet beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) decreased to 79.8% of the preoperative level at the end of ECC (p less than 0.01) and, as expected, did not recover 1 hr after the end of surgery. Platelet fibrinogen and albumin decreased to 67.9% (p less than 0.01) and to 29.8% (p less than 0.01) of baseline, respectively. However, 1 hr after surgery, platelet fibrinogen rose to 92% and albumin to 55.5% of baseline, denoting that during the recovery from ECC, platelets incorporate some plasma proteins. During ECC, platelet 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and total ATP and ADP decreased to 50.8% (p less than 0.01), 63.2% (p less than 0.01), and 69.9% (p less than 0.01) of their respective preoperative values, indicating dense body release. One hour after surgery, ATP recovered to 83.8%, suggesting that previous depletion compromised also the metabolic pool of adenine nucleotides. In summary, Our results confirm and extend previous observations demonstrating alpha-granule release during ECC. Platelets undergoing ECC can incorporate plasma proteins as evidenced by the rapid increase of platelet fibrinogen and albumin after bypass. Although the mechanisms of this increase and site of storage of the exogenous substances are unknown, this observation justifies further studies to determine if internalization of plasma proteins, especially fibrinogen, may take place in physiological conditions. Dense body depletion with transient storage pool deficiency appears to be a component of the reduced platelet function during ECC. Consumption of metabolic ATP with alteration of platelet energy metabolism may further impair platelet function, contributing to the bleeding episodes observed during surgery with ECC.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Further evidence that lucigenin-derived chemiluminescence monitors mitochondrial superoxide generation in rat alveolar macrophages.

Lucigenin is well recognized for its ability to react with superoxide, yielding a product that emits chemiluminescence. Accordingly, lucigenin-derived chemiluminescence (LDCL) has been widely used to assess the generation of superoxide by the NADPH oxidase of leukocytes. Previously, we suggested that lucigenin could interact with mitochondrial-derived superoxide in alveolar macrophages. The purpose of this study was to further demonstrate that LDCL is in fact a probe of mitochondrial superoxide generation. Using fluorescence microscopy, we have observed that lucigenin accumulates at the mitochondria of alveolar macrophages and exhibits a localization similar to that of rhodamine 123, a fluorescent indicator of mitochondrial membrane potential. We have also compared the effects of a spectrum of agents known to modulate mitochondrial respiration on both LDCL and cellular oxygen consumption. The agents examined included a Complex I inhibitor, rotenone; a Complex III inhibitor, antimycin a; and a Complex IV inhibitor, KCN. While these compounds all inhibited oxygen consumption, only those that exert an effect prior to (rotenone) or at (antimycin a) the point of mitochondrial superoxide formation inhibited LDCL. KCN exhibits effects that are concentration dependent. At low concentrations (1-100 microM), a slight enhancement of LDCL is observed, while at higher concentrations (1-10 mM) both LDCL and oxygen consumption are inhibited. The ATP synthase inhibitor, oligomycin, was also observed to correspondingly inhibit oxygen consumption and LDCL. These inhibitor studies, taken together with the observation that lucigenin localizes to the mitochondria of alveolar macrophages, provides strong evidence that LDCL can be used to qualitatively assess the modulation of mitochondrial superoxide generation in mononuclear cells.

Acridines↗

Flux regulation in glycogen-induced oscillatory glycolysis in cell-free extracts of Saccharomyces carlsbergensis.

To localise the controlling point of the glycolytic system, the temporal changes in concentrations of glycolytic intermediates have been analysed after addition of glycogen to a substrate-depleted yeast extract. Three sequential metabolic states are clearly observable: a transition state at which there is continuous accumulation of the intermediates before the glyceraldehydephosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH, EC 1.2.1.12) step; a stationary state with all glycolytic intermediates having concentrations oscillating at nearly stationary mean values; and a depletion state at which the intermediates before the GAPDH step are being depleted due to the exhaustion of glycogen. In all these states, the mean ethanol production rate and the concentration of ATP and the intermediates beyond the GAPDH-step are maintained fairly constant, while the glycogen consumption rate and intermediate concentrations of the upper part of the glycolytic system changes considerably: the glycogen consumption rate varies 4-fold and fructose-bis-phosphate concentration more than 10-fold. Doubling of the initial glycogen concentration and the addition of a great excess of fructose-bis-phosphate do not affect the ethanol production rate and the mean glycerate-3-phosphate (3-PGA) and pyruvate levels. By contrast, ethanol production was accelerated by an increase of the net ATP consumption rate resulting from either the addition of apyrase or by substitution of trehalose for glycogen. Neither the mean absolute ATP level nor the adenylate energy charge were measurably affected, however, all this data can be interpreted in terms of a very strong stoichiometric regulation and stabilization of the lower part of the glycolytic system.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Effect of pulsatility and hemodynamic power on recovery of renal function.

Circulatory assist devices are used to treat patients awaiting cardiac transplantation to preserve life as well as to permit recovery of end-organ function. The efficacy of pulseless perfusion versus pulsatile perfusion in the recovery of end-organ function has not been fully determined. In this study, the efficacy of pulseless perfusion compared to pulsatile perfusion on the recovery of renal function after a 30 min period of normothermic ischemia was examined. Pigs were randomly assigned to four groups. In all groups, acute renal ischemia was induced by clamping both renal arteries for 30 min. Reperfusion for 120 min was performed using either pulsatile perfusion or pulseless perfusion at 65 +/- 1.6 mm Hg (Groups I [pulsatile] and II [pulseless]) and at 40 +/- 1.1 mm Hg (Groups III [pulsatile] and IV [pulseless]). After reperfusion, renal blood flow, hemodynamic power (pressure * flow: hemodynamic power), oxygen consumption (VO2), tissue ATP, and urine output (UO) in Groups I, II, and III were significantly higher than in Group IV (p < .01 by ANOVA). Histopathologic examinations were not significantly different between groups. Under hypotensive conditions, pulsatile perfusion improves hemodynamic power delivery to the organ compared to pulseless perfusion. These results suggest that a pulseless pump is acceptable as an assist device when normal flow or perfusion pressure is maintained.

Animals↗

Does the activation of poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase mediate tissue injury in the sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture?

Poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase (PARS) is a DNA protective enzyme activated by single-strand breakage. It is suspected that exaggerated PARS activation related to biochemical stress by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species contributes to cellular injury in sepsis. The main hypothesis is that PARS activation leads to massive ATP and NAD consumption and consequent cellular energy depletion. The PARS inhibitor 3-amino-benzamide (3AB) is protective in rodents challenged with either endotoxin or intraperitoneal zymozan. The present experiment was designed to test the effect of 3AB in a more clinically relevant model of sepsis, namely polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligature and puncture (CLP). Adult male Wistar rats were anesthetized, instrumented with catheters in the jugular vein and in the carotid artery, and then randomized into three groups: Sham (no laparotomy, n = 13), CLP (n = 15), and CLP/3AB (n = 18). All animals were allowed to recover and they received a continuous intravenous infusion of saline (20 mL/kg/h) and fentanyl (20 microg/kg/h). 3AB was administered to the CLP/3AB group as an intravenous bolus (10 mg/kg) followed by a continuous intravenous infusion (10 mg/kg/h). After 24 h, blood was drawn for the determination of biological indicators of organ injury. Rats were then anesthetized and biopsies of the liver were quickly frozen into liquid nitrogen for the subsequent determination of NAD and ATP levels. Further organ samples were collected for the assay of myeloperoxidase (MPO) to indicate tissue infiltration by leukocytes, and nitrotyrosine to indicate the level of biochemical stress by reactive nitrogen species. Twenty-four-hour mortality was 0/13 (Sham), 1/15 (CLP), and 5/18 (CLP/3AB; p = NS). In the surviving rats, CLP induced a clear elevation of liver enzymes, bilirubin, and pancreatic lipase, but not creatinine in the plasma, as well as a marked increase of MPO activity in liver, jejunum, and lung, but not kidney or heart. None of these variables was affected by treatment with 3AB. Furthermore, CLP did not cause depletion of NAD or ATP in the liver, nor any change in the nitrotyrosine content of any organ. These data argue against a general role of PARS activation in the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced tissue injury.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Physiological activity of Campylobacter jejuni far below the minimal growth temperature.

The behavior of Campylobacter jejuni at environmental temperatures was examined by determining the physiological activities of this human pathogen. The minimal growth temperatures were found to be 32 and 31 degrees C for strains 104 and ATCC 33560, respectively. Both strains exhibited a sudden decrease in growth rate from the maximum to zero within a few degrees not only near the maximal growth temperature but also near the minimal growth temperature. This could be an indication that a temperature-dependent transition in the structure of a key enzyme(s) or regulatory compound(s) determines the minimal growth temperature. Oxygen consumption, catalase activity, ATP generation, and protein synthesis were observed at temperatures as low as 4 degrees C, indicating that vital cellular processes were still functioning. PCR analysis showed that cold shock protein genes, which play a role in low-temperature adaptation in many bacteria, are not present in C. jejuni. The fact that chemotaxis and aerotaxis could be observed at all temperatures shows that the pathogen is able to move to favorable places at environmental temperatures, which may have significant implications for the survival of C. jejuni in the environment.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗