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Effect of the fatty acid oxidation inhibitor 2-tetradecylglycidic acid (TDGA) on glucose and fatty acid oxidation in isolated rat soleus muscle.

1. The effect of 2-tetradecylglycidic acid (TDGA), a potent, specific inhibitor of long-chain fatty acid oxidation, on fatty acid and glucose oxidation by isolated rat soleus muscle was studied. 2. TDGA inhibited [1-14C]palmitate oxidation by soleus muscle in a concentration-dependent manner. 3. TDGA inhibited the activity of soleus muscle mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferase A (CPT-A). 4. Added palmitate (0.5 mM) significantly inhibited D-[U-14C]glucose oxidation and, under conditions where TDGA inhibited palmitate oxidation, the oxidation of D-[U-14C]glucose by isolated soleus muscle was significantly stimulated. 5. TDGA stimulation of glucose oxidation was reversed by octanoate, a medium-chain fatty acid whose oxidation is not inhibited by TDGA. 6. When nondiabetic rats were treated with TDGA (10 mg/kg p.o./day x 3 days), fasting plasma glucose was significantly lowered and the ability of isolated contralateral soleus muscles to oxidize palmitate was inhibited while glucose oxidation was significantly stimulated.

Animals↗

Anti-apoptotic activity of caffeic acid, ellagic acid and ferulic acid in normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: a Bcl-2 independent mechanism.

Polyphenols have been shown to induce apoptosis in a variety of tumor cells including leukemia both in vitro and in vivo. However, their action on normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) during oxidative stress remains to be explored. In this study, we have evaluated the anti-apoptotic and radical scavenging activities of dietary phenolics, namely caffeic acid (CA), ellagic acid (EA) and ferulic acid (FA). H2O2-induced apoptosis in normal human PBMCs was assayed by phosphotidylserine externalization, nucleosomal damage and DNA fragmentation. Incubation of PBMCs with 5 mM H2O2 led to increased Annexin-V binding to externalized phosphatidyl serine (PS), an event of pre-apoptotic stage of the cell. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells pretreated with phenolics could resist H2O2-induced apoptotic damage. Caffeic acid (60 and 120 microM) and EA (100 and 200 microM) caused no change in externalization of PS, whereas FA (100 and 200 microM) increased externalization of PS in PBMCs treated with H2O2. The effects of phenolics were abolished to a large extent by culturing the PBMCs for 24 h after washing the phenolics from the medium. Inhibitory activities of these phenolics on lipid peroxidation were in the order of EA<CA<FA. DPPH-scavenging activities of EA, CA and FA were found to be 31.2+/-1.36, 50+/-1.86 and 73.0+/-1.58 microM respectively. Although, the phenolics significantly inhibited DNA damage and lipid peroxidation, they could not alter the Bcl-2 expression in PBMCs. In conclusion, the anti-apoptotic effect of EA, CA and FA in PBMCs seems to be through the Bcl-2 independent mechanism.

Antioxidants↗

DNA/Poly(p-aminobenzensulfonic acid) composite bi-layer modified glassy carbon electrode for determination of dopamine and uric acid under coexistence of ascorbic acid.

A nano-composite of DNA/poly(p-aminobenzensulfonic acid) bi-layer modified glassy carbon electrode as a biosensor was fabricated by electro-deposition method. The DNA layer was electrochemically deposited on the top of electropolymerized layer of poly(p-aminobenzensulfonic acid) (Pp-ABSA). Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectrum were used for characterization. It demonstrated that the deposited Pp-ABSA formed a 2-D fractal patterned nano-structure on the electrode surface, and which was further covered by a uniform thin DNA layer. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectrum were used to characterize the deposition, and demonstrated the conductivity of the Pp-ABSA layer. The biosensor was applied to the detection of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA). In comparison with DNA and Pp-ABSA single layer modified electrodes, the composite bi-layer modification provided superior electrocatalytic actively towards the oxidation of DA, UA and AA, and separated the originally overlapped differential pulse voltammetric signals of UA, DA and AA oxidation at the bare electrode into three well-defined peaks at pH 7 solution. The peak separation between AA and DA, AA and UA was 176 mV and 312 mV, respectively. In the presence of 1.0 mM AA, the anodic peak current was a linear function of the concentration of DA in the range 0.19-13 microM. The detection limit was 88 nM DA (s/n=3). The anodic peak current of UA was also a linear function of concentration in the range 0.4-23 microM with a detection limit of 0.19 microM in the presence of 0.5 mM AA. The superior sensing ability was attributed to the composite nano-structure. An interaction mechanism was proposed.

Ascorbic Acid↗

Linoleic acid, but not oleic acid, upregulates production of interleukin-8 by human vascular smooth muscle cells via arachidonic acid metabolites under conditions of oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE: Preeclampsia is associated with oxidative stress, elevated plasma levels of linoleic acid (LA), and increased vascular smooth muscle expression of the inflammatory chemokine, interleukin-8 (IL-8). We hypothesized that increased levels of LA under conditions of oxidative stress would increased production of IL-8 by vascular smooth muscle cells because LA is the dietary precursor to arachidonic acid (AA) and its metabolites that mediate inflammation. We also hypothesized that oleic acid (OA), which is not metabolized to AA metabolites, would not increase IL-8 under conditions of oxidative stress. METHODS: To test this hypothesis, we cultured placental arterial smooth muscle (PASM) cells with an oxidizing solution enriched with LA (OxLA) or OA (OxOA). Media concentrations were analyzed for IL-8 and AA metabolites. Inhibitors were used to block the lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways. RESULTS: Exposure of cells to OxLA, but not to OxOA, significantly increased production of IL-8. OxLA also significantly increased production of AA metabolites. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, an inhibitor of the lipoxygenase pathway, blocked IL-8 and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) production induced by OxLA, whereas indomethacin, an inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase pathway, blocked IL-8, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) production. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) demonstrated gene expression in PASM cells for representative lipoxygenase (LTB4) and cyclooxygenase (thromboxane) metabolite receptors. CONCLUSION: PASM cells produced IL-8 in response to LA, but not OA, under conditions of oxidative stress. The IL-8 response was mediated by AA metabolites.

Arachidonic Acid↗

15-lipoxygenase metabolites of gamma-linolenic acid/eicosapentaenoic acid suppress growth and arachidonic acid metabolism in human prostatic adenocarcinoma cells: possible implications of dietary fatty acids.

Although gammalinolenic acid (GLA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have independently been reported to suppress growth of cancer cells, their relative potencies are unknown. To determine the possible attenuating efficacies of dietary GLA or EPA on prostate carcinogenesis, we hereby report the in vitro effects of GLA, EPA and their 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) metabolites: 15(S)-HETrE and 15(S)-HEPE, respectively, on growth and arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism in human androgen-dependent (LNCaP) and androgen-independent (PC-3) prostatic cancer cells in culture. Specifically, both cells were preincubated respectively with the above PUFAs. Growth was determined by [3H]thymidine uptake and AA metabolism by HPLC analysis of the extracted metabolites. Our data revealed increased biosynthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5(S)-HETE) by both cells. Preincubation of the cells with 15(S)-HETrE or 15(S)-HEPE more markedly inhibited cellular growth and AA metabolism when compared to precursor PUFAs. Notably, 15(S)-HETrE exerted the greatest inhibitory effects. These findings therefore imply that dietary GLA rather than EPA should better attenuate prostate carcinogenesis via its in vivo generation of 15(S)-HETrE, thus warranting exploration.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Comparative effects of polyunsaturated- to saturated fatty acid ratio versus polyunsaturated- and monounsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acid ratio on lipid metabolism in rats.

This study examined the effects of various polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA, P)/saturated fatty acid (SFA, S) ratio versus PUFA + monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA, M)/SFA ratio on lipid metabolism. The P/S ratio of dietary fat was fixed at a certain level (0.5, 1, 2, or 4, respectively) for each of four pairs of rat groups respectively, and then the P + M/S ratio was changed for the four pairs of rat groups. When the P/S ratio was fixed at 0.5, 1, 2, or 4, the plasma total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol (C), and HDL-C levels did not show any significant difference in each pair of groups with different P + M/S ratios. However, when the P/S ratio was fixed at 1.0, the higher P + M/S ratio of 5.7 (M/S=4.7, P/M=0.2) resulted in significantly higher plasma total triacylglycerol (TAG), VLDL-TAG, VLDL-C, and VLDL-phospholipid (PL) than the lower P + M/S ratio of 1.4 (M/S=0.4, P/M=2.4). Whereas when SFA was fixed at a similar level, it therefore had approximately the same P + M/S ratio(5.3, 5.6, 5.7), and by increasing the P/S ratio from 1, 2 to 4 (70.4, 52.7 and 23.2% of the total fatty acids as MUFA respectively), the plasma VLDL-C, VLDL-TAG, and VLDL-PL concentrations decreased progressively. When PUFA or MUFA was kept on a similar level (14.9 or 53% respectively), the higher P + M/S ratio (5.7 or 5.3, respectively) resulted in significantly greater accumulation of liver cholesterol than the lower P + M/S ratio of 2.2. When the P/S ratio was fixed at 1 or 4, the diet of higher P + M/S ratio in a pair of the groups also resulted in greater accumulation of liver cholesterol. The results of the study suggests that if the P + M/S ratio was below 3, the change in the P/S ratios (0.5, 1 or 2) did not affect the levels of plasma total and lipoprotein cholesterol and TAG. Increases in the plasma VLDL-C and VLDL-TAG were related to increased MUFA content in the diet. And high MUFA content resulted in greater accumulation of liver cholesterol. It seems that the prerequisites for keeping low plasma and liver cholesterol are (a) low M/S ratio and (b) high P/M ratio and (c) P + M/S ratio not to exceed 3.

Animals↗

Fatty acid binding sites of rodent adipocyte and heart fatty acid binding proteins: characterization using fluorescent fatty acids.

Murine adipocyte and rat heart fatty acid binding proteins (FABP) are closely related members of a family of cytosolic proteins which bind long-chain free fatty acids (ffa). The physical and chemical characteristics of the fatty acid binding sites of these proteins were studied using a series of fluorescent analogues of stearic acid (18:0) with an anthracene moiety covalently attached at seven different positions along the length of the hydrocarbon chain (AOffa). Previously, we used these probes to investigate the binding site of rat liver FABP (L-FABP) [Storch et al. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 8708-8713]. Here we extend those studies to adipocyte and heart FABP, two members of the FABP family which share a high degree of sequence homology with each other (62% identity) but which are less homologous with L-FABP (approximately 30%). The results show that the fluorescence emission spectra of AOffa bound to adipocyte FABP (A-FABP) are blue-shifted relative to heart FABP (H-FABP), indicating that AOffa bound to A-FABP are held in a more constrained configuration. For both proteins, constraint on the bound ffa probe is highest at the midportion of the acyl chain. Ffa are bound in a hydrophobic environment in both proteins. Excited-state lifetimes and fluorescence quantum yields suggest that the binding site of H-FABP is more hydrophobic than that of A-FABP. Nevertheless, acrylamide quenching experiments indicate that ffa bound to H-FABP are more accessible to the aqueous environment than are A-FABP-bound ffa.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adipose Tissue↗

2-(4-Amino-4-carboxybutyl)aziridine-2-carboxylic acid. A potent irreversible inhibitor of diaminopimelic acid epimerase. Spontaneous formation from alpha-(halomethyl)diaminopimelic acids.

2-(4-Amino-4-carboxybutyl)aziridine-2-carboxylic acid (3) (aziridino-DAP) was identified as the product of spontaneous hydrolysis of alpha-(halomethyl)diaminopimelic acids (alpha-halomethyl-DAPs) 2a-c. Under physiological conditions, 3 is an extremely potent irreversible inhibitor of the bacterial enzyme diaminopimelic acid epimerase (DAP-epimerase; EC 5.1.1.7). This unusual mode of action of an alpha-halomethyl amino acid with a non-pyridoxal enzyme is investigated. Synthesis and characterization of 2a-c and 3, kinetics of spontaneous formation of 3 from alpha-halomethyl-DAPs, and kinetics of enzyme inhibition by both 3 and by alpha-halomethyl-DAPs are reported.

Amino Acid Isomerases↗

Biochemical effects of the hypoglycaemic compound pent-4-enoic acid and related non-hypoglycaemic fatty acids. Effects of the free acids and their carnitine esters on coenzyme A-dependent oxidations in rat liver mitochondria.

1. The synthesis of pent-4-enoyl-l-carnitine, cyclopropanecarbonyl-l-carnitine and cyclobutanecarbonyl-l-carnitine is described. 2. Pent-4-enoate strongly inhibits palmitoyl-l-carnitine oxidation in coupled but not in uncoupled mitochondria. Pent-4-enoyl-l-carnitine strongly inhibits palmitoyl-l-carnitine oxidation in uncoupled mitochondria. Prior intramitochondrial formation of pent-4-enoyl-CoA is therefore necessary for inhibition. 3. There was a small self-limiting pulse of oxidation of pent-4-enoyl-l-carnitine during which the ability to inhibit the oxidation of subsequently added palmitoyl-l-carnitine developed. 4. Pent-4-enoate and pent-4-enoyl-l-carnitine are equally effective inhibitors of the oxidation of all even-chain acylcarnitines of chain length C(4)-C(16). Pent-4-enoyl-l-carnitine also inhibits the oxidation of pyruvate and of 2-oxoglutarate. 5. Pent-4-enoate strongly inhibits the oxidation of palmitate but not that of octanoate. This is presumably due to competition between octanoate and pent-4-enoate for medium-chain acyl-CoA ligase. 6. There was less inhibition of the oxidation of pyruvate by pent-4-enoyl-l-carnitine, and of palmitoyl-l-carnitine by cyclopropanecarbonyl-l-carnitine, after pre-incubation with 10mm-arsenate. This suggests that these inhibitions were caused either by depletion of free CoA or by increase of acyl-CoA concentrations, since arsenate deacylates intramitochondrial acyl-CoA. There was little effect on the inhibition of palmitoyl-l-carnitine oxidation by pent-4-enoyl-l-carnitine. 7. Penta-2,4-dienoate strongly inhibited palmitoyl-l-carnitine oxidation in coupled mitochondria; acrylate only inhibited slightly. 8. Pent-4-enoate (0.1mm) caused a rapid and almost complete decrease in free CoA and a large increase in acid-soluble acyl-CoA when incubated with coupled mitochondria. Cyclopropanecarboxylate caused a similar decrease in CoA, with an equivalent rise in acid-soluble acyl-CoA concentrations. n-Pentanoate caused extensive lowering of CoA and a large increase in acid-soluble acyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA concentrations. Octanoate caused a 50% lowering of CoA and an increase in acid-soluble acyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA concentrations. 9. Cyclopropanecarboxylate and n-pentanoate were less potent inhibitors of palmitate oxidation than was pent-4-enoate. 10. It is concluded that pent-4-enoate causes a specific inhibition of beta-oxidation after the formation intramitochondrially of its metabolites.

Animals↗

Transacylation as a chain-termination mechanism in fatty acid synthesis by mammalian fatty acid synthetase. Synthesis of butyrate and hexanoate by lactating cow mammary gland fatty acid synthetase.

1. Purified cow mammary gland fatty acid synthetase synthesized long-chain unesterified and short-chain esterified fatty acids. 2. A direct relationship was observed between the amount of short-chain products synthesized and the concentration of acetyl-CoA in the incubation medium. 3. The short-chain products were identified as butyryl-CoA and hexanoyl-CoA. 4. Inhibition of the terminating thioester hydrolase of the fatty acid synthetase complex with phenylmethanesulphonyl fluoride did not inhibit the synthesis of short-chain products. 5. It is suggested that the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids involves the reverse of the 'loading' reaction.

Animals↗

Dietary low linolenic acid compared with docosahexaenoic acid alter synaptic plasma membrane phospholipid fatty acid composition and sodium-potassium ATPase kinetics in developing rats.

The objective of this study was to investigate if maternal dietary 20:4n-6 arachidonic acid (AA) and 22:6n-3 compared with adequate or low levels of 18:3n-3 linolenic acid (LNA) increases synaptic plasma membrane (SPM) cholesterol and phospholipid content, phospholipid 20:4n-6 and 22:6n-3 content, and Na,K-ATPase kinetics in rat pups at two and five weeks of age. At parturition, Sprague-Dawley rats were fed semi-purified diets containing either AA + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), adequate LNA (control; 18:2n-6 : 18:3n-3 ratio of 7.1 : 1) or low LNA (18:2n-6 : 18:3n-39 ratio of 835 : 1). During the first two weeks of life, the rat pups received only their dams' milk. After weaning, pups received the same diet as their respective dams to five weeks of age. No significant difference was observed among rat pups fed the diet treatments for SPM cholesterol or total and individual phospholipid content at two and five weeks of age. Fatty acid analysis revealed that maternal dietary AA + DHA, compared with feeding the dams the control diet or the low LNA diet, increased 20:4n-6 in phosphatidylserine and 22:6n-3 content of SPM phospholipids. Rats fed dietary AA + DHA or the control diet exhibited a significantly increased Vmax for SPM Na,K-ATPase. Diet treatment did not alter the Km (affinity) of SPM Na,K-ATPase in rat pups at two and five weeks of age. It is concluded that dietary AA + DHA does not alter SPM cholesterol and phospholipid content but increases the 22:6n-3 content of SPM phospholipids modulating activity of Na,K-ATPase.

Administration, Oral↗

Assessment of essential fatty acid and omega3-fatty acid status by measurement of erythrocyte 20:3omega9 (Mead acid), 22:5omega6/20:4omega6 and 22:5omega6/22:6omega3.

BACKGROUND: Early suspicion of essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) or omega3-deficiency may rather focus on polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) or long-chain PUFA (LCP) analyses than clinical symptoms. We determined cut-off values for biochemical EFAD, omega3-and omega3/22:6omega3 [docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)]-deficiency by measurement of erythrocyte 20:3omega9 (Mead acid), 22:5omega6/20:4omega6 and 22:5omega6/22:6omega3, respectively. METHODS: Cut-off values, based on 97.5 percentiles, derived from an apparently healthy omnivorous group (six Dominica breast-fed newborns, 32 breast-fed and 27 formula+LCP-fed Dutch low-birth-weight infants, 31 Jerusalem infants, 33 Dutch 3.5-year-old infants, 69 omnivorous Dutch adults and seven Dominica mothers) and an apparently healthy group with low dietary LCP intake (81 formula-fed Dutch low-birth-weight infants, 12 Dutch vegans). Cut-off values were evaluated by their application in an EFAD suspected group of 108, mostly malnourished, Pakistani children, three pediatric patients with chronic fat-malabsorption (abetal-ipoproteinemia, congenital jejunal and biliary atresia) and one patient with a peroxisomal beta-oxidation disorder. RESULTS: Erythrocyte 20:3omega9, 22:5omega6/20:4omega6 and 22:5omega6/22:6omega3 proved age-dependent up to 0.2 years. Cut-off values for ages above 0.2 years were: 0.46mol% 20:3omega9 for EFAD, 0.068mol/mol 22:5omega6/20:4omega6 for omega3-deficiency, 0.22mol/mol 22:5omega6/22:6omega3 for omega3/DHA-marginality and 0.48mol/mol 22:5omega6/22:6omega3 for omega3/DHA-deficiency. Use of RBC 20:3omega9 and 22:5omega6/20:4omega6 cut-off values identified 20.4% of the Pakistani subjects as EFAD+omega3-deficient, 12.9% as EFAD+omega3-sufficient, 38.9% as EFA-sufficient+omega3-deficient and 27.8% as EFA-sufficient+omega3-sufficient. The patient with the peroxisomal disorder was classified as EFA-sufficient, omega3-sufficient (based on RBC 22:5omega6/20:4omega6) and omega3/DHA-deficient (based on RBC 22:5omega6/22:6omega3). The three other pediatric patients were classified as EFAD, omega3-deficient and omega3/DHA-deficient. CONCLUSION: Use of the combination of the present cut-off values for EFA, omega3 and omega3/DHA status assessment, as based on 97.5 percentiles, may serve for PUFA supplement intervention until better concepts have emerged.

8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid↗

Identification of a bile acid-responsive element in the human ileal bile acid-binding protein gene. Involvement of the farnesoid X receptor/9-cis-retinoic acid receptor heterodimer.

Intestinal bile acid-binding protein (I-BABP) is a cytosolic protein that binds bile acids (BAs) with a high affinity. In the small intestine, its expression is restricted to the ileum where it is involved in the enterohepatic circulation of BAs. Using the human enterocyte-like Caco-2 cell line, we have recently shown that BAs increased I-BABP gene expression. To determine whether this regulation occurs in vivo, the effect of BA depletion or supplementation was studied in mice. A dramatic drop in I-BABP mRNA levels was observed in mice treated with the BA-binding resin cholestyramine, whereas an increase was found in animals fed with taurocholic acid. BAs are physiological ligands for the nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR). Both FXR and I-BABP are co-expressed along the small intestine and in Caco-2 cells. To determine the role of FXR in the regulation of I-BABP expression, the promoter of the human I-BABP gene was cloned. In Caco-2 cells, cotransfection of FXR and RXRalpha is required to obtain the full transactivation of the I-BABP promoter by BAs. Deletion and mutation analyses demonstrate that the FXR/RXRalpha heterodimer activates transcription through an inverted repeat bile acid responsive element located in position -160/-148 of the human I-BABP promoter. In conclusion, we show that FXR is a physiological BA sensor that is likely to play an essential role in BA homeostasis through the regulation of genes involved in their enterohepatic circulation.

Animals↗

Molecular cloning of a unique CMP-sialic acid synthetase that effectively utilizes both deaminoneuraminic acid (KDN) and N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) as substrates.

2-keto-3-deoxy-D-glycero-D-galacto-nononic acid (KDN) is a sialic acid (Sia) that is ubiquitously expressed in vertebrates during normal development and tumorigenesis. Its expression is thought to be regulated by multiple biosynthetic steps catalyzed by several enzymes, including CMP-Sia synthetase. Using crude enzyme preparations, it was shown that mammalian CMP-Sia synthetases had very low activity to synthesize CMP-KDN from KDN and CTP, and the corresponding enzyme from rainbow trout testis had high activity to synthesize both CMP-KDN and CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) (Terada et al. [1993] J. Biol. Chem., 268, 2640-2648). To demonstrate if the unique substrate specificity found in the crude trout enzyme is conveyed by a single enzyme, cDNA cloning of trout CMP-Sia synthetase was carried out by PCR-based strategy. The trout enzyme was shown to consist of 432 amino acids with two potential nuclear localization signals, and the cDNA sequence displayed 53.8% identity to that of the murine enzyme. Based on the Vmax/Km values, the recombinant trout enzyme had high activity toward both KDN and Neu5Ac (1.1 versus 0.68 min(-1)). In contrast, the recombinant murine enzyme had 15 times lower activity toward KDN than Neu5Ac (0.23 versus 3.5 min(-1)). Northern blot analysis suggested that several sizes of the mRNA are expressed in testis, ovary, and liver in a tissue-specific manner. These results indicate that at least one cloned enzyme has the ability to utilize both KDN and Neu5Ac as substrates efficiently and is useful for the production of CMP-KDN.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A rapid vapor-phase acid (hydrochloric acid and trifluoroacetic acid) hydrolysis of peptide and protein.

A new method for the acid hydrolysis of protein is presented. Peptide bonds are cleaved by the action of an HCl/trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) vapor mixture. Contamination for the hydrolysis mixture is reduced to low levels (1-3 pmol). Recovery of hydrophobic amino acid is improved. Short reaction times are achieved and rapid removal of acids is facilitated. The reaction temperature is 158 degrees C for reaction times of 22.5 and 45 min with 7 M HCl and 10% TFA containing 0.1% phenol.

Amino Acids↗

Simultaneous determination of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, dopamine, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylalanine, norepinephrine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, homovanillic acid, serotonin, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in rat cerebrospinal fluid and brain by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.

A method using reversed-phase ion-pair high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection for the simultaneous determination of tryptophan (TRP), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), and their metabolites in whole brain, small-brain parts, and cerebrospinal fluid of rats has been developed. The sample preparation requires only homogenization in perchloric acid and centrifugation before injection onto the column. With a LiChrosorb RP-18 (10 micrometer) column and a mobile phase consisting of a phosphate (NaH2PO4, 0.1 M)-methanol mixture with octylsulfonate (2.6 x 10(-3) M) at pH 3.35 and 26 degrees C, the separation of DOPA, dopamine, norepinephrine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, homovanillic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylalanine, TRP, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), serotonin, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid was achieved. The method has been applied to study the effect of alpha-monofluoromethyldopa alone and in combination with L-DOPA or L-5-HTP, on the catechol and 5-OH indole levels in brain and CSF of the rat.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗

Arachidonic acid metabolism and modulation of in vitro anaphylaxis by 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid and 9a,12a-octadecadiynoic acid.

1. 5,8,11,14-Eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA) inhibited the antigen-induced contractions of tracheal spirals obtained from actively sensitized guinea-pigs. Consistent data were obtained only when the spirals were treated with indomethacin. 2. ETYA did not affect histamine-induced contractions of indomethacin-treated tracheal spirals. 3. 9a, 12a-Octadecadiynoic acid (Ro-3-1314) a potential inhibitor of linoleic acid metabolism, stimulated the antigen-induced contraction of guinea-pig tracheal spirals and the immunological release of slow reacting substances of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) from actively sensitized guinea-pig lung fragments. 4. Both ETYA and Ro-3-1314 inhibited the immunological release of malondialdehyde from guinea-pig lung fragments. 5. The data indicate that the effects of ETYA were due to inhibition of lipoxygenase and the effects of Ro-3-1314 were due to inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase. 6. The results suggest that products of lipoxygenase contribute to the antigen-induced contraction of guinea-pig lung, particularly when cyclo-oxygenase is inhibited. Under these conditions there may be redirection of the metabolism of arachidonic acid to favour production of constrictor products of lipoxygenase such as SRS-A.

5,8,11,14-Eicosatetraynoic Acid↗

Deoxyribonucleic acid-deoxyribonucleic acid hybridization assay for replication origin deoxyribonucleic acid of Escherichia coli.

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-DNA hybridization on nitrocellulose filters can be used to assay for replication origin DNA from Escherichia coli if the DNA attached to the filters is enriched for the replication origin sequences. Such DNA can be readily isolated from very rapidly growing cells. When low amounts of this DNA were attached to filters, radioactively labeled DNA from the replication origin hybridized 1.7 times as well as radioactive replication terminus DNA. Under identical conditions, radioactively labeled DNA from exponentially growing cells hybridized only 1.3 times as well as radioactive replication terminus DNA. The replication origin, replication terminus, and randomly labeled DNA hybridized with similar efficiencies to filters containing DNA isolated from cells incubated in the absence of required amino acids. This DNA appeared to have all sequences present at equal frequencies. The hybridization assay was used to demonstrate that the DNA synthesized shortly after the addition of amino acids to cells previously deprived of required amino acids was primarily from the replication origin and then rapidly became similar to DNA synthesized by exponentially growing cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗