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Binding of uptake blockers to the neuronal dopamine transporter: further investigation about cationic and anionic requirements.

Effects of ions on the binding of uptake blockers to the rat dopamine transporter (rDAT) labelled with [3H]WIN 35,428 [2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-fluorophenyl)-[3H] tropane] and [3H]mazindol were studied at 20 degrees C. [3H]WIN 35,428 binding increased with Na+ concentrations of up to 10-60 mM and decreased at higher concentrations. At pH 7.4, incubation media containing NaCl and/or Na2HPO4/NaH2PO4 were less stimulant than an NaHCO3/NaH2PO4 medium and they shifted maximal binding values to higher ionic concentrations. In an NaHCO3/NaH2PO4-buffered medium, Na+ concentrations >10 mM decreased the binding of 0.2 nM [3H]WIN 35,428, but an increase of the radioligand concentration shifted this decrease to the right. [3H]Mazindol binding was stimulated by Na+ concentrations < or =10 mM and was rather unaffected at higher concentrations. The inhibition of [3H]WIN 35,428 binding produced by 130 mM Na+ was independent of the nature of the anion; in contrast, isothionate and H2PO4-/HCO3 produced a more pronounced inhibition of the [3H]mazindol binding than Cl- and Br-, whereas I- tended to be a stimulant. Ca2+ and Mg2+ more potently inhibited the [3H]WIN 35,428 binding than K+. All these cations recognize a site which is not mutually exclusive with that of the radioligand since they induced the dissociation of the [3H]WIN 35,428-rDAT complex, an effect which was reduced (K+) or modified (Ca2+) when the Na+ concentration was increased. This site is likely to be the Na+ site by which low Na+ concentrations allosterically stimulate the uptake blocker binding. However, the intensity of the cation-induced dissociations was moderate and the main component of the binding inhibition that these cations produced results from the occupancy of a cation site, mutually exclusive with that of the radioligand. Thus, the WIN 35,428 binding inhibition produced by Ca2+, K+ and Na+ was competitive, and Na+ reduced the inhibitory potency of Ca2+ and K+. This reduction was more intense for Ca2+ and Mg2+ than for K+, suggesting that occupancy of the cation site by a divalent cation activated a strong negative allosteric interaction between this site and the Na+ site. Decrease in the Na+ concentration from 10 mM to 5 mM, or replacement of 5 mM HCO3-/H2PO4- by an equimolar concentration of isethionate or Cl- did not modify [3H]WIN 35,428 binding dissociation. Level(s) at which anions stimulate and inhibit the binding of uptake blockers remain uncertain and could be specific for each radioligand.

Animals↗

Various divalent cations protect the isolated perfused pigeon heart against a calcium paradox.

The protective effects of various divalent cations against the irreversible damage of myocardium, a phenomenon termed "the Ca2+-paradox", were examined in the isolated perfused pigeon heart. All cations examined were added at a concentration of 200 micromol l(-1) in the "calcium-free" medium. In hearts perfused with low calcium, upon normal calcium repletion, the maximal recovery of the contractile tension (in the 2nd minute) was approximately 115% and the recovery obtained at the end of reperfusion was 81.5% (compared to the equilibration period value). From the other divalent cations examined, the presence of cobalt, nickel, manganese or barium during calcium depletion powerfully protected the pigeon heart. Upon calcium repletion, the maximal recovery of contractile tension was approximately 60%, 76.5%, 100% and 85%, the recovery estimated at the end of reperfusion was 40%, 12%, 70% and 53%, and the resting tension estimated at the end of reperfusion was 2.69+/-0.18 g, 6.40+/-0.50 g, 1.20+/-0.10 g and 1.90+/-0.10 g for cobalt, nickel, manganese and barium, respectively. On the contrary, strontium exerted no protective effects. The protective effects were also indicated by reduced total protein and lactate dehydrogenase activity release into the effluent perfusate and maintenance of electrical activity. The effectiveness of the added divalent cations (with the exception of strontium) showed a strong dependence upon their ionic radius. The most potent inhibitors of this phenomenon in the pigeon heart were the divalent cations having an ionic radius closer to the ionic radius of calcium. These results are discussed in terms of the possible mechanisms involved in the protective effects of these cations.

Animals↗

Glyphosate sensitivity of 5-enol-pyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase from Bacillus subtilis depends upon state of activation induced by monovalent cations.

The 5-enol-pyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase from Bacillus subtilis was activated by monovalent cations, catalytic activity being negligible in the absence of monovalent cations. The order of cation effectiveness (NH4+ greater than K+ greater than Rb+ greater than Na+ = Cs+ = Li+) indicated that the extent of activation was directly related to the unhydrated cation radius. Ammonium salts, at physiological concentrations, were dramatically more effective than other cations. Activation by ammonium was instantaneous, was not influenced by the counter ion, and gave a hyperbolic saturation curve. Hill plots did not show detectable cooperativity in the binding of ammonium. Double-reciprocal plots indicated that ammonium increases the maximal velocity and decreases the apparent Michaelis constants of EPSP synthase with respect to both phosphoenol pyruvate (PEP) and shikimate 3-phosphate (S3P). A direct relationship between sensitivity to inhibition by glyphosate and the activation state of EPSP synthase was demonstrated. Hill plots indicated a single value for glyphosate binding throughout the range of ammonium activation. Double-reciprocal plots of substrate saturation data obtained with ammonium-activated enzyme in the presence of glyphosate showed glyphosate to behave as a competitive inhibitor with respect to PEP and as a mixed-type inhibitor relative to S3P. The increased glyphosate sensitivity of ammonium-activated EPSP synthase is attributed to a lowering of the inhibitor constant of glyphosate with respect to PEP. Erroneous underestimates of sensitivities of some bacterial EPSP synthases to inhibition by glyphosate may result from failure to recognize cation requirements of EPSP synthases.

3-Phosphoshikimate 1-Carboxyvinyltransferase↗

Modulation of tubulin-nucleotide interactions by metal ions: comparison of beryllium with magnesium and initial studies with other cations.

With microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) BeSO4 and MgSO4 stimulated tubulin polymerization as compared to a reaction mixture without exogenously added metal ion, while beryllium fluoride had no effect (E. Hamel et al., 1991, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 286, 57-69). Effects of both cations were most dramatic at GTP concentrations in the same molar range as the tubulin concentration. We have now compared effects of beryllium and magnesium on tubulin-nucleotide interactions in both unpolymerized tubulin and in polymer. Polymer formed with magnesium had properties similar to those of polymer formed without exogenous cation, except for a 20% lower stoichiometry of exogenous GTP incorporated into the latter. In both polymers the incorporated GTP was hydrolyzed to GDP. Stoichiometry of GTP incorporation into polymers formed with beryllium or magnesium was identical, but much of the GTP in the beryllium polymer was not hydrolyzed. The beryllium polymer was more stable than the magnesium polymer. Beryllium also differed from magnesium in only weakly enhancing the binding of GTP in the exchangeable site of unpolymerized tubulin, while neither cation affected GDP exchange at the site. If both cations were present in a reaction mixture, polymer stability was little changed from that of the beryllium polymer, but most of the GTP incorporated into polymer was hydrolyzed. Six additional metal salts (AlCl3, CdCl2, CoCl2, MnCl2, SnCl2, and ZnCl2) also stimulated MAP-dependent tubulin polymerization, but enhanced polymer stability did not correlate with polymer GTP content. We postulate that enhanced polymer stability is a consequence of cation binding directly to tubulin and/or polymer while deficient GTP hydrolysis in the presence of beryllium, as well as aluminum and tin, is a consequence of tight binding of cation to GTP in the exchangeable site.

Beryllium↗

Voltage-dependent stimulation of Na+/K(+)-pump current by external cations: selectivity of different K+ congeners.

Currents generated by the endogenous Na+/K+ pump in the oocytes of Xenopus laevis were determined under voltage-clamp as currents activated by different K+ congeners. The voltage dependence of the pump current reflects voltage-dependent steps in the reaction cycle. The decrease of K(+)-activated pump current at positive potentials has been attributed to voltage-dependent stimulation by the external K+ (Rakowski, Vasilets, LaTona and Schwarz (1991) J. Membr. Biol. 121, 177-187). In Na(+)-free solution, activation of the pump by external cations seems to be the dominating voltage-dependent and rate-determining step in the reaction cycle. Under these conditions, the voltage dependence of apparent Km values for pump activation can be analyzed. The dependence suggests voltage-dependent binding of extracellular cations assuming that an effective charge of about 0.4 of an elementary charge is moved in the electrical field during a step associated with the cation binding. The apparent Km values at 0 mV differ for various cations that stimulate pump activity. The values are in mM: 0.10 for Tl+, 0.63 for K+, 0.71 for Rb+, 9.3 for NH4+, and 12.9 for Cs+. The corresponding apparent affinities follow the same sequence as the cation permeability of the K(+)-selective delayed rectifier channel of nerve cells. The results are compatible with the interpretation that the cations have to pass an ion-selective access channel to reach their binding sites in the pump molecule.

Animals↗

Cationic liposomes improve stability and intracellular delivery of antisense oligonucleotides into CaSki cells.

Antisense oligonucleotides (ODNs) are promising novel therapeutic agents against viral infections and cancer. However, problems with their inefficient delivery and inadequate stability have to be solved before they can be used in therapy. To circumvent these obstacles, a wide variety of improvements, including phosphorothioate ODNs and liposomes as a carrier system, have been developed. This study was designed to compare the effects of two cationic liposomes on the intracellular delivery and stability of ODNs in CaSki cell cultures. Also the stability of 3'-end phosphorothioate ODNs were investigated. The 3'-modification neither had any effect on the delivery, nor protected the ODNs against degradation. The cellular delivery and stability of ODNs was improved with both cationic liposomes, but a cationic liposomal preparations containing dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide and dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DDAB/DOPE) was more efficient than commercially available N-(1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammoniummethylsulf ate (DOTAP). The improved cellular delivery was largely due to the stabilization of ODNs by cationic liposomes. The improved stability in the culture medium indicates that the cationic liposomes per se protect the ODNs from enzymatic degradation. Indeed, intact ODNs were found in the cytoplasm and nucleus only when delivered by cationic liposomes.

Base Sequence↗

Oligonucleotide-cationic liposome interactions. A physicochemical study.

Cationic liposomes are effective in delivering antisense oligonucleotides into cells in culture, but their interactions with the oligonucleotides are poorly understood. We studied the aggregation and fusion reactions during the formation of cationic lipid/oligonucleotide complexes in solution and their interactions with lipid bilayers. Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (15-mer) were complexed with cationic liposomes composed of dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DDAB) and dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) at 8:15 molar ratio or of a commercial formulation DOTAP (N-(1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammoniummethylsul fate), at different ratios with apparent -/+ charge ratios of 0.03-5.6. Mean size of the complexes increased with -/+ ratio so that at charge ratios 0.4-2.0 the size increased by at least an order magnitude due to the oligonucleotide induced aggregation. Resonance energy transfer experiments showed that in addition to aggregation oligonucleotides induced fusion of cationic liposomes, but the fusion was rate-controlled by the initial aggregation step. Rate constants for oligonucleotide induced aggregation were dependent on lipid concentration and were in the range of (0.2-1).10(7) M-1 s-1 and (1-10).10(7) M-1 s-1 for DDAB/DOPE and DOTAP, respectively. Increase in oligonucleotide concentration induced the aggregation and fusion until at high -/+ ratios electrostatic repulsion of negative surfaces inhibited further aggregation and fusion. DOTAP/oligonucleotide complexes did not induce leakage of calcein from neutral EPC liposomes, but did cause leakage at -/+ charge ratios of < 0.7 and > 2.0 from EPC/DOPE liposomes. Also at -/+ charge ratios below 0.8 DOTAP/oligonucleotide complexes induced leaking from negatively charged DPPC/DPPG liposomes. These results indicate that either phosphatidylethanolamine or negative charge are required in the cell membrane for fusion of cationic liposome-oligonucleotide complexes. The ratio of oligonucleotide to cationic lipid is critical in determining the physicochemical properties of the mixture.

Cations↗

Fate of cationic liposomes and their complex with oligonucleotide in vivo.

The present studies describe the biodistribution of cationic liposomes and cationic liposome/oligonucleotide complex following intravenous injection into mice via the tail vein. (111)In-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid stearylamide ((111)In-DTPA-SA) was used as a lipid-phase radiolabel. Inclusion of up to 5 mol% DTPA-SA in liposomes composed of 3beta-(N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)carbamoyl)cholesterol (DC-Chol) and dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) did not influence liposome formation or size, nor the binding/uptake or fusion of the cationic liposomes with CHO cells in vitro. Moreover, nuclear delivery of oligonucleotide to CHO cells was unaffected by the probe. The biodistribution of liposomes with increasing concentration of DC-Chol (1:4-4:1, DC-Chol/DOPE, mol/mol) at 24 h post-injection revealed no dependence on lipid composition. Uptake was primarily by liver, and accumulation in spleen and skin was also observed. Comparatively little accumulation occurred in lung. Clearance of injected liposomes by liver was very rapid (approximately 84.5% of the injected dose by 7.5 h post-injection). Liposome uptake by liver and spleen were equally efficient in the dose range of 3.33 to 33.33 mg/kg body weight, yet possible saturation of liver uptake at a dose of 66.80 mg/kg may have allowed for increased spleen accumulation. Preincubation of cationic liposomes with phosphorothioate oligonucleotide induced a dramatic yet transient accumulation of the lipid in lung which gradually redistributed to liver. Similar results were observed when monitoring iodinated oligonucleotide in the complex. Immuno-histochemical studies revealed large aggregates of oligonucleotide within pulmonary capillaries at 15 min post-injection, suggesting the early accumulation in lung was due to embolism. Immuno-histochemical studies further revealed labeled oligonucleotide to be localized primarily to Kupffer cells at 24 h post-injection. Immuno-electron microscopy revealed localization of oligonucleotide primarily to the lumen of pulmonary capillaries at 15 min post-injection. Immuno-electron microscopy revealed localization of oligonucleotide primarily to the lumen of pulmonary capillaries at 15 min post-injection, and to phagocytic vacuoles of Kupffer cells at 24 h post-injection. By these methods, nuclear delivery of oligonucleotide in vivo was not observed. Increasing concentration of mouse serum inhibited cellular binding/uptake of cationic liposomes in vitro, without or with complexed oligonucleotide. We therefore postulate that interaction with plasma components, including opsonin(s), inhibits cellular uptake of the injected liposomes as well as the liposome/oligonucleotide complex, and mediates rapid uptake by Kupffer cells of the liver. These results are relevant to the design of cationic liposomes for efficient delivery of nucleic acid in vivo.

Animals↗

Fusion of cationic liposomes with mammalian cells occurs after endocytosis.

The interaction of cationic liposomes prepared using either dioleoyltrimethylammonium propane (DOTAP) or 3 beta-(N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)carbamoyl)cholesterol (DC-CHOL) with model membranes and with cultured mammalian cells was examined using an assay developed for monitoring virus-cell fusion (Stegmann et al. (1993) Biochemistry 32, 11330-11337). Lipid mixing between cationic liposomes and liposomes composed of DOPE/dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol (DOPG) or dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC)/DOPG was insensitive to pH in the range of pH 4.5-7.0 and was not affected by sodium chloride concentration in the range of 0-150 mM. Lipid mixing was dependent on dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), since cationic liposomes prepared using dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) were incapable of lipid mixing with DOPC/DOPG liposomes. The interaction of cationic liposomes with Hep G-2 and CHO D- cells was also studied. For both cell types, liposome-cell lipid mixing was rapid at 37 degrees C, beginning within minutes and continuing for up to 1 hour after uptake. The extent of lipid mixing was decreased at 15 degrees C, especially at later (> or = 20 min) time points. This suggests that at least part of the observed lipid mixing occurred after reaching cellular lysosomes. No lipid mixing was seen at 4 degrees C. Monensin inhibited lipid mixing between cationic liposomes and the cells, despite having no effect on liposome uptake. Inhibition of endocytic uptake of liposomes, either by incubation in hypertonic media or by depletion of cellular ATP with sodium azide and 2-deoxyglucose abolished liposome-cell fusion in both cell types. These data demonstrate that binding to the cell surface is insufficient for cationic liposome-cell fusion and that uptake into the endocytic pathway is required for fusion to occur.

Animals↗

Activation of Thermus phosphofructokinase by monovalent cations.

The presence of the monovalent cations Tl+, NH+4, K+, Rb+ or Cs+, in decreasing order of potency, produce a marked equivalent increase in the specific enzyme activity of phosphofructokinase (ATP:D-fructose-6-phosphate 1-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.11) purified from extreme thermophile, Thermus X-1. By contrast, the monovalent cations Li+, Na+ or CH3NH+3 produce no detectable catalyitic activation at concentrations up to 100 mM. The relative potency of these cations suggests that each polypeptide chain in the tetrameric enzyme possesses a cationbinding site having tetragonal symmetry and that the protein ligands are principally hydroxyl or carboxylate oxygens. Only the enzyme-cation complex and not the enzyme by itself exhibits cooperativity with respect to the dependence of catalytic rate on the concentration of the substrate, fructose 6-phosphate. In the presence of subsaturating but not saturating concentrations of substrate, the catalytic activation produced by monovalent cations is also cooperative. Exclusion chromatographic measurements indicate that the enzyme remains tetrameric at catalytic concentrations in the presence or absence of an activating monovalent cation.

Catalysis↗

Role of cations in the regulation of baker's yeast AMP deaminase.

The effect of polyamines and divalent cations including alkaline earth metals and transition metals on the AMP deaminase (AMP aminohydrolase EC 3.5.4.6) purified from baker's yeast was investigated. (1) Polyamines and alkaline earth metals activated the enzyme in the absence of ATP: these cations largely enhanced the maximal velocity without alteration of S0.5 and nH (Hill coefficient) values. However, transition metals acted as potent inhibitors, which decreased the maximal velocity of the enzyme in the absence of ATP. (2) All of the divalent cations showed an activation of the enzyme in the presence of ATP, followed by a progressive decrease in activity as the concentrations of transition metals increased. (3) The increase in the concentrations of polyamines or alkaline earth metals showed no more activating effect when the enzyme was fully activated by the addition of excess alkali metals in the absence of ATP, but divalent cation-activation was observed in the presence of ATP even if alkali metals were saturating. These results suggest the presence of two types of binding sites for cations: 1, the sites for free cations and 2, those for ATP-metal complexes. The former sites include the activating sites for alkali metals, polyamines and free alkaline earth metals, and the inhibitory sites for free transition metals. The latter sites are the activating sites for ATP-metal complexes, which are suggested to be commonly occupied by alkaline earth metals and transition metals and to form an ATP bridge (E-ATP-M) complex.

AMP Deaminase↗

Multiple pathways for entry of calcium and other divalent cations in a vascular smooth muscle cell line (A7r5).

The influx of calcium in response to vasopressin receptor stimulation is an important component of excitation-contraction coupling. We have examined the routes by which Ca2+ and other divalent cations enter vascular smooth muscle cells using a cultured vascular smooth muscle cell line (A7r5). Confluent A7r5 cells were loaded with Fura-2 to permit measurement of intracellular divalent cation concentration (Ca2+, Ba2+, Mn2+). Combinations of excitation wavelengths (340/380, 340/356, 356/380 and 340/370) were used depending on the divalent cation being studied. Emission was measured at 510 nm for all studies. Ca2+, Ba2+ and Mn2+ permeated unstimulated A7r5 cells. Vasopressin increased intracellular Ca2+ in cells both in the presence and absence of extracellular Ca2+, although responses in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ were smaller and had no sustained component. Amlodipine, a voltage-dependent calcium channel blocker, had no effect on Ca2+ entry, but Ni2+ did block Ca2+ influx. Vasopressin-induced elevations of intracellular Ca2+ in Ca(2+)-free physiological saline were abolished by ionomycin and thapsigargin. In the presence of extracellular Ba2+ vasopressin increased intracellular Ca2+ transiently and caused a small sustained increase in intracellular Ba2+ concentration. Ionomycin and thapsigargin increased intracellular Ca2+ but had no effect on Ba2+ influx. In contrast vasopressin, ionomycin and thapsigargin had no effect on Mn2+ influx. Econazole and SKF 96365, imidazoles reported to be blockers of receptor-induced cation entry, increased intracellular Ca2+ by releasing intracellular Ca2+ from a different site to that mobilized by vasopressin or thapsigargin in A7r5 cells. Econazole and SKF 96365 partially inhibited passive influx of Ca2+ and Ba2+ but did not inhibit passive influx of Mn2+, or vasopressin-induced influx of Ba2+. U73122, a putative inhibitor of phospholipase C partially inhibited passive entry of Ca2+ but not passive entry of Mn2+ and Ba2+. U73122 also inhibited vasopressin-induced release of intracellular Ca2+ and agonist-induced Ca2+ influx but did not block vasopressin-induced Ba2+ influx. Divalent cations enter A7r5 cells by a number of routes - 'passive' pathway(s) that admit Ca2+, Ba2+ and Mn2+ and receptor-operated pathway(s) that are permeable to Ca2+, Ba2+ but not Mn2+. On the basis of ionic permeabilities and the effect of various blocking agents, there appear to be two distinct passive influx routes. One is permeable to Ca2+ and Ba2+ and is blocked by econazole or SKF 96365. The other is permeable to Mn2+ and is blocked by Ni2+. There also appear to be two different routes of divalent cation entry involved in responses to receptor activation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Barium↗

Additional effects of monovalent cations on the lysine-sensitive aspartokinase of E. coli B.

The apparent specificity of activation of lysine-sensitive aspartokinase (E.C.2.7.2.4) from E. coli by monovalent cations differs depending on the assay used and on the Mg2+ concentration. Activity is nearly absolutely dependent on and is highly specific for a monovalent cation in the aspartate semialdehyde dehydrogenase coupled assay or the adenosine triphosphate-adenosine diphosphate exchange assay. Little specificity for monovalent cations is observed using the aspartyl hydroxamate assay. Activation and specificity are also altered by Mg2+ concentrations at a constant 5 mM nucleotide concentration. At a low (1.25 or 1.6 mM)Mg2+ concentration, monovalent cation activation and specificity are nearly absolute. Less dependence on monovalent cations and less specificity are observed at a higher Mg2+ concentration (6 mM). Li+ inhibits aspartokinase competitively with respect to either K+ or NH4+. Monovalent cations are also thermoprotective and differential thermal inactivation experiments at 56 degrees C reveal that NH4+ and K+, either of which will produce maximum catalytic activity, interact differently with aspartokinase. K+ interacts with positive cooperativity, whereas NH4+ does not. K+, NH4+, and Na+ are about equally effective in enhancing the dissociation of the aspartokinase-aspartylphosphate complex. Li+ is less effective.

Animals↗

Differential ontogeny of divalent cation effects on rat brain delta-, mu-, and kappa-opioid receptor binding.

The effect of the divalent cations, Mn2+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ on rat forebrain delta-, mu- and kappa-receptor binding was examined during postnatal development. It was found that delta-receptor binding, assessed with [3H]D-Ala2-D-Leu5-enkephalin ([3H]DADLE) (+ 10 nM D-Ala2- MePhe4-Gly-ol5-enkephalin (DAMGE)), was stimulated by the 3 cations in a dose- and developmental time-dependent manner. delta-Binding was most sensitive to the cations during the first week postnatal, prior to the appearance of high-affinity delta-binding. In contrast, inhibition of mu-receptor binding ([3H]DAMGE) by divalent cations appeared early in development and remained constant throughout the postnatal period. Divalent cation inhibition of kappa-binding ([3H]ethylketocyclazocine ([3H]EKC) + 100 nM DAMGE and 100 nM DADLE) appeared after the second week postnatal. These results demonstrate that the characteristics and postnatal development of divalent cation modulation of mu-, delta- and kappa-binding is distinctly different. Thus, the neonate may be a good model system to examine the binding properties and functions of delta- and kappa-receptor subtypes.

Animals↗

Dual role of divalent cations in the bile acid:CoA ligase catalyzed reaction.

The role of divalent cations in the bile acid:CoA ligase catalyzed reaction of cholic acid, CoA and ATP to yield cholyl-CoA was investigated using guinea pig liver microsomes as the source of enzyme. EDTA treatment completely eliminated activity indicating an absolute requirement for divalent cation for enzyme activity. Analysis of this requirement revealed that it was twofold. First, the data suggested that ATP which was not complexed with a divalent cation did not appreciably bind to the enzyme and thus a divalent cation complex of ATP is the form of ATP that is the substrate for the enzyme. Further, this was shown to be the basis for the absolute requirement for divalent cation in the reaction. In addition, analysis revealed that there is a secondary site which binds divalent cations with relatively low affinity, and results in a rate enhancement. Binding at this secondary site is estimated to increase the rate by greater than 60%.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Conductive cation transport in apical membrane vesicles prepared from fetal lung.

In order to characterise the apically-located conductive cation pathway of the type II pneumocyte, apical plasma membranes were prepared from mature fetal guinea pig lung. The protocol yielded purified apical membranes that enriched 19-fold with the brush border enzyme marker alkaline phosphatase; there was no significant contamination with other cellular membranes. A technique for imposing an outwardly-directed electrochemical Na+ gradient was used to amplify conductive 22Na+ uptake into vesicles. Uptake of 22Na+ was time-dependent, proportional to the magnitude of the Na+ gradient, specific and sensitive to the amiloride analogues phenamil and EIPA (apparent minimum Ki values of 50 nM and 10 microM, respectively, with maximum uptake inhibition of 42% and 39% at 100 microM). Uptake experiments in which the outwardly-directed Na+ gradient was replaced by outwardly-directed gradients of small monovalent cations and molecular cations were performed. The Na+/K+ permeability ratio was 1.2:1, and over the extended range of small monovalent cations, a permeability sequence of Na+ > K+ > Li+ > Rb+ > Cs+ was observed, indicating the presence of fixed negative charge in or spatially close to the pore. The molecular cation permeability sequence of NH4+ > methylamine+ > dimethylamine+ > choline+ > N-methyl-D-glucamine+ > tetraethylammonium+ > tetramethylammonium+, after transformation, gives an estimate of 8 A for the conducting pore diameter. These data are consistent with the presence in the apical membrane of fetal type II pneumocytes of a cation specific channel with low Na+ selectivity and amiloride sensitivity.

Animals↗

Role of cysteine residues in tryptophanase for monovalent cation-induced activation.

We cloned and sequenced the tryptophanase structural gene of Escherichia coli B/1t7-A strain. The results indicate that tryptophanase proteins of E. coli B/1t7-A and K-12 are identical. When cysteine residues in tryptophanase were chemically modified with 5,5'-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB), the stabilizing effect of the active cations such as K+ and NH4+ was abolished. In consideration of our previous results that Cys-298 was selectively modified by SH reagents [Honda T. et al. (1986) J. Chromatogr. 371, 353-360], Cys-298 seems to have a close relation to the expression of the effect of monovalent cations. Fluorescence decay measurement of the holoenzyme revealed that the fluorescence lifetime derived from the coenzyme, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), was dependent on coexisting monovalent cations, whereas that of the tryptophyl residue was not, in either the apo- or the holoenzyme preparation. The results of the synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering measurements showed that radii of gyration which reflect the size and shape of the enzyme were constant at around 38 A irrespective of the presence or absence of the K+ ion. These results suggest that the monovalent cations interact specifically with the PLP-binding site, and that the conformational change of enzyme protein caused by the monovalent-cation binding is limited to a small range. The above results are compatible with the possibility that Cys-298 is involved in the formation of "monovalent cation binding site" in the holoenzyme.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effects of monovalent cations and anions on ADP-induced aggregation of bovine platelets, and mechanisms thereof.

The effects of monovalent cations-inorganic alkali metal cations and organic quaternary ammonium cations-and monovalent inorganic anions on ADP-induced aggregation of bovine platelets were investigated. In the presence of K+, Rb+, Cs+, choline or tetramethylammonium, aggregation proceeded. However, aggregation was markedly restricted in media containing Li+, Na+, tetrabutylammonium or dimethyldibenzylammonium. With anions, aggregation proceeded in the order Cl- greater than Br- greater than I- greater than ClO4- greater than SCN-. The effects of cations significantly depended on Ca2+ concentration, whereas those of the anions depended little on Ca2+. Anions such as SCN- and ClO4- markedly decreased the fluorescence of the surface charge probe 2-p-toluidinyl-naphthalene-6-sulfonate, whereas cations had less pronounced effects. The relative effects of the anions on the fluorescence were consistent with their relative inhibitory effects on aggregation. These results suggest that inhibition of platelet aggregation by the anions is due to a change in the surface change of the platelet plasma membrane. On the other hand, kinetic analysis suggests that the effects of monovalent cations on platelet aggregation are due to their competition with Ca2+ during the process of aggregation.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗