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Stimulatory and inhibitory effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate on 3H-inositol polyphosphate accumulation in rat cortical slices.

The actions of the excitatory amino acid N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) on the accumulation of 3H-inositol polyphosphate isomers in rat cerebral cortex slices have been examined over short (less than 5 min) incubation periods. NMDA caused the dose-dependent accumulation of only [3H]inositol monophosphate and [3H]inositol bisphosphate (maximal effect between 0.3 and 1 mM), with no increase in [3H]inositol trisphosphate ([3H]InsP3) and [3H]inositol tetrakisphosphate ([3H]InsP4). HPLC analysis confirmed this, showing no increases in the breakdown products of [3H]Ins(1,3,4,5)P4. When present with the muscarinic agonist carbachol (1 mM), high concentrations of NMDA (1 mM) could almost totally inhibit carbachol-induced accumulation of 3H-inositol polyphosphates. In contrast, at lower concentrations of NMDA (10 microM), the inhibitory effect was replaced with a synergistic accumulation of inositol polyphosphates, especially [3H]InsP4 and [3H]InsP3. The inhibitory effects of NMDA were only apparent when extracellular Ca2+ was present, although incubation in media with no added Ca2+ resulted in somewhat reduced stimulatory responses to NMDA alone, but suppressed totally the inhibitory effects of 1 mM NMDA and reduced the synergistic effects of 10 microM NMDA on carbachol responses. These studies, therefore, reveal Ca(2+)-dependent effects of NMDA indicative of indirect mechanisms of action and show that care must be made in interpreting the effects of NMDA on phosphoinositide metabolism unless the inositol polyphosphate composition has been fully characterised.

Animals↗

Interferon-gamma increases inositol phosphate formation and cellular calcium ion concentration independent of ICAM-1 antigen enhancement in renal tubular cells.

In the present study, we investigated the effect of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on cellular inositol phosphate formation and cellular calcium ion concentration [Ca2+]i in human renal proximal tubular (HRPT) cells. We also examined the possible role of the inositol phosphate-Ca2+ signalling pathway during IFN-gamma-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) antigen expression. IFN-gamma caused an increase in the formation of inositol 1-monophosphate (Ins 1-P), inositol 1,4-bisphosphate (Ins 1,4-P2), inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins 1,4,5-P3) and inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (Ins 1,3,4,5-P4). A rapid time-dependent rise in [Ca2+]i was observed upon IFN-gamma stimulation, with maximal levels reached after 1 min. A lower rise in [Ca2+]i was observed when cells were stimulated in Ca2+-free medium. This correlated with the generation of Ins 1,4,5-P3 by IFN-gamma, a well-known secondary messenger capable of releasing Ca2+ from intracellular stores. The induction of ICAM-1 antigen expression was enhanced by IFN-gamma, 4-bromocalcium ionophore A23187 (Bromo-A23187), and their combinations. However, the calcium antagonist diltiazem and calcium chelator EGTA had no effect on IFN-gamma antigen induction. In conclusion, our data suggest that IFN-gamma stimulation of HRPT cells results in the cleavage of phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate by phospholipase C, generating inositol phosphates, of which Ins 1,4,5-P3 probably releases Ca2+ from intracellular stores. A further increase in [Ca2+]i upon IFN-gamma stimulation results from influx of extracellular Ca2+. IFN-gamma signal transduction in HRPT cells may not be limited to the inositol phosphate-Ca2+ pathway since IFN-gamma-induced ICAM-1 antigen expression was unaffected by calcium antagonist/chelator.

Calcimycin↗

Fibroblasts transformed with v-src show enhanced formation of an inositol tetrakisphosphate.

The tyrosine kinase pp60v-src, encoded by the v-src oncogene, seems to regulate phosphatidylinositol metabolism. The effect of pp60v-src on control points in inositol phosphate production was examined by measuring the amounts of inositol polyphosphates in Rat-1 cells expressing wild-type or mutant forms of the protein. Expression of v-src-resulted in a five- to sevenfold elevation in the steady-state amount of an isomer of inositol tetrakisphosphate, whereas the concentrations of inositol trisphosphates or other inositol tetrakisphosphates were not affected. The activity of a key enzyme in the formation of inositol tetrakisphosphates, inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate 3-kinase, was increased six- to eightfold in cytosolic extracts prepared from the v-src-transformed cells, suggesting that this enzyme may be one target for the pp60v-src kinase and that it may participate in the synthesis of novel, higher order inositol phosphates.

Animals↗

Identification of two myo-inositol transporter genes of Bacillus subtilis.

Among hundreds of mutants constructed systematically by the Japanese groups participating in the functional analysis of the Bacillus subtilis genome project, we found that a mutant with inactivation of iolT (ydjK) exhibited a growth defect on myo-inositol as the sole carbon source. The putative product of iolT exhibits significant similarity with many bacterial sugar transporters in the databases. In B. subtilis, the iolABCDEFGHIJ and iolRS operons are known to be involved in inositol utilization, and its transcription is regulated by the IolR repressor and induced by inositol. Among the iol genes, iolF was predicted to encode an inositol transporter. Inactivation of iolF alone did not cause such an obvious growth defect on inositol as the iolT inactivation, while simultaneous inactivation of the two genes led to a more severe defect than the single iolT inactivation. Determination of inositol uptake by the mutants revealed that iolT inactivation almost completely abolished uptake, but uptake by IolF itself was slightly detectable. These results, as well as the K(m) and V(max) values for the IolT and IolF inositol transporters, indicated that iolT and iolF encode major and minor inositol transporters, respectively. Northern and primer extension analyses of iolT transcription revealed that the gene is monocistronically transcribed from a promoter likely recognized by final sigma(A) RNA polymerase and negatively regulated by IolR as well. The interaction between IolR and the iolT promoter region was analyzed by means of gel retardation and DNase I footprinting experiments, it being suggested that the mode of interaction is quite similar to that found for the promoter regions of the iol divergon.

Bacillus subtilis↗

Effect of TNF-alpha on SMIT mRNA levels and myo-inositol accumulation in cultured endothelial cells.

Previously we have shown that hyperosmolarity increases Na(+)-myo-inositol cotransporter (SMIT) activity and mRNA levels in cultured endothelial cells. Because hyperosmolarity and cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), activate similar signal transduction pathways, we examined the effect of TNF-alpha on SMIT mRNA levels and myo-inositol accumulation. In contrast to the effect of hyperosmolarity, TNF-alpha caused a time- and concentration-dependent decrease in SMIT mRNA levels and myo-inositol accumulation. The effect of TNF-alpha on myo-inositol accumulation was found in large-vessel endothelial cells (derived from the aorta and pulmonary artery) and cerebral microvessel endothelial cells. In bovine aorta and bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells, TNF-alpha activated nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B. TNF-alpha also increased ceramide levels, and C2-ceramide mimicked the effect of TNF-alpha on SMIT mRNA levels and myo-inositol accumulation in bovine aorta endothelial cells. Pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate, genistein, and 7-amino-1-chloro-3-tosylamido-2-hepatanone, compounds that can inhibit NF-kappa B activation, partially prevented the TNF-alpha-induced decrease in myo-inositol accumulation. The effect of TNF-alpha on myo-inositol accumulation was also partially prevented by the protein kinase C inhibitor calphostin C but not by staurosporine. These studies demonstrate that TNF-alpha causes a decrease in SMIT mRNA levels and myo-inositol accumulation in cultured endothelial cells, which may be related to the activation of NF-kappa B.

Animals↗

Phosphatidic acid stimulates inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production in adult cardiac myocytes.

The cellular content of phosphatidic acid can increase in response to several agonists either by phosphorylation of diacylglycerol after phospholipase C-catalyzed hydrolysis of phospholipids or directly through activation of phospholipase D. Although previous findings indicated that the generation of phosphatidic acid was exclusively a means of regulation of the cellular concentration of diacylglycerol, more recent studies have indicated that phosphatidic acid may also directly regulate several cellular functions. Accordingly, the present study was performed to assess whether phosphatidic acid could stimulate cardiac phospholipase C in intact adult rabbit ventricular myocytes. The mass of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins (1,4,5)P3] was determined by a specific and sensitive binding protein assay and by direct mass measurement using anion exchange chromatography for separation of selected inositol phosphates and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry for quantification of inositol monophosphate (IP1), inositol bisphosphate (IP2), inositol trisphosphate (IP3), and inositol tetrakisphosphate (IP4). Phosphatidic acid (10(-9)-10(-6) M) elicited a rapid concentration-dependent increase in Ins (1,4,5)P3 accumulation, with the peak fourfold to fivefold increase at 30 seconds of stimulation; the concentration required for 50% of maximal stimulation was 4.4 x 10(-8) M. The time course of individual inositol phosphates indicated a successive increase in the mass of IP3, IP4, IP2, and IP1 in response to stimulation with phosphatidic acid. The production of Ins (1,4,5)P3 in response to phosphatidic acid was not altered in the absence of extracellular calcium or in the presence of extracellular EGTA (10(-3) M). Thus, these findings indicate that phosphatidic acid is a potent activator of inositol phosphate production in adult ventricular myocytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Impaired rat sciatic nerve sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase in acute streptozocin diabetes and its correction by dietary myo-inositol supplementation.

Nerve conduction impairment in experimental diabetes has been empirically but not mechanistically linked to altered nerve myo-inositol metabolism. The phospholipid-dependent membrane-bound sodium-potassium ATPase provides a potential mechanism to relate defects in diabetic peripheral nerve myo-inositol-phospholipid metabolism, impulse conduction, and energy utilization. Therefore, the effect of streptozocin-induced diabetes mellitus and dietary myo-inositol supplementation on rat sciatic nerve sodium-potassium ATPase was studied. ATPase activity was measured enzymatically in sciatic nerve homogenates from 4-wk streptozocin diabetic rats and age-matched controls either fed a standard or 1% myo-inositol supplemented diet. The sodium-potassium ATPase components were assessed by ouabain inhibition or the omission of sodium and potassium ions. Diabetes reduced the composite ATPase activity recovered in crude homogenates of sciatic nerve. The 40% reduction in the sodium-potassium ATPase was selectively prevented by 1% myo-inositol supplementation (which preserved normal nerve conduction). Thus, in diabetic peripheral nerve, abnormal myo-inositol metabolism is associated with abnormal sodium-potassium ATPase activity. The mechanism of the effect of dietary myo-inositol to correct diabetic nerve conduction may be through changes in a sodium-potassium ATPase, possibly via changes in myo-inositol-containing phospholipids.

Acute Disease↗

Stimulation of inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol production in renal tubular cells by parathyroid hormone.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) produced a dose-dependent immediate stimulation of inositol triphosphate and diacylglycerol production in the opossum kidney cell line, primary culture proximal tubular cells, and basolateral membranes from canine proximal tubular segments. The increase in inositol triphosphate production was accompanied by a minor increase in inositol phosphate and no significant increase in inositol bisphosphate production. Associated with the changes in inositol triphosphate and diacylglycerol, there was an immediate hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4'5-bisphosphate. The effect on phospholipid hydrolysis was followed by stimulation of phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 4' monophosphate and phosphatidylinositol. PTH produced a sudden increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ in opossum kidney cells that persisted for approximately 1 min. Inositol triphosphate transiently increased cytoplasmic Ca2+ in saponin-treated opossum kidney and primary culture proximal tubule cells. The effects of PTH were not mimicked by cyclic nucleotides. In fact, cyclic AMP appeared to diminish inositol triphosphate production. These results demonstrate that PTH may activate renal tubular epithelial cells by the production of inositol triphosphate and diacylglycerol.

Animals↗

Oxytocin activates the inositol-phospholipid-protein kinase-C system and stimulates prostaglandin production in human amnion cells.

It has been postulated that fetal hormonal signals act upon amnion to trigger labor via prostaglandin (PG) production. Human amnion epithelial cell cultures were established to test the effects of potential activators of the inositol phospholipid-protein kinase-C effector system on intracellular inositol phosphate turnover, intracellular free calcium ([ Ca2+]i), and PGE2 production. Oxytocin provoked 3-, 2.5-, and 4-fold increases in inositol triphosphate, inositol bisphosphate, and inositol monophosphate, respectively. [Ca2+]i, measured with the fluorescent dye fura-2, was stimulated by oxytocin and vasopressin (oxytocin greater than vasopressin) in a dose-dependent manner. The [Ca2+]i transient produced by oxytocin reached a peak in 15 sec, followed by a slow return to baseline over 10 min. Preincubation with phorbol 12-myristate-13 acetate (PMA) markedly blunted the oxytocin-induced transient. No [Ca2+]i transient was seen with leukotrienes, PG, serotonin, angiotensin, or alpha- or beta-adrenergic agents. PGE2 production increased 30- to 50-fold with phospholipase-C and PMA, and 10-fold with the calcium ionophore A23187. Oxytocin and vasopressin produced 10- and 3-fold PGE2 increases, respectively. Increased PGE2 production induced by PMA, oxytocin, and A23187 was first seen after 8 hr of incubation and reached maximal levels at 24 h. Minimal PGE2 stimulation occurred with agents that produced no [Ca2+]i transient. Direct activators of the inositol phospholipid-protein kinase-C system in human amnion induce large increases in PGE2 in human amnion cells. Oxytocin and vasopressin are hormonal activators of this system in these cells, as demonstrated by their effects on inositol phosphate turnover and [Ca2+]i. These hormones also increase PGE2 production and may influence labor by stimulating PGE2 production in amnion through the inositol phospholipid-protein kinase-C system.

Amnion↗

How do inositol and glucose modulate feeding in Manduca sexta caterpillars?

Many species of caterpillar possess taste cells that respond exceptionally vigorously to the sugar alcohol myo-inositol. We examined the functional significance of these inositol-sensitive taste cells in Manduca sexta caterpillars through an integrated series of electrophysiological and behavioral studies. Neural recordings from all the gustatory chemosensilla revealed that M. sexta have only two pairs of inositol-sensitive taste cells, which respond strongly and selectively to myo-inositol, and two pairs of sugar-sensitive taste cells, which respond relatively weakly to sugars (glucose and sucrose). Behavioral studies established that myo-inositol incites feeding and counteracts the inhibitory effects of aversive taste stimuli (e.g. caffeine) on feeding, but does not promote increased consumption once feeding has been initiated. In contrast, glucose and sucrose did not produce any robust effects on feeding. We failed to obtain any evidence of sensory inhibition between taste cells that responded to myo-inositol and caffeine, indicating that myo-inositol counteracts the inhibitory effects of caffeine on feeding through a central gustatory mechanism. We conclude that sensory input from the inositol-sensitive taste cells, but not the sugar-sensitive taste cells, plays an important role in regulating feeding in M. sexta.

Animals↗

Inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate-binding proteins controlling the phototransduction cascade of invertebrate visual cells.

The main phototransduction cascade in invertebrate visual cells involves the turnover of phosphatidylinositol, an important biochemical mechanism common to many signal-transduction systems. Light-activated rhodopsin stimulates guanine nucleotide exchange on the Gq class of G-protein, which activates phospholipase C to hydrolyze phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate to inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. Subsequently, inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate-binding proteins continue the signal cascade. Here, we report on the first inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate-binding proteins demonstrated in an invertebrate visual system with our investigation of the photosensitive rhabdoms of squid. We screened the ability of proteins to interact with inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate by affinity column chromatography with an inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate analogue. We detected an inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate-binding affinity in phospholipase C, receptor kinase and five other proteins in the cytosolic fraction and, surprisingly, rhodopsin in the membrane fraction. A binding assay with (3)H-labelled inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate demonstrated the inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate affinity of each of the purified proteins. Since rhodopsin, receptor kinase and phospholipase C are involved upstream of phosphatidylinositol turnover in the signal cascade, our result suggests that phosphatidylinositol turnover is important in feedback pathways in the signalling system.

Animals↗

Acceptor recognition of kojibiose phosphorylase from Thermoanaerobacter brockii: syntheses of glycosyl glycerol and myo-inositol.

The glucosyl transfer reaction of kojibiose phosphorylase (KP; EC 2.4.1.230) was examined using glycerol or myo-inositol as an acceptor. In the case of glycerol, KP produced two main transfer products: saccharides A and B. The structure of saccharide A was O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->1)-glycerol and that of saccharide B was O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->1)-glycerol. These results show that KP transferred a glucose residue to the hydroxyl group at position 1 of glycerol. On the other hand, when myo-inositol was used as an acceptor, KP produced four transfer products: saccharides 1-4. The structures of saccharides 1 and 2 were O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->1)- and O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->5)-myo-inositol, respectively; those of saccharides 3 and 4 were O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->1)- and O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->5)-myo-inositol, respectively. KP transferred a glucose residue to the hydroxyl group at position 1 or 5 of myo-inositol. On the basis of the structures of their glucosyl transfer products, glycerol and myo-inositol were found to have a common structure with three hydroxyl groups corresponding to the hydroxyl group of the glucose molecule at positions 2, 3 and 4. The conformation of these three hydroxyl groups in the structure is equatorial. This structure is the substrate recognition site of KP. It has been suggested that KP strictly recognizes the structures of glycerol and myo-inositol, and catalyzes the transfer reaction of a glucose residue to the hydroxyl group at position 1 in glycerol, and at position 1 or 5 in myo-inositol, corresponding to position 2 in glucose.

Disaccharides↗

Luminal secretion of myo-inositol by the rat epididymis perfused in vitro.

A technique for perfusing the lumen of rat epididymal tubules maintained in vitro showed that [3H]inulin was largely excluded from the lumen of unravelled tubules from the cauda and tubules from the corpus if the connective tissue capsule was removed. The preparation transported [3H]inositol from the bath fluid for 3 h against a concentration gradient in both regions with activity rising (16-29% of bath fluid values) in the cauda and reaching a plateau (18%) in the corpus epididymidis. HPLC showed that radioactivity was solely associated with inositol and its movement to the lumen was reduced by raising inositol in the bath fluid from 50 microM (plasma levels) to 10 mM, but not affected by reducing the glucose concentration in the bath fluid or introducing physiological concentrations of inositol (30 mM) into the lumen. Secretion into the caudal lumen of unlabelled inositol measured by g.l.c. was maintained for 3 h at concentrations (300 microM) greater than those in the bath fluid and was not reduced when glucose or inositol were removed from the bath. In contrast, glucose was only detectable in the lumen when it was present in the bathing medium, reaching 1% of this concentration. Radioactivity appeared in the epididymal lumen reaching a plateau (19% of bath fluid values) in the corpus and cauda when [3H]glucose was added to the bath fluid, but no radiolabelled inositol was found in the lumen. We conclude that epididymal tissue is a major source of secreted inositol.

Animals↗

Aldose reductase and myo-inositol transporter mRNA are independently regulated in rat renal medulla.

During antidiuresis, renal papillary cells accumulate organic osmolytes preferentially over inorganic ions. It has been previously demonstrated that sodium infusion increased all of these organic osmolytes except myo-inositol (1). Conversely, urea infusion increased only glycerophosphorylcholine significantly. In addition to sodium and urea, potassium localized in tissue and urine influenced the composition of organic osmolytes. The goal of this study was to clarify how the level of mRNA of osmoregulatory protein is regulated by the extracellular solutes and how it affects the accumulation of organic osmolytes. To clarify the relationship between intra- or extracellular solutes and the regulation of Na/myo-inositol cotransporter and aldose reductase, mRNA of these osmo-regulatory proteins were determined in water-deprived sodium chloride-, potassium chloride-, and urea-loaded rats. Medullary content of sorbitol and myo-inositol, and aldose-reductase enzymatic activity were measured simultaneously in these animals. In water-deprived, sodium-loaded, and potassium-loaded rats, the inner medullary sorbitol content increased significantly in accordance with the rise in the enzymatic activity and the level of aldose reductase mRNA. In urea-loaded rats, both the sorbitol content and the level of aldose reductase mRNA were equal to that in hydrated rats. In the outer and inner medullary tissues, the level of myo-inositol transporter mRNA was increased in all hyperosmolality protocols, including urea infusion, which corresponded with the rise in myo-inositol content. In conclusion, potassium chloride infusion is as effective as water deprivation and sodium chloride infusion in raising the level of aldose reductase and myo-inositol transporter mRNA, whereas urea influenced only myo-inositol transporter. Although aldose reductase and myo-inositol transporter are osmoregulatory proteins in the renal medulla, the levels of aldose reductase and sodium-dependent myo-inositol transporter mRNA are regulated independently.

Aldehyde Reductase↗

Effects of polyol-pathway inhibition and dietary myo-inositol on glomerular hemodynamic function in experimental diabetes mellitus in rats.

Early functional disturbances in nerve, retina, and lens in diabetes mellitus appear to result from a common mechanism involving increased polyol-pathway activity with an associated effect on tissue myo-inositol metabolism. We tested the role of increased polyol-pathway activity in the early glomerular hemodynamic abnormalities in experimental diabetes in rats with dietary myo-inositol supplementation or the administration of sorbinil, an aldose reductase inhibitor. Each maneuver prevented the glomerular hyperfiltration of early streptozocin-induced diabetes and reversed the hyperfiltration of established diabetes of 10 days' duration. We also found that the abnormal response to captopril in diabetic rats was improved by dietary myo-inositol supplementation or sorbinil administration. Although nonhypotensive doses of captopril lowered glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in diabetic rats on a 0.01% myo-inositol diet, GFR increased substantially after captopril infusion in diabetic rats treated with sorbinil or myo-inositol supplementation. These data suggest that normalization of tissue myo-inositol metabolism restores normal responsiveness to angiotensin II; this may contribute to the reduction in GFR with the two experimental maneuvers. We also tested the interaction between polyol-pathway activation and high dietary protein intake. Aldose reductase inhibition and dietary myo-inositol supplementation had no effect on the component of increased GFR due to 50% dietary protein intake but specifically inhibited the hyperfiltration attributable to diabetes. These results suggest that hyperglycemia acts through increased polyol-pathway activity and its effects on tissue myo-inositol metabolism to play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of the glomerular hyperfiltration characteristic of early diabetes.

Animals↗

Inositol as a lipotropic agent in dairy cattle diets.

Fatty liver syndrome or hepatic lipidosis (HL) is a condition thought to contribute to an increased incidence of peripartum disease, reduced response to therapy and decreased fertility in dairy cows. This syndrome is characterized by excess triglyceride (TG) accumulation in the liver and apparent decreased hepatic lipoprotein output. In lactating rats, a similar condition results from feeding an inositol-deficient diet. It is also characterized by excess hepatic TG accumulation and decreased hepatic lipoprotein output. Myo-inositol is a necessary component of the phospholipid phosphatidyl-inositol, which is an important membrane constituent. Myo-inositol occurs in feed mainly as the inositol hexaphosphate phytic acid. Phytic acid is undigestible by the monogastric but rumen phytases are assumed to adequately hydrolyze it. In early lactation dairy cows, lipid mobilization is intense, and the myo-inositol requirement may exceed the dietary supply or availability. Myo-inositol is being tested in a field trial as a potential lipotropic agent for dairy cows. Preliminary results suggest no lipotropic benefit from added myo-inositol.

Animals↗

Elevated myo-inositol in gray matter of recently detoxified but not long-term abstinent alcoholics: a preliminary MR spectroscopy study.

BACKGROUND: Individuals in short-term abstinence from chronic alcohol consumption commonly have neuropsychological impairments with parallel abnormalities in brain structure. Stable, long-term sobriety often results in improvements in both brain structure and function, although the mechanisms underlying these changes are currently not well understood. METHODS: To investigate further the neurobiological underpinnings of alcohol-associated brain abnormalities in short-term and long-term abstinence from alcohol, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (echo time, 35 msec; repetition time, 1.5 sec) was used to assay metabolites in the anterior centrum semiovale, anterior cingulate gyrus, and right thalamus of two groups of non-Korsakoff alcoholic men, at different stages of abstinence, compared with a control group of alcohol-nonabusing men. Absolute concentrations of N-acetylaspartate, choline, myo-inositol, and creatine were measured in four recently detoxified alcoholics (mean age, 48.7 years; median abstinence, 41.5 days), five long-term abstinent alcoholics (mean age, 45.1 years; median abstinence, 1.7 years), and five nonalcoholic controls (mean age, 45.0 years). RESULTS: Although there were no between-group differences in concentrations of N-acetylaspartate, choline, or creatine, recently detoxified alcoholics had significantly higher myo-inositol in the thalamus, compared with controls and long-term abstinent alcoholics, and significantly higher myo-inositol in the anterior cingulate gyrus, compared with the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Elevations in myo-inositol in recently detoxified alcoholics are compatible with an acute alcohol cytotoxicity model. myo-Inositol is elevated in hyperosmolar states such as hypernatremia, renal failure, and diabetes; alcohol-induced hyperosmolarity may trigger accumulation of myo-inositol to stabilize the intracellular environment. Increases in myo-inositol may also reflect proliferation or activation of glia. The reduction of myo-inositol to control group levels in long-term abstinent alcoholics may reflect osmolar stability in abstinent alcoholics and/or a reduction in glial cell activation.

Adult↗

Inositol acylation of a potential glycosyl phosphoinositol anchor precursor from yeast requires acyl coenzyme A.

Glycosyl phosphoinositol (GPI) anchors on proteins can be modified by palmitoylation of their inositol residue, which makes such anchors resistant to cleavage by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) (Roberts, W. L., Myher, J. J., Kuksis, A., Low, M. G., and Rosenberry, T.L. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 18766-18775). Mannosylated GPI lipids made in trypanosomal and mammalian cells can also be inositol-acylated, indicating that inositol acylation may be a normal step in GPI anchor synthesis. We find that Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants blocked in dolichyl phosphate mannose synthesis accumulate a lipid that can be radiolabeled in vivo with [3H]myo-inositol, [3H]GlcN, and [3H]palmitic acid. This lipid is resistant to PI-PLC, yet sensitive to mild alkaline hydrolysis, and has been characterized as GlcN-phosphatidylinositol (PI), fatty acylated on its inositol residue. When yeast membranes are incubated with UDP-[14C] GlcNAc, 14C-labeled GlcNAc-PI and GlcN-PI are made. Addition of ATP and CoA, or of palmitoyl-CoA to incubations results in the synthesis of [14C]GlcN-(acyl-inositol)PI. This lipid is also made when membranes are incubated with [1-14C]palmitoyl-CoA and UDP-GlcNAc. We propose that acyl CoA is the donor in inositol acylation of GlcN-PI, and that GlcN-(acyl-inositol)PI is an obligatory intermediate in GPI synthesis.

Acyl Coenzyme A↗