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Trans-resveratrol modulates the catalytic activity and mRNA expression of the procarcinogen-activating human cytochrome P450 1B1.

The present study was performed to determine if trans-resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) modulates the catalytic activity and gene expression of cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1). In vitro, trans-resveratrol decreased human recombinant CYP1B1-catalyzed 7-ethoxyresorufin O-dealkylation activity, with an IC50 value of 1.4 +/- 0.2 microM (mean +/- SEM). Enzyme kinetic analysis indicated that trans-resveratrol inhibited CYP1B1 enzyme activity by a mixed-type inhibition and the apparent Ki was 0.75 +/- 0.06 microM. To determine if trans-resveratrol modulates constitutive CYP1B1 gene expression, cultured MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cells were treated with trans-resveratrol. As indicated by RT-PCR analysis, treatment of MCF-7 cells with 10 microM trans-resveratrol decreased relative CYP1B1 mRNA levels after 5 h, but not after 1.5 or 3 h, of exposure. trans-Resveratrol treatment at 5, 7.5, 10, or 20 microM for 5 h produced a concentration-dependent decrease in CYP1B1 mRNA levels. The extent of suppression was approximately 50% at 20 microM concentration. The suppressive effect was not a consequence of a toxic response to the compound as assessed by a cell proliferation assay. Overall, our novel finding that trans-resveratrol inhibits the catalytic activity and suppresses the constitutive gene expression of CYP1B1 leads to the possibility that this nutraceutical confers protection against toxicity and carcinogenicity induced by compounds that undergo CYP1B1-catalyzed bioactivation.

Anticarcinogenic Agents↗

Tumor initiation by N-acyloxy derivatives of piperidine and N-arylacetamides.

Four N-Acetoxy-N-arylacetamides previously found to be local sarcomagens in the rat have been found to be initiators of tumorigenesis in mouse skin. The order of activity was: N-acetoxy-2-acetamidophenanthrene greater than N-acetoxy-4-acetamino-stilbene similar to N-acetoxy-2-acetamido-fluorene greater than N-acetoxy-4-acetamidobiphenyl. Two substituted N-benzoyloxypiperidines previously shown to yield nitrenium ions on solvolysis in methanol also had initiating activity in mouse skin.

Acetamides↗

Antineoplastic agents 442. Synthesis and biological activities of dioxostatin.

A high-yield regioselective synthesis of (E)-combretastatin A-1 2b was completed using methoxymethyl (MOM) protection and a Wadsworth-Emmons reaction as key steps. In turn, (E)-stilbene 11 was converted by convenient syntheses to both (S,S)- and (R,R)-1,3-dioxolanes 5a and 6a. A Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation reaction was employed for preparation of intermediates (S,S)-12 and (R,R)-13. The (4S,5S)-4-(2',3'-dihydroxy4'-methoxyphenyl)-5-(3",4",5"-trimethoxyphenyl)-1, 3-dioxolane 5a was found to be a highly potent inhibitor of microtubule assembly (IC50 = 0.59 microM) and was designated dioxostatin. Conversion to sodium phosphate 17 (P388 lymphocytic leukemia cell line: ED50 = 0.2 microg/ml) provided a very useful water-soluble prodrug.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗

Differential inhibition and inactivation of human CYP1 enzymes by trans-resveratrol: evidence for mechanism-based inactivation of CYP1A2.

trans-Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) has been reported to confer chemoprotection against 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced carcinogenicity in a murine model. A potential mechanism for this effect by trans-resveratrol is inhibition of DMBA-bioactivating cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes such as CYP1B1, CYP1A1, and CYP1A2. In the present study, we examined in detail the in vitro inhibitory effects of trans-resveratrol on these three human CYP enzymes. trans-Resveratrol decreased 7-ethoxyresorufin O-dealkylation activity catalyzed by human recombinant CYP1B1, CYP1A1, and CYP1A2 in a concentration-dependent manner and by a mixed type of inhibition. This direct inhibition was enzyme-selective, as judged by the differences in the apparent K(i) values (0.8 +/- 0.1 microM, 1.2 +/- 0.1 microM, and 15.5 +/- 1.1 microM for CYP1B1, CYP1A1, and CYP1A2, respectively). Preincubating recombinant CYP1A2 or human liver microsomes with trans-resveratrol and NADPH prior to the initiation of substrate oxidation resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent decrease in catalytic activity. The inactivation of liver microsomal CYP1A2 by trans-resveratrol required NADPH, was not reversible by dialysis, and was not affected by the trapping agents glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, catalase, or superoxide dismutase, but was attenuated by a CYP1A2 substrate, imipramine. Analysis of a panel of individual human liver microsomes showed intersample differences in the response to the in vitro inactivation by trans-resveratrol. In contrast to CYP1A2, CYP1B1 was not subject to inactivation by this compound and the reduction in CYP1A1 activity was time- but not concentration-dependent. In summary, trans-resveratrol differentially inhibited human CYP1 enzymes and this occurred by two distinct mechanisms: direct inhibition (mainly CYP1B1 and CYP1A1) and mechanism-based inactivation (CYP1A2).

Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases↗

Antineoplastic agents 460. Synthesis of combretastatin A-2 prodrugs.

The original synthesis of combretastatin A-2 (1a) was modified to provide an efficient scale-up procedure for obtaining this antineoplastic stilbene. Subsequent conversion to a useful prodrug was accomplished by phosphorylation employing in situ formation of dibenzylchlorophosphite followed by cleavage of the benzyl ester protective groups with bromotrimethylsilane to afford the phosphoric acid intermediate 11. The latter was immediately treated with sodium methoxide to complete a practical route to the disodium phosphate prodrug (2a). The phosphoric acid precursor (11) of phosphate 2a was employed in a parallel series of reactions to produce a selection of metal and ammonium cation prodrug candidates. Each of the phosphate salts (2a-q) was evaluated with respect to relative solubility behavior, cancer cell growth inhibition and antimicrobial activity.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗

Stabilization of nontoxic PVC formulation for gamma irradiation sterilization, II. Effect of antioxidants.

In order to investigate the fundamental data for the resistance of gamma radiation sterilization of polyvinylchloride (PVC), the formulations of the antioxidants such as commercial Irganox series and inorganic, processing aids, stabilizer aids, trans-stilbene oxide (StO) and so on have been carried out. The control and irradiated PVC samples with 1.5, 2.5 and 4.0 Mrad were characterized by mechanical tester, colorimetry, and extractant in water. Irganox 1010 was more effective than Irganox 1076 for color changes whereas Irganox 1076 was more effective than Irganox 1010 for the change of extractant. It was also observed the significant diminution of color changes for inorganic antioxidants as CaO and ZnO. Oxidized paraffin wax as lubricant, styrene-methylmetacrylate copolymers as processing aids, and nontoxic debenzoylmethane as secondary stabilizer did not show good stabilization for the irradiation. The new proposed radiation stabilizer in this study, StO, showed the significant improvement of gamma radiation resistance for the plasticized PVC. The possible mechanism could be explained that an epoxy functional group stabilizes effectively the processes of dehydrogenation, the formation of hydroperoxides, and the formation of oxygen containing groups, and the synergetic effects of an epoxy compound are more notable for the prevention of radiation oxidation in the presence of an aromatic group.

Antioxidants↗

Mechanism of anion transport in red blood cells: role of membrane proteins.

A number of anionic chemical probes that inhibit anion permeability of red blood cells are localized in a membrane protein of about 100,000 daltons, known as band 3. The inhibitory site has been explored using a series of disulfonic stilbene compounds. It apparently contains three positive charges, probably amino groups. Two probes, pyridoxal phosphate and N-(4-azido-2-nitropheyny)-2-amino ethyl sulfonate, are transported by the anion system but can be fixed in an irreversible bond under specified conditions (reduction with NaBH4 or exposure to light, respectively). Data obtained with these compounds indicate that the inhibitory site in band 3 is the transport site itself. Band 3 protein is exposed in part on the outside of the cell but it is also hydrophobically associated with membrane lipid. A model is proposed in which the band 3 protein acts as an anion permeation channel through the lipid bilayer. Near the outer aspect of the channel an anion binding site can undergo a local conformational change allowing a one-for-one anion exchange across a diffusion barrier.

Animals↗

Genome-scale analysis of resveratrol-induced gene expression profile in human ovarian cancer cells using a cDNA microarray.

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a natural compound found in large quantities, most notably in grapes and red wine, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, chemopreventive and anti-angiogenic effects. We examined whether resveratrol has any effect on growth and gene expression in the human ovarian cancer PA-1 cells. We show that resveratrol inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in PA-1 human ovarian cancer cells. We also investigated the effect of resveratrol on changes of global gene expression during resveratrol-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in PA-1 cells using a human cDNA microarray with 7,448 sequence-verified clones. Out of the 7,448 genes screened, 118 genes were founded to be affected in their expression levels by more than 2-fold after 24-h treatment with 50 micro M resveratrol. Resveratrol treatment of PA-1 cells at the final concentration of 50 micro M for 6, 12, 24 and 48 h and gene expression patterns were analyzed by microarray. Clustering of the genes modulated more than 2-fold at three of the above times points divided the genes into 2 groups. Within these groups, there were specific subgroups of genes whose expressions were substantially changed at the specified time points. One of the most highly up-regulated genes found in this study was NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO-1), which has recently been shown to be involved in p53 regulation. Although the precise roles of genes whose expression levels were found to fluctuate after resveratrol treatment remain to be elucidated, we hope that the new view of gene expression in human ovarian cancer cells following resveratrol exposure, as offered by this study, provides clues for the mechanism of resveratrol action.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗

Nanomolar level of resveratrol (trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) is required, but is not sufficient, to inhibit the growth of human monocytoid tumor cells through an apoptotic-like mechanism.

The chemopreventive activity of resveratrol, a stilbene found in grapes and wine, was evaluated in a human monocytic leukemia cell line at the same concentration (100 nM to 1 microM) as that found in the blood-stream after moderate wine intake. As early as at 4 h after intake, resveratrol exhibited antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity. At the same time, some apoptotic-like phenomena were detected such as cell membrane perturbation (phosphatidylserine-annexin V binding), apolipoprotein (APO)-1/FAS (CD95) expression and mitochondrial (delta psi) depolarization. The anticancer drug camptothecin, used as a positive control, did not significantly increase APO-1/FAS (CD95) levels, while only a modest increase in APO-1/FAS-CD95 ligand (CD95-L) was detected. At 12 h, however, resveratrol at concentrations of 100 nM and 1 microM did not exhibit the same antiproliferative activity and increased cell proliferation was correlated to a significant increase in FAS-L expression. We conclude that treatment with low doses of resveratrol, such as those found after moderate wine intake, is not sufficient to stop human leukemia cell line proliferation and that cell resistance, marked by high FAS-L (CD95-L) expression, could be mediated by low (delta psi) mitochondria-released antiapoptotic factors such as BCL-2. It is also suggested that the synergistic action of other wine components with resveratrol might, at least partially, explain its chemopreventive activity.

Anticarcinogenic Agents↗

Involvement of HSP70 in resveratrol-induced apoptosis of human prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: 70 KDa heat shock proteins (HSPs70), either as a constitutive or inducible form, are expressed at very high levels in malignant human tumors of various origin. In different cell types, they are known to play an antiapoptotic role. Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), a polyphenol present in red wine, grapes and other dietary and medicinal plants, has been shown to be active in inhibiting multistage carcinogenesis, inducing apoptotic cell death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With the present study, a possible relationship between HSP70 expression and cell death elicited by resveratrol in DU-145 cells, which mimic the late hormone-refractory stages of prostate carcinoma, was investigated. To this end, we treated DU-145 with different concentrations. (50, 100 and 200 microM) of resveratrol and cell viability, by tetrazolium salts assay (MTT) and membrane breakdown, by lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) release, were measured. The possible induction of oxidative stress was evidenced both by performing a fluorescent analysis of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, or evaluating the amount of nitrite/nitrate (NO) in culture medium. In addition, the expression of HSP70 level, evaluated by immunoblotting, was examined and compared with caspase-3 activity (fluorimetrically measured) and DNA damage, determined by Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis or COMET assay. RESULTS: Our data clearly indicate that the addition of resveratrol to DU-145 reduces cell viability and increases membrane breakdown, in a dose-dependent way, without interfering with ROS production or NO synthesis, unless 200 microM resveratrol was added. Furthermore, at low concentration (50-100 microM) resveratrol is able to raise HSP70 levels but, at high concentration (200 microM), the measured levels of protective HSP70 were unmodified with respect to that of the control values. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm the ability of resveratrol to suppress the proliferation of human prostate cancer cells with a typical apoptotic feature, interfering with the expression of HSPs70.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗

Evidence for resveratrol-induced preservation of brain mitochondria functions after hypoxia-reoxygenation.

We have previously shown, as have other authors, that trans-resveratrol (E-resveratrol, 3,4,5-trihydroxy-E-stilbene) reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation of mitochondria freshly isolated from healthy rat brains and that it also counteracts the effect of uncouplers (CCCP) on mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation. Two main mechanisms have been shown: firstly, a scavenger effect toward O2- and secondly inhibition of complex III ROS generation. We now report on the effects of resveratrol in a pathological model that mimics the ischemia followed by the reperfusion process which may occur in the human brain. Isolated brain mitochondria were submitted first to hypoxia then to reoxygenation. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of mitochondrial damage induced by this experimental model, to demonstrate which mitochondrial functions were altered and to quantify the extent to which they were prevented by resveratrol. Resveratrol was either added to mitochondria freshly isolated from healthy rat brains or was injected by subcutaneous chronically implanted pumps (0.5, 2 and 10 mg/kg/day for 7 days). The rats were then sacrificed and mitochondria were extracted from brains. To evaluate the respective effects of hypoxia and reoxygenation on mitochondrial functions and the relevant effects of resveratrol, this drug was added (first protocol) either before the complete process (i.e., hypoxia and reoxygenation), or after anoxia before reoxygenation. We found that resveratrol prevented alterations of mitochondrial functions. This substance partly counteracted the decrease in respiratory control and the increase in ROS generation. It fully inhibited the alteration of membrane fluidity and the mitochondrial step of the apoptotic process (evidenced by cytochrome c release and membrane potential collapse). The effects of resveratrol were concentration-dependent (in vitro) or dose-dependent (ex vivo, second protocol). They were not significantly different when the drug was added before or after hypoxia, which suggests that in this model, reoxygenation was the most deleterious process and the stage at which resveratrol was most effective.

Animals↗

Role of resveratrol in prevention and therapy of cancer: preclinical and clinical studies.

Resveratrol, trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene, was first isolated in 1940 as a constituent of the roots of white hellebore (Veratrum grandiflorum O. Loes), but has since been found in various plants, including grapes, berries and peanuts. Besides cardioprotective effects, resveratrol exhibits anticancer properties, as suggested by its ability to suppress proliferation of a wide variety of tumor cells, including lymphoid and myeloid cancers; multiple myeloma; cancers of the breast, prostate, stomach, colon, pancreas, and thyroid; melanoma; head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; ovarian carcinoma; and cervical carcinoma. The growth-inhibitory effects of resveratrol are mediated through cell-cycle arrest; upregulation of p21Cip1/WAF1, p53 and Bax; down-regulation of survivin, cyclin D1, cyclin E, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and clAPs; and activation of caspases. Resveratrol has been shown to suppress the activation of several transcription factors, including NF-kappaB, AP-1 and Egr-1; to inhibit protein kinases including IkappaBalpha kinase, JNK, MAPK, Akt, PKC, PKD and casein kinase II; and to down-regulate products of genes such as COX-2, 5-LOX, VEGF, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, AR and PSA. These activities account for the suppression of angiogenesis by this stilbene. Resveratrol also has been shown to potentiate the apoptotic effects of cytokines (e.g., TRAIL), chemotherapeutic agents and gamma-radiation. Phamacokinetic studies revealed that the target organs of resveratrol are liver and kidney, where it is concentrated after absorption and is mainly converted to a sulfated form and a glucuronide conjugate. In vivo, resveratrol blocks the multistep process of carcinogenesis at various stages: it blocks carcinogen activation by inhibiting aryl hydrocarbon-induced CYP1A1 expression and activity, and suppresses tumor initiation, promotion and progression. Besides chemopreventive effects, resveratrol appears to exhibit therapeutic effects against cancer. Limited data in humans have revealed that resveratrol is pharmacologically quite safe. Currently, structural analogues of resveratrol with improved bioavailability are being pursued as potential therapeutic agents for cancer.

Animals↗

Resveratrol reduces intracellular free calcium concentration in rat ventricular myocytes.

Resveratrol (trans-3, 4', 5-trihydroxy stilbene), a phytoalexin found in grape skins and red wine, has been reported to have a wide range of biological and pharmacological properties. It has been speculated that resveratrol may have cardioprotective activity. The objective of our study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in rat ventricular myocytes. [Ca(2+)](i) was detected by laser scanning confocal microscopy. The results showed that resveratrol (15~60 mumol/L) reduced [Ca(2+)](i) in normal and Ca(2+)-free Tyrode's solution in a concentration-dependent manner. The effects of resveratrol on [Ca(2+)](i) in normal Tyrode's solution was partially inhibited by pretreatment with sodium orthovanadate (Na3VO4, 1.0 mmol/L, P<0.01), an inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatase, or L-type Ca(2+) channel agonist Bay K8644 (10 mumol/L, P<0.05), but could not be antagonized by NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME (1.0 mmol/L). Resveratrol also markedly inhibited the ryanodine-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase in Ca(2+)-free Tyrode's solution (P<0.01). When Ca(2+) waves were produced by increasing extracellular Ca(2+) concentration from 1 to 10 mmol/L, resveratrol (60 mumol/L) could reduce the velocity and duration of propagating waves, and block the propagating waves of elevated [Ca(2+)](i). These results suggest that resveratrol may reduce the [Ca(2+)](i) in isolated rat ventricular myocytes. The inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channel and tyrosine kinase, and alleviation of Ca(2+) release from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) are possibly involved in the effects of resveratrol on rat ventricular myocytes. These findings could help explain the protective activity of resveratrol against cardiovascular disease.

Animals↗

Human erythrocyte band 3 polymorphism (band 3 Memphis): characterization of the structural modification (Lys 56----Glu) by protein chemistry methods.

Band 3 variants occur rather frequently in different populations. Based on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide electrophoretic properties, a widespread polymorphism (band 3 Memphis) has been previously described. It corresponds to a protein that has been hypothesized to be elongated in its N-terminal cytoplasmic domain. Band 3 from a heterozygote subject for this polymorphism and that displays a normal reactivity towards stilbene disulfonates has been isolated and its primary structure determined by protein chemistry. Reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography tryptic peptide mapping showed, as the only difference with controls, that the enzymatic cleavage between the two N-terminal peptides did not occur, yielding a 69 residue-long fragment. Further cleavages of this peptide (cyanogen bromide, V8 protease), amino acid composition, and sequence analyses demonstrated that the lysine at position 56 was replaced by a glutamic acid. Thus, surprisingly, a single amino acid change is responsible for the large difference in the electrophoretic behavior. This result suggests that single amino acid substitutions may similarly be involved in the structural modification of several other protein variants, described as elongated or shortened based only on SDS-polyacrylamide electrophoresis studies. When deletions/insertions were confirmed by sequence analysis, their extent was often different from that expected from electrophoresis.

Anion Exchange Protein 1, Erythrocyte↗

Pyridoxal phosphate. An anionic probe for protein amino groups exposed on the outer and inner surfaces of intact human red blood cells.

Pyridoxal phosphate is a potent probe for exploring the "sidedness" of proteins in the membrane of the intact red blood cell. It reacts with amino groups with a high degree of specificity, forming a Schiff's base that can be fixed as an irreversible bond upon reduction with NaBH4; its binding site can be identified by use of [3-H]pyridoxal phosphate or NaB3-H4; it can be used as a surface probe under conditions of minimal penetration, or it can be used as a probe for proteins on the inside of the membrane under conditions of substantial uptake. Pyridoxal phosphate uptake involves a rapid and a slow component. The former represents the binding to the outer surface of the membrane; it is not substantially affected by pH and temperature, but is reduced considerably by pretreatment of cells by 4,4-diisothiocyano-2,2-stilbenedisulfonic acid, a specific inhibitor of anion transport. The slow component represents penetration into the cell; it is blocked by high pH, low temperature, or pretreatment with the disulfonic stilbene. Pyridoxal phosphate itself is also an effective and specific inhibitor of the permeation of other anions. Under conditions of minimal uptake, the only labeled proteins are three glycoproteins and a protein of apparent molecular weight 95,000. Under conditions of substantial uptake into the cell, the other major protein bands seen by staining on acrylamide gels after electrophoresis are labeled. It is concluded that virtually all of the major membrane proteins interact with pyridoxal phosphate from one side of the membrane or the other. The differences in labeling under conditions of minimal or maximal uptake can, therefore, be attributed to the sidedness in the distribution of the membrane proteins rather than to differences in their reactivity.

Amino Acids↗

Sodium-bicarbonate cotransport in retinal Müller (glial) cells of the salamander.

An electrogenic Na+/HCO3- cotransport system was studied in freshly dissociated Müller cells of the salamander retina. Cotransporter currents were recorded from isolated cells using the whole-cell, voltage-clamp technique following the block of K+ conductance with external Ba2+ and internal Cs+. At constant pHo, an outward current was evoked when extracellular HCO3- concentration was raised by pressure ejecting a HCO3(-)-buffered solution onto the surface of cells bathed in nominally HCO3(-)-free solution. The HCO3(-)-evoked outward current was reduced to 4.4% of control by 0.5 mM DIDS (4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate), to 28.8% of control by 2 mM DNDS (4,4'-dinitrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate), and to 28.4% of control by 2 mM harmaline. Substitution of choline for Na+ in bath and ejection solutions reduced the response to 1.3% of control. Bicarbonate-evoked currents of normal magnitude were recorded when methane sulfonate was substituted for Cl- in bath, ejection, and intracellular solutions. Similarly, an outward current was evoked when extracellular Na+ concentration was raised in the presence of HCO3-. The Na(+)-evoked response was reduced to 16.2% of control by 2 mM DNDS and was abolished by removal of HCO3- from bath and ejection solutions. Taken together, these results (block by stilbenes and harmaline, HCO3- and Na+ dependence, Cl- independence) indicate that salamander Müller cells possess an electrogenic Na+/HCO3- cotransport system. Na+/HCO3- cotransporter sites were localized primarily at the endfoot region of Müller cells. Ejection of HCO3- onto the endfoot evoked outward currents 10 times larger than currents evoked by ejections onto the opposite (distal) end of the cell. The reversal potential of the cotransporter was determined by DNDS block of cotransport current. In the absence of a transmembrane HCO3- gradient, the reversal potential varied systematically as a function of the transmembrane Na+ gradient. The reversal potential was -0.1 mV for a [Na+]o:[Na+]i ratio of 1:1 and -25.2 mV for a Na+ gradient ratio of 7.4:1. Based on these values, the estimated stoichiometry of the cotransporter was 2.80 +/- 0.13:1 (HCO3-:Na+). Possible functions of the glial cell Na+/HCO3- cotransporter, including the regulation of CO2 in the retina and the regulation of cerebral blood flow, are discussed.

4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-Disulfonic Acid↗

Lack of glutathione transferase activity in intermittent claudication.

Glutathione transferase activity towards trans-stilbene oxide (GT-tSBO), an enzyme involved in the detoxification of many substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, was studied in 77 consecutive patients operated with coronary bypass, 73 patients with intermittent claudication, 78 healthy smokers and in 38 healthy non-smokers. The mean ages of these groups were similar. Lack of GT-tSBO was recorded in 45% of coronary bypass patients, in 39% of smoking coronary bypass patients, in 61% of patients with intermittent claudication, in 41% of healthy smokers and in 31% of healthy non-smokers. The lack of GT-tSBO was significantly more frequent among patients with intermittent claudication compared to healthy non-smokers (p less than 0.01) and healthy smokers (p less than 0.025) and to smoking coronary bypass. It is concluded that the lack of GT-tSBO is found more frequently among patients with intermittent claudication and this might contribute to explain the sensitivity to smoking among these subjects.

Angina Pectoris↗

Ionic mechanism of Na+-HCO3- cotransport in rabbit renal basolateral membrane vesicles.

The exit of HCO3- across the basolateral membrane of the proximal tubule cell occurs via the electrogenic cotransport of 3 eq of base per Na+. We have used basolateral membrane vesicles isolated from rabbit renal cortex to identify the ionic species transported via this pathway. Media of varying pH and pCO2 were employed to evaluate the independent effects of HCO3- and CO3(2-) on 22Na transport. Na+ uptake was stimulated when [CO3(2-)] was increased at constant [HCO3-], indicating the existence of a transport site for CO3(2-). In the presence of HCO3-, Na+ influx was stimulated more than 3-fold by an inward SO3(2-) gradient. SO3(2-)-stimulated Na+ influx was stilbene-sensitive, confirming that it occurs via the Na+-HCO3- cotransport system. Na+-SO3(2-) cotransport was demonstrated and found to have a 1:1 stoichiometry. Increasing [CO3(2-)] at constant [HCO3-] reduced the stimulation of Na+ influx by SO3(2-), suggesting competition between SO3(2-) and CO3(2-) at a common divalent anion site. Additional divalent anions that were tested, such as SO4(2-), oxalate2-, and HPO4(2-), did not interact at this site. SO3(2-) stimulation of Na+ influx was absolutely HCO3-(-)dependent and was increased as a function of [HCO3-], indicating the presence of a separate HCO3- site. Lastly, we tested whether Na+ interacts via ion pair formation with CO3(2-) or binds to a distinct site. Na+, which has lower affinity than Li+ for ion pair formation with CO3(2-), was found to have greater than 5-fold higher affinity than Li+ for the Na+-HCO3- cotransport system. Moreover, when its inhibition was studied as a function of [Na+], harmaline was found to be a competitive inhibitor of Na+ influx, indicating the existence of a distinct cation site. Our data are compatible with a model in which base transport across the basolateral membrane of the proximal tubule cell takes place via 1:1:1 cotransport of CO3(2-), HCO3-, and Na+ on distinct sites.

4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-Disulfonic Acid↗