Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Polymerization”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,387 records · Page 77Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric determination of adipate-based polymeric plasticizers in foods.

A method for the quantitative determination of adipate-based polymeric plasticizers in foods is described. The procedure involves extraction from the food and transmethylation of the polymeric plasticizer to form dimethyladipate (DMA). The derivative is cleaned up by size-exclusion chromatography and determined by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with selected ion monitoring. The use of a deuterated internal standard at the extraction stage enables quantitation by stable isotope dilution. A detection limit of 0.1 mg/kg of the polymeric plasticizer in foods and a relative standard deviation of 4% have been achieved routinely. The method has been applied successfully to the analysis of cheese, sandwiches, meat, biscuits, and cake that have been in contact with polymeric plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) films.

Adipates↗
PubMed1987

A polymeric IgA response in serum can be produced by parenteral immunization.

The magnitude and the kinetics of the serum-specific polymeric (p-) and monomeric (m-) IgA antibody responses were analysed following parenteral stimulation with tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine in 10 volunteers, 5-20 years after a previous boost. A rapid marked serum IgA antibody response involving both the monomeric and polymeric components of IgA was observed: m-IgA and p-IgA antibodies reached a peak of serum activity at about 11 days, around 6 days before the peak of IgG antibody activity. At the peak of the IgA response, p-IgA accounted for approximately half of the anti-TT activity (median 54%, 25-79%). However, p-IgA antibodies rapidly disappeared from serum over a few weeks, whereas the serum m-IgA antibody response was maintained over a prolonged period of time. For one subject out of five, anti-TT IgA were also detected in saliva with a peak of activity earlier than in serum. Calculation of the albumin relative coefficient of excretion for anti-TT IgA in this saliva suggested a local synthesis of these antibodies. The present study indicates that a polymeric IgA antibody response in serum can be produced by parenteral immunization in primed individuals, and it raises the question of the mechanisms that control polymeric versus monomeric IgA production.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Aging and lymphocyte cytoskeleton: age-related decline in the state of actin polymerization in T lymphocytes from Fischer F344 rats.

T cell functions are known to decline with age, but the underlying cause of the decline is unclear. Because of the importance of cytoskeletal elements in cellular functions, we examined the content and the state of polymerization of actin in lymphocytes from Fischer F344 rats of four different ages (6, 14, 23, and 31 mo). The cellular actin content was determined by a DNAase I inhibition assay. Our results indicate that the total actin content of spleen lymphocytes did not change significantly with age; however, polymeric actin content, particularly in T cells, decreased with age, which might be a result of the shift from the polymeric actin pool to the monomeric pool. Similar changes also occurred in B cells but to a lesser extent. We conclude that the state of polymerization of lymphocytes changed drastically with age, and that this might be an important factor in the age-related decline in the cellular functions of lymphocytes.

Actins↗
PubMed1987

Effect of the beta 73 amino acid on the hydrophobicity, solubility, and the kinetics of polymerization of deoxyhemoglobin S.

The role of Asp-beta 73 on the surface hydrophobicity and solubility of hemoglobin was studied using Hb A, Hb S, Hb C Harlem (alpha 2 beta 2Val-6,Asn-73), and Hb Korle Bu (alpha 2 beta 2Asn-73). The surface hydrophobicity of the oxy form of these hemoglobins increased in the order of Hb A, Hb Korle Bu, Hb S, and Hb C Harlem, coinciding with the change in solubility. The same is not true for deoxyhemoglobins. The solubilities of deoxy-Hb S and deoxy-Hb C Harlem were much lower than that expected from their surface hydrophobicity. Although the hydrophobicity of deoxy-Hb C Harlem is greater than that of deoxy-Hb S, the solubility of deoxy-Hb S is only one-third that of deoxy-Hb C Harlem. This deviation must be caused by the substitution of Asn for Asp at the beta 73 position and its inhibitory effect on hydrogen bonding in Hb S polymers. The kinetics of the polymerization of 1:1 mixtures of the deoxy form of S-C Harlem, A-C Harlem, Korle Bu-S, and Korle Bu-C Harlem were studied in comparison with that of deoxy-Hb S and deoxy-Hb C Harlem alone. All of these binary mixtures polymerized with a distinct delay time prior to polymerization. Based on the results of kinetic studies, the probability factors for nucleation of S-C Harlem, A-S, A-C Harlem, S-Korle Bu, and Korle Bu-C Harlem hybrid hemoglobins were calculated as 0.65, 0.5, 0.5, 0.15, and 0.17, respectively, in comparison with that of Hb S (1.0). The probability factor for Hb C Harlem alone was 0.3. These data suggest that the Asp-beta 73 is directly involved in nucleation during Hb S polymerization and that the beta 73 is always trans to the active Val-beta 6 in the formation of nuclei.

Aspartic Acid↗
PubMed1987

Intracellular polymerization of sickle hemoglobin: disease severity and therapeutic goals.

We have demonstrated that the extent of intracellular polymerization of deoxyhemoglobin S can be predicted from knowledge of intracellular hemoglobin concentration, composition and oxygen saturation. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that polymer, which appears to be the main determinant of abnormal red cell rheology, can be detected in sickle erythrocytes at high oxygen saturation values and is not significantly affected by membrane and other cellular constituents. Some of the factors which modify the pathophysiology of sickle cell anemia can be classified as genetic or cellular. To analyze in more detail the genetic factors, we examined 12 sickle syndromes. When the effects of these genotype differences are analyzed for their changes in hemoglobin composition and concentration, we found that polymer formation can account for 80% of the variation in hemolytic and clinical severity. Cell heterogeneity can also modify polymer formation. The premature increases in erythrocyte density (intracellular hemoglobin concentration) in sickle cell anemia increases polymerization tendency. Homozygous alpha-thalassemia in sickle cell patients reduces this increase in cell heterogeneity and improves the hemolytic aspect of the sickle cell disease. For homozygous sickle cell patients we find that the broader density distributions (higher degree of cell heterogeneity) are associated with those cell populations with greater tendency of polymer formation. However, the major utility of our knowledge of intracellular polymerization appears to be its value in defining quantitatively the goals of the major therapeutic approaches with respect to how much inhibition of polymerization would be necessary to achieve various levels of amelioration of disease processes. The primary determinant of the amount of polymer formation within the SS erythrocyte is the extent of oxygen saturation. We measured intracellular polymer formation in SS erythrocytes using carbon-13/proton double nuclear magnetic resonance. As the oxygen saturation is decreased below about 90% oxygen saturation, we begin to see the appearance of polymer which steadily increases with decreasing oxygen saturation. The total intracellular hemoglobin concentration also affects the amount of polymer formed. By examining polymer formation in fractionated subpopulations of SS erythrocytes at various density values (or intracellular hemoglobin concentrations) we demonstrated that the polymer fraction increased with increasing intracellular hemoglobin concentration for any given oxygen saturation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Anemia, Sickle Cell↗
PubMed1986

Expression of primary polymerization sites in the D domain of human fibrinogen depends on intact conformation.

Fragments D1 and DD, plasmic degradation products of human fibrinogen and cross-linked fibrin, respectively, originate from the COOH-terminal domain of the parent molecule. Since a specific binding site for fibrin resides in the COOH-terminal region of the gamma chain, the primary structure of the two fragments was compared and their affinity for fibrin monomer measured. Fragments D1 and DD contained the same segments of the three fibrinogen chains, corresponding to the sequences alpha 105-206, beta 134-461, and gamma 63-411. Fragment DD had a double set of the same chain remnants. Fragments D1 and DD inhibited polymerization of fibrin monomer in a dose-dependent manner; 50% inhibition occurred at a molar ratio of fragment to monomer of 1:1 and 0.5:1, respectively. To prevent fibrin monomer polymerization and render it suitable for binding studies in the liquid phase, fibrinogen was decorated with Fab fragments isolated from rabbit antibodies to human fragment D1. Fibrinogen molecules decorated with 6 molecules of this Fab fragment did not clot after incubation with thrombin, and the decorated fibrin monomer could be used to measure binding of fragments D1 and DD in a homogeneous liquid phase. The data analyzed according to the Scatchard equation and a double-reciprocal plot gave a dissociation constant of 12 nM for fragment D1 and 38 nM for fragment DD. There were two binding sites/fibrin monomer molecule for each fragment. After denaturation in 5 M guanidine HCl, the inhibitory function on fibrin polymerization was irreversibly destroyed. Denatured fragments also lost binding affinity for immobilized fibrin monomer. The preservation of the native tertiary structure in both fragments was essential for the expression of polymerization sites in the structural D domain.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Study of a protein complex from the brain which reduces actin viscosity. II. The complex inhibits elongation of actin filaments at the end preferable for polymerization and fragments the filaments].

Functional properties of the protein complex from bovine brain that shortens actin filaments are described. In the presence of Ca2+ complex shortens actin filaments and increases the initial rate of actin polymerization. In the absence of free calcium ions the complex loses its accelerating effect on actin polymerization, but still possesses actin filament shortening activity. Neither phalloidin nor tropomyosin prevent the shortening of actin filaments induced by the protein complex. Therefore the protein complex causes the fragmentation of actin filament. The data on actin polymerization in the presence of F-actin nuclei have indicated that the protein complex inhibits the elongation step of actin polymerization. The analysis of elongation in the presence of both the protein complex and cytochalasin D has demonstrated that the inhibition occurs on the fast-growing end of actin filaments.

Actins↗
PubMed1986

Phosphorylation of Amoeba G-actin and its effect on actin polymerization.

Mass culture of Amoeba proteus enabled us to do biochemical studies on this organism. Actin and profilin were purified from Amoeba to examine actin phosphorylation and polymerization. The apparent molecular weight of Amoeba actin was 44,000, and its isoelectric point was 5.8. The apparent molecular weight of Amoeba profilin was 12,000, and its isoelectric point was 4.9. It reduced the rate of actin polymerization as reported in the cases of profilins from other organisms. A protein of Mr = 44,000 (44 K protein) was phosphorylated in a Ca2+-dependent manner in cell homogenate of Amoeba without being inhibited by calmodulin antagonists. Using the homogenate as a kinase, purified Amoeba G-actin could be phosphorylated in proportion to the amount of actin. However, neither Amoeba F-actin nor rabbit skeletal muscle G-actin was phosphorylated. The phosphorylation of Amoeba actin with a kinase partially purified from A. proteus increased with dilution of the actin concentration. When Amoeba profilin was added, more than 80% of the actin was phosphorylated. By viscometry, electron microscopy, and ultracentrifugation analysis it was demonstrated that Amoeba G-actin phosphorylated in the presence of profilin and kinase did not polymerize in this solution. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that phosphorylated Amoeba actin remained in a monomeric state even under conditions favorable for actin polymerization.

Actins↗
PubMed1986

The role of the cytosolic free Ca2+ transient for fMet-Leu-Phe induced actin polymerization in human neutrophils.

We have addressed the important question as to if and how the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]i, is involved in fMet-Leu-Phe induced actin polymerization in human neutrophils. Stimulation of human neutrophils with the chemotactic peptide (10(-7) M), known to result in a prompt rise of the [Ca2+]i to above 500 nM, also induced a rapid decrease of monomeric actin, G-actin, content (to 35% of basal) and increase of filamentous actin, F-actin, content (to 320% of basal). A reduction of the fMet-Leu-Phe induced [Ca2+]i transient to about 250 nM, resulted in a less pronounced decrease of G-actin content (to 80% of basal) and increase of F-actin content (to 235% of basal). A total abolishment of the chemotactic peptide induced [Ca2+]i rise, still led to a decrease of the G-actin content (to 85% of basal) and increase of F-actin (to 200% of basal). These results indicate that the [Ca2+]i rise is not an absolute requirement, but has a modulating role for the fMet-Leu-Phe induced actin polymerization. Another possible intracellular candidate for fMet-Leu-Phe induced actin polymerization is protein kinase C. However, direct activation of protein kinase C by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) only resulted in a minor increase of F-actin content. The recent hypothesis that a metabolite of the polyphosphoinositide cycle, independently of [Ca2+]i and protein kinase C, is responsible for actin polymerization agrees well with these results and by the fact that preexposure to pertussis toxin totally abolished a subsequent increase of F-actin content induced by fMet-Leu-Phe.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗
PubMed1985

Role of the dianionic form of the GTP gamma-phosphate in the polymerization process of tubulin.

To determine whether tubulin polymerization requires the bivalent metal-GTP complex with the gamma-phosphate in the dianionic form, the effect of GTP(gamma F) on the polymerization process was studied, in the presence of either magnesium or manganese. P3-fluoro P1-5'-guanosine triphosphate (GTP(gamma F)) was a competitive inhibitor (Ki = 1.8 X 10(-4) M) of the GTPase activity of tubulin-colchicine complex, stopped the polymerization process during the course of reaction and no depolymerization occurred. This indicates that GTP(gamma F) has access only to the nucleotide exchangeable site of the free tubulin dimer. Tubulin has one mole of magnesium tightly bound per mole of dimer. In order to know whether the inhibitory effect of GTP(gamma F) was due to the release of the metal, magnesium was replaced for manganese (a paramagnetic ion) and the paramagnetic effect of manganese on the fluorine NMR signal from the GTP(gamma F)-tubulin-metal complex was followed. Longitudinal and transversal relaxation rates measurements of the 1 degree F-NMR signal allowed to determine that the upper distance from the manganese site to the fluorine atom was between 6 and 8 A. These studies demonstrate that the dianionic form of the terminal phosphate of the metal-GTP complex, at the nucleotide exchangeable site, is essential to stimulate tubulin polymerization.

Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate)↗
PubMed1985

Selectivity in the modification of the alpha-amino groups of hemoglobin on reductive alkylation with aliphatic carbonyl compounds. Influence of derivatization on the polymerization of hemoglobin S.

The reactivity of the alpha-amino groups of the alpha- and beta-chains of hemoglobn toward reductive alkylation using limiting concentrations of the aliphatic carbonyl compounds, acetaldehyde (ethylation), glyoxylic acid (carboxymethylation), glycolaldehyde (hydroxyethylation), glyceraldehyde (dihydroxypropylation), and dihydroxyacetone (dihydroxyisopropylation) has been investigated. Hemoglobin A reductively ethylated at the alpha-amino groups eluted on CM-52 ahead of unmodified hemoglobin A, and hemoglobin A reductively ethylated at the epsilon-amino groups. This observation is similar to that seen on hydroxyethylation and dihydroxypropylation of the alpha-amino group of hemoglobin A. The presence of the alpha-hydroxyl or the carboxyl group in the carbonyl component used in the reductive alkylation influences considerably the selectivity pattern during the derivatization. The alpha-amino groups of the alpha- and beta-chains are modified to nearly the same degree during reductive hydroxyethylation as well as during reductive dihydroxypropylation. Reductive ethylation (aldehyde lacking the alpha-hydroxyl group) exhibited a slight preferential reaction at Val-1(beta). The presence of a negatively charged carboxyl group in the carbonyl component, i.e. glyoxylic acid, made this preferential reaction at Val-1(beta) even more pronounced. When the reductive alkylation is carried out with dihydroxyacetone (a ketone instead of an aldehyde), the dihydroxyisopropylation occurred at a slower rate and exclusively at Val-1(beta). The ethylation, hydroxyethylation, carboxymethylation, and dihydroxypropylation of the alpha-amino groups of hemoglobin S increased its solubility from the value of 16 g/dl for the unmodified protein to about 25 g/dl for the modified protein. Thus, the alkyl chains on the alpha-amino groups on the polymerization have a strong inhibitory influence. In order to determine the influence of the alkyl chains at the alpha-amino groups of alpha- and beta-chains on polymerization, hybrid hemoglobin S tetramers with hydroxyethylation either at Val-1(alpha) or at Val-1(beta) have been prepared. The solubility of each hybrid is about 26 g/dl. Thus, the hydroxyethyl group either on the alpha- or the beta-chain appears to interfere with the polymerization of deoxygenated HbS to the same degree. The inhibitory influence of the hydroxyethyl chain at Val-1(alpha) on the polymerization, compared with the lack of such an influence when this alpha-amino group is modified by cyanate, suggests that a carbamoyl group on Val-1(alpha) can be accommodated in the intermolecular contact region involving this segment of the molecule without seriously perturbing the mo

Alkylation↗
PubMed1984

[Graft polymerization onto poly(methylvinylsiloxane)-bonded silica gel by gamma-ray irradiation].

Poly(methylvinylsiloxane)-bonded silica gel was synthesized by condensation reaction between silica gel and the hydrolysis product of methylvinyldichlorosilane. Graft polymerization of styrene or indene onto poly(methylvinylsiloxane)-bonded silica gel was carried out by gamma-ray irradiation and compared with that onto silica gel. Homopolymer was found to be formed through a radical mechanism concurrently with an ionic mechanism in the graft polymerization. Probably genuine graft polymers are formed in the graft polymerization onto poly(methylvinylsiloxane)-bonded silica gel, while the product formed in the graft polymerization onto silica gel may be apparent graft polymers.

Gamma Rays↗
PubMed1981

Preferential action of a brain detyrosinolating carboxypeptidase on polymerized tubulin.

A carboxypeptidase purified from brain catalyzes the release of COOH-terminal tyrosine without further digesting tubulin. It is distinct from previously described carboxypeptidases, and appears to have specificity for tubulin as it is not inhibited by peptides and proteins with COOH-terminal tyrosine, and because, unlike carboxypeptidase A (which by removing tyrosine from aldolase causes its inactivation), this enzyme does not decrease aldolase activity. The enzyme detyrosinolates both self-assembly-competent (cycle-purified) and -incompetent (phosphocellulose-purified) tubulin. However, under assembly conditions the rate was 2-3-fold higher for competent tubulin. Preincubation of assembly-competent tubulin with podophyllotoxin or colchicine resulted in a parallel concentration-dependent inhibition of tubulin polymerization and detyrosinolation. Similarly, when incompetent tubulin was induced to polymerize by preincubation with purified microtubule-associated protein 2 (an assembly-promoting protein) or taxol, the initial rate of its detyrosinolation increased 3-5-fold, and this increase was blocked if podophyllotoxin was also added along with microtubule-associated protein 2 or taxol during the preincubation. Oligomers induced by adding vinblastine to incompetent tubulin were also detyrosinolated more rapidly, and the stimulation was abolished by maytansine, which has been shown to disperse the vinblastine-induced oligomers. When polymerized and subunit fractions were separated after a steady state mixture had been partially digested with the carboxypeptidase, the former was found to have lost 2-3 times more COOH-terminal tyrosine. Although both polymer and monomer can be detyrosinolated by the enzyme, polymeric and oligomeric forms are the preferred substrates. Carboxypeptidase appeared to release tyrosine at the same rate from populations of short and long microtubules.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Effect of dextran on platelet activation by polymerizing fibrin.

Dextran has been shown to alter the mechanical properties and lysability of fibrin. The present study was undertaken to determine whether it would also influence the ability of polymerizing fibrin to activate platelets. Human fibrinogen, with or without the presence of dextran, was incubated with either human thrombin or reptilase at 37 C. Macroscopically evident fibrils first appeared at 7 1/2 to 8 minutes in fibrinogen solution not containing dextran and at 2 1/2 to 3 minutes in solution containing dextran. Both solutions caused aggregation of washed human platelets, but the one containing dextran was less potent (P less than 0.005). Similarly, polymerizing fibrin, under the influence of dextran, was a less potent stimulator of platelet release of labeled serotonin. Scanning electron microscopy showed decreased platelet adhesion to fibrin polymerized in the presence of dextran. Inclusion of dextran in plasminogen-rich bovine fibrin clots facilitated their lysis by urokinase. Apparently, dextran not only increases the lysability of fibrin but also alters the platelet-activating activity of polymerizing fibrin.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Actin polymerization induced by chemotactic peptide and concanavalin A in rat neutrophils.

Changes in the state of actin in rat neutrophils were studied after chemotactic peptide and concanavalin A stimulation by using the DNase I inhibition assay. Actin polymerization occurred within seconds after stimulation with F-Met-Leu-Phe and concanavalin A. Pretreatment of cells with cytochalasin D prevented chemotactic peptide-induced actin polymerization. The addition of F-Met-Leu-Phe to lysed cells did not produce any change in actin state. These data offer strong evidence for receptor-induced actin polymerization and support the models implicating actin microfilament formation as a crucial event in cell activation. The observations on platelets, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and islets of Langerhans from different species suggest that actin polymerization might be a universal intracellular event accompanying cell surface receptor perturbation in eukaryotic cells.

Actins↗
PubMed1984

A polypeptide containing 55 amino acid residues coded by the pre-S region of hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid bears the receptor for polymerized human as well as chimpanzee albumins.

The receptor for polymerized human and chimpanzee albumins has been identified on a hepatitis B surface antigen polypeptide of approximately 31,000 daltons. The polypeptide, designated P31, is composed of the major polypeptide of hepatitis B surface antigen (P22) and an additional, as yet unidentified, amino acid sequence. We split P31 with cyanogen bromide and obtained a polypeptide of approximately 8000 daltons (P8) that contained carbohydrate. P8 could bind to polymerized human and chimpanzee albumins, but not to polymerized albumins from animals without susceptibility to hepatitis B virus. The amino acid composition of P8 closely resembled that of 55 amino-acid sequence coded by the pre-S region in the deoxyribonucleic acid of hepatitis B virus. Using monoclonal antibody against P8, a solid-phase sandwich radioimmunoassay was developed for the specific determination of hepatitis B surface antigen bearing the receptor for polymerized albumin in the serum of patients with hepatitis B virus infection.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1983

Dual role of the liver in regulating circulating polymeric IgA in man: studies on patients with liver disease.

The human liver probably removes circulating polymeric IgA by two routes: (1) secretory component-mediated endocytic transport of polymeric IgA from portal tract blood vessels into bile across biliary epithelial cells and (2) uptake with possible catabolism by hepatocytes and/or sinusoidal phagocytic cells by uncharacterized receptor(s). Failure of either clearance mechanism due to liver disease results in elevated serum polymeric IgA levels. In patients with cholestasis, the raised serum polymeric IgA concentration is due to reflux of biliary secretory immunoglobulin into the blood.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed1984

Circular polymerization of the membranolytic ninth component of complement. Dependence on metal ions.

The ninth component of complement (C9) polymerizes to tubules either spontaneously at a very slow rate (3 days at 37 degrees C) or within minutes if induced by C5b-8 as part of the membrane attack assembly (Tschopp, J., Podack, E. R., and Müller-Eberhard, H. J. (1984) J. Immunol., in press). The spontaneous formation of tubular sodium dodecyl sulfate-resistant C9 polymers was completely inhibited in the presence of 1 mM EDTA. In contrast, the presence of Cu2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+ accelerated C9 polymerization. Zn2+ was the most efficient metal ion. At a molar ratio of one Zn2+ per monomeric C9, all C9 polymerized within 2 h. At Zn2+ concentrations above 10(-3) M, tubular C9 formation was inhibited due to nonspecific aggregation of C9. It is concluded that the presence of metal ions is required for the formation of tubular poly C9 and that Zn2+ in particular catalyzes C9 polymerization.

Cadmium↗