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Mechanism of action of isopentenyl pyrophosphate isomerase: evidence for a carbonium ion intermediate.

Isopentenyl pyrophosphate isomerase catalyzes the interconversion of isopentenyl pyrophosphate and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate. The isomerase from yeast has been purified to near homogeneity (purity greater than 90%). The substrate analogue (Z)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butenyl pyrophosphate reacts at less than 1.8 X 10(-6) times the rate of dimethylallyl pyrophosphate. The enzyme is irreversibly inactivated by 2-(dimethyl-amino)ethyl pyrophosphate (I). These observations are consistent with a carbonium ion mechanism for the isomerization. Compound I is an analogue of the intermediate carbonium ion and probably acts as a transition state analogue. For I, kon' = 2.1 X 10(6) M-1 min-1. No off-rate was detected and, therefore, Ki less than 1.4 X 10(-11) M. Upon denaturation of the inactivated enzyme, I is released unchanged. 2-(Trimethylammonio)ethyl pyrophosphate also inhibits with Ki' = 7 X 10(-7) M, kon' = 4.4 X 10(4) M-1 min-1, and koff = 0.03 min-1. Substrate analogues without a positively charged nitrogen were relatively poor inhibitors. The best inhibitor of these is ethyl pyrophosphate, Ki = 10(-4) M. The enzyme is inactivated by sulfhydryl-selective reagents. These reagents also prevent binding of I to the enzyme. The inactivation by iodoacetamide is dependent upon one ionizable group (pK = 9.3). The pH dependence of V and V/K for the isomerase-catalyzed reaction also depends upon a group with pK = 9.3.

Carbon-Carbon Double Bond Isomerases↗

A possible role for 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate in the stimulation of uterine purine nucleotide synthesis in response to oestradiol-17 .

1. It has been reported that the rate of purine nucleotide synthesis de novo in the immature rat uterus is doubled at 6h after administration of oestradiol-17beta. The present work confirms an increased incorporation of glycine and adenine into uterine nucleotides between 2 and 6h after hormone treatment and investigates the mechanism of this response. 2. Activation of regulatory enzymes is unlikely to promote increased nucleotide synthesis: the activities of 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate amidotransferase (EC 2.4.2.14) and adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (EC 2.4.2.7) are the same in uterine extracts from control and oestrogen-treated rats. 3. Therefore it was proposed that oestradiol might promote an increased supply of a rate-limiting substrate. The low oestrogen-sensitive rate of AMP synthesis from adenine and endogenous 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate in the intact uterus compared with the high, oestrogen-insensitive rate in uterine extracts supplemented with 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate is evidence that the supply of 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate limits purine nucleotide formation and may increase after hormone treatment. This proposal is supported by the decrease in AMP synthesis in the whole tissue in the presence of guanine and 7-amino-3-(beta-d-ribofuranosyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (formycin). These compounds do not inhibit adenine uptake or adenine phosphoribosyltransferase activity, but they both decrease the availability of 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate, the former by promoting its utilization by hypoxanthine/guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (EC 2.4.2.8) and the latter by inhibiting its synthesis from ribose 5-phosphate and ATP by ribose 5-phosphate pyrophosphokinase (EC 2.7.6.1). 4. It is unlikely that the increased availability of 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate results from hormonal stimulation of ribose 5-phosphate formation. Methylene Blue and phenazine methosulphate both increase ribose 5-phosphate without altering the supply of 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate. 5. The activity of ribose 5-phosphate pyrophosphokinase is low in uterine extracts and increases rapidly in response to oestradiol. Therefore the hormonal activation of the routes of purine nucleotide synthesis both de novo and from preformed precursors may be due, at least in part, to an increased availability of the common rate-limiting substrate 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate, mediated by activation of ribose 5-phosphate pyrophosphokinase.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

Substrate and product specificities of cis-type undecaprenyl pyrophosphate synthase.

UPPS (undecaprenyl pyrophosphate synthase) catalyses consecutive condensation reactions of FPP (farnesyl pyrophosphate) with eight isopentenyl pyrophosphates to generate C55 UPP, which serves as a lipid carrier for bacterial peptidoglycan biosynthesis. We reported the co-crystal structure of Escherichia coli UPPS in complex with FPP. Its phosphate head-group is bound to positively charged arginine residues and the hydrocarbon moiety interacts with hydrophobic amino acids including L85, L88 and F89, located on the alpha3 helix of UPPS. We now show that the monophosphate analogue of FPP binds UPPS with an eight times lower affinity (K(d)=4.4 microM) compared with the pyrophosphate analogue, a result of a larger dissociation rate constant (k(off)=192 s(-1)). Farnesol (1 mM) lacking the pyrophosphate does not inhibit the UPPS reaction. GGPP (geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate) containing a larger C20 hydrocarbon tail is an equally good substrate (K(m)=0.3 microM and kcat=2.1 s(-1)) compared with FPP. The shorter C10 GPP (geranyl pyrophosphate) displays a 90-fold larger K(m) value (36.0+/-0.1 microM) but similar kcat value (1.7+/-0.1 s(-1)) compared with FPP. Replacement of L85, L88 or F89 with Ala increases FPP and GGPP K(m) values by the same amount, indicating that these amino acids are important for substrate binding, but do not determine substrate specificity. With GGPP as a substrate, UPPS still catalyses eight isopentenyl pyrophosphate condensation reactions to synthesize C60 product. Computer modelling suggests that the upper portion of the active-site tunnel, where cis double bonds of the product reside, may be critical for determining the final product chain length.

Alkyl and Aryl Transferases↗

Direct demonstration of the isomerization component of the monoterpene cyclase reaction using a cyclopropylcarbinyl pyrophosphate substrate analog.

The tightly coupled nature of the reaction sequence catalyzed by monoterpene cyclases has precluded direct observation of the topologically required isomerization step leading from geranyl pyrophosphate to the presumptive, enzyme-bound, tertiary allylic intermediate linalyl pyrophosphate, which ultimately cyclizes to the various monoterpene skeletons. By using a partially purified monoterpene cyclase preparation and 2,3-cyclopropylgeranyl pyrophosphate, a substrate analog designed to uncouple the reaction sequence, the production of the corresponding tertiary homoallylic pyrophosphate isomer was demonstrated. This provides direct evidence for the usually cryptic isomerase component of the overall catalytic cycle. A number of other related products generated by reaction of cyclase with the analog were also identified, the structures and proportions of which were consistent with the intermediacy in catalysis of a cyclopropylcarbinyl cation X pyrophosphate anion pair. Kinetic parameters for the analog were compared with those of the natural substrate geranyl pyrophosphate. The results presented confirm mechanistic similarities in the enzymatic ionization and subsequent transformation of allylic pyrophosphate and cyclopropylcarbinyl pyrophosphate intermediates of isoprenoid metabolism.

Intramolecular Lyases↗

A micronised, dispersible ferric pyrophosphate with high relative bioavailability in man.

Ferric pyrophosphate is a water-insoluble Fe compound used to fortify infant cereals and chocolate-drink powders as it causes no organoleptic changes to the food vehicle. However, it is only of low absorption in man. Recently, an innovative ferric pyrophosphate has been developed (Sunactive Fe trade mark ) based on small-particle-size ferric pyrophosphate (average size 0.3 microm) mixed with emulsifiers, so that it remains in suspension in liquid products. The aim of the present studies was to compare Fe absorption of micronised, dispersible ferric pyrophosphate (Sunactive Fe trade mark ) with that of ferrous sulfate in an infant cereal and a yoghurt drink. Two separate Fe absorption studies were made in adult women (ten women/study). Fe absorption was based on the erythrocyte incorporation of stable isotopes ((57)Fe and (58)Fe) 14 d after the intake of labelled test meals of infant cereal (study 1) or yoghurt drink (study 2). Each test meal was fortified with 5 mg Fe as ferrous sulfate or micronised, dispersible ferric pyrophosphate. Results are presented as geometric means. There was no statistically significant difference between Fe absorption from micronised, dispersible ferric pyrophosphate- and ferrous sulfate-fortified infant cereal (3.4 and 4.1 % respectively; P=0.24) and yoghurt drink (3.9 and 4.2 % respectively; P=0.72). The results of the present studies show that micronised, dispersible ferric pyrophosphate is as well absorbed as ferrous sulfate in adults. The high relative Fe bioavailability of micronised, dispersible ferric pyrophosphate indicates the potential usefulness of this compound for food fortification.

Absorption↗

Identification of a cDNA for the plastid-located geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase from Capsicum annuum: correlative increase in enzyme activity and transcript level during fruit ripening.

Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase is a key enzyme in plant terpenoid biosynthesis. Using specific antibodies, a cDNA encoding geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase has been isolated from bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) ripening fruit. The cloned cDNA codes for a high molecular weight precursor of 369 amino acids which contains a transit peptide of approximately 60 amino acids. In-situ immunolocalization experiments have demonstrated that geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase is located exclusively in the plastids. Expression of the cloned cDNA in E. coli has unambiguously demonstrated that the encoded polypeptide catalyzes the synthesis of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate by the addition of isopentenyl pyrophosphate to an allylic pyrophosphate. Peptide sequence comparisons revealed significant similarity between the sequences of the C. annuum geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase and those deduced from carotenoid biosynthesis (crtE) genes from photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic bacteria. In addition, four highly conserved regions, which are found in various prenyltransferases, were identified. Furthermore, evidence is provided suggesting that conserved and exposed carboxylates are directly involved in the catalytic mechanism. Finally, the expression of the geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase gene is demonstrated to be strongly induced during the chloroplast to chromoplast transition which occurs in ripening fruits, and is correlated with an increase in enzyme activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Extraosseous calcification. Evidence for abnormal pyrophosphate metabolism in uremia.

The inorganic constituents and crystalline features of extraosseous calcium-phosphate deposits obtained from dialyzed uremic and hypercalcemic patients were studied. Visceral calcification (heart, lung, and kidney) in hypercalcemic patients exhibited either an amorphous or apatitic X-ray diffraction pattern. Uremic visceral calcification consistently gave an amorphous diffraction pattern. Although the calcium content of uremic and hypercalcemic visceral deposits was similar, other inorganic constituents were different. The mean pyrophosphate was 11 +/- 11.8 and magnesium 4.91 +/- 3.86 mg/g in the uremic group as compared to 0.92 +/- 0.24 and 1.36 +/- 1.26 mg/g in the hypercalcemic group (P less than 0.025). After incineration hypercalcemic visceral deposits having an amorphous diffraction pattern were found to generate pyrophosphate supporting the presence of brushite in these deposits. The small amount of pyrophosphate in apatitic deposits from both uremic and hypercalcemic patients actually decreased after incineration and the pyrophosphate content of uremic visceral deposits was unchanged by incineration. It is concluded that in hypercalcemic patients the initial visceral deposit is brushite which is subsequently transformed to apatite. Arterial and tumoral calcium-phosphate deposits in uremic patients were also apatite. Uremic visceral calcium-phosphate deposits are an unique mineral high in magnesium with approximately 30% of the phosphorus present as pyrophosphate. The high pyrophosphate content of these deposits could alter their crystalline structure and prevent the transformation to apatite. The infrared features, high magnesium content of the deposit, and resistance of pyrophosphate in the deposit to hydrolysis by pyrophosphatase suggests that the pyrophosphate may be deposited as the magnesium salt.

Apatites↗

Rubber elongation by farnesyl pyrophosphate synthases involves a novel switch in enzyme stereospecificity.

A prenyltransferase purified from the commercial rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis, that elongates existing cis-polyisoprene rubber molecules also catalyzes the formation of all trans-farnesyl pyrophosphate (t,t-FPP) from dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP) and isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP). In assays of the latter activity trans-geranyl pyrophosphate is the only other product identified. In contrast to this limited addition of IPP to DMAPP, we measured 7000 additions of isoprene per rubber molecule in a previous titration of active allylic ends of rubber molecules by purified prenyltransferase (Light, D. R., and Dennis, M. S. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 18589-18597). In order to confirm that purified prenyltransferase extensively elongates rubber molecules, doubly labeled [1-14C]isopentenyl [U-32P]pyrophosphate ([14C,32P]IPP) was synthesized. Using this reagent we show that both prenyltransferase purified from H. brasiliensis and prenyltransferase purified from avian liver (FPP synthase) add greater than 15 isoprene units to existing rubber molecules, consistent with the previous titration data. For confirmation that the prenyltransferase purified from H. brasiliensis adds isoprene units to rubber to make cis-polyisoprene, chirally tritiated [14C]IPP ([14C,2S-3H]IPP) was synthesized. Retention of the tritium label in FPP synthesized from [14C,2S-3H]IPP and DMAPP, geranyl pyrophosphate, or neryl pyrophosphate by prenyltransferase from H. brasiliensis or avian liver confirms trans addition to these substrates. In contrast, when [14C,2S-3H]IPP is incubated with serum-free rubber particles and prenyltransferase purified from H. brasiliensis, avian liver, or yeast, no tritium is incorporated into the rubber particles indicating cis addition. Thus, rubber particles have the ability to alter the stereoselective removal of the 2R-prochiral proton in favor of the removal of the 2S-prochiral proton. This apparent inversion of carbon 2 of IPP during the proton abstraction step by rubber particles represents a novel example of a switch in enzyme stereospecificity. In addition to being enzymatically similar to other prenyltransferases, rubber transferase also appears to be related immunologically to FPP synthases, since polyclonal antibodies to the H. brasiliensis prenyltransferase cross-react with the purified yeast prenyltransferase. In order to investigate potential primers of greater molecular weight than that of FPP, cis-undecaprenyl pyrophosphate (C55PP) was synthesized. C55PP stimulates the incorporation of [14C]IPP into rubber particles suggesting that it may prime new rubber molecules. However, in contrast to DMAPP, C55PP is not incorporated into any detectable products when incubated with prenyltransferase and [14C]IPP in the absence of rubber particles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

Biosynthesis of monoterpenes. Enantioselectivity in the enzymatic cyclization of linalyl pyrophosphate to (-)-endo-fenchol.

The conversion of geranyl pyrophosphate to (-)-endo-fenchol is considered to proceed by the initial isomerization of the substrate to (-)-(3R)-linalyl pyrophosphate and the subsequent cyclization of this bound intermediate. To test this stereochemical scheme, phosphatase-free preparations of (-)-endo-fenchol cyclase from fennel (Foeniculum vulgare M.) fruit were repeatedly incubated with a sample of (3RS)-[1-3H2]linalyl pyrophosphate until approximately 50% of this precursor was converted to the bicyclic monoterpenol end product. The residual linalyl pyrophosphate was isolated and enzymatically hydrolyzed to the free alcohol, linalool, which was resolved by chiral phase capillary gas-liquid chromatography of the derived threo and erythro mixture of 1,2-epoxides. The predominance of the (3S)-enantiomer in the residual substrate indicated that the (3R)-enantiomer was preferred for the cyclization to (-)-(1S)-endo-fenchol. This conclusion was subsequently confirmed by the preparation and direct testing of (3R)-1Z-[1-3H] linalyl pyrophosphate, which afforded a Km value lower than that observed for geranyl pyrophosphate and a relative velocity nearly three times higher. (3S)-1Z-[1-3H]Linalyl pyrophosphate was not an effective substrate for (-)-endo-fenchol biosynthesis but did, by an anomalous cyclization, give rise to low levels of the enantiomeric (+)-(1R)-endo-fenchol as well as to other products. These results support the proposed stereochemical model and also suggest that the isomerization step is rate limiting in the coupled isomerization-cyclization of geranyl pyrophosphate to (-)-endo-fenchol.

Acyclic Monoterpenes↗

Pinene cyclases I and II. Two enzymes from sage (Salvia officinalis) which catalyze stereospecific cyclizations of geranyl pyrophosphate to monoterpene olefins of opposite configuration.

A soluble enzyme preparation from immature sage (Salvia officinalis) leaves has been shown to catalyze the cation-dependent cyclization of geranyl pyrophosphate to the isomeric monoterpene olefins (+/-)-alpha-pinene and (-)-beta-pinene and to lesser amounts of camphene and limonene (Gambliel, H., and Croteau, R. (1982) J. Biol. Chem. 257, 2335-2342). This preparation was fractionated by gel filtration on Sephadex G-150 to afford two regions of enzymic activity termed geranyl pyrophosphate:pinene cyclase I (Mr approximately equal to 96,000), which catalyzed the conversion of geranyl pyrophosphate to the bicyclic olefin (+)-alpha-pinene, and to smaller quantities of the rearranged olefin (+)-camphene and the monocyclic olefin (+)-limonene, and geranyl pyrophosphate:pinene cyclase II (Mr approximately equal to 55,000), which transformed the acyclic precursor to (-)-alpha-pinene and (-)-beta-pinene, as well as to (-)-camphene, (-)-limonene, and the acyclic olefin myrcene. The multiple olefin biosynthetic activities co-purified with pinene cyclase I on four subsequent chromatographic and electrophoretic steps, and the ability to cyclize geranyl pyrophosphate and the related allylic pyrophosphates neryl pyrophosphate and linalyl pyrophosphate was likewise coincident throughout purification. Fractionation of pinene cyclase II by an identical sequence showed that the activities for the synthesis of the stereochemically related (-)-olefins co-purified, as did the ability to utilize the three acyclic precursors. The general properties of cyclase I and cyclase II were determined, and a scheme for the biosynthesis of the pinenes and related monoterpene olefins was proposed.

Alkenes↗

Thiamine pyrophosphate uptake into isolated rat liver mitochondria.

The fact that thiamine pyrophosphate is synthesized in cytosol necessitates its uptake into mitochondria. The ability of mitochondria to take up externally added thiamine pyrophosphate was investigated by measuring the intramitochondrial thiamine pyrophosphate content using an enzymatic method. Thiamine pyrophosphate uptake by isolated rat liver mitochondria was found to occur in a time- and temperature-dependent manner. Uptake shows saturation characteristics with Km and Vmax values equal to about 20 microM and 700 pmol/min x mg protein, respectively, and is inhibited by certain nonpenetrating compounds. The inhibition of thiamine uptake by thiamine pyrophosphate and the efflux of endogenous thiamine pyrophosphate, caused by externally added thiamine, suggest the existence of a thiamine pyrophosphate/thiamine antiporter which could play an active role in the turnover of intramitochondrial thiamine pyrophosphate linked enzymes.

Animals↗

99mTc bone scanning agents--II. Adsorption of 99mTc(Sn)pyrophosphate complexes on the mineral phase of bone.

The adsorption of pyrophosphate, tin-pyrophosphate and 99mTc(Sn)pyrophosphate on Ca3(PO4)2 was investigated at pH 4.0 and pH 7.4. All components were radioactively labeled. Tin and reduced technetium were in most cases almost completely bound. The adsorption of pyrophosphate, tin(II) and technetium-99m at pH 4.0 was higher than at pH 7.4. The presence of tin gave rise to an increase of the pyrophosphate adsorption that was much larger than can be accounted for by a stoichiometric adsorption of tin-pyrophosphate. It is concluded that tin and technetium are bound as negatively charged complexes with pyrophosphate. Finally it is argued that the fraction of the bone scanning agent that reaches the bone surface is adsorbed completely by the mineral phase.

Adsorption↗

Purine and pyrimidine salvage in whole rat brain. Utilization of ATP-derived ribose-1-phosphate and 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate generated in experiments with dialyzed cell-free extracts.

The object of this work stems from our previous studies on the mechanisms responsible of ribose-1-phosphate- and 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate-mediated nucleobase salvage and 5-fluorouracil activation in rat brain (Mascia, L., Cappiello M., Cherri, S., and Ipata, P. L. (2000) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1474, 70-74; Mascia, L., Cotrufo, T., Cappiello, M., and Ipata, P. L. (1999) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1472, 93-98). Here we show that when ATP at "physiological concentration" is added to dialyzed extracts of rat brain in the presence of natural nucleobases or 5-fluorouracil, adenine-, hypoxanthine-, guanine-, uracil-, and 5-fluorouracil-ribonucleotides are synthesized. The molecular mechanism of this peculiar nucleotide synthesis relies on the capacity of rat brain to salvage purine and pyrimidine bases by deriving ribose-1-phosphate and 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate from ATP even in the absence of added pentose or pentose phosphates. The levels of the two sugar phosphates formed are compatible with those of synthesized nucleotides. We propose that the ATP-mediated 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate synthesis occurs through the action of purine nucleoside phosphorylase, phosphopentomutase, and 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate synthetase. Furthering our previous observations on the effect of ATP in the 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate-mediated 5-fluorouracil activation in rat liver (Mascia, L., and Ipata, P. L. (2001) Biochem. Pharmacol. 62, 213-218), we now show that the ratio [5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate]/[ATP] plays a major role in modulating adenine salvage in rat brain. On the basis of our in vitro results, we suggest that massive ATP degradation, as it occurs in brain during ischemia, might lead to an increase of the intracellular 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate and ribose-1-phosphate pools, to be utilized for nucleotide resynthesis during reperfusion.

Adenine↗

Inhibition of thiamine pyrophosphate utilization by thiamine or its monophosphate in Escherichia coli.

The growth of a thiamine pyrophosphate auxotroph of Escherichi coli was inhibited by either thiamine or thiamine monophosphate, and the growth of a thiamine monophosphate auxotroph was inhibited by thiamine. The thiamine pyrophosphate-dependent oxidation of pyruvate was inhibited by thiamine with whole cells of the thiamine pyrophosphate auxotroph but not with cell extracts prepared from the same organism. In addition, the thiamine pyrophosphate uptake of the thiamine pyrophosphate auxotroph was inhibited by either thiamine or thiamine monophosphate. Although the thiamine pyrophosphate uptake of a revertant, selected for prototrophy from the thiamine monophosphate auxotroph, was inhibited by thiamine to an extent comparable to that observed with the thiamine monophosphate auxotroph, its growth was no longer inhibited by thiamine. A possible mechanism for the inhibition by thiamine and thiamine monophosphate in the utilization of thiamine pyrophosphate is discussed.

Anaerobiosis↗

[Early noninvasive detection of reperfusion and infarct by intravenous technetium 99m pyrophosphate scintigraphy following thrombolysis].

To determine whether technetium-99-pyrophosphate accumulation immediately after intravenous thrombolysis can serve as a marker of reperfusion and infarct size, 17 patients with acute myocardial infarction were studied. Immediately after thrombolysis 10 mCi of technetium-99m pyrophosphate were injected intravenously. Coronary and left ventricular angiography were then performed in all patients, revealing patent coronary arteries in 13 patients. In all patients, 0.3 and 0.5 mCi of thallium-201 were injected into the right and left coronary artery, respectively, followed by planar scintigraphy. 6 patients with patent coronary arteries and a large thallium-201 defect had massive (more than one third of the cardiac silhouette) pyrophosphate accumulation (group A), whereas 7 patients with a small or no thallium-201 defect in the presence of a patent infarct artery had either focal or no pyrophosphate accumulation (group B). In contrast, 4 patients with an occluded infarct artery showed no acute pyrophosphate uptake despite a large thallium-201 defect (group C). Emission computed tomography confirmed the planar scintigraphic data in group A patients and revealed small thallium-201 defects and focal pyrophosphate accumulation in group B patients with negative planar scintigrams. Global and regional ejection fractions in the infarct area, measured from the acute and follow-up left ventricular angiograms, were higher in group A than in group B and C patients. It is concluded that early intravenous technetium-99m pyrophosphate scintigraphy in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing intravenous thrombolysis may serve as an indicator of reperfusion and infarct size.

Adult↗

The inactivation of sheep liver sorbitol dehydrogenase by pyrophosphate and some analogous metal chelators.

Pyrophosphate and several other metal chelators are shown to inactivate sheep liver sorbitol dehydrogenase. Pyrophosphate, tripolyphosphate, and some bisphosphonates inactivate the enzyme by saturation kinetics involving the formation of a reversible complex. A mechanism for the pyrophosphate-mediated inactivation of sorbitol dehydrogenase is proposed. Steady-state kinetics show that pyrophosphate does not compete with sorbitol for binding to the catalytic zinc atom or with NAD for binding to the anion binding site. The latter is supported by the formation of an E-NAD-pyrophosphate (PPi) complex and by the noncompetitive protection of NADH against inactivation. The rate of enzyme inactivation by pyrophosphate increases with decreasing pH. The pH dependence of the inactivation indicates that a group with a pKa of 6.9 in the free enzyme and in the enzyme-PPi complex is involved. As several zinc-binding reversible inhibitors do not afford protection against pyrophosphate inactivation, the pKa values obtained are considered not to refer to the ionization of the zinc-bound water molecule, but are tentatively suggested to be those of an active site histidine residue. Protection and reactivation by Zn2+ ions indicate that enzyme inactivation results from the loss of the catalytic zinc atom.

Animals↗

Effect of citrate and pyrophosphate on the stability of calcium oxalate dihydrate.

The effect of citrate and pyrophosphate on the stability of calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) was studied in an aqueous solution over 7 days. COD was precipitated from 1.0 x 10(-2) mol/l calcium oxalate solution with the addition of citrate and/or pyrophosphate and separated by centrifugation immediately, 48 h and 7 days after the precipitation. The percentage of COD in the precipitate, determined by X-ray diffraction, increased with a rise in citrate or pyrophosphate concentration and reached > or =90% at a citrate concentration of 1.0 x 10(-3) mol/l or a pyrophosphate concentration of 2.0 x 10(-4) mol/l. The resulting COD was completely transformed into calcium oxalate monohydrate within 48 h when the precipitate was composed of <90% COD. Nearly pure COD produced with pyrophosphate was stable over 7 days while that with citrate underwent partial transformation within 48 h. An additive effect of citrate and pyrophosphate was found on the stability of COD. It was concluded that a pyrophosphate concentration above a critical point was sufficient to prevent solution-mediated transformation of COD, and this critical point might be lowered to the physiological range with the presence of citrate.

Calcium Oxalate↗

Luminescent immobilized enzyme test systems for inorganic pyrophosphate: assays using firefly luciferase and nicotinamide-mononucleotide adenylyl transferase or adenosine-5'-triphosphate sulfurylase.

Inorganic pyrophosphate was measured by luminescence produced by a pyrophosphatase (NAD adenylyl-transferase or ATP sulfurylase) coimmobilized with firefly luciferase on Sepharose beads, with continuous flow of saturating concentrations of substrates (NAD plus luciferin or adenylophosphosulfate plus luciferin, respectively) and intermittent injections of samples containing pyrophosphate. In this scheme, the limiting substrate (pyrophosphate) is regenerated, a situation that is well suited to a bioluminescent assay. The instrumentation allowed for automation with a through-put of approximately one sample every 4 min. With standard solutions or samples that do not contain ATP, the sensitivity of the assay permits detection of less than 1 pmol pyrophosphate in a volume of 20 microliters (50 nmol/liter) with a coefficient of variation approximately equal to 4%. To assay biological samples, it was shown that endogenous ATP can be inactivated by oxidation with sodium periodate. Periodate treatment and quenching engenders dilution that limits the sensitivity to approximately 600 nmol/liter pyrophosphate in the starting material. The assay has been applied to the determination of intracellular pyrophosphate in human lymphocytes and to the measurement of nucleoside-triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase in human fibroblasts. The variability of the assay was greater with biological samples than with standard samples, with a coefficient of variation of 15.3% in a series of determinations of intracellular pyrophosphate in a series of replicate lymphocyte lysates. Bioluminescent systems of coupled coimmobilized enzymes offer great promise for sensitive, safe, automated assaying of metabolites.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗