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Cromolyn inhibits assembly of the NADPH oxidase and superoxide anion generation by human neutrophils.

Early and late phase reactions have been observed in asthma; the late phase reaction is characterized by accumulation of inflammatory cells such as neutrophils. Activated neutrophils degranulate and assemble an active NADPH oxidase, which generates superoxide anion (O2-), reactions that have been implicated in lung tissue damage. Preincubation of neutrophils with the asthma drug cromolyn sodium selectively inhibited FMLP (10(-7) M) and PMA (0.1 microgram/ml) elicited O2- generation but not degranulation. To further characterize the mechanism of this inhibition we examined the effect of cromolyn on the NADPH oxidase complex and the signaling pathways for its assembly. Ca2+ mobilization and activation of protein kinase C have been implicated as signals for activation of the NADPH oxidase. Ca2+ mobilization triggered by FMLP was significantly decreased by 21.2% in cromolyn-treated cells. In contrast, cromolyn did not interfere with translocation or activity of protein kinase C. Membranes prepared from neutrophils stimulated with 0.5 microgram/ml PMA generated O2-, indicating assembly of an active NADPH oxidase; cromolyn did not inhibit this membrane-associated, preassembled oxidase. In contrast, preincubation of neutrophils with 100 microM cromolyn before addition of PMA decreased the capacity of the membranes to generate O2- by 57.3%. These results indicate that cromolyn inhibited the assembly of an active NADPH oxidase. The efficacy of cromolyn may be associated with inhibition of assembly of an active NADPH oxidase in the neutrophil and prevention of oxygen radical-induced tissue damage.

Adult↗

Reaction of lysyl oxidase with trans-2-phenylcyclopropylamine.

trans-2-Phenylcyclopropylamine hydrochloride (tranylcypromine; TCP) was found to be both an inhibitor and a substrate of lysyl oxidase, the enzyme which oxidizes peptidyl lysine in elastin and collagen to initiate cross-linking in these proteins. The reaction of TCP with this enzyme was further characterized in view of the potential interference that chronic administration of this antidepressant compound may exert on the development and repair of connective tissues. In contrast to the irreversible and/or competitive inhibitors of lysyl oxidase previously described, TCP noncompetitively and reversibly inhibited the oxidation of both alkylamine and elastin substrates with Ki values of 386 and 375 microM, respectively. The noncompetitive mode of interaction affected the accessibility of the active site to productive amine substrates since the reductive trapping of n-hexylamine to lysyl oxidase was largely prevented by the presence of TCP. It was of additional interest that lysyl oxidase catalyzed a limited degree of conversion of TCP to cinnamaldehyde accompanied by the production of hydrogen peroxide. The lack of significant incorporation of protein-bound tritium accompanying reduction of the enzyme-TCP complex with [3H]NaBH4 argued against the formation of a Schiff base between the enzyme and the cinnamaldehyde product as the basis of the inhibitory effect. Spectral evidence was also obtained for an additional interaction between TCP and lysyl oxidase that was independent of the inhibitory effect of TCP. Cyclopropylamine, lacking the benzene moiety of TCP, inhibited lysyl oxidase irreversibly and competitively, and was not a substrate, pointing toward a defining role for the benzene moiety in the interaction of TCP with lysyl oxidase.

Animals↗

Inhibition of neutrophil NADPH oxidase assembly by a myristoylated pseudosubstrate of protein kinase C.

To further define the role played by protein kinase C (PKC) in the activation of the neutrophil NADPH oxidase, we have utilized a pseudosubstrate of PKC which was myristoylated at the N terminus. In electropermeabilized neutrophils, the myristoylated pseudosubstrate Phe-Ala-Arg-Lys-Gly-Ala-Leu-Arg-Gln (myr-psi PKC) inhibited PMA-induced protein phosphorylations and activation of the NADPH oxidase, induced either by PMA or by the receptor agonist formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine. Both the pseudosubstrate lacking the N-terminal myristate (psi PKC) and a myristoylated control peptide (Phe-Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly-Ala-Leu-Glu-Gln, myr-CP) were without effect on these responses. The myristoylated pseudosubstrate was also tested in a cell-free system, in which NADPH oxidase activation can be achieved by addition of SDS and guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate in a staurosporine-insensitive manner. Myr-psi PKC, but not psi PKC or myr-CP, proved to be a potent inhibitor of NADPH oxidase activity in the cell-free system, indicating that the inhibition observed in permeabilized neutrophils may have been caused by an effect other than PKC inhibition. In the presence of myr-psi PKC, translocation in the cell-free system of the cytosolic oxidase components p47-phox and p67-phox to the plasma membrane was inhibited. From these results we conclude that myristoylation profoundly increases the ability of pseudosubstrates of PKC to inhibit not only PKC-mediated phosphorylations, but also NADPH oxidase activation. The latter effect, however, is most probably not related to PKC inhibition but may indicate a critical role of the membrane surface charge in the translocation of the cytosolic oxidase components p47-phox and p67-phox.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Involvement of mammalian liver cytosols and aldehyde oxidase in reductive metabolism of zonisamide.

Zonisamide (1,2-benzisoxazole-3-methanesulfonamide), an anticonvulsant agent, is primarily metabolized to 2-sulfamoylacetylphenol by reductive cleavage of the 1,2-benzisoxazole ring. Rabbit liver cytosol with an electron donor of aldehyde oxidase exhibited a significant zonisamide reductase activity that was sensitive to inhibition by menadione, an inhibitor of aldehyde oxidase. The result suggested that the cytosolic activity is caused by aldehyde oxidase, a cytosolic enzyme. In fact, rabbit and rat liver aldehyde oxidase had the ability to reduce zonisamide when supplemented with its electron donor. Apparent KM and Vmax values of aldehyde oxidase for zonisamide were 217 microM and 42 nmol/10 min/mg protein in the case of the rabbit liver enzyme, and 542 microM and 382 nmol/10 min/mg protein in the case of the rat liver enzyme, respectively. In rabbits, hamsters, mice, and guinea pigs, zonisamide reductase activity of the liver cytosols with 2-hydroxypyrimidine, an electron donor of aldehyde oxidase, was much higher than that of the liver microsomes with NADPH. In rats, zonisamide reductase activity was examined with liver microsomes and cytosols from seven strains. The 2-hydroxypyrimidine-dependent cytosolic activity exhibited marked strain differences, unlike the NADPH-dependent microsomal activity. 1,2-Benzisoxazole was also reduced to salicylaldehyde by rabbit liver cytosol and aldehyde oxidase in the presence of 2-hydroxypyrimidine. Stoichiometric studies showed that 2-sulfamoylacetylphenol was formed accompanying nearly equimolar ammonia from zonisamide.

Aldehyde Oxidase↗

Lysyl oxidase gene expression in the stromal reaction to in situ and invasive ductal breast carcinoma.

Lysyl oxidase is involved in the main pathway of collagen and elastin cross-linking: it has a role in the maturation of fibrillar matrix proteins in fibrosing processes and dictates their stability against metalloproteases. The stromal reaction patterns in ductal breast carcinoma are known to be morphologically varied. This has raised the hypothesis that there might be a differential expression of the lysyl oxidase gene as a function of stromal reaction pattern. The present study investigates this potential correlation and the role of matrix protein cross-linking in stromal differentiation. Lysyl oxidase was detected by immunohistochemistry and lysyl oxidase gene expression by in situ hybridization. Maximal expression was observed in myofibroblasts and myoepithelial cells around in situ tumors and in the reactive fibrosis facing the invasion front of infiltrating tumors. The lysyl oxidase substrates were observed in parallel, resulting in the stabilization of a scar-like peritumor barrier. In contrast, a lack of lysyl oxidase was associated with the loose or scirrhous stroma accompanying invading tumors; here, in situ hybridization revealed type I collagen synthesis, resulting in the deposition of non-cross-linked matrix proteins susceptible to degradation. The early development of a cross-linked matrix around ductal breast carcinoma suggests a possible bost defense mechanism, whereas the synchronous or late stromal reaction lacking lysyl oxidase favors tumor dispersion.

Breast↗

Activation of the leukocyte NADPH oxidase in a cell-free system: phosphorylation vs. amphiphiles.

We examined the ability of C-terminal deletion mutants of p47PHOX, a cytosolic subunit of the leukocyte NADPH oxidase, to support the activity of the oxidase in two different cell-free systems, one using protein kinase C and the other an anionic amphiphile (SDS or arachidonic acid) as the oxidase-activating agent. Two deletion mutants were studied: p47PHOXdelta330 and p47PHOXdelta348, each named according to the first residue of the deleted polypeptide. Wild-type (WT) p47PHOX and both mutants were phosphorylated by protein kinase C, but the WT protein was the most heavily phosphorylated, containing 6.0 +/- 0.5 mol phosphate/mol protein. Of the two deletion mutants, only p47PHOXdelta348 could support oxidase activity, and then only in the amphiphile-activated system; neither of the mutants supported oxidase activity in the system activated by protein kinase C. Translocation correlated with activity: WT p47PHOX translocated to the membrane in response to both protein kinase C and amphiphile, but p47PHOXdelta348 translocated only in the amphiphile-activated system. Comparison of these findings with the results of earlier studies suggests that the phosphorylation of p47PHOX is an important component of oxidase activation. The findings provide no information, however, about whether amphiphiles participate in the activation process in intact cells. Consequently, a mechanism of in vivo oxidase activation involving both phosphorylation and the generation of an amphiphile remains a distinct possibility.

Cell-Free System↗

Superoxide production and NADPH oxidase expression in human rheumatoid synovial cells: regulation by interleukin-1beta and tumour necrosis factor-alpha.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the rheumatoid synovial cell capacity to produce superoxide anion in response to interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and to study the NADPH oxidase involvement in this production. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Synovial cells obtained from 7 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 5 osteoarthritic (OA) patients, and dermal fibroblasts, were stimulated (i) with IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, or (ii) with specific oxidase activators and inhibitors, before studying superoxide production; we also studied NADPH oxidase mRNAs and protein expression, and p47-phox phosphorylation. RESULTS: Constitutive superoxide production by RA cells was increased in comparison to OA cells and dermal fibroblasts, and was stimulated by PMA and ionomycin. This production was increased after cytokine treatment of RA synovial cells. Cytokine-induced superoxide production by RA cells was inhibited by iodonium diphenyl or apocynin, suggesting the involvement of NADPH oxidase. RT-PCR and western blot analysis revealed the presence of p47-phox, gp91-phox and Nox4 in RA and OA cells, and in dermal fibroblasts. P47-phox phosphorylation was enhanced after cytokine-treatment in RA and OA cells, suggesting a PKC-mediated up-regulation of NADPH oxidase. CONCLUSIONS: NADPH oxidase is involved in the superoxide release by RA synovial cells, constitutively and after cytokine up-regulation. These cells express two different homologues (gp91-phox and Nox4).

Aged↗

Gp91phox contributes to NADPH oxidase activity in aortic fibroblasts but not smooth muscle cells.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from vascular NADPH oxidase are important in normal and pathological regulation of vessel growth and function. Cell-specific differences in expression and function of the catalytic subunit of NADPH oxidase may contribute to differences in vascular cell response to NADPH oxidase activation. We examined the functional expression of gp91phox on NADPH oxidase activity in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) and fibroblasts (FB). As measured by dihydroethidium fluorescence in situ, superoxide (O2-*) levels were greater in adventitial cells compared with medial SMC in wild-type aorta. In contrast, there was no difference in O2-* levels between adventitial cells and medial SMC in aorta from gp91phox-deficient (gp91phox KO) mice. Adventitial-derived FB and medial SMC were isolated from the aorta of wild-type and gp91phox KO mice and grown in culture. Consistent with the observations in situ, basal and stimulated ROS levels were reduced in FB isolated from aorta of gp91phox KO compared with FB from wild-type aorta, whereas ROS levels were similar in SMC derived from gp91phox KO and wild-type aorta. There were no differences in expression of superoxide dismutase between gp91phox KO and wild-type FB to account for these observations. Because gp91phox is associated with membranes, we examined NADPH-stimulated O2-. production in membrane-enriched fractions of cell lysate. As measured by chemiluminescence, NADPH oxidase activity was markedly greater in wild-type FB compared with gp91phox KO FB but did not differ among the SMCs. Confirming functional expression of gp91phox in FB, antisense to gp91phox decreased ROS levels in wild-type FB. Finally, deficiency of gp91phox did not alter expression of the gp91phox homolog NOX4 in isolated FB. We conclude that the neutrophil subunit gp91phox contributes to NADPH oxidase function in vascular FB, but not SMC.

Animals↗

Studies on the metabolism of dimethylnitrosamine in vitro by rat-liver preparations. II. Inhibition by substrates and inhibitors of monoamine oxidase.

1. The metabolism of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) to formaldehyde by rat-hepatic postmitochondrial supernatant fractions has been compared with the activities of several cytochrome P-450-dependent mixed-function oxidase enzymes and the Ziegler mixed-function amine oxidase enzyme (EC 1.14.13.8). 2. A variety of monoamine oxidase (MAO, EC 1.4.3.4) inhibitors of diverse chemical structure inhibited the metabolism of DMN. In parallel studies a number of MAO substrates, but not their deaminated products, also inhibited DMN metabolism, whereas substrates of diamine oxidase were ineffective. 3. At concentrations which inhibited DMN metabolism several MAO substrates and inhibitors did not inhibit the N-oxidation of N, N-dimethylaniline and an inhibitor and an activator of the Ziegler enzyme had no corresponding effect on DMN metabolism. 4. The metabolism of DMN and a number of MAO enzyme activities were stable to storage under conditions where mixed-function oxidase enzymes were not. 5. These results are consistent with the suggestion that DMN may, at least in part, be metabolized by hepatic enzyme(s) not dependent on cytochrome P-450 and that a microsomal amine oxidase enzyme, unrelated to the Ziegler enzyme, may be involved in the hepatic degradation of this nitrosamine. The present data does, however, suggest a role for microsomal NADPH-cytochrome c reductase in hepatic DMN metabolism.

Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing)↗

The effects of cyanide on brain mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase and respiratory activities.

Brain mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase and respiratory activities were compared after in vivo and in vitro exposure to cyanide. For the in vivo studies, mice were exposed to a non-lethal (4 mg kg-1) or lethal (20 mg kg-1) dose of KCN. From these mice, purified brain mitochondria were prepared and cytochrome oxidase and respiratory activities measured. Results of these experiments revealed greater inhibition of cytochrome oxidase activity following a lethal (20 mg kg-1) than a non-lethal (4 mg kg-1) KCN dose (57 and 45% inhibition, respectively). Respiration states 3 and 4 of brain mitochondria prepared from mice that received 4 mg kg-1 KCN were inhibited by 15 and 20%, respectively. In mice that received a lethal 20 mg kg-1 KCN dose, respiration states 3 and 4 were each inhibited by ca. 30% (P < 0.05). In vitro, mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase activity was inhibited in a concentration-dependent fashion at cyanide concentrations of 10(-6)-10(-2) M. A biphasic inhibition of ADP-stimulated (state 3) respiration was observed. Cyanide concentrations of 10(-6)-10(-4) M produced only a 25% inhibition of respiration state 3, whereas 10(-3) M produced 80% inhibition. Because this dramatic inhibition only occurred at cyanide concentrations that caused > 50% inhibition of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase activity, these findings suggest that a large proportion of cytochrome oxidase activity may be functional reserve and that cyanide poisoning likely involves other mechanisms in addition to inhibition of cytochrome oxidase.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Compartmental distribution of cytochrome oxidase in the striatum of the rat.

Endogenous cytochrome oxidase activity was investigated in the adult rat striatum at the light microscope level to see if it was distributed in accordance with the established striatal patch/matrix compartmentalisation. Striatal sections stained to visualise cytochrome oxidase activity were compared with serial sections stained to visualise tyrosine hydroxylase and calbindinD28k-like immunoreactivity, established markers of the matrix compartment. The distribution of endogenous cytochrome oxidase activity was found to coincide with the immunocytochemical staining pattern seen for tyrosine hydroxylase and calbindinD28k whereby areas of intense tyrosine hydroxylase and calbindinD28k-like immunoreactivity (termed the matrix) corresponded to areas of intense cytochrome oxidase activity. Conversely, areas of less intense tyrosine hydroxylase and calbindinD28k-like immunoreactivity (termed patches) corresponded to areas of low cytochrome oxidase activity. In addition, the distribution of two other oxidative enzymes involved in the regulation of mitochondrial respiration, succinic dehydrogenase and NADH-diaphorase, was examined in the striatum and substantia nigra by using histochemical techniques. Both NADH-diaphorase and succinic dehydrogenase histochemistry showed an uneven pattern of neuropil staining in the striatum. In the substantia nigra a few intensely stained cell bodies were seen in the dorsal-lateral tip of the pars reticulata with both histochemical techniques. By using an anti-cytochrome oxidase antibody an abundance of immunoreactive cell bodies and processes were seen in the substantia nigra, particularly in the dorso-medial rim and dorsal tip of the pars reticulata. The substantia nigra pars lateralis contained many intensely stained cytochrome oxidase-like immunoreactive cell bodies and processes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Characterization of the methionine S-oxidase activity of rat liver and kidney microsomes: immunochemical and kinetic evidence for FMO3 being the major catalyst.

Methionine is oxidized to methionine sulfoxide by rat liver and kidney microsomes in an O2- and NADPH-dependent manner. In all microsomal assays, no methionine sulfone was detected. Use of a monoclonal antibody to rat liver cytochrome P-450 reductase, various cytochrome P-450 and peroxidase inhibitors, antioxidants, and competitive flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) substrates suggested that methionine sulfoxidation was exclusively mediated by FMOs. At 5 mM methionine, the d-isomer of methionine sulfoxide was preferentially detected over the l-isomer in both liver (ratio, 5:1) and kidney microsomes (ratio, 12:1); however, at 30 to 40 mM methionine concentrations, the diastereomeric ratio was reduced to approximately 3:1 in both tissues. The Vmax/K(m) ratios determined for the liver and kidney microsomes were similar. Because cDNA-expressed rabbit FMO3 and FMO1 were previously shown to preferentially catalyze methionine and S-benzyl-L-cysteine (SBC) sulfoxidations, respectively, these substrates were used to isolate two distinct S-oxidase activities from the same rat liver microsomal preparation. The purified activities have apparent molecular weights of approximately 55 kDa as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The findings that the methionine S-oxidase reacted intensely with antibodies raised against rabbit FMO3 and the SBC S-oxidase reacted intensely with antibodies raised against rabbit FMO1 provide evidence for these activities being associated with FMO3 and FMO1, respectively. The apparent methionine K(m) determined with the purified methionine S-oxidase was 3.4 mM, whereas the apparent methionine K(m) determined with the purified SBC S-oxidase was 48 mM. The methionine sulfoxide d:l diastereomeric ratio obtained with methionine S-oxidase was 15:1, whereas the diastereomeric ratio obtained with SBC S-oxidase was only 2:1. These results provide strong evidence for the expression of both FMO1 and FMO3 in rat liver microsomes and suggest that FMO3 is the major catalyst of methionine sulfoxidation in rat liver and kidney microsomes.

Animals↗

Two o-type oxidases in Methylobacillus flagellatum KT.

Two oxidases of the o-type in membranes of the methanol-grown obligate methylotroph Methylobacillus flagellatum KT were distinguished. For this purpose the kinetic analysis of the laser flash-induced optical absorbance changes of CO-oxidase complexes under reducing conditions was used. The ratio of these oxidases in membranes greatly depended on the phases of bacterial growth. One of the oxidases appeared to belong to the Escherichia coli o-type oxidase family being more sensitive to KCN (Ki = 1 microM). It showed monophasic CO recombination kinetics with tau 25-30 ms and was expressed in the early exponential phase of growth. The other oxidase seemed to be similar to the Bacillus sp. FTU o-type oxidase being less sensitive to KCN (Ki = 6 microM), having three-phasic CO reassociation kinetics with tau 35-70 microseconds, 0.25-0.5 ms and 2-4 ms and dominating in the stationary growth phase. Pyridine haemochrome spectra showed haems A and D to be absent from the bacterial membranes.

Cell Membrane↗

Terminal oxidases of the bb- and caa3-types in Bacillus sp. FTU.

We previously identified two oxidases in the membranes of bacterium Bacillus sp. FTU. One of them slowly (caa3) and the other rapidly (bo) recombines with carbon monoxide (CO) after laser flash photolysis, in this respect resembling the Escherichia coli bo- and bd-type oxidases, respectively. In the present study we found three copper atoms in the slowly CO-recombining oxidase from Bacillus sp. FTU. In the other oxidase, the copper content is very low and clearly substoichiometric. Reversed-phase chromatography revealed the presence of haems A and C in the Bacillus sp. FTU copper-containing oxidase and haems B and C in the non-copper-containing one. We thus suggest that the Bacillus sp. FTU oxidase rapidly reacting with CO previously attributed to bo-type by analogy in redox spectrum with the E. coli enzyme be redefined as bb-type oxidase.

Bacillus↗

Immunocytolocalization of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase in tomato and apple fruit.

The subcellular localization of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACC oxidase), an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of ethylene, has been studied in ripening fruits of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.). Two types of antibody have been raised against (i) a synthetic peptide derived from the reconstructed pTOM13 clone (pRC13), a tomato cDNA encoding ACC oxidase, and considered as a suitable epitope by secondary-structure predictions; and (ii) a fusion protein overproduced in Escherichia coli expressing the pRC13 cDNA. Immunoblot analysis showed that, when purified by antigen affinity chromatography, both types of antibody recognized a single band corresponding to ACC oxidase. Superimposition of Calcofluor white with immunofluorescence labeling, analysed by optical microscopy, indicated that ACC oxidase is located at the cell wall in the pericarp of breaker tomato and climacteric apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) fruit. The apoplasmic location of the enzyme was also demonstrated by the observation of immunogold-labeled antibodies in this region by both optical and electron microscopy. Transgenic tomato fruits in which ACC-oxidase gene expression was inhibited by an antisense gene exhibited a considerable reduction of labeling. Immunocytological controls made with pre-immune serum or with antibodies pre-absorbed on their corresponding antigens gave no staining. The discrepancy between these findings and the targeting of the protein predicted from sequences of ACC-oxidase cDNA clones isolated so far is discussed.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗

Regulation of alcohol oxidase synthesis in Hansenula polymorpha: oversynthesis during growth on mixed substrates and induction by methanol.

The regulation of the synthesis of alcohol oxidase, catalase, formaldehyde dehydrogenase and formate dehydrogenase was investigated in the methanol-utilizing yeast Hansenula polymorpha. The organism was found to synthesize immunologically identical alcohol oxidases during growth on glycerol and methanol. Growth on glycerol, however, was not dependent on the alcohol oxidase, as was shown with a mutant without alcohol oxidase protein. Similarly it was shown with a catalase activity negative mutant that high catalase activity during growth on glycerol was not a prerequisite for the utilization of this substrate, though absolutely required for growth on methanol. Experiments were conducted with mixed substrates to study the influence of methanol on alcohol oxidase synthesis. In batch cultures, growth on ribose plus methanol resulted in an enhanced rate of alcohol oxidase synthesis as compared to ribose alone. In continuous cultures, (D = 0.1 h-1) addition of methanol to glycerol-, glucose-, or sorbose-limited cultures gave rise to increased alcohol oxidase activity of up to 20 U/mg, which is about by 2 times higher than the specific activity used for growth on methanol alone. The increase in specific activity of the dissimilatory enzymes on the mixed substrates is partly due to methanol per se, as was shown by a mutant unable to dissimilate or assimilate methanol.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗

The reactions of the oxidase and reductases of Paracoccus denitrificans with cytochromes c.

Electron transport in the Paracoccus denitrificans respiratory chain system is considerably more rapid when it includes the membrane-bound cytochrome c552 than with either soluble Paracoccus c550 or bovine cytochrome c; a pool function for cytochrome c is not necessary. Low concentrations of Paracoccus or bovine cytochrome c stimulate the oxidase activity. This observation could explain the multiphasic Scatchard plots which are obtained. A negatively charged area on the "back side" of Paracoccus c which is not present in mitochondrial c could be a control mechanism for Paracoccus reactions. Paracoccus oxidase and reductase reactions with bovine c show the same properties as mammalian systems; and this is true of Paracoccus oxidase reactions with its own soluble cytochrome c if added polycation masks the negatively charged area. Evidence for different oxidase and reductase reaction sites on cytochrome c include: (1) stimulation of the oxidase but not reductase by a polycation; (2) differences in the inhibition of the oxidase and reductases by monoclonal antibodies to Paracoccus cytochrome c; and (3) reaction of another bacterial cytochrome c with Paracoccus reductases but not oxidase. Rapid electron transport occurs in cytochrome c-less mutants of Paracoccus, suggesting that the reactions result from collision of diffusing complexes.

Cytochrome c Group↗

In vitro study of cysteine oxidase in rat brain.

Effects of some cysteine analogs and other compounds on in vitro cysteine oxidase were studied in rat brain microsomes. Among the tested compounds, maximum inhibition of microsomal cysteine oxidase was by alpha,alpha'-dipyridyl and the least inhibition by dithiothreitol. Kinetic and dialysis studies found L-homocysteine to be a competitive and reversible inhibitor of cysteine oxidase. Epinephrine was shown to inhibit cysteine oxidase, whereas pyridoxal HCl activated cysteine oxidase at the same concentration. Except for the Mg2+ ion, other metallic ions inhibited cysteine oxidase activity in the following order: Zn2+ greater than Cu2+ greater than Li+ greater than Ca2+ greater than Co2+ greater than K+ greater than Mn2+. A 12 mM concentration of Mg2+ ion was required to obtain maximum cysteine oxidase activity.

Animals↗