RESUMO
The efficacy of islet transplant is compromised by a significant loss of islet mass posttransplant due to an innate inflammatory reaction. We report the use of a combination of etanercept and anakinra (ANA+ETA) to block inflammatory islet damage in 100 patients undergoing total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplant. The patients were divided into 3 groups: no treatment (control [CTL]), etanercept alone (ETA), or a combination of etanercept and anakinra (ANA+ETA). Peritransplant serum samples were analyzed for protein markers of islet damage and for inflammatory cytokines. Graft function was assessed by fasting blood glucose, basal C-peptide, secretory unit of islet transplant objects (SUITO) index, and hemoglobin A1c . Administration of both antiinflammatory drugs was well tolerated without any major adverse events. Reductions in interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 were observed in patients receiving ANA+ETA compared with the CTL group, while also showing a modest improvement in islet function as assessed by basal C-peptide, glucose, hemoglobin A1c , and SUITO index but without differences in insulin dose. These results suggest that double cytokine blockade (ANA+ETA) reduces peritransplant islet damage due to nonspecific inflammation and may represent a promising strategy to improve islet engraftment, leading to better transplant outcomes.
Assuntos
Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/terapia , Rejeição de Enxerto/prevenção & controle , Sobrevivência de Enxerto , Interleucina-1beta/antagonistas & inibidores , Transplante das Ilhotas Pancreáticas/métodos , Ilhotas Pancreáticas/citologia , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/antagonistas & inibidores , Adulto , Antirreumáticos/farmacologia , Autoenxertos , Quimioterapia Combinada , Etanercepte/farmacologia , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Imunossupressores/farmacologia , Secreção de Insulina , Proteína Antagonista do Receptor de Interleucina 1/farmacologia , Ilhotas Pancreáticas/efeitos dos fármacos , Ilhotas Pancreáticas/metabolismo , Masculino , Pancreatectomia , Prognóstico , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
The pathogenicity of Xylella fastidiosa is associated with its ability to colonize the xylem of host plants. Expression of genes contributing to xylem colonization are suppressed, while those necessary for insect vector acquisition are increased with increasing concentrations of diffusible signal factor (DSF), whose production is dependent on RpfF. We previously demonstrated that transgenic citrus plants ectopically expressing rpfF from a citrus strain of X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca exhibited less susceptibility to Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, another pathogen whose virulence is modulated by DSF accumulation. Here, we demonstrate that ectopic expression of rpfF in both transgenic tobacco and sweet orange also confers a reduction in disease severity incited by X. fastidiosa and reduces its colonization of those plants. Decreased disease severity in the transgenic plants was generally associated with increased expression of genes conferring adhesiveness to the pathogen and decreased expression of genes necessary for active motility, accounting for the reduced population sizes achieved in the plants, apparently by limiting pathogen dispersal through the plant. Plant-derived DSF signal molecules in a host plant can, therefore, be exploited to interfere with more than one pathogen whose virulence is controlled by DSF signaling.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Bactérias/metabolismo , Citrus/genética , Citrus/microbiologia , Nicotiana/genética , Nicotiana/microbiologia , Doenças das Plantas/microbiologia , Xylella/metabolismo , Regulação Bacteriana da Expressão Gênica , Plantas Geneticamente Modificadas , Transformação Genética , Xylella/genéticaRESUMO
Xylella fastidiosa and Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, that cause citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) and citrus canker diseases, respectively, utilize diffusible signal factor (DSF) for quorum sensing. DSF, produced by RpfF, are similar fatty acids in both organisms, although a different set of genes is regulated by DSF in each species. Because of this similarity, Xylella fastidiosa DSF might be recognized and affect the biology of Xanthomonas citri. Therefore, transgenic Citrus sinensis and Carrizo citrange plants overexpressing the Xylella fastidiosa rpfF were inoculated with Xanthomonas citri and changes in symptoms of citrus canker were observed. X. citri biofilms formed only at wound sites on transgenic leaves and were thicker; however, bacteria were unable to break through the tissue and form pustules elsewhere. Although abundant growth of X. citri occurred at wound sites on inoculated transgenic leaves, little growth was observed on unwounded tissue. Genes in the DFS-responsive core in X. citri were downregulated in bacteria isolated from transgenic leaves. DSF-dependent expression of engA was suppressed in cells exposed to xylem sap from transgenic plants. Thus, altered symptom development appears to be due to reduced expression of virulence genes because of the presence of antagonists of DSF signaling in X. citri in rpfF-expressing plants.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Bactérias/genética , Citrus/genética , Interações Hospedeiro-Patógeno , Doenças das Plantas/imunologia , Xanthomonas/patogenicidade , Xylella/genética , Biofilmes/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Citrus/microbiologia , Citrus sinensis/microbiologia , Regulação para Baixo , Regulação Bacteriana da Expressão Gênica , Regulação da Expressão Gênica de Plantas , Genes Reporter , Doenças das Plantas/microbiologia , Folhas de Planta/microbiologia , Plantas Geneticamente Modificadas , Transdução de Sinais , Transgenes , Virulência/genética , Xanthomonas/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Xanthomonas/fisiologiaRESUMO
A nonspecific inflammatory and thrombotic reaction termed instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR) has been reported when allogenic or xenogenic islets come into contact with blood. This reaction is known to cause significant loss of transplanted islets. We hypothesized that IBMIR occurs in patients undergoing total pancreatectomy followed by autologous islet transplantation (TP-AIT) and tested this hypothesis in 24 patients and in an in vitro model. Blood samples drawn during the peritransplant period showed a significant and rapid increase of thrombin-anti-thrombin III complex (TAT) and C-peptide during islet infusion, which persisted for up to 3 h, along with a decreased platelet count. A concomitant increase in levels of inflammatory proteins IL-6, IL-8 and interferon-inducible protein-10 was observed. An in vitro model composed of pure islets plus autologous blood also demonstrated significantly increased levels of TAT (p<0.05), C-peptide (p<0.05), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (p<0.05) and MCP-1 (p<0.05), as well as strong tissue factor expression in islets. Islet viability decreased significantly but was rescued by the presence of low-molecular-weight dextran sulfate. In conclusion, AIT-induced elevation of TAT and destruction of islets suggests that IBMIR might occur during AIT. Modulating this process may help improve islet engraftment and the insulin independence rate in TP-AIT patients.
Assuntos
Plaquetas/patologia , Inflamação/sangue , Inflamação/etiologia , Transplante das Ilhotas Pancreáticas/efeitos adversos , Ilhotas Pancreáticas/fisiopatologia , Pancreatite/complicações , Adulto , Biomarcadores/análise , Doença Crônica , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Mediadores da Inflamação/análise , Masculino , Pancreatite/terapia , Prognóstico , Transplante AutólogoRESUMO
The Collaborative Islet Transplant Registry (CITR) collects data on clinical islet isolations and transplants. This retrospective report analyzed 1017 islet isolation procedures performed for 537 recipients of allogeneic clinical islet transplantation in 1999-2010. This study describes changes in donor and islet isolation variables by era and factors associated with quantity and quality of final islet products. Donor body weight and BMI increased significantly over the period (p<0.001). Islet yield measures have improved with time including islet equivalent (IEQ)/particle ratio and IEQs infused. The average dose of islets infused significantly increased in the era of 2007-2010 when compared to 1999-2002 (445.4±156.8 vs. 421.3±155.4×0(3) IEQ; p<0.05). Islet purity and total number of ß cells significantly improved over the study period (p<0.01 and <0.05, respectively). Otherwise, the quality of clinical islets has remained consistently very high through this period, and differs substantially from nonclinical islets. In multivariate analysis of all recipient, donor and islet factors, and medical management factors, the only islet product characteristic that correlated with clinical outcomes was total IEQs infused. This analysis shows improvements in both quantity and some quality criteria of clinical islets produced over 1999-2010, and these parallel improvements in clinical outcomes over the same period.
Assuntos
Sobrevivência de Enxerto , Transplante das Ilhotas Pancreáticas , Sistema de Registros , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
Repeated administration of morphine substantially increases its locomotor-enhancing activity, a phenomenon termed locomotor sensitization. Here we show that secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), an anti-adhesive glycoprotein present in the basolateral amygdala, contributes to the establishment of locomotor sensitization. The morphine-induced increase in SPARC levels in the basolateral amygdala persisted after morphine withdrawal and coincided with the duration of locomotor sensitization. Moreover, a single injection of morphine after SPARC infusion into the basolateral amygdala of previously uninjected mice substantially enhanced locomotor activity. Thus, SPARC may be an important element for establishing locomotor sensitization to morphine.
Assuntos
Tonsila do Cerebelo/efeitos dos fármacos , Morfina/farmacologia , Osteonectina/farmacologia , Tonsila do Cerebelo/fisiologia , Animais , Sequência de Bases , Adesão Celular , Primers do DNA/genética , Tolerância a Medicamentos , Masculino , Camundongos , Morfina/administração & dosagem , Atividade Motora/efeitos dos fármacos , Osteonectina/administração & dosagem , Osteonectina/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusão/administração & dosagem , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusão/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusão/farmacologia , Síndrome de Abstinência a Substâncias/fisiopatologia , Regulação para CimaRESUMO
Complete sequencing of the Xylella fastidiosa genome revealed characteristics that have not been described previously for a phytopathogen. One characteristic of this genome was the abundance of genes encoding proteins with adhesion functions related to biofilm formation, an essential step for colonization of a plant host or an insect vector. We examined four of the proteins belonging to this class encoded by genes in the genome of X. fastidiosa: the PilA2 and PilC fimbrial proteins, which are components of the type IV pili, and XadA1 and XadA2, which are afimbrial adhesins. Polyclonal antibodies were raised against these four proteins, and their behavior during biofilm development was assessed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. In addition, immunogold electron microscopy was used to detect these proteins in bacteria present in xylem vessels of three different hosts (citrus, periwinkle, and hibiscus). We verified that these proteins are present in X. fastidiosa biofilms but have differential regulation since the amounts varied temporally during biofilm formation, as well as spatially within the biofilms. The proteins were also detected in bacteria colonizing the xylem vessels of infected plants.
Assuntos
Adesinas Bacterianas/metabolismo , Biofilmes/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Proteínas de Fímbrias/metabolismo , Regulação Bacteriana da Expressão Gênica , Doenças das Plantas/microbiologia , Xylella/fisiologia , Adesinas Bacterianas/genética , Aderência Bacteriana , Proteínas de Bactérias/genética , Proteínas de Bactérias/metabolismo , Citrus/microbiologia , Proteínas de Fímbrias/genética , Fímbrias Bacterianas/metabolismo , Malvaceae/microbiologia , Vinca/microbiologia , Xilema/microbiologiaRESUMO
We report a study of the cyclotron resonance (CR) transitions to and from the unusual n=0 Landau level (LL) in monolayer graphene. Unexpectedly, we find the CR transition energy exhibits large (up to 10%) and nonmonotonic shifts as a function of the LL filling factor, with the energy being largest at half filling of the n=0 level. The magnitude of these shifts, and their magnetic field dependence, suggests that an interaction-enhanced energy gap opens in the n=0 level at high magnetic fields. Such interaction effects normally have a limited impact on the CR due to Kohn's theorem [W. Kohn, Phys. Rev. 123, 1242 (1961)], which does not apply in graphene as a consequence of the underlying linear band structure.
RESUMO
An intact mesocortical dopaminergic (DA) input to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been reported to be necessary for long-term potentiation (LTP) to occur at hippocampal-prefrontal cortex synapses. Here, we investigated the role of D1 and D2 receptors in this NMDA receptor-dependent LTP. Local infusion of the D1 agonist SKF81297 at an optimal dose induced a sustained enhancement of hippocampal-PFC LTP, whereas the D1 antagonist SCH23390 caused a dose-related impairment of its induction. The D1 agonist effect was mimicked by infusion of a low dose of the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin, whereas LTP was severely attenuated with a protein kinase A inhibitor, Rp-cAMPS. To further assess the complex interplay between DA and NMDA receptors, changes in extracellular DA levels in the PFC were estimated during LTP, and a significant increase was observed immediately after tetanus. Taken together, these data suggest that D1 but not D2 receptors are crucial for the DA control of the NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic response on a specific excitatory input to the PFC. The interactions of these receptors may play a crucial role in the storage and transfer of hippocampal information in the PFC.
Assuntos
Hipocampo/metabolismo , Potenciação de Longa Duração/fisiologia , Córtex Pré-Frontal/metabolismo , Receptores de Dopamina D1/metabolismo , Receptores de Dopamina D2/metabolismo , Receptores de N-Metil-D-Aspartato/metabolismo , Sinapses/metabolismo , Animais , Colforsina/farmacologia , Proteínas Quinases Dependentes de AMP Cíclico/antagonistas & inibidores , Dopamina/genética , Dopamina/metabolismo , Agonistas de Dopamina/farmacologia , Antagonistas de Dopamina/farmacologia , Inibidores Enzimáticos/farmacologia , Espaço Extracelular/metabolismo , Potenciação de Longa Duração/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Plasticidade Neuronal/fisiologia , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Receptores de Dopamina D1/agonistas , Receptores de Dopamina D1/antagonistas & inibidoresRESUMO
We have previously shown (Otani et al., 1999b) that bath application of (2S,2'R,3'R)-2-(2',3'-dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine (DCG IV), the agonist of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), induces postsynaptic Ca2+-dependent long-term depression (LTD) of layer I-II to layer V pyramidal neuron glutamatergic synapses of rat medial prefrontal cortex. In the present study, we examined detailed mechanisms of this DCG IV-induced LTD. First, the group II mGluR antagonist (RS)-alpha-methylserine-O-phosphate monophenyl ester blocked DCG IV-induced LTD, and another group II agonist (2S,3S,4S)-CCG/(2S,1'S,2'S)-2-(carboxycyclopropyl)glycine-induced LTD, suggesting that LTD is indeed mediated by the activation of group II mGluRs. Second, DCG IV-induced LTD was blocked by the NMDA receptor antagonist AP-5, whereas DCG IV did not potentiate NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic responses. Interruption of single test stimuli during DCG IV application blocked DCG IV-induced LTD. These results suggest that small NMDA receptor-mediated responses evoked by single synaptic stimuli contribute to DCG IV-induced LTD. Third, DCG IV-induced LTD was blocked or reduced by the following drugs: phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122 (bath-applied or postsynaptically injected), postsynaptically injected IP3 receptor blocker heparin, phospholipase D-linked mGluR blocker PCCG-13, PKC inhibitor RO318220, postsynaptically injected PKC inhibitor PKC(19-36), and PKA inhibitor KT-5720. Fourth, fluorescent Ca2+ analysis techniques revealed that DCG IV increases Ca2+ concentration in prefrontal layer V pyramidal neurons. These Ca2+ rises and the LTD were both blocked by postsynaptic heparin in the same cells. Taken together, these results suggest that postsynaptic group II mGluRs, linked to phospholipase C and probably also phospholipase D, induce LTD through postsynaptic PKC activation and IP3 receptor-mediated postsynaptic increases of Ca2+ concentration.
Assuntos
Cálcio/metabolismo , Glicina/análogos & derivados , Inibição Neural/fisiologia , Córtex Pré-Frontal/metabolismo , Receptores de Glutamato Metabotrópico/metabolismo , Fosfolipases Tipo C/metabolismo , Animais , Canais de Cálcio , Proteínas Quinases Dependentes de AMP Cíclico/antagonistas & inibidores , Ciclopropanos/farmacologia , Inibidores Enzimáticos/farmacologia , Agonistas de Aminoácidos Excitatórios/farmacologia , Antagonistas de Aminoácidos Excitatórios/farmacologia , Potenciais Pós-Sinápticos Excitadores/efeitos dos fármacos , Potenciais Pós-Sinápticos Excitadores/fisiologia , Corantes Fluorescentes , Glicina/farmacologia , Heparina/farmacologia , Técnicas In Vitro , Receptores de Inositol 1,4,5-Trifosfato , Líquido Intracelular/metabolismo , Masculino , Inibição Neural/efeitos dos fármacos , Plasticidade Neuronal/fisiologia , Fosfolipase D/antagonistas & inibidores , Fosfolipase D/metabolismo , Córtex Pré-Frontal/citologia , Córtex Pré-Frontal/efeitos dos fármacos , Proteína Quinase C/antagonistas & inibidores , Células Piramidais/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Piramidais/metabolismo , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Receptores Citoplasmáticos e Nucleares/antagonistas & inibidores , Receptores de Glutamato Metabotrópico/agonistas , Receptores de Glutamato Metabotrópico/antagonistas & inibidores , Receptores de N-Metil-D-Aspartato/antagonistas & inibidores , Receptores de N-Metil-D-Aspartato/metabolismo , Tempo , Fosfolipases Tipo C/antagonistas & inibidoresRESUMO
We have cloned a cDNA encoding rabbit alpha 1d-adrenoceptor from the rabbit liver cDNA library. The deduced amino-acid sequence of this clone encodes a protein of 576 amino acids that shows strong sequence homology to previously cloned human, rat and mouse alpha 1d-adrenoceptors. The pharmacological radioligand binding properties of this clone expressed in COS-7 cells were similar to those of rat alpha 1d-adrenoceptors. Competitive RT/PCR assays revealed wide tissue distribution of the alpha 1d-adrenoceptor mRNA in rabbit, especially abundant in vas deferens, aorta, prostate and cerebral cortex.
Assuntos
Receptores Adrenérgicos alfa 1/genética , Receptores Adrenérgicos alfa 1/metabolismo , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Animais , Sequência de Bases , Células COS , Clonagem Molecular , Primers do DNA/genética , DNA Complementar/genética , Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Masculino , Camundongos , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , RNA Mensageiro/genética , RNA Mensageiro/metabolismo , Coelhos , Ratos , Homologia de Sequência de Aminoácidos , Distribuição TecidualRESUMO
Citrus huanglongbing (HLB, ex greening) is one of the most serious and destructive citrus diseases in the world. It is caused by a phloem-limited and nonculturable bacterium, "Candidatus Liberibacter". The disease occurs in some Asian and African countries and recently has been reported in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Analysis of the 16S ribosomal (r)DNA of the HLB bacteria from orchards in São Paulo revealed the presence of two distinct strains of "Ca. Liberibacter". One of them, named LSg1 (Liberibacter sequence group 1), was 100% identical to strains from Japan (GenBank accessions AB038369 and AB008366), the Asian forms of the bacteria. The other, LSg2, is genetically distant from the Asian (96.1 to 96.3% identity) and African (95.8 to 96.1% identity) strains. Comparison of the 16S rDNA sequences from the LSg2 and the Asian strain revealed the presence of INDELs and point mutations. Specific primers designed for this Brazilian Liberibacter strain revealed that it is more widely distributed throughout the São Paulo orchards compared with the LSg1 strain. The HLB symptoms caused by both strains are almost identical and, interestingly, both strains were found in the same sample, revealing mixed infection in a citrus plant.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Antivirais/análise , Técnicas de Laboratório Clínico/métodos , Infecções por Coronavirus/epidemiologia , Infecções por Coronavirus/imunologia , Imunidade Coletiva , Pneumonia Viral/epidemiologia , Pneumonia Viral/imunologia , Sistemas Automatizados de Assistência Junto ao Leito/organização & administração , COVID-19 , Teste para COVID-19 , Serviços de Saúde Comunitária/organização & administração , Infecções por Coronavirus/diagnóstico , Feminino , Humanos , Japão , Masculino , Pandemias/estatística & dados numéricos , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase/métodos , Avaliação de Programas e Projetos de SaúdeRESUMO
Proteins have been considered to consist exclusively of L-amino acids in living tissues. However, we found biologically uncommon D-aspartyl (Asp) residues at specific sites in alphaA- and alphaB-crystallin from the aged human lens (mean age: 80 years). In alphaB-crystallin, the Asp-36 and Asp-62 residues are highly racemized (D/L ratios: 0.92 for Asp-36; 0.54 for Asp-62). More interestingly, the configuration of the Asp-58 and Asp-151 residues in alphaA-crystallin is inverted to the D-isomer (D/L ratio: 3.1 for Asp-58, 5.7 for Asp-151). A D/L ratio > 1.0 is not considered to be due to racemization, but rather is thought to result from stereoconfiguration inversion. Our report was the first observation that inversion occurred in the configuration of amino acids in vivo during the natural aging process. We also found that these enantiomers were simultaneously isomerized to form beta-Asp residues. We propose that the mechanism of D- and beta-Asp formation in the protein depends on the primary structure and the presence of a chiral reaction field, which induces formation of D-Asp.
Assuntos
Envelhecimento/metabolismo , Ácido Aspártico/metabolismo , Cristalinas/metabolismo , Cristalino/metabolismo , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Humanos , Isomerismo , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Isoformas de Proteínas , EstereoisomerismoRESUMO
1. We determined the alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes involved in adrenergic contractions of eight different blood vessels isolated from the dog. 2. Noradrenaline produced concentration-dependent contractions in all the blood vessels tested, which were competitively inhibited by prazosin, WB4101, HV723 and 5-methylurapidil. However, there was considerable difference between the vessels with regard to the pKB values for all the antagonists. The alpha 1-adrenoceptors of dog vertebral and carotid arteries had high affinity for prazosin (pKB > 9.0) but low affinity for WB4101 (< 8.5), 5-methylurapidil (< 7.5) and HV723 (< or = 8.5). By contrast, HV723 had higher affinity (> 9.0) than prazosin (< 8.3), WB4101 (< 8.7) and 5-methylurapidil (< 8.2) in the portal vein, mesenteric artery and vein, and renal artery. In the femoral artery and vein, however, the four antagonists showed pKB values in the range 8.0-8.7. 3. Chloroethylclonidine (10 microM) produced a remarkable reduction of the contractile responses to noradrenaline in the vertebral and carotid arteries as compared with those in the other vessels. Nifedipine inhibited the responses to noradrenaline in all the tissues tested, and had marked effects in the portal vein. 4. Sympathetic adrenergic contractions induced by transmural electrical stimulation were also inhibited by prazosin and HV723 at different potencies among tissues. The relative potencies of both the antagonists paralleled the relationship in inhibiting the responses to exogenous noradrenaline in each vessel. 5. According to recent alpha l-adrenoceptor subclassification, the present results suggest that the contractions of blood vessels induced by endogenous and exogenous noradrenaline are mediated through different alpha l-adrenoceptor subtypes heterogeneously distributed in each vessel; presumably, the alpha 1 B subtype in the carotid and vertebral arteries, the alpha IN subtype in the visceral region and the alpha IL subtype in the femoral region. Regionally different expression of alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes may be in part associated with the regional heterogeneity of sympathetic responses in the blood vessels.
Assuntos
Norepinefrina/farmacologia , Receptores Adrenérgicos alfa 1/fisiologia , Vasoconstrição/efeitos dos fármacos , Acetonitrilas/farmacologia , Animais , Dioxanos/farmacologia , Cães , Estimulação Elétrica , Feminino , Técnicas In Vitro , Masculino , Nifedipino/farmacologia , Prazosina/farmacologia , Receptores Adrenérgicos alfa 1/classificaçãoRESUMO
Cholesterol: oxygen oxidoreductase [EC 1.1.3.6] from Brevibacterium sterolicum (ATCC 21387) was found to catalyze the oxidation of steroids such as sterols, steroid hormones, and bile acids having a free C-3beta hydroxyl group. However, the enzyme was inactive towards estradiol and estriol and had a weak activity towards steroids with functional groups adjacent to the 3beta-hydroxyl group on the steroid nucleus. Variation in the length of the side chain of 3beta-hydroxy steroids had no marked effect on the activity. 3beta-Hydroxy bile acids with delta4 or delta5 were oxidized to almost the same extent as cholesterol. In contrast, 3beta-hydroxy bile acids without delta4 or delta5 were oxidized only to the extent of 1.4--2.1%. 3 beta-Hydroxychol-4 or 5-enoic acid was oxidized in the same way as cholesterol. This enzyme is useful as a simple tool for identification of 3 beta-hydroxy groups of bile acids.