Er-Xian decoction exhibits protective activity in a rat model of asthenospermia through a mechanism associated with DJ-1 protein upregulation.

Asthenozoospermia (AZS) remains a significant clinical problem of male factor infertility. Er-Xian decoction (EXD) is a traditional Chinese medicine with potent antioxidant activity to treat AZS. To investigate the protective effects of EXD on sperm motility and deglycase (DJ)-1 expression in AZS model rats. Sixty mature male Sprague-Dawley rats (200 - 250 g) were randomized into five equally sized groups, including ornidazole (ORN)-induced AZS model group, or L-carnitine (0.1 g/kg) treated group or EXD group (7.5, 15, or 30 g crude drug/kg). Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). DJ-1 expression in testis and epididymis tissue was measured via qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to gauge morphological changes of testis and epididymis. Sperm motility was significantly reduced the AZS model group, while increased in the low-, intermediate-, and high-dose EXD treatment groups by 45.51%, 49.43%, and 58.31%, respectively (P < 0.001), which with a similar increase of 57.21% being observed in the L-carnitine treatment group. Relative to the control group, oxidative stress indices were significantly altered in AZS model rats, which exhibited significant reductions in SOD and GSH-Px levels and significantly increased MDA levels (49.44 ± 1.38 U/ml, 14.02 ± 0.70 U/ml, and 26.37 ± 1.03 nmol/ml, respectively). After EXD treatment, oxidative stress indexes were significantly improved relative to those in these model rats, with high-dose EXD yielding more significant improvements in these oxidative stress indices relative to L-carnitine treatment. While AZS model rats exhibited morphological abnormalities, tissue disorder, and reduced cell counts in the testis and epididymis, these were reversed by EXD treatment in a dose-dependent manner. EXD treatment was also associated with a significant increase in DJ-1 protein expression in testis and epididymis tissue samples relative to the levels observed in AZS model rats. EXD is firstly reported could significantly improve sperm motility in AZS rats and is more effective at higher dosage, even better than L-carnitine. The protective effect of EXD on sperm motility is based on the DJ-1 expression.

[Study of surgery combined with 125I brachytherapy for adenoid cystic carcinoma of oral and maxillofacial region].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the results of treatment outcome by surgery combined with 125I brachytherapy and correlative factors of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). METHODS: In the study, 75 patients with primary ACC of oral and maxillofacial region were treated by surgery combined with 125I seeds brachytherapy. Radical resection or subtotal resection was applied for the tumor. The brachytherapy treatment planning system was used to create implant plans with the prescribed dose of 60 Gy to 120 Gy. The 125I seeds were implanted intraoperatively or postoperatively. The regular follow-up was required. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess the tumor control rate and the patients' survival rates. Meanwhile, the Cox regression analysis was used to find out the prognostic factors. RESULTS: Local control rates at the end of 3 and 5 years were as follows: T1-T2, 92.2% and 82.0%; T3-T4, 82.6% and 82.6%; and overall, 90.0% and 78.8%. The disease-free survival rates were 74.9% and 54.3%, respectively. The overall survival rates for all the patients were 86.0% and 79.6%, respectively at the end of 3 and 5 years and were 91.3% and 91.3% for T1-T2 patients vs. 73.9% and 59.7% for T3-T4 patients. Distant metastasis-free survival rates at the end of 3 and 5 years were 84.4% and 76.7%, respectively. The distant metastasis-free survival rates at the end of 3 and 5 years were 83.4% and 79.6% with T1-T2 lesion compared with 86.0% and 67.8% with T3-T4 lesion. According to the COX univariate analysis and multivariate analysis, the risk of local recurrence would be raised by the age. Tumor stage and tumor site were the prognostic factors of the overall survival rates. CONCLUSION: 125I brachytherapy conducted as an adjuvant therapy postoperatively of ACC of oral and maxillofacial region can acquire satisfactory localregional control, distant metastasis-free survival, disease-free survival and overall survival. Tumors are prone to recur on the older patients. Patients having advanced tumor stage or tumor located in the nasal cavity or sinuses will suffer lower survival rates.

Effects of dietary leucine and phenylalanine on pancreas development, enzyme activity, and relative gene expression in milk-fed Holstein dairy calves.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with leucine and phenylalanine on pancreas development, enzyme activity, and related gene expression in male Holstein calves. Twenty male Holstein calves [1 d of age, 38 ± 3 kg of body weight (BW)] were randomly assigned to 1 of the following 4 treatment groups with 5 calves in each group: control, leucine supplementation (1.435 g/L of milk), phenylalanine supplementation (0.725 g/L of milk), and leucine and phenylalanine (1.435 + 0.725 g/L of milk). The diets were made isonitrogenous with the inclusion of alanine in each respective treatment. The feeding trial lasted for 8 wk, including 1 wk for adaption and 7 wk for the feeding experiment. Leucine tended to increase the concentration of total pancreatic protein (mg/kg of BW). Phenylalanine increased the concentrations of plasma insulin, cholecystokinin, and pancreatic DNA (mg/g) and the expression of trypsin gene but decreased the pancreatic protein:DNA ratio and tended to decrease the pancreas weight (g/kg of BW). No differences were observed in total pancreatic DNA (mg/pancreas and mg/kg of BW), pancreatic protein (mg/pancreas), or activities of α-amylase, trypsin, and lipase. The relative expression levels of the genes encoding α-amylase and lipase did not differ among the 4 groups. The supplementation of both leucine and phenylalanine showed an interaction on the pancreas weight (g and g/kg of BW) and a tendency of an interaction on the pancreatic protein concentration (mg/g of pancreas and mg/kg of BW) and the plasma glucose concentration. Leucine tended to increase the size of the pancreatic cells, whereas phenylalanine tended to increase the number of pancreatic cells. However, neither AA affected the activities of the pancreatic enzymes of the calves. These results indicate that leucine and phenylalanine supplementation in milk-fed Holstein calves differentially affect pancreatic growth and development.

Effects of sub-chronic aluminum chloride exposure on rat ovaries.

AIMS: This experiment investigated the effects of sub-chronic aluminum chloride (AlCl3) exposure on rat ovaries. MAIN METHODS: Eighty female Wistar (5weeks old) rats, weighed 110-120g, were randomly divided into four treatment groups: control group (CG), low-dose group (LG, 64mg/kg BW AlCl3), mid-dose group (MG, 128mg/kg BW AlCl3) and high-dose group (HG, 256mg/kg BW AlCl3). The AlCl3 was administered in drinking water for 120days. The ovarian ultrastructure was observed. The activities of acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, Mg(2+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-ATPase, the contents of Fe, Cu and Zn, and the protein expression of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) in the ovary were determined. KEY FINDINGS: The results showed that the structure of the ovary was disrupted, the activities of ALP, ACP, SDH, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, Mg(2+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-ATPase, the contents of Zn, Fe and the protein expression of FSHR and LHR were lowered, and the content of Cu was increased in AlCl3-treated rats than those in control. SIGNIFICANCE: The results indicate that sub-chronic AlCl3 exposure caused the damage of the ovarian structure, the disturbed metabolism of Fe, Zn and Cu and the decreased activities of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, Mg(2+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-ATPase in the ovary, which could result in suppressed energy supply in the ovary. A combination of suppression of energy supply and reduction of expression of FSHR and LHR could inhibit ovulation and corpus luteum development, leading to infertility in female rats.

125I brachytherapy alone for recurrent or locally advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma of the oral and maxillofacial region.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This retrospective study was to evaluate the local control and survival of (125)I brachytherapy for recurrent and/or locally advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the oral and maxillofacial region. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 38 patients with recurrent and/or locally advanced ACC of the oral and maxillofacial region received (125)I brachytherapy alone from 2001-2010. Twenty-nine were recurrent cases following previous surgery and radiation therapy. The other 9 cases involved primary tumors. Overall, 12 tumors were located in the major salivary glands, 12 in the minor salivary glands, and 14 in the paranasal region, the nasal cavity or the skull base. The prescribed dose was 100-160 Gy. RESULTS: Patients were followed for 12-122 months (median 51 months). The 2-, 5-, and 10-year local tumor control rates were 86.3, 59, and 31.5 %, respectively. The 2-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival rates were 92.1, 65 and 34.1 %, respectively. Tumors > 6 cm had significantly lower local control and survival rates. No severe complications were observed during follow-up. CONCLUSION: (125)I brachytherapy is a feasible and effective modality for the treatment of locally advanced unresectable or recurrent ACC.

Phenotypic blood glutathione concentration and selenium supplementation interactions on meat colour stability and fatty acid concentrations in Merino lambs.

The interaction between blood glutathione (GSH) and supplementation of selenium (Se, 2.5 mg/kg diet) on meat colour and fatty acids concentrations was studied. Forty eight Merino lambs selected for high blood GSH (HGSH) or low GSH (LGSH) concentration were used. They were fed individually with or without Se supplement for 8 weeks. There were interactions (P<0.05) between GSH and Se on the colour stability (as w630 nm/w580 nm ratio) of m. longissimus (LD), m. semimembranosus (SM) and m. semitendinosus. Without Se supplementation the ratio was higher in HGSH than LGSH group. However, the difference was reduced with Se supplement. Polyunsaturated and n-3 fatty acids in SM and LD were higher in HGSH than in LGSH group (P<0.05), and did not change with Se supplement. Se supplementation increased Se content in LD (P<0.001) and the lungs (P<0.05), but had no influence in the heart.

Prognostic factors for ovarian metastases from primary gastric cancer.

The purpose of this study was to analyze prognostic factors for ovarian metastases from primary gastric cancer, helping establish optimal strategy in ameliorating survival for this entity. Clinical data of 68 consecutive patients histologically diagnosed with ovarian metastases from primary gastric cancer were accrued from 1096 cases with female gastric cancer. Metachronous surgery was performed on 36 patients and 32 received synchronous surgery. There were 14 patients treated with surgery alone and 54 with combined modality therapy. After the median follow-up time of 9.1 months, the median survival time (MST) of 12.4 months was observed for all patients. Patients treated with synchronous surgery tended to have an inferior survival compared with those treated with metachronous surgery (MST: 10.9 vs 14.3 months; P = 0.100). Combined modality showed a significantly better MST compared with surgery alone (13.6 vs 7.9 months; P = 0.004). Chemotherapy cycles (more than four or less than or equal to four) were found to have an impact on survival (MST: 14.3 vs 9.4 months; P = 0.031). Peritoneal metastases, lymphovascular involvement, and unilateral ovarian metastasectomy were independent unfavorable prognostic factors. Combined modality therapy as primary therapy resulted in good outcome, and more aggressive chemotherapy (more than four cycles) was accompanied by an improvement in survival. Innovative systemic treatments need to be explored in treatment of peritoneal metastases and lymphovascular involvement. Bilateral oophorectomy was considered when ovarian metastases were histologically diagnosed.

Effects of dietary methionine and lysine sources on nutrient digestion, nitrogen utilization, and duodenal amino acid flow in growing goats.

This study investigated the effects of supplementation of various sources of Met and Lys on nutrient digestion, N utilization, and duodenal AA flows in growing goats. Four 4-mo-old Liuyang Black wether goats were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square experiment and were assigned to 4 dietary treatments: (1) control, (2) control + lipid-coated Met-Zn chelate and Lys-Mn chelate (PML), (3) control + Met-Zn chelate and Lys-Mn chelate (CML), and (4) control + dl-Met, l-Lys-HCl, ZnSO(4).7H(2)O, and MnSO(4).H(2)O (FML). Compared with control, PML reduced (P < 0.05) ruminal NH(3) concentration, urinary N excretion, and plasma urea N concentration and increased (P < 0.05) the activity of ruminal endo-1,4-beta-d-glucanase and beta-glucosidase, the duodenal flow of N, N retention (g/d as well as % of absorbed N), the duodenal flows of Met, Lys, His, Val, and total essential AA, and plasma concentrations of Lys, Val, Phe, and total essential AA. Supplementing Zn-Met and Mn-Lys chelates had similar (P > 0.05) but lesser effects on these measures compared with PML, and the effects on most of the measures were not statistically significant (P > 0.05) when compared with control. Supplementing free-form Met and Lys had no effects compared with control (P > 0.05). The results indicate that lipid coating and chelating of AA provide a protection, and to a lesser extent by only chelating, of the AA from microbial degradation in the rumen and possibly has effects on rumen fermentation, which increases MP supply. This technology could improve productive performance and be of potential benefit to ruminant production if cost-effective products are developed.

Transgenic complementation of leptin-receptor deficiency. I. Rescue of the obesity/diabetes phenotype of LEPR-null mice expressing a LEPR-B transgene.

Mice homozygous for the Leprdb3J (db3J) mutation are null for all known isoforms of the leptin receptor (LEPR). These animals are obese, hyperphagic, cold intolerant, insulin resistant, and infertile. Mice homozygous for the Leprdb (db) mutation (lacking the B isoform only) have the same phenotype as db3J animals. To better understand the function(s) of the LEPR isoforms in vivo, we generated db3J/db3J and db/db mice bearing a transgene (neuron-specific enolase [NSE]-Rb) expressing the B isoform of LEPR, the isoform capable of activating the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, under the control of the neuron-specific enolase enhancer/promoter. The NSE-Rb transgene was expressed in the brain, with low levels of expression in adrenals, testis, and white adipose tissue. LEPR-B transgene expression in NSE-Rb db3J/db3J mice partially corrected the increased fat mass, hyperphagia, and glucose intolerance while restoring fertility in males and rescuing the cold intolerance in both sexes. The body weights of NSE-Rb transgenic mice that possessed the full complement of short LEPR isoforms (NSE-Rb db/db mice) were similar to those of NSE-Rb db3J/db3J mice, suggesting that the short LEPR isoforms play little role in body weight regulation. Based on quantitative analysis of hypothalamic neuropeptide gene expression in the transgenic animals, we infer full restoration of leptin sensitivity to proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, partial correction of leptin sensitivity in agouti gene-related protein (AGRP)/neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons, and a lack of effect on leptin sensitivity of melanin concentrating hormone neurons. Thus, hypothalamic POMC and AGRP/NPY neurons are primary candidates as the mediators of the effects of the NSE-Rb transgene on energy homeostasis, ingestive behavior, the neuroendocrine system, and glucose metabolism.

Effects of leptin receptor mutation on Agrp gene expression in fed and fasted lean and obese (LA/N-faf) rats.

Agouti-related protein provides an orexigenic signal, probably through interaction with central melanocortin receptors. Expression of Agrp is markedly increased in the hypothalamus of mice deficient in leptin (Lep(ob)/Lep(ob)) or its receptor (Lepr(db)/Lepr(db)), suggesting that leptin mediates signals suppressing Agouti-related protein production. The regulation of Agrp expression in the rat hypothalamus has not been reported. We, therefore, analyzed the expression of Agrp in the medial basal hypothalamus of lean (+/+, +/fa(f)) and obese leptin receptor-deficient (fa(f)/fa(f)) LA/N rats. Using a sensitive solution hybridization/S1 nuclease protection assay, we found no significant difference in Agrp messenger RNA (mRNA) levels (pg/microg total RNA +/- SEM) in obese rats (n = 5), compared with lean controls (n = 5): 0.46 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.47 +/- 0.06 (P = 0.9). Similarly, no difference in Agrp expression was found using in situ hybridization or semiquantitative RT-PCR. In contrast to Agrp, Pomc mRNA levels were significantly suppressed in the obese, compared with the lean, rats (P = 0.001). Thus, the ratio of Pomc to Agrp mRNA is decreased in the obese rats and may be an important modulator of food intake. To assess the physiological regulation of Agrp in rats, we examined the effect of food deprivation in lean Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. There was a 273% increase in medial basal hypothalamus Agrp mRNA in SD rats fasted for 48 h (n = 8), compared with rats fed ad libitum (n = 8): 0.82 +/- 0.23 vs. 0.30 +/- 0.08 (P = 0.0001). Lean LA/N rats (n = 7) fasted for 48 h also showed a 231% increase in Agrp expression, compared with fed lean controls (n = 8): 0.74 +/- 0.11 vs. 0.32 +/- 0.03 (P = 0.002), whereas Pomc expression was decreased by 32% in fasted animals from the same experiment (0.34 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.50 +/- 0.07; P = 0.03). There were no significant differences in Agrp or Pomc mRNA levels between fasted and fed obese LA/N-fa(f) rats. These results suggest that, in the rat, the Agrp response to fasting may involve leptin-mediated phenomena, but factors in addition to leptin must also be involved in the regulation of Agrp gene expression.

Transsulfuration, protein synthesis rate and follicle mRNA in the skin of young Merino lambs in response to infusions of methionine and serine.

Methionine (Met) is usually the first limiting amino acid for sheep and supplements of Met may increase production of wool and meat. The wool response may be due to an increased supply of cysteine (Cys) from transsulfuration (TS) of Met. Met is catabolized through homocysteine to form Cys when the S from Met is transferred to serine (Ser). We hypothesized that providing additional Met would create a deficiency of Ser and that by simultaneously providing Met and Ser, TS and wool growth could be increased more than by providing Met alone. The effects of i.v. infusions of Met and Ser to young Merino lambs on TS, fractional synthesis rate (FSR) of protein in skin, follicle mRNA and wool growth were examined. Following 4 d of constant i.v. infusion of 3 g Met/d, or 10 g Ser/d or both, the isotope tracers: L-[3-(13)C]Cys, L-[ring-d5]phenylalanine (Phe) and L-[2,3,3-d3]Ser were infused over 8 h to allow for measurements of irreversible loss rate (ILR), and TS in whole body and skin. Skin biopsies were taken for measurement of FSR. Wool growth rate was measured using autoradiography. An infusion of Met significantly (P < 0.05) improved wool growth rate and increased skin FSR, Cys supply from TS and enhanced levels of follicle mRNA (from the K2.10 intermediate filament gene and three gene families encoding keratin associated proteins KAP1, KAP4 and KAP12). The extra Met lowered Ser ILR. The infusion of Ser doubled Ser ILR in the body and increased skin FSR calculated using the Cys tracer in plasma (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant (P > 0.05) changes in TS, skin FSR calculated using the Phe and Ser tracers, follicle mRNA or wool growth rate as a result of Ser infusion. While there were trends towards increased TS and FSR with Ser infusion, the overall lack of significant changes indicates a high capacity for the de novo synthesis of Ser.

Neuropeptide Y overexpression in the preweanling Zucker (fa/fa) rat.

Hypothalamic preproNPY overexpression in the Zucker fatty (fa/fa) rat was examined. In situ hybridization was used to determine the relative level of preproNPY mRNA in the arcuate nucleus of +/+, +/fa, and fa/fa pups aged postnatal day 2 (P2), 5, 9, 12, or 25. The relative optical density (ROD) of probe hybridization in the arcuate, the area of hybridization (A), and the product of ROD x A (a measure of total arcuate preproNPY mRNA hybridization) were measured. Values were normalized to the mean +/fa value within each litter. Initial analysis showed that preproNPY mRNA hybridization (ROD x A) in fa/fa pups was significantly higher than +/fa and +/+ pups on P9, 12, and 25, and significantly higher than +/fa on P5. No significant difference between lean (+/+ and +/fa) genotypes, however, were observed at any age tested. Values from the lean genotypes were, therefore, pooled, and data were normalized to the mean value of lean animals for analysis. This analysis revealed that preproNPY mRNA hybridization in fa/fa pups was higher than lean littermates as early as P2.

The influence of live weight, live-weight change and diet on protein synthesis in the skin and skeletal muscle in young Merino sheep.

Wool growth is derived directly from protein synthesis in the skin of sheep, and is affected by the nutritional status of the animals. The present experiment examined both protein synthesis in the skin and muscle and wool growth in Merino lambs differing in live weight, intake and dietary protein source. The experiment was a 2(3) factorial design: twenty-four 5-month-old lambs initially weighing 33 kg (heavy) or 25 kg (light) were fed on a hay-based diet with either lupin seed or rapeseed meal as the major protein sources to maintain live weight (M) for 56 d, or were fed at 0.6 M for 28 d (period 1) followed by 28 d at 1.6 M (period 2). Fractional protein synthesis rates (FSR, % per d) in the skin and the m. longissimus dorsi on days 4 and 24 of period 1 and day 4 of period 2 were measured by means of a flooding dose of L-[ring-d5]phenylalanine, and wool growth on a skin patch over period 1 was also measured. The FSR ranged from 13.2 to 20.2% per d in the skin, higher than reported for other breeds, and 1.53-3.07% per d in the muscle. Sheep on the low intake (0.6 M) had significant reductions in FSR, protein content (g), protein synthesis (g/d) in the skin, and wool growth (g/d). The heavy lambs had similar FSR to the light lambs, but had a higher skin protein content and total protein synthesis per unit of skin area (100 cm2) and, therefore, grew more wool. The rapeseed-meal diet increased FSR and wool growth only in the light lambs over the short term. The protein deposited in wool over period 1 was 0.185 of the total protein synthesis in the skin, regardless of live weight, intake or diet, a result similar to other breeds. With the changes in dietary intake, protein synthesis in the skin and muscle responded differentially, with nutrient partitioning at sub-maintenance in favour of wool growth but at supra-maintenance, following a nutrient restriction, in favour of weight gain in young growing sheep.

Cloning and identification of amino acid residues of human phospholipase C delta 1 essential for catalysis.

In vitro single point mutagenesis, inositol phospholipid hydrolysis, and substrate protection experiments were used to identify catalytic residues of human phosphatidylinositide-specific phospholipase C delta 1 (PLC delta 1) isolated from a human aorta cDNA library. Invariant amino acid residues containing a functional side chain in the highly conserved X region were changed by in vitro mutagenesis. Most of the mutant enzymes were still able to hydrolyze inositol phospholipid with activity ranging from 10 to 100% of levels in the wild type enzyme. Exceptions were mutants with the conversion of Arg338 to Leu (R338L), Glu341 to Gly (E341G), or His356 to Leu (H356L), which made the enzyme severely defective in hydrolyzing inositol phospholipid. Phospholipid vesicle binding experiments showed that these three cleavage-defective mutant forms of PLC delta 1 could specifically bind to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) with an affinity similar to that of wild type enzyme. Western blotting analysis of trypsin-treated enzyme-PIP2 complexes revealed that a 67-kDa major protein fragment survived trypsin digestion if the wild type enzyme, E341G, or H356L mutant PLC delta 1 was preincubated with 7.5 microM PIP2, whereas if it was preincubated with 80 microM PIP2, the size of major protein surviving was comparable to that of intact enzyme. However, mutant enzyme R338L was not protected from trypsin degradation by PIP2 binding. These observations suggest that PLC delta 1 can recognize PIP2 through a high affinity and a low affinity binding site and that residues Glu341 and His356 are not involved in either high affinity or low affinity PIP2 binding but rather are essential for the Ca(2+)-dependent cleavage activity of PLC.

[Clinical and experimental studies of feiyaning in treating pulmonary arterial hypertension in cor pulmonale].

40 Patients with chronic cor pulmonale (CCP) were treated with Feiyaning (FYN), a Yiqi Huoxue compound prescription, and ligustrazine (LT) were reported. The results showed that FYN and LT could lower the pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) significantly; decrease the pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) as well as the consumption of oxygen in cardiac muscle; increase cardiac output (CO); improve some indices in hemorrheology; while PaO2 and SaO2 didn't change apparently. Moreover, lowering of FYN on PAP and PVR were superior to that of LT. The experimental studies showed that LT and injection of FYN could completely inhibit the hypoxia caused increase of PAP and PVR in rats; reduce the hypoxia caused pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) and improve PVR of rats, as well as increase CO. The effects of FYN were superior to LT's. Although LT and FYN could decrease systemic arterial pressure to certain extent, they didn't induce systemic artery hypotension. It suggest that LT could reduce PAH definitely.

Na+ alters the affinity for glucose and phosphate in rat renal brush-border membranes: a study of NMR relaxation rates.

Transport of D-glucose (Glc) and Pi across renal microvilli brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) is coupled to Na+.Na+ may alter substrate binding and dissociation or the mobility of the translocator and its complexes. To evaluate substrate binding in NaCl or KCl solutions containing BBMV, we measured nuclear magnetic resonance transverse relaxation rates (1/T2) of [1-13C]Glc and 31P(i), as well as their temperature, magnetic field, and pH dependencies. The data indicate the following: 1) the alpha-anomer, but not the beta-anomer, of Glc binds to BBMV, more in the presence of Na+ than of K+; 2) interactions of P(i) with BBMV that increase its 1/T2 are significant in the presence of K+ but not of Na+; 3) temperature and magnetic field dependencies of the 1/T2 of P(i) bound to BBMV are consistent with more rapid exchange with free P(i) in the presence of Na+ than of K+; and 4) in the presence of Na+, [H+] promoted interactions of P(i) with BBMV that increase its 1/T2, probably by interfering with formation of rapidly dissociating Na(+)-P(i)-carrier complexes. In conclusion, Na+ promotes association of alpha-Glc to BBMV but promotes rapid exchange and dissociation of P(i) from BBMV. In both cases, Na+ effects coupling by altering the affinity of the cotransporters for the substrate.

Purification and properties of NADP-dependent formate dehydrogenase from Clostridium thermoaceticum, a tungsten-selenium-iron protein.

NADP-dependent formate dehydrogenase (NADP+) (EC 1.2.1.43) from Clostridium thermoaceticum has been purified to a specific activity of about 1100 mumol min-1 mg-1 when assayed at 55 degrees C and pH 7.5. The enzyme is extremely oxygen-sensitive and 7.6 microM of O2 causes 50% inhibition of initial velocity under assay conditions. Purification was done in an atmosphere at 95% N2 and 5% H2 and by including azide, dithionite, and glycerol as stabilizing agents in all buffer solutions. The enzyme contains, in molar ratios, 2 tungsten, 2 selenium, 36 iron, and about 50 inorganic sulfur. It has a molecular weight of about 340,000 and consist of two each of two different subunits giving the composition alpha 2 beta 2. The molecular weight of the alpha-subunit is 96,000 and that of the beta-subunit is 76,000. The selenium resides in the two alpha-subunits. Tungsten is released from the protein on denaturation and may exist as a tungsten cofactor. The enzyme catalyzes a reduction of CO2 with NADPH at pH 7.5 and 55 degrees C and Keq at these conditions is (2.35 +/- 0.49) x 10(-2) if CO2 is considered the active species and (1.48 +/- 0.31) x 10(-3) if HCO3- is the active species.