l-norleucine on high glucose-induced insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle cells.

l-norleucine, an isomer of leucine, stimulates the anabolic process of insulin. However, it is not known if and how it improves insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance. This experiment describes the generation of an insulin resistance model using high glucose-induced cells and the administration of 1.0 mmol/L l-norleucine for 48 h, to observe the effects on metabolism and gene expression in skeletal muscle cells. The results showed that l-norleucine significantly increased mitochondrial ATP content, decreased the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promoted the expression of mitochondrial generation-related genes TFAM, AMPK, PGC-1α in cells under high glucose treatment; at the same time, l-norleucine also increased glucose uptake, suggesting that l-norleucine increased insulin sensitivity and improved insulin resistance. This study suggesting that l-norleucine improves insulin resistance by ameliorating oxidative stress damage of mitochondria, improving mitochondrial function, and improving insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle cell caused by high glucose, rather than by altering mitochondrial efficiency.

Indospicine combined with arginine deprivation triggers cancer cell death via caspase-dependent apoptosis.

Arginine-deprivation therapy is a rapidly developing metabolic anticancer approach. To overcome the resistance of some cancer cells to this monotherapy, rationally designed combination modalities are needed. In this report, we evaluated for the first time indospicine, an arginine analogue of Indigofera plant genus origin, as potential enhancer compound for the metabolic therapy that utilizes recombinant human arginase I. We demonstrate that indospicine at low micromolar concentrations is selectively toxic for human colorectal cancer cells only in the absence of arginine. In arginine-deprived cancer cells indospicine deregulates some prosurvival pathways (PI3K-Akt and MAPK) and activates mammalian target of rapamycin, exacerbates endoplasmic reticulum stress and triggers caspase-dependent apoptosis, which is reversed by the exposure to translation inhibitors. Simultaneously, indospicine is not degraded by recombinant human arginase I and does not inhibit this arginine-degrading enzyme at its effective dose. The obtained results emphasize the potential of arginine structural analogues as efficient components for combinatorial metabolic targeting of malignant cells.

Blockage of O-linked GlcNAcylation induces AMPK-dependent autophagy in bladder cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: High levels of the post-translational modification O-GlcNAcylation (O-GlcNAc) are found in multiple cancers, including bladder cancer. Autophagy, which can be induced by stress from post-translational modifications, plays a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and regulating tumorigenesis. The impact of O-GlcNAcylation on autophagy in bladder cancer remains unclear. Here, we evaluate the change in autophagic activity in response to O-GlcNAcylation and explore the potential mechanisms. METHODS: O-GlcNAcylation levels in bladder cancer cells were altered through pharmacological or genetic manipulations: treating with 6-diazo-5-oxo-norleucine (DON) or thiamet-G (TG) or up- and downregulation of O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) or O-GlcNAcase (OGA). Autophagy was determined using fluorescence microscopy and western blotting. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays were performed to evaluate whether the autophagy regulator AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was O-GlcNAc modified. RESULTS: Cellular autophagic flux was strikingly enhanced as a result of O-GlcNAcylation suppression, whereas it decreased at high O-GlcNAcylation levels. Phosphorylation of AMPK increased after the suppression of O-GlcNAcylation. We found that O-GlcNAcylation of AMPK suppressed the activity of this regulator, thereby inhibiting ULK1 activity and autophagy. CONCLUSION: We characterized a new function of O-GlcNAcylation in the suppression of autophagy via regulation of AMPK. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: Blockage of O-linked GlcNAcylation induces AMPK dependent autophagy in bladder cancer cells.

Probing the Interactions of Sulfur-Containing Histidine Compounds with Human Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase.

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is a cell surface enzyme involved in glutathione metabolism and maintenance of redox homeostasis. High expression of GGT on tumor cells is associated with an increase of cell proliferation and resistance against chemotherapy. GGT inhibitors that have been evaluated in clinical trials are too toxic for human use. We have previously identified ovothiols, 5(Nπ)-methyl-thiohistidines of marine origin, as non-competitive-like inhibitors of GGT that are more potent than the known GGT inhibitor, 6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine (DON), and are not toxic for human embryonic cells. We extended these studies to the desmethylated form of ovothiol, 5-thiohistidine, and confirmed that this ovothiol derivative also acts as a non-competitive-like GGT inhibitor, with a potency comparable to ovothiol. We also found that both 5-thiohistidine derivatives act as reversible GGT inhibitors compared to the irreversible DON. Finally, we probed the interactions of 5-thiohistidines with GGT by docking analysis and compared them with the 2-thiohistidine ergothioneine, the physiological substrate glutathione, and the DON inhibitor. Overall, our results provide new insight for further development of 5-thiohistidine derivatives as therapeutics for GGT-positive tumors.

Inhibition of tissue transglutaminase 2 attenuates contractility of pregnant human myometrium.

Premature delivery remains a serious risk factor in pregnancy, with currently licensed tocolytics unable to offer significant improvement in neonatal outcome. Further understanding of the regulators of uterine contractility is required to enable the development of novel and more effective tocolytic therapies. The transglutaminase family is a class of calcium-dependent, transamidating enzymes, of which tissue transglutaminase 2 is a multifunctional enzyme with roles in cell survival, migration, adhesion, and contractility. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of this enzyme in regulating the contractility of pregnant human myometrium. Tissue strips from biopsy samples obtained at elective cesarean section were either allowed to contract spontaneously or induced to contract with oxytocin, phenylephrine, or bradykinin. Activity integrals, used to measure contractile activity, were taken following cumulative additions of the reversible, polyamine transglutaminase inhibitors cystamine and mono-dansylcadaverine and the irreversible, site-specific transglutaminase inhibitors N-benzyloxycarbonyl-l-phenylalanyl-6-dimethylsulfonium-5-oxo-L-norleucine and 1,3-dimethyl-2[(oxopropyl)thio]imidazolium. The ability of cystamine and mono-dansylcadaverine to affect oxytocin-mediated calcium mobilization within primary cultured myometrial cells was also measured utilizing a calcium indicator. All inhibitors attenuated myometrial contractions in a concentration-dependent manner independent of the method of contraction stimulus. Similarly cultured myometrial cells preincubated with cystamine and mono-dansylcadaverine displayed an altered calcium response to oxytocin stimulation. Our findings demonstrate a potential role for tissue transglutaminase 2 in regulating uterine contractility in pregnant human myometrium that may be associated with the calcium signaling cascade required for contraction.

Unusual activity pattern of leucine aminopeptidase inhibitors based on phosphorus containing derivatives of methionine and norleucine.

Ligands containing bulky aliphatic P1 residues exhibit a high affinity towards cytosolic leucine aminopeptidase, a bizinc protease of biomedical significance. According to this specificity, a series of phosphonic and phosphinic compounds have been put forward as novel putative inhibitors of the enzyme. These phosphonic and phosphinic compounds were derivatives of methionine and norleucine as both single amino acids and dipeptides. The designed inhibitors were synthesised and tested towards the peptidase isolated from porcine kidneys using an improved separation procedure affording superior homogeneity. Unexpectedly, organophosphorus derivatives of methionine and norleucine exhibited moderate activity with K(i) values in the micromolar range.

Leucine and alpha-ketoisocaproic acid, but not norleucine, stimulate skeletal muscle protein synthesis in neonatal pigs.

The branched-chain amino acid, leucine, acts as a nutrient signal to stimulate protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of young pigs. However, the chemical structure responsible for this effect has not been identified. We have shown that the other branched-chain amino acids, isoleucine and valine, are not able to stimulate protein synthesis when raised in plasma to levels within the postprandial range. In this study, we evaluated the effect of leucine, alpha-ketoisocaproic acid (KIC), and norleucine infusion (0 or 400 micromol kg(-1) h(-1) for 60 min) on protein synthesis and activation of translation initiation factors in piglets. Infusion of leucine, KIC, and norleucine raised plasma levels of each compound compared with controls. KIC also increased (P < 0.01) and norleucine reduced (P < 0.02) plasma levels of leucine compared with controls. Administration of leucine and KIC resulted in greater (P < 0.006) phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4E binding protein-1 (4E-BP1) and eIF4G, lower (P < 0.04) abundance of the inactive 4E-BP1.eIF4E complex, and greater (P < 0.05) active eIF4G.eIF4E complex formation in skeletal muscle compared with controls. Protein synthesis in skeletal muscle was greater (P < 0.02) in leucine- and KIC-infused pigs than in those in the control group. Norleucine infusion did not affect muscle protein synthesis or translation initiation factor activation. In liver, neither protein synthesis nor activation of translation initiation factors was affected by treatment. These results suggest that the ability of leucine to act as a nutrient signal to stimulate skeletal muscle protein synthesis is specific for leucine and/or its metabolite, KIC.

Advanced glycation end products regulate extracellular matrix protein and protease expression by human glomerular mesangial cells.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, by modulating extracellular matrix turnover. AGEs are known to activate specific membrane receptors, including the receptor for AGE (RAGE). In the present study, we analyzed the various receptors for AGEs expressed by human mesangial cells and we studied the effects of glycated albumin and of carboxymethyl lysine on matrix protein and remodelling enzyme synthesis. Membrane RAGE expression was confirmed by FACS analysis. Microarray methods, RT-PCR, and Northern blot analysis were used to detect and confirm specific gene induction. Zymographic analysis and ELISA were used to measure the induction of tPA and PAI-1. We show herein that cultured human mesangial cells express AGE receptor type 1, type 2 and type 3 and RAGE. AGEs (200 microg/ml) induced at least a 2-fold increase in mRNA for 10 genes involved in ECM remodelling, including tPA, PAI-1 and TIMP-3. The increase in tPA synthesis was confirmed by fibrin zymography. The stimulation of PAI-1 synthesis was confirmed by ELISA. AGEs increased PAI-1 mRNA through a signalling pathway involving reactive oxygen species, the MAP kinases ERK-1/ERK-2 and the nuclear transcription factor NF-kappaB, but not AP-1. Carboxymethyl lysine (CML, 5 microM), which is a RAGE ligand, also stimulated PAI-1 synthesis by mesangial cells. In addition, a blocking anti-RAGE antibody partially inhibited the AGE-stimulated gene expression and decreased the PAI-1 accumulation induced by AGEs and by CML. Inhibition of AGE receptors or neutralization of the protease inhibitors TIMP-3 and PAI-1 could represent an important new therapeutic strategy for diabetic nephropathy.

Alteration of O-GlcNAcylation affects assembly and axonal transport of neurofilament via phosphorylation.

Neurofilaments (NFs), the most abundant cytoskeletal components in the mature neuron, are hyperphosphorylated and accumulated in the neuronal cell body of AD brain, and the abnormalities of NFs appear to contribute to neurodegeneration. Although previous studies have showed that O-GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation of NFs regulate each other reciprocally, the NFs O-GlcNAcylation and its effects on assembly and axonal transport are poorly explored. Here, we focus on the role of dysregulation of O-GlcNAcylation on structure and function of neurofilaments by corresponding phosphorylation. In the study, we found that decreased O-GlcNAcylation by intracerebroventricular administration of Alloxan, 6-diazo-5-oxonorleucine (Don) and okadaic acid (OA) in the rats resulted in increased phosphorylation with assembly of lower and shorter NFs. In contrast, in the sample of NAG-thiazoline (NAG-Ae) causing increased O-GlcNAcylation, NFs showed elongated filaments fibers and higher proportion of assembly. Furthermore, alloxan treatment induced abnormal accumulation of NFs bodies and delayed time of Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) in SK-N-SH cells, but the NAG-Ae treatment speeded up the axonal transport. Our experiments suggest that increased O-GlcNAcylation plays a key role in protecting the structure and function of NFs including filament assembly and axonal transport via decreased phosphorylation. These results expanded the function of O-GlcNAcylation in AD pathogenesis.

Indospicine cytotoxicity and transport in human cell lines.

Indospicine, a non-proteinogenic analogue of arginine, occurs only in Indigofera plant species and accumulates in the tissues of animals grazing on Indigofera. Canine deaths have resulted from the consumption of indospicine-contaminated meat but only limited information is available regarding indospicine toxicity in humans. In this study three human cell lines, Caco-2 (colorectal adenocarcinoma), HT29-MTX-E12 (colorectal adenocarcinoma) and HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), were used to investigate the cytotoxicity of indospicine and its metabolite 2-aminopimelic acid in comparison to arginine. Indospicine and 2-aminopimelic acid were more cytotoxic than arginine, displaying the highest toxicity in HepG2 liver cells. Intestinal transport in vitro also revealed a 2-fold higher transport rate of indospicine compared to arginine. The sensitivity of HepG2 cells to indospicine is consistent with observed canine hepatotoxicity, and considering the higher in vitro transport of indospicine across an intestinal barrier, it is possible that similar ill effects could be seen in humans consuming contaminated meat.

Identification of a peptide inhibitor for the histone methyltransferase WHSC1.

WHSC1 is a histone methyltransferase that is responsible for mono- and dimethylation of lysine 36 on histone H3 and has been implicated as a driver in a variety of hematological and solid tumors. Currently, there is a complete lack of validated chemical matter for this important drug discovery target. Herein we report on the first fully validated WHSC1 inhibitor, PTD2, a norleucine-containing peptide derived from the histone H4 sequence. This peptide exhibits micromolar affinity towards WHSC1 in biochemical and biophysical assays. Furthermore, a crystal structure was solved with the peptide in complex with SAM and the SET domain of WHSC1L1. This inhibitor is an important first step in creating potent, selective WHSC1 tool compounds for the purposes of understanding the complex biology in relation to human disease.

AMPK activation counteracts cardiac hypertrophy by reducing O-GlcNAcylation.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been shown to inhibit cardiac hypertrophy. Here, we show that submaximal AMPK activation blocks cardiomyocyte hypertrophy without affecting downstream targets previously suggested to be involved, such as p70 ribosomal S6 protein kinase, calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases. Instead, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy is accompanied by increased protein O-GlcNAcylation, which is reversed by AMPK activation. Decreasing O-GlcNAcylation by inhibitors of the glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferase (GFAT), blocks cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, mimicking AMPK activation. Conversely, O-GlcNAcylation-inducing agents counteract the anti-hypertrophic effect of AMPK. In vivo, AMPK activation prevents myocardial hypertrophy and the concomitant rise of O-GlcNAcylation in wild-type but not in AMPKα2-deficient mice. Treatment of wild-type mice with O-GlcNAcylation-inducing agents reverses AMPK action. Finally, we demonstrate that AMPK inhibits O-GlcNAcylation by mainly controlling GFAT phosphorylation, thereby reducing O-GlcNAcylation of proteins such as troponin T. We conclude that AMPK activation prevents cardiac hypertrophy predominantly by inhibiting O-GlcNAcylation.

Isolation and characterization of recombinant Drosophila Copia aspartic proteinase.

The wild type Copia Gag precursor protein of Drosophila melanogaster expressed in Escherichia coli was shown to be processed autocatalytically to generate two daughter proteins with molecular masses of 33 and 23 kDa on SDS/PAGE. The active-site motif of aspartic proteinases, Asp-Ser-Gly, was present in the 23 kDa protein corresponding to the C-terminal half of the precursor protein. The coding region of this daughter protein (152 residues) in the copia gag gene was expressed in E. coli to produce the recombinant enzyme protein as inclusion bodies, which was then purified and refolded to create the active enzyme. Using the peptide substrate His-Gly-Ile-Ala-Phe-Met-Val-Lys-Glu-Val-Asn (cleavage site: Phe-Met) designed on the basis of the sequence of the cleavage-site region of the precursor protein, the enzymatic properties of the proteinase were investigated. The optimum pH and temperature of the proteinase toward the synthetic peptide were 4.0 and 70 degrees C respectively. The proteolytic activity was increased with increasing NaCl concentration in the reaction mixture, the optimum concentration being 2 M. Pepstatin A strongly inhibited the enzyme, with a Ki value of 15 nM at pH 4.0. On the other hand, the active-site residue mutant, in which the putative catalytic aspartic acid residue was mutated to an alanine residue, had no activity. These results show that the Copia proteinase belongs to the family of aspartic proteinases including HIV proteinase. The B-chain of oxidized bovine insulin was hydrolysed at the Leu15-Tyr16 bond fairly selectively. Thus the recombinant Copia proteinase partially resembles HIV proteinase, but is significantly different from it in certain aspects.

Structural and functional determinants of Mucor miehei protease VI. Inactivation of the enzyme by diazoacetyl norleucine methyl esters, pepstatin and 1,2-epoxy-30(p-nitro-phenyoxy)propane.

Mucor miehei protease (EC 3.4.21 -- ), an acid protease of fungal origin, was rapidly inhibited at pH 5.0 and 10 degrees C by a 78-fold molar excess of diazoacetyl norleucine methyl ester (N2Ac-Nle-OMe) when simultaneously added with a 78-fold molar excess of Cu(II). Preincubation with Cu(II) before the addition of N2Ac-Nle-OMe reduced the initial rate of activity loss presumably due to a copper-induced structural change as deduced from an examination of CD spectra. Cof norleucine and 1.02 +/- 0.041 mol of copper. The conformation of the N2Ac-Nle-OMe-inhibited enzyme appeared to be somewhat altered since the rate of H-3H exchange determined for the slowest exchanging class of hydrogens was reduced by more than 10-fold although the estimated number of hydrogens in this class remained constant. Mucor miehei protease was also inhibited by pepstatin; complete inactivation required a 6-fold molar excess of inhibitor and was associated with a major conformational change as determined from CD spectra. Loss of activity also occurred in the presence of 1,2-epoxy-3-(p-nitrophenyoxy)propane (EPNP).

Inhibition of amino acid transport in rabbit intestine by p-chloromercuriphenyl sulfonic acid.

Influx of phenylalanine across the brush border of rabbit intestine is markedly reduced by treatment with 5 mM p-chloromercuriphenyl sulfonate (PCMBS). The effect is rapidly and completely reversed by dithiothreitol. Phenylalanine influx into PCMBS-treated tissue can be competitively inhibited by other neutral amino acids and follows saturation kinetics. PCMBS causes an increase in the apparent Michaelis constant from the value observed in control tissue but does not alter the maximal influx significantly. Treatment of the tissue with PCMBS leads to a significant reduction in the Na-sensitivity of the transport, and a number of results indicate that the major effect of the reagent is to cause a marked reduction in the affinity of the transport system for Na. The transport system can be partially protected against reaction with PCMBS by phenylalanine and tryptophan but not by methionine or norleucine. The results suggest that PCMBS reacts with a sulfhydryl group in the region of the transport site and may alter conformational changes associated with the binding of substrates.

Enzymic and structural characterization of nepenthesin, a unique member of a novel subfamily of aspartic proteinases.

Carnivorous plants are known to secrete acid proteinases to digest prey, mainly insects, for nitrogen uptake. In the present study, we have purified, for the first time, to homogeneity two acid proteinases (nepenthesins I and II) from the pitcher fluid of Nepenthes distillatoria (a pitcher-plant known locally as badura) and investigated their enzymic and structural characteristics. Both enzymes were optimally active at pH approx. 2.6 towards acid-denatured haemoglobin; the specificity of nepenthesin I towards oxidized insulin B chain appears to be similar, but slightly wider than those of other APs (aspartic proteinases). Among the enzymic properties, however, the most notable is their unusual stability: both enzymes were remarkably stable at or below 50 degrees C, especially nepenthesin I was extremely stable over a wide range of pH from 3 to 10 for over 30 days. This suggests an evolutionary adaptation of the enzymes to their specific habitat. We have also cloned the cDNAs and deduced the complete amino acid sequences of the precursors of nepenthesins I and II (437 and 438 residues respectively) from the pitcher tissue of N. gracilis. Although the corresponding mature enzymes (each 359 residues) are homologous with ordinary pepsin-type APs, both enzymes had a high content of cysteine residues (12 residues/molecule), which are assumed to form six unique disulphide bonds as suggested by computer modelling and are supposed to contribute towards the remarkable stability of nepenthesins. Moreover, the amino acid sequence identity of nepenthesins with ordinary APs, including plant vacuolar APs, is remarkably low (approx. 20%), and phylogenetic comparison shows that nepenthesins are distantly related to them to form a novel subfamily of APs with a high content of cysteine residues and a characteristic insertion, named 'the nepenthesin-type AP-specific insertion', that includes a large number of novel, orthologous plant APs emerging in the gene/protein databases.

In vitro inhibition of collagen cross links by catechol analogs.

Catechol analogs inhibit the formation of hydroxylysine-derived intermolecular collagen cross links in tissue cultures of chick embryo calvaria. Formation of intermolecular collagen cross links was measured following incorporation of [14C]lysine, reduction with sodium borohydride, and elution from an ion exchange column with a pyridine-formate gradient. Cultures grown in the presence of 10(-3) M catechol, 10(-3) M dopamine, 10(-3) M L-dopa, or 10(-3) M D,L-serine-(2,3,4-trihydroxybenzyl)-hydrazide demonstrated between 43 and 84% inhibition of hydroxylysine formation. Collagen biosynthesis was not diminished in these cultures as compared to controls without additions or with beta-aminopropionitrile when measured by collagenase digestion. The formation of hydroxylysine-derived intermolecular cross links was inhibited 34 to 93% for 5,5'-dihydroxylysinonorleucine and 7 to 71% for 5-hydroxylysinonorleucine. The catechol analogs also inhibit the activity of lysyl hydroxylase as measured by specific tritium release as triated water from an L-[4,5-3H]lysine-labeled unhydroxylated collagen substrate prepared from chick calvaria. Since catechol analogs inhibit the formation of hydroxylysine in a cell-free assay, these compounds must pass into the cells of calvaria in this culture system to inhibit intracellular hydroxylysine formation and subsequently to diminish the reducible intermolecular cross links of the newly synthesized collagen.

Characterisation of a thermostable pepstatin-insensitive acid proteinase from a Bacillus sp.

An acid proteinase, Wai 21a, produced by a thermophilic Bacillus species (strain Wai 21a) has been purified to homogeneity by cation-exchange chromatography, phenyl-Sepharose chromatography and anion-exchange chromatography. A pI of 3.8 was determined by isoelectric focussing. The protein contained some associated carbohydrate (20 mol hexose equiv/mol proteinase). Optimal proteolytic activity was observed at pH 3.0 (at 60 degrees C). The Leu15-Tyr16 bond was the major site of hydrolysis for the oxidized B chain of insulin. Enzyme activity was not affected by inhibitors of the cysteine, metallo or serine class of proteinases. The aspartate proteinase inhibitor, pepstatin, did not inhibit enzyme activity. Inhibition of enzyme activity by 1,2-epoxy-3-(p-nitrophenoxy)-propane indicated the presence of at least one carboxyl group essential to the catalytic mechanism of the enzyme. Proteinase activity was inhibited by diazoacetyl-DL-norleucine methyl ester in a slow and non-specific manner atypical of pepstatin-sensitive aspartate proteinases. Wai 21a proteinase may be classified as member of the pepstatin-insensitive group of aspartate proteinases. The thermal stability at pH 3.0 and 60 degrees C increased 2.1-fold (t1/2, 4.5-9.7 hr) in the presence of 5 mM Ca++. An increase in both pH (3.0-4.5) and Ca++ concentration (0-30 mM) resulted in a 15-fold increase (t1/2, 15-230 min) in thermal stability at 75 degrees C. The amino acid composition of Wai 21a proteinase was found to be similar to other pepstatin-insensitive proteinases from bacterial sources and in particular similar to the other pepstatin-insensitive proteinases from bacterial sources and in particular similar to the thermostable enzyme, kumamolysin.

Inhibition by L-valine and L-norleucine of 3-phenylpyruvate-induced insulin release.

Insulin release induced by 3-phenylpyruvate in isolated rat pancreatic islets was inhibited by L-valine, L-norleucine or aminooxyacetate. The inhibitory effect of these three agents coincided with a lesser stimulation by 3-phenylpyruvate of 14CO2 output from islets prelabelled with L-[U-14C] glutamine. Conversely, 3-phenylpyruvate augmented the rate of conversion of L-valine to 2-ketoisovalerate and that of L-norleucine to 2-ketocaproate. However, 3-phenylpyruvate, which increased 2-ketoisovalerate oxidative decarboxylation, inhibited 14CO2 production by islets exposed to D, L-[1-14C] norleucine. These findings reveal that distinct nutrient secretagogues (e.g. 3-phenylpyruvate and L-norleucine), which are each able to stimulate insulin release, may act antagonistically upon the secretory process when used in combination. The present results also emphasize the relevance of both mitochondrial oxidation and intracellular transfer of reducing equivalents as determinants of the secretory response to such nutrients as 3-phenylpyruvate and norleucine.

Distribution of angiotensin IV binding sites (AT4 receptor) in the human forebrain, midbrain and pons as visualised by in vitro receptor autoradiography.

Angiotensin IV and other AT4 receptor agonists, improve memory retention and retrieval in the passive avoidance and swim maze learning paradigms. Angiotensin IV binding sites (also known as the AT4 receptors) are widely distributed in guinea pig and monkey (Macaca fascicularis) brains where high densities of the binding sites have been detected in the hippocampus, neocortex and motor nuclei. However, the distribution of the binding sites in the human brain is not known. We have recently localised the angiotensin IV binding sites (AT4 receptors) in post-mortem human brain using iodinated Nle-angiotensin IV, a higher affinity and more stable analogue of angiotensin IV. This radioligand bound with relatively high affinity and specificity to angiotensin IV binding sites. In competition studies on consecutive sections through the prefrontal cortex and claustrum, angiotensin IV, Nle-angiotensin IV and LVV-hemorphin 7 competed for the binding of 125I[Nle]-angiotensin IV with nanomolar affinities. Angiotensin II and the AT1 and AT2 receptor antagonists were ineffective in competing for the binding at concentrations of up to 10 microM. We found high densities of 125I[Nle]-angiotensin IV binding sites throughout the cerebral cortex including the insular, entorhinal, prefrontal and cingulate cortices. Very high densities of the binding sites were observed in the claustrum, choroid plexus, hippocampus and pontine nucleus. Some thalamic nuclei displayed high densities of binding including the anteroprincipal, ventroanterior, anteromedial, medial dorsal and ventrolateral nuclei. The caudate nucleus, putamen, many amygdaloid nuclei and the red nucleus all displayed moderate densities of binding with a higher level detected in the substantia nigra pars compacta. In the hypothalamus, high densities binding sites were found in the ventromedial nucleus with lower levels in the dorsomedial and paraventricular nuclei. The distribution of 125I[Nle]-angiotensin IV binding sites in the human brain is similar to that found in other species and supports multiple roles for the binding sites in the central nervous system, including facilitation of memory retention and retrieval.