Cloning and sequence of the human adrenodoxin reductase gene

Adrenodoxin reductase (ferrodoxin:NADP+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.18.1.2) is a flavoprotein mediating electron transport to all mitochondrial forms of cytochrome P450. We cloned the human adrenodoxin reductase gene and characterized it by restriction endonuclease mapping and DNA sequencing. The entire gene is approximately 12 kilobases long and consists of 12 exons. The first exon encodes the first 26 of the 32 amino acids of the signal peptide, and the second exon encodes the remainder of signal peptide and the apparent FAD binding site. The remaining 10 exons are clustered in a region of only 4.3 kilobases, separated from the first two exons by a large intron of about 5.6 kilobases. Two forms of human adrenodoxin reductase mRNA, differing by the presence or absence of 18 bases in the middle of the sequence, arise from alternate splicing at the 5' end of exon 7. This alternately spliced region is directly adjacent to the NADPH binding site, which is entirely contained in exon 6. The immediate 5' flanking region lacks TATA and CAAT boxes; however, this region is rich in G + C and contains six copies of the sequence GGGCGGG, resembling promoter sequences of "housekeeping" genes. RNase protection experiments show that transcription is initiated from multiple sites in the 5' flanking region, located about 21-91 base pairs upstream from the AUG translational initiation codon.

Molecular biology of mammalian glucose transporters

The oxidation of glucose represents a major source of metabolic energy for mammalian cells. However, because the plasma membrane is impermeable to polar molecules such as glucose, the cellular uptake of this important nutrient is accomplished by membrane-associated carrier proteins that bind and transfer it across the lipid bilayer. Two classes of glucose carriers have been described in mammalian cells: the Na(+)-glucose cotransporter and the facilitative glucose transporter. The Na(+)-glucose cotransporter transports glucose against its concentration gradient by coupling its uptake with the uptake of Na+ that is being transported down its concentration gradient. Facilitative glucose carriers accelerate the transport of glucose down its concentration gradient by facilitative diffusion, a form of passive transport. cDNAs have been isolated from human tissues encoding a Na(+)-glucose-cotransporter protein and five functional facilitative glucose-transporter isoforms. The Na(+)-glucose cotransporter is expressed by absorptive epithelial cells of the small intestine and is involved in the dietary uptake of glucose. The same or a related protein may be responsible for the reabsorption of glucose by the kidney. Facilitative glucose carriers are expressed by most if not all cells. The facilitative glucose-transporter isoforms have distinct tissue distributions and biochemical properties and contribute to the precise disposal of glucose under varying physiological conditions. The GLUT1 (erythrocyte) and GLUT3 (brain) facilitative glucose-transporter isoforms may be responsible for basal or constitutive glucose uptake. The GLUT2 (liver) isoform mediates the bidirectional transport of glucose by the hepatocyte and is responsible, at least in part, for the movement of glucose out of absorptive epithelial cells into the circulation in the small intestine and kidney. This isoform may also comprise part of the glucose-sensing mechanism of the insulin-producing beta-cell. The subcellular localization of the GLUT4 (muscle/fat) isoform changes in response to insulin, and this isoform is responsible for most of the insulin-stimulated uptake of glucose that occurs in muscle and adipose tissue. The GLUT5 (small intestine) facilitative glucose-transporter isoform is expressed at highest levels in the small intestine and may be involved in the transcellular transport of glucose by absorptive epithelial cells. The exon-intron organizations of the human GLUT1, GLUT2, and GLUT4 genes have been determined. In addition, the chromosomal locations of the genes encoding the Na(+)-dependent and facilitative glucose carriers have been determined. Restriction-fragment-length polymorphisms have also been identified at several of these loci.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Weight cycling in female rats subjected to varying meal patterns

The effect of weight cycling on energy balance was examined in female rats. Two groups of adult female rats were subjected to three bouts of weight cycling, each bout consisting of 8 days of food restriction (9 g/day or approximately 50% of usual intake) followed by 16 days of refeeding. During refeeding animals were given 22.8 g/day of food so that they were offered, during the 24-day cycle, the same amount of food offered to control rats that were not subjected to weight cycling. One group of weight-cycled rats (gorgers) was given its daily intake in a few large meals (i.e., allowed to gorge). The other weight-cycled group (nibblers) was fed by automated feeders in several small meals during each 24-h period (i.e., prevented from gorging). Neither weight-cycled group displayed an increased food efficiency or an increased body fatness compared with noncycled controls. Weight-cycled rats allowed to gorge did have an increased food efficiency and a greater carcass energy content compared with weight-cycled rats not allowed to gorge. These results suggest a pattern of gorging promoted food efficiency and body energy gain compared with a pattern of nibbling, but gorging during refeeding cannot account for reports of increased food efficiency in weight-cycled rats.

Analysis for N2-(pyridyloxobutyl)deoxyguanosine adducts in DNA of tissues exposed to tritium-labeled 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone and N'-nitrosonornicotine

The tobacco-specific carcinogens 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) are metabolically activated to DNA binding intermediates, partially via 4-(3-pyridyl)-4-oxobutanediazohydroxide (7) or related carbonium ions. Previous studies have shown that generation of 7 from 4-(carbethoxynitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (11) in the presence of deoxyguanosine yields a major adduct identified as 2'-deoxy-N-[1-methyl-3-oxo-3-(3-pyridyl)propyl]guanosine (adduct 1). These results suggested that adduct 1 should be present in DNA of tissues that can metabolically activate NNK and NNN. In the present study, we evaluate the formation of adduct 1 and its structurally related straight-chain analogue 2'-deoxy-N-[4-oxo-4-(3-pyridyl)butyl]guanosine (adduct 2) in DNA of tissues of rats treated with [5-3H]NNK or [5-3H]NNN, and in DNA of nasal mucosa that had been cultured in medium containing [5-3H]NNK or [5-3H]NNN. Hepatic DNA from rats treated with [5-3H]NNK was enzymatically hydrolyzed to deoxyribonucleosides and analyzed by HPLC. One of the radioactive peaks, peak E, coeluted with adduct 1. However, treatment of peak E with NaBH4 resulted in the formation of products different from those produced by NaBH4 treatment of adduct 1, demonstrating that adduct 1 could not be detected under these conditions. Hydrolysis of peak E with acid produced 4-hydroxy-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (9), suggesting that peak E might be adduct 2. Therefore, adduct 2 was synthesized by reaction of deoxyguanosine with 1-(3-pyridyl)butane-1,4-dione (5) in the presence of NaCNBH3.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of meal frequency on energy utilization in rats

The effects of differences in meal frequency on body weight, body composition, and energy expenditure were studied in mildly food-restricted male rats. Two groups were fed approximately 80% of usual food intake (as periodically determined in a group of ad libitum fed controls) for 131 days. One group received all of its food in 2 meals/day and the other received all of its food in 10-12 meals/day. The two groups did not differ in food intake, body weight, body composition, food efficiency (carcass energy gain per amount of food eaten), or energy expenditure at any time during the study. Both food-restricted groups had a lower food intake, body weight gain, and energy expenditure than a group of ad libitum-fed controls. In conclusion, these results suggest that amount of food eaten, but not the pattern with which it is ingested, has a major influence on energy balance during mild food restriction.

Gene expression in mineralizing chick epiphyseal cartilage

To map transcriptional events associated with mineralization in developing long bones, we have established protocols for preparing RNA from regions of chick epiphyseal cartilage. Using these RNA preparations, we have probed for appearance of mRNA coding for type I, II, and X collagen, as well as osteonectin and calmodulin. Type II collagen mRNA was found in proliferating cartilage and, in lower amounts, in hypertrophic/calcifying cartilage. Type X mRNA was absent from proliferating cartilage and present in hypertrophic/calcifying cartilage at steady state levels slightly lower than that of type II mRNA. Type I mRNA was the major collagen mRNA species in endochondral bone; however, significant amounts of type X mRNA were also found. Examination of type X/type II ratios suggest that the cells producing type X mRNA in bone are different from those in the hypertrophic/calcifying cartilage region. Osteonectin mRNA was present in endochondral bone; however, significant amounts were also detected in precalcified cartilage. Indeed, the level of osteonectin mRNA was significantly higher in the resting/proliferating region than in the hypertrophic/calcifying region of the cartilage. No correlation was observed between calmodulin mRNA and the development of mineralization; levels of this message were slightly lower in endochondral bone, embryonic sterna, and calvaria than they were in chick liver and considerably lower than the calmodulin mRNA levels in chick brain.

Comparative study of DNase I sensitivity at the X-linked human HPRT locus

To examine the association between chromatin structure and gene expression at the human hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) locus, DNase I sensitivity of active and inactive genes was analyzed. In a set of human-hamster hybrid lines containing either an active or an inactive human X chromosome, or a derivative of the latter in which the HPRT gene was reactivated by 5-azacytidine treatment, only the promoter region of the gene was found to contain a hypersensitive domain, and its presence was strictly correlated with gene activity. An S1 nuclease-sensitive site was mapped upstream from the DNase I hypersensitive domain using supercoiled plasmids. The overall level of DNase I sensitivity in the interior of the HPRT gene was also assessed by comparing the degradation of polymorphic restriction fragments on active and inactive alleles in both polyclonal and monoclonal lines of female human cells. In these internally controlled experiments, the active X chromosome was found to be approximately twofold more susceptible to DNase I digestion than the inactive X chromosome.

Yeast ARS function and nuclear matrix association coincide in a short sequence from the human HPRT locus

A sequence that supports extrachromosomal replication of plasmids in yeast has been identified within the first intron of the human hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) gene. This represents the first isolation of such an autonomously replicating sequence (ARS) from an exactly known position in the human genome. This ARS shares similarities of imparted yeast phenotype and DNA sequence with other heterologous ARSs. In addition, this sequence is found to be a matrix association region (MAR) on the basis of specific binding to nuclear matrices prepared from several mammalian cell types. It also exhibits anomalous electrophoretic behavior, characteristic of bent DNA, on polyacrylamide gels. The coincidence of these properties supports the possibility that this region may play a role in DNA replication within its normal chromosomal context.

Increased levels of glycine tRNA associated with collagen synthesis

Analysis of codon usage for chick Type I collagen indicates that 89% of glycine codons are GGU/C. Since collagens are one-third glycine, chick Type I collagen synthesis should require large amounts of tRNAGly with the anticodon GCC. Earlier chromatographic studies of chick tRNA had indicated that connective tissues showed altered tRNAGly isoacceptor profiles [P. J. Christner and J. Rosenbloom (1976) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 172, 399-409; H. J. Drabkin and L. N. Lukens (1978) J. Biol. Chem. 253, 6233-6241]. We have therefore used both two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and hybridization analysis to investigate whether collagen synthesis in chick connective tissues is associated with expression of a novel tRNAGly. Liver and calvaria tRNAs produced qualitatively similar patterns when separated on 2-D gels. Northern blots of 2-D-separated tRNAs from liver and calvaria, when hybridized to genes for vertebrate tRNAGly isoacceptors with GCC or UCC anticodons, showed hybridization to the same tRNAs in both tissues. Quantitation of tRNA species by dot blot hybridization indicated an increase in levels of the tRNAGly isoacceptor with anticodon GCC. Tissues synthesizing Type I collagen had a two- to threefold increase in this tRNA while tissues synthesizing Type II collagen showed a more modest increase. We conclude that elevated tRNAGly levels associated with collagen synthesis are due to increased amounts of the same isoacceptor which is the major tRNAGly in other tissues.

Ultrastructural and biochemical comparisons of nuclear matrices prepared by high salt or LIS extraction

We have directly compared two independently published methods for isolating operationally defined nuclear matrices by studying EM ultrastructure, protein composition and distribution of replicating DNA. Nuclear matrices prepared by extraction with 2 M NaCl consisted of fibrous pore complex lamina, residual fibrillar and granular components of nucleoli and interchromatin granules, and an extensive anastomosing internal fibrous network. These matrices were enriched in high molecular weight nonhistone proteins but were virtually devoid of histones. Consistent with previously published data, newly-replicated DNA was resistant to this high salt extraction. Nuclear matrices prepared by extraction of nuclei with 25 mM lithium 3,5-diiodosalicylate, LIS, also contained fibrous pore complex lamina, but lacked morphologically distinct residual nucleoli and were markedly depleted in internal structure. The reduced amounts and complexity of proteins associated with the LIS matrix were consistent with the ultrastructural data. Moreover, much less newly-replicated DNA was recovered in LIS matrices. The data show that LIS dissociates nuclear ultrastructure and extracts both protein and DNA in proportion to the concentration used, regardless of whether nuclei or high salt nuclear matrices are used as starting material. While the data suggest that LIS may not necessarily be an optimal reagent for preparing nuclear matrices containing internal structural elements from all tissue sources, it may be useful for selectively solubilizing and analyzing components of the nuclear matrix.

Effects of alpha-deuterium substitution on the tumorigenicity of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone in F344 rats

4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and its analogues substituted with deuterium at the methylene carbon, 4,4-dideutero-4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone [4,4-D2)NNK], and the methyl carbon, 4-(trideuteromethylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone [(CD3)NNK], adjacent to the N-nitroso group were tested for tumorigenicity in F344 rats. Each compound was administered by 60 s.c. injections over a 20-week period such that the total doses were either 1.0 or 0.33 mmol/kg. The experiment was terminated after 104 weeks. Survival of the rats treated with the higher dose of (4,4-D2)NNK was significantly less than survival in the groups treated with the same doses of NNK or (CD3)NNK. Target tissues were liver, lung and nasal cavity for all three compounds. The higher dose of (4,4-D2)NNK induced higher numbers of nasal tumors and malignant nasal tumors than did NNK. The lower dose of (4,4-D2)NNK induced a higher number of nasal tumors than did NNK. No other significant differences in tumor incidence were observed. The results suggest that 4-(3-pyridyl)-4-oxobutylation of DNA might be important in induction of nasal cavity tumors by NNK.

Investigations on the molecular dosimetry of tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines

Approaches for assessing molecular dosimetry of 4-(N-nitrosomethylamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in humans by measurement of haemoglobin or DNA adducts are discussed. NNK and NNN form haemoglobin adducts in Fischer 344 rats. Acid or base hydrolysis of the globin gives 4-hydroxy-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone, which can be detected in rat blood up to six weeks after injection of NNK; it may be a useful marker for assessing uptake and metabolic activation of NNK and NNN in tobacco consumers. NNK and its major metabolite, 4-(N-nitrosomethylamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAI), methylated DNA of rat liver, lung and nasal mucosa to similar extents. NNAI is formed in human tissues from NNK, but immunoassays for O6-methyldeoxyguanosine (O6-medGuo) in exfoliated oral cells from snuff-dippers have been negative. NNK is also expected to form pyridyloxobutyl adducts in DNA; 32P-postlabelling assays for these adducts are being developed and appear to hold promise for detecting NNK- or NNN-DNA adducts in vivo.

Comparative mutagenicity of 4-(carbethoxynitrosamino)-4-(3-pyridyl)butanal and 4-(carbethoxynitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone, model compounds for alpha-hydroxylation of N'-nitrosonornicotine

4-(Carbethoxynitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)butanal, a stable precursor to the putative diazohydroxide formed by 5'-hydroxylation of the tobacco-specific nitrosamine, N'-nitrosonornicotine, was synthesized in six steps from nicotinaldehyde. Its mutagenicity toward S. typhimurium was compared to that of 4-(carbethoxynitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone, a precursor to the diazohydroxide formed by 2'-hydroxylation of N'-nitrosonornicotine. At equimolar doses, 4-(carbethoxynitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone was a potent mutagen, but 4-(carbethoxynitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)butanal was inactive toward strains TA 100 and TA 1535. The results of this study indicate that the putative diazohydroxide formed by 2'-hydroxylation of N'-nitrosonornicotine has higher inherent mutagenicity toward S. typhimurium than does the corresponding diazohydroxide formed by 5'-hydroxylation.

Absorption of cholesterol and beta-sitosterol from cigarette smoke in Macaca mulatta

When smoke from single cigarettes containing [4-14C]cholesterol or beta-[4-14C]sitosterol was delivered to the lungs of Rhesus macaques, plasma contained radiolabeled sterols up to 50 days later. Since cholesterol, as well as plant sterols (campesterol, stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol), are normally present in cigarette smoke, our observations suggest that protracted absorption of sterols occurs after cigarette smoking.

A study of a Caucasian family with variant von Willebrand's disease in association with vascular telangiectasia and haemoglobinopathy

A family was identified which carries multi-haematological disorders including Type IIA von Willebrand's disease, vascular telangiectasia, and a haemoglobinopathy (haemoglobin S trait). In the affected individuals, the von Willebrand's disease varies in its expression from an asymptomatic form to a severe form especially in those patients with telangiectasia. Some patients have vascular telangiectasia in the mucous membranes of the mouth and lips. In two patients endoscopy disclosed telangiectasia in the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. All of the patients who had telangiectasia also had von Willebrand's disease. An incidental finding was the presence of an abnormal haemoglobin (haemoglobin S) in some family members. The pattern of inheritance of the haemoglobinopathy was unrelated to the inheritance pattern of von Willebrand's disease. The presence of haemoglobin S did not interfere with the aggregation of platelets in response to ristocetin.

Effects of alpha-deuterium substitution on the mutagenicity of 4-(methyl-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)

4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), a carcinogenic tobacco specific nitrosamine, can be converted to electrophilic diazohydroxide intermediates by metabolic hydroxylation of either the methylene carbon (carbon 4) or the methyl carbon attached to the nitrosamine group. To investigate the relative importance of these two processes in NNK mutagenesis, we synthesized 4,4-dideutero-4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone([4,4,-D2]NNK) and 4-(trideuteromethylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone ([CD3] NNK), and evaluated their mutagenic activities in Salmonella typhimurium tester strains. In the presence of Aroclor induced rat liver 9000 g supernatant, NNK and [4,4-D2]NNK had comparable mutagenic activities towards S. typhimurium TA 1535 and TA 100, but [CD3]NNK was inactive in both strains. These results suggest that hydroxylation of the methyl group of NNK is more important than hydroxylation of carbon 4 in its activation to a mutagen. To test the inherent mutagenicity of 4-oxo-4-(3-pyridyl)butyldiazohydroxide and methyldiazohydroxide which would be formed by methyl hydroxylation or carbon 4 hydroxylation, respectively, we compared the mutagenicities, without activation, of the corresponding model compounds, 4-(carbethoxynitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone and carbethoxynitrosaminomethane (methylnitrosourethane). Both compounds were highly mutagenic toward S. typhimurium TA 1535 and TA 100, but at doses of 4 x 10(-3) to 4 x 10(-4) mumol/plate, only 4-(carbethoxynitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone was mutagenic. These results are consistent with those obtained with the deuterium substituted compounds and indicate the importance of 4-oxo-4-(3-pyridyl)butylation of DNA in NNK mutagenesis.

Metabolism of N'-nitrosonornicotine by cultured rat esophagus

The metabolism of N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), an esophageal carcinogen, by organ cultured F-344 rat esophagus was investigated. The major metabolites were separated by h.p.l.c. and were identified by comparison to standards as 4-hydroxy-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol and 4-oxo-4-(3-pyridyl)butyric acid from 2'-hydroxylation of NNN and 4-hydroxy-4-(3-pyridyl)-butyric acid from 5'-hydroxylation of NNN. These results demonstrate that alpha-hydroxylation, which leads to electrophilic diazohydroxides, is the major pathway of metabolism of NNN in cultured F-344 rat esophagus. The extents of formation of the metabolites increased with time and the ratio of products resulting from 2'-hydroxylation to those resulting from 5'-hydroxylation was 4.3 after 1 h, 3.9 after 6 h, 3.4 after 24 h and 3.1 after 48 h. F-344 rat liver slices from the same animals produced metabolites of NNN with a 2'/5'-hydroxylation ratio of 1.4. The 2'/5'-hydroxylation ratio in cultured Syrian golden hamster esophagus was 0.3. These results, together with those of parallel studies of NNN metabolism in A/J mouse lung and Syrian golden hamster trachea indicate that among these tissues, F-344 rat esophagus has a unique ability to preferentially hydroxylate the 2'-position of NNN. The results suggest that 2'-hydroxylation is the key step in the metabolic activation of NNN in rat esophagus.

Studies on mechanism of action of luteinizing releasing hormone (LH-RH) in ovulation of fish--intracellular distribution of LH-RH-A in pituitary gonadotrophs as revealed by electron-microscopic autoradiography

The results of competitive bending experiment and the electron-microscopic autoradiographic studies show that the peptide hormone, LH-RH-A (a nonapeptide), could be internalized into the gonadotrophs of the pituitary gland of the mud-carp (Cirrhrinus molitorella). It is demonstrated that the labeled peptide, 125I-LH-RH-A, is internalized not only into the cytoplasm, but also into the nucleus, apparently via the nuclear pores. It is, therefore, suggested that the peptide hormone might act directly on the genome either in the form of a hormone-receptor complex or of a single molecule.

Comprehensive analysis of urinary metabolites of N'-nitrosonornicotine

A detailed study of the urinary metabolites of N'-nitrosonornicotine has been performed, employing a simple high pressure liquid chromatographic method. The percentage excretion of the principal urinary metabolites was determined over a dose range of 3-300 mg/kg in the F-344 rat, as follows: 4-hydroxy-4-(3-pyridyl)butyric acid (37.1-53.3%, respectively, of the dose), N'-nitrosonornicotine-I-N-oxide (6.7-10.7%), norcotinine (3.2-5.1%), 4-oxo-4-(3-pyridyl)butyric acid (31.1-12.8%), N'-nitrosonornicotine (3.3-5.2%). In the strain A mouse and Syrian golden hamster, the urinary metabolites were qualitatively similar to those observed in the F-344 rat. The interrelationships of the various metabolites of N'-nitrosonornicotine which have been observed in vitro and in vivo were established. The in vitro metabolites resulting from 2'-hydroxylation by liver microsomes, myosmine and 4-hydroxy-I-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone were converted, by the F-344 rat, primarily to 4-oxo-4-(3-pyridyl)butyric acid as a urinary metabolite. The in vitro metabolite resulting from 5'-hydroxylation by liver microsomes, 2-hydroxy-5-(3-pyridyl)tetrahydrofuran, gave 4-hydroxy-4-(3-pyridyl)butyric acid as its major urinary metabolite, apparently via 5-(3-pyridyl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-one. N'-nitrosonornicotine-I-N-oxide, the remaining major in vitro metabolite, was excreted to a large extent unchanged in F-344 rat urine. The urinary metabolites from 2'-hydroxylation and 5'-hydroxylation of N'-nitrosonornicotine, 4-oxo-4-(3-pyridyl)butyric acid and 4-hydroxy-4-(3-pyridyl)butyric acid, respectively, were not formed from the in vivo metabolite norcotinine and were ot interconverted significantly by the F-344 rat. Thus, these metabolites appear to be reliable indicators for the two possible in vivo alpha-hydroxylations of N'-nitrosonornicotine.

"Hot spot" on liver scan due to tricuspid insufficiency

A patient with a diagnosis of tricuspid insufficiency was found to have a small focal area of increased activity, or "hot spot," in the liver on a Tc-99-sulfur colloid scan. This "hot spot" was in the superior central portion of the liver in the region of the junction of the hepatic veins and inferior vena cava. Its presence was confirmed on a dynamic study of the liver, which showed appearance of the activity in the abnormal area at the same time as in the right atrium. The finding was thought to be the result of reflux of blood from the right atrium into the vena cava and hepatic veins due to tricuspid insufficiency.

Dorsal noradrenergic bundle and selective attention in the rat

The role for the dorsal noradrenergic bundle (DNB) in selective attention and stimulus filtering was tested in several situations. The DNB was damaged by stereotaxically guided injections of 4 microgram of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). The latent inhibition effect was blocked by 6-OHDA-induced depletion of forebrain noradrenaline, whereas nonreversal shift performance was better in noradrenaline-depleted rats than controls. These data are interpreted to indicate that animals with DNB lesions are imparied in ignoring irrelevant stimuli. However, in situations in which control animals did not learn to ignore irrelevant stimuli, no lesion-induced difference was found. Thus, controls and animals with DNB lesions learned equally about each of two dimensions of a multiple-redundant discrimination task. This was assessed both by interpolated trials with only one dimension present and by shifts in which only one of the previous two dimensions remained relevant. It is concluded that the DNB lesion does not increase stimulus sampling globally but that it impairs performance only in those cases in which normal rats learn to ignore irrelevant stimuli.

Progesterone administration in vivo stimulates release of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in vitro

The release of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) from tissue from the mediobasal hypothalamic-anterior hypothalamic-preoptic area of prepuberal female rats was measured in a perfusion system. Measurements were also made of the concentrations of LHRH in these tissue fragments and of luteinizing hormone in serum obtained when the rats were killed. Four groups of immature rats were studied: intact, ovariectomized, ovariectomized and implanted with estradiol-containing capsules, and ovariectomized rats primed with estradiol and injected with progesterone. The release of LHRH from the tissue of ovariectomized animals was significantly less than that of intact females and was not modified when the ovariectomized rats received estradiol. However, there was a four- to fivefold increase in LHRH release from tissue of ovariectomized rats primed with estradiol when they were killed 6 hours after they received an injection of progesterone. The concentrations of LHRH in tissue and of luteinizing hormone in serum varied among groups and with the time of day that the animals were killed. The interactions among luteinizing hormone, gonadal steroids, and the photoperiod seem to set the appropriate conditions for neural processes triggering a complete and normal release of luteinizing hormone.

Metabolism of the tobacco specific nitrosamines, N'-nitrosonornicotine and 4-(N-methyl-N-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone

The metabolism, in the F-344 rat, of the tobacco-specific carcinogens, N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and 4-(N-methyl-N-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) was studied. NNN was hydroxylated at each position of the pyrrolidine ring; 2'-hydroxylation gave 4-hydroxy-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone in vitro and the corresponding acid in vivo, 3'-hydroxylation gave 3'-hydroxyNNN, 4'-hydroxylation gave 4'-hydroxy-NNN and 5'-hydroxylation gave 4-hydroxy-4-(3-pyridyl)butanal (in vitro) and 4-hydroxy-4-(3-pyridyl) butanoic acid (in vivo). The principle ring hydroxylation in the untreated F-344 rat was 5'-hydroxylation. Pyridine N-oxidation was also observed, giving NNN-1-N-oxide as a major metabolite. The principle urinary metabolites of NNN were formed by 5'-hydroxylation and pyridine-N-oxidation. For NNK, a major process was reduction of the carbonyl to give 4-(N-methyl-N-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol. alpha-Hydroxylation of both the N-methyl and N-methylene groups was also observed, as was formation of NNK-N-oxide in vitro and in vivo.

Protein and RNA synthesis in kainic acid-injected striata

Injections of kainic acid into rat neostriata destroy neuronal soma in the injected area. Kainic acid-injected neostriata show a significant increase (as compared with control) in the incorporation in vitro of label from radioactive leucine into the TCA-insoluble protein fraction at all time periods studied (from 1 to 80 days after the kainic acid injection), with the greatest stimulation ((6-7-fold) occurring between the third and eighth day. At 1-5 days there was also increased incorporation in vitro of label from uridine into RNA. The increased protein synthesis is probably due to the astrocytes which invade the injected area and are still seen in electron microscopic studies 2-3 months after the injections.

Study of a Caucasian Family with von Willebrand’s Disease in Association with Vascular Telangiectasia and Hemoglobinopathy

This family carries multihematological inherited disorders; namely, von Wille-brand’s, vascular telangiectasia and hemoglobinopathy. Family members were studied by quantifying the following: Factor VIII pro-coagulant activity, Factor VIII related antigen, Factor VIII inhibitors, platelet adhesion, platelet aggregation (with ristocetin, collagen and ADP), bleeding time, platelet count, partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, hemoglobin electrophoresis, hemoglobin finger-printing, sickling preparation and the presence of telangiectasia.

The affected members of this family with von Willebrand’s express their disease in a variable tendency to bleeding from almost clinically asymptomatic cases to cases with severe bleeding tendency.One member of this family had to have a hysterectomy at the age of 20 to control the abnormal uterine bleeding after conservative treatment failed. All affected members with von Willebrand’s disease had a normal platelet count, prolonged bleeding time, decreased Factor VIII pro-coagulant activity and related antigen, negative aggregation using the ristocetin co-factor for von Willebrand’s, defective platelet adhesiveness to glass beads, and normal platelet aggregation to collagen and ADP. Some members have vascular telangiectasia in the mucous membranes. An incidental finding was the presence of an abnormal hemoglobin S in some family members.

Supported in part by the Cumberland Chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation.

Oxygen tension under a hard, gas-permeable contact lens

Oxygen tension under a hard, gas-permeable contact lens is calculated. The gas permeability of the lens is taken from the engineering literature and is shown to be 10 times smaller than claimed in the optometric literature. The engineering data are supported by new measurements of gas permeability. Calculations using the new data show that the oxygen tension under the lens is at the lower end of the range of acceptable values.

Histones bind more tightly to bromodeoxyuridine-substituted DNA than to normal DNA

Using a membrane filter assay, we have obtained results from both kinetic and competition experiments indicating that histones bind more strongly to bromodeoxyuridine-substituted DNA than to normal DNA. At 37 degrees C in our standard buffer of 0.2 M ionic strength, the rate of dissociation of histones H1, H2, and h4 from BrdU-substituted DNA is respectively 7, 4, and 2 times slower than it is from normal DNA. Competition experiments show an even greater difference between BrdU-substituted and normal DNA with respect to histone binding. The tighter binding of histones to BrdU-substituted DNA is of interest because of the known effects of BrdU on eukaryotic chromosome condensation and staining, virus induction, and the inhibition of differentiation.

Oxygen tension under a soft or hard, gas-permeable contact lens in the presence of tear pumping

The oxygen tension under hard or soft, oxygen-permeable contact lenses is calculated. The calculation recognizes delivery of oxygen to the tear fluid under the contact lens by diffusion through the lens material and by entrance of fresh, air-saturated tears at each blink. The results show that oxygen diffusion through the lens material is much more effective than tear pumping in maintaining a useful oxygen tension under the lens.

A General Synthesis of 8,2′-Thioanhydropurine Nucleosides

The synthesis of 8,2′-anhydro-8-mercapto-9-β-D-arabinofuranosyladenine,8,2′-anhydro-8-mercapto-9-β-D-arabinofuranosylguanine, and 8,2′-anhydro-8-mercapto-9-β-D-arabinofuranosylhypoxanthine is described. The anhydro ring is formed by simultaneous displacement of bromine from position-8 and carbonate from the 2′-position of the parent nucleoside using either sodium hydrogen sulfide or thiourea.

Thermal Rearrangement of Acyl Groups in Anhydronucleosides. A Convenient Synthesis of 5′-O-Acetylanhydrouridine

The mass spectra of acylanhydronucleosides suggested that the acyl groups undergo a thermal rearrangement. This was confirmed by studying the melting profiles of these compounds in a differential scanning calorimeter. The results have led to a convenient synthesis of 5′-acetylanhydrouridine.

Synthesis of 8,2′-Thioanhydroguanosine

The synthesis of 8,2′-thioanhydroguanosine is described. The anhydro ring is formed by displacement of bromine from position-8 and sulfonate from the 2′-position using sodium hydrogen sulfide.

Effect of cellulose in the diet on the recovery of dietary plant sterols from the feces

In one normal subject, J.S., fed several formula diets in a sterol balance study, only 25-58% of the ingested plant sterols were recovered from the stool. The dietary plant sterols were completely recovered from the stools of five other men. Plant sterol recovery was complete in all men when a diet of mixed general foods was consumed. Since the chief differences in composition of the formula and the diet of mixed general foods were related to the different contents of cellulose and lactose, these components were added to the formula diet of J.S., and plant sterol balance studies were then carried out. The addition of fresh celery or pulverized cellulose to the formula diet partially corrected the usual fecal loss of plant sterols (80% being recovered). Lactose in the formula was only slightly corrective. However, the addition of both cellulose and lactose led to complete recovery of the ingested plant sterols in the feces. Bacterial cultures of stools were incubated with added cholesterol-4-(14)C, and a linear relationship between losses of sterol during balance studies and in vitro incubations was observed; that is, a considerable loss of the labeled cholesterol from cultures after the formula diet, but not after the diet of mixed general foods. This in vitro loss was also corrected by the addition of cellulose and lactose to the formula diet. The loss of the sterol nucleus in the intestinal tract may occur at times because of the lack of certain dietary constituents. It is hypothesized that the metabolism of intestinal tract bacteria is altered when certain constituents are not present in the diet, and that these bacteria may then degrade the sterol nucleus.