Purification and characterization of a novel enzyme, alpha-neoagarooligosaccharide hydrolase (alpha-NAOS hydrolase), from a marine bacterium, Vibrio sp. strain JT0107

A novel enzyme, alpha-neoagarooligosaccharide hydrolase (EC 3.2.1.-), which hydrolyzes the alpha-1,3 linkage of neoagarooligosaccharides to yield agaropentaose (O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->4)-O-3,6-anhydro-alpha-L-galactopyranosyl (1-->3)-D-galactose], agarotriose [O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->4)-O-3,6-anhydro- alpha-L-galactopyranosyl (1-->3)-D-galactose], agarobiose [O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->4)-3,6-anhydro-L-galactose], 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose, and D-galactose was isolated from the marine bacterium Vibrio sp. strain JT0107 and characterized. This enzyme was purified 383-fold from cultured cells by using a combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation, successive anion-exchange column chromatography, gel filtration, and hydroxyapatite chromatography, gel filtration, and hydroxyapatite chromatography. The purified protein gave a single band (M(r), 42,000) on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Estimation of the M(r) by the gel filtration method gave a value of 84,000, indicating that the enzyme is dimeric. Amino acid sequence analysis revealed it to have a single N-terminal sequence that has no sequence homology to any other known agarases. The optimum temperature and pH were 30 degrees C and 7.7, respectively. The Km and maximum rate of metabolism for neoagarobiose were 5.37 mM and 92 U/mg of protein, respectively.

Sequence analysis of the agaB gene encoding a new beta-agarase from Vibrio sp. strain JT0107

An agarase gene (agaB) was cloned from genomic DNA of Vibrio sp. strain JT0107. Analysis of the 3200 nucleotide sequence just before the agarase 0107 gene (agaA) which existed in genomic DNA of Vibrio sp. strain JT0107 revealed a putative single open reading frame coding for 955 amino acids. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence of AgaB to that of agarase 0107 revealed the existence of partially highly homologous regions. A part of this gene was expressed in Escherichia coli to yield a protein with agarase activity. This is the first report of evidence by genetic analysis that at least two different kinds of agarases exist in strain JT0107.

Effects of a lipopolysaccharide from Pantoea agglomerans on the cocaine-induced place preference

A lipopolysaccharide from Pantoea agglomerans (LPSp) was purified, and its effect on the cocaine-induced place preference was examined in rats. Cocaine (4 mg/kg, i.p.) produced a significant place preference. Administration of LPSp (5-1000 micrograms/kg, i.p.) alone resulted in neither preference nor aversion for either the drug- or saline-associated place. However, pretreatment with LPSp (500 and 1000 micrograms/kg, i.p.) abolished the place preference that had been induced by cocaine. Furthermore, treatment with LPSp (500 micrograms/kg, i.p.) abolished cocaine (20 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced locomotor enhancement in mice. These results suggest that while LPSp itself may possess neither reinforcing nor locomotor enhancing effects, it blocks both the reinforcing and the locomotor enhancing effects of cocaine. Therefore, LPSp might be useful in pharmacotherapy for prevention of recurrent cocaine abuse.

Role of beta-adrenoceptors in the expression of morphine withdrawal signs

The effects of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) pretreatment with the noradrenergic neurotoxin DSP-4 and beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptor antagonists on the expression of morphine withdrawal signs were investigated in mice. Mice were chronically treated with morphine (8-45 mg/kg, s.c.). Several withdrawal signs were observed following naloxone challenge in morphine-dependent mice which had been pretreated with vehicle. Treatment with DSP-4 before the naloxone challenge suppressed the expression of morphine withdrawal signs, including jumping and "wet dog" shakes. Similarly, pretreatment with the beta 1-antagonist atenolol significantly reduced the incidence of naloxone-precipitated jumping and "wet dog" shakes. However, pretreatment with the beta 2-antagonist ICI118,551 suppressed the expression of "wet dog" shakes, but not that of jumping. These findings suggest that the central noradrenergic system may mediate the expression of withdrawal signs. The blocking effects of beta-antagonists indicate that naloxone-precipitated jumping may be mediated predominantly by beta 1-adrenoceptors, while naloxone-precipitated "wet dog" shakes may be mediated by both beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors.

Cloning and sequencing of agaA, a unique agarase 0107 gene from a marine bacterium, Vibrio sp. strain JT0107

An agarase gene (agaA) was cloned from genomic DNA of Vibrio sp. strain JT0107. An open reading frame of 2,985 nucleotides gave a primary translation product composed of the mature protein, agarase 0107 (975 amino acid residues, with a molecular weight of 105,271) and a signal peptide of 20 amino acid residues at the N terminus. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence of agarase 0107 with those of Streptomyces coelicolor and Pseudomonas atlantica suggests that these enzymes share two regions in common. The AgaA protein which was expressed in Escherichia coli had the agarase activity. Agarase 0107 hydrolyzes not only agarose but also neoagarotetraose [O-3,6-anhydro-alpha-L-galactopyranosyl (1-->3)-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->4)-O-3,6-anhydro-alpha-L-galact opy ranosyl (1-->3)-D-galactose] to yield neoagarobiose [O-3,6-anhydro-alpha-L-galactopyranosyl(1-->3)-D-galactose]. This is a quite unique characteristic for a beta-agarase.

Purification and characterization of a new agarase from a marine bacterium, Vibrio sp. strain JT0107

A marine bacterial strain that decomposes the cell walls of some seaweeds, including a Laminaria sp. and Undaria pinnatifida, has been isolated from seawater. This strain has been classified to the genus Vibrio. One of the enzymes which the bacteria secreted into the culture medium was isolated and purified 45-fold from the culture fluid by a combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation and successive rounds of anion-exchange column chromatography. Purified protein migrated as a single band (M(r), 107,000) on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels. By amino acid sequence analysis, it was determined that this protein had a single N-terminal sequence that did not exhibit identity with the sequences of other agarases from marine bacteria. This novel enzyme was found to be an endo-type beta-agarase (EC 3.2.1.81) which hydrolyzes the beta-1,4 linkage of agarose to yield neoagarotetraose [O-3,6-anhydro-alpha-L-galactopyranosyl (1-->3)-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->4)-O-3,6-anhydro-alpha-L-galactopy ranosyl (1-->3)-D-galactose] and neoagarobiose [O-3,6-anhydro-alpha-L-galactopyranosyl (1-->3)-D-galactose] at a pH of around 8. The optimum temperature was 30 degrees C. This enzyme did not decompose sodium alginate or lambda-, iota-, or kappa-carrageenan. This enzyme may be of practical application in gene technology in the isolation of DNA fragments from agarose gels after electrophoresis.

[Histo-pathology of the regenerating process in the tissue around the periodontally diseased teeth of beagle dogs. Clinical and histological analysis following flap surgery]

The regenerating process in tissue around periodontally diseased teeth (PDTs) and non-diseased teeth (NDTs) was studied with clinical and histological analysis following flap surgery. PDTs were prepared in the premolars of 7 beagle dogs by which surgically denuding the root surfaces by removing the alveolar bone. The denuded sites were covered with gutta-percha plates and gingival epithelial tissues and exposed to the oral environment for 4 weeks. Then flap surgery was performed on the PDTs. As control sites, the root surfaces of the NDTs were denuded by removing the alveolar bone at the time of flap surgery. The root surfaces of the PDTs and NDTs were planed with curette scalers at one root site but not at the other site. Clinical and histopathological findings were evaluated at fixed intervals for 32 weeks after surgery. Results of observation were as follows. 1. In the clinical evaluations, the gingival inflammation index, probing depth and attachment level were improved in the root planing (PR) group of both the PDTs and the NDTs, but in the non RP group of PDTs there was no improvement. 2. In the histologic observation, the position of the gingival margin, length of regenerated junctional epithelium, depth of gingival sulcus and the level of connective tissue attachment in the RP groups recovered in both the PDTs and the NDTs but not in the non RP groups.

[Histological study on gingival tissue reattachment after periodontal surgery. Effects of hydroxyapatite ceramic implantation to denuded dentin surfaces in rats]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate histological regeneration of epithelial and connective tissue attachment to the denuded dentin surface after hydroxyapatite ceramic granule (HAP) implantation. HAP (particle size 100-300 microns, burn temperature 900 degrees C) were implanted into dehiscent defects of alveolar bone which eliminated about a 1 x 1 mm area at mesial and palatal sites of the upper 1st molar in 20 male Wistar rats. Subsequently the root cementum was removed totally and dentin was denuded. Same osseous defects were formed but HAP was not implanted at any contralateral site for the purpose of control. Results of 8-week examination using light and electron microscopy were as follows: 1. In the HAP group junctional epithelium was regenerated on the denuded dentin surface 2 weeks after implantation and epithelial down growth was less than at the control site. 2. In the HAP group connective tissue reattachment with new cementum formation was observed at 2 to 4 weeks after implantation, the healing period tended to be shorter than at the control site and the connective tissue reattachment level was located more coronally. 3. In ultrastructural findings collagen fiber bundles attached to the denuded dentin surface had fibers continuing around HAP granules.

Heat balance of rats acclimated to diurnal 2-hour feeding

Heat production (M) and heat loss (H) of ad lib fed rats and of rats fed for 2-hr daily for 2 months (2-hr fed rats) were simultaneously measured by direct and indirect calorimetry over a period of 48 hours. The ad lib fed rats showed a clear nocturnal increase in M and H, which consisted of several discrete increases associated with discrete rises in feeding activity. In each increase, however, M and H were somewhat out of phase with each other. During feeding, a positive shift of heat storage occurred, which was repaid by H being higher than M thereafter. No such increases of M and H were observed in either the fasted ad lib fed rats or the 2-hr fed rats. The 2-hr fed rats showed a very large increase in M and H following the meal, which obscured the nocturnal increase of metabolic rate. Without food, this diurnal increase was greatly reduced but not to the minimum level, and two definite peaks of M and H associated with increased food exploratory activity, one in the day and the other at night, were obtained. There was a sharp fall in RQ 1-2 hr prior to the diurnal feeding. These observations suggest that, besides diet-induced heat production, feeding can be an additional time cue for increasing energy metabolism, but a more basic biological clock mechanism synchronizing the day-night cycle drives circadian rhythms of physical activity and biochemical processes related to energy expenditure in rats.

Seasonal changes in heat balance of dogs acclimatized to outdoor climate

Heat production (M), dry heat loss (R+C), evaporative heat loss (E) and rectal temperature (Tre) were measured in a direct calorimeter in female mongrel dogs acclimatized to outdoor climate at Kanazawa (latitude; 36 degrees 35" N), Japan. M and total dry and evaporative heat losses (HL) were minimum at calorimeter wall temperatures (TW) of 26-29 degrees C in summer and 22-26 degrees C in winter (thermoneutral temperature; TNT). The seasonal shift of the lower critical temperature was confirmed. At TW below TNT, the values of M and HL were significantly higher in summer. At TW above TNT, these values increased. A TNT and above, M and HL were significantly higher in winter. (R+C) decreased linearly with increasing TW in both seasons. AT TW below 26 degrees C, (R+C) were significantly higher in summer. At TW above 26 degrees C, E increased greatly. The values of E were significantly higher in winter at TW 29-32 degrees C. Tre remained nearly constant at TNT and below, and increased at TW above TNT in both seasons. Mean body surface temperature (Tsf) decreased with decreasing TW. Body thermal conductance (K) was minimum at TW below 26 degrees C in summer and at TW below 22 degrees C in winter. At TW above these temperatures, K increased significantly. Whole body insulation (I) was significantly higher in winter, particularly at TW 18 degrees C. These results suggest that the dogs reared outdoors in winter acclimatized to cold in two ways; by increasing the insulating effect of the fur coat and by elevating resting heat production.

Metabolic and cardiovascular changes during physical restrains in rats

When conscious rats were physically restrained, their body temperature, heart rate and heat production increased within minutes. The rate of increase in heat production was less than that in heart rate, particularly in warm environments. Reduction of oxygen pulse, consequently either stroke volume or (A-V) O2 difference, was suggested. Stroke volume cardiac output and its fractional distribution to most of the calorigenic organs measured by the reference sample method using 85Sr-labelled microspheres decreased significantly by restraint. However, fractional distribution of cardiac output increased greatly to the skeletal muscles. The restraint-hypermetabolism may be attributed to the increased metabolism of the skeletal muscles supported with an increased availability of oxygen. With a slight increase in mean aortic pressure, total peripheral resistance increased greatly as observed during Valsalva-like maneuver. The decrease in cardiac output and stroke volume during restraint may be caused by obstruction to the systemic venous return.

Effects of tracheal bypass breathing on heat balance in rabbits

The effects of obstruction of the air passage through the nose on hypothalamic temperature (Thy) and heat balance were studied in 37 conscious rabbits using a direct calorimeter. The obstruction of the air passage through the nose was made by forcing the animal to breathe through a tracheal bypass cannula at a calorimeter wall temperature (TW) of either 17, 22, 26, or 28 degrees C. By bypass breathing, Thy and sensible heat loss (HL dry) were increased without a significant change in colonic temperature in a warm environment. At TW 28 degrees C, Thy in bypass breathing was 39.52 +/- 0.13 degrees C while that in nose breathing was 39.30 +/- 0.11 degrees C (p less than 0.05). HL dry in bypass breathing was 29.3 +/- 0.8 W . m-2 while that in nose breathing was 24.8 +/- 0.6 W . m-2 (p < 0.01). However, evaporative heat loss (Hl wet) was not changed by bypass breathing, although the respiratory rate was increased slightly. These results indicate that the obstruction of air passing through the nose increases hypothalamic temperature and elicits a thermolytic response only through the increase in sensible heat loss in the TW 28 degrees C environment. Heat production (M) was not suppressed by bypass breathing at TW 28 degrees C, at which the value of M was already minimum (42.0 +/- 3.0 W . m-2). In the 17-26 degrees C range of TW, heat balance was roughly obtained in either nose or bypass breathing. At TW 28 degrees C, however, M was slightly higher than HL, and a positive shift of heat storage was assumed particularly in nose breathing.