BW12C perturbs normal and tumour tissue oxygenation and blood flow in man

The effects of escalating doses of BW12C on normal tissue and tumour blood flow and pO2 in patients were studied. BW12C infusion resulted in a significant reduction in median subcutaneous tissue pO2, and an increase in the proportion of hypoxic values (< or = 2.5 mmHg). In 8 of 9 patients with accessible tumours there was a significant reduction in pO2 during BW12C infusion, but no effect on the proportion of hypoxic values. A rapid decline in normal tissue pO2 in the first 10 min was associated with an increase in skin red cell flux and a reduction of normal subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and tumour red cell flux of 30-50%, that was maintained throughout a subsequent 1-h infusion of BW12C. Tumour perfusion, as measured by dynamic computed tomography, was slightly reduced in five out of six patients studied during BW12C infusion. BW12C reduces both subcutaneous tissue and tumour pO2 in patients. Both haemoglobin modification and reduction in blood flow are probably associated with this effect.

[Oxygen-binding properties of human hemoglobin solutions UV-irradiated in the presence of iodoacetamide]

Changes of oxygen-binding properties of human hemoglobin solutions modified by the different concentrations of iodoacetamide and by this chemical agent together with UV-light in doses 151 and 755 J/m2 has been studied by means of spectroscopy. It has been shown that addition of iodoacetamide to native hemoglobin solution (12:1) results in increase of the oxygen affinity and breach of the hem-hem interaction of hemoprotein. It has been ascertained that influence of UV-radiation on hemoglobin displays in photodissociation of the tetramers to protomers.

Alteration of tryptophan fluorescence properties upon dissociation of Lumbricus terrestris hemoglobin

Fluorescence analysis has been used to study dissociation of the dodecameric 3.8 kDa Lumbricus terrestris hemoglobin. Since tryptophan intrinsic fluorescence has been used as a reporter group to study Lumbricus hemoglobin, it is of interest to study dissociation perturbed properties of the tryptophan residues. Shifts in the fluorescence emission maximum to longer wavelengths upon dissociation at pH 9.2 suggest that tryptophans buried at the subunit interface(s) become more exposed. Fluorescence lifetime and quenching studies are employed in this present investigation as a means to confirm the location of tryptophan residues at the subunit interfaces. Acrylamide titration (to 2.5 M) indicate only a fraction of the residues can be quenched at either pH. At pH 7.0, the Stern-Volmer plot has downward curvature, while at pH 9.2 there is slight upward curvature, again indicating a change in environment. The intrinsic fluorescence decay requires at least four exponentials at both pHs. The mean fluorescence lifetime of CO Lumbricus hemoglobin increases from 1.1 ns at pH 7 to 3.3 ns at pH 9.2. The lifetime data can be further interpreted as a decrease in the quenching of residues with a approximately 30 ps lifetime, and a concomitant increase in the longer lifetime components. This is consistent with interface tryptophans becoming exposed to solvent upon dissociation, and loss of quenching by intersubunit hemes. The overall results suggest that in the dodecamer, most of the tryptophans are located in a hydrophobic environment, not all of which are located at the subunit interface.

Effect of cocaine in early gestation. Physiologic responses to hypoxia in newborn rabbits

To investigate the effect of prenatal cocaine on the physiologic responses to hypoxia, we evaluated ventilation, oxyhemoglobin saturation, and pulse rate at 0.21 FIO2 (baseline) and in response to 20-min exposure to either 0.15 or 0.08 FIO2 on Days 4 to 6 of life in 31 unanesthetized New Zealand white rabbit pups born to cocaine-exposed (30 mg/kg/day of subcutaneous cocaine HCl injection from Days 7 to 15 of a 32-day gestation) or free-fed (injection of sterile water) does. We found that baseline ventilation (measured by dual-sidearm pneumotachograph from the plethysmograph), SaO2 (measured by pulse oximeter), and pulse rate did not differ significantly between cocaine-exposed and free-fed pups. At 0.15 FIO2, cocaine-exposed pups had increased VI (p < 0.0005), VT (p < 0.0005), and VT/TI (p < 0.0005) compared with free-fed pups, but no significant difference in f, TI, TE, TI/TT, SaO2, or pulse rate. At 0.08 FIO2, cocaine-exposed pups had increased VI (p = 0.001), VT/TI (p = 0.021), and TE (p = 0.023) compared with free-fed pups, due primarily to the effects in the first 10 min of hypoxic exposure. However, differences in group response were less apparent than at 0.15 FIO2, with a sustained ventilatory response on prolonged exposure to 0.08 FIO2 among free-fed pups but not cocaine-exposed pups. Further, SaO2 (p < 0.0005) and pulse rate (p = 0.012) were significantly lower among cocaine-exposed pups compared with free-fed pups, particularly after 10-min exposure to 0.08 FIO2 when VI was equivalent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[The effect of cerebrocrast on erythrocyte function]

The new calcium antagonist cerebrocrast intravenously infused in a dose of 0.4 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 during 15 min prevented erythrocyte deformability disturbances at the end of cerebral ischemia in rats, which was induced by carotid artery occlusion during 30 min. The agents also prevented the deformability 1 hour after the onset of recirculation. Cerebrocrast reduced spontaneous erythrocyte aggregation, the strength of erythrocytic aggregates, and hemoglobin affinity for oxygen. The latter effect was associated with the drug-induced increase in erythrocytic 2,3-diphosphoglycerate levels.

[The effect of sodium cyanate-modified hemoglobin oxygen affinity on the heat resistance of rats]

Regression analysis of relationship between rat hemoglobin-oxygen affinity (HOA) and rectal temperature has shown a close positive correlation of these parameters. Heat resistance (HR) was examined in rats with HOA elevated by sodium cyanate in order to recognize the contribution of HOA to a process of body heat adaptation. Our data suggest that HR of treated rats was larger than in control animals. These results are discussed in relation with antioxidant type of the cyanate elevation in HOA.

[The effect of nitroxyl radicals and sodium nitrite on the methemoglobin content of the blood and on the enzymatic activity of erythrocyte antioxidant protection]

Preliminary introduction of nitroxyl radicals to mice decreases methaemoglobin-forming effect of sodium nitrite and diminishes the content of total SH-groups and restored glutathione as well as the activity of glutathione reductase and total activity of dehydrogenases of the pentosophosphate path of erythrocytes. High level of lipids peroxidation in case of sodium nitrite intoxication remains unchanged under preliminary administration of nitroxyl radicals as well. Activity of the key enzymes of antioxidant protection of erythrocytes, superoxide dismutase and catalase, is not recovered with sodium nitrite intoxication in presence of nitroxyl radicals.

BW12C-induced changes in haemoglobin-oxygen affinity in mice and its influence on the radiation response of a C3H mouse mammary carcinoma

The effect of the substituted benzaldehyde BW12C on haemoglobin-oxygen binding affinity, tumour radiation response and blood perfusion were investigated in a C3H mouse mammary carcinoma grown in the feet of CDF1 mice. Mouse P50 (partial pressure of oxygen at half saturation) was estimated using an ABL blood gas analyzer; radiation response determined from tumour regrowth and local tumour control assays; and tumour blood perfusion measured with a 86RbCl extraction procedure. A single intravenous injection of BW12C substantially decreased mouse P50. This effect was dependent on the time after injection with the nadir observed within 15 min and only returning to normal after several hours. It was also dependent on drug dose, the decrease becoming larger with increasing concentration, reaching a maximum 50% reduction at 70 mg/kg. The decrease in P50 could be maintained for at least 6 h following injection of 70 mg/kg, if mice were also given 25 mg/kg at hourly intervals. However, no changes in radiation response or tumour blood perfusion were observed with either single or multiple administrations of BW12C. These results suggest that BW12C induced changes in tumour hypoxia reported by several groups of workers, may not be entirely the result of a change in haemoglobin-oxygen affinity.

Substituted benzaldehydes (12C79 and 589C80) that stabilize oxyhaemoglobin also protect sickle cells against calcium-mediated dehydration

Reversibly sickled cells from patients with homozygous sickle-cell disease were prepared by Percoll-Isopaque density gradient separation and subjected to 15 h of cyclical deoxygenation-reoxygenation in the presence of Ca. After 15 h the sickle cells became dehydrated, losing volume secondary to K efflux via the Ca-activated (Gardos) channel, and showed impaired filterability through 5 microns diameter pores. The substituted benzaldehydes 12C79 and 589C80, which stabilize the oxy-conformation of sickle haemoglobin, showed an additional protective effect at pharmacological concentration by maintaining the K concentration, mean cell volume, and deformability of sickle cells. Drugs that increase the oxygen affinity of sickle haemoglobin may be more effective than specific inhibitors of Ca entry or K efflux in preserving the cation homeostasis and deformability of sickle cells during sickling in vivo.

Inhibition by thiols of copper(II)-induced oxidation of oxyhemoglobin

The ability of thiols, 2-imidazolethiones and uric acid to protect bovine oxyhemoglobin from copper(II)-induced oxidation to methemoglobin was investigated. The oxidation of oxyhemoglobin by Cu(II) proceeded in two phases: (1) an initial rapid reaction (less than 30 s) followed by (2) a slower reaction that carried it to completion. Thiols, including N-acetyl-L-cysteine, DL-dithiothreitol, reduced glutathione, DL-homocysteine, 2-mercaptoethanol and 2- and 3-mercaptopropionic acid, whose sulfhydryl groups were slowly oxidized by Cu(II) (with the exception of 2-mercaptopropionic acid), protected oxyhemoglobin in both phases of the reaction. Other thiols, including L-cysteine, cysteamine, and D-penicillamine, whose sulfhydryl groups were readily oxidized by Cu(II), protected hemoglobin initially, but within 2-4 min, the rate of methemoglobin formation was the same as Cu(II)-treated oxyhemoglobin. 2-Mercaptoimidazole and 1-methyl-2-mercaptoimidazole, which complex Cu(II) and inhibit Cu(II)-catalyzed oxidation of ascorbic acid, also protected hemoglobin in the initial phase, but not in the second phase. Uric acid, L-ergothioneine, and thiourea did not protect oxyhemoglobin in either the fast or slow phase. Cu(II) may have a coordination site involved in the oxidation of hemoglobin that is not blocked by the 2-imidazolethiones, uric acid, or the oxidized thiols. It is concluded that certain thiols that complex Cu(II) and are not rapidly oxidized will protect oxyhemoglobin from Cu(II)-induced oxidation, but the thiols are no longer effective once they are oxidized.

Quantitative determination by ESR of the arylaminyl free radical during the reaction of N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine with oxyhemoglobin

Aromatic amines with electron-donating substituents are directly activated by pure oxyhemoglobin with formation of ferrihemoglobin. Of these xenobiotics the N-alkylated p-phenylenediamines are particularly active. With N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) cooxidation with oxyhemoglobin was observed by ESR spectroscopy with formation of the arylaminyl free radical (TMPD+*). Since the radical is rapidly reduced by ferrohemoglobin, a catalytic cycle of ferrihemoglobin formation is sustained with initially very low steady-state concentrations of the radical, e.g. below 0.1%. Ferrihemoglobin is also able to oxidize TMPD to the radical, hence the steady-state concentration of TMPD+* rises with increasing ferrihemoglobin. Radicals of the Wurster's type tend to disproportionate at high rates generating reactive quinonediiminium cations which oxidize and arylate cellular thiols like GSH and protein SH groups. Because the disproportionation rate depends on the square of the radical concentration, quenching of the radicals by ferrohemoglobin to protect cellular thiols will be effective as long as the capacity of the methemoglobin reductase system is not overwhelmed. The results indicate that erythrocytes may play a critical role in activation and detoxication of p-phenylenediamines.

[The spectral and paramagnetic properties of oxyhemoglobin solutions UV-irradiated in the presence of ascorbic acid]

Absorption spectra and ESR of aqueous and aqueous/glyceric solutions of oxyhemoglobin exposed to UV radiation (250-400 nm) at 293 and 77 K in the presence of ascorbic acid have been analyzed. Vitamin C (5 x 10(-5) M) has been shown to exert a photoprotective effect with regard to oxyhemoglobin (2 x 10(-6) M) UV-irradiated with a dose of 0.86 x 10(5) J/m2 at 293 K. The photoprotective effect of ascorbic acid is also displayed after UV irradiation of frozen (77 K) aqueous/glyceric oxyhemoglobin solutions (2.53 x 10(-5) M). It is concluded that ascorbic acid can be a scavenger with respect to active UV-induced particles in protein systems, including O2-. and OH. Proposed is a mode of processes leading to UV inactivation of hemoprotein molecules.

[The aggregative stability of human oxyhemoglobin in aqueous media in the presence of mercury(II) compounds]

The results are discussed of studies on oxyhemoglobin coagulation in neutral phosphate buffer and acidic acetate buffer at pH ranging from 5.85 to 4.90. Peculiarities are shown of the effect of strong complexon on the oxyhemoglobin-coagulum-mercuric acetate system in neutral tris-buffer. Coagulation characteristics are cited for polymeric oxyhemoglobin in presence of mercury ions.

[The aggregative stability of human oxyhemoglobin in aqueous media in the presence of mercury(II) compounds]

It was shown that the mechanism regulating the oxyhemoglobin coagulation in presence of a mercury reagent in large amount differs from that in presence of the reagent in relatively small concentrations. The significance of a large class of ligands at mercury atom during the oxyhemoglobin coagulation was demonstrated. Several theoretical generalizations are drawn.

The effect of N2O on the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve is mediated by CO2

In order to test whether the previously reported effect of N2O on the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve (ODC) depends upon the presence of 2, 3 DPG or CO2, the blood of healthy subjects was balanced in microtonometers at 37 degrees C with gas mixtures containing N2O but CO2 depleted. Samples of the same blood were exposed to the above gases after incubation at 37 degrees C for 24 hours in order to deplete them of 2, 3 DPG. After a 10 minute tonometry, the hemoglobin saturation and the pH were measured. The pH was corrected into 7.4.P50 increased 5.7% in fresh blood and 5% in 2, 3 DPG depleted blood after samples exposure to N2O. No effect of N2O on P50 was found in samples exposed to gas without CO2. The authors conclude that the effect of N2O on the ODC is mediated by CO2.

[The aggregative stability of human oxyhemoglobin in aqueous media in the presence of mercury(II) compounds]

An analytical review of studies on human oxyhemoglobin coagulation has been performed by the author jointly with V. S. Koniaeva and L. D. Bogdanova within a period from 1985 to 1990. It was shown that the oxyhemoglobin coagulation modified by mercurials proceeded without any essential alteration of native protein conformation. A hypothesis is discussed that the oxyhemoglobin coagulation results from the primary polyaggregation of dimer fragments and that hydrophobic sites which provide for dimer-to-dimer contacts in native tetrameric oxyhemoglobin, participate in this process.

Protection of pig epidermis against radiation-induced damage by the infusion of BW12C

BW12C, which was developed as an agent for the treatment of sickle cell anaemia, increases the binding of oxygen to haemoglobin and hence reduces the availability of oxygen to tissues. Due to these changes in oxygen availability BW12C could act as a protector against radiation-induced injury to normal tissues. In this study the potential value of BW12C, as a radioprotector, was studied in the irradiated epidermis of the pig. The infusion of BW12C caused an instant left shift of the oxygen dissociation curve, an effect that lasted for approximately 1.5 h. This left shift in the oxygen dissociation curves increased with increasing dose of the drug. There appeared to be no long-term systemic effects produced by doses of 20-100 mg/kg of BW12C. In the first 90 min after the infusion of BW12C skin fields were irradiated with single doses of beta-rays from strontium-90 plaques. The incidence of moist desquamation was used as an endpoint for assessing the severity of the radiation response. With animals breathing approximately 70% oxygen in the anaesthetic gas mixture, the ED50 values for moist desquamation were 30-31 Gy after a dose of 30 and 50 mg/kg, and 37-38 Gy for 75 and 100 mg/kg doses of BW12C. These ED50 values were significantly higher than the value of 27.3 Gy for radiation alone. This indicated dose modification factors (DMF) with mean values of approximately 1.13 and approximately 1.40 for irradiation following the infusion of low (30-50 mg/kg) and high (75-100 mg/kg) doses of the drug, respectively. With the animals breathing air (approximately 21% of oxygen) in the 2% halothane anaesthesia gas mixture, irradiation in the presence of 30 and 50 mg/kg of BW12C resulted in ED50 values of approximately 39 Gy for moist desquamation, which was significantly higher than the value of 31.2 Gy for radiation alone. Surprisingly, a higher dose of 75 mg/kg of BW12C resulted in a lower ED50 value for moist desquamation of 34.38 Gy. Irradiation in the presence of a dose of 100 mg/kg of BW12C produced an ED50 value which was not significantly different from that for radiation alone. In the situation where animals were breathing air (approximately 21% oxygen) during irradiation a DMF of 1.14 was obtained for irradiation alone, when the results were compared with those for irradiation alone with approximately 70% oxygen in the anaesthetic gas mixture.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Effect of alcohols on photochemical transformations of mouse oxyhemoglobin]

The spectral method was used to study the influence of such alcohols as xylene, mannitol, sorbitol and dulcitol on photochemical oxidation of mouse oxyhemoglobin molecules (6.68 X 10(-5) M). Mannitol (5.35 X 10(-4) M) was shown to exert a protective action with regard to UV-irradiated hemoproteid: the extent to which oxyhemoglobin molecules were oxidized in the presence of mannotol was lesser than that in its absence. Sorbiol or xylene (5.35 X 10(-4) M) added to an aqueous solution of hemoproteid failed to exert a photoprotective effect with respect to protein molecules.

Hydrogen peroxide modification of human oxyhemoglobin

The effect of H2O2 on the primary structure of OxyHb was studied. Upon treatment of OxyHb with H2O2 ([Heme]/[H2O2] = 1), tryptophan and methionine residues of the beta-chain were modified. Treatment of ApoHb with H2O2 resulted in the modification of histidine and methionine residues in both globin chains. Tryptophan residues were unaffected. Modification of methionine residues in both the beta-chain of OxyHb and ApoHb probably results from the direct oxidation of methionine by H2O2. The modification of histidine residues in ApoHb may be mediated by a metal-catalyzed oxidation system comprised of H2O2 and histidine-bound iron. The H2O2-mediated modification of tryptophan in the OxyHb beta-chain, however, requires the heme moiety.

Relative changes in oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin and intracranial blood volume during surfactant replacement therapy in infants with respiratory distress syndrome

Oxy-, deoxyhemoglobin and total blood volume were studied by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during surfactant replacement therapy. These parameters were compared with parameters watched during conventional noninvasive monitoring (pulseoximetry, transcutaneous pO2 and pCO2, heart rate). Seven premature infants (28 +/- 3 weeks of gestation, 940 g birth weight) were given surfactant intratracheally. Immediately after surfactant administration, oxyhemoglobin decreased, deoxyhemoglobin and total blood volume increased. The prior status was re-established after 60-220 s and then oxyhemoglobin increased to a very stable maximum. NIRS allows continuous bedside noninvasive monitoring of all parameters.

[The oxygen-binding properties of hemoglobin modified by the action of temperature and sodium dodecyl sulfate]

Oxygen-binding properties of mice hemoglobin modified by temperature (20-45 degrees C) or by this temperature together with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) of different concentrations (3.47 x 10(-5)-3.47 x 10(-4) M) were studied by means of spectrophotometry. The increase of temperature up to 42-45 degrees C resulted in accumulation of the hemoglobin aggregates larger than tetramers. The combined effect of SDS and temperature may change the protein microenvironment as well as to integrate the hemoprotein molecules into subunits, depending upon the SDS concentration.

Contrast media adversely affect oxyhemoglobin dissociation

Effects of ionic (Hypaque-76) and nonionic (Isovue-370 and Omnipaque-350) contrast media on oxyhemoglobin dissociation of normal human red blood cells were evaluated. In series 1, 4-mL venous blood samples were obtained from 15 normal human volunteers. One blood sample served as control, and 1 mL of either of the three contrast media was added in vitro to the other 4-mL blood samples. P50 values were estimated from the linear portion of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve obtained by tonometry. Determinations of P50 were performed at either pH 7.4 or 7.2. At pH 7.4, P50 in the absence of contrast media was 26.3 +/- 0.4 mm Hg (mean +/- SEM). The contrast media caused comparable decreases in P50 from this value (Hypaque-76, 20.0 +/- 0.5 mm Hg; Omnipaque-350, 21.6 +/- 0.4 mm Hg; Isovue-370, 20.7 +/- 0.4 mm Hg). Reducing pH to 7.2 in the absence of contrast media increased P50 to 33.3 +/- 1.0 mm Hg, evidence of the Bohr effect. The presence of contrast media either completely abolished (Hypaque-76 and Omnipaque-350) or markedly attenuated (Isovue-370) this effect. In series 2 (five patients), blood samples were withdrawn from the external iliac artery during injection of Isovue-370 (60-78 mL) into the proximal abdominal aorta to evaluate peripheral vascular disease. Measurement of P50 of these samples yielded findings consistent with those of series 1. The present findings demonstrate that both ionic and nonionic contrast media increase the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen and, therefore, that they may inhibit oxygen delivery to body tissues.

Oxygen-organophosphate linkage in hemoglobin A. The double hump effect

At low concentrations of chloride ions, and in the presence of nonsaturating concentrations of organophosphates, the oxygen equilibrium curves (OEC) for solutions of human adult hemoglobin exhibit a biphasic shape conveniently revealed by graphical analysis of the first derivative of the Hill equation with a characteristic form that we call "the double hump effect." This shape, observed for sub-saturating concentrations of organophosphates, stands in marked contrast to the simple lateral shifts of the OEC represented largely by scaling factors when pH or chloride are varied. In the case of protons or chloride, there is a self-buffering effect due to the presence of a large reservoir of proton or chloride binding sites not necessarily linked to oxygen, whereas such sites do not exist in the case of organophosphates. In addition, in the former case, we are dealing with curves measured at constant activity of the effector, while in the latter, at constant concentration. In the presence of saturating concentrations of inositol hexaphosphate (IHP), at low chloride concentration, the entire OEC is shifted to the right, including both its upper and lower asymptotes, indicating a decrease in the intrinsic oxygen affinities of both the T and R states. Theoretical considerations leading to a successful modeling of OEC obtained under nonsaturating and saturating concentrations of IHP required an expanded two-state allosteric model in which IHP-dependent variations in oxygen association constants for both the T and R conformations are taken into account.

Reduction in potency and reversal of left-shifting activity of BW12C with the major and minor components of chicken hemoglobin

The effects of the left-shifting, anti-sickling compound BW12C (5-(2-formyl-3-hydroxyphenoxy)pentanoic acid) on the oxygen saturation curve of whole chicken blood and the isolated major (AII) and minor (AI) components of chicken hemoglobin have been studied. The results support the postulated major binding mode for BW12C to human hemoglobin of bridging between the alpha-chain terminal amino groups in the oxy conformation with an important hydrophobic component contributed mainly by Pro 77 alpha residues. In chicken AII (Pro 77 alpha----Ser) BW12C still left-shifts at high concentrations but its potency is greatly reduced (at least 10-fold). In chicken AI (Pro 77 alpha----Ser and Val 1 alpha----Met) BW12C is a right-shifter with a potency comparable to that of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate suggesting that binding at the beta-chain termini in the deoxy conformation is now dominant with alpha-chain binding no longer significant.