Response of the 23Na-NMR double-quantum filtered signal to changes in Na+ ion concentration in model biological solutions and human erythrocytes

Double quantum filtered (DQF) 23Na-NMR signals were evaluated as a function of [Na+] at constant temperature in two model systems (bovine serum albumin (BSA) and Ficoll 400) and in human red blood cells (RBCs). In model systems, the ratio of double quantum filtered to single quantum (SQ) signal intensities was independent of [Na+], even over a wide range of Na+/K+ ratios. Varying the DQF preparation time affected only the DQF signal intensity. In contrast, in human red blood cells (RBCs) the shape and phase of the DQF intracellular Na+ signal (Na+in) varied as a function of preparation time. Similar observations in cartilage [Eliav, U., Shinar, H. and Navon, G. (1992) J. Magn. Reson. 28, 223-229] have been attributed to the generation of a second- and a third-rank tensor by the DQF pulse sequence, resulting from Na+ ion ordering. By using a DQF sequence which isolates the second-rank tensor only, this component was found to originate from the intracellular Na+ ion pool in human RBCs, as well as from interactions of Na+ ions with the extracellular face of the plasma membrane. The residual quadrupolar splitting for the signal originating from the former environment was shown to be less than the SQ linewidth, explaining its absence in SQ spectra, and this was confirmed by two-dimensional DQF 23Na-NMR experiments. By isolating the contribution from the third-rank tensor exclusively, the ratio of DQF:SQ signal intensities for Na+in in human RBCs was shown to be constant over a 4-fold change in [Na+in] produced by addition of an ionophore (nystatin). This indicates that such changes in physiological state do not alter the efficiency of DQF signal generation in human RBCs.

Activity of microbial peptidases, oxidases, and esterases in lake waters of varying trophic status

The range and activities of microbial enzymes present in lake water were assessed directly in cells concentrated by tangential flow filtration. A total of 108 enzymes were assayed in this study, which included tests for 60 peptidases, 20 oxidases, and 10 esterases, and 18 miscellaneous tests. In general, no trends in the range of enzymes were associated with trophic status of the lakes. However, one lake that was hypereutrophic had a greater range of enzymes than the other lakes tested. An increase in total enzyme activity (activity/mL) was recorded with an increase in trophic status of the water. The relationship between the physical and chemical attributes of each lake and microbial enzyme activities was investigated by principal component analysis. Quantitative changes between lakes in 11 of the 21 variables were shown to be closely related to changes in the enzyme activities of the lakes; total organic carbon, particulate carbon, particulate nitrogen, pH, and chlorophyll a showed the closest relationships.

Analysis of cationic nutrients from foods by ion chromatography

This paper describes the feasibility of combining two relatively new technologies to generate data on the cationic nutrient content of foods. Single-column ion chromatography was used to monitor several analytes following the use of a microwave digestion scheme aimed at rapid, multiple sample digestion. The result is a more streamline and productive approach to multi-sample preparation and multi-analyte determination when investigating the cation content of foods. Linearity and limits of detection for the chromatographic procedure were established. Sample size as well as digestion acid type and amount were investigated during the microwave process. The method was applied to a variety of food matrices to evaluate its scope. Results generated with this method compare favorably to those from atomic absorption. Finally, capillary ion electrophoresis (Waters' trade name: Capillary Ion Analysis), a subset of capillary electrophoresis which has been optimized for ion analysis, was applied to the sample digests to investigate the usefulness of this technology to the analysis of mono-/divalent cations from foods.

Liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry/Fourier transform mass spectrometry of oligosaccharide anions

The liquid secondary ionization mass spectrometry of oligosaccharide anions is investigated with an external source quadrupole Fourier transform mass spectrometer (FTMS). Selected linear and cyclic oligosaccharides are analyzed to determine the performance of the external source FTMS in the anion mode. Fragmentation behavior of disaccharides is characterized and related to the fragmentation behavior of larger oligomers. General correlation is found between the linkages and the fragment ions observed.

Capillary electrophoresis/mass spectrometry determination of inorganic ions using an ion spray-sheath flow interface

The determination of inorganic cations and anions by capillary electrophoresis/mass spectrometry (CE/MS) is reported using an ion spray-sheath flow interface coupling. A twelve-component synthetic mixture of cations which included the positive ions of K, Ba, Ca, Mn, Cd, Co, Pb, Cr, Ni, Zn, Ag, and Cu was loaded into the capillary column at levels ranging from 30 to 300 pg, separated by CE, and detected by indirect UV and in the full-scan (m/z 35-450) positive ion CE/MS mode using an aqueous buffer containing 30 mM creatinine and 8 mM alpha-hydroxyisobutyric acid, pH 4.8. Creatinine forms adducts with the cations which are observed in the gas phase and requires rather high (120 electron volts) declustering energy to dissociate. This produces a reduction in charge state to form the free, singly charged, inorganic cations which are observed in the mass spectra. CE/MS analysis of an aqueous acidic extract of used aircraft engine oil revealed high levels of lead as well as lower levels of chromium and nickel. CE-indirect UV analysis of a synthetic mixture containing 300 pg each of 11 inorganic ions, which included the anions of Br, Cl, NO2, NO3, S2O3, N3, SCN, SO4, SeO4, oxalate, and MoO4, is shown. The running buffer which affected this separation contained 5 mM ammonium dichromate, 10 mM ammonium acetate, and 20 mM diethylenetriamine at pH 9.3. Although indirect UV detection revealed good separation of these anions, CE/MS analysis of this mixture was complicated by interfering ion current signals from the cluster ions formed by the interaction between the additives and the analytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

X-ray microanalysis of epithelial cells in culture

X-ray microanalysis of cultured cells can be used to study ion transport properties of epithelial cells in vitro. A method was developed to culture a variety of epithelial and secretory cells (colon cancer cells, insulinoma cells, sweat gland epithelium, bovine mammary epithelium). The cells were grown on Formvar-film covered titanium grids, rinsed, frozen, and freeze-dried. The cultures of colon cancer and the bovine mammary epithelial cells appeared to contain two subpopulations of cells with different elemental composition. cAMP-mediated chloride secretion could be studied in the colon cancer cells and the cultured sweat gland epithelium: the cellular content of chloride decreased after stimulation with cAMP or with substances that increase the cellular level of cAMP.

[Analytical evaluation of significant chemical and physico-chemical parameters in water for human consumption]

A quality control of drinking water has been performed in hospitals and schools located in the Vomero-Area of Naples. Some chemical pollutants (iron, manganese, ammonia nitrogen, nitrite, nitrate, fluoride) as well as chemical and physical parameters (hardness, pH, electric conductivity, chloride, cations) have been periodically analyzed from Autumn 1991 to Summer 1992.

Quantitative measurement of cationic fluxes, selectivity and membrane potential using liposomes multilabelled with fluorescent probes

Liposomes of egg PC/PG (8:2, mol/mol) were multilabelled with PBFI, pyranine and oxonol VI, fluorescent probes for, respectively, K+, H+ and membrane potential. Monitoring fluorescence with a multichannel photoncounting spectrofluorometer during K+ filling experiments allowed to measure K+ influx, the associated H+ efflux and the membrane potential, continuously and simultaneously. The proton net efflux quantitatively mirrored the K+ net influx. The rate of the K+/H+ exchange diminished progressively as a quasi-equilibrium was reached for both K+ and H+. In the presence of valinomycin, the measured membrane potential during the K+ filling actually corresponded to the Nernst potential calculated from the observed K+ gradient. In the absence of valinomycin, it corresponded to the Nernst potential calculated from the observed H+ gradient. In the latter case, the permeability coefficient of liposomes to K+, calculated from the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz relation, was 6.10(-13) m s-1. The selectivity sequence for alkali cations of liposomes was determined from the measured H+ efflux associated to the influx of the different cations. The selectivity sequence corresponded to the series VI of Eisenman, suggesting interaction of the cation with an anionic field of intermediate strength.

The effect of aluminium coating on elemental signals in X-ray microanalysis

It has been determined that, in the normal range of aluminium coating thicknesses used to remove charge from non-conducting specimens in the electron microscope, no detectable influence on the elemental signals obtained in X-ray microanalysis is observed. This is in contrast to a previous report (Hopkins et al., J. Electron Microsc. Tech., 18:176-182, 1991) of a reduction in elemental signal with increasing aluminium coating thickness. An explanation of errors in the previous interpretation is provided.

Relationships between plasma composition and parotid salivary composition and secretion rates in the potoroine marsupials, Aepyprymnus rufescens and Potorous tridactylus

Parotid salivation was investigated in two species of potoroine marsupial, Aepyprymnus rufescens and Potorous tridactylus to ascertain flow rates and composition, the buffer capacity of the saliva with respect to possible dependence of these animals on foregut fermentation, and the similarity of anion excretion patterns to those of the kangaroo parotid. Under anaesthesia neither species secreted spontaneously and secretion was stimulated by intravenous infusion of carbachol, bethanechol and isoprenaline. Under cholinergic stimulation in Aepyprymnus, the concentrations of Na, Cl, HCO3 and osmolality were positively correlated with flow rate, whereas K, Mg, PO4, H+ and urea were negatively correlated with flow. Amylase activity and the concentrations of protein and Ca showed no consistent relation to flow. Relative to Aepyprymnus, saliva of Potorous had much lower amylase activity and amylase activity per gram protein, lower concentrations of urea and Ca, and higher Na. Protein, K and HCO3 concentrations were similar in both species. The plasma of both species had similar electrolyte concentrations, but Potorous had lower protein, urea, osmolality and amylase activity. Plasma amylase activity in Aepyprymnus rose during cholinergic stimulation to levels in excess of rodent plasma. Isoprenaline infusion in Aepyprymnus increased salivary amylase activity and concentrations of protein, Ca, HCO3 and PO4, and reduced the concentrations of Cl and H+. The patterns of anion excretion in the two potoroine marsupials were dissimilar to those of the kangaroo parotid suggesting that parotid fluid secretion is not HCO3 driven to the same extent as that of Kangaroos. Buffer anion concentrations and secretion rates were similar to koalas and low relative to kangaroos, indicating that these potoroines do not rely on foregut fermentation.

Time since death determinations of human cadavers using soil solution

This study was conducted to collect data on specific volatile fatty acids (produced from soft tissue decomposition) and various anions and cations (liberated from soft tissue and bone), deposited in soil solution underneath decomposing human cadavers as an aid in determining the "time since death." Seven nude subjects (two black males, a white female and four white males) were placed within a decay research facility at various times of the year and allowed to decompose naturally. Data were amassed every three days in the spring and summer, and weekly in the fall and winter. Analyses of the data reveal distinct patterns in the soil solution for volatile fatty acids during soft tissue decomposition and for specific anions and cations once skeletonized, when based on accumulated degree days. Decompositional rates were also obtained, providing valuable information for estimating the "maximum time since death." Melanin concentrations observed in soil solution during this study also yields information directed at discerning racial affinities. Application of these data can significantly enhance "time since death" determinations currently in use.

Effect of medium salinity on some chemical constituents of two halophilic Bacillus spp. from Saudi Arabia

The cell envelope amino acids of two moderately halophilic Bacillus isolates (BST and BSF) varied according to medium salinity. Cystine and proline were mostly effected. In both isolates growing in the presence of 6 and 18% NaCl there were more dicarboxylic amino acids than basic amino acids which makes the cell envelope proteins quite acidic. The concentrations of the cell-associated cations (Na+, K+, and Mg2+) were high in both isolates, and varied according to the NaCl concentration. The two isolates contained glucosamine and muramic acid in their cell walls. The amounts of these two sugar derivatives, however, varied with the NaCl concentration. Thin-layer chromatography of phospholipids revealed the presence of cardiolipins, phosphatidylglycerols and phosphatidylethanolamines in the two isolates irrespective of medium salinity. Phosphatidylglycerols and the phosphatidylethanolamines increased on increasing the NaCl concentration of the growth medium. Lysophosphatidylglycerols were detected only in the 6% grown BST cells. Unidentified phospholipids designated X1 (in isolates BSF and BST), X2 (in isolate BST) and X3 (in isolate BSF) were also detected; the concentrations of X1 and X3 were salinity dependent.

Preservation of the diffusible cations for secondary ion mass spectrometry. II. Artefacts in material embedded in araldite or melamine

Flotation on hot water (about 60 degrees C) which is frequently employed to stretch semithin sections on substrates for SIMS (secondary ion mass spectrometry) microscopy, is the cause of numerous artefacts. In the case of epoxy resin-embedded tissue, one observes loss of potassium and sodium and accumulation of calcium. The relative contrast of cell nuclei in the ionic images, is rapidly affected by these ion migrations. After prolonged contact with hot water, tissue becomes uniformly emissive. In the case of hydrosoluble resin-embedded tissue, potassium and sodium do not appear to be affected by the action of water, which suggests that they are covalently bound with chelating sites buried beneath the layer of water bound to the surface of the macromolecules. Calcium accumulates, probably on widely exposed anionic sites. Moreover, the domains observed in hydrosoluble resin-embedded tissue shrink differently according to the proportion of water removed by melamine; this can provide interesting information on the initial equilibrium between water, ion sand macromolecules. Our results seem to support the assumption that bound water should play an important role in the preservation of both macromolecular architecture and ion distributions.

Cation concentrations in fluid from the oviduct ampulla and isthmus of cows during the estrous cycle

To detect variations in oviduct fluid cation concentrations, Ca++, Mg++, K+, and Na+ were determined for daily samples of blood serum and bovine oviduct fluid collected from indwelling isthmic and ampullary catheters. Isthmic oviduct fluid Ca++ concentration was significantly greater than that in ampullary fluid, particularly around estrus and ovulation. Maximum Ca++ concentrations found in isthmic oviduct fluid at estrus (2.57 +/- .22 mM) and at ovulation (2.50 +/- .29 mM) were similar to those of medium used for in vitro capacitation of bovine sperm. Concentrations of Mg++ in oviduct fluid differed significantly by estrous cycle stage, but not by oviduct region, and were consistently lower than those detected in serum. No relationships were found for K+ or Na+ with respect to region or stage, but K+ was generally higher in oviduct fluid than in serum. The concentration of K+ averaged over stage and region (4.46 +/- .13 mM) and the K+:Na+ ratio (.032 +/- .002) were similar to those reported in bovine in vitro capacitating and fertilizing media. Concentrations of Ca++ and Na+ from peritoneal fluid from nonstaged cows were similar to those of oviduct fluid or serum. The Mg++ concentration was greater, and K+ concentration was less, in peritoneal than in oviduct fluid.

Scanning electron microscopic and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis findings on two brand new intraocular lenses

Two intraocular lenses (IOLs) from the same manufacturer showed surface particles by scanning electron microscopy. With energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, these were shown to contain Mg-Si, Al-Mg-Si, Ti, Fe, Ca and Cu. A sterile chronic intraocular inflammation may result from implantation of such contaminated IOLs.

Ted Hall and the science of biological microprobe X-ray analysis: a historical perspective of methodology and biological dividends

This review surveys the emergence of electron probe X-ray microanalysis as a quantitative method for measuring the chemical elements in situ. The extension of the method to the biological sciences under the influence of Ted Hall is reviewed. Some classical experiments by Hall and his colleagues in Cambridge, UK, previously unpublished, are described; as are some of the earliest quantitative results from the cryo-sections obtained in Cambridge and elsewhere. The progress of the methodology is critically evaluated from the earliest starts to the present state of the art. Particular attention has been focused on the application of the method in providing fresh insights into the role of ions in cell and tissue physiology and pathology. A comprehensive list of references is included for a further pursuit of the topics by the interested reader.

Changes in blood pressure, plasma triglyceride and aldosterone concentration, and red cell cation concentration in patients with hyperinsulinemia

Blood pressure, plasma concentration of triglyceride, aldosterone, renin activity (PRA), and atrial naturietic peptide (ANP), and red blood cell, urine, and plasma sodium and potassium concentration were determined in 24 healthy individuals divided into two groups defined as being either hyperinsulinemic or normoinsulinemic. The results demonstrated that the hyperinsulinemic group had significantly higher values for both systolic (P less than .01) and diastolic (P less than .05) blood pressure. In addition, plasma concentrations of triglyceride (P less than .02), aldosterone (P less than .05) and potassium (P less than .05) were higher in hyperinsulinemic individuals as compared to those who were normoinsulinemic. Furthermore, red cell potassium was lower (P less than .01) and red cell sodium higher (P less than .01) in the hyperinsulinemic group. Finally, the magnitude of hyperinsulinemia correlated directly with systolic (r = 0.50, P less than .01) and diastolic (r = 0.44, P less than .05) blood pressure, concentration of plasma triglyceride (r = 0.55, P less than .01) and aldosterone (r = 0.46, p less than .05), and erythrocyte sodium concentration (r = 0.57, p less than .01). In contrast, plasma insulin response was negatively correlated with erythrocyte potassium concentration (r = 0.40, P less than 0.05). These observations provide further support for the view that hyperinsulinemia, presumably secondary to resistance to insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, is associated with a cluster of variables that may play important roles in the etiology and clinical course of hypertension.

Effect of external salinity changes on cellular composition of some ions and amino acids in Deleya halophila

Changes in total cellular composition of some ions and amino acids of the moderate halophile Deleya halophila were studied in response to external salinity changes. Among the 14 amino acids investigated, the cellular glycine and aspartic acid content increased with increasing salinity. D. halophila also accumulated Na+ at the highest external salt concentrations.

Ultrastructural simultaneous localization of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide immunoreactivity and the acetylcholine-like cation in rat endocrine pancreas

The ultrastructural co-localization of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and acetylcholine (ACh)-like cation was demonstrated in the rat endocrine pancreas. Immunoperoxidase cytochemical procedure for the detection of VIP was followed by ionic fixation of ACh by silicotungstic acid. All the VIP-immunoreactive nerve endings displayed punctiform precipitates revealing ACh-like cations in the small clear vesicles. Almost all the VIP-immunoreactive nerve terminals were in contact with endocrine A, B or D cells, but not in the close vicinity of blood vessels. Nerve endings devoid of VIP immunoreactivity but containing ACh-like cations were seen either in contact with endocrine cells or in close vicinity to blood vessels. These data suggest that VIP might modulate, concomitantly with ACh, the hormonal secretion of the endocrine pancreas, although the possibility of the neurosecretion of ACh and VIP into the blood vessels should not be excluded. ACh might also control some function of the endothelial cells of blood vessels.

Chemical restrictions of roots in Ultisol subsoils lessened by long-term management

Exchangeable Al in subsoils of Ultisols in the southeastern USA can restrict rooting depth. Downward movement of basic cations (Ca, Mg, and K), applied as lime and fertilizer, may diminish that restriction over time. Materials from the argillic horizon were collected from three paired sites, having managed (long-term cropping) and nonmanaged topsoils (Typic Paleudults and Hapludults). One managed site was cropped continuously for 15 yr while the others were cultivated for more than 30 yr. Concentrations of extractable cations and other nutrients from the paired sites were compared to determine the magnitude of change due to management. The ability of the subsoils to support plant growth was evaluated in a missing-nutrient greenhouse experiment with sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Subsoils of managed sites had greater effective cation-exchange capacity (CEC) and base saturation than those of non-managed sites. While availabilities of Ca, Mg, and K in subsoils of nonmanaged sites were inadequate to support maximal plant growth, they were adequate in subsoils of managed sites. Compared with nonmanaged sites, KCl-exchangeable Al in subsoils of managed sites was 23% lower at the 15-yr location and 65 and 100% lower at the two other locations. In the absence of lime, sorghum growth was almost totally inhibited on nonmanaged subsoils amended with optimum nutrients. On the managed subsoils, where 100, 65, and 23% of the nonmanaged exchangeable Al had been neutralized by topsoil fertilization and liming, growth reductions under the same conditions were 0, 50, and 100%, respectively. Thus, relatively long-term management had improved these Ultisol subsoils for root growth and development.

Separation of anionic and cationic compounds of biomedical interest by high-performance liquid chromatography on porous graphitic carbon

The separation of small, ionizable compounds of biomedical interest on porous graphitic carbon is described. The retention of anionic compounds is dominated by electronic interaction between the solute and the delocalized electron clouds on the graphitized carbon, while cationic compounds are mainly retained by reversed-phase interaction with the hydrophobic carbon surface. Anionic and cationic compounds can be separated simultaneously with a mobile phase containing an electronic modifier (e.g., trifluoroacetic acid) and an organic modifier (e.g., acetonitrile) for elution. Examples of applications include the measurement of oxalic acid in urine, the determination of creatine and creatinine in urine and in serum, the separation of basic drugs (remoxipride and FLA 981) and the simultaneous analysis of pertechnetate anion and the cationic technetium-amine complexes.

Separation and quantitation of monovalent anionic and cationic species in mainstream cigarette smoke aerosols by high-performance ion chromatography

A simple method has been developed to separate and quantitate monovalent ionic species in mainstream cigarette smoke aerosols based on ion chromatography (IC) with conductivity detection. The method entails collecting the smoke aerosol particulate phase by electrostatic precipitation, dissolving the smoke condensate in methanol (MeOH), and separating the ionic species on either a cation- or anion-exchange column. The method has been applied to the analysis of smoke aerosols from two cigarettes, 1R4F Kentucky Reference cigarettes and a new cigarette that heats but does not burn tobacco. The predominant cations in smoke aerosols from 1R4F Kentucky Reference and the new cigarettes are sodium (Na+), ammonium (NH4+), and potassium (K+) ions; the predominant anions are acetate (AcO-) and formate (HCOO-). Trace amounts of chloride (Cl-), nitrite (NO2-), and nitrate (NO3-) ions are also present.

Experimental evaluation of commercially available semi-permeable membranes for use with parallel-plate dialysers in flow injection systems

Mass transfer in on-line analytical parallel-plate dialysers was studied in the continuous and flow injection (FI) modes in order to characterise the nature of the dialysis process and its dependence on experimental variables. A number of different semi-permeable membrane surfaces were evaluated in the laminar-flow and plug-flow configurations. The fraction of analyte transferred from the donor to the acceptor stream depends on parameters such as type of membrane used, membrane surface, membrane line-length, membrane porosity, concentration of analyte in the donor stream, the use of concurrent and countercurrent flow between the donor and acceptor streams, and flow-rates of the donor and acceptor streams. The dialysis of calcium and chloride ions, in the absence of protein, was studied with different membrane types and dialysers with different dimensions in continuous flow and FI, and the influence of the above mentioned parameters on the dynamic dialysis process of these ions is described.

[Ion chromatographic analysis of cations and anions in mineral water]

For the simultaneous analysis of the cations Li, Na, K, Ca, and Mg as well as Mn and the anions hydrogen carbonate, chloride, sulfate and nitrate, silica gel- and polymer-based ion exchange materials with conductivity and spectrophotometric detection combined with a post-column derivatization system (PAR-Zn-EDTA for Ca, Mg, Mn) and also an ion-pair system with RP-18 phase were compared with a view to their application to mineral water samples. It is possible to determine Li, Na, and K in such samples with or without the suppressor technique using polymer columns. A polybutadiene maleic acid silica gel cation exchanger material makes feasible simultaneous analysis of alkaline and earth alkaline metals. Ca, Mg, and hydrogen carbonate, chloride, sulfate and nitrate are analyzed in less than 16 min using a silica gel anion exchanger with EDTA as the eluent. To stay within the linear range of the calibration function it is necessary to perform two injections in different dilutions (between 1:4 and 1:500) due to the different concentration ratios. For the analysis of manganese above 100 micrograms/L a system with the cation exchanger Partisil SCX and the eluent ethylenediamine/oxalate with post-column derivatization is used. The sample pretreatment is done by reduction with thiosulfate. A total of 15 different mineral waters were analyzed with all the systems and the results were compared with those of reference methods (AAS, potentiometry), showing good conformity.