Tardive dyskinesia: probing abnormal metabolism with promethazine

Ten in-patients with tardive dyskinesia (TD) (mean AIMS score 16.7) and 8 controls were recruited to the study, and 3 h after oral administration of promethazine a blood sample was taken for assay of levels of promethazine and its immediate metabolites by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The TD group had a variety of indicators of impaired or slow metabolism compared to the controls. There was a significant difference in the ratio of promethazine to promethazine sulphoxide (P < 0.05) between patients with TD and the control group. The TD group but not the controls showed increasing metabolic impairment with age. This small study confirms the previous reports of impaired neuroleptic metabolism in TD, particularly in the elderly.

Natural (alpha-tocopherol) and synthetic (phenosan potassium salt) antioxidants regulate the protein kinase C activity in a broad concentration range (10(-4)-10(-20) M)

The effects of natural lipid-soluble antioxidant, alpha-tocopherol (alpha-TP), and the synthetic water-soluble antioxidant, phenosan potassium salt (Ph-K), in a broad range of concentrations down to ultralow doses (10(-4)-10(-20) M) on the activity of protein kinase C (PKC) have been studied. It was shown that alpha-TP is a potent inhibitor of the rabbit heart enzyme: the maximum extent of inhibition is 80%. The effects of alpha-TP on the main kinetic parameters of the PKC activity differ at the alpha-TP physiological (10(-4) M) and ultralow (10(-14) M) concentrations: at 10(-14) M, alpha-TP acts as an allosteric inhibitor with Hill's coefficient about 2 and doubles the PKC affinity to the substrate (histone H-1). It was concluded that alpha-TP is more efficient inhibitor at ultralow concentration. Ph-K added to normal (A7r5 rat vascular smooth muscle cells, VSMC) and tumor cells (Saos-2 human osteosarcoma) growing in a culture has been found to be a PKC superactivator. The maximum activation is 400-500%, which is more than two times as high as the effect of the best activator of this enzyme, phorbol ester (TPA). It was demonstrated that irrespective of the effector action (activation or inhibition), the dose-effect curves are of the bimodal type with two maxima at the high (or physiological) (10(-4)-10(-7) M) and ultralow (10(-14)-10(-19) M) concentrations of the antioxidants and the so-called "silence zones" between them, in which the effect of antioxidants is significantly reduced or absent (tumor cells). For the first time, these bimodal curves were observed at the enzyme level. The results obtained are discussed considering various hypotheses of the effect of ultralow doses of biologically active compounds and the PKC activity regulation in normal and tumor cells by the antioxidants.

N-demethylation of phenothiazines by lipoxygenase from soybean and human term placenta in the presence of hydrogen peroxide

Several phenothiazine derivatives have been shown to cause reproductive toxicity. The biochemical mechanisms responsible for these effects are not fully understood at present. In this study, we investigated hydrogen peroxide-dependent oxidation of six phenothiazines by purified lipoxygenase from soybean (SLO) and human term placenta (HTPLO). Chlorpromazine was employed as the prototype phenothiazine drug. Chlorpromazine was easily demethylated releasing formaldehyde when incubated at pH 7.0 and 6.5 with SLO or HTPLO, respectively, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The reaction was linear with respect to time, exhibited dependence on the amount of enzyme, and the concentration of chlorpromazine and hydrogen peroxide. Under the optimal assay conditions, the estimated Vmax values for chlorpromazine N-demethylation were 139 and 7.2 nmoles/min/mg of SLO and HTPLO, respectively. Collectively, the results suggest an enzymatic nature of the reaction. In the presence of gossypol and NDGA, the classical inhibitors of different lipoxygenases, the formaldehyde production was significantly decreased, as expected. Similar to SLO, the generation of chlorpromazine cation radical, an initial oxidation product with an absorption maximum at 525 nm, was also observed with HTPLO. The radical generation was detectable only under acidic conditions (pH 3.5-4.5). The formaldehyde production was also decreased by BHT and BHA, suggesting a radical nature of the SLO-mediated chlorpromazine N-demethylation. Reduced glutathione, ascorbate, and dithiothreitol suppressed the rate of SLO-dependent formaldehyde generation, presumably due to the reduction of the cation radical back to chlorpromazine in a concentration-dependent manner. Besides chlorpromazine, SLO also oxidized promazine, triflupromazine, trifluperazine, trimeprazine, and perphenazine, albeit at different rates, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The evidence gathered in this in vitro study suggests that phenothiazines can undergo peroxidative N-demethylation via lipoxygenase pathway. The role of this biochemical mechanism in the in vivo developmental toxicity of phenothiazines remains to be established.

Sensitive enzymatic assay for erythrocyte creatine with production of methylene blue

We developed a new, highly sensitive enzymatic method for quantifying creatine in erythrocytes, which comprises creatine amidinohydrolase, sarcosine oxidase, and peroxidase. In the present method, an N-methylcarbamoyl derivative of methylene blue, 10-N-methylcarbamoyl-3,7-bis(dimethylamino)phenothiazine (MCDP), was used as a sensitive chromogenic compound. Potassium ferrocyanide was used to prevent nonspecific oxidation of MCDP. The enzymatic method exhibited good analytical performance: precision, within-run CVs <1.0% and between-day CVs <2.0%; average analytical recovery, 99.3% +/- 1.8%; detection limit, 1.0 micromol/L in hemolysate; and linearity, at least up to 500 micromol/L as creatine concentration in hemolysate. Excellent agreement was observed between the present method (y) and HPLC (x), y = 1.029x - 0.002 micromol/g hemoglobin, r = 0.9998, S(y/x) = 0.053 micromol/g hemoglobin (n = 110). No significant interference was produced by various compounds, including guanidino compounds, amino acids, and reducing materials. The reference intervals (mean +/- 2 SD) for erythrocyte creatine obtained from 60 males and 60 females were (in micromol/g hemoglobin) 1.18 +/- 0.52 (0.66-1.70) for males and 1.35 +/- 0.49 (0.86-1.84) for females. Using this method, we documented changes in erythrocyte creatine in patients with various hemolytic conditions, including hemolytic anemia, liver cirrhosis, renal insufficiency, and chronic renal failure treated with hemodialysis with or without the administration of erythropoietin. We conclude that the use of MCDP allows sensitive measurement of erythrocyte creatine and that MCDP with potassium ferrocyanide can improve the sensitivity of assays that use peroxidase for detection of H2O2.

Oxidation of histamine H1 antagonist mequitazine is catalyzed by cytochrome P450 2D6 in human liver microsomes

Mequitazine [10-(3-quinuclidinylmethyl) phenothiazine] is a long-acting and selective histamine H1-receptor antagonist that is mainly biotransformed by human liver microsomes to yield hydroxylated and S-oxidized metabolites. Mequitazine hydroxylase was inhibited by propranolol and quinidine. Lineweaver-Burk plots for the hydroxylation and the S-oxidation indicated that the hydroxylation occurred with a low Km (0.72 +/- .26 microM) in human liver microsomes. Microsomes from genetically engineered human B-lymphoblastoid cells expressing cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) efficiently metabolized mequitazine to the hydroxylated and S-oxidized metabolites. The results indicate that CYP2D6 isozyme is a major form of CYP responsible for the metabolism of mequitazine in human liver microsomes. Inhibition of CYP3A-catalyzed midazolam 1'-hydroxylase by various histamine H1 antagonists, including mequitazine, suggested that mequitazine and some other histamine H1 antagonists could also be inhibitors of CYP3A in human liver microsomes.

Effects of hexamethonium, phenothiazines, propranolol and ephedrine on acetylcholinesterase carbamylation by physostigmine, aldicarb and carbaryl: interaction between the active site and the functionally distinct peripheral sites in acetylcholinesterase

Physostigmine, aldicarb and carbaryl were potent inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The physostigmine-inhibited AChE fluoresced at 300 nm excitation and 500 nm emission wavelengths, but the aldicarb and carbaryl inhibited enzyme did not. This suggests that the carbamylated active center is not the fluorescing site in AChE. The fluorescence intensity of physostigmine-inhibited AChE decreased with increasing the substrate (acetylthiocholine) concentration, thus indicating that physostigmine binding to the active site is essential for the development of fluorescence. Thus, the physostigmine-inhibited AChE fluoresces due to the binding of trimethylpyrrolo[2,3-b]indol (TMPI) moiety, formed by the hydrolysis of physostigmine, to a peripheral site in AChE. The fluorescence intensity of the physostigmine-inhibited enzyme decreased when the inhibited-enzyme was dialyzed for either 30 min that poorly reactivated the enzyme or 180 min that fully reactivated the enzyme. This suggests that dialysis dissociates the AChE-TMPI complex much faster than it reactivates the carbamylated AChE. Ephedrine, propranolol and phenothiazines including trifluoparazine (TPZ) caused non-competitive inhibition, while hexamethonium caused an uncompetitive inhibition of AChE activity. TPZ, upon binding with AChE, formed a fluorescent TPZ-enzyme complex. The fluorescence intensity of TPZ-AChE complex was effectively decreased by ephedrine, but not by propranolol or hexamethonium. This indicates that TPZ and ephedrine bind to the same site in AChE which is different from the site/or sites to which propranolol or hexamethonium bind. Hexamethonium protected AChE from inhibition by carbamates and decreased the fluorescence intensity of the physostigmine-inhibited AChE. Phenothiazines and ephedrine did not modulate the enzyme inhibition or the fluorescence intensity of the physostigmine-inhibited AChE. Propranolol and TPZ potentiated the enzyme inhibition and increased the fluorescence intensity in the presence of physostigmine. These compounds, however, did not affect the inhibition of AChE by carbaryl or aldicarb. Ephedrine blocked the effects of TPZ, but did not alter the effects of propranolol on physostigmine-inhibited AChE. AChE, therefore, contains multiple peripheral binding sites which, upon binding to specific ligands, transduce differential signals to the active center.

Transient expression of the Drosophila melanogaster cinnabar gene rescues eye color in the white eye (WE) strain of Aedes aegypti

The lack of eye pigment in the Aedes aegypti WE (white eye) colony was confirmed to be due to a mutation in the kynurenine hydroxylase gene, which catalyzes one of the steps in the metabolic synthesis of ommochrome eye pigments. Partial restoration of eye color (orange to red phenotype) in pupae and adults occurred in both sexes when first or second instar larvae were reared in water containing 3-hydroxykynurenine, the metabolic product of the enzyme kynurenine hydroxylase. No eye color restoration was observed when larvae were reared in water containing kynurenine sulfate, the precursor of 3-hydroxykynurenine in the ommochrome synthesis pathway. In addition, a plasmid clone containing the wild type Drosophila melanogaster gene encoding kynurenine hydroxylase, cinnabar (cn), was also able to complement the kynurenine hydroxylase mutation when it was injected into embryos of the A. aegypti WE strain. The ability to complement this A. aegypti mutant with the transiently expressed D. melanogaster cinnabar gene supports the value of this gene as a transformation reporter for use with A. aegypti WE and possibly other Diptera with null mutations in the kynurenine hydroxylase gene.

Genetic and biochemical studies on ommochrome genesis in an albino strain of a terrestrial isopod, Armadillidium vulgare

Genetic studies and quantitative determination of levels of 3-hydroxykynurenine and kynurenine were performed in an albino strain of a terrestrial isopod Armadillidium vulgare. From the results of matings between the albino and the albino, the red, the dark red, or the wild type individuals, the albino A. vulgare seems to be regulated by an autosomal gene(s) recessive to its wild allele. Litter mating of F1 progenies obtained by crossing the albino and the red mutant or the albino and the dark red mutant yielded progenies at a ratio of 3:6:3:4 for the red, the dark red, the wild, and the albino phenotypes, respectively. The albino gene(s) seems not to be allelic but to be epistatic to the red gene(s) with respect to ommochrome biosynthesis. Quantitative determination of 3-hydroxykynurenine carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection revealed that the 3-hydroxykynurenine content in the albino was significantly lower than that in the wild or the red type. The whole content of 3-hydroxykynurenine after enzymatic conversion of kynurenine to 3-hydroxykynurenine was still considerably lower than that found in the wild type, even though it increased after the conversion. The albino gene(s) seems to be associated with a blockage at distinct level(s) of ommochrome biosynthesis.

Photo-induced inactivation of viruses: adsorption of methylene blue, thionine, and thiopyronine on Qbeta bacteriophage

The adsorption of cationic organic dyes (methylene blue, thionine, and thiopyronine) on Qbeta bacteriophage was studied by UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. The dyes have shown a strong affinity to the virus and some have been used as sensitizers for photo-induced inactivation of virus. In the methylene blue concentration range of 0.1-5 microM and at high ratios of dye to virus (greater than 1000 dye molecules per virion), the dyes bind as aggregates on the virus. Aggregation lowers the efficiency of photoinactivation because of self-quenching of the dye. At lower ratios of dye to virus (lower than 500 dye molecules per virion), the dye binds to the virus as a monomer. Fluorescence polarization and time-resolved studies of the fluorescence support the conclusions based on fluorescence quenching. Increasing the ionic strength (adding NaCl) dissociates bound dye aggregates on the virus and releases monomeric dye into the bulk solution.

Affinity chromatography of recombinant peptides/proteins based on a calmodulin fusion tail

An affinity chromatography system has been developed for the separation of recombinant fusion proteins based on the Ca(2+)-dependent binding of calmodulin (CaM) to the drug phenothiazine. Specifically, in the presence of Ca2+, a recognition site for phenothiazine is exposed on calmodulin, allowing the binding of this drug to CaM. Upon removal of Ca2+ with EGTA, the conformation of calmodulin changes, and the phenothiazine--CaM complex dissociates. This Ca(2+)-dependent binding has been exploited in the development of a fusion tail approach for the affinity purification of recombinant proteins and peptides. Protein A (ProtA) was employed as a model protein to demonstrate the advantages of this approach. In particular, the developed affinity chromatography system was used to isolate several ProtA--CaM fusion proteins. These recombinant fusion proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae from appropriately designed plasmids. Four different plasmids (two each for the bacteria and yeast) were used that encoded the fusion of CaM to the immunoglobulin-binding portion of protein A. After expression of the fusion protein, the crude cell lysates were loaded onto the phenothiazine affinity column in the presence of a Ca(2+)-containing buffer. Upon elution with an EGTA buffer, the ProtA--CaM fusion protein was purified, as confirmed by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and Western blot analysis.

Biotransformation of chlorpromazine and methdilazine by Cunninghamella elegans

When tested as a microbial model for mammalian drug metabolism, the filamentous fungus Cunninghamella elegans metabolized chlorpromazine and methdilazine within 72 h. The metabolites were extracted by chloroform, separated by high-performance liquid chromatography, and characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance, mass, and UV spectroscopic analyses. The major metabolites of chlorpromazine were chlorpromazine sulfoxide (36%), N-desmethylchlorpromazine (11%), N-desmethyl-7-hydroxychlorpromazine (6%), 7-hydroxychlorpromazine sulfoxide (36%), N-hydroxychlorpromazine (11%), 7-hydroxychlorpromazine sulfoxide (5%), and chlorpromazine N-oxide (2%), all of which have been found in animal studies. The major metabolites of methdilazine were 3-hydroxymethdilazine (3%). (18)O(2) labeling experiments indicated that the oxygen atoms in methdilazine sulfoxide, methdilazine N-oxide, and 3-hydroxymethdilazine were all derived from molecular oxygen. The production of methdilazine sulfoxide and 3-hydroxymethdilazine was inhibited by the cytochrome P-450 inhibitors metyrapone and proadifen. An enzyme activity for the sulfoxidation of methdilazine was found in microsomal preparations of C. elegans. These experiments suggest that the sulfoxidation and hydroxylation of methdilazine and chlorpromazine by C. elegans are catalyzed by cytochrome P-450.

Horseradish peroxidase-catalyzed sulfoxidation of promethazine and properties of promethazine sulfoxide

Promethazine sulfoxide was obtained with a quantitative yield in a horse radish peroxidase-catalyzed reaction of promethazine and hydrogen peroxide and was also prepared by direct chemical synthesis. The enzymatic sulfoxidation of promethazine was studied in vitro as a function of pH, promethazine, and hydrogen peroxide concentration. Promethazine sulfoxide inhibits with an apparent K(i) of 59.7 microM at pH 5.5 the enzymatic reaction, followed spectrophotometrically, polarographically, potentiometrically, and luminometrically. The reaction was also inhibited by ascorbic acid (K(i) 26.8 microM) and glutathione (K(i) 41.8 microM). The spectrophotometric techniques employed, together with ESR spectrometry, allowed the identification of at least three radical species formed in the course of the reaction. Promethazine sulfoxide is devoid of the antioxidant effect exhibited by promethazine on rat brain synaptosomes. The sulfoxide also lacks photosensitizing action, while retaining the neuroleptic effect of the parent compound.

Application of the desulfurization of phenothiazines for a sensitive detection method by high-performance liquid chromatography

A simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the determination of phenothiazine (PHE) is described. PHE is converted to diphenylamine (DIP) by desulfurization with Raney nickel catalyst. DIP is highly sensitive to electrochemical detection. The calibration graph for PHE quantification after desulfurization was linear between 0.1 and 2.0 ng per injection. The detection limit (signal-to-noise ratio = 3) of PHE after desulfurization was 10 pg, which is twenty times higher than that of the parent compound PHE. The proposed desulfurization technique was applied to other PHE-related compounds. The structural confirmation of the desulfurized product of PHE was carried out by LC-MS using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization.

Kinetic evaluation of the oxidation of phenothiazine derivatives by methemoglobin and horseradish peroxidase in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Implications for the reaction mechanisms

The oxidation of ten 2-substituted 10-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl) phenothiazines (PHs) by methemoglobin (metHb) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the presence of H2O2 was kinetically analysed based on an enzymic-chemical second-order reaction with substrate regeneration: PHs are oxidized enzymatically to their radical cations (PH+) which subsequently, in a second order reaction, react further to parent compound and PH-sulfoxide (PHSO). The enzymic reaction rate can be obtained from the accumulation curves of both radical cation formation and sulfoxide formation. In the case of chlorpromazine and promazine both methods gave similar reaction rates. The rate constant of PH+. decay could also be determined from the radical concentrations of their radicals. The rate constant of reaction of PHs with HRP compound II was also analysed. The logarithm of this rate constant correlated well with the Hammett sigma para and the Swain and Lupton F and R substituent constants, whereas no correlation with hydrophobic and steric parameters was found. This indicates that the interaction of PH with the porphyrin ring, which is the active site of HRP, is predominantly under electronic control. In the case of catalysis by hemoglobin (Hb), the formation of the reactive Hb form, ferry1Hb with a protein radical, appeared to be rate limiting in the oxidation of PHs by metHb-H2O2. Differences in the conversion rates of various PHs can be explained by a competition between their electron transfer reaction to the protein radical and the denaturation reaction(s) involving the protein radical. Our results confirm our earlier observation that the mechanism of oxidation by metHb-H2O2 differs from that of the classical peroxidases. In the former case, electron transfer from PH occurs most likely to a tyrosine residue on the globin part, whilst in the latter case electron transfer to the porphyrin moiety takes place.

Expression in Escherichia coli of the flavin-containing monooxygenase D (form II) from adult human liver: determination of a distinct tertiary amine substrate specificity

The cDNA for a major component of the family of flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs) present in adult human liver (i.e., HLFMO-D) has been cloned and expressed in a prokaryotic system. Escherichia coli strain NM522 was transformed with pTrcHLFMO-D, and the HLFMO-D cDNA was expressed under the control of the Trc promoter. A variety of tertiary amine substrates [i.e., chlorpromazine and 10-[(N,N-dimethylamino)alkyl]- 2-(trifluoromethyl)phenothiazines] were efficiently oxygenated by HLFMO-D cDNA expressed in E. coli or by adult human liver microsomes. Approximate dimensions of the substrate binding channel for both adult human liver microsomal FMO and cDNA-expressed HLFMO-D were apparent from an examination of the N-oxygenation of a series of 10-[(N,N-dimethylamino)alkyl]-2-(trifluoromethyl)phenothiazines. The substrate regioselectivity studies suggest that adult human liver FMO form D possesses a distinct substrate specificity compared with form A FMO from animal hepatic sources. It is likely that the substrate specificity observed for cDNA-expressed adult human liver FMO-D may have consequences for the metabolism and distribution of tertiary amines and phosphorus- and sulfur-containing drugs in humans and may provide insight into the physiologic substrate(s) for adult human liver FMO.

Kinetics of cellular permeability of phenoxazine and its dependence on P-glycoprotein expression

We present here the initial characterization of the mechanism of reversal of cellular resistance to Vinca alkaloids by phenoxazine (PZ). Changes in fluorescence upon cellular accumulation of PZ allowed measurement of the membrane transport kinetics in a sensitive KB-3-1 cell line and two multi-drug resistant (MDR) counterparts. The accumulation of PZ is characterized by two uptake routes, with pseudo-first order rate constants of 0.3 s-1 and 0.07 s-1, while efflux of PZ from cells revealed rate constants of 0.2 s-1. PZ rapidly reaches steady-state concentrations within cells, which may make it more clinically useful than modulators that accumulate more slowly (e.g. verapamil).

Molecular cloning and sequence of a novel ommochrome-binding protein cDNA from an insect, Manduca sexta

An ommochrome-binding protein (OBP) from the hemolymph of Manduca sexta has recently been purified and characterized. A cDNA clone was isolated from a fifth instar larval cDNA expression library utilizing antiserum against OBP. Northern blot analysis of total fat body RNA detected a transcript of approximately 1.2 kilobases in fifth instar wandering larvae RNA. The complete nucleotide sequence of the 905-base pair cDNA insert was determined by the dideoxy chain termination method. The OBP cDNA encodes a polypeptide of 274 residues with a predicted molecular weight of 30,580 and with one consensus N-linked glycosylation site. Comparison of the NH2-terminal sequence of the mature protein and the cDNA sequence revealed a typical signal peptide of 18 amino acids. In wandering stage larvae, the OBP transcript appeared to be at least 250-fold less abundant than ribosomal RNA.

Thionin staining of paraffin and plastic embedded sections of cartilage

The usefulness of thionin for staining cartilage sections embedded in glycol methacrylate (GMA) and the effect of decalcification on cartilage sections embedded in paraffin and GMA were assessed. Short decalcification periods using 5% formic acid or 10% EDTA did not influence the staining properties or the morphology of cartilage matrix and chondrocytes. The standard stain safranin O-fast green for differential staining of cartilage was used as control in these experiments. Prolonged exposure of safranin O stained sections to fast green resulted in disappearance of the safranin O stained matrix, thereby hampering the quantitative measurement of negatively charged glycosaminoglycans (GAG). Thionin stained evenly throughout all cartilage layers, independent of the staining times. In contrast to safranin O, thionin did not show metachromasia in nondehydrated cartilage sections, which made it more suitable for assessing cartilage quality in GMA embedded cartilage. To evaluate the selectivity of thionin staining in cartilage, chondroitinase ABC and trypsin digestions were carried out. Thionin staining was prevented by these enzymes in the territorial matrix, representing the interlacunar network and the chondrocyte capsule. Staining with thionin of the interterritorial matrix was only slightly reduced, possibly representing keratan sulfate and hyaluronic acid in cartilage of elderly patients. Comparison of thionin stained GMA embedded cartilage with safranin O stained paraffin embedded sections showed significant similarity in optical densitometry, indicative of the specificity of thionin bound to negatively charged GAG in cartilage. In GMA embedded cartilage morphology was relatively intact compared to paraffin embedded sections due to less shrinkage of chondrocytes and the interlacunar network.

Redox titrations of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase from Clostridium thermoaceticum

Redox titrations of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH) from Clostridium thermoaceticum were performed using the reductant CO and the oxidant thionin. Titrations were followed at 420 nm, a wavelength sensitive to redox changes of the iron-sulfur clusters in the enzyme. When CODH was oxidized by just enough thionin to maximize A420, two molecules of CO per mole of CODH dimer (4 equiv/mol) reduced the enzyme fully. Likewise, 4 equiv/mol of thionin oxidized the fully-reduced enzyme to the point where A420 maximized. The four n = 1 redox sites which titrated in this region were designated group I sites. They include at least two iron-sulfur clusters, [Fe/S]A and [Fe/S]B, and two other sites, A' and B'. The [Fe4S4]2+/1+ cluster in CODH is included in this group. [Fe/S]B and B' have reduction potentials (at pH 8) below -480 mV vs NHE; [Fe/S]A and A' have reduction potentials above that value. The reduction potential of either [Fe/S]B or B' is near to the CO/CO2 couple at pH 8 (-622 mV). When CODH was oxidized by more than enough thionin to maximize A420, some of the excess thionin oxidized the so-called group II redox sites. These sites have reduction potentials more positive than group I and do not exhibit changes at 420 nm when titrated. Titration of group II sites required 1-2 equiv/mol. EPR of reduced group II sites exhibited the gav = 1.82 signal. When these sites were oxidized, the only signal present had g values at 2.075, 2.036, and 1.983.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Application of adsorption kinetics for estimation of dissociation constants

Substances such as drugs, as well as special ligands with expressive biospecific properties, all with different affinities, interact with proteins which can be characterized by dissociation constants. The method for estimation of the dissociation constant on the basis of adsorption kinetics was verified for two typical cases: adsorption of lactate dehydrogenase onto bead cellulose derivatized by reactive dyes C.I.2. or C.I.19, and adsorption of different drugs (neuroleptics and local anesthetics) onto calmodulin immobilized on agarose gel. The real equilibrium values obtained by using the complete time-concentration model of adsorption were fitted according to the respective adsorption isotherms by non-linear regression.

ESR spectroscopy of flow-oriented cation radicals of phenothiazine derivatives and phenoxathiin intercalated in DNA

Several derivatives of the phenothiazine cation radicals intercalated into DNA have been investigated using a new flow orientation technique. The anisotropic hyperfine coupling constants of both the parallel and the perpendicular orientation relative to the magnetic field were measured and compared to previous results, which used different techniques. The phenoxathiin cation radical could also be stabilized by intercalation into DNA at pH 4, but the orientation technique revealed no further information due to the poor resolution of the experimental spectra.

High-affinity binding of mequitamium iodide (LG 30435) to muscarinic and histamine H1 receptors

Mequitamium iodide (LG 30435) is a novel quaternary ammonium phenothiazine with potential as an anti-asthmatic agent. In vitro binding experiments were performed in order to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying its biological activity. Mequitamium iodide was found to bind with high affinity only to histamine H1 receptors in rat brain membranes (Ki = 9 nM) and to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in various tissues homogenates (Ki = 12-77 nM) with no clearcut selectivity for any of the known subtypes. The interaction with muscarinic receptors in rat cerebral cortex and lung parenchyma was competitive, as showed by saturation studies. Lower affinity values (Ki = 1-10 microM) were found for serotonin 5-HT2, platelet-activating factor (PAF), verapamil and beta-adrenergic agents. These results indicate that both the potent antimuscarinic and antihistamine and the relatively weak anti-PAF pharmacological effects of mequitamium iodide may be explained by the direct interaction of the substance with the respective receptors.

UVA-induced genetic effects of thioridazine, mesoridazine and sulforidazine: an in vitro study

This in vitro study focuses on the UVA-induced reactions with DNA of thioridazine (TRZ), and two of its major metabolites (TRZ-2-sulfoxide or mesoridazine, MRZ; and TRZ-2-sulfone or sulforidazine, SRZ). TRZ binds covalently to DNA upon UVA-irradiation. Under comparable irradiation conditions, MRZ binds to a lesser extent and almost no binding was observed with SRZ. Besides, photo-induced genetic effects were investigated by means of a differential DNA repair test in E. coli. The photo-induced genetic effects in E. coli decreased from TRZ, MRZ to SRZ, which corresponds with their capacity for UVA-induced binding to DNA. TRZ, MRZ and SRZ differed in their rate of photodecomposition rather than in the intrinsic reactivity towards DNA of the instable intermediates formed. Irreversible binding to DNA was also observed upon treatment with peroxidase, which is known to oxidize phenothiazines via the formation of reactive radical cation species. As both the colour of the intermediate and its reactivity towards DNA were comparable for peroxidase treatment and exposure to UVA, we assume that the radical cation is the reactive species in the latter case as well.

Study of the metabolism of phenothiazines: determination of N-demethylated phenothiazines in urine

When phenothiazine drugs (chlorpromazine, promazine, promethazine, propiomazine, propionylpromazine, trifluoperazine and trimeprazine) were reacted with m-chloroperbenzoic acid, N-demethylated phenothiazines were obtained in moderate yield. The mass spectra of the N-demethylated phenothiazines showed either m/z 44 and 72 or m/z 58 as characteristic ions depending on their side chain. The N-demethylated propiomazine was identified as a metabolite of propiomazine from the urine of a rat which was given propiomazine orally.