Methemoglobin reduction system of erythrocytes

Acute exposure to cobalt induces transient methemoglobinuria in rats

We observed transient excretion of dark-brown urine after acute exposure to cobalt in rats and investigated the mechanism of it. We injected cobalt into rats s.c. at a dose of 15 mg/kg and collected urine, peripheral blood, and organ samples at the indicated times after injection. Biochemical and histopathological examinations of these samples were conducted. Obvious macroscopic and biochemical methemoglobinuria was observed just after injection of cobalt, but the level of urinary methemoglobin decreased gradually, almost disappearing by 24 h. The levels of cobalt in peripheral blood and urine showed a very similar pattern to that of methemoglobinuria. Neither anemia nor bilirubinemia was observed, indicating no extrarenal intravascular hemolysis. Pathological examination of the kidneys revealed that the glomerular capillaries were filled with red blood cells at 1 h after injection. Electron microscopy showed deformed red blood cells in the glomerular capillaries and condensed hemoglobin in Bowman's capsule that passed through the basement membrane. There were no trends toward increases in plasma levels of creatinine or blood urea nitrogen. These results indicate that exposure to cobalt induces transient methemoglobinuria through the lysis of red blood cells and oxidation of iron in hemoglobin at the glomerular capillaries without causing renal dysfunction.

NADH-ferric reductase activity associated with dihydropteridine reductase

In mammals dietary ferric iron is reduced to ferrous iron for more efficient absorption by the intestine. Analysis of a pig duodenal membrane fraction revealed two NADH-dependent ferric reductase activities, one associated with a b-type cytochrome and the other not. Purification and characterization of the non-cytochrome ferric reductase identified a 31 kDa protein. MALDI-MS analysis and amino acid sequencing identified the ferric reductase as being related to the 26 kDa liver NADH-dependent quinoid dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR). The NADH-dependent DHPR ferric reductase activity was found to be pteridine-independent since exhaustive dialysis did not reduce activity and heat-inactivation destroyed activity. In intestinal Caco-2 cells, DHPR mRNA levels were found to be regulated by iron. Thus, DHPR appears to be a dual function enzyme, a NADH-dependent dihydopteridine reductase and an iron-regulated, NADH-dependent, pteridine-independent ferric reductase.

NADPH and heme redox modulate pulmonary artery relaxation and guanylate cyclase activation by NO

The hemoprotein oxidant ferricyanide (FeCN) converts the iron of the heme on soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) from Fe(2+) to Fe(3+), which prevents nitric oxide (NO) from binding the heme and stimulating sGC activity. This study uses FeCN to examine whether modulation of the redox status of the heme on sGC influences the relaxation of endothelium-removed bovine pulmonary arteries (BPA) to NO. Pretreatment of the homogenate of BPA with 50 microM FeCN resulted in a loss of stimulation of sGC activity by the NO donor 10 microM S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP). In the FeCN-treated homogenate reconcentrated to the enzyme levels in BPA, 100 microM NADPH restored NO stimulation of sGC, and this effect of NADPH was prevented by an inhibitor of flavoprotein electron transport, 1 microM diphenyliodonium (DPI). In BPA the relaxation to SNAP was not altered by FeCN, inhibitors of NADPH generation by the pentose phosphate pathway [250 microM 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN) and 100 microM epiandrosterone (Epi)], or 1 microM DPI. However, the combination of FeCN with 6-AN, Epi, or DPI inhibited (P < 0.05) relaxation to SNAP without significantly altering the relaxation of BPA to forskolin. The inhibitory effects of 1 microM 1H-[1,2, 4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (a probe that appears to convert NO-heme of sGC to its Fe(3+)-heme form) on relaxation to SNAP were also enhanced by DPI. These observations suggest that a flavoprotein containing NADPH oxidoreductase may influence cGMP-mediated relaxation of BPA to NO by maintaining the heme of sGC in its Fe(2+) oxidation state.

Processing of chimeric mammalian cytochrome b5 precursors in Escherichia coli: reaction specificity of signal peptidase and identification of an aminopeptidase in post-translocational processing

A chimeric precursor interlinked by an arginine residue between the full-length signal sequence of alkaline phosphatase and the eukaryotic cytoplasmic cytochrome b5 was constructed. Expression of the chimeric precursor protein in Escherichia coli resulted in efficient export of spectrally authentic cytochrome b5 into the periplasm [Karim, Harding, Evans, Kaderbhai and Kaderbhai (1993) Bio/Technology 11, 612-618]. On sequencing, the apparent absence of arginine at the N-terminus of the secreted cytochrome b5 implied that the chimera was either miscleaved by signal peptidase or further processed following signal excision by an uncharacterized peptidase. The influence of the N-terminal region of cytochrome b5 on the unusual processing of the chimeric precursor was investigated by engineering a number of variant forms in which the region between Arg+1 and the mature portion of cytochrome b5 was extended and varied. Observations of the in vivo processed patterns of these variant cytochrome b5 forms exported into the periplasm revealed that the absence of arginine was due to neither miscleavage of the translocated precursor by the signal peptidase nor the nature of the early region of cytochrome b5. In fact, the selective excision of the arginine residue occurred subsequent to signal sequence deletion by an aminopeptidase which was sensitive to the metal chelator o-phenanthroline. We show that this aminopeptidase also participates in the trimming of the N-terminal arginine residue of the bacterial alkaline phosphatase to generate the three isoenzymes in the periplasm.

Identification and characterization of two enzymes involved in the intracellular metabolism of cobalamin. Cyanocobalamin beta-ligand transferase and microsomal cob(III)alamin reductase

Two enzymes involved in the intracellular metabolism of cobalamin have been identified and characterized: cyanocobalamin beta-ligand transferase and microsomal cob(III)alamin reductase. The beta-ligand transferase is a cytosolic enzyme utilizing FAD, NADPH and reduced glutathione. The product of the reaction has been identified as glutathionyl-cobalamin. NADH-linked cob(III)alamin reductase has been found in two subcellular fractions: microsomal and inner mitochondrial membrane. The product of the reduction catalyzed by the microsomal enzyme has been identified as cob(II)alamin. In cbl C mutant fibroblasts, the specific activities of cyanocobalamin beta-ligand transferase and cob(III)alamin reductase were markedly decreased and have varied from 3%-30% and 36%-42% of normal, respectively. The specific activity of mitochondrial cob(III)alamin reductase was only 30% of normal in two cbl C mutants and normal in remaining mutant cell lines. In the cbl D cells, the specific activities were 33% and 55%. Mitochondrial cob(III)alamin reductase was not affected by cbl D mutation. Methionine synthase, L-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase and microsomal cytochrome c and b5 reductases are not affected by both mutations. The cbl E mutation affects only the activity of methionine synthase. These results support the hypothesis that the early enzymatic steps of intracellular metabolism of cobalamin are similar in the synthesis of both methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin and these steps are altered by the cbl C and cbl D mutations.

Efficient bacterial export of a eukaryotic cytoplasmic cytochrome

The soluble core domain of cytochrome b5 of liver endoplasmic reticulum was appended at its amino terminus to full-length alkaline phosphatase secretory signal sequence including the ribosomal binding site. The chimeric precursor gene was placed under the transcriptional control of the native pho promoter in a prokaryotic expression vector. Induction of Escherichia coli by growth in a phosphate-limited medium resulted in abundant synthesis of cytochrome b5 as detected spectrophotometrically and by visual transformation of the bacteria to a pink color. The signal-appended cytochrome b5, but not the corresponding signal-deficient derivative, was translocated across the bacterial inner membrane and processed to yield authentic, haem-assembled cytochrome b5 within the periplasm. The eventual processing of the chimeric cytochrome b5 precursor was unusual regarding the known reaction specificity of signal peptidase. The exported, mature haemoprotein was biochemically indistinguishable from its native mammalian counterpart. At peak induction, approximately 6 mg of correctly matured cytochrome b5 per liter of culture was exported. This amount of cytochrome b5 constituted 6% (w/w) of the periplasmic protein. The appearance of the exported apo-cytochrome b5 preceded the formation of holo-protein. Thus the eukaryotic cytoplasmic protein was efficiently exported from E. coli and post-translocationally modified to generate a functional haemoprotein in the periplasm.

Enzymatic and nonenzymatic mechanisms for ferric leghemoglobin reduction in legume root nodules

Evidence is presented for the operation in nodules of at least four systems for restoring functional ferrous leghemoglobin (LB2+) from its inactive, ferric form. (i) Reduction of ferric leghemoglobin (LB3+) by a reductase. The enzyme is a flavoprotein of 100 kDa with two equally sized subunits andexhibits a Km of 9 microM for soybean LB3+ component a and a Km of 51 microM for NADH. NADPH is only 30% (initial velocities) as effective as NADH. LB3+ reductase converts 215 nmol of LB3+ to LB2+.CO (or Lb2+.O2) per mg of protein per min and does not require an exogenous electron carrier. The enzyme shows similar affinity for soybean, bean, and cowpea LB3+, but different Vmax values. The reductase is inactive with LB3+ is bound to nicotinate or NO2-. (ii) Direct reduction of LB3+ by NAD(P)H, ascorbate, and cysteine. Reduction by NAD(P)H is greatly stimulated by trace amounts of metals such as Mn2+. (iii) Reduction of Lb3+ by the flow of electrons from NAD(P)H to free flavins to LB3+. The reaction does not occur via O2.- or H2O2, and thus NAD(P)H-reduced flavins can directly reduce LB3+. The efficiency of the reaction follows the order riboflavin > FMN > FAD. (iv) Reduction of LB3+ by an unknown compound, B, of nodules. B has a molecular mass < 1 kDa and is heat-stable. The reaction mediated by B differs from those mediated by flavins and metals in several ways, requires NAD(P)H, and generates O2.-.

Testosterone metabolism by microsomal cytochrome P-450 in liver of rats treated with some inducers

1. The stereoselective hydroxylation of testosterone by microsomal cytochrome P-450 and the changes in level of components participated in the microsomal electron transport system were observed in the microsomes induced unique P-450 isozymes. 2. Flavone- and hesperetin-inducible P-450 catalyzed the hydroxylation of testosterone more effectively than other chemicals-inducible ones. 3. The P-450 in all the microsomal preparations tested most rapidly oxidized testosterone to 6 beta-monohydroxy form. 4. Particularly, MC- and BNF-inducible P-450 showed high stereoselectivity on C6-position of testosterone, and PB-, flavone- and hesperetin-inducible one showed that on C2-position of this compound, respectively. 5. This specificity of two flavonoid-inducible P-450 for the formation of 2 alpha- and 2 beta-epimer of monohydroxytestosterone was opposite to each other. 6. The content of P-450 and the activity of NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase were high in PB-, MC- and BNF-microsomes, whereas NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase activity was high in two flavonoid-microsomes and the content of cytochrome b5 was not changed except the PB-treated rats. 7. It is suggested that the increasing activities of testosterone hydroxylases in flavonoid-microsomes seems to be closely related to NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase.

Cytochrome b5 and NADH-cytochrome-b5 reductase from sipunculan erythrocytes; a methemerythrin reduction system from Phascolopsis gouldii

We report the purification and characterization of a soluble cytochrome b5 from coelomic erythrocytes of the sipunculan worm, Phascolopsis gouldii. We also report the isolation and purification of a membrane-bound NADH-cytochrome-b5 reductase from these erythrocytes. The non-heme iron protein, hemerythrin (Hr), is known to be the oxygen carrier in these erythrocytes. The aforementioned purified cytochrome b5 and reductase together catalyze the reduction of P. gouldii [Fe(III),Fe(III)]metHr to [Fe(II),Fe(II)deoxyHr by NADH. EPR spectroscopy demonstrates that a redox process involving formation of the intermediate [Fe(II),Fe(III)]semi-metHr occurs within intact sipunculan erythrocytes as well as in the system of purified components. The rhombic g-tensor of the EPR signal in both cases resembles that of (semi-met)RHr, the form obtained by one-electron reduction of metHr. These observations suggest that cytochrome b5 and NADH-cytochrome-b5 reductase in sipunculan erythrocytes function to counteract autoxidation of oxyHr. The sequence of electron flow in the system of purified components is: NADH----NADH-cytochrome-b5 reductase----cytochrome b5----metHr. At pH 7.5, the reduction of metHr in this system occurs in two phases, only the first of which is dependent on concentration of cytochrome b5. From an analysis of the kinetics and the EPR time-course, we propose that the two phases represent sequential reduction of met- to semi-metHr and reduction of semi-metHr to deoxyHr. This report represents the first demonstration of a physiological system for reduction of metHr.

Selenium as a sulfhydryl redox catalyst and survey of potential selenium-dependent enzymes

The ability of selenium (Se) to act as a redox catalyst is an important factor in understanding the biological function of selenoproteins in addition to that of GSH peroxidase. Selenocystine at micromolar levels exhibited pseudothiotransferase activity by enhancing the reduction of 5,5-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) by thiols. In contrast, selenite inhibited the reduction of DTNB by thiols. Selenite was more catalytic than selenocystine in the reduction of cytochrome c by GSH, whereas GSH peroxidase was a weak catalyst. Tissues from Se-deficient and Se-supplemented rats were assayed for activities of GSH-thiotransferase, NADPH cytochrome c reductase, formaldehyde dehydrogenase, and a hypothesized GSH cytochrome c reductase. GSH-thiotransferase activity was significantly increased in the liver of Se-deficient rats. No appreciable activity of this enzyme was found in the kidney of rats from either dietary group. No enzymatic activity for cytochrome c reduction by GSH was detected in cytosols, mitochondria, or microsomes from liver and kidney of Se-deficient or Se-supplemented rats. Formaldehyde dehydrogenase was significantly higher in liver cytosols from Se-supplemented rats than from Se-deficient rats. The higher activity was not attributed to Se-containing proteins, but to an unknown small molecular-weight factor. This study did not support the hypothesis that physiological levels of Se may be involved in sulfhydryl-disulfide exchange reactions in vivo, or that selenium may enhance cytochrome c reduction by GSH in vivo.

Microwave radiation effects on the thermally driven oxidase of erythrocytes

Sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) were labelled with a concanavalin A-luminol-bovine serum albumin conjugate specific for the transmembrane anion transport protein (Band 3) and exposed to 2450 MHz continuous wave microwave radiation at an average specific absorption rate of 91 W/kg for 10 min. The temperature was held constant at 25, 37, 40, 42 or 45 degrees C with an airflow heat exchange system. Following exposure to microwave or air heating, the decrease in residual base-activated chemiluminescence (CL) of the SRBCs was measured as an indication of infield oxidase activity. Air heating resulted in a significant decrease in residual CL at temperatures above 37 degrees C (74 per cent decrease at 45 degrees C). Microwave radiation inhibited the decline in residual CL above 37 degrees C. At 45 degrees C the inhibition was 40 per cent. The results suggest microwave radiation either reversibly altered the thermodynamics of oxygen binding to haemoglobin or failed to energize a significant portion of the haemoglobin molecules in each sample to the thermal threshold of haemoglobin autoxidation.

Methemoglobinemia

Oxygen transport, the major function of hemoglobin, is dependent upon reduced heme iron. In the red cell, the heme iron is maintained in the reduced form by the methemoglobin reduction system. When the balance between oxidation and reduction of heme iron is perturbed due to the presence of excessive oxidants, decreased reducing capacity or the presence of abnormal hemoglobin, methemoglobinemia ensues. In most cases methemoglobinemia is transitory and of no major clinical consequence. Occasionally, however, it can be life threatening and must be rapidly diagnosed and treated. When methemoglobinemia is of hereditary nature, either due to deficiency of red cell NADH-methemoglobin reductase or due to the presence of M hemoglobin, it is a lifelong problem. Since most of these patients do not have major disabling symptoms, the treatment is aimed at correction of cyanosis.

The influence of beta-93 sulfhydryl groups, organic phosphate and heme concentration on methemoglobin reduction

Native and modified methemoglobin (beta-93-SH groups blocked) were reduced by NADH-dependent methemoglobin reductase in the absence and the presence of organic phosphate (inositol hexaphosphate). These experiments were performed with dilute as well as concentrated methemoglobin solutions (physiological heme concentration). It is shown that: (a) in dilute solutions the blockage of beta-93-SH groups lowers the rate of methemoglobin reduction in the absence of organic phosphate but the rates of native and modified methemoglobin reduction are similar in the presence of organic phosphate; (b) at physiological heme concentration the blockage of beta-93-SH groups does not affect the rate of reduction but the organic phosphate stimulates the reduction of both native and modified methemoglobins in a similar fashion, as it does in dilute solutions. It is concluded that, although in dilute solutions the blockage of beta-93-SH groups alters the reduction rate, at physiological heme concentration the presence of free beta-93-SH groups does not have any significant effect on methemoglobin reduction. On the contrary, the organic phosphates do accelerate the rate of reduction at all ranges of heme concentration.