Maximal activities of enzymes of intermediary metabolism in the estivating terrestrial snail Cepaea nemoralis

Hepatic citrate synthase suppression in the freeze-tolerant wood frog (Rana sylvatica)

The wood frog, Rana sylvatica endures whole body freezing for weeks/months while overwintering at subzero temperatures. Survival of long-term freezing requires not only cryoprotectants but also strong metabolic rate depression (MRD) and reorganization of essential processes in order to maintain a balance between ATP-producing and ATP-consuming processes. Citrate synthase (CS) (E.C. 2.3.3.1) is an important irreversible enzyme of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and forms a crucial checkpoint for many metabolic processes. Present study investigated the regulation of CS from wood frog liver during freezing. CS was purified to homogeneity by a two-step chromatographic process. Kinetic and regulatory parameters of the enzyme were investigated and, notably, demonstrated a significant decrease in the V_max of the purified form of CS from frozen frogs as compared to controls when assayed at both 22 °C and 5 °C. This was further supported by a decrease in the maximum activity of CS from liver of frozen frogs. Immunoblotting also showed changes in posttranslational modifications with a significant decrease in threonine phosphorylation (by 49 %) for CS from frozen frogs. Taken together, these results suggest that CS is suppressed and TCA flux is inhibited during freezing, likely to support MRD survival of harsh winters.

Skeletal muscle of torpid Richardson's ground squirrels (Urocitellus richardsonii) exhibits a less active form of citrate synthase associated with lowered lysine succinylation

Hibernation is a metabolic/physiological strategy employed by many mammals to cope with periods when energy usage is greater than its input. Animals undergoing hibernation need to greatly reduce their metabolic rate and reshape their catabolic processes to survive on stored triglycerides. Citrate synthase (CS) is one of only two irreversible steps in the citric acid cycle (CAC) and forms an important regulatory checkpoint that gates the entry of acetyl-CoA formed in glycolysis or fatty acid catabolism into this critical central metabolic hub. This study investigated the regulation of citrate synthase in the muscle tissue of a small mammalian hibernator through comparison of functional and structural properties. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in the V_max of purified torpid CS compared to the control euthermic enzyme (1.2-1.7 fold greater in the control) that was evident over a wide range of temperatures (8, 22 and 37 °C) that are encountered by the enzyme in hibernation. This was also reflected in the specific activity of the enzyme in crude muscle protein extracts. Analyzing the purified CS through immunoblotting demonstrated that the enzyme contained noticeably less lysine succinylation in the torpid state (about 50% of euthermic levels) and this was correlated with an increase in total levels of SIRT5, the enzyme responsible for mediating desuccinylation in the mitochondria (2.2 fold increase). Taken together, the results of this study support the idea that CS is inhibited during hibernation in the ground squirrel skeletal muscle and that this alteration could be mediated by decreases in succinylation.

Correlation between intermediary metabolism, Hsp gene expression, and oxidative stress-related proteins in long-term thermal-stressed Mytilus galloprovincialis

Long-term exposure of Mytilus galloprovincialis to temperatures beyond 26°C triggers mussel mortality. The present study aimed to integratively illustrate the correlation between intermediary metabolism, hsp gene expression, and oxidative stress-related proteins in long-term thermally stressed Mytilus galloprovincialis and whether they are affected by thermal stress magnitude and duration. We accordingly evaluated the gene expression profiles, in the posterior adductor muscle (PAM) and the mantle, concerning heat shock protein 70 and 90 ( hsp70 and hsp90), and the antioxidant defense indicators Mn-SOD, Cu/Zn-SOD, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, and the metallothioneins mt-10 and mt-20. Moreover, we determined antioxidant enzyme activities, oxidative stress through lipid peroxidation, and activities of intermediary metabolism enzymes. The pattern of changes in relative mRNA expression levels indicate that mussels are able to sense thermal stress even when exposed to 22°C and before mussel mortality is initiated. Data indicate a close correlation between the magnitude and duration of thermal stress with lipid peroxidation levels and changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the enzymes of intermediary metabolism. The gene expression and increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes support a scenario, according to which exposure to 24°C might trigger reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which is closely correlated with anaerobic metabolism under hypometabolic conditions. Increase and maintenance of oxidative stress in conjunction with energy balance disturbance seem to trigger mussel mortality after long-term exposure at temperatures beyond 26°C. Eventually, in the context of preparation for oxidative stress, certain hypotheses and models are suggested, integrating the several steps of cellular stress response.

Laboratory studies on the thermal tolerance and response of enzymes of intermediate metabolism in different land snail species

Land snails species occur in a range of habitats from humid to semi-arid and arid ones and seasonal variations in their physiology and biochemical composition have been linked to annual cycles of photoperiod, temperature, humidity and water availability. In an effort to understand the thermal tolerance and the impact of temperature elevation on tissue metabolism of land snails we determined the mortality, heamolymph PO₂ and the activities of enzymes of intermediary metabolism in three land snail species (Helix lucorum, Helix pomatia and Cornu aspersum) differing in their geographical distribution and inhabiting areas with different climatic characteristics. No mortality was observed in both population of Cornu aspersum, while Helix pomatia exhibited higher mortality than Helix lucorum. PO₂ dropped within the first 10days of exposure to elevated temperature in all species, although in Cornu aspersum this decrease was significantly lower. No significant reduction in the enzymatic activities of all glycolytic enzymes studied, as well as of citrate synthase (CS) and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HOAD) was observed in the more thermal tolerant species C. aspersum from both populations studied. Significant reductions of enzymatic activity of the glycolytic enzymes phosphofructokinase (PFK), pyruvate kinase (PK) and d-Lactate dehydrogenase (d-LDH) was observed in Helix lucorum and Helix pomatia. The observed inter-specific differences seem to be in accordance with the life cycle characteristics of each species and may be attributed to climatic differences among habitats within their distribution range.

Field studies on the annual activity and the metabolic responses of a land snail population living in high altitude

In the context of the metabolic cold adaptation hypothesis (MCA), we investigated a) the life and activity cycle characteristics and b) the metabolic responses of the endemic land snail species Cattania trizona olympica living at 1100m altitude in Olympus mountain (Greece). Field observations on the annual activity cycle of C. trizona olympica revealed that snails' activity was restricted mainly between the end of May and September, when the higher temperatures were recorded, while first matings were recorded in July and the last ones in mid September indicating a restricted favorable time period for reproduction. The activities of enzymes of intermediate metabolism showed a periodic seasonal pattern of change which seems to be closely related to the pattern of annual changes of air temperature and most of them exhibited higher activities during the coldest and warmest periods of the year. Moreover the data indicate a distinct differentiation of fuel oxidation during arousal and reproductive periods with lipid oxidation, apart from carbohydrates, contributing significantly to ATP turnover during reproductive activity. The higher enzymatic activities, determined in the tissues of C. trizona olympica than the corresponding ones determined in the tissues of the land snail species living at low altitudes, might indicate higher sensitivity of the intermediate metabolism and ATP turnover in C. trizona olympica to changes in environmental factors. Although the latter seems to be in line with the MCA hypothesis, it needs further investigation on metabolic rates to support it.

The presence and distribution of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide and its receptor in the snail Helix pomatia

The aim of this study was to show the presence, distribution and function of the pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) and its receptors in the CNS and peripheral nervous system of the mollusk, Helix pomatia. PACAP-like and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide receptor (PAC1-R)-like immunoreactivity was abundant both in the CNS and the peripheral nervous system of the snail. In addition several non-neuronal cells also revealed PACAP-like immunoreactivity. In inactive animals labeled cell bodies were mainly found and in the neuropile of active animals dense immunostained fiber system was additionally detected suggesting that expression of PACAP-like peptide was affected by the behavioral state of the animal. RIA measurements revealed the existence of both forms of PACAP in the CNS where the 27 amino acid form was found to be dominant. The concentration of PACAP27 was significantly higher in samples from active animals supporting the data obtained by immunohistochemistry. In Western blot experiments PACAP27 and PACAP38 antibodies specifically labeled protein band at 4.5 kDa both in rat and snail brain homogenates, and additionally an approximately 14 kDa band in snail. The 4.5 kDa protein corresponds to PACAP38 and the 14 kDa protein corresponds to the preproPACAP or to a PACAP-like peptide having larger molecular weight than mammalian PACAP38. In matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight (MALDI TOF) measurements fragments of PACAP38 were identified in brain samples suggesting the presence of a large molecular weight peptide in the snail. Applying antibodies developed against the PACAP receptor PAC1-R, immunopositive stained neurons and a dense network of fibers were identified in each of the ganglia. In electrophysiological experiments, extracellular application of PACAP27 and PACAP38 transiently depolarized or increased postsynaptic activity of neurons expressing PAC1-R. In several neurons PACAP elicited a long lasting hyperpolarization which was eliminated after 1.5 h continuous washing. Taken together, these results indicate that PACAP may have significant role in a wide range of basic physiological functions in snail.

Going with the flow or life in the fast lane: contrasting mitochondrial responses to thermal change

Temperature is one of the most important environmental factors affecting the physiology of animals. Seasonal fluctuations in temperature are of particular importance in aquatic ectotherms since their body temperature is in equilibrium with their environment. When an organism faces adverse environmental conditions, it can either remain active or enter into metabolic depression, adopting the strategy that maximises its fitness. Physiological responses to environmental stress occur at many different levels of organisation in an animal. Here, we focus on mitochondria, given their central importance in cellular energy metabolism. We contrast the thermal biology of skeletal muscle mitochondria from cold-active species with that of species that spend their winters in a metabolically depressed state. Specifically, we examine the modifications of mitochondrial properties during thermal/seasonal acclimation and examine mechanisms by which these modifications can arise. While compensatory responses to cold acclimation include increases in mitochondrial abundance, in the oxidative capacities of individual mitochondria and adjustments of ADP affinities, metabolic depression can reduce tissue levels of mitochondrial enzymes and mitochondrial proton leak rates.

Structure and function of mitochondria in hepatopancreas cells from metabolically depressed snails

Mitochondria in cells isolated from the hepatopancreas of aestivating land snails (Helix aspersa) consume oxygen at 30% of the active control rate. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the lower respiration rate is caused by a decrease in the density of mitochondria or by intrinsic changes in the mitochondria. Mitochondria occupied 2% of cellular volume, and the mitochondrial inner membrane surface density was 17 microm(-1), in cells from active snails. These values were not different in cells from aestivating snails. The mitochondrial protein and mitochondrial phospholipid contents of cells were also similar. There was little difference in the phospholipid fatty acyl composition of mitochondria isolated from metabolically depressed or active snails, except for arachidonic acid, which was 18% higher in mitochondria from aestivating snails. However, the activities of citrate synthase and cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria isolated from aestivating snails were 68% and 63% of control, respectively. Thus the lower mitochondrial respiration rate in hepatopancreas cells from aestivating snails was not caused by differences in mitochondrial volume or surface density but was associated with intrinsic changes in the mitochondria.

Primary causes of decreased mitochondrial oxygen consumption during metabolic depression in snail cells

Cells isolated from the hepatopancreas of estivating snails (Helix aspersa) have strongly depressed mitochondrial respiration compared with controls. Mitochondrial respiration was divided into substrate oxidation (which produces the mitochondrial membrane potential) and ATP turnover and proton leak (which consume it). The activity of substrate oxidation (and probably ATP turnover) decreased, whereas the activity of proton leak remained constant in estivation. These primary changes resulted in a lower mitochondrial membrane potential in hepatopancreas cells from estivating compared with active snails, leading to secondary decreases in respiration to drive ATP turnover and proton leak. The respiration to drive ATP turnover and proton leak decreased in proportion to the overall decrease in mitochondrial respiration, so that the amount of ATP turned over per O2 consumed remained relatively constant and aerobic efficiency was maintained in this hypometabolic state. At least 75% of the total response of mitochondrial respiration to estivation was caused by primary changes in the kinetics of substrate oxidation, with only 25% or less of the response occurring through primary effects on ATP turnover.

Aerobic capacity of frog skeletal muscle during hibernation

Frogs submerged at 3 degrees C in hypoxic water (Po2=60 mmHg) depress their metabolic rate to 25% of that seen in control animals with access to air. The hypometabolic state of the skeletal muscle in such cold-submerged frogs is thought to be the most important contributor to the overall metabolic depression. The aim of this study was to determine whether the aerobic capacity of frog skeletal muscle became altered during 1-4 mo of hibernation to match the reduction in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) demand. To this end, the activities of key mitochondrial enzymes were measured in the skeletal muscle and in isolated mitochondria of frogs at different stages during hibernation. We also measured the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as an indicator of glycolytic capacity. The activities of cytochrome c oxidase, citrate synthase, and LDH were significantly lower in frog skeletal muscle after 4 mo of hibernation compared with control conditions. The reduction in skeletal muscle aerobic capacity is apparently due to changes in the intrinsic properties of the mitochondria. Overall, these results indicate an important reorganisation of ATP-producing pathways during long-term metabolic depression to match the lowered ATP demand.

Metabolic depression and enhanced O(2) affinity of mitochondria in hypoxic hypometabolism

This study examined whether the steady-state hypometabolism seen in overwintering frogs (Rana temporaria) is reflected at the mitochondrial level either by a reduction in their resting (state 4) and active (state 3) respiration rates and/or by increases in O(2) affinity. We isolated mitochondria from the skeletal muscle of cold-submerged frogs at different stages during their hibernation in normoxic and hypoxic water. A modest metabolic depression at the whole animal level (normoxic submergence) was not associated with a reduction in mitochondrial state 4 and state 3 respiration rates. However, mitochondria isolated from frogs that were submerged for 1 mo manifested an increase in their O(2) affinity compared with controls and with animals submerged for 4 mo. Hypometabolism was more pronounced at the whole animal level during hypoxic submergence and was accompanied by 1) a reduction in mitochondrial state 4 and state 3 rates and 2) an increase in the O(2) affinity of mitochondria. These findings demonstrate that metabolic depression can be reflected at all levels of biological organization in hypoxia-tolerant animals.