Absorption, metabolism and excretion of once-weekly somapacitan, a long-acting growth hormone derivative, after single subcutaneous dosing in human subjects

Somapacitan is a reversible albumin-binding growth hormone (GH) derivative in clinical development for once-weekly administration in patients with adult GH deficiency (AGHD) and children with GH deficiency (GHD). To date, the use of somapacitan in AGHD or severe AGHD has been approved in the USA and Japan, respectively. This study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02962440) investigated the absorption, metabolism and excretion, as well as the pharmacokinetics (PK), of tritium-labelled somapacitan ([³H]-somapacitan). Seven healthy males received a single subcutaneous dose of 6 mg somapacitan containing [³H]-somapacitan 20 MBq. Blood, serum, plasma, urine, faeces, and expired air were collected for radioactivity assessment. Metabolites were identified and quantified in plasma and urine collected. The PK of plasma components were determined, and the radioactive peaks of the most abundant plasma metabolites and urine metabolites were selected for analysis. Twenty-eight days after dosing, 94.0% of the administered dose was recovered as [³H]-somapacitan-related material, most of which was excreted in urine (80.9%); 12.9% was excreted in faeces, and an insignificant amount (0.2%) was exhaled in expired air. PK properties of [³H]-somapacitan-related material appeared to be consistent across plasma, serum and blood. Three abundant plasma metabolites (P1, M1 and M1B) and two abundant urine metabolites (M4 and M5) were identified. The total exposure of intact somapacitan accounted for 59% of the total exposure of all somapacitan-related material, P1 accounted for 21% and M1 plus M1B accounted for 12%. M4 and M5 were the most abundant urine metabolites and accounted for 37% and 8% of the dosed [³H]-somapacitan radioactivity, respectively. No intact somapacitan was found in excreta. Two subjects had six adverse events (AEs); all were mild in severity and unlikely to be related to trial product. The majority of dosed [³H]-somapacitan (94%) was recovered as excreted metabolites. Urine was the major route for excretion of somapacitan metabolites, followed by faeces, and exhalation in expired air was negligible. The low molecular weights of identified urine metabolites demonstrate that somapacitan was extensively degraded to small residual fragments that were excreted (fully biodegradable). The extensive metabolic degradation and full elimination of metabolites in excreta were the major clearance pathways of somapacitan and the key elements in its biological fate. A single dose of 6 mg somapacitan (containing [³H]-somapacitan) in healthy male subjects was well tolerated with no unexpected safety issues identified.

Bioinspired Microenvironment Responsive Nanoprodrug as an Efficient Hydrophobic Drug Self-Delivery System for Cancer Therapy

Artemisinin compounds have shown satisfactory safety records in anti-malarial clinical practice over decades and have revealed value as inexpensive anti-tumor adjuvant chemotherapeutic drugs. However, the rational design and precise preparation of nanomedicines based on the artemisinin drugs are still limited due to their non-aromatic and fragile chemical structure. Herein, a bioinspired coordination-driven self-assembly strategy was developed to manufacture the artemisinin-based nanoprodrug with a significantly increased drug loading efficacy (∼70 wt %) and decreased preparation complexity compared to conventional nanodrugs. The nanoprodrug has suitable size distribution and robust colloidal stability for cancer targeting in vivo. The nanoprodrug was able to quickly disassemble in the tumor microenvironment with weak acidity and a high glutathione concentration, which guarantees a better tumor inhibitory effect than direct administration and fewer side effects on normal tissues in vivo. This work highlights a new strategy to harness a robust, simplified, organic solvent-free, and highly repeatable route for nanoprodrug manufacturing, which may offer opportunities to develop cost-effective, safe, and clinically available nanomedicines.

Optimal Monitoring of Weekly IGF-I Levels During Growth Hormone Therapy With Once-Weekly Somapacitan

CONTEXT

Somapacitan is a long-acting growth hormone (GH) in development for once-weekly treatment of GH deficiency (GHD). Optimal monitoring of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels must account for weekly IGF-I fluctuations following somapacitan administration.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and assess the reliability of linear models for predicting mean and peak IGF-I levels from samples taken on different days after dosing.

DESIGN

A pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model was used to simulate IGF-I data in adults and children following weekly somapacitan treatment of GHD.

SETTING AND PATIENTS

39 200 IGF-I profiles were simulated with reference to data from 26 adults and 23 children with GHD.

INTERVENTION(S)

The simulated dose range was 0.02 to 0.12 mg/kg for adults and 0.02 to 0.16 mg/kg for children. Simulated data with >4 average standard deviation score were excluded.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Linear models for predicting mean and peak IGF-I levels based on IGF-I samples from different days after somapacitan dose.

RESULTS

Robust linear relationships were found between IGF-I sampled on any day after somapacitan dose and the weekly mean (R2 > 0.94) and peak (R2 > 0.84). Prediction uncertainties were generally low when predicting mean from samples taken on any day (residual standard deviation [RSD] ≤ 0.36) and peak from samples taken on day 1 to 4 (RSD ≤ 0.34). IGF-I monitoring on day 4 and day 2 after dose provided the most accurate estimate of IGF-I mean (RSD < 0.2) and peak (RSD < 0.1), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Linear models provided a simple and reliable tool to aid optimal monitoring of IGF-I by predicting mean and peak IGF-I levels based on an IGF-I sample following dosing of somapacitan. A short visual summary of our work is available (1).

Selenoneine is a major selenium species in beluga skin and red blood cells of Inuit from Nunavik

Nunavimmiut (Inuit of Nunavik, Northern Quebec, Canada) exhibit a high selenium (Se) status because of their frequent consumption of marine mammal foods. Indirect evidence from our previous studies had suggested that selenoneine - a novel selenocompound - may be accumulating in the blood of Nunavimmiut. We used a liquid-chromatography/inductively coupled tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS/MS) method to measure concentrations of selenoneine and its methylated metabolite Se-methylselenoneine in archived red blood cells (RBC) obtained from 210 Nunavimmiut living in communities along the Hudson Strait, where marine mammal hunting and consumption are most frequent in Nunavik. This method was adapted to quantify selenoneine and its methylated metabolite in beluga mattaaq, an Inuit delicacy consisting of the skin with the underlying layer of fat and the major dietary source of Se for Nunavimmiut. Total selenium concentration was also measured in RBC and beluga mattaaq samples by isotope dilution ICP-MS/MS. The median selenoneine concentration in RBC was 413 μg Se/L (range = 3.20-3230 μg Se/L), representing 54% (median) of total Se content (range = 1.6-91%). Quantification of selenoneine in five beluga mattaaq samples (skin layer) from Nunavik revealed a median concentration of 1.8 μg Se/g wet wt (range = 1.2-7.4 μg Se/g), constituting 54% (median) of the total Se content (range = 44-74%). Se-methylselenoneine was also detected in Inuit RBC but not in beluga mattaaq, suggesting that selenoneine undergoes methylation in humans. Selenoneine may protect Nunavimmiut from methylmecury toxicity by increasing its demethylation in RBC and in turn decreasing its distribution to target organs.

Semi-Mechanistic Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling of L-Histidine Disposition and Brain Uptake in Wildtype and Pht1 Null Mice

PURPOSE

To develop a semi-mechanistic population pharmacokinetic (PK) model to quantitate the disposition kinetics of L-histidine, a peptide-histidine transporter 1 (PHT1) substrate, in the plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and brain parenchyma of wildtype (WT) and Pht1 knockout (KO) mice.

METHODS

L-[¹⁴C]Hisidine (L-His) was administrated to WT and KO mice via tail vein injection, after which plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain parenchyma samples were collected. A PK model was developed using non-linear mixed effects modeling (NONMEM). The disposition of L-His between the plasma, brain, and CSF was described by a combination of PHT1-mediated uptake, CSF bulk flow and first-order micro-rate constants.

RESULTS

The PK profile of L-His was best described by a four-compartment model. A more rapid uptake of L-His in brain parenchyma was observed in WT mice due to PHT1-mediated uptake, a process characterized by a Michaelis-Menten component (V_max = 0.051 nmoL/min and K_m = 34.94 μM).

CONCLUSIONS

A semi-mechanistic population PK model was successfully developed, for the first time, to quantitatively characterize the disposition kinetics of L-His in brain under in vivo conditions. This model may prove a useful tool in predicting the uptake of L-His, and possibly other PHT1 peptide/mimetic substrates, for drug delivery to the brain.

A novel role for PHT1 in the disposition of l-histidine in brain: In vitro slice and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in wildtype and Pht1 null mice

PHT1 (SLC15A4) is responsible for translocating l-histidine (l-His), di/tripeptides and peptide-like drugs across biological membranes. Previous studies have indicated that PHT1 is located in brain parenchyma, however, its role and significance in brain along with effect on the biodistribution of substrates is unknown. In this study, adult gender-matched Pht1-competent (wildtype) and Pht1-deficient (null) mice were used to investigate the effect of PHT1 on l-His brain disposition via in vitro slice and in vivo pharmacokinetic approaches. We also evaluated the serum clinical chemistry and expression levels of select transporters and enzymes in the two genotypes. No significant differences were observed between genotypes in serum chemistry, body weight, viability and fertility. PCR analyses indicated that Pept2 had a compensatory up-regulation in Pht1 null mice (about 2-fold) as compared to wildtype animals, which was consistent in different brain regions and confirmed by immunoblots. The uptake of l-His was reduced in brain slices by 50% during PHT1 ablation. The l-amino acid transporters accounted for 30% of the uptake, and passive (other) pathways for 20% of the uptake. During the in vivo pharmacokinetic studies, plasma concentration-time profiles of l-His were comparable between the two genotypes after intravenous administration. Still, biodistribution studies revealed that, when sampled 5min after dosing, l-His values were 28-48% lower in Pht1 null mice, as compared to wildtype animals, in brain parenchyma but not cerebrospinal fluid. These findings suggest that PHT1 may play an important role in histidine transport in brain, and resultant effects on histidine/histamine homeostasis and neuropeptide regulation.

Histidine-rich stabilized polyplexes for cMet-directed tumor-targeted gene transfer

Overexpression of the hepatocyte growth factor receptor/c-Met proto oncogene on the surface of a variety of tumor cells gives an opportunity to specifically target cancerous tissues. Herein, we report the first use of c-Met as receptor for non-viral tumor-targeted gene delivery. Sequence-defined oligomers comprising the c-Met binding peptide ligand cMBP2 for targeting, a monodisperse polyethylene glycol (PEG) for polyplex surface shielding, and various cationic (oligoethanamino) amide cores containing terminal cysteines for redox-sensitive polyplex stabilization, were assembled by solid-phase supported syntheses. The resulting oligomers exhibited a greatly enhanced cellular uptake and gene transfer over non-targeted control sequences, confirming the efficacy and target-specificity of the formed polyplexes. Implementation of endosomal escape-promoting histidines in the cationic core was required for gene expression without additional endosomolytic agent. The histidine-enriched polyplexes demonstrated stability in serum as well as receptor-specific gene transfer in vivo upon intratumoral injection. The co-formulation with an analogous PEG-free cationic oligomer led to a further compaction of pDNA polyplexes with an obvious change of shape as demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy. Such compaction was critically required for efficient intravenous gene delivery which resulted in greatly enhanced, cMBP2 ligand-dependent gene expression in the distant tumor.

Enantioselective Pharmacokinetics of α-Fluoromethylhistidine in Rats and Its Comparison with Histidine

The enantiomer-specific pharmacokinetics of histidine and its analogue, α-fluoromethylhistidine (FMH), were investigated in rats. After bolus intravenous administration of each enantiomer of histidine or FMH at a dose of 40·3 mg kg−1 as free base equivalents, the plasma concentrations of l-histidine, d-histidine, (S)-FMH and (R)-FMH decreased biexponentially with half-lives of 39·2, 20·8, 32·8 and 25·0 min, respectively, in the elimination phase. Although the concentration of l-histidine in the plasma was lower than that of d-histidine, there was no large difference in plasma concentration-time curves of the enantiomers of FMH. The apparent total clearance of l-histidine from rat plasma was about 4 times that of d-histidine or the enantiomers of FMH. l-Histidine was quickly transferred to the peripheral tissues where the concentrations also decrease biphasically. l-Histidine penetrated more rapidly into the brain than either its d-enantiomer or a compound closely related in structure such as FMH. However, the disappearance of l-histidine from the various brain regions was very rapid. In contrast, brain/plasma ratios of d-histidine and (S)-FMH increased continuously after injection of these compounds, indicating that d-histidine or (S)-FMH partitioned into the brain and was very slowly removed from the brain; (R)-FMH was not distributed to the brain. These results suggested stereoselectivity in disposition of histidine and FMH enantiomers in rats.

Intestinal toxicity of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with differential cyclooxygenase inhibition selectivity

The present study was designed to investigate the gastrointestinal side effects of cycloxygenase (COX) inhibitor with varying selectivity, called the non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) viz., non-selective COX-1 & 2 inhibitor--aspirin, prefentially selective COX-2 inhibitor--nimesulide and highly selective COX-2 inhibitor-celecoxib. Treatment with NSAIDs exhibited a decrease in the activity of rat intestinal brush border membrane associated enzymes such as sucrase, lactase, maltase and alkaline phosphatase as compared to the control in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The uptake of D-glucose and L-histidine in the everted intestinal sac was found to be decreased. Also the decease of glucose and histidine uptake was found to be dependent on the substrate concentration, temperature and the time interval of incubation. The physical state and composition of brush border membrane was found to be altered as evident in the FTIR spectrum, by appearance of new peaks while disappearance of certain peaks occurred which were characteristics of the control membrane. The changes in wave number as well as peaks height were also noticed. Alterations in protein profile of the membrane were demonstrated using SDS-PAGE analysis where disappearance of few bands and change in the relative intensities of the bands were noticed and correlated with the alterations that have taken place at the molecular level. Histological studies have depicted a marked decrease in the absorption surface area such as the villi height of the intestinal segment. In addition, crypt number also deceased in the treated animals, an indication that such changes also correlate well with the changes in the transport of the end product nutrients.

Reversible Binding of Kynurenine to Lens Proteins: Potential Protection by Glutathione in Young Lenses

PURPOSE

Human ultraviolet light (UV) filters, such as kynurenine (Kyn), readily deaminate to reactive unsaturated ketones that covalently modify proteins in older human lenses. The aim of this study was to examine in vitro rates of formation and decomposition of the three major Kyn-amino acid adducts and possible consequences for the lens.

METHODS

The t-Boc-protected Kyn-His, Kyn-Lys, and Kyn-Cys adducts and Kyn-Cys were synthesized from the corresponding amino acids and Kyn. Calf lens proteins were modified with Kyn by incubation at pH 7. Stability and competition studies of the adducts were conducted under physiological conditions. Kyn-amino acids and their decomposition products were quantified using HPLC.

RESULTS

At physiological pH, Kyn-Cys adducts formed more rapidly than either Lys or His adducts, but they also decomposed readily. By contrast, His adducts were stable. Cysteine (Cys) residues in beta-crystallins were major sites of modification. The Kyn moiety, initially bound to Cys residues, was found to transfer to other amino acids. Glutathione promoted the breakdown of Kyn-Cys.

CONCLUSIONS

These data may help explain why proteins in young lenses are not modified by UV filters in situ. The initial phase of the modification of proteins in the human lens by UV filters may be a dynamic process. In lenses, Cys residues of crystallins modify preferentially, but these adducts also decompose to release deaminated Kyn. This can then potentially react with other amino acids. Glutathione, which is present in high concentrations in the lenses of young people, may play a vital role in keeping proteins free from modification by intercepting reactive deaminated kynurenines formed by the spontaneous breakdown of free UV filters, promoting the decomposition of Kyn-Cys residues, and sequestering the unsaturated ketones once they are released from modified proteins.

Effect of saliva, epigallocatechin gallate and hypoxia on Cu-induced oxidation and cytotoxicity

We have previously reported that contact with copper (Cu) induced immediate cell death via an oxidation-involved mechanism in human promyelocytic leukemic HL-60 cells, whereas contact with other metals (Au, Ag, Pd) produced no discernible effect. In the present study, we investigated the conditions under which Cu-induced oxidative stress can be reduced. Contact with a Cu plate in the absence of cells enhanced the rate of consumption of cystine to the greatest extent, followed by that of methionine and histidine. Under hypoxic conditions, the consumption of all these amino acids was significantly reduced. On the other hand, the addition of saliva slightly, but not significantly, reduced the amino acid oxidation. The addition of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) slightly, but significantly reduced the consumption of cystine and histidine. The inhibitory effect of EGCG on the methionine consumption was more prominent, especially at higher concentrations. The Cu-induced cell death was significantly inhibited when freshly-prepared human gingival fibroblasts were incubated under hypoxic conditions. The present study demonstrates for the first time that the Cu-induced oxidation and cell death were effectively alleviated under hypoxic conditions.

Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of Schiff base analogues of indole-3-carboxaldehyde

Eight novel heterocyclic Schiff bases derived from the condensation reactions of indole 3-carboxaldehyde with different l-amino acids (histidine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, leucine, valine) as well as with some aminophenols, have been synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic methods (IR, MS, (1)H NMR). Schiff base derivatives of indole 3-carboxaldehyde were labeled with (99m)Tc and radiochemical purity was above 97% which is ascertained by instant thin layer chromatography using different solvent conditions. Stability studies of all the derivatives of indole 3-carboxaldehyde was determined under physiological conditions and were stable for more than 24h. Blood clearance showed a quick wash out from the circulation and biological half life was found to be t((1/2))(F)=1h 15min; t((1/2))(S)=10h 05min. Excellent quality radioimages of tumor bearing mice were recorded showing rapid clearance of background activity, visualization of tumor at 3h and clearance from kidneys of histidine analogue which was further evidenced in biodistribution studies. Antimicrobial activity of these Schiff base compounds was evaluated against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescence, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum.

Synthesis of an artificial cell surface receptor that enables oligohistidine affinity tags to function as metal-dependent cell-penetrating peptides

Cell-penetrating peptides and proteins (CPPs) are important tools for the delivery of impermeable molecules into living mammalian cells. To enable these cells to internalize proteins fused to common oligohistidine affinity tags, we synthesized an artificial cell surface receptor comprising an N-alkyl derivative of 3beta-cholesterylamine linked to the metal chelator nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA). This synthetic receptor inserts into cellular plasma membranes, projects NTA headgroups from the cell surface, and rapidly cycles between the plasma membrane and intracellular endosomes. Jurkat lymphocytes treated with the synthetic receptor (10 microM) for 1 h displayed approximately 8,400,000 [corrected]NTA groups on the cell surface. Subsequent addition of the green fluorescent protein AcGFP fused to hexahistidine or decahistidine peptides (3 microM) and Ni(OAc)(2) (100 microM) enhanced the endocytosis of AcGFP by 150-fold (hexahistidine fusion protein) or 600-fold (decahistidine fusion protein) within 4 h at 37 degrees C. No adverse effects on cellular proliferation or morphology were observed under these conditions. By enabling common oligohistidine affinity tags to function as cell-penetrating peptides, this metal-chelating cell surface receptor provides a useful tool for studies of cellular biology [corrected]

Histidine and carnosine delay diabetic deterioration in mice and protect human low density lipoprotein against oxidation and glycation

In vivo effects of histidine and carnosine against diabetic deterioration in diabetic Balb/cA mice were studied. Histidine and carnosine at 0.5, 1 g/l were added into drinking water. After 4 weeks intake of these agents, the content of histidine and carnosine in plasma, heart and liver significantly elevated (P < 0.05). The intake of these agents significantly decreased plasma glucose and fibronectin levels (P < 0.05); however, only 1 g/l histidine and carnosine treatments significantly increased insulin level (P < 0.05) in diabetic mice. Triglyceride level in heart and liver was dose-dependently reduced by histidine or carnosine treatments (P < 0.05); however, only 1 g/l histidine and carnosine treatments significantly reduced cholesterol level in heart and liver (P < 0.05). The administration of histidine or carnosine significantly enhanced catalase activity and decreased lipid oxidation levels in kidney and liver (P < 0.05); however, only 1 g/l histidine and carnosine treatments significantly increased glutathione peroxidase activity (P < 0.05). The increased interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in diabetic mice were significantly suppressed by the intake of histidine or carnosine (P < 0.05). In human low density lipoprotein, histidine or carnosine showed dose-dependently suppressive effect in glucose-induced oxidation and glycation (P < 0.05). These data suggest that histidine and carnosine are potential multiple-protective agents for diabetic complications prevention or therapy.

Stability and absorption of chromium and absorption of chromium histidinate complexes by humans

Increased intake of chromium (Cr) often leads to improvements in glucose, insulin, lipids, and related variables in studies involving humans and experimental and farm animals. However, the results are often variable, depending not only on the selection of subjects but also dietary conditions and the form of supplemental Cr used. Our objective was to find a Cr supplement suitable for humans that was absorbed better than any of those available. Chromium absorption by six adult subjects, three males and three females, was determined based on the amount of Cr excreted in the urine in the initial 2 d following intake of 200 microg of Cr of the various forms of chromium tested. The absorption of the newly synthesized complexes was greatest for those containing histidine. Urinary Cr losses for six control subjects consuming 200 microg of Cr as Cr histidinate increased from basal levels of 256+/-48 to 3670+/-338 ng/d compared with 2082+/-201 ng for Cr picolinate, the currently most popular nutrient supplement, in the 48 h following Cr consumption. Chromium histidinate complexes were stable and absorption was similar to the initial values after more than 2 yr. Mixing of some of the complexes with starch, which was postulated to improve Cr absorption, was shown to essentially block Cr absorption within 1 mo. These data demonstrate that urinary Cr losses need to be determined because stability and absorption of the Cr complexes varies widely and could be responsible for the variability in some of the Cr supplementation studies. Chromium histidinate complexes are absorbed better than any of the Cr complexes currently available and need to be evaluated as Cr nutritional supplements.

[The dynamic state of the concentrations of copper and histidine, and the complex effects of histidine and copper on the formation of lipid peroxidation in sera of undernourished young women]

OBJECTIVES

First, we observed that copper and histidine levels were increased in the sera of undernourished women. The objective of this study was to clarify the reason for the increase in copper and histidine. Furthermore, we tried to determine the compound(s) to which the increased copper was binding, and examined the effect of the increased copper and histidine on lipid peroxidation.

METHODS

We investigated young women's diets and took blood samples, and the contents of histidine in the sera were determined by HPLC. The contents of copper were determined by flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy. The subjects were classified into three groups according to the concentration of histidine in the sera. The contents of copper and lipid peroxide in the sera were compared among the high histidine group and the other groups. We also examined the ability of the complexes to prevent LDL oxidation induced by copper, using an in vitro assay.

RESULTS

The contents of lipid peroxide were lower in the high histidine group than in the other groups. Furthermore, the complexes of histidine and copper inhibited the formation of peroxidized lipids in an in vitro assay.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that histidine masks copper, reducing oxidation reaction. They also suggest that the complexes are suited for plasma antioxidation, preventing oxidative modification of lipids in the sera of undernourished women. The increased histidine appeared to be an effective trap for active oxygen.

Kinetic Analysis of the Reactions Catalyzed by Histidine and Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyases

Although both the structures and the reactions of histidine and phenylalanine ammonia lyases (HAL and PAL) are very similar, the former shows a primary kinetic deuterium (D) isotope effect, while the latter does not. In the HAL reaction, the release of ammonia is partially rate-determining and is slower than the release of the product (E)-urocanate (4), whereas in the PAL reaction, the release of (E)-cinnamate (2) is the rate-limiting step. With (2S,3S)-[3-(2)H1]phenylalanine (1a), we determined the kinetic D isotope effects with the PAL mutants Q487A, Y350F, L137 H, and the double mutant L137 H/Q487E. The kH/kD values for the former two were of the same magnitude as with wild-type PAL (1.20+/-0.07), while the exchange of L137 to H almost doubled the effect (kH/kD=2.32+/-0.01). We conclude that L137 is part of the hydrophobic pocket harboring the phenyl group of the substrate/product and is responsible for its strong binding. The stability of the HAL ammonia complex was demonstrated 40 years ago. Here, we show that, in contrast to the former assumption, ammonia in the complex is not covalently bound to the prosthetic electrophile, 3,5-dihydro-5-methylidene-4H-imidazol-4-one (MIO; 5). We carried out experiments with a mutant enzyme lacking MIO and exhibiting ca. 10(3) times less activity. Nevertheless, the enzyme-ammonia complex was formed, and the mutant behaved upon addition of (E)-[14C]urocanate (4a) like wild-type HAL. We conclude, therefore, that ammonia is bound in the complex by Coulomb forces as ammonium ion and can be released only after (E)-urocanate (4).

Stereoselective transport of histidine in rat lung microvascular endothelial cells

The transport characteristics of L- and D-histidine through the blood-lung barrier were studied in cultured rat lung microvascular endothelial cells (LMECs). L-Histidine uptake was a saturable process. The addition of metabolic inhibitors [2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) and rotenone] reduced the uptake rate of L-histidine. Ouabain, an inhibitor of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, also reduced uptake of L-histidine. Moreover, the initial L-histidine uptake rate was reduced by the substitution of Na(+) with choline chloride and choline bicarbonate in the incubation buffer. The system N substrate, L-glutamic acid gamma-monohydroxamate, also inhibited uptake of L-histidine. However, system N-mediated transport was not pH sensitive. These results demonstrated that L-histidine is actively taken up by a system N transport mechanism into rat LMECs, with energy supplied by Na(+). Moreover, the Na(+)-independent system L substrate, 2-amino-2-norbornanecarboxylic acid (BCH), had an inhibitory effect on L-histidine uptake in Na(+) removal, indicating facilitated diffusion by a Na(+)-independent system L transport into the rat LMECs. These results provide evidence for there being at least two pathways for L-histidine uptake into rat LMECs, a Na(+)-dependent system N and Na(+)-independent system L process. On the other hand, the uptake of D-histidine into rat LMECs was not reduced by the addition of DNP, rotenone, or ouabain, or by Na(+) replacement. Although the uptake of D-histidine was reduced in the presence of BCH, the addition of L-glutamic acid gamma-monohydroxamate did not significantly decrease uptake of D-histidine. These results suggest that the uptake of D-histidine by rat LMECs has different characteristics compared with its isomer, L-histidine, indicating that system N transport did not involve D-histidine uptake.

Histidine uptake in the epidermis of lizards and snakes in relation to the formation of the shedding complex

Mammalian epidermis utilizes histidine-rich proteins (filaggrins) to aggregate keratin filaments and form the stratum corneum. Little is known about the involvement of histidine-rich proteins during reptilian keratinization. The formation of the shedding complex in the epidermis of snakes and lizards, made of the clear and the oberhautchen layers, determines the cyclical epidermal sloughing. Differently from snakes, keratohyalin-like granules are present in the clear layer of lizards. The uptake of tritiated histidine into the epidermis of two lizards and one snake has been studied by autoradiography in sections at progressive post-injection periods. At 40 min and 1 hr post-injection keratohyalin-like granules were not or poorly labeled. At 3-22 hr post-injection most of the labeling was present over suprabasal cells destined to form the shedding complex, in keratohyalin-like granules of the clear layer, and in the forming a-layer but was low in the forming b-layer, and in superficial keratinized layers. The analysis of the shedding complex in the pad lamellae (a specialized scale used for climbing) of a gecko showed that the setae and the cytoplasm of clear cells among them are main sites of histidine uptake at 4 hr post-injection. In the snake most of the labeling at 4 hr post-injection was localized in the shedding complex along the boundary between the clear and oberhautchen layers. The present study suggests that, in the epidermis of lepidosaurian reptiles, the synthesis of a histidine-rich protein is involved in the formation of the shedding layer and, as in mammals, in a-keratinization.

Clinical and microbial evaluation of a histatin-containing mouthrinse in humans with experimental gingivitis: a phase-2 multi-center study

OBJECTIVE

P-113, a 12 amino acid histatin-based peptide, was evaluated in a mouthrinse formulation for safety and efficacy in a phase 2 multi-center clinical study.

METHOD

294 healthy subjects abstained from oral hygiene procedures and self-administered either 0.01% P-113, 0.03% P-113 or placebo mouthrinse formulations twice daily over a 4-week treatment period. During this time, the safety, anti-gingivitis, and anti-plaque effects of P-113 were evaluated.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in the change from baseline to Day 22 in bleeding on probing in the 0.01% P-113 treatment group of the intent to treat population (p=0.049). Non-significant trends in the reduction of the other parameters were observed in this population (p> or =0.159). A sub-group of subjects which developed significant levels of disease within the four-week timeframe of the study was identified based on baseline gingival index scores > or =0.75. Significant findings were observed for bleeding on probing, gingival index and plaque index within this population (p<0.05). There were no treatment-related adverse events, and there were no adverse shifts in supragingival microflora during the study. Significant amounts of the peptide were retained in the oral cavity following rinsing.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that P-113 mouthrinse is safe and reduces the development of gingival bleeding, gingivitis and plaque in the human experimental gingivitis model.

Ultrastructure of the embryonic snake skin and putative role of histidine in the differentiation of the shedding complex

The morphogenesis and ultrastructure of the epidermis of snake embryos were studied at progressive stages of development through hatching to determine the time and modality of differentiation of the shedding complex. Scales form as symmetric epidermal bumps that become slanted and eventually very overlapped. During the asymmetrization of the bumps, the basal cells of the forming outer surface of the scale become columnar, as in an epidermal placode, and accumulate glycogen. Small dermal condensations are sometimes seen and probably represent primordia of the axial dense dermis of the growing tip of scales. Deep, dense, and superficial loose dermal regions are formed when the epidermis is bilayered (periderm and basal epidermis) and undifferentiated. Glycogen and lipids decrease from basal cells to differentiating suprabasal cells. On the outer scale surface, beneath the peridermis, a layer containing dense granules and sparse 25-30-nm thick coarse filaments is formed. The underlying clear layer does not contain keratohyalin-like granules but has a rich cytoskeleton of intermediate filaments. Small denticles are formed and they interdigitate with the oberhautchen spinulae formed underneath. On the inner scale surface the clear layer contains dense granules, coarse filaments, and does not form denticles with the aspinulated oberhautchen. On the inner side surface the oberhautchen only forms occasional spinulae. The sloughing of the periderm and embryonic epidermis takes place in ovo 5-6 days before hatching. There follow beta-, mesos-, and alpha-layers, not yet mature before hatching. No resting period is present but a new generation is immediately produced so that at 6-10 h posthatching an inner generation and a new shedding complex are forming beneath the outer generation. The first shedding complex differentiates 10-11 days before hatching. In hatchlings 6-10 h old, tritiated histidine is taken up in the epidermis 4 h after injection and is found mainly in the shedding complex, especially in the apposed membranes of the clear layer and oberhautchen cells. This indicates that a histidine-rich protein is produced in preparation for shedding, as previously seen in lizard epidermis. The second shedding (first posthatching) takes place at 7-9 days posthatching. It is suggested that the shedding complex in lepidosaurian reptiles has evolved after the production of a histidine-rich protein and of a beta-keratin layer beneath the former alpha-layer.

Histidine-rich peptides and polymers for nucleic acids delivery

Nucleic acids transfer into mammalian cells requires devices to improve their escape from endocytic vesicles where they are mainly confined following cellular uptake. In this review, we describe histidine-rich molecules that enable the transfer of plasmid and oligonucleotides (ODN) in human and non-human cultured cells. An histidine-rich peptide which permeabilizes biological membrane at pH 6.4, favored the transfection mediated by lactosylated polylysine/pDNA complexes. Histidylated polylysine forms cationic particles of 100 nm with a plasmid and yielded a transfection of 3-4.5 orders of magnitude higher than polylysine. The biological activity of antisense ODN was increased more than 20-fold when it was complexed with highly histidylated oligolysine into small cationic spherical particles of 35 nm. Evidence that imidazole protonation mediates the effect of these molecules in endosomes are provided. We also describe a disulfide-containing polylysine conjugate capable of mediating DNA unpackaging in a reductive medium and to increase the transfection efficiency. Overall, these molecules constitute interesting devices for developing non-viral gene delivery systems.

Hexa-histidine tag as a novel alternative for one-step direct labelling of a single-chain Fv antibody fragment with 99m Tc

From genetic material of hybridoma cells, we have generated a recombinant single-chain antibody fragment (scFv antibody) specific to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), which can substitute an intact murine monoclonal immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) antibody, also developed by our group, and used in clinical practice for many years. In this paper, we examine a novel one-step method for direct 99mTc labelling of a recombinant anti-CEA scFv fragment through a C-terminal peptide tag containing a six-histidine sequence. This C-terminal peptide tag does not affect antigen binding, and was employed as a strategy for the one-step method of direct 99mTc labelling of a recombinant antibody fragment, based on the criteria of Zamora and Rhodes (Zamora PO, Rhodes BA. Imidazoles as well as thiolates in proteins bind technetium-99m. Bioconj Chem 1992; 3: 493-498). This is a novel technique for the rapid labelling of molecules, suitable for in vivo trials. The method yields >95% labelling efficiency without major effects on biological or in vitro stability.

Hepatic uptake of solutes from the preservation solution during hypothermic storage: a (1)H NMR study in rat liver

The hepatic uptake of histidine and carnosine (histidyl-alanine), used as buffer agents in four preservation solutions, was studied during 24-h hypothermic storage of rat livers by use of (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Results demonstrated that there was a progressive, concentration-linked passive diffusion of histidine into liver tissues throughout the storage period. A similar inward diffusion of carnosine was also noted. Of the carbohydrate osmotic buffers in the preservation solutions, mannitol permeated the liver tissues to a greater degree and more rapidly than raffinose after the flushing with equivalent concentrations and storage at hypothermia. In general, many solutes from preservation solutions will increasingly penetrate the hepatic inter- and intracellular spaces during extended hypothermic preservation and (1)H NMR spectroscopy is one technique that can assist in the identification of these changes.

XAS applied to pharmaceuticals: drug administration and bioavailability

We present selected XAS applications, focused towards practical hospital questions of drug administration and bioavailability, where the technique is driven up to its limits of sensitivity. i) XAS was used to study the interactions between the components of parenteral nutrition solutions, in particular zinc and aminoacids, possibly modifying their bioavailability. ii) We studied by EXAFS a series of binary and ternary copper-aminoacid complexes, in view of the development of an efficient oral drug against copper deficiencies in Menkes disease. iii) EXAFS and XANES analysis allowed us to characterise the solution form of a new arsenic containing drug against leukaemia. In parallel to the XAS measurements, we analysed trace elements levels along patients' hairs, using X-ray fluorescence excited by synchrotron radiation. The measurements along the hair allow for a monitoring of essential trace elements during therapy.

An in vivo study of ovine placental transport of essential amino acids

Under normal physiological conditions, essential amino acids (EA) are transported from mother to fetus at different rates. The mechanisms underlying these differences include the expression of several amino acid transport systems in the placenta and the regulation of EA concentrations in maternal and fetal plasma. To study the relation of EA transplacental flux to maternal plasma concentration, isotopes of EA were injected into the circulation of pregnant ewes. Measurements of concentration and molar enrichment in maternal and fetal plasma and of umbilical plasma flow were used to calculate the ratio of transplacental pulse flux to maternal concentration (clearance) for each EA. Five EA (Met, Phe, Leu, Ile, and Val) had relatively high and similar clearances and were followed, in order of decreasing clearance, by Trp, Thr, His, and Lys. The five high-clearance EA showed strong correlation (r(2) = 0.98) between the pulse flux and maternal concentration. The study suggests that five of the nine EA have similar affinity for a rate-limiting placental transport system that mediates rapid flux from mother to fetus, and that differences in transport rates within this group of EA are determined primarily by differences in maternal plasma concentration.

Light and electron microscopical localization of filagrin-like immunoreactivity in normal and regenerating epidermis of the lizard Podarcis muralis

In the stratum granulosum of mammalian epidermis, keratohyalin contains the histidine-rich protein filagrin which determines the aggregation of keratin bundles in terminally differentiating keratinocytes. Among reptiles, the lizard epidermis possesses keratohyalin-like granules during a period preceding molting. Tritiated histidine is taken up at 3-22 h post-injection mainly in keratohyalin-like granules of the clear layer, and less intensely in oberhautchen cells, in pre-keratinizing cells of wound epidermis and in the alpha-layer. No labelling was observed in beta-cells and mesos cells. Single and double immunogold localization of filagrin and keratin, using mammalian antibodies, show that some filagrin-like immunoreactivity is localized in 0.15-0.40 microm diameter roundish keratohyalin-like granules in cells of wound epidermis, and lacunar and clear layers (soft alpha-layers). Pro-filagrin was not immuno-localized in these layers with the mammalian antibodies. The small granules merge with keratin bundles into mature keratinocytes where immunopositive keratin filaments predominate and the filagrin-like immunolabelling rapidly disappears. Little or no labelling is observed in the large keratohyaline-like granules of the clear layer. This may be due to lack of filagrin-like immunoreactivity but may also be due to epitope-masking or chemical degradation of filagrin-like molecules. No immunoreactivity is present in the beta-layer and mesos-layer but the immunolabelling reappears in the maturing alpha-layer and lacunar layer. This study suggests that histidin-rich protein with some filagrin-like immunoreactivity is initially present in those alpha-layers of lizard epidermis where keratohyalin-like granules are present, such as lacunar and clear cells, and that a filagrin-like molecule is degraded or altered in mature keratinocytes.

Influence of the denticity of ligand systems on the in vitro and in vivo behavior of (99m)Tc(I)-tricarbonyl complexes: a hint for the future functionalization of biomolecules

Functionalization of biologically relevant molecules for the labeling with the novel fac-[(99m)Tc(OH(2))(3)(CO)(3)](+) precursor has gained considerable attention recently. Therefore, we tested seven different tridentate (histidine L(1)(), iminodiacetic acid L(2)(), N-2-picolylamineacetic acid L(3)(), N, N-2-picolylaminediacetic acid L(4)()) and bidentate (histamine L(5)(), 2-picolinic acid L(6)(), 2,4-dipicolinic acid L(7)()) ligand systems, with the potential to be bifunctionalized and attached to a biomolecule. The ligands allowed mild radiolabeling conditions with fac-[(99m)Tc(OH(2))(3)(CO)(3)](+) (30 min, 75 degrees C). The ligand concentrations necessary to obtain yields of >95% of the corresponding organometallic complexes 1-7 ranged from 10(-)(6) to 10(-)(4) M. Complexes of the general formula "fac-[(99m)TcL(CO)(3)]" (L = tridentate ligand) and "fac-[(99m)Tc(OH(2))L'(CO)(3)]" (L' = bidentate ligand), respectively, were produced. Challenge studies with cysteine and histidine revealed significant displacement of the ligands in complexes 5-7 but only little exchange with complexes 1-4 after 24 h at 37 degrees C in PBS buffer. However, no decomposition to (99m)TcO(4)(-) was observed under these conditions. All complexes showed a hydrophilic character (log P(o/w) values ranging from -2.12 to 0.32). Time-dependent FPLC analyses of compounds 1-7 incubated in human plasma at 37 degrees C showed again no decomposition to (99m)TcO(4)(-) after 24 h at 37 degrees C. However, the complexes with bidentate ligands (5-7) became almost completely protein bound after 60 min, whereas the complexes with tridentate coordinated ligands (1-4) showed no reaction with serum proteins. The compounds were tested for their in vivo stability and the biodistribution characteristics in BALB/c mice. The complexes with tridentate coordinated ligand systems (1-4) revealed generally a good and fast clearance from all organs and tissues. On the other hand, the complexes with only bidentate coordinated ligands (5-7) showed a significantly higher retention of activity in the liver, the kidneys, and the blood pool. Detailed radiometric analyses of murine plasma samples, 30 min p.i. of complex fac-[(99m)TcL(1)(CO)(3)], 1, revealed almost no reaction of the radioactive complex with the plasma proteins. By contrast, in plasma samples of mice, which were injected with complex fac-[(99m)Tc(OH(2))L(5)(CO)(3)](+), 5, the entire radioactivity coeluded with the proteins. On the basis of these in vitro and in vivo experiments, it appears that functionalization of biomolecules with tridentate-chelating ligand systems is preferable for the labeling with fac-[(99m)Tc(OH(2))(3)(CO)(3)](+), since this will presumably result in radioactive bioconjugates with better pharmacokinetic profiles.

65Zn localization in rat brain after intracerebroventricular injection of 65Zn-histidine

Previous studies have shown that 65Zn uptake in the brain expressed relative to plasma 65Zn level is enhanced by histidine infusion into the blood vessel. To study the effect of histidine on zinc uptake in the brain parenchyma via the CSF, the brains of rats injected intracerebroventricularly with 65Zn-His were subjected to autoradiography. Six days after injection, the radioactivity from 65Zn-His was distributed in the major part of the brain parenchyma higher than that from 65ZnCl(2), and relatively concentrated in the hippocampal formation, globus pallidus and hypothalamus. The radioactivity of the aqueduct was also higher in the 65Zn-His group, indicating that CSF clearance of the 65Zn-His group may be lower than that of the 65ZnCl(2) group. These results suggest an enhancement by histidine on zinc uptake in the brain parenchyma via the CSF.

Carrier-mediated delivery of metabotrophic glutamate receptor ligands to the central nervous system: structural tolerance and potential of the L-system amino acid transporter at the blood-brain barrier

The brain endothelial large neutral amino acid carrier (L-system) is well suited for facilitated drug transport to the brain because of its high transport capacity and relatively broad structural substrate tolerance. The authors have examined the potential of this transporter for central nervous system (CNS) delivery of a new family of compounds derived from the large neutral amino acid phenylglycine. These compounds are highly selective for specific isoforms of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) but will only become effective therapeutics for CNS diseases such as ischemic disorders, stroke, and epilepsy if they can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier. Using the immortalized rat brain endothelial cell line RBE4 as in vitro blood-brain barrier model, the authors have studied the interaction of phenylglycine and selected derivatives with the L-system-mediated transport of L-[3H]-histidine. The transport of L-histidine was characteristic of the L-system in vivo with the following kinetic parameters: Km 135 +/- 18 micromol/L, Vmax 15.3 +/- 1.13 nmol/min/mg protein, and K(D) 2.38 +/- 0.84 microL/min/mg protein. The affinities of the L-system for phenylglycine and the derivatives investigated increased in the order S-4-carboxyphenylglycine (Ki = 16 mmol/L) < R-phenylglycine (2.2 mmol/L) < S-3-hydroxy-phenylglycine (48 micromol/L) < S-phenylglycine (34 micromol/L), suggesting that a negative charge at the side chain or R-configuration is detrimental for carrier recognition, whereas neutral side chain substituents are well tolerated. The authors have further shown (1) that the mode of interaction with the L-system of S-phenylglycine and S-3hydroxy-phenylglycine is competitive, and (2) that the transporter carries these two agents into the cell as shown by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the RBE4 cell contents. The study provides the first evidence for the potential of S-phenylglycine derivatives for carrier-mediated delivery to the CNS and outlines the substrate specificity of the L-system at the blood-brain barrier for this class of mGluR ligands. As the affinities of S-phenylglycine and S-3-hydroxy-phenylglycine for the L-system carrier are even higher than those of some natural substrates, these agents should efficiently enter CNS via this route. Possible strategies for a synergistic optimization of phenylglycine-derived therapeutics with respect to desired activity at the CNS target combined with carrier-mediated delivery to overcome the blood-brain barrier are discussed.

Copper treatment alters the permeability of tight junctions in cultured human intestinal Caco-2 cells

The effects of copper on tight-junction permeability were investigated in human intestinal Caco-2 cells, monitoring transepithelial electrical resistance and transepithelial passage of mannitol. Apical treatment of Caco-2 cells with 10-100 microM CuCl(2) (up to 3 h) produced a time- and concentration-dependent increase in tight-junction permeability, reversible after 24 h in complete medium in the absence of added copper. These effects were not observed in cells treated with copper complexed to L-histidine [Cu(His)(2)]. The copper-induced increase in tight-junction permeability was affected by the pH of the apical medium, as was the apical uptake of (64)CuCl(2), both exhibiting a maximum at pH 6.0. Treatment with CuCl(2) produced a concentration-dependent reduction in the staining of F actin but not of the junctional proteins zonula occludens-1, occludin, and E-cadherin and produced ultrastructural alterations to microvilli and tight junctions that were not observed after treatment with up to 200 microM Cu(His)(2) for 3 h. Overall, these data point to an intracellular effect of copper on tight junctions, mediated by perturbations of the F actin cytoskeleton.

Properties of uracil transport by vegetative mycelium of Trichoderma viride

The transport of radioactively labelled uracil into submerged mycelium of T. viride was measured by means of a membrane filtration technique. It was found to be time-dependent (up to 90 min) and concentration-dependent (up to 8 mmol l-1). Its concentration dependence was biphasic and consisted from the saturatable part (at the uracil concentration below 0.2 mmol l-1) with KM = 0.08 +/- 0.02 mmol l-1 and Vmax = 1.74 +/- 0.3 nmol (mg dry wt.)-1 h-1, and from the region at higher uracil concentration which showed only a weak saturatability with the substrate. The transport measured in the saturatable part of the curve was also pH- and temperature-dependent. The optimal pH was between 5.4 and 6.4 and the optimal temperature was at 37 degrees C. The activation energy of 54 kJ mol-1 and the temperature quotient of Q10 = 2.1 could be calculated from the temperature dependence. The entry of uracil was in part inhibited by nucleobases and their analogues, nucleosides, nucleotides and amino acids. The inhibitors had similar inhibitory efficiency about 50% at 0.2 mmol l-1. 3,3',4',5-tetrachlorosalicylanilide (TCS), the uncoupling agent, significantly inhibited the uracil transport, but its inhibitory efficiency decreased upon increasing the uracil concentration. Ionophore antibiotics valinomycin and monensin also inhibited the uracil transport. Inhibitors of RNA-polymerase, rifamycin and rifampicin were without effect. The results suggest that at low uracil concentrations (below 0.2 mmol l-1), its transport is mediated by a carrier and is driven by the electrochemical potential of protons. At higher uracil concentrations, the transport may be driven by the concentration difference of uracil with the contribution of the protonmotive force. It is feasible that inhibitors of uracil transport tested exert their inhibition by the dissipation of the driving force rather than by the direct competition with the substrate-binding site.

Stereoselective blood-brain barrier transport of histidine in rats

The transport characteristics of l- and d-histidine through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) were studied using cultured rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC). l-Histidine uptake was a saturable process. A decrease in incubation temperature from 37 to 0 degreesC or the addition of metabolic inhibitors (DNP and rotenone) reduced the uptake rate of l-histidine. Ouabain, an inhibitor of (Na+, K+)-ATPase, also reduced uptake of l-histidine. Moreover, the substitution of Na+ with choline chloride and choline bicarbonate in the incubation buffer decreased the initial l- and d-histidine uptake rates. These results suggested that l-histidine is actively uptaken by a carrier-mediated mechanism into the BMEC, with energy supplied by Na+. However, l-histidine uptake at 0 degreesC was not completely inhibited, and it was reduced in the presence of an Na+-independent System-L substrate, BCH, suggesting facilitated diffusion (the Na+-independent process) by a carrier-mediated mechanism into the BMEC. l-histidine uptake in rat BMEC also appeared to be System-N mediated since uptake was inhibited by glutamine, aspargine and l-glutamic acid gamma-monohydroxamate. System-N mediated transport was not pH sensitive. d-histidine transport was also studied in rat BMEC. d-histidine transport by rat BMEC has similar characteristics to l-histidine. However, System-N transport did not play a role in d-histidine uptake. The uptake of l-histidine was also greater than that of the d-isomer, indicating the stereoselective uptake of histidine in rat BMEC.

Cloning of a cDNA coding for an amino acid carrier from Ricinus communis (RcAAP1) by functional complementation in yeast: kinetic analysis, inhibitor sensitivity and substrate specificity

A cDNA for the amino acid permease gene RcAAP1 has been isolated from Ricinus communis by yeast complementation and subjected to a detailed kinetic analysis. RcAAP1 cDNA is 1.5 kb with an open reading frame that codes for a protein with 486 amino acids and a calculated molecular mass of 53.1 kDa. RcAAP1-mediated histidine uptake was pH dependent with highest transport rates at acidic pH; it was sensitive to protonophores and uncouplers and the Km for histidine uptake was 96 microM. The substrate specificity was investigated by measuring the levels of inhibition of histidine uptake by a range of amino acids. The basic amino acids (histidine, lysine and arginine) showed strongest inhibition of uptake whereas acidic amino acids competed less effectively. Alanine was the most efficient competitor of the neutral amino acids. Glutamine, serine, asparagine, methionine and cysteine showed moderate inhibition whereas threonine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan showed only low levels of inhibition. Glycine, proline and citrulline caused slight stimulation. More detailed competition kinetics indicated that both lysine and arginine showed simple competitive inhibition of histidine uptake. When direct uptake measurements were carried out, both lysine and arginine were found to be effective substrates for RcAAP1.

The diphtheria toxin channel-forming T domain translocates its own NH2-terminal region across planar bilayers

The T domain of diphtheria toxin, which extends from residue 202 to 378, causes the translocation of the catalytic A fragment (residues 1-201) across endosomal membranes and also forms ion-conducting channels in planar phospholipid bilayers. The carboxy terminal 57-amino acid segment (322-378) in the T domain is all that is required to form these channels, but its ability to do so is greatly augmented by the portion of the T domain upstream from this. In this work, we show that in association with channel formation by the T domain, its NH2 terminus, as well as some or all of the adjacent hydrophilic 63 amino acid segment, cross the lipid bilayer. The phenomenon that enabled us to demonstrate that the NH2-terminal region of the T domain was translocated across the membrane was the rapid closure of channels at cis negative voltages when the T domain contained a histidine tag at its NH2 terminus. The inhibition of this effect by trans nickel, and by trans streptavidin when the histidine tag sequence was biotinylated, clearly established that the histidine tag was present on the trans side of the membrane. Furthermore, the inhibition of rapid channel closure by trans trypsin, combined with mutagenesis to localize the trypsin site, indicated that some portion of the 63 amino acid NH2-terminal segment of the T domain was also translocated to the trans side of the membrane. If the NH2 terminus was forced to remain on the cis side, by streptavidin binding to the biotinylated histidine tag sequence, channel formation was severely disrupted. Thus, normal channel formation by the T domain requires that its NH2 terminus be translocated across the membrane from the cis to the trans side, even though the NH2 terminus is >100 residues removed from the channel-forming part of the molecule.

Histidine availability alters glucagon gene expression in murine alphaTC6 cells

Because individual amino acids (AA) stimulate glucagon release from pancreatic alpha-cells, the purpose of this study was to determine if individual AA could influence glucagon gene expression. Preproglucagon mRNA levels were 67% lower (P < 0.05) in mouse alphaTC6 cells incubated for 12 h in amino acid-free medium compared with cells incubated in complete medium containing all 20 AA. A time-course study indicated that alphaTC6 cells incubated in amino acid-free medium +/-1 micromol/L puromycin or amino acid-containing medium plus puromycin exhibited similar preproglucagon mRNA decreases over 12 h. When 1 micromol/L actinomycin was added to medium with or without AA, ppG mRNA concentrations decreased (P < 0.05) for 3h; however, values at 12 h were not different than those at 3 h. Deletions of single AA from complete medium demonstrated that only histidine removal or depletion reproduced the decrease in ppG mRNA observed in amino acid-free medium. We conclude that histidine is involved in the regulation of preproglucagon mRNA levels in alphaTC6 cells and that this regulation may be operative during both transcriptional and post-transcriptional events.

Choroid plexus histidine transport

System-N transport plays an important role in l-glutamine uptake into isolated rat choroid plexus but its role in the transport of another System-N substrate, l-histidine, has yet to be determined. Similarly, the possible effects on System-N mediated l-histidine transport of changes in pH and extracellular l-glutamine, such as occur in cerebral ischemia and hepatic encephalopathy, have yet to be examined. In the absence of competing amino acids, l-[3H]histidine uptake in isolated rat choroid plexus was mediated by both Na+-independent and Na+-dependent transport. The former was inhibited by 2-amino-2-norbornane carboxlic acid, indicating System-L transport, while the latter appears System-N mediated as it was inhibited by three System-N substrates but not substrates for System-A and -ASC. The Na+-dependent uptake had a Km of 0.2 mM and a Vmax of 1.4 nmol/mg/min. It accounted for 30% of l-histidine uptake in the presence of physiological concentrations of amino acids. Reductions in pH markedly inhibited Na+-dependent but not Na+-independent transport indicating that, as in liver but not neurons, System-N mediated transport at the choroid plexus is pH sensitive. Increases in l-glutamine concentration in the pathophysiological range reduced l-histidine uptake via both System-L and -N.

L-histidine/medroxyprogesterone acetate interaction modulates human breast cancer cell growth and progestin receptor expression in vitro

The effect of different L-histidine concentrations on human mammary tumour cell (CG5) proliferation was studied to test the hypothesis of a role of histidine in modulating sex steroid-regulated cell proliferation. Cell growth was only possible in the 10(-5) M and 10(-2) M range, while its inhibition by medroxyprogesterone acetate was confined to the 10(-4) M and 10(-3) M range. 10(-3) M L-histidine enhanced the effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate in reducing the number of cells in the S phase. The results show also that 10(-3) M L-histidine favours progestin diffusion into cells and increases progestin receptors density. The present data are in line with previous observations of the effect of histidine on the growth of experimental animal tumours, add evidence that histidine concentration influences the control of cell proliferation by sex steroids, and suggest a possible use of histidine in association with progestational drugs in the treatment of human neoplasia.

Pharmacokinetics of the new thyrotropin releasing hormone analogue montirelin hydrate. 3rd communication: identification of metabolites in rat urine

The metabolism of montirelin hydrate (CAS 90243-66-6, NS-3) was studied in rats after intravenous administration of 14C-labeled or unlabeled NS-3. 1. Four radioactive metabolites (M-1 to M-4) were found in the urine after administration of 14C-NS-3. M-3 (major metabolite) and M-2 showed the same Rf values as (-)-N-[[(3R,6R)-6-methyl-5-oxo-3-thiomorpholinyl]carbonyl]-L-histi dyl-L- proline (CNK-6004) and (+)-N-[[(3R,6R)-6-methyl-5-oxo-3- thiomorpholinyl]carbonyl]-L-histidine (CNK-6001), respectively. 2. M-3 and M-2 were purified from the urine after administration of unlabeled NS-3, and their chemical structures were identified by mass spectrometry, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. Consequently, M-3 was identified as CNK-6004 formed by deamidation at a prolinamide moiety of NS-3, and M-2 as CNK-6001 formed by deprolination of CNK-6004.

Pharmacokinetics of stable isotopically labeled L-histidine in humans and the assessment of in vivo histidine ammonia lyase activities

The pharmacokinetics of L-histidine in humans has been investigated to evaluate the in vivo histidine ammonia lyase system for the conversion of L-histidine to urocanic acid. Two healthy volunteers (subjects A and B) received a single 100-mg oral dose of L-[3,3-2H2,1',3'-15N2]histidine. Blood and urine samples were obtained over 24 hr after the administration and analyzed by stable isotope dilution ms. Labeled L-histidine was rapidly absorbed, and a maximum plasma concentration of L-histidine was observed at 30 min (1057.6 ng/ml) in subject A and at 60 min (1635.6 ng/ml) in subject B after oral administration. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated based on a two-compartment model. Labeled L-histidine in subject A (t1/2 = 1.0 hr) was eliminated approximately twice faster than that in subject B (t1/2 = 1.9 hr). Total body clearances were 70.0 liters/hr in subject A and 30.0 liters/hr in subject B. The low ratios of the renal clearance to the total body clearance (1.04% for subject A and 0.43% for subject B) indicated that most of L-histidine was eliminated via the nonrenal processes. L-Histidine was rapidly metabolized to urocanic acid. Maximum plasma concentrations of urocanic acid were 59.61 ng/ml at 30 min for subject A and 46.10 ng/ml at 60 min for subject B. The slope of the plot of urinary excretion rate of urocanic acid vs. the plasma concentration of unchanged L-histidine was demonstrated to reflect the metabolic clearance of L-histidine to urocanic acid. The method of evaluating the in vivo human histidine ammonia lyase activities discussed in this study offers a significant value with regard to the biochemical and clinical elucidations of the heterogeneity of histidinemia.

Effect of aging on zinc and histidine transport across rat intestinal brush-border membranes

The effects of aging on intestinal absorption of zinc and L-histidine were investigated in adult (10-month-old) and senescent (30-month-old) Wistar rats' brush-border membrane vesicles isolated from jejunum and ileum. Kinetic parameters of the zinc transport by the jejunal brush-border membrane were Jmax = 126 +/- 24 nmol.min-1.mg-1 protein and Km = 490 +/- 126 microM (10-month-old rats, n = 7). The transport of zinc was the same in the jejunum and the ileum of adult animals. In senescent rats, the zinc uptake was significantly lower in the distal part of the intestine than in the proximal one. A comparison of zinc uptake in 10- and 30-month-old rats showed that the transport capacity of the jejunum did not change with age but the ileal transport capacity decreased by 50%. This reduced uptake was associated with an increased cholesterol content of the brush-border membrane. The major site of L-histidine absorption was the jejunum, in both the 10- and 30-month-old animals. L-Histidine was co-transported with Na+. The kinetic parameters of the L-histidine carrier in the presence of Na+ were Jmax = 6.5 +/- 1.0 nmol.min-1.mg-1 protein and Km = 190 +/- 29 microM in the jejunum of 10-month-old rats (n = 12). Increasing the extra-vesicular concentration of zinc (0 --> 1 mM) reduced the uptake of L-histidine, and conversely increasing the concentration of L-histidine (0 --> 1 mM) reduced that of zinc: there was no evidence of transport of a complexed form [zinc-L-histidine] in brush-border membranes of the small intestine. During aging, the transport capacity of L-histidine by the jejunum decreased, whereas the ileal transport capacity was conserved. The modifications of absorptive capacity for zinc and L-histidine at the membrane level (loss of ileal function for zinc, and loss of jejunal function for amino acid) indicate that the normal aging of intestinal epithelial cells cannot be regarded as a decline in the overall transport of nutriments but as a combination of highly specific modifications of the various transport systems.

Studies on the transport in vitro of lysine, histidine, arginine and ammonia across the mucosa of the equine colon

Discs of stripped mucosa from the proximal ventral colon were prepared immediately after slaughter of 8 Shetland cross-breed ponies. The mucosae were fixed in incubation chambers and used in incubation experiments to study the transmucosal fluxes of the amino acids lysine, histidine and arginine (150 min) and of ammonia (90 min). When the amino acid concentrations in the mucosal solution were in the physiological range (2.8-3.0 mmol/l) no transport to the serosal side of the tissue was found. When the concentrations were raised 10-fold, less than 2% of the mucosal amino acid pool was recovered in the serosal solution. Ammonia was transported across the mucosa at significant rates although only 63% of the ammonia that disappeared from the mucosal solution was found in the serosal solution. The findings show that the equine proximal colon is virtually impermeable to luminal free amino acids whereas ammonia is transported at rates equal to, or higher than those observed with rumen mucosa from sheep.

31P NMR studies of rat liver cold preservation with histidine-buffered lactobionate solution

The efficiency of a preservation medium, histidine-buffered lactobionate solution (HBLS), was determined by measuring post-ischemic recoveries of ATP and intracellular pH under Krebs-Henseleit buffer (KHB) perfusion. We used NMR spectroscopy to study the effect of 24-h cold ischemia, followed by 4 degrees C then 37 degrees C reperfusion on the isolated rat liver. Three media were compared: University of Wisconsin solution (UW-lactobionate); Bretschneider's solution (HTK); HBLS and HBLS supplemented with 2 mM Gly and 2 mM Cys (HBLSg2) or with 10 mM Gly and 2 mM Cys (HBLSg10). All values were compared to control values measured during pre-ischemic cold perfusion with KHB (ATP = 8.60 +/- 0.6 mumol/g of dry weigh and pH(in) = 7.41 +/- 0.05). The main result from 31P NMR data concerned ATP recovery during cold reperfusion, which was significantly higher in the HBLS group (112 +/- 10%) as compared to the UW and HTK groups (around 66%). The presence of glycine decreased ATP recovery (88 +/- 8% in HBLSg2, 79 +/- 15% in HBLSg10). Higher values of recovered pHin were observed in livers stored in histidine buffered solutions (around 7.30) as compared to UW (around 7.20); histidine was by 13C NMR proved to accumulate in the liver cells, thus ensuring a good buffering capacity. The thermal transition induced a decrease in both ATP level and pHin in all groups. This might be the result of a stimulation of the carbohydrate metabolism (as demonstrated by 13C NMR) especially when glycine was present in the storage solution.

Incorporation of 2-fluorohistidine in murine protein in vivo

The tissue distribution and time course of incorporation into acid insoluble (bound) and acid soluble (free) fractions of [3H]2-fluorohistidine is compared to that of U[14C]Histidine in mouse tissues in vivo. The cycloheximide-sensitive incorporation of 2-FHis is between 9 and 17 percent of that of His. Unlike [14C]His a major fraction, approximately 90% at 72 hrs, of isotope derived from [3H]2-FHis remains in tissues for a prolonged period in an acid soluble form. The excretion of isotope derived from [14C]His (T1/2 = 5 hr) is more rapid than from [3H]2-FHis (T1/2 = 11.4 hrs). 2-FHis, at doses from 100 to 250 mg/kg produce a reversible inhibition of growth in mice.

Incorporation of tritiated thymidine, leucine and histidine in murine tail epidermis after skin irritation (histoautoradiography)

Thymidine incorporation into epidermal DNA as well as leucine and histidine incorporation into epidermal protein were studied by histoautoradiography in female mice tail epidermis. Prior to in vitro incubation of skin samples with labelled precursors, tail skin was irritated mechanically by rubbing with fine sand paper, chemically by repeated topical administration of n-hexadecane and by feeding an essential fatty acid deficient diet. After these skin irritations, an increased thymidine labelling index and skin thickening were found. Leucine was shown to be incorporated into protein predominantly in basal epidermal cell layers, while histidine was incorporated predominantly in the granular layer. Especially after mechanical skin irritation, this difference was obvious.

Histidine transfer across the human placenta: characteristics in the isolated perfused human placenta and the effect of ethanol

Histidine is essential to normal fetal growth. In vivo, the fetal-to-maternal (F-to-M) plasma concentration ratio for histidine is the highest of any amino acid. Previously, we have shown that histidine uptake by human placental microvillous membrane vesicles (MMV) occurs by a specific, Na(+)-dependent system. In this study, we have examined the maternal-to-fetal (M-to-F) transfer characteristics of histidine, using the isolated perfused human placental cotyledon. In addition, the effect of ethanol on net transfer of histidine in this human tissue model has been assessed. During 4 h of perfusion a 1.8:1 fetal-to-maternal perfusate ratio formed for histidine. In the perfused placentae, net M-to-F transfer of histidine was saturable with an apparent Km of 0.09 mM. The perfusion experiments suggest that the F-to-M histidine gradient observed in vivo is due primarily to active transport across the placenta. The presence of 300 per cent (65 mM) ethanol in the maternal perfusate did not alter the transfer characteristics of histidine, nor that of the diffusion markers, antipyrine and L-glucose.

Activation of amino acid transport during steady-state growth of Escherichia coli

Accumulation of amino acids in exponentially increasing cultures of Escherichia coli was linear, supporting the interpretation that the biphasic response observed when cultures grew without these acids reflects a transient perturbation in accumulation. Rates of accumulation of glutamine, histidine and glycine were compared in steady-state and non-steady-state cultures. Their uptake rates were markedly enhanced in steady-state cultures at low exogenous concentrations, 10 microM or less. The results support the activation of amino acid transport systems by low concentrations of the particular amino acid present during growth. This activation was decreased when exogenous concentrations of the amino acid were markedly increased or when cells were washed free of the amino acid. Upon readdition of the amino acid after washing, recovery of enhanced transport required several generations, supporting a process of recovery other than enzymatic induction. The observation of amino acid enhancement of transport for eight other amino acids examined in steady-state culture suggests that this enhancement is a common process.

Characteristics of histidine uptake by human placental microvillous membrane vesicles

L-histidine is an essential amino acid. Its fetal-to-maternal blood concentration ratio is high, suggesting active placental transport. In this study, human placental microvillous membrane vesicles were used to characterize L-histidine transport, heretofore not evaluated in human tissue. L-Histidine uptake by microvillous membrane vesicles was stimulated by an inward sodium gradient, leading to an "overshoot," followed by apparent equilibration. Linear uptake at 22 degrees C was limited to the 1st min. The initial sodium-dependent uptake rate was proportional to the sodium concentration in the medium. The sodium-dependent uptake was markedly diminished or lost when potassium, cesium, or choline was substituted for sodium but not lithium. Replacement of chloride with sulfate or gluconate had little effect. Sodium-stimulated L-histidine uptake was further stimulated by an outward potassium gradient (inside-negative) in the presence of valinomycin. Sodium-dependent uptake kinetic constants for L-histidine were: Km = 0.44 +/- 0.18 mM: Vmax = 536 +/- 94 nmol/mg/30 s (mean +/- SD). 2-(methylamino)isobutyric acid did not inhibit L-histidine uptake. Conversely, L-histidine noncompetitively inhibited sodium-dependent uptake of 2-(methylamino)isobutyric acid and L-cysteine. L-glutamine competitively inhibited sodium-dependent L-histidine uptake. L-histidine uptake was stimulated by preloading the vesicles with either L-histidine or L-glutamine (transstimulation). L-histidine uptake was not sensitive to N-ethylmaleimide treatment but was strongly inhibited by low pH. These findings suggest that L-histidine is transported in the human placenta by a specific sodium-dependent system similar to the "N" system described in rodent hepatocytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)