Determination of tilmicosin in bovine and porcine sera by liquid chromatography

A liquid chromatographic (LC) assay is described for determining tilmicosin in bovine and porcine blood sera. Tilmicosin is isolated from the serum matrix and purified by solid-phase extraction with C18 sorbent. Sample is analyzed by LC using a gradient system with a phenyl reversed-phase column that separates tilmicosin from the matrix in 30 min. Tilmicosin is measured by UV absorbance at 280 nm. Validation of assay included evaluation of accuracy, precision, linearity, specificity, sensitivity, range, and sample stability. The method has a limit of quantitation of 0.1 ppm and a validated range of 0.1 to 10.0 ppm. Recoveries were 91-95% for bovine serum and 85-93% porcine serum. The limit of detection was 0.05 microgram/mL. Limits of detection and quantitation were based on 3 and 6 times the baseline noise of control serum samples, respectively. Relative standard deviations of precision samples (n = 6) were 2% or less for both sera. The method has better specificity and analysis time than previous microbiological methods for tilmicosin in sera.

The contingent negative variation in an odor labeling paradigm

Fifteen subjects participated in an experiment designed to assess the contingent negative variation (CNV) during the labeling of odors and shapes. Odors or shapes were presented (S1) and followed 3 s later by a lexical label (A, B, or C) (S2). In 75% of the trials, the S2 was the correct label for the odor or shape. In the remaining trials, the S2 was an incorrect label. Subjects' olfactory performance was correlated with both the CNV during in the S1/S2 interval and also the P300 following the S2 stimulus. The CNV over the left frontal area was significantly larger in the olfactory phase of the experiment. CNV activity also correlated with olfactory performance such that subjects with the largest odor-related CNVs had the best olfactory performance. Although P300 differed as a function of label matches versus mismatches, no odor-specific effects or correlations were found.

Determination of monensin in edible bovine tissues and milk by liquid chromatography

A method is described for detection and quantitation of monensin in bovine tissues by liquid chromatography (LC) with postcolumn derivatization (PCD) with vanillin. Monensin is extracted from the tissues by homogenization with methanol-water and is isolated and concentrated by liquid-liquid partition and sorbent extraction with silica gel. Monensin is mixed postcolumn with vanillin under acidic conditions and heated, and the resulting products are measured by a variable-wavelength detector at 520 nm. The method has a limit of quantitation of 5 ppb monensin in milk and 25 ppb monensin in bovine muscle, liver, kidney, and fat. Standard recovery over the levels and matrixes tested ranged from 80 to 88%. The method is an improvement in specificity, accuracy, and analysis time over existing monensin residue methods for bovine tissues.

IL-2-dependent induction of G1 cyclins in primary T cells is not blocked by rapamycin or cyclosporin A

Autocrine stimulation of the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) is required for commitment of a T cell to enter the cell cycle and may involve transmission of the IL-2R signal to cell cycle control proteins. Candidates for such proteins are the D-type cyclins which are expressed in G1. Short-term cultures of primary human T cells were used to show that expression of cyclins D2 and D3 is regulated by IL-2 in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Cyclin D2 RNA was induced rapidly to peak levels well before initiation of DNA synthesis and gradually declined during the remainder of G1. Cyclin D3 RNA and protein showed a slower induction during G1 to maximal levels as cells initiated DNA synthesis that remained high throughout S phase. Induction of cyclins D2 and D3 was independent of the cyclosporin A-sensitive calcineurin pathway and of rapamycin-sensitive pathways, despite the ability of rapamycin to severely inhibit entry into S phase. These observations suggest that cyclins D2 and D3 may monitor the IL-2R signal but that their induction does not guarantee entry into S phase. Rapamycin was found to target a pathway late in G1 that is distal to induction of D-type cyclin gene expression but proximal to DNA replication, perhaps involving the function of the D-type cyclin proteins or their associated kinases.

A comparative study of the effects of delta-aminolaevulinic acid and the GABAA agonist, muscimol, in rat jejunal preparations

Preparations of rat jejunum were tested for their responsiveness to the GABAA receptor agonist, muscimol, and to the haem precursor, delta-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA). Both muscimol (1.0-30 microM) and ALA (1.0 microM-3.0 mM) elicited a concentration-dependent increase in tone. Pretreatment with the GABAA antagonist, bicuculline (10(-5) M), blocked effects of muscimol at all concentrations tested and attenuated effects of 0.3 mM ALA. However, bicuculline enhanced responsiveness of the preparations to ALA at low concentrations (0.01-0.05 microM), as also did picrotoxin (10(-5) M), eliciting a significant increase of tone. The significance of these findings is discussed. This finding of pharmacological activity by ALA at concentrations comparable with its blood levels during acute attacks of intermittent porphyria provides support for the proposal that is may play a role in the aetiology of the gastrointestinal manifestations of this disease.

Requirement for association of p56lck with CD4 in antigen-specific signal transduction in T cells

The T cell-specific transmembrane glycoprotein CD4 interacts with class II MHC molecules via its external domain and is associated with tyrosine kinase p56lck via a cysteine motif in its cytoplasmic domain. We have assessed the ability of CD4 to synergize with the antigen-specific T cell receptor (TCR) for induction of transmembrane signals that result in lymphokine production. Mutant CD4 molecules were introduced into T cells that lacked endogenous CD4 but expressed TCRs specific for lysozyme peptides or the superantigen SEA bound to Ab or Abm12 class II MHC molecules. With either ligand, T cell activation occurred only when CD4 was associated with p56lck. These results demonstrate that residues within the cytoplasmic domain of CD4 are required for its coreceptor function in TCR-mediated signal transduction and strongly support the notion that the association of CD4 with p56lck is critical in this process.

Interaction of the unique N-terminal region of tyrosine kinase p56lck with cytoplasmic domains of CD4 and CD8 is mediated by cysteine motifs

p56lck, a lymphocyte-specific member of the src family of cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinases, is associated noncovalently with the cell surface glycoproteins CD4 and CD8, which are expressed on functionally distinct subpopulations of T cells. Using transient coexpression of p56lck with CD4 or CD8 alpha in COS-7 cells, we show that the unique N-terminal region of p56lck binds to the membrane-proximal 10 and 28 cytoplasmic residues of CD8 alpha and CD4, respectively. Two cysteine residues in each of the critical sequences in CD4, CD8 alpha, and p56lck are required for association. Our results suggest a novel role for cysteine-mediated interactions between unrelated proteins and provide a model for the association of other src-like cytoplasmic kinases with transmembrane proteins.

A patient with simultaneous absence of "classical" natural killer cells (CD3-, CD16+, and NKH1+) and expansion of CD3+, CD4-, CD8-, NKH1+ subset

The clinical manifestations of putative natural killer (NK) cell deficiency are not well-known but theoretically should include recurrent tumors and systemic viral infections. In this article, we discuss a patient with recurrent condylomata, vulvar and cervical carcinoma in situ, pulmonary infiltrates of unknown significance, and a hypercoagulable state. This patient has a dramatic persistent deficiency in her circulating "classic" NK cells (CD3-, CD16+, NKH1+) and a simultaneous persistent expansion of a normally minor lymphocyte cell subset (CD3+, CD4-, CD8-, NKH1+) that does not express the alpha beta heterodimer of the T cell receptor. T-lymphocyte function, as measured by mitogen and alloantigen responsiveness in vitro, was normal. The coexistence of this particular clinical complex with this unusual set of laboratory abnormalities tends to emphasize our meager understanding of the biologic role of NK cells. At the very least, these findings suggest that the clinical manifestations of NK cell deficiency need not be dominated by disseminated systemic viral infections and that perhaps there should be a higher index of suspicion for the scrutinization of NK cell function.

[14C]-triolein absorption: a useful test in the diagnosis of malabsorption

The [14C]-triolein absorption test has been assessed using a preprepared fat meal in a procedure that can be completed within a working day on an inpatient or outpatient basis. An initial study showed complete discrimination between 30 control subjects and 13 patients with raised faecal fat excretion. A prospective evaluation in 57 patients under investigation for gastrointestinal disease showed a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 93% (100% if two obese subjects are excluded). The test discriminates satisfactorily between patients with and without fat malabsorption and makes the measurement of faecal fat unnecessary in most circumstances.

Atracurium infusion in liver transplantation

A continuous infusion of atracurium was used to provide neuromuscular blockade in 25 adult patients undergoing liver transplantation following atracurium, suxamethonium or vecuronium for intubation. Blockade was monitored by recording evoked electromyographic response and maintained with a mean infusion rate of 0.38 +/- 0.14 mg kg-1 h-1 during 306 +/- 80 min of operation. Atracurium requirements appeared to be less during the anhepatic period and greater after removal of the vascular clamps on the new liver. No instances of arterial hypotension or anaphylactoid reactions attributable to atracurium were reported. It can be concluded that a continuous infusion of atracurium is a safe, effective and convenient technique of ensuring neuromuscular blockade during liver transplantation, at a rate of infusion no different from that needed in patients with normal hepatic function.

Application of stepwise discriminant analysis in the phenotyping of plasma cholinesterase variants

Discriminant function analysis has been applied to the results of activity and inhibitor measurements carried out on a series of 229 specimens using benzoylcholine and butyrylthiocholine as substrate. The discriminant function was more effective in differentiating cholinesterase genotypes than either a single test or a combination of two tests.

Effects of storage and repeated freezing and thawing on plasma cholinesterase activity

Plasma cholinesterase activity, determined using either benzoyl choline or butyrylthiocholine as substrate, is stable for prolonged periods (greater than 12 months) when stored at -20 degrees C. Likewise, repeated freezing and thawing of plasma did not markedly affect cholinesterase activity.

A permanent internal fixation technique for the Austin osteotomy

A new method of permanent internal fixation is described with a discussion of applicability to the Austin procedure for the surgical correction of hallux abducto valgus deformity. The contention of this article is that an easily performed wire fixation method provides superior stabilization of the Austin osteotomy site. Preliminary investigation of this method shows consistently fewer complications secondary to instability of the Austin osteotomy, with union of the osseous fragments proceeding more rapidly as compared to nonfixated osteotomies.

A model for the common control of enzymes of ethanolamine catabolism in Escherichia coli

By varying the composition of the growth medium and the genotype of the bacterial strain, five isoenzymes of CoA-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase could be detected in Escherichia coli. Two isoenzymes (A, mol. wt 520 000; and B, mol. wt 370 000) were produced only in the presence of ethanolamine and vitamin (or coenzyme) B12 ('inducible isoenzymes'), whereas the other three isoenzymes (C, mol. wt 900 0000; D, mol. wt 120 000; and E, mol. wt 720 000) were produced only in the absence of ethanolamine and vitamin B12 ('repressible isoenzymes'). Partial purification and characterization of these isoenzymes revealed strong similarities, with respect to pH optima and substrate affinities, between isoenzymes within either of the two classes, but significant differences between the two classes. Mutant studies demonstrated that the relationships between the isoenzymes and between CoA-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase and ethanolamine ammonia-lyase are both structural and regulatory in nature, and a two-operon model is proposed to account for the common control of the enzymes of ethanolamine catabolism in E. coli.

Interrelationships between the enzymes of ethanolamine metabolism in Escherichia coli

The activities of the enzymes ethanolamine ammonia-lyase, CoA-dependent and CoA-independent aldehyde dehydrogenases, and isocitrate lyase were assayed in Escherichia coli which had been grown on various sources of carbon and nitrogen. Induction of ethanolamine ammonia-lyase and of maximal levels of both aldehyde dehydrogenases required the concerted effects of ethanolamine and vitamin (or coenzyme) B12. Molecular exclusion chromatography revealed that, in the absence of one or both co-inducers, two repressible isoenzymes of CoA-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase (mol. wts 900000 and 120000) were produced, these being replaced by two inducible isoenzymes (mol. wts 520000 and 370000) in the presence of both co-inducers. A similar inducible repressible series of isoenzymes was also observed for CoA-independent aldehyde dehydrogenase. No evidence was found for structural relationships between ethanolamine ammonia-lyase, CoA-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase and CoA-independent aldehyde dehydrogenase, but mutant and physiological studies demonstrated that the induction of the first two enzymes is under common control. Evidence is presented for the operation of a previously unreported pathway of ethanolamine metabolism in E. coli.

Phosphatidylethanolamine distribution and fluidity in outer and inner membranes of the gram-negative bacterium Erwinia carotovora

1. The distribution of phosphatidylethanolamine, the major lipid of Erwinia carotovora, was investigated in intact bacteria, spheroplasts and outer- and inner-membrane preparations, with the amino-group reagent 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid. Only 4% was found on the external surface of the outer membrane with 30% on the internal surface, whereas the inner membrane had 27 and 38% on its external and internal surfaces respectively. Some comparative studies were made with three other bacteria. 2. The fluidity of the membranes of E. carotovora was studied by using the fluorescent probe 1,6-diphenylhexa-1,3,5-triene. Results were consistent with the hydrocarbon region of the outer membrane bilayer being less fluid than that of the inner one. 3. On the basis of these and other results a model for the outer- and inner-membrane structures of E. carotovora is proposed.

Microbial metabolism of amino alcohols. Biosynthetic utilization of ethanolamine for lipid synthesis by bacteria

1. Ten bacteria utilizing [2-14C]ethanol-2-amine as the sole or major source of nitrogen for growth on glycerol + salts medium incorporated radioactivity into a variety of bacterial substances. A high proportion was commonly found in lipid fractions, particularly in the case of Erwinia carotovora. 2. Detailed studies of [14C]ethanolamine incorporation into lipids by five bacteria, including E. carotovora, showed that all detectable lipids were labelled. Even where phosphatidylethanolamine was the major lipid labelled, radioactivity was predominantly in the fatty acid rather than the base moiety. The labelled fatty acids were identified in each case. 3. The addition of acetate to growth media decreased the incorporation of radioactivity from ethanolamine into both fatty acid and phosphatidyl-base fragments of lipids from all the bacteria except Mycobacterium smegmatis. Experiments with [3H]ethanolamine and [14C]acetate confirmed that unlabelled acetate decreased the incorporation of both radioactive isotopes into lipids, except in the case of M. smegmatis. 4. Enzyme studies suggested one of two metabolic routes between ethanolamine and acetyl-CoA for each of four bacteria. A role for ethanolamine O-phosphate was not obligatory for the incorporation of [14C]ethanolamine into phospholipids, but correlated with CoA-independent aldehyde dehydrogenase activity.

Microbial metabolism of amino alcohols. Formation of coenzyme B12-dependent ethanolamine ammonia-lyase and its concerted induction in Escherichia coli

1. Kinetic studies of ethanolamine ammonia-lyase formation by Escherichia coli suggested that coenzyme B12 (5'-deoxyadenosylcobalamin), with ethanolamine, is a co-inducer. 2. Enzymic and immunological tests failed to show the formation of complementary enzyme components induced separately by ethanolamine and cobalamin respectively. 3. Although specific for ethanolamine as the substrate, enzyme formation was induced by certain analogues, e.g. 2-aminopropan-1-ol. 4. Experiments with cyano[57Co]-cobalamin suggested that neither coenzyme B12 nor some more tightly bound coenzymically inactive cobamide was necessary for enzyme stability in vitro. 5. Mutants of E. coli were obtained which formed ethanolamine ammonia-lyase apoenzyme constitutively, showing that neither ethanolamine nor cobalamin was required for assembly or post-transcriptional stability of the enzyme in vivo. Constitutive enzyme formation was subject to catabolite repression, particularly by glucose. 6. It appears likely that ethanolamine and coenzyme B12, acting in concert, induce ethanolamine ammonia-lyase formation. The term 'concerted' induction is proposed for this phenomenon.

Microbial metabolism of amino alcohols. Purification and properties of coenzyme B12-dependent ethanolamine ammonia-lyase of Escherichia coli

1. The 120-fold purification of ethanolamine ammonia-lyase from Escherichia coli extracts, to apparent homogeneity, is described. Ethanolamine, dithiothreitol, glycerol and KCl protected the apoenzyme from inactivation. 2. At the optimum pH7.5, K(m) values for ethanolamine and coenzyme B(12) were 44mum and 0.42mum respectively. The K(m) for ethanolamine was markedly affected by pH, transitions occurring at pH7.0 and 8.35. 3. The enzyme was specific for ethanolamine as substrate, none of the 18 analogues tested being active. l-2-Aminopropan-l-ol (K(i) 0.86mum), dl-1-aminopropan-2-ol (K(i) 2.2mum) and dl-1,3-diaminopropan-2-ol (K(i) 88.0mum) inhibited competitively. 4. Enzyme activity was inhibited, irreversibly and non-competitively, by the coenzyme analogues methylcobalamin (K(i) 1.4nm), hydroxocobalamin (K(i) 2.1nm) and cyanocobalamin (K(i) 4.8nm). 5. Iodoacetamide inhibited in the absence of ethanolamine, but only slightly in its presence. p-Hydroxymercuribenzoate inhibited markedly even in the presence of ethanolamine. Dithiothreitol and 2-mercaptoethanol (less effectively) restored activity to the enzyme dialysed against buffer containing ethanolamine. 6. Although K(+) ions stabilized the enzyme during dialysis or storage, they were not necessary for activity. 7. Gel filtration showed the enzyme to be of high molecular weight, ultracentrifugal studies giving s(20,w) of 16.4 and an estimated mol.wt. 560400. The isoelectric point for the apoenzyme was approx. pH5.0. inhibited enzyme activity at concentrations above 1m (95% inhibition at 3m) and sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis indicated protein subunits of mol.wt. 61400. 8. Immunological studies showed that the E.coli enzyme was closely related to those of other enterobacteria, but only distantly to that of Clostridium sp. A double precipitin band suggested that the apoenzyme may be made up of two protein components.