Mathematical theory of cross-reactive radioimmunoassay and ligand-binding systems of equilibrium

Recommendations on the measurement and the clinical use of vitamin D metabolites and vitamin D binding protein - A position paper from the IFCC Committee on bone metabolism

Vitamin D, an important hormone with a central role in calcium and phosphate homeostasis, is required for bone and muscle development as well as preservation of musculoskeletal function. The most abundant vitamin D metabolite is 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], which is currently considered the best marker to evaluate overall vitamin D status. 25(OH)D is therefore the most commonly measured metabolite in clinical practice. However, several other metabolites, although not broadly measured, are useful in certain clinical situations. Vitamin D and all its metabolites are circulating in blood bound to vitamin D binding protein, (VDBP). This highly polymorphic protein is not only the major transport protein which, along with albumin, binds over 99% of the circulating vitamin D metabolites, but also participates in the transport of the 25(OH)D into the cell via a megalin/cubilin complex. The accurate measurement of 25(OH)D has proved a difficult task. Although a reference method and standardization program are available for 25(OH)D, the other vitamin D metabolites still lack this. Interpretation of results, creation of clinical supplementation, and generation of therapeutic guidelines require not only accurate measurements of vitamin D metabolites, but also the accurate measurements of several other "molecules" related with bone metabolism. IFCC understood this priority and a committee has been established with the task to support and continue the standardization processes of vitamin D metabolites along with other bone-related biomarkers. In this review, we present the position of this IFCC Committee on Bone Metabolism on the latest developments concerning the measurement and standardization of vitamin D metabolites and its binding protein, as well as clinical indications for their measurement and interpretation of the results.

The measurement of vitamin D metabolites part II-the measurement of the various vitamin D metabolites

Today, the possibility exists to measure a number of different vitamin D metabolites with accurate and precise methods. The most abundant vitamin D metabolite, 25(OH)D, is considered the best marker for estimating vitamin D status and is therefore the most commonly measured in clinical practice. There is no consensus on the added value of measuring other metabolites beyond 25-hydroxyvitamin D, although, in some special clinical scenarios and complicated cases, these metabolites may provide just the information needed for an accurate diagnosis. The problem this review addresses is which metabolite to measure and when and how to measure it.

Quality Control for Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor Assay in Human Breast Cancer: The Influence of Computation Methods on Intra and Interlaboratory Variability

The importance of evaluating receptors for estrogen and progestin in human breast cancer has been pointed out by many authors. In the absence of a reference standard, receptor assays must be controlled by intra and interlaboratory quality control programs. Much interlaboratory variability exists due to non-uniform analytical protocols, non-uniform ligands, intrinsic errors and also errors in computation methods. The goals of our Italian Quality Control Program on Multicenter Trials are to standardize the analytical procedures and computation methods. Twenty Italian laboratories participated in the Quality Control Program. Each specimen was assayed for steroid receptor content according to the standardized dextran-coated-charcoal method. Data were subjected to computerized analyses by 5 different methods of calculation (Scatchard plot, direct plot, Lineweaver-Burk method, Brunauer-Emmet-Teller analysis, single-point approach). The results were than evaluated to identify intra- and inter-assay variation coefficients and to define other statistical parameters. The authors suggest different calculation methods depending on the specific experimental and/or physiopathological conditions.

Characterization of insulin antibodies by Surface Plasmon Resonance in two clinical cases: brittle diabetes and insulin autoimmune syndrome

In this study, the characterization of insulin (auto)antibodies has been described, mainly in terms of concentration (q), affinity (K_a) and Ig (sub)isotypes by Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) in two particular clinical cases of individuals with severe episodes of impaired glycemia. Subject 1 suffers from brittle diabetes associated with circulating insulin antibodies (IA) due to insulin treatment. Subject 2 has insulin autoantibodies (IAA) associated with hypoglycemia in spite of not being diabetic and not having ever received exogenous insulin therapy. After conventional screening for IA/IAA by radioligand binding assay (RBA), we further characterized IA/IAA in sera of both patients in terms of concentration (q), affinity (K_a) and Ig (sub)isotypes by means of SPR technology. In both cases, q values were higher and Ka values were lower than those obtained in type 1 diabetic patients, suggesting that IA/IAA:insulin immunocomplexes could be responsible for the uncontrolled glycemia. Moreover, subject 1 had a predominat IgG₁ response and subject 2 had an IgG₃ response. In conclusion, SPR technology is useful for the complete characterization of IA/IAA which can be used in special cases where the simple positive/negative determination is not enough to achieve a detailed description of the disease fisiopathology.

Vitamin D binding protein and monocyte response to 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D: analysis by mathematical modeling

Vitamin D binding protein (DBP) plays a key role in the bioavailability of active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)₂D) and its precursor 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), but accurate analysis of DBP-bound and free 25OHD and 1,25(OH)₂D is difficult. To address this, two new mathematical models were developed to estimate: 1) serum levels of free 25OHD/1,25(OH)₂D based on DBP concentration and genotype; 2) the impact of DBP on the biological activity of 25OHD/1,25(OH)₂D in vivo. The initial extracellular steady state (eSS) model predicted that 50 nM 25OHD and 100 pM 1,25(OH)₂D), <0.1% 25OHD and <1.5% 1,25(OH)₂D are ‘free’ in vivo. However, for any given concentration of total 25OHD, levels of free 25OHD are higher for low affinity versus high affinity forms of DBP. The eSS model was then combined with an intracellular (iSS) model that incorporated conversion of 25OHD to 1,25(OH)₂D via the enzyme CYP27B1, as well as binding of 1,25(OH)₂D to the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The iSS model was optimized to 25OHD/1,25(OH)₂D-mediated in vitro dose-responsive induction of the vitamin D target gene cathelicidin (CAMP) in human monocytes. The iSS model was then used to predict vitamin D activity in vivo (100% serum). The predicted induction of CAMP in vivo was minimal at basal settings but increased with enhanced expression of VDR (5-fold) and CYP27B1 (10-fold). Consistent with the eSS model, the iSS model predicted stronger responses to 25OHD for low affinity forms of DBP. Finally, the iSS model was used to compare the efficiency of endogenously synthesized versus exogenously added 1,25(OH)₂D. Data strongly support the endogenous model as the most viable mode for CAMP induction by vitamin D in vivo. These novel mathematical models underline the importance of DBP as a determinant of vitamin D ‘status’ in vivo, with future implications for clinical studies of vitamin D status and supplementation.

Chloroplast coupling factor 1: A species-specific receptor for tentoxin

Tentoxin, a cyclic tetrapeptide, induces chlorosis in certain plant species. It inactivated photophosphorylation and coupling factor 1 (CF(1)) ATPase in lettuce, a sensitive species. This effect was due to binding of tentoxin with CF(1) at a single site (affinity constant 1.3 to 20 x 10(7) M(-1)). Neither AMP nor adenyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate appeared to bind to this site. In radish, an insensitive species, 20 times more tentoxin was required for 50% inhibition of photophosphorylation. In this species CF(1) ATPase was unaffected by tentoxin, and its CF(1) bound tentoxin only weakly (affinity constant less than 1 x 10(4) M(-1)). Sensitivity of photophosphorylation to tentoxin was correlated with chlorosis sensitivity in six other species examined.

A novel spreadsheet method for calculating the free serum concentrations of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estradiol, estrone and cortisol: with illustrative examples from male and female populations

In humans, testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol (E2), estrone (E1) and cortisol (C) bind to the serum proteins sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), albumin (Alb) and corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG). Equilibrium dialysis is considered to be the "gold standard" for measuring the free concentrations of these steroids but is technically difficult and not widely available. Based on a mathematical model of the 5-ligand/3-protein binding equilibria, we developed a novel spreadsheet method for calculating the free and bioavailable (free+Alb-bound) concentrations of each steroid in terms of the total steroid and protein concentrations. The model uses 15 association constants K(SHBG-X), K(Alb-X), and K(CBG-X) (X=T, DHT, E2, E1 and C) that have been estimated from a systematic review of published binding studies. The computation of the free and bioavailable concentrations uses an iterative numerical method that can be readily programmed on a spreadsheet. The method is illustrated with six examples corresponding to young men (YM), old men (OM), obese men (Ob M), young women (YM), pregnant women in the 3rd trimester (Preg T3) and oophorectomized women on oral conjugated equine estrogens (CEE). The resulting free hormone concentrations for YM and YW fall within the normal references ranges obtained by equilibrium dialysis for all five hormones. The model also accounts for the competitive binding effects of high estrogen levels on the free T levels in Preg T3. This novel spreadsheet method provides a "user-friendly" approach for estimating the free concentrations of circulating sex hormones and cortisol in men and women.

Detailed kinetics and regulation of mammalian NAD-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase

A mathematical model is presented to describe the catalytic mechanism of mammalian NAD-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase (NAD-IDH), a highly regulated enzyme in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, a crucial pathway in energy metabolism and biosynthesis. The mechanism accounts for allosteric regulation by magnesium-bound isocitrate and EGTA and calcium-bound ATP and ADP. The developed model is used to analyze kinetic data for the cardiac enzyme and to estimate kinetic parameter values. Since the kinetic mechanism is expressed in terms of chemical species (rather than biochemical reactants), the model explicitly accounts for the effects of biochemical state (ionic strength, pH, temperature, and metal cation concentration) on the kinetics. Because the substrate isocitrate competes with allosteric activators (ATP and ADP) and an inhibitor (EGTA) for metal ion cofactors (Ca(2+) and Mg(2+)), the observed kinetic relationships between reactants, activator and inhibitor concentrations, and catalytic flux are complex. Our analysis reveals that under physiological conditions, the ADP/ATP ratio plays a more significant role than Ca(2+) concentration in regulating the enzyme's activity. In addition, the enzyme is highly sensitive to Mg(2+) concentration in the physiological range, pointing to a potential regulatory role of [Mg(2+)] in mitochondrial energy metabolism.

Differential cellular handling of defective arginine vasopressin (AVP) prohormones in cells expressing mutations of the AVP gene associated with autosomal dominant and recessive familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus

An unusual mutation in the arginine vasopressin (AVP) gene, predicting a P26L amino acid substitution of the AVP prohormone, is associated with autosomal recessive familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus (FNDI). To investigate whether the cellular handling of the P26L prohormone differed from that of the Y21H prohormone associated with autosomal dominant inheritance of FNDI, the mutations were examined by heterologous expression in cell lines. Immunoprecipitation demonstrated retarded processing and secretion of the Y21H prohormone, whereas the secretion of the P26L prohormone seemed to be unaffected. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed accumulation of the Y21H prohormone in the endoplasmic reticulum, whereas the P26L prohormone and/or processed products were localized in secretory granules in the cellular processes. RIA analysis showed reduced amounts of immunoreactive Y21H-AVP and P26L-AVP in the cell culture medium. Thus, the recessive mutation does not seem to affect the intracellular trafficking but rather the final processing of the prohormone. Our results provide an important negative control in support of the hypothesis that autosomal dominant inheritance of FNDI is caused by mutations in the AVP gene that alter amino acid residues important for folding and/or dimerization of the neurophysin II moiety of the AVP prohormone and subsequent transport from the endoplasmic reticulum.

Impaired trafficking of mutated AVP prohormone in cells expressing rare disease genes causing autosomal dominant familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus

OBJECTIVE AND STUDY DESIGN

Two different mutations in the arginine vasopressin (AVP) gene associated with autosomal dominant familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus (adFNDI) predict Y21H (AVP2) and V67A (NP36) amino acid substitutions of the AVP prohormone. They are unique in that they change, respectively, the AVP moiety and a region of the neurophysin II domain not so far affected by any mutations. To test whether they affect the cellular handling of the AVP prohormone in a similar manner to previously investigated mutations, they were examined by heterologous expression in cell lines.

RESULTS

Both mutations resulted in significantly reduced amounts of immunoreactive AVP in the cell culture medium as determined by radioimmunoassay analysis. Metabolic labelling combined with immunoprecipitation demonstrated that processing and secretion of the mutant prohormones was reduced but not prevented. Finally, confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that normal AVP prohormone and/or its processed products were localized in the tips of the cellular processes, whereas both mutant prohormones were accumulated in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and in the case of the V67A prohormone, also in perinuclear structures outside the ER.

CONCLUSION

Both mutations result in reduced AVP prohormone processing and secretion probably due to retention in the ER. This supports, at least partly, the hypothesis that the mutations lead to the production of a mutant hormone precursor that fails to fold and/or dimerize properly and, as a consequence, is retained by the ER protein quality control machinery. Perinuclear accumulation of the V67A prohormone outside the ER indicates that additional mechanisms could be involved.

Digoxin and its related endogenous factors

The digitalis drugs are plant-derived cardenolide compounds used medicinally for several hundred years. These drugs elicit inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, but they also affect many other tissues. The mechanism of action involves inhibition of the ion-transport activity of a membrane-associated protein called Na, K-ATPase (sodium pump). Present theory holds that the sodium pump is the principal molecular receptor for the digitalis drugs. Recent evidence indicates the presence of naturally occurring digitalis-like compounds in mammals. It is believed these compounds, collectively known as either digitalis-like (DLF) or ouabain-like (OLF) factors, may be endogenous hormones regulating the biological activity of the sodium pump and its isoforms. The presence of deglycosylated and other congeners of one specific DLF, the digoxin-like immunoreactive factor (DLIF), has very recently been described in humans. Digoxin as a drug is the most widely prescribed digitalis in the U.S., and its measurement in serum has established a model for present-day therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Historically, the accurate measurement of digoxin in blood has been difficult. This article focuses on the present understanding of the clinical use of digoxin, factors that affect the accuracy of measuring digoxin, the principle of measuring metabolically active species of digoxin, and the effects of DLIF and other interfering substances in digoxin immunoassay.

Annexin V relocates to the platelet cytoskeleton upon activation and binds to a specific isoform of actin

We have previously reported that stimulation of platelets causes a relocation of annexin V to the cytoplasmic side of the plasma membrane where it associates with actin. This study examined the association of annexin V with the platelet cytoskeleton and its binding to actin, following both physiological activation with thrombin and Ca2+ -ionophore activation. The time-dependence of annexin V incorporation into the detergent-extracted cytoskeleton following activation with thrombin was also measured. Although calcium from the intracellular stores was enough to relocate intracellular annexin V to the cytoskeleton, this relocation was further enhanced by influx of extracellular calcium. The association of annexin V with the cytoskeleton was found to be unaffected by the action of cytochalasin E, however, annexin V was solubilized when DNase I was used to depolymerize the membrane cytoskeleton, and spontaneously re-associated with the actin filaments when re-polymerization was induced in vitro. Using a bifunctional crosslinking reagent we have identified an 85-kDa complex in both membrane and cytoskeleton fractions containing annexin V and actin. Direct binding to actin filaments was only observed in high [Ca2+], however, inclusion of an extract from thrombin-stimulated platelets lowered the [Ca2+] requirement for the binding of annexin V to F-actin to physiological levels. We also show that GST-annexin V mimics the physiological binding of annexin V to membranes, and that this GST-annexin V binds directly to a specific isoform of actin. Immunoprecipitation using antibodies against annexin V copurify annexin V and gamma- but not beta-actin from activated platelets. This is the first report of a possible preferential binding of annexin V to a specific isoform of actin, namely gamma-actin. The results of this study suggest a model in which annexin V that relocates to the plasma membrane and binds to gamma-actin in an activation-dependent manner forms a strong association with the platelet cytoskeleton.

Effects of major depression, aging and gender upon calculated diurnal free plasma cortisol concentrations: a re-evaluation study

Depression, aging and female gender are associated with increased diurnal concentrations of total plasma cortisol. For the physical effects of hypercortisolemia, however, it is generally assumed that free rather than total plasma cortisol concentrations are of importance. Herein, we report a mathematical approach to determine free plasma cortisol concentrations on the basis of total cortisol, corticosteroid binding-globulin (CBG) and albumin plasma concentrations. This approach was used to re-evaluate two sets of data in order to estimate the effect of depression as well as the effect of aging and gender upon free plasma cortisol concentrations. Comparing male depressed patients with healthy controls, we found 24-hour free cortisol minima (MIN: 4.1 +/- 1.8 vs. 1.6 +/- 1.1 nmol/l, p < 0.0001), mean (MEAN: 25.5 +/- 6.7 vs. 10.4 +/- 2.7 nmol/l, p < 0.0001) and maximal (MAX: 85.3 +/- 23.3 vs. 45.2 +/- 15. 8 nmol/l, p < 0.0001) concentrations to be significantly increased in depressed patients. In general, the impact of depression upon total plasma cortisol were not only maintained, but stronger regarding free plasma cortisol. Also, age was associated with free plasma cortisol MIN (F1,30= 10.8, p < 0.003) and free plasma cortisol MEAN (F1,30 = 8.9, p < 0.006). All effects of age upon total plasma cortisol were generally also found in free plasma cortisol, though with less impact. No effect of gender upon any of the given free plasma cortisol outcome variables was found. Taken together, our re-evaluation clearly shows not only depression but also aging to be associated with increases in free plasma cortisol concentrations. This finding is in line with the observation that in both conditions medical problems triggered and/or maintained by glucocorticoids (e.g. osteoporosis) are frequently seen.

Ligand-binding studies: old beliefs and new strategies

Ligand-binding studies remain a very popular technique among many experimentalists. As far as equilibrium experiments are concerned, saturation and displacement curves are commonly performed for simplicity, convenience or for the sake of tradition. However, alternative protocols, such as 'mixed'-type protocols or multiligand experiments, are also possible. Indeed, there are cases where kinetic experiments, usually considered a 'second-choice' experiment, might have a superior resolving power compared to equilibrium ones. A combination of equilibrium and kinetic experiments might be a powerful solution to overcome limits and shortcomings of each specific technique and is discussed in this issue by G. Enrico Rovati. Thus, a careful choice of the design, a protocol optimization and a computerized analysis of the data can yield a dramatic improvement in the precision of the parameter estimation over more conventional approaches.

Relocation of annexin V to platelet membranes is a phosphorylation-dependent process

Annexins are a family of calcium-binding proteins that have been implicated in a wide range of intracellular processes. We have previously reported that stimulation of platelets with agents that increase intracellular [Ca2+] induces the relocation of annexin V to membranes, and that this annexin V may be binding to a 50 kDa protein located within platelet membranes. We report here, using an in vitro reconstitution system, that the relocation of annexin V to membranes is enhanced by ATP. We also demonstrate that when adenosine 5'-[gamma-thio]-triphosphate, which can replace ATP in phosphorylation reactions, is substituted for ATP, the amount of annexin V that binds to membranes is further increased. In separate experiments using intact cells, we show that the protein phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid mimics the action of the physiological agonist thrombin, in that it induces annexin V to bind to membranes and that the addition of the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine inhibits A23187-induced relocation of annexin V. In addition, alkaline phosphatase, when added to isolated membranes, was found to remove endogenous annexin V from the membranes. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation of 33P-labelled proteins indicated that annexin V may form a multi-protein complex including phosphoproteins of 25, 50 and 83 kDa. Taken together these observations suggest that, following physiological activation, the phosphorylation of one or more proteins is responsible for the tight association of annexin V with platelet membranes and the subsequent regulation of membrane localized processes.

Homogeneous two-site immunometric assay kinetics as a theoretical tool for data analysis

The easily accessible kinetics of a new homogeneous two-site fluorometric immunoassay for prolactin was studied, in order to determine its usefulness for assay data reduction and optimization. The combined use of a simple descriptive model fitted to experimental data and a mechanistic model to simulate the kinetics revealed that (i) the kinetics curve presented an early inflexion point. Its time of occurrence was constant as long as the antigen concentration was below the smallest antibody concentration and decreased to zero for higher concentrations. It may therefore be used as an indicator of hooked samples. (ii) The kinetics steepest slope was correlated with antigen concentration. Its use as a dose-response curve variable would allow higher concentrations to be assayed than with the classical end-point dose-response curve. The results suggest that control and exploitation of kinetic parameters could help to improve the rapidity, analytical range, and reliability of homogeneous two-site immunometric assays.

The effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its metabolites on the polycystic ovarian condition (PCO): cystogenic changes of rat granulosa cells in vitro

During mammalian folliculogenesis, granulosa cells (GCs) are initially steroidogenically quiescent, later proliferate, and subsequently commence to hormonally differentiate, first producing estrogen and later, in the preovulatory stage, secreting both estrogen and progesterone. In this study and elsewhere, we have used follicle-stimulating hormone with a combination of growth factors in vitro to simulate the above in vivo conditions. In a previous study, we used dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to accomplish the polycystic ovary condition (PCO) in rats. In the latter model, there were high circulating levels of DHEA and its metabolite, androstenedione. In the present study, we investigated the effects of high levels of DHEA (10(-5) M) and its metabolites, androstenedione, androstenediol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate on the quiescent, proliferative, and steroidogenically differentiating stages of GCs cultured in a serum-free medium for up to 10 days. In addition to possessing the regularly occurring organelles, when cultured with the aforementioned androgens, the GCs acquired endoplasmic reticulum of the smooth variety which is associated with steroidogenesis. The radioimmunoassay data showed that GCs cultured in the quiescent and proliferative stages in the presence of the androgens, no longer remain in these stages but proceed to differentiate in a preovulatory direction by producing both estrogen and progesterone. This study supports our hypothesis that high circulating levels of DHEA and/or its metabolites have most effect during the quiescent and proliferative stages of granulosa cells, with regard to their structure and their steroidogenic activities.

SCATPLOT: a computer program for determination of binding parameters of non-linear non-cooperative ligand-substrate interactions

The importance of computer-assisted analysis of a non-linear binding phenomenon through Scatchard equation has been widely acknowledged. While several user-friendly softwares [LIGAND, SCTFIT, ALLFIT] are available for determining the binding parameters of nonlinear Scatchard phenomenon, there is no easily available software covering the class of phenomena described by the McGhee and von Hippel formalism [J. Mol. Biol. 86, 469-489 (1974)]. We report here user-friendly software, SCATPLOT, developed in Turbo BASIC, for the numerical estimation of binding parameters of a non-cooperative ligand-substrate interaction doing best fit to the experimental data on the basis of McGhee and von Hippel equation for a nonlinear Scatchard plot. A new parameter has also been incorporated to guide the process of least square analysis and subsequent determination of binding parameters.

Ca2+ concentration during binding determines the manner in which annexin V binds to membranes

Annexins are a family of calcium-binding proteins that have been implicated in a wide range of intracellular processes. We have previously reported that stimulation of platelets with thrombin can induce the association of intracellular annexin V with membranes in two distinct ways. First, in such a way that it can be eluted from the membrane with EGTA and secondly in a manner such that it is tightly bound to the membrane and requires the non-ionic detergent Triton X-100 for its solubilization. We report that exposure of platelets to the calcium ionophore A23187 mimics the relocation induced by stimulation with thrombin. In separate experiments we demonstrate that a calcium ion concentration [Ca2+] of 0.8 microM is sufficient for maximum binding of the EGTA-resistant form to membranes. In contrast a higher [Ca2+] was required to induce maximal binding of the annexin V which could be extracted with EGTA. We demonstrate that following temperature-induced phase separation in Triton X-114, the membrane-associated annexin V partitions predominantly into the aqueous phase. We also show that the isoelectric point of annexin V does not change following membrane association. These observations suggest that a covalent modification, of annexin V itself, is not responsible for its association with the membrane. Millimolar [Ca2+] is required for maximal binding of purified annexin V to phospholipid vesicles. We show that binding to phospholipids can be reversed entirely by subsequent treatment with EGTA. This suggests that the EGTA-resistant form of annexin V is binding to a membrane component other than phosphatidylserine. Annexin V has previously been shown to bind to protein kinase C. Relocation of annexin V to membranes paralleled that of protein kinase C in thrombin-stimulated cells but not in cells treated with A23187, suggesting that these proteins are not functionally linked in platelet activation. Using bifunctional cross-linking reagents we have identified an 85 kDa complex containing annexin V. This may represent an association between annexin V and an annexin V-binding protein with a molecular mass of approximately 50 kDa.

Modification of fluid lipid and mobile protein fractions of reticulocyte plasma membranes affects agonist-stimulated adenylate cyclase. Application of the percolation theory

The technique of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching was used to measure the lateral mobility of membrane integral proteins in reticulocyte plasma membranes which were treated to modify the 'fluid' lipid or immobilized protein fractions, hence increasing the relative prevalence of obstacles to protein lateral motion. This was achieved by either: (1) treating the plasma membranes with phospholipase A2 followed by extraction of the hydrolysis products using fatty-acid-free bovine serum albumin, resulting in a decrease in the membrane 'fluid' lipid portion; or (2) preincubating the plasma membranes with polylysines, resulting in plasma membrane protein aggregation and immobilization. As the prevalence of obstacles to lateral motion increased in plasma membranes through the treatments described above, the mobility of the membrane integral proteins diminished. Experimental results for the dependence of protein mobility on the prevalence of obstacles to lateral motion were compared to theoretical data in order to verify the applicability of the percolation theory to reticulocyte plasma membranes. The influence of a decrease in the 'fluid' lipid and an increase in the immobilized membrane protein fractions upon the hormone-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity has been studied as well. As the 'solid' lipid and immobilized membrane protein fractions decreased, both the hormone-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and the fraction of beta-adrenergic receptors with high affinity to hormone diminished. It was shown that this correlation can be caused by a decrease in membrane fraction accessible to the movement of the interacting proteins of the adenylate cyclase complex. Hormonal stimulation of adenylate cyclase is discussed in terms of the percolation theory.

Characterization and immunolocalization of rat liver annexin VI

Annexin VI has been purified to homogeneity from rat liver and monospecific antibodies have been produced. The antibodies have been used for immunoblot analysis of rat tissues. Annexin VI is present in most tissues, with particularly high concentrations in liver, spleen, muscle, and intestine. In liver, annexin VI constitutes approximately 0.25% of total cellular protein. Immunohistochemical studies have located annexin VI on plasma membranes of hepatocytes with enhanced concentration on bile canaliculi. Annexin VI binds in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner to a sub-cellular fraction containing membranes. In the presence of physiological concentrations of ATP, the free Ca2+ concentration required for half-maximal binding of annexin VI to membranes is significantly reduced. While annexin VI binds in vitro to membranes in the presence of Ca2+, in rat liver about 31% of the annexin VI is associated with membranes in a Ca(2+)-independent manner and its solubilization requires the presence of Triton X-100. However, studies using Triton X-114 showed no increase in the hydrophobicity of this fraction of the protein compared to the purified EGTA-soluble annexin VI.

Controlling signal transduction with synthetic ligands

Dimerization and oligomerization are general biological control mechanisms contributing to the activation of cell membrane receptors, transcription factors, vesicle fusion proteins, and other classes of intra- and extracellular proteins. Cell permeable, synthetic ligands were devised that can be used to control the intracellular oligomerization of specific proteins. To demonstrate their utility, these ligands were used to induce intracellular oligomerization of cell surface receptors that lacked their transmembrane and extracellular regions but contained intracellular signaling domains. Addition of these ligands to cells in culture resulted in signal transmission and specific target gene activation. Monomeric forms of the ligands blocked the pathway. This method of ligand-regulated activation and termination of signaling pathways has the potential to be applied wherever precise control of a signal transduction pathway is desired.

A protein fraction from aged garlic extract enhances cytotoxicity and proliferation of human lymphocytes mediated by interleukin-2 and concanavalin A

Fraction 4 (F4), a protein fraction isolated from aged garlic extract, enhanced cytotoxicity of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) against both natural-killer (NK)-sensitive K562 and NK-resistant M14 cell lines. Although F4 treatment alone increased cytotoxicity, the effect was more remarkable when F4 was administered together with suboptimal doses of interleukin-2 (IL-2); combination treatment of 5 micrograms/ml F4 plus 10 U/ml IL-2 for 72 h generated lymphokine-activated killer activity equivalent to that produced by 100 U/ml IL-2 alone against M14. F4 enhanced IL-2-induced proliferation and IL-2 receptor (Tac) expression of PBL without significant increase of IL-2 production. The enhancement of cytotoxicity both by F4 alone and by F4 plus IL-2 was abolished by anti-IL-2 antibody. F4 also enhanced concanavalin-A(ConA)-induced proliferation of PBL. Radiolabeled-ConA binding assays revealed that F4 treatment greatly augmented the affinity and slightly increased the number of ConA binding sites in PBL. F4 also enhanced ConA-induced IL-2 receptor (Tac) expression and IL-2 production of PBL. Anti- IL-2 antibody inhibited the effect of F4 on ConA-induced proliferation. These data suggest that IL-2 is involved in augmentative effects of F4. Our results indicate that F4 is a very efficient immunopotentiator and may be used for immunotherapy.

Circadian variation in serum free and non-SHBG-bound testosterone in normal men: measurements, and simulation using a mass action model

OBJECTIVE

We measured the changes in testosterone fractions in serum of normal men over a 24-hour period, and determined whether they could be simulated on the basis of current understanding of the interactions between steroids and binding proteins in the blood.

DESIGN

Starting from between 0830 and 0930 h, blood samples were taken every 45 minutes for 25.5 hours.

PATIENTS

Five healthy males aged 26-45 years. All participants worked on a hospital campus and while being sampled carried out their normal activities during waking hours.

MEASUREMENTS

The concentrations of testosterone (RIA) and albumin, and the percentage non-sex hormone binding globulin-bound testosterone (ammonium sulphate precipitation) and percentage free testosterone (rate dialysis), were measured on each sample. Cortisol (RIA) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) (IRMA) concentrations were measured on every second sample, and that of corticosteroid-binding globulin on two samples from each series.

RESULTS

In all participants the levels of free and non-SHBG-bound testosterone in early morning samples (near 0530 h) were significantly different from those taken before midnight (P < 0.0005). Significant circadian rhythms (P < 0.05) in the concentration of testosterone and in the level of the free fraction were detected in all participants, and in four of the five participants for the non-SHBG-bound fraction. The amplitude of the free testosterone rhythm (34 +/- 2% of basal) was greater than that for testosterone itself (24 +/- 3% of basal). The 24-hour rhythm of the non-SHBG-bound fraction was similar to the total and free fractions except for the period 0330-0900 h when the level of this fraction declined by 15-45% over 1.5-3 hours. This decline was coincident with the initial rise in the concentration of cortisol. A decline of 10.5 +/- SEM 1.0% in the concentration of albumin, and 12.0 +/- 1.1% in that of SHBG occurred when the mean ambulant and supine levels were compared; analysis indicated significant circadian rhythms in the concentrations of these proteins. Simulation was used to investigate possible causes for the circadian rhythms in free and non-SHBG-bound testosterone. Simulation results matched the measured data well in qualitative terms, but quantitatively there were differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing saturation of the binding proteins following rises in testosterone production, and the small but significant changes in protein concentration, probably related to postural changes, were implicated as the major factors in the rhythm amplitude. However, the early morning decline in the non-SHBG-bound fraction was not explained by these factors. The rise in cortisol concentration at this time is a probable cause. Alternatively, simulation suggests that a substance appearing in the early morning and competing with testosterone for albumin binding sites may be responsible.

The inhibition of human duodenal adenylate cyclase activity by Ca2+ and the effects of EGTA

This study demonstrates that the inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity by Ca2+ is enhanced in the presence of increasing [EGTA] (0, 0.3, 1, 2.5 mM) by 2 orders of magnitude. It has been established that this effect is not because of poor Ca2+ buffering by low [EGTA] or high Ca2+ binding by the membrane preparation. It is present irrespective of stimulus. We suggest the enhanced sensitivity of adenylate cyclase to Ca2+ induced by EGTA is caused by the Ca-EGTA complex being a more inhibitory species than Ca2+. Thus consideration of the effects of the Ca-EGTA complex should be made when interpreting the results from experiments involving Ca2+ and EGTA.

Isolation, characterization and localization of annexin V from chicken liver

Annexin V has been purified from chicken liver; 40 mg of annexin V was obtained per kg of tissue. In contrast with mammalian liver, very little annexin VI was obtained. Surprisingly, chicken liver annexin V resembles mammalian annexin IV in its M(r) (32,500) and its isoelectric point (5.6), but amino-acid-sequence analysis demonstrates identity with chicken annexin V (anchorin CII). It binds to phospholipids in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner with free-Ca2+ concentrations for half-maximal binding to phosphatidylserine and phosphatidic acid of 10 microM; phosphatidylethanolamine of 32 microM and phosphatidylinositol of 90 microM. No binding to phosphatidylcholine was observed at Ca2+ concentrations up to 300 microM. In isolated liver membranes a significant proportion of annexin V was not extractable with EGTA but could only be extracted with Triton X-100, suggesting the existence of a tightly membrane-associated form of annexin V. A specific antiserum to chicken annexin V was used to localize the protein in adult and embryonic chicken liver. In the adult, annexin V was highly concentrated in epithelial cells lining the bile ducts, and along the bile canaliculi. In embryonic liver, strong staining of the bile-duct epithelial cells was again evident, and in addition, endothelial cells were strongly immunoreactive.

Phenylethanolaminotetralines compete with [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding to rat colon membranes without evidencing atypical β-adrenergic sites

[3H]Dihydroalprenolol ([3H]DHA) specific binding (determined by the difference in the presence and absence of 20 microM (-)isoprenaline) to rat colon membranes was saturable (Bmax = 39.6 fmol/mg protein), of high affinity (Kd = 0.87 nM) and stereospecific (IC50 330 and 3510 nM for (-)- and (+)isoprenaline, respectively); the Hill coefficient was close to one, indicating binding homogeneity. [3H]DHA (0.6 nM) specific binding was potently inhibited (Ki range 1.9-3.3 nM) by the non-selective beta-adrenoceptor antagonists pindolol, alprenolol, but not by the non-adrenergic compounds 5-hydroxytryptamine, 8-hydroxydipropylaminotetraline, methysergide, dopamine and verapamil (Ki greater than 10,000 nM). The selective beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptor antagonists CGP 20,712A and ICI 118,551 resulted in biphasic competition binding curves, whose low and high affinity components were compatible with two populations of binding sites accounting for about 75 (beta 2) and 25% (beta 1) of total sites. The relative competing potencies of reference adrenergic agonists also suggested a prevalence of beta 2-adrenergic sites. The new agonists phenylethanolaminotetralines (PEATs), highly selective for the atypical beta-adrenoceptors whose abundance in rat colon has been confirmed by comprehensive functional studies, had variable affinity for the [3H]DHA-labelled sites depending on chirality, but with no substantial correlation with their pharmacological potency. Only 40% of [3H]DHA binding, at a concentration about 10 times its Kd for high affinity sites (beta 1 and beta 2), was prevented by saturating concentrations of isoprenaline. Under this condition, the representative PEAT, SR 58611A, highly potent and selective for atypical beta-adrenoceptors in functional tests, and its pharmacologically inactive enantiomer, both inhibited the residual binding equipotently. In conclusion, [3H]DHA binding did not detect atypical beta-adrenoceptor sites in rat colon membranes, most probably because of its weaker affinity for them than for the coexisting beta 1 and beta 2 sites. PEAT stereoisomers proved essential for assessing both the stereospecificity and the functional significance of this atypical binding and to compare their affinity for [3H]DHA-labelled sites and pharmacological potency.

Serum levels of free and bound testosterone in hyperthyroidism

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to improve knowledge about the relationships between free and bound forms of testosterone in serum and the major testosterone-binding proteins during hyperthyroidism.

DESIGN

Nine men and 11 women were studied when hyperthyroid due to Graves' disease and again after at least 3 months of euthyroidism.

MEASUREMENTS

The serum concentrations of free T3, free T4, TSH, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), LH, progesterone and free, non-SHBG bound and total testosterone were determined.

RESULTS

For both sexes, hyperthyroidism was associated with significant elevations of the mean total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels and significant depressions of the mean percentage and concentration of non-SHBG-bound testosterone and the mean percentage of free testosterone. For women, the mean free testosterone concentration was significantly lower during hyperthyroidism than during euthyroidism; no significant difference in mean free testosterone concentration was observed between hyperthyroid and euthyroid men. When the experimentally derived data were analysed according to a model based on the binding constants of testosterone with SHBG and albumin, the simulated results for each patient when hyperthyroid and euthyroid paralleled the actual results. However, the model consistently overestimated the actual amounts of non-SHBG-bound testosterone. There was a significant correlation between SHBG concentration and the severity of thyrotoxicosis as measured by the change in thyroid hormone levels between euthyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the following pathogenetic sequence: thyrotoxicosis leads to a rise in serum SHBG concentration which is accompanied by an increase in testosterone concentration, a fall in the concentration of non-SHBG-bound testosterone and little or no change in the concentration of free testosterone.

Studies on the effect of insulin-like growth factor-I on catecholamine secretion from chromaffin cells

Chromaffin cells cultured in serum-free medium secreted a smaller percentage of their catecholamine stores in response to stimulation by high K+ (55 mM) than did cells cultured in serum-containing medium. Addition of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) to serum-free medium restored high K(+)-stimulated catecholamine secretion to the levels seen in serum-treated cultures. In contrast, addition of IGF-I to serum-containing medium had little effect on catecholamine secretion. These results suggest that serum contains IGF-I or another factor that maintains the secretory responsiveness of chromaffin cells. IGF-I not only enhanced high K(+)-stimulated catecholamine secretion, but also augmented secretion elicited by the nicotinic agonist dimethyl-phenylpiperazinium, the dihydropyridine agonist Bay K 8644, and Ba2+. IGF-I did not affect the dependence of catecholamine secretion on extracellular Ca2+ concentration nor did it affect the time course of secretion. Experiments using 45Ca2+ demonstrated that IGF-I treatment enhanced Ca2+ uptake into the cells. When cells were permeabilized by treatment with digitonin, Ca2(+)-dependent catecholamine secretion was slightly, but consistently, greater from IGF-I-treated cells than from untreated cells. Our results suggest that IGF-I may enhance catecholamine secretion partly by increasing Ca2+ entry into the cells and partly by affecting a step distal to Ca2+ entry.

DESIGN: computerized optimization of experimental design for estimating Kd and Bmax in ligand binding experiments. II. Simultaneous analysis of homologous and heterologous competition curves and analysis blocking and of "multiligand" dose-response surfaces

We have developed a computer program, DESIGN, for optimization of ligand binding experiments to minimize the "average" uncertainty in all unknown parameters. An earlier report [G. E. Rovati, D. Rodbard, and P. J. Munson (1988) Anal. Biochem. 174, 636-649] described the application of this program to experiments involving a single homologous or heterologous dose-response curve. We now present several advanced features of the program DESIGN, including simultaneous optimization of two or more binding competition curves optimization of a "multiligand" experiment. Multiligand designs are those which use combinations of two (or more) ligands in each reaction tube. Such designs are an important and natural extension of the popular method of "blocking experiments" where an additional ligand is used to suppress one or more classes of sites. Extending the idea of a dose-response curve, the most general multiligand design would result in a "dose-response surface". One can now optimize the design not only for a single binding curve, but also for families of curves and for binding surfaces. The examples presented in this report further demonstrate the power and utility of the program DESIGN and the nature of D-optimal designs in the context of more complex binding experiments. We illustrate D-optimal designs involving one radioligand and two unlabeled ligands; we consider one example of homogeneous and several examples of heterogeneous binding sites. Further, to demonstrate the virtues of the dose-response surface experiment, we have compared the optimal surface design to the equivalent design restricted to traditional dose-response curves. The use of DESIGN in conjunction with multiligand experiments can improve the efficiency of estimation of the binding parameters, potentially resulting in reduction of the number of observations needed to obtain a desired degree of precision in representative cases.

Interaction of chlorinated phenols with thyroxine binding sites of human transthyretin, albumin and thyroid binding globulin

Previous results (Brouwer and van den Berg, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol., 85 (1986) 301) indicated preferential binding of a hydroxylated metabolite of tetrachlorobiphenyl to transthyretin (TTR) a carrier of thyroxine (T4). In the present study it was investigated whether the T4 binding site of TTR could be occupied specifically by hydroxylated chlorinated aromatic compounds using chlorinated phenol congeners as model compounds in a competition assay with [125I]T4. Chlorinated aromatics such as 2,3-dichlorobenzene and 3,4,3',4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl, and phenols such as 4-hydroxybiphenyl and phenol were inefficient competitors. All chlorinated phenols tested were competitors for the T4 binding site of TTR. The ranking in competition was pentachlorophenol (PCP) greater than trichlorophenols greater than dichlorophenols greater than monochlorophenols. Structures with chlorine in both ortho positions to the hydroxyl group were more efficient competitors. The relative affinity of binding of pentachlorophenol (PCP) to TTR was about twice that of T4. Scatchard analysis showed that PCP mainly decreased the affinity constant K11 while the binding capacity R1 was not altered, indicating a competitive type of inhibition. PCP was also able to compete with T4 sites on albumin with a relative affinity of 0.25. T4 binding to thyroid binding globulin (TBG) was much less affected by interference of PCP (relative affinity 0.001). The results indicate a specific interaction of chlorophenols with the T4 binding site of TTR.

A simple method for the measurement of the steroid fraction bound to sex hormone binding globulin in serum

The steroid-protein binding equilibrium in extra-cellular fluids is considered to have possible relevance to the development of endometrial and breast cancer. A method is described to measure the fraction of steroid bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in serum, using binding of SHBG to Con-A-sepharose. To validate the assay, serum samples with different SHBG levels were studied at various dilutions and with various amounts of added ligands. Sera with high SHBG concentrations still showed considerable steroid binding after heating to 59 degrees C for 30 min. The intra-assay variation of the assay ranged from 2-4%, the inter-assay variation was approx. 5%.

Characterization of steroid hormone association with human plasma lipoproteins

Partition coefficient analysis, equilibrium dialysis, and computer simulation were used to evaluate associations of twelve steroid hormones (androstanediol, androstenediol, androstenedione, androsterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estradiol, estriol, estrone, hydroxyprogesterone, progesterone, and testosterone) with human plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). It was determined that partitioning of steroid hormones (SH) between the aqueous medium and the surfaces of lipoproteins (LP) was the initial (first order) SH-LP interaction. For some SH, especially dehydroepiandrosterone, significant second order interactions, which may involve chemical conversions, were detected. The first order binding values of the twelve SH with three LP were combined with the corresponding binding values of SH with sex hormone-binding globulin, corticosteroid-binding globulin, and albumin in a 6 X 12 matrix. The computer program TRANSPORT was used to analyze the matrix and determine the distribution of each SH among six different binding agents in the "normal" male. It was concluded that LP are important vehicles for SH conveyance in plasma and may also be important for SH entry into cells.

A model system that demonstrates interactions among extracellular matrix macromolecules

Binding interactions among fibronectin (FN), glycosaminoglycan chains (GAG) and hyaluronate binding proteins (HABP) have been examined using a bead aggregation assay. 3H-FN binds to Dowex beads coated with chondroitin sulfate GAG chains (CS) but not to beads coated with hyaluronic acid (HA). Assays of bead agglutination indicate that FN has multiple binding sites for CS. Binding of 3H-FN to HA-beads is slightly promoted by exogenous divalent cations but this interaction does not aggregate Dowex-HA. The interaction between FN and CS reduces the previously reported ability of Dowex-CS to associate with HA-beads (Turley, E.A. and Roth, S. 1980, Nature Vol. 283, 268-271). HABP bind to HA and to a lesser extent CS. These proteins both stabilize the interaction between HA- and CS-beads in a manner reminiscent of the stabilization of HA-proteoglycan interactions by link protein and permit aggregation of Dowex-CS-FN with Dowex-HA. This simple bead aggregation assay allows rapid characterization of properties that may help to clarify how macromolecular constituents spontaneously assemble into an interstitial matrix.

Application of percolation theory principles to the analysis of interaction of adenylate cyclase complex proteins in cell membranes

Lateral protein movement in cell membranes takes place in a medium with 'obstacles'. These obstacles are: (a) aggregates of major integral proteins immobilized by submembranous structures and cytoskeleton, and (b) membrane lipids in the gel phase. Hormonal activation of the adenylate cyclase complex is associated with lateral mobility of the constiutent proteins. Modification of the interaction of these proteins due to variation of the 'fluid' lipid fraction in reticulocyte membranes has been studied. A decrease in the percentage of 'fluid' lipids in membranes resulted in the inhibition (up to the full cessation) of the interaction of beta-adrenoreceptors with regulatory NS-proteins. The interaction of NS-proteins with catalytic proteins stopped as well. On the other hand, an increase in the 'fluid' lipid fraction led to a more intensive interaction. These facts do not arise from the functional damage of interacting proteins. Consequently, hormonal activation of the adenylate cyclase complex depends on the fraction of 'fluid' lipids in the membrane. The data obtained are in conformity with the percolation theory which makes it possible to characterize long-distance protein movement in a medium ('fluid' lipids) containing obstacles. Thus, interacting proteins prove to diffuse within distances greatly exceeding protein sizes. As a consequence, the intrinsic activity of a beta-agonist, isoproterenol, varies from 1 to 0 depending on the 'fluid' lipid fraction. Our findings also suggest that in vitro there are no beta-receptors precoupled with NS-proteins in rat reticulocyte membranes in the absence of guanine nucleotides.

Differential binding kinetics of cholera toxin to intestinal microvillus membrane during development

A complete randomized block design was used to compare the binding kinetics of cholera toxin to developing rat enterocyte microvillus membranes prepared from newborn, 2-week-old, 4-week-old, and adult animals. Saturation-binding isotherms were generated on 16 independent samples (four blocks) under steady-state and reversible conditions. Scatchard analyses suggested positive cooperative binding to a single class of receptors, and the isotherms were analyzed by both the Hill-Waud and Michaelis-Menten functions. Receptor density varied significantly with age (P = 0.013). An abrupt rise in receptor density occurred after the neonatal period and normalized in the adult animal. The half-dissociation constant also varied significantly with age (P = 0.019). Microvillus membranes from suckling animals had a slightly higher apparent affinity than those from weaned animals. Neither receptor concentration nor membrane purity confounded these observations. Whereas age-related changes in apparent affinity correlated with cellular responses, changes in receptor density did not. This study suggests that developmental changes in membrane structure which influence binding affinity but not receptor density may, in part, contribute to the increased sensitivity of suckling rats to cholera toxin exposure.

Lipoprotein receptors in copper-deficient rats: apolipoprotein E-free high density lipoprotein binding to liver membranes

Twenty-four male weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly and equally divided into two dietary treatments, copper-deficient and adequate (0.7 mg and 8.0 mg Cu/kg diet, respectively). Deionized water and diet were provided ad libitum. After 8 weeks, rats were exsanguinated, membranes prepared from livers, and plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL) isolated by ultracentrifugation and agarose column chromatography. Heparin-sepharose affinity chromatography was used to isolate subfractions of HDL devoid of apolipoprotein E (apo E-free HDL). The apo E-free HDL derived from rats of each dietary treatment were iodinated and bound to liver membranes prepared from rats of both treatment groups. Total binding data, specific binding data, and computer derived estimates of maximum equilibrium binding (Bmax) indicate less binding was observed when lipoproteins and membranes from copper-deficient animals were used in the binding assay compared to controls. In addition, a 2 X 2 factorial analysis of binding parameters derived from all experiments demonstrated a significant lipoprotein effect, indicating the reduction in binding may be associated with apo E-free HDL obtained from copper-deficient rats. The present findings suggest a reduction in binding of apo E-free HDL to their binding sites may contribute to the hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipoproteinemia observed in copper deficiency.

The interpretation of ligand displacement experiments: calculations for multisite acceptors

A method is described for calculating the degree of competition for binding between two ligands which are bound at any number of site classes on a binding protein from a generalization of the equilibrium competitive binding equations, the protein's binding parameters for each of the ligands, and the total protein and ligand concentrations. Theoretical displacement curves thus obtained for each of the possible competitive binding models with a multisite protein can then be compared with experimentally determined ligand displacements in order to find which model is most realistic or if measured displacements are due rather to negative cooperativity effects. The binding parameters used for the calculations have a statistical error attached to them, since they have been obtained experimentally, so here we also propose a method for calculating the standard deviations of the theoretical displacement curves deriving from these errors. This permits the use of statistical hypothesis testing in the comparison of theoretical and experimental results. An example is shown in which this method permits the verification that two drugs (phenylbutazone and azapropazone) are both bound by the same high- and low-affinity sites of a protein (alpha-fetoprotein).

Further probes into quantitative aspects of competitive binding assays: allowance for effects of antigen multivalency in immunoassays

Effects of antigen multivalency on procedures for the analysis of immunoassays are examined on the basis of a theoretical expression developed in the context of quantitative affinity chromatography [Nichol, L. W., Ward, L. D., and Winzor, D. J. (1981) Biochemistry 20, 4856-4860] but which is also pertinent to antigen-antibody interactions that may be described in terms of a single intrinsic association constant. Quantitative relationships are generated which provide the basis for more rigorous logit-log analyses of radioimmunoassays in which the antigen is multivalent, and an additional, theoretically superior, linear transform of the basic expression is developed. Simulated binding data for a tetravalent antigen system are then used to demonstrate the curvilinearity of the conventional Scatchard plot for such a system despite the homogeneity of binding sites, and the application of the various linear transforms involving logarithmic functions. Of particular interest in that regard is the observation that the traditional logit-log analyses yield linear plots with the predicted slope of unity even though antigen univalence is an implicit assumption in their application. Results obtained in a solid-phase radioimmunoassay of triiodothyronine are then presented to provide, for that system at least, experimental justification of the above-mentioned assumption that the antibody-antigen interactions may be described in terms of a single intrinsic association constant. Finally, an enzyme-linked immunoassay of ferritin is used to illustrate the possibility that a linear Scatchard plot may be obtained with a multivalent antigen under conditions where steric factors restrict participation of an antigen molecule to a single interaction with immobilized antibody.

Centrifugation or filtration in quantitative radioreceptor assays

In quantitative radioreceptor assays the amount of a drug present in the medium to be assayed is inversely related to the amount of receptor-bound radiolabelled ligand. Usually, separation of the bound and free fractions of radiolabelled ligand is done by filtration, in which the bound fraction can easily be collected. However, the filtration disturbs the equilibrium between bound and free fractions, which may lead to erroneous results. Because the decrease in bound radiolabelled ligand is accompanied by an increase in free labelled ligand, we decided also to measure this free fraction after separation by centrifugation and to compare these data with the filtration data. In these experiments a radioreceptor assay for anticholinergics was employed. The results indicate that both methods are compatible in precision when appropriate conditions are used whereas each method has its specific features.

Parameter estimation for ligand binding systems kinetics applied to 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol

A mathematical analysis of the kinetics of the hormone-receptor interaction was applied to the 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol-intestinal receptor system. The exact analytical solution and the numerical integration of the kinetic equation were installed in a Statistical Analysis System (SAS) computer program to estimate the rate constants of the reaction. Estimates of the parameters obtained by these two methods are similar, demonstrating that the numerical integration can be combined with the nonlinear regression procedure for least-squares parameter fitting using a simple SAS program. This enables estimation of kinetics rate constants when the kinetic equation cannot be solved analytically. The ratio of the rate constants (ka/kd) found by the nonlinear procedure is close to the independently determined equilibrium (Scatchard) constant in the nonlinear analysis.

Studies of thyroxine binding to plasma proteins in health and disease

Thyroxine binding protein characteristics were defined in 6 normal subjects, 4 with thyroxine binding globulin (TBG) deficiency, 3 with TBG increase, one with hyperthyroxinemic dysalbuminemia, 7 with severe non-thyroidal illness, and 3 with chronic renal failure. Free thyroxine was measured by Sephadex partition in plasma to which increasing thyroxine concentrations were added. Deconvolution of the resultant titration data was performed by computer modelling. Abnormalities of thyroxine binding capacities or of binding affinities occur in non-thyroidal illness, chronic renal failure, and sporadically. The patient with hyperthyroxinemic dysalbuminemia had increased thyroxine binding affinity to thyroxine binding prealbumin as well as to albumin. "Free-T4 assays" or estimates of Free-T4 by calculation from total thyroxine and measures of protein binding such as T3-uptake must be expected to be perturbed by these binding protein abnormalities unless such interferences are explicitly demonstrated to be absent.

Opioid activities of human beta-casomorphins

Opioid activities of human beta-casomorphin-4, -5, -7 and -8 and, for comparison, of the corresponding bovine beta-casomorphins were studied in the guinea-pig ileum preparation. Binding parameters, i.e. KD-values and binding site concentrations, for the interaction of human and bovine beta-casomorphins with opioid receptors in rat brain homogenates were determined in inhibition experiments, using [3H]-(D-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly-ol5)enkephalin, [3H]-(D-Ala2, D-Leu5)enkephalin and [3H]ethylketazocin as mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid receptor ligands. Analysis of binding data was performed using a non-linear curve fitting program. All beta-casomorphins examined displayed opioid activity. The affinity was highest for mu-receptors, less so for delta-receptors and lowest for kappa-receptors. It is suggested that human beta-casomorphins might play a role as "food hormones".