Betaine-Based Deep Eutectic Solvent as a New Media for Laccase-Catalyzed Template-Guided Polymerization/Copolymerization of Aniline and 3-Aminobenzoic Acid

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) can compensate for some of the major drawbacks of traditional organic solvents and ionic liquids and meet all requirements of green chemistry. However, the potential of their use as a medium for biocatalytic reactions has not been adequately studied. In this work we used the DES betaine-glycerol with a molar ratio of 1:2 as co-solvent for enzymatic template-guided polymerization/copolymerization of aniline (ANI) and 3-aminobenzoic acid (3ABA). The laccase from the basidial fungus Trametes hirsuta and air oxygen served as catalyst and oxidant, respectively. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) was used as template. Interpolyelectrolyte complexes of homopolymers polyaniline (PANI) and poly(3-aminobenzoic acid) (P3ABA) and copolymer poly(aniline-co-3-aminobenzoic acid) (P(ANI-3ABA)) were prepared and their physico-chemical properties were studied by UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. According to the results obtained by atomic force microscopy, PANI/PSS had a granular shape, P(ANI-3ABA)/PSS had a spherical shape and P3ABA/PSS had a spindle-like shape. The copolymer showed a greater antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylcocus aureus as compared with the homopolymers. The minimal inhibitory concentration of the P(ANI-3ABA)/PSS against the gram-positive bacterium S. aureus was 0.125 mg mL⁻¹.

Potential Reserpine Analogues: Part III Derivatives of 4-ethoxycarbonyloxy-3,5-dimethoxy-benzoic acid, 3-dimethylaminobenzoic acid, p-hydroxybenzanilide and N-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-3(or 4)-hydroxycyclohexane carboxyamide

4-Ethoxycarbonyloxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzanilide (I), 3-dimethylamino-benzanilide (II), N(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-4-ethoxycarbonyloxy- 3,5-dimethoxybenzamide (III), N-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-3-dimethylaminobenzamide (IV), 4-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyloxy)- benzanilide (V), 4-(4-ethoxycarbonyloxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoyloxy)- benzanilide (VI), 3-acetoxy-N-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)cyclohexane- carboxyamide (VII), 3-anisoyloxy-N-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)cyclo- hexanecarboxyamide (VIII), N-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-3-veratroyl- oxycyclohexanecarboxyamide (IX), N-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-3- trimethoxybenzoyloxycyclohexanecarboxyamide (X), and N-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-4-trimethoxy benzoyloxycyclohexanecarboxyamide (XI) have been prepared. Eight of the compounds, I-VII and X, were compared with reserpine for their ability to potentiate barbiturate hypnosis in mice and to deplete the 5-hydroxytryptamine content of rat brain. None of them lowered the brain 5-hydroxytryptamine content but several showed barbiturate potentiation. Compound V was the most potent of the series in producing potentiation of barbiturate hypnosis, being about one tenth as action as reserpine.

Peroxidase-catalyzed oxidative coupling of paraphenylenediamine with 3-dimethylaminobenzoic acid: application in crude plant extracts

This paper presents a novel spectrophotometric method to measure peroxidase activity using paraphenylenediamine dihydrochloride (PPDD) and 3-dimethylaminobenzoic acid (DMAB). The PPDD traps free radicals and becomes oxidized to electrophillic 1,4-diimine, which couples with DMAB to give an intense green-colored chromogenic species with maximum absorbance at 710 nm. This assay was adopted for the quantification of hydrogen peroxide between 5 and 45 microM. From the kinetic data, a two-substrate ping-pong mechanism of peroxidase was established. The catalytic efficiency and catalytic constant (k(cat)) of the proposed assay were 0.54 x 10(6) M(-1) min(-1) and 0.0436 x 10(3) min(-1), respectively. As a simple, rapid, precise, and sensitive technique, PPDD-DMAB stands as a potential replacement for the traditional guaiacol method. Application of this method in plant extracts opens its relevance in the field of biochemical analysis.

Identification of a novel retinoid by small molecule screening with zebrafish embryos

Small molecules have played an important role in delineating molecular pathways involved in embryonic development and disease pathology. The need for novel small molecule modulators of biological processes has driven a number of targeted screens on large diverse libraries. However, due to the specific focus of such screens, the majority of the bioactive potential of these libraries remains unharnessed. In order to identify a higher proportion of compounds with interesting biological activities, we screened a diverse synthetic library for compounds that perturb the development of any of the multiple organs in zebrafish embryos. We identified small molecules that affect the development of a variety of structures such as heart, vasculature, brain, and body-axis. We utilized the previously known role of retinoic acid in anterior-posterior (A-P) patterning to identify the target of DTAB, a compound that caused A-P axis shortening in the zebrafish embryo. We show that DTAB is a retinoid with selective activity towards retinoic acid receptors gamma and beta. Thus, conducting zebrafish developmental screens using small molecules will not only enable the identification of compounds with diverse biological activities in a large chemical library but may also facilitate the identification of the target pathways of these biologically active molecules.

Vaporization-condensation-recrystallization process-mediated synthesis of helical m-aminobenzoic acid nanobelts

One-dimensional (1D) helical organic nanostructures were synthesized by a modified vapor-solid (VS) process, called the vaporization-condensation-recrystallization (VCR) process. The conventional solution-phase synthetic methods generally mediate self-assemblies of repeating unit molecules. To provide enough intermolecular interaction forces among the unit molecules, such strategy requires specific designs and syntheses of complex unit molecules as they possess numerous functional groups including phenyl rings, hydroxyl groups, long aliphatic chains, etc. On the contrary, we found that small and simple organic molecules, for example, m-ABA, could be self-assembled by the VCR process, resulting in 1D helical organic nanostructures. When m-aminobenzoic acid (m-ABA) powders were vaporized and transported to be condensed on a cooler region, the condensates were recrystallized into 1D helical nanobelts. Each step of the VCR process was confirmed from control experiments performed by varying reaction times, substrate types, and reaction temperatures. Powder XRD data, SAED analysis, and theoretical calculations revealed that dimers of m-ABA molecules have repeating units, and the growth axis of m-ABA nanohelices is [100].

The Biflow: An instrument for transfer-loop mediated, continuous, preparative-scale isoelectric trapping separations

The Biflow, a new isoelectric trapping instrument was designed to obtain a narrow DeltapI fraction from a complex feed in one step. The Biflow contains two identical separation units, each unit houses: an anode and cathode compartment, an anodic and cathodic membrane, an anodic and cathodic separation compartment, and a separation membrane. The separation units are connected to independent power supplies. The anodic membranes in Units 1 and 2 typically buffer at the same pH value and so do the cathodic membranes. The separation membranes in Units 1 and 2 buffer at different pH values, these determine the pI range (DeltapI) of the product. The cathodic separation compartments in Units 1 and 2 contain the feed and harvest streams. The two anodic separation compartments, connected through an electrically insulating air gap, form the transfer loop through which the transfer stream is recirculated between Units 1 and 2. Ampholytic components in the feed, with pI values lower than the pH of the buffering membrane in Unit 1, pass into the transfer stream and are shuttled into Unit 2. In Unit 2, components in the transfer stream which have pI values higher than the pH of the buffering membrane in Unit 2, pass into the harvest stream. This double transfer of the target component, oppositely directed, guarantees the complete exclusion of products outside the desired DeltapI range from the harvest stream. The utility of the Biflow unit was demonstrated by isolating carnosine from a mixture of UV-absorbing ampholytes and ovalbumin isoforms as well as 4.4 <pI <4.5 and 5.4 <pI <5.5 minor constituents from chicken egg white.

Marked prevention of ischemic brain injury by Neu2000, an NMDA antagonist and antioxidant derived from aspirin and sulfasalazine

Excitotoxicity and oxidative stress mediate neuronal death after hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. We examined the possibility that targeting both N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated excitotoxicity and oxidative stress would result in enhanced neuroprotection against hypoxic-ischemia. 2-Hydroxy-5-(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-benzylamino)-benzoic acid (Neu2000) was derived from aspirin and sulfasalazine to prevent both NMDA neurotoxicity and oxidative stress. In cortical cell cultures, Neu2000 was shown to be an uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist and completely blocked free radical toxicity at doses as low as 0.3 micromol/L. Neu2000 showed marked neuroprotection in a masked fashion using histology and behavioral testing in two rodent models of focal cerebral ischemia without causing neurotoxic side effects. Neu2000 protected against the effects of middle cerebral artery occlusion, even when delivered 8 h after reperfusion. Single bolus administration of the drug prevented gray and white matter degeneration and spared neurologic function for over 28 days after MACO. Neu2000 may be a novel therapy for combating both NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity and oxidative stress, the two major routes of neuronal death in ischemia, offering profound neuroprotection and an extended therapeutic window.

Concurrent Administration of Neu2000 and Lithium Produces Marked Improvement of Motor Neuron Survival, Motor Function, and Mortality in a Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

The Fas pathway and oxidative stress mediate neuronal death in stroke and may contribute to neurodegenerative disease. We tested the hypothesis that these two factors synergistically produce spinal motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Levels of reactive oxygen species were increased in motor neurons from ALS mice compared with wild-type mice at age 10 weeks, before symptom onset. The proapoptotic proteins Fas, Fas-associated death domain, caspase 8, and caspase 3 were also elevated. Oral administration of 2-hydroxy-5-(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-benzylamino)-benzoic acid (Neu2000), a potent antioxidant, blocked the increase in reactive oxygen species but only slightly reduced activation of proapoptotic proteins. Administration of lithium carbonate (Li(+)), a mood stabilizer that prevents apoptosis, blocked the apoptosis machinery without preventing oxidative stress. Neu2000 or Li(+) alone significantly enhanced survival time and motor function and together had an additive effect. These findings provide evidence that jointly targeting oxidative stress and Fas-mediated apoptosis can prevent neuronal loss and motor dysfunction in ALS.

Inhibition of poly(adp-ribose) polymerase reduces cardiomyocytic apoptosis after global cardiac arrest under cardiopulmonary bypass

Cardiomyocytic apoptosis occurs after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) despite the use of perfusion techniques and cardioplegic solutions. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause single-strand DNA breaks and activate nuclear poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), which leads to cellular damage. Therefore, the inhibition of PARP might protect cardiomyocytes from oxidative injuries. In this study, experiments were designed to determine whether a PARP inhibitor could decrease the myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury after cardioplegia-induced global cardiac arrest under CPB, attenuate the appearance of cardiomyocytic apoptosis, and decrease damage from ROS. New Zealand white rabbits (10 in each group) were subjected to total CPB. Rabbits were weaned from CPB and reperfused for 4 h before the hearts were harvested. 3-Aminobenzamide and/or 3-aminobenzoic acid was added to the cardioplegic solution. The ascending aorta was cross-clamped for 60 min while intermittent cold crystalloid cardioplegic solution was infused into the aortic root every 20 min. The reperfused hearts were harvested and studied for evidence of apoptosis using the TUNEL method and Western blot analyses. The oxidative insults were checked using ELISA to detect plasma isoprostane and cytokines levels. The occurrence of cardiomyocytic apoptosis was significantly less in PARP inhibitor recipients than in PARP-inhibitor-naive controls. Plasma isoprostane and various cytokines were significantly elevated in PARP-inhibitor-naive controls but significantly reduced in PARP inhibitor recipients. Western blot analysis revealed similar patterns. PARP inhibitor-supplemented crystalloid cardioplegic solution diminished postischemic cardiomyocytic apoptosis and ROS-mediated injuries after global cardiac arrest under CPB, possibly via inhibiting both caspase-dependent and -independent apoptotic pathways, which also preserved postischemic myocardial contractility.

4-aminometyl-3-nitrobenzoic acid--a photocleavable linker for oligonucleotides containing combinatorial libraries

We detail the design, synthesis, and characterization of an o-nitrobenzyl-based photolabile linker containing amine and carboxyl anchor groups. A model nucleoside monomer modified with an imidazole residue and a precursor unit linked to a heterocyclic base through a photolabile tether is constructed Upon UV irradiation (313- 365 nm), the imidazole containing part of this molecule is released.

Profiling analysis of oligosaccharides in antibody pharmaceuticals by capillary electrophoresis

Carbohydrate chains in glycoprotein pharmaceuticals have important roles for the expression of their biological activities. Therefore, development of an assessment method for the carbohydrate chains is an important parameter for quality control of glycoprotein pharmaceuticals such as newly developed therapeutic antibodies. In this report, we applied capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection to the analysis of carbohydrate chains after releasing with glycoamidase followed by derivatization with 3-aminobenzoic acid. We found that four major oligosaccharides present in antibody pharmaceuticals were successfully separated with good resolution. The present method showed good precision in both migration times and relative peak areas, and gave comparable accuracy with that using a derivatization method with 8-aminopyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonate.

Stability of retrieved memory: inverse correlation with trace dominance

In memory consolidation, the memory trace stabilizes and becomes resistant to certain amnesic agents. The textbook account is that for any memorized item, consolidation starts and ends just once. However, evidence has accumulated that upon activation in retrieval, the trace may reconsolidate. Whereas some authors reported transient renewed susceptibility of retrieved memories to consolidation blockers, others could not detect it. Here, we report that in both conditioned taste aversion in the rat and fear conditioning in the medaka fish, the stability of retrieved memory is inversely correlated with the control of behavior by that memory. This result may explain some conflicting findings on reconsolidation of activated memories.

Involvement of Poly(ADP-Ribose) Synthetase in Acoustic Trauma of The Cochlea

We investigated effects of poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase (PARS) inhibitors on acoustic trauma. Albino guinea pigs were intravenously given 3-aminobenzamide, nicotinamide or 3-aminobenzoic acid (an inactive analog of 3-aminobenzamide) just prior to exposure to a 2 kHz pure tone of 120 dB sound pressure level (SPL) for 10 minutes. The threshold of the compound action potential (CAP) and the amplitude of distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were measured before and 4 hours after the acoustic overexposure. Statistically significant decreases in the CAP threshold shifts and significant increases in the DPOAE amplitudes were observed 4 hours after the acoustic overexposure in the animals treated with 3-aminobenzamide or nicotinamide, whereas 3-aminobenzoic acid did not exert any protective effect. These results strongly suggest that excessive activation of PARS is involved in generation of the acoustic trauma.

Coupling of c-Src to large conductance voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ channels as a new mechanism of agonist-induced vasoconstriction

The voltage-dependent and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel (MaxiK, BK) and the cellular proto-oncogene pp60(c-Src) (c-Src) are abundant proteins in vascular smooth muscle. The role of MaxiK channels as a vasorelaxing force is well established, but their role in vasoconstriction is unclear. Because Src participates in regulating vasoconstriction, we investigated whether c-Src inhibits MaxiK as a mechanism for agonist-induced vasoconstriction. Functional experiments in human and rat show that inhibitors of Src (Lavendustin A, PP2) but not inactive compounds (Lavendustin B, PP3) induce a pronounced relaxation of coronary or aortic smooth muscle precontracted with 5-hydroxytriptamine, phenylephrine, or Angiotensin II. Iberiotoxin, a MaxiK blocker, antagonizes the relaxation induced by Lavendustin A or PP2, indicating that c-Src inhibits the Iberiotoxin-sensitive component, likely MaxiK channels. In agreement, coronary muscle MaxiK currents were enhanced by Lavendustin A. To investigate the molecular mechanism of c-Src action on MaxiK channels, we transiently expressed its alpha subunit, hSlo, with or without c-Src in HEK293T cells. The voltage sensitivity of hSlo was right-shifted by approximately 16 mV. hSlo inhibition by c-Src is due to channel direct phosphorylation because: (i) excised patches exposed to protein tyrosine phosphatase (CD45) resulted in a partial reversal of the inhibitory effect by approximately 10 mV, and (ii) immunoprecipitated hSlo channels were recognized by an anti-phosphotyrosine Ab. Furthermore, coexpression of hSlo and c-Src demonstrate a striking colocalization in HEK293T cells. We propose that MaxiK channels via direct c-Src-dependent phosphorylation play a significant role supporting vasoconstriction after activation of G protein-coupled receptors by vasoactive substances and neurotransmitters.

Trophic factor-induced excitatory synaptogenesis involves postsynaptic modulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Neurotrophic factors have well established roles in neuronal development, although their precise involvement in synapse formation and plasticity is yet to be fully determined. Using soma-soma synapses between identified Lymnaea neurons, we have shown recently that trophic factors are required for excitatory but not inhibitory synapse formation. However, neither the precise site (presynaptic versus postsynaptic cell) nor the underlying mechanisms have yet been defined. In the present study, synapse formation between the presynaptic cell visceral dorsal 4 (VD4) and its postsynaptic partner right pedal dorsal 1 (RPeD1) was examined to define the cellular mechanisms mediating trophic factor-induced excitatory synaptogenesis in cell culture. When paired in a soma-soma configuration in the presence of defined media (DM, nonproteinacious), mutually inhibitory synapses were appropriately reconstructed between VD4 and RPeD1. However, when cells were paired in the presence of increasing concentrations of Lymnaea brain-conditioned medium (CM), a biphasic synapse (initial excitatory synaptic component followed by inhibition) developed. The CM-induced excitatory synapse formation required trophic factor-mediated activation of receptor tyrosine kinases in the postsynaptic cell, RPeD1, and a concomitant modulation of existing postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Specifically, when RPeD1 was isolated in DM, exogenously applied ACh induced a hyperpolarizing response that was sensitive to the AChR antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA). In contrast, a single RPeD1 isolated in CM exhibited a biphasic response to exogenously applied ACh. The initial depolarizing phase of the biphasic response was sensitive to both mecamylamine and hexamethonium chloride, whereas the hyperpolarizing phase was blocked by MLA. In soma-soma-paired neurons, the VD4-induced synaptic responses in RPeD1 were sensitive to the cholinergic antagonists in a concentration range similar to that used to block cholinergic responses in single RPeD1 cells. Therefore, the modulation of postsynaptic nAChRs was sufficient to account for the trophic factor-induced excitatory synaptogenesis. This study thus provides the first direct evidence that trophic factors act postsynaptically to promote excitatory synapse formation.

Direct inhibition of the hexose transporter GLUT1 by tyrosine kinase inhibitors

The facilitative hexose transporter GLUT1 is a multifunctional protein that transports hexoses and dehydroascorbic acid, the oxidized form of vitamin C, and interacts with several molecules structurally unrelated to the transported substrates. Here we analyzed in detail the interaction of GLUT1 with a group of tyrosine kinase inhibitors that include natural products of the family of flavones and isoflavones and synthetic compounds such as the tyrphostins. These compounds inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the transport of hexoses and dehydroascorbic acid in human myeloid HL-60 cells, in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells overexpressing GLUT1, and in normal human erythrocytes, and blocked the glucose-displaceable binding of cytochalasin B to GLUT1 in erythrocyte ghosts. Kinetic analysis of transport data indicated that only tyrosine kinase inhibitors with specificity for ATP binding sites inhibited the transport activity of GLUT1 in a competitive manner. In contrast, those inhibitors that are competitive with tyrosine but not with ATP failed to inhibit hexose uptake or did so in a noncompetitive manner. These results, together with recent evidence demonstrating that GLUT1 is a nucleotide binding protein, support the concept that the inhibitory effect on transport is related to the direct interaction of the inhibitors with GLUT1. We conclude that predicted nucleotide-binding motifs present in GLUT1 are important for the interaction of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors with the transporter and may participate directly in the binding transport of substrates by GLUT1.

Colorimetric method for the determination of lipoxygenase activity

A colorimetic assay for lipoxygenase activity has been developed. The assay is based on the detection of the lipoxygenase reaction product, linoleic acid hydroperoxide, by the oxidative coupling of 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone (MBTH) with 3-(dimethylamino)benzoic acid (DMAB) in a hemoglobin-catalyzed reaction. This test reaction is rapid and sensitive, and it offers advantages over other methods for detecting lipoxygenase activity. The assay is capable of detecting activity in a number of crude vegetable homogenates and should be particularly useful where a rapid visual determination of lipoxygenase activity is desired.

3-m-bromoacetylamino benzoic acid ethyl ester: a new cancericidal agent that activates the apoptotic pathway through caspase-9

The mechanism underlying the cancericidal activity of 3-m-bromoacetylamino benzoic acid ethyl ester (3-BAABE) was investigated. 3-BAABE exerted a strong cancericidal effect on human leukemia and lymphoma cells (IC(50) < 0.2 microgram/mL) and on cell lines of prostate, colon, ductal, and kidney cancer (IC(50) 0.8 to 0.88 microgram/mL). Multiple drug resistance (MDR) had no effect on the susceptibility of human lymphoma cells to 3-BAABE, since Daudi/MDR(20) and wild-type Daudi cells had a similar susceptibility to the cytotoxic effect of 3-BAABE. The cancericidal effect of 3-BAABE, which was not associated with changes in the cell cycle, was mediated by apoptosis. Thus, cells exposed to 3-BAABE displayed the DNA fragmentation ladder characteristic for apoptosis, associated with a marked increase of the activity of apoptosis effector caspases-3 and -6, which was followed by proteolytic cleavage of DNA fragmentation factor (DFF) and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Exposure of tumor cells to 3-BAABE increased the activity of apical caspase-9, but had no effect on caspase-8. Complete inhibition of 3-BAABE-induced apoptosis was exerted by LEHD-FMK, a caspase-9 inhibitor. DEVD-FMK, a caspase-3 inhibitor, and VEID-FMK, a caspase-6 inhibitor, partially inhibited 3-BAABE-induced apoptosis, whereas exposure to IETD-FMK, a caspase-8 inhibitor, had no effect. The fragmentation and elevated activity of caspase-9 in 3-BAABE-treated cells and the fact that only an inhibitor of caspase-9 abrogated 3-BAABE-induced apoptosis indicate that 3-BAABE is a distinctive compound that elicits apoptosis through a pathway that is limited specifically to activation of apical caspase-9.

N-acetylation and N-formylation of m-aminobenzoic acid by cell suspension cultures of Solanum laciniatum

Two new biotransformation products, N-acetyl-m-aminobenzoic acid and N-formyl-m-aminobenzoic acid were isolated from cell suspension cultures of Solanum laciniatum following administration of m-aminobenzoic acid, and their structures were elucidated using one- and two-dimensional 1H- and 13C-NMR data.

3-Aminobenzamide and 3-aminobenzoic acid, tags for capillary electrophoresis of complex carbohydrates with laser-induced fluorescent detection

The efficiencies in derivatization of reducing carbohydrates were compared by capillary electrophoresis using maltose as a model with nine monoaminobenzene derivatives by reductive amination in the presence of sodium cyanoborohydride. We found that aminobenzene derivatives substituted at the 3-position showed good reactivity with reducing carbohydrates as expected from the reaction mechanism, although the fluorescence intensities and molar absorptivities of these derivatives were not as high as those of 2- and 4-aminobenzene derivatives. The reagents, 3-aminobenzamide and 3-aminobenzoic acid, which showed the highest reactivity, were applied to the labeling of carbohydrate chains obtained from some sialic acid-containing glycoprotein samples, and also high-mannose and hybrid-type oligosaccharides. Capillary electrophoresis of these labeled carbohydrate chains in an inner surface-modified capillary with (50% phenyl)methylpolysiloxane allowed excellent separation of sialic acid-containing carbohydrate chains derived from fetuin and thyroglobulin as well as high mannose-type and hybrid-type carbohydrates derived from bovine pancreas ribonuclease B, soybean agglutinin and hen ovalbumin. The lower limit of calibration was as low as the 10(-16) mol (injected amount) with helium-cadmium laser induced detection.

Insulin modulation of cloned mouse NMDA receptor currents in Xenopus oocytes

Modulation of recombinant N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) currents by insulin was studied using the Xenopus oocyte expression system. Insulin (0.8 microM, 10 min) regulated NMDAR currents in a subunit-specific manner. Currents from epsilon1/zeta1, epsilon2/zeta1, and epsilon4/zeta1 receptors were variably potentiated, whereas currents from epsilon3/zeta1 receptors were not. Protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and protein kinase C were found to be involved in insulin-mediated modulation in an NMDAR subtype-specific way. Pretreatment with a specific PTK inhibitor, lavendustin A, attenuated and blocked the insulin effect on epsilon2/zeta1 and epsilon4/zeta1, respectively. Preincubation with selective protein kinase C inhibitors, staurosporine or calphostin C, depressed the response of epsilon1/zeta1 and epsilon2/zeta1 receptors to insulin. Basal regulation of NMDAR currents by endogenous PTKs and protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) was also investigated. Of the four receptor subtypes, only epsilon1/zeta1 receptor currents were affected by basal PTK inhibition via lavendustin A, whereas PTP inhibition by phenylarsine oxide or orthovanadate enhanced currents from epsilon1/zeta1 and epsilon2/zeta1 receptors. Surprisingly, a stimulatory PTP modulation was observed for epsilon4/zeta1. As NMDAR subunits are differentially expressed in the brain, the observed subtype-specific modulations of NMDAR currents by insulin, PTKs, and PTPs may provide important insights into certain NMDAR-dependent physiological and pathological processes.

G-protein-coupled receptors act via protein kinase C and Src to regulate NMDA receptors

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor contributes to synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system and is both serine-threonine and tyrosine phosphorylated. In CA1 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus, activators of protein kinase C (PKC) as well as the G-protein-coupled receptor ligands muscarine and lysophosphatidic acid enhanced NMDA-evoked currents. Unexpectedly, this effect was blocked by inhibitors of tyrosine kinases, including a Src required sequence and an antibody selective for Src itself. In neurons from mice lacking c-Src, PKC-dependent upregulation was absent. Thus, G-protein-coupled receptors can regulate NMDA receptor function indirectly through a PKC-dependent activation of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase (Src) signaling cascade.

Inhibitors of poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase protect rat cardiomyocytes against oxidant stress

OBJECTIVE

Inhibitors of poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase (PARS) activity reduce the infarct size caused by regional myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion in the rabbit and rat in vivo. The mechanism of action of these inhibitors is unclear. Here we investigate the effects of the PARS inhibitor 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB) on infarct size caused by ischaemia and reperfusion of the isolated, perfused heart of the rat. We also investigate the role of PARS in the hydrogen peroxide-mediated cell injury/necrosis in rat cardiac myoblasts.

METHODS

Rat isolated hearts perfused at constant pressure (80 mmHg) were subjected to 35 min of regional ischaemia and 2 h of reperfusion. Infarct size was determined at the end of the experiment using nitro-blue tetrazolium. 3-AB (300 microM) or 3-aminobenzoic acid (3-ABA, 300 microM) were infused during the reperfusion period. Rat cardiac myoblasts (H9c2 cells) were preincubated with the PARS inhibitors, 3-AB. nicotinamide (Nic) or 1,5-dihydroxyisoquinoline (ISO) or the inactive analogues 3-ABA or nicotinic acid (NicA) prior to exposure with hydrogen peroxide (1 mM). Cell injury was assessed by measuring mitochondrial respiration and cell necrosis by measuring the release of LDH. PARS activity was determined by measuring the incorporation of NAD into nuclear proteins.

RESULTS

Regional ischaemia and reperfusion of the isolated rat heart resulted in an infarct size of 54% which was reduced by 3-AB, but not by 3-ABA. Exposure of rat cardiac myoblasts to hydrogen peroxide caused an increase in PARS activity and cell injury/necrosis which was attenuated by pretreatment with the PARS inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

Inhibition of the activity of PARS attenuates the cell death associated with oxidant stress in rat cardiac myoblasts and heart.

Regulation of the renal Na-HCO3 cotransporter: IX. Modulation by insulin, epidermal growth factor and carbachol

To examine the role of tyrosine kinase (TK) on basolateral membrane (BLM) transport, we looked for the presence of TK activity in these membranes and showed that the synthetic substrate for TK, poly [Glu80 Na, Tyr20] caused a three-fold increase in tyrosine phosphorylation. This effect was completely blocked by the TK inhibitors, 2-hydroxy-5(2,5-dihydroxybenzyl) aminobenzoic acid (HAC), 1 microM, and methyl 2,5-dihydroxycinnamate (DHC), 5 microM. We then examined the effect of agents that cause TK stimulation on tyrosine kinase immunocontent and on the Na-HCO3 cotransporter activity in BLM and in primary cultures of the proximal tubule. We utilized the cholinergic agent, carbachol (10(-4) M), epidermal growth factor (EGF 10(-8) M), and insulin (10(-8) M), well known activators of TK. Carbachol, insulin, and EGF caused a significant increase in TK immunoreactive protein content which was blocked by HAC and DHC. In BLM, carbachol significantly stimulated HCO3-dependent 22Na uptake and this effect was totally prevented by the monoclonal antibody against TK. In cultured proximal tubule cells, carbachol, EGF and insulin at physiologic concentration caused a significant stimulation of the cotransporter activity and this effect was completely blocked by the TK inhibitor, HAC. Increasing the dose of insulin 100-fold did not cause further stimulation of the cotransporter indicating that insulin plays a permissive role on the cotransporter. These results demonstrate the presence of TK in renal proximal tubule cells and show that activation of this kinase by dissimilar agents enhance the activity of the Na-HCO3 cotransporter.

Regulation of renal Na-HCO3 cotransporter: VIII. Mechanism Of stimulatory effect of respiratory acidosis

We examined the effect of respiratory acidosis on the Na-HCO3 cotransporter activity in primary cultures of the proximal tubule of the rabbit exposed to 10% CO2 for 5 min, 2, 4, 24 and 48 hr. Cells exposed to 10% CO2 showed a significant increase in Na-HCO3 cotransporter activity (expressed as % of control levels, 5 min: 142 +/- 6, 2 hr: 144 +/- 13, 4 hr: 145 +/- 11, 24 hr: 150 +/- 15, 48 hr: 162 +/- 24). The increase in activity was reversible after 48 hr. The role of protein kinase C (PKC) on the stimulatory effect of respiratory acidosis on the cotransporter was examined in presence of PKC inhibitor calphostin C or in presence of PKC depletion. Both calphostin C and PKC depletion prevented the effect of 10% CO2 for 5 min or 4 hr to increase the activity of the cotransporter. 10% CO2 for 5 min or 4 hr increased total and particulate fraction PKC activity. To examine the role of phosphotyrosine kinase (PTK) on the increase in cotransporter activity we studied the effect of two different inhibitors, 2-hydroxy-5-(2,5-dihydroxylbenzyl) aminobenzoic acid (HAC) and methyl 2,5-dihydroxycinnamate (DHC) which inhibit phosphotyrosine kinase in basolateral membranes. Cells were pretreated either with vehicle or HAC or DHC and then exposed to 10% CO2 for 5 min or 4 hr. In cells treated with vehicle, 10% CO2 significantly increased cotransporter activity as compared to control cells exposed to 5% CO2. This stimulation by 10% CO2 was completely prevented by HAC or DHC at 5 min (5% CO2: 1.8 +/- 0.2, 10% CO2: 2.6 +/- 0.2, 10% CO2 + HAC: 1.6 +/- 0.2, 10% CO2: +DHC: 2.0 +/- 0.3 pH unit/min) and also at 4 hr. The protein synthesis inhibitors actinomycin D and cycloheximide appear to prevent the effect of 10% CO2 for 4 hr on the cotransporter. Our results show that early respiratory acidosis stimulates the Na-HCO3 cotransporter through PKC and PTK-dependent mechanisms and the late effect appears to be mediated through protein synthesis.

Role of nitric oxide, prostaglandins and tyrosine kinase in vascular endothelial growth factor-induced increase in vascular permeability in mouse skin

We investigated role of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandins (PG) and tyrosine kinase in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced increase in vascular permeability in mouse skin. Subcutaneous injection of VEGF (0.5-2.0 ng/site) induced dose- and time-dependent increase in vascular permeability at the injection site determined by a leakage of Pontamine sky blue. VEGF (1 ng/site)-induced dye leakage was partially inhibited by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (an inhibitor for both constitutive and inducible NO synthase) (5 and 10 mg/kg, i.v.) and by aminoguanidine (a selective inducible NO synthase inhibitor) (5-20 mg/kg, i.v.), but not by an inactive enantiomer, N(G)-nitro-D-arginine methyl ester (10 mg/kg, i.v.). Pretreatment with an intraperitoneal injection of indomethacin (a nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitor) (5 mg/kg) or N-(2-cyclohexyloxy-4-nitrophenyl) methanesulphonamide (a cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitor) (1-100 microg/kg) almost completely inhibited the effect of VEGF (1 ng/site). Coadministration of PGE2 (3 and 30 nmol/site) with VEGF did not restore the inhibitory effect of indomethacin on VEGF (1 ng/site)-induced increase in vascular permeability. Lavendustin A (a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor) (10 and 50 microg/kg, s.c.) dose-relatedly inhibited the VEGF (1 ng/site)-induced increase in dye leakage, whereas its negative control, lavendustin B (10 microg/kg, s.c.) had no effect. Another tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein (2.5 mg/kg, s.c.) also inhibited the response. Cycloheximide (a protein biosynthesis inhibitor) (35 mg/kg, s.c.) suppressed the response of VEGF (1 ng/site). Histologically, no cellular infiltration was observed in the area of VEGF injection. These results suggest that increased vascular permeability induced by VEGF is mediated by local production of NO and arachidonic acid metabolites other than PGE2, which are most probably produced by inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, respectively. Protein tyrosine kinase-mediated phosphorylation and synthesis of any new proteins are likely to be required in this effect of VEGF in mouse skin.

Inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase suppress nuclear fragmentation and apoptotic-body formation during apoptosis in HL-60 cells

The effects of 3-aminobenzamide (3ABm) and benzamide (BAm), known specific inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), on actinomycin D (Act D)-induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells were examined. These inhibitors had no appreciable effect on apoptotic DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation or PARP restriction cleavage, but clearly inhibited morphological changes, especially nuclear fragmentation and apoptotic-body formation, in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that the synthesis of ADP-ribose polymers is not essential for the progression of apoptotic DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation, but is required in the processes leading to nuclear fragmentation and the subsequent apoptotic-body formation during apoptosis in HL-60 cells.

Application of stripping voltammetry to trace lead analysis in intermediates and final products of syntheses of pharmaceuticals

Applications of differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry using a new pen-type renewed hanging mercury electrode have been investigated for trace analysis of lead in pharmaceutical substances and intermediates of their syntheses, such as procaine hydrochloride, 4-aminobenzoic acid, methyl 4-aminobenzoate, 2-(4-chlor-3-aminobenzoyl) benzoic acid, benzyl 2-naphthyl ether, 5-aminoisophthalic acid, 3-aminobenzoic acid, 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid, and N, N'-dibenzylethylenediamine diacetate. Samples were dissolved in 1 M HCI or 1 M NaOH and the electrochemical scan was carried out. No sample mineralization was necessary. The method showed a good linearity up to 50-100 ppm Pb with a detection limit less than 100 ppb. The results agreed well, but were more precise than those obtained by atomic absorption spectrometry using air/acetylene flame atomisation.

Poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase inhibition prevents necrosis induced by H2O2 but not apoptosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

H2O2 causes DNA damage, which activates poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase (PARP), a nuclear enzyme that uses nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) as a substrate. When DNA strand breaks are extensive, consumption of NAD by PARP can cause adenosine triphosphate depletion. The aim was to study the effect of PARP inhibition on H2O2-induced cell injury in the intestinal epithelial cell line HT-29-18-C1.

METHODS

Cell injury was assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide test and flow cytometric analysis.

RESULTS

The PARP inhibitors 3-aminobenzamide and nicotinamide both prevented cell death immediately after exposure to 1 mmol/L H2O2 and loss of cellular NAD and adenosine triphosphate. The inactive structural analogues 3-aminobenzoic acid and nicotinic acid had no such protective effect. H2O2 also caused HT-29 cells to detach from the monolayer up to 24 hours after exposure and die by apoptosis in the incubating medium. Flow cytometric analysis showed that 3-aminobenzamide had no effect on this delayed detachment process.

CONCLUSIONS

H2O2 induces two distinct death pathways in HT-29 cells: one that is immediate and may represent necrosis and another that is delayed, causing cell detachment leading to apoptosis. PARP inhibition prevents necrosis but has no effect on delayed cell detachment leading to apoptosis.

Suppression of VEGF-induced angiogenesis by the protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor, lavendustin A

1. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a heparin-binding angiogenic factor which specifically acts on endothelial cells via distinct membrane-spanning tyrosine kinase receptors. Here we used the rat sponge implant model to test the hypothesis that the angiogenic activity of VEGF can be suppressed by protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitors. 2. Neovascular responses in subcutaneous sponge implants were determined by measurements of relative sponge blood flow by use of a 133Xe clearance technique, and confirmed by histological studies and morphometric analysis. 3. Daily local administration of 250 ng VEGF165 accelerated the rate of 133Xe clearance from the sponges and induced an intense neovascularisation. This VEGF165-induced angiogenesis was inhibited by daily co-administration of the selective PTK inhibitor, lavendustin A (10 micrograms), but not its negative control, lavendustin B (10 micrograms). Blood flow measurements and morphometric analysis of 8-day-old sponges showed that lavendustin A reduced the 133Xe clearance of VEGF165-treated sponges from 32.9 +/- 1.5% to 20.9 +/- 1.6% and the total fibrovascular growth area from 62.4 +/- 6.1% to 21.6 +/- 6.8% (n = 12, P < 0.05). 4. Co-injection of suramin (3 mg), an inhibitor of heparin-binding growth factors, also suppressed the VEGF165-elicited neovascular response. In contrast, neither lavendustin A nor suramin produced any effect on the basal sponge-induced angiogenesis. 5. When given alone, low doses of VEGF165 (25 ng) or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF; 10 ng) did not modify the basal sponge-induced neovascularisation. However, co-administration of these two peptides to a single sponge together caused a significant increase in the rate of 133Xe clearance and angiogenesis similar to that seen with the high dose of VEGF165 (250 ng) acting alone. This VEGF/bFGF neovascular response was also blocked by daily co-administration of lavendustin A (10 jig),suramin (3 mg) or a monoclonal anti-bFGF antibody (DG2, I jig), but not lavendustin B (10 g).6 These results suggest that selective inhibition of PTK could have therapeutic potential in angiogenic diseases where VEGF plays a dominant role. Furthermore, blockade of the angiogenic activity of VEGF and VEGF,/bFGF by suramin reveals an alternative strategy in angio suppression.

Aerobic biodegradation of 3-aminobenzoate by gram-negative bacteria involves intermediate formation of 5-aminosalicylate as ring-cleavage substrate

The aerobic metabolism of 3-aminobenzoate by bacteria was studied. Bacterial strains degrading 3-aminobenzoate were obtained by enrichment with 3-aminobenzoate (strain Ia3) or 5-aminosalicylate (strains BN9 and 5AS1). During growth with 3-aminobenzoate, strain Ia3 and strain 5AS1 transiently accumulated 5-aminosalicylate in the culture broth. In the presence of inhibitors of 5-aminosalicylate 1,2-dioxygenase, resting cells of all three strains converted 3-aminobenzoate to stoichiometric amounts of 5-aminosalicylate. 5-Aminosalicylate 1,2-dioxygenase activity was induced in all strains after growth with 3-aminobenzoate or 5-aminosalicylate, but not after growth in complex media.

Determination of manganese peroxidase activity with 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone and 3-(dimethylamino)benzoic acid

This method was proposed earlier for measuring glucose in a peroxidase-glucose oxidase system but has not been studied for determination of manganese peroxidase (MnP) activity. The assay is based on the oxidative coupling of 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone (MBTH) and 3-(dimethylamino)benzoic acid (DMAB). The reaction of MBTH and DMAB in the presence of H2O2, Mn2+, and MnP gives a deep purple-blue color with a broad absorption band with a peak at 590 nm. The extinction coefficient is high (53,000 M-1 cm-1), so low MnP activities can be detected. Lignin peroxidase and laccase, usually present in cultures of white rot fungi, gave little or no interference at the concentrations tested. However, slight interference from very high LiP activity may occur at very low MnP activity.

Characterization of the superinduction of the c-myc proto-oncogene in fibroblasts by benzamide derivatives

In mouse fibroblasts stimulated from quiescence into proliferation by serum the induction of expression of the c-myc proto-oncogene is strongly stimulated by 3-methoxybenzamide. Similar superinduction effects are seen with related compounds such as 3-aminobenzamide and the acid analogues, 3-anisic acid and 3-aminobenzoic acid. Whereas the benzamide derivatives are inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase the acid analogues are not, suggesting that inhibition of this enzyme is not the basis for superinduction of the c-myc gene. Analysis of the kinetics of induction of c-myc mRNA indicates that the RNA accumulates more rapidly as well as to a higher level in the presence of serum plus 3-methoxybenzamide than with serum alone. However the stimulation is transient in both cases. Addition of actinomycin D at 30 min or 1 h after serum stimulation shows the c-myc mRNA to be stable at these times, in the presence or absence of 3-methoxybenzamide. Thus the effect of the latter on c-myc mRNA accumulation is likely to be exerted at the level of transcription or RNA processing rather than turnover of the mRNA.

New mechanism-based inactivators of trypsin-like proteinases. Selective inactivation of urokinase by functionalized cyclopeptides incorporating a sulfoniomethyl-substituted m-aminobenzoic acid residue

In order to obtain selective suicide substrates of trypsin-like proteases including plasminogen activators, plasmin, and thrombin, a series of cyclopeptides cyclo[Arg or Lys-aB(CH2X)-Gly4], in which a substituted o- or m-aminobenzoyl group constitutes a latent electrophile, have been prepared. Treatment of the corresponding phenyl ethers cyclo[P1-aB(CH2OC6H5)-Gly4] with HBr/HOAc or R1R2S/TFA gives the bromides (X = Br) or the sulfonium salts (X = +SR1R2 with R1 = R2 = Me or R1 = Me and R2 = C6H5), respectively. These water-soluble cyclopeptides behave as time-dependent inhibitors of bovine trypsin and human urokinase (u-PA) but have no effect on tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and no or poor effect on plasmin and thrombin. The compounds containing a m-aminobenzoic acid residue are more efficient inactivators than their anthranilic analogues. The kinetic criteria expected for a suicide inhibition are met. A mechanism of inhibition involving the formation of a quinonimmonium methide intermediate is proposed. The activity of the inhibitors is very sensitive to the nature of the X benzylic substituent. An increased efficiency for the inactivation of human urokinase is observed with the sulfonium salts. The selectivity of the inactivation of u-PA compared to t-PA could be of therapeutical significance in controlling cell proliferation and invasion.

The acute toxicity and in vivo antitumour activity against L1210 leukemia of triphenyltin 3,5-diisopropylsalicylate, bis (di-n-butyl-(s)-2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylato)tin oxide and di-n-butyltin bis(3-amino-4-methylbenzoate)

Triphenyltin 3,5-di-isopropylsalicylate, compound 1, is characterized by a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of 20 mg/kg. Bis[di-n-butyl(2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylato)tin] oxide, compound 2, and (di-n-butyltin bis(3-amino-4-methyl-benzoate), compound 3, exhibit similar acute toxicities (MTD = 8 mg/kg) despite their lower in vitro activity, as compared to compound 1, against the two human tumor cell lines MCF-7 and WiDr. All three are inactive in vivo against L1210 leukemia in mice.

Induction of fibronectin gene expression by transforming growth factor beta-1 is attenuated in bronchial epithelial cells by ADP-ribosyltransferase inhibitors

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) exerts several effects on cultured airway epithelial cells including inhibition of proliferation and stimulation of fibronectin gene expression. ADP-ribosylation is one potential regulatory mechanism of gene expression by TGF-beta. We tested this possibility by exposing cultured bovine bronchial epithelial cells to the chemical inhibitor of ADP-ribosyl transferase enzymes, 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB) and, for comparison, 3-aminobenzoic acid (3-ABA), which is structurally similar to 3-AB but which does not inhibit ADP-ribosyl transferases. Exponential cell growth rate (1.2 doublings/day) or cellular morphology observed by phase contrast microscopy were not affected by 3 mM 3-AB or 3-ABA. Neither compound antagonized inhibition of cell division or induction of squamous morphology by TGF-beta 1. In contrast, the sixfold stimulation of fibronectin production by exposure of cells to 30 pM TGF-beta 1 for 48 h was reduced by 50% in the presence of 3 mM 3-AB, whereas 3 mM 3-ABA had no effect. The antagonistic effect was augmented by administration of 3-AB 24 h prior to induction by TGF-beta 1. Northern blot hybridization analyses demonstrated that 3-AB, but not 3-ABA, attenuated the induction of fibronectin mRNA by TGF-beta 1 by up to 50%. These observations may implicate a role of cellular ADP-ribosylation in the regulation of some gene expression by TGF-beta.

Absorption and metabolic characteristics of p-aminobenzoic acid and its isomer, m-aminobenzoic acid, from the rat small intestine

Absorption and metabolic characteristics of p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and m-aminobenzoic acid (MABA) from the rat small intestine were examined by means of in situ recirculation and in vitro everted sac experiments. p-Aminobenzoic acid was extremely rapidly absorbed from the rat small intestine, whereas the absorption of MABA, the m-isomer of PABA, was comparably slower. This finding was partly explained by the result that PABA is more lipophilic than MABA. The metabolite percentage of PABA was considerably greater than that of MABA in mucosal fluid, tissue, and serosal fluid. On the other hand, a concentration-dependent and a directional difference in the transfer rate of these drugs were observed in everted and noneverted sacs of rat small intestine. Furthermore, mucosal uptake of PABA or MABA was inhibited by 1 mM 2,4-dinitrophenol, 10 mM sodium azide, and pretreatment with HgCl2 (10 mM). These results indicate that MABA, as well as PABA, is transported through the intestine by a carrier-mediated transport system, and that the molecular structure of these drugs is important for their absorption and metabolic characteristics.

Loss of amplified genes by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors

A poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor, benzamide (BA), was found to induce flat revertants of NIH 3T3 cells that had been transformed by human Ha-ras, rat Ki-ras, rat c-raf, and human ret-II. These genes had been amplified in original transformants, but they were completely eliminated by BA. Contrary to this, endogenous activated Ha-ras in a human bladder carcinoma cell line, T24, was not eliminated by BA. The gene loss seemed to be restricted to exogenous and/or amplified sequences. BA also eliminated the amplified c-myc gene in HL-60 cells, concomitant with differentiation into granulocytes. We demonstrated that the amplified c-myc gene was not present as episomes. It is probably present as double minutes or a homogeneously staining region. Dimethylsulfoxide also induced differentiation at a concentration that did not inhibit poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. The cell lost the c-myc gene in association with this differentiation. The amplified c-myc gene in a colon adenocarcinoma cell line, COLO 320HSR, and the amplified mdr-1 gene in an adriamycin-resistant myelogenous leukemia cell line, K562/ADM, were not eliminated by BA. Various poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors also eliminated human Ha-ras in the NIH 3T3 transformant and the c-myc gene in HL-60 cells.

Evidence that enzymes of a novel aerobic 2-amino-benzoate metabolism in denitrifying Pseudomonas are coded on a small plasmid

A new pathway for aerobic metabolism of 2-aminobenzoate which proceeds via anthranoyl-CoA has recently been revealed in a Pseudomonas strain KB740. This bacterial strain was found to contain a small 8.1-kbp plasmid pKB740 which appears to harbour the genes encoding for two key enzymes catalyzing the initial reactions of the pathway, 2-aminobenzoate coenzyme A ligase and 2-aminobenzoyl-coenzyme A monooxygenase/reductase. The evidence is as follows: The plasmid content of the culture varied by a factor of ten depending on the growth substrates; it was highest when cells were grown aerobically on 2-aminobenzoate. The plasmid pKB740 could be introduced into Escherichia coli strain JM83 by transformation. Wild-type E. coli and E. coli JM83 are unable to metabolize 2-aminobenzoate whereas the transformed E. coli JM83 cells could grow with this aromatic compound as sole organic substrate and oxidize it completely to CO2. The plasmid recovered from E. coli had the same restriction map as the original plasmid, but was dimerized. The two key enzyme activities were demonstrated in the transformed E. coli in sufficiently high amounts to explain growth. They appear to be regulated on the transcription level by induction; they were formed only during aerobic growth in the presence of 2-aminobenzoate, as in the parent Pseudomonas. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of 2-aminobenzoyl-CoA monooxygenase/reductase was similar to the consensus sequence of the FAD binding site of different flavoenzymes. The data also prove that the enzyme with two flavin functions is a alpha 2 homodimer. Southern blotting of digested chromosomal and plasmid DNA and hybridization against a labelled 15-base oligonucleotide derived from the N-terminal amino acid sequence of 2-aminobenzoyl-CoA monooxygenase/reductase revealed that the gene for this enzyme is coded on the plasmid rather than on the chromosome. The gene was localized on a 3.2-kbp restriction fragment. The formation of 2-aminobenzoyl-CoA monooxygenase/reductase protein in transformed E. coli was demonstrated by Western blotting of proteins of cell extracts separated by SDS/PAGE. The enzyme protein band, which was stained by a procedure based on antibodies against 2-aminobenzoyl-CoA monooxygenase/reductase, was demonstrated in transformed E. coli.

Nicotinamide and nicotinamide analogues as antitumor promoters in mouse skin

Phorbol ester-induced promotion of initiated NMRI mouse skin keratinocytes to papillomas could be largely prevented when nicotinamide-like inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (nicotinamide, benzamide, 3-aminobenzamide) were applied simultaneously with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). A similar suppression of tumor promotion by nicotinamide analogues was demonstrated in clone 41 JB6 epidermal cells which are promotable by TPA to anchorage-independent growth. The antipromotion effect of nicotinamide analogues, however, does not appear to come about by an inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase. Acid analogues of nicotinamide, such as benzoic acid or 3-aminobenzoic acid which do not inhibit the polymerase, showed antipromotion activity similar to that of their corresponding amides. It could also be ruled out that these antipromoters mediate their effect on keratinocytes by a cytostatic action, by scavenging the promoter TPA in a chemical reaction, or by inhibiting protein kinase C. In initiated mouse skin, nicotinamide analogues strongly suppressed TPA-induced accumulation of inflammatory cells and vascular permeability, while epidermal hyperplasia was not significantly affected.

Effect of inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase on the heat response of HeLa S3 cells

The purpose of this study was to investigate a possible involvement of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation reactions in hyperthermic cell killing and hyperthermic DNA strand-break induction and repair in HeLa S3 cells. The inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, 3-aminobenzamide (3AB) and 4-aminobenzamide (4AB), were used as tools in this study. Both inhibitors could sensitize the cells for hyperthermic cell killing equally well, although 3AB is known to be a more effective enzyme inhibitor. The heat sensitization at the level of cell killing could be reversed when the compounds were still present during a 4-h postincubation at 37 degrees C. More heat-induced DNA strand breaks were formed in the presence of 3AB and 4AB. Repair of strand breaks was inhibited during the postincubation at 37 degrees C. Thus the effect of 3AB and 4AB on DNA strand-break repair was different from the cited effect on cell survival. It is concluded that the sensitizing effect of 3AB and 4AB on hyperthermic cell killing is not caused by inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and is also not related to repair of DNA strand breaks.

Effect of poly(adenosinediphosphoribose) synthesis inhibitors and structurally related compounds on radiation-induced G2 arrest

A variety of poly(adenosinediphosphoribose) p(ADPR) synthesis inhibitors, structurally related compounds with no inhibitory activity, and agents which reduce radiation-induced G2 arrest, were tested for the concentration dependence of their effect on (a) CHO cell progression to mitosis, (b) the duration of G2 arrest in X-irradiated CHO cells and (c) [14C]NAD incorporation in permeabilized CHO cells, as a measure of p(ADPR) synthetase activity. Caffeine and nicotinamide uptake by viable cells was also measured. The concentration dependencies for reduction of radiation-induced G2 arrest and for p(ADPR) synthesis inhibition were markedly disparate, although all of the active inhibitors of p(ADPR) synthesis did reduce the duration of radiation-induced G2 arrest to some extent. These data indicate that p(ADPR) synthesis is not a requirement for the induction of G2 arrest by ionizing radiation.

Novel GABA analogues as hypotensive agents

The actions of four analogues of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on blood pressure and heart rate were measured in the cat after intracerebroventricular administration. These compounds were previously found to inhibit binding to GABAA receptors of neuronal membranes from the CNS of the rat. Each of the drugs, together with GABA, produced an average maximum reduction in blood pressure of 27.63% +/- 12.5. However, aminoethanethiosulfonic acid (AETS) was the most potent (ED50 = 2.24 X 10(-10) mol/kg) of the drugs, followed by 5-phenyl-2-pyrrole propionic acid (PPP), urocanic acid (UCA), m-aminobenzoic acid (MABA) and GABA. None of the compounds produced a significant effect on heart rate. The fact that these analogues mimicked the action of GABA on the cardiovascular system of the cat and that they were able to inhibit binding to GABAA receptors, indicates that they may be GABA agonists.

In vitro complement consumption by contrast materials and analogues: reactors vs. nonreactors

Blood samples from previous contrast reactors and nonreactor controls were incubated with diatrizoate and several contrast analogues. Total complement levels were assayed. All the agents caused complement activation generally proportional to their concentration. Reactors' sera responded to lower concentrations of contrast or analogues than did control sera. Such studies might be of value in predicting contrast reactors.

Active transport of 3H-bretylium in the rat vas deferens in vitro

The uptake and efflux of 3H-bretylium in slices of the rat vas deferens were examined. The uptake of bretylium was temperature, Na+ and Cl- dependent, sensitive to 6-hydroxydopamine but insensitive to reserpine. The uptake was inhibited by desipramine, (+)-amphetamine, imipramine methiodide and cocaine, whereas the local anaesthetics millicaine and lidocaine were poor inhibitors. The spontaneous efflux was very slow at 0 degrees C and slow at 37 degrees. Desipramine accelerated the efflux probably by inhibiting the re-uptake of bretylium. (+)-Amphetamine, low external Na+, high external K+ and ouabain caused a pronounced increase in the efflux at 37 degrees C but was almost without effect at 0 degrees C. The efflux evoked by (+)-amphetamine, low Na+ and ouabain was inhibited by desipramine, imipramine methiodide and cocaine, whereas millicaine and lidocaine had very poor effects. The increase of bretylium efflux by hypertonic K+ was only slightly inhibited by desipramine and partially antagonized by omission of Ca2+ in the medium. The results obtained indicate that bretylium was taken up in noradrenergic neurones by the noradrenaline transport mechanism and that the efflux of bretylium produced by (+)-amphetamine, low external Na+, low external Cl- and by ouabain occurred by the same transport mechanism as the uptake but now working in the outward direction whereas the efflux induced by high K+ seemed to occur mainly with another mechanism.