PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A Burger

Publications and source records attributed to A Burger.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Crystal and molecular structure of human annexin V after refinement. Implications for structure, membrane binding and ion channel formation of the annexin family of proteins.

Two crystal forms (P6(3) and R3) of human annexin V have been crystallographically refined at 2.3 A and 2.0 A resolution to R-values of 0.184 and 0.174, respectively, applying very tight stereochemical restraints with deviations from ideal geometry of 0.01 A and 2 degrees. The three independent molecules (2 in P6(3), 1 in R3) are similar, with deviations in C alpha positions of 0.6 A. The polypeptide chain of 320 amino acid residues is folded into a planar cyclic arrangement of four repeats. The repeats have similar structures of five alpha-helical segments wound into a right-handed compact superhelix. Three calcium ion sites in repeats I, II and IV and two lanthanum ion sites in repeat I have been found in the R3 crystals. They are located at the convex face of the molecule opposite the N terminus. Repeat III has a different conformation at this site and no calcium bound. The calcium sites are similar to the phospholipase A2 calcium-binding site, suggesting analogy also in phospholipid interaction. The center of the molecule is formed by a channel of polar charged residues, which also harbors a chain of ordered water molecules conserved in the different crystal forms. Comparison with amino acid sequences of other annexins shows a high degree of similarity between them. Long insertions are found only at the N termini. Most conserved are the residues forming the metal-binding sites and the polar channel. Annexins V and VII form voltage-gated calcium ion channels when bound to membranes in vitro. We suggest that annexins bind with their convex face to membranes, causing local disorder and permeability of the phospholipid bilayers. Annexins are Janus-faced proteins that face phospholipid and water and mediate calcium transport.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Annexin V-crystal structure and its implications on function.

Annexins constitute a family of cytosolic, water soluble proteins, which bind to negatively charged phospholipids in a calcium-dependent manner. They display structural and functional features of both soluble and integral membrane proteins. The annexins face the hydrophilic as well as the hydrophobic phase (Janus-faced proteins) and mediate ion transport in vitro. We present the refined structure and molecular model of annexin V at 2.0 A resolution. The molecule is almost entirely alpha-helical, and each of the four repeats of annexin V is folded into a compact domain of similar structure. The four domains are arranged in an almost planar, cyclic array. In the center of the molecule, one can find a prominent hydrophilic pore, which we associate with the calcium-selective channel found in annexin V. Annexin V has an overall flat, slightly curved shape with two faces, one convex and one concave. The three calcium binding sites Ca1 to Ca3, all located at the convex face of the molecule, are assumed to be phospholipid binding sites, as suggested by their structural similarity to the calcium site of phospholipase A2. Soluble and membrane-bound annexin have closely similar structures, as shown by electron microscopic analysis. Several other observations provide evidence that the membrane-anchoring region of the annexin V molecule is located on the convex face. In the last part of this article, the electrophysiology of the annexins is described. Ion permeation occurs in discrete conductance states and is regulated by voltage across the membrane. A model for the annexin V-membrane interaction, the ion channel formation, and the ion conduction pathway is proposed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Cortical blindness in postpartum preeclampsia progressing to eclampsia: case report.

A 23-year-old woman who had an uneventful prenatal course and normal delivery developed severe, generalized headache and blurred vision on postpartum day four. The patient was noted to have generalized hyperreflexia and sustained ankle clonus. The blood pressure was 170/100 mm Hg, there was no edema, and the urine showed trace proteinuria. The visual disturbance rapidly progressed to complete blindness with preserved pupillary reactions. The patient then had a generalized tonic-clonic seizure lasting about one minute. Treatment was initiated with intravenous diazepam and phenytoin, and there was no recurrence of seizure activity. Vision returned to normal and the patient made a complete recovery. This case is presented to demonstrate progressive postpartum pre-eclampsia and the importance of early recognition and treatment. Pathophysiologic mechanisms and treatment options are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Ghosts of chromaffin granules accumulate biogenic amines according to a "pump and leak system" without contribution of carrier-mediated efflux.

Unidirectional inward transport into, accumulation by and loss of biogenic amines from ghosts of bovine chromaffin granules were studied to determine whether a carrier-mediated process contributes to the outward passage of amines across the granule membrane. In the presence of ATP-Mg2+, incubated ghosts (30 degrees C; pH 7.3) showed a reserpine-sensitive (IC50 2-5 nmol/l), unidirectional, inward transport of catecholamine (CA = 70% adrenaline/30% noradrenaline), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and tyramine with different Km values (mumol/l: tyramine 2; 5-HT 5; CA 8) but with the same Vmax [20 nmol/(mg protein.min)] during the first 3 min of incubation. During longer incubation, the rate of unidirectional inward transport declined rapidly with time to about 30 to 40%, at which level it stayed nearly constant from 50 to 100 min of incubation. As the decline of unidirectional transport was independent of the amine accumulated in the ghosts, it is concluded that it reflects ageing of the membrane vesicles. During incubation for up to 100 min with CA, 5-HT or tyramine (10- to 30-fold Km) in the presence of ATP-Mg2+, the amine content of the ghosts increased, approaching a steady-state content (nmol amine/mg protein: CA 400-500, 5-HT 250, tyramine 60), which was negatively correlated with the lipid solubility of the amine (tyramine greater than 5-HT greater than CA), whereas the rate of approach to steady state (t1/2 in min: CA 20-30, 5-HT 7-10, tyramine less than 5) was positively correlated. Low concentrations of reserpine (greater than or equal to 25 nmol/l) caused net loss of amine from amine-loaded ghosts by inhibition of inward transport. However, reserpine did not reduce the fractional rate of loss (FRL) of CA-loaded ghosts induced by NH+4 or uncoupling agents. Accelerated exchange diffusion was not found to occur at the granule membrane, as addition of high concentrations of 5-HT or dopamine to CA-loaded ghosts did not result in a higher FRL of CA than did blockade of inward transport by reserpine. Analysis of steady-state kinetics revealed the following features of the granule transport. The approach to steady state (t1/2) was independent of the rate of inward transport. The steady-state amine content of ghosts approached a limiting value as the external concentration of the amine was increased; it was determined by the same kinetic constants (Km and the time-dependent Vmax) as found for the rate of carrier-mediated inward transport.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1990

Nitroglycerin and sucrose permeability as quality markers for reconstructed human epidermis.

In order to evaluate the epidermal permeability barrier of in vitro reconstructed epidermis, the penetration of nitroglycerin (NG) and sucrose were measured across human keratinocytes cultured at the air-liquid interface, using de-epidermized dermis (DED) as a substrate. In the presence of reconstructed epidermis on top of DED the penetration rate of sucrose is about 100 times and that of NG 2 times lower, as compared to DED only, indicating that the stratum corneum of the cultured epidermis exhibits considerable barrier capacity. The permeability of reconstructed epidermis was for both solutes higher (3- to 10-fold) than that of freshly excised human skin. Based on the impaired barrier function and distribution of various differentiation markers it can be concluded that the reconstructed human epidermis used in the present study shows a high extent of similarity with hyperproliferating epidermis.

Air↗
PubMed1990

[Inhibitory activity of allene cholesteryl derivatives on the biosynthesis of ecdysone].

Prothoracic glands of the migratory locust Locusta migratoria during the postembryonnic development, are the biosynthetic source of ecdysone. The production of ecdysone by these glands in vitro has been used to evaluate the inhibitory activity of four cholesteryl derivatives with an allenic function on the side chain at C-22. These molecules were devised as potential inhibitors of hydroxylation at C-22 which is an obligate step in the biosynthesis of ecdysone. Three of the four molecules tested induce a marked depressory effect of the production of ecdysone. The effect of the compound with the higher activity was dose dependent and irreversible.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Hyperprealbuminemia, euthyroid hyperthyroxinemia, Zollinger-Ellison-like syndrome and hypercorticism in a pancreatic endocrine tumour.

Prealbumin, one of the main thyroxine transport proteins, has recently been shown to be a valuable immunohistochemical marker of neuroendocrine tumours. We report the case of a multisecretory pancreatic endocrine tumour whose prealbumin secretion was so high that it produced a peak on routine serum protein electrophoresis and induced a euthyroid hyperthyroxinemia. The maximal binding capacity of prealbumin for thyroxine was indeed markedly increased, whereas its affinity for this hormone was normal. The tumour was associated with gastric hyperacidity and hypergastrinemia thereby evoking a Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The secretin stimulation test and gastrin tumoural immunohistochemistry were, however, negative. We suggest that the concomitant tumoural production of gastrin-releasing peptide was responsible for the gastric hyperacidity and hypergastrinemia. This hormone probably also accounted for a moderate hypercorticism.

Adrenocortical Hyperfunction↗
PubMed1987

Visual acuity, corrective lenses, and accidents in helicopter pilots.

The visual acuity of 38 helicopter pilots experiencing serious air accidents was compared to that of a control group of 72 pilots, matched for age, aircraft, and hours of flight. Decrease in visual acuity was divided into two groups: 1) minor decreases in vision up to 20/25 (not requiring corrective lenses); and 2) visual acuity of 20/30 or less with correction to 20/20. Minor decreases in visual acuity were found in 23.7% (9/38) of those in the accident group compared to 25.0% (18/72) in the control group. There were more pilots in the control group who needed corrective lenses (12.5% (18/72) versus 2.8% (1/38), p less than 0.07). We conclude that helicopter pilots with corrective lenses or minor uncorrected decreases in visual acuity are not at increased risk for serious air accidents.

Accidents, Aviation↗
PubMed1986

[Hyperthyroidism induced by amiodarone].

The incidence of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis remains unclear, partly due to the difficulties encountered in making a firm diagnosis based on thyroid hormone levels. Amiodarone is known to inhibit thyroxine (T4) metabolism, thus bringing plasma T4 concentrations up to levels that may simulate T4 toxicosis. On the other hand, the iodine overload due to the drug itself may create true hyperthyroidism. The purpose of this paper is to suggest practical means of detecting thyrotoxicosis in patients on amiodarone and to discuss the treatment of this side-effect.

Amiodarone↗
PubMed1986

Adrenocortical responsiveness after discontinuous corticosteroid therapy.

Plasma cortisol levels and the response of the adrenal gland to 0.25 mg ACTH administration were measured in 12 patients receiving 15 mg or more of a short-acting steroid (fluocortolone or prednisone) on three out of four days, in 10 patients on daily steroid treatment (15 mg prednisone or more per day), and in 9 normal subjects. The basal plasma cortisol level of the first group was between that of patients on daily prednisone treatment and that of normal subjects. The adrenal function in patients on the three out of four day treatment schedule appeared to be slightly diminished, yet still within the accepted limits for adrenals capable of responding adequately to stress. The adrenal function proved insufficient in all patients on daily steroids. The three out of four day steroid regimen thus offers a solution with many advantages over continuous steroid treatment for patients refractory to the alternate-day schedule.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Does the carrier of chromaffin granules transport the protonated or the uncharged species of catecholamines?

By osmotic lysis in the presence of urea ghosts (60-100 nmol catecholamine/mg prot.) were prepared from chromaffin granules (4-6 mumol catecholamine/mg prot.) of the bovine medulla. In the presence of 1-300 mumol/l 3H-catecholamine and ATP-Mg2+, ghosts show a net uptake of catecholamine. The net uptake is sensitive to reserpine or agents (uncouplers and ammonium) which diminish the electrochemical potential difference for protons at the granule membrane (delta p). The same uptake was found by 3H-counting or by fluorimetric measurements. At various pH-values (pH 6.2-8.2) the Km and Vmax of the ATP-stimulated rate of uptake of 3H-catecholamine into ghosts was determined (at 30 degrees C) to identify the species of catecholamine (protonated, uncharged, or anionic) which is the substrate for the granule carrier. The pH difference (delta pH = pHout - pHin) and the electrical potential difference (delta psi) were determined to calculate delta p under conditions of 3H-catecholamine uptake. When the pHout was increased (pH 6.2, 7.4, 8.2), the apparent Km of uptake decreased (50, 5, 1-2 mumol/l), showing a linear relation between pH and logarithm of Km. The Km was calculated for the uncharged catecholamine (with pK1 = 8.8 and pK2 = 10.0); it was nearly pH-independent and amounted to about 0.2 mumol/l. The Vmax declined only in the extreme pH-range. Between pH 6.6 and 7.8 Vmax and delta p showed a slight increase from 16 to 20 nmoles/(mg prot. X min) and from 110 to 140 mV, resp. In the same pH-range the pHin inside ghosts increased from pH 5.2 to 5.7, whereas delta psi was constant (30 mV). At constant pHout (= 7.3) ammonium (0-30 mmol/l) caused an increase of pHin from 5.5 to 6.6. The increase of pHin was accompanied by an increase of Km from 5 to 20 mumol/l 3H-catecholamine and by a decrease of both Vmax and delta p from 20 to 5 nmoles/(mg prot. X min) and from 123 to 85 mV, respectively. From the dependence of the Km of uptake on pHout is concluded that the uncharged species of catecholamine is transported, whereas the dependence of Km on pHin suggests that the translocation of the catecholamine-carrier complex across the granule membrane is not the rate-limiting step of catecholamine uptake.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1979

[Clinical value of human thyroglobulin measurement].

A direct radioimmunoassay for human serum thyroglobulin (TG) has been developed. The lower limit of detection of the assay was 7.5 ng/ml. The serum values in normal subjects were between 0 and 44 ng/ml (n = 34, 21 female subjects, 13 male subjects). In 22 of the 34 subjects, TG was not detectable. The mean value of TG in a group of 19 subjects with multinodular goiter was 115.8 +/- 62.7 ng/ml (mean +/- SD). A group of 16 thyrotoxic individuals also had an elevated TG concentration (107 +/- 71 ng/ml). The serum TG levels in 6 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma with metastases were much more elevated than in any other clinical situation (3430 +/- 1100 ng/ml). In patients with thyroid cancer in clinical remission (n = 9), the TG levels were normal. In 2 patients with non-differentiated thyroid tumors, TG was not detectable. The major methodological problem in TG determination is the presence of anti-TG autoantibodies which may interfere with the radioimmunoassay.

Autoantibodies↗