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Biomedical subjects

D R Knapp

Publications and source records attributed to D R Knapp.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry of rhodopsin and bacteriorhodopsin.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry has been used to obtain accurate molecular weight information for the integral membrane proteins bacteriorhodopsin and bovine rhodopsin desorbed from solubilized membrane preparations. Mass differences in the molecular weights measured for bleached and unbleached bacteriorhodopsin and rhodopsin indicate the removal of the retinal chromophores upon bleaching. The MALDI technique was also successful for determination of the major cleavage products obtained upon treatment of membrane bound rhodopsin with endoproteinase Asp-N and thermolysin. Our results indicate that the MALDI method is a useful means of obtaining accurate molecular weight information on hydrophobic proteins isolated in their native membranes.

Animals↗

Choosing fusion levels in progressive thoracic idiopathic scoliosis.

The selection of fusion levels in thoracic idiopathic scoliosis was subjected to multicenter retrospective review to test the validity of the classification system and recommendations of King et al. The 253 patients reviewed were treated by posterior fusion and Harrington instrumentation. Bending films were of little help in selecting fusion levels. Standing radiographs alone were usually adequate. King Type II curves may yield better lumbar correction if the lumbar curve is partially included in the fusion. Type IV curves may be safely fused one level proximal to the stable vertebrae.

Adolescent↗

Ring oxidized retinals form unusual bacteriorhodopsin analogue pigments.

Three ring oxidized retinal analogues have been isolated from the exhaustive oxidation of all-trans retinal. All-trans 4-oxoretinal and 2,3-dehydro-4-oxoretinal have similar absorption maxima to that of all-trans retinal and have been shown to be in the 6-s-cis conformation in solution. Pigments formed with bacterioopsin exhibit absorption maxima (520 nm) blue-shifted from that of bacteriorhodopsin (bR), indicating a disturbance of the external point charge by the electronegative carbonyl moiety at the 4 position. The third analogue contains a ring contracted to a cyclopentenyl-alpha,beta-dione. Unlike the majority of retinals, this analogue displays a 6-s-trans conformation in solution and has a red-shifted absorption maximum at 435 nm. The resulting bR analogue pigment (515 nm) is formed five times faster than the other oxoretinal pigments. All three oxoretinal pigments show an irreversible 20 nm blue shift upon exposure to white light. The 4-oxo and 2,3-dehydro-4-oxoretinal pigments, after irradiation, undergo a small reversible blue shift (4-8 nm) on dark adaptation. These two pigments pump protons, although with slowed photocycle kinetics, demonstrating that these structural changes (addition of the carbonyl at the C-4 and insertion of a double bond in the ring) do not block the function of the pigment. Extraction of the C-15 tritiated analogue retinals from illuminated and non-illuminated pigments of all three oxoretinals yield identical results. Therefore, any crosslinking of these oxoretinals to the protein is by linkages which are unstable to the extraction procedures.

Bacteriorhodopsins↗

Correction of distal femoral deformity.

This retrospective study reviews 12 distal femoral osteotomies in nine patients performed for angular and rotational deformities, using the Orthofix external fixator. All osteotomies progressed to solid union with reliable correction of the deformity. Few complications were encountered. Simultaneous lengthening was performed on one patient successfully. This method proved to be a safe and precise means of correcting distal femoral deformity with the option of simultaneous correction of length discrepancy.

Adolescent↗

Characterization of an 125I-labeled thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor agonist.

Stable synthetic mimetics of thromboxane (TX) A2 and prostaglandin (PG) H2 have been synthesized and reported to stimulate platelets and vascular smooth muscle. The synthetic agonists induce aggregation of isolated platelets and contraction of vascular tissue. The tritiated agonists [3H]U46619 and [3H]U44069 have been used in radioligand binding studies to characterize platelet and vascular smooth muscle TXA2/PGH2 receptors, but have limited usefulness due to their low specific activities and variable specific binding. In an attempt to overcome these problems, we have synthesized a stable, high affinity, 125I-radiolabeled TXA2/PGH2 receptor agonist, [1S-(1 alpha, 2 beta (5Z), 3 alpha(1E,3S*), 4 alpha)]-7-[3-(3-hydroxy-4-(4'-iodophenoxy)-1-butenyl)-7-oxabicyclo - [2.2.1]heptan-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid (I-BOP). I-BOP induced shape change, increased intracellular free calcium concentrations and aggregated isolated human platelets (EC50 = 0.21 +/- 0.05 nM, n = 3; 4.1 +/- 1.1 nM, n = 4; 10.8 +/- 3 nM, n = 9, respectively). The kinetically determined Kd was 1.02 +/- 0.33 nM (kobs = 0.19 +/- 0.05 min-1, k-1 = 0.097 +/- 0.02 min-1, k1 = 0.119 +/- 0.03 min-1 M, n = 4). Equilibrium binding studies of [125I]BOP to isolated human platelets indicated one class of high affinity sites, Kd = 2.2 +/- 0.3 nM and a maximum binding of 0.028 +/- 0.002 x 10(-12) mol/10(7) platelets (1699 +/- 162 sites/platelet, n = 9).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗

Quantitative analysis of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha using immunoaffinity purification and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

This paper describes an immunoaffinity purification technique for 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6KPGF1 alpha) prior to quantitative analysis by high-resolution gas chromatography-negative-ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry (HRGC-NICIMS). Polyclonal antibodies to 6KPGF1 alpha were partially purified using Staphylococcus aureus Protein A immobilized on Sepharose CL-4B. This partially purified fraction was covalently bound to silica gel using N-hydroxysuccinimidyl-functionalized silica. Columns constructed using this gel quantitatively bound 6KPGF1 alpha which could be eluted quantitatively with acetonitrile-water (19:1). Binding capacity was reconstituted by washing with 0.01 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Human urinary and canine plasma 6KPGF1 alpha was sufficiently purified using these columns that HRGC-NICIMS analysis of the methoxime-pentafluorobenzyl-tris-trimethylsilyl derivative was interference-free.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

Use of cortical cancellous allograft for posterior spinal fusion.

Fifty consecutive patients had posterior spinal fusion using only graft from bone banks. They were studied retrospectively in order to determine the pseudarthrosis rate, the quality of fusion mass obtained, the rate of infection, volume of blood lost, and operative time. The results showed that it is likely that the graft material used is not as important as the fusion technique. Strict adherence to facet obliteration, posterior element decortication, thorough removal of all soft tissue, and stable, well-planned instrumentation are probably the most important factors in preventing pseudarthrosis. With the complications associated with iliac crest graft and the potential benefits of reduced operative time and blood loss, use of allogeneic bone appears justified.

Bone Transplantation↗

Extraction of thromboxane B2 from urine using an immobilized antibody column for subsequent analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

This paper describes an antibody affinity (immunoaffinity) column which, in one step, extracts and sufficiently purifies urinary thromboxane B2 (TXB2) for quantitative analysis by high resolution gas chromatography-negative ion chemical ionization-selected ion monitoring-mass spectrometry (HRGC-NICI-SIM-MS). Polyclonal TXB2 antibody from rabbit was partially purified using immobilized Staphylococcus aureus Protein A. The purified IgG fraction was then immobilized using an N-hydroxysuccimidyl silica gel. The resulting matrix bound 570 ng TXB2 per ml of gel. TXB2 was quantitatively eluted with acetonitrile-water (19:1). Columns constructed from the gel could be used repeatedly since binding capacity was reconstituted using 0.01 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) with no apparent loss of activity. Using these columns, urinary TXB2 was sufficiently purified in one step such that in subsequent analysis by HRGC-NICI-SIM-MS interference free chromatograms were observed.

Chromatography, Affinity↗

Assessment and management of the lower extremity in cerebral palsy.

For all lower extremity problems in children with cerebral palsy, early attention to overactive spastic muscle groups can aid in preventing bony deformities under most situations. More severely involved children need more aggressive treatment, with early soft tissue procedures to attempt balance of muscle groups surrounding joints. Early aggressive management of soft tissue problems can avoid long-term bony deformity and more severe posturing problems in the lower extremities of children with cerebral palsy.

Cerebral Palsy↗

Photoaffinity labelling of a thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 antagonist binding site in human platelets.

The diazonium salt of 9,11-dimethylmethano-11,12-methano-16-(4-aminophenoxy)13,14- dihydro-13-aza-15 alpha beta-omega-tetranor TXA2 (PTA-POA) was synthesized and used as a photoaffinity ligand for the putative human platelet TXA2/PGH2 receptor. Incubation of human platelet membranes with the diazonium salt of PTA-POA followed by photolysis at 290 nm(hv) resulted in a 40% decrease in the specific binding of [125I]PTA-OH as measured in the radioligand binding assay. Co-incubation with a TXA2/PGH2 agonist followed by photolysis resulted in no decrease in specific binding. Incubation of the diazonium salt of PTA-POA with solubilized platelet membranes without photolysis followed by Scatchard analysis resulted in no change in the Kd for [125I]PTA-OH (38 nM) and the preparation which was incubated with the diazonium salt (42 nM). However, the Bmax for [125I]PTA-OH binding was reduced from 2.4 pmole/mg protein for control to 1.4 pmole/mg protein. These studies show that the diazonium salt of PTA-POA may be a useful photoaffinity ligand for human platelet TXA2/PGH2 receptors.

Affinity Labels↗

Quantitative analysis of adenosine: statistical comparison of radioimmunoassay and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-selected ion monitoring methods.

A new method for quantitating adenosine concentration by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-selected ion monitoring (GC-MS-SIM) has been developed and used as a reference method for evaluating a newly developed radioimmunoassay (RIA) for adenosine. Details of the GC-MS-SIM method are presented, along with the comparative results and uncertainties of both methods. General considerations in the statistical analysis of method comparison data are discussed with particular reference to studies using quantitative mass spectrometry as the standard method; the adenosine methods are used as specific examples in this discussion. Simultaneous estimation of the y-intercept and slope of the least squares regression line relating the results of the two methods using the 95% joint confidence ellipse demonstrated the absence of either constant or proportional error between the two methods. The relatively small uncertainty in the GC-MS-SIM measurements had no significant effect on the linear regression. Random error between the two methods was detected, and was estimated by the coefficient of variation in the RIA data as ten percent of the RIA value.

Adenosine↗

A novel approach for the study of thromboxane A2 and prostaglandin H2 receptors using an 125I-labeled ligand.

Previous studies of eicosanoid receptors have utilized 3H-labeled ligands. However, 125I has a higher theoretical specific activity (approximately 2000 Ci/mmole) than 3H (29 Ci/mmole), which provides a potential advantage for 125I ligand binding studies when the receptor density is low. Since eicosanoids do not possess an easily iodinatable structure (e.g. a phenol or imidazole ring), it is not feasible to directly incorporate 125I into the molecule. The thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor antagonist, cis-7-(2-p-hydroxyphenylethanolaminocyclopentyl)-heptanoic acid (cis-APO), was synthesized to test the concept that it could be labeled with 125I and used as a ligand for binding studies. cis-APO is a structural analog of 13-azaprostanoic acid, a TXA2/PGH2 antagonist [G. C. Le Breton, D. L. Venton, S. E. Enke and P. V. Halushka, Proc. natn. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 76, 4097 (1979)], in which the omega aliphatic chain was substituted with 2-p-hydroxyphenylethanol, which contains a phenolic group. [127I]cis-APO was synthesized by insertion of 127I (stable isotope) into the phenolic portion of the molecule under alkaline conditions. [125I]-cis-APO was synthesized via insertion of 125I (unstable isotope) into the molecule in the presence of chloramine T. cis-APO inhibited human platelet aggregation induced by the thromboxane mimetic U46619 [C. Malmsten, Life Sci. 18, 169 (1976)]. The IC50 for cis-APO was 6.4 +/- 0.7 microM and for [127I]-cis-APO was 9.8 +/- 1.3 microM (P less than 0.001). [125I]-cis-APO binding to a human platelet membrane preparation at 4 degrees was time and protein concentration dependent, saturable, and reduced or abolished by trypsin or boiling respectively. The Kd for iodo-cis-APO determined at equilibrium using a Scatchard analysis was 1.48 microM and the maximum binding capacity was 18.7 pmoles/mg protein. The forward rate constant (k+1) was 2.3 X 10(3) M-1 s-1 and the dissociation constant (k-1) was 2.12 X 10(-3) s-1. The Kd determined from k-1/k+1 was 0.92 microM. These observations show that the omega side chain of eicosanoid analogs can be substituted with a phenolic group, iodinated, and retain biological activity. These molecules may then be utilized to study thromboxane A2 or prostaglandin H2 receptors.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗

Synthesis of 4'-hydroxypropranolol sulfate, a major non-beta-blocking propranolol metabolite in man.

4'-Hydroxypropranolol sulfate was recently identified as a major metabolite of propranolol (Inderal). In order to confirm the structure and to further study disposition and biological activity, we have synthesized 8 with use of 1,4-naphthoquinone as the starting material. Reduction and alkylation with benzyl iodide gave 4-(benzyloxy)naphthol. Sulfation and chlorosulfuric acid in N,N-dimethylaniline gave potassium 1-(benzyloxy)-4-naphthol sulfate. Catalytic hydrogenation, alkylation with [[[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]oxy]methyl]oxirane, and amination in isopropylamine gave 8. Racemic 8 was found to be 100-1000 times less potent than racemic propranolol as a beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent in the dog.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Thromboxane A2 and prostaglandin endoperoxide receptors in platelets and vascular smooth muscle.

9,11-Dimethylmethano-11,12-methano-16-(3-iodo-4-hydroxyphenyl)-13, 14-dihydro-13-aza-15 alpha beta-omega-tetranor-TXA2 (I-PTA-OH), a recently synthesized thromboxane (TX) A2/prostaglandin (PG) H2 receptor antagonist, was shown to be a competitive antagonist of human platelet aggregation induced by the stable endoperoxide analog U46619. This antagonism was due to competitive blockade of the platelet TXA2/PGH2 receptor since I-PTA-OH did not antagonize the first phase of ADP-induced aggregation which is TXA2/PGH2 independent, nor did it inhibit TXA2 synthesis. In addition, analysis of dose-response curves to U46619 (0.1 to 40 microM) in the presence of increasing concentrations of I-PTA-OH (0.5 to 10 microM) showed that I-PTA-OH produced a parallel rightward shift of the dose-response curve. Further analysis of the data in the form of a Schild plot yielded a straight line with a slope (m = 1.03) not significantly different from -1. These results are consistent with the notion that I-PTA-OH acts as a competitive antagonist of the TXA2/PGH2 receptor.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗