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Biomedical subjects

G Reck

Publications and source records attributed to G Reck.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Crystal structure of octakis(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-gamma-cyclodextrin x 4.5 H2O: evidence for conformational flexibility of permethylated cyclodextrins.

Octakis(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-gamma-CD (TRIMEG) cocrystallized at 18 degrees C with 4.5 water molecules in the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), unit cell dimensions a = 10.7879(3), b = 29.0580(9), c = 32.2909(11) A. The TRIMEG macrocycle is in a 'round' form with all glucose units oriented syn, and one O-6-CH3 methoxy group points 'toward' the molecular cavity. The TRIMEG x 4.5 H2O molecules are stacked to form infinite cylinders with the central cavities aligned into channels filled for each TRIMEG by 4.5 water molecules distributed over 15 partially occupied sites. This structure differs from the two known structures of TRIMEG in which two diametrically opposed glucoses are oriented anti to yield an 'elliptical' form, and their O-6-CH3 groups are directed 'toward' the cavity and close it at this side to form a bowl-shaped molecule.

Carbohydrate Conformation↗

Crystal structure of hexakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)-alpha-cyclodextrin-acetonitrile dihydrate: a channel formed by methyl groups harbors a chain of five partially occupied water sites.

Hexakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)-alpha-cyclodextrin (DIMEA) crystallizes from 1:1 water-acetonitrile as DIMEA-acetonetril-dihydrate in the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), unit cell dimensions a = 14.2775(5), b = 15.7312(5), c = 31.1494(11) A. Refinement of the structure against 5540 X-ray diffraction data converged at an R factor of 0.083. The macrocycle exhibits a 'round' conformation and is stabilized by intramolecular, interglucose O-3-H(n)...O-2(n + 1) and C-6-H(n)...O-5(n + 1) hydrogen bonds. Acetonitrile is included in the central cavity of DIMEA and held in position by C-5-H...N interactions. The two water molecules in the asymmetric units are distributed over six sites. One is fully occupied due to hydrogen bonding to O-3 groups of two symmetry-related DIMEA molecules, whereas the five remaining sites show occupancies between 0.15 and 0.25. These sites are in hydrogen bonding contact with O...O distances between 2.59 and 3.50 A and are located in infinite, hydrophobic channels parallel to the alpha-axis, which are coated with methyl groups of symmetry-related DIMEA.

Circular Dichroism↗

N-n-alkyl N,N-dimethylammonioacetic acid bromides: the first complete series of crystal and molecular structure determinations of an amphiphilic compound with alkyl chain lengths n = 1,..., 16

The molecular and crystal structures of 16 N-n-alkyl N,N-dimethylammonioacetic acid bromides with chain lengths between n = 1 and n = 16 have been determined. All compounds from n = 5 to n = 16 form bilayers with interdigitated chains. The even-numbered chains display the chain packing type M2(II). The chain packing of the odd-numbered chain compounds is less regular. The head groups of all compounds are connected via electrostatic N+...Br- interactions, and by OH...Br- hydrogen bonds. The compounds with short chains are packed in different ways. Their molecular conformation depends on the crystal packing.

Journal Article↗

Identification of serine-143 as the most likely precursor of dehydroalanine in the active site of histidine ammonia-lyase. A study of the overexpressed enzyme by site-directed mutagenesis.

The gene coding for histidase (histidine ammonia-lyase, HAL, EC 4.3.1.3) was isolated from a lambda-EMBL3 genomic library from Pseudomonas putida nicII and subcloned into the expression vector pT7-7. Transformation of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells with the recombinant vector led to the expression of catalytically active histidase amounting to 20-30% of the total soluble protein in the crude cell extract. A new rapid and highly efficient isolation procedure is described leading to electrophoretically homogeneous histidase within 1.5 days. Six grams of E. coli BL21 (DE3) cells (wet weight) gives approximately 100 mg of homogeneous histidase with a specific activity of 27 IU/mg. To investigate the possible role of serine as a precursor of dehydroalanine in the active site of histidase, each of the four serines, conserved in all known histidases and phenylalanine ammonia-lyases, was consecutively changed to alanine by site-directed mutagenesis. The resulting mutant genes were subcloned into the expression vector pT7-7 and were assayed for histidase activity. The catalytic activities of the four mutants and of wild-type histidase were compared. The Km and Vmax values of the overexpressed mutants S112A, S393A, and S418A and wild-type histidase did not show any significant differences. Mutant S143A, however, was devoid of catalytic activity (< 0.01%), pointing to the outstanding importance of this serine for the formation of an active enzyme. We conclude that serine-143 is the most probable precursor of the active-site dehydroalanine. The role of serine-143 in the biosynthesis of active histidase is discussed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alanine↗

[Pregnancy following sterilization and endometrium resection].

We report on the successful outcome of a pregnancy after bipolar electrocoagulation of Fallopian tubes for sterilisation followed by electroresection of the endometrium for menorrhagia. Reasons for sterilisation failure are discussed with special attention to benefits and risks of endometrial ablation as a new "minimally invasive" therapy for menstrual disorders. We propose guidelines for patients' counselling and preoperative consent.

Adult↗

Dynamics of gene expression for microtubule-associated protein MAP1B, embryonic alpha-tubulin and late neural beta-tubulin mRNAs in the hippocampus of aged rats.

In the present study we characterized the developmental changes in the prevalence of mRNA coding for microtubule-associated protein, MAP1B, embryonic alpha-tubulin and late neural beta-tubulin in rat hippocampus and forebrain from 1 to 720 days of age using RNA gel-blot analysis. We find that (i) the microtubule-associated protein, MAP1B, signal was relatively abundant at early postnatal stages when compared with mature animals. The hybridization signal in the 24-month-old rats was was approximately 1.7 times that observed in 6-month-old rats. (ii) Embryonic alpha-tubulin and late neural beta-tubulin were differentially regulated during rat brain development. This regulation is characterized by a dramatic decrease in the amount of alpha-tubulin after day-1 and a coincident increase in the production of late neural beta-tubulin. Both messages became stabilized at moderate levels during the subsequent developmental stages. However, the averaged signal for beta-tubulin was then approximately 1.8-fold increased in 24- vs. 6-month-old rats. These results are consistent with hypothesis of an age-associated increase in reactive synaptogenesis where the healthy neurons sprout new connections to compensate for neuronal loss occurring in neighboring neurons.

Aging↗

Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and N-cadherin mRNA during development and aging: selective reduction in the 7.4-kb and 6.7-kb NCAM mRNA levels in the hippocampus of adult and old rats.

By examining the time course, from E15 to 720 days of age, for changes in the prevalence of mRNAs coding for neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), N-cadherin and alpha-tubulin in rat hippocampus and forebrain, it was concluded that (i) the NCAM 7.4-, 6.7-, 5.2-, 4.3- and 2.9-kb mRNAs are differentially regulated during development and aging; (ii) the 7.4- and 6.7-kb mRNA are drastically reduced starting from day 21 onward; (iii) the E15- and day-1-specific mRNA of 4.3 kb is replaced with the 5.2-kb mRNA starting with 21 days, thereafter the 5.2-kb message remained relatively constant over the entire life-span studied. Likewise, the 2.9-kb mRNA, which was very abundantly expressed at E15 and early postnatal stages, remained relatively constant between 180 days and 720 days; (iv) postnatal rat brains showed both qualitative and quantitative changes in N-cadherin 4.3- and 4.0-kb transcripts. The 4.3-kb mRNA was relatively abundant at 1 and 21 days postnatal stages, thereafter the signal remained very low over the entire life-span studied. The 4.0-kb message, which was specific for the E15 stage, was replaced with the 4.3-kb message; (v) as expected, the 1.8-kb mRNA coding for embryonic alpha-tubulin decreased dramatically after 1 day, but became stabilized at moderate levels during the subsequent developmental stages. At least for the NCAM gene, the regulation seems to occur post-transcriptionally, possibly at the level of RNA processing while the N-cadherin mRNA expression seems to be transcriptionally regulated.

Aging↗

[Potential cardiotonics. 15. Crystal modifications of 3-cyano-2-morpholino-5-(4-pyridinyl)pyridine (AWD 122-14)].

The preparation and X-ray crystallographic characterisation of 10 polymorphic or pseudo-polymorphic forms of the novel cardiotonic AWD 122-14 are described. Thermic transformations of some polymorphic forms into the alpha-form was proved by thermogravimetric analysis and powder diffraction pattern. In dissolution behaviour no significant differences were found between the crystalline modifications but with regard to galenic processing compact alpha-, gamma- and epsilon-forms show advantages.

Cardiotonic Agents↗

[Antiarrhythmic amidinohydrazone substituted benzophenones. 2. Preparation and determination of configuration of (Z)- and (E)-2-amino-5-chlorobenzophenone amidinohydrazone salts].

The configurational isomers of the 2-amino-5-chlorbenzophenoneamidinohydrazones could be obtained as TLC pure samples by fractionating crystallization of the product mixture. The determination of their configuration by comparison of the UV spectra with the corresponding oximes could be confirmed by X-ray structure analysis.

Anti-Arrhythmia Agents↗

[Potential cardiotonics. 16. Molecular and crystal structures of three polymorphic forms and a hydrochloride monohydrate of 3-cyano-2-morpholino-5-(pyridin-4-yl)pyridine (AWD 122-14)].

The results of an X-ray structure analysis of the alpha-modification were the starting point for the prediction and establishment of further polymorphic and pseudopolymorphic, respectively, forms of AWD 122-14. A complete structure determination of the gamma- and delta-modifikation as well as of a hydrochloride monohydrate could be carried out. Molecular parameters, conformational flexibility, and intermolecular interactions are discussed in this paper.

Cardiotonic Agents↗

[Potential cardiotonics. 13. Crystal structure, charge distribution and molecular electrostatic potential of 3-cyano-2-(3-diethyl-aminopropylamino)-5-(4-pyridinyl)pyridine (AWD 122-60)].

The crystal and molecular structure of the potential cardiotonic agent AWD 122-60 have been determined by X-ray structure analysis. Based on the molecular structure charge distribution and molecular electrostatic potential were evaluated. The results are discussed in comparison with those of other cardiotonic 3,4'-bipyridines.

Cardiotonic Agents↗

Evidence that the V+ fibronectin mRNA is increased in the hippocampus of aged rats.

In this study we investigated the splicing pattern of fibronectin (FN) mRNA during development and aging by using Northern blot hybridization with probes that either recognize all forms of FN mRNA or that are specific for the different spliced forms (FN-EIIIA, FN-EIIIB, and FN-V). We find that (1) the FNmRNA in the hippocampus of some but not all old rats showed a pattern of splicing similar to that found in the forebrain of 21 day old rats and (2) the hybridization signal for the alternatively spliced FN mRNA containing the EIIIA, EIIIB, and V95 segments was relatively abundant at early postnatal stages but very few transcripts were detected in adult and old rats. However, the hybridization signal for the juvenile FN-V mRNA was markedly increased in some but not all two-year-old rats suggesting that aging is an individual process.

Aging↗

Prediction and establishment of a new crystalline piroxicam modification.

The existence of a new crystalline modification of the analgesic and antiinflammatory agent piroxicam was predicted. A model of the structure was derived from the crystal data of the alpha-modification. Lattice constants and molecular packing parameters were refined using X-ray powder diffraction data.

Chemical Phenomena↗

Molecular mechanics and X-ray crystal structure investigations on conformations of 11 beta substituted 4,9-dien-3-one steroids.

The influence of 11 beta-phenyl substitution upon 4,9-dien-3-one steroid-backbone conformations is calculated by means of the MM2p molecular mechanics scheme. In the case of steroids having a 13 beta configuration, the lowest strain energy is always evaluated for the conformational combination of rings A(inverted) B(normal) while, moreover, the 11 beta substitution increases the relative stability of the conformation A(normal) B(normal) compared to the nonsubstituted compound. Introduction of the 11 beta substituent causes some bowing of the energy-minimum structures in the A-ring region toward the beta side. For 13 alpha configurated steroids, the ring conformations A(inverted) B(normal) C(boat) and A(normal) B(inverted) C(twist/boat) are found to be energetically preferred. Quantitative description of different ring conformations using asymmetry and pseudorotational parameters as well as the comparison of molecular mechanics and available X-ray structure data give an impression of the conformational mobility. Whereas the effect of 11 beta substitution within a given ring conformation is limited, contributions to molecular flexibility can be found in the ability to adopt different basic conformations and in the occupation of near-minimum structures. An X-ray crystal structure analysis of a potential antiprogestational steroid has been performed, and the results are in good agreement with the calculated structure.

Crystallography↗

[Unusual course of metastatic cancer of the uterine cervix].

The following report describes the case history of a 40-year-old woman suffering from a squamous carcinoma of the cervix uteri stage IV with predominantly cutaneous metastases. After a combined treatment of local radiotherapy and polychemotherapy with cisplatinum, bleomycin and methotrexate, a complete remission of the disease has been achieved. Six months later, however, a local recurrence of the tumor in the cervix uteri was diagnosed. As the patient showed no evidence of metastases, a radical hysterectomy was then performed. While the chemotherapy was continued over longer time intervals, the patient lived for a further five months in good health and without any recurrence of the disease. More than one year after treatment was started, the patient died suddenly of uncontrollable cerebral metastases. Considering the unfavourable prognosis and the satisfactory quality of the patient's life after therapy, the course of treatment undertaken appears to have been justifiable.

Adult↗

[Potential cardiotonic agents. 4. Synthesis, cardiovascular activity, molecular and crystal structure of 5-phenyl- and 4-(4-pyridinyl)-substituted 2(1H)-pyridinethiones].

Cyclisation of the vinylogous amidinium salt 1 or the 4-ethoxy- and 4-morpholino-3-butene-2-ones, respectively, 4 and 6 with cyano-thioacetamide yielded the 5-(4-pyridinyl)-, 6-methyl-5-(4-pyridinyl)- and 6-methyl-5-phenyl-, respectively, substituted 3-cyano-2(1H)-pyridinethiones 3, 5 and 7. The 2(1H)-pyridinethiones 3, 5 and 7a as well as the in 3-position unsubstituted or carbamoyl substituted derivatives 8 and 9 were obtained from the corresponding 2-chloro-pyridines and potassium sulfide, too. Especially compound 5 showed remarkable positive inotropic potency and, additionally, vasodilator activity. The molecular and crystal structure of 5 have been determines by X-ray structure analysis. Based on the molecular structure charge distribution and electrostatic potential were evaluated. The results are discussed in comparison with those of milrinone.

Animals↗