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H Faulstich

Publications and source records attributed to H Faulstich.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1983

Membrane damage of liposomes by the mushroom toxin phallolysin.

We have investigated the membrane-damaging effect of phallolysin on liposomes varying in phospholipid composition, net charge and physical constitution. Liposomes were prepared from lipids extracted from bovine or human erythrocyte ghosts. The liposomes composed of bovine lipids (the intact cell showing little sensitivity to phallolysin) were found comparably sensitive to those prepared from lipids of human red cells (these cells being of high sensitivity). In addition, artificial mixtures of lipids were used for the preparation of liposomes, consisting of (a) negatively charged phospholipids such as dicetyl phosphate or phosphatidylserine, (b) cholesterol, and (c) either sphingomyelin (as the major component of erythrocytes from ruminants) or phosphatidylcholine (as the major component of erythrocytes from non-ruminants). Again, we found only little difference in the susceptibilities of sphingomyelin- and phosphatidylcholine-containing liposomes. On the other hand, the susceptibility depended on the presence of phospholipids with negative net charges. Omittance of phosphatidylcholine or dicetyl phosphate, or replacement by the positively charged stearylamine, decreased the susceptibility by a factor of more than 20. Finally, we prepared liposomes from dicetyl phosphate, cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine in two physical states: large unilamellar and smaller multilamellar liposomes. The unilamellar liposomes were about 10-times more sensitive to phallolysin. We conclude: (1) Phallolysin damages phospholipid-membranes in the absence of receptor proteins, but high concentrations of the toxin are required. (2) Membrane damage takes place with liposomes containing phosphatidylcholine as well as those containing sphingomyelin. (3) Phallolysin damages only liposomes containing phospholipids with a negative net charge.

Amanitins↗
PubMed1983

Preparation of tetramethylrhodaminyl-phalloidin and uptake of the toxin into short-term cultured hepatocytes by endocytosis.

A fluorescent phallotoxin with high photostability, tetramethylrhodaminyl-phalloidin (Rh-phalloidin), has been prepared. The affinity of this compound to rabbit muscle actin has been determined to be about 6 times lower than that of phalloidin. In freshly isolated hepatocytes the internalized fluorescent toxin stains the cellular actin. In contrary, there is no actin staining visible in cultured hepatocytes. Short-term cultured hepatocytes (5 h of culturing) incorporate the toxin by endocytosis; it is kept sealed in the endocytotic vesicles, which are usually found accumulated at the sites where cells touch after reaggregation.

Actins↗
PubMed1983

Two sites of intracellular localization of rhodaminyl-phalloidin in hepatocytes.

The uptake of a fluorescent phallotoxin (tetramethylrhodaminyl-phalloidin) into rat hepatocytes has been studied. The experiments were performed in vitro, using freshly isolated hepatocyte suspensions or monolayers of hepatocytes cultured for up to 5 days, as well as in vivo, by investigating cryostat sections of a liver from an animal injected with the labelled toxin. In vitro, in freshly isolated hepatocytes, a staining of actin was observed. On the contrary, if the hepatocytes were cultured, only fluorescent endocytotic vesicles were found accumulated around the nucleus, and remaining in the cells unchanged for several days. In vivo, both fluorescent patterns were observed, often in one and the same cell. The endocytotic vesicles of rhodaminylphalloidin looked very similar to those obtained with fluoresceinyl-concanavalin A. navalin A. We conclude that in all systems the fluorescent phallotoxin enters the hepatocytes by endocytosis. However, in the freshly isolated cells the endocytotic vesicles apparently undergo some kind of processing with release of the toxin and subsequent staining of cellular actin, while in cultured hepatocytes the endocytotic vesicles persist unprocessed.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Lack of intestinal transport of [3H]-demethylphalloin: comparative studies with phallotoxins and bile acids on isolated small intestinal cells and ileal brush border membrane vesicles.

Several earlier studies suggested that the uptake of phallotoxins by liver cells is a carrier mediated process using a transport system normally handling bile acids (see Frimmer 1982). In this study we have shown whether ileal cells, well known to transport bile acids too, are able to take up phallotoxins. Isolated epithelial cells prepared from guinea pig ileum accumulated [14C]-cholate, whereas [3H]-demethylphalloin ([3H]-DMP) was not taken up. The same observation was made with isolated jejunal cells but the uptake of [14C]-cholate was much slower. [3H]-DMP, however, was partly bound to intestinal cells. This process was not inhibited by cholate, iodipamide, oligomycin and carbonylcyano-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), compounds known to decrease the uptake of phallotoxins into liver cells. Substituting Na+ for choline+ and also Cl- for SCN- did not influence the binding of [3H]-DMP. Frozen intestinal cells from the guinea pig bound two time more [3H]-DMP after thawing compared with intact cells. Supplementary uptake experiments on isolated brush border membrane vesicles from rat ileum revealed that phalloidin does not inhibit taurocholate uptake and that taurocholate does not interfere with [3H]-DMP binding. The results suggest that [3H]-demethylphalloin is not recognized by the bile acid carrier of the guinea pig and the rat ileum. It is concluded that the transport system for bile acids present in ileal cell is different from that of liver cells.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed1982

A rapid radioimmunoassay, using a nylon support, for amatoxins from Amanita mushrooms.

A fetuin derivative of alpha-amanitin was prepared and used as an antigen in rabbits. The antigen was superior to previous bovine serum albumin derivatives of beta-amanitin by its lower toxicity and high immunogenicity. On the other hand, the antibodies raised with the alpha-amanitin derivative did not show full crossreactivity with the other amatoxins, as did the immunoglobulins induced by protein derivatives of beta-amanitin. The procedure for activating nylon surfaces and coupling proteins onto them was improved with respect to surface charge and homogeneity. A partially purified IgG-fraction derived from the sera of rabbits immunized against amatoxins was covalently attached to the activated nylon surfaces. The covalently coupled immunoglobulins were complexed with a tritiated amatoxin. Then small pieces of the nylon sheet were punched out and incubated with the amatoxin solution to be analyzed. This procedure represents a method for dosing, in one step and without pipetting, the immunoglobulins and the labelled hapten. Determination of amatoxin concentrations was achieved by counting the radioactivity in the incubation fluid. The limit of detection was about 3 ng of amatoxins per ml. The radioimmunoassay was used to measure amatoxin concentrations in serum, urine, duodenal fluid, and gastric juice of patients with Amanita poisoning. Since such assays can be performed in 2-3 hr, the results can be used to determine the therapeutic protocol. The assay was likewise used to determine the concentration of amatoxins in mushroom tissue. For Amanita phalloides, for example, we found that the amatoxin concentration (mg/g dry weight) is 4.5 times higher in the gills than in the bulb.

Agaricales↗
PubMed1981

Ether derivatives of alpha-amanitin. Introduction of spacer moieties, lipophilic residues, and radioactive labels.

Etherification of alpha-amanitin with tritiated methyl iodide yielded a radioactively labeled amatoxin of high specific activity (similar to or approximately 4 Ci/mmol) which, in its inhibition capacity for RNA polymerase II, was very similar to alpha-amanitin. The labeled toxin was used successfully in binding assays with RNA polymerases II and in radioimmunological determinations of amatoxins. If long-chained alkyl bromides were reacted with alpha-amanitin, lipophilic ether derivatives were obtained with a facilitated penetration capacity into cells. As a consequence of the improved permeability, two derivatives, O-hexyl- and O-decyl-alpha-amanitin, were more toxic in vivo than alpha-amanitin, although their affinity to RNA polymerases II was much reduce. By reaction of N-tert-butyloxy-carbonyl-N'-(6-bromocaproyl)ethylenediamine with alpha-amanitin, a ten-atom spacer with a terminal amino group could be introduced into the toxin, which allowed the attachment of alpha-amanitin to proteins, solid-phase supports, or reporter groups. For example, by reaction with fluoresceinyl isothiocyanate, a fluorescent amatoxin was prepared for visualizing amatoxin-binding structures in cells. After succinylation of the spacer moiety, alpha-amanitin could be attached to proteins, e.g., fetuin, yielding a derivative with good antigenic properties. When an alpha-amanitin derivative was coupled to Sepharose 6B, an adsorbent for affinity chromatography was obtained suitable for a one-step purification of amatoxin-binding immunoglobulins from the sera of immunized rabbits.

Amanitins↗
PubMed1981

Beneficial effect of somatostatin in phalloidin-intoxicated rats. Influence on survival rate, biochemical and morphological data, and 3H-demethylphalloin absorption rate by the liver.

The effect of somatostatin in phalloidin-intoxicated rats was studied. Animals were given phalloidin i.p. 1.2 mg/kg (LD 90-100). Somatostatin, 250 microgram/animal, was administered i.p. in saline 5 min prior and s.c. in protamine-sulphate/ZnCl2 suspension 30 min prior and 30 min after intoxication, unless stated otherwise. In vivo and in vitro uptake studies of the toxin were performed. Liver enzymes (GPT, GLDH) and kallikrein-like activities were determined in blood obtained by orbital venipuncture. Light and electron microscopy was carried out. Somatostatin treatment led to an increase in survival rate. Of the 20 treated rats six died whereas of the 20 untreated animals 18 died. A dose dependency was proven effective when half of the initial dose of somatostatin was given. In vivo and in vitro uptake studies of the toxin demonstrate that somatostatin does not alter uptake rate by rat livers. Liver enzymes remained elevated in treated and control rats. Kallikrein-like activities showed a 61% decline in treated animals whereas they rose up to 120% in controls as compared to pretreatment conditions. Light and electron microscopy reveals less severe lesions in somatostatin-treated animals. A possible interaction of somatostatin in shock development is discussed, phalloidin seems to be a suitable tool for further investigations concerning cell protection by somatostatin.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed1981

The mechanism of cytolysis of erythrocytes by the mushroom toxin phallolysin. Morphological and biochemical evidence for sodium influx and swelling.

Phallolysin, a basic protein of multiple molecular forms, was isolated from the mushroom Amanita phalloides. The toxic protein causes cytolysis in most mammalian cells at concentrations as low as 10(-8) M. Different from the cytolytic activities of detergents or sea-anemone toxin, cytolysis by low concentrations of phallolysin occurs only after a lag time of 2 to 3 minutes. In erythrocytes it was shown that phallolysin causes a rapid influx of sodium ions accompanied by a loss of potassium ions. Simultaneously, the cells swell up to their critical volume until they burst. In morphological studies the disruption of red blood cells following phallolysin treatment was found to be indistinguishable from that caused by incubation in hypotonic medium. Freeze-etching studies of phallolysin-treated erythrocytes showed changes in the membrane structure and a decrease of intramembranous particles. It is suggested that phallolysin either forms or opens preformed cation channels in the plasma membrane resulting in cation leakage. Concomitantly with the ion fluxes, water penetrates and causes the cells to swell until lysis occurs.

Amanitins↗
PubMed1980

Virotoxins: actin-binding cyclic peptides of Amanita virosa mushrooms.

Virotoxins are toxic peptides singularly found in Amanita virosa mushrooms. After purification and resolution by high-pressure liquid chromatography, the main component, viroisin, was selectively cleaved and submitted to Edman degradation. The structure could be completely elucidated and was in part found to be the same as in phallotoxins. Differing from the phallotoxins, however, virotoxins are monocyclic peptides and contain D-serine instead of L-cysteine. In addition, two amino acids were detected in virotoxins which thus far have not been found in nature: 2,3-trans-3,4-dihydroxy-L-proline and 2'-(methylsulfonyl)-L-tryptophan. The biological activity of viroisin is comparable to that of the phallotoxins: e.g., with 2.5 mg of viroisin per kg (white mouse), 50% of the animals die within 2-5 h by hemorrhagia of the liver. Also, on the molecular level, the virotoxins behave similar to the phallotoxins. Thus, viroisin binds to rabbit muscle actin as proved by difference UV spectroscopy. With an apparent equilibrium dissociation constant KD approximately 2 x 10(-8) M, the affinity of viroisin is very similar to that of phalloidin. However, the flexibility of the monocyclic structure and the presence of two additional hydroxy groups in the virotoxins suggest a different mode of interaction with actin. While there is proof that the bicyclic phallotoxins possess a rigid binding site, the virotoxins may adopt the biologically active conformation by an induced-fit mechanism upon contact with actin.

Actins↗
PubMed1980

Amaninamide, a new toxin of Amanita virosa mushrooms.

Amaninamide, a toxin closely related to the family of amatoxins, was found exclusively in Amanita virosa mushrooms. It differs from the well known toxin alpha-amanitin in that it lacks the 6'-hydroxyl group of the tryptophan unit, and from the toxin amanin found in Amanita phalloides by the presence of a carboxamide group instead of a carboxylic acid groups.

Agaricales↗
PubMed1980

Interactions of hepatotoxic agents with proteins and subcellular structures.

Two proteins with high affinity for amatoxins have been characterized in calf thymus nuclei, the RNA-polymerase II (or B) and a 100 K protein of unknown function. Most of the toxic effects of amatoxins are based on the inhibited synthesis of mRNA. The 100 K protein may be involved in functions of cytokinesis as suggested by experiments with PtK1 cells and a fluorescent labelled amatoxin. The molecular toxicity of phallotoxins can be understood in terms of their affinity for actin. By interaction with rabbit muscle actin the concentration of actin monomers is decreased. In hepatocytes, the phallotoxins change the structure of the microfilamentous web.

Actins↗
PubMed1980

2,3-trans-3,4-trans-3,4-Dihydroxy-L-proline: An amino acid in toxic peptides of Amanita virosa mushrooms.

Among the four possible stereoisomers of 3,4-dihydroxy-L-proline,2,3-trans-3,4-trans-3,4-dihydroxy-L-proline (IV) had not been found in nature previously. It has now been detected as a component of virotoxins, toxic peptides of Amanita virosa mushrooms. Because periodate failed to effect an oxidative glycol splitting reaction, the two hydroxyl groups in positions 3 and 4 were expected to be in a trans configuration. Furthermore, the formation of a 4-lactone on treatment with acids pointed to the carboxyl group and the hydroxyl group at position 4 being in a cis configuration. These results are in agreement with structure IV only. Final proof for structure IV was given by NMR spectroscopy and direct comparison with the 2,3-cis-3,4-trans-3,4-dihydroxy-L-proline isomer.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1980

Silybin inhibition of amatoxin uptake in the perfused rat liver.

Silybin dihemisuccinate, in a concentration of 0.4 mg/ml, almost completely inhibited the uptake of an amatoxin by the perfused rat liver. Similary, silybin should also interrupt absorption of toxins due to enterohepatic circulation, e.g. in dog and man. This effect may become important in the therapy of human Amanita poisoning.

Amanitins↗