Immunocytochemical localization of bacterial lipopolysaccharide with colloidal-gold probes in different target cells.
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Adrenal Cortex↗
Biomedical subjects
R Pagani
Publications and source records attributed to R Pagani.
An improved method for purification of L-threonine deaminase from rat liver.
L-threonine deaminase was obtained at a high degree of purity from rat liver. Two main steps were added to the previously reported procedure: cryoprecipitation and chromatofocusing (in the presence of a specific KCl concentration). The purification factor was 3,090 and the specific activity 989. The method is very reproducible and convenient. It gives the highest specific activity and the highest degree of purity of the enzyme recorded to date.
Animals↗
Plasma oxypurines in gastric and colorectal cancer.
Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography has been used for the determination of plasma hypoxanthine, xanthine, and uric acid in normal subjects and in patients with gastric and colorectal cancer. Plasma oxypurines are significantly elevated in either type of cancer, while uric acid concentration is only higher in gastric cancer. The variations are related to the stage of the tumors, and the physiopathology of their occurrence is discussed.
Adenocarcinoma↗
In vitro regulation of rat liver L-threonine deaminase by different effectors.
The regulation of liver L-threonine deaminase by different effectors--bile acids, bile pigments and monocarbon molecules--was investigated. Total inhibition of the enzyme was observed with physiological concentrations of bile acids and biliverdin. Purely competitive inhibition of the holoenzyme by several monocarbon molecules was demonstrated; the mechanism was partially competitive for bicarbonate. Inhibition was more pronounced in the case of the dialyzed enzyme. From the higher Km values for pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP), obtained in the presence of the inhibitors, the results are explained on the basis of interference in the association reaction: apoprotein + PLP----holoenzyme. The various effects determined by bicarbonate may play a specific role in vivo since they occur at physiological concentrations of this compound.
Animals↗
Morphological studies of cytotoxic lesions in reversible endotoxic shock.
Reversible endotoxic shock was induced in adult rats by intravenous injection of E. coli 0111:B4 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the progression of metabolic and morphological alterations was evaluated. Serum samples and biopsies from adrenal gland, liver and lung were studied at different times after LPS injection. Histological changes in these tissues were observed after endotoxin administration, coinciding with both the acute-phase and the recovery-phase of shock (24-72h after LPS injection). Signs of tissue regeneration can be correlated with the regression of some serum parameters to their normal values. All these results indicate that in this experimental model of endotoxic shock, a reversible status was established, which will allow further studies of the endotoxic pathophysiological mechanisms in vivo, avoiding the complexity of the non-reversible process.
Adrenal Glands↗
Involvement of cytochrome b5 in the cytotoxic response to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide.
Cytotoxic lesions, induced by Gram-negative lipopolysaccharides (LPS), occur mainly in liver where the microsomal compartment of hepatocytes is involved in the detoxification mechanisms as well as in the biosynthesis of different active metabolites. The alterations induced by LPS from E. coli 0111:B4 on cytochrome b5 and its correlation with cytochrome P450, have been studied using an in vivo reversible endotoxic shock model and 24 h non-replicative hepatocyte monolayers. Results show that cytochrome b5 is directly affected by LPS that induces also a membrane damage with an active release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The increase of cytochrome b5 levels may enhance the efficiency of the electron transport, thus facilitating the cytochrome P450-associate oxidations and reactions involved in the repair mechanisms of membranes.
Animals↗
Double inhibition of L-threonine dehydratase by aminothiols.
The inhibition of highly purified rat liver L-threonine dehydratase (L-threonine hydro-lyase (deaminating), EC 4.2.1.16) by aminothiols (L-cysteine, D-cysteine, cysteamine) has been studied. Single inhibition experiments evaluated by Lineweaver-Burk and Dixon plots showed, in a given concentration range, partially (parabolic) competitive inhibitions, indicating two binding sites for each inhibitor. Double inhibition experiments revealed that the inhibition was antagonistic, the two inhibitors weakening each other's effect. Formation of EI1 and EI2 binary complexes, and ESI1, ESI2 and EI1I2 ternary complexes was demonstrated, while formation of the quaternary complex ESI1I2 was ruled out. It is assumed that one inhibitor-binding site coincides with the substrate-binding center while the second inhibitor-binding (allosteric, regulatory) site may comprise the pyridoxal-phosphate-binding SH group(s). The comparison between Km and Ki values and the evaluation of intracellular concentrations of L-threonine, L-cysteine and cysteamine suggest a possible physiological role of the inhibition.
Animals↗
[Kinetic properties of L-serine dehydratase of the rat liver].
Rat liver L-serine dehydratase (E.C.4.2.1.13) catalyzes the deamination both of L-serine and of L-threonine. These reactions show different rates and, at this moment, the "preferential" substrate of the enzyme is not clear. We have analysed, in various experimental conditions, the behaviour of the deaminase reaction toward the two substrates. From the obtained data, it is evident that at lower pH values L-serine and at higher pH values L-threonine, are the preferred substrates, respectively. A peculiar behaviour is shown by Km values, because they are different by changing the pH in the assay mixtures, and changes are related to the presence of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate in the assay mixtures.
Animals↗
Lipopolysaccharide-induced insulin resistance in monolayers of cultured hepatocytes.
In order to clarify the endotoxin effect on the hepatic removal of insulin, the influence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from E. coli 0111:B4 on the insulin binding and endocytosis in cultured hepatocytes from adult male rats has been investigated. LPS decreases both processes in a time and temperature-dependent manner, showing a major effect at short time and low temperature, according to the characteristics of LPS binding and uptake.
Animals↗
Morphological damage induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide in cultured hepatocytes: localization and binding properties.
Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria are considered to be the responsible agents for the induction of endotoxic shock, affecting the liver as a target organ. In this study, the cell morphology and some biochemical properties of 24 h-culture-hepatocyte monolayers treated with Escherichia coli 0111:B4 lipopolysaccharide, were observed. Cell morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy and immunofluorescence methods. LPS interaction induced an increase in rounded cells with diminished adhesion capacity. As biochemical parameters, albumin synthesis and 2-deoxyglucose uptake were measured. LPS decreased the hexose uptake in a dose-dependent manner. Binding of (14C)LPS to cultured hepatocytes showed that LPS binds to non-specific constituents of the membrane bilayer.
Albumins↗
Induction of reversible shock by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide in rats. Changes in serum and cell membrane parameters.
Reversible endotoxic shock was induced in adult rats by i.v. injection of Escherichia coli O111:B4 lipopolysaccharide (1.6 mg/100 g). The shock progression was evaluated by measuring serum glucose levels as well as activities of aspartate aminotransferase (GOT) and alkaline phosphatase in serum. A rapid increase of serum glucose levels occurs, after LPS injection, followed by hypoglycaemia (minimum values at 6 h) with progressive reversion to control values. Serum GOT activity increased (twofold) 6 h after endotoxin administration and returned to control values at 72 h. No appreciable changes occurred in serum alkaline phosphatase activity. Endotoxaemia produced a decrease in the cytochrome P-450 levels in all target organs considered: lung, adrenal glands and liver. The progressive decrease in the serum albumin concentration as well as changes of the physical properties of the plasma membranes observed in vivo, can not be explained only by direct interaction of endotoxin with the target organs, underlining the importance of serum mediators in the induction of the shock response.
Adrenal Glands↗
A kinetic method for distinguishing whether an enzyme has one or two active sites for two different substrates. Rat liver L-threonine dehydratase has a single active site for threonine and serine.
We have elaborated a kinetic method which allows us to evaluate whether a Michaelis-Menten-type enzyme acting on two different substrates has one or two active sites. This method has been used with the rat liver L-threonine dehydratase, which catalyzes the dehydrative deamination of both serine and threonine. The experimental data can be fitted to the theoretical plot obtained for the case of a single active site.
Animals↗
Behavior of L-threonine-degrading enzymes during liver regeneration.
We examined the effects of a two-thirds hepatectomy in the adult rat on the activities of the three L-threonine-degrading enzymes, L-threonine dehydratase, L-threonine aldolase and L-threonine dehydrogenase. Noticeable variations were observed which did not occur in either sham-operated or turpentine-treated rats and were not linked to food intake. They were considered specific to the regenerating liver. When the reactions were followed in vitro, L-threonine deaminase and L-threonine aldolase were significantly lower for the first 12-24 h: L-threonine dehydrogenase decreased only after 48 h. These results are linked to a decrease in the enzyme concentration in the tissue. L-Serine and L-threonine liver concentrations increased 2-3-fold during the same periods. When the activities were evaluated in vivo, the levels of the first two enzymes remained constant for 24 h, but increased after 48 h; L-threonine dehydrogenase increased between 12 and 48 h. The in vivo activity of the enzymes was reflected by total L-threonine degradation, which had a single sharp peak at 48 h. The asynchronous variations in enzyme activity are related to the differences in protein metabolism which occur in the regenerating liver, and are the consequence of a new transient differential control. The changes observed are significant in liver regeneration; they regulate the consumption and the serum and liver levels of L-serine and L-threonine, setting them aside for protein synthesis. They minutely control the flux of amino acids toward gluconeogenesis, since, during the first 48 h after partial hepatectomy, the production of glucose is ensured principally by lactate; the contribution of L-threonine seems to be more significant only at 48 h. These findings are useful in the study of the regulation of the enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism during liver regeneration.
Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗
Effect of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide on the microviscosity of liver plasma membranes and hepatocyte suspensions and monolayers.
The fluorescence probe 1,6-diphenylhexa-1,3,5-triene (DPH) was used for monitoring structural perturbations induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Escherichia coli (0111:B4) in plasma membranes of rat liver. Changes in microviscosity were observed in plasma membrane preparations from control rats after treatment with LPS and in plasma membrane preparations from liver perfused with LPS. In both systems fluorescence polarization was measured from which microviscosity was calculated. This parameter increases with LPS treatment. From temperature dependence studies was inferred that LPS interaction with plasma membrane preparations induces an increase of both the polarization term (r0/r-1)-1 and flow activation energy (delta E). Addition of LPS to hepatocyte suspensions also induces an increase on microviscosity and a delay in the fall of microviscosity induced by a temperature rise in hepatocyte monolayers grown on microcover slides. These data suggest that LPS interaction can be attributed to its binding to membrane hydrophobic regions in a non-specific manner.
Animals↗
Direct and mediated Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide action in primary hepatocyte cultures.
The biphasic behaviour observed in endotoxin-induced shock attributed to a direct interaction of bacterial lipopolysaccharides with the cell membrane and an indirect activation of multiple homeostatic regulatory mechanisms, cannot be completely elucidated with in vivo studies. In primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes, lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli 0111:B4 affects the cytochrome P450 levels directly; however, albumin and aspartate aminotransferase secretion are induced by some mediators present in the sera of animals in acute-phase shock.
Aminolevulinic Acid↗
[Reaction between pyridoxal 5'-phosphate and carbamyl-phosphate].
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Animals↗
Rat liver L-threonine deaminase: properties and purification.
A new method of purification of rat liver L-threonine deaminase has been developed, and the results obtained are compared with values obtained by other authors. Some properties of this enzyme (pH optimum, temperature optimum, thermal stability, specificity, etc.) have been examined and we found that the enzyme is inhibited by carbonate ions, that L-cysteine (a competitive inhibitor) is also an inactivator of the enzyme and that it is bound to the enzyme in a ratio of 0.25 mole of cysteine per mole of enzyme, supporting the hypothesis that the enzyme consists of 4 subunits.
Animals↗
The microviscosity of liver plasma membranes of rats fed with oleoylanilide.
Oleoylanilide was administered orally to groups of rats according to different patterns. Oleoylanilide was perfused at different concentrations through rat liver. Oleoylanilide was added to isolated hepatocytes. Oleoylanilide was added to plasma-membrane preparations. Membrane preparations were obtained after experiments performed in vivo and perfusion experiments and, by using 1,6-diphenylhexa-1,3,5-triene as fluorescence probe, the fluorescence polarization parameter was measured, from which the microviscosity (eta) was calculated. In all cases the microviscosity decreased markedly. Addition of oleoylanilide to hepatocyte preparations and to isolated membranes produced the same effect, increasing the fluidity of the membranes. These data suggest that oleoylanilide partitions into the membrane, disordering some lipid interactions.
Anilides↗