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Biomedical subjects

U Spohr

Publications and source records attributed to U Spohr.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Ligand affinity chromatographic purification of rat liver Golgi endomannosidase.

In order to achieve isolation of endo-alpha-D-mannosidase, a Golgi-located processing enzyme that accomplishes deglucosylation of glycoproteins with N-linked carbohydrate units by cleaving the linkage between the glucose-substituted mannose residue and the remainder of the oligosaccharide, we have prepared an affinity matrix (Glc alpha 1-->3Man-O-(CH2)8CONH-Affi-Gel 102) containing the derivative of the characteristic disaccharide product of this enzyme. Chromatography of a Triton extract of rat liver Golgi membranes on a column of this gel in the presence of castanospermine to prevent binding of alpha-glucosidases permitted a rapid purification of the endomannosidase (70,000-fold over the homogenate) with a 12% yield. This purified enzyme was free of other processing glycosidases and was completely inhibited by Glc alpha 1-->3(1-deoxy)mannojirimycin. Examination of the endomannosidase by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a doublet (M(r) 60,000 and 56,000) with the bands being of approximately equal density. Gel permeation high performance liquid chromatography indicated that in its native form the enzyme has an oligomeric structure (M(r) approximately 560,000) consisting of eight to ten subunits.

Animals↗

The recognition of three different epitopes for the H-type 2 human blood group determinant by lectins of Ulex europaeus, Galactia tenuiflora and Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (winged bean).

The chemical mapping of the regions of H-type 2 human blood group-related trisaccharide (Fuc alpha (1-2)Gal beta (1-4)GlcNAc beta Me) that are recognized by three different lectins, the so-called epitopes, are reviewed together with an account of how and why oligosaccharides form specific complexes with proteins as presently viewed in this laboratory. The occasion is used to report the synthesis of the various mono-O-methyl derivatives of the above trisaccharide that were used in these investigations. Also, Fuc alpha (1-2)Gal beta (1-4)Xyl beta Me was synthesized in order to examine whether or not the hydroxymethyl group of the GlcNAc residue participates in the binding reaction.

ABO Blood-Group System↗

Characterization of endomannosidase inhibitors and evaluation of their effect on N-linked oligosaccharide processing during glycoprotein biosynthesis.

Endo-alpha-D-mannosidase is a Golgi-located processing enzyme that achieves deglucosylation of N-linked carbohydrate units through its unique property of cleaving the oligosaccharide chain internally with the release of glucose-substituted mannose (Glc1-3Man). By chemically modifying the characteristic disaccharide product, Glc alpha 1-->3Man, a number of potent inhibitors of the endomannosidase were obtained, foremost among which were Glc alpha 1-->3(1-deoxy)mannojirimycin (Glc alpha 1-->3DMJ) and Glc alpha 1-->3(1,2-dideoxy)mannose (IC50 = 1.7 and 3.8 microM, respectively), which, while blocking the in vitro action of the enzyme, had negligible effect on other endoplasmic reticulum- and Golgi-processing glycosidases. Although preparation of a large number of Glc alpha 1-->3DMJ derivatives did not yield a more effective endomannosidase inhibitor it provided valuable information relating to the structural requirements for the enzyme-substrate interaction. Glc alpha 1-->3DMJ was found to be active not only on rat liver endomannosidase but also on the enzyme from a number of other sources including mouse lymphoma (BW5147.3), HepG2, baby hamster kidney, and Madin-Darby canine kidney cell lines. When tested in vivo in lymphoma and Madin-Darby canine kidney cells during a castanospermine-imposed glucosidase blockade, Glc alpha 1-->3DMJ interrupted the endomannosidase processing pathway as evident from a concomitant inhibition of complex oligosaccharide formation and Glc3Man release; similarly the capacity of the glucosidase II-deficient mouse lymphoma cell line (PHAR2.7) to synthesize complex oligosaccharides was blocked by Glc alpha 1-->3DMJ. Endomannosidase could not be detected in Chinese hamster ovary cells by in vitro assay and consistent with this these cells produced only glucosylated polymannose N-linked oligosaccharides during glucosidase blockade. It would appear that by acting in conjunction with a glucosidase inhibitor, Glc alpha 1-->3DMJ and related endomannosidase-blocking agents could have the potential of influencing the exit of glycoproteins from the endoplasmic reticulum and interfering with viral replication.

1-Deoxynojirimycin↗

Involvement of water in host-guest interactions.

As predicted by inhibition studies the X-ray crystal structure of the complex formed between the tetrasaccharide alpha-L-Fuc(1----2)-beta-D-Gal(1----3) [alpha-L-Fuc-(1----4)]-beta-D-GlcNAc- OMe (Leb-OMe) and the lectin IV of Griffonia simplicifolia (GS-IV) shows three hydroxyl groups (referred to as the polar key) hydrogen bonded within the combining site and flanked by hydrophobic surfaces. Apart from OH-6 of the beta-D-GlcNAc unit, the six other hydroxyl groups reside at or near the periphery of the combining site. Linear enthalpy-entropy compensation is observed for complex formation with monodeoxy and other derivatives of Leb-OMe involving one of these six hydroxyl groups. Decreases in both the thermodynamic parameters (- delta H 0 and - delta S 0) are largest when a hydroxyl group is in contact with water at the periphery of the combining site. The experimental evidence indicates that the binding reactions involve very similar if not identical changes in the conformations of both the lectin and the ligands; it is therefore proposed that the enthalpy-entropy compensations arise because water molecules hydrogen bonded to the amphiphilic surfaces of the unbound oligosaccharide and the protein are more mobile (higher entropy content) and less strongly hydrogen bonded than are water molecules in bulk solution. Monte Carlo simulations of the hydration of Leb-OMe appear to support this idea. In accordance with this proposal the association of complementary amphiphilic molecular surfaces from aqueous solution is driven by the release of the water molecules from both non-polar and polar regions of the amphiphiles to form stronger hydrogen bonds in bulk water. In the case of highly amphiphilic molecules such as the oligosaccharide Leb-OMe the negative contributions to entropy change dominate positive contributions that may arise from hydrophobic effects. The GS-IV(Leb-OMe)2 complex is stabilized by the hydrogen-bonding networks involving an asparate, an asparagine and a serine residue within the combining site and the above-mentioned key hydroxyl groups. Improved packing of the molecules may also be involved.

Carbohydrate Metabolism↗

Synthetic, conformational, and immunochemical studies of modified Lewis b and Y human blood-group determinants to serve as probes for the combining site of the lectin IV of Griffonia simplicifolia.

Syntheses of the methyl glycosides of the Lewis b [alpha-L-Fuc-(1----2)-beta-D-Gal-(1----3) [alpha-L-Fuc-(1----4)]-beta-D-GlcNAc-] and Y [alpha-L-Fuc-(1----2)-beta-D-Gal-(1----4) [alpha-L-Fuc-(1----3)]-beta-D- GlcNAc-] human blood-group determinants and both their 6a-deoxy and N-deacetylated derivatives are reported. In the case of the Lewis b structure (Leb-OMe), the 6a-O-mesyl and 6a-deoxy-6a-iodo derivatives were also prepared. The conformational preferences predicted by HSEA calculation are shown to be in good agreement with expectations based on 1H- and 13C-n.m.r. spectroscopy. The immunochemical data based on inhibition and thermodynamic studies require that the binding of Leb-OMe and Y-OMe by the lectin IV of Griffonia simplicifolia does not involve recognition of the OMe, NHAc, or 6a-OH group and, consequently, occurs at a cleft at the surface of the protein. The complex formed between the lectin and 6a-deoxy-6a-iodo-Leb-OMe provided the heavy nuclei required for the solution of the X-ray crystal structure.

Blood Group Antigens↗

Crystallization of the lectin IV of Griffonia simplicifolia and its complexes with the Lewis b and Y human blood group determinants.

Single crystals of the lectin IV from Griffonia simplicifolia have been grown in the tetragonal crystal system. The space group is P4(2)2(1)2 with a = 78.95(5) A and c = 89.01(2) A, and there is one subunit of the dimeric glycoprotein in the crystallographic asymmetric unit. The crystals diffract to at least 2.5 A d spacings and are stable in the x-ray beam for 3 weeks. Crystals of the complex with the Lewis b (Leb) and Y human blood group determinants as the methyl glycosides, alpha-L-Fuc(1----2)beta-D-Gal(1----3)[alpha-L-Fuc(1----4)]beta-D-GlcNAc-OMe (where Fuc is fucose and -OMe is methoxy) and alpha-L-Fuc(1----2)beta-D-Gal(1----4)[alpha-L-Fuc(1----3)]-beta-D-GlcNAc- OMe, respectively, have also been grown and found to be isomorphous with the native lectin. Crystals have also been obtained with several derivatives of the Lewis b-OMe tetrasaccharide including that which has the 6-hydroxyl of the beta-D-GlcNAc unit replaced by iodine. In the latter case, the presence of the iodine atoms was established.

Amino Acids↗

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies specific for the Lewis a human blood group determinant.

Four hybridoma cell lines were derived from the spleen cells of mice immunized with the neutral glycolipids of human meconium. The antibodies secreted by these lines were specific for the Lewis a antigen of the human Lewis blood group system as determined by solid phase immunoassay using synthetic carbohydrate antigens and by plate binding assay and thin layer chromatography-autoradiography using natural glycolipid antigens. Coating protein A-bearing Staphylococcus aureus with one of the antibodies yielded a stable reagent that produced rapid agglutination of Lewis a positive human erythrocytes. The fine structural specificity of these antibodies was assessed by competition radioimmunoassay using synthetic structural analogs of Lewis a conjugated to bovine serum albumin. One antibody was specific for the Lewis a trisaccharide (Gal beta 1 leads to 3(Fuc alpha 1 leads to 4) beta GlcNAc), while a second recognized the entire Lea (1 leads to 3) beta Gal tetrasaccharide. The third and fourth were directed at topography largely provided by only the alpha Fuc and beta GlcNAc units. These monoclonal antibodies not only represent potentially useful reagents for detecting the Lewis a antigen but also provide a system for studying precise relationships between anticarbohydrate antibody structure and binding specificity.

Animals↗

[The effects of nicotine on the circulation and metabolism after cigarette smoking with reference to the plasma levels of nicotine and COHb (author's transl)].

The effects after smoking cigarettes with different nicotine content (1.5 mg and 0.08 mg nicotine/cigarette) were investigated in 6 healthy habitual smokers. Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and plasma nicotine levels were determined at the same time as circulatory parameters, heart rate and blood pressure together with metabolic parameters like blood sugar, lactate, free fatty acids and plasma dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) and plasma cortisol. With the exception of COHb the parameters investigated were shown to be dependent on the nicotine levels. For blood pressure, heart rate and lactate the peaks appeared simultaneously with the maximum nicotine levels, whereas for DBH, cortisol, blood sugar and the free fatty acids there was a delayed reaction in comparison with the nicotine levels. The parameters investigated are not affected by COHb with levels up to 5.6 +/- 0.5%. These results show that after cigarette smoking, nicotine causes considerable changes in the circulation and metabolism.

Adult↗

Is the diurnal increase of fibrinolytic activity influenced by alpha- or beta-adrenergic blockade?

The diurnal increase of fibrinolytic activity in the forenoon was investigated after alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade in 15 volunteers. Four milligrams propranolol was injected i. v. alone or in combination with 20 mg phentolamine. Neither the beta-blocking agent, propranolol, nor the combination with the alpha-blocker, phentolamine, had any significant effect on the diurnal increase of fibrinolytic activity.

Circadian Rhythm↗

Acute cardiovascular reactions after cigarette smoking.

The effect of cigarette smoking on the cardiovascular system was determined in the following way: Two cigarettes of relatively high (1.54 mg) and very low (0.08 mg) nicotine content were smoked and compared to sham smoking. After inhalation under standardized conditions there was a relatively high increase of the plasma nicotine levels and a subsequent exponential decrease. Two hours after smoking the levels were still elevated. After 2 low nicotine cigarettes there was a significant small short-term increase. The changes of the pulse rate were directly related to the nicotine levels and the pulse pressure transit time from the heart to the calf and the digital blood flow was indirectly related to them. The regulation of these parameters is exactly related with the nicotine levels probably through the release of catecholamines. The cardiovascular reactions after smoking may indicate the additional myocardial work load after cigarettes of different nicotine content.

Adult↗

Chronic hemofiltration treatment.

Fourteen patients (six males and eight females) have been treated with chronic hemofiltration three times weekly for three to 27 months with the post-dilution technique. All patients had previously been on regular dialysis treatment. Patients were selected for hemofiltration because of dialysis-resistent hypertension (eight), symptoms of dialysis discomfort (five), hypertriglyceridemia (five) and polyneuropathy (seven). Hypertension improved in six of eight patients, symptoms of dialysis discomfort markedly diminished in all five patients, hypertriglyceridemia did not change consistently, polyneuropathy improved in six of seven patients. Balance studies of Na, Ca and Mg revealed a positive correlation to fluid balance. Phosphate, BUN, creatinine and uric acid increased. Loss of amino acids and protein is negligible. Hormone studies showed a decrease of T3, T4 and TSH though the pituitary-thyroid axis is intact, possibly indicating a decreased TRH activity. Vitamin D remained unchanged, PTH levels increased, possibly related to a diminished excretion of phosphate and diminished intake of calcium, respectively, during hemofiltration treatment as compared to hemodialysis.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

Hemofiltration and plasma dopamine beta-hydroxylase activity.

Plasma dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity was studied in control patients (n = 70), in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (n = 79) and in patients on maintenance hemofiltration (n = 19). DBH activity was significantly lower in patients on hemodialysis (32.4 +/- 20.6 IU) and hemofiltration (32.8 +/- 29.7 IU) than in control individuals (50.0 +/- 29.3 IU). Sequential measurements of DBH in patients on maintenance hemofiltration failed to show a fall of plasma DBH with time. 7 patients were studied during one session of hemodialysis and one session of hemofiltration. External fluid balance was identical. The change of DBH during hemodialysis and hemofiltration was not significantly different. Such rise of DBH as occurs may entirely be accounted for by hemoconcentration.

Adult↗

[Haemofiltration in terminal renal failure (author's transl)].

The concentrations of low-molecular retention products rise during long-term haemodialysis, without any apparent side effects. The authors, having performed haemofiltration in 18 patients who had been on a chronic dialysis programme, conclude that haemofiltration is generally better tolerated than conventional haemodialysis. Haemofiltration benefitted the majority of dialysis-resistant hypertensives, and it also favourably influenced uraemic polyneuropathy. Indications for haemofiltration are thought to be dialysis-resistant hypertension, severe polyneuropathy, and dialysis intolerance.

Female↗

Evaluation of smoking-induced effects on sympathetic, hemodynamic and metabolic variables with respect to plasma nicotine and COHb levels.

The effect of smoking cigarettes containing 1.5 mg and 0.08 mg nicotine per cigarette and of sham-smoking was studied in six healthy habitual smokers. Levels of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and plasma nicotine were measured simultaneously with hemodynamic variables, such as heart rate and blood pressure, and with the metabolic parameters, plasma DBH, cortisol, blood glucose, lactate and free fatty acids. All variables, with the exception of COHb are dose related to plasma nicotine levels. Blood pressure, heart rate and lactate show simultaneous peaks together with maximal nicotine levels, while DBH and cortisol, blood glucose and free fatty acids show a delayed reaction compared to nicotine concentrations. No effects of COHb, even with levels up to 5.6 +/- 0.5% have been observed on the variables investigated. These results demonstrate, that it is nicotine which induces considerable hemodynamic and metabolic alterations after smoking.

Adult↗

Haemofiltration - critical evaluation of clinical benefits.

To delineate the worth of chronic HF in end stage renal failure, since 1976 we have treated 9 patients with dialysis-resistant hypertension, 6 patients with dialysis intolerance, 7 patients with hypertriglyceridaemia and 7 patients with polyneuropathy. We found an improvement of polyneuropathy and volume-sodium dependent hypertension and symptoms of dialysis discomfort markedly diminished. No amelioration was detected in anaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and volume-independent hypertension. Hyperphosphataemia was poorly controlled despite increased amounts of aluminium hydroxide. PTH values increased and renal osteopathy seemed to deteriorate.

Acidosis↗