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Study of hexose transport, glycerol phosphate shuttle and Krebs cycle in islets of adult rats injected with streptozotocin during the neonatal period.

At 3-4 degrees C, the transport of 3-O-methyl-D-glucose (30 mM) was severely impaired in islets prepared from adult rats injected with streptozotocin during the neonatal period. However, at 37 degrees C, the first and second phase of glucose-stimulated insulin release were decreased to the same relative extent in perifused islets of diabetic, as compared to control, animals. Moreover, the time-related increase in the oxidative response of the islets to 16.7 mM D-glucose was less pronounced in diabetic than control rats. The activity of the mitochondrial FAD-linked glycerophosphate dehydrogenase in islet homogenates of diabetic rats only represented one-fifth of that found in control rats, whereas the activity of the cytosolic NAD-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase was comparable in both types of rats. This coincided with the fact that a rise in D-glucose concentration from 2.8 to 16.7 mM failed to increase significantly L-[2-3H]glycerol conversion to 3HOH in islets from diabetic rats, in contrast to the situation found in control animals. The activity of 2-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase in islet homogenates when expressed per microgram protein was not different in control and diabetic rats. Likewise, the ratio between D-[6-14C]glucose oxidation and D-[3,4-14C]glucose oxidation and the capacity of either a non-metabolized analog of L-leucine or 3-phenylpyruvate to preferentially stimulated D-[6-14C]glucose oxidation relative to D-[5-3H]glucose utilization were both unaffected in islets from diabetic rats. These findings argue against the existence of a primary defect in the Krebs cycle of diabetic rats. It is proposed that, despite an obvious alteration of the hexose transport system in the islet cells of diabetic rats, the preferential impairment of the B-cell secretory response to D-glucose, as distinct from other secretagogues, in this model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes is mainly attributable to the low activity of FAD-linked glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, resulting in a decreased metabolic flow through the glycerol phosphate shuttle and a reduced rate of aerobic glycolysis.

3-O-Methylglucose↗

The effect of heparin on osteoblast differentiation and activity in primary cultures of bovine aortic smooth muscle cells.

Recent studies have suggested that aortic smooth muscle cells undergo a phenotypic transition into osteoblast-like cells and mineralize when cultured in the presence of beta-glycerophosphate. Since we had previously demonstrated that heparin could inhibit osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in primary cultures of murine calvaria cells, we were interested in determining if heparin would have a similar effect when primary aortic smooth muscle cells were cultured in the presence of beta-glycerophosphate. The effect of heparin and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on osteoblast differentiation and activity was therefore examined in primary cultures of bovine aortic smooth muscle cells (BASMC) over a 14-day period. Here, we report that BASMC differentiate into osteoblast-like cells when cultured in the presence of beta-glycerophosphate. Moreover, we report that heparin not only inhibits this process but that it also inhibits the ability of BASMC to mineralize as well. Importantly, these effects were found not to be dependent upon heparins' anticoagulant activity since unfractionated heparin and heparins with low anti-thrombin III affinities inhibited the mineralization process equally well. Sulfation, however, was found to be a major determinant of heparins ability to inhibit BASMC mineralization since neither dermatan sulfate nor N-desulfated heparin were able to demonstrate an effect. We conclude that BASMC cultures can undergo a phenotypic transition into mature osteoblasts and that both the differentiation process and their ability to mineralize are inhibited by heparin.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Effects of iron salts in sucrose on dental caries and plaque in rats.

Anaemia caused by iron deficiency and dental caries are still among the most prevalent diseases in some developing countries. Anaemia can be prevented by iron fortification of food. Previous studies demonstrated that iron-sucrose, which has been used for prevention of anaemia, reduces the incidence of caries in rats. The aim of the present study was to compare the influence of ferrous sulphate and ferric glycerophosphate co-crystallized with sucrose on the incidence of dental caries in rats. Forty-eight desalivated rats were caged in a programmed feeder and received their essential nutrition by gavage. The animals were fed 17 meals per day at hourly intervals of 88 parts/10(6) Fe++ or Fe co-crystallized with sucrose. Plain sucrose and calcium glycerophosphate with sucrose were used as control groups. Both ferric- and ferrous-sucrose meals reduced the incidence of smooth-surface and sulcal caries in rats. Stain formation, organic acid production and acidogenic activity of dental plaque in animals receiving iron-sucrose meals were also investigated. Ferric glycerophosphate did not induce extrinsic staining on the tooth surface. The concentration of organic acids did not differ significantly among the groups. The acidogenic activity of plaque in animals receiving either of the iron-sucrose meals tended to be lower than that of the control groups. The possibility that iron-sucrose might reduce the prevalence of two major public health problems, dental caries and anaemia, makes this preventive approach extremely attractive for additional investigation.

Acids↗

Neuronal outgrowth and rescue induced by cyclic phosphates in PC12 cells.

A series of cyclic glycerophosphates and their deoxy analogues were tested for induction of neuronal outgrowth in PC12 cells. Under chronic presence of a cyclic phosphate PC12 cells developed distinct isles of neuronal networks which covered up to 20% of the culture area, while alpha and beta glycerophosphates (the negative control compounds) did not induce any neuronal outgrowth. Distinct isles of neuronal networks were also observed upon short term application (i.e. 2 pulses of 3 hours each at day 1 and day 4) of the tested cyclic phosphates in contrast to an analogous short term exposure to NGF which was abortive. Analysis of tyrosine phosphorylation indicated a battery of phosphorylated proteins after several minutes of application of the cyclic phosphates, among which was an ERK protein of approximately 63 kD (possibly ERK7). Nerve rescue experiments were carried out with NGF differentiated PC12 cells where NGF was replaced with either 1,2 or 1,3 cyclic propanediolphosphate (1,2 cPP and 1,3 cPP) for 7 days. A distinct dose dependent preservation of neuronal network by these compounds was observed. In the control cultures NGF deprivation resulted in massive neuronal retraction and cell death. Preliminary experiments indicated that the nerve rescue by the cyclic phosphates involves the increase in the level of CASPase 6. The above findings suggest that cyclic glycerophosphates and their analogues may bear important physiological and pharmacological implications which are currently under investigation.

Animals↗

Subcloning of three osteoblastic cell lines with distinct differentiation phenotypes from the mouse osteoblastic cell line KS-4.

Three distinct osteoblastic cell lines (KS418, KS460, and KS483) were subcloned from the mouse osteoblastic KS-4 cells, which possessed the abilities not only to differentiate into mature osteoblasts, but also to support osteoclast differentiation in coculture with spleen cells. The order of the magnitude of the basal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was KS483 > KS418 > KS460. KS483 cells were also more differentiated than KS418 and KS460 in terms of ALP activity and osteocalcin production, when cultured in growth medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. In long-term culture, KS418 and KS483 apparently differentiated into mature osteoblasts and formed calcified nodules without addition of beta-glycerophosphate. Electron microscopic analysis demonstrated that calcification occurring in the nodules was initiated in the matrix vesicles as observed in bone formation in vivo. Nodule formation and mineral deposition occurred simultaneously in the presence of beta-glycerophosphate, but the former always preceded the latter without addition of beta-glycerophosphate. In contrast, KS460 cells did not show time-dependent increases of ALP activity, type I collagen expression and osteocalcin production, which were induced by treatment with recombinant osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1). The three cell lines similarly supported osteoclast differentiation in coculture with spleen cells in response to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. These results indicate that the three cell lines subcloned from the original KS-4 cells represent phenotypically distinct osteoblasts during osteoblast differentiation, but are equipped similarly with the capacity to support osteoclast differentiation. The subcloned cells of the KS-4 series may provide useful systems in which to study osteoblast differentiation and function.

Actins↗

Changes in the concentrations of hepatic metabolites on administration of dihydroxyacetone or glycerol to starved rats and their relationship to the control of ketogenesis.

1. Glycerol and dihydroxyacetone, both antiketogenic and readily metabolized, but differing in their effects on the redox state of the hepatic NAD couples, were given to starved rats and the contents of metabolites were measured in freezeclamped liver and in the blood. The object was to study the effects of changes in the redox state and of the availability of oxidizable substrates on the rate of ketone-body formation. 2. Intramuscular administration of dihydroxyacetone, glycerol or glucose to starved rats decreased the concentrations of acetoacetate and 3-hydroxybutyrate in the blood by 70-80% within 60min., whereas there was no major change in the free fatty acid concentration. 3. Dihydroxyacetone, but not glucose or glycerol, caused an immediate and sustained twofold increase in the blood lactate concentration. 4. Dihydroxyacetone and glycerol caused a rapid fall in the hepatic concentrations of ketone bodies, dihydroxyacetone being more effective. 5. This decrease was not accompanied by significant changes in the concentrations of acetyl-CoA, long-chain acyl-CoA or free CoA. 6. The hepatic glycerophosphate concentration rose about 40-fold on administration of glycerol, whereas with dihydroxyacetone the increase was only about 50%. The large increase in glycerophosphate concentration after administration of glycerol was completely prevented by pretreatment of the rats with tri-iodothyronine. Triiodothyronine-treated rats showed the same decrease in ketone-body concentrations after administration of glycerol as the untreated rats. 7. Glycerol and dihydroxyacetone caused an increase in the hepatic lactate concentration; the pyruvate concentration rose only after injection of dihydroxyacetone. 8. Both compounds increased liver glycogen. 9. Calculation of the [free NAD(+)]/[free NADH] ratios indicated that dihydroxyacetone increased the ratio in cytoplasm and mitochondria, whereas glycerol caused a prompt fall in both compartments, followed at 10min. by a slight rise in the mitochondrial compartment. 10. Dihydroxyacetone did not alter the hepatic content of ATP. 11. The findings suggest that the main reason for the antiketogenic effect of glycerol and dihydroxyacetone was a consequence of their ready metabolism and the provision of an increased supply of C(3) intermediates for conversion into oxaloacetate. Under the test conditions, neither the hepatic content of alpha-glycerophosphate nor the redox state of the NAD couples appeared to play a major role in the regulation of ketogenesis.

Acetoacetates↗

The mechanism of intestinal absorption of phosphatidylcholine in rats.

1. The mechanism of absorption of phosphatidylcholine was studied in rats by injecting into the intestine phosphatidylcholine specifically labelled either in the fatty acid or in the glycerol moiety or with (32)P, when considerable amounts of 1-acyl-lysophosphatidylcholine were found in the intestinal lumen. 2-([(14)C]Acyl)phosphatidylcholine gave markedly more radioactive unesterified fatty acids in the lumen, compared with the 1-([(14)C]acyl) derivative. Some of the radioactivity from either the fatty acid or the glycerol moiety of the injected phosphatidylcholine appeared in the mucosal triacylglycerols. 2. Injection of (32)P-labelled phosphatidylcholine or (32)P-labelled lysophosphatidylcholine led to the appearance of radioactive glycerylphosphorylcholine, glycerophosphate and P(i) in the mucosa. 3. Rat mucosa was found to contain a highly active glycerylphosphorylcholine diesterase. 4. It was concluded that the dietary phosphatidylcholine is hydrolysed in the intestinal lumen by the pancreatic phospholipase A to 1-acylglycerylphosphorylcholine, which on entering the mucosal cell is partly reacylated to phosphatidylcholine, and the rest is further hydrolysed to glycerylphosphorylcholine, glycerophosphate, glycerol and P(i). The fatty acids and glycerophosphate are then reassembled to give triacylglycerols via the Kennedy (1961) pathway.

Animals↗

Structural equivalents of latency for lysosome hydrolases.

1. Structure-linked latency, a trait for most lysosome hydrolase activities, is customarily ascribed to the permeability-barrier function performed by the particle-limiting membrane, which shields enzyme sites from externally added substrates. 2. The influence of various substrate concentrations on the reaction rate has been measured for both free (non-latent) and total (completely unmasked by Triton X-100) hydrolase activities in rat liver cell-free preparations. The substrates were: beta-glycerophosphate, phenolphthalein mono-beta-glucuronide. p-nitrophenyl N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminide and p-nitrophenyl beta-D-galactopyranoside. The ratio (free activity/total activity) X 100 is called fractional free activity at any given substrate concentration. 3. The fractional free activity of beta-glucuronidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase were clearly independent of substrate concentration, over the range examined, in both homogenates and lysosome-rich fractions. The fractional free activity of acid phosphatase appeared to be either unaffected (homogenate) or even depressed (lysosome-rich fraction) by increasing the beta-glycerophosphate concentration. The fractional free activity of beta-galactosidase consistently showed a non-linear increase with increasing substrate concentration in both homogenates and lysosome-rich fractions. 4. Procedures such as treatment with digitonin, hypo-osmotic shock and acid autolysis, although effective in causing varying degrees of resolution of the latency of lysosome hydrolase activities, were unable to modify appreciably the pattern of dependence or independence of their fractional free activities on substrate concentration, as compared with that exhibited by control preparations. Ouabain did not affect the free beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity of liver homogenates at all. 5. Preincubation of control preparations with beta-glycerophosphate or p-nitrophenyl beta-galactoside did not result in any significant stimulation of the free hydrolytic activity toward these substrates. 6. The results consistently support the view that the membrane of "intact" lysosomes is virtually impermeable to all the substrates tested, except for p-nitrophenyl beta-galactoside, for which the evidence is contradictory. Moreover the progressive unmasking of the hydrolase activities produced by these procedures in vitro reflects the increasing proportion of enzyme sites that are fully accessible to their substrates rather than a graded increase in the permeability of the lysosomal membrane.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

A distinct difference in the metabolic stimulus-response coupling pathways for regulating proinsulin biosynthesis and insulin secretion that lies at the level of a requirement for fatty acyl moieties.

The regulation of proinsulin biosynthesis in pancreatic beta-cells is vital for maintaining optimal insulin stores for glucose-induced insulin release. The majority of nutrient fuels that induce insulin release also stimulate proinsulin biosynthesis, but since insulin exocytosis and proinsulin synthesis involve different cellular mechanisms, a point of divergence in the respective metabolic stimulus-response coupling pathways must exist. A parallel examination of the metabolic regulation of proinsulin biosynthesis and insulin secretion was undertaken in the same beta-cells. In MIN6 cells, glucose-induced proinsulin biosynthesis and insulin release shared a requirement for glycolysis to generate stimulus-coupling signals. Pyruvate stimulated both proinsulin synthesis (threshold 0.13-0.2 mM) and insulin release (threshold 0.2-0.3 mM) in MIN6 cells, which was eliminated by an inhibitor of pyruvate transport (1 mM alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate). A combination of alpha-oxoisohexanoate and glutamine also stimulated proinsulin biosynthesis and insulin release in MIN6 cells, which, together with the effect of pyruvate, indicated that anaplerosis was necessary for instigating secondary metabolic stimulus-coupling signals in the beta-cell. A consequence of increased anaplerosis in beta-cells is a marked increase in malonyl-CoA, which in turn inhibits beta-oxidation and elevates cytosolic fatty acyl-CoA levels. In the beta-cell, long-chain fatty acyl moieties have been strongly implicated as metabolic stimulus-coupling signals for regulating insulin exocytosis. Indeed, it was found in MIN6 cells and isolated rat pancreatic islets that exogenous oleate, palmitate and 2-bromopalmitate all markedly potentiated glucose-induced insulin release. However, in the very same beta-cells, these fatty acids in contrast inhibited glucose-induced proinsulin biosynthesis. This implies that neither fatty acyl moieties nor beta-oxidation are required for the metabolic stimulus-response coupling pathway specific for proinsulin biosynthesis, and represent an early point of divergence of the two signalling pathways for metabolic regulation of proinsulin biosynthesis and insulin release. Therefore alternative metabolic stimulus-coupling factors for the specific control of proinsulin biosynthesis at the translational level were considered. One possibility examined was an increase in glycerophosphate shuttle activity and change in cytosolic redox state of the beta-cell, as reflected by changes in the ratio of alpha-glycerophosphate to dihydroxyacetone phosphate. Although 16.7 mM glucose produced a significant rise in the alpha-glycerophosphate/dihydroxyacetone phosphate ratio, 1 mM pyruvate did not. It follows that the cytosolic redox state and fatty acyl moieties are not necessarily involved as secondary metabolic stimulus-coupling factors for regulation of proinsulin biosynthesis. However, the results indicate that glycolysis and the subsequent increase in anaplerosis are indeed necessary for this signalling pathway, and therefore an extramitochondrial product of beta-cell pyruvate metabolism (that is upstream of the increased cytosolic fatty acyl-CoA) acts as a key intracellular secondary signal for specific control of proinsulin biosynthesis by glucose at the level of translation.

Animals↗

Sites of inhibition of mitochondrial electron transport in macrophage-injured neoplastic cells.

Previous work has shown that injury of neoplastic cells by cytotoxic macrophages (CM) in cell culture is accompanied by inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. We have investigated the nature of this inhibition by studying mitochondrial respiration in CM-injured leukemia L1210 cells permeabilized with digitonin. CM-induced injury affects the mitochondrial respiratory chain proper. Complex I (NADH-coenzyme Q reductase) and complex II (succinate-coenzyme Q reductase) are markedly inhibited. In addition a minor inhibition of cytochrome oxidase was found. Electron transport from alpha-glycerophosphate through the respiratory chain to oxygen is unaffected and permeabilized CM-injured L1210 cells oxidizing this substrate exhibit acceptor control. However, glycerophosphate shuttle activity was found not to occur within CM-injured or uninjured L1210 cells in culture hence, alpha-glycerophosphate is apparently unavailable for mitochondrial oxidation in the intact cell. It is concluded that the failure of respiration of intact neoplastic cells injured by CM is caused by the nearly complete inhibition of complexes I and II of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. The time courses of CM-induced electron transport inhibition and arrest of L1210 cell division are examined and the possible relationship between these phenomena is discussed.

Animals↗

Effects of adrenomedullin, C-type natriuretic peptide, and parathyroid hormone-related peptide on calcification in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells.

To clarify the regulating mechanism of vascular calcification, the investigators observed the effects of three vasoactive peptides, adrenomedullin (ADM), C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), and parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) on calcification in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Beta-glycerophosphate stimulated growth and calcification in VSMCs. Adrenomedullin and CNP lowered beta-glycerophosphate-induced increase in VSMC growth. All three vasoactive peptides attenuated the increases of 45Ca accumulation, calcium content, and alkaline phosphatase activity in calcified VSMCs. As for comparing the inhibitory effects, the strongest was PTHrP. Both ADM and PTHrP increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) content in calcified VSMCs, but CNP upregulated cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) content. The PKA inhibitor PKAI completely reversed the inhibition of ADM on cell growth and all inhibitory effects of PTHrP on the parameters of calcification. The PKG inhibitor H8, however, strongly antagonized all the inhibitory effects of CNP on calcification. These data suggested that beta-glycerophosphate-induced calcification in VSMCs was inhibited by ADM, CNP, and PTHrP. Adrenomedullin and PTHrP inhibited VSMC calcification partially through the cAMP/PKA pathway, whereas CNP inhibited VSMC calcification through the cGMP/PKG pathway. This study could be of help in understanding the pathogenesis of vascular calcification, and providing new target for clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases associated with vascular calcification.

Adrenomedullin↗

Isomalto-oligosaccharide-containing lipoteichoic acid of Streptococcus sanguis. Basic structure.

The lipoteichoic acid of Streptococcus sanguis DSM 20567 and of DSM 20068 was isolated by phenol/water extraction and hydrophobic-interaction chromatography. The preparations from both strains have an identical structure: a 1,3-linked poly(glycerophosphate) chain phosphodiester-linked to Glc-(alpha 1-2)Glc(alpha 1-3)acyl2Gro as the lipid anchor. The chain is substituted with D-alanine ester and glycosyl residues which comprise mono-, di-, tri- and tetra-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl residues with (1-6) interglycosidic linkages. The glycosylglycerols were released with 48% (by mass) hydrofluoric acid, separated and characterized by a combination of chemical procedures and modern techniques of 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. The alpha-isomalto-oligosaccharides add a novel motif to lipoteichoic-acid chain substituents. 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy also provided a detailed picture of the basic glycosylated poly(1,3-glycerophosphate) diglucosylglycerol. It proved a single unbranched chain structure, provided evidence for the chain length, the extent of glycosylation, the structure of the lipid anchor and the site of attachment of the poly(glycerophosphate) chain on the lipid anchor. Owing to its unique glycosyl substituents the lipoteichoic acid may serve as a taxonomic marker for the redefined species S. sanguis (formerly S. sanguis type I).

Carbohydrate Sequence↗

Isomalto-oligosaccharide-containing lipoteichoic acid of Streptococcus sanguis. Microheterogeneity and distribution of chain substituents.

The lipoteichoic acid of Streptococcus sanguis DSM 20567 contains a poly(glycerophosphate) chain, with 49% of the glycerophosphate residues being substituted with D-alanine ester, 35% with alpha-D-glucopyranosyl and alpha-isomalto-oligosaccharide residues. Analysis of molecular species by affinity chromatography on concanavalin A showed all chains to be substituted and alanine ester and glycosyl residues to be present on the same rather than on separate chains. Molecular species varied in the length of the poly(glycerophosphate) chain, the extent of glycosylation, and had a constant alanine-ester content. An alkali-hydrolysis procedure revealed a distribution pattern between random and regular for the glycosyl substituents and suggested a similar distribution for the alanyl residues which occupy the free positions between the glycosyl substituents.

Chromatography, Affinity↗

Role of glycerol permeation in the bloodstream form of Trypanosoma brucei.

Under aerobic conditions, we have determined glycerol uptake in the long slender (LS) bloodstream form of Trypanosoma (Trypanozoon) brucei brucei by studying glycerophosphate accumulation in the parasites. The coupled enzyme theory applies to the permeation-phosphorylation sequence. Glycerol passage through the plasma membrane is asymmetric, the efflux process being favored over the influx process. No free diffusion of glycerol can be detected even under conditions under which free glycerol accumulates within the cells; most probably, glycerol permeation is mediated by a specific transport system. In the absence of respiratory activities, glycerol is known to be an end-product of T. brucei glycolysis; its production from glycerophosphate should allow ATP synthesis. The observed efflux of free glycerol following intracellular accumulation of glycerophosphate confirms the hypothesis that glycerol production occurs through reversal of glycerol kinase activity. We conclude that in vivo the role of the carrier-mediated asymmetric permeation process is to prevent inhibition of the reversal of the glycerol kinase-mediated reaction by removing free glycerol.

Anaerobiosis↗

Effect of alanine ester substitution and other structural features of lipoteichoic acids on their inhibitory activity against autolysins of Staphylococcus aureus.

Native substitution with the D-alanine ester of lipoteichoic acids (LTAs) affects their immunological properties, the capacity to bind divalent cations, and LTA carrier activity. In this study we tested the influence of the D-alanine ester on anti-autolytic activity, using extracellular autolysin from Staphylococcus aureus and nine LTAs with alanine/phosphorus molar ratios of between 0.23 and 0.71. The inhibitory activity, highest with alanine-free LTA, exponentially decreased with increasing alanine content, approaching zero at substitutions of greater than 0.6. Correspondingly, dipolar ionic phospholipids were not inhibitory, in contrast to negatively charged ones. Glycosylation of LTA up to an extent of 0.5 did not depress inhibitory activity, and even at a degree of 0.8 the effect was comparatively small. On comparison of LTAs from various sources, differences in lipid structures and chain lengths were without effect. The inhibitory activity drastically decreased when the glycolipid carried a single glycerophosphate residue or the hydrophilic chain had the unusual structure [6 leads to Gal(alpha 1--6)Gal(alpha 1--3)Gro-(2 comes from 1 alpha Gal)-P]n, in which digalactosyl moieties connect the alpha-galactosylated glycerophosphate units. Principally, the same results were obtained with the more complex system of autolysis of S. aureus cells. We hypothesize that the anti-autolytic activity of LTA resides in a sequence of glycerophosphate units and that the negative charges of appropriately spaced phosphodiester groups play a crucial role. The alanine ester effect is discussed with respect to the putative in vivo regulation of autolysins by LTA.

Alanine↗

Nature of a red cell sensitizing substance from streptococci.

Jackson, Robert W. (Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind.), and Merwin Moskowitz. Nature of a red cell sensitizing substance from streptococci. J. Bacteriol. 91:2205-2209. 1966.-A method for purifying a streptococcal antigen which sensitizes red cells to agglutination by antiserum is described. The antigen, when purified by this method, is almost exclusively composed of glycerophosphate and d-alanine. The ratio of alanine to glycerophosphate varies from 1:5 to 1:3. The glycerophosphate is polymerized and is thus a teichoic acid. The polyglycerophosphate appears to be the antigenic determinant for agglutination. d-Alanine is readily removed by mild base and appears to be necessary for the attachment of the teichoic acid to red cells. Quantitative removal of alanine does not affect the ability of the polymer to absorb antibody from serum.

Alanine↗

Phospholipids and glycolipids of sterol-requiring Mycoplasma.

The phospholipids of Mycoplasma hominis type 2 strain 07 are composed almost entirely of phosphatidyl glycerol. Traces of other glycerophospholipids may exist. No glycolipids are found. The phospholipids of Mycoplasma sp. avian strain J are composed of diphosphatidyl glycerol, which predominates in older cultures, a monoacyl glycerophosphoryl glycerophosphate, which may serve as a precursor of diphosphatidyl glycerol, and phosphatidyl glycerophosphate. This organism also contains cholesteryl glucoside and an unidentified glycolipid which appears to be similar to a monoglucosyl diglyceride. No turnover or radioisotope labeling of the phospholipids occurs during metabolism. This lack of turnover during growth is indicative of a structural role for these glycerophospholipids. A concomitant decrease of monoacyl glycerophosphoryl glycerophosphate and increase of diphosphatidyl glycerol occurs during growth.

Fatty Acids↗

MR colonography: optimized enema composition.

Manganese chloride, iron glycerophosphate, and cellulose additive were assessed as base materials for use in a T1-shortening single contrast enema for magnetic resonance (MR) colonography. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were compared to those with the standard 10 mmol/L gadolinium-based enema. On T1-weighted three-dimensional gradient-recalled-echo images, CNRs with the iron glycerophosphate enema exceeded those with the manganese- and gadolinium-based enemas. Use of an additive of 0.8% wt/wt cellulose was found to be practicable as it increased viscosity sufficiently without altering CNR. The gadolinium-based enema can be replaced with an iron glycerophosphate enema to render MR colonography less costly.

Adult↗