Values For ADP Research Articles

Assessment arch dimensions in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate treated surgically by Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty protocol

Objectives: The present study aimed to analyze the outcomes of Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty techniques and to know the effect of this technique on arch dimensions and also to compare these outcomes with the ordinary technique (pushback technique) and with the control group. Materials and Methods: There are two treatment groups and one control group. Forty-two (20 males and 22 females) patients as a total number of the sample with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) children were included in this study, 1st group (10 males and 14 females) those treated with Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty performed at the age of 10 weeks repair of the lip, at 10 months closure of soft palate followed by construction of obturator done by an orthodontist, at 6 years of patient`s age a closure of hard palate, 2nd group (10 males and 8 females) treated with pushback technique. Criteria for selecting patients (two treatment groups), those without systemic diseases, cerebral disabilities, or any syndromes. The 3rd group consists of 20 healthy children (10 males and 10 females) those free from systemic diseases, aged 9–10 years old, free from oral habits and with limited or no crowding of teeth. Impressions of the upper arch of the patients were taken and the study model was poured at ages 9–10 years. Measurements include anterior arch width (ARW) or intercanine distance, posterior arch width (PAW) or intermolar distance, and arch depth (Adp). Statistical analysis; after collecting the data SPSS software program (version no. 21 Chicago, Illinois, USA) used for analysis, P ≤ 0.05 will be considered as statistically significant. The data were analyzed for their normal distribution, and a comparison of dental arch dimensions between genders and between the two techniques of surgical repair was tested by independent t-test of samples. Results: Significant larger mean values for arch measurements ARW and Adp for males and Adp for females than with the pushback technique. This is related to the growth pattern that occurred without surgical intervention. Conclusion: An improvement in surgical outcomes, and the patients with UCLP treated with Z-plasty technique, revealed an increase in the mean values of arch measurements (anterior and PAW and Adp) for both genders when compared to the pushback technique, but less than that of healthy non-cleft children.

Characterization of the Catalytic and Nucleotide Binding Properties of the α-Kinase Domain of Dictyostelium Myosin-II Heavy Chain Kinase A

The α-kinases are a widely expressed family of serine/threonine protein kinases that exhibit no sequence identity with conventional eukaryotic protein kinases. In this report, we provide new information on the catalytic properties of the α-kinase domain of Dictyostelium myosin-II heavy chain kinase-A (termed A-CAT). Crystallization of A-CAT in the presence of MgATP yielded structures with AMP or adenosine in the catalytic cleft together with a phosphorylated Asp-766 residue. The results show that the β- and α-phosphoryl groups are transferred either directly or indirectly to the catalytically essential Asp-766. Biochemical assays confirmed that A-CAT hydrolyzed ATP, ADP, and AMP with kcat values of 1.9, 0.6, and 0.32 min(-1), respectively, and showed that A-CAT can use ADP to phosphorylate peptides and proteins. Binding assays using fluorescent 2'/3'-O-(N-methylanthraniloyl) analogs of ATP and ADP yielded Kd values for ATP, ADP, AMP, and adenosine of 20 ± 3, 60 ± 20, 160 ± 60, and 45 ± 15 μM, respectively. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that Glu-713, Leu-716, and Lys-645, all of which interact with the adenine base, were critical for nucleotide binding. Mutation of the highly conserved Gln-758, which chelates a nucleotide-associated Mg(2+) ion, eliminated catalytic activity, whereas loss of the highly conserved Lys-722 and Arg-592 decreased kcat values for kinase and ATPase activities by 3-6-fold. Mutation of Asp-663 impaired kinase activity to a much greater extent than ATPase, indicating a specific role in peptide substrate binding, whereas mutation of Gln-768 doubled ATPase activity, suggesting that it may act to exclude water from the active site.

Exploring biochemical and functional features of Leishmania major phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase

This work reports the first functional characterization of leishmanial PEPCK. The recombinant Leishmania major enzyme (Lmj_PEPCK) exhibits equivalent kcat values for the phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and oxaloacetate (OAA) forming reactions. The apparent Km towards OAA is 10-fold lower than that for PEP, while the Km values for ADP and ATP are equivalent. Mutagenesis studies showed that D241, D242 and H205 of Lmj_PEPCK like the homologous residues of all known PEPCKs are implicated in metal ions binding. In contrast, the replacement of R43 for Q nearly abolishes Lmj_PEPCK activity. Moreover, the Y180F variant exhibits unchanged Km values for PEP, Mn2+, and HCO3−, being the kcat for PEP- but not that for OAA-forming reaction more notably decreased. Instead, the Y180A mutant displays an increase in the Km value towards Mn2+. Therefore in Lmj_PEPCK, Y180 seems to exert different functions to those of the analogous residue in ATP- and GTP-dependant enzymes. Besides, the guanidinium group of R43 appears to play an essential but yet unknown role. These findings promote the need for further structural studies to disclose whether Y180 and R43 participate in the catalytic mechanism or/and in the transitions between the open and the catalytically competent (closed) forms of Lmj_PEPCK

Kinetic characterization of arginine deiminase and carbamate kinase from Streptococcus pyogenes M49

Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus, GAS) is an important human pathogen causing mild superficial infections of skin and mucous membranes, but also life-threatening systemic diseases. S. pyogenes and other prokaryotic organisms use the arginine deiminase system (ADS) for survival in acidic environments. In this study, the arginine deiminase (AD), and carbamate kinase (CK) from S. pyogenes M49 strain 591 were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli DH5α, purified, and kinetically characterized. AD and CK from S. pyogenes M49 share high amino acid sequence similarity with the respective enzymes from Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis IL1403 (45.6% and 53.5% identical amino acids) and Enterococcus faecalis V583 (66.8% and 66.8% identical amino acids). We found that the arginine deiminase of S. pyogenes is not allosterically regulated by the intermediates and products of the arginine degradation (e.g., ATP, citrulline, carbamoyl phosphate). The Km and Vmax values for arginine were 1.13±0.12mM (mean±SD) and 1.51±0.07μmol/min/mg protein. The carbamate kinase is inhibited by ATP but unaffected by arginine and citrulline. The Km and Vmax values for ADP were 0.72±0.08mM and 1.10±0.10μmol/min/mg protein and the Km for carbamoyl phosphate was 0.65±0.07mM. The optimum pH and temperature for both enzymes were 6.5 and 37°C, respectively.

Inhibiting myosin-ATPase reveals a dynamic range of mitochondrial respiratory control in skeletal muscle.

Assessment of mitochondrial ADP-stimulated respiratory kinetics in PmFBs (permeabilized fibre bundles) is increasingly used in clinical diagnostic and basic research settings. However, estimates of the Km for ADP vary considerably (~20-300 μM) and tend to overestimate respiration at rest. Noting that PmFBs spontaneously contract during respiration experiments, we systematically determined the impact of contraction, temperature and oxygenation on ADP-stimulated respiratory kinetics. BLEB (blebbistatin), a myosin II ATPase inhibitor, blocked contraction under all conditions and yielded high Km values for ADP of >~250 and ~80 μM in red and white rat PmFBs respectively. In the absence of BLEB, PmFBs contracted and the Km for ADP decreased ~2-10-fold in a temperature-dependent manner. PmFBs were sensitive to hyperoxia (increased Km) in the absence of BLEB (contracted) at 30 °C but not 37 °C. In PmFBs from humans, contraction elicited high sensitivity to ADP (Km<100 μM), whereas blocking contraction (+BLEB) and including a phosphocreatine/creatine ratio of 2:1 to mimic the resting energetic state yielded a Km for ADP of ~1560 μM, consistent with estimates of in vivo resting respiratory rates of <1% maximum. These results demonstrate that the sensitivity of muscle to ADP varies over a wide range in relation to contractile state and cellular energy charge, providing evidence that enzymatic coupling of energy transfer within skeletal muscle becomes more efficient in the working state.

Paracoccus denitrificans proton-translocating ATPase: Kinetics of oxidative phosphorylation

The initial rates of ATP synthesis catalyzed by tightly coupled Paracoccus denitrificans plasma membrane were measured. The reaction rate was hyperbolically dependent on the substrates, ADP and inorganic phosphate (P(i)). Apparent K(m) values for ADP and P(i) were 7-11 and 60-120 µM, respectively, at saturating concentration of the second substrate (pH 8.0, saturating Mg²(+)). These values were dependent on coupling efficiency. The substrate binding in the ATP synthesis reaction proceeds randomly: K(m) value for a given substrate was independent of the concentration of the other one. A decrease of electrochemical proton gradient by the addition of malonate (when succinate served as the respiratory substrate) or by a decrease of steady-state level of NADH (when NADH served as the respiratory substrate) resulted in a proportional decrease of the maximal rates and apparent K(m) values for ADP and P(i) (double substitution, ping-pong mechanism). The kinetic scheme for ATP synthesis was compared with that described previously for the proton-translocating ATP hydrolysis catalyzed by the same enzyme preparation (T. V. Zharova and A. D. Vinogradov (2006) Biochemistry, 45, 14552-14558).

Kinetics of oxidative phosphorylation catalyzed by inside-out plasma membrane vesicles of Paracoccus denitrificans

Coupled inside-out plasma membrane vesicles of Paracoccus denitrificans are capable of proton-motive force (pmf)-required, pmf-generating ATP hydrolysis [1]. The steady-state ATP hydrolysis, catalyzed by P. denitrificans FO·F1 (PFO·F1) proceeds via compulsory sequential mechanism where ADP leaves the enzyme–products (ADP and Pi) complex first followed by irreversible release of Pi [2]. Inasmuch operation of PFO·F1 ATPase (synthase) is macroscopically reversible it seems imperative to reconcile the steady-state kinetics of pmf-generating ATP hydrolysis with that of pmf-utilising ATP synthesis. To reach this goal the dependencies of the initial steadystate rates of oxidative phosphorylation on ADP and Pi concentrations and on pmf were measured. ATP synthesis rate showed simple hyperbolic dependence on either substrate (within the concentration ranges of 1.5–50 μM for ADP and 10–500 μM for Pi) with no mutual dependence of apparent Km values thus suggesting random formation of the enzyme–ADP·Pi complex. When the ‘third substrate’, pmf was varied by limitation of succinate or NADH oxidation rates an apparent ‘ping-pong’ mechanism was evident: a decrease of the maximal rates caused by a decrease of pmf resulted in proportional decrease of apparent Km values for either Pi or ADP. This pattern suggests that an irreversible step, presumably ATP formation at the enzyme active site, precedes the involvement of pmf in the overall reaction (likely at the product release step). Comparison of the steady-state kinetics of ATP hydrolysis [2] and synthesis shows that macroscopic reversibility of the PFO·F1 ATPase (synthase) reaction cannot be ascribed to operation of single microscopically reversible enzyme species. We propose that apparent equilibrium between any given pmf and intracellular (intramitochondrial) phosphoryl potential ([ATP]/[ADP]·[Pi]) is maintained by ‘futile cycle’ of ATP synthesis and hydrolysis catalyzed by kinetically (and structurally) distinct FO·F1 species. Supported by the Russian Foundation for Fundamental Research grant 08-04-00594.

X-ray structure and characterization of carbamate kinase from the human parasite Giardia lamblia.

Carbamate kinase catalyzes the reversible conversion of carbamoyl phosphate and ADP to ATP and ammonium carbamate, which is hydrolyzed to ammonia and carbonate. The three-dimensional structure of carbamate kinase from the human parasite Giardia lamblia (glCK) has been determined at 3 A resolution. The crystals belonged to the monoclinic space group P2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 69.77, b = 85.41, c = 102.1 A, beta = 106.8 degrees . The structure was refined to a final R factor of 0.227. The essentiality of glCK together with its absence in humans makes the enzyme an attractive candidate for anti-Giardia drug development. Steady-state kinetic rate constants have been determined. The k(cat) for ATP formation is 319 +/- 9 s(-1). The K(m) values for carbamoyl phosphate and ADP are 85 +/- 6 and 70 +/- 5 microM, respectively. The structure suggests that three invariant lysine residues (Lys131, Lys216 and Lys278) may be involved in the binding of substrates and phosphoryl transfer. The structure of glCK reveals that a glycerol molecule binds in the likely carbamoyl phosphate-binding site.

Membrane-bound acid pyrophosphatase from Sulfolobus tokodaii, a thermoacidophilic archaeon: heterologous expression of the gene and characterization of the product

Membranes of Sulfolobus tokodaii, a thermoacidophilic archaeon that grows optimally at pH 2-3, 75-80 degrees C, show the ability to hydrolyze PPi with an optimum pH of 2-3. This acid PPase is proposed to be a dolicholpyrophosphatase that participates in glycoprotein biosynthesis. In the present study, the archaeal membranes hydrolyzed isopentenylpyrophosphate and geranylpyrophosphate, compounds related to dolicholpyrophosphate, at pH 3. However, the dolicholpyrophosphate-binding antibiotic bacitracin failed to inhibit the acid PPase. To investigate further the function and structure of the acid PPase, the gene was cloned and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. The membranes from recombinant E. coli showed PPase activity with similar pH and temperature dependence, substrate specificity, and kinetic parameters to those reported for Sulfolobus membranes. The acid PPase was solubilized and purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from the recombinant E. coli. The purified enzyme showed similar K(m) values for PPi, ATP, and ADP to the membrane-bound enzyme. Lipids from the Sulfolobus membranes enhanced the activity to about threefold. Studies involving deletion mutants indicated that basic amino acids in the N-terminal (Arg2 and Lys3), as well as the residues (4th-69th) possibly twice-spanning the membrane, are essential for integration of the enzyme into membranes.

ATP Hydrolysis and Synthesis of a Rotary Motor V-ATPase from Thermus thermophilus

Vacuolar-type H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase) catalyzes ATP synthesis and hydrolysis coupled with proton translocation across membranes via a rotary motor mechanism. Here we report biochemical and biophysical catalytic properties of V-ATPase from Thermus thermophilus. ATP hydrolysis of V-ATPase was severely inhibited by entrapment of Mg-ADP in the catalytic site. In contrast, the enzyme was very active for ATP synthesis (approximately 70 s(-1)) with the K(m) values for ADP and phosphate being 4.7 +/- 0.5 and 460 +/- 30 microm, respectively. Single molecule observation showed V-ATPase rotated in a 120 degrees stepwise manner, and analysis of dwelling time allowed the binding rate constant k(on) for ATP to be estimated ( approximately 1.1 x 10(6) m(-1) s(-1)), which was much lower than the k(on) (= V(max)/K(m)) for ADP ( approximately 1.4 x 10(7) m(-1) s(-1)). The slower k(on)(ATP) than k(on)(ADP) and strong Mg-ADP inhibition may contribute to prevent wasteful consumption of ATP under in vivo conditions when the proton motive force collapses.

Abstract 2174: Increased Platelet Aggregability In Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Patients Is Improved By Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment

Background and aim: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for cerebrovascular diseases. One cause for them is an occlusive arterial thrombus triggered by local platelet activation. Whether OSA is an independent risk factor for increased platelet aggregability is unclear. Methods: We enrolled 124 patients with snoring or daytime sleepiness in whom 3% oxygen desaturation index (3%ODI), a principal marker of the severity of intermittent hypoxia and reoxygenation (IHR), was measured. We studied ex vivo ADP- and collagen-induced aggregation of platelet-rich plasma using an optical aggregometer. The agonist concentration giving half maximal aggregation was defined as the platelet-aggregation threshold index (PATI) value. Therefore, the lower PATI value implicates the higher aggregability. In 23 patients who underwent nasal CPAP, platelet aggregability was followed until 90 days. Results: There was a significant difference in the PATI value for ADP-induced aggregation between 66 patients with non-to-mild OSA (3%ODI≤15) (1.04±0.07 μM, mean±SE) and 58 patients with moderate-to-severe OSA(3%ODI&gt;15) (0.78±0.09 μM)(p=0.029). Multiple linear model revealed that 3%ODI strongly significantly contributed to the PATI values for ADP (p&lt;0.001) and collagen (p=0.0026) among the 59 subjects with a cardiovascular risk factor such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or hyperlipidemia. However, the percentage of time of arterial O2 saturation&lt;90% during sleep did not significantly contribute to the PATI values for ADP (p=0.21) and collagen (p=0.20). After initiation of nasal CPAP therapy, the PATI values for ADP-induced aggregation significantly worsened transiently on day 30 (p=0.035), and then it recovered and improved at day 90 and the PATI for collagen-induced aggregation improved at day 90 without the transient exacerbation. Conclusions: OSA patients had increased platelet aggregability. Severity of IHR more significantly contributed to platelet aggregation than total hypoxic time. Among OSA patients with conventional cardiovascular risk factors, the effects of IHR on the platelet aggregability was prominent. Nasal CPAP initially induced a transient hyperaggregable state of platelets, after which it continued to improve.

Gi‐coupled P2Y‐ADP receptor mediates GSK‐3 phosphorylation and β‐catenin nuclear translocation in granule neurons

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a multifaceted enzyme involved in development, neurogenesis, and survival at the CNS. We investigated nucleotides signaling to GSK-3 in cerebellar granule neurons and found that the metabotropic agonist 2-methyl-thio-ADP (2MeSADP) was able to induce GSK-3 phosphorylation and inhibition of its catalytic activity. 2MeSADP could be acting through several P2Y-ADP receptors expressed in granule neurons, as RT-PCR expression was found for P2Y(1), P2Y(12), and P2Y(13) receptors, but the pharmacological data fitted well with a Gi-coupled P2Y(13) receptor: the effect was sensitive to pertussis toxin, was unaffected by specific antagonists of P2Y(1) and P2Y(12) receptors, such as 2'-deoxy-N(6)-methyl-adenosine 3',5'-diphosphate and 2-methyl-thio-AMP, respectively, and the EC(50) values for 2MeSADP and ADP were in the same low nanomolar range. 2MeSADP was able to phosphorylate and activate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1,2 and Akt proteins, but its effect on GSK-3 phosphorylation was primarily dependent on the phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase (PI3-K)/Akt pathway, as it was abolished by the PI3-K inhibitor wortmannin. GSK-3 inactivation by 2MeSADP in granule neurons resulted in nuclear translocation of its substrate beta-catenin, which functions as a transcriptional regulator, this effect being lost with wortmaninn. The present study first describes the coupling of a Gi-coupled P2Y(13)-like receptor to GSK-3 and beta-catenin through PI3-K/Akt signaling.

Fluorescence Quenching by Nucleotides of the Plasma Membrane H+-ATPase from Kluyveromyces lactis

The yeast plasma membrane H+-ATPase isolation procedure was improved; a highly pure enzyme (90-95%) was obtained after centrifugation on a trehalose concentration gradient. H+-ATPase kinetics was slightly cooperative: Hill number = 1.5, S0.5 = 800 microM ATP, and turnover number = 36 s-1. In contrast to those of other P-type ATPases, H+-ATPase fluorescence was highly sensitive to nucleotide binding; the fluorescence decreased 60% in the presence of both 5 mM ADP and AMP-PNP. Fluorescence titration with nucleotides allowed calculation of dissociation constants (Kd) from the binding site; Kd values for ATP and ADP were 700 and 800 microM, respectively. On the basis of amino acid sequence and homology model analysis, we propose that binding of the nucleotide to the N-domain is coupled to the movement of a loop beta structure and to the exposure of the Trp505 residue located in the loop. The recombinant N-domain also displayed a large hyperbolic fluorescence quenching when ATP binds; however, it displayed a higher affinity for ATP (Kd = 100 microM). We propose for P-type ATPases that structural movements during nucleotide binding could be followed if a Trp residue is properly located in the N-domain. Further, we propose the use of trehalose in enzyme purification protocols to increase the purity and quality of the isolated protein and to perform structural studies.

Studies of nucleotide binding to the catalytic sites of Escherichia coli betaY331W-F1-ATPase using fluorescence quenching.

Most studies of nucleotide binding to catalytic sites of Escherichia coli betaY331W-F(1)-ATPase by the quenching of the betaY331W fluorescence have been conducted in the presence of approximately 20 mM sulfate. We find that, in the absence of sulfate, the nucleotide concentration dependence of fluorescence quenching induced by ADP, ATP, and MgADP is biphasic, revealing two classes of binding sites, each contributing about equally to the overall extent of quenching. For the high-affinity catalytic site, the K(d) values for MgADP, ADP, and ATP equal 10, 43, and 185 nM, respectively. For the second class of sites, the K(d) values for these ligands are approximately 1,000x larger at 8.1, 37, and 200 microM, respectively. The presence of sulfate or phosphate during assay results in a marked increase in the apparent K(d) values for the high-affinity catalytic site. The results show, contrary to earlier reports, that Mg(2+) is not required for expression of different affinities for a nucleotide by the three catalytic sites. In addition, they demonstrate that the fluorescence of the introduced tryptophans is nearly completely quenched when only two sites bind nucleotide. Binding of ADP to the third site with a K(d) near mM gives little fluorescence change. Many previous results of fluorescence quenching of introduced tryptophans appear to require reinterpretation. Our findings support a bi-site catalytic mechanism for F(1)-ATPase.

Kinetic characterization of ATP diphosphohydrolase and 5′‐nucleotidase activities in cells cultured from submandibular salivary glands of rats

The participation of ecto-ATP diphosphohydrolase (CD39; ecto-NTPDase) and ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73) activities in the nucleotide hydrolysis by salivary gland cells from rats was evaluated. We investigated the biochemical characteristics of these ectoenzymes in cells cultured from submandibular salivary glands of rats. The V(max) for the hydrolysis of ATP, ADP and AMP were 2275+/-153 (mean+/-SEM, n = 4), 941+/-96 (mean+/-SEM, n = 5) and 175+/-5 (mean+/-SEM, n = 5) nmol Pi liberated per min per mg of protein, respectively. The K(m) values for ATP, ADP and AMP were 224+/-8 microM (mean+/-SEM, n = 4), 163+/-15 microM (mean+/-SEM, n = 5) and 117+/-5 microM (mean+/-SEM, n = 5), respectively. The competition plot showed that ATP and ADP were hydrolyzed at the same active site on the enzyme. It may be postulated that the physiological role for this ecto-enzyme cascade is to terminate the action of the co-transmitter ATP, generating adenosine.

Purification and characterization of an esterase isozyme involved in hydrolysis of organophosphorus compounds from an insecticide resistant pest, Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctüidae)

An esterase isozyme was purified from the insecticide resistant pest, Helicoverpa armigera collected from field crops. Purification involved ammonium sulfate precipitation, hydrophobic interaction and ion exchange chromatography followed by gel filtration chromatography. The purification was 212-fold with 1% yield of the enzyme. The optimum pH of the isozyme was found to be 10.5 and 8.5 for p-nitrophenyl phosphate and paraoxon, respectively. The enzyme was unstable at temperature >50 °C. The molecular mass determined by SDS-PAGE was 66 kDa. Cations such as Hg +2, Ag +2, Cd +2 inhibited the activity while Zn +2 stimulated it. Kinetic studies indicated that the enzyme had low K m values of 0.238 and 0.348 mM for p-nitrophenyl phosphate and paraoxon, respectively. The enzyme had broad substrate specificity with high K m values for ATP, ADP and β-glycerophosphate. This enzyme was partially sequenced and identified as an alkaline phosphatase.

Multiple electrode aggregometry: A new device to measure platelet aggregation in whole blood

Several methods are used to analyse platelet function in whole blood. A new device to measure whole blood platelet aggregation has been developed, called multiple electrode platelet aggregometry (MEA). Our aim was to evaluate MEA in comparison with the single platelet counting (SPC) method for the measurement of platelet aggregation and platelet inhibition by aspirin or apyrase in diluted whole blood. Platelet aggregation induced by different concentrations of ADP, collagen and TRAP-6 and platelet inhibition by apyrase or aspirin were determined in citrateor hirudin-anticoagulated blood by MEA and SPC. MEA indicated that spontaneous platelet aggregation was lower, and stimulated platelet aggregation was higher in hirudin- than citrate-anticoagulated blood. In hirudin-anticoagulated, but not citrate-anticoagulated blood, spontaneous platelet aggregation measured by MEA was inhibited by apyrase. For MEA compared with SPC the dose response-curves of agonist-induced platelet aggregation in citrate- and hirudin-blood showed similar EC50 values for TRAP, and higher EC50 values for ADP (non-significant) and collagen (p < 0.05). MEA and the SPC method gave similar results concerning platelet-inhibition by apyrase and aspirin. MEA was more sensitive than SPC to the inhibitory effect of aspirin in collagen-induced aggregation. In conclusion, MEA is an easy, reproducible and sensitive method for measuring spontaneous and stimulated platelet aggregation, and evaluating antiplatelet drugs in diluted whole blood. The use of hirudin as an anticoagulant is preferable to the use of citrate. MEA is a promising technique for experimental and clinical applications.

Temperature and phosphate effects on allosteric phenomena of phosphofructokinase from a hibernating ground squirrel (Spermophilus lateralis)

Temperature effects on the kinetic properties of phosphofructokinase (PFK) purified from skeletal muscle of the golden‐mantled ground squirrel, Spermophilus lateralis, were examined at 37 °C and 5 °C, values characteristic of body temperatures in euthermia vs. hibernation. The enzyme showed reduced sensitivity to all activators at 5 °C, the Ka values for AMP, ADP, NH4+ and F2,6P2 were 3–11‐fold higher at 5 °C than at 37 °C. Inhibition by citrate was not affected whereas phosphoenolpyruvate, ATP and urea became more potent inhibitors at low temperature. While typically considered an activator of PFK activity, inorganic phosphate performed as an inhibitor at 5 °C. Decreasing temperature alone causes the actions of inorganic phosphate to change from activation to inhibition. We found that Km values for ATP remained constant while Vmax dropped significantly upon the addition of phosphate. Phosphate inhibition at 5 °C was noncompetitive with respect to ATP and the Ki was 0.15 ± 0.01 mm (n = 4). The results indicate that PFK is less likely to be activated in cold torpid muscle; PFK is less sensitive to changing adenylate levels at the low temperatures characteristic of torpor, and PFK is clearly much less sensitive to biosynthetic signals. All of these characteristics of hibernator PFK would serve to reduce glycolytic rate and help to preserve carbohydrate reserves during torpor.

ADP-dependent glucokinase from the hyperthermophilic sulfate-reducing archaeon Archaeoglobus fulgidus strain 7324.

The hyperthermophilic sulfate-reducing archaeon Archaeoglobus fulgidus strain 7324 has been shown to degrade starch via glucose using a modified Embden-Meyerhof pathway. The first enzyme of this pathway, ADP-dependent glucokinase, was purified 600-fold to homogeneity. The enzyme is a monomeric protein with an apparent molecular mass of 50 kDa. It had a temperature optimum at 83 degrees C and showed a significant thermostability up to 100 degrees C. The enzyme was highly specific for ADP and glucose as substrates; it did not use ATP, CDP, UDP, or GDP as phosphoryl donors, or mannose, fructose and fructose 6-phosphate as phosphoryl acceptors (at 80 degrees C). Only glucosamine was phosphorylated at significant rates. The apparent K(m) values for ADP and glucose (at 50 degrees C) were 0.07 mM and 0.78 mM, respectively; the apparent V(max) value was about 50 U/mg at 50 degrees C and 350 U/mg at 80 degrees C. Divalent cations were required for maximal activity; Mn(2+), Mg(2+ )and Ca(2+), which were most effective, could be replaced partially by Cu(2+), Ni(2+), Co(2+) and Zn(2+). The N-terminal amino acid sequence (42 amino acids) of ADP-dependent glucokinase was almost identical to that of ADP-dependent glucokinase from Thermococcus litoralis. In the genome of the closely related Archaeoglobus fulgidus strain VC16 a homologous gene for ADP-dependent glucokinase could not be identified.

Sucrose synthase catalyzes the de novo production of ADPglucose linked to starch biosynthesis in heterotrophic tissues of plants.

By using barley seeds, developmental changes of ADPglucose (ADPG)-producing sucrose synthase (SS) and ADPG pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) have been compared with those of UDPglucose (UDPG), ADPG, sucrose (Suc) and starch contents. Both ADPG-synthesizing SS and AGPase activity patterns were found to correlate well with those of ADPG and starch contents. Remarkably, however, maximal activities of ADPG-synthesizing SS were found to be several fold higher than those of AGPase throughout seed development, the highest rate of starch accumulation being well accounted for by SS. Kinetic analyses of SS from barley endosperms and potato tubers in the Suc cleavage direction showed similar K(m) values for ADP and UDP, whereas apparent affinity for Suc was shown to be higher in the presence of UDP than with ADP. Moreover, measurements of transglucosylation activities in starch granules incubated with purified SS, ADP and [U-(14)C]Suc revealed a low inhibitory effect of UDP. The ADPG and UDPG contents in the transgenic S-112 SS and starch deficient potato mutant [Zrenner et al. (1995) Plant J. 7: 97] were found to be 35% and 30% of those measured in wild-type plants, whereas both glucose-1-phosphate and glucose-6-phosphate contents were found to be normal as compared with those of wild-type plants. The overall results thus strongly support a novel gluconeogenic mechanism reported previously [Pozueta-Romero et al. (1999) CRIT: Rev. Plant Sci. 18: 489] wherein SS catalyses directly the de novo production of ADPG linked to starch biosynthesis in heterotrophic tissues of plants.