Stable four-pi-electron, four-membered heterocyclic cations and carbenes

Replacement of halide from N-(haloboryl)formamidines for the weakly coordinating anion [B(C(6)F(5))(4)](-), using [Et(3)Si(toluene)](+)[B(C(6)F(5))(4)](-), induces a ring closure leading to the cationic four-pi-electron four-membered heterocycles [HC(N-2,6-diisopropylphenyl)(2)BR](+) [R = N(i-Pr)(2), Ph]. Subsequent deprotonation of the B-amino derivative affords the corresponding N-heterocyclic carbene, which has been isolated as yellow crystals. According to single-crystal x-ray diffraction studies, both the carbene and its conjugate acid precursor have a planar structure, with no pyramidalization of the ring atoms. The structural parameters indicate that the four pi electrons are mostly distributed over the N-C-N fragment with little involvement of the boron center, and therefore both types of heterocycles escape from antiaromaticity. However, considering the ring strain and the presence of the Lewis acid center, the thermal stability of the carbene (mp 98 degrees C without decomposition) is rather surprising. These results clearly suggest that the backbone of N-heterocyclic carbenes can be modified at will, without preventing their isolation.     

Agostic interaction and intramolecular proton transfer from the protonation of dihydrogen ortho metalated ruthenium complexes

Protonation of the ortho-metalated ruthenium complexes RuH(H(2))(X)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) [X = 2-phenylpyridine (ph-py) (1), benzoquinoline (bq) (2)] and RuH(CO)(ph-py)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) (3) with [H(OEt(2))(2)](+)[BAr'(4)](-) (BAr'(4) = [(3,5-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3))(4)B]) under H(2) atmosphere yields the corresponding cationic hydrido dihydrogen ruthenium complexes [RuH(H(2))(H-X)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)][BAr'(4)] [X = phenylpyridine (ph-py) (1-H); benzoquinoline (bq) (2-H)] and the carbonyl complex [RuH(CO)(H-ph-py)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)][BAr'(4)] (3-H). The complexes accommodate an agostic C H interaction characterized by NMR and in the case of 1-H by x-ray diffraction. Fluxional processes involve the hydride and dihydrogen ligands in 1-H and 2-H and the rotation of the phenyl ring displaying the agostic interaction in 1-H and 3-H. NMR studies (lineshape analysis of the temperature-dependent NMR spectra) and density functional theory calculations are used to understand these processes. Under vacuum, one equivalent of dihydrogen can be removed from 1-H and 2-H leading to the formation of the corresponding cationic ortho-metalated complexes [Ru(H(2))(THF)(X)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)](+) [X = ph-py (1-THF), bq (2-THF)]. The reaction is fully reversible. Density functional theory calculations and NMR data give information about the reversible mechanism of C H activation in these ortho-metalated ruthenium complexes. Our study highlights the subtle interplay between key ligands such as hydrides, sigma-dihydrogen, and agostic bonds, in C H activation processes.     

Nature of hydrogen interactions with Ni(II) complexes containing cyclic phosphine ligands with pendant nitrogen bases

Studies of the role of proton relays in molecular catalysts for the electrocatalytic production and oxidation of H(2) have been carried out. The electrochemical production of hydrogen from protonated DMF solutions catalyzed by [Ni(P(2)(Ph)N(2)(Ph))(2)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2), 3a (where P(2)(Ph)N(2)(Ph) is 1,3,5,7-tetraphenyl-1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane), permits a limiting value of the H(2) production rate to be determined. The turnover frequency of 350 s(-1) establishes that the rate of H(2) production for the mononuclear nickel catalyst 3a is comparable to those observed for Ni-Fe hydrogenase enzymes. In the electrochemical oxidation of hydrogen catalyzed by [Ni(P(2)(Cy)N(2)(Bz))(2)](BF(4))(2), 3b (where Cy is cyclohexyl and Bz is benzyl), the initial step is the reversible addition of hydrogen to 3b (K(eq) = 190 atm(-1) at 25 degrees C). The hydrogen addition product exists as three nearly isoenergetic isomers 4A-4C, which have been identified by a combination of one- and two-dimensional (1)H, (31)P, and (15)N NMR spectroscopies as Ni(0) complexes with a protonated amine in each cyclic ligand. The nature of the isomers, together with calculations, suggests a mode of hydrogen activation that involves a symmetrical interaction of a nickel dihydrogen ligand with two amine bases in the diphosphine ligands. Single deprotonation of 4 by an external base results in a rearrangement to [HNi(P(2)(Cy)N(2)(Bz))(2)](BF(4)), 5, and this reaction is reversed by the addition of a proton to the nickel hydride complex. The small energy differences associated with significantly different distributions in electron density and protons within these molecules may contribute to their high catalytic activity.     

Catalytic asymmetric alkynylation of alpha-imino ester: a versatile approach to optically active unnatural alpha-amino acid derivatives

The catalytic asymmetric introduction of alkynyl functionality to alpha-amino acid derivatives was realized by the direct addition of terminal alkynes to alpha-imino ester in the presence of chiral Cu(I) complex under mild reaction conditions. Owing to the rich chemistry to which alkyne can be subjected, the present system provides a remarkably versatile tool for the construction of optically active alpha-amino acid derivatives. Good yields and enantiomeric excess values were achieved with an array of terminal alkynes and challenging, biologically active, unnatural alpha-amino acid derivatives could be conveniently obtained.     

An FeIV=O complex of a tetradentate tripodal nonheme ligand

The reaction of [Fe(II)(tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, TPA)(NCCH(3))(2)](2+) with 1 equiv. peracetic acid in CH(3)CN at -40 degrees C results in the nearly quantitative formation of a pale green intermediate with lambda(max) at 724 nm ( epsilon approximately 300 M(-1).cm(-1)) formulated as [Fe(IV)(O)(TPA)](2+) by a combination of spectroscopic techniques. Its electrospray mass spectrum shows a prominent feature at mz 461, corresponding to the [Fe(IV)(O)(TPA)(ClO(4))](+) ion. The M?ssbauer spectra recorded in zero field reveal a doublet with DeltaE(Q) = 0.92(2) mms and delta = 0.01(2) mms; analysis of spectra obtained in strong magnetic fields yields parameters characteristic of S = 1 Fe(IV)O complexes. The presence of an Fe(IV)O unit is also indicated in its Fe K-edge x-ray absorption spectrum by an intense 1-s --> 3-d transition and the requirement for an ON scatterer at 1.67 A to fit the extended x-ray absorption fine structure region. The [Fe(IV)(O)(TPA)](2+) intermediate is stable at -40 degrees C for several days but decays quantitatively on warming to [Fe(2)(mu-O)(mu-OAc)(TPA)(2)](3+). Addition of thioanisole or cyclooctene at -40 degrees C results in the formation of thioanisole oxide (100% yield) or cyclooctene oxide (30% yield), respectively; thus [Fe(IV)(O)(TPA)](2+) is an effective oxygen-atom transfer agent. It is proposed that the Fe(IV)O species derives from OO bond heterolysis of an unobserved Fe(II)(TPA)-acyl peroxide complex. The characterization of [Fe(IV)(O)(TPA)](2+) as having a reactive terminal Fe(IV)O unit in a nonheme ligand environment lends credence to the proposed participation of analogous species in the oxygen activation mechanisms of many mononuclear nonheme iron enzymes.     

Mechanistic studies on the catalytic cycle of rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-addition of aryltitanate reagents to alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones

Addition of lithium aryl(tetraisopropoxy)titanates [ArTi(OPr-i)(4)(-)Li(+)] to alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones proceeded with high enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee) in the presence of an excess amount of chlorotrimethylsilane and a rhodium catalyst (3 mol % Rh), generated from [RhCl(C(2)H(4))(2)](2) and (S)-binap, in tetrahydrofuran at 20 degrees C to give high yields of the corresponding silyl enolates as 1,4-addition products. The presence of chlorotrimethylsilane is essential for the 1,4-addition to take place. (31)P NMR spectroscopic studies revealed that the catalytic cycle consists of three transformations, that is, (i) insertion of an enone into arylrhodium species forming (oxa-pi-allyl)rhodium intermediate, (ii) silylation of the (oxa-pi-allyl)rhodium with chlorotrimethylsilane giving silyl enolate and a chloro-rhodium complex, and (iii) transmetalation of aryl group from aryltitanate to the chloro-rhodium regenerating the aryl-rhodium.     

Thiolate-bridged dinuclear iron(tris-carbonyl)-nickel complexes relevant to the active site of [NiFe] hydrogenase

The reaction of NiBr(2)(EtOH)(4) with a 1:2-3 mixture of FeBr(2)(CO)(4) and Na(SPh) generated a linear trinuclear Fe-Ni-Fe cluster (CO)(3)Fe(mu-SPh)(3)Ni(mu-SPh)(3)Fe(CO)(3), 1, whereas the analogous reaction system FeBr(2)(CO)(4)/Na(S(t)Bu)/NiBr(2)(EtOH)(4) (1:2-3:1) gave rise to a linear tetranuclear Fe-Ni-Ni-Fe cluster [(CO)(3)Fe(mu-S(t)Bu)(3)Ni(mu-Br)](2), 2. By using this tetranuclear cluster 2 as the precursor, we have developed a new synthetic route to a series of thiolate-bridged dinuclear Fe(CO)(3)-Ni complexes, the structures of which mimic [NiFe] hydrogenase active sites. The reactions of 2 with SC(NMe(2))(2) (tmtu), Na{S(CH(2))(2)SMe} and ortho-NaS(C(6)H(4))SR (R = Me, (t)Bu) led to isolation of (CO)(3)Fe(mu-S(t)Bu)(3)NiBr(tmtu), 3, (CO)(3)Fe(S(t)Bu)(mu-S(t)Bu)(2)Ni{S(CH(2))(2)SMe}, 4, and (CO)(3)Fe(S(t)Bu)(mu-S(t)Bu)(2)Ni{S(C(6)H(4))SR}, 5a (R = Me) and 5b (R = (t)Bu), respectively. On the other hand, treatment of 2 with 2-methylthio-phenolate (ortho-O(C(6)H(4))SMe) in methanol resulted in (CO)(3)Fe(mu-S(t)Bu)(3)Ni(MeOH){O(C(6)H(4))SMe}, 6a. The methanol molecule bound to Ni is labile and is readily released under reduced pressure to afford (CO)(3)Fe(S(t)Bu)(mu-S(t)Bu)(2)Ni{O(C(6)H(4))SMe}, 6b, and the coordination geometry of nickel changes from octahedral to square planar. Likewise, the reaction of 2 with NaOAc in methanol followed by crystallization from THF gave (CO)(3)Fe(mu-S(t)Bu)(3)Ni(THF)(OAc), 7. The dinuclear complexes, 3-7, are thermally unstable, and a key to their successful isolation is to carry out the reactions and manipulations at -40 degrees C.     

抗恶性疟原虫有性期单克隆抗体的制备和鉴定

以培养的恶性疟原虫ＮＦ５４（３Ｄ７）株配子体蛋白抽提液及我国云南现场采集的恶性疟原虫细胞骨架分别免疫ＢＡＬＢ／ｃ小鼠。取免疫小鼠脾细胞与ＳＰ２／０骨髓瘤细胞融合，以ＩＦＡ法筛选出８株抗恶性疟原虫有性期ＭｃＡｂ杂交瘤细胞株。经免疫球蛋白类别鉴定，６株为ＩｇＧ１（Ｍ２Ａ１０Ｃ９、Ｍ２Ｃ１Ｂ８、Ｍ４Ｃ７Ｂ１０、Ｍ４Ｇ１２Ｃ１、Ｍ５Ｂ７Ｅ６和Ｍ６Ｅ１Ｇ１１），２株为ＩｇＭ（Ｍ４Ｄ７Ｆ７和Ｍ６Ｆ４Ｄ６）。其中３株ＭｃＡｂｓ（Ｍ４Ｃ７Ｂ１０、Ｍ４Ｄ７Ｆ７和Ｍ６Ｅ１Ｇ１１）的靶抗原定位于配子体以及大滋养体和裂殖体期无性体原虫；其余５株仅定位于配子体。经Ｗｅｓｔｅｒｎ印迹试验，ＭｃＡｂ所识别的蛋白区带各异（１６－１２０ｋＤ），与已发现的有性期特异性抗原相比较，３２ｋＤ抗原国内外尚未报道。各株ＭｃＡｂ与猴疟（Ｐ．ｃｙｎｏｍｏｌｇｉ）红内期、鸡疟（Ｐ．ｇａｌｉｎａｃｅｕｍ）子孢子和杜氏利什曼原虫前鞭毛体均无交叉反应。     

Intermediates in the oxygenation of a nonheme diiron(II) complex, including the first evidence for a bound superoxo species

The reaction of [Fe(2)(mu-OH)(2)(6-Me(3)-TPA)(2)](2+) (1) [6-Me(3)-TPA, Tris(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine] with O(2) in CH(2)Cl(2) at -80 degrees C gives rise to two new intermediates, 2 and 3, before the formation of previously characterized [Fe(2)(O)(O(2))(6-Me(3)-TPA)(2)](2+) (4) that allow the oxygenation reaction to be monitored one electron-transfer step at a time. Raman evidence assigns 2 and 3 as a diiron-superoxo species and a diiron-peroxo species, respectively. Intermediate 2 exhibits its nu(O-O) at 1,310 cm(-1) with a -71-cm(-1) (18)O isotope shift. A doublet peak pattern for the (16)O(18)O isotopomer of 2 in mixed-isotope Raman experiments strongly suggests that the superoxide ligand of 2 is bound end-on. This first example of a nonheme iron-superoxo intermediate exhibits the highest frequency nu(O-O) yet observed for a biomimetic metal-dioxygen adduct. The bound superoxide of 2, unlike the bound peroxide of 4, is readily reduced by 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol via a proton-coupled electron-transfer mechanism, emphasizing that metal-superoxo species may serve as oxidants in oxygen activation mechanisms of metalloenzymes. The discovery of intermediates 2 and 3 allows us to dissect the initial steps of dioxygen binding at a diiron center leading to its activation for substrate oxidation.     

Multicatalytic,asymmetric Michael/Stetter reaction of salicylaldehydes and activated alkynes

We report the development of a multicatalytic, one-pot, asymmetric Michael/Stetter reaction between salicylaldehydes and electron-deficient alkynes. The cascade proceeds via amine-mediated Michael addition followed by an N-heterocyclic carbene-promoted intramolecular Stetter reaction. A variety of salicylaldehydes, doubly activated alkynes, and terminal, electrophilic allenes participate in a one-step or two-step protocol to give a variety of benzofuranone products in moderate to good yields and good to excellent enantioselectivities. The origin of enantioselectivity in the reaction is also explored; E/Z geometry of the reaction intermediate as well as the presence of catalytic amounts of catechol additive are found to influence reaction enantioselectivity.     

In vitro and in vivo growth of B16F10 melanoma cells transfected with interleukin-4 cDNA and gene therapy with the transfectant

In an attempt to develop the most effective cytokine gene therapy, we transfected mouse interleukin(IL)-2, mouse IL-4, and human IL-6 cDNAs into mouse melanoma cells, B16F10. Transfection with IL-4 cDNA decreased the tumorigenicity of B16F10 most strongly. We investigated whether gene therapy with IL-4-transfected B16F10 cells was possible. Flowcytometric analysis showed that major histocompatibility complex class I and II expression in B16F10 and IL-4-cDNA-transfected B16F10 (B16F10-IL4) cells did not differ. Doubling times of B16F10 and B16F10-IL4 were 20.1 and 21.1 h respectively. The growth of B16F10 cells was retarded if C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with B16F10-IL4 at the contralateral sides. When 5×10⁵ B16F10 cells were transplanted subcutaneously into the flanks of C57BL/6 mice, they all developed a tumor mass, whereas no tumor masses formed in those transplanted with B16F10-IL4 cells within 60 days. No nude, severe combined immunodeficient or beige mice were able to reject parental B16F10 or B16F10-IL4 cells, although, B16F10-IL4 tumor growth in all these immunodeficient mice was slower than that of B16F10. Therefore, we concluded that T and natural killer cells are necessary for rejection of B16F10-IL4 tumor cells.Abbreviations IL interleukin - LLC Lewis lung Carcinoma - SCID severe combined immuno deficient - LAK lymphokine-activated killer - NK natural killer - G-CSF granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor     

Regulatory control of the terminal complement proteins at the surface of human endothelial cells: neutralization of a C5b-9 inhibitor by antibody to CD59.

Functionally inhibitory antibody to the plasma membrane complement inhibitor CD59 has been used to investigate control of the terminal complement proteins at the endothelial cell surface. Antibodies against purified human erythrocyte CD59 (polyclonal anti-CD59 and monoclonal antibodies [MoAbs] 1F1 and 1F5) were found to bind specifically to monolayers of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and by Western blotting to recognize an 18- to 21-Kd endothelial protein. When bound to the endothelial monolayer, anti-CD59 (immunoglobulin G or Fab fragment) potentiated membrane pore formation induced upon C9 binding to C5b-8, and augmented the C5b-9-induced cellular responses, including stimulated secretion of von Willebrand factor and expression of catalytic surface for the prothrombinase enzyme complex. Although potentiating endothelial responses to the terminal complement proteins, anti-CD59 had no effect on the response of these cells to stimulation by histamine. Taken together, these data suggest that human endothelial cells express the CD59 cell surface inhibitor of the terminal complement proteins, which serves to protect these cells from pore-forming and cell-stimulatory effects of the C5b-9 complex. These data also suggest that the inactivation or deletion of this cell surface regulatory molecule would increase the likelihood for procoagulant changes in endothelium exposed to complement activation in plasma.     

Proton Magnetic Resonance and Magnetic Susceptibility Characterization of Ferredoxin I from Bacillus polymyxa

Magnetic susceptibility and proton magnetic resonance spectra are reported for the oxidized and reduced forms of the iron-sulfur protein Bacillus polymyxa ferredoxin I. The magnetic susceptibility of the oxidized form indicates antiferromagnetic exchange coupling between component iron atoms that is quantitatively similar to that observed for the clostridial ferredoxins and for the [(C(2)H(5))(4)N](2) [Fe(4)S(4)(SCH(2)C(6)H(5))(4)] analog. Contact-shifted resonances observed in the proton-magnetic-resonance spectra of oxidized and reduced forms of the B. polymyxa protein can be correlated with the contact-shifted resonances of corresponding redox forms of the clostridial ferredoxins. Characteristics of the contact-shifted resonances observed in partially reduced B. polymyxa ferredoxin I are compatible with a "slow" rate of electron exchange between redox forms, which suggests that the "fast" electron exchange earlier observed in the eight-iron clostridial ferredoxins may derive from an intramolecular component.     

Copper- and copper-N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed C-H activating carboxylation of terminal alkynes with CO2 at ambient conditions

The use of carbon dioxide as a renewable and environmentally friendly source of carbon in organic synthesis is a highly attractive approach, but its real world applications remain a great challenge. The major obstacles for commercialization of most current protocols are their low catalytic performances, harsh reaction conditions, and limited substrate scope. It is important to develop new reactions and new protocols for CO(2) transformations at mild conditions and in cost-efficient ways. Herein, a copper-catalyzed and copper-N-heterocyclic carbene-cocatalyzed transformation of CO(2) to carboxylic acids via C─H bond activation of terminal alkynes with or without base additives is reported. Various propiolic acids were synthesized in good to excellent yields under ambient conditions without consumption of any organometallic or organic reagent additives. This system has a wide scope of substrates and functional group tolerances and provides a powerful tool for the synthesis of highly functionalized propiolic acids. This catalytic system is a simple and economically viable protocol with great potential in practical applications.     

A structural basis for the activity of retro-Diels-Alder catalytic antibodies: evidence for a catalytic aromatic residue

The nitroxyl synthase catalytic antibodies 10F11, 9D9, and 27C5 catalyze the release of nitroxyl from a bicyclic pro-drug by accelerating a retro-Diels-Alder reaction. The Fabs (antigen-binding fragments) of these three catalytic antibodies were cloned and sequenced. Fab 9D9 was crystallized in the apo-form and in complex with one transition state analogue of the reaction. Crystal structures of Fab 10F11 in complex with ligands mimicking substrate, transition state, and product have been determined at resolutions ranging from 1.8 to 2.3 A. Antibodies 9D9 and 10F11 show increased shape complementarity (as quantified by the program sc) to the hapten and to a modeled transition state as compared with substrate and product. The shape complementarity is mediated to a large extent by an aromatic residue (tyrosine or tryptophan) at the bottom of the hydrophobic active pocket, which undergoes pi-stacking interactions with the aromatic rings of the ligands. Another factor contributing to the different reactivity of the regioisomers probably arises because of hydrogen-bonding interactions between the nitroxyl bridge and the backbone amide of PheH101 and possibly a conserved water molecule.     

Interconversions of P and F intermediates of cytochrome c oxidase from Paracoccus denitrificans

Cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) is the terminal enzyme of the respiratory chain. This redox-driven proton pump catalyzes the four-electron reduction of molecular oxygen to water, one of the most fundamental processes in biology. Elucidation of the intermediate structures in the catalytic cycle is crucial for understanding both the mechanism of oxygen reduction and its coupling to proton pumping. Using CcO from Paracoccus denitrificans, we demonstrate that the artificial F state, classically generated by reaction with an excess of hydrogen peroxide, can be converted into a new P state (in contradiction to the conventional direction of the catalytic cycle) by addition of ammonia at pH 9. We suggest that ammonia coordinates directly to Cu(B) in the binuclear active center in this P state and discuss the chemical structures of both oxoferryl intermediates F and P. Our results are compatible with a superoxide bound to Cu(B) in the F state.     

Alkyl-metal and aryl-metal bond chemistry in coordinately unsaturated polynuclear metal complexes

A new class of coordinately unsaturated polynuclear rhodium and iridium alkyl, benzyl, and aryl derivatives of the form [RM(1,5-cyclooctadiene)](x) have been prepared by the reaction of the organolithium reagent with the cyclooctadienemetal chlorides at -78 degrees C. The x-ray crystal structure of [mu-CH(3)Rh (1,5-cyclooctadiene)](2) is reported. The analogous iridium dimer decomposes by an initial sequence of alpha-hydrogen abstraction and then reductive elimination of hydrogen to give [mu-CH(2)Ir(1,5-cyclooctadiene)](2). Formed in high yield by the decomposition of the ethylrhodium complex was [HRh(C(8)H(11))](4), a tetrahedral cluster with face-bridging hydride ligands. Also discussed are the reactivities of the benzyl and phenyl derivatives. Unique reaction pathways for C-H bond activation and scission in this chemistry are delineated.     

Study of the in vitro activation of the complement alternative pathway by Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cyst fluid

In the present study we have investigated the fluid phase activation of the complement (C) alternative pathway by Echinococcus granulosus sheep hydatid cyst fluid (SHCF) and its higher molecular weight fraction (SHCF-I) by quantitating the formation of both the terminal C intermediary C5b6 complex and the terminal C complex (TCC). Our results show that in vitro C activation progresses beyond the C5 step suggesting that potentially lytic complexes may be generated in vivo. In addition, SHCF and SHCF-I glucidic moieties are probably involved in C activation since 80% and 86% of SHCF and SHCF-I activity respectively was destroyed by period-ate oxidation. Furthermore, partial deglycosylation with Peptide N-Glycosidase F of SHCF-I which had been digested with Pronase E, released an active fraction (MW <14KDa) which bound to Soybean agglutinin, suggesting that N-linked oligosaccharides containing α-or β-linked N-acetyl galactosamine play a role in C activation by SHCF.,     

Tetrahydrobiopterin, a cofactor for rat cerebellar nitric oxide synthase, does not function as a reactant in the oxygenation of arginine.

Studies with purified nitric oxide synthase from rat cerebellum have confirmed previous reports that product formation is enhanced by tetrahydrobiopterin [H4B; 6-(L-erythro-1,2-dihydroxypropyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropterin]. The effect of the natural isomer, (6R)-H4B, is observed at extremely low (less than 0.1 microM) concentrations and is remarkably selective. At these concentrations, only the diastereoisomer (6S)-H4B, the structural isomer 7-(L-erythro-1,2-dihydroxypropyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropterin, and 7,8-dihydrobiopterin showed detectable effects. Our observations are inconsistent with a stoichiometric role for H4B in the oxygenation of arginine [e.g., Stuehr, D. J., Kwon, N. S., Nathan, C. F., Griffith, O. W., Feldman, P. L. & Wiseman, J. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 6259-6263]. Activity is initially independent of added H4B; enhanced product formation with H4B is observed only as incubation progresses. The effect of H4B is catalytic, with each mole of added H4B supporting the formation of greater than 15 mol of product. Recycling of H4B was excluded by direct measurement during nitric oxide synthesis and by the demonstration that nitric oxide synthase is not inhibited by methotrexate. These combined results exclude H4B as a stoichiometric reactant and suggest that H4B enhances product formation by protecting enzyme activity against progressive loss. Preliminary studies indicate that the decreased activity in the absence of added H4B does not depend on catalytic turnover of the enzyme. The role of H4B may be allosteric or it may function to maintain some group(s) on the enzyme in a reduced state required for activity.