Nitric oxide interactions with cobalamins: biochemical and functional consequences

Nitric oxide (NO) is a paramagnetic gas that has been implicated in a wide range of biologic functions. The common pathway to evoke the functional response frequently involves the formation of an iron- nitrosyl complex in a target (heme) protein. In this study, we report on the interactions between NO and cobalt-containing vitamin B12 derivatives. Absorption spectroscopy showed that of the four Co(III) derivatives (cyanocobalamin [CN-Cbl], aquocobalamin [H2O-Cbl], adenosylcobalamin [Ado-Cbl], and methylcobalamin [MeCbl]), only the H2O- Cbl combined with NO. In addition, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy of H2O-Cbl preparations showed the presence of a small amount of Cob-(II)alamin that was capable of combining with NO. The Co(III)-NO complex was very stable, but could transfer its NO moiety to hemoglobin (Hb). The transfer was accompanied by a reduction of the Co(III) to Co(II), indicating that NO+ (nitrosonium) was the leaving group. In accordance with this, the NO did not combine with the Hb Fe(II)-heme, but most likely with the Hb cysteine-thiolate. Similarly, the Co(III)-NO complex was capable of transferring its NO to glutathione. Ado-Cbl and Me-Cbl were susceptible to photolysis, but CN- Cbl and H2O-Cbl were not. The homolytic cleavage of the Co(III)-Ado or Co(III)-Me bond resulted in the reduction of the metal. When photolysis was performed in the presence of NO, formation of NO-Co(II) was observed. Co(II)-nitrosyl oxidized slowly to form Co(III)-nitrosyl. The capability of aquocobalamin to combine with NO had functional consequences. We found that nitrosylcobalamin had diminished ability to serve as a cofactor for the enzyme methionine synthase, and that aquocobalamin could quench NO-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation. Our in vitro studies therefore suggest that interactions between NO and cobalamins may have important consequences in vivo.     

薄层色谱溶剂系统的最优化方法

本文以模糊聚类分析法对81种常用溶剂进行分类,并根据最相邻原理从中优选出二十种色谱分析常用溶剂。再据此结果,以均匀设计试验法和最优化方法——单纯形法为手段,进行溶剂系统的最优化设计。并提出一个改良的色谱优化函数。经初步验证,这是一种比较有效与实用的系统化方法,尚未见国内外报道。本法不仅适用于薄层色谱,也适用于纸色谱及柱型液相色谱。     

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in fulminant hepatic failure

Ascites may be associated with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF), but spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is an extremely rare complication. We report on two patients with FHF who developed SBP. One patient died and the other recovered.     

In vitro and in vivo selectin-blocking activities of sulfated lipids and sulfated sialyl compounds

There is accumulating evidence that sulfated lipids, sulfated oligosaccharides and other sulfated compounds are reactive with selectins in a manner that interferes with selectin interactions with their natural ligands. In the report we describe the ability of sulfated lipids (sulfatides and gangliosides) and multimeric forms of sulfated sialic acid to block binding of P- and E-selectin-Ig to neutrophils. The in vivo ability of these compounds to block lung injury in rats following i.v. infusion of purified cobra venom factor (CVF), which induces injury that is L- and P-selectin dependent, was also determined as well as effects on recruitment of neutrophils, as measured by lung myeloperoxidase. There was a significant correlation between the ability of sulfated lipids and sialyl compounds to interfere in vitro with P-selectin-Ig binding to neutrophils and to protect against P-selectin-dependent acute lung injury induced by CVF. The biological effects of these sulfated compounds were also associated with diminished accumulation of neutrophils. The protective effects of these compounds may be linked to their ability to interfere with P- selectin binding to counter-receptors on neutrophils.      

Relationships between measures of brain functions and general intelligence

Relationships between measures of general intelligence (Wechsler-Bellevue Verbal IQ, Performance IQ, and Full-scale IQ) and a measure designed to reflect adequacy of brain functions (Halstead Impairment Index) were studied using a control group and groups with left, right and generalized cerebral lesions. The results confirmed earlier findings of (1) differential levels of Verbal and Performance intelligence depending on damage of the left or right cerebral hemisphere; and (2) the greater general sensitivity of the Impairment Index than IQ values to brain damage. Comparative data suggested particularly that IQ values may underestimate brain-dependent adaptive abilities among non-brain-damaged subjects. A significant relationship between IQ values and the Impairment Index was present. This finding permitted evaluation of use of a differing cut-off Impairment Index, as an indicator of cerebral damage, depending on the subject's IQ level. The results suggested that increased accuracy in classifying subjects as brain-damaged might be achieved using a cutting Impairment Index of .4 or greater when the IQ value is 100 or more and .5 or greater when the IQ value is below 100.