Mitochondrial ATPase activity and membrane fluidity changes in rat liver in response to intoxication with Buckthorn (Karwinskia humboldtiana)

BACKGROUND: Karwinskia humboldtiana (Kh) is a poisonous plant of the rhamnacea family. To elucidate some of the subcellular effects of Kh toxicity, membrane fluidity and ATPase activities as hydrolytic and as proton-pumping activity were assessed in rat liver submitochondrial particles. Rats were randomly assigned into control non-treated group and groups that received 1,1.5 and 2 g/Kg body weight of dry powder of Kh fruit, respectively. Rats were euthanized at day 1 and 7 after treatment. RESULTS: Rats under Kh treatment at all dose levels tested, does not developed any neurologic symptoms. However, we detected alterations in membrane fluidity and ATPase activity. Lower dose of Kh on day 1 after treatment induced higher mitochondrial membrane fluidity than control group. This change was strongly correlated with increased ATPase activity and pH gradient driven by ATP hydrolysis. On the other hand, membrane fluidity was hardly affected on day 7 after treatment with Kh. Surprisingly, the pH gradient driven by ATPase activity was significantly higher than controls despite an diminution of the hydrolytic activity of ATPase. CONCLUSIONS: The changes in ATPase activity and pH gradient driven by ATPase activity suggest an adaptive condition whereby the fluidity of the membrane is altered.

Hemoplasma prevalence and hematological abnormalities associated with infection in three different cat populations from Southern Brazil / Prevalência da infecção por hemoplasmas e alterações hematológicas associadas à infecção em três diferentes populações de gatos do sul do Brasil

Three hemoplasma species are recognized in domestic cats: Mycoplasma haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. We report the prevalence and hematological abnormalities of hemoplasma infection in 369 domestic cats from three different populations (blood donors, hospitalized cats and shelter cats) from Southern Brazil. Complete blood counts were performed at the time of blood collection, and DNA was extracted and tested by conventional PCR for each hemoplasma species. A total of 79 samples (21.40%) were positive for at least one species. The most prevalent hemoplasma was ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, with 50/369 (13.55%) positive cats, followed by ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’, 10/369 (2.71%), and Mycoplasma haemofelis, 8/369 (2.16%). Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ coinfection was observed in 4/369 (1.08%), whereas ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ in 5/369 (1.35%). Three cats (0.81%) were infected with all three hemoplasmas. There was no association between infection and the different populations. Anemia was associated with Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, but not with ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. Male cats and cats with outdoor access were more likely to be infected. Although ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ is believed to cause minimal or no hematological alterations, the infected cats studied herein were more likely to be anemic.

Três espécies de hemoplasmas são reconhecidas em gatos domésticos: Mycoplasma haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ e ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. A prevalência e alterações hematológicas associadas à infecção por hemoplasmas foi estudada, em 369 gatos domésticos de três populações distintas (doadores de sangue, hospitais e gatos de abrigo) do Sul do Brasil. Foram realizados hemogramas completos no momento da coleta de sangue e as amostras tiveram seu DNA extraído e testado por PCR convencional para cada espécie de hemoplasmas. Setenta e nove amostras (21,40%) foram positivas para pelo menos uma espécie. O mais prevalente foi ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ com 50/369 (13,55%) gatos positivos, seguidos por ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ com 10/369 (2,71%) e Mycoplasma haemofelis com 8/369 (2,16%). Coinfecção por Mycoplasma haemofelis e ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ foi observada em 4/369 (1,08%), enquanto ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ e ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ coinfectaram 5/369 (1,35%) gatos. Três (0,81%) gatos apresentaram infecção pelos três hemoplasmas. Não houve associação entre a infecção e as diferentes populações. Anemia foi associada com a infecção por Mycoplasma haemofelis e ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, mas não com ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. Gatos machos e com acesso à rua apresentaram maior probabilidade de serem infectados. Embora se acredite que ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ possa causar alterações hematológicas mínimas ou ausentes, gatos infectados encontrados neste estudo foram mais propensos à anemia.

Curcumin restores mitochondrial functions and decreases lipid peroxidation in liver and kidneys of diabetic db/db mice

BACKGROUND: Nitrosative and oxidative stress play a key role in obesity and diabetes-related mitochondrial dysfunction. The objective was to investigate the effect of curcumin treatment on state 3 and 4 oxygen consumption, nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, ATPase activity and lipid oxidation in mitochondria isolated from liver and kidneys of diabetic db/db mice. RESULTS: Hyperglycaemia increased oxygen consumption and decreased NO synthesis in liver mitochondria isolated from diabetic mice relative to the control mice. In kidney mitochondria, hyperglycaemia increased state 3 oxygen consumption and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) levels in diabetic mice relative to control mice. Interestingly, treating db/db mice with curcumin improved or restored these parameters to normal levels; also curcumin increased liver mitochondrial ATPase activity in db/db mice relative to untreated db/db mice. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that hyperglycaemia modifies oxygen consumption rate, NO synthesis and increases TBARS levels in mitochondria from the liver and kidneys of diabetic mice, whereas curcumin may have a protective role against these alterations.

Pyruvate kinase activation and lipoperoxidation after selective hepatic ischemia in Wistar rats / Ativação da piruvato quinase e lipoperoxidação após isquemia hepática seletiva em ratos Wistar

PURPOSE: Hepatic ischemia and reperfusion can cause several problems in hepatic surgery. The aim of this study was to determine pyruvate kinase activation and lipid peroxidation after hepatic ischemia. METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar rats were submitted to 90 minutes of selective liver ischemia and 15 minutes of reperfusion. Twelve animals were submitted to selective liver ischemia and reperfusion (Group A) and the other 12 were submitted to sham operation (Group B). After 15 minutes of reperfusion, the following parameters were measured: mean arterial pressure (MAP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glycemia (GLY), hepatic glycogen (GH), pyruvate kinase (PK) activation, hepatic glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Analysis of the results were made by the Student t-test and has been considered significant difference for p<0.05. RESULTS: A and B were differents for all parameters analized. CONCLUSION: The animals of group A showed reperfusion syndrome with a fall in MAP, activation of glycid metabolism through the glycolitic pathway and presence of lipid peroxidation compared to group B.

OBJETIVO: A isquemia e reperfusão hepática podem causar graves repercussões hepatocelulares em cirurgias hepáticas. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o comportamento da piruvato EM PORTUGUES quinase e a lipoperoxidação após isquemia hepática. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados vinte e quatro ratos Wistar machos divididos em dois grupos. Doze animais foram submetidos a 90 minutos de isquemia hepática seletiva e reperfusão hepática de por 15 minutos (pressão arterial média (PAM), alanina aminotransferase (ALT), glicemia (GLI), gicogênio hepático (GH), ativação da piruvato quinase (PQ), glutationa hepática (GSH) e malondialdeído (MDA). Os resultados foram analisados utilizando o teste t de Student sendo as diferenças consideradas significativas para p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se diferença significativa entre os grupos em todos os parâmetros analisados. CONCLUSÃO: Verificou-se que os animais do grupo A mostraram síndrome de reperfusão com queda da PAM, ativação do metabolismo da glicose através da via glicolítica e presença de lipoperoxidação quando comparada com o grupo B.

Qualitative study of three cell culture methods / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Primary rat hepatocytes were cultured using different in vitro models and the enzyme leakage, albumin secretion, and cytochrome P450 1A (CYP 1A) activity were observed. The results showed that the level of LDH was decreased over time in culture. However, on day 5, LDH showed a significant increase in monolayer culture (MC) while after day 8 no LDH was detectable in sandwich culture (SC). The levels of AST and ALT did not change significantly over the investigated time. The CYP 1A activity was gradually decreased in a time-dependent manner in MC and SC. The decline of CYP 1A was faster in MC than in SC. This effect was partially reversed by using cytochrome P450 (CYP450) inducer such as Omeprazol and 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) and the CYP 1A induction was always higher in MC than in SC. In bioreactor basic CYP 1A activity was preserved over 2 weeks and the highest albumin production was observed in bioreactor followed by SC and MC. Taken together, it was indicated each investigated model had its advantages and disadvantages. It was also underlined that various in vitro models may address different questions.

Arylamine N-methyltransferase and thiol methyltransferase activities in cholestatic rat liver induced by common bile duct ligation

Methylation catalyzed by methyltransferases is a major metabolic pathway for an inactivation of some catecholamines, niacinamide as well as aliphatic sulfhydryl drugs and toxic hydrogen sulfides. To investigate the effects of obstructive jaundice in an animal model, common bile duct ligation (CBDL) was performed in the rat and enzyme activities of S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent arylamine N-methyltransferase and thiol methyltransferase were examined in liver cell fractions and serum for a period of 42 d after CBDL. Both mitochondrial and microsomal arylamine N-methyltransferase showed significant increases in their activities between the 1st through the 7th day (P < or = 0.05 to 0.001), and between the 1st through the 28th day (P X or = 0.01 to 0.001) post-ligation, although the cytosolic arylamine N-methyltransferase activity did not show a significant change compared to the activities from the sham-operated control. The mitochondrial as well as microsomal thiol methyltransferase showed significant increases in their activities between the 1st through the 28th day (P < or = 0.05 to 0.01 and P < or = 0.01 to 0.001, respectively) post-ligation, although the cytosolic thiol methyltransferase activity did not show a significant change compared to the activities from the sham-operated control. Arylamine N-methyltransferase and thiol methyltransferase in the serum from cholestatic rats also showed significant increases in their activities between the 1st through 28th day (P < or = 0.01 to 0.001), and between the 0.5th through the 42nd day (P < or = 0.05 to 0.001) post-ligation compared to the sham-operated control, respectively. Enzyme kinetic parameters (Km and Vmax) of hepatic membrane-bound arylamine N-methyltransferase and thiol methyltransferase were analyzed with the preparation from the 7th day post-ligation, using tryptamine or 4-chlorothiophenol as substrates and S-Adenosyl-L-[methyl-3H]methionine as co-substrate. The results indicate that although the Km values were about the same as the sham-operated control, the Vmax values of both enzymes increased significantly (P < or = 0.01 and 0.001, respectively). These results suggest that the biosynthesis of arylamine N-methyltransferase and thiol methyltransferase have been induced in response to obstructive jaundice.

Lesäo hepatica na pancreatite aguda experimental: influencia da reduçäo da reserva enzimatica do pancreas / Evaluation of hepatic lesion of experimental acute pancreatitis: influence of pancreatic enzyme reduction

A pancreatite aguda (PA) produz alteracoes morfologicas e funcionais no figado. A administraçäo de doses baixas de ceruleina diminui o conteudo enzimatico do pancreas. O objetivo do presente estudo foi estudar o efeito da reduçäo do conteudo enzimatico do pancreas na funçäo mitocondrial hepatica. Ratos machos Wistar foram submetidos a PA atraves de injeçäo retrograda intraductal de taurocolato de sodio a 5 por cento com e sem infusäo de ceruleina (0,133 ug/Kg/h) durante tres horas : Grupo I (GI): sem reducao enzimatica do pancreas, com induçäo de PA, GRUPO II (GII): com reduçäo enzimática do pancreas, com induçäo de PA, GRUPO III (GIII): com reduçäo enzimatica do pancreas, sem induçäo de PA, GRUPO IV (GIV): sem reduçäo enzimatica do pancreas, sem induçäo de PA (Controle). Após duas horas da inducao da PA os animais foram sacrificados e os figados retirados para avaliaçäo da funçäo mitocondrial hepatica, determinada polarograficamente com eletrodo de Clark, medindo-se o consumo de oxigenio na ausência de ADP (S4-Basal) e na presença de ADP (S-3 Ativado), utilizando-se succinato de potassio como substrato. Os conteudos de tripsina, amilase e proteinas totais no liquido ascitico foram determinados. Após duas horas da induçäo da PA observamos aumento significativo no estado 4 da respiraçäo (41 por cento) e diminuiçäo do RCR e da relaçäo ADP/O nos animais do GI (PA sem ceruleina) quando comparados com os animais do GII (PA com ceruleina) (p<0,05). O conteudo de amilase (A) e tripsina (T) no liquido ascitico mostraram-se diminuidos nos animais do GII (A=80 +- 10 U/ml, T= 9,75 +- 1,25 U/ml), quando comparados com os animais do GI que nao receberam ceruleina ( A= 231 +- 24 U/ml, T = 40,32 +- 5,19 U/ml) (p<0,001). Infusäo somente de ceruleina (GIII) näo alterou a funçäo mitocondrial hepatica. Estes achados sugerem que a reduçäo do conteudo enzimatico do pancreas através de infusäo de ceruleina atenua a disfunçäo mitocondrial hepatica na PA experimental evidenciada por desacoplamento da oxigenaçäo fosforilativa

Acción de las hormonas tiroideas sobre la modulación de la expresión genética de la enzima málica citosólica hepática, en ratas intoxicadas con hexaclorobenceno / Action of the thyroid hormone on modulation of the gene expression of the liver cytosolic malic enzyme, in intoxicated rats with hexachlorobenzene

El hexaclorobenceno (HCB) es un tóxico ampliamente distribuído en la biosfera. La exposición crónica de animales de laboratorio al HCB provoca disfunciones tiroideas. Previamente hemos demostrado que el HCB incrementa la actividad de enzimas hepáticas reguladas por hormonas tiroideas (HT) tales como: enzima málica (EM) y glucosa-6fosfato de dehidrogenasa (G6PD) sin alterar la actividad de la alpha-glicerol fosfato deshidrogenasa mitocondrial (alpha-GPD). En éste estudio hemos investigado si el HCB afectaba: a) la concentración del receptor de hormonas tiroideas (RT3) y su afinidad por el ligando, b) la expresión del gen de EM y de otras enzimas HT-dependientes, c) los complejos proteína/DNA formados sobre el elemento de respuesta a hormonas tiroideas (TRE). Se utilizaron hígados de ratas hembras Wistar intoxicadas con HCB (100 mg/100 g P.C.), por 9 y 15 días. El análisis de Scatchard mostró que ni la afinidad ni el número de sitios RT3 estaban alterados luego de 9 y 15 días de tratamiento con HCB (Control, Ka: 1,9 nM, Bmáx:3.9 fmol/100mug DNA; HCB9díasKa2.1nM, Bmáx4.5 fmol/100mug DNA; HCB15 días Ka 1.9nM, Bmáx5.1 fmol/100mug DNA). Tampoco los niveles de RNAm de TRbeta1 medidos por ensayos de protección a RNasa fueron afectados por HCB. Ensayos de Northern Blot han demostrado que los niveles de RNAm de EM se incrementaban 4 veces y 2 veces con respecto al control después de 9 y 15 días de intoxicación respectivamente, sin observarse alteraciones en los niveles de RNAm de otras enzimas cuya expresión es regulada por HT como gliceraldehído - 3 - fosfato deshidrogenasa (GAPDH) y fosfoenolpiruvatocarboxiquinasa (PEPCK) ni tampoco en la alpha-GPD mitocondrial. Ensayos de retardo en gel mostraron que el HCB no modificó la afinidad de las proteínas presentes en extractos nucleares por el TRE presente en el promotor de EM. Nuestros resultados sugieren que el RT3 no está involucrado en forma directa en la inducción de la expresión del gen de EM por HCB, sin embargo podría interaccionar con otros factores de transcripción en la sobreexpresión del gen de EM.

Interrelationship of dietary lipids and ascorbic acid with hepatic enzymes of cholesterol metabolic pathway.

Effect of unsaturated and saturated fats on cholesterol metabolism was studied in ascorbate sufficient and deficient guineapigs. Experimental animals were made chronic ascorbic acid deficient by allowing oral intake of 0.5 mg ascorbic acid/day/animal. Elevation in serum and liver cholesterol and triglyceride along with depression in cholesterol oxidation and 7 alpha-hydroxylation in liver was observed in unsaturated fat fed guineapigs with ascorbate deficiency. Liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 level was found to be low in ascorbate deficient animals. Polyunsaturated fat intake could not lower the serum cholesterol level in ascorbate deficiency. Today polyunsaturated fat in the diet is encouraged all over the world for its hypocholesterolemic effect. This study indicates that polyunsaturated fat intake with ascorbic acid deficiency may produce hypercholesterolemia.

Influencia del contenido de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados Omega 6 dietéticos, en la actividad de enzimas asociadas a la función de la membrana mitocondrial de hígado y placenta de ratas / The effect of dietetic Omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the enzymes activity associated with the function of the liver mitochondria and placenta in rats

Ratas hembras vírgenes, cepa Wistar, se dividieron en tres grupos de 18 animales cada uno. Un grupo fue alimentado con una dieta que aporta (45% de las calorías como grasa(45g%), otro se alimentó con una dieta baja en grasa (15%), y el tercero sirvió como testigo. Para ambos niveles, alto y bajo, la relación ácidos grasos poliinsaturados a saturados (P/S) se ajustó a 2.0 sustituyendo los ácidos grasos saturados por aceite de maíz (Omega 6). A un grupo control se le ofreció una dieta preparada con 30% (30g%) de las calorías grasas, con una relación P/S de 1.0. Cada grupo consumió sólo una de la dietas desde antes, y durante la preñez. A los 20 días de edad gestacional todas as ratas fueron sacrificadas y se les extrajeron los fetos, placentes, y hígado materno, y se aislaron las membranas mitocondriales de palcentes e hígado. Luego se analizó la composición de los ácidos grasos de los fosfolípidos mitocondriales y la actividad de citocromo-c-oxidasa en la membrana interna, y de NADH citocromo o reductasa insensible a la totenona en la membrana mitocondrial externa. La citocromo-c-oxidasa de vio activada por el aumento de los Omega 6 en los fosfolípidos, originado por la dieta de 45g% P/S2. La acticiad de NADH citocromo-c-reductasa se redujo en el grupo que recibió 15 g%, P/S2, y en ese grupo no se alteró la actividad de citocromo-c-oxidasa en relación al grupo control. El peso fetal del grupo de madrs que consumió 45g% P/S1, experimentó un significativo aumento ponderal en relación a los otros dos grupos. Este estudio indica que dietas análogas en el contenido e grasa y poliinsaturados Omega 6 a a los potencialmente consumidos por humanos, pueden inducir cambios en los constituyentes estructurales de las membranas y en las funciones de las proteínas lípido-dependiente de membrana. Por lo tanto, se postula que un aumento de los poliinsaturados 6 en los fosfolípidos de la membrana mitocondrial favoreció la función celular de los órganos estudiados, reflejándose en el estímulo del crecimiento uterino fetal

Effects of withdrawal of glucocorticoids on improving the function and enzymatic activities of liver mitochondria in female diabetic rats

En el presente trabajo se describen los efectos de la restitución de corticosterona a ratas con diabetes inducida por estreptozotocina sobre a) la función de mitocondrias enteras de hígado y b) sobre las actividades enzimáticas de la 3- hidroxibutirato deshidrogenasa (HBD), citocromo c oxidasa (Cox) y succinato deshidrogenasa (SD) de mitocondrias que sufrieron ruptura por método físico. La función mitocondrial fue analizadas por la respiración y por el comportamiento oscilatorio osmótico de esas organelas. La respiración se midió por método polarográfico y se midieron el estado 3 de la respiración activa (S3) y el control respiratorio (CR) usando los siguientes sustratos: 3-hidroxibutirato, malato-glutamato y succinato. El comportamiento oscilatorio osmótico se midió usando como parámetro comparativo los coeficientes de amortiguación (CA), que son los cocientes de las amplitudes de dos picos o valles consecutivos obtenidos en el registro espectrofotométrico de dicho fenómeno. Se dispusieron un grupo de ratas normales no diabéticas (N) y los siguientes grupos de ratas diabéticas: controles (D), adrenalectomizadas (D + ADX) y adrenalectomizadas con restitución de corticosterona (D + ADX + C). Los resultados de la respiración mitocondrial mostraron que los valores medios de S3 y CR disminuyeron con los tres sustratos en el grupo D + ADX + C comparado con el grupo D + ADX (p < 0,001). Este grupo demostró, a su vez, un aumento significativo de los valores medios de S3 y CR de respiración con respecto al del grupo D. El comportamiento oscilatorio de mitocondrias enteras de hígado del grupo D + ADX + C demostró un significativo aumento de los CA de picos y valles comparado con los del grupo D + ADX. Los valores de CA del último grupo no fueron significativamente diferentes de los del grupo N. El comportamiento de las actividades enzimáticas de mitocondrias fraccionadas fueron diferentes para cada enzima según los diferentes tratamientos en los grupos de ratas diabéticas. En el grupo D + ADX + C el valor medio de la actividad HBD disminuyó significativamente, el de la Cox aumentó (p < 0,02) y el de la SD no mostró variación alguna con respecto a los correspondientes valores medidos de esas enzimas en el grupo D + ADX. Asimismo, el valor medio de la actividad HBD en este último grupo fue similar al del grupo N y el de Cox fue menor (p < 0,001) que el del grupo D. Se concluye que la corticosterona tiene un significativo efecto diabetogénico sobre la función bioquími

Role of liver and brain lysosomal and mitochondrial enzymes in development of delayed neuropathy in hens by 0,0-diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate.

Subacute dose of 0,0-diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate (DFP), a potent organophosphorus ester capable of producing delayed neurotoxicity (OPIDN), did not produce any significant change in the levels of lysosomal and mitochondrial marker enzymes of brain, liver and serum at any time after treatment in hens protected with atropine. The results suggest the absence of any involvement of mitochondrial and lysosomal enzymes at any stage in the development of OPIDN in susceptible species by treating with DFP.

Aminopyrine-N-demethylase activity of rat liver after administration of crude cannabis extract.

The effect of cannabis extract, on the hepatic aminopyrine-N-demethylase activity was studied in rats. Daily administration of cannabis extract for 15 consecutive days increased the aminopyrine-N-demethylase activity which was significant on day 15 post-treatment at 2 and 10 mg/kg doses. At 20 mg/kg, a significant increase was observed from day 7 which continued up to day 15. These findings suggest that cannabis extract can induce hepatic aminopyrine-N-demethylase activity.

Sex-related differences in the activity of liver mitochondrial alfa-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase in the rat

Alfa-glicerofosfato deshidrogenasa mitocondrial del hígado de rata es una enzima que responde marcadamente a la administración de la hormona tiroidea. Su actividad es considerada como buen índice del estado tiroideo en tejidos periféricos. En este estudio, la actividad de alfa-GPD y las características de unión del receptor nuclear de T3 (capacidad máxima de unión, MBC y constante de afinidad, Ka) fueron comparadas en ratas machos y hembras. La actividad basal de alfa-GPD en hembras adultas fue significativamente más alta que en machos de la misma edad. La misma diferencia se observó en animales inmaduros. Las variaciones fisiológicas cíclicas en las hormonas esteroideas ováricas durante el ciclo estrual no afectó significativamente la actividad de alfa-GPD, MBC y Ka. La orquiectomía o la administración de testosterona a ratas orquiectomizadas no tuvo efecto sobre la actividad de alfa-GPD cuando se compararon con machos normales con cirugía simulada. En hembras, ni la ovariectomía ni la administración de testosterona a animales ovariectomizados indujeron cambios en al actividad de la enzima. El contenido de T3 en núcleos hepáticos, la MBC y Ka fueron similares en ambos sexos. La actividad de alfa-GPD inducida por una dosis única de T3, suficientemente para mantener totalmente ocupados los receptores nucleares de T3 por un período de 24 h, fue significativamente más alta en las hembras que en los machos. Los estudios de la cinética de alfa-GPD mostraron una Km idéntica en ambos sexos, en tan

The effect of thyroidectomy in male rats fed two antagonist lipid diets: III. The liver and brain mitochondrial ATPase activity

The liver and brain mitochondrial ATPase activity of surgical thyroidectomized male rats fed two antagonist lipid diets, an n06 polyunsaturated fatty (PUFA)-rich diet A or an n-3 PUFA-rich diet B, during 30 days, was different in comparison to the respective controls (sham-operated animals). Thyroidectomy did not change the diet A liver and diet B brain ATPase activity, but it increased the diet B liver ATPase (p<0.001) and decreased the diet A brain ATPase (p<0.001). The ATPase activity was also altered in function of used diets, with the exception of thyroidectomized rats in liver. The ATPase of diet A control rats was higher than the enzyme of diet B control rats in liver (p<0.001) and brain (p<0.001). The ATPase of diet A thyroidectomized rats was higher than the diet B thyroidectomized rats ATPase (p<0.005)

Studies of Hepatic, Brain Monoamine Oxidase and Brain Serotonin in Rats

The effects of 7-ethyl-8-methylf1avin (7-Et) and 7-methyl-8-ethyl-flavin (8-Et) on rat hepatic monoamine oxidase (MAO), brain MAO activity and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT or serotonin) in rat brain were investigated. In the study of hepatic MAO activity, kynur-amine a nonphysiological substrate for both A and B type MAO, was used for a spectro-photometric method, and [14C]-labeled amines were also used for a radiometric procedure for camparison with MAO activity determined by the spectrophotometric method. The rate of change in MAO activity of hepatic mitochondria from rats receiving Rb-def and 7-Et and 8-Et flavin showed the activity was severely reduced during 8 weeks. Rapid reduction of enzyme activity (50% in def-group, 35% in 7-Et group and 8% 8-Et flavin group) was observed at the end of 2 weeks. The enzyme activity lasted with slow decre-ment of enzyme level from 4 weeks to the end of 8 weeks as low as 16% in def, 18% in 7-Et and 3% in 8-Et flavin group. The trend of decrement of MAO activity when kynura-mine was used as a substrate appears to be similar with the small variation of MAO activity when [14C]-labelled tyramine, dopamine, serotonin and tryptamine respectively were used as substrate. The rate of decay of brain mitochondrial MAO activity in rats receiving each respective f1avin was not rapid and severely depressed as the MAO activity we have found in liver mitochondrial MAO of rats during the 8 week experimental time, but a similar tendency of decay of MAO in each group was observed. The potent inhibitory effect of 8-Et on brain MAO was confirmed by the study of the simultaneous measure-ment of MAO activity in each experimental group. when the reduction Of brain MAO activity in rats receiving 8-Et after 6 weeks was approximately 80% of normal and in the same rats the concentration of brain 5-HT showed a 60% increment of that of the normal mts. During the experimental period there is no absolute parallelism between the MAO inhibition and 5-HT increase. However when the reduction of MAO activity reached 80% of normal value, the concentration of 5-HT increased dramatically as much as 60% of normal value. The results so far suggest clearly that 8-Et produces a much more potent inhibitory effect on the hepatic MAO a s well as brain MAO in rats. Therefore our present and previous results suggest that 7-Et and 8-Et flavin should bind itself to hepatic, brain MAO apoenzyme in the condition of total absence of riboflavin in these animals, and the holenzyme is catalytically inactive.