Library

Your email was sent successfully. Check your inbox.

An error occurred while sending the email. Please try again.

Proceed reservation?

Export
Filter
  • 1995-1999  (8,363)
  • 1985-1989  (10,166)
  • 1980-1984  (6,319)
  • Cell & Developmental Biology  (13,596)
  • Biochemistry and Biotechnology  (10,099)
  • Nuclear reactions
  • Ultrastructure
Material
Years
Year
Keywords
  • 1
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Sexual plant reproduction 12 (1999), S. 99-109 
    ISSN: 1432-2145
    Keywords: Key words Arabidopsis thaliana ; Megasporogenesis ; Meiosis ; Ultrastructure ; Cellular polarity
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract  In this study, megasporogenesis of the plant model Arabidopsis thaliana was investigated by electron microscopy for the first time. The data described here could constitute a reference for future investigations of Arabidopsis mutants. During the beginning of meiosis the megaspore mother cell shows a polarity created by unequal distribution of organelles in the cytoplasm. Plastids accumulate in the chalazal region and long parallel saccules of endoplasmic reticulum, small vacuoles and some dictyosomes are found in the micropylar region. Plasmodesmata are abundant in the chalazal cell wall. The nucleus is almost centrally localized and contains a prominent excentric nucleolus and numerous typical synaptonemal complexes. After the second division of meiosis the four megaspores are separated by thin cell walls crossed by numerous plasmodesmata and do not show significant cellular organization. The young functional megaspore is characterized by a large nucleus and a large granular nucleolus. The cytoplasm is very electron dense due to the abundance of free ribosomes and contains the following randomly distributed organelles: mitochondria, a few short saccules of endoplasmic reticulum, dictyosomes and undifferentiated plastids. However, there is no apparent polarity, except for the distribution of some small vacuoles which are more abundant in the micropylar region of the cell. The degenerating megaspores are extremely electron dense and do not show any substructure.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 2
    ISSN: 1432-2307
    Keywords: Key words Inflammation of the lung ; Biopsy ; Ultrastructure ; Laser therapy
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Examination of 127 biopsy specimens from 45 patients with inflammatory lung diseases showed changes consistent with increased permeability of the capillary endothelial cells as an initial stage in the development of the inflammatory reaction. Associated interstitial oedema, deformation of the interalveolar septa, and structural disorganization of alveolar epithelium cells occur, and local microcirculatory problems result in tissue hypoxia and fibrosis. The ultimate morphological picture is determined largely by the intensity of repair. Laser biostimulation minimizes the inflammation and stabilizes fibroplastic process.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 3
    ISSN: 1432-2307
    Keywords: Key words Capillary basement membrane ; Inflammatory myopathy ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The capillary basement membranes from 16 skeletal muscle biopsies from patients with a clinical and histological diagnosis of inflammatory myopathy and from six controls were analysed ultrastructurally and morphometrically. Resin sections from 244 endomysial capillaries were examined by light microscope, and the results were correlated with findings seen in electron micrographs of these capillaries. The ultrastructural morphometric measurements and the statistical analysis showed that the capillary basement membrane was thick and multilaminated in 87% specimens affected by inflammatory myopathy. No thick or multilaminated basement membrane was observed in controls. In inflammatory myopathy the endomysial space next to the capillaries contained an increased amount of collagen fibrils and showed signs of a chronic reparative process. It is suggested that the thick multilaminated basement membrane in inflammatory myopathy represents an advanced stage of vascular regeneration.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 4
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Polyglucosan body ; Periodic ; acid-Schiff-positive granules ; Mouse brain ; Immunohistochemistry ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Periodic acid-Schiff-positive granules (PGs) appear in the mouse brains in relation to advancing age. The exact location and pathophysiological significance of PGs, however, are not fully understood. The incidence, staining properties, and topographical distributions of PGs in the brains of 17 AKR mice ranging in age from 7 to 18 months were examined histochemically and immunohistochemically using antibody KM279 raised against a polyglucosan. In addition, to define the precise site of PG formation, we investigated the brains of 4 AKR mice of 24 months of age using conventional and immunoelectron microscopy. PGs were seen in all mice examined and the levels were increased with age. The PGs were located predominantly in the hippocampus and, to a lesser extent, in the cerebellum and olfactory bulb. Immunohistochemically, PGs in the hippocampus and cerebellum were labeled uniformly with KM279. On immunoelectron microscopy with this monoclonal antibody, the fibrillar or membranous structures corresponding to PGs seen using light microscopy were labeled specifically with gold particles. With conventional electron microscopy, fibrillar or membranous structures were seen along with synaptic vesicles and dense-core granules. Moreover, around the cells containing PGs, a few synaptic junctions with neighboring cells were observed, indicating that the cells contributing to formation of PGs were neuronal cells. The positive immunoreactivity of AKR mouse PGs for the antibody KM279 suggests that the PGs and similar structures in other species may share a common antigenicity. Thus, it is assumed that PGs in AKR mice might result from some abnormalities in glucose metabolism.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 5
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Amyloid precursor protein ; immunoreactivity ; Axonal injury ; Microwave antigen retrieval ; Traumatic brain injury ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Antibodies to the amyloid precursor proteins (APP) have become routine markers for detecting traumatically induced axonal injury (AI) in animals and man. Unfortunately, the techniques used to visualize these proteins are not compatible with routine electron microscopic (EM) analysis. In the current communication, we describe a method for the ultrastructural visualization of antibodies to APP and, using this method, we identify a previously unrecognized population of traumatically injured axons. Rats were subjected to an impact acceleration traumatic brain injury and allowed to survive 30 min to 3 h postinjury. The animals were then perfused, their brains sectioned on a vibratome and the sections prepared for immunocytochemistry using a computer-controlled microwave capable of temperature regulation. The use of temperature-controlled microwave energy unmasked APP antigenic epitopes without sacrificing ultrastructural detail. The APP antibody was found in two distinct populations of reactive axons that differed in size, morphology, location, and temporal progression. Comparable to previous descriptions, one population showed traumatically related reactive changes that led to swelling and disconnection. The other population, however, revealed unanticipated changes reflected in nodal and paranodal swelling of small continuous fibers that showed no evidence of disconnection during the time periods assessed. These studies provide new insight into the complexity of the pathobiology of AI, while describing a novel approach for enhancing APP immunoreactivity at the EM level.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 6
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Key words Intrinsic laryngeal motoneurons ; Cholera toxin HRP ; Ultrastructure ; Swallowing ; Respiration
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The laryngeal motoneurons innervating the cricothyroid muscle (CT) are located in the semicompact formation just ventral to the rostral part of the compact formation of the nucleus ambiguus. The motoneurons innervating the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle (PCA) are located in the loose formation. We retrogradely labeled the CT and the PCA motoneurons using cholera toxin subunit B-conjugated horseradish peroxidase, and determined the ultrastructure and synaptic organization of these neurons. The CT and the PCA motoneurons had the appearance of α-motoneurons, i.e., large, oval or polygonal cells containing well-developed organelles and a prominent spherical nucleus. Two kinds of neurons were recognized among the PCA motoneurons. The one (PCA-A) was significantly smaller than the other (PCA-B). The average number of axosomatic terminals in a section was significantly largest in the PCA-B (56.6), smaller in the PCA-A (36.0), and smallest in the CT (32.3) neurons. Most of the axosomatic terminals (64.7%) contained pleomorphic vesicles and made symmetric synaptic contacts (Gray’s type II) with the PCA-A neurons, while more than 60% contained round vesicles with asymmetric synaptic contacts (Gray’s type I) in the CT (69.5%) and the PCA-B (60.6%) neurons. A few terminals associated with subsurface cisterns were present on all laryngeal motoneurons. These results indicated that the CT motoneurons may receive mostly excitatory terminals, whereas the PCA muscle may be regulated by neurons having many inhibitory terminals, and neurons having many excitatory terminals.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 7
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ; Bunina body ; Guam ; Immunohistochemistry ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract An investigation of Bunina bodies is important when studying the pathoetiology and pathomechanisms involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It may serve as a clue essential for the study of the pathogenesis of Guamanian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS-G), and it may provide a means of answering the question of whether ALS-G is the same disease as classical ALS or a different entity. In ALS-G, however, no precise histochemical, immunohistochemical, or detailed ultrastructural examination has been published to date. To elucidate the pathological differences/similarities of Bunina bodies between classical ALS and ALS-G, we performed histochemical, immunohistochemical, topographic and ultrastructural examinations. Histochemically, hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome, methylgreen-pyronin, phosphotungstic acid-hematoxylin, Klüver-Barrera, Bodian and periodic acid-Schiff staining were utilized. Immunohistochemical examination was performed using antibodies for cystatin C, ubiquitin, Tau-2, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, phosphorylated neurofilament and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Histochemical findings were consistent with those previously described for classical ALS. The immunohistochemical study showed that in ALS-G Bunina bodies were intensely labeled by an anti-cystatin C antibody. Topographic examination demonstrated that Bunina bodies were distributed in the spinal anterior horns and Clarke’s column in the spinal cord. Ultrastructurally, Bunina bodies were composed of electron-dense amorphous/ granular material accompanied by vesicular structures and neurofilaments. The results of the present study have revealed that the pathological features of Bunina bodies in ALS-G are identical to those seen in classical ALS. These findings strongly suggest that a similar degenerative process occurs in the spinal anterior horn cells in both ALS-G and classical ALS.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 8
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Ischemia ; Protein synthesis ; Translation ; Ultrastructure ; Hippocampus
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract During post-ischemic brain reperfusion there is a substantial reduction of protein synthesis in selectively vulnerable neurons. Normal protein synthesis requires a functional translation initiation complex, a key element of which is eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2), which in a complex with GTP introduces the met-tRNAi. Phosphorylation of Ser51 on the α subunit of eIF2 [eIF2α(P)] generates a competitive inhibitor of eIF2B, thereby preventing the replenishment of GTP onto eIF2, thus blocking translation initiation. It has been shown that the conditional expression of an eIF2α mutant (Asp substituted for Ser51) imitating the negative charge of Ser51 (P) induces apoptosis. During the first 10 min of post-ischemic reperfusion, there is an approximately 20-fold increase in eIF2α(P) seen in the cytoplasm of CA1 hippocampal neurons, and, by 1 h, there is also accumulation of eIF2α(P) in the nucleus. We utilized post-embedding electron microscopical immunogold methods to examine the localization of eIF2α(P) during reperfusion. Immunogold particles (10 nm) were concentrated chiefly along the rough endoplasmic reticulum and in association with the membranes of the nuclear envelope in CA1 neurons. Aggregations of gold particles in the nucleus were concentrated: (1) within and around the nucleolus, (2) associated to strands of heterochromatin, and (3) along putative nuclear filaments. The presence of eIF2α(P) in the nucleolus probably reflects its association with nascent ribosomal subunits. The β-subunit of eIF2 has a zinc finger and polylysine blocks analogous to those on other proteins that affect transcription. The association of eIF2α(P) with chromatin may have important implications for transcription.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 9
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Anatomy and embryology 199 (1999), S. 407-418 
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Key words Placenta ; Vascular wall ; Smooth muscle cell ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The vascular wall structure in the human full-term placental villi of normal pregnancy was studied by means of light and electron microscopy with an improved technique of perfusion fixation and tissue preparation. We observed 81 sections of stem villi that showed cross-sectional profiles of paired vessels in their center. Both vascular walls contained a large amount of extracellular matrix and no elastic lamina between smooth muscle cells of the media, making identification of the artery and the vein quite difficult at first sight. We then noted that the density of the smooth muscle cell population was always considerably higher in one than the other, and identified the former as artery and the latter as vein on the basis of their connection with larger arteries and veins running on the chorionic plate. Between the paired vessels, the artery had a smaller caliber than the vein, and the ratio of venous to arterial caliber was distributed from 1.0 to 2.5. The thickness of media was usually thicker in the vein than in the artery. Clusters of elastic fibers were found occasionally in the media of arteries and veins, and basement membrane-like materials were associated frequently with the elastic fibers and were distributed widely in the media as well as in the adventitia. In the veins, the smooth muscle cells of the most superficial part of the media contained well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, indicating differentiation to secrete extracellular matrices. The present study revealed the difference of wall structure between arteries and veins in the placental stem villi for the first time at the ultrastructural level, and suggested differentiation of venous smooth muscle cells, possibly by some influence from the luminal side.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 10
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Anatomy and embryology 200 (1999), S. 81-90 
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Key words Elastic fibre system ; Microfibrils ; Collagen type IV ; Ultrastructure ; Immunocytochemistry
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  This study deals with the examination of the elastic fibre system as well as collagen fibrils and collagen type IV in the amnion of the human chorionic plate of uncomplicated pregnancies at term. In organs other than placenta, the elastic fibre system comprises elastic fibres, elaunin and oxytalan microfibrils. The investigation was performed by light and electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry. Abundant oxytalan fibres were present in all amnionic layers, while no elastic fibres were found. Oxytalan microfibrils formed a broad subepithelial layer and were intermingled with collagen fibrils in the subjacent compact layer and in the amnionic mesoderm. Light microscopically, bunches containing orcein-stained oxytalan and collagen-type-IV-immunostained microfibrils were seen rising from the amnionic mesoderm perpendicularly towards the epithelial layer, where they obviously inserted. It can be assumed that the subepithelial microfibrillar layer and the following compact layer form an anchoring zone between the amnionic mesoderm and the epithelium that may contribute to the maintenance of strength. The ultrastructure of the bunches clearly showed collagen fibrils mixed with oxytalan microfibrils. No collagen type I-immunostaining was found in the bunches. After pretreatment of cryostat sections with elastase, oxytalan-orcein-staining was absent, but collagen type IV-immunoreactivity was not altered. Furthermore, after oxytalan-orcein-staining resp. anti-collagen type IV incubation, all positive fibres revealed an identical morphological pattern. We propose that oxytalan and collagen type IV may represent further members of the microfibril complex.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 11
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Acta neuropathologica 97 (1999), S. 509-514 
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Hereditary inclusion body myopathy ; Desmin storage myopathy ; Ultrastructure ; Immmunocytochemistry
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We report two adult familial cases of inclusion body myopathy (IBM) with desmin storage in skeletal muscle. Clinically, both patients presented late-onset, progressive, symmetrical, both proximal and distal muscle weakness. Muscle biopsy findings were identical in both cases and consisted of marked variability in fiber size, increased number of central nuclei and vacuolation involving 10% of fibers. Single or multiple vacuoles were located subsarcolemmally or in the center, and were rimmed by basophilic material. At the ultrastructural level, tubulofilamentous nuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions of 16–21 nm in diameter were frequently observed. In addition, large subsarcolemmal and central deposits composed of electron-dense granular material were present in many fibers. Immunocytochemistry revealed staining for desmin, vimentin and ubiquitin within both inclusions and vacuolated fibers. Possible structural and functional associations between these two types of muscle changes remain unclear. They may either represent two coexistent disease processes or merely reflect an abnormal form of muscle fiber degradation, with unidentifiable specificity.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 12
    ISSN: 1432-041X
    Keywords: Key words Imaginal disc ; Axonal trajectories ; Ultrastructure ; Chaoborus (Insecta ; Diptera)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract  In one of his classical studies on insect metamorphosis, Weismann compared the imaginal anlagen of the ancestral phantom midge, Chaoborus, with those of advanced brachycerans. We have expanded his findings on the relationships between larval and imaginal organs using electron microscopy and cobalt backfilling of the antenna and leg anlagen and the axonal trajectories of corresponding larval sensilla. We show that both primordia are confluent with the larval antennae and ”leg” sensilla (an ancestral Keilin organ), respectively. These fully developed larval organs represent the distal tips of the imaginal anlagen rather than separate cell clusters. The axons of the larval antenna and leg sensilla project across the corresponding anlagen to their target neuromeres within the central nervous system (CNS). Within the discs, nerves composed of these larval axons, developing afferent fibres and efferences ascending from the CNS are found. Both the structure of the primordia and the axonal trajectories thus relate the situation found in advanced brachycerans with that seen in more ancestral insects. In addition, the larval antennae, legs, wings and even the eyes possess very similar afferent pioneer trajectories supporting the idea that the described pattern is generally used in the ontogeny of sensory systems.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 13
    ISSN: 1432-072X
    Keywords: Key wordsClostridium xylanolyticum ; Cinnamic acid ; Esterase ; Lignocellulose ; Sporogenesis ; Ultrastructure ; Cell envelope
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Microorganisms that hydrolyse the ester linkages between phenolic acids and polysaccharides in plant cell walls are potential sources of enzymes for the degradation of lignocellulosic waste. An anaerobic, mesophilic, spore-forming, xylanolytic bacterium with high hydroxy cinnamic acid esterase activity was isolated from the gut of the grass-eating termite Tumilitermes pastinator. The bacterium was motile and rod-shaped, stained gram-positive, had an eight-layered cell envelope, and formed endospores. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA indicated that the bacterium is closely related to Clostridium xylanolyticum and is grouped with polysaccharolytic strains of clostridia. A wide range of carbohydrates were fermented, and growth was stimulated by either xylan or cellobiose as substrates. The bacterium hydrolysed and then hydrogenated the hydroxy cinnamic acids (ferulic and p-coumaric acids), which are esterified to arabinoxylan in plant cell walls. Three cytoplasmic enzymes with hydroxy cinnamic acid esterase activity were identified using non-denaturing gel electrophoresis. This bacterium possesses an unusual multilayered cell envelope in which both leaflets of the cytoplasmic membrane, the peptidoglycan layer and the S layer are clearly discernible. The fate of all these components was easily followed throughout the endospore formation process. The peptidoglycan component persisted during the entire morphogenesis. It was seen to enter the septum and to pass with the engulfing membranes to surround the prespore. It eventually expanded to form the cortex, verification for the peptidoglycan origin of the cortex. Sporogenic vesicles, which are derived from the cell wall peptidoglycan, were associated with the engulfment process. Spore coat fragments appeared early, in stage II, though spore coat formation was not complete until after cortex formation.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 14
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Experimental brain research 124 (1999), S. 89-99 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Key words Microglial culture ; Brain macrophages ; Isolectin ; Ultrastructure ; Intracellular pathway
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The present study examined the lectin labeling of diverse morphological forms of microglia in culture. Similar to amoeboid microglial cells in vivo, polymorphic microglia showed lectin labeling at their plasma membranes, as well as in a few cytoplasmic vesicles and vacuoles. This labeling pattern was observed in cultured microglia incubated with isolectin at 4°C for 30 min. Five minutes after the temperature was raised to 37°C, the surface lectin receptors appeared to be internalized, as shown by the occurrence of many subsurface lectin-labeled vesicles, vacuoles and tubule-like structures. With longer incubation (up to 1–2 h at 37°C), many lysosomes and a few trans-Golgi saccules and associated lysosome-like structures became labeled. Concomitant with these changes was a reduction of lectin labeling at the plasma, with labeling having vanished in most of the cells after 1–2 h of incubation. By 24 h, only a few cells retained surface lectin labeling. It appears, therefore, that irrespective of morphology, lectin labeling (including its intracellular pathway) of microglia in culture parallels that of amoeboid microglia in vivo. This would offer a useful model for the study of lectin turnover in microglia and help to explain the roles of such receptors in microglial differentiation and function.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 15
    ISSN: 1432-069X
    Keywords: Key words p75 nerve growth factor receptor ; (p75 NGFr) ; Immunoreactivity ; Ultrastructure ; Prurigo nodularis ; Nerve fiber
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Prurigo nodularis is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by neurohyperplasia. Neurotrophins and their receptors play a critical role in nerve growth, differentiation, maturation and maintenance, including cutaneous nerve fiber growth and innervation. They may also be responsible for events related to the growth and differentiation control of keratinocytes. To explore the exact distribution of the p75 low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (p75 NGFr) in the cutaneous nerve components, p75 NGFr immunofluorescence as well as ultrastructural immunohistochemical studies were performed on prurigo nodularis lesional skin and normal human skin samples. The immunofluorescence results revealed that nerve fibers and bundles were increased in number and size in lesional upper dermis with stronger p75 NGFr immunoreactivity than in the corresponding normal tissue. At the ultrastructural level, a lot of nerve fibers clustered together in the prurigo nodularis dermal tissue. The axons were enlarged and branched, but the axons themselves seldom showed any NGFr immunoreactivity. The Schwann cell bodies were extended and irregularly shaped, and tended to separate into many branches enveloping the axons. The Schwann cell membrane showed strong p75 NGFr immunoreactivity. The perineurium cells also revealed strong p75 NGFr immunoreactivity. The Schwann cells inside the perineurium were less p75 NGFr-immunoreactive than those outside the perineurium. The membrane of certain basal keratinocytes showed NGFr immunoreactivity as well. The present results indicate that overexpression of p75 NGFr in Schwann cells and perineurium cells could contribute to the neurohyperplasia in prurigo nodularis.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 16
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Urological research 27 (1999), S. 454-461 
    ISSN: 1434-0879
    Keywords: Key words Cold-restraint stress ; Urinary bladder ; Interstitial cystitis ; Mast cell ; Urothelium ; Ultrastructure ; Ruthenium red ; Flow cytometry
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Stress is associated with many diseases of unknown aetiology. This study demonstrates the effects of cold-restraint stress on the morphology of the urinary bladder. Additionally, it compares the results obtained with the morphology of the interstitial cystitis. The animals were subjected to three hours of cold-restraint stress and then starved for 48 h. The morphology and histochemistry of the urinary bladder was investigated with light and electron microscopy. The proliferative activity was analysed via flow cytometry. Increased and degranulated mast cells in the mucosa, leucocyte infiltration in the lamina propria, vacuole formation in the urothelial cells, loose tight junction, dilated intercellular spaces and altered proliferative activity were observed in the stress group when compared with the control. The increase in the number of mast cells and especially degranulated mast cells and vacuole formation and the loose tight junction of the urothelium correlated with the histopathological findings of interstitial cystitis.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 17
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Anatomy ; Floral nectary ; Modified stomata ; Phloem ; Pisum sativum ; Stereology ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary The floral nectary ofPisum sativum L. is situated on the receptacle at the base of the gynoecium. The gland receives phloem alone which departed the vascular bundles supplying the staminal column. Throughout the nectary, only the companion cells of the phloem exhibited wall ingrowths typical of transfer cells. Modified stomata on the nectary surface served as exits for nectar, but stomatal pores developed well before the commencement of secretion. Furthermore, stomatal pores on the nectary usually closed by occlusion, not by guard-cell movements. Pore occlusion was detected most frequently in post-secretory and secretory glands, and less commonly in pre-secretory nectaries. A quantitative stereological study revealed few changes in nectary fine structure between buds, flowers secreting nectar, and post-secretory flowers. Dissolution of abundant starch grains in plastids of subepidermal secretory cells when secretion commenced suggests that starch is a precursor of nectar carbohydrate production. Throughout nectary development, mitochondria were consistently the most plentiful organelle in both epidermal and subepidermal cells, and in addition to the relative paucity of dictyosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and their associated vesicles, the evidence suggests that floral nectar secretion inP. sativum is an energy-requiring (eccrine) process, rather that granulocrine.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 18
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Cumulus oophorus ; Ovarian follicle ; Fertilization ; Ultrastructure ; Immunocytochemistry ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary The fine structure of the human cumulus oophorus has been reviewed on the basis of scanning and transmission electron microscopic observations as well as of immunofluorescence data. Tissues sampled from preovulatory ovarian follicles and cumulus-enclosed oocytes and fertilized eggs (collected from the oviduct or obtained during in vitro fertilization procedures) have been evaluated from a microtopographic and morphodynamic point of view in order to better clarify the possible role of this population of cells. In particular, the following aspects have been studied and discussed: the presence of multiple close contacts (modulated by the interposition of the zona pellucida) between the oocyte surface and the long microvillous evaginations projecting from the inner aspect of corona cells surface (through these structures the intraovarian cumulus oophorus may control oocyte growth and metabolism up until the time of ovulation); the occurrence of different subpopulations of cells (steroid-synthetic cells, cells producing adhesive proteins, leukocytes, macrophages) in the postovulatory, extraovarian cumulus oophorus surrounding oocytes, zygotes and early developing embryos. All these elements found in the cumulus mass may positively act, through their paracrine activities, on the chemical composition of the microenvironment in which fertilization occurs.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 19
    ISSN: 1615-2573
    Keywords: Endomyocardial biopsy ; Dilated cardiomyopathy ; Children ; Ultrastructure ; Basal lamina layering of capillary
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary We analyzed the electron-microscopic features of endomyocardial biopsy from pediatric patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The specimens examined were taken from the right ventricle of ten patients aged from 2 to 15 years (mean 9.7 years). Biopsy specimens from eight patients with congenital heart disease (tetralogy of Fallot), aged from 3 to 12 (mean 7.3 years), and ten adult patients with DCM, aged from 32 to 60 (mean 45 years), were also examined. Patients considered to have endocardial fibroelastosis, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, specific cardiomyopathy, or coronary heart disease were excluded from this study. Specimens from pediatric patients with DCM showed various degrees of ultrastructural abnormalities of myocytes, including myofibrillar fragmentation, mitochondrial abnormalities, and intracellular edema. The ultrastructurally determined contractility failure index based on the severity of myocardial degeneration at the electronmicroscopic level was 4.9 ± 1.1. This value was significantly higher than that in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (0.9 ± 0.6,P 〈 0.001) but was not significantly different from that in adult patients with DCM (6.1 ± 2.6). The index of pediatric patients with DCM who died within 3 years was high (6.0 ± 0.8). Basal lamina layering of a capillary (BLL) in the myocardium was revealed in 1 of the 10 (10%) pediatric patients with DCM and in 6 of the 10 (60%) adult patients with DCM (P 〈 0.05). No BLL was noted in the patients with tetralogy of Fallot. These findings may be related to the pathogenesis of DCM in children and adults.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 20
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Neuromelanin ; Neuron ; Peroxidase ; Oxygen metabolism ; High-definition light microscopy ; Electron microscopy ; Ultrastructure ; Cytochemistry ; Substantia nigra ; Lumbricusterrestris (Annelida)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Histochemical examination of 1-μm tissue sections from the dorsal nerve plexus of the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris, reveals multiple brown intraneuronal granules. These granules contain material morphologically and histochemically consistent with neuromelanin. When viewed with transmission electron microscopy, these were seen as single membrane-enclosed biphasic granules with diameters of 370–730 nm. Exposure of L. terrestris to high-level environmental oxygen resulted in an increase in the number of neuromelanin-like pigment granules within the neurons of the circular muscle layer. As measured by ortho-phenylenediamine hydrochloride, the endogenous peroxidase activity of extracts from worms incubated in high-level environmental oxygen was 51% more than controls. The endogenous peroxidase activity was localized in situ with 3,3-diaminobenzidine (DAB) and was found to increase in and around the neuromelanin-like pigment-containing neurons within the circular muscle layer. These studies suggest that the nerve net of L. terrestris may serve as a model to study the role of neuromelanin production in oxidative stress and its relationship to endogenous peroxidases.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 21
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Parasitology research 85 (1999), S. 999-1006 
    ISSN: 1432-1955
    Keywords: Key wordsEchinococcus granulosus ; Praziquantel ; Metacestode ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The efficacy of praziquantel against the metacestode of Echinococcus granulosus was studied by means of in vitro incubations or in vivo experiments. The results of in vitro incubations indicated that the effectiveness of praziquantel was higher when the parasite material comprised cysts from cyst masses than in the case of intact cysts that retained their adventitial layer. Ultrastructural alterations in the germinal layer of collapsed cysts incubated in vitro were detected. The results obtained in mice after 4 months of treatment demonstrated no significant difference between the control and treated groups with regard to the number and wet weight of developed cysts. However, ultrastructural alterations were detected in the cyst tissue that were similar to those described in the in vitro experiment. In contrast, the effect of chemoprophylaxis on the number and the wet weight of developed cysts was extremely significant as compared with the control value, the efficacy being 99.41% and 98.32%, respectively. Moreover, ultrastructural observations of the cyst tissue revealed loss of its integrity, and no intact cyton was observed in the germinal layer of the developed cyst.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 22
    ISSN: 1432-1955
    Keywords: Key words Monogenea ; Capsalidae ; Benedenia rohdei ; B. lutjani ; Ectoparasites ; Lutjanus carponotatus ; Glands ; Ultrastructure ; Adhesion ; Attachment
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The anterior adhesive areas of Benedenia rohdei from the gills and B. lutjani from the pelvic fins of Lutjanuscarponotatus at Heron Island, Australia, were studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. All specimens were fixed when detached from host tissue. Both monogenean species have two disc-like anteroventral attachment organs, each of which has an anterolateral adhesive area divided into three adjacent zones by tegument from the ventral surface of the attachment organ. A rod-shaped secretion and a smaller, roughly spherical secretion are associated with the anterior adhesive areas in both species; a third type of secretion occurs anteriorly but outside these adhesive areas. The electron-dense spherical secretory bodies released onto the anterior adhesive zones in these Benedenia spp. are of a single type and differ ultrastructurally from those previously reported in monogeneans living on teleost hosts. A correlation, therefore, between secretion morphology and host type is not supported. No relationship was found between parasite microhabitat and secretion morphology.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 23
    ISSN: 1432-136X
    Keywords: Key words Freeze tolerance ; Sciatic nerve ; Cryoinjury ; Dehydration ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We investigated function and ultrastructure of sciatic nerves isolated from wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) endemic to the Northwest Territories, Canada, following freezing at −2.5 °C, −5.0 °C, or −7.5 °C. All frogs frozen at −2.5 °C, and most frogs (71%) frozen at −5.0 °C, recovered within 14 h after thawing began; however, frogs did not survive exposure to −7.5 °C. Sciatic nerves isolated from frogs frozen at −7.5 °C were refractory to electrical stimulation, whereas those obtained from frogs surviving exposure to −2.5 °C or −5.0 °C generally exhibited normal characteristics of compound action potentials. Frogs responded to freezing by mobilizing hepatic glycogen reserves to synthesize the cryoprotectant glucose, which increased 20-fold in the liver and 40-fold in the blood. Ultrastructural analyses of nerves harvested from frogs in each treatment group revealed that freezing at −2.5 °C or −5.0 °C had little or no effect on tissue and cellular organization, but that (lethal) exposure to −7.5 °C resulted in marked shrinkage of the axon, degeneration of mitochondria within the axoplasm, and extensive delamination of myelin sheaths of the surrounding Schwann cells.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 24
    ISSN: 1861-387X
    Keywords: Meningioma ; Intranuclear inclusion ; Immunohistochemistry ; Ultrastructure ; Intermediate filament
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We describe a case of meningothelial meningioma with a large number of intranuclear inclusions. Morphologically, these are divided into cytoplasmic inclusions and nuclear vacuoles. The cytoplasmic inclusion has a limiting membrane with cell organelles and filaments. Inclusions of this type are generally eosinophilic, like the cytoplasm. However, there are many inclusions that are more eosinophilic than the cytoplasm or that have a ground-glass appearance. Some of them may contain fine or coarse granules. On the other hand, the nuclear vacuole lacks a limiting membrane and appears empty. In most of the inclusions of this type, there is a faintly basophilic substance in the margin. Generally, the cytoplasmic inclusions are as immunopositive as cytoplasm with vimentin, but some of these cytoplasmic inclusions are more reactive. Under the electron microscope, abnormal aggregation of intermediate filaments is recognized in the cytoplasmic inclusions. It is considered that a strong reaction of cytoplasmic inclusions with vimentin immunostaining is due to abnormal aggregation of intermediate filaments. The present study distinctly demonstrates abnormal localization of intermediate filaments in the cytoplasmic inclusions, and it is suggested that the cytoskeleton participates in the evolution of the cytoplasmic inclusions.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 25
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Chondrocyte ; Synoviocyte ; Co-culture ; Proliferation ; Lipid peroxidation ; Cytotoxicity ; Ultrastructure ; Rat (Wistar)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Objective: A new co-culture system of rat articular chondrocytes and synoviocytes (HIG-82; cell line) was incubated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), H2O2 or a combination of Fe2+ and ascorbic acid to simulate inflammation-like radical attacks in articular joints. Methods: Chondrocytes were characterized by immunocytochemistry against collagen type II, transmission electron (TEM) and light microscopy. Lipid peroxidation was investigated by measuring thiobarbituric-acid-reactive material in the supernatants, cytotoxicity by determining release of lactate dehydrogenase and proliferation by measuring [3H]thymidine incorporation, culture protein and DNA. Results: PMA or Fe2+ and ascorbic acid induced lipid peroxidation in chondrocytes and synoviocytes that was decreased significantly in co-cultures. PMA and H2O2 dose dependently induced release of lactate dehydrogenase in chondrocytes, which was lowered in co-cultures or in previously co-cultured chondrocytes to a nearly basal level. In contrast, conditioned media of synoviocyte cultures showed no lowering effect on the radical-induced toxicity. Protection against H2O2-induced damage of cellular membranes by co-culturing was also shown by TEM. Synoviocytes released chondrocyte-stimulating growth factors spontaneously without previous interaction. Conclusion: Chondrocytes establish protective mechanisms against reactive oxygen species via an interaction with synoviocytes. Our co-culture model presents a possible way to study mechanisms of inflammation in articular joints under defined conditions.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 26
    ISSN: 1437-773X
    Keywords: Key words KSHV ; HHV-8 ; TPA ; Ultrastructure ; Primary effusion lymphoma
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The ultrastructure of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)/human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) has not yet been fully elucidated, although some findings have been reported using primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cell lines, KS-1, harboring no Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) coinfection. In the present study, detailed fine structural examination of KSHV/HHV-8 was performed after stimulation of the PEL-derived cell line KS-1 with 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in vitro. While unstimulated KS-1 cells contained a small number of intranuclear virus particles associated with no extracellular mature particles, KS-1 cells stimulated with TPA produced many extracellular mature particles as well as intranuclear particles, in addition to interesting tubulo-reticular structures and aggregated tubular structures in vesicles. The induced intranuclear particles were empty, doughnut shaped, and dense cored, with outer and inner diameters of 100–110 nm and 60–70 nm, respectively. Dense-cored extracellular mature particles were 150–160 nm in diameter, and some contained doughnut-shaped cores, together with a few megaloviruses, 260 nm in outer diameter. These findings indicate that KS-1 cells treated with TPA can produce extracellular mature particles as well as intranuclear particles, which were proven to be KSHV/HHV-8.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 27
    ISSN: 1437-773X
    Keywords: Key words pHGF ; HGF ; Acute liver injury ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The protective effect of hepatocyte growth-promoting factor (pHGF) against CCl4-induced acute hepatitis in rats was examined by light and electron microscopy. Hepatocyte growth-promoting factor, purified from infant pig liver in an active form, has been used clinically in patients with hepatitis in China. Four hours after administration of CCl4, a single dose of pHGF was administered intraperitoneally. Six hours after administration of CCl4, inhibition of CCl4-induced hepatic necrosis and hepatocytes with severely dilated endoplasmic reticula were evident in rats treated with pHGF. At 48 h post administration, most hepatocytes had recovered, and not only mitotic hepatocytes (10–13 mitotic cells/100) but also mitotic Kupffer cells were observed. At 72 h, it was evident that the differentiation of hepatic stellate cells (Ito cell) into myofibroblast-like cells and the development of fibrosis around the central veins was prevented by pHGF. These results suggested that (1) pHGF may stabilize cell membranes, (2) pHGF acts as a mitogen not only for hepatocytes but also for Kupffer cells, and (3) pHGF prevents fibrogenesis in the case of CCl4-induced liver injury by preventing the differentiation of hepatic stellate cells.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 28
    ISSN: 1437-773X
    Keywords: Key words Heart ; Ultrastructure ; Capillaries ; Endothelium ; Stereology ; Cardioplegic solutions
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract In open heart surgery and transplantation, sufficient structural preservation of the myocardium immediately following cardioplegic arrest is a precondition for overcoming ischemia and for resumption of postischemic function. Therefore, we compared the protective effect of three clinically applied cardioplegic solutions with fibrillating and beating hearts using structural criteria. Left ventricular samples were taken from (1) beating, or (2) fibrillating or arrested hearts following coronary perfu-sion with (3) St. Thomas' Hospital solution, (4) histidine tryptophane ketoglutalate (HTK) (Custodiol), or (5) University of Wisconsin (UW) solution and fixed by immersion. Ultrastructural differences in the swelling of capillary endothelial cells and myocytes were quantitatively evaluated using stereological methods. Endothelial cells were somewhat more swollen after St. Thomas perfusion than those in beating and fibrillating hearts. HTK-arrested hearts showed significantly lower values for cellular edema than beating hearts. UW perfusion resulted in the (significantly) lowest degree of endothelial cell edema. Edematous changes in myocytes were significantly greater in St. Thomas-arrested hearts than in UW- or HTK-arrested hearts. Cardiomyocyte edema in beating and fibrillating hearts was comparable to that in St. Thomas-perfused hearts. Thus, the stereol-ogical analysis revealed significant differences between cardioplegic solutions in structural preservation of myocardial ultrastructure.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 29
    ISSN: 1437-773X
    Keywords: Key words Cerebral blood flow ; Blood–brain barrier ; Repeated brief cerebral ischemia ; Hippocampal CA1 ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Neuronal damage and changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and the permeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) following repeated brief periods of ischemia were studied in Mongolian gerbils. The cerebral ischemia was produced by three repeated occlusions of bilateral common carotid arteries for 3 min at 1-h intervals. CBF and permeability of the BBB were examined with tracers (China ink and silver nitrate) at 1, 3, and 7 days post ischemia using light and electron microscopy. Three days after the reperfusion, significant extravasation of tracers, consequential reduction of CBF, extensive neuronal destruction, and intravascular platelet aggregation were observed. Such vascular changes in the CA1 region were more severe than those in the frontal cortex. These findings strongly support the view that microcirculatory disturbance may be a mechanism responsible for delayed neuronal death in the CA1 region of the hippocampus.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 30
    ISSN: 1437-773X
    Keywords: Key words: Secretory carcinoma ; Breast ; Intracytoplasmic lumina ; Immnohistochemistry ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We report a rare case of secretory carcinoma of the breast in a 50-year-old Japanese woman. The patient had been aware of a right breast tumor for 8 years, but had left it untreated. The tumor enlarged in size and became painful, and she visited our hospital. Breast carcinoma was diagnosed, and mastectomy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed features of a secretory carcinoma characterized by prominent secretory activity in the glandular and microcystic spaces, with some areas showing a follicular pattern resembling the thyroid gland. The secretory material was PAS-positive and immunohistochemically α-lactalbumin-positive. Ultrastructurally, the tumor cell contained many secretory vacuoles in the cytoplasm. In addition, extracellular and intracytoplasmic lumina were conspicuous; these were lined by microvilli projection and contained secretory material. By flow cytometric analysis, the DNA index was 1.14, which was diploid, showing relatively low proliferative activity.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 31
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Melanin-concentrating hormone neurons ; Lateral hypothalamic slice culture ; Immunocytochemistry ; Ultrastructure ; In situ hybridization ; Competitive RT-PCR ; Leptin assay ; Rat (Sprague Dawley)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Hypothalamic slices containing the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) were prepared from 6- to 8-day-old rats and maintained in stationary culture for up to 35 days in order to analyse how well the melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons survived. As previously reported for other brain areas, this method yielded a long-term well-preserved organotypic organization. Light- and electron-microscopic investigations showed that differentiation continued and that synaptic contacts developed in vitro. After a period of elimination of damaged cells and fibres, most of the remaining neurons and glial cells retained a normal morphology throughout the culture period. MCH neurons, in particular, survived well as attested by the strong immunocytochemical and in situ hybridization signals still observed after several weeks. In a comparison with the day of explantation, competitive reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction demonstrated the remarkable stability of the level of MCH mRNA at least until the 20th day in culture; after 30 days, the clear decrease in this level seemed to be correlated with a loss of MCH neurons, rather than with a decrease in MCH expression. After 10 days of culture, the incubation of slices in the presence of the hormone leptin (50 ng/ml) resulted in a strong decrease of MCH gene expression, suggesting that MCH neurons retained their physiological properties. Thus, the LHA slice stationary culture, especially between one and three weeks (i.e. after tissue stabilization and before extensive cell loss), appears to be a suitable method for physiological and pharmacological studies of these neurons.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 32
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Mechanoreceptors ; Synaptic proteins ; Histochemistry ; Ultrastructure ; Slit sensilla ; Hair sensilla ; Cupiennius salei (Chelicerata)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Indirect immunocytochemical tests were used at the light- and electron-microscopic levels to investigate peripheral chemical synapses in identified sensory neurons of two types of cuticular mechanosensors in the spider Cupiennius salei Keys.: (1) in the lyriform slit-sense organ VS-3 (comprising 7–8 cuticular slits, each innervated by 2 bipolar sensory neurons) and (2) in tactile hair sensilla (each supplied with 3 bipolar sensory cells). All these neurons are mechanosensitive. Application of a monoclonal antibody against Drosophila synapsin revealed clear punctate immunofluorescence in whole-mount preparations of both mechanoreceptor types. The size and overall distribution of immunoreactive puncta suggested that these were labeled presynaptic sites. Immunofluorescent puncta were 0.5–6.8 μm long and located 0.5–6.6 μm apart from each other. They were concentrated at the initial axon segments of the sensory neurons, while the somata and the dendritic regions showed fewer puncta. Western blot analysis with the same synapsin antibody against samples of spider sensory hypodermis and against samples from the central nervous system revealed a characteristic doublet band at 72 kDa and 75 kDa, corresponding to the apparent molecular mass of synapsin in Drosophila and in mammals. Conventional transmissionelectron-microscopic staining demonstrated that numerous chemical synapses (with at least 2 vesicle types) were present at these mechanosensory neurons and their surrounding glial sheath. The distribution of these synapses corresponded to our immunofluorescence results.Ultrastructural examination of anti-synapsin-stained neurons confirmed that reaction product was associated with synaptic vesicles. We assume that the peripheral synaptic contacts originate from efferents that could exert a complex modulatory influence on mechanosensory activity.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 33
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Plasmalemmic cord ; Pollen grain ; Ultrastructure ; Magnolia ×soulangeana
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary InMagnolia ×soulangeana pollen grains the generative cell (GC) does not become totally free within the vegetative cell (VC), at least until the pollen tube emergence. Due to a deviation in its detachment process from the sporoderm, the opposing ends of the VC plasmalemma do not fuse themselves when the GC moves away from the intine. Consequently, the interplasmalemmic space surrounding the GC does not become isolated but rather maintains continuity with the sporoderm through a complex formation that we have called plasmalemmic cord. The real existence of this formation was confirmed through serial sectioning showing the plasmalemmic cord to consist of the VC plasmalemma. In its initial portion it is occupied by a reasonably accentuated wall ingrowth of the inner layer of the intine (intine 3). In the remainder portion, neither of the cytochemical tests used in this work have revealed the presence of a significant amount of wall material. However, ultrathin sections of samples processed either chemically or by cryofixation showed the existence of an intricate system of tubules and vesicles, some of which are evaginations of the VC plasmalemma. The hypothesis that the plasmalemmic cord may have a role in the complex interactions between the two pollen cells is discussed.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 34
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Endosymbiont ; Mycetocyte ; Mycetome ; Oocyte ; Transovarial transmission ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary All anoplurans live symbiotically with prokaryotic microorganisms hosted in specialized cells, termed mycetocytes. In nymphs and males mycetocytes are distributed between midgut epithelial cells. In females, besides the midgut, mycetocytes are found in the reproductive organs where they are located at the base of ovarioles in contact with lateral oviducts. The mycetocyte-associated symbionts are transmitted from one generation to the next transovarially. Here, the results of histological and ultrastructural studies on the distribution and transmission of symbiotic microorganisms within the ovaries of the anopluranHaematopinus suis are presented. Interestingly, during advanced oogenesis (i.e., choriogenesis) of this species all symbionts are localized extracellularly and form a tight mass located at the posterior pole of the oocyte just below the hydropyle. In insects studied so far, such localization of transovarially transmitted microorganisms has been reported only in the closely related speciesHaematopinus eurysternus.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 35
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Teleost fish ; Puberty ; Testes ; Sex steroids ; Ultrastructure ; Steroidogenesis ; Clarias gariepinus (Teleostei)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The present report focuses on the mechanism(s) involved in the steroid-induced decrease of androgen production in immature African catfish testes that was observed in previous studies. Juvenile animals were implanted with Silastic pellets containing different 11-oxygenated androgens (11-ketotestosterone, KT; 11β- hydroxyandrostenedione, OHA; 11-ketoandrostenedione, KA), testosterone (T) or estradiol-17β (E2). Control groups received steroid-free pellets. Two weeks later, testis tissue fragments were either incubated with increasing concentrations of catfish luteinizing hormone (LH), or incubated with [3H]-pregnenolone ([3H]-P5) or [3H]-androstenedione ([3H]-A). Tissue fragments were also prepared for the quantitative assessment of Leydig cell morphology. Most of the parameters studied were not affected significantly by implantation of E2. Implantation of all androgens inhibited both the basal and the LH-stimulated androgen secretory capacity in vitro. This was associated with a reduced size of the Leydig cells and loss of half of their mitochondria. The studies on the metabolism of tritiated steroid hormones indicated that steroidogenic steps prior to 11β-hydroxylation, probably C17–20 lyase activity, were affected by all androgens. Although the effects of 11-oxygenated androgens and T on Leydig cells were mostly similar, previous work showed that only the 11-oxygenated androgens stimulated spermatogenesis, suggesting that distinct mechanisms of action are used by 11-oxygenated androgens and T. These mechanisms, however, seem to merge on the same target(s) to impair Leydig cell androgen production. Such a negative feedback mechanism may be of relevance in the context of the decline in androgen secretion per milligram testis tissue that accompanies the first wave of spermatogenesis in pubertal African catfish.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 36
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Chloride cells (mitochondria-rich cells) ; Teleost larvae ; Osmoregulation ; Immunohistochemistry ; Quantification ; Ultrastructure ; Oreochromis mossambicus (Teleostei)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Integumental and branchial chloride cells of tilapia larvae (Oreochromis mossambicus) were studied at the light-microscopical and ultrastructural level. Total numbers and distribution of chloride cells were quantified after immunostaining of cross sections of the entire larvae with an antibody against the α-subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase. The majority (66%) of Na+/K+-ATPase-immunoreactive (ir) cells, i.e. chloride cells, of freshwater tilapia larvae were located extrabranchially up to 48 h after hatching. Five days after hatching, the majority (80%) of chloride cells were found in the buccal cavity. Transfer of 24-h-old larvae to 20% sea water speeded up this process; 24 h after transfer (i.e. 48 h after hatching), the majority (59%) of chloride cells were located in the buccal cavity. The branchial chloride cell population of 24-h- and 120-h-old larvae consisted of immature, mature, apoptotic and necrotic chloride cells. However, relatively more immature chloride cells were observed in freshwater larvae (42–63%) than in (previously studied) freshwater adults (21%), illustrating the developmental state of the gills. After transfer to sea water, the incidence of degenerative chloride cells did not change. Furthermore, the incidence of immature cells had decreased and a new subtype of chloride cells, the ”mitochondria-poor” cells, appeared more frequently. These mitochondria-poor chloride cells were characterised by an abundant tubular system and relatively few mitochondria, which were aligned at the border or concentrated in one part of the cytoplasm. Most of these cells did not contact the water. The function of their enhanced appearance after seawater transfer is unknown.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 37
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words ECL cells ; Gastrin ; Reserpine ; Organelles ; Ultrastructure ; Rat (Sprague-Dawley)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The histamine-storing ECL cells in the stomach play a key role in the control of acid secretion. They contain granules, secretory vesicles and microvesicles, and sustained gastrin stimulation results in the additional formation of vacuoles and lipofuscin bodies. The cells are rich in the vesicle monoamine transporter type-2 (VMAT-2), which can be inhibited by reserpine. The present study examines the effect of reserpine on ECL-cell ultrastructure and histamine compartmentalization. Rats received reserpine and/or gastrin. Reserpine was given twice by the intraperitoneal route (25 mg/kg once daily). Gastrin-17 was given by subcutaneous infusion (5 nmol/kg/h), starting at the time of the first reserpine injection and continuing for 4 days when the rats were killed. At this stage, histamine in the oxyntic mucosa was unaffected by reserpine but elevated by gastrin. Immunocytochemical analysis (confocal microscopy) showed ECL-cell histamine in control and gastrin-treated rats to be localized in cytoplasmic organelles (e.g., secretory vesicles). After treatment with reserpine alone or reserpine+gastrin, ECL-cell histamine occurred mainly in the cytosol. Planimetric analysis (electron microscopy) of ECL cells showed reserpine to increase the number, size and volume density of the granules and to reduce the size and volume density of the secretory vesicles. Gastrin reduced the number and volume density of granules and secretory vesicles, increased the number and volume density of microvesicles and caused vacuoles and lipofuscin bodies to appear. Reserpine+gastrin increased the number, volume density and size of the granules. Reserpine prevented the effects of gastrin on secretory vesicles, vacuoles and microvesicles, but did not prevent the development of lipofuscin. Our findings are in line with the views: (1) that preformed cytosolic histamine is taken up by granules/secretory vesicles via VMAT-2, that histamine is instrumental in the transformation of granules into secretory vesicles and in their consequent enlargement and (2) that vacuoles are formed by the fusion of large secretory vesicles.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 38
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Cell & tissue research 295 (1999), S. 151-158 
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Class II MHC-positive cells ; Human leukocyte antigen-DR ; Dental pulp ; Dendritic cells ; Macrophages ; Ultrastructure ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The distribution and ultrastructure of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-positive cells were investigated in human dental pulp, employing immunohistochemistry using an anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR-monoclonal antibody. HLA-DR-immunopositive cells, appearing spindle-like or dendritic in profile, were densely distributed throughout the dental pulp. Under the electron microscope, these cells exhibited various sizes of vesicles containing clear or opaque contents, multivesicular bodies and characteristic fine tubulovesicular structures in their cytoplasm. Some reactive cells possessed coated pits and vesicles including electron-dense materials, indicating an active endocytosis. At the periphery of the pulp tissue, the HLA-DR-immunopositive cells were predominantly situated in the subodontoblastic layer, with some located in the odontoblast layer and/or predentin and extending their cytoplasmic processes into the dentinal tubules. Cell processes of these cells occasionally made contact with several odontoblast processes in the same way as the nerve fibers in the predentin. These cells never contained the typical phagosomes frequently observed in the HLA-DR-immunoreactive macrophages in the subodontoblastic layer and the pulp core. The results suggest that the HLA-DR-immunopositive cells in the odontoblast layer and/or predentin have some regulatory function on the odontoblasts under physiological conditions, in addition to their involvement in the initial defense reaction after tooth injury.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 39
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Sexual plant reproduction 11 (1998), S. 121-130 
    ISSN: 1432-2145
    Keywords: Key words Egg cell ; Parthenogenesis ; Synergid ; Ultrastructure ; Wheat ; Zygote
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract  The ultrastructure of the egg apparatus of the sexual (aestivum)-Salmon line (aS) and the isogenic but alloplasmic (kotschyi)-Salmon line (kS) of the Salmon system of wheat was studied by transmission electron microscopy 3 days before and during anthesis. Additionally, the zygotic stage of aS, 17 h after pollination, was included. Metabolic activity of egg cells from the sexual line aS was low 3 days before anthesis and increased dramatically after pollination and fertilization. This timing of increased activity was evident because of changes occurring in the egg cell nucleus and nucleolus, polysomes, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and the completion of the cell wall around the zygote. In contrast to the sexual line, the egg cell of the parthenogenetic line showed high activity 3 days before anthesis. The metabolic and ultrastructural characters observed in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the kS line 3 days before and during anthesis corresponded with those of the isogenic sexual line aS during anthesis and 17 h after pollination, respectively. High metabolic activity observed in the persistent synergid of kS may be connected with the occurrence of additional embryos in seeds (twins) of this line.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 40
    ISSN: 1432-2145
    Keywords: Key words Abies ; Egg cell ; Plastid inheritance ; RFLP ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract  The ultrastructure of egg cells in Abies alba was examined to elucidate the lack of maternal inheritance of plastids. Before fertilization, maternal plastids are absent in the perinuclar zone containing mainly mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. During egg cell development the maternal plastids are transformed into large inclusions which are situated mostly towards the periphery of the egg cell, and finally disintegrate. As a consequence, they do not participate in zygote formation. RFLP analysis of cpDNA of parental trees and their F1 interspecific hybrids (A. alba×A. numidica, A. alba×A. nordmanniana, A. nordmanniana×A. Alba) using HindIII and BamHI showed a paternal mode of cpDNA inheritance. Paternal inheritance has also been found with PCR/RFLP analysis of cpDNA from parental trees and their hybrids (A. alba×A. pinsapo, A. pinsapo×A. alba, A. pinsapo×A. numidica) using ApaI and HaeIII digests, as well as in the crosses of A. cephalonica×A. nordmanniana, A. nordmanniana×A. cephalonica, A. cephalonica×A. numidica using TagI digests.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 41
    ISSN: 1432-2307
    Keywords: Key words Apoptosis ; Crescent-shaped spaces ; Ultrastructure ; Nivalenol ; Thymus
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  There have been many reports on the formation of apoptotic bodies, but little is known about the cellular pathological processes and the morphological changes involved. We induced apoptotic cell death by administering nivalenol (NIV), a trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, and investigated the ultrastructural process of formation of apoptotic bodies. The thymus was examined by electron microscopy 6, 12, and 18 h after administration. Apoptotic cell death was induced in the thymus of NIV-treated mice. The nuclei became invaginated and pinched off to give fragments, and crescent-shaped spaces (CSS) were found around the nuclear envelopes of these cells at quite an early stage. In some of these spaces, myelin figures were observed. We divided the process of formation into four stages and characterized each of them. These are easily recognized in morphological stages and are also useful for clarifying the apoptotic mechanism.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 42
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Der Pathologe 19 (1998), S. 373-378 
    ISSN: 1432-1963
    Keywords: Schlüsselwörter Metaplastische Brustdrüsenkarzinome ; Plattenepithelmetaplasie ; Plattenepithelkarzinom ; Immunhistologie ; Elektronenmikroskopie ; Zytophotometrie ; Key words Pure squamous cell carcinoma ; Mammary gland ; Squamous metaplasia ; Immunohistology ; Cytophotometry ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Description / Table of Contents: Summary Squamous metaplasia can be demonstrated in about 4% of all invasive carcinomas of the breast. Primary squamous cell carcinomas of the breast are rare, since they occur in less than 1% of all primary invasive breast carcinomas. In order to classify a breast tumor as a primary squamous cell carcinoma one must exclude an epidermal origin, especially from the nipple region and the possibility of metastatic infiltration of the breast by a squamous cell carcnoma from a different location. Causative and formal pathogenesis of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast is not clear. A pluripotent embryonal stem cell origin is discussed, considering the phylogenetic descent of the mammary gland from skin appendages. Squamous metaplasia is also suggested to be a precursor of squamous cell carcinoma. Here endocrine stimulation and chronic inflammation may both play an inductive role. The number of published cases of squamous cell carcinomas developing years and decades after implantation of silicon prostheses has increased in recent years. These tumors probably develop on top of squamous metaplasia induced by the inflammatory pseudocapsule. Estimating the prognosis and therapeutic management in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the breast should follow the same guidelines as for other squamous cell cancers.
    Notes: Zusammenfassung Plattenepithelmetaplasien werden bei etwa 4% aller invasiven Brustdrüsenkarzinome beschrieben. Reine Plattenepithelkarzinome der weiblichen Brustdrüse sind mit einem Anteil von wahrscheinlich unter 1% an allen invasiven epithelialen Tumoren der Mamma selten. Von einem primären Plattenepithelkarzinom der Brustdrüse darf nur gesprochen werden, wenn zum einen der Ursprung von der Epidermis, insbesondere auch im Bereich des Mamillentrichters ausgeschlossen ist und zum anderen keine metastatische Infiltration in die Brustdrüse durch ein Plattenepithelkarzinom anderer Organlokalisation vorliegt. Die kausale und formale Pathogenese der primären Plattenepithelkarzinome der Brustdrüse ist unklar. Zum einen wird ein Ursprung von pluripotenten embryonalen Stammzellen diskutiert, wobei bedacht wird, daß die Brustdrüse entwicklungsgeschichtlich ein Hautanhangsgebilde darstellt. Zum anderen werden Plattenepithelmetaplasien als Vorstufe der Plattenepithelkarzinome diskutiert, wobei neben einer endokrinen Induktion auch länger bestehende Entzündungsreize eine Rolle spielen sollen. In den letzten Jahren wird immer häufiger darüber berichtet, daß oft Jahrzehnte nach Implantation von Silikonprothesen periprothetische Plattenepithelkarzinome entstehen, die wahrscheinlich über die Stufe einer Plattenepithelmetaplasie der entzündlichen Prothesenpseudokapsel entstehen. Die Abschätzung der Prognose und therapeutische Maßnahmen bei primären Plattenepithelkarzinomen der Brustdrüse sollten an den Erfahrungen mit Plattenepithelkarzinomen anderer Organlokalisation ausgerichtet werden.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 43
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Brittany Spaniel dog ; Immunocytochemistry ; Purkinje cell ; Spinocerebellar degeneration ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Eight Brittany Spaniel dogs, seven females and one male, between 7 and 14 years old presented with clinical neurological signs of spinocerebellar disease of about 6 months to 4 years duration. Clinically the dogs had a dramatic forward “saluting” movement of the thoracic limbs, hypermetria of the pelvic limbs, cerebellar ataxia and intention tremors. Terminally, dogs crawled in a crouched thoracic posture with neck extension. Lesions were confined to cerebellum, medulla oblongata and spinal cord. The most severe lesion was diffuse Purkinje cell loss with massive neurofilament accumulation in degenerating cells. There was some bilateral neuronal degeneration in the dorsal horns of the spinal cord and in the gracilis and cuneate nuclei. There was bilateral sporadic axonal degeneration in the dorsal columns and lateral and ventromedial areas of the spinal cord. The etiology of this syndrome was not determined.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 44
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy ; Nuclear inclusion ; Ubiquitin ; Immunohistochemistry ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We examined the brains and spinal cords of seven patients with clinicopathologically and genetically confirmed hereditary dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) using an antibody against ubiquitin, and found small, round immunoreactive intranuclear inclusions in both neurons and glial cells in various brain regions. Ubiquitinated neuronal intranuclear inclusions (uNIIs) were consistently found in the striatum, the pontine nuclei, the inferior olivary complex, the cerebellar cortex and the dentate nucleus. Ubiquitinated glial intranuclear inclusions (uGIIs) were found less frequently than uNIIs. Most of the inclusion-bearing nuclei were of an astrocytic nature. Immunostaining with an antibody against DRPLA protein revealed similar immunoreactive neuronal and glial intranuclear inclusions, but in much smaller in numbers compared with uNIIs and uGIIs. Electron microscopy showed that such inclusions were composed of granular and filamentous structures. These findings strongly suggest that, in DRPLA, the occurrence of uNIIs and uGIIs is directly related to the causative gene abnormality (an expanded CAG repeat encoding polyglutamine), that neurons are affected much more widely than previously recognized and that glial cells are also involved in the disease process.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 45
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Congenital myopathy ; morphometry ; Ultrastructure ; Fetal myogenesis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Centronuclear myopathy (CNM) is a congenital myopathy which manifests itself as a severe neonatal (also termed myotubular myopathy), early-onset, or adult form. The histological pattern of each is marked by a considerable number of nuclei of muscle fibers being internally placed. Owing to their remote resemblance to myotubes, and their expression of developmentally regulated proteins, most authors now favor the concept that myogenesis is arrested or delayed in this disease. We here present two muscle biopsy specimens of a patient with early-onset CNM, taken at the age of 5 months and 14 years, respectively. The first biopsy sample contained internally placed nuclei in 7% of the muscle fibers, abundant minute myotubes, and hypertrophic muscle fibers. The second biopsy sample showed internally placed nuclei in 40% of the muscle fibers, and hypotrophic fibers. We suggest that the histological findings in early-onset CNM are the result of a complex dynamic process, which includes a delay in maturation.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 46
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Anatomy and embryology 197 (1998), S. 135-141 
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Key words Interstitial cells of Cajal ; Ultrastructure ; Gap junction ; Intestine ; Motility
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Interstitial cells forming many large gap junctions in the region of the deep muscular plexus of the rat small intestine were studied by electron microscopy and by three-dimensional cell models reconstructed from serial ultrathin sections. Two different profiles of cells were observed. Cells of the first profile are characterized by an elongated cell shape and by less electron-dense cytoplasm, containing many mitochondria, well-developed Golgi apparatus and free ribosomes. They mainly connect with smooth muscle cells of the main circular layer. In a three-dimensional cell model, the total area of the gap junctions occupies 1.3% of the cell surface. Cells of the second profile are characterized by the frequent occurrence of slender cytoplasmic processes, higher electron-dense cytoplasm, containing mitochondria, Golgie apparatus and well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, and numerous caveolae on the cell membrane. In this cell model, gap junctions occupy 0.8% of the cell surface. The ratio of gap junctions with the same profile of cells to the total gap junction area is 37.7%, which is more than three times greater than the 9.9% in cells of the first profile. These cells were closely associated with nerve terminals. It is likely that these cells with different profiles constitute subtypes with each other and cooperate for regulation of intestinal motility via the transmission of nerve signals.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 47
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Key words Adult-type Leydig cells ; Endothelium ; 3β-HSD ; Ultrastructure ; Differentiation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  In the biosynthesis of steroid hormones 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) is a key enzyme. The present report describes the subcellular localization of the enzyme in the fetal-type Leydig cells, the fibroblast-like precursors of adult-type Leydig cells and in endothelial cells of interstitial capillaries. Histochemical methods for light microscopy and ultracytochemical methods for electron microscopy were used on rat testes of postnatal day 15. 3β-HSD reactivity was located at subcellular levels by means of the ferricyanide method. A specific, distinct localization of reaction product in the form of copper ferrocyanide precipitates was observed on the membranes of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum not only in the fetal-type Leydig cells and the fibroblast-like precursors of adult-type Leydig cells, but also focally in the endothelial cells of interstitial blood capillaries. Topographically, the 3β-HSD-positive precursors were most often found in the outer layer of the boundary tissue and surrounding interstitial blood vessels. The capillaries with 3β-HSD-positive endothelial cells were usually located in the vicinity of 3β-HSD-positive Leydig cells. For the first time, 3β-HSD has been located at the subcellular level in precursors of adult-type Leydig cells and focally in capillary endothelial cells associated with them. Due to the close association between 3β-HSD-positive vascular endothelial cells and Leydig cells a paracrine relationship between the two cell types may be involved in the acute regulation of steroidogenesis by blood-borne luteinizing hormone.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 48
    ISSN: 1432-069X
    Keywords: Key words Barrier function ; pH ; Stratum corneum ; Lamellar body ; Lipid content ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis requires the postsecretory processing of polar lipid precursors into nonpolar lipid products within the stratum corneum (SC) interstices by a family of lipid hydrolases. A specific requirement for β-glucocerebrosidase (β-GlcCer’ase), which exhibits a distinct acidic pH optimum, is particularly well documented. Therefore, we sought to determine whether the recovery of the barrier after acute insults requires acidification of the SC. We examined permeability barrier recovery by assessing changes in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), SC membrane ultrastructure utilizing ruthenium tetroxide (RuO 4 ) postfixation, and β-GlcCer’ase activity by in situ zymography at an acidic vs neutral pH. Barrier recovery proceeded normally when acetone-treated skin was exposed to solutions buffered to an acidic pH. In contrast, the initiation of barrier recovery was slowed when treated skin was exposed to neutral or alkaline pH, regardless of buffer composition. In addition, enhancement of the alkaline buffer-induced delay in barrier recovery occurred with Ca 2+ and K + inclusion in the buffer. Moreover, the pH-dependent alteration in barrier recovery appeared to occur through a mechanism that was independent of Ca 2+ - or K + -controlled lamellar body secretion, since both the formation and secretion of lamellar bodies proceeded comparably at pH 5.5 and pH 7.4. In contrast, exposure to pH 7.4 (but not pH 5.5) resulted in both the persistence of immature, extracellular lamellar membrane structures, and a marked decrease in the in situ activity of β-GlcCer’ase. These results suggest first that an acidic extracellular pH is necessary for the initiation of barrier recovery, and second that the delay in barrier recovery is a consequence of inhibition of postsecretory lipid processing.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 49
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Aging ; Blood-brain barrier ; Horseradish peroxidase ; Senescence-accelerated mouse ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The ultrastructural features of microvessels showing increased permeability to intravenously injected horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were examined in the olfactory bulbs of senescence-accelerated prone mice (SAMP8), which showed age-related deficits in learning and memory, and senescence-accelerated resistant mice (SAMR1), which did not show the age-related deficits. HRP was visualized with tetramethyl benzidine (TMB) and diaminobenzidine (DAB) for light and electron microscopic examination, respectively. In the olfactory bulbs of 13-month-old SAMP8 mice, the staining reaction with TMB for HRP appeared in the neuropil of central area (granule cell layer and subependymal layer), in the pia mater and in the vascular wall. Some vessels located in the central area showed several changes observed at the ultrastructural level. The cytoplasm of the endothelial cells, especially in the arterioles, was segmentally thickened and contained numerous vesicles and vacuoles, some of which were HRP positive. The endothelial cell surface was occasionally undulated with microvillous protrusions. Membranous inclusions within the basal lamina, suggesting the cellular (presumably pericytal) degeneration, were frequently observed, especially in venules. The collagen deposits were occasionally observed in the subendothelial space of some vessels. Perivascular cells with vacuolated inclusions or lipid-like droplets were present around some vessels in the central area of the olfactory bulbs of aged SAMP8 mice. On the other hand, in the microvessels located in the areas negative for HRP-TMB reaction, except the vessel walls, the cytoplasm of the endothelial cells with smooth luminal surface was flattened and some vesicles located there contained HRP-DAB reaction product. Weak staining reaction with TMB for HRP appeared also in the central area of the olfactory bulbs of 3-month-old SAMP8 mice and 3- and 13-month-old SAMR1 mice. The cytoplasm of the endothelial cells in the olfactory bulbs of these mice was focally thickened and contained some cytoplasmic vesicles. Occasionally, the endothelial cell surface was moderately undulated with few microvillous protrusions. Membranous inclusions within the basal lamina were not observed in these animals. These findings indicate that the endothelial cells and pericytes in some vessels located in the central area of the olfactory bulb of aged SAMP8 mice, which show staining reaction with TMB for HRP, are ultrastructurally changed, suggesting their altered functions.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 50
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Anorexia nervosa ; Myopathy ; Muscle biopsy ; Ultrastructure ; Protein-energy malnutrition
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Protein-energy malnutrition in anorexia nervosa is an under-recognised cause of muscle dysfunction. To characterise the skeletal myopathy that occurs in patients with severe anorexia nervosa, muscle function and structure were comprehensively examined in eight young adult female patients with severe (40%) self-induced weight loss. All of the patients showed impaired muscle function on strength and exercise measurement. The maximum voluntary contraction force for the patient group was significantly less than predicted values. Electromyography revealed myopathy in five of the patients, four of whom also had electro-physiological evidence of neuropathy. However, muscle biopsy specimens consistently showed myopathic changes with severe type 2 fibre atrophy but with no evidence of neuropathic changes. Ultrastructurally, there was separation and segmental loss of myofibrils and most biopsy samples contained abundant glycogen granules; we have previously reported that one of the most consistent biochemical abnormalities in these patients is impaired ischaemic lactate responses to forearm exercise. The result of severe protein-energy malnutrition on the musculo-skeletal system is a metabolic myopathy. Although the patients admitted to a variety of abnormal dieting behaviours, such as over-exercising and self-induced vomiting, no association was found between any of these and quantitative histological changes in the muscle biopsy samples. It is recommended that myopathy in anorexia nervosa be treated by instituting an appropriate refeeding programme.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 51
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Acta neuropathologica 95 (1998), S. 367-372 
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ; Heterotopic neuron ; Alpha motor neuron ; Immunocytochemistry ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract This report concerns a comparative immunocytochemical, ultrastructural and morphometric investigation on heterotopic neurons in the white matter of the spinal cords of 19 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and 18 age-matched neurologically normal individuals. The study revealed that the heterotopic neurons were scattered in the white matter, often adjacent to gray matter, that they immunoreacted with the antibody to synaptophysin, and that there were synaptic apparatuses on the surface of their somata and their neuronal processes. Bunina bodies and ubiquitin-positive inclusions such as Lewy body-like inclusions and skein-like inclusions, characteristic of anterior horn neurons of ALS, were present in the cytoplasm of the patients’ heterotopic neurons in the anterior or lateral column of the white matter. These findings suggest that heterotopic neurons in the anterior or lateral column have the characteristics of alpha motor neurons. The average number of heterotopic neurons observed in ALS patients was generally less than in normal subjects. This reduction was correlated with the severity of neuronal loss. The heterotopic neurons in ALS were less susceptible to the degenerative process as compared with spinal cord anterior horn cells. We assume that in this disease the heterotopic neurons may be degenerated and their number diminished after or concomitantly with the depletion of anterior horn neurons.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 52
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Congenital myopathy ; Muscle fibers ; Ultrastructure ; Myofibrillar disarray
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract A 44-year-old man presenting with dyspnoic attacks was found to be affected with congenital myopathy, rigid spine, restrictive respiratory insufficiency and cardiomyopathy. Muscle biopsy showed type 1 fiber predominance (65.7%) and hypotrophy, and characteristic changes in 43.9% of the type 1 fibers, consisting in alternating pale and dark staining on alkaline ATPase reacted sections in a mosaic pattern. Ultrastructural examination demonstrated bands of myofibrils at right angles or skew to the remaining myofibrils transversing the fibers. Myofibrillar disarray was always associated with loss of the Z-discs and actin filaments, and often with aggregation of mitochondria. The muscle biopsy findings in this patient suggest a new entity of congenital myopathy with clinical features of rigid spine, cardiomyopathy and restrictive respiratory insufficiency, characterized by peculiar abnormalities of ATPase staining in a mosaic pattern and, ultrastructurally, by zones of disorientation of the sarcomeres.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 53
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Zeitschrift für Lebensmittel-Untersuchung und -Forschung 206 (1998), S. 38-43 
    ISSN: 1431-4630
    Keywords: Key words Starch ; Gels ; Kamaboko ; Surimi ; Gelatinization ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
    Notes: Abstract  The purpose of this work was to study the changes undergone by starch during heat-induced surimi gel preparation either with or without added egg white, and their effects on the structure of gels using light and scanning electron microscopy. Gels were made from SA-grade Alaska pollack (Theragra chalcogramma) surimi with: (1) salt (3%, w/w); (2) salt and waxy corn starch (3% and 5%, respectively w/w); or (3) salt, waxy corn starch and egg white (3%, 5% and 5%, respectively, w/w). Final moisture was adjusted to 73% or 83%. The gels were prepared by prior setting (40°C, 30 min, followed by 90°C, 30 min) or cooking (90°C, 30 min). The prepared gel was frozen and stored at –20°C (±1°C) until analysis. Samples were observed by light and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the starch granules alter according to the processing conditions, with the predominance of crystalline or amorphous morphology depending upon the availability of heat and water. Large cavities formed in the protein gel matrix during setting can trap water; as a result, water availability is limited for starch to swell and gelatinize even in the high-moisture gel.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 54
    ISSN: 1432-072X
    Keywords: Key words Magnetic bacteria ; Biomineralization ; Magnetite ; 16S rRNA ; In situ hybridization ; Ultrastructure ; Electron microscopy
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Natural enrichments of magnetic bacteria from the Itaipu lagoon near Rio de Janeiro were dominated by coccoid-to-ovoid morphotypes that produced unusually large magnetosomes. To determine the phylogenetic position of these unusual microorganisms, 16S rRNA genes were retrieved from bacteria magnetically separated from sediment of the Itaipu lagoon by in vitro amplification and cloning of PCR products into a plasmid vector. Partial sequencing of the obtained clones revealed two clusters of closely related sequences affiliated to a distinct lineage consisting exclusively of magnetic bacteria within the α-subclass of Proteobacteria. For a detailed phylogenetic analysis, several almost complete sequences of the 16S rRNA genes were determined. One representative clone of each cluster provided a PCR template for the in vitro transcription of group-specific polynucleotide probes complementary to a variable region of the 16S rRNA molecule. At least three different morphotypes of magnetic bacteria were reliably identified by post-embedding hybridization of ultra-thin sections. Electron microscopic analyses of hybridized cells enabled for the first time a detailed description of the morphological variety and ultrastructure of phylogenetically identified, uncultured magnetic bacteria. Two distinct coccoid bacteria were identified by the transcript probe complementary to the 16S rRNA sequence mabrj12, whereas the probe complementary to the sequence mabrj58 allowed the identification of an ovoid morphotype that displayed magnetosomes with the largest volumes observed to date.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 55
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Space science reviews 84 (1998), S. 199-206 
    ISSN: 1572-9672
    Keywords: Nuclear reactions ; Nucleosynthesis ; Abundances ; Stars:Evolution ; Interior ; Rotation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Physics
    Notes: Abstract We first recall the observational and theoretical facts that constitute the so-called 3He problem. We then review the chemical anomalies that could be related to the destruction of 3He in red giants stars. We show how a simple consistent mechanism can lead to the destruction of 3He in low mass stars and simultaneously account for the low 12C/13C ratios and low lithium abundances observed in giant stars of different populations. This process should both naturally account for the recent measurements of 3He/H in galactic HII regions and allow for high values of 3He observed in some planetary nebulae. We propose a simple statistical estimation of the fraction of stars that may be affected by this process.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 56
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Protoplasma 201 (1998), S. 101-109 
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Kinetochore ; Kinetoplastida ; Intranuclear microtubules ; Mitosis ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary The three-dimensional ultrastructural organization of the mitotic apparatus ofDimastigella mimosa was studied by computer-aided, serial-section reconstruction. The nuclear envelope remains intact during nuclear division. During mitosis, chromosomes do not condense, whereas intranuclear microtubules are found in close association with six pairs of kinetochores. No discrete microtubule-organizing centers, except kinetochore pairs, could be found within the nucleus. The intranuclear microtubules form six separate bundles oriented at different angles to each other. Each bundle contains up to 8 tightly packed microtubules which push the daughter kinetochores apart. At late anaphase only, midzones of these bundles align along an extended interzonal spindle within the narrow isthmus between segregating progeny nuclei. The nuclear division inD. mimosa can be described as closed intranuclear mitosis with acentric and separate microtubular bundles and weakly condensed chromosomes.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 57
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Spore balls ; Germ areas ; Ultrastructure ; Phylogeny
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary Special features of teliospores in smut fungi are described, including teliospore connections, appendages, and germ pores. Balls of teliospores in species of many different genera cohere by remnants of hyphal walls, sheaths, and sometimes interlocking ornamentation. Teliospores are connected in pairs in species ofMycosyrinx andGeminago by special local structures. Appendages can be formed locally by persistent material from the sheath (Cintractia, Anthracoidea, Sphacelotheca), thickened parts of the spore wall (e.g.,Georgefischeria, Jamesdicksonia, Rhamphospora, Tolyposporella), or persistent walls of sporogenous hyphae (Rhamphospora, genera of the Tilletia relationship). Species ofGeorgefischeria, Jamesdicksonia, andTolyposporella have teliospore walls composed of more than three layers of different electron density. “Germ areas” corresponding to thinner parts of the spore wall are known, e.g., for species ofAnthracoidea, Cintractia, andUstilago infecting members of the family Poaceae, while distinct germ pores, one per teliospore, are found in some species ofThecaphora, “Tolyposporium”, andSporisorium. Teliospores ofMycosyrinx cissi have a germination ring. Characteristics of teliospores are used to discuss the phylogeny of smut fungi. A phylogenetic tree in accordance with teliospore characteristics is compared to those obtained from ultrastructural characteristics of host-parasite interaction, of septal pores, and from sequence data. Aspects of teliospore development help to define taxa at a high systematic level (Entorrhizales, Ustilaginales, Tilletiales/Entylomatales, Microbotryaceae), while details of ornamentation ontogeny delimit groups of genera (e.g., genera related toUstilago on members of the Poaceae andSporisorium, Cintractia andAnthracoidea, Tilletia) or single genera (e.g.,Melanopsichium, Dermatosorus, Mycosyrinx, Doassinga, Rhamphospora). Types of ornamentation (warty, reticulate), middle layers, teliospore balls, and germ pores evolved repeatedly by convergence. The smut teliospore itself probably evolved independently at least twice, or perhaps three (or more) times, in the Microbotryales, in the Entorrhizales, and in a common ancestor of the remainder of the Ustilaginomycetes.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 58
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Protoplasma 204 (1998), S. 155-169 
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Spores ; Ultrastructure ; Entorrhiza ; Microbotryum ; Tilletia ; Ustilago
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary The concept and nomenclature for the elements of teliospore walls in smut fungi are presented and a survey of teliosporogenesis is given, as seen by light and transmission electron microscopy. Four developmental types are distinguished: the Ustilago, Microbotryum, Tilletia, and Entorrhiza type. In the Ustilago type, sporogenous hyphae are completely segmented into teliospore initials which are embedded in a hyaline matrix formed by gelatinised hyphal walls (found in species ofAnthracoidea, Cintractia, Heterotolyposporium, Kuntzeomyces, Macalpinomyces, Melanopsichium, Sporisorium, Testicularia, Tolyposporium junci, Trichocintractia, and species ofUstilago infecting members of the family Poaceae). In the Microbotryum type, septate sporogenous hyphae are also completely segmented into teliospore initials, however, they are not surrounded by a hyaline matrix (Microbotryum, Sphacelotheca, Ustilago spp. infecting dicotyledons). A yeast-like budding of teliosporogenic cells is observed for some species ofMicrobotryum, Sphacelotheca, andUstilago infecting dicotyledons. In the Tilletia type, teliospores differentiate locally in the sporogenous hyphae, in an apical or intercalary position, without a hyaline matrix (Conidiosporomyces, Doassinga, Entyloma, Erratomyces, Ingoldiomyces, Neovossia, Oberwinkleria, Rhamphospora, Tilletia). In all these types, the teliospore initials first develop a hyaline sheath under which the ornamentation, the exosporium, sometimes a middle layer, and the endosporium are successively deposited by the fungal cell. In the Entorrhiza type, the teliospores develop inside vital host cells with the wall of the sporogenous hypha included into the teliospore wall. The fungus develops a middle layer and an electron-transparent endosporium inside the hyphal wall while a layer forming the ornamentation is deposited onto the hyphal wall, probably by vesicles of dictyosomes of the host cell.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 59
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Neck cell proliferation ; Binucleate ; Douglas fir ; Conifers ; Genetic instability ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary To study the effect of culturing on megagametophytes of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and hybrid larch (Larix × eurolepis), cones were collected at the time of fertilization and the megagametophytes were removed, then placed on medium. We used a modified Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 5% lactose and 10% polyethylene glycol 4000. A variety of cell types proliferated including prothallial, neck, and jacket cells. Some of these multiplying cells showed a binucleate condition. The prothallial cells of the apex divided and expanded. The neck cells formed clusters composed of more cells than normally found in situ; though otherwise they showed ultrastructural similarity to neck cells in situ. These neck cells had large numbers of active Golgi complexes, numerous large and small vacuoles, coated vesicles, smooth vesicles, a well-developed endoplasmic reticulum, and thickened cell walls. These are the first reports of neck cell multiplication and induction of a binucleate state for gymnosperm megagametophyte cells in vitro.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 60
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 30 (1998), S. 321-336 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: surface characterization ; DOCK ; structure-based molecular design ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: The characterization of receptor binding sites is an important aspect of molecular docking, molecular recognition, and the structure-based design process. This characterization can take several forms: the receptor surface itself can be delineated or described, the space adjacent to the surface can be chemically mapped, or a negative image of the protein binding region can be generated. In this report, we describe a new method of constructing a negative image through generation of a set of spheres. These spheres lie along the receptor surface, and their centers represent possible ligand atom positions. By the method in which they are constructed, these spheres carry a limited amount of energetic and chemical information in addition to their primary geometric information. We test the accuracy of the image by comparing sphere positions to the positions of bound ligand atoms and propose a figure of merit for such tests. Then, we use the spheres to orient ligands in enzyme active sites and show how they can be used to generate low scoring configurations more efficiently than other approaches that search orientation space. In addition, two novel applications of these spheres are described: they are used to help identify structural differences among families of enzymes and to suggest points for ligand modification in analog design. Proteins 30:321-336, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 6 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 61
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 30 (1998), S. 352-356 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: myoglobin ; nitric oxide ; ligand binding ; X-ray crystallography ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: The structure of the ferrous nitric oxide form of native sperm whale myoglobin has been determined by X-ray crystallography to 1.7 Å resolution. The nitric oxide ligand is bent with respect to the heme plane: the Fe-N-O angle is 112°. This angle is smaller than those observed in model compounds and in lupin leghemoglobin. The exact angle appears to be influenced by the strength of the proximal bond and hydrogen bonding interactions between the distal histidine and the bound ligand. Specifically, the Nε atom of histidine64 is located 2.8 Å away from the nitrogen atom of the bound ligand, implying electrostatic stabilization of the FeNO complex. This interpretation is supported by mutagenesis studies. When histidine64 is replaced with apolar amino acids, the rate of nitric oxide dissociation from myoglobin increases tenfold. Proteins 30:352-356, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 2 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 62
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: protein modeling ; crystal structure ; conformation change ; prediction ; mechanism ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: The occurrence of large domain motions associated with the mechanism of action of many proteins is well established. We present a general method of predicting domain closure applicable to proteins containing domains separated by an apparent hinge. The method attempts to allow for natural directional bias within the closing protein by repeatedly applying a weak pulling force over a short distance between pairs of atoms chosen at random in the two domains in question. Appropriate parameters governing the pulling function were determined empirically. The method was applied to the bi-lobal protein PGK and a closed-form activated ternary complex generated for Bacillus stearothermophilus PGK. This model was compared with the recently determined crystal structure of closed-form Trypanosoma brucei PGK. The model predicts the correct hinge regions, although the magnitude of movement at one hinge point was overestimated, and provides a reasonable representation of the closed-form ternary complex. Proteins 30:372-380, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 6 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 63
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 30 (1998), S. 388-400 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: molecular dynamics ; free energy perturbation ; thermodynamics integration ; spherical solvent boundary potential ; cell multipole method ; Nosé-Hoover equation ; component analysis ; chymotrypsin inhibitor 2 ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: We developed a software package for improved free energy calculation, in which spherical solvent boundary potential, cell multipole method, and Nosé-Hoover equation are employed. The performance of the developed software package is demonstrated in the case of valine to alanine mutation of the 57th residue in chymotrypsin inhibitor 2. By using this package, we obtained results quantitatively comparable to experimental results. By the free energy component analysis, it is shown that leucine 51, arginine 65, arginine 67, and phenylalanine 69 residues contribute significantly to the total free energy shift, ΔΔG. Among them, contribution from the hydrophilic arginine 67 residue, which is in close contact with the mutation site, is the largest. Structure around the mutation site is largely changed by the mutation. The structure change is caused mainly by two effects, hydrophobic interaction and short-range interaction along the sequence. Effects of Nosé-Hoover algorithm and Kirkwood reaction field are also discussed. Proteins 30:388-400, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 7 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 64
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 30 (1998), S. 435-441 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: cytochrome c ; thermal unfolding ; proteolysis ; proteinase K ; thermolysin ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Recent hydrogen exchange experiments on native cytochrome c implicate a sequential unfolding pathway in contrast to a simple two-state process. We have studied the heat-induced unfolding of this protein by using spectroscopic measurements to detect changes in conformation and proteolytic enzyme digestion to identify regions of the protein that are labile. Several spectroscopic profiles were monitored: CD at 222 nm, a measurement of secondary structure change in the protein, the absorbance at 280 nm, involving the local environment of Trp 59, and absorbance at 420 nm, the Soret band of the heme. The apparent Tm values for these probes differ, consistent with an unfolding pathway containing intermediates. The limited digestion by proteinase K is consistent with population of an intermediate state in unfolding. We find a single strong region of cleavage at low temperature with retention of structure in each fragment. Proteins 30:435-441, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 8 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 65
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: venom toxin ; protein-membrane interaction ; X-ray diffraction ; spectroscopy ; quaternary structural change ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Bothropstoxin I (BthTX-I) from the venom of Bothrops jararacussuis a myotoxic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) homologue which, although catalytically inactive due to an Asp49→Lys substitution, disrupts the integrity of lipid membranes by a Ca2+-independent mechanism. The crystal structures of two dimeric forms of BthTX-I which diffract X-rays to resolutions of 3.1 and 2.1 Å have been determined. The monomers in both structures are related by an almost perfect twofold axis of rotation and the dimer interfaces are defined by contacts between the N-terminal α-helical regions and the tips of the β-wings of partner monomers. Significant differences in the relative orientation of the monomers in the two crystal forms results in “open” and “closed” dimer conformations. Spectroscopic investigations of BthTX-I in solution have correlated these conformational differences with changes in the intrinsic fluorescence emission of the single tryptophan residues located at the dimer interface. The possible relevance of this structural transition in the Ca2+-independent membrane damaging activity is discussed. Proteins 30:442-454, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 6 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 66
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 31 (1998), S. 10-20 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: protein design ; lattice model ; protein stability ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: A structure-based, sequence-design procedure is proposed in which one considers a set of decoy structures that compete significantly with the target structure in being low energy conformations. The decoy structures are chosen to have strong overlaps in contacts with the putative native state. The procedure allows the design of sequences with large and small stability gaps in a random-bond heteropolymer model in both two and three dimensions by an appropriate assignment of the contact energies to both the native and nonnative contacts. The design procedure is also successfully applied to the two-dimensional HP model. Proteins 31:10-20, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 5 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 67
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 33 (1998), S. 535-549 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: docking ; protein-DNA ; prediction ; structure ; base recognition ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: The docking of repressor proteins to DNA starting from the unbound protein and model-built DNA coordinates is modeled computationally. The approach was evaluated on eight repressor/DNA complexes that employed different modes for protein/ DNA recognition. The global search is based on a protein-protein docking algorithm that evaluates shape and electrostatic complementarity, which was modified to consider the importance of electrostatic features in DNA-protein recognition. Complexes were then ranked by an empirical score for the observed amino acid /nucleotide pairings (i.e., protein-DNA pair potentials) derived from a database of 20 protein/DNA complexes. A good prediction had at least 65% of the correct contacts modeled. This approach was able to identify a good solution at rank four or better for three out of the eight complexes. Predicted complexes were filtered by a distance constraint based on experimental data defining the DNA footprint. This improved coverage to four out of eight complexes having a good model at rank four or better. The additional use of amino acid mutagenesis and phylogenetic data defining residues on the repressor resulted in between 2 and 27 models that would have to be examined to find a good solution for seven of the eight test systems. This study shows that starting with unbound coordinates one can predict three-dimensional models for protein/DNA complexes that do not involve gross conformational changes on association. Proteins 33:535-549, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 6 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 68
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 31 (1998), S. 139-149 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: protein structure ; statistical potentials ; protein structure database ; assessing protein models ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: A long standing goal in protein structure studies is the development of reliable energy functions that can be used both to verify protein models derived from experimental constraints as well as for theoretical protein folding and inverse folding computer experiments. In that respect, knowledge-based statistical pair potentials have attracted considerable interests recently mainly because they include the essential features of protein structures as well as solvent effects at a low computing cost. However, the basis on which statistical potentials are derived have been questioned. In this paper, we investigate statistical pair potentials derived from protein three-dimensional structures, addressing in particular questions related to the form of these potentials, as well as to the content of the database from which they are derived. We have shown that statistical pair potentials depend on the size of the proteins included in the database, and that this dependence can be reduced by considering only pairs of residue close in space (i.e., with a cutoff of 8 Å). We have shown also that statistical potentials carry a memory of the quality of the database in terms of the amount and diversity of secondary structure it contains. We find, for example, that potentials derived from a database containing α-proteins will only perform best on α-proteins in fold recognition computer experiments. We believe that this is an overall weakness of these potentials, which must be kept in mind when constructing a database. Proteins 31:139-149, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 7 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 69
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: antibody ; antitumor ; single chain Fv ; variable domains ; X-ray crystallography ; protein structure ; protein stability ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: A recombinant Fv construct of the B1 monoclonal antibody that recognizes the LewisY-related carbohydrate epitope on human carcinoma cells has been prepared. The Fv is composed of the polypeptide chains of the VH and VL domains expressed independently and isolated as inclusion bodies. The Fv is prepared by combining and refolding equimolar amounts of guanidine chloride solubilized inclusion bodies. The Fv is stabilized by an engineered interchain disulfide bridge between residues VL100 and VH44. This construct has a similar binding affinity as that of the single-chain construct (Benhar and Pastan, Clin. Cancer Res. 1:1023-1029, 1995). The B1 disulfide-stabilized Fv (B1dsFv) crystallizes in space group P6122 with the unit cell parameters a = b = 80.1 Å, and c = 138.1 Å. The crystal structure of the B1dsFv has been determined at 2.1-Å resolution using the molecular replacement technique. The final structure has a crystallographic R-value of 0.187 with a root mean square deviation in bond distance of 0.014 Å and in bond angle of 2.74°. Comparisons of the B1dsFv structure with known structures of Fv regions of other immunoglobulin fragments shows closely related secondary and tertiary structures. The antigen combining site of B1dsFv is a deep depression 10-Å wide and 17-Å long with the walls of the depression composed of residues, many of which are tyrosines, from complementarity determining regions L1, L3, H1, H2, and H3. Model building studies indicate that the LewisY tetrasaccharide, Fuc-Gal-Nag-Fuc, can be accommodated in the antigen combining site in a manner consistent with the epitope predicted in earlier biochemical studies (Pastan, Lovelace, Gallo, Rutherford, Magnani, and Willingham, Cancer Res. 51:3781-3787, 1991). Thus, the engineered disulfide bridge appears to cause little, if any, distortion in the Fv structure, making it an effective substitute for the B1 Fab. Proteins 31:128-138, 1998. Published 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
    Additional Material: 10 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 70
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 31 (1998), S. 150-159 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: photosynthetic reaction center ; bacteriorhodopsin ; cytochrome C oxidase ; zipper ; packing ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Membrane-embedded protein domains frequently exist as α-helical bundles, as exemplified by photosynthetic reaction centers, bacteriorhodopsin, and cytochrome C oxidase. The sidechain packing between their transmembrane helices was investigated by a nearest-neighbor analysis which identified sets of interfacial residues for each analyzed helix-helix interface. For the left-handed helix-helix pairs, the interfacial residues almost exclusively occupy positions a, d, e, or g within a heptad motif (abcdefg) which is repeated two to three times for each interacting helical surface. The connectivity between the interfacial residues of adjacent helices conforms to the knobs-into-holes type of sidechain packing known from soluble coiled coils. These results demonstrate on a quantitative basis that the geometry of sidechain packing is similar for left-handed helix-helix pairs embedded in membranes and coiled coils of soluble proteins. The transmembrane helix-helix interfaces studied are somewhat less compact and regular as compared to soluble coiled coils and tolerate all hydrophobic amino acid types to similar degrees. The results are discussed with respect to previous experimental findings which demonstrate that specific interactions between transmembrane helices are important for membrane protein folding and/or oligomerization. Proteins 31:150-159, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 5 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 71
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 30 (1998), S. 2-33 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: chevron plot ; energy landscape ; folding funnel ; kinetic trap ; lattice models ; non-Arrhenius behavior ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: We use two simple models and the energy landscape perspective to study protein folding kinetics. A major challenge has been to use the landscape perspective to interpret experimental data, which requires ensemble averaging over the microscopic trajectories usually observed in such models. Here, because of the simplicity of the model, this can be achieved. The kinetics of protein folding falls into two classes: multiple-exponential and two-state (single-exponential) kinetics. Experiments show that two-state relaxation times have “chevron plot” dependences on denaturant and non-Arrhenius dependences on temperature. We find that HP and HP+ models can account for these behaviors. The HP model often gives bumpy landscapes with many kinetic traps and multiple-exponental behavior, whereas the HP+ model gives more smooth funnels and two-state behavior. Multiple-exponential kinetics often involves fast collapse into kinetic traps and slower barrier climbing out of the traps. Two-state kinetics often involves entropic barriers where conformational searching limits the folding speed. Transition states and activation barriers need not define a single conformation; they can involve a broad ensemble of the conformations searched on the way to the native state. We find that unfolding is not always a direct reversal of the folding process. Proteins 30:2-33, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 35 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 72
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 30 (1998), S. 49-60 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: kohonen network ; mitochondrial processing peptidase (MPP) ; mitochondrial intermediate peptidase (MIP) ; neural network ; protein import ; sequence motif ; mitochondrial targeting ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Cleavage sites in nuclear-encoded mitochondrial protein targeting peptides (mTPs) from mammals, yeast, and plants have been analysed for characteristic physicochemical features using statistical methods, perceptrons, multilayer neural networks, and self-organizing feature maps. Three different sequence motifs were found, revealing loosely defined arginine motifs with Arg in positions -10, -3, and -2. A self-organizing feature map was able to cluster these three types of endopeptidase target sites but did not identify any species-specific characteristics in mTPs. Neural networks were used to define local sequence features around precursor cleavage sites. Proteins 30:49-60, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 6 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 73
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 30 (1998), S. 109-112 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: No abstract.
    Additional Material: 2 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 74
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 30 (1998), S. 136-143 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: protein design ; protein structure ; circular dichroism ; trifluoroethanol ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Inspired by the Paracelsus Challenge of Rose and Creamer (Proteins 19:1-3, 1994), we have designed a protein sequence that is 50% identical to an all-helical protein but is intended to fold into a largely β-sheet structure. Rather than attempt a de novo design, our strategy was to construct a hybrid sequence based on a helical “parent” protein (434 Cro) and a “target” protein with the desired fold (the B1 domain of protein G). The hybrid sequence (Crotein-G) is 50% identical to 434 Cro but is also 62% identical to the B1 domain of protein G. We also created a variant of Crotein-G (ZCrotein-G) that contains a potential His3Cys1 zinc binding site. At low protein concentrations and in the presence of 20% 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) (v/v), the circular dichroism spectra of the designed proteins are distinct from that of 434 Cro and similar to that of the B1 domain of protein G. However, the proteins fail to denature in a cooperative manner. Furthermore, aggregation occurs at moderate protein concentrations or in the absence of TFE. Addition of zinc to ZCrotein-G does not promote structure formation. In summary, 434 Cro has been altered to something that may resemble the B1 domain of protein G, but the protein does not adopt a native structure. Proteins 30:136-143, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 5 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 75
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 30 (1998), S. 168-176 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: denaturation kinetics ; irreversible conformational changes ; metastable states ; folding temperature ; lattice model ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Denaturation of model proteinlike molecules at the liquid-solid interface is simulated over a wide temperature range by employing the lattice Monte Carlo technique. Initially, the molecule containing 27 monomers of two types (A and B) is assumed to be adsorbed in the native folded state (a 3 × 3 × 3 cube) so that one of its sides is in contact with the surface. The details of the denaturation kinetics are found to be slightly dependent on the choice of the side, but the main qualitative conclusions hold for all the sides. In particular, the kinetics obey approximately the conventional first-order law at T 〉 Tc (Tc is the collapse temperature for solution). With decreasing temperature, below Tc but above Tf (Tf is the folding temperature for solution), deviations appear from the first-order kinetics. For the most interesting temperatures, that is, below Tf, the denaturation kinetics are shown to be qualitatively different from the conventional ones. In particular, the denaturation process occurs via several intermediate steps due to trapping in metastable states. Mathematically, this means that (i) the transition to the denatured state of a given molecule is nonexponential, and (ii) the denaturation process cannot be described by a single rate constant kr. One should rather introduce a distribution of values of this rate constant (different values of kr correspond to the transitions to the altered state via different metastable states). Proteins 30:168-176, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 9 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 76
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 30 (1998), S. 177-182 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: adsorption ; irreversible conformational changes ; denaturation rate constant ; kinetic control ; diffusion control ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Adsorption of proteins occurs via diffusion toward the interface, actual adsorption, and subsequent irreversible conformational changes resulting in denaturation of the native protein structure. The conventional kinetic models describing these steps are based on the assumption that the denaturation transitions obey the first-order law with a single value of the denaturation rate constant kr. Meanwhile, recent Monte Carlo simulations indicate that, in general, the denaturation process cannot be described by a single rate constant kr. One should rather introduce a distribution of this rate constant (physically, different values of kr correspond to the transitions to the altered state via different metastable states). We have calculated the kinetics of irreversible adsorption of proteins with and without distribution of the denaturation rate constant kr in the limits when protein diffusion in the solution is, respectively, rapid or slow. In both cases, the adsorption kinetics with distribution of kr are found to be close to those with a single-valued rate constant kr provided that the average value of kr in the former case is equal to kr for the latter case. This conclusion holds even for wide distributions of kr. The consequences of this finding for the fitting of global experimental kinetics on the basis of phenomenological equations are briefly discussed. Proteins 30:177-182, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 3 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 77
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 30 (1998), S. 228-231 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: protein folding ; local vs. non-local interactions ; secondary structure prediction ; fragment matching algorithms ; PDB ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: One of the most important questions in the protein folding problem is whether secondary structures are formed entirely by local interactions. One way to answer this question is to compare identical subsequences of proteins to see if they have identical structures. Such an exercise would also reveal a lower limit on the number of amino acids needed to form unique secondary structures. In this context, we have searched the April 1996 release of the Protein Data Bank for sequentially identical subsequences of proteins and compared their structures. We find that identical octamers can have different conformations. In addition, there are several examples of identical heptamers with different conformations, and the number of identical hexamers with different conformations has increased since the previous PDB releases. These observations imply that secondary structure can be formed entirely by non-local interactions and that an identical match of up to eight amino acids may not imply structural similarity. In addition to the larger context of the protein folding problem, these observations have implications for protein structure prediction methods. Proteins 30:228-231, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 1 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 78
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 30 (1998), S. 249-263 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: antibody-antigen complex ; snake toxin ; protein docking ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: The antibody Mα2-3 neutralizes the functional, acetylcholine receptor binding activity of its antigen, neurotoxin α, and exhibits several other properties in common with the receptor itself. We present here the results of calculations examining the three-dimensional structure of the toxin α:Mα2-3 complex. The antigen structure, determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy,1 was docked to models of the variable fragment of the antibody combining site2 by using a method based on surface complementarity and maximization of buried surface area3,4 while taking into account the possibility of conformational change on complexation. Extensive experimental information on the location of the functional epitope was incorporated into the analysis and used to screen candidate geometries of the complex resulting from the modeling. Eight plausible structures that are in accord with the experimental data were derived. Common structural features of the models are discussed, and residues of the antibody-combining site that are expected to play important roles in complexation are identified. In particular, three epitope residues that, according to mutagenesis experiments, make particularly strong contributions to the binding, interact excentrically and do not make contact with the central loops of the combining site, L3 and H3. Proteins 30:249-263, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 8 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 79
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 30 (1998), S. 287-294 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: protein structure prediction ; side chain contact prediction ; lattice protein models ; CREB-binding protein ; KIX domain ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Using a recently developed protein folding algorithm, a prediction of the tertiary structure of the KIX domain of the CREB binding protein is described. The method incorporates predicted secondary and tertiary restraints derived from multiple sequence alignments in a reduced protein model whose conformational space is explored by Monte Carlo dynamics. Secondary structure restraints are provided by the PHD secondary structure prediction algorithm that was modified for the presence of predicted U-turns, i.e., regions where the chain reverses global direction. Tertiary restraints are obtained via a two-step process: First, seed side-chain contacts are identified from a correlated mutation analysis, and then, a threading-based algorithm expands the number of these seed contacts. Blind predictions indicate that the KIX domain is a putative three-helix bundle, although the chirality of the bundle could not be uniquely determined. The expected root-mean-square deviation for the correct chirality of the KIX domain is between 5.0 and 6.2 Å. This is to be compared with the estimate of 12.9 Å that would be expected by a random prediction, using the model of F. Cohen and M. Sternberg (J. Mol. Biol. 138:321-333, 1980). Proteins 30:287-294, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 5 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 80
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 33 (1998), S. 74-89 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: mass spectrometry ; matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization ; electrospray ; database searching ; gel electrophoresis ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: The entire genomic DNA sequences of a number of prokaryotic and eukaryotic species are now available and many more, including the human genome, will be completed in the near future. The state-of-life of a cell at any given time, however, is defined by its protein composition, i.e., its proteome. Gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and bioinformatics will be important tools for protein and proteome analysis in the post-genome era. Protein identification from electrophoretic gels by mass spectrometric peptide mapping or peptide sequencing combined with sequence database searching is established and has been applied to numerous biological systems. We describe current strategies and selected applications in molecular and cell biology. The next challenges are detailed structure/function analyses, which include studying the molecular composition of multiprotein complexes and characterization of secondary modifications of proteins. The advantages and limitations of a number of mass spectrometry-based strategies designed for microcharacterization of low amounts of protein from electrophoretic gels are discussed and illustrated by examples. Proteins Suppl. 2:74-89, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 6 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 81
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 30 (1998), S. 381-387 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: serum amyloid A ; fluorescence ; circular dichroism ; acute phase ; denaturation ; nuclease ; amyloidosis ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: We developed a recombinant DNA system to overexpress a fusion protein between the small, minimally soluble acute phase serum protein, serum amyloid A (SAA), and the bacterial enzyme staphylococcal nuclease (SN). This fusion protein is very soluble and is immunoreactive to polyclonal anti-SAA antibodies. Tryptophan fluorescence shows smooth denaturation curves for the fusion protein in guanidinium HCl or potassium thiocyanate. Fluorescence also indicates that only a single tryptophan residue (of the four present) is accessible to iodide quenching and, presumably, is exposed on the surface of the fusion protein. Circular dichroism (CD) shows a significant signal indicating α-helix, which can be attributed to the SAA portion of the molecule; these are the first CD spectral data available for SAA. pH titration shows persistence of helix domains for the fusion protein at pH 3.0, in contrast to the denaturation of SN under the same conditions. (The entire fusion protein shows a random coil pattern below pH 3.0.) By exploiting the structural and solubility properties of SN, this fusion protein has provided the first structural data about SAA - the precursor of the amyloid deposits in secondary amyloidosis. This fusion protein should be useful for further physical and physiologic studies of SAA. Proteins 30:381-387, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 4 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 82
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 30 (1998), S. 1-1 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: No abstract.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 83
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 31 (1998), S. 383-390 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering ; allosterism ; domain closure ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering (TR-SAXS) was used to monitor the structural changes that occur upon the binding of the natural substrates to a mutant version of the allosteric enzyme aspartate transcarbamoylase from Escherichia coli, in which the creation of a critical link stabilizing the R state of the enzyme is hindered. Previously, SAXS experiments at equilibrium showed that the structures of the unligated mutant enzyme and the mutant enzyme saturated with a bisubstrate analog are indistinguishable from the T and R state structures, respectively, of the wild-type enzyme (Tauc et al., Protein Sci. 3:1998-2004, 1994). However, as opposed to the wild-type enzyme, the combination of one substrate, carbamoyl phosphate, and succinate, an analog of aspartate, did not convert the mutant enzyme into the R state. By using TR-SAXS we have been able to study the transient steady-state during catalysis using the natural substrates rather than the nonreactive substrate analogs. The steady-state in the presence of saturating amount of substrates is a mixture of 60% T and 40% R structures, which is further converted entirely to R in the additional presence of ATP. These results provide a structural explanation for the reduced cooperativity observed with the mutant enzyme as well as for the stimulation by ATP at saturating concentrations of substrates. They also illustrate the crucial role played by domain motions and quaternary-structure changes for both the homotropic and heterotropic aspects of allostery. Proteins 31:383-390, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 5 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 84
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: complement control protein ; protein modeling ; blood coagulation ; C4b-binding protein ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: C4b-binding protein (C4BP) contributes to the regulation of the classical pathway of the complement system and plays an important role in blood coagulation. The main human C4BP isoform is composed of one β-chain and seven α-chains essentially built from three and eight complement control protein (CCP) modules, respectively, followed by a nonrepeat carboxy-terminal region involved in polymerization of the chains. C4BP is known to interact with heparin, C4b, complement factor I, serum amyloid P component, streptococcal Arp and Sir proteins, and factor VIII/VIIIa via its α-chains and with protein S through its β-chain. The principal aim of the present study was to localize regions of C4BP involved in the interaction with C4b, Arp, and heparin. For this purpose, a computer model of the 8 CCP modules of C4BP α-chain was constructed, taking into account data from previous electron microscopy (EM) studies. This structure was investigated in the context of known and/or new experimental data. Analysis of the α-chain model, together with monoclonal antibody studies and heparin binding experiments, suggests that a patch of positively charged residues, at the interface between the first and second CCP modules, plays an important role in the interaction between C4BP and C4b/Arp/Sir/heparin. Putative binding sites, secondary-structure prediction for the central core, and an overall reevaluation of the size of the C4BP molecule are also presented. An understanding of these intermolecular interactions should contribute to the rational design of potential therapeutic agents aiming at interfering specifically some of these protein-protein interactions. Proteins 31:391-405, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 9 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 85
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 31 (1998), S. 406-416 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: electrostatics ; Brownian dynamics ; triose phosphate isomerase ; diffusion-control ; similarity index ; rate enhancement ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Triose phosphate isomerase (TIM) is a diffusion-controlled enzyme whose rate is limited by the diffusional encounter of the negatively charged substrate glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (GAP) with the homodimeric enzyme's active sites. Translational and orientational steering of GAP toward the active sites by the electrostatic field of chicken muscle TIM has been observed in previous Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations. Here we report simulations of the association of GAP with TIMs from four species with net charges at pH 7 varying from -12e to +12e. Computed second-order rate constants are in good agreement with experimental data. The BD simulations and computation of average Boltzmann factors of substrate-protein interaction energies show that the protein electrostatic potential enhances the rates for all the enzymes. There is much less variation in the computed rates than might be expected on the basis of the net charges. Comparison of the electrostatic potentials by means of similarity indices shows that this is due to conservation of the local electrostatic potentials around the active sites which are the primary determinants of electrostatic steering of the substrate. Proteins 31:406-416, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 3 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 86
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 31 (1998), S. 434-444 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: hinge ; structural change ; xylose ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Recent crystallographic studies have revealed a range of structural changes in the three-dimensional structure of endo-1,4-xylanase (XYNII) from Trichoderma reesei. The observed conformational changes can be described as snapshots of an open-close movement of the active site of XYNII. These structures were further analyzed in this study. In addition, a total of four 1 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed representing different states of the enzyme. A comparison of the global and local changes found in the X-ray structures and the MD runs suggested that the simulations reproduced a similar kind of active site opening and closing as predicted by the crystal structures. The open-close movement was characterized by the use of distance difference matrixes and the Hingefind program (Wriggers and Schulten, Proteins 29:1-14, 1997) to be a ‘hinge-bending’ motion involving two large rigidly-moving regions and an extended hinge. This conformational feature is probably inherent to this molecular architecture and probably plays a role in the function of XYNII. Proteins 31:434-444, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 8 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 87
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 31 (1998), S. 417-433 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: molecular dynamics ; sex-determining region Y (SRY) protein ; high mobility group (HMG) box ; DNA-binding proteins ; DNA bending ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Molecular dynamics simulations have been conducted to study the interaction of human sex-determining region Y (hSRY) protein with DNA. For this purpose, simulations of the hSRY high mobility group (HMG) domain (hSRY-HMG) with and without its DNA target site, a DNA octamer, and the DNA octamer alone have been carried out, employing the NMR solution structure of hSRY-HMG-DNA complex as a starting model. Analyses of the simulation results demonstrated that the interaction between hSRY and DNA was hydrophobic, just a few hydrogen bonds and only one water molecule as hydrogen-bonding bridge were observed at the protein-DNA interface. These two hydrophobic cores in the hSRY-HMG domain were the physical basis of hSRY-HMG-DNA specific interaction. They not only maintained the stability of the complex, but also primarily caused the DNA deformation. The salt bridges formed between the positive-charged residues of hSRY and phosphate groups of DNA made the phosphate electroneutral, which was advantageous for the deformation of DNA and the formation of a stable complex. We predicted the structure of hSRY-HMG domain in the free state and found that both hSRY and DNA changed their conformations to achieve greater complementarity of geometries and properties during the binding process; that is, the protein increased the angle between its long and short arms to accommodate the DNA, and the DNA became bent severely to adapt to the protein, although the conformational change of DNA was more severe than that of the hSRY-HMG domain. The sequence specificity and the role of residue Met9 are also discussed. Proteins 31:417-433, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 12 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 88
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 31 (1998), S. 453-459 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: quantum mechanical calculations ; substrate-enzyme interactions ; mutants ; functional role of amino acids ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: The enzyme herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSV1 TK) salvages thymidine into the DNA metabolism of the virus. In the active site, the thymine ring of the nucleoside binds in a pocket, formed by two residues, Tyr-172 and Met-128, in a sandwich-type orientation. To investigate the nature of the thymine-enzyme pocket interactions, we have carried out density functional theory calculations with gradient-corrected exchange-correlation functionals of models of the thymine-HSV1 TK adduct. Our calculations indicate that the role of Met-128 in the substrate fixation is purely steric and hydrophobic, while the substrate-Tyr-172 interaction is essentially electrostatic in nature. These findings are completely consistent with the available catalytic properties of mutants on the 128 position. Proteins 31:453-459, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 5 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 89
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 31 (1998), S. 445-452 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: chorismate mutase ; activity ; allosteric ; electrostatics ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: The predicted active site of chorismate mutase of baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been studied by continuum electrostatics, molecular surface/volume calculations, and molecular modeling. Our study shows that despite being subject to an allosteric transition, the enzyme's active-site pocket neither decreased in volume nor deformed significantly in shape between the active R state and the inactive T state. We find that the polar atmosphere in the pocket is responsible for the enzyme's affinity. A single amino acid, Glu23, can adequately account for the atmospheric variation. This residue swings into the active-site pocket from the R state to the T state. In the R state, Glu23 on helix H2 doubly pairs with Arg204 and Lys208 of H11, which is packed against H2. In the T state, a slide occurs between H11 and H2 such that Glu23 can no longer interact with Lys208 and competes with Asp24 for interacting with Arg204. Consequently, Glu23 is found in the T state to couple with Arg157, an active-site residue critical to substrate binding. The tandem sliding of H11 in both monomers profoundly changes the interactions in the dimer interface. The loop between H11 and H12 demonstrates the largest conformational change. Hence, we establish a connection between the allosteric transition and the activity of the enzyme. The conformational change in the transition is suggested to propagate into the active-site pocket via a series of polar interactions that result in polarity reversal in the active-site pocket, which regulates the enzyme's activity. Proteins 31:445-452, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 5 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 90
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: X-ray structure ; L-chain apoferritin ; metal binding sites ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: We refined the structure of the tetragonal form of recombinant horse L-chain apoferritin to 2.0 Å and we compared it with that of the cubic form previously refined to the same resolution. The major differences between the two structures concern the cadmium ions bound to the residues E130 at the threefold axes of the molecule. Taking advantage of the significant anomalous signal (f′′ = 3.6 e-) of cadmium at 1.375 Å, the wavelength used here, we performed anomalous Fourier difference maps with the refined model phases. These maps reveal the positions of anomalous scatterers at different locations in the structure. Among these, some are found near residues that were known previously to bind metal ions, C48, E57, C126, D127, E130, and H132. But new cadmium binding sites are evidenced near residues E53, E56, E57, E60, and H114, which were suggested to be involved in the iron loading process. The quality of the anomalous Fourier difference map increases significantly with noncrystallographic symmetry map averaging. Such maps reveal density peaks that fit the positions of Met and Cys sulfur atoms, which are weak anomalous scatterers (f′′ = 0.44 e-). Proteins 31:477-485, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 7 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 91
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 32 (1998), S. 1-2 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: No abstract.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 92
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 33 (1998), S. 39-48 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: antibody ; antigen ; electrostatics ; binding ; finite difference ; Poisson-Boltzmann ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: The change in free energy of binding of hen egg white lysozyme (HEL) to the antibody HyHel-10 arising from ten point mutations in HEL (D101K, D101G, K96M, K97D, K97G, K97G, R21E, R21K, W62Y, and W63Y) was calculated using a combination of the finite difference Poisson-Boltzmann method for the electrostatic contribution, a solvent accessible surface area term for the non-polar contribution, and rotamer counting for the sidechain entropy contribution. Comparison of experimental and calculated results indicate that because of pKa shifts in some of the mutated residues, primarily those involving Aspartate or Glutamate, proton uptake or release occurs in binding. When this effect was incorporated into the binding free energy calculations, the agreement with experiment improved significantly, and resulted in a mean error of about 1.9 kcal/mole. Thus these calculations predict that there should be a significant pH dependence to the change in binding caused by these mutations. The other major contributions to binding energy changes comes from solvation and charge charge interactions, which tend to oppose each other. Smaller contributions come from nonpolar interactions and sidechain entropy changes. The structures of the HyHel-10-HEL complexes with mutant HEL were obtained by modeling, and the effect of the modeled structure on the calculations was also examined. “Knowledge based” modeling and automatic generation of models using molecular mechanics produced comparable results. Proteins 33:39-48, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 2 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 93
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: lactoferrin ; proteinase K ; complex, hydrolysis ; structure ; inhibitor ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Lactoferrin is an iron binding glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 80 kDa. The molecule is divided into two lobes representing the N-terminal and C-terminal halves of the polypeptide chain, each containing an iron binding site. The serine proteinases such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, and pepsin hydrolyze lactoferrin into two unequal halves while proteinase K divides this protein into two equal halves. In the first step of hydrolysis by proteinase K, the C- and N-lobes, each having a molecular weight of approximately 40 kDa, are generated. In the next step, the lobes are further hydrolyzed into small molecular weight peptides. The proteinase K isolated from the hydrolyzed product does not show enzymatic activity suggesting that the enzyme is inhibited. Furthermore, the hydrolysis experiments on N-lobe and C-lobe showed that the inhibitory fragment came from the C-lobe. The purified lactoferrin fragment was found to be a decapeptide with an amino acid sequence of H2N-Val-Ala-Gln-Gly-Ala-Ala-Gly-Leu-Ala-COOH. The complex formed between proteinase K and lactoferrin fragment was crystallized by microdialysis. The crystals belonged to the monoclinic space group P21with cell dimensions a = 44.4 Å, b = 38.6 Å, c = 79.2 Å, β = 105.8o and Z = 2. The crystal structure has been determined at 2.4 Å resolution. It has been refined to an R factor of 0.163 for 9044 reflections. The Lf-fragment forms several intermolecular interactions with proteinase K. The Ser-224 Oγ and His-57 Nε2 move away to a distance of 3.68 Å in the complex. In the crystal structure, Gln-3I (I indicates inhibitor i.e., lactoferrin fragment) is involved in a direct intermolecular interaction with a symmetry related proteinase K molecule through a strong hydrogen bond with Asp-254. The mode of intermolecular interactions in the complex conformational features of the enzyme and placement of the fragment with respect to the enzyme resemble with the molecular complex of proteinase K with its natural inhibitor PKI3 from wheat. Proteins 33:30-38, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 8 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 94
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 33 (1998), S. 88-96 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: fold classification ; substructures ; Dali ; protein families ; structural similarity ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: The rapid growth in the number of experimentally determined three-dimensional protein structures has sharpened the need for comprehensive and up-to-date surveys of known structures. Classic work on protein structure classification has made it clear that a structural survey is best carried out at the level of domains, i.e., substructures that recur in evolution as functional units in different protein contexts. We present a method for automated domain identification from protein structure atomic coordinates based on quantitative measures of compactness and, as the new element, recurrence. Compactness criteria are used to recursively divide a protein into a series of successively smaller and smaller substructures. Recurrence criteria are used to select an optimal size level of these substructures, so that many of the chosen substructures are common to different proteins at a high level of statistical significance. The joint application of these criteria automatically yields consistent domain definitions between remote homologs, a result difficult to achieve using compactness criteria alone. The method is applied to a representative set of 1,137 sequence-unique protein families covering 6,500 known structures. Clustering of the resulting set of domains (substructures) yields 594 distinct fold classes (types of substructures). The Dali Domain Dictionary (http://www.embl-ebi.ac.uk/dali) not only provides a global structural classification, but also a comprehensive description of families of protein sequences grouped around representative proteins of known structure. The classification will be continuously updated and can serve as a basis for improving our understanding of protein evolution and function and for evolving optimal strategies to complete the map of all natural protein structures. Proteins 33:88-96, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 7 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 95
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: antigenic peptides ; class I MHC molecules ; HLA-A2 complexes ; hydrogen bonds ; protein structure ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: The crystal structures of class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules complexed with antigenic peptides revealed a network of hydrogen bonds between the charged amino- and carboxyl-termini of the peptides and conserved MHC residues at both ends of the peptide binding site. These interactions were shown to contribute substantially to the stability of class I MHC/peptide complexes by thermal denaturation studies using synthetic peptides in which either the amino- or carboxyl-terminal group is substituted by a methyl group. Here we report crystal structures of HLA-A*0201 complexed with these terminally modified synthetic peptides showing that they adopt the same bound conformation as antigenic peptides. A number of variations in peptide conformation were observed for the terminally modified peptides, including in one case, a large conformational difference in four central peptide residues that is apparently caused by the lattice contact. This is reminiscent of the way binding a T-cell receptor changed the conformation of central residues of an MHC-bound peptide. The structures determined identify which conserved hydrogen bonds are eliminated in terminally substituted peptides and suggest an increased energetic importance of the interactions at the peptide termini for MHC-peptide stability. Proteins 33:97-106, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 4 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 96
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 32 (1998), S. 26-42 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: intermolecular restraints ; solid-state NMR ; symmetric multimer ; branch and bound ; amyloid ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: The determination of structures of multimers presents interesting new challenges. The structure(s) of the individual monomers must be found and the transformations to produce the packing interfaces must be described. A substantial difficulty results from ambiguities in assigning intermolecular distance measurements (from nuclear magnetic resonance, for example) to particular intermolecular interfaces in the structure. Here we present a rapid and efficient method to solve the packing and the assignment problems simultaneously given rigid monomer structures and (potentially ambiguous) intermolecular distance measurements. A promising application of this algorithm is to couple it with a monomer searching protocol such that each monomer structure consistent with intramolecular constraints can be subsequently input to the current algorithm to check whether it is consistent with (potentially ambiguous) intermolecular constraints. The algorithm AmbiPack uses a hierarchical division of the search space and the branch-and-bound algorithm to eliminate infeasible regions of the space. Local search methods are then focused on the remaining space. The algorithm generally runs faster as more constraints are included because more regions of the search space can be eliminated. This is not the case for other methods, for which additional constraints increase the complexity of the search space. The algorithm presented is guaranteed to find all solutions to a predetermined resolution. This resolution can be chosen arbitrarily to produce outputs at various level of detail. Illustrative applications are presented for the P22 tailspike protein (a trimer) and portions of β-amyloid (an ordered aggregate). Proteins 32:26-42, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 17 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 97
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 33 (1998), S. 204-217 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: rotamer libraries ; energy minimization ; self consistent mean-field theory ; torsion space ; modeling ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: The ab initio folding problem can be divided into two sequential tasks of approximately equal computational complexity: the generation of native-like backbone folds and the positioning of side chains upon these backbones. The prediction of side-chain conformation in this context is challenging, because at best only the near-native global fold of the protein is known. To test the effect of displacements in the protein backbones on side-chain prediction for folds generated ab initio, sets of near-native backbones (≤ 4 Å Cα RMS error) for four small proteins were generated by two methods. The steric environment surrounding each residue was probed by placing the side chains in the native conformation on each of these decoys, followed by torsion-space optimization to remove steric clashes on a rigid backbone. We observe that on average 40% of the χ1 angles were displaced by 40° or more, effectively setting the limits in accuracy for side-chain modeling under these conditions. Three different algorithms were subsequently used for prediction of side-chain conformation. The average prediction accuracy for the three methods was remarkably similar: 49% to 51% of the χ1 angles were predicted correctly overall (33% to 36% of the χ1+2 angles). Interestingly, when the inter-side-chain interactions were disregarded, the mean accuracy increased. A consensus approach is described, in which side-chain conformations are defined based on the most frequently predicted χ angles for a given method upon each set of near-native backbones. We find that consensus modeling, which de facto includes backbone flexibility, improves side-chain prediction: χ1 accuracy improved to 51-54% (36-42% of χ1+2). Implications of a consensus method for ab initio protein structure prediction are discussed. Proteins 33:204-217, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 4 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 98
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 33 (1998), S. 119-134 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: molecular modeling ; proton transfer ; enzyme catalysis ; mutations ; molecular mechanics ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: In this paper, the carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) enzyme active site is modeled using ab initio calculations and molecular dynamics simulations to examine a number of important issues for the enzyme function. It is found that the Zn2+ ion is dominantly tetrahedrally coordinated, which agrees with X-ray crystallographic studies. However, a transient five-fold coordination with an extra water molecule is also found. Studies of His64 conformations upon a change in the protonation states of the Zn-bound water and the His64 residue also confirm the results of an X-ray study which suggest that the His64 conformation is quite flexible. However, the degree of water solvation is found to affect this behavior. Water bridge formation between the Zn-bound water and the His64 residue was found to involve a free energy barrier of 2-3 kcal/mol and an average lifetime of several picoseconds, which supports the concept of a proton transfer mechanism through such a bridge. Mutations of various residues around the active site provide further insight into the corresponding experimental results and, in fact, suggest an important role for the solvent water molecules in the CA II catalytic mechanism. Proteins 33:119-134, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 9 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 99
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 33 (1998), S. 358-366 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: homologous proteins ; superfamilies ; sequence conservation ; protein structure ; protein evolution ; sequence-structure relationships ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: In order to study structural aspects of sequence conservation in families of homologous proteins, we have analyzed structurally aligned sequences of 585 proteins grouped into 128 homologous families. The conservation of a residue in a family is defined as the average residue similarity in a given position of aligned sequences. The residue similarities were expressed in the form of log-odd substitution tables that take into account the environments of amino acids in three-dimensional structures. The protein core is defined as those residues that have less then 7% solvent accessibility. The density of a protein core is described in terms of atom packing, which is investigated as a criterion for residue substitution and conservation. Although there is no significant correlation between sequence conservation and average atom packing around nonpolar residues such as leucine, valine and isoleucine, a significant correlation is observed for polar residues in the protein core. This may be explained by the hydrogen bonds in which polar residues are involved; the better their protection from water access the more stable should be the structure in that position. Proteins 33:358-366, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 6 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 100
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    New York, NY : Wiley-Blackwell
    Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 33 (1998), S. 320-328 
    ISSN: 0887-3585
    Keywords: structural similarity ; optimal superposition ; common substructure ; Chemistry ; Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    Source: Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: In analysis, comparison and classification of conformations of proteins, a common computational task involves extractions of similar substructures. Structural comparisons are usually based on either of two measures of similarity: the root-mean-square (r.m.s.) deviation upon optimal superposition, or the maximal element of the difference distance matrix. The analysis presented here clarifies the relationships between different measures of structural similarity, and can provide a basis for developing algorithms and software to extract all maximal common well-fitting substructures from proteins.Given atomic coordinates of two proteins, many methods have been described for extracting some substantial (if not provably maximal) common substructure with low r.m.s. deviation. This is a relatively easy task compared with the problem addressed here, i.e., that of finding all common substructures with r.m.s. deviation less than a prespecified threshold. The combinatorial problems associated with similar subset extraction are more tractable if expressed in terms of the maximal element of the difference distance matrix than in terms of the r.m.s. deviation. However, it has been difficult to correlate these alternative measures of structural similarity. The purpose of this article is to make this connection.We first introduce a third measure of structural similarity: the maximum distance between corresponding pairs of points after superposition to minimize this value. This corresponds to fitting in the Chebyshev norm. Properties of Chebyshev superposition are derived.We describe relationships between the r.m.s. and minimax (Chebyshev) deviations upon optimal superposition, and between the Chebyshev deviation and the maximal element of the difference distance matrix. Combining these produces a relationship between the r.m.s. deviation upon optimal superposition and the maximal element of the difference distance matrix. Based on these results, we can apply algorithms and software for finding subsets of the difference distance matrix for which all elements are less than a specified bound, either to select only subsets for which the r.m.s.deviation is less than or equal to a specified threshold, or to select subsets that include all subsets for which the r.m.s. deviation is less than or equal to a threshold. Proteins 33:320-328, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Additional Material: 1 Ill.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
Close ⊗
This website uses cookies and the analysis tool Matomo. More information can be found here...