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Tryptophan
Terms modified by Tryptophan Selected AbstractsSimultaneous and Direct Determination of Tryptophan and Tyrosine at Boron-Doped Diamond ElectrodeELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 8 2006Guohua Zhao Abstract A facile method for the simultaneous measurement of tryptophan (Trp) and tyrosine (Tyr) was firstly exploited at unmodified boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode. The experimental results indicated that by using differential pulse voltammetry, the oxidative peaks of these two kinds of amino acids could be completely separated at BDD electrode. The peak separation of Trp and Tyr was developed to be 0.64,V when Na2PO4/NaOH buffer solution with the optimized pH,11.2 was employed. The detection limit of Trp was obtained to be 1×10,5,M, while that of Tyr was achieved to be 1×10,6,M. The present method was also evidenced to be available to the determination of real samples of amino acids. [source] Efficient Photosensitized Splitting of Thymine Dimer by a Covalently Linked Tryptophan in Solvents of High PolarityEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2005Qin-Hua Song Abstract Tryptophan-thymine dimer model compounds used to mimic the repair reaction of DNA photolyase have been synthesized. The photosensitized cleavage of the dimer by the covalently linked tryptophan is strongly solvent-dependent with the reaction rates increasing in increasingly polar solvents, for example, the quantum yield , = 0.004 in THF/hexane (5:95) and 0.093 in water. The fluorescence of the tryptophan residue is quenched by the dimer moiety by electron transfer from the excited tryptophan to the dimer. Fluorescence-quenching studies indicated that the electron transfer was efficient in polar solvents. The splitting efficiency of the dimer radical anion within the tryptophan·+,dimer·, species is also remarkably solvent-dependent and increases with the polarity of the solvents. The back-electron-transfer reaction in the charge-separated species, which competes with cleavage, was suppressed in polar solvents. These results are in contrast to those of earlier solvent-dependent studies of indole-dimer systems, but they can be rationalized in terms of the differences in the distances between the chromophore unit and the attached dimer. The pH-dependent measurements of the splitting reaction and the deuterium isotope effect showed that the tryptophan radical cation within the charge-separated species does not deprotonate prior to the cleavage of the dimer radical anion. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005) [source] C1473G polymorphism in mouse tph2 gene is linked to tryptophan hydroxylase-2 activity in the brain, intermale aggression, and depressive-like behavior in the forced swim testJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 5 2009Daria V. Osipova Abstract Tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2) is the rate-limiting enzyme of brain serotonin synthesis. The C1473G polymorphism in the mouse tryptophan hydroxylase-2 gene affects the enzyme's activity. In the present study, we investigated the linkage between the C1473G polymorphism, enzyme activity in the brain, and behavior in the forced swim, intermale aggression, and open field tests using mice of the C57BL/6 (C/C) and CC57BR/Mv (G/G) strains and the B6-1473C (C/C) and B6-1473G (G/G) lines created by three successive backcrossings on C57BL/6. Mice of the CC57BR/Mv strain had decreased brain enzyme activity, aggression intensity, and immobility in the forced swim test, but increased locomotor activity and time spent in the central part of the open field arena compared with animals of the C57BL/6 strain. Mice of the B6-1473G line homozygous for the 1473G allele had lower TPH2 activity in the brain, aggression intensity, and immobility time in the forced swim test compared with animals of the B6-1473C line homozygous for the 1473C allele. No differences were found between the B6-1473G and B6-1473C mice in locomotor activity and time spent in the central part of the arena in the open field test. Thus, the C1473G polymorphism is involved in the determination of TPH2 activity and is linked to aggression intensity and forced-swim immobility in mice. At the same time, the polymorphism does not affect locomotion and anxiety-related behavior in the open field test. The B6-1473C and B6-1473G mice represent a valuable experimental model for investigating molecular mechanisms of serotonin-related behavior. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Kynurenine inhibits chondrocyte proliferation and is increased in synovial fluid of patients with septic arthritisJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 11 2010Tim T. Lögters Abstract Kynurenine, the major degradation product of tryptophan has been shown to directly damage various tissues. Its potential contribution to septic arthritis is unknown. In this study, we analyzed the putative diagnostic value of kynurenine for bacterial joint infection and its potential harmful effects on cartilage. In a prospective study 41 patients with a joint effusion who had undergone arthrocentesis were included. Tryptophan and kynurenine levels from synovial fluid were quantified by HPLC. Diagnostic value of kynurenine was evaluated and its effects on the proliferation of the chondrocyte cell line ATDC5 were determined. Synovial fluid kynurenine values from patients with septic arthritis (4.1,±,0.8,µmol/L, n,=,9) were significantly increased compared to patients with non-infectious inflammatory arthropathy (1.8,±,0.2,µmol/L, n,=,17) or osteoarthritis (1.2,±,0.1,µmol/L, n,=,15, p,<,0.01). At a cut-off value of 2.28,µmol/L kynurenine had a sensitivity of 0.89 and a specificity of 0.87. Further, kynurenine inhibited chondrocyte (ATDC5) cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Septic arthritis is associated with significantly increased values of synovial kynurenine. Furthermore kynurenine inhibits proliferation of chondrocytes, which strongly suggests a pathophysiological effect of kynurenine on cartilage in inflammatory arthropathies. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1490,1496, 2010 [source] Melatonin protects kidney grafts from ischemia/reperfusion injury through inhibition of NF-kB and apoptosis after experimental kidney transplantationJOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2009Zhanqing Li Abstract:, Free radicals are involved in pathophysiology of ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Melatonin is a potent scavenger of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Thus, this study was designed to elucidate its effects in a model of rat kidney transplantation. Twenty Lewis rats were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 10 animals each). Melatonin (50 mg/kg BW) dissolved in 5 mL milk was given to one group via gavage 2 hr before left donor nephrectomy. Controls were given the same volume of milk only. Kidney grafts were then transplanted into bilaterally nephrectomized syngeneic recipients after 24 hr of cold storage in Histidine,Tryptophan,Ketoglutarate solution. Both graft function and injury were assessed after transplantation through serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, transaminases, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Biopsies were taken to evaluate tubular damage, the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid hydroperoxide (LPO), and the expression of NF-kBp65, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), caspase-3 as indices of oxidative stress, necrosis, and apoptosis, respectively. Melatonin improved survival (P < 0.01) while decreasing BUN, creatinine, transaminases, and LDH values up to 39,71% (P < 0.05). Melatonin significantly reduced the histological index for tubular damage, induced tissue enzymatic activity of SOD while reducing LPO. At the same time, melatonin down-regulated the expression of NF-kBp65, iNOS, and caspase-3. In conclusion, donor preconditioning with melatonin protected kidney donor grafts from IRI-induced renal dysfunction and tubular injury most likely through its anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic and NF-kB inhibitory capacity. [source] Nutritive value of chicken and potato mixtures for infant and preschool children feedingJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 12 2003Angela Sotelo Abstract Two chicken/potato protein mixtures (50:50 and 60:40) were prepared for use in formulas of high nutritive value and low cost for the diet of undernourished children and those with lactose intolerance. The proximate analysis and amino acid content of the raw materials and mixtures were determined and the chemical score (CS) was calculated. The proximate analysis and amino acid content of a commercial soybean formula were used as reference. The protein quality of the mixtures was evaluated by protein efficiency ratio (PER) and digestibility measurements. The protein content of cooked chicken and potato on a dry basis was 889 and 70 g kg,1 respectively and the carbohydrate content of potato was 762 g kg,1. Tryptophan was the limiting amino acid in chicken for infants according to the 1985 FAO pattern (CS = 76), but not for preschool children. Valine was limiting in potato for both infants and preschool children (CS = 56 and 88 respectively). Tryptophan was limiting in both 50:50 and 60:40 mixtures for infants; also the PER was higher in the 60:40 mixture and not significantly different from the control (casein), but both were different from the 50:50 mixture. Since both chicken and potato are available even for low-income people, a formula prepared in the 60:40 ratio is of potential benefit for infants or preschool children who have lactose intolerance, mainly in developing countries. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Understanding the role of tryptophan and serotonin metabolism in gastrointestinal functionNEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY & MOTILITY, Issue 12 2009D. Keszthelyi Abstract, Tryptophan is the precursor of a wide array of metabolites, which are involved in a variety of aspects of human nutrition and metabolism. Accumulating evidence suggests a role of tryptophan metabolites, especially serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamin) in intestinal (patho) physiology, although mechanisms of action are still poorly understood. Alterations of serotonin metabolism may give rise to gastrointestinal dysfunction. Recently, it has been postulated that other metabolites of tryptophan, mostly of the kynurenine pathway, also play a role in regulating gut function. This review analyses the current knowledge of the interrelationship between tryptophan metabolic pathways and summarizes the existing scientific evidence regarding the role of tryptophan metabolites in intestinal function and in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases. [source] Melatonin, Melatonin-Rezeptor-Agonisten und Tryptophan als Schlafmittel.PHARMAZIE IN UNSERER ZEIT (PHARMUZ), Issue 3 2007Natürlicher Schlaf? Melatonin und Melatoninrezeptor-Agonisten stellen ein interessantes Konzept zur Behandlung von Schlafstörungen dar. Melatoninrezeptor-Agonisten verkürzen die Einschlafzeit und können die Gesamtschlafzeit verlängern. Die Schlafarchitektur wird durch Melatoningabe offensichtlich nicht verändert. Melatonin übt keinen klassischen hypnotischen Effekt wie Benzodiazepine oder H1 -Antihistaminika aus, sondern fungiert als Hormon, welches die zirkadiane Phase je nach Einnahmezeitpunkt verschiebt. Ob Melatonin direkte hypnotische Effekte besitzt, ist umstritten, es scheint jedoch die Einschlafbereitschaft zu erhöhen. Bisher ergaben sich weder im Tierversuch noch in klinischen Studien Hinweise auf ein Abhängigkeits- oder Missbrauchspotenzial. Melatonin ist in Europa nicht als Arzneimittel zugelassen. In den USA wird Melatonin als Nahrungsergänzungsmittel vertrieben. Der MT-Rezeptoragonist Ramelteon ist den USA bereits zugelassen, in Europa befindet er sich in Phase III der klinischen Prüfung. [source] Histidine,Tryptophan,Ketoglutarate (HTK) Is Associated with Reduced Graft Survival in Deceased Donor Livers, Especially Those Donated After Cardiac DeathAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 2 2009Z. A. Stewart Single-center studies have reported that liver allograft survival is not affected by preservation in histidine,tryptophan,ketoglutarate (HTK) versus University of Wisconsin (UW) solution. We analyzed the UNOS database of liver transplants performed from July, 2004, through February, 2008, to determine if preservation with HTK (n = 4755) versus UW (n = 12 673) impacted graft survival. HTK preservation of allografts increased from 16.8% in 2004 to 26.9% in 2008; this was particularly striking among donor after cardiac death (DCD) allografts, rising from 20.7% in 2004 to 40.9% in 2008. After adjusting for donor, recipient and graft factors that affect graft survival, HTK preservation was associated with an increased risk of graft loss (HR 1.14, p = 0.002), especially with DCD allografts (HR 1.44, P = 0.025) and those with cold ischemia time over 8 h (HR 1.16, P = 0.009). Furthermore, HTK preservation was associated with a 1.2-fold higher odds of early (< 30 days) graft loss as compared to UW preservation (OR 1.20, p = 0.012), with a more pronounced effect on allografts with cold ischemia time over 8 h (OR 1.31, p = 0.007), DCD allografts (OR 1.63, p = 0.09) and donors over 70 years (OR 1.67, p = 0.081). These results suggest that the increasing use of HTK for abdominal organ preservation should be reexamined. [source] Is Tryptophan ,more' Essential than Other Essential Aminoacids in Development?ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 5 2009A Morphologic Study Summary An ontogenetic study was designed on developing rats in uterus of mothers tryptophan deprived at day 1 (exp. 1) and day 14.5 (exp. 2) of conception to verify the supposed determining role of the serotoninergic system (SS) in sexual differentiation in mammals. Tryptophan-free feeding was pursued uninterruptedly in the litter after birth, during lactation and post-natal development. Tryptophan-free pregnant rats were obtained by exclusion of tryptophan sources from chow. In both exp. 1 and exp. 2, the litter showed at birth a significant physical under evolution that worsened, during post-natal development, to a much more marked dwarfism in exp. 1 pups. Growth hormone concentrations in both sexes of dwarf rats were lower than that in the control rats. At 30 days post-natal age, whereas exp. 1 female rats showed a right-timed onset of puberty, no descensus of testes could be observed in male rats of same experiment. Dwarf male rats showed an evident hypotrophy of the whole reproductive apparatus. In histological examination of testes, neither spermatogenesis nor Leydig cells have been observed. Moreover, dwarf female rats showed a pronounced hypotrophy of reproductive organs, but a normal puberal status pattern was evident. In exp. 2, litters showed a less pronounced dwarfism, but a normal right-timed onset of puberty in both male and female rats. Data indicate that role of tryptophan in physical and sexual maturation in both male and female rats is essential. [source] Gas-Phase Synthesis and Intense Visible Absorption of Tryptophan,Gold Cations,ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE, Issue 42 2009Rodolphe Antoine Dr. Die Farbe des Goldes: Die einzigartigen optischen Eigenschaften des Tryptophan-Gold-Kations wurden experimentell und mithilfe von Ab-initio-Rechnungen studiert (siehe Bild). Infolge von Ladungstransferphänomenen absorbiert der Komplex stark im sichtbaren Bereich, sodass solche Goldkomplexe nützlich für biologische Anwendungen sein könnten. [source] Supplementation of tryptophan and lysine in Diplodus sargus larval diet: effects on growth and skeletal deformitiesAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 10 2009Margarida Saavedra Abstract Amino acids are the building blocks for growth and the major energy source during fish larval stages. Deficient amino acids can be supplemented in the diets, overcoming problems such as low growth rates and skeletal deformities. In this study, three experimental diets were tested: a balance diet supplemented with lysine, a balance diet supplemented with tryptophan and a control with no supplementation. Trials were conducted with Diplodus sargus larvae from 1 to 25 days after hatching (DAH). A microencapsulated diet was introduced at 15 DAH in co-feeding with live feed and from 20 DAH larvae were fed only this diet. The effect of the supplemented diets was assessed in terms of survival, growth rate, skeletal deformities, ammonia excretion and activity of amino acid catabolism enzymes. The results showed a similar survival in all treatments. However, larvae given tryptophan supplementation had a lower weight on 25 DAH. No significant differences were found in ammonia excretion, frequency or type of deformities or enzymatic activity. Tryptophan and lysine supplementation failed to improve larval growth, survival or larval quality. [source] Synthesis and Antidepressant Evaluation of Five Novel Heterocyclic Tryptophan-Hybrid DerivativesARCHIV DER PHARMAZIE, Issue 5 2010Gamal A. Elmegeed Abstract This study aimed at evaluating the reactivity of L -Tryptophan (TRP) 1 towards various chemical reagents to produce new bi- and tri-heterocyclic systems providing basic pharmacological activities. Indol-3-yl hydroxyoxazol-2-yl acetonitrile derivatives 5 and 6, indol-3-yl-hydroxyoxazol-2-yl-1,2,4-triazine derivatives 8 and 9, indol-3-yl-hydroxyoxazol-2-yl-aminopyrazole derivatives 11a, b, and indol-3-yl-hydroxyoxazol-2-yl-aminoisoxazole derivative 12 were synthesized via straightforward and efficient methods. The structures were characterized by spectral data (IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and MS) and the purity was ascertained by microanalysis. Also, this work was extended to study the potential role of the novel synthesized TRP derivatives 5, 6, 9, 11a, and 12 as antidepressant and sedative agents in comparison with TRP. All compounds showed significant antidepressant activity in the forced-swimming test at two doses (50 or 100 mg/kg). Also, all tested compounds (at 50 or 100 mg/kg) produced a significant decrease in locomotor activity of mice during a 30 min observation period. The most potent antidepressant and sedative effect was produced by the tri-heterocyclic compounds 9 and 12, followed by 11a and TRP. [source] Tryptophan as a three-way switch in regulating the function of the secretory signalling glycoprotein (SPS-40) from mammary glands: structure of SPS-40 complexed with 2-methylpentane-2,4-diol at 1.6,Å resolutionACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D, Issue 4 2009Pradeep Sharma The 40,kDa secretory signalling glycoprotein (SPS-40) is the first example with Trp78 in three functional orientations: (i) a resting state with a pinched conformation, (ii) a stacked conformation when bound to hexasaccharide and (iii) an obstructive conformation when inhibited by 2-methylpentane-2,4-diol (MPD). Trp78 is present in the core of the sugar-binding groove. The hexasaccharide N -acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc6) has been shown to bind to SPS-40. As a result of this, the conformation of Trp78 alters from the native pinched conformation (,1 = ,65.5°, ,2,1 = ,78.8°, ,2,2 = 97.5°) to the stacked conformation (,1 = ,170.0°, ,2,1 = ,114.3°, ,2,2 = 61.6°). Further binding experiments showed that saccharide binding does not occur in the presence of 20% MPD. The crystal structure determination of the complex of SPS-40 with MPD revealed the presence of two MPD molecules in the sugar-binding groove. The very tightly bound MPD molecules at subsites ,2 and ,1 induced an unexpected and a rarely observed conformation of Trp78 (,1 = 55.9°, ,2,1 = 90.2°, ,2,2 = ,88.9°) which is termed an obstructive conformation. The binding of MPD molecules also twisted the side chains of Glu269 and Ile272 considerably. These residues are also part of the sugar-binding groove. The observed obstructive conformation of the side chain of Trp78 in the present structure is the exact opposite of the stacked conformation. This rarely observed conformation is stabilized by a number of hydrogen bonds between Trp78 and Asn79 through water molecules W49, W229, W269, W547 and W557. [source] Tryptophan ,-Electron System Capping a Copper(I) Binding Site,A New Organometallic Bonding Mode in ProteinsCHEMBIOCHEM, Issue 11 2008Olaf Kühl Dr. ,2 -Arene coordination (dotted lines) from the aromatic tryptophan side chain to CuI (red) in the prokaryotic CuI -transport protein CusF represents a new organometallic interaction in biology. [source] ChemInform Abstract: Practical, Asymmetric Synthesis of Aromatic-Substituted Bulky and Hydrophobic Tryptophan and Phenylalanine Derivatives.CHEMINFORM, Issue 35 2002Wei Wang Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a "Full Text" option. The original article is trackable via the "References" option. [source] Inhibition of Histidine Ammonia Lyase by Heteroaryl-alanines and AcrylatesCHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY, Issue 5 2006Adrian Katona Abstract Histidine ammonia lyase (HAL) catalyzes the elimination of ammonia from the substrate to form (E)-urocanate. The interaction between HAL and acrylic acids or alanines substituted with heteroaryl groups in the , -position was investigated. These proved to be strong competitive inhibitors when the heteroaryl groups were furanyl, thiophenyl, benzofuranyl, and benzothiophenyl, carrying the alanyl or acrylic side chains either in 2 or 3 positions, with Ki values between 18 and 139,,M. The exception was (furan-3-yl)alanine which was found to be inert. Tryptophan and 1-methyltryptophan, as well as the corresponding acrylates (=prop-2-enoates), are strong mixed inhibitors of HAL. Theoretically, L -histidine can be dissected into 4-methyl-1H -imidazole and glycine. Whereas these two compounds separately are only very weak inhibitors of HAL, equimolar amounts of both show a Ki value of 1.7±0.09,mM which is to be compared with the Km value of 15.6,mM for the normal reaction. We conclude that 5-methyl-1H -imidazole and glycine mimic the substrate and occupy the active site of HAL in a similar orientation. [source] A Close Look at Fluorescence Quenching of Organic Dyes by TryptophanCHEMPHYSCHEM, Issue 11 2005Sören Doose Dr. Abstract Understanding fluorescence quenching processes of organic dyes by biomolecular compounds is of fundamental importance for in-vitro and in-vivo fluorescence studies. It has been reported that the excited singlet state of some oxazine and rhodamine derivatives is efficiently and almost exclusively quenched by the amino acid tryptophan (Trp) and the DNA base guanine via photoinduced electron transfer (PET). We present a detailed analysis of the quenching interactions between the oxazine dye MR121 and Trp in aqueous buffer. Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, together with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), reveal three contributing quenching mechanisms: 1) diffusion-limited dynamic quenching with a bimolecular quenching rate constant kdof 4.0×109s,1,M,1, 2) static quenching with a bimolecular association constant Ksof 61,M,1, and 3) a sphere-of-action contribution to static quenching described by an exponential factor with a quenching constant , of 22,M,1. The latter two are characterized as nonfluorescent complexes, formed with ,30,% efficiency upon encounter, that are stable for tens of nanoseconds. The measured binding energy of 20,30 kJmol,1is consistent with previous estimates from molecular dynamics simulations that proposed stacked complexes due to hydrophobic forces. We further evaluate the influence of glycerol and denaturant (guanidine hydrochloride) on the formation and stability of quenched complexes. Comparative measurements performed with two other dyes, ATTO 655 and Rhodamine 6G show similar results and thus demonstrate the general applicability of utilizing PET between organic dyes and Trp for the study of conformational dynamics of biopolymers on sub-nanometer length and nanosecond time-scales. [source] Analysis of conserved residues in the ,pat-3 cytoplasmic tail reveals important functions of integrin in multiple tissuesDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 3 2010Xiaojian Xu Abstract Integrin cytoplasmic tails contain motifs that link extracellular information to cell behavior such as cell migration and contraction. To investigate the cell functions mediated by the conserved motifs, we created mutations in the Caenorhabditis elegans ,pat-3 cytoplasmic tail. The ,1D (799FK800), NPXY, tryptophan (784W), and threonine (797TT798) motifs were disrupted to identify their functions in vivo. Animals expressing integrins with disrupted NPXY motifs were viable, but displayed distal tip cell migration and ovulation defects. The conserved threonines were required for gonad migration and contraction as well as tail morphogenesis, whereas disruption of the ,1D and tryptophan motifs produced only mild defects. To abolish multiple conserved motifs, a ,1C-like variant, which results in a frameshift, was constructed. The ,pat-3(,1C) transgenic animals showed cold-sensitive larval arrests and defective muscle structure and gonad migration and contraction. Our study suggests that the conserved NPXY and TT motifs play important roles in the tissue-specific function of integrin. Developmental Dynamics 239:763,772, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Polylysine-Catalyzed Hydrogen Evolution at Mercury ElectrodesELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 17-18 2010Marko, ivanovi Abstract It has been shown that peptides and proteins produce at nanomolar concentrations a structure-sensitive chronopotentiometric peak H at mercury electrodes, which is due to the catalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, we use for the first time poly(amino acids) to obtain information about the role of individual amino acid residues in the HER. At pH,6 polylysine (polyLys) and polyarginine,tryptophan yield a peak H, in agreement with their ionization state, while polyglutamic acid gives no catalytic response. PolyLys catalyzes hydrogen evolution in its adsorbed state. Even at potentials negative to the potential of zero charge, hydrophobic interactions could be involved in polyLys adsorption. [source] Improved Voltammetric Response of L -Tyrosine on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes-Ionic Liquid Composite Coated Glassy Electrodes in the Presence of Cupric IonELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 19 2008Liqin Liu Abstract L -Tyrosine can exhibit a small anodic peak on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) coated glassy carbon electrodes (GCE). At pH,5.5 its peak potential is 0.70,V (vs. SCE). When an ionic liquid (i.e., 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, [omim][PF6]) is introduced on the MWCNT coat, the peak becomes bigger. Furthermore, in the presence of Cu2+ ion the anodic peak of L -tyrosine increases further due to the formation of Cu2+ - L -tyrosine complex, while the peak potential keeps unchanged. Therefore, a sensitive voltammetry based on the oxidation of Cu2+ - L -tyrosine complex on MWCNTs-[omim][PF6] composite coated electrode is developed for L -tyrosine. Under the optimized conditions, the anodic peak current is linear to L -tyrosine concentration in the range of 1×10,8,5×10,6 M, and the detection limit is 8×10,9 M. The modified electrode shows good reproducibility and stability. In addition, the voltammetric behavior of other amino acids is explored. It is found that among them tryptophan (Trp) and histidine (His) can also produce sensitive anodic peak under same experimental conditions, and their detection limits are 4×10,9 M and 4×10,6 M, respectively. [source] Preparation of Novel Arrays Silver Nanoparticles Modified Polyrutin Coat-Paraffin-Impregnated Graphite Electrode for Tyrosine and Tryptophan's OxidationELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 8 2008Guan-Ping Jin Abstract A novel array silver nanoparticles and Rutin complex film modified paraffin-impregnated graphite electrode was proposed in this work (denoted as Ag/Rutin/WGE). The characteristics were investigated by the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), infrared spectra (IR), UV-visible (UV), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical techniques. Silver ions were gradually chelated by polyrutin film at 4,-oxo-5,-OH and 5-OH-4-oxo sites accompanying adsorption, then. Silver nanoparticles were highly-dispersed electrodeposited on polyrutin film. The electrochemical behaviors of tyrosine (Tyr) and tryptophan (Trp) were studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques. The Ag/Rutin/WGE electrode shows overlapping catalysis for the oxidation of Tyr and Trp. The linear response of Tyr and Trp were 0.3,10.0 and 0.7,70.0,,M with detection limit of 0.07 and 0.1,,M in a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. [source] Simultaneous and Direct Determination of Tryptophan and Tyrosine at Boron-Doped Diamond ElectrodeELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 8 2006Guohua Zhao Abstract A facile method for the simultaneous measurement of tryptophan (Trp) and tyrosine (Tyr) was firstly exploited at unmodified boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode. The experimental results indicated that by using differential pulse voltammetry, the oxidative peaks of these two kinds of amino acids could be completely separated at BDD electrode. The peak separation of Trp and Tyr was developed to be 0.64,V when Na2PO4/NaOH buffer solution with the optimized pH,11.2 was employed. The detection limit of Trp was obtained to be 1×10,5,M, while that of Tyr was achieved to be 1×10,6,M. The present method was also evidenced to be available to the determination of real samples of amino acids. [source] Filmy channel microchip with amperometric detectionELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 22 2009Wei Wang Abstract In this article, a new type of microchip with filmy channels and a sample-injection fracture is introduced. Unlike commercial microchip, new microchip possessed filmy channel with width 2,3,mm. The effective cooling ability made filmy channel microchip restrain the generation of Joule heat even under electric field of 588,V/cm. Moreover, wider channel could be more easily modified to prevent the absorption of samples, load more samples and result in a higher sensitivity. Sample-injection fracture was first applied to match the filmy channel in microchip. Equipped with an amperometric detector, the characteristics of the newly designed filmy channel microchip had been studied and the results showed that it had good reproducibility, higher sensitivity and excellent separation ability. The microchip was also applied to separate L -tryptophan's metabolites, namely 5-hydroxy- L -tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxy-indole-3-acetic acid. [source] Chiral CE of aromatic amino acids by ligand-exchange with zinc(II),L -lysine complexELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 15 2007Li Qi Abstract A novel method of chiral ligand-exchange CE was developed with either L - or D -lysine (Lys) as a chiral ligand and zinc(II) as a central ion. This type of chiral complexes was explored for the first time to efficiently separate either individual pairs of or mixed aromatic amino acid enantiomers. Using a running buffer of 5,mM ammonium acetate, 100,mM boric acid, 3,mM ZnSO4·7H2O and 6,mM L -Lys at pH,7.6, unlabeled D,L -tryptophan, D,L -phenylalanine, and D,L -tyrosine were well separated, giving a chiral resolution of up to 7.09. The best separation was obtained at a Lys-to-zinc ratio of 2:1, zinc concentration of 2,4,mM and running buffer pH,7.6. The buffer pH was determined to have a strong influence on resolution, while buffer composition and concentration impacted on both the resolution and peak shape. Boric acid with some ammonium acetate was an adoptable buffer system, and some additives like ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid capable of destroying the complex should be avoided. Fine-tuning of the chiral resolution and elution order was achieved by regulating the ratio of L -Lys to D -Lys; i.e. the resolution increased from zero to its highest value as the ratio ascended from 1:0 to 1:infinitive, and L -isomers eluted before or after D -isomers in excessive D - or L -Lys, respectively. [source] Cold adaptation in the marine bacterium, Sphingopyxis alaskensis, assessed using quantitative proteomicsENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 10 2010Lily Ting Summary The cold marine environment constitutes a large proportion of the Earth's biosphere. Sphingopyxis alaskensis was isolated as a numerically abundant bacterium from several cold marine locations, and has been extensively studied as a model marine bacterium. Recently, a metabolic labelling platform was developed to comprehensively identify and quantify proteins from S. alaskensis. The approach incorporated data normalization and statistical validation for the purpose of generating highly confident quantitative proteomics data. Using this approach, we determined quantitative differences between cells grown at 10°C (low temperature) and 30°C (high temperature). Cold adaptation was linked to specific aspects of gene expression: a dedicated protein-folding system using GroESL, DnaK, DnaJ, GrpE, SecB, ClpB and PPIase; polyhydroxyalkanoate-associated storage materials; a link between enzymes in fatty acid metabolism and energy generation; de novo synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the membrane and cell wall; inorganic phosphate ion transport by a phosphate import PstB homologue; TonB-dependent receptor and bacterioferritin in iron homeostasis; histidine, tryptophan and proline amino acid metabolism; and a large number of proteins without annotated functions. This study provides a new level of understanding on how important marine bacteria can adapt to compete effectively in cold marine environments. This study is also a benchmark for comparative proteomic analyses with other important marine bacteria and other cold-adapted organisms. [source] ,-[11C]methyl-L-tryptophan uptake in patients with periventricular nodular heterotopia and epilepsyEPILEPSIA, Issue 5 2008Jun Natsume Summary Background:,-[11C]methyl-L-tryptophan (,-MTrp) positron emission tomography (PET) is a promising tool in the localization of the epileptogenic area in selected group of focal epilepsy patients. Electrophysiological evidence suggests the involvement of the neocortex in periventricular nodular heterotopia (PVNH). Purpose: To determine whether ,-MTrp PET can detect neocortical changes in patients with PVNH. Methods: Four patients (2 male, mean age 28, range 23,35 years) with PVNH and intractable seizures were studied. The functional image in each patient was compared with those from 21 healthy controls (mean age 34.6 ± 14.2 years) by using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). The location of increased ,-MTrp uptake was compared with the location of the EEG focus. A significant cluster was defined as a cluster with a height p = 0.005 and an extent threshold 100. Results:,-MTrp PET revealed increased cortical uptake in two of four patients. The area of increased ,-MTrp uptake in one patient was widespread. In the other patient, the area of increased uptake did not include the region where most seizures were generated on EEG. ,-MTrp PET did not show increased uptake in the heterotopic nodules in any of the patients. Conclusions:,-MTrp PET suggests abnormal metabolism of tryptophan in the neocortex. The increased uptake may be diffuse and may not co-localize with the EEG focus. This preliminary study suggests that ,-MTrp PET may be useful, in conjunction with other evaluations, in localizing epileptic focus in patients with PVNH and refractory seizures. [source] Altered Tryptophan Metabolism in the Brain of Cystatin B -Deficient Mice: A Model System for Progressive Myoclonus EpilepsyEPILEPSIA, Issue 10 2006Annika Vaarmann Summary:,Purpose: Progressive myoclonus epilepsy of the Unverricht,Lundborg type (EPM1) is a rare neurologic disorder, associated with mutations in the Cystatin B (Cstb) gene. Mice lacking Cstb, a cysteine protease inhibitor of the cathepsine family of proteases, provide a mammalian model for EPM1 by displaying similarly progressive ataxia, myoclonic seizures, and neurodegeneration. However, the linkage of Cstb deficit on the molecular level to pathologic features like myoclonic jerks or tonic,clonic seizures has remained unclear. We examined the tryptophan (TRP) metabolism, along the serotonin (5HT) and kynurenine (KYN) pathway in the brain of Cstb -deficient mice, in relation to their possible involvement in the seizure phenotype. Methods: TRP and its metabolites, along the 5HT and KYN pathways, were assayed in brain tissue by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. The inverted wire grid and mild handling tests were used for evaluation of ataxia and myoclonic activity. Results: The Cstb -deficient mice had constitutively increased TRP, 5HT, and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5HIAA) levels in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum and increased levels of KYN in the cerebellum. These neurochemical changes were accompanied with ataxia and an apparent myoclonic phenotype among the Cstb -deficient mice. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that secondary processes (i.e., overstimulation of serotoninergic transmission) on the cellular level, initiated by Cstb deficiency in specific brain regions, may be responsible for the myoclonic/seizure phenotype in EPM1. [source] Function of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in corneal allograft rejection and prolongation of allograft survival by over-expressionEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2006Abstract Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) suppresses T cell responses by its action in catabolising tryptophan. It is important in maintenance of immune privilege in the placenta. We investigated the activity of IDO in the cornea, following corneal transplantation and the effect of IDO over-expression in donor corneal endothelium on the survival of corneal allografts. IDO expression was analysed and functional activity was quantified in normal murine cornea and in corneas following transplantation as allografts. Low levels of IDO, at both mRNA and protein levels, was detected in the normal cornea, up-regulated by IFN-, and TNF. Expression of IDO in cornea was significantly increased following corneal transplantation. However, inhibition of IDO activity in vivo had no effect on graft survival. Following IDO cDNA transfer, murine corneal endothelial cells expressed functional IDO, which was effective at inhibiting allogeneic T cell proliferation. Over-expression of IDO in donor corneal allografts resulted in prolonged graft survival. While, on one hand, our data indicate that IDO may augment corneal immune privilege, up-regulated IDO activity following cytokine stimulation may serve to inhibit inflammatory cellular responses. While increasing IDO mRNA expression was found in allogeneic corneas at rejection, over-expression in donor cornea was found to significantly extend survival of allografts. [source] Somatodendritic autoreceptor regulation of serotonergic neurons: dependence on l -tryptophan and tryptophan hydroxylase-activating kinasesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 4 2005Rong-Jian Liu Abstract The somatodendritic 5-HT1A autoreceptor has been considered a major determinant of the output of the serotonin (5-HT) neuronal system. However, recent studies in brain slices from the dorsal raphe nucleus have questioned the relevance of 5-HT autoinhibition under physiological conditions. In the present study, we found that the difficulty in demonstrating 5-HT tonic autoinhibition in slice results from in vitro conditions that are unfavorable for sustaining 5-HT synthesis. Robust, tonic 5-HT1A autoinhibition can be restored by reinstating in vivo 5-HT synthesizing conditions with the initial 5-HT precursor l -tryptophan and the tryptophan hydroxylase co-factor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). The presence of tonic autoinhibition under these conditions was revealed by the disinhibitory effect of a low concentration of the 5-HT1A antagonist WAY 100635. Neurons showing an autoinhibitory response to l -tryptophan were confirmed immunohistochemically to be serotonergic. Once conditions for tonic autoinhibition had been established in raphe slice, we were able to show that 5-HT autoinhibition is critically regulated by the tryptophan hydroxylase-activating kinases calcium/calmodulin protein kinase II (CaMKII) and protein kinase A (PKA). In addition, at physiological concentrations of l -tryptophan, there was an augmentation of 5-HT1A receptor-mediated autoinhibition when the firing of 5-HT cells activated with increasing concentrations of the ,1 adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine. Increased calcium influx at higher firing rates, by activating tryptophan hydroxylase via CaMKII and PKA, can work together with tryptophan to enhance negative feedback control of the output of the serotonergic system. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||