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In contrast to horse heart apocytochrome c, the chicken one showed quite different folding propensity as titrated by NaCl at different pH. At pH 2.0, folding behaviour of both apocytochrome c are essentially similar; while at pH higher than 4.0, chicken heart apocytochrome c has much enhanced propensity to fold and aggregate, as was shown by circular dichroism spectra, intrinsic fluorescence and non-denatured polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Hydrophobic chromatography demonstrated much higher hydrophobicity of chicken heart apocytochrome c, thus strongly suggested that it is the hydrophobic interaction that stabilize the 'Molten Globule' like, partially-folded structure of chicken heart apocytochrome c at neutral pH.

Zn2+ could inhibit the anion transport activity of spectrin-stripped inside-out human erythrocyte membrane vesicles (IOVs). Removal of the cytoplasmic domain from Band 3 by trypsin could eliminate Zn2+ inhibition. The location of a Zn(2+)-binding site was confirmed by atomic absorbance spectrometry. The results of time-resolved fluorescence and intrinsic fluorescence quenching by KI and hypocrellin B (a photosensitive pigment obtained from a parasitic fungus growing in Yunnan, China) showed that the cytoplasmic domain is necessary for the Zn(2+)-induced conformational changes of the whole molecule as well as the membrane domain of Band 3. It is suggested that Zn2+ induced a conformational change in the cytoplasmic domain of Band 3, which in turn was transmitted to the membrane domain, resulting in an inhibition of activity of Band 3. Such long-range conformational changes may imply that the cytoplasmic domain is poised to function as a cytosolic arm in order to modulate the structure of the membrane domain of Band 3.

The effect of Ca2+ on the glucose transporter of human erythrocytes was investigated. The results showed that extracellular Ca2+ had no effect. But, the glucose transport of erythrocytes was markedly inhibited due to the increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration by addition of ionophore A23187. The Ca2+ inhibition exhibited a dose-dependent manner with an apparent half maximal concentration of 250 microM and could not be recovered by 10 mM EGTA. Unlike Ca2+, Mg2+ did not affect the glucose transporter.

In contrast to the horse heart apocytochrome c, the chicken heart apocytochrome c underwent a conformational change from random coil to partial folding during a renaturation process. When the apocytochrome horse heart and that of chicken heart c were subjected to a translocation assay in vitro using large trypsin-enclosed unilamellar vesicles from soybean phospholipids, the ability of the chicken heart apocytochrome c to penetrate into the liposomes was found to decrease markedly with the renaturation procedure, while that of horse heart apocytochrome c remained relatively constant. Observations from circular dichroism measurement on the induction of secondary folding of these two species of apocytochrome c upon interaction with soybean phospholipid vesicles suggested that a more flexible structure of apocytochrome c embedded in the lipid matrix be required for its efficient translocation across the bilayer.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles with (1000 folds) or without transmembrane Ca2+ gradient have been prepared. Different fluorescence probes (DPH, TMA-DPH and n-AS), were used to determine the effect of transmembrane Ca2+ gradient on the lipid fluidity both in outer and inner layer of Ca(2+)-ATPase-containing SR vesicles. The results showed that transmembrane Ca2+ gradient could significantly decrease the fluidity of the inner layer of SR membrane, while no obvious change was monitored in the outer layer. This may be deduced that Ca(2+)-ATPase might be modulated mainly by the transmembrane Ca2+ gradient-mediated alteration of physical state of phospholipid in the inner layer of SR membrane.

We have previously reported that transmembrane Ca2+ gradient-mediated changes in lipid fluidity could modulate the conformation and enzyme activity of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+)-ATPase. The aim of this paper is to explore the specificity of transmembrane Ca2+ gradient-mediated modulation of SR Ca(2+)-ATPase. The results showed that such specificity exhibited in two aspects: 1. The modulation could not be ascribed to transmembrane potential resulted from the transmembrane Ca2+ gradient, Dissipation of transmembrane potential by FCCP (carbonylcyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone) could not affect the activity of SR Ca(2+)-ATPase. 2. Transmembrane Sr2+ gradient had little effect on the enzyme activity of SR Ca(2+)-ATPase. A significant difference between the effect of transmembrane Ca2+ and Sr2+ gradient on the lipid fluidity was detected in the middle region of bilayer of Ca(2+)-ATPase incorporated proteoliposomes using a set of n-AS [n-(9-anthroyloxy) fatty acids] fluorescence polarization probes. It is known that Ca2+ binding domain of SR Ca(2+)-ATPase is just located in the middle region of bilayer, hence it may be deduced that possibly, membrane lipids are involved in transmembrane Ca2+ gradient-mediated modulation of Ca(2+)-ATPase.

Chemically-prepared chicken heart apocytochrome c with different unfolded states could be obtained during the renaturation process. They exhibited distinct circular dichroism patterns designated as Apo C1 (random coiled), Apo C2 (less ordered) and Apo C3 (more ordered). This characteristic is unique to chicken heart apocytochrome c while compared with its counterparts from Candida krusei, tuna heart or horse heart and promises the emergence of much more detail of correlation of translocation with unfolded states of apocytochrome c. When chicken heart apocytochrome c was subjected to a translocation assay in vitro using trypsin-enclosed large unilamellar vesicles from soybean phospholipids, the ability of the protein to penetrate into the liposomes was found to follow the order of Apo C1Apo C2Apo C3. Conformational alterations of Apo C1, Apo C2 and Apo C3 in association with soybean phospholipid vesicles shown by circular dichroism measurement demonstrated that Apo C1 bound to phospholipids existed in a more loosely folded conformation than Apo C2 and Apo C3. We propose that a more flexible structure of apocytochrome c following the interaction with phospholipids is required for its efficient translocation across the bilayer.

The translocation ability of two different species of apocytochrome c(horse heart, Candida krusei) across the soybean phospholipid vesicles decreased in the order: C. kruseihorse heart. Theoretical calculations of the amphiphilicity of their N- and C-terminal alpha-helix formation and the release experiment using calcein-enclosed soybean phospholipid vesicles showed that there was no direct relevance between their import ratio and the amphiphilic helicity. On the other hand, taking the advantage of circular dichroism technique, a more loosely folded structure of C. krusei following the interaction with soybean phospholipid vesicles was observed which should be responsible for the difference in translocation rate.

The transport activity of Band 3 of spectrin-stripped inside-out erythrocyte membrane vesicles (IOVs) or resealed ghosts was enhanced in the presence of trace amounts of Na2SeO3 (0.2-0.5 p.p.m.); however, at higher concentrations of Na2SeO3 (4.0 p.p.m.), an inverse result was obtained. Reassociation of spectrin with IOVs has no effect either on the transport activity of Band 3 or on the enhancement of its activity by Na2SeO3. Sulfhydryl reagents (p-chloromercuribenzoic acid and N-ethylmaleimide) could also inhibit Band 3 activity and eliminate the selenium effect. It is suggested that SH groups are involved in anion transport of Band 3 and that the selenium effect is based on the interaction of SH groups of Band 3 with Na2SeO3.

Adenylate cyclase from bovine brain cortex was reconstituted into asolectin liposomes with (500-fold) or without transmembrane Ca2+ gradient. The enzyme activity of four types of proteoliposomes (the active center of enzyme exposing outside) was compared. The highest adenylate cyclase activity was observed in the vesicles with outside lower Ca2+ concentration (approximately 10(-6) mol/L, similar to the physiological condition). If the transmembrane Ca2+ gradient was in the inverse direction (i.e. outside higher Ca2+ concentration, 0.5 mmol/L), a lowest enzymatic activity would appear. The difference in enzymatic activity between the two types of proteoliposomes could be diminished following the addition of Ca2+ ionophore A23187. Proteoliposomes without transmembrane Ca2+ gradient exhibited intermediate activities. The conformation difference of adenylate cyclases in the above-mentioned proteoliposomes was also detected by measuring intrinsic fluorescence and fluorescence quenching with KI.

Hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies (McAb) directed against Trichomonas vaginalis have been produced by fusing NSI myeloma cells with spleen cells of BALB/c mice immunized with Trichomonas vaginalis. IFA technique was used to test the binding activity of four McAbs produced. The McAb belonged to the IgG subtypes IgG1 (2A2, 2A4 McAb), IgG3 (2H9 McAb) and IgG 2b (2A12 McAb). Three McAbs, designated 2A2, 2A4, 2A12, reacted with a surface membrane component of live Trichomonas vaginalis. One (2A12) of them produced complement-dependent cytolysis of the parasites. Others (2A2,2A4) produced complement-independent cytotoxicity of the parasites. 2H9 McAb which reacted with the nucleus of the organisms did not agglutinate the parasites. The four McAbs which did not have cross reaction with some protozoa of Zoomastigophorea species were specific antibodies against Trichomonas vaginalis. (Figs. 1-3).

It has been shown that Se can markedly prevent the dissociation of spectrin from erythrocyte ghosts. We now report that the transformation of incubated spectrin oligomers to its tetramers and dimers was obviously decreased in the presence of trace amounts (0.5-2.0 p.p.m.) of Na2SeO3. The spectrin tetramers and dimers are in a reversible equilibrium and Se could alter this equilibrium in favour of tetramers. This Se effect is concentration dependent and an inverse result was obtained with higher Na2SeO3 concentrations (greater than 4.0 p.p.m.). We suggest that the equilibrium state of the spectrin tetramer-dimer may be governed by a conformation adjustment induced by Se and the difference in conformation in the presence of low and high Na2SeO3 concentration may lead to an alteration of the spectrin tetramer-dimer balance.

Na2SeO3 supplementation in the dialysis medium could obviously prevent the dissociation of spectrin from the erythrocyte membranes. Such Se effect could be eliminated by pretreatment of erythrocyte membranes with a SH-blocking reagent, iodoacetamide(IAA) or addition of a SH-compound, dithio-threitol. The fluorescence intensity of erythrocyte membranes labelled with the fluorescent probe N-(3-pyrenyl)-maleimide decreased with increasing Na2SeO3 concentration used for pretreatment of ghosts. 31P-NMR spectra of erythrocyte membrane dialyzed in the presence or absence of Na2SeO3 concentration showed a difference in chemical shift anisotropy (delta sigma) between these two samples. These data suggest that the stabilization effect is based on changes in lipid-protein interaction and conformation of membrane skeletal components induced by reaction of their SH groups with Na2SeO3.

Na2SeO3 supplementation in the ageing medium could protect aged erythrocyte ghosts from decreases in lipid fluidity, Na, K-ATPase activity, and sensitivity to ouabain. Results also showed that Se could obviously prevent the dissociation of spectrin from the erythrocyte membrane. Furthermore, Se could markedly promote the reassociation of spectrin with the spectrin-stripped inside out membrane vesicles(IOVs) of erythrocytes. The protective action of Se on biomembranes is generally interpreted in terms of the activity of Se-containing glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx). However, since GSHPx is mainly distributed in the cytoplasm of erythrocytes, the stabilizing effect of Se on erythrocyte membranes might not be related to the activity of this enzyme.

The content of binding-Se in erythrocyte membrane may affect its structure and function. Decrease in Se content will lead to a lower activity of Na, K-ATPase and lipid fluidity in ghosts, and a marked increase in Na, K-ATPase activity as well as lipid fluidity of erythrocyte membrane was observed by supplementation of low concentration of Na2SeO3 (0.03-0.3 ppm Se), in vitro. This effect was obvious only when the ghosts were incubated with Se at 0-4 degrees C for at least half an hour prior to assay.

Keshan disease (KD) is a cardiomyopathy endemic in certain areas of China, characterized by severe deterioration and multiple focal necrosis. In the present paper we describe abnormalities of the structure and function of myocardial mitochondria from patients with subacute Keshan disease. Activities of succinate dehydrogenase, succinic oxidase, cytochrome c oxidase, H(+)-ATPase and its sensitivity to oligomycin and the response of membrane potential to energization by ATP were significantly decreased. However, the spectrum of reduced-minus-oxidized cytochromes in patients' mitochondria showed no obvious difference in the content of cytochrome c oxidase (aa3). There was also a marked decrease in lipid fluidity of affected mitochondria, and an abnormal amount of moderately electron dense amorphous inclusions. Electron-microscopic x-ray microanalysis and exposure to protein digestion reagent demonstrated that these inclusions are not Ca3(PO4)2, but are, probably, proteinaceous in nature. Affected mitochondria had markedly decreased selenium content. The defects in myocardial mitochondria from patients with chronic Keshan disease were less extensive than those in patients with subacute Keshan disease. We propose that Keshan disease be classified as a form of "mitochondrial cardiomyopathy".

The results by using ANS fluorescent probe and spin labels 5-NS show that the fluidity of L. (H+-ATPase) +Mg2+ (H+-ATPase from pig heart mitochondria reconstituted in the presence of Mg2+) is less than that of L. (H+-ATPase) -Mg2+ (proteoliposome reconstituted in the absence of Mg2+). But no significant difference in fluidity has been observed when both reconstituted systems were monitored by using spin labels 12-NS and 16-NS. This indicates that Mg2+ may cause changes in fluidity of the lipid molecules near the surfaces of the bilayers, but does not affect significantly the fluidity of the deeper layer of the reconstituted system. It is tentatively supposed that in the presence of Mg2+, enhancement of activities of reconstituted H+-ATPase may be due to the Mg2+-mediated change in physical state of the lipids in the more superficial region of lipid bilayers so as to ensure a suitable conformation of ATPase complex, thereby possessing higher activity.

During the process of reconstitution of pig heart mitochondrial H+-ATPase on liposomes by cholate dialysis method, 1 mM Mg2+ in the dialysis medium can obviously increase activities of the reconstituted H+-ATPase (32Pi-ATP exchange, enzyme activity and its sensitivity to oligomycin or DCCD and ATP-dependent ANS 1) fluorescence). Besides Mg2+, effects of other divalent cations and spermidine on the H+-ATPase reconstitution have been compared. The effectiveness of the divalent cation activation of 32Pi-ATP exchange of the reconstituted H+-ATPase, decreased in the order: Mg2+ greater than Ca2+ greater than Mn2+ greater than Sr2+, while that of increasing the sensitivity to the inhibitors: Ca2+ greater than Mg2+ greater than Mn2+ greater than Sr2+. No significant effect on the H+-ATPase reconstitution has been found with Cd2+, Zn2+ and spermidine3+. Mechanism of action of the divalent cations on reconstitution has been discussed.

During reconstitution of pig heart mitochondrial H(+)-ATPase in soybean phospholipid liposomes by the cholate dialysis method, Mg2+ greatly enhanced 32Pi-ATP exchange activity, ATPase activity and the sensitivity to oligomycin or DCCD of the reconstituted enzyme complex. The effect of Mg2+ on the lipid packing or fluidity of the reconstituted proteoliposomes was measured by means of spin labels, fluorescent probes and pyrene excimer formation efficiency. A difference in fluidity seemed to be localized near the polar faces of lipid bilayers of the reconstituted enzyme complex. Fluidity was less in the presence of Mg2(+)-containing and the Mg2(+)-'free' samples. Based on the results obtained a hypothetical scheme was proposed for Mg2(+)-mediated change in the physical state of phospholipid modulates incorporating H(+)-ATPase in liposomes. It postulated that Mg2+ may play a role in altering the lipid fluidity of the bilayers, which would induce a change of conformation of F0 portion (buried in the lipid core) of H(+)-ATPase complex. Such change could be transmitted to the soluble F1 portion, the conformation of which is in turn altered, resulting in higher enzymatic activity. Such an assumption was further supported by the results of a series of biochemical and biophysical experiments. Similar to its effect in the reconstitution of porcine heart mitochondrial H(+)-ATPase in liposomes, Mg2+ may also enhance the enzyme activity of reconstituted cytochrome C oxidase, porcine kidney medulla Na,K-ATPase, Ca-ATPase from rabbit sarcoplasmic reticulum and chloroplast H(+)-ATPase, in liposomes. It may be inferred that the structure and function of many membrane proteins are similarly modulated by Mg2+.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A partially purified fraction SVc and a purified homogeneous polypeptide SVIII were isolated from the scorpion (Buthus martensii Kashi) venom, collected in Shan Dong Province of China. SVc decreased the RCR, ADP/O and Qo2 of the rat brain mitochondria. It also decreased the cytochrome oxidase activity and increased the membrane lipid fluidity of the mitochondria. Effect of scorpion venom on the rat heart mitochondria was somewhat different from that of rat brain mitochondria. SVc also decreased RCR, ADP/O and increased the membrane lipid fluidity of heart mitochondria. However, the Qo2 and cytochrome oxidase activity were increased. SVIII has a similar effect on the rat brain and heart mitochondria, but its concentration used is only 1/10 of the effective concentration of SVc.

During the ageing of erythrocyte membrane, the spectrin content, Na,K-ATPase activity as well as the lipid fluidity are obviously decreased. However, supplementation of a trace amount of Na2SeO3 in the medium could prevent the dissociation of spectrin from membrane and delay the changes of Na,K-ATPase activity and lipid fluidity. The effectiveness is proportional to Se concentration within the range of 0.1-1.0 ppm. Similar effect of supplementation of Se on the intact erythrocytes during ageing has been also observed. The protective action of Se on biomembranes is generally interpreted in terms of the activity of Se-containing glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx). However, GSHPx mainly distributes in the cytoplasma of erythrocytes, therefore it seems that the protective action of supplemented Se on the isolated erythrocyte membrane might not be related to the activity of GSHPx.