Structural modification of proteins by direct electric current from low voltage.

The interaction of direct electric current (dc) and proteins is a little explored topic. We had reported that exposure of Crotalus atrox venom to dc caused irreversible inactivation of phospholipase A(2) and metalloprotease and that the eukaryote adenylate kinases (AK) precipitate in nondenaturing gel electrophoresis. AK1 displays an elevated percent difference of CHarged versus POlar amino acid content (CH-PO 14).

Inactivation of phospholipase A2 and metalloproteinase from Crotalus atrox venom by direct current.

To achieve our aim of understanding the interactions between direct current and enzymes in solution, we exposed reconstituted Crotalus atrox venom to direct electric current by immersing two platinum thread electrodes connected to a voltage generator (between 0 and 8 V) into a reaction mixture for a few seconds. Then, we assayed the residual activity of phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)),metalloproteinases, and phosphodiesterases, abundant in crotaline snake venoms and relevant in the pathophysiology of envenomation, characterized by hemorrhage, pain, and tissue damage. C.

[Effects of vitamin A (retinol), Tioadenolo and a standard diet on the plasma lipid pattern in the rat on an atherogenic diet].

The Authors have examined the action of large doses of vitamin A (2000 U.I./Kg diet) compared with that obtained by administration of a lipid lowering drug (Tioadenolo) and a standard diet in albino rats feed at first an atherogenic diet for 15 days.

[Uptake of retinol-C14 into liver mitochondrial membranes and erythrocyte stroma of albino rats on a vitamin A-free diet].

We have determined the incorporation of retinol-C14 into liver mitochondrial membranes and blood cell stroma in albino male Wistar strain rats, fed with a vitamin A deficient diet for 30, 60 and 90 days. At the end of the vitamin A deficient period, rats were kept fasting for 24 hours and then administered orally retinol-C14 (1,25 microC). They were divided into groups and killed after 3 hours, 3, 6, 12 days from the administration of retinol-C14.