Publications by authors named "Nechay B"

We have developed an instrument for optically measuring carrier dynamics in thin-film materials with approximately 150 nm lateral resolution, approximately 250 fs temporal resolution and high sensitivity. This is accomplished by combining an ultrafast pump-probe laser spectroscopic technique with a near-field scanning optical microscope. A diffraction-limited pump and near-field probe configuration is used, with a novel detection system that allows for either two-colour or degenerate pump and probe photon energies, permitting greater measurement flexibility than that reported in earlier published work.

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Vanadium enters cells as vanadate (V) where it is reduced to vanadyl (IV), VO2+. Vanadate species at plasma pH, H2VO4-, and HVO4(2-) are referred to as VO3-. To gain an insight into the subcellular vanadium distribution we measured the binding of VO3- and VO2+ to extra- and intracellular ligands, and calculated free and bound fractions of these ions for expected in vivo conditions.

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To obtain a better understanding of the mechanism of action of the cardiac glycosides, we examined inotropic and biochemical effects of digitoxin in myocardium from cats chronically exposed to the drug. The mechanical function of papillary muscles was tested isometrically and left ventricular tissue was analyzed for Na+,K+-dependent adenosine triphosphatase ATPase activity. Muscles from control cat hearts developed tension at 2.

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Cisplatin and chloroplatinic acid were examined for in vitro inhibition of human renal microsomal adenosine triphosphatases activated by Na+ + K+ + Mg2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+. The concentrations of cisplatin to inhibit 50% of activity (I50) were approximately 7 X 10(-4) M for all enzymes studied; I50s of chloroplatinic acid were on the order of 10(-5) M for Na+ + K+ + Mg2+ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPase and 10(-7) M for Mg2+ ATPase in the presence of Na+ + K+ + ouabain. Inhibition of Na+ + K+ + Mg2+ ATPase by cisplatin or chloroplatinic acid was reversible and was not altered by varying Na+, K+, or Mg2+ concentrations; ATP or MgATP increased inhibition by cisplatin but not by chloroplatinic acid; acidic pH of 6.

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Inhibition of adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) by silver nitrate (AgNO3) in vitro was studied in microsomal fractions or tissue homogenates of canine brain and kidney, and human kidney. In microsomal fractions, AgNO3 was an indiscriminate inhibitor of ouabain-sensitive (Na+ + K+ ATPase) and ouabain-insensitive (Mg2+ ATPase) activities with 50% inhibition obtaining at concentrations on the order of 10(-7) to 10(-6)M. The enzyme was protected by cysteine.

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Vanadium (V), a metallic element of the first transition series, is widely distributed in the environment. Although an essential trace element in higher animals, chronic exposure to V is of concern because of its increased concentration near industrial operations, its occurrence in the ash of combustion products of petroleum and coal, and its subsequent biomagnification in the environment. V is found in trace amounts in both terrestrial and aquatic animals and in solution can form inorganic orthovanadate oxyanions that, if absorbed, are eliminated primarily by the kidneys.

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Recent work has shown that V accumulates in the kidney and is a potent inhibitor of Na+, K+-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) in vitro. Thus, as a nutritionally required element, V may regulate cation transport. The effect of chronic intake of the metal on Na+, K+-ATPase in vivo has not been reported.

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To extend our understanding of the mechanism of action of digitalis drugs, we studied electrocardiograms (ECGs), renal function, plasma concentrations of catecholamines, and myocardial and renal Na+ + K+-dependent adenosine triphosphate (Na+ + K+ ATPase) activity in chronically digitalized dogs. Five healthy, male, mongrel dogs received a therapeutic regimen of digoxin (0.1 mg/kg on day 1 in three divided doses followed by 0.

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A number of metals were examined for inhibition of a canine renal calcium, magnesium-activated adenosinetriphosphatase (Ca2+, Mg2+-ATPase). Of the 27 metals investigated, only compounds of mercury, silver, gold, and uranium demonstrated 50% inhibition of the enzyme at concentrations lower than 10(-4) M. The order of inhibitory potency was Hg greater than Ag greater than U greater than Au.

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The hydrolysis of ATP was measured in the presence of schistosome homogenates and various cations. The enzyme was stimulated strongly by either Ca2+ or Mg2+. Na+ added to the activation by Ca2+.

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Inhibition of adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) by chlorauric acid (Au3+) and gold sodium thiomalate (Au+) was studied in dog brain and kidney and in human kidney enzyme preparations. Au3+ indiscriminately affected ouabain-sensitive (Na+ + K+-dependent) ATPase and ouabain-insensitive (Mg2+-dependent) ATPase with concentrations for 50% inhibition (I50) approximately 10(-6) M. The I50 of Au3+ for Na+ + K+ ATPase was several-fold higher in homogenates than in microsomal fractions.

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Inhibition of adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) by vanadium pentoxide (dissolved in water or in sodium hydroxide solution) was studied in microsomal fractions and tissue homogenates of kidney, brain, and heart of several species, including humans (kidney only). In some preparations vanadium was found to be the most potent inhibitor of Na+ + K+ATPase activity so far reported. Concentrations of vanadium causing 50 percent inhibition of Na+ + K+ATPase activity ranged from 6 x 10(-8) to 5 x 10(-7) M in microsomal fractions and from 2 x 10(-7) to 1 x 10(-6) M in tissue homogenates.

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Inhibition of adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) by lead chloride (PbCl2) was studied in microsomal fractions or tissue homogenates of kidney, brain, and heart of several species, including humans. The concentration of PbCl2 causing 50% inhibition (I50) of Na+ + K+ ATPase activity varied from 8 X 10(-6) to 8 X 10(-5) M, depending on the species and organ of origin of the enzyme. The enzyme preparations derived from various parts of the kidney showed no differential sensitivity to PbCl2.

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The effects of CdCl2 on adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) were studied microsomal fractions or tissue homogenates of outer cortex, inner cortex and outer medulla of dog kidney. Cd was found to be an inhibitor of Na+ +K+ Atpase with 150 value of 2.1 to 3.

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Adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) was studied in tissue homogenates and subcellular fractions derived from human cadaver kidneys maintained in an organ preservation unit for transplantation. The activity of ouabain-sensitive ATPase was highest in the medulla, intermediate in the cortex and lowest in the papilla. The cortical enzyme activity diminished with time during maintenance perfusion of the kidneys.

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Adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) was studied in tissue homogenates and subcellular fractions derived from human cadaver kidneys maintained in an organ preservation unit for transplantation. The activity of ouabain-sensitive ATPase was highest in the medulla, intermediate in the cortex and lowest in the papilla, The cortical enzyme activity diminished with time during maintenance perfusion of the kidneys. Similar concentrations of K+, Na+, Mg++, ATP and MgATP were required for half-maximal rates of ouabain-sensitive ATPase activity from the cortex or the medulla.

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