Ion channels in mammal sperm, including Ca2+, Na+, K+, Cl- and HCO3- channels, each play a key role in the process of sperm capacitation. Ca2+, HCO3- and ROS, as signal molecules, activate soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) with the cooperation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), Ca2+ and intracellular pH and, via a cross talk between the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) and tyrosine phosphatase signaling pathways, promote the biological effect of sperm capacitation.
Animals ; Humans ; Ion Channels ; metabolism ; Ions ; metabolism ; Male ; Mammals ; Signal Transduction ; Sperm Capacitation ; physiology

One of the emerging technologies in the area of plasma processing is plasma immersion ion implantation (PSII). The paper addresses the merits offered by the PSII technique especially in the area of biomaterial processing. Worldwide development status as well as the drive towards commercial applications is elaborated in an attempt to draw the attention to the importance of the process for Malaysia as well as south East Asia.
Asia, Southeastern ; *Biocompatible Materials ; *Developing Countries ; *Electromagnetic Fields ; Ions/*metabolism ; Malaysia ; *Prostheses and Implants

Nannochloropsis has been considered as a promising feedstock for biodiesel production in recent years. To improve its lipid productivity, heavy-ion irradiation mutagenesis, an effectively breeding method used in plants and microorganisms was applied in Nannochloropsis oceanica OZ-1. After large-scale screening using Imaging-PAM and microplate-reader, two mutants (HP-1 and HP-2) with higher growth rate were isolated from the wild type N. oceanica. Subsequently analysis showed that after 18 days of cultivation biomass accumulation of the HP-1 and HP-2 mutant was increased by 18% and 26% respectively compare to the wild type. Total lipid productivity of the HP-1 and HP-2 mutant was 295 mg/(L x d) and 275 mg/(L x d), respectively, whereas that of the wild type was 247 mg/(L x d). Both mutants showed significantly advantage over their wild type concerning biomass accumulation and lipid productivity.
Heavy Ions ; Lipids ; biosynthesis ; Microalgae ; growth & development ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Mutagenesis ; genetics ; Mutation ; genetics ; Stramenopiles ; genetics ; metabolism ; radiation effects

Stearoyl-CoAdesaturase-1 (SCD-1) is a key regulator of monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis. It plays a vital role in lipid synthesis and metabolism. Ca²⁺ is an important cation in the body and plays an important role in the organism. The aims of this study were to investigate the correlation of SCD-1 gene overexpression with lipid indexes and calcium ion level. The pcDNA3.1 (+) + SCD-1 +Flag eukaryotic expression vector and cultured duck uterine epithelial cells were co-transfected. The overexpression of SCD-1 gene was measured using the Flag Label Detection Kit. Ca ions and lipid contents were detected through Fluo-3/AM Calcium Ion Fluorescence Labeling method and Lipid Measuring Kit, respectively. SCD-1 gene overexpression was negatively correlated with triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and positively correlated with Ca ion, total cholesterol (TC), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Meanwhile, Ca ion was positively correlated with TG, LDL-C and HDL-C contents, and negatively correlated with TC and VLDL-C levels. Overexpression of SCD-1 gene could regulate Ca ion secretion, as well as lipid synthesis and transport in duck uterine epithelial cells.
Animals ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Coenzyme A Ligases ; genetics ; Ducks ; Epithelial Cells ; chemistry ; enzymology ; Gene Expression ; Ions ; Lipids ; genetics ; Triglycerides ; metabolism

Metallothioneins (MT), small molecular weight metal binding proteins are known to play an important protective role against heavy metal toxicity, either as antioxidants or pre-oxidants. However, the mode of metabolic fate of MTs in various metal complexes is not clearly understood. This study was carried out to better understand the mode of selective turnover rate of various form of MT in complexes with different metals. The degradation of in vitro translated mouse 35S-cysteine-MT was examined in lysosomal or cytosolic fractions from mouse liver by gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. Overnight incubations of MT showed extensive proteolysis in the lysosomal fraction but not in cytosolic fractions. However, Cu2+-MT was found to be stable under the same experimental condition. In contrast, Zn did not interfere with MT degradation. These results suggest that lysosomes are chiefly responsible for MT removal and appears to be selective on the metals involved in the MT complex. In vitro, translated, radiolabeled MT provides a suitable substrate for investigating the characteristics of MT degradation.
Animal ; Copper/*metabolism/pharmacology ; Ions ; Liver/drug effects/*metabolism ; Lysosomes/metabolism ; Metallothionein/drug effects/*metabolism ; Mice ; Sulfur Radioisotopes ; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't ; Zinc/*metabolism/pharmacology

The penicillin produces seizures when applied directly to cerebral cortex and, in some instances, when given systemically in large amounts. Most studies with this agent have had as their goal the elucidation of neurophysiological mechanisms underlying seizure activity. The present study was undertaken to explore the biochemical events which take place in the presence of an epileptogenic agent and, in particular, to see whether this agent has a direct effect on passive or active cation transport or an effect on energy production within neural tissues. The penicillin-induced seizure activity has been produced by direct injection of an aqueous penicillin G sodium into the cerebral subarachnoid space in rat. It is assumed that penicillin-induced seizure results from the leakage of potassium ions from intracellular compartment and alteration of firing properties of neurons with prolonged depolarization, and disturbances in activities of enzyme involved in glutamine metabolism. Diphenylhydantoin may stimulate cation pumping with activation of (Na+-K+)-ATPase enzyme system and this action may be relevant to its anticonvulsant activity.
Animals ; Cation Transport Proteins ; Cerebral Cortex ; Fires ; Glutamine ; Ions ; Metabolism ; Neurons ; Penicillin G ; Penicillins ; Phenytoin ; Potassium ; Rats ; Seizures* ; Subarachnoid Space

It already has been known that various ions were participated in phototransduction mechanism of the vertebrate photoreceptor during the visual adaptation. The vitreous humor(VH)contains certain amount of Na+, K+ and Ca++ as well. However, the roles of these ions are unknown except functioning of metabolic process. Our preliminary electroretinogram(ERG) experiments suggested that the permeability of these ions has light dependent activity during the light illumination. We have supported this suggestion more tangibly by trying out various experiments with bullfrog eyes as a reference of visual adaptation. The results are summarized as follows: 1)According to our atomic absorption spectroscopic measurements, the concentration of Na+, K+ and Ca++ in light adapted VH was higher than that of dark adapted VH. This result indicated that the light-dependention transport systems which affect the ionic movements might be in internal limiting membrane(ILM). 2)The amplitude of ERG b-wave was reduced by concentration decrement of Na+ and concentration increment of K+ respectively. On the other hand, the elimination of Ca++ within ringer solution resulted in b-wave amplitude increment. 3)Treatment of Na+ hannel blockers(TTX, STX)and K+ channel blockers(Ba++, Cd++, Cs+, 4-AP and TEA)in the vitreous humor side induced the increment and the decrement of b-wave response respectively. Taken together, these results suggest that the light dependent Na+ K+ channels exist in the ILM of vertebrate retina which participates visual adaptation.
Absorption ; Hand ; Ions ; Light Signal Transduction ; Lighting ; Membranes* ; Metabolism ; Permeability ; Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate ; Rana catesbeiana ; Retina ; Vertebrates* ; Vitreous Body

Normally the cornea has a water content varying between 76-78%, a state of relative dehydration maintained through its own metabolism by the active transport of water and ions across its limiting membrane, the epithelium and endothelium. If the metabolism is grossly disturbed or if the effectivity of the limiting membrane is impaired, the living cornea will swell by the absorption of the fluid. Corneal edema are developed due to trauma, inflammation, glaucoma, degeneration, and neuropathic and metabolic conditions. Essential corneal edema are encountered for which no cause can be found, the condition apparantly occuring without other ocular pathology. A 29 years old Korean lady has been found to have bilateral essential edema of the cornea.
Absorption ; Adult ; Biological Transport, Active ; Cornea ; Corneal Edema* ; Dehydration ; Edema ; Endothelium ; Epithelium ; Glaucoma ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Ions ; Membranes ; Metabolism ; Pathology ; Water

BACKGROUND: The clinicians frequently use crystalloid solutions to manage inpatients and outpatients. Recently Normosol becomes available but there is little understanding of Normosol. So we surveyed residents to assess the level of knowledge about three crystalloid solutions. METHODS: The respondents were 46 residents of internal medicine, general surgery, pediatrics, and anesthesiology. The questionnaire asked for the following information: To list the constituents and their concentrations in each 1 litre of normal saline, Hartmann's solution, and Normosol; to match correct pH and osmolality to each solutions; to describe the metabolism and role of lactate in Hartmann's solution. RESULTS: All 46 (100%) knew that both sodium and chloride ions were present in normal saline. Twenty six (57%) of them knew correct concentration of sodium and chloride. The presence of sodium ion in Hartmann's solution was known by 44 (96%) and its concentration was recognized by 20 (43%). Chloride ion and potassium ion in Hartmann's solution were recognized by 43 (93%) and 42 (91%), respectively. Fifteen (33%) knew correct constituents of Hartmann's solution. Only three (7%) knew correct constituents and their concentration of Hartmann's solution. Thirty six (76%) knew that bicarbonate is formed by metabolism of lactate. No one accurately recorded the correct constituents of Normosol. CONCLUSIONS: The constituents and their concentrations of normal saline are well known to residents but those of Hartmann's solution and Normosol are not. Our survey reveals that there was little understanding of the reasons for including lactate in Hartmann's solution and even less of presence of acetate in Normosol.
Anesthesiology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Inpatients ; Internal Medicine ; Ions ; Lactic Acid ; Metabolism ; Osmolar Concentration ; Outpatients ; Pediatrics ; Potassium ; Sodium

Sevoflurane (CH2F-O-CH(CF3)2) is a fluorinated derivative of ethyl isopropyl ether. Sevoflurane has a blood/gas partition coefficient of 0.60 that allows a rapid induction and emergence of anesthesia. There are several reports that the hemodynamic changes are almost similar to halothane at equipotent dose. But sevoflurane is metabolized to inorganic fluoride known as the etiologic agent of anesthetic nephrotoxicity, more than halothane and isoflurane. Acute renal failure develops in approximately 11% of bumed patients. It is not known whether sevoflurane anesthesia intensifies the renal dysfunction in the early stage, and sevoflurane biotransformation increases in major burn patients, producing higher inorganic plasma fluoride level than non-burn patients, thus increasing the potential for fluoride-induced renal dysfunction. So we studied sevoflurane in the major bum patients. In this investigation we measured the concentrations of serum and urine inorganic fluoride ions before, during and after sevoflurane anesthesia, respectively, with urine volume and osmolality in the major burn patients (n=8). The peak serum fluoride concentration was 30.99 umol/L, 4 hours after anesthesia and then the concentration of serum inorganic fluoride decreased quickly. Peak urinary (fluoride concentration was 1237.73+/-184.27 umol/L, 8 hours after cessation of) sevoflurane, and its concentration was less than 100 umol/L. on the fourth postoperative day. No evidence of abonomal hepatorenal function occurred on the first postoperative day. In conclusion, anesthesia with sevoflurane is safe without significant adverse effects in the major bum patients. Although sevoflurane delivery to major burn patients produced a mean peak serum fluoride level of 30.99 umol/L, no evidence of abnormal renal function occurred in any of the patients in the postoperative period.
Acute Kidney Injury ; Anesthesia* ; Anesthetics ; Biotransformation ; Burns* ; Ether ; Fluorides* ; Halothane ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Ions ; Isoflurane ; Metabolism ; Osmolar Concentration ; Plasma ; Postoperative Period