Activity of a dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase (angiotensin converting enzyme) in lungs of different animal species

Résumé On a dosé la dipeptidyl-carboxypeptidase (responsable de la conversion de l'angiotensine I en angiotensine II) dans des préparations de poumons de 10 espèces différentes. Les espèces se classent comme suit par ordre décroissant de teneur en enzyme: rat > lapin, souris > cheval, chien, porc, mouton > buf, cobaye > veau, homme. Chez la plupart des espèces, l'enzyme est fixé a une structure subcellulaire sédimentable.     

Gametes contain angiotensin converting enzyme (kininase II)

The localization of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in the gonads of the normal rabbit was studied by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. The enzyme is present in the cytoplasm of testicular spermatids and of epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa, and on the surface of follicular and tubal oocytes. These findings support the hypothesis that ACE has a role in gamete maturation and in fertilization.     

Gametes contain angiotensin converting enzyme (kininase II)

Summary The localization of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in the gonads of the normal rabbit was studied by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. The enzyme is present in the cytoplasm of testicular spermatids and of epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa, and on the surface of follicular and tubal cocytes. These findings support the hypothesis that ACE has a role in gamete maturation and in fertilization.Acknowledgments. This study was supported by NIH grant AM36807 and by grants from the American Heart Association, the Joe and Emily Lowe Foundation, and the Dana Foundation. We thank L. Fernandez, B. Luders, I. Pawlowski, and K. Schwegler for technical assistance.     

Inhibition of angiotensin I converting enzyme and kininase in rabbit plasma by bradykinin potentiating peptide B (Pyr-Gly-Leu-Pro-Arg-Pro-Lys-Ile-Pro-Pro)

Zusammenfassung Das Bradykinin-potenzierende Peptid B (Pyr-Gly-Leu-Pro-Pro-Arg-Pro-Lys-Ile-Pro-Pro) verhindert in vitro und in vivo die Aktivität der Plasmakininase und des «converting»-Enzyms.

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Acknowledgment. The authors wish to thank Dr. H.Kato of Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, for his kind supply of BPP. Thanks also Dr. S.Sakakibara of Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, for his kind supply of synthetic angiotensin I and bradykinin.     

The angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril in acute ischemic renal failure in rats

The influence of the renin-angiotensin system on renal hemodynamics, tubular pressure and tubulo-glomerular feedback was investigated with the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor MK 421 (enalapril), in uninephrectomized rats with and without ischemia-induced acute renal failure. In animals with normal renal function proximal tubular pressure and tubulo-glomerular feedback response were lowered by enalapril long-term treatment, whereas glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow were not influenced by the drug. After 45 and 70 minutes ischemia there was no difference between treated and untreated animals in the severely impaired glomerular filtration rate. Renal blood flow remained unaffected by the treatment. The histological damage due to ischemia (tubular casts, tubular necrosis and medullary capillary congestion) was not influenced by enalapril. As tubulo-glomerular feedback had been significantly inhibited during renin-angiotensin inhibition, its importance in mediating acute renal failure remains doubtful; other factors such as tubular obstruction and medullary congestion may be crucial.     

Production of antibodies against synthetic angiotensin II in various animal species

Zusammenfassung Bei Ratten und Kaninchen, jedoch nicht bei Hunden und Katzen, konnten durch wiederholte Injektion von Angiotensin-II-Amid-Carbodiimid-Proteinkomplex in Freund'schem Adjuvans zirkulierende Antikörper gegen Angiotensin erzeugt werden. Durch diese Immunisierung wurde die pressorische Wirkung von exogenem Angiotensin aufgehoben bzw. abgeschwächt, während die von Noradrenalin oder Vasopressin unbeeinflusst blieb. Der Reningehalt der Nieren von Ratten und Kaninchen wurde durch die Immunisierung nicht verändert.     

Carcinogenesis in different animal species by diethylnitrosamine

Zusammenfassung Die hepato-cancerogene Wirkung von Diäthylnitrosamin konnte an 11 verschiedenen Tierarten in chronisch-toxikologischen Untersuchungen nachgewiesen werden. Die zur Krebserzeugung benötigten Gesamtdosen liegen bei allen Tierarten in der gleichen Grössenordnung. Auch beim Menschen ist eine leberkrebserzeugende Wirkung von Diäthylnitrosamin sehr wahrscheinlich.     

Effect of orotic acid on liver glycogen of different animal species

Summary The effect of orotic acid on the liver glycogen content in the mice, frogs and catfish was studied. It was observed that the orotic acid significantly increases the glycogen content in the liver of mice and catfish as it does in rats. On the other hand it causes a fall of the glycogen level in frogs in experiments made both in autumn and spring. This effect was modified by amino acids administrated together with orotic acid.     

Effect of orotic acid on liver glycogen of different animal species.

The effect of orotic acid on the liver glycogen content in the mice, frogs and catfish was studied. It was observed that the orotic acid significantly increases the glycogen content in the liver of mice and catfish as it does in rats. On the other hand it causes a fall of the glycogen level in frogs in experiments made both in autumn and spring. This effect was modified by amino acids administered together with orotic acid.     

Kinetic behaviour of microsomal styrene monooxygenase and styrene epoxide hydratase in different animal species

Summary The apparent K_m and V_max values of styrene epoxide forming monooxygenase and styrene epoxide hydratase have been evaluated in the liver microsomes of male rats, mice, guinea-pigs and rabbits. Epoxide hydratase gave much higher and more uniform K_m values than the monooxygenase in the species considered.Acknowledgments. This work has been partially supported by the Fondazione Valenti (Milano). To whom enquiries should be addressed.     

Angiotensin I converting enzyme activity in pulmonary tissue of fetal and newborn rabbits

Summary Angiotensin I converting enzyme in pulmonary tissue of fetal and newborn rabbits was measured using Hip-His-Leu as substrate. Enzyme activity was detected in the late fetal period, increased gradually until birth and increased markedly after birth. Enzyme activity reached adult levels on the 2nd and 3rd day after birth. This observations suggests that the metabolic activity of the lung for angiotensin develops suddenly at the time of derivery.This work was supported in part by grant No. 187032 from Ministry of Education.     

Albumin concentration in plasma of two related species ofCeratophrys (Anura Leptodactylidae) from two different environments

Summary Albumin concentration in plasma of two related species ofCeratophrys, C. cranwelli andC. ornata was analyzed and shown to be higher in the former species, which is the adaptive form found in dry areas.