Biometria dos órgãos linfoides e composição físico- química da carne de frangos de crescimento lento alimentados com bagaço de mandioca e complexo enzimático / Biometry of lymphoid organs and physical-chemical composition of meat of slow growth chickens fed with cassava bagasse and enzymatic complexes

Objetivou-se no presente trabalho avaliar a biometria dos órgãos linfoides e composição físico-química da carne de frangos de crescimento lento alimentados com bagaço de mandioca com e sem complexo enzimático fúngico. Foram utilizadas 250 aves, Pescoço Pelado Vermelho, com 90 dias de idade. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado (DIC) em esquema fatorial (2 X 2 + 1), sendo dois níveis de inclusão do bagaço de mandioca (10 e 20%), presença e ausência do complexo enzimático e dieta controle, totalizando cinco tratamentos, cinco repetições e dez aves por unidade experimental. Foram avaliados a biometria dos órgãos linfoides (baço, bursa e timo), gordura abdominal, luminosidade (L*), coloração (a* e b*), pH, força de cisalhamento (FC), perda de peso por cozimento (PPCO), análises químicas e deposição de proteína e gordura da carne do peito. A inclusão de 10 e 20% do bagaço de mandioca com e sem complexo enzimático influenciaram (p<0,05) o peso relativo do baço e o parâmetro de cor (b*), não havendo efeito (p>0,05) sobre o peso da bursa e do timo, parâmetro de cor (a*), luminosidade (L*), pH, força de cisalhamento (FC), perda de peso por cozimento (PPCO), análises químicas, deposição de proteína e gordura da carne. Recomenda-se o uso de até 20% de bagaço de mandioca, não sendo opção tecnicamente viável a utilização do complexo enzimático fúngico, xilanase e amilase, nas dietas para frangos de crescimento lento.

Kinetic characterization of the (Na+,K+)-ATPase from the gill microsomal tissue of the swimming crab Callinectes danae (CRUSTACEA, PORTUNIDAE).

A caracterização bioquímica da (Na+,K+)-ATPase, uma importante enzima envolvida no controle osmo-iônico nos crustáceos osmorreguladores, foi realizada a partir de centrifugação diferencial de frações microsomais do tecido branquial do siri eurialino C. danae, coletado na Baía de Ubatuba e mantido a 33o/oo de salinidade (animais recém-capturados). A ultracentrifugação da fração microsomal em um gradiente contínuo de sacarose (10-50%) revelou a presença de um único pico de atividade (Na+, K+)-ATPase, coincidente com o pico de atividade K+-fosfatase. Ambas as atividades foram inibidas completamente pela ouabaína. O Western blotting da fração microsomal apresentou uma única banda imunoespecífica contra a subunidade alfa da (Na+, K+)-ATPase, sugerindo a presença de uma única isoforma para a cadeia alfa da enzima. A hidrólise do ATP ocorreu em sítios de alta afinidade que apresentaram interações sítio-sítio (nH=3,6) com uma atividade específica V= 35,4 ± 2,1 U/mg e K0,5= 54,0 ± 4,0 nM, bem como em sítios de baixa afinidade, que obedeceram uma cinética Michaeliana, com V= 271,5 ± 17,2 U/mg e KM = 55,0 ± 3,0 uM. A estimulação da atividade da enzima pelos íons Na+ (V= 302,1 ± 14,1 U/mg e K0,5= 5,80 ± 0,3 mM), Mg2+ (V= 309,7 ± 15,7 U/mg e K0,5= 0,48 ± 0,02 mM) e K+ (V= 294,0 ± 11,8 U/mg e K0,5= 1,61 ± 0,06 mM) ocorreu através de interações sítio-sítio, enquanto a estimulação pelos íons NH4+ obedeceu a uma cinética Michaeliana com V= 377,8 ± 22,7 U/mg e KM= 4,61 ± 0,27 mM). Interessantemente, os íons NH4+ estimularam sinergisticamente a atividade específica da enzima em cerca de 90% (V= 557,0 ± 28,3 U/mg), sugerindo que esses íons se ligam em diferentes sítios na molécula. A (Na+,K+)-ATPase do tecido branquial de C. danae hidrolisou o PNFF com V= 125,4 ± 7,5 U/mg, K0,5= 1,2 ± 0,1 mM, através de interações cooperativas (nH= 1,5). Além disso, essa atividade K+-fosfatase foi inibida competitivamente pelo ATP (KI= 57,2 ± 2,6 µM), sugerindo que os dois substratos foram hidrolisados no mesmo sítio da enzima. A estimulação da atividade K+-fosfatase da (Na+,K+)-ATPase pelos íons K+ (V= 121,0 ± 6,1 U/mg; K0,5= 2,1 ± 0,1 mM), Mg2+ (V= 125,3 ± 6,3 U/mg; K0,5= 1,0 ± 0,1 mM) e NH4+ (V= 126,1 ± 4,8 U/mg; K0,5= 13,7 ± 0,5 mM) ocorreram através de interações sítio-sítio, similarmente ao observado para o ATP. A ouabaína e o ortovanadato inibiram completamente a atividade (Na+,K+)-ATPase (KI= 147,2 ± 7,2 uM; KI= 11,2 ± 0,6 nM, respectivamente). Entretanto, para a atividade K+-fosfatase os valores determinados foram significativamente superiores (KI= 830,3 ± 42,5 uM; KI= 34,0 ± 1,4 nM, respectivamente). A inibição da atividade da (Na+,K+)-ATPase por essas duas substâncias foi afetada pela presença de íons NH4+. Entretanto, o mesmo não ocorreu com a atividade K+-fosfatase da enzima. A representação de Arrhenius revelou a ocorrência de uma transição de fase próximo a 19°C, com deltaH1= 15.939 cal/mol e outra a 38°C com deltaH2= 7.719 cal/mol. Temperaturas acima de 43°C provocaram uma rápida inativação da (Na+,K+)-ATPase. Esta é a primeira demonstração da presença de um sítio de alta afinidade para o ATP na (Na+,K+)-ATPase de crustáceo. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que as atividades (Na+,K+)-ATPase e K+-fosfatase pertencem à mesma enzima e que a preparação não apresenta contaminações por outras ATPases e/ou fosfatases. Do ponto de vista fisiológico, os resultados deste trabalho são relevantes em relação à excreção ativa dos íons NH4+ pelos crustáceos.The modulation by Mg+2, Na+, K+, NH4+ ions and ATP of the (Na+, K+)-ATPase activity in a microsomal fraction from Callinectes danae gills was analyzed. ATP was hydrolyzed at high-affinity binding sites at a maximal rate of V= 35.4 ± 2.1 U/mg and K0.5= 54.0 ± 3.6 nM, obeying cooperative kinetics (nH= 3.6). At low-affinity sites, the enzyme hydrolyzed ATP obeying Michaelis-Menten kinetics with KM= 55.0 ± 3.0 uM and V= 271.5 ± 17.2 U/mg. This is the first demonstration of a crustacean (Na+, K+)-ATPase possessing two ATP hydrolyzing sites. Stimulation by sodium (K0.5= 5.80 ± 0.30 mM), magnesium (K0.5= 0.48 ± 0.02 mM) and potassium ions (K0.5= 1.61 ± 0.06 mM) exhibited site-site interactions, while that by ammonium ions obeyed Michaelis-Menten kinetics (KM= 4.61 ± 0.27 mM). Ouabain (KI= 147.2 ± 7.2 uM) and orthovanadate (KI= 11.2 ± 0.6 nM) completely inhibited ATPase activity, indicating the absence of contaminating ATPase and/or neutral phosphatase activities. Ammonium and potassium ions synergistically stimulated the enzyme, increasing specific activities up to 90%, suggesting that these ions bind to different sites on the molecule and that the presence of each ion modulates enzyme stimulation by the other. The kinetic properties of a microsomal gill (Na+,K+)-ATPase were also analyzed using p-nitrophenylphosphate as substrate. The (Na+,K+)-ATPase hydrolyzed the substrate obeying cooperative kinetics (n= 1.5) at rates of V= 125.4 ± 7.5 U/mg and K0.5= 1.2 ± 0.1 mM and ATP competitively inhibited K+-phosphatase activity (KI= 57.2 ± 2.6 µM). Enzyme stimulation by potassium (V= 121.0 ± 6.1 U/mg; K0.5= 2.1 ± 0.1 mM) and magnesium ions (V= 125.3 ± 6.3 U/mg; K0.5= 1.0 ± 0.1 mM) was cooperative. Ammonium ions stimulated the enzyme through site-site interactions to a rate of V= 126.1 ± 4.8 U/mg with K0.5= 13.7 ± 0.5 mM. However, the K+-phosphatase activity was not synergistically stimulated using potassium plus ammonium ions. Sodium ions (KI= 36.7 ± 1.7 mM), ouabain (KI= 830.3 ± 42.5 uM) and orthovanadate (KI= 34.0 ± 1.4 nM) completely inhibited K+-phosphatase activity. The data show that the K+-phosphatase activity corresponds strictly to the (Na+,K+)-ATPase. This is the first invertebrate (Na+,K+)-ATPase shown to exhibit both high- and low-affinity sites for ATP hydrolysis and synergistic stimulation by potassium and ammonium ions (Masui et al., 2002). Further characterization of the K+-phosphatase activity will reveal its specific kinetic characteristics and may become a useful tool in comparative osmoregulatory studies

Kinetic characterization of the (Na+,K+)-ATPase from the gill microsomal tissue of the swimming crab Callinectes danae acclimated to 15 0/00 salinity.

As propriedades bioquímicas da (Na+,K+)-ATPase branquial do siri eurialino Callinectes danae aclimatado à salinidade de 15 o/oo foram estudadas. A análise do gradiente de centrifugação em sacarose revelou a presença de um único pico entre 30-35% de sacarose, com uma boa correlação entre as atividades PNFFase a ATPase totais e (Na+,K+)-ATPase. A atividade residual observada na presença de ouabaína 3 mM sugere a presença de outros sistemas de enzimas atuantes. A eletroforese em condições desnaturantes nos microsomas de brânquias de C. danae em animais recém-coletados em salinidade de 33 o/oo (não aclimatados) e de aclimatados a salinidades de 15 e 33 o/oo por um período de 10 dias mostrou a presença de pequenas diferenças nos padrões eletroforéticos das diferentes amostras. A análise por Western blot mostrou um aumento significativo da proporção relativa da subunidade alfa da (Na+,K+)-ATPase em relação à proteína total na fração microsomal do tecido branquial de animais aclimatados à salinidade de 15 o/oo quando comparados aos animais aclimatados a 33 o/oo. Entretanto, proporções similares de subunidade alfa foram observadas para amostras de animais recém-coletados a salinidade de 33 o/oo e aclimatados a 15 o/oo. A estimulação da atividade (Na+,K+)-ATPase pelo ATP ocorreu através de uma curva de saturação monofásica apresentando interações sítio-sítio (nH=1,2), com V= 298,8 ± 16,7 U/mg, com K0,5 de 174,2 ± 9,8 uM. A estimulação da atividade ATPase da (Na+,K+)-ATPase por íons Mg2+ (V= 299,16 ± 14,06 U/mg; K0,5= 767,31 ± 36,06 uM), íons Na+ (V= 309,0 ± 15,8 U/mg; K0,5= 7,8 ± 0,4 mM), íons K+ (V= 300,6 ± 15,3 U/mg; K0,5= 1,63 ± 0,08 mM) e íons NH4+ (V= 345,1 ± 19,0 U/mg; K0,5= 6,0 ± 0,3 mM) ocorreu através de interações sítio-sítio. A atividade da enzima foi modulada sinergisticamente pelos íons K+ com atividade máxima variando de 300,6 ± 15,3 U/mg para 514,6 ± 26,2 U/mg, na ausência e na presença 50 mM de íons NH4+, respectivamente. Além disso, foi observado um significativo aumento na afinidade aparente da enzima pelo íon K+ da ordem de 10 vezes (diminuiu de 1,6 ± 0,08 mM para 0,157 ± 0,008 mM). Similarmente ao observado para os íons K+, o íon NH4+ estimulou sinergisticamente a atividade da enzima na presença de diferentes concentrações de íons K+. A estimulação da atividade da enzima pelo íon NH4+ também ocorreu através de interações cooperativas entre os sítios. Embora tenha sido observado um aumento da atividade específica da enzima de 345,1 ± 19,0 U/mg para 516,8 ± 27,9 U/mg, não foram observadas variações significativas nos valores de nH e K0,5 com o aumento da concentração de íons K+. A ouabaína inibiu cerca de 90% da atividade ATPase total. A inibição pela ouabaína apresentou valor de KI de 45,09 ± 2,51 uM. O ortovanadato também inibiu atividade (Na+,K+)-ATPase na mesma faixa (90%) através de uma curva de inibição monofásica, com valor de KI da ordem de 1,31 ± 0,06 uM. O emprego de bafilomicina A1, tapsigargina e teofilina, juntamente com a ouabaína, na atividade ATPase total descartam a presença de V-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase ou fosfatase, respectivamente. Apesar da inibição por oligomicina corresponder a menos de 3,7%, esse valor aparentemente sugere a presença de uma F0F1-ATPase. Além disso, a inibição por ácido etacrínico, em conjunto com os experimentos de estimulação por da atividade ATPase da enzima por íons Na+ sugere fortemente a presença de uma K+-ATPase. A (Na+,K+)-ATPase hidrolisou o substrato PNFF obedecendo à cinética Michaeliana com velocidade de V= 102,9 ± 4,3 U/mg e KM= 1,7 ± 0,1 mM. Já a estimulação da atividade K+-fosfatase da enzima por íons Mg2+ (V= 93,7 ± 2,3 U/mg; K0,5= 1,40 ± 0,03 mM), K+ (V= 94,9 ± 3,5 U/mg; K0,5= 2,9 ± 0,1 mM) e NH4+ (V= 106,2 ± 2,2 U/mg; K0,5= 9,8 ± 0,2 mM) seguiu uma cinética cooperativa, sugerindo a presença de múltiplos sítios de ligação. Entretanto, a atividade K+-fosfatase não foi estimulada sinergísticamente na presença de íons K+ mais NH4+. Os íons sódio (KI= 22,7 ± 1,7 mM) e ortovanadato (KI= 28,1 ± 1,4 nM) inibiram completamente a atividade fosfatase total através de uma única curva de inibição.The biochemical properties of the (Na+,K+)-ATPase from the gill microsomal tissue of the euryhaline, marine, swimming crab Callinectes danae, acclimated to 15 0/00 salinity, were investigated. Sucrose gradient centrifugation analyses revealed a unique peak, between 30-35% sucrose, coincident with the total PNPPase, ATPase, and (Na+,K+)-ATPase activities. The residual activity observed in the presence of 3 mM ouabain suggests the existence of other enzyme systems. Electrophoresis under denaturing conditions, using material from fresh-caught crabs (33 o/oo salinity, not acclimated), and from crabs acclimated to 15 or 33 o/oo salinity, for 10 days, revealed differences in migration pattern. Western blot analyses showed a significant increase in the amount of (Na+,K+)-ATPase alpha-subunit relative to total protein, for crabs acclimated to 15 o/oo compared to those acclimated to 33 o/oo salinity. However, the proportion of alpha-subunit in samples from fresh-caught crabs acclimated to 33 o/oo and those acclimated to 15 o/oo salinity was similar. (Na+,K+)-ATPase activity was stimulated by ATP and showed a single saturation curve, exhibiting site-site interactions (nH=1.2), with V= 298.8 ± 16.7 U/mg, and K0.5= 174.2 ± 9.8 uM. Stimulation of the ATPase activity by Mg2+ (V= 299.16 ± 14.06 U/mg; K0.5= 767.31 ± 36.06 uM), Na+ (V= 309.0 ± 15.8 U/mg; K0.5= 7.8 ± 0.4 mM), K+ (V= 300.6 ± 15.3 U/mg; K0.5= 1.63 ± 0.08 mM) and NH4+ ions (V= 345.1 ± 19.0 U/mg; K0.5= 6.0 ± 0.3 mM) occurred through site-site interactions. (Na+,K+)-ATPase activity was synergistically modulated by K+ ions, maximum activity varying from 300.6 ± 15.3 U/mg to 514.6 ± 26.2 U/mg, in the absence and presence of 50 mM NH4+ ions, respectively. K+ ions induced a 10-fold increase in enzyme apparent affinity (from 1.6 ± 0.08 mM to 0.157 ± 0.008 mM). As for K+ ions, NH4+ synergistically stimulated enzyme activity in the presence of variable K+ concentrations. The stimulation by NH4+ ions exhibited cooperative, site-site interactions. Although an increase in specific activity from 345.1 ± 19.0 U/mg to 516.8 ± 27.9 U/mg was seen, no significant changes in nH and K0.5 were observed. Ouabain inhibited total ATPase activity by about 90%, showing a KI= 45.09 ± 2.51 uM. Orthovanadate also inhibited the (Na+,K+)-ATPase with a KI of 1.31 ± 0.06 uM. Although the inhibitory effect of oligomycin was minimal (3.7%), this inhibition may suggest F0F1-ATPase activity. The inhibition by ethacrynic acid, in association with Na+ ion stimulation of the ATPase activity, suggests the presence of a K+-ATPase. The (Na+,K+)-ATPase hydrolyzed PNPP (K+-phosphatase activity) obeying Michaelian kinetics, with V= 102.9 ± 4.3 U/mg and KM= 1.7 ± 0.1 mM. The stimulation of K+-phosphatase activity by Mg2+ (V= 93.7 ± 2.3 U/mg; K0.5= 1.4 ± 0.03 mM), K+ (V= 94.9 ± 3.5 U/mg; K0.5= 2.9 ± 0.1 mM), and NH4+ ions (V= 106.2 ± 2.2 U/mg; K0.5= 9.8 ± 0.2 mM) following cooperative kinetics, suggests multiple binding sites. K+-phosphatase activity, however, was not synergistically stimulated by K+ and NH4+. Sodium ions (KI= 22.7 ± 1.7 mM), and orthovanadate (KI= 28.1 ± 1.4 nM) totally inhibited the total phosphatase activity

Kinetic characterization of the (Na+,K+)-ATPase from the gill microsomal tissue of the swimming crab Callinectes danae (CRUSTACEA, PORTUNIDAE).

A caracterização bioquímica da (Na+,K+)-ATPase, uma importante enzima envolvida no controle osmo-iônico nos crustáceos osmorreguladores, foi realizada a partir de centrifugação diferencial de frações microsomais do tecido branquial do siri eurialino C. danae, coletado na Baía de Ubatuba e mantido a 33o/oo de salinidade (animais recém-capturados). A ultracentrifugação da fração microsomal em um gradiente contínuo de sacarose (10-50%) revelou a presença de um único pico de atividade (Na+, K+)-ATPase, coincidente com o pico de atividade K+-fosfatase. Ambas as atividades foram inibidas completamente pela ouabaína. O Western blotting da fração microsomal apresentou uma única banda imunoespecífica contra a subunidade alfa da (Na+, K+)-ATPase, sugerindo a presença de uma única isoforma para a cadeia alfa da enzima. A hidrólise do ATP ocorreu em sítios de alta afinidade que apresentaram interações sítio-sítio (nH=3,6) com uma atividade específica V= 35,4 ± 2,1 U/mg e K0,5= 54,0 ± 4,0 nM, bem como em sítios de baixa afinidade, que obedeceram uma cinética Michaeliana, com V= 271,5 ± 17,2 U/mg e KM = 55,0 ± 3,0 uM. A estimulação da atividade da enzima pelos íons Na+ (V= 302,1 ± 14,1 U/mg e K0,5= 5,80 ± 0,3 mM), Mg2+ (V= 309,7 ± 15,7 U/mg e K0,5= 0,48 ± 0,02 mM) e K+ (V= 294,0 ± 11,8 U/mg e K0,5= 1,61 ± 0,06 mM) ocorreu através de interações sítio-sítio, enquanto a estimulação pelos íons NH4+ obedeceu a uma cinética Michaeliana com V= 377,8 ± 22,7 U/mg e KM= 4,61 ± 0,27 mM). Interessantemente, os íons NH4+ estimularam sinergisticamente a atividade específica da enzima em cerca de 90% (V= 557,0 ± 28,3 U/mg), sugerindo que esses íons se ligam em diferentes sítios na molécula. A (Na+,K+)-ATPase do tecido branquial de C. danae hidrolisou o PNFF com V= 125,4 ± 7,5 U/mg, K0,5= 1,2 ± 0,1 mM, através de interações cooperativas (nH= 1,5). Além disso, essa atividade K+-fosfatase foi inibida competitivamente pelo ATP (KI= 57,2 ± 2,6 µM), sugerindo que os dois substratos foram hidrolisados no mesmo sítio da enzima. A estimulação da atividade K+-fosfatase da (Na+,K+)-ATPase pelos íons K+ (V= 121,0 ± 6,1 U/mg; K0,5= 2,1 ± 0,1 mM), Mg2+ (V= 125,3 ± 6,3 U/mg; K0,5= 1,0 ± 0,1 mM) e NH4+ (V= 126,1 ± 4,8 U/mg; K0,5= 13,7 ± 0,5 mM) ocorreram através de interações sítio-sítio, similarmente ao observado para o ATP. A ouabaína e o ortovanadato inibiram completamente a atividade (Na+,K+)-ATPase (KI= 147,2 ± 7,2 uM; KI= 11,2 ± 0,6 nM, respectivamente). Entretanto, para a atividade K+-fosfatase os valores determinados foram significativamente superiores (KI= 830,3 ± 42,5 uM; KI= 34,0 ± 1,4 nM, respectivamente). A inibição da atividade da (Na+,K+)-ATPase por essas duas substâncias foi afetada pela presença de íons NH4+. Entretanto, o mesmo não ocorreu com a atividade K+-fosfatase da enzima. A representação de Arrhenius revelou a ocorrência de uma transição de fase próximo a 19°C, com deltaH1= 15.939 cal/mol e outra a 38°C com deltaH2= 7.719 cal/mol. Temperaturas acima de 43°C provocaram uma rápida inativação da (Na+,K+)-ATPase. Esta é a primeira demonstração da presença de um sítio de alta afinidade para o ATP na (Na+,K+)-ATPase de crustáceo. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que as atividades (Na+,K+)-ATPase e K+-fosfatase pertencem à mesma enzima e que a preparação não apresenta contaminações por outras ATPases e/ou fosfatases. Do ponto de vista fisiológico, os resultados deste trabalho são relevantes em relação à excreção ativa dos íons NH4+ pelos crustáceos.The modulation by Mg+2, Na+, K+, NH4+ ions and ATP of the (Na+, K+)-ATPase activity in a microsomal fraction from Callinectes danae gills was analyzed. ATP was hydrolyzed at high-affinity binding sites at a maximal rate of V= 35.4 ± 2.1 U/mg and K0.5= 54.0 ± 3.6 nM, obeying cooperative kinetics (nH= 3.6). At low-affinity sites, the enzyme hydrolyzed ATP obeying Michaelis-Menten kinetics with KM= 55.0 ± 3.0 uM and V= 271.5 ± 17.2 U/mg. This is the first demonstration of a crustacean (Na+, K+)-ATPase possessing two ATP hydrolyzing sites. Stimulation by sodium (K0.5= 5.80 ± 0.30 mM), magnesium (K0.5= 0.48 ± 0.02 mM) and potassium ions (K0.5= 1.61 ± 0.06 mM) exhibited site-site interactions, while that by ammonium ions obeyed Michaelis-Menten kinetics (KM= 4.61 ± 0.27 mM). Ouabain (KI= 147.2 ± 7.2 uM) and orthovanadate (KI= 11.2 ± 0.6 nM) completely inhibited ATPase activity, indicating the absence of contaminating ATPase and/or neutral phosphatase activities. Ammonium and potassium ions synergistically stimulated the enzyme, increasing specific activities up to 90%, suggesting that these ions bind to different sites on the molecule and that the presence of each ion modulates enzyme stimulation by the other. The kinetic properties of a microsomal gill (Na+,K+)-ATPase were also analyzed using p-nitrophenylphosphate as substrate. The (Na+,K+)-ATPase hydrolyzed the substrate obeying cooperative kinetics (n= 1.5) at rates of V= 125.4 ± 7.5 U/mg and K0.5= 1.2 ± 0.1 mM and ATP competitively inhibited K+-phosphatase activity (KI= 57.2 ± 2.6 µM). Enzyme stimulation by potassium (V= 121.0 ± 6.1 U/mg; K0.5= 2.1 ± 0.1 mM) and magnesium ions (V= 125.3 ± 6.3 U/mg; K0.5= 1.0 ± 0.1 mM) was cooperative. Ammonium ions stimulated the enzyme through site-site interactions to a rate of V= 126.1 ± 4.8 U/mg with K0.5= 13.7 ± 0.5 mM. However, the K+-phosphatase activity was not synergistically stimulated using potassium plus ammonium ions. Sodium ions (KI= 36.7 ± 1.7 mM), ouabain (KI= 830.3 ± 42.5 uM) and orthovanadate (KI= 34.0 ± 1.4 nM) completely inhibited K+-phosphatase activity. The data show that the K+-phosphatase activity corresponds strictly to the (Na+,K+)-ATPase. This is the first invertebrate (Na+,K+)-ATPase shown to exhibit both high- and low-affinity sites for ATP hydrolysis and synergistic stimulation by potassium and ammonium ions (Masui et al., 2002). Further characterization of the K+-phosphatase activity will reveal its specific kinetic characteristics and may become a useful tool in comparative osmoregulatory studies

Sex and reproductive stage differences in the growth, metabolism, feed, fecal production, excretion and energy budget of the Amazon River prawn (Macrobrachium amazonicum)

The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in various physiological measures (growth, fecal production, feed intake, nitrogenous excretion, oxygen consumption, energy substrate used, and energy budget) among males, ovigerous females and non-ovigerous females of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium amazonicum. This species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism and different male morphotypes and has the potential for use in aquaculture. Males and non-ovigerous females were studied for 30 days. Ovigerous females were studied for 10 days. Prawns were fed commercial prawn food, and all males were of the Translucent Claw (TC) morphotype. The results demonstrate physiological differences both between males and females and between females of different reproductive stages. Males had higher rates of ingestion, growth and oxygen consumption and less fecal loss than females. We postulate that in the absence of other morphotypes, TC males may exhibit increased growth rates. Males and females used protein as an energy substrate. Males channeled approximately 9% of their energy budget into growth, whereas non-ovigerous and ovigerous females channeled only 1.4 +/- 0.4 and 0.07 +/- 0.07%, respectively. Whereas males and non-ovigerous females channeled 9.0 +/- 9.74 and 61.8 +/- 3.0%, respectively, of the energy ingested into metabolism, ovigerous females channeled 97.7 +/- 4.7% into metabolism, likely due to the frequent beating of their pleopods, which oxygenates and cleans the eggs. As reported for marine prawns, males and non-ovigerous females of M. amazonicum lost approximately 5% of their ingested energy in exuviae. The physiological differences observed between the sexes and between females of different reproductive stages might reflect corresponding differences in patterns of activity, growth, and reproduction.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

Short- and long-term, salinity-induced modulation of V-ATPase activity in the posterior gills of the true freshwater crab, Dilocarcinus pagei (Brachyura, Trichodactylidae)

To better understand the biochemical mechanisms underlying anisosmotic extracellular regulation in the freshwater Brachyura, we kinetically characterized the V-ATPase from the posterior gills of Dilocarcinus pagei, acclimated for 10 days to salinities up to 21%.. Specific activity was highest in fresh water (26.5 +/- 2.1 U mg(-1)), decreasing in 5 parts per thousand to 21 parts per thousand, attaining 3-fold less at 15 parts per thousand. Apparent affinities for ATP and Mg(2+) respectively increased 3.2- and 2-fold at 10 parts per thousand, suggesting expression of different isoenzymes. In a 240-h time-course study of exposure to 21%., maximum specific activity decreased 2.5- to 4-fold within 1 to 24 h while apparent affinities for ATP and Mg(2+) respectively increased by 12-fold within 24 h and 2.4-fold after 1 h, unchanged thereafter. K(I) for bafilomycin A(1) decreased 150-fold after 1 h, remaining constant up to 120 h. This is the first kinetic analysis of V-ATPase specific activity in crustacean gills during salinity acclimation. Our findings indicate active gill Cl(-) uptake by D. pagei in fresh water, and short- and long-term down-regulation of V-ATPase-driven ion uptake processes during salinity exposure, aiding in comprehension of the biochemical adaptations underpinning the establishment of the Brachyura in fresh water. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP)[2007/04870-9]Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP)[2008/57830-7]Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)[304174-2006-8]Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)[471933/2008-2

β-xylosidase from Selenomonas ruminantium: Immobilization, stabilization, and application for xylooligosaccharide hydrolysis

The tetrameric β-xylosidase from Selenomonas ruminantium is very stable in alkaline pH allowing it to easily immobilize by multipoint covalent attachments on highly activated glyoxyl agarose gels. Initial immobilization resulted only in slight stabilization in relation to the free enzyme, since involvement of all subunits was not achieved. Coating the catalyst with aldehyde-dextran or polyethylenimine, fully stabilized the quaternary structure of the enzyme rendering much more stabilization to the biocatalyst. The catalyst coated with polyethylenimine of molecular weight 1300 is the most stable one exhibiting an interesting half-life of more than 10 days at pH 5.0 and 50 °C, being, therefore, 240-fold more stable than free enzyme. Optimum activity was observed in the pH range 4.0–6.0 and at 55 °C. The catalyst retained its side activity against p-nitrophenyl α-l-arabinofuranoside and it was inhibited by xylose and glucose. Kinetic parameters with p-nitrophenyl β-d-xylopyranoside as substrate were V 0.20 μmol.min mg prot., K 0.45 mM, K 0.82 s, and K/K 1.82 s mM. Xylose release was observed from the hydrolysis of xylooligosaccharides with a decrease in the rate of xylose release by increasing substrate chain-length. Due to the high thermostability and the complete stability after five reuse cycles, the applicability of this biocatalyst in biotechnological processes, such as for the degradation of lignocellulosic biomass, is highly increased.Part of this work was sponsored by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (Project BIO-2012-36861). C.R.F.T. gratefully acknowledges to CAPES/Ministry of Education, Brazil, through the Program Science Without Borders for the postdoctoral scholarship [Grant 3134-13-0].Peer Reviewe

Structural and Biochemical Correlates of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase Driven Ion Uptake Across the Posterior Gill Epithelium of the True Freshwater Crab, Dilocarcinus pagei (Brachyura, Trichodactylidae)

To better comprehend the structural and biochemical underpinnings of ion uptake across the gills of true freshwater crabs, we performed an ultrastructural, ultracytochemical and morphometric investigation, and kinetically characterized the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase, in posterior gill lamellae of Dilocarcinus pagei. Ultrastructurally, the lamellar epithelia are markedly asymmetrical: the thick, mushroom-shaped, proximal ionocytes contain elongate mitochondria (41% cell volume) associated with numerous (approximate to 14 mu m(2) membrane per mu m(3) cytoplasm), deep invaginations that house the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase, revealed ultracytochemically. Their apical surface is amplified (7.5 mu m(2) mu m(-2)) by stubby evaginations whose bases adjoin mitochondria below the subcuticular space. The apical membrane of the thin, distal ionocytes shows few evaginations (1.6 mu m(2) mu m(-2)), each surrounding a mitochondrion, abundant in the cytoplasm below the subcuticular space; basolateral invaginations and mitochondria are few. Fine basal cytoplasmic bridges project across the hemolymph space, penetrating into the thick ionocytes, suggesting ion movement between the epithelia. Microsomal Na(+), K(+)-ATPase specific activity resembles marine crabs but is approximate to 5-fold less than in species from fluctuating salinities, and freshwater shrimps, suggesting ion loss compensation by strategies other than Na(+) uptake. Enzyme apparent K(+) affinity attains 14-fold that of marine crabs, emphasizing the relevance of elevated K(+) affinity to the conquest of fresh water. Western blotting and biphasic ouabain inhibition disclose two alpha-subunit isoforms comprising distinct functional isoenzymes. While enzyme activity is not synergistically stimulated by NH(4)(+) and K(+), each increases affinity for the other, possibly assuring appropriate intracellular K(+) concentrations. These findings reveal specific structural and biochemical adaptations that may have allowed the establishment of the Brachyura in fresh water. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:508-523, 2010. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.CNPqFAPESPFAPESP Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo[2008/57830-7]FAPESP Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo[2007/04870-9]Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)[471933/2008-2]Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)[304174/2006-8

Purification and Biochemical Properties of a Glucose-Stimulated beta-D-Glucosidase Produced by Humicola grisea var. thermoidea Grown on Sugarcane Bagasse

The effect of several carbon sources on the production of mycelial-bound beta-glucosidase by Humicola grisea var. thermoidea in submerged fermentation was investigated. Maximum production occurred when cellulose was present in the culture medium, but higher specific activities were achieved with cellobiose or sugarcane bagasse. Xylose or glucose (1%) in the reaction medium stimulated beta-glucosidase activity by about 2-fold in crude extracts from mycelia grown in sugarcane bagasse. The enzyme was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, followed by Sephadex G-200 and DEAE-cellulose chromatography, showing a single band in PAGE and SDS-PAGE. The beta-glucosidase had a carbohydrate content of 43% and showed apparent molecular masses of 57 and 60 kDa, as estimated by SDS-PAGE and gel filtration, respectively. The optimal pH and temperature were 6.0 and 50 degrees C, respectively. The purified enzyme was thermostable up to 60 min in water at 55 degrees C and showed half-lives of 7 and 14 min when incubated in the absence or presence of 50 mM glucose, respectively, at 60 degrees C. The enzyme hydrolyzed p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside, p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-fucopyranoside, p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-xylopyranoside, o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside, lactose, and cellobiose. The best synthetic and natural substrates were p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-fucopyranoside and cellobiose, respectively. Purified enzyme activity was stimulated up to 2-fold by glucose or xylose at concentrations from 25 to 200 mM. The addition of purified or crude beta-glucosidase to a reaction medium containing Trichoderma reesei cellulases increased the saccharification of sugarcane bagasse by about 50%. These findings suggest that H. grisea var. thermoidea beta-glucosidase has a potential for biotechnological applications in the bioconversion of lignocellulosic materials.Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES

Kinetic Analysis of Gill (Na+,K+)-ATPase Activity in Selected Ontogenetic Stages of the Amazon River Shrimp, (Decapoda, Palaemonidae): Interactions at ATP- and Cation-Binding Sites

We investigated modulation by ATP, Mg2+, Na+, K+ and NH4 (+) and inhibition by ouabain of (Na+,K+)-ATPase activity in microsomal homogenates of whole zoeae I and decapodid III (formerly zoea IX) and whole-body and gill homogenates of juvenile and adult Amazon River shrimps, . (Na+,K+)-ATPase-specific activity was increased twofold in decapodid III compared to zoea I, juveniles and adults, suggesting an important role in this ontogenetic stage. The apparent affinity for ATP ( (M) = 0.09 +/- A 0.01 mmol L-1) of the decapodid III (Na+,K+)-ATPase, about twofold greater than the other stages, further highlights this relevance. Modulation of (Na+,K+)-ATPase activity by K+ also revealed a threefold greater affinity for K+ ( (0.5) = 0.91 +/- A 0.04 mmol L-1) in decapodid III than in other stages; NH4 (+) had no modulatory effect. The affinity for Na+ ( (0.5) = 13.2 +/- A 0.6 mmol L-1) of zoea I (Na+,K+)-ATPase was fourfold less than other stages. Modulation by Na+, Mg2+ and NH4 (+) obeyed cooperative kinetics, while K+ modulation exhibited Michaelis-Menten behavior. Rates of maximal Mg2+ stimulation of ouabain-insensitive ATPase activity differed in each ontogenetic stage, suggesting that Mg2+-stimulated ATPases other than (Na+,K+)-ATPase are present. Ouabain inhibition suggests that, among the various ATPase activities present in the different stages, Na+-ATPase may be involved in the ontogeny of osmoregulation in larval The NH4 (+)-stimulated, ouabain-insensitive ATPase activity seen in zoea I and decapodid III may reflect a stage-specific means of ammonia excretion since functional gills are absent in the early larval stages.Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP)Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)Conselho de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES)Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES)Instituto Nacional de Ciencia e Tecnologia (INCT) ADAPTA/Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado do Amazonas (FAPEAM) [573976/2008-2]Instituto Nacional de Ciencia e Tecnologia (INCT) ADAPTA/Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado do Amazonas (FAPEAM