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A putative [Na.sup.+]/[H.sup.+] antiporter, Vc-NhaP2, which protects cells of Vibrio cholerae growing at pH 6.0 from high concentrations of external [K.sup.+] is demonstrated. The peculiar cation specificity of Vc-NhaP2 and the presence of its two additional paralogues in the same genome could find potential for the transporter as an effective model for detailed analysis of the structural determinants of the substrate specificity in alkali cation exchangers.

A closed loop system of diabetes control would minimize hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. We therefore implanted and tested a subcutaneous amperometric glucose sensor array in alloxan-diabetic rats. Each array employed four sensing units, the outputs of which were processed in real time to yield a unified signal. We utilized a gain-scheduled insulin control algorithm which rapidly reduced insulin delivery as glucose concentration declined. Such a system was generally effective in controlling glycemia and the degree of lag between blood glucose and the sensor signal was usually 3-8 min. After prolonged implantation, this lag was sometimes longer, which led to impairment of sensor accuracy. Using a prospective two-point calibration method, sensor accuracy and closed loop control were good. A revised algorithm yielded better glycemic control than the initial algorithm did. Future research needs to further improve calibration methods and reduce foreign body fibrosis in order to avoid a time-related increase in lag duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Na+ translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) is a unique respiratory enzyme catalyzing the electron transfer from NADH to quinone coupled with the translocation of sodium ions across the membrane. Typically, Vibrio spp., including Vibrio cholerae, have this enzyme but lack the proton-pumping NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Complex I). Thus, Na+-NQR should significantly contribute to multiple aspects of V. cholerae physiology; however, no detailed characterization of this aspect has been reported so far. In this study, we broadly investigated the effects of loss of Na+-NQR on V. cholerae physiology by using Phenotype Microarray (Biolog), transcriptome and metabolomics analyses. We found that the V. cholerae ΔnqrA-F mutant showed multiple defects in metabolism detected by Phenotype Microarray. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the V. cholerae ΔnqrA-F mutant up-regulates 31 genes and down-regulates 55 genes in both early and mid-growth phases. The most up-regulated genes included the cadA and cadB genes, encoding a lysine decarboxylase and a lysine/cadaverine antiporter, respectively. Increased CadAB activity was further suggested by the metabolomics analysis. The down-regulated genes include sialic acid catabolism genes. Metabolomic analysis also suggested increased reductive pathway of TCA cycle and decreased purine metabolism in the V. cholerae ΔnqrA-F mutant. Lack of Na+-NQR did not affect any of the Na+ pumping-related phenotypes of V. cholerae suggesting that other secondary Na+ pump(s) can compensate for Na+ pumping activity of Na+-NQR. Overall, our study provides important insights into the contribution of Na+-NQR to V. cholerae physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Uncertainties have existed regarding the systematic induction and management of drug-induced diabetes mellitus (DM). Issues have included the optimal route of administration of the drug, methods of reducing drug toxicosis and mortality, how to induce type-1 versus type-2 DM, and how to manage labile DM in rats. In attempting to induce type-1 DM in Sprague-Dawley rats, we classified hyperglycemic animals as having type-1 DM only if their post-treatment blood ketone concentration was high. We found that multiple doses of alloxan led to significantly higher mortality than did a single dose. A single high dose (200 mg/kg of body weight given intraperitoneally) was the best treatment and led to 70% incidence of type-1 DM and only 10% mortality. In contrast, intravenous administration of similar doses was toxic. Assiduous management of alloxan-induced DM is crucial to avoid severe hypoglycemia from massive insulin release and to avoid diabetic ketoacidosis. Frequent glucose monitoring and appropriate administration of carbohydrate and fluids is necessary during this stage. For long-term management, daily administration of long-acting insulin (glargine) appears to be safe and effective. Rapid-acting insulins reduce glucose concentration rapidly, and must be used with caution. If specific precautions are observed, intraperitoneal administration of high-dose alloxan to laboratory rats leads to a condition that closely resembles human type-1 DM.