- Email: [email protected]
Useful view of renal metabolism
73
TIBS -February 1983 to present a systematized classification of various types of concerted (synarchic) regulation by calcium and calmodulin: coordinate, hierarchic (positive control) or antagonist (negative control), redundant and sequential. Several examples of each of the various models are given. One may argue against the value of such simplification of very complex regulatory systems, particularly when insufficient information is still available. If too few restrictions are applied, then clearly all metabolic functions of a cell are related at some level or other. On the other hand, most useful generalizations will not be applicable to all situations. One weakness of Rasmussen's treatment (which he recognizes) is that there is no evidence that some important cellular functions, such as growth, storage and differentiation, fit his model easily. Also excluded from systematization, although discussed in the review, are other potential messenger systems such as phosphoinositol, diacyglycerol, cGMP and ions other than calcium.
Single messenger systems such as those which may exist in skeletal muscle and toad bladder are discussed but not allowed for in the current scheme. The large number of exceptions and the multiplicity of types of regulation in some measure defeat the purpose of the original generalization. Nevertheless, to the extent that they lead to experiments that provide new insights, these classifications may be justified. Rasmussen's analysis in 1970 served the important function of inspiring experimental work and providing a unifying conceptual framework to link many diverse observations. It is not clear that the present expansion of his notions will serve similarly. Integrative, co-ordinated responses which can be regulated either by concentration of the second messenger (amplitude regulation) or by the effect of one messenger on the other (sensitivity regulation), and kinetic as well as spatial regulation are however useful, if not precisely original proposals. In view of the broad scope of Rasums-
Wealth of detail on functional thermodynamics of haemoglobin Allosteric Effects in Haemoglobin
by Kiyohiro lmai, Cambridge University Press, 1982. £30.00 (xvi + 275 pages) ISBN 0 521 22575 2 Imai has made notable contributions to the development of precise methodology, and in the application of such techniques to the measurement of hemoglobin--oxygen binding curves. Over the last decade his work has enabled characterization of the fundamental four Adair constants for a variety of hemoglobins under a variety of solution conditions. With the availability of precise Adair constants one could explore a number of questions and problems. Examination could be made of how well the simple molecular models such as the Monod-Wyman-Changeux two allosteric model, or the sequential models initially proposed by Pauling and generalized by Koshland, Nemethy and Filmer, describe the oxygen binding properties of hemoglobin. The effect of pH, of ionic solution conditions, of allosteric effector concentrations, and of temperature, upon the Adair constants could be treated in the light of Wyman linkage rules to reveal the thermodynamics of linked reactions with unparalleled detail. This book mainly draws together the experience of the author in studying the oxygen-binding properties of hemoglobin from the preceding viewpoint. There are two short chapters dealing with rudimentary properties of binding curves and with the general structural features known from
X-ray crystallography of hemoglobin. The major thrust of the book comes in a detailed chapter outlining the various methods for determination of oxygen binding curves to hemoglobin, with special attention appropriately given to the author's method. This is followed by another practical chapter on methods of analysis of binding curves in terms of various plots and a description of the non-linear least-squares method used for the determination of the Adair parameters. The remaining half of the book deals with specific application of these methods to the study of hemoglobin, and to
sen's treatment it.is not surprising that it is sometimes relatively superficial and sometimes inaccurate. There is, for example, no evidence yet that calmodulin is ever free in the cytosol; the state and content of calmodulin in the cell remain to be determined with precision. Also, cAMP does not increase the rate of association of calmodulin and phosphodiesterase but decreases the rate of dissociation of the complex of the two proteins. Despite such objections, I feel that because of its broad survey of an immense literature, the book is a good starting point for anyone interested in studying cellular regulation so long as he then goes back to the references for more in-depth study. CLAUDE B. KLEE
(hie]', Macromolecular Interactions Section, Laboratory o f BioehemL;try, Department o] ttealth and Human Services, National Institutes o] Health, National ( ancer Institute, Bethesda, ~ID 20205. U.S.A.
the examination of selected molecular models. The experimental studies are taken largely from the author's work and include examination of a variety of modified and abnormal hemoglobins. There is a wealth of detailed information in this book about the functional thermodynamics of hemoglobin. The inclusion of other studies on the binding properties of hemoglobin as well as a more critical development of the mathematics of binding curves would have broadened the usefulness of this book. S'I ANLE'I J. GILL.
Professor o f Chemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, U.S.A.
Useful view of renal metabolism Biochemistry of Kidney Functions (Inserm Symposium 21)
edited by Francois Morel, Elsevier Biomedical Press, 1982. $88.50/ Dfl. 190 (xvii + 462 pages) ISBN 0 444 80417 X This book represents the proceedings of the Sixth International Symposium of the Biochemistry of Kidney Functions held at Le Rischenberg Bischoffsheim. France, 7-10 December 1981. The various types of epithelium in the renal nephron have specific transport and permeability properties. New approaches to investigate the biochemistry and physiology of successive segments of the
nephron are continually being developed, and this publication illustrates current trends in the field. The papers are arranged in six sections: (1) Isolation and culture of cells of various segments of the nephron; (2) Metabolism of lipids in the kidney; (3) Metabolism and its regulation in transporting tissues; (4) Sites and mechanisms of corticosteroids in the kidney; (5) Enzymes and metabolism in isolated segments of the nephron; and (6) Biochemical and transport properties of the proximal tubule. Among the more important subjects discussed are those of glomerular synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxane, synthesis of matrix proteins by mesangial and smooth muscle cells, and metabolism of 25 (OH)D3. Other important chapters contain
T1BS - February 1983
74 data relating to renomedullary lipogenesis, renal ammonia metabolism, renal ketone body utilization, aldosterone effects on the kidney and its metabolism by renal tissue, tubular binding sites of aldosterone, quantitative histochemistry of various parts of
the nephron, and renal phosphorus utilization. The chapters contain much useful information. The strength of the book appears to be the emphasis of current trends in research in renal metabolism.
A b s e n c e o f slicing - tissue m e t a b o l i s m investigated Non-invasive Probes of Tissue Metabolism
This book is based on a symposium held in June 1980 at the New Orleans meeting of the American Society of Biological Chemists. According to the editor the term noninvasive is taken to mean that the sample organism is not 'sliced up' in order to obtain the results. This has resulted in the exclusion of fluoresence probe techniques and the use of [x4C]2-deoxyglucose to study brain metabolism. However, the term noninvasive is somewhat misleading in that one chapter describes the use of fluorescence spectroscopy to measure the redox state of excised corneas at liquid nitrogen temperature, while another discusses the application of NMR to study gluconeogenesis in
isolate perfused livers. In seven of the ten chapters in this book NMR is the technique discussed, and five of these deal mainly with 3~p NMR. For this reason the editor briefly reviews the NMR technique in the introduction. However, it should be pointed out that extensive knowledge of NMR is not necessary to understand most of the material found in this volume. Applications that are covered include: 3ap NMR measurements of intracellular pH, the phosphorus metabolism of the intact heart and whole animals (using surface coils); aap and ~3C NMR studies of the protozoan Acanthamoeba castellani, and ~3C NMR studies of gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes and perfused mouse liver. The chapter on the NMR of flowing blood from a dog is of interest since it points out that other nuclei, e.g. 23Na, ~gF (from halogenated anesthetics) can be studied by this technique.
Books Received
reins Academic Press, 1982. £19.211/$39.511 (viii
edited by Jack S. Cohen, John Wiley and Sons, 1982. £36.50 (xiv + 270 pages) ISBN 0 471 08893 5
Review copies of the following books have been received. Books which have been reviewed in full in
TIBS are not included. Books Received - List 4, continued R. J. Hamilton and P. A. Sewell Introduction l b High I'erfi~rmance Liquid Chromatography 2nd edn, Chapman and Hall Ltd, 1982. £13.00 (xi + 248 pages) ISBN 1) 421 23430 0 E. W. Johns (ed.) 7"he t t M G (hromosomal Pro-
251 pages) ISBN 0 12 3860504 Wendell W. Leavitt (ed.)Advances in k.xperimental Medicine and Biology Vol. 138 ttormones and (ancer Plenum Press. 1982. $49.50 (ix + 421 pages) ISBN 1) 306 40831 7 Gerald Litwack (ed.) Biochemkal Actions of ttormones Vol. IX Academic Press. 1982. £42.(X) (xiii 362 pages) ISBN 0 12 4528119 0 John J. Marchalonis and Michael G. Hanna (cds) ('ancer Biology Reviews Vol. 3 Marcel Dekker Inc.,
This book is intended for and recommended to all individuals who relate to renal physiology and biochemistry. PAUL L. WOLF
Paul L. Wolf is Professor o f Pathology at the University Hospital, UCSD, 225 W. Dickinson. San Diego, CA 92103, U.S.A.
The three remaining chapters deal with the continuous monitoring of volatile metabolites by mass spectrometry, the measurement of the redox state of the cornea by fluorescence spectroscopy and the use of positron-emitting isotopes, e.g. HC, aSF for metabolic imaging. The latter chapter, which was not part of the original symposium, is in my opinion one of the best contributions in the book. In summary, this book is a useful source of information on some current methods to study tissue metabolism non-invasively. The heavy emphasis placed on NMR merely reflects the important contribution that this technique is making to our understanding of in- vivo metabolic processes. COLIN F. CHIGNELL
Colin F. Chignell is Chief at the Laboratory o f Environmental Biophysics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, P.O. Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 17709, U.S.A.
1982. SFr 118.(X) (x + 211 pages) ISBN 0 8247 1885 2 P. A. Mardh. K. K. Holmes, J. D. Oriel, P. Piol and J. Schachter leds) Chlarnydial ln tbctirms Elsevier Biomedical Press. 1982. D r . 136.(X) (viii + 454 pages) ISBN 0 444 81.1431 5 V. Ter Meulen, S. Siddell and H. Wege (eds)
Advances in t:xperimental Medk'ine attd Biology Vol. 142 - Biochemist O' and Biology o f ( oronaviru, s'es Plenum Press, 1981. $49.5/) (x ~ 438 pages) [SBN 0 306 40806 6
TIBS -February 1983 to present a systematized classification of various types of concerted (synarchic) regulation by calcium and calmodulin: coordinate, hierarchic (positive control) or antagonist (negative control), redundant and sequential. Several examples of each of the various models are given. One may argue against the value of such simplification of very complex regulatory systems, particularly when insufficient information is still available. If too few restrictions are applied, then clearly all metabolic functions of a cell are related at some level or other. On the other hand, most useful generalizations will not be applicable to all situations. One weakness of Rasmussen's treatment (which he recognizes) is that there is no evidence that some important cellular functions, such as growth, storage and differentiation, fit his model easily. Also excluded from systematization, although discussed in the review, are other potential messenger systems such as phosphoinositol, diacyglycerol, cGMP and ions other than calcium.
Single messenger systems such as those which may exist in skeletal muscle and toad bladder are discussed but not allowed for in the current scheme. The large number of exceptions and the multiplicity of types of regulation in some measure defeat the purpose of the original generalization. Nevertheless, to the extent that they lead to experiments that provide new insights, these classifications may be justified. Rasmussen's analysis in 1970 served the important function of inspiring experimental work and providing a unifying conceptual framework to link many diverse observations. It is not clear that the present expansion of his notions will serve similarly. Integrative, co-ordinated responses which can be regulated either by concentration of the second messenger (amplitude regulation) or by the effect of one messenger on the other (sensitivity regulation), and kinetic as well as spatial regulation are however useful, if not precisely original proposals. In view of the broad scope of Rasums-
Wealth of detail on functional thermodynamics of haemoglobin Allosteric Effects in Haemoglobin
by Kiyohiro lmai, Cambridge University Press, 1982. £30.00 (xvi + 275 pages) ISBN 0 521 22575 2 Imai has made notable contributions to the development of precise methodology, and in the application of such techniques to the measurement of hemoglobin--oxygen binding curves. Over the last decade his work has enabled characterization of the fundamental four Adair constants for a variety of hemoglobins under a variety of solution conditions. With the availability of precise Adair constants one could explore a number of questions and problems. Examination could be made of how well the simple molecular models such as the Monod-Wyman-Changeux two allosteric model, or the sequential models initially proposed by Pauling and generalized by Koshland, Nemethy and Filmer, describe the oxygen binding properties of hemoglobin. The effect of pH, of ionic solution conditions, of allosteric effector concentrations, and of temperature, upon the Adair constants could be treated in the light of Wyman linkage rules to reveal the thermodynamics of linked reactions with unparalleled detail. This book mainly draws together the experience of the author in studying the oxygen-binding properties of hemoglobin from the preceding viewpoint. There are two short chapters dealing with rudimentary properties of binding curves and with the general structural features known from
X-ray crystallography of hemoglobin. The major thrust of the book comes in a detailed chapter outlining the various methods for determination of oxygen binding curves to hemoglobin, with special attention appropriately given to the author's method. This is followed by another practical chapter on methods of analysis of binding curves in terms of various plots and a description of the non-linear least-squares method used for the determination of the Adair parameters. The remaining half of the book deals with specific application of these methods to the study of hemoglobin, and to
sen's treatment it.is not surprising that it is sometimes relatively superficial and sometimes inaccurate. There is, for example, no evidence yet that calmodulin is ever free in the cytosol; the state and content of calmodulin in the cell remain to be determined with precision. Also, cAMP does not increase the rate of association of calmodulin and phosphodiesterase but decreases the rate of dissociation of the complex of the two proteins. Despite such objections, I feel that because of its broad survey of an immense literature, the book is a good starting point for anyone interested in studying cellular regulation so long as he then goes back to the references for more in-depth study. CLAUDE B. KLEE
(hie]', Macromolecular Interactions Section, Laboratory o f BioehemL;try, Department o] ttealth and Human Services, National Institutes o] Health, National ( ancer Institute, Bethesda, ~ID 20205. U.S.A.
the examination of selected molecular models. The experimental studies are taken largely from the author's work and include examination of a variety of modified and abnormal hemoglobins. There is a wealth of detailed information in this book about the functional thermodynamics of hemoglobin. The inclusion of other studies on the binding properties of hemoglobin as well as a more critical development of the mathematics of binding curves would have broadened the usefulness of this book. S'I ANLE'I J. GILL.
Professor o f Chemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, U.S.A.
Useful view of renal metabolism Biochemistry of Kidney Functions (Inserm Symposium 21)
edited by Francois Morel, Elsevier Biomedical Press, 1982. $88.50/ Dfl. 190 (xvii + 462 pages) ISBN 0 444 80417 X This book represents the proceedings of the Sixth International Symposium of the Biochemistry of Kidney Functions held at Le Rischenberg Bischoffsheim. France, 7-10 December 1981. The various types of epithelium in the renal nephron have specific transport and permeability properties. New approaches to investigate the biochemistry and physiology of successive segments of the
nephron are continually being developed, and this publication illustrates current trends in the field. The papers are arranged in six sections: (1) Isolation and culture of cells of various segments of the nephron; (2) Metabolism of lipids in the kidney; (3) Metabolism and its regulation in transporting tissues; (4) Sites and mechanisms of corticosteroids in the kidney; (5) Enzymes and metabolism in isolated segments of the nephron; and (6) Biochemical and transport properties of the proximal tubule. Among the more important subjects discussed are those of glomerular synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxane, synthesis of matrix proteins by mesangial and smooth muscle cells, and metabolism of 25 (OH)D3. Other important chapters contain
T1BS - February 1983
74 data relating to renomedullary lipogenesis, renal ammonia metabolism, renal ketone body utilization, aldosterone effects on the kidney and its metabolism by renal tissue, tubular binding sites of aldosterone, quantitative histochemistry of various parts of
the nephron, and renal phosphorus utilization. The chapters contain much useful information. The strength of the book appears to be the emphasis of current trends in research in renal metabolism.
A b s e n c e o f slicing - tissue m e t a b o l i s m investigated Non-invasive Probes of Tissue Metabolism
This book is based on a symposium held in June 1980 at the New Orleans meeting of the American Society of Biological Chemists. According to the editor the term noninvasive is taken to mean that the sample organism is not 'sliced up' in order to obtain the results. This has resulted in the exclusion of fluoresence probe techniques and the use of [x4C]2-deoxyglucose to study brain metabolism. However, the term noninvasive is somewhat misleading in that one chapter describes the use of fluorescence spectroscopy to measure the redox state of excised corneas at liquid nitrogen temperature, while another discusses the application of NMR to study gluconeogenesis in
isolate perfused livers. In seven of the ten chapters in this book NMR is the technique discussed, and five of these deal mainly with 3~p NMR. For this reason the editor briefly reviews the NMR technique in the introduction. However, it should be pointed out that extensive knowledge of NMR is not necessary to understand most of the material found in this volume. Applications that are covered include: 3ap NMR measurements of intracellular pH, the phosphorus metabolism of the intact heart and whole animals (using surface coils); aap and ~3C NMR studies of the protozoan Acanthamoeba castellani, and ~3C NMR studies of gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes and perfused mouse liver. The chapter on the NMR of flowing blood from a dog is of interest since it points out that other nuclei, e.g. 23Na, ~gF (from halogenated anesthetics) can be studied by this technique.
Books Received
reins Academic Press, 1982. £19.211/$39.511 (viii
edited by Jack S. Cohen, John Wiley and Sons, 1982. £36.50 (xiv + 270 pages) ISBN 0 471 08893 5
Review copies of the following books have been received. Books which have been reviewed in full in
TIBS are not included. Books Received - List 4, continued R. J. Hamilton and P. A. Sewell Introduction l b High I'erfi~rmance Liquid Chromatography 2nd edn, Chapman and Hall Ltd, 1982. £13.00 (xi + 248 pages) ISBN 1) 421 23430 0 E. W. Johns (ed.) 7"he t t M G (hromosomal Pro-
251 pages) ISBN 0 12 3860504 Wendell W. Leavitt (ed.)Advances in k.xperimental Medicine and Biology Vol. 138 ttormones and (ancer Plenum Press. 1982. $49.50 (ix + 421 pages) ISBN 1) 306 40831 7 Gerald Litwack (ed.) Biochemkal Actions of ttormones Vol. IX Academic Press. 1982. £42.(X) (xiii 362 pages) ISBN 0 12 4528119 0 John J. Marchalonis and Michael G. Hanna (cds) ('ancer Biology Reviews Vol. 3 Marcel Dekker Inc.,
This book is intended for and recommended to all individuals who relate to renal physiology and biochemistry. PAUL L. WOLF
Paul L. Wolf is Professor o f Pathology at the University Hospital, UCSD, 225 W. Dickinson. San Diego, CA 92103, U.S.A.
The three remaining chapters deal with the continuous monitoring of volatile metabolites by mass spectrometry, the measurement of the redox state of the cornea by fluorescence spectroscopy and the use of positron-emitting isotopes, e.g. HC, aSF for metabolic imaging. The latter chapter, which was not part of the original symposium, is in my opinion one of the best contributions in the book. In summary, this book is a useful source of information on some current methods to study tissue metabolism non-invasively. The heavy emphasis placed on NMR merely reflects the important contribution that this technique is making to our understanding of in- vivo metabolic processes. COLIN F. CHIGNELL
Colin F. Chignell is Chief at the Laboratory o f Environmental Biophysics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, P.O. Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 17709, U.S.A.
1982. SFr 118.(X) (x + 211 pages) ISBN 0 8247 1885 2 P. A. Mardh. K. K. Holmes, J. D. Oriel, P. Piol and J. Schachter leds) Chlarnydial ln tbctirms Elsevier Biomedical Press. 1982. D r . 136.(X) (viii + 454 pages) ISBN 0 444 81.1431 5 V. Ter Meulen, S. Siddell and H. Wege (eds)
Advances in t:xperimental Medk'ine attd Biology Vol. 142 - Biochemist O' and Biology o f ( oronaviru, s'es Plenum Press, 1981. $49.5/) (x ~ 438 pages) [SBN 0 306 40806 6