Protein-coupled membrane transport

Abstract The cannabinoid neurotransmitter system comprises cannabinoid G protein-coupled membrane receptors (CBi and CB2), endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), as well as mechanisms for their synthesis, membrane transport and metabolism. Within the brain the marijuana constituent -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produces its pharmacological actions by acting on cannabinoid CBl receptors. THC modulates neuronal excitability by inhibiting synaptic trans-... 

Adenosine is produced by many tissues, mainly as a byproduct of ATP breakdown. It is released from neurons, glia and other cells, possibly through the operation of the membrane transport system. Its rate of production varies with the functional state of the tissue and it may play a role as an autocrine or paracrine mediator (e.g. controlling blood flow). The uptake of adenosine is blocked by dipyridamole, which has vasodilatory effects. The effects of adenosine are mediated by a group of G protein-coupled receptors (the Gi/o-coupled Ai- and A3 receptors, and the Gs-coupled A2a-/A2B receptors). Ai receptors can mediate vasoconstriction, block of cardiac atrioventricular conduction and reduction of force of contraction, bronchoconstriction, and inhibition of neurotransmitter release. A2 receptors mediate vasodilatation and are involved in the stimulation of nociceptive afferent neurons. A3 receptors mediate the release of mediators from mast cells. Methylxanthines (e.g. caffeine) function as antagonists of Ai and A2 receptors. Adenosine itself is used to terminate supraventricular tachycardia by intravenous bolus injection. 

Resistance to quinolones by efflux has been described in Staph, aureus and Proteus mirabilis. This gene has been designated nor A in Staph, aureus and is homologous to membrane transport proteins coupled to the electromotive force. These proteins have the ability to remove small amounts of quinolone from cells normally and nor A may have arisen as a result of mutations under selective pressure from quinolone use, resulting in a transport protein with increased affinity for these agents. 

In this chapter, a novel interpretation of the membrane transport process elucidated based on a voltammetric concept and method is presented, and the important role of charge transfer reactions at aqueous-membrane interfaces in the membrane transport is emphasized [10,17,18]. Then, three respiration mimetic charge (ion or electron) transfer reactions observed by the present authors at the interface between an aqueous solution and an organic solution in the absence of any enzymes or proteins are introduced, and selective ion transfer reactions coupled with the electron transfer reactions are discussed [19-23]. The reaction processes of the charge transfer reactions and the energetic relations... 

Mechanisms of drug action. To mediate a response the drug can bind to the desired therapeutic target or to other molecular targets such as G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), ion channels, or transporters on the cell membrane, or to intracellular targets such as enzymes and nuclear hormone receptors. 

The mechanism by which Na" is reabsorbed in coupled exchange with and K+ in the collecting duct has been discussed previously that is, Na+-driven K+ secretion is partially under mineralocorticoid control. Aldosterone and other compounds with mineralocorticoid activity bind to a specific mineralocorticoid receptor in the cytoplasm of late distal tubule cells and of principal cells of the collecting ducts. This hormone-receptor complex is transported to the cell nucleus, where it induces synthesis of multiple proteins that are collectively called aldosterone-induced proteins. The precise mechanisms by which these proteins enhance Na+ transport are incompletely understood. However, the net effect is to increase Na" entry across apical cell membranes and to increase basolateral membrane Na+-K+-ATPase activity and synthesis. 

More generally, one-electron oxidation of protein-bound phenols to form reactive ary-loxyl radicals is a possible pro-oxidant mechanism since these radicals can propagate H-atom or electron transfers within the protein. In addition to phenol protein covalent coupling, these phenol-mediated oxidative damages to proteins could be detrimental to their function as enzymes, receptors, and membrane transporters. For instance, investigations by capillary electrophoresis have shown that quercetin in concentrations lower than 25 pM potentiates HSA degradation by AAPH-derived peroxyl radicals. 

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