[Acute effect of milrinone on pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with hypoxic pulmonary hypertension]

Milrinone is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that has vasorelaxant activity. The authors studied its effect on pulmonary haemodynamics in 12 patients with hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. After treatment with milrinone, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (from 4.61 +/- 1.41 kPa to 3.36 +/- 1.20 kPa, 1kPa = 7.5mmHg) and pulmonary vascular resistance (from 557.56 +/- 167.70 dyne.sec.cm-5 to 392.60 +/- 133. 81 dyne.sec.cm-5) decreased (P < 0.05), while cardiac output increased (from 5.11 +/- 1.62 L/min to 5.62 +/- 1.66 L/min) (P > 0.05). The systemic blood pressure (from 11.50 +/- 1.63 kPa to 10.71 +/- 1.83 kPa) and systemic vascular resistance (from 1476.64 +/- 531.52 dyne.sec.cm-5 to 1,236.49 +/- 410.18 dyne.sec.cm-5) also decreased (P > 0.05). but there was no change in arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2). The incidence of side effects were low, 4 patients developed tackycardia, and 2 patients developed ventricular premature beats. It is therefore, shown that milrinone is a potent pulmonary vasodilator.

An analysis of the effects of eddy currents on L-band EPR spectra

Recently, impressive results have been obtained with EPR studies of living animals and perfused organs using low-frequency EPR. In many instances in such studies, however, there are apparent distortions of the spectra. The shapes of these spectra and theoretical considerations indicate that these effects are due to eddy currents in the moderately conductive biological materials. Therefore the effects of eddy currents produced in biological samples under typical conditions being employed for in vivo EPR studies have been systematically studied in order to determine the extent of these effects and to develop methods for compensating for these effects. The presence of eddy currents was found to decrease the Q factor and distort the shapes of the EPR spectra. The distortion of the spectra led to linewidth broadening, changes in peak heights, and shifts of the apparent center of the lines. These effects could be corrected instrumentally, but this was effective only when signals have a high S/N. The use of appropriate computer simulations, based on linear combinations of the expected absorption and dispersion signals, can effectively correct for the effects of eddy currents and provide accurate data on the parameters of EPR spectra that are needed for most or all of the analyses used in biological studies of animals and tissues at low frequencies.

[Surgical treatment of carcinoma of low rectum]

1230 cases of low rectal cancer were treated surgically from 1954 through 1990 with a resectability rate of 79.92% and a curative resectability rate of 63.98%. Among curative resections, abdomino-perineal excision accounted for 71.16% and sphincter-saving resection for 28.84%. Before 1980, 19.19% cases were treated with SSR and since 1980 it was raisen to 41.04%. In comparison of the results of group before 1980 with those since 1980, the mortality rate of curative resection was 1.56% and 0.99% respectively. The 5-year survival rate of curative resection (life table method) was 58.96% +/- 2.87% in APR and 80.39% +/- 5.06% in SSR before 1980, and 71.65% +/- 3.28% in APR and 83.82% +/- 3.46% since 1980. The local recurrence after curative resection was 13.57% in APR and 12.33% in SSR. The data showed that in properly selected cases, the outcome was better in SSR than in APR either in survival or in quality of life. The feasibility and reasonality of the SSR and the rules for selecting the operative procedures in low rectal cancer were discussed in detail.

Protein kinase A and hedgehog signaling in Drosophila limb development

The Drosophila hedgehog (hh) gene encodes a secreted protein involved in organizing growth and patterning in many developmental processes. Hh appears to act by inducing the localized expression of at least two other signaling molecules, decapentaplegic (dpp) and wingless (wg), which then govern cell proliferation and patterning in surrounding tissue. Here, we demonstrate that cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) is essential during limb development to prevent inappropriate dpp and wg expression. We also show that a constitutively active form of PKA can prevent inappropriate dpp and wg expression, but does not interfere with their normal induction by hh. We propose that the basal activity of PKA imposes a block on the transcription of dpp and wg and that hh exerts its organizing influence by alleviating this block.

In vivo oximetry using EPR and India ink

Recent advances in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) oximetry have established the use of the particulate materials fusinite and lithium phthalocyanine (LiPc) as probes for measurement of oxygen tensions in tissues in vivo with a sensitivity and accuracy that is relevant for studying pathophysiological processes. India ink, another potentially very useful new probe for EPR oximetry, shares the critical properties of fusinite and LiPc and has the additional advantage of already having been widely used clinically with no apparent toxicity. The line width is particularly sensitive to changes in oxygen tension of less than 30 mmHg; in this range the line broadening/unit of pO2 is much greater than that of fusinite and LiPc. Over the range of biological conditions that can occur in vivo, the response of the EPR spectrum of India ink to pO2 is independent of pH, oxidants, reductants, and the nature of the medium. In this paper we describe the relevant properties of India ink and its use to measure pO2 in vivo in experimental animals and a human subject.

Low-frequency EPR study of chromium(V) formation from chromium(VI) in living plants

The reduction of Cr(VI) by green algae and higher plants was investigated using a low-frequency EPR spectrometer equipped with an extended loop gap resonator. Incubation of algae (Spirogyra and Mougeotia) with Cr(VI) generated both Cr(V) and Cr(III). The maximum Cr(V) signal was observed in about 10 minutes. Incubation of Cr(VI) with oat, soybean, and garlic generated Cr(V). The maximum Cr(V) peak appeared after more than 10 hours of incubation, and Cr(V) was located predominantly in the roots. The Cr(V) peak exhibited hyperfine splittings of about 0.79 gauss, typical of the Cr(V) complexes with diol-containing molecules. The results suggest that the reduction of Cr(VI) to lower oxidation states by living plants may provide a detoxification pathway for Cr(VI) in ecological systems. The results also indicate that low-frequency EPR may be used to investigate the metabolism of paramagnetic metal ions in intact plants.

Kinetics of endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor appearance in portal and systemic circulation after hemorrhagic shock in rats

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to investigate gut-derived bacterial translocation and the time course of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) appearance, both in portal and systemic circulation.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

The significance of intestinal bacteria/endotoxin translocation or TNF formation in the development of systemic sepsis has been disputed.

METHODS

A rat model of hemorrhagic shock (30-35 mm Hg for 90 min) and resuscitation was used.

RESULTS

Bacterial translocation was histologically observed in the small intestinal wall 30 minutes after resuscitation. A significant increase in LPS concentrations was found in the portal vein (91.7 +/- 30.6 pg/mL) at 90 minutes, which remained steady until 150 minutes after shock. Lipopolysaccharide increased in the systemic circulation, the levels became significant at 120 minutes, and peaked (66.5 +/- 39.2 pg/mL) 150 minutes after shock. Tumor necrosis factor concentrations were found to be significantly elevated in both portal and systemic circulation (75.6 +/- 22.1 vs. 58.4 +/- 14.1 pg/mL) at 90 minutes post-shock. Although there was no further increase in TNF concentration in the portal blood. TNF peaked (83.5 +/- 17.7 pg/mL) in systemic circulation at 120 minutes and still was markedly increased at 150 minutes post-shock. In addition, higher LPS and TNF concentrations in systemic circulation were found in the nonsurvivors than in the surviving animals at the end of resuscitation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that hemorrhagic shock may lead to early bacterial translocation in the intestinal wall and transient access of gut-derived LPS and LPS-induced mediators into the circulation predominantly via the portal circulation.

Differential detection of rat islet and brain glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) isoforms with sequence-specific peptide antibodies

We studied the distribution of the M(r) 65,000 and M(r) 67,000 isoforms of glutamic acid decarboxylase, GAD65 and GAD67, in rat islets and brain by immunocytochemistry. Synthetic peptides representing selected GAD65 or GAD67 sequences were used to produce sequence-specific antibodies, allowing differential immunocytochemical detection of the two isoforms. GAD-specific reactivity of each peptide antiserum was confirmed by ELISA, immunoblotting, and immunoprecipitation. Immunostaining specificity was verified by displacement with either immunizing or irrelevant peptide. Dual immunostaining with GAD isoform-specific antibodies and polyclonal antibodies to glucagon showed that GAD65 was primarily detected in rat pancreatic islet beta-cells, whereas alpha-cells had weak GAD65 staining. In contrast, GAD67 was detected primarily in alpha-cells. In rat brain, GAD65 and GAD67 were present in neuron cell bodies and processes. These data demonstrate that antibodies raised against the N-terminus of GAD allow differential immunocytochemical identification of GAD67 and GAD65. Differential expression of GAD isoforms within islet alpha- and beta-cells supports the role of GAD65 in autoimmune diabetes and stiff-man syndrome.

Standard karyotype of Triticum umbellulatum and the characterization of derived chromosome addition and translocation lines in common wheat

A standard karyotype and a generalized idiogram of Triticum umbellulatum (syn. Aegilops umbellulata, 2n = 2x = 14) was established based on C-banding analysis of ten accessions of different geographic origin and individual T. umbellulatum chromosomes in T. aestivum - T. umbellulatum chromosome addition lines. Monosomic (MA) and disomic (DA) T. aestivum - T. umbellulatum chromosome addition lines (DA1U = B, DA2U = D, MA4U = F, DA5U = C, DA6U = A, DA7U = E = G) and telosomic addition lines (DA1US, DA1UL, DA2US, DA2UL, DA4UL, MA5US, (+ iso 5US), DA5UL, DA7US, DA7UL) were analyzed. Line H was established as a disomic addition line for the translocated wheat - T. umbellulatum chromosome T2DS·4US. Radiation-induced wheat - T. umbellulatum translocation lines resistant to leaf rust (Lr9) were identified as T40 = T6BL·6BS-6UL, T41 = T4BL·4BS-6UL, T44 = T2DS·2DL-6UL, T47 = 'Transfer' = T6BS·6BL-6UL and T52 = T7BL·7BS-6UL. Breakpoints and sizes of the transferred T. umbellulatum segments in these translocations were determined by in situ hybridization analysis using total genomic T. umbellulatum DNA as a probe.

Chromosome painting of Amigo wheat

Chromosome painting using multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization showed that, in addition to the T1AL·1RS translocation derived from rye, a segment from chromosome 3Ae#1 of Agropyron elongatum (2n=10x =70), is present in Amigo wheat. The Agropyron chromosome segment is located on the satellite of chromosome 1B and the translocation chromosome is designated as T1BL·1BS-3Ae#1L. T1BL·1BS-3Ae#1L was inherited from Teewon wheat and carries resistance genes to stem rust (Sr24) and leaf rust (Lr24). The Agropyron chromosome segments in different Sr24/Lr24 carrier wheat lines, including Agent, TAP 48, TAP 67, Teewon, and Amigo, showed a diagnostic C-band, and were derived from the same chromosome, 3Ae#1.

Construction and characterization of a bacterial artificial chromosome library of Sorghum bicolor

The construction of representative large insert DNA libraries is critical for the analysis of complex genomes. The predominant vector system for such work is the yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) system. Despite the success of YACs, many problems have been described including: chimerism, tedious steps in library construction and low yields of YAC insert DNA. Recently a new E.coli based system has been developed, the bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) system, which offers many potential advantages over YACs. We tested the BAC system in plants by constructing an ordered 13,440 clone sorghum BAC library. The library has a combined average insert size, from single and double size selections, of 157 kb. Sorghum inserts of up to 315 kb were isolated and shown to be stable when grown for over 100 generations in liquid media. No chimeric clones were detected as determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization of ten BAC clones to metaphase and interphase S.bicolor nuclei. The library was screened with six sorghum probes and three maize probes and all but one sorghum probe hybridized to at least one BAC clone in the library. To facilitate chromosome walking with the BAC system, methods were developed to isolate the proximal ends of restriction fragments inserted into the BAC vector and used to isolate both the left and right ends of six randomly selected BAC clones. These results demonstrate that the S. bicolor BAC library will be useful for several physical mapping and map-based cloning applications not only in sorghum but other related cereal genomes, such as maize. Furthermore, we conclude that the BAC system is suitable for most large genome applications, is more 'user friendly' than the YAC system, and will likely lead to rapid progress in cloning biologically significant genes from plants.

Multivalent melanotropic peptide and fluorescent macromolecular conjugates: new reagents for characterization of melanotropin receptors

Radioreceptor binding studies have documented the presence of melanotropin receptors on some but not all of the various human melanoma cell lines that have been studied. Using a newly developed class of multivalent fluorescent melanotropin-macromolecular conjugates, we have demonstrated for the first time the presence of specific melanotropin receptors on all of the melanoma cell lines, both mouse and human, melanotic as well as amelanotic, that were investigated. The conjugates developed by us consisted of multiple copies of both a potent melanotropin analogue and a fluorophore, both arranged in a pendent fashion on a biologically inert macromolecule. While the multivalency of these conjugates may have established stronger binding with the melanotropin receptors on the cell surface (perhaps by establishing simultaneous multiple interactions), the presence of multiple copies of the fluorophore also greatly increased the level of detection in fluorescence labeling experiments. Membrane receptor-hormone-associated phenomena, such as capping and internalization of the receptor-ligand complex, also were observed. The details of these methods are described using B-16 mouse melanoma cells as a model system. The demonstration of MSH receptors as a common marker for melanoma suggests that this methodology might be employed for early clinical detection and anatomical localization of melanoma. These results also offer the possibility that substitution of the fluorophore in these conjugates by a chemical agent of (chemo-)therapeutic relevance may provide a powerful tool for site specific (tumor) targeting and cytotoxicity.

Low-frequency EPR detection of chromium(V) formation by chromium(VI) reduction in whole live mice

Measurements by direct low frequency EPR spectroscopy provide the first evidence that Cr(V) is generated in one-electron reduction of Cr(VI) in live mice. The Cr(V) yield reached a maximum about 10 min following Cr(VI) intravenous injection and then decayed slowly with a life time of approximately 37 min. The time for the Cr(V) EPR signal to reach maximum intensity increased with the dose of Cr(VI). A discernible EPR signal was still observable at a dose as low as 0.1 mmol/kg. The Cr(V) was found predominantly in the liver, with a small amount in the blood. No Cr(V) signal was detectable in heart, spleen, kidney, and lung. Pretreatment of the animals with metal ion chelators, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, and 1,10-phenanthroline significantly reduced the intensity of the Cr(V) signal that was observed.

Chromosomal localization and molecular-marker tagging of the powdery mildew resistance gene (Lv) in tomato

We report the tagging of a powdery mildew [Leveillula taurica (Lév.) Arnaud.] resistance gene (Lv) in tomato using RAPD and RFLP markers. DNA from a resistant (cv Laurica) and a susceptible cultivar were screened with 300 random primers that were used to amplify DNA of resistant and susceptible plants. Four primers yielded fragments that were unique to the resistant line and linked to the resistance gene in an F2 population. One of these amplified fragments, OP248, with a molecular weight of 0.7 kb, was subsequently mapped to chromosome 12, 1 cM away from CT134. Using RFLP markers located on chromosome 12, it was shown that approximately one half of chromosome 12 (about 42 cM), in the resistant variety is comprised of foreign DNA, presumably introgressed with the resistance gene from the wild species L. chilense. Further analysis of a backcross population revealed that the Lv gene lies in the 5.5-cM interval between RFLP markers, CT211 and CT219. As a prelude to map-based cloning of the Lv gene, we are currently enriching the density of markers in this region by a combination of RAPD primers and other techniques.

In vivo measurement of oxygen concentration using sonochemically synthesized microspheres

Proteinaceous microspheres filled with nitroxides dissolved in an organic liquid have been synthesized for the first time using high intensity ultrasound; these were used to measure oxygen concentrations in living biological systems. The microspheres have an average size of 2.5 microns, and the proteinaceous shell is permeable to oxygen. Encapsulation of the nitroxides into the microsphere greatly increased the sensitivity of the electron paramagnetic resonance signal line width to oxygen because of the higher solubility of oxygen in organic solvents. The encapsulation also protected the nitroxide from bioreduction. No decrease in intensity of the electron paramagnetic resonance signal was observed during 70 min after intravenous injection of the microspheres into a mouse. Measurement of the changes in oxygen concentration in vivo by means of restriction of blood flow, anesthesia, and change of oxygen content in the respired gas were made using these microspheres.

New 18S.26S ribosomal RNA gene loci: chromosomal landmarks for the evolution of polyploid wheats

Three new 18S.26S rRNA gene loci were identified in common wheat by sequential N-banding and in situ hybridization (ISH) analysis. Locus Nor-A7 is located at the terminal area of the long arm of 5A in both diploid and polyploid wheats. Locus Nor-B6 is located in N-band 1BL2.5 of the long arm of chromosome 1B in Triticum turgidum and Triticum aestivum. ISH sites, similar to Nor-B6, were also detected on the long arms of chromosomes 1G in Triticum timopheevii and 1S in Aegilops speltoides, but their locations on the chromosomes were different from that of Nor-B6, indicating possible chromosome rearrangements in 1GL and 1BL during evolution. The third new locus, Nor-D8, was only found on the short arm of chromosome 3D in the common wheat Wichita. The loss of rRNA gene locus Nor-A3 and gain of repetitive DNA sequence pSc119 on the terminal part of 5AS suggest a structural modification of 5AS. Comparative studies of the location of the 18S.26S rRNA gene loci in polyploid wheats and putative A and B (G) genome progenitor species support the idea that: (1) Triticum monococcum subsp. urartu is the donor of both the A and A(t) genome of polyploid wheats. (2) Ae. speltoides is closer to the B and G genome of polyploid wheats than Aegilops longissima and is the most probable progenitor of these two genomes.

Doxorubicin-induced changes in intracellular Ca2+ transients observed in cardiac myocytes isolated from guinea-pig heart

Effects of doxorubicin on intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) were examined using myocytes isolated from guinea-pig heart and loaded with fura 2. Changes in twitch contractions were assessed from the motion of myocytes. Ca2+ transients and contractions were triggered by electrical-field stimulation. Exposure of myocytes to doxorubicin depressed Ca2+ transients and contractions. The time to peak Ca2+ transient was prolonged, and Ca2+ sequestration was delayed. In myocytes treated with doxorubicin, an increase in external CaCl2 concentration from 1.2 to 3.6 mM increased the resting and peak [Ca2+]i and enhanced twitch contraction. In the presence of 3.6 mM CaCl2, isoproterenol failed to enhance Ca2+ transients or contractions of doxorubicin-treated myocytes. Effects of doxorubicin were compared with those of agents known to alter Ca2+ handling by myocytes. Caffeine enhanced the peak and resting [Ca2+]2 and contraction. Verapamil caused a rapid decrease in Ca2+ transients and twitch contractions. The effects of verapamil were reversed by isoproterenol in the presence of 3.6 mM CaCl2. Ryanodine alone and combined with doxorubicin depressed contractions and Ca2+ transients and elevated resting [Ca2+]i. Resting [Ca2+]i was further elevated by an increase in CaCl2 concentration and the addition of isoproterenol. The combination of verapamil and ryanodine inhibited Ca2+ transients and contractions. In the presence of verapamil and ryanodine, an increase in extracellular CaCl2 concentration increased resting and peak [Ca2+]i. Isoproterenol further elevated resting and peak [Ca2+]i and increased twitch contractions. These results indicate that doxorubicin alters cellular Ca2+ handling. The actions of doxorubicin are not mimicked by caffeine, verapamil, ryanodine, or the combination of verapamil and ryanodine. Among these agents, ryanodine produced effects that were closest to those observed with doxorubicin.

[Therapeutic effectiveness of zuzhongping on patients with arteriosclerostic cerebral infarction]

Forty-six patients with acute arteriosclerostic cerebral infarction were randomly divided into two groups: control group and treatment group. Each of them included 23 patients respectively. The patients in the control group were given Dextran-40 but the ones in the treatment group were given the mixture of Zuzhongping. The course of treatment was 3 weeks. It was found that there was a significant difference (P < 0.01) in the score percentage, before and after treatment of neurological defects, between the control group and the treatment group, and the former (29.70 +/- 33.52) was much lower than the latter (45.40 +/- 27.60). The total curative rate of the treatment group (87.0%, 20/23) was significantly higher than that of the control group (60.9%, 14/23). There was an obviously prolonged KPTT (kaolin partial thromboplastin time) value and a decreased Fb (fibrinogen) level in the treatment group. Before treatment they were 32.43 +/- 4.03 sec and 6.18 +/- 1.77 g/L respectively, but after treatment, 52.96 +/- 10.50 sec and 4.5 +/- 0.95 g/L respectively. The authors suggest that the significant therapeutic efficacy of Zuzhongping in the patients with acute arteriosclerostic cerebral infarction is related to its action of anticoagulation, modification of PGI2 and TXA2 level in the body, decreased blood Fb level, hyperglycemia, etc.

[A primary study of the factors related to the patients' adherence of anti-hypertensive therapy]

An interview covering demographic information, history of hypertension as well as medical and health-related questions was conducted on 540 hypertension patients in Chengdu. The objective of the study was to analyse the factors related to the adherence to antihypertensive therapy of these patients. The simple analysis showed that the education level of the patients, the type of payment for visiting physician, the convenience of visiting physician, the awareness of the severity of hypertension, the average family income of the patients were related to the adherence to therapy. The step multi-regression analysis showed that the type of payment for visiting physician, the convenience of visiting physician and the average family income were related to the adherence to antihypertensive therapy.

Ligand-specificity of the rat GLP-I receptor recombinantly expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-) cells

Glucagon-like peptide-I (GLP-I) is a potent incretin hormone and is considered as a new therapeutic tool in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. This study was designed to precisely characterize the binding behavior and activation of the recombinant GLP-I receptor against naturally occurring ligands of the glucagon/VIP/secretin peptide hormone family. CHO-cells were stably transfected with a plasmid containing a cDNA encoding for the rat GLP-I receptor. Northern blot analysis with this cDNA showed a single band of 2.7 kb in CHO cells, while in RINm5F cells, three bands of 2.7, 3.4, and 3.6 kb were specifically labelled. In receptor-binding studies 125I-GLP-I was displaced by GLP-I and weakly by PHI and oxyntomodulin but not by helodermin, helospectin I, helospectin II, secretin, VIP, and PACAP-38. Intracellular cAMP generation was stimulated by GLP-I, PHI, and oxyntomodulin. Helodermin, helospectin I, helospectin II, secretin, VIP, and PACAP-38 were not able to displace 125I-GLP-I from its receptor or to stimulate intracellular cAMP production. This data shows that the GLP-I receptor is characterized by a high ligand specificity.

Dual effects of nicardipine: evidence from intracellular Ca2+ transients and twitch contractions observed in single myocytes obtained from rat heart

Mechanisms responsible for dual actions of nicardipine were examined using myocytes isolated from ventricular muscle of rat heart. About 60% of isolated rat myocytes showed positive force-frequency relationships. These cells had lower intracellular Ca2+ concentrations at rest. In the remaining cells that had higher resting Ca(2+)-concentrations, an increase in frequency of stimulation from 1 Hz to 2 Hz produced either no change or reduction in the amplitude of Ca2+ transients and twitch contractions. In 13 of 34 myocytes that showed positive force-frequency relationships, nicardipine enhanced the Ca2+ transient and produced sustained positive inotropic effects. In 11 of 20 cells that showed negative force-frequency relationships, nicardipine produced negative inotropic effects. Inhibition was partly reversed by an increase in extracellular CaCl2 concentration from 1.2 to 3.6 mM. In the remaining cells, nicardipine failed to either increase or decrease the amplitude of Ca2+ transient or twitch contraction. Bay K-8644 produced positive inotropic effects in most cells. These results indicate that nicardipine either enhances or inhibits Ca2+ transients and twitch contractions depending on the Ca2+ loading state of myocytes. The present results are consistent with the hypothesis that nicardipine stabilizes the state of Ca2+ channels, either in the inactivated state in cells that are well loaded with Ca2+, or in the activated state when the degree of Ca2+ loading is relatively low.

[Cloning and sequencing of the major surface antigen gene of Toxoplasma gondii]

According to the published gene sequence of the major surface antigen (P30), a pair of primers were designed and synthesized. At the 5' end of sense and anti-sense strand of the primers, EcoRI and BamHI sites were added, respectively. Using PCR, the coding sequences of P30 gene were amplified. The amplified gene fragments and plasmid pBV220 were digested with EcoRI and BamHI, and then ligated. The inserted gene fragment was sequenced by the chain termination method. The reading revealed that nucleotide sequence determined here was the same as the sequence published by Burg (1988), except one base was exchanged. The recombinant plasmid pBV220-P30 was constructed.

Stable expression of the rat GLP-I receptor in CHO cells: activation and binding characteristics utilizing GLP-I(7-36)-amide, oxyntomodulin, exendin-4, and exendin(9-39)

Glucagon-like peptide-I (GLP-I) is a potent insulinotropic peptide that mediates its actions at pancreatic B-cells via specific receptors. In the present study we stably expressed the rat B-cell GLP-I receptor in CHO cells and studied binding characteristics and receptor activation utilizing the naturally occurring receptor agonist GLP-I(7-36)-amide (GLP-I), the proglucagon-derived GLP-I-related peptide oxyntomodulin, the GLP-I receptor agonist exendin-4, and the specific antagonist exendin(9-39). The potencies to displace [125I]GLP-I from the receptor were GLP-I > exendin-4 > exendin(9-39) > oxyntomodulin, and to displace [125I]exendin-4 GLP-I = exendin-4 > exendin(9-39) > oxyntomodulin. cAMP production was stimulated equally by GLP-I and exendin-4. Oxyntomodulin was less potent to stimulate cAMP generation. Exendin(9-39) blocked the stimulatory action of GLP-I and exendin-4 on cAMP production, but not that of oxyntomodulin. This study shows that GLP-I and exendin-4 are potent agonists at the transfected rat B-cell GLP-I receptor whereas oxyntomodulin is only a weak GLP-I receptor agonist. Furthermore, exendin(9-39) is a potent GLP-I receptor antagonist. This peptide is a valuable tool to further study the physiological actions of GLP-I.

Bioconcentration of cadmium in water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in relation to thiol group content

To study the bioconcentration of cadmium in water hyacinth, the plants were exposed to water containing 2 microg Cd2+/ml for extended periods of time. Three strains from several exposures during a 30-day period were sampled for the analyses of cadmium and thiol group. The data showed that the plant concentrates cadmium mainly in the roots and that the cadmium uptake is proportional to the increase of the thiol group content. The latter suggests the possibility of using the thiol group content to assess the bioconcentration of heavy metal ions in water hyacinth and as a general parameter for monitoring the heavy metal pollution of water. A simple two-compartmental model was used to simulate the kinetics of cadmium uptake. The calculated bioconcentration factor matches the one derived directly from experimental data, indicating the adequacy of the model.

Detection of the human glucagon-like peptide 1(7-36) amide receptor on insulinoma-derived cell membranes

125I-glucagon-like peptide 1(7-36)amide was covalently cross-linked to a specific binding protein in human insulinoma cell membranes. A single radiolabeled band at M(r) 63,000 was identified by SDS-PAGE after solubilization of the ligand-binding protein complex. The molecular weight of this apparent GLP-1 receptor in human endocrine pancreatic tissue was of identical size as the GLP-1 receptor on rat insulinoma-derived RINm5F cell membranes. The radiolabeled band was undetectable when 1 microM of unlabeled GLP-1(7-36)amide or of the GLP-1 antagonist exendin(9-39)amide was included in the binding assay. Utilizing isolated poly-A+ RNA from the human insulinoma and a 1,500 bp Eco-RI fragment of the cDNA coding for the rat GLP-1(7-36)amide receptor for Northern blot analysis, a main hybridization signal at about 7 kb was found by Northern blotting. Our data provide the first direct evidence of the existence of GLP-1 receptors in human endocrine pancreatic tissue.

Introgression of Elymus trachycaulus chromatin into common wheat

A number of wheat-Elymus trachycaulus (2n = 4x = 28, genomically StStHtHt) chromosome addition, substitution, and translocation lines were isolated from the derivatives of an E. trachycaulus x wheat hybrid. Eighteen out of a total of 28 chromosome arms of E. trachycaulus were recovered in the addition lines. The genomic affinity of individual E. trachycaulus chromosomes was analysed by comparative chromosome banding and in situ hybridization using genome-specific repetitive DNA sequences as probes. The homoeology of the E. trachycaulus chromosomes added to wheat was determined by storage protein, isozyme, and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Alloplasmic wheat-E. trachycaulus chromosome additions were isolated which only involved chromosome 1Ht and 1St that carry fertility restoration gene Rf-Ht1 and Rf-St1, respectively. Based on the results of production and characterization of a wheat-E. trachycaulus 5Ht(5B) substitution line, it is likely that some wheat chromosomes can be well compensated genetically by E. trachycaulus chromosomes. Several spontaneous wheat-E. trachycaulus chromosome translocation lines were detected. All the translocation lines involved either 1Ht or 1St. To estimate the potential of recombination between wheat and E. trachycaulus chromosomes, a backcross population derived from a plant which was double monosomic for chromosomes 7A and 7AL.7AS-1StS and a ph1b gene was developed. The plants from this population were analysed for 1St-specific genetic markers and no recombinant was recovered.

Different species-specific chromosome translocations in Triticum timopheevii and T. turgidum support the diphyletic origin of polyploid wheats

Triticum timopheevii ssp. timopheevii and T. timopheevii ssp. araraticum were analysed by sequential N-banding and genomic in situ hybridization. Three chromosomes, 6At, 1G and 4G, were involved in At-G intergenomic translocations in all six lines analysed. These chromosomes may be derived from a cyclic translocation that is species-specific to T. timopheevii. In contrast, Triticum turgidum has a species-specific cyclic translocation involving chromosomes 4A, 5A and 7B. The discovery of different species-specific chromosome translocations supports the diphyletic hypothesis of the evolution of tetraploid wheats. The results from genomic blocking analysis also revealed that the chromosomes of Aegilops speltoides are closer to the G genome than the B genome chromosomes. The possible role of species-specific translocations in the evolution of wheat is discussed.

Induction of an adaptive response to dominant lethality and to chromosome damage of mouse germ cells by low dose radiation

In the present paper, dominant lethal mutations, chromosome aberrations in spermatocytes and reciprocal translocations in stem spermatogonia were analyzed after whole body exposure of mice to X-radiation. Results both from chromosome aberrations in spermatocytes and for reciprocal translocations in spermatogonia showed that pre-exposure to low doses up to 200 mGy could induce a significant dose-dependent reduction in adapted mice compared to the non-adapted mice; the lower the adaptive dose, the greater the reduction. For dominant lethal mutations, it was found that spermatogonia (both stem cells and differentiated cells) and spermatocytes adapted to 50 mGy X-rays could show an adaptive response, but spermatids and spermatozoa could not.

[Identification of the metabolites of T-018 in the urine in female rats]

In order to identify the metabolites of T-018 (alpha-iso-butyl-p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol) in vivo, T-018 labelled with deuterium and unlabelled T-018 were administered intragastrically to two female rats. Based on the results measured by gas chromatograph mass spectrometry (GC/MS), T-018 and its four metabolites were found in the urinary extracts of the rats.

A 'zebra' chromosome arising from multiple translocations involving non-homologous chromosomes

An alloplasmic wheat line carrying a 'zebra' chromosome z5A was isolated from the derivatives of an Elymus trachycaulus x Triticum aestivum cv Chinese Spring hybrid. Chromosome z5A was named zebra because of its striped genomic in situ hybridization pattern. z5A consists of four chromosome segments derived from E. trachycaulus and four chromosome segments, including the centromere, from wheat. The short arm of z5A paired with the telocentric chromosome 1H(t)S of E. trachycaulus and the long arm with the long arm of normal 5A. z5A also carried several genetic markers derived from 1H(t)S. Chromosome 1H(t) was the only E. trachycaulus chromosome found in the sib plants of a previous generation from which z5A was derived. Monosomic 5A and telocentric chromosome 5AL were also found in most of the sib plants. The zebra chromosome most probably originated from spontaneous multiple translocations between chromosomes 5A and 1H(t)S or 5A and 1H(t).

Modulated excitation of singly ligated carboxyhemoglobin

We have extended the method of modulated excitation, a small perturbation kinetic method, to study ligand binding and conformational change of hemoglobin tetramers with a single ligand bound. To restrict the excitation to the first ligand, only 1% of the hemes have bound CO, and the remainder are kept unliganded. A detailed theory is presented which agrees well with the experimental observations. This method of observing ligand recombination also provides a novel and simple method for determination of hemoglobin concentration. Additional relaxation processes are also observed. By fitting independently determined spectra to the spectra associated with the relaxations, these processes are assigned as thermal excitation and thermally driven protonation/deprotonation reactions. These added relaxations arise from the deoxy-Hb portion of the samples, and demonstrate that modulated excitation can be used effectively for temperature perturbation in the absence of photodissociation. The spectra observed are not well described by the spectra of allosteric change, however, and we conclude that there is no significant mixing of quaternary states at the first ligation step. In an appendix we present a derivation of the particular features seen in thermally modulated protonation reactions.

[Capillary blood viscosimeter of the microcomputer]

On the basis of specific property of non-Newtonian fluid (blood) we have worked out the formula of capillary blood viscosimeter:sheat stress tau alpha = alpha rho gh/2L shear rate f (tau alpha) = 1/pi alpha 3 [3q + h(dq/dh)] and designed and produced the prototype. Repetition experiments have indicated that the property of the instrument is stable, and a comparison of the prototype with the cone and plate viscosimeter has demonstrated the reliability of the measurements.

Conversion of a dorsal-dependent silencer into an enhancer: evidence for dorsal corepressors

In Drosophila, the dorsal (dl) morphogen gradient initiates the differentiation of the embryonic mesoderm and neuroectoderm by activating the expression of regulatory genes (e.g. twist and snail) in a concentration-dependent manner. dl also functions as a repressor that establishes the dorsal epidermis and amnioserosa by restricting regulatory genes such as dpp and zen to dorsal regions of the embryo. The ability of dl to function as both an activator and repressor distinguishes it from the bicoid morphogen, which appears to function solely as an activator. In an effort to determine how dl functions as a repressor we have performed a detailed characterization of a zen silencer element, called the VRE, which mediates ventral repression in response to the dl gradient. A minimal 110 bp VRE sequence is identified, which is able to silence the ventral expression of a heterologous promoter. This sequence contains two dl binding sites as well as binding sites for additional nuclear factors present in early embryos. Mutations in the latter binding sites convert the minimal VRE into an enhancer, which mediates transcriptional activation in ventral regions in response to dl. These results suggest that dl is intrinsically an activator, but is converted into a potent silencer when it interacts with neighboring corepressors.

Regulation of glutamic acid decarboxylase diabetes autoantigen expression in highly purified isolated islets from Macaca nemestrina

Macaca nemestrina, which may have larger and more numerous pancreatic islets than other species, was used for large scale islet isolation by ductal collagenase perfusion and Ficoll gradient centrifugation. The average yield was 51,000 islet equivalents per pancreas, or 8,750 islets equivalents per g. The average purity was 91%, often exceeding 95%. These are the highest reported size, purity, and yield per g of any nonautomated primate islet series. Perifusion with glucose, arginine, and isobutylmethylxanthine showed appropriate biphasic insulin secretion. Unlike that in the rat, human islet glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) isoform expression is restricted. However, glycemic regulation of GAD expression has been shown only in rats. We, therefore, tested hypotheses that M. nemestrina islets also have restricted GAD expression, that GAD expression in primates is stimulated by glucose, and that this stimulation remains restricted to the 64,000 mol wt (GAD65) isoform. Immunoprecipitation of labeled islet extracts showed that GAD65 expression increased 16.7 +/- 0.6-fold during high glucose in vitro culture. After controlling for observed increases in protein synthesis, specific glucose stimulation was still 4.2 +/- 0.2-fold. Specific antisera revealed no GAD67 expression under basal conditions, and isoform restriction was maintained during stimulation. Increased GAD65 synthesis thus accounts for glucose stimulation of 64K expression. These time- and concentration-dependent effects of glucose suggest that hyperglycemia increases autoantigenicity and may accelerate beta-cell destruction in primates, supporting a role for beta-cell rest in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus prevention.

[The turnover of three amino acids in the plasma of chronic renal failure patients]

In this study, three amino acids (Ala, Leu and Phe) labelled with stable isotopes were administered to a group of CRF patients and of normal controls, respectively. Based on the measurement of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, a series of kinetic parameters of amino acid metabolism were calculated and the differences between the two groups were compared.

Allosteric kinetics and equilibria of triligated, cross-linked hemoglobin

Using modulated excitation, we have measured the forward and reverse rates of the allosteric transition between relaxed (R) and tense (T) quaternary structures for triply ligated hemoglobin (Hb), cross-linked between the alpha chains at Lys 99. Oxygen, carbon monoxide, and water were used as ligands and were studied in phosphate and low Cl- bis-Tris buffers at neutral pH. Since the cross-link prohibits disproportionation, triply ligated aquomet Hb species with ferrous beta chains were specifically isolated by isoelectric focusing. Modulated excitation provides rate pairs and therefore gives equilibrium constants between quaternary structures. To coordinate with that information, oxygen binding curves of fully ferrous and tri-aquomet Hb were also measured. L3, the equilibrium constant between three liganded R and T structures, is determined by modulated excitation to be of order unity for O2 or CO (1.1 to 1.5 for 3O2 and 0.7 for 3CO bound), while with three aquomet subunits it is much greater (> or = 23). R-->T conversion rates are similar to those found for HbA, with weak sensitivity to changes in L3. The L3 values from HbXL O2 were used to obtain a unique allosteric decomposition of the ferrous O2 binding curve in terms of KT, KR, and L3. From these values and the O2 binding curve of tri-aquomet HbXL, L3 was calculated to be 2.7 for the tri-aquomet derivative. Consistency in L3 values between equilibrium and modulated excitation data for tri-aquomet-HbXL can be achieved if the equilibrium constant for O2 binding to the alpha chains is six times lower than that for binding to the beta chains in the R state, while the cooperative properties remain homogeneous. The results are in quantitative agreement with other studies, and suggest that the principal effect of the cross-link is to decrease the R state and T state affinity of the alpha subunits with almost no change in the affinity of the beta subunits, leaving the allosteric parameters L and c unchanged.

Responses of the bovine mammary artery to angiotensins

The main objective of our study was to determine whether angiotensins cause vasoconstriction of mammary arterial segments in vitro. Once this action was established, its specificity was determined. Mammary arterial sections were obtained from lactating cattle at slaughter. Vessel sections were placed in a gravity-fed, closed, perfusion apparatus, and flow was measured by a transit-time flow sensor mounted in-line. Treatments were administered by injection into a leurlock port located proximal to the sensor. Angiotensins I, II, and III induced a dose-dependent vasoconstriction of arterial segments at concentrations of 5 x 10(-10) to 5 x 10(-6) M. Angiotensin II receptor antagonists, Saralisin and (Sarl, Thr8)-angiotensin II (5 x 10(-8) M)), inhibited vasoconstriction induced by angiotensins I, II, and III. The angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, Captopril (5 x 10(-8) M), inhibited angiotensin I vasoconstriction, thereby showing that the vasoconstriction by angiotensin I was mediated through its conversion to angiotensin II. These data demonstrated that the mammary artery of lactating cows is responsive to the angiotensin family. Furthermore, mammary arteries contain angiotensin-converting enzyme and specific receptors for angiotensin II. This system may be important in the normal physiological regulation of mammary gland blood flow of lactating cows.

[The metabolism of TMPz in vivo]

The metabolism of tetramethylpyrazine (TMPz) in rats was investigated. Deuterated TMPz and unlabelled TMPz were administered by intragastric perfusion to two rats, respectively. Extracts from urine samples were analyzed within 24h by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). By applying the ion cluster technique, TMPz and its three metabolites were identified.

Radiation-induced nonhomoeologous wheat-Agropyron intermedium chromosomal translocations conferring resistance to leaf rust

The Agropyron intermedium chromosome 7Ai #2 is the source of the leaf rust resistance gene Lr38 which was transferred to wheat by irradiation. The chromosomal constitutions of eight radiation-induced rust-resistant wheat-Agropyron intermedium derivatives were analyzed by C-banding and genomic in-situ hybridization (GISH). Five lines were identified as wheat Ag. intermedium chromosome translocation lines with the translocation chromosomes T2AS·2AL-7Ai#2L, T5AL · 5AS-7Ai # 2L, T1DS · 1DL-7Ai # 2L, T3DL · 3DS-7Ai#2L, and T6DS · 6DL-7Ai#2L. The sizes of the 7Ai#2L segments in mitotic metaphases of these translocations are 2.42 μm, 4.20 μm, 2.55 μm, 2.78 μm, and 4.19 μm, respectively. One line was identified as a wheat-Ag. intermedium chromosome addition line. The added Ag. intermedium chromosome in this line is different from 7Ai # 2. This line has resistance to leaf rust and stem rust. Based on the rust reactions, and the C-banding and GISH results, the remaining two lines do not contain any Ag. intermedium-derived chromatin.

Binding affinities and cooperative interactions with bHLH activators delimit threshold responses to the dorsal gradient morphogen

The dorsal (dl) morphogen gradient initiates the formation of the mesoderm, neuroectoderm, and dorsal ectoderm by setting different limits of regulatory gene expression along the dorsoventral axis of the early Drosophila embryo. In this paper, we show that low affinity dl-binding sites restrict target gene expression to the ventralmost regions (presumptive mesoderm), where there are peak levels of dl, while high affinity sites permit expression in ventrolateral regions (mesoderm and mesectoderm) containing intermediate levels of the morphogen. Activation by low levels of dl in lateral regions (the presumptive neuroectoderm) depends on cooperative DNA binding interactions between dl and bHLH proteins. The snail repressor blocks this interaction and restricts expression to the neuroectoderm. We discuss how enhancers serve as templates to bring weakly interacting regulatory factors into close proximity so that they can function combinatorially to activate and repress transcription.