Nucleated cells response to protein electroinsertion

Application of an electrical pulse field at a strength slightly below the value required for electroporation to a suspension of red blood cells in the presence of membrane xenoproteins leads to the insertion of those proteins in the erythrocyte plasma membrane. This observation is extended to nucleated cells. In the presence of glycophorin A, application of such pulses leads to the insertion of 10(4)-10(5) molecules of glycophorin A per cell in CEM-CM3, Hela S3, and bovine CD8+ T cells. Electroinserted glycophorin A is detected by flow cytometry using anti-glycophorin monoclonal antibodies. The survival of the cells subjected to electroinsertion was 55% for CEM-CM3 cells, 69% for Hela S3 cells, and 65% for CD8+ T cells. Cells cultured after electroinsertion lost the electroinserted glycophorin A, with two different rates, by a temperature and cell type-dependent mechanism. During the first 2 h after electroinsertion, the CD8+ T cells lost 12.5% of the inserted glycophorin A per h, the CEM-CM3 cells lost 7.7% per h, whereas the Hela S3 cells lost only 0.8% of the inserted protein per h. After 2 h, the rate increased substantially, to 41.7% per h for the CD8+ T cells, 13.5% for the CEM-CM3 cells, and 8.9% for the Hela S3 cells. Cytochalasin D efficiently inhibited the disappearance of electroinserted glycophorin A during the first 2 h after electroinsertion only.

Babesia bovis: characterization of the T helper cell response against the 42-kDa merozoite surface antigen (MSA-1) in cattle

The Babesia bovis major merozoite surface antigen (MSA-1) is a 42-kDa integral membrane glycoprotein previously shown to induce immunodominant antibody responses in cattle protectively immune to B. bovis and to induce neutralizing antibody. Recent studies have also shown that MSA-1 B cell epitopes common to New World strains of B. bovis are not present in either Israel or Australia strains. To understand the potential role of this protein in protective immunity, T helper cell responses specific for MSA-1 were characterized in Babesia-immune cattle. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from immune cattle proliferated against affinity-purified recombinant MSA-1 protein expressed in Escherichia coli. MSA-1 preferentially stimulated the growth of CD4+ T cells in cell lines cultured with antigen for 4 weeks. MSA-1-reactive cell lines responded to a membrane fraction of B. bovis merozoites, suggesting recognition of the native protein. However, B. bovis-reactive T cell lines and T helper clones established by stimulation with crude parasite membrane antigen failed to respond to recombinant MSA-1, indicating that this antigen is not immunodominant for T cells. The majority of MSA-1-specific T helper clones reacted to unfractionated merozoite membrane antigen from New World B. bovis strains, but none of the clones responded to Australia B. bovis or to a Mexico strain of Babesia bigemina. Several T helper clones produced low levels of cytokines when stimulated with concanavalin A and interleukin-2. Northern blot analysis revealed the expression of interleukin-2, interleukin-4, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha messenger RNA in mitogen-stimulated T helper clones, showing that the clones examined expressed an unrestricted T helper phenotype. We conclude that the MSA-1 protein, although serologically immunodominant and capable of inducing neutralizing antibodies as well as a T helper cell response, is not an immunodominant T cell antigen. Furthermore, the parasite strain specificity of the Th clones supports previous findings of extensive polymorphism in the MSA-1 glycoprotein and suggests that like B cell epitopes, T cell epitopes reside in a nonconserved portion of the protein.

Heterogeneity in cytokine profiles of Babesia bovis-specific bovine CD4+ T cells clones activated in vitro

The central role of T cells in the immune response against hemoprotozoan parasites, both as helper cells for T cell-dependent antibody production and as effector cells acting on intracellular parasites through the elaboration of cytokines, has prompted an investigation of the bovine cellular immune response against Babesia bovis antigens. CD4+ T helper (Th) cell clones generated from four B. bovis-immune cattle by in vitro stimulation with a soluble or membrane-associated merozoite antigen were characterized for reactivity against various forms of antigen and against different geographical isolates of B. bovis and B. bigemina and analyzed for cytokine production following mitogenic stimulation with concanavalin A. Biological assays to measure interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), and tumor necrosis factor alpha or tumor necrosis factor beta and Northern (RNA) blot analysis to verify the expression of IL-2, IL-4, IFN-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor alpha revealed differential production of cytokines by the Th cell clones. The majority of clones expressed the Th0 pattern of cytokines: IFN-gamma, IL-4, and IL-2. One clone expressed the Th1 profile (IFN-gamma and IL-2 but not IL-4), whereas none of the clones expressed the Th2 profile. All of the Th cell clones examined expressed the low-molecular-weight isoform of the leukocyte common antigen associated with a memory cell phenotype (CD45RO), and all expressed the lymph node homing receptor (L-selectin). These results extend our previous finding of differential cytokine expression by B. bovis-specific Th cell clones and confirm the identity of the specific cytokines produced, showing that a Th0 response is preferentially induced in a panel of 20 CD4+ T cell clones obtained from immune cattle.

A new cloning vector and expression strategy for genes encoding proteins toxic to Escherichia coli

Here, we describe a modification of a plasmid, pT7-7 [Tabor and Richardson, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 262 (1985) 1074-1078], that allows expression of inserted genes from the phage T7 RNA polymerase promoter. The modification is designed to suppress readthrough transcription from cryptic promoters and start points on the plasmid, in order to reduce expression in the absence of T7 RNA polymerase and thus improve the vector for use in the expression of highly toxic gene products. This vector (pT7SC) was used to stably clone the POL3 gene (encoding DNA polymerase delta) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which destabilizes all other cloning and expression vectors tested. Previously described expression strategies proved ineffective in overexpressing the POL3 gene. A new strategy was developed which relies on induction by infection with mutant T7 phage. This system efficiently overproduced the POL3 gene product.

Evaluation of cofactor effect of feline syncytium-forming virus on feline immunodeficiency virus infection

Although feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and the unrelated retrovirus feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are associated with acquired immune deficiency in cats, experimental and field evidence indicates that coinfection with both viruses may lead to more serious disease syndrome. A third feline retrovirus, feline syncytium-forming virus (FeSFV), which is far more prevalent than either FIV or FeLV and is considered nonpathogenic in nature, is consistently coisolated from sick, FIV-infected cats. To determine the potential role of FeSFV in enhancement of FIV-mediated disease, persistent FeSFV infection was established in 14 of 24 nine-month-old cats. Four months later, half the FeSFV-infected and half the noninfected cats were inoculated with blood obtained from a cat persistently infected with the Petaluma strain of FIV. At postinoculation week 17, 1 male cat infected with only FIV died of bacterial bronchopneumonia that could have been attributed to FIV-induced acquired immune deficiency-like syndrome. However, none of the remaining cats had clinical illness, whether infected with either virus alone or coinfected with both viruses. As early as postinoculation week 6, decreases were observed in the CD4+ to CD8+ T-lymphocyte ratio of both groups of cats inoculated with FIV. Infection with FeSFV had no effect on the CD4+ to CD8+ T-cell ratio. Mitogen stimulation assays and total WBC count were unaffected by FeSFV infection, although an increase in numbers of neutrophils from FeSFV-infected cats was consistent, especially when compared with the decrease observed after FIV infection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evidence for the induction of casein kinase II in bovine lymphocytes transformed by the intracellular protozoan parasite Theileria parva

Theileria parva is an obligate, intracellular, parasitic protozoan that causes East Coast fever, an acute leukemia-like disease of cattle. T. parva and the related parasite, Theileria annulata, are unique among protozoa in that their intralymphocytic stages induce transformation of bovid lymphocytes. Comparison of in vitro protein kinase activities between uninfected IL-2-dependent T lymphoblasts and T. parva-infected lymphocytes revealed a 4.7- to 12-fold increase in total phosphorylation and the induction of a group of Theileria infection-specific phosphoproteins. The enzyme that phosphorylates these substrates is a serine/threonine kinase with substrate and effector specificities of casein kinase (CK) II. Northern blot analyses revealed a 3.9- to 6.0-fold increase in CKII alpha mRNA in the infected cells relative to the controls. Furthermore, a marked increase of CKII antigen was observed on Western blots of materials prepared from the infected cell lines. The antibovine CKII antibody used in these studies immunoprecipitated a protein kinase that phosphorylated casein in a reaction that was inhibited by low (nM) quantities of heparin. Our data show marked increases of bovine CKII at the transcriptional, translational and functional levels in T. parva-infected lymphocytes, relative to quiescent cells or IL-2-dependent parental lymphoblasts. Bovine CKII thus appears to be constitutively activated in these cells and we propose that this kinase may be an important element in the signal-transducing pathways activated by Theileria in bovid lymphocytes and perhaps in some leukemic cells.

Purification and characterization of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA polymerase delta overproduced in Escherichia coli

In order to further define the enzymatic properties of yeast DNA polymerase delta, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae POL3 gene, whose expression is highly toxic to bacteria in most cloning vectors, was cloned into a new T7 expression vector (W. C. Brown and J. L. Campbell, submitted for publication) which allowed efficient overexpression in bacteria. Fifteen mg of polymerase were obtained from 3 g of cells. Since the protein is produced in insoluble form, to obtain active polymerase, inclusion bodies were solubilized with urea. DNA polymerase delta (124 kDa) was purified in the presence of urea and then renatured by dialysis against buffers containing decreasing concentrations of urea. Optimal protein concentration for refolding was 5 micrograms/ml. By several criteria the enzyme obtained is comparable with that from yeast: specific activity, electrophoretic mobility, template preference, sensitivity to inhibitors, and processivity. The electrophoretic mobility suggests that, unlike DNA polymerase alpha, polymerase delta is not posttranslationally modified in yeast. Polyclonal antibody was raised against the full-length DNA polymerase delta from bacteria and shown to cross-react with the protein purified from yeast on protein blots. The renatured protein also exhibits an exonucleolytic activity. Further examination of this nuclease determined it to be a 3' to 5' exonuclease with the characteristics of a proofreading activity. The presence of this nuclease in the highly purified bacterial polymerase provides biochemical confirmation of earlier genetic evidence (Simon, M., Giot, L., and Faye, G. (1991) EMBO J. 10, 2165-2170) that suggested that DNA polymerase delta's core catalytic subunit contains an intrinsic 3' to 5' exonuclease.

Identification of two Th1 cell epitopes on the Babesia bovis-encoded 77-kilodalton merozoite protein (Bb-1) by use of truncated recombinant fusion proteins

Previous studies have demonstrated the serologic and T-cell immunogenicity for cattle of a recombinant form of the apical complex-associated 77-kDa merozite protein of Babesia bovis, designated Bb-1. The present study characterizes the immunogenic epitopes of the Bb-1 protein. A series of recombinant truncated fusion proteins spanning the majority of the Bb-1 protein were expressed in Escherichia coli, and their reactivities with bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells and T-cell clones derived from B. bovis-immune cattle and with rabbit antibodies were determined. Lymphocytes from two immune cattle were preferentially stimulated by the N-terminal half of the Bb-1 protein (amino acids 23 to 266, termed Bb-1A), localizing the T-cell epitopes to the Bb-1A portion of the molecule. CD4+ T-cell clones derived by stimulation with the intact Bb-1 fusion protein were used to identify two T-cell epitopes in the Bb-1A protein, consisting of amino acids SVVLLSAFSGN VWANEAEVSQVVK and FSDVDKTKSTEKT (residues 23 to 46 and 82 to 94). In contrast, rabbit antiserum raised against the intact fusion protein reacted only with the C-terminal half of the protein (amino acids 267 to 499, termed Bb-1B), which contained 28 tandem repeats of the tetrapeptide PAEK or PAET. Biological assays and Northern (RNA) blot analyses for cytokines revealed that following activation with concanavalin A, T-cell clones reactive against the two Bb-1A epitopes produced interleukin-2, gamma interferon, and tumor necrosis factors beta and alpha, but not interleukin-4, suggesting that the Bb-1 antigen preferentially stimulates the Th1 subset of CD4+ T cells in cattle. The studies described here report for the first time the characterization, by cytokine production, of the Th1 subset of bovine T cells and show that, as in mice, protozoal antigens can induce Th1 cells in ruminants. This first demonstration of B. bovis-encoded Th1 cell epitopes provides a rationale for incorporation of all or part of the Bb-1 protein into a recombinant vaccine.

Babesia bovis-specific CD4+ T cell clones from immune cattle express either the Th0 or Th1 profile of cytokines

The central role of T cells in the immune response against hemoprotozoan parasites, both as helper cells for T-dependent antibody production, and as effector cells acting directly or indirectly on intracellular parasites through the elaboration of cytokines, has prompted us to investigate the bovine cellular immune response against B. bovis antigens. T cell clones generated from four B. bovis-immune cattle by in vitro stimulation with soluble or membrane associated merozoite antigen were characterized for reactivity against various forms of antigen and different geographical isolates of B. bovis and B. bigemina. The clones were categorized into seven different groups based on differential patterns of reactivity. This panel of T cell clones and additional clones specific for either the 77 kDa merozoite apical complex associated protein (Bb-1) or the 42 kDa major merozoite protein (MSA-1) were analyzed for cytokines. Biological assays to measure IL-2/IL-4, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha/TNF-beta and Northern blot analysis to detect mRNA encoding bovine IL2, IL-4, IFN-gamma, TNF-beta and TNF-alpha revealed the differential production of cytokines by clones with different antigen specificities. Two Bb-1-specific T cell clones produced the Th1 pattern of cytokines: IL-2, IFN-gamma, TNF-beta and TNF-alpha, but not IL-4. Clones specific for the 42 kDa protein produced undetectable levels of all cytokines, but expressed an unrestricted or Th0 pattern of cytokine mRNA: IL-2, IL-4, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Point-spread function associated with underwater imaging through a wavy air-water interface: theory and laboratory tank experiment

The point-spread function needed for imaging underwater objects is theoretically derived and compared with experimental results. The theoretical development is based on the emergent-ray model, in which the Gram-Charlier series for the non-Gaussian probability-density function for emergent angles through a wavy water surface was assumed. To arrive at the point-spread model, we used a finite-element methodology with emergent-ray angular probability distributions as fundamental building functions. The model is in good agreement with the experiment for downwind conditions. A slight deviation between theory and experiment was observed for the crosswind case; this deviation may be caused by the possible interaction of standing waves with the original air-ruffled capillary waves that were not taken into account in the model.

Bovine helper T cell clones recognize five distinct epitopes on Babesia bovis merozoite antigens

Helper T cell clones from two Babesia bovis-immune cattle were characterized for use in identification of potentially protective immunogens of B. bovis merozoites. Proliferation assays with 11 CD4+ clones revealed a differential pattern of response to soluble cytosolic antigen, membrane-enriched antigen, detergent extracts of the membrane-enriched antigen, soluble culture supernatant exoantigen, and different geographical isolates of B. bovis as well as Babesia bigemina parasites. When the data were combined, the clones could be grouped according to five different patterns of response. One group recognized only the membrane-enriched fraction of New World and Australian parasites. Four remaining groups recognized antigens found in the cytosolic as well as the membrane-enriched fraction, and clones representative of each group were used to identify cytosolic antigens fractionated by anion-exchange chromatography with the use of fast-performance liquid chromatography. One clone (C97.3C3), which responded to all B. bovis isolates and to B. bigemina, recognized a single peak of activity that eluted with 0.25 M NaCl and contained protein bands of 70 and 75 kDa. The remaining clones were stimulated by a second antigenic peak that eluted between 0.35 and 0.45 M NaCl and contained protein bands of 42, 47, 56, and 84 kDa. The majority of the clones produced interferon, whereas tumor necrosis factor alpha/tumor necrosis factor beta production was less frequent. These studies provide the basis for using helper T cell clones to identify potentially protective immunogens of B. bovis and delineate a minimum of five helper T cell epitopes recognized by two immune cattle.

The 66 kDa component of yeast SFI, stimulatory factor I, is hsp60

DNA polymerase epsilon stimulatory factor I (SFI) has been shown to contain three peptides, p66, p37 and p13. Two of these components have been identified. The p66 gene was cloned by using a p66 antibody to screen a lambda gt11 library. A portion of the gene was sequenced and confirmed to encode p66 by the presence of protein sequence corresponding to that of p66 tryptic peptides. The gene was identified as HSP60 by a homology search of GenBank. Tryptic peptides of p37 were sequenced and identified as belonging to yeast translation initiation factor 4A by a homology search of PIR. The HSP60 gene maps to chromosome XII.

Immune CD4+ T cells specific for Theileria parva-infected lymphocytes recognize a 24-kilodalton protein

Theileria parva is a protozoan parasite that infects and transforms bovine lymphocytes. Here we report the partial purification of a T. parva-specific protein from infected lymphocytes that is recognized by CD4+ parasite-specific T-cell clones derived from immune cattle. T. parva-infected lymphocytes were homogenized in Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline in the presence of protease inhibitors. The antigen was purified from a postmicrosomal supernatant by using a combination of DEAE-cellulose chromatography and hydroxylapatite column chromatography. After labelling with 125I, the antigen preparation was subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and found to contain 8 to 10 proteins. This preparation was subjected to chromatography in phosphate-buffered saline on HPLC TSK-250/125 columns coupled in tandem. A radiolabelled protein of M(r) 24,000 correlated with antigenic activity.

Induction of feline immunodeficiency virus-specific cytolytic T-cell responses from experimentally infected cats

We have examined the in vitro induction and activity of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-specific cytolytic T cells obtained from cats experimentally infected for 7 to 17 weeks or 20 to 22 months with the Petaluma isolate of FIV. Normal or FIV-infected autologous and allogeneic T lymphoblastoid cells were used as target cells in chromium-51 or indium-111 release assays. When effector cells consisted of either fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells or concanavalin A- and interleukin-2-stimulated cells, only low levels of cytotoxicity were observed. However, the levels of FIV-specific cytotoxicity were consistently higher in both groups of cats following in vitro stimulation of the effector cells with irradiated, FIV-infected autologous T lymphoblastoid cells and interleukin-2. The effector cells lysed autologous but not allogeneic FIV-infected target cells and were composed predominantly of CD8+ T cells, indicating that the FIV-specific cytotoxicity measured in this system is mediated by CD8+, major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted T cells. These studies show that FIV-specific cytolytic T cells can be detected as early as 7 to 9 weeks postinfection, and they define a system to identify virus-encoded epitopes important in the induction of protective immunity against lentiviruses.

Theileria parva: CD4+ helper and cytotoxic T-cell clones react with a schizont-derived antigen associated with the surface of Theileria parva-infected lymphocytes

Theileria parva is a protozoan parasite which infects and transforms bovine lymphocytes, resulting in a fatal lymphoproliferative disease. There is evidence that immunity to the intralymphocytic schizont stage is mediated by T cells. We have previously reported derivation of CD4+ T-cell clones which recognize parasite-derived antigens presented on the surface of infected cells in conjunction with MHC molecules and partial characterization of the antigens. The present study further evaluated one of these antigens, demonstrating that it could be derived from cells infected with different parasite stocks as well as from purified theilerial schizonts and that it was recognized by primed, but not unprimed, bovine lymphocytes including cytolytic CD4+ T cells. Using a cloned CD4+ cytolytic cell line, lysis of schizont-infected cells was shown to be MHC-restricted but not parasite-strain restricted. In addition we demonstrated that T cells which respond to the HSS antigen preparation were generated in cattle immunized with parasites from any of the three subspecies of T. parva. The antigenic material was fractionated by sequential subjection to anion-exchange chromatography, hydroxylapatite chromatography, and gel filtration using HPLC, which resulted in recovery of approximately 20% of the antigenic material with more than 10(6)-fold purification in selected fractions. To assess the molecular size of the proteins in the highly purified antigenic fractions, the T. parva-infected lymphocytes were metabolically labeled before fractionation with 3H-amino acids and the material was analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and liquid scintillation counting of gel slices. The major protein in these fractions had a molecular mass of 9-10 kDa.

Babesia bovis: Bovine helper T cell lines reactive with soluble and membrane antigens of merozoites

Babesia bovis-specific T cell lines were established from cattle infected with either tick-derived or cultured parasites by stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with a crude parasite membrane fraction. Induction and enrichment of CD4+ T cells occurred over time. All cell lines responded vigorously and in a dose-dependent, MHC-restricted manner to intact merozoites, and to soluble and membrane fractions derived from merozoites by homogenization and high-speed centrifugation. Solubilization of the membrane fraction with nondenaturing zwitterionic or nonionic detergents yielded antigenic extracts which also stimulated the T cells. However, a differential response was observed, in that cell lines from one animal proliferated vigorously to the detergent extracts of the membrane fraction, whereas cell lines from a second animal proliferated only weakly to these extracts. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed common protein bands of 90 and 22 kDa in the various immunogenic fractions. Cell lines from the animal infected with cultured parasites also responded to parasite culture supernatant "exoantigens" and to the related parasite, Babesia bigemina. We conclude that antigens present in merozoite membranes and soluble parasite extracts preferentially stimulate CD4+ T cells from cattle immune to Babesia bovis. The differential pattern of response of T cell lines from different cattle suggests that more than one protein or epitope is immunodominant for T cells.

Induction of proliferative responses of T cells from Babesia bovis-immune cattle with a recombinant 77-kilodalton merozoite protein (Bb-1)

A major portion of a Babesia bovis-specific gene encoding a 77-kDa merozoite protein (Bb-1) produced during natural infection in cattle and in microaerophilous culture was subcloned into the pGEX1N expression vector. Recombinant Bb-1 protein fused to glutathione S-transferase (Bb-1-GST) was used to examine cellular immune responses in B. bovis-immune cattle. Sera from rabbits immunized with Bb-1-GST reacted with fusion protein and with the native antigen present in crude B. bovis but not with B. bigemina merozoites. Bb-1-GST but not GST induced strong proliferation of T lymphocytes from these immune cattle, and Bb-1-reactive T-cell lines which consisted of a mixed population of either CD4+ and CD8+ cells or CD4+, CD8+, and "null" (gamma delta T) cells were established by in vitro stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with the recombinant fusion protein. Three CD4+ CD8- and three CD4- CD8+ Bb-1-specific T-cell clones were identified after limiting-dilution cloning of the cell lines. The studies described here demonstrate that the 77-kDa protein of B. bovis contains T-cell epitopes capable of eliciting proliferation of two types of T cells in immune cattle, an important consideration for the design of a recombinant subunit vaccine.

Cell-mediated immune responses to Babesia bovis merozoite antigens in cattle following infection with tick-derived or cultured parasites

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from cattle experimentally infected with Babesia bovis were examined for parasite-specific cell-mediated immune responses. Unfractionated merozoites and soluble and membrane fractions derived from merozoites were all antigenic for immune cattle, although the membrane fraction was the most stimulatory. Cattle responded to different antigenic fractions in a differential manner, and only that animal immunized with autologous cultured parasites responded to parasitized erythrocyte culture supernatants. Plastic-adherent cells (presumably monocytes/macrophages) were required for a proliferative response to babesial antigens but not to the T-cell mitogen concanavalin A, suggesting that babesial proteins are not simply mitogenic for T cells. Lymphocyte responses directed against a different hemoparasite from Mexico, Babesia bigemina, indicate that this parasite shares cross-reactive T-cell epitopes with B. bovis. These studies define a system whereby T lymphocytes from babesia-immune cattle can be used in proliferation assays to identify babesial merozoite antigens which are immunogenic for T cells. Because identification of helper T-cell epitopes is important for the design of a babesial subunit vaccine which will evoke anamnestic responses, the studies described here provide a basis for such experiments.

Feline immunodeficiency virus infects both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes

Monoclonal populations of feline T cells, derived from a specific-pathogen-free cat and expressing either the CD4 or CD8 surface antigen, were infected in vitro with two geographically distinct isolates of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Both infected T-cell subsets exhibited decreased cell viability, expressed FIV-encoded proteins, and generated reverse transcriptase activity. All clones examined retained their original surface phenotype after infection. It appears, therefore, that both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells may be productively infected by FIV in vivo.

Angiotensin II causes vascular hypertrophy in part by a non-pressor mechanism

Angiotensin II, when given in low doses, raises blood pressure slowly. When tested in vitro on vascular smooth muscle cells, it has mitogenic and trophic effects; it is not known if it has these effects in vivo. Our purpose was to determine whether vascular hypertrophy develops during slow pressor infusion of angiotensin II and, if so, whether it is pressure induced. Three experiments were done in rats infused subcutaneously with angiotensin II (200 ng/kg/min) by minipump for 10-12 days. Experiment 1: Angiotensin II gradually raised systolic blood pressure (measured in the tail) from 143 +/- 2 to 208 +/- 8 mm Hg (mean +/- SEM), significantly suppressing plasma renin and increasing threefold (NS) plasma angiotensin II. There was no loss of peptide in the pump infusate when tested at the end of the experiment. Experiment 2: In the perfused mesenteric circulation, vasoconstrictor responses to norepinephrine, vasopressin, and KCl were enhanced in rats given a slow pressor infusion of angiotensin II, but sensitivity of responses was not altered. This combination of changes suggests that vascular hypertrophy develops during slow pressor infusion of angiotensin II. Experiment 3: Vessel myography was done after angiotensin II infusion with and without a pressor response. Angiotensin II raised systolic blood pressure, increased heart weight, and produced myographic changes of vascular hypertrophy in the mesenteric circulation, increasing media width, media cross-sectional area, and media/lumen ratio. Hydralazine given with angiotensin II prevented the rise of pressure and the cardiac effect but not the vascular changes. Two-way analysis of variance showed that angiotensin II significantly increased media width, media cross-sectional area, and media/lumen ratio, all independent of hydralazine. Thus, although hydralazine inhibits the pressor and cardiac effects of angiotensin II, suggesting a pressor mechanism for the cardiac change, it does not inhibit structural vascular change, which suggests that at least part of the effect has a non-pressor mechanism.

Effects of benzo[a]pyrene-DNA adducts on a reconstituted replication system

We have used a partially reconstituted replication system consisting of T7 DNA polymerase and T7 gene 4 protein to examine the effect of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) adducts on DNA synthesis and gene 4 protein activities. The gene 4 protein is required for T7 DNA replication because of its ability to act as both a primase and helicase. We show here that total synthesis decreases as the level of adducts per molecule of DNA increases, suggesting that the B[a]P adducts are blocking an aspect of the replication process. Polyacrylamide gels indicate that a shorter DNA product is produced on modified templates and this is confirmed by determining the average chain lengths from the ratio of chain initiations to chain elongation. Gene 4 protein primed synthesis reactions display a greater sensitivity to the presence of B[a]P adducts than do oligonucleotide-primed reactions. By challenging synthesis on oligonucleotide-primed B[a]P-modified DNA with unmodified DNA, we present evidence that the T7 DNA polymerase freely dissociates after encountering an adduct. Prior studies [Brown, W. C., & Romano, L. J. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 6748-6754] have shown that the gene 4 protein alone does not dissociate from the template during translocation upon encountering an adduct. However, when gene 4 protein primed DNA synthesis is challenged, we observe an increase in synthesis but to lesser extent than observed on oligonucleotide-primed synthesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

DNA probes detect Theileria parva in the salivary glands of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks

The ability of Theileria parva-specific DNA probes to detect T. parva sporoblasts and sporozoites in samples prepared from the salivary glands of infected Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks was evaluated. The two DNA probes used, pgTpM-23 and IgTpM-58, were selected from a genomic library of T. parva (Muguga) piroplasm DNA. In all, 25-200 adult ticks infected with each of 6 different T. parva stocks were tested. One salivary gland from each tick was processed for DNA hybridization, whereas the other was stained and examined by light microscopy to determine the number of infected acini. The correlation for the detection of infected acini between the two methods was 90%-100% for both probes, except when the pgTpM-23 probe was hybridised to salivary glands from ticks infected with the Mariakani stock of T. parva (84% correlation). The discrepancy lay within the range expected, based on the observation that in 12.5% of the ticks, only one salivary gland was infected. The probes did not hybridize to salivary glands from uninfected ticks.

Congenital urethral-perineal fistula: diagnosis and new surgical management

Congenital posterior urethral-perineal fistula is a rare anomaly of which there have been only 6 reported cases to date. This report outlines the clinical presentation of another case and a unique surgical approach to its management, as well as a review of the English literature.

Recognition of soluble Theileria parva antigen by bovine helper T cell clones: characterization and partial purification of the antigen

Theileria parva-specific bovine BoT4+ Th cell clones were used to characterize Ag associated with T. parva schizont-infected lymphoblastoid cells. All of the clones tested responded to cells infected with the immunizing (Muguga) as well as heterologous stocks of T. parva, indicating that the T cells are specific for an Ag shared by several geographically diverse parasites. The response was apparently MHC-restricted, and induced by Ag expressed on the infected cell surface. In the presence of autologous APC, the clones were also stimulated by a soluble high speed supernatant (HSS), but not by a schizont membrane-enriched, subcellular fraction prepared from homogenates of infected cells. The clones produced IFN-gamma and T cell growth factor in response to HSS. The soluble Ag was absent in cells from which schizonts had been eliminated by treatment with the anti-theilerial drug, parvaquone. Fractionation of HSS by hydroxylapatite chromatography revealed two antigenic peaks that separated from the majority of the protein. Fractionation of HSS by gel filtration with the use of HPLC revealed several peaks of activity ranging in Mr from 270 kDa to less than 5 kDa. Further fractionation of HSS by both hydroxylapatite chromatography and gel filtration yielded three major peaks of activity (Mr 43, 12, 4.2 kDa). We conclude that a T cell-dependent schizont-associated soluble Ag is also expressed on the surface of T. parva-infected cells.

N-acetylmuramic acid inhibits spore germination and germination enzymes

This report describes the inhibition of spore germination by N-acetylmuramic acid. At concentrations of 20 mM and higher, the rate of germination of the treated spores was ten-fold lower than that of the control spores. The inhibitor also depressed the activity of two germination-related enzymes; a coat-associated hexosaminidase and a core enzyme. These findings suggests that N-acetylmuramic acid affects spore germination by inhibition of the corticolytic enzymes. The results are discussed with respect to the possible role of these enzymes in germination.

Recognition of soluble Theileria parva antigen by bovine helper T cell clones: characterization and partial purification of the antigen

Theileria parva-specific bovine BoT4+ Th cell clones were used to characterize Ag associated with T. parva schizont-infected lymphoblastoid cells. All of the clones tested responded to cells infected with the immunizing (Muguga) as well as heterologous stocks of T. parva, indicating that the T cells are specific for an Ag shared by several geographically diverse parasites. The response was apparently MHC-restricted, and induced by Ag expressed on the infected cell surface. In the presence of autologous APC, the clones were also stimulated by a soluble high speed supernatant (HSS), but not by a schizont membrane-enriched, subcellular fraction prepared from homogenates of infected cells. The clones produced IFN-gamma and T cell growth factor in response to HSS. The soluble Ag was absent in cells from which schizonts had been eliminated by treatment with the anti-theilerial drug, parvaquone. Fractionation of HSS by hydroxylapatite chromatography revealed two antigenic peaks that separated from the majority of the protein. Fractionation of HSS by gel filtration with the use of HPLC revealed several peaks of activity ranging in Mr from 270 kDa to less than 5 kDa. Further fractionation of HSS by both hydroxylapatite chromatography and gel filtration yielded three major peaks of activity (Mr 43, 12, 4.2 kDa). We conclude that a T cell-dependent schizont-associated soluble Ag is also expressed on the surface of T. parva-infected cells.

Purification of DNA polymerase II stimulatory factor I, a yeast single-stranded DNA-binding protein

Incidental to the purification of yeast DNA polymerase II was the observation that various chromatographic fractions contained activities that stimulated synthesis by this polymerase. In this paper we report the purification and initial characterization of one such factor, stimulatory factor I (SFI). SFI, which is associated with an apparent complex of three polypeptides of 66, 37, and 13.5 kDa, binds preferentially to single-stranded DNA, possibly explaining its ability to stimulate DNA polymerase II. Single-stranded DNA-binding activity is associated with the 66-kDa polypeptide.

Protein changes in bovine lymphoblastoid cells induced by infection with the intracellular parasite Theileria parva

Protein and glycoprotein changes induced in bovine lymphoblasts by infection with Theileria parva were analyzed by high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Uninfected and infected cloned bovine T and B lymphoblasts were biosynthetically labeled with [35S]methionine and their two-dimensional autoradiographic patterns were compared with each other and with the pattern obtained using purified labeled schizonts. Ten proteins were found in infected cells which were not present in uninfected cells, and seven of these were detected in preparations of purified schizonts. Four glycoproteins were detected on the surface of infected cells labeled with [3H]borohydride while a major glycoprotein present on uninfected cells disappeared or was reduced in infected cells. Other minor changes in protein and glycoprotein patterns were also observed.

Differential response of bovine T-cell lines to membrane and soluble antigens of Theileria parva schizont-infected cells

T-cell lines generated from Theileria parva-immune cattle were used to identify antigens associated with schizont-infected lymphoblastoid cells. Homogenates prepared from T. parva-infected cells were fractionated by differential centrifugation, and antigenically distinct soluble and membrane-bound antigens were detected by the differential stimulation of cell lines derived from two animals. Activity in the soluble fraction was not attributable to either a mitogen or interleukin 2. Activity in the membrane fraction was associated with schizont membranes as indicated by the presence in this fraction of a parasite protein detected by immunoblot analysis using a schizont-specific monoclonal antibody. Elimination of intracellular schizonts over time, using the anti-theilerial drug, parvaquone, resulted in a concomitant loss of antigenicity in infected cells and in subcellular fractions prepared from drug-treated cells, demonstrating that stimulation of Theileria-specific helper and cytotoxic T-cell responses is associated with the presence of the parasite.

Infection of bovine T cell clones with genotypically distinct Theileria parva parasites and analysis of their cell surface phenotype

Different stocks and stabilates within a stock of Theileria parva were analysed for genotypic differences and for their effect on the expression of host cell surface antigens following infection of BoT8+ T lymphocyte clones. The parasites were characterized in vitro by hybridization of T. parva-specific DNA probes to Southern blots of endonuclease-digested DNA from the infected T cell clones. Phenotypic changes in the host lymphoblastoid cells before and after infection were examined using lineage-specific monoclonal antibodies which reacted with the differentiation antigens BoT2, BoT4, Bo6, BoT8 and a null cell marker on bovine T cells. Expression of Class I and Class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens on the cell populations was also assessed. Results of this study indicate that genotypically different parasites exist among and within T. parva stabilates and that the expression of Bo6, BoT8 and the null cell marker was differentially altered by infection with parasites from different stocks or from different stabilates of the same stock. Expression of Class II antigens was significantly increased after infection. Moreover, clones that were derived from the same cell line but had genotypically distinct T. parva parasites, also showed differences in expression of Bo6 and BoT8 and the null cell marker.

Theileria parva: bovine helper T cell clones specific for both infected lymphocytes and schizont membrane antigens

Two Theileria parva-specific bovine helper T cell clones were used to identify T. parva-derived antigens expressed on the surface of schizont infected lymphoblastoid cells. Although the clones proliferated in response to both the immunizing (Muguga) and heterologous stocks of T. parva, the patterns of the responses differed, showing that the two clones recognized different antigenic epitopes. Both clones were stimulated by autologous infected cells, without an additional source of antigen-presenting cells, as well as by purified schizonts and by a subcellular membrane fraction prepared from infected lymphoblastoid cells, when antigen-presenting cells were present. The membrane fraction was shown to be enriched for schizont membranes as indicated by the presence of a schizont surface antigen detected by immunoblotting using a schizont-specific monoclonal antibody. Elimination of schizonts with the anti-theilerial drug, parvaquone, resulted in reduced antigenicity of the membrane fraction as detected by both the T cell clones and the schizont-specific monoclonal antibody. We conclude that the T. parva-infected cell surface antigens recognized by the T cell clones are of schizont membrane origin. Although the antigens have not yet been characterized biochemically, the monoclonal antibody-specific epitope appears to be distinguishable from the T cell epitopes.

Benzo[a]pyrene-DNA adducts inhibit translocation by the gene 4 protein of bacteriophage T7

Bacteriophage T7 gene 4 protein is an essential component of the T7 DNA replication system, acting as both a primase and a helicase. The gene 4 protein has been shown to translocate along single-stranded DNA in the 5'----3' direction, using an energy source for this movement the hydrolysis of nucleoside 5'-triphosphates, preferably dTTP. Thus, measuring the rate and extent of dTTP hydrolysis provides a means to directly measure translocation. We have determined that the hydrolysis of dTTP by the gene 4 protein is strongly inhibited by the presence of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) adducts on the DNA. Time course experiments on adduct-containing DNA show that after an initial burst of hydrolysis, which parallels what is observed on unmodified DNA, further hydrolysis abruptly ceases. Addition of excess unmodified DNA does not restore the hydrolysis activity. These data suggest that the gene 4 protein is blocked and sequestered on the DNA at the site of the adduct. This was confirmed by experiments in which gene 4 protein preferentially protected the radiolabeled adduct-containing DNA but not randomly labeled M13 DNA. The gene 4 protein bound to the B[a]P-modified DNA was isolated, and the complex was found only to contain dTTP. These results have been used to formulate a model for gene 4 protein translocation in which we speculate that the power stroke for unidirectional movement along the single-stranded DNA is the displacement of dTDP by dTTP. Finally, we observe a constant ratio of DNA synthesis to dTTP hydrolysis regardless of the number of B[a]P adducts in the template suggesting that a significant portion of the inhibition of DNA synthesis is a direct consequence of the inhibition of gene 4 translocation.

Theileria parva: reappearance of schizonts in infected lymphoblastoid cells treated with parvaquone is dependent on interleukin 2-like growth factors

Schizont-infected cell lines derived by in vitro infection of bovine T cell clones with the Muguga isolate of Theileria parva were treated for 72 hr with the theileriacidal drug, parvaquone, at a concentration of 10 micrograms/ml. This treatment completely eliminated schizonts from the recovered cells, which failed to undergo further proliferation and died. However, treated cells cultured with either bovine T cell growth factor or human recombinant interleukin 2 remained viable, underwent proliferation, and in many instances, schizonts reappeared. When cultured in the presence of supernatant obtained from an actively growing T. parva-infected cell line, treated cells did not proliferate, but schizonts reappeared. The cells became transformed by the parasite and grew continuously in the absence of exogenous growth factor. The appearance of schizonts was preceded by the development of densely staining intracytoplasmic inclusions, visualized by light and electron microscopy. Electron-dense inclusions were shown to contain DNA. Hybridization of a T. parva-specific DNA probe to Southern blots of restriction enzyme-digested DNA prepared from parvaquone-treated cells which developed inclusions but not schizonts produced a pattern similar to that seen with DNA prepared from schizont-infected cells. We conclude that reorganization of schizonts can occur in T. parva-infected T lymphocytes cured of infection with parvaquone in the presence of interleukin 2 or growth factors produced by T. parva-infected cells. The implications of these results for the establishment of a carrier state following parvaquone therapy are discussed.

Phenotypic characterization of Theileria parva schizonts by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

Biosynthetically radiolabelled Theileria parva schizonts were purified from bovine lymphoblastoid cells and their proteins were analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. The protein spot patterns of schizont proteins from three stocks of T. parva parva indicated that the phenotypic diversity among the stocks was minimal, with the Mariakani and Uganda stocks being identical and the Muguga stock showing only a few differences in minor spots. Comparison of the spot patterns of schizonts of three T. parva subspecies showed that T.p. parva and T.p. bovis differed in only one protein and thus could not be reliably distinguished on the basis of their protein differences. However, T.p. lawrencei showed several protein differences and could be distinguished easily from the other subspecies. Differences in schizont-protein spot patterns were also seen when two different cell lines were infected with the same Theileria stabilate, when one cell line was infected with two different stabilates of the same stock and when uncloned and cloned infected cell lines were used. These results suggest the possibility that selection of phenotypically different parasites could occur in vivo or in vitro.

Isolation of Theileria parva schizonts from infected lymphoblastoid cells

This study set out to develop a rapid method for the isolation of schizonts from Theileria parva-infected bovine and buffalo lymphoblastoid cells. Parasitized lymphoblastoid cells were lysed by treatment with the cytolytic toxins, aerolysin and Ah-1 hemolysin, produced by Aeromonas hydrophila, and the schizonts were separated by Percoll density-gradient centrifugation. Light and electron microscopic examination showed that the isolated schizonts from lymphoblastoid cells infected with T. parva (Muguga) retained their normal morphology and were essentially free from host cell components. The schizonts also retained antigens as recognized by a series of anti-schizont monoclonal antibodies. The concentrations of toxin and Ficoll 400 in the lysis buffer which gave optimal cell lysis varied for 10 different infected cell lines tested.

Bovine T cells, B cells, and null cells are transformed by the protozoan parasite Theileria parva

The target cells for infection and transformation by Theileria parva were investigated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were reacted with monoclonal antibodies specific for bovine leukocyte differentiation antigens, sorted into subpopulations with a fluorescence-activated cell sorter, and infected in vitro with T. parva sporozoites. Infected cells were cultured at limiting dilution, and transformed clones were screened with monoclonal antibodies. The results indicated that B cells, T cells (including BoT4+ and BoT8+ cells), and null cells but not monocytes or neutrophils were transformed in vitro after infection with T. parva. After transformation, peripheral blood T cells and T-cell clones retained expression of most or all of the T-cell differentiation antigens including the mature T-cell marker recognized by monoclonal antibody IL-A27, BoT2, and BoT4 or BoT8, and some cells acquired a low level of expression of BoT4, BoT8, or the null cell marker recognized by monoclonal antibody IL-A29. T. parva-transformed null cells retained expression of the IL-A29 determinant and acquired expression of BoT2 and BoT8 but not the IL-A27 determinant or BoT4. T. parva-transformed B cells in most instances lost expression of surface immunoglobulin and never acquired expression of the IL-A27 determinant, BoT2, BoT4, or BoT8, although some cells acquired a low level of expression of the null cell marker recognized by monoclonal antibody IL-A29. Further studies on cell lines and clones grown in vitro from populations isolated from T. parva-infected cattle suggested that the majority of the in vivo T. parva-transformed cells were of T-cell origin.

Comparison of a new portable electronic sphygmomanometer (Copal UA251) with the Hawksley random zero machine

The performance of the Copal Digital Sphygmomanometer UA251, a new semi-automatic blood pressure recorder, was evaluated by comparing the results obtained simultaneously and on the same arm using the standard zero-muddler sphygmomanometer. The study was performed on 67 hypertensive patients displaying a wide range of blood pressure and arm circumference. The agreement was acceptable with a mean difference, using the first set of readings of -0.45 (S.D. 2.9, range 8 to -5) and -0.95 (S.D. 2.6, range 6 to -4) mmHg for the systolic and diastolic pressures respectively. The repeatability of the Copal machine was also good; the mean difference between first and second measurements was -0.21 (S.D. 3.4, range 11 to -11) and -0.69 (S.D. 1.9, range 5 to -8) mmHg for systolic and diastolic readings respectively. Since this electronic machine has an acceptable accuracy, is readily portable, simple to use and relatively inexpensive, it seems suitable for use both in clinics and for more frequent monitoring of blood pressure throughout the day.

DNA probes detect genomic diversity in Theileria parva stocks

Different stocks of Theileria parva were analysed for restriction fragment length polymorphisms by agarose gel electrophoresis, orthogonal-field-alternation gel electrophoresis (OFAGE) and Southern hybridization with DNA probes. Polymorphisms seen with DNA from purified piroplasms of different T. parva stocks, after digestion with restriction enzymes, were more clearly apparent with OFAGE than with standard agarose gel electrophoresis. Genomic differences between these theilerial parasites were investigated further using three DNA probes, which were selected from a genomic library of T. parva (Muguga) piroplasm DNA cloned in lambda gt11. All three clones hybridized to T. parva DNA in preparations from schizont-infected bovine lymphoblastoid cells and to DNA from intraerythrocytic piroplasms. These probes did not, however, hybridize under high stringency conditions to DNA prepared from uninfected bovine lymphoblasts, T. mutans piroplasms, or bovine lymphoblasts infected with T. annulata or T. taurotragi. The five Kenyan stocks of T. parva that were tested showed characteristic hybridization patterns with these DNA probes. Our results show that DNA probes can be used to distinguish selected stocks of T. parva by hybridization to DNA either from intraerythrocytic piroplasms taken from infected cattle, or from isolates of schizont-infected bovine lymphoblastoid cells that are maintained continuously in vitro.

Nasal bone hemangiomas: a review of clinical, radiologic, and operative experience

A case of hemangioma of the nasal bones is reported. Clinical and radiologic findings, including CT scan, are presented and the literature reviewed. Although rare, the lesion often has a characteristic clinical and radiologic presentation that can be recognized preoperatively. CT scanning is helpful in defining tumor characteristics and extent. Surgery appears curative in most cases without significant disfigurement. For smaller lesions, bone graft of the defect appears unnecessary and the presence of intact periosteum may actually contribute to regeneration of normal bone.

Biological and biochemical characterization of bovine interleukin 2. Studies with cloned bovine T cells

Bovine peripheral blood lymphocytes stimulated with the T cell mitogen concanavalin A (Con A) secrete a lymphokine with biological properties similar to T cell growth factor (TCGF) or interleukin 2 (IL 2) from other species. The material supports proliferation of Con A-derived T cell blasts, limiting dilution cloning of T cell blasts, and continuous growth of T cell clones for over 6 mo in vitro. A quantitative microassay with the use of TCGF-dependent, Con A-unresponsive cloned T cells was used to determine the biological activity during purification of IL 2. A single peak of activity with an apparent m.w. of 25,000 to 28,000 was recovered after gel filtration. This material eluted from DEAE-Sephacryl between 135 and 165 mM NaCl. After isoelectric focusing, high pressure liquid chromatography, and gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions, peak IL 2 activity was associated with proteins having m.w. of 20,000 and 23,000.

Biological and biochemical characterization of bovine interleukin 2. Studies with cloned bovine T cells

Bovine peripheral blood lymphocytes stimulated with the T cell mitogen concanavalin A (Con A) secrete a lymphokine with biological properties similar to T cell growth factor (TCGF) or interleukin 2 (IL 2) from other species. The material supports proliferation of Con A-derived T cell blasts, limiting dilution cloning of T cell blasts, and continuous growth of T cell clones for over 6 mo in vitro. A quantitative microassay with the use of TCGF-dependent, Con A-unresponsive cloned T cells was used to determine the biological activity during purification of IL 2. A single peak of activity with an apparent m.w. of 25,000 to 28,000 was recovered after gel filtration. This material eluted from DEAE-Sephacryl between 135 and 165 mM NaCl. After isoelectric focusing, high pressure liquid chromatography, and gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions, peak IL 2 activity was associated with proteins having m.w. of 20,000 and 23,000.

Rehabilitation of the ankle

The ankle is the most frequently injured major joint, and ankle sprain is the most frequent sports injury. If the injured ankle is managed correctly from the beginning, pain and swelling and the resultant disability will be kept to a minimum. Early return to participation predisposes the athlete to reinjury. Not only must strength and flexibility be restored, but the athlete must also be pain free and have regained his or her proprioceptive abilities.

Capacitance of bilayers in the presence of lipophilic ions

The capacitance of glycerolmonooleate and egg phosphatidylcholine bilayer membranes in the presence of NaCl solutions containing tetraphenylborate, tetraphenylarsonium or dipicrylamine ions has been measured using alternating current techniques over a wide range of frequencies (1-200 kHz). The concentrations of ions corresponded to the lower limits of conductance saturation. Similar determinations were also made with solutions containing no lipophilic ions. The experimental method used in this work requires correction of admittance measurements for the solution resistance in series with the membrane, as well as careful area determinations. In all cases membrane capacitance levels off at sufficiently high frequencies to values which are independent of frequency. The high-frequency capacitance, which is regarded as the 'geometrical capacitance' due to dielectric polarization, is practically unaffected by the presence of lipophilic ions. The results support the assumption made in other studies, such as in charge pulse investigations, that the adsorption of lipophilic ions at concentrations up to the saturation range does not have an important effect on the dielectric properties of bilayers.

Interaction between a Bacillus cereus spore hexosaminidase and specific germinants

A purified coat-associated hexosaminidase from spores of Bacillus cereus was studied to determine whether it could promote germination of dormant spores. Spores of a coat-deficient mutant as well as chemically extracted spores were used as substrate. Both of these spore preparations responded poorly to most germinants. However, absorbance loss was accelerated when the hexosaminidase was added in the presence of L-alanine. Enzyme alone was not effective. The addition of D-alanine inhibited completely the absorbance loss caused by hexosaminidase and L-alanine. Calcium dipicolinate and L-alpha-aminobutyric acid activated the hexosaminidase to some extent, but these chemicals were much less effective than L-alanine. In addition to the absorbance loss, the spores treated with enzyme and germinants released hexosamine and lost heat resistance and phase whiteness. The results suggest that this particular enzyme might have a role in germination.

Angiotensin-induced myocardial necrosis and renal failure in the rabbit: distribution of lesions and severity in relation to plasma angiotensin II concentration and arterial pressure

Angiotensin II was infused into conscious rabbits at various doses from 0.001 to 0.5 microgram . kg-1 . min-1 for 24 h, and caused multifocal myocardial necrosis, renal tubular necrosis and acute renal failure. The myocardial necroses were found principally in the left ventricle; only at the highest doses of angiotensin II were right ventricular lesions present. The endocardium was not involved and no arterial or arteriolar lesions were seen. Mean arterial plasma angiotensin II concentration during angiotensin infusion was closely correlated with the increase in arterial pressure, the height of the plasma urea at the end of the infusion and the severity of the induced myocardial lesions. The myocardial necroses could be a consequence of the induced hypertension, or a direct effect of angiotensin II, or a combination of effects, although their predominance in the left ventricle suggests high systemic arterial pressure is an important factor. Cardiac lesions were observed with plasma angiotensin II concentrations only some 2 to 3 fold normal values; it is therefore possible that similar myocardial abnormalities might occur as a result of rises in endogenous renin, for example, in experimental or clinical renovascular hypertension.