Short-term treatment with cell wall degrading enzymes increases the activity of the inositol phospholipid kinases and the vanadate-sensitive ATPase of carrot cells

Treating carrot (Daucus carota L.) suspension culture cells with a mixture of cell wall degrading enzymes, Driselase, resulted in an increase in the percentage of [(3)H]phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate. Analysis of the lipid kinase activities in the isolated plasma membranes after whole cell treatment indicated that treatment with Driselase (2% weight/volume; the equivalent of 340 units per milliliter of hemicellulase and 400 units per milliliter of cellulase activity) or treatment with hemicellulase (31.7% weight/volume, 20.7 units per milliliter) resulted in an increase in the inositol phospholipid kinase activity. However, treatment with cellulase alone had no effect at 0.5% (weight/volume, 17.2 units per milliliter) or inhibited the kinase activity at 1% (weight/volume, 34.4 units per milliliter). The active stimulus in Driselase was heat sensitive. The plasma membrane vanadate-sensitive ATPase activity also increased when the cells were treated with Driselase. A time course study indicated that both the inositol phospholipid kinases and the plasma membrane vanadate-sensitive ATPase responded to as little as 5 seconds of treatment with 2% Driselase. However, at the lowest concentration of Driselase (0.04%, weight/volume) that resulted in an increase in inositol phospholipid kinase activity, the ATPase activity was not affected. Because inositol phospholipids have been shown to activate the vanadate-sensitive ATPase from plants (AR Memon, Q Chen, WF Boss [1989] Biochem Biophys Res Commun 162: 1295-1301), a stimulus-response pathway involving both the inositol phospholipid kinases and the plasma membrane vanadate-sensitive ATPase activity is discussed.

[Microsurgery to treat lesions in or near the eyeball wall]

Four sub-retinal cysticerci and 12 cases of nonmagnetic intraocular foreign bodies near the eyeball wall were first localized with indirect ophthalmoscopy and then removed successfully under surgical microscopy. Three layers, ie white sclera, black supra-choroid pigment and light brown choroidal tissue with white vascular pattern were encountered before reaching the sub-retinal larval. The ischemic appearance of the choroid probably was caused by compression of the larval underneath it. Intraocular foreign bodies usually appeared in the wound accompanied by liquified vitreous as soon as the incision was made. If intraocular inflammation exist, foreign body can be found within the pus or dense exudates.

Coding sequences of the tal-1 gene are disrupted by chromosome translocation in human T cell leukemia

The tal-1 proto-oncogene encodes a helix-loop-helix DNA-binding protein that has been implicated in the formation of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Patients with T-ALL harbor structural rearrangements of tal-1 that result from either local DNA deletion or t(1;14)(p34;q11) chromosome translocation. By analyzing t(1;14)(p34;q11) chromosomes from a series of patients, we have now identified a discrete region of tal-1 wherein most of the translocation breakpoints occur. Moreover, mapping of tal-1 genomic DNA revealed that coding exons are situated on both sides of the t(1;14)(p34;q11) major breakpoint region. Hence, the translocated allele of tal-1 is truncated in a manner that reduces its amino acid coding potential.

Chronic metabolic measurements of normal brain tissue response to photodynamic therapy

The metabolic response of normal rat brain to photodynamic therapy (PDT) was studied over a 1 week interval using in vivo 31P-NMR spectroscopy. Rats injected with 12.5 mg/kg Photofrin II were submitted to brain photoactivation 48 h after drug administration with either 140 or 70 J/cm2 light (630 +/- 1 nm) from an Argon dye laser. Control studies, animals not given drug or light, animals submitted only to brain illumination without drug, and animals given drug but no light, were also performed. The data revealed a transient metabolic degradation; a decrease in the ratio of beta-nucleotriphosphate to inorganic phosphate (P less than 0.001) at 24 h after PDT treatment was followed by a return to pretreatment spectral values. Brain tissue alkalosis was also noted, with significant (P less than 0.05) differences in brain tissue pH detected at 72 h post treatment between 70 J/cm2 PDT vs control studies and at 1 week post treatment between 140 J/cm2 vs 70 J/cm2, 140 J/cm2 vs no light-no drug and 140 J/cm2 vs drug only. The data suggest that there is no difinitive metabolic marker from 31P-NMR spectroscopy that can identify necrotic brain tissue caused by PDT. Phosphorus-31 NMR data are also presented which suggest that PDT damage to brain is not solely the result of microvascular occlusion causing ischemic necrosis.

Arachidonic acid absorption in human jejunum in organ culture: effects of ethanol

Human jejunal tissue obtained by peroral biopsy was cultured in control medium and in medium containing 100 mmol l-1 ethanol. Subsequently, the incorporation and metabolism of [3H]-arachidonic and [14C]-linoleic acid were evaluated. Of the two fatty acids a significantly higher amount of [3H]-arachidonic acid was incorporated into phospholipids and more [14C]-linoleic acid was incorporated into triacylglycerols. This preferential distribution of the labelled fatty acids was not affected by ethanol, but when ethanol was present in the tissue culture medium, there was a significant decrease in the incorporation of both fatty acids into tissue phospholipids. The study thus shows that ethanol in moderate concentrations can affect human jejunal absorption and metabolism of polyenoic fatty acids, contributing to a decrease in the amount of eicosanoid precursors available in jejunal tissue.

Site-specific recombination of the tal-1 gene is a common occurrence in human T cell leukemia

The tal-1 gene is altered as a consequence of the t(1;14) (p32;q11) chromosome translocation observed in 3% of patients with T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). tal-1 encodes a helix-loop-helix (HLH) domain, a DNA binding and dimerization motif found in a number of proteins involved in cell growth and differentiation. We now report that an additional 25% of T-ALL patients bear tal-1 gene rearrangements that are not detected by karyotype analysis. These rearrangements result from a precise 90 kb deletion (designated tald) that arises independently in different patients by site-specific DNA recombination. Since the deletion junctions resemble the coding joints of assembled immunoglobulin genes, tald rearrangements are likely to be mediated by aberrant activity of the immunoglobulin recombinase. Moreover, t(1;14)(p32;q11) translocations and tald rearrangements disrupt the coding potential of tal-1 in an equivalent manner, and thereby generate a common genetic lesion shared by a significant proportion of T-ALL patients.

[A kindling model of epilepsy induced by intraperitoneal injection of coriaria lactone in rats]

Fifty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups. Intraperitoneal injections of various doses of coriaria lactone (CL, 0.75, 1.25, 1.75, and 2.0 mg/kg) and normal saline were given respectively per 2 days. The behavior of the rats was observed and the ECoG was recorded by telemetric method. The results of experiments show that a kindling model of epilepsy can be established by intraperitoneal injection of CL in rats. This chronic experimental model is of value for application because it is easily established and the rate of being kindled is relatively high, but the mortality is low, and the kindling effect can last well. The model can avert the pathological change caused by artificial injury to brain, so it is advantageous to the research on neurochemistry and ultrastructure. In our experimental condition, it is optimal to select 1.25 mg/kg or 1.75 mg/kg as the dosage of CL for establishing kindling model.

Indirect inactivation of rat brain cytosolic diacylglycerol kinase by nucleoside-5'-monophosphate

Cytosolic diacylglycerol kinase was inhibited drastically by nucleoside monophosphate. The inhibition was relatively specific for adenosine-5'-monophosphate (5'-AMP), although uridine-5'-monophosphate was also effective. The effect of 5'-AMP on diacylglycerol kinase appeared to be indirect since the degree of inhibition lessened with the dilution of the cytosol and the more purified enzyme failed to respond to 5'-AMP. A 5'-AMP-dependent mediator is proposed to be involved in the inactivation of diacylglycerol kinase.

Accumulation, stability, and localization of a major chloroplast heat-shock protein

Diverse higher plant species synthesize low molecular weight (LMW) heat shock proteins (HSPs) which localize to chloroplasts. These proteins are homologous to LMW HSPs found in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotes, a class of HSPs whose molecular mode of action is not understood. To obtain basic information concerning the role of chloroplast HSPs, we examined the accumulation, stability, tissue specificity, and intra-chloroplast localization of HSP21, the major LMW chloroplast HSP in pea. Intact pea plants were subjected to heat stress conditions which would be encountered in the natural environment and HSP21 mRNA and protein levels were measured in leaves and roots. HSP21 was not detected in leaves or roots before stress, but the mature, 21-kD protein accumulated in direct proportion to temperature and HSP21 mRNA levels in both tissues. All of the HSP21 in leaves was localized to chloroplasts; there was no evidence for its transport into other organelles. In chloroplast fractionation experiments, greater than 80% of HSP21 was recovered in the soluble chloroplast protein fraction. The half-life of HSP21 at control temperatures was 52 +/- 12 h, suggesting the protein's function is critical during recovery as well as during stress. We hypothesize that HSP21 functions in a catalytic fashion in both photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic plastids.

A protein homologous to the Torpedo postsynaptic 58K protein is present at the myotendinous junction

The 58K protein is a peripheral membrane protein enriched in the acetylcholine receptor (AChR)-rich postsynaptic membrane of Torpedo electric organ. Because of its coexistence with AChRs in the postsynaptic membrane in both electrocytes and skeletal muscle, it is thought to be involved in the formation and maintenance of AChR clusters. Using an mAb against the 58K protein of Torpedo electric organ, we have identified a single protein band in SDS-PAGE analysis of Xenopus myotomal muscle with an apparent molecular mass of 48 kD. With this antibody, the distribution of this protein was examined in the myotomal muscle fibers with immunofluorescence techniques. We found that the 48K protein is concentrated at the myotendinous junctions (MTJs) of these muscle fibers. The MTJ is also enriched in talin and vinculin. By double labeling muscle fibers with antibodies against talin and the 48K protein, these two proteins were found to colocalize at the membrane invaginations of the MTJ. In cultured myotomal muscle cells, the 48K protein and talin are also colocalized at sites of membrane-myofibril interaction. The 48K protein is, however, not found at focal adhesion sites in nonmuscle cells, which are enriched in talin. These data suggest that the 48K protein is specifically involved in the interaction of myofibrillar actin filaments with the plasma membrane at the MTJ. In addition to the MTJ localization, 48K protein is also present at AChR clusters both in vivo and in vitro. Thus, this protein is shared by both the MTJ and the neuromuscular junction.

Effects of human pancreatic lipase-colipase and carboxyl ester lipase on eicosapentaenoic and arachidonic acid ester bonds of triacylglycerols rich in fish oil fatty acids

Fish oil chylomicrons, obtained from mesenteric duct chyle of rats fed [3H]20:5 and [14C]20:4 or [3H]20:5 and [14C]18:2 in a fish oil emulsion, were incubated with human pancreatic lipase-colipase, human carboxyl ester lipase (CEL) and human duodenal contents. With duodenal contents, the triacylglycerols labelled with [3H]20:5 and [14C]20:4 were rapidly converted to free fatty acids (FFA) and monoacylglycerols. Also during incubation with lipase-colipase the [3H]- and [14C]triacylglycerols disappeared completely and at equal rates, but in this case much [3H]20:5 and [14C]20:4 accumulated in diacylglycerols. When CEL was also added, the rate of disappearance of [3H]- and [14C]triacylglycerols increased and the radioactivity of diacylglycerols decreased markedly. During incubation of chylomicrons labelled with [3H]20:5 and [14C]18:2 with lipase-colipase, the rates of hydrolysis of [3H]- and [14C]triacylglycerols were similar, but more [3H]20:5 than [14C]18:2 accumulated in diacylglycerols. The accumulation of [3H]diacylglycerol was reduced by adding CEL. Also when fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography, 20:5 was enriched in remaining triacylglycerol and in diacylglycerol after incubation with lipase-colipase alone. The data thus indicate that both lipase-colipase and CEL participate in the hydrolysis of 20:5 and 20:4 ester bonds of dietary triacylglycerol.

[Bioelectric potentials of bone in experimental fracture healing]

A specific electric potential gradient exists on the surface of long bone and the electric gradient changes after fracture. The electric potentials at the fracture site were measured and it was shown to change most actively during the early healing phase, and thereafter reached the normal level gradually. When soft tissue was damaged, certain potential changes occurred. But this change was different from that in the fracture site, indicating that the tissue has "biological window" effect of electrization.

[Electron microscopic observation of the effects of Rhodiola kirilowii (Regel.) Maxim. in preventing damage of the rat viscera by a hypoxic high altitude environment]

This paper has shown that the pathologic damages done to rat's viscera due to hypoxic environment of altitude can be reduced significantly by oral administrations of Shengmaiyin, Danshen-Chuanxiong mixture and Rhodiola kirilowii. Shengmaiyin that maintains interior substances in the plate layer bodies proves more effective than Danshen-Chuanxiong mixture, while the latter excels in preventing capillary contraction, thus improving blood circulation. Rhodiola kirilowii has the effects of both Shengmaiyin and Danshen-Chuanxiong mixtures.

[Measurement and clinical application of MEFV and PEFV curves in young children]

Previous studies of children's ventilatory functions revealed that a history of pediatric respiratory illness could cause an adult airway to be highly susceptible to the adverse effects of a variety of bronchial stimulants and infectious agents and easy to develop obstructive airway diseases in adult life. Ten indexes of ventilatory function were measured with MEFV and PEFV curves in 333 normal young children aged between 3 and 6, and 15 sick children of bronchopneumonitis in the same age range. Multiple regression equations of different indexes of normal children were set up. The measured values of various indexes of the sick children were much lower than the correspondent predicted values calculated from multiple regression equations, especially VT, VmaxFRC and VmaxFRC/FRC (P less than 0.05). The results suggest that the measurement of PEFV is a convenient and sensitive method to test children's ventilatory function.

The tal gene undergoes chromosome translocation in T cell leukemia and potentially encodes a helix-loop-helix protein

We have analyzed t(1;14)(p32;q11) chromosome translocations from two patients with T cell acute lymphocytic leukemia. The chromosome 1 breakpoints of these patients lie within a kilobasepair of each other, and thus define a genetic locus (designated tal) involved in T cell oncogenesis. Moreover, we have identified sequences within tal that potentially encode an amphipathic helix-loop-helix motif, a DNA-binding domain found in a variety of proteins that control cell growth and differentiation. The homology domain of tal is especially related to that of lyl-1, a gene on chromosome 19 that has also been implicated in T cell oncogenesis. Hence, tal and lyl-1 encode a distinct family of helix-loop-helix proteins involved in the malignant development of lymphocytes.

[Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy. Report of a case]

A typical case of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidemia and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) was reported. The main clinical manifestations consisted of short stature, psychomotor deterioration, sensorineural deafness, and hemiparesis. The laboratory findings disclosed abnormal lactic acid tolerance abnormal EEG, VEP, AEP, SEP, and MCV. The CT scan showed multiple intracerebral infarcts, basal ganglia calcifications, and cerebral atrophy. A muscle biopsy was performed. The frozen sections with modified gomori trichrome stain revealed ragged-red-fiber which reacted strongly positive in NADH-TR stain. The electron microscopy revealed subsarcolemmal aggregation of mitochondria of various sizes with paracrystalline inclusions, abnormally arranged cristae, and osmiophilic dense-bodies in their matrices.

Normal brain tissue response to photodynamic therapy: histology, vascular permeability and specific gravity

The response of photodynamic therapy on normal brain was investigated in 140 Fisher rats. The rats were injected i.p. with Photofrin II (12.5 mg/kg) and 48 h later the dural area over the frontal cortex was photoactivated with red light (630 +/- 1 nm) from an argon dye laser. Treatment was performed with optical energy densities of 140 and 70 J/cm2. Histopathology, vascular permeability and specific gravity measurements were conducted on different populations of rats at 4 h, 24 h, 72 h and 1 week after photodynamic therapy (PDT). Histopathology revealed similar gross and microscopic pathology associated with light energies of 70 and 140 J/cm2 after all time points. A large cerebral infarct approximately the size of the brain surface area treated, evolved 24 h following treatment. Evans blue extravasation indicated a small area of vascular permeability evident as early as 4 h following PDT treatment at both energy levels, with increasing permeability evident at later time points. Specific gravity measurements taken on a representative area of the lesion indicated a significant (P less than 0.01) amount of edema present at 24 h post treatment with a gradual reduction approaching control values over the time period of 1 week. The data indicate a significant amount of damage to normal brain from low PDT treatment doses.

Quantitative benedict test using bicinchoninic acid

Cupric ion (Cu2+), in complex form, functions as a selective oxidizing agent for a variety of compounds in the qualitative Benedict test. Cupric ion is reduced to cuprous ion (Cu+) in the reaction. We found that the cuprous ion formed in this type of redox reaction could be detected and quantified using 2,2'-bicinchoninic acid. This reagent produced an intense purple complex with cuprous ion. The color development in this modified Benedict test was dependent on pH, temperature, and time. The reaction is insensitive to ethanol and sodium dodecyl sulfate. This improved method of the Benedict test has enhanced sensitivity and makes the quantitation of compounds possible. This method should be useful for studies of Benedict-positive compounds which are available only in small amounts.

Hydrolysis of triacylglycerol arachidonic and linoleic acid ester bonds by human pancreatic lipase and carboxyl ester lipase

The hydrolysis of polyenoic fatty acid ester bonds with pure human colipase-dependent lipase, with carboxyl ester lipase (CEL) and with these enzymes in combination was studied, using [3H]arachidonic- and [14C]linoleic acid-labelled rat chylomicrons as a model substrate. During the hydrolysis with colipase-dependent lipase, the amount of 3H appearing in 1,2-X-diacylglycerol (DG) markedly exceeded that of 14C. When CEL was added in addition this [3H]DG was efficiently hydrolyzed. CEL alone hydrolyzed the triacylglycerol (TG) at a low rate. The hydrolysis pattern with human duodenal content was similar to that seen with colipase-dependent lipase and CEL in combination. Increasing the concentration of taurodeoxycholate (TDC) and taurocholate (TC) or of TDC alone stimulated the hydrolysis of [3H]- and [14C]TG, but increased the accumulation of labelled DG that could act as substrate for CEL. It is suggested that very-long-chain polyenoic fatty acids of DG formed during the action of the colipase-dependent lipase on TG containing these fatty acids may be a physiological substrate for CEL.

Molecular cloning and expression of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. galleriae insecticidal crystal protein genes in Escherichia coli

The location of the toxin gene of B. thuringiensis subsp. galleriae (H5ab) on the Mr-130Md plasmid is determined by molecular cloning. Double digestion fragments (BamHI and SalI) and PstI restriction fragments as well, from the 130 Md plasmid, of B. thuringiensis subsp. galleriae, are ligated with the cloning vector pAT 153 respectively and transformed into E. coli strain HB 101. Out of 208 transformants, three colonies (FG2, FG9, FG19) give positive hybridization reaction using the HD-1 delta-endotoxin gene as a probe. They are presumed to contain the delta-endotoxin gene of B. thuringiensis subsp. galleriae. Western blot assays indicate that Mr-130 kDal and 68 kDal, crystal proteins produced by clone FG2 react with anticrystal protein antibody. The protein extracts of clone FG2 are lethal to Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenee). This is the first report with regard to the cloning and expression of the B. thuringiensis subsp. galleriae (H5ab) delta-endotoxin gene.

Experimental studies on the prevention and treatment of chickenpox and herpes zoster with measles vaccine

In 151 chickenpox patients treated with live attenuated measles vaccine, the cure rate was 100%. In 145 cases of herpes zoster, the effective rate was 100% (completely cured in 91.7% and improved in 8.3%). In the treated group, the time needed for the subsidence of fever and skin rash and the duration of the disease were markedly shorter than those in the control group (P less than 0.01). It is particularly effective for alleviating pain, preventing and relieving postherpetic neuralgia in patients with zoster. The application of measles vaccine to the patients in the chickenpox incubation period might prevent the development of the disease, and decrease the incidence and death rate of varicella zoster virus infection in highly susceptible patients. The mechanism of its anti-viral action and production of interferon in the body is discussed.

The major low-molecular-weight heat shock protein in chloroplasts shows antigenic conservation among diverse higher plant species

Several plant species are known to synthesize low-molecular-weight nucleus-encoded heat shock proteins (HSPs) which localize to chloroplasts. DNA sequence analysis of chloroplast HSP cDNAs from pea (Pisum sativum) and soybean (Glycine max) has shown that the carboxyl-terminal halves of these proteins are homologous to low-molecular-weight HSPs from a wide range of eucaryotes (E. Vierling, R. T. Nagao, A. E. DeRocher, and L. M. Harris, EMBO J. 7:575-581, 1988). We used a pea cDNA to construct fusion proteins containing either the carboxyl-terminal heat shock domain or the amino-terminal domain of the chloroplast HSP. The fusion proteins were overexpressed in Escherichia coli and used to produce choloroplast HSP-specific polyclonal antibodies. The carboxyl-terminal antibodies recognized chloroplast HSP precursor proteins from pea and from three divergent plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana, petunia (Petunia hybrida), and maize (Zea mays). The amino-terminal antibodies recognized effectively only the pea precursor. When intact plants of each species were subjected to a heat stress regime mimicking field growth conditions, significant levels of the mature forms of the chloroplast HSPs accumulated in pea, A. thaliana, and maize. The levels of accumulated HSPs remained unchanged for 12 h following the stress treatment. We conclude that the synthesis of chloroplast-localized HSPs is an important component of the stree response in all higher plants and that chloroplast HSPs from dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants have a conserved carboxyl-terminal domain.

[Determination of Se Zn Cu concentrations in serum of middle school teachers in Beijing City]

The concentrations of serum selenium, zinc and copper were measured in 187 teachers (representative group of population) from six middle schools in Beijing city. The means, standard deviations, normal ranges were found out. The result was compared with that in the recent literature. Since serum selenium concentrations were found close to the lower limit of the normal range, it is suggested that to increase adequately the daily intake of dietary selenium will be beneficial for safeguarding one's health against the related diseases.

[Surgical treatment of aneurysm of the membranous ventricular septum: report of 27 cases]

Twenty-seven patients aged 4 to 26 years with aneurysm of the membranous ventricular septum were operated on in Shanghai Chest Hospital, from August 1985 to April 1987. Of the patients, 22 were diagnosed by left ventriculography, and were found to be associated with other cardiac defects such as VSD, ASD. All the patients had an uneventful early postoperative course and excellent late results. It is emphasized that a thorough recognition of the lesion and complete repair of the malformation are important in the avoidance of residual shunt and recurrent defects.

Characterization of Inositol Phosphates in Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Cells

We have shown previously that inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) stimulates an efflux of (45)Ca(2+) from fusogenic carrot protoplasts (M Rincón, WF Boss [1987] Plant Physiol 83: 395-398). In light of these results, we suggested that IP(3) might serve as a second messenger for the mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+) in higher plant cells. To determine whether or not IP(3) and other inositol phosphates were present in the carrot cells, the cells were labeled with myo-[2-(3)H]inositol for 18 hours and extracted with ice-cold 10% trichloroacetic acid. The inositol metabolites were separated by anion exchange chromatography and by paper electrophoresis. We found that [(3)H]inositol metabolites coeluted with inositol bisphosphate (IP(2)) and IP(3) when separated by anion exchange chromatography. However, we could not detect IP(2) or IP(3) when the inositol metabolites were analyzed by paper electrophoresis even though the polyphosphoinositides, which are the source of IP(2) and IP(3), were present in these cells. Thus, [(3)H] inositol metabolites other than IP(2) and IP(3) had coeluted on the anion exchange columns. The data indicate that either IP(3) is rapidly metabolized or that it is not present at a detectable level in the carrot cells.

Alterations in intermediate filament proteins in rat kidney proximal tubule epithelial cells

Changes in the intermediate filament composition of rat kidney proximal tubule cells in culture have been investigated. The data suggest that differentiated tubular epithelial cells do not express vimentin, but vimentin expression is induced when the cells begin to proliferate in culture. The cultured cells are positive for both cytokeratins and vimentin by immunofluorescence microscopy. The data support the concept that the intermediate filament composition of proximal tubule epithelial cells can be altered during proliferation induced by nephrotoxic chemicals or by neoplastic transformation.

Localization of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) at a neuronal nicotinic synapse

The localization of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the parasympathetic cardiac ganglion of the frog was investigated with an immunofluorescence method. By doubly staining the whole ganglion with antibodies against a synaptic-vesicle antigen and anti-CGRP antibodies, we found that all of the boutons at the nicotinic synapses on the postganglionic neurons contained immunoreactivity against this peptide. In contrast, neither the muscarinic nor the adrenergic terminals of the postganglionic fibers on the cardiac muscle contained CGRP immunoreactivity. This suggests that CGRP is involved in the functions of the neuronal nicotinic synapses.

Cloning, sequencing and expression of a full-length rabbit fast skeletal troponin-C cDNA

A full-length cDNA coding for troponin-C isolated from an adult rabbit fast skeletal muscle library has been sequenced and expressed in an E. coli host. The amino acid sequence derived from the coding region agrees with the published protein sequence except that the first two residues are reversed. The expressed protein was found to be identical to purified rabbit skeletal troponin-C based on electrophoretic mobilities in polyacrylamide gels containing either SDS or urea, and on immunoblotting. These results establish that our troponin-C cDNA clone is suitable for site-directed mutagenesis studies on the structure and function of troponin-C.

[Correlation between selenium levels in the human body and lung cancer. II. Multi-statistical analysis of the correlation between selenium levels in the blood, hair, lung and lung cancer]

18 factors, including possible lung cancer-causing factors and body selenium (Se) levels, were analyzed by computer-based multiple stepwise regression and main component analysis. 1. The results indicated that Se levels in blood, hair and lung had correlation with lung cancer to some extent. 2. The correlation of blood and lung Se was the most significant one, the significance of which was only second to age and smoking habits. The standardized regression and factor load coefficients showed a negative correlation with blood Se level and a positive one with lung Se level, which corresponded with the results obtained by the single factor analysis.

Synaptonemal complex antigen location and conservation

The axial cores of chromosomes in the meiotic prophase nuclei of most sexually reproducing organisms play a pivotal role in the arrangement of chromatin, in the synapsis of homologous chromosomes, in the process of genetic recombination, and in the disjunction of chromosomes. We report an immunogold analysis of the axial cores and the synaptonemal complexes (SC) using two mouse monoclonal antibodies raised against isolated rat SCs. In Western blots of purified SCs, antibody II52F10 recognizes a 30- and a 33-kD peptide (Heyting, C., P. B. Moens, W. van Raamsdonk, A. J. J. Dietrich, A. C. G. Vink, and E. J. W. Redeker, 1987, Eur. J. Cell Biol., 43: 148-154). In spreads of rat spermatocyte nuclei it produces gold grains over the cores of autosomal and sex chromosomes. The cores label lightly during the chromosome pairing stage (zygotene) of early meiotic prophase and they become more intensely labeled when they are parallel aligned as the lateral elements of the SC during pachytene (55 grains/micron SC). Statistical analysis of electronically recorded gold grain positions shows that the two means of the bimodal gold grain distribution coincide with the centers of the lateral elements. At diplotene, when the cores separate, the antigen is still detected along the length of the core and the enlarged ends are heavily labeled. Shadow-cast SC preparations show that recombination nodules are not labeled. The continued presence suggests that the antigens serve a continuing function in the cores, such as chromatin binding, and/or structural integrity. Antibody III15B8, which does not recognize the 30- and 33-kD peptides, produces gold grains predominantly between the lateral elements. The grain distribution is bimodal with the mean of each peak just inside the pairing face of the lateral element. The antigen is present where and while the cores of the homologous chromosomes are paired. From the location and the timing, it is assumed that the antigen recognized by III15B8 functions in chromosome pairing at meiotic prophase. The two anti-rat SC antibodies label rat and mouse SCs but not rabbit or dog SCs. A positive control using human CREST (calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia) anti-centromere serum gives equivalent labeling of SC centromeres in the rat, mouse, rabbit, and dog. It is concluded that the SC antigens recognized by II52F10 and III15B8 are not widely conserved. The two antibodies do not bind to cellular or nuclear components of somatic cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Comparison of the spermicidal activity and acute toxicity of nonoxynol-9 and agent 741 [alkylphenoxy polyethoxy ethanol(10)]

A spermicidal agent called "741" is used in the People's Republic of China as a substitute for nonoxynol-9 in vaginal contraceptive preparations. The relative spermicidal activity of these two agents was evaluated using dog, rabbit, monkey and human semen. Acute LD50 determinations in mice were also performed. The spermicidal activity and acute toxicity of both agents were either identical or very similar in all species. Since agent 741 is less expensive than nonoxynol-9 to manufacture and equally as potent in vitro, it is an alternative spermicide for vaginal contraceptive formulations.

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemic patients in China

Five homozygous patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) are described. Their serum cholesterol levels were between 603 and 907 mg/dl, with an average of 714 mg/dl. The mean value of serum cholesterol levels of the obligate heterozygous parents was 270 mg/dl. In the patient group, 87% of the serum cholesterol was distributed in low density lipoprotein (LDL) and the mean LDL cholesterol level was about 8.4 times that in a control group. Phospholipids in HDL in the patient group were significantly lower than in the controls. Lipid assays of xanthoma tissues revealed that the major lipid was cholesterol and its esters. LDL receptor activity in fibroblasts from the homozygotes was markedly decreased. Two patients yielded less than 2% of normal receptor activity and were classified as receptor-negative. The other 3 revealed receptor activities greater than 2% but less than 25% of normal receptor activity and were classified as receptor-defective.