Stable and heritable inhibition of the expression of nopaline synthase in tobacco expressing antisense RNA

Antisense nopaline synthase (nos) (D-nopaline synthase; EC 1.5.1.19) RNA is stably expressed from the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter in transformed tobacco plants. The expression of a previously introduced wild-type nos gene is inhibited by the antisense RNA, with less nos enzyme activity detected (by a factor of 8-50) depending on the tissue analyzed. The steady-state levels of nos mRNA are reduced in the presence of the antisense RNA, implying that mRNA degradation is probably the main mode of action for the decrease in expression in this system. The antisense RNA-expressing gene and its inhibition of nos expression are shown to be heritable, demonstrating that it is a potentially useful method for the modification of phenotype.

Acetylcholine storage and its stabilization by morphine

Acetylcholine binds to adenosine-triphosphate in vitro by ionic bonds between the ammonium ion and the phosphate, as shown by nuclear magnetic resonance data. This binding is further increased by morphine, which also binds to adenosine-triphosphate, but not to acetylcholine. The opiate antagonists naloxone and naltrexone show similar effects. This may offer a molecular explanation of acetylcholine release impairment in nerve endings by narcotic analgestic drugs.