A limited number of transducible hepatocytes restricts a wide-range linear vector dose response in recombinant adeno-associated virus-mediated liver transduction

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are promising vehicles for achieving stable liver transduction in vivo. However, the mechanisms of liver transduction are not fully understood, and furthermore, the relationships between rAAV dose and levels of transgene expression, total number of hepatocytes transduced, and proportion of integrated vector genomes have not been well established. To begin to elucidate the liver transduction dose response with rAAV vectors, we injected mice with two different human factor IX or Escherichia coli lacZ-expressing AAV serotype 2-based vectors at doses ranging between 4.0 x 10(8) and 1.1 x 10(13) vector genomes (vg)/mouse, in three- to sixfold increments. A 2-log-range linear dose-response curve of transgene expression was obtained from 3.7 x 10(9) to 3.0 x 10(11) vg/mouse. Vector doses above 3.0 x 10(11) vg/mouse resulted in disproportionately smaller increases in both the number of transduced hepatocytes and levels of transgene expression, followed by saturation at doses above 1.8 x 10(12) vg/mouse. In contrast, a linear increase in the number of vector genomes per hepatocyte was observed up to 1.8 x 10(12) vg/mouse concomitantly with enhanced vector genome concatemerization, while the proportion of integrated vector genomes was independent of the vector dose. Thus, the mechanisms that restrict a wide-range linear dose response at high doses likely involve decreased functionality of vector genomes and restriction of transduction to fewer than 10% of total hepatocytes. Such information may be useful to determine appropriate vector doses for in vivo administration and provides further insights into the mechanisms of rAAV transduction in the liver.     

Effects of veratrine and paeoniflorin on isolated mouse vas deferens

In this study, we attempted to identify the interactions and mechanisms between veratrine and paeoniflorin on isolated mouse vas deferens. Paeoniflorin had no effect on isolated mouse vas deferens. Veratrine (1 x 10(-5) approximately 1 x 10(-3) g/ml) could directly induce contraction of isolated rat and mouse vas deferens. The concentration induced by veratrine (1 x 10(-5) g/ml) was completely inhibited by Ca2+-free solution and verapamil (1 x 10(-5) M), in both the epididymal and the prostatic portions of isolated mouse vas deferens. Naloxone (1 x 10(-5) M) did not alter the contraction induced by veratrine (1 x 10(-5) g/ml) in either the epididymal or the prostatic portions of isolated mouse vas deferens. Paeoniflorin (4.8 x 10(-5) g/ml) inhibited the contraction induced by veratrine (1 x 10(-5) g/ml) in both the epididymal and the prostatic portions of isolated mouse vas deferens. Paeoniflorin (4.8 x 10(-5) g/ml) potentiated norepinephrine (1 x 10(-5) M)-induced phasic contraction in the epididymal portion, but decreased contractions in the prostatic portion. Paeoniflorin (4.8 x 10(-5) g/ml) increased KCI (56 mM)-induced phasic contraction in the epididymal portion, but decreased the tonic contraction in either the epididymal or the prostatic portion. Veratrine (1 x 10(-5) g/ml)-induced contractions could be decreased by pretreatment with ryanodine (1 x 10(-5) M) in both the epididymal and the prostatic portions. Pretreatment with the combination of paeoniflorin (4.8 x 10(-5) g/ml) and ryanodine (1 x 10(-5) M) did not potentiate the inhibition of paeoniflorin in the veratrine-induced contraction in both the epididymal and the prostatic portions of isolated mouse vas deferens.     

Comutagenic and coclastogenic effects of selenium in vitro and in vivo

The comutagenic activity of selenium was investigated using in vitro and in vivo techniques, including the liquid suspension modification of the standard Salmonella/microsome mutagenicity assay, the metaphase analysis of chromosome aberrations in CHO cells and in mouse bone marrow as well as the micronucleus assay in mouse bone marrow. 4 h growth of S. typhimurium TA1535 in a nutrient broth containing 2.9 x 10(-5) M but not 1.16 x 10(-5) M Na2SeO3 caused an up to 10-fold increase of the number of N-methylnitrosourea (MNU, 2.0-2.5 mM)-induced his+ revertants and an up to 2-fold elevation of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG, 1.48 x 10(-5))-induced mutation rate. Pretreatment of bacteria with Na2SeO3 alone had no effect on the spontaneous mutation level. The combined treatment of CHO cells with MNNG (1.25 x 10(-5) M) or tobacco smoke (TS, 2-3 puffs generated by a cigarette inhalation machine) plus Na2SeO3 (0.58-1.16 x 10(-5) M) starting 2 h and 4 h before the MNNG or TS treatment respectively resulted in a 2-3-fold increase in the percent of metaphases with chromosome aberrations. Furthermore, treatment for 7-14 days of male BDF1 (C57Bl x DBA2) or CC57W mice with Na2SeO3, added to the drinking water at a concentration of 10 ppm, potentiated by 2-3 times the chromosome-damaging activity of urethane (0.5-1.0 g/kg, i.p.) in mouse bone marrow, as measured by the formation of micronuclei or chromosome aberrations. In addition, Na2SeO3 increased up to 43.8% the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) induced by mitomycin C (MMC, 1.5 mg/kg, i.p.) in BDF1 mouse bone marrow. Treatment of mice with Na2SeO3 alone had no effect on the spontaneous level of MNPCE. All these findings are consistent with a comutagenic and coclastogenic activity of selenium both in prokaryotes and in eukaryotes, in vitro as well as in vivo after pretreatment of target cells with the trace element.     

小家鼠(Mus musculus)种群动态预测及机制的探讨

我国学者夏武平(1966)用9月铗日捕获率预测东北棕背(鼠平)(Clethrionomys rufocanus)数量以来,严志堂等(1983)应用种群年龄结构的回归方程预测新疆天山北麓农区塔西河地区的小家鼠(Mus musculus)种群密度获初步成功,并根据该文提供的一个改进公式M₁₀=5.60x+5.80(x表示种群年龄的成亚比,M₁₀表示小家鼠10月数量,即年内最高数量),提前11个月预测该地的小家鼠种群最高数量。     

Acquisition of meiotic competence in mouse oocytes: absolute amounts of p34(cdc2), cyclin B1, cdc25C, and wee1 in meiotically incompetent and competent oocytes

M-Phase promoting factor (MPF) is a complex of p34(cdc2) and cyclin B. Results of previous studies in which relative mass amounts of these cell cycle regulators were determined suggested that the accumulation of p34(cdc2), rather than cyclin B, could be a limiting factor in the acquisition of meiotic competence in mouse oocytes. Nevertheless, in the absence of measurements of the absolute amount of these components of MPF, it is possible that the molar amount of p34(cdc2) is in excess to that of cyclin B, i.e., the accumulation of p34(cdc2) is not a limiting factor. We report measurements of the absolute mass of p34(cdc2) and cyclin B1, as well as the two proximal regulators of MPF, namely cdc25C and wee1, in meiotically incompetent and competent mouse oocytes. We find that the numbers of molecules of p34(cdc2), cyclin B1, cdc25C, and wee1 in meiotically incompetent oocytes are 1.4 x 10(6), 11.3 x 10(6), 24.6 x 10(6), 15. 6 x 10(6), respectively, and in meiotically competent oocytes the numbers are 14.3 x 10(6), 95.5 x 10(6), 80.0 x 10(6), 40.1 x 10(6), respectively. Thus, the concentration of cyclin B1 is always in excess to that of p34(cdc2), and this is consistent with the hypothesis that the accumulation of p34(cdc2) plays a role in the acquisition of meiotic competence. Last, the concentration of cdc25C is greater than that of wee1 and the concentration of each is greater than that of p34(cdc2) in both meiotically incompetent and competent oocytes.     

Evidence for the involvement of nitric oxide in A2B receptor-mediated vasorelaxation of mouse aorta

We have investigated the role of adenosine and its analogs on vasorelaxation of mouse aorta in intact endothelium with rank order of potency as follows: 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) > 2-chloroadenosine > adenosine > CGS-21680, which is consistent with the profile of A(2B)-adenosine receptor (A(2B)AR). In endothelium-intact tissues, acetylcholine produced relaxation ranging from 65 to 80% in phenylephrine (PE, 10(-7) M)-precontracted mouse aorta, whereas no relaxation was observed in endothelium-denuded tissues. The A(2B)AR antagonist alloxazine (10(-5) M) shifted concentration-response curve for NECA (EC(50) = 0.005 x 10(-5) M) to the right with an EC(50) of 2.8 x 10(-5) M, demonstrating that this relaxation is partially dependent on functional endothelium mediated predominantly via A(2B)AR in this tissue. This conclusion was further supported by the following findings: 1) in the endothelium-intact mouse aorta, the EC(50) values for NECA and adenosine were found to be 0.05 and 1.99 x 10(-4) M, respectively; however, in denuded endothelium, these values were 0.098 and 3.55 x 10(-4) M, respectively; 2) NECA-induced relaxation was significantly blocked by N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME; 10(-4) M) in endothelium-intact tissues, which was reversed by pretreatment with l-arginine (10(-4) M), whereas no significant inhibition was found in endothelium-denuded tissues; 3) total nitrites and nitrates (NOx) in intact endothelium with l-NAME (10(-4) M) alone and in combination with l-arginine were 59% (P < 0.05) and 96%, respectively, in comparison with control (PE + NECA); and 4) endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene expression was found to be 67% (P < 0.05) less in endothelium-denuded as opposed to endothelium-intact mouse aorta. Thus these data demonstrate that adenosine-mediated vasorelaxation is partially dependent on A(2B)AR in mouse aorta.     

Elevated proteinase activities in mouse lung tumors quantitated by synthetic fluorogenic substrates.

Proteinase activities in malignant and normal lung tissues were measured using two synthetic substrates that consist of a fluorophor coupled to a peptide moiety. The hydrolysis of CBZ-Val-Lys-Lys-Arg-4-methoxy-2-naphthylamide and BZ-Gly-Gly-Arg-4-methoxy-2-naphthylamide were studied in homogenates of two types of mouse lung tumors, the Lewis lung tumor of the C57 black mouse and the KHT tumor of the C3H mouse. The activity of CBZ-Val-Lys-Lys-Arg-4-methoxy-2-naphthylamide hydrolysis had a pH optimum of 6.3 and a Km of 2.1 x 10(-4) M, required a thiol activator, and was inhibited by leupeptin suggesting the activity of a cathepsin B-like enzyme. The activity of BZ-Gly-Gly-Arg-4-methoxy-2-naphthylamide hydrolysis had a pH optimum of 6.7 and a Km of 3 x 10(-5) M. Lung tumor homogenates contained higher hydrolytic activities for both substrates than normal lung homogenates.     

Binding of low-density lipoproteins from chicken egg yolk to mouse anti-phospholipid B cells which include B cells against bromelain-treated mouse erythrocytes

Low-density lipoproteins from chicken egg yolk (EyLDL), which are reactive with mouse antibodies against bromelain-treated mouse erythrocytes (BrMRBC), were conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). FITC-EyLDL could bind specifically to mouse anti-phospholipid B cells, which comprised all the BrMRBC-rosette-forming cells and anti-BrMRBC lipopolysaccharide-reactive B cells, C3H/He mice at 12 weeks of age had, approximately, 7 x 10(5) EyLDL-binding cells in the peritoneal cavity, 3 x 10(5) EyLDL-binding cells in the pleural cavity, and 3 x 10(5) EyLDL-binding cells in the spleen. In ontogeny, the numbers of EyLDL-binding cells in the peritoneal cavity expanded greatly by 4 weeks. Other normal strains of mice and C3H/HeJ mice at 12 weeks of age had 4-7 x 10(5) EyLDL-binding cells in the peritoneal cavity; the numbers were large (19 x 10(5] in NZB mice, rather small (2 x 10(5] in MRL/lpr mice, and very small (0.1 x 10(5] in CBA/N mice. In some of various strains of mice at 12 months of age, more than 20% of peritoneal cells were EyLDL-binding cells; in particular, all of five older NZB mice examined had more than 10(7) EyLDL-binding cells in the peritoneal cavity.     

Colonization of gnotobiotic mice by Roseburia cecicola, a motile, obligately anaerobic bacterium from murine ceca.

In scrapings of mouse cecal mucosae, motile bacteria outnumbered nonmotile bacteria by a ratio of 2:1. Obligately anaerobic bacteria were obtained from such scrapings through the use of techniques designed for the selective isolation of motile bacteria. One of the isolates, Roseburia cecicola, was rapidly motile in broth by means of 20 to 35 flagella arranged in a fascicle on each cell. R. cecicola cells colonized germfree mice (3 x 10(9) to 1 x 10(10) CFU/g of cecum) within 11 days after the animals were inoculated intragastrically with 2 x 10(8) CFU per mouse. In such monoassociated gnotobiotes, the bacteria were found primarily in the cecum, dispersed in the lumen among particles of digesta, and in the mucus over the epithelial surface. Between 2 and 3 weeks after birth, offspring of monoassociated adult mice were colonized by the bacterium (2 x 10(9) to 1 x 10(10) CFU/g of cecum). These results indicate that R. cecicola is suitable for studies of the ecology of host-associated microorganisms, particularly for investigation of the role of motility and possibly also chemotaxis in bacterial colonization of the mammalian gastrointestinal tract.     

Prophylactic use of ceftriaxone in combination with F I antigen immunization in studies on uninbred albino mice infected by Yersinia pestis. Antiplague immunity development]

Administration of highly immunogenic (ED50 12.6 mcg/mouse) F I antigen (100 mcg/mouse) to albino mice 5 hours after their contamination approximately with 1000 LD50 of Yersinia pestis 231 provided 99-percent survival of same animals (17-50%) and 2-5-day prolongation of the life-span, that was indicative of the phenomenon analogous to the survival phenomenon observed in infected animals immunized by immunogenic strains of the plague microbe. The experiment on the mice confirmed high efficacy of ceftriaxone (100-percent survival) when used prophylactically for 5 days 5 hours after the contamination by Y. pestis 231 (approximately 1000 LD50) in the dose equivalent to the daily dose for humans. However, no antiplague immunity developed in the survivors: the immunity index (II) of 1.5x10. The use of ceftriaxone according to the same scheme simultaneously with single immunization by F I antigen in a dose of 100 mcg/mouse resulted not only in 100-percent survival of the animals but also in development of expressing antiplague immunity (II 2.2x10(5)). The protection level corresponded to the control with the same live-stock of the animals after a single immunization in the analogous dose of F I antigen (II 3.2x10(4)) and the ceftriaxone use (II 1.0x10(5)), as well as after immunization of the mice by 10(6) microbial cells of Y. pestis EV NIIEG (II 1.2x10(5)). The results of the study are indicative of the prospective use of subsingle vaccines of the new generation based on F I antigen for combined specific and urgent prophylaxis.     

Flow injection chemiluminescence determination of 2‐methoxyestradiol based on inhibition of luminol‐potassium ferricyanide reaction

A novel flow‐injection chemiluminescence (FI‐CL) method is described for the determination of 2‐methoxyestradiol (2‐ME). The method is based on the inhibitory effect of 2‐ME on the CL reaction of luminol and potassium ferricyanide in alkaline solution. Under optimal conditions, net CL intensity was proportional to 2‐ME concentration in synthetic and mouse plasma samples. Corresponding linear regression equations were 8.0 x 10^‐9‐1.0 x 10^‐7g/mL for synthetic samples and 2.0 x 10^‐9‐1.0 x 10^‐7g/mL for plasma samples. Detection limit for synthetic samples and limits for quantification of plasma samples were 8.4 x 10^‐10g/mL (3σ) for synthetic samples and 4.0 x 10^‐9g/mL for mouse samples. A complete analysis was performed for 60 s, including washing and sampling, resulting in a throughput of ≈ 60/h. The proposed method was applied for the determination of 2‐ME in synthetic and mouse plasma samples. Percentage recoveries were 101.0‐102.8% and 98.0‐105.0%, respectively. A possible mechanism responsible for CL reaction is proposed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of equilibrium constants for the interaction of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes with reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide by affinity chromatography.

Rabbit muscle lactate dehydrogenase was subjected to frontal affinity chromatography on Sepharose-oxamate in the presence of various concentrations of NADH and sodium phosphate buffer (0.05 M, pH 6.8) containing 0.5 M-NaCl. Quantitative interpretation of the results yields an intrinsic association constant of 9.0 x 10 (4)M-1 for the interaction of enzyme with NADH at 5 degrees C, a value that is confirmed by equilibrium-binding measurements. In a second series of experiments, zonal affinity chromatography of a mouse tissue extract under the same conditions was used to evaluate assoication constants of the order 2 x 10(5)M-1, 3 x 10(5)M-1, 4 x 10(5)M-1, 7 x 10(5)M-1 and 2 x 10(6)M-1 for the interaction of NADH with the M4, M3H, M2H2, MH3 and H4 isoenzymes respectively of lactate dehydrogenase.     

Hyaluronic acid in human articular cartilage. Age-related changes in content and size.

A specific lactotransferrin receptor was identified in the mouse small-intestinal brush-border membrane and the binding features were investigated in homologous and heterologous systems. The receptor was found to be specific for lactotransferrins isolated from milk of various species, but the affinity was higher toward the homologous ligand (Ka = 3.5 x 10(6) M-1 compared with 2.6 x 10(6) M-1 for both human and bovine lactotransferrins). However, the number of binding sites (n) was the same for the three lactotransferrins, namely 0.53 x 10(12)/micrograms of membrane protein. The binding of mouse lactotransferrin to its receptor was found to be pH-dependent, with an optimal binding at pH 5.5, and seemed unlikely to be carbohydrate-mediated. The receptor was demonstrated to be devoid of any affinity for human and mouse serotransferrins or for a 'serotransferrin-like' protein isolated from mouse milk. The receptor was solubilized with 1% Triton X-100 with good yield. The solubilized receptor was found to retain lactotransferrin-binding activity and sensitivity to pH.     

Trypanosoma evansi sialidase: surface localization,properties and hydrolysis of ghost red blood cells and brain cells-implications in trypanosomiasis

A membrane-bound sialidase was isolated from blood stream (BS) Trypanosoma evansi partially purified and characterized. The enzyme is a glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol (GPI) membrane anchored protein. It was solubilized from T. evansi cells recovered from infected camel blood by detergent treatment with Triton CF 54 and partially purified by a series of chromatography steps. The enzyme was optimally active at pH 5.5 and 37 degrees C. It had a KM and Vmax values of 4.8 x 10(-6) M and 3.75 x 10(-6) mol/min x mg protein with Neu5Acalpha2, 3lac as substrate respectively. The KM and Vmax values with fetuin (4-nitrophenyl-oxamic acid) as substrate were 2.9 x 10(-2) M and 4.2 x 10(-3) mol/min x mg protein in the same respect. Kinetic analysis with methly umbelliferyl sialate (MU-Neu5Ac) gave KM and Vmax values of 0.17 mM and 0.84 mmol/min x mg protein respectively. The T. evansi SD could hydrolyse internally linked sialic acid residues of the ganglioside GM2, but was inactive towards colomic acid, and NeuSAc2, 6. lac. When ghost red blood cell (RBC) was used as substrate, it desialylated the RBC in the following order of efficiency; mouse, rat, camel, goat, and dog. Similarly, cerebral cells isolated from BalbC mouse was desialylated by the T. evansi SD. Inhibition studies using 2-deoxy-2, 3 didehydro-N-acetyl neuraminic acid (NeuAc2, 3en) against MU-Neu5Ac revealed a competitive inhibition pattern with Ki of 5.8 microM. The enzyme was also inhibited non-competitively by parahydroxy oxamic acid (pHOA), and competitively by N-ethylmaleimide and N-bromosuccinate with Ki values of 25, 42, and 53 microM, respectively. It was activated by Mg2+ ion and inhibited by Cu2+ and Zn2+.     

Apparent diffusion coefficient in the aging mouse brain: a magnetic resonance imaging study

Novel magnetic resonance imaging sequences have and still continue to play an increasing role in neuroimaging and neuroscience. Among these techniques, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has revolutionized the diagnosis and management of diseases such as stroke, neoplastic disease and inflammation. However, the effects of aging on diffusion are yet to be determined. To establish reference values for future experimental mouse studies we tested the hypothesis that absolute apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) of the normal brain change with age. A total of 41 healthy mice were examined by T2-weighted imaging and DWI. For each animal ADC frequency histograms (i) of the whole brain were calculated on a voxel-by-voxel basis and region-of-interest (ROI) measurements (ii) performed and related to the animals' age. The mean entire brain ADC of mice <3 months was 0.715(+/-0.016) x 10(-3) mm2/s, no significant difference to mice aged 4 to 5 months (0.736(+/-0.040) x 10(-3) mm2/s) or animals older than 9 months 0.736(+/-0.020) x 10(-3) mm2/s. Mean whole brain ADCs showed a trend towards lower values with aging but both methods (i + ii) did not reveal a significant correlation with age. ROI measurements in predefined areas: 0.723(+/-0.057) x 10(-3) mm2/s in the parietal lobe, 0.659(+/-0.037) x 10(-3) mm2/s in the striatum and 0.679(+/-0.056) x 10(-3) mm2/s in the temporal lobe. With advancing age, we observed minimal diffusion changes in the whole mouse brain as well as in three ROIs by determination of ADCs. According to our data ADCs remain nearly constant during the aging process of the brain with a small but statistically non-significant trend towards a decreased diffusion in older animals.     

Embryonic palatal responses to teratogens in serum-free organ culture.

This study examines development of rat, mouse, and human embryonic palates in submerged, serum-free organ culture. The concentration-response profiles for retinoic acid (RA), triamcinolone (TRI), hydrocortisone (HC), dexamethasone (DEX), and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) were examined and the mechanisms of clefting in vitro were compared to observed in vivo responses. Craniofacial regions were dissected on gestational day (GD) 12 for mice and GD 14 for rat, and cultured for 3-4 days in Bigger's BGJb medium in flasks flushed with 50% O2, 45% N2, 5% CO2. Growth and fusion of secondary palates were scored under a dissecting microscope. In serum-free control medium, mouse and rat palatal fusion occurred within the 4-day culture period. Supplementing with fetal bovine serum (FBS) in excess of 1% interfered with growth and fusion in control medium. RA significantly inhibited fusion of mouse and rat palates at 5 x 10(-9) and 1 x 10(-10) M, respectively, with RA-induced clefting related to abnormal proliferation and differentiation of medial epithelia. In contrast, glucocorticoid-induced clefting was due to concentration-dependent inhibition of shelf growth. TRI significantly inhibited fusion at 4 x 10(-5) M, and 1 x 10(-4) M DEX or HC, inhibited fusion of 19 and 42% of shelves, respectively. The response rate for DEX in the presence of 1% FBS was increased (42% unfused). TCDD clefting was due to altered medial epithelial differentiation and 1 x 10(-8) M TCDD affected 36% of CD-1 mouse, 23% of C57BL/6N mouse, and 47% of F344 rat palates. When the medium was supplemented with 1% FBS, selenium, transferrin, and additional glutamine, the response of C57BL/6N embryos increased to 75%. This rate is similar to that reported for Trowell's-type cultures with IMEM:F12 medium and 1% FBS. The increased responsiveness to DEX or TCDD in the presence of serum suggests that an unknown factor in serum may be required for full activity. Three human embryonic palatal explants (GD 52 or 53) were cultured for 3-6 days and fused during culture. The present study demonstrates that serum-free organ culture supports development of mouse, rat, and human palatal explants. The present study demonstrates the capacity of this organ culture system to model palatogenesis for several species, and to distinguish between various mechanisms of clefting as presented through selected model compounds. This model should be useful for exploring mechanisms of activity at a cellular and molecular level.     

Uptake and release of bilirubin by skin

1. Skin epithelium of albino rat, mouse and guinea pig was shown to accumulate bilirubin from a medium containing free or bound bilirubin. 2. The K(m) values for bound bilirubin were 2.22x10(-3), 1.33x10(-3) and 9.5x10(-4)m for rat, mouse and guinea pig respectively and the corresponding K(m) values for free bilirubin were 5.2x10(-4), 4.0x10(-4), 1.8x10(-4)m; the V(max.) values of bound and free bilirubin were unchanged. 3. The uptake showed saturation kinetics. Bound bilirubin was released together with serum proteins. Free bilirubin bound to skin was not released into the medium. 4. Freezing and thawing of skin epithelium did not cause any significant lowering of the uptake of bilirubin but heat-denatured skin epidermis took up only 50% of the bound bilirubin or free bilirubin taken up by control unheated skin epithelium. 5. The uptake of free and bound bilirubin was prevented by HgCl(2) but not by sodium arsenate, NaCN, NaF, cycloheximide, 2,4-dinitrophenol or iodoacetate. 6. Most of the free bilirubin was bound to the lipids or lipoprotein fraction of skin epithelium and could be extracted by solvents. 7. Rat skin showed the highest accumulation and efflux of bilirubin.     

Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of bromodeoxyuridine during in vitro labelling for sister-chromatid differentiation in preimplantation mouse embryos

Exposure of preimplantation mouse embryos in culture to bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) in the concentration range of 10(-9) to 2 x 10(-6) M allows sister-chromatid differentiation at the morula and blastocyst stage. The same BrdU concentrations induced no chromosomal aberrations, but a prolongation of the cell cycle and an increase of the SCE frequency. Even at the lowest BrdU concentration for sister-chromatid differentiation (10(-9) M the background level for SCE was found to be significantly higher in early embryos than in fetal or adult tissues of the mouse. Therefore, the high SCE frequency seems to be characteristic of undifferentiated embryonic cells. Methodological recommendations are also given for SCE assay in preimplantation mouse embryos.     

Heat-stable Chemically Defined Medium for Growth of Animal Cells in Suspension

Procedures are described for preparation of a chemically defined medium, capable of being autoclaved, for the cultivation of animal cells in suspension. Yields of 34.1 x 10(5), 33.8 x 10(5), and 47.1 x 10(5) cells per ml were recorded for cat kidney, HeLa, and mouse fibroblast (L) cells after 6, 10, and 10 days of incubation, respectively.