The carbohydrate units of ovalbumin: Complete structures of three glycopeptides

Three glycopeptides, obtained in quantity from ovalbumin by exhaustive digestion with Pronase and purified by ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration, had mannose-2-acetamido-2-deoxyglucose-aspartic acid ratios of 5:4:1, 6:2:1, and 5:2:1. The structures of the glycopeptides have been investigated by sequential digestion with purified exo-glycosidases, Smith degradation, and selective acetolysis, and by methylation analysis of the glycopeptides and their degradation products. The resulting data indicated the structures to be α-d-Manp-(1→6)-[α-d- Manp-(1→3)]-α-d-Manp-(1→6)-[β-d-GlcNAcp-(1→4)]-[β-d-GlcNAcp-(1→2)-α-d- Manp-(1→3)]-β-d-Manp-(1→4)-β-d-GlcNAcp-(1→4)-β-d-GlcNAcp→Asn, α-d- Manp-(1→6)-[α-d-Manp-(1→3)]-α-d-Manp-(1→6)-[α-d-Manp-(1→2)-α-d-Manp- (1→3)]-β-d-Manp-(1→4)-β-d-GlcNAcp-(1→4)-β-d-GlcNAcp→Asn, and α-d-Manp- (1→6)-[α-d-Manp-(1→3)]-α-d-Manp-(1→6)-[α-d-Manp-(1→3)]-β-d-Manp-(1→4)- β-d-GlcNAcp-(1→4)-β-d-GlcNAcp→Asn. The glycopeptides had a common-core structure consisting of five mannose and two hexosamine residues, but the two larger glycopeptides were not homologous.     

Synthesis of a branched d-mannopentaoside and a branched d-mannohexaoside: Models of the outer chain of the glycan of soybean agglutinin

Synthetic routes are described to the d-mannopentaoside methyl 3-O-(3,6-di-O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)-6-O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-α-d-mannopyranoside, and the d-mannohexaoside methyl 3-O-(3,6-di-O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)-6-O-(2-O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)-α- d-mannopyranoside, formed in a regio- and stereo-controlled way by employing the properly protected d-mannobioside methyl 2,4-di-O-benzyl-3-O-(2,4-di-O-benzyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)-α-d-mannopyranoside and d-mannotrioside methyl 2,4-di-O-benzyl-3-O-(2,4-di-O-benzyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)-6-O-(3,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-α-d- mannopyranosyl)-α-d-mannopyranoside as key intermediates.     

Structures of the Mating-Type Loci of Cordyceps takaomontana

Nucleotide sequences of the mating-type loci MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 of Cordyceps takaomontana were determined, which is the first such report for the clavicipitaceous fungi. MAT1-1 contains two mating-type genes, MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-1-2, but MAT1-1-3 could not be found. On the other hand, MAT1-2 has MAT1-2-1. A pseudogene of MAT1-1-1 is located next to MAT1-2.     

Synthesis of poly-O-sulfated glycosides of 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol

2,5-Anhydro-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-; -3-O-alpha-L-idopyranosyl-; -3-O-alpha-D-arabinopyranosyl-; -3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-; -3-O-beta-D-maltopyranosyl-; -3-O-beta-D-gentiobiopyranosyl-; -1,6-di-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-; -1,6-di-O-alpha-L-idopyranosyl-; -1-O-beta-D-maltopyranosyl-; -1,3,6-tri-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-; -1,6-di-O-beta-maltopyranosyl- and -1,6-di-O-beta-D-gentiobiopyranosyl-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol as well as their poly-O-sulfated derivatives were synthesized. The IP3-IC50 values of their sodium and/or potassium salts were determined for structure-activity studies aiming at the synthesis of new, orally active antiasthmatic compounds.     

Synthesis of a branched d-mannopentaoside and a branched d-mannohexaoside: Models of the inner core of cell-wall glycoproteins of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Synthetic routes are discussed to the branched d-mannopentaoside methyl 6-O-(2,6-di-O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)-3-O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-α-d-mannopyranoside and d-mannohexaoside methyl 6-O-(2,6-di-O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)-3-O-(2-O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)- α-d-mannopyranoside, employing the properly benzylated d-mannobioside methyl 2,4-di-O-benzyl-6-O-(3,4-di-O-benzyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)-α-d-mannopyranoside and d-mannotrioside methyl 2,4-di-O-benzyl-6-O-(3,4-di-O-benzyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)-3-O-(3,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)-α-d- mannopyranoside as key intermediates.     

A comparative histological study of certain nematodes

Summary A histological and anatomical study has been made of the digestive tract, excretory system, and somatic musculature of examples of the following families: Oncholaimidae, Rhabdiasidae, Strongylidae, Heterakidae, Oxyuridae, and Dorylaimidae. The excretory systems of these groups presents one of the most varied pictures of nemic anatomy. While as yet it is too early to draw conclusions, this system will probably furnish one of the best clews to the relationships of the various groups. The evolution of the musculature from the platymyarian to the coelomyarian form has probably occurred several times in the course of nemic development. It is interesting chiefly from the fact that those nematodes with the more simple platymyarian type of musculature could not have arisen from a more specialized type, thus acting as a check on relationship arrived at by other means. Despite the large number of articles dealing with the anatomy of nematodes, we have but skimmed the surface, and we must obtain information regarding the internal structure of every family of nematodes before conclusions will bear much weight.Abbreviations ac accessory organ - amp ampulla - amph amphid - amph gl amphidial gland - an anus - bas m basal membrane - blb? pseudobulb - blb bulb - bm basal membrane - b cl cell body - cl? cell whose function is unknown - cl b cell body - ch dsl dorsal chord - cl int intestinal chord - cl lat lateral chord - cl ren renette cell - cl nrv nerve cell - ch vnt ventral chord - carp body of gland - crd cardia - dct duct - dct ej ejaculatory duct - det ex excretory duct - det en connective duct - dct gl cdl duct of caudal gland - ct subv duct of subventral gland - dct gl dsl duct of dorsal galnd oviduet - dct gl subn duct of subventral gland - dct ov oviduct - dsl gl rct dorsal rectal gland - dsl on dorsal tooth - ej ovejector - el elevation - emb embryo in uterus - ex cr external leaf crown - ex lat longitudinal excretory gland - fbr amph amphidial nerve fibril - gl dsl oe dorsal gland - gl dsl ncl nucleus of dorsal gland - gl dsl dorsal gland - gl ex excretory gland - gl marg marginal gland - gl oe esophageal gland - gl ej ejaculatory gland - gl subv oe subventral esophageal gland - gl subd subdorsal gland - gl subv subventral gland - gl subv rct subventral rectal gland - gnd gonad - gng cl ganglion cell - gr granule - gl rct rectal gland - int intestine - int cr internal leaf crown - lat longitudinal duct - lb lip - lob gl lobe of gland - lob gl ds lobe of dorsal gland - lob gl subv lobe of subventral gland - l subv on right subventral tooth - marg fbr marginal fibers - msc fibular part of muscle - msc oe esophageal muscle - msc pl sarcoplasm - msc sph sphincter muscle - ncl nucleus - ncl brg cl nucleus bridge cell - ncl brg oe nucleus esophagus muscle - ncl gl dsl nucleus of dorsal gland - ncl gl subv. nucleus of subventral gland - ncl marg marginal nucleus - ncl p peripheral nucleus - ncl msc cl nucleus of muscle fibers - ncl oe esophageal nucleus - ncl b cl nucleus in cell body - ncl cl ren nucleus of renette cell - ncl gl dsl nucleus of dorsal gland - ncl o msc nucleus of ordinary muscle fibers - nvr r nerve ring - oe esophagus - or orifice - org? organ of unknown function - or amph opening of amphid - or dsl gl orifice of dorsal gland - or subv gl opening of subventral gland - oe msc n esophageal muscle nucleus - ov oviduct - p. ex excretory pore - ph pharynx - ppl papilla - pre ppl preanal papilla - pre rct pre rectum - ren renette - ret d retractor dorsalis - ret reticulum - rct rectum - r subv on right Subventral tooth - s, rv reservoir - rv? possible reservoir - set seta - sp spicule - st Stabehensaum - subd msc subdorsal muscle - trm termination of duct - trm ov blind end of ovary - t p tunica propria - ut uterus - valv valve - valv int intestinal valve - valve ret valve reticulum - vlv vulva     

Two-dimensional, 1H-n.m.r. study of peracetylated, reduced derivatives of three oligosaccharides isolated from human milk

The structures of the peracetylated derivatives of the following alditols obtained from oligosaccharides of human milk have been established by two-dimensional, J-resolved and J-correlated, ¹H-n.m.r. spectroscopy at 360 MHz: β- d-Galp-(1→3)-β- d-GlcpNAc-(1→3)-β- d-Galp-(1→4)- d-Glc-ol, α- l-Fucp-(1→2)-β- d-Galp-(1→3)-β- d-GlcpNAc-(1→3)-β- d-Galp-(1→4)- d-Glc-ol, and β- d-Galp-(1→3)-β- d-GlcpNAc-(1→3)-[β- d-Galp-(1→4)-β- d-GlcpNAc-(1→6)]-β- d-Galp-(1→4)- d-Glc-ol.     

The ontogeny of the filter apparatus of anuran larvae (Amphibia,Anura)

Summary The pharynx ofBufo calamita, Rana temporaria andBombina variegata larvae (larval Types IV and III) changes considerably during the latter part of embryonic development. The entodermal regions between the visceral pockets flatten inward to form the anlagen of the filter plates. The ectoderm thrusts forward from the area of the persistent epidermal gills overlying the anlagen of the filter plates. The esophagus pushes dorsolaterally into the pharynx to give rise to the ciliary cushions. Comparison with the development ofXenopus laevis (larval Type I) reveals shared characters: (1) the filter plates are overlapped by the sensory layer of the epiderm and (2) the ciliary grooves are, like the ciliary cushions of larval Types III and IV, anteriorly directed dorsolateral extensions of the esophagus. In all the species studied an ectodermal-esophageal filter apparatus develops. The evolutionary origin of this filter apparatus is discussed. The epidermalization of gills is suggested as a common character with the sister group of Dipnoi, and is therefore a plesiomorphic character in all amphibians. The tendency of filter plate epidermalization is considered to be the end of a process which is also indicated in the epidermalization of the first visceral pouch in lung fish. The ciliary groove is unique in anuran larvae within the Lissamphibia, and is therefore seen as an autapomorphic character within amphibians. On the basis of the different structure of the ciliary cushion inX. laevis and in the other species of this study, two alternative levels of evolutionary ciliary groove origin are discussed. Derivation from the esophagus took place: (1) in a common anuran larval ancestor, or (2) at two independent levels; the first in the Pipidae (-Rhinophrynidae) ancestor and the second in the ancestor of all the other anuran families. Several larval characters and cladistic aspects make the first alternative more probable than the second. Larval Type II anatomy and Larval Type II truncation from the Larval Type IV of Ranoidea do not contradict these considerations. There is disproportionately early commencement of ingestion activity inR. temporaria (G Stage 23),B. calamita (G Stage 23), andB. bufo (G Stage 24) compared toXenopus. Feeding in the former three species precedes the differentiation of the filter plates, their mucus production, and the exhaustion of the yolk supply in the gut tissue. By contrast, the goblet cells and the ciliary cells of the ciliary cushions are already differentiated when feeding starts. This suggests that ingestion in these early stages requires mucus production by the ciliary cushions and transport by their ciliary cells. Presumably in fully formed larvae, the ciliary cushions are the mucus donors, whereas the filter plates are the mucus depositors. By contrast,X. laevis does not begin active food intake by suspension feeding until after the yolk supply has been used up from the entoderm of the buccal cavity to deep in the esophagus.Abbreviations AAC anlage of apical cell - AC apical cell - ACE anlage of cerebrum - ACG anlage of ciliary groove - AD aorta dorsalis - ADV anlage of dorsal velum - AG anlage of glottis - AFP anlage of filter plates - AFR anlage of filter rows - AFPC anlage of epidermal fold of peribranchial chamber (anlage of operculum) - ant. anterior - AMF anlage of middle fold - AO adhesive organ - APEG anlage of persistent epidermal gills - APOP anlage of postnarial papilla - APSF anlage of primary side fold - ASC1 anlage of Type 1 secretory cell - ATE anlage of tuba Eustachii - ATEG anlage of transient epidermal gills - AVV anlage of ventral velum - B branchial arch - BI-IV branchial arches I–IV - BFA buccal floor arena - BFT branchial food trap - BL basal lamina - BRA buccal roof arena - C cilium, cilia - CA cartilage of visceral arch - CC ciliary cushion - CE cerebrum, brain - CG ciliary groove - CH choana - CHY ceratohyale - CIC ciliary cell - CL capillary vessel - CN centriole, basal body - COC cuboidal cells - CT connective tissue - CTC connective tissue cell - d dorsal - DV dorsal velum - DVI–III dorsal vela I–III - E esophagus - e early - ED edge of filter plate - EN endothelium - ENC entodermal cell - EP epiderm - EPC epidermal cell - ER endoplasmatic reticulum - ET erythrocyte - ETZ ectodermal-entodermal transition zone - EV ear vesicle - EX merocrine extrusion - EY eye - EZ zone of extrusion - FP filter plate - FPII filter plate of the 2nd branchial arch - FPIV filter plate of the 4th branchial arch - FPC epidermal fold of peribranchial chamber (operculum) - FC filter cavity - FN filter niche - FR filter row - GL glottis - GS gill slit - 1. GS first gill slit - GZ glandular zone - H heart - HP hypobranchial plate - HY hyoid arch - IC intercellular space, enlarged by fixation and dehydration - L late - LJ lower jaw - LT larval type - LV lipid vacuole - M mitochondrion - MA mandibular arch - MF middle fold - med. median - MS microvillous stubs - MZ zone of microtubes - NAC nucleus of apical cell - NCIC nucleus of ciliary cell - NCL nucleus of capillary vessel - NCOC nucleus of cuboidal cells - NCT nucleus of connective tissue - NENC nucleus of entodermal cell - NEPC nucleus of epidermal cell - NO external nares - NPEC nucleus of periderm cell - NRC nucleus of random cell - NSC1 nucleus of Type 1 secretory cell - NSC3 nucleus of Type 3 secretory cell - NSLC nucleus of sensory layer cell - NSPC nucleus of supporting cell - NSQC nucleus of squamous epithelial cell - OC oral cavity - OS mouth - P papilla - PC peribranchial chamber - PCW peribranchial chamber wall - PE periderm - PEC periderm cell - PEG persistent epidermal gill - PG pigment granule - post. posterior - PS primary side fold - PH pharynx - RC random cell - RO rootlet - SC1 Type 1 secretory cell - SC2 Type 2 secretory cell, goblet cell - SC3 Type 3 secretory cell - SC4 Type 4 secretory cell - SG secretory groove - SL sensory layer - SLC sensory layer cell - SP secretory pit - SPC supporting cell - SQC squamous epithelial cell - SR secretory ridge - SRC secretory ridge cell - SS secondary side fold - ST. stage - STD stomodeum - SU spiculum of hypobranchial plate - T tentacle - TA anlage of tongue - TEG transient epidermal gill - TZ transitional zone of branchial food trap and ventral velum - UJ upper jaw - v ventral - VA visceral arch - VC vacuole - VPI–IV visceral pockets I–IV - VP visceral pocket - VV ventral velum - YV yolk vacuoles Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)     

Structure and function of neurons in the complex of the nucleus electrosensorius of the gymnotiform fish Eigenmannia: Detection and processing of electric signals in social communication

Summary The complex of the diencephalic nucleus electrosensorius (nE) provides an interface between the electrosensory processing performed by the torus semicircularis and the control of specific behavioral responses. The rostral portion of the nE comprises two subdivisions that differ in the response properties and projection patterns of their neurons. First, the nEb (Fig. 1 B), which contains neurons that are driven almost exclusively by beat patterns generated by the interference of electric organ discharges (EODs) of similar frequencies. Second, the area medial to the nEb, comprising the lateral pretectum (PT) and the nE-acusticolateralis region (nEar, Fig. 1 B-D), which contains neurons excited predominantly by EOD interruptions, signals associated with aggression and courtship. Neurons in the second area commonly receive convergent inputs originating from ampullary and tuberous electroreceptors, which respond to the low-frequency and high-frequency components of EOD interruptions, respectively. Projections of these neurons to hypothalamic areas linked to the pituitary may mediate modulations of a fish's endocrine state that are caused by exposure to EOD interruptions of its mate.Abbreviations a axon - ATh anterior thalamic nucleus - CCb corpus cerebelli - CE central nucleus of the inferior lobe - CP central posterior thalamic nucleus - Df frequency difference between neighbor's EOD and fish's own - DFl nucleus diffusus lateralis of the inferior lobe - DFm nucleus diffusus medialis of the inferior lobe - DTn dorsal tegmental nucleus - EOD electric organ discharge - G glomerular nucleus - Hc caudal hypothalamus - Hd dorsal hypothalamus - Hl lateral hypothalamus - Hv ventral hypothalamus - JAR jamming avoidance response - LL lateral lemniscus - MGT magnocellular tegmental nucleus - MLF medial longitudinal fasciculus - nB nucleus at the base of the optic tract - nE nucleus electrosensorius - nEar nucleus electrosensorius-acusticolateral region - nEb nucleus electrosensorius-beat related area - nE nucleus electrosensorius, area causing rise of EOD frequency - nE nucleus electrosensorius, area causing fall of EOD frequency - nLT nucleus tuberis lateralis - nLV nucleus lateralis valvulae - PC posterior commissure - Pd nucleus praeeminentialis, pars dorsalis - PeG periglomerular complex - PG preglomerular nucleus - PLm medial division of the perilemniscal nucleus - Pn pacemaker nucleus - PPn prepacemaker nucleus - PT pretectal nucleus - PTh prethalamic nucleus - R red nucleus - Sc suprachiasmatic nucleus - SE nucleus subelectrosensorius - TAd nucleus tuberis anterior-dorsal subdivision - TAv nucleus tuberis anterior-ventral subdivision - TeO optic tectum - TL torus longitudinalis - TSd dorsal (electrosensory) torus semicircularis - TSv ventral (mechanosensory and auditory) torus semicircularis - tTB tecto-bulbar tract - VCb cerebellar valvula - VP valvular peduncle - VPn nucleus of the valvular peduncle     

Ultrastructural investigation of the nuchal organs of Pygospio elegans (Polychaeta)

Summary The differentiation of the dorsal organs as well as the structure of the nuchal organs and their relation to the central nervous system in adult Pygospio elegans were studied by electron microscopy and compared to the nuchal organs of the larvae. The nuchal organs are represented by paired ciliary bands on the dorsal side of the first setiger, delimiting a median caruncle that is completely filled with epidermal and nervous tissue. They are composed of ciliated supporting cells and bipolar primary sensory cells constituting the nuchal ganglia, which are integrated into the brain. Microvillus-like processes of the ciliated cells give rise to a secondary covering layer over the sensory epithelium. The size of the nuchal organs is a sexually dimorphic feature.Dorsal organ formation is concomitant with the onset of sexual maturation in the male sex only. They appear as metameric ciliary bands on the dorsal side of the anterior body region and consist of ciliated cells accompanied by lateral accumulations of tubular gland cells. In the gametogenic segments they are structurally associated with the male genital pores and may be involved in reproduction. The results refute previous theories that dorsal organs are sensory and have a common origin to nuchal organs.Abbreviations ac anterior commissure of the brain - ace anterior circumesophageal connective - bb basal body - bl basal lamina - c cuticle - ca caruncle - cc ciliated cell - ci sensory cilium - co microvillar cover - d septate desmosome - db dorsal blood vessel - dn dorsal nerve cord - ea efferent axons - ec epidermal cell - eg elementary granules - g Golgi complex - i filamentous inclusion - lm longitudinal muscles - ly lysosome - mc motile cilia - mv microvillus - n neuron - ng nuchal ganglion - nn nuchal nerve - nu nucleus - oc olfactory chamber - pa palp - pc posterior commissure of the brain - pce posterior circumesophageal connective - rer rough endoplasmic reticulum - sI setiger I - sb sensory bulb - sc sensory cell - sd sensory dendrite - ser smooth endoplasmic reticulum - tf tonofilament bundle - v clear vesicles - za zonula adherens     

The structural features of effective antagonists of the luteinizing hormone releasing hormone

Summary The structure-activity data of 6 years on 395 analogs of the luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) have been studied to determine effective substituents for the ten positions for maximal antiovulatory activity and minimal histamine release. The numbers of substituents studied in the ten positions are as follows: (41)¹-(12)²-(12)³-(5)⁴-(47)⁵-(52)⁶-(16)⁷-(18)⁸-(4)⁹-(8)¹⁰. In position 1, DNal and DQal were effective with the former being more frequently the better substituent. DpClPhe was uniquely effective in position 2. Positions 3 and 4 are very sensitive to change. D3Pal in position 3 and Ser in position 4 of LHRH were in the best antagonists. PicLys and cPzACAla were the most successful residues in position 5 with cPzACAla being the better substituent. Position 6 was the most flexible and many substituents were effective; particularly DPicLys. Leu⁷ was most often present in the best antagonists. In position 8, Arg was effective for both antiovulatory activity and histamine release; ILys was effective for potency and lesser histamine release. Pro⁹ of LHRH was retained. DAlaNH₂ ¹⁰ was in the best antagonists.Abbreviations AABLys N -(4-acetylaminobenzoyl)lysine - AALys N -anisinoyl-lysine - AAPhe 3-(4-acetylaminophenyl)lysine - Abu 2-aminobutyric acid - ACLys N -(6-aminocaproyl)lysine - ACyh 1-aminocyclohexanecarboxylic acid - ACyp 1-aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid - Aile alloisoleucine - AnGlu 4-(4-methoxy-phenylcarbamoyl)-2-aminobutyric acid - 2ANic 2-aminonicotinic acid - 6ANic 6-aminonicotinic acid - APic 6-aminopicolinic acid - APh 4-aminobenzoic acid - APhe 4-aminophynylalanine - APz 3-amino-2-pyrazinecarboxylic acid - Aze azetidine-2-carboxylic acid - Bim 5-benzimidazolecarboxylic acid - BzLys N -benzoyllysine - Cit citrulline - Cl₂Phe 3-(3,4-dichlorphenyl)alanine - cPzACAla cis-3-(4-pyrazinylcarbonylaminocyclohexyl)alnine - cPmACAla cis-3-[4-(4-pyrimidylcarbonyl)aminocyclohexyl]alanine - Dbf 3-(2-dibenzofuranyl)alanine - DMGLys N -(N,N-dimethylglycyl)lysine - Dpo N -(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyrimidyl)-ornithine - F₂Ala 3,3-difluoroalanine - hNal 4-(2-naphthyl)-2-aminobutyric acid - HOBLys N -(4-hydroxybenzoyl)lysine - hpClPhe 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-amino-butyric acid - Hse homoserine, 2-amino-4-hydroxybutanoic acid - ICapLys N -(6-isopropylaminocaproyl)lysine - ILys N -isopropyllysine - Ind indoline-2-carboxylic acid - INicLys N -isonicotinoyllysine - IOrn N -isopropylornithine - Me₃Arg N^G,N^G,N^G-trimethylarginine - Me₂Lys N ,N -dimethyllysine - MNal 3-[(6-methyl)-2-naphtyl]alanine - MNicLys N -(6-methylpicolinoyl)lysine - MPicLys N -(6-methylpicolinoyl)lysine - MOB 4-methoxybenzoyl - MpClPhe N-methyl-3-(4-chlorphenyl)lysine - MPZGlu glutamic acid,-4-methylpiperazine - Nal 3-(2-naphthyl)alanine - Nap 2-naphthoic acid - NicLys N -nicotinoyllysine - NO₂B 4-nitrobenzoyl - NO₂Phe 3-(4-nitrophenyl)alanine - oClPhe 3-(2-chlorphenyl)alanine - Opt O-phenyl-tyrosine - Pal 3-(3-pyridyl)alanine - 2Pal 3-(2-pyridyl)alanine - 2PALys N -(3-pyridylacetyl)lysine - pCapLys N -(6-picolinoylaminocaproyl)lysine - pClPhe 3-(4-chlorophenyl)alanine - pFPhe 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-alanine - Pic picolinic acid - PicLys N -picolinoyllysine - Pip piperidine-2-car-boxylic acid - PmcLys N -(4-pyrimidylcarbonyl)lysine - Ptf 3-(4-trifluromethyl phenyl)alanine - Pz pyrazinecarboxylic acid - PzAla 3-pyrazinylalanine - PzAPhe 3-(4-pyrazinylcarbonylaminophenyl)alanine - Qal 3-(3-quinolyl)alanine - Qnd-Lys N -quinaldoyllysine - Qui 3-quinolinecarboxylic acid - Qux 2-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid - Tic 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid - TinGly 2-thienylglycine - tNACAla trans-3-(4-nicotinoylaminocyclohexyl)-alanine - tPACAla trans-3-(4-picolinoylaminocyclohexyl)alanine     

Restoration of the high potential form of cytochrome b-559 through the photoreactivation of Tris-inactivated oxygen-evolving center

Restoration of a high potential (HP) form of cytochrome b-559 (Cyt b-559) from a low potential (LP) form was the primary process in the reconstitution of O₂-evolving center during the photoreactivation of Tris-inactivated chloroplasts. In normal chloroplasts, about 0.5 to 0.7 mol of Cyt b-559 was present in the HP form per 400 chlorophyll molecules. However, the HP form was converted to the LP form when the O₂-evolving center was inactivated by 0.8 M alkaline Tris-washing (pH 9.1). The inactivation was reversible and both the Cyt b-559 HP form and the O₂-evolving activity were restored by incubating the inactivated chloroplasts with weak light, Mn²⁺, Ca²⁺ and an electron donor (photoreactivation). The recovery of the HP form preceded the recovery of O₂-evolving activity. 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU) and 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl-p-benzoquinone (DBMIB) did not inhibit the recovery of the HP form. Thus, the recovery of Cyt b-559 HP form was the primary reaction in the photoreactivation, which was stimulated by the light-induced redox reaction of the PS-II core center.Abbreviations ASC ascorbate - BSA bovine serum albumin - Chl chlorophyll - Cyt b-559 HP form high potential form of cytochrome b-559 - Cyt b-559 LP form low potential form of cytochrome b-559 - Cyt b-559 VLP form very low potential form of cytochrome b-559 - Cyt f cytochrome f - DBMIB 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl-p-benzoquinone - DCMU 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea - DCPIP 2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol - Hepes N-2-hydroxyethyl-piperazine-N-2-ethanesulfonic acid - HQ hydroquinone - SHN chloroplast-preparation medium containing 0.4 M sucrose, 50 mM Hepes-Na (pH 7.8) and 20 mM NaCl - PS-II Photosystem II     

Synthesis and reactions of some hydrazones of dehydro-l-ascorbic acid

l-threo-2,3-Hexodiulosono-1,4-lactone 2-(3-chlorophenylhydrazone) and 4- (2-acetoxyethylidene)-4-hydroxy-2,3-dioxobutano-1,4-lactone 2-(3-chlorophenylhydrazone) were prepared. The two geometric isomers of the corresponding bis(hydrazone) underwent an intramolecular rearrangement to 1-(3-chlorophenyl)- 3-(l-threo-glycerol-1-yl)-4,5-pyrazoledione 4-(3-chlorophenylhydrazone), which gave a tri-O-acetyl derivative upon acetylation and the anticipated formyl derivative upon periodate oxidation. Oxidation of the bis(hydrazone) with cupric chloride afforded the bicyclic compound 3,6-anhydro-3-C-(3-chlorophenylazo)-l- xylo-2-hexulosono-1,4-lactone 2-(3-chlorophenylhydrazone), whose acetylation afforded the mono-O-acetyl derivative.     

Synthesis of part of the antigenic repeating-unit of streptococcus pneumoniae type II

Condensation of methyl 4-O-acetyl-3-O-(2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-α- -rhamnopyranosyl)-α- -rhamnopyranoside with 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzyl-α- -glucopyranosyl chloride gave a mixture of methyl O-[2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzyl-α- (4) and -β- -glucopyranosyl]-(1→2)-O-[(2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-α- -rhamnopyranosyl)-(1→3)]-4-O-acetyl-α- -rhamnopyranoside (9) in 43:7 proportion in 63% yield. After chromatographic separation, removal of the benzyl and acetyl groups gave methyl O-α- -glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[O-α- -rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)]-α- -rhamnopyranoside and the β anomer. Removal of benzyl groups of 4 was followed by tritylation, acetylation, and detritylation of the α- -glucopyranosyl group, and finally condensation with benzyl (2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl- -glucopyranosyl chloride)uronate gave a mixture of two tetrasaccharides (15 and 16), containing the α- and β- -glucopyranosyluronic acid groups in the ratio 81:19, and an overall yield of 71%. After chromatographic separation, alkaline hydrolysis and hydrogenation of 15 gave methyl O-α- -glucopyranosyluronic acid-(1→6)-O-α- -glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[O-α- -rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)]-α- -rhamnopyranoside. The β- anomer was obtained by similar treatment of 16. 6-O-α- -glucopyranosyluronic acid-α,β- -glucopyranose was synthesized as a model compound.     

Localization of neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive cells and fibres in the brain of the Japanese quail

Summary In the present study, we have demonstrated, by means of the biotin-avidin method, the widespread distribution of neuropeptide Y (NPY)-immunoreactive structures throughout the whole brain of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The prosencephalic region contained the highest concentration of both NPY-containing fibres and perikarya. Immunoreactive fibres were observed throughout, particularly within the paraolfactory lobe, the lateral septum, the nucleus taeniae, the preoptic area, the periventricular hypothalamic regions, the tuberal complex, and the ventrolateral thalamus. NPY-immunoreactive cells were represented by: a) small scattered perikarya in the telencephalic portion (i.e. archistriatal, neostriatal and hyperstriatal regions, hippocampus, piriform cortex); b) medium-sized cell bodies located around the nucleus rotundus, ventrolateral, and lateral anterior thalamic nuclei; c) small clustered cells within the periventricular and medial preoptic nuclei. The brainstem showed a less diffuse innervation, although a dense network of immunopositive fibres was observed within the optic tectum, the periaqueductal region, and the Edinger-Westphal, linearis caudalis and raphes nuclei. Two populations of large NPY-containing perikarya were detected: one located in the isthmic region, the other at the boundaries of the pons with the medulla. The wide distribution of NPY-immunoreactive structures within regions that have been demonstrated to play a role in the control of vegetative, endocrine and sensory activities suggests that, in birds, this neuropeptide is involved in the regulation of several aspects of cerebral functions.Abbreviations AA archistriatum anterius - AC nucleus accumbens - AM nucleus anterior medialis - APP avian pancreatic polypeptide - CNS centrai nervous system - CO chiasma opticum - CP commissura posterior - CPi cortex piriformis - DIC differential interferential contrast - DLAl nucleus dorsolateralis anterior thalami, pars lateralis - DLAm nucleus dorsolateralis anterior thalami, pars medialis - E ectostriatum - EW nucleus of Edinger-Westphal - FLM fasciculus longitudinalis medialis - GCt substantia grisea centralis - GLv nucleus geniculatus lateralis, pars ventralis - HA hyperstriatum accessorium - Hp hippocampus - HPLC high performance liquid chromatography - HV hyperstriatum ventrale - IF nucleus infundibularis - IO nucleus isthmo-opticus - IP nucleus interpeduncularis - IR immunoreactive - LA nucleus lateralis anterior thalami - LC nucleus linearis caudalis - LFS lamina frontalis superior - LH lamina hyperstriatica - LHRH luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone - LoC locus coeruleus - LPO lobus paraolfactorius - ME eminentia mediana - N neostriatum - NC neostriatum caudale - NPY neuropeptide Y - NIII nervus oculomotorius - NV nervus trigeminus - NVI nervus facialis - NVIIIc nervus octavus, pars cochlearis - nIV nucleus nervi oculomotorii - nIX nucleus nervi glossopharyngei - nBOR nucleus opticus basalis (ectomamilaris) - nCPa nucleus commissurae pallii - nST nucleus striae terminalis - OM tractus occipitomesencephalicus - OS nucleus olivaris superior - PA palaeostriatum augmentatum - PBS phosphate-buffered saline - POA nucleus praeopticus anterior - POM nucleus praeopticus medialis - POP nucleus praeopticus periventricularis - PP pancreatic polypeptide - PYY polypeptide YY - PVN nucleus paraventricularis magnocellularis - PVO organum paraventriculare - R nucleus raphes - ROT nucleus rotundus - RP nucleus reticularis pontis caudalis - Rpc nucleus reticularis parvocellularis - RPgc nucleus reticularis pontis caudalis, pars gigantocellularis - RPO nucleus reticularis pontis oralis - SCd nucleus subcoeruleus dorsalis - SCv nucleus subcoeruleus ventralis - SCNm nucleus suprachiasmaticus, pars medialis - SCNl nucleus suprachiasmaticus, pars lateralis - SL nucleus septalis lateralis - SM nucleus septalis medialis - Ta nucleus tangentialis - TeO tectum opticum - Tn nucleus taeniae - TPc nucleus tegmenti pedunculo-pontinus, pars compacta - TSM tractus septo-mesencephalicus - TV nueleus tegmenti ventralis - VeL nucleus vestibularis lateralis - VLT nucleus ventrolateralis thalami - VMN nucleus ventromedialis hypothalami A preliminary report of this study was presented at the 15th Conference of European Comparative Endocrinologists, Leuven, Belgium, September 1990     

Patterns and projections of crustacean cardioactive-peptide-immunoreactice neurones of the terminal ganglion of crayfish

Three distinct clusters of crustacean cardioactive-peptide-immunoreactive neurones occur in the terminal abdominal ganglion of the crayfish species Orconectes limosus, Astacus leptodactylus, Astacus astacus and Procambarus clarkii, as revealed by immunocytochemistry of whole-mount preparations and sections. They exhibit similar topology and projection patterns in all four studied species. An anterior ventral lateral and a posterior lateral cluster contain one small, strongly stained perikaryon and two large, less intensely stained perikarya, each showing contralateral projections. A posterior medial lateral cluster of up to six cells also contains these two types of perikarya. Whereas the small type perikarya belong to putative interneurones, the large type perikarya give rise to extensive neurohaemal plexuses in perineural sheaths of the third roots of the fifth abdominal ganglia, the connectives, the dorsal telson nerves, the ganglion itself, its roots and arteriolar supply. Thin fibres from these plexuses reach newly discovered putative neurohaemal areas around the hindgut and anus via the intestinal and the anal nerves, and directly innervate the phasic telson musculature. A comparison with earlier investigations of motoneurones and segmentation indicates that these three cell groups containing putative neurosecretory neurones may be members of at least three neuromeres in this ganglion. Crustacean cardioactive peptide released from these neurones may participate in the neurohumoral and modulatory control of different neuronal and muscle targets, thereby exceeding its previously established hindgut and heart excitatory effects.Abbreviations AG abdominal ganglion - adpl arteria dorsalis pleica - Ala arreria lateralis abdominalis - Asub arteria subneuralis - CCAP crustacean cardioactive peptide - CNS central nervous system - IR immunoreactive - LG lateral giant axon - LTr lateral tract - MDT medial dorsal tract - MG medial giant axon - M Tr medial tract - mcan musculus compressor ani - mfltp museulus flexor telsonos posterior - nan nervus ani (AG6 N5) - nant nervus anterior (AG6 N1, N2) - nia nervus intestinal anterior - nin nervus intestinalis (AG6 N7) - nip nervus intestinalis posterior - nteld nervus telsonos dorsalis (AG6 N6) - nielv nervus telsonos ventralis (AG6 N4) - nur nervus uropedalis (AG6 N3) - nven nervus ventralis (AG5 N3) - PIR peri-intestinal ring - PTF posterior telson flexor - VLT ventral lateral tract - VMT ventral medial tract - VNC ventral nerve cord - VIF ventral telson flexor - AVLC, PLC, PMLC anterior ventral lateral, posterior lateral, posterior medial lateral CCAP-immunoreactive cell cluster - A6AVC, A7AVC anterior ventral commissures - A7DCI dorsal commissure I - A7PVC posterior ventral commissure - A7SCII sensory commissure II - A7VCII, A7VCIII ventral commissures II and III of the sixth (A6) and seventh (A7) abdominal neuromer     

The nervous system of the actinotroch larva of Phoronis muelleri (Phoronida)

Summary The nervous system of the actinotroch larva of Phoronis muelleri has been investigated with the transmission electron microscope (TEM). Attempts have been made to localize all of the major nerves and to reveal the cytoarchitecture of the apical ganglion. The nervous system is intraepithelial in position and consists of an apical ganglion, located on the epistome, with at least four different cell types, including monopolar sensory cells and mono- or multipolar neuron-like cells. From the anterior part of the apical ganglion three median nerves extend to the edge of the epistome; two of these nerves connect to nerves which follow the edge of the epistome all the way to the junction of the epistome and the mesosome. From the posterior part of the ganglion extend two lateral nerves which continue along the tentacular ring. Each tentacle has three nerves located on the frontal side which connect to the nerve ring along the tentacles. Along the posterior ciliary band is a minor nerve ring. In addition, a nerve net is found on the epistome, mesosome, and metasome, but no longitudinal nerves were observed between the posterior ciliary band and the apical ganglion. All nerve cells were found in the apical ganglion and none was observed along the nerves. Sensory cells (probably mechanoreceptors) are located in two rows on each tentacle; sensory organs such as eyes and statocysts were not observed.Abbreviations ac accessory centricle - aen anterior epistome edge nerve - af abfrontal cells - bl basal lamina - bl.c blastocoel coelomocyte - ci cilium - co collar - cp cell process - cr ciliary root - ec ₁ epistome edge cell type 1 - mne mouth nerve ring - mo mouth - mp metasomal pouch - ms mesosome - mt metasome - mu muscle - n nerve process - ne nerve - np neuropil - nu nucleus - pc ₁ posterior ciliary band cell type 1 - ec ₂ epistome edge cell type 2 - ec ₃ epistome edge cell type 3 - epi epidermis - es epistome - ese epistome edge - fc frontal cell - gc ₁ type 1 ganglion cells - gc ₂ type 2 ganglion cells - gc ₃ type 3 ganglion cells - ge gut epithelium - ij intermediate junction - laf lateroabfrontal cell - lc lateral cell - lfc laterofrontal cell - lgc lateral ganglion cell - me metacoel epithelium - lne longitudinal median epistome nerves - pc ₂ posterior ciliary band cell type 2 - pc procoel - pe procoel epithelium - pen posterior epistome edge nerve - pr posterior ciliary band - p.rec proximal recess of procoel epithelium - prne nerve ring along posterior ciliary band - sj septate junction - sne secondary nerve along the tentacular ring - t tentacle - tr tentacular ring - trne horseshoe-shaped nerve along the tentacular ring     

Synthesis of symmetric and asymmetric diamides of citric acid and amino acids

Summary A convenient method for the synthesis of symmetric and asymmetric diamides of amino acids including DOPA and citric acid from 2-tert-butyl-1,3-di(N-hydroxysuccinimidyl)citrate and 1-tert-butyl-2,3-di(N-hydroxysuccinimidyl)citrate is described.Abbreviations AcOtBu tert-butyl acetate - i-Bu iso-butyl - tBu tert-butyl - Bzl benzyl - p-OH-Bzl p-hydroxybenzyl - m,p-(OH)₂-Bzl m,p-dihydroxybenzyl - DCCI dicyclohexylcarbodiimide - Et ethyl - Me methyl - Su succinimidyl - SuOH N-hydroxysuccinimide - Ph phenyl     

Investigation of the acetolysis products of the sulphated polysaccharide of Aeodes ulvoidea

Investigation of the acetolysis products of the sulphated polysaccharide of the seaweed Aeodes ulvoidea led to the isolation and characterization of the following oligosaccharides: 3-O-α- -galactopyranosyl- -galactose (1), 3-O-(2-O-methyl-α- -galactopyranosyl)- -galactose (2), 4-O-β- -galactopyranosyl-2-O-methyl- -galactose (3), 4-O-β- -galactopyranosyl-2-O-methyl- -galactose (4), O-β- -galactopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-α- -galactopyranosyl-(1→3)- -galactose (5), O-α- -galactopyranosyl-(1→3)-O-β- -galactopyranosyl-(1→4)- -galactose (6), O-α- -galactopyranosyl-(1→3)-O-β- -galactopyranosyl-(1→4)-2-O-methyl- -galactose (7), O-(2-O-methyl-α- -galactopyranosyl)-(1→3)-O-β- -galactopyranosyl-(1→4)-2-O-methyl- -galactose (10), and O-α- -galactopyranosyl-(1→3)-O-β- -galactopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-α- -galactopyranosyl-(1→3)- -galactose. In addition, the isolation of a tetrasaccharide possessing alternating - and -galactose residues demonstrates the hitherto unexpected presence of -galactose in the polysaccharide. The structure of the polysaccharide is discussed.     

Substrate selectivity of lipases in the esterification of cis/trans-isomers and positional isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)

The substrate selectivity of several microbial lipases has been examined in the esterification of the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers cis-9,trans-11-, cis-9,cis-11-, trans-9,trans-11- and trans-10,cis-12-octadecadienoic acid with n-butanol in n-hexane. Lipases from Candida cylindracea and Mucor miehei had a preference for the cis-9,trans-11-octadecadienoic acid, while Chirazyme L-5, a Candida antarctica lipase A, accepted the trans-9,trans-11-fatty acid with a high selectivity. Moreover, lipase from Candida cylindracea and Chirazyme L-5 catalysed the esterification of the cis-9,trans-11-octadecadienoic acid with n-butanol faster than the corresponding reaction of the trans-10,cis-12-fatty acid.