A new regioselective method of macrobicyclic Schiff bases synthesis

A new regioselective method of di-gem-thio-substituted PNP-crown derivatives synthesis is presented. The geminalmercaptoethanolanetricyclophosphaza-PNP-lariat ether structure has been determined by X-ray crystallography and characterised by ab initio calculations. The 16-membered PNP-crown ether ring exists in unique conformation: ac⁻ap ac⁻sc⁺sc⁺ap sc⁺ap ap sc⁻ap sc⁻sc⁻ac⁺ap ac⁺. All the ether oxygen atoms are directed into the interior of the ring. All endocyclic P-N bond lengths are equal within experimental error with the mean value 1.578(2) Å. The P-S bond properties have been characterised in terms of natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, and its interactions with other NBO have been described. The spirocyclisation mechanism at cyclophosphazene phosphorus atom has been proposed.     

Control of brain slice respiration by (Na+ + K+)-activated adenosine triphosphatase and the effects of enzyme inhibitors

The involvement of membrane (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase (Mg²⁺-dependent, (Na⁺ + K⁺)-activated ATP phosphohydrolase, E.C. 3.6.1.3) in the oxygen consumption of rat brain cortical slices was studied in order to determine whether (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase activity in intact cells can be estimated from oxygen consumption. The stimulation of brain slice respiration with K⁺ required the simultaneous presence of Na⁺. Ouabain, a specific inhibitor of (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase, significantly inhibited the (Na⁺ + K⁺)-stimulation of respiration. These observations suggest that the (Na⁺ + K⁺)-stimulation of brain slice respiration is related to ADP production as a result of (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase activity. However, ouabain also inhibited non-K⁺-stimulated respiration. Additionally, ouabain markedly reduced the stimulation of respiration by 2,4-dinitrophenol in a high (Na⁺ + K⁺)-medium. Thus, ouabain depresses brain slice respiration by reducing the availability of ADP through (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase inhibition and acts additionally by increasing the intracellular Na⁺ concentration. These studies indicate that the use of ouabain results in an over-estimation of the respiration related to (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase activity. This fraction of the respiration can be estimated more precisely from the difference between slice respiration in high Na⁺ and K⁺ media and that in choline, K⁺ media. Studies were performed with two (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase inhibitors to determine whether administration of these agents to intact rats would produce changes in brain respiration and (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase activity. The intraperitoneal injection of digitoxin in rats caused an inhibition of brain (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase and related respiration, but chlorpromazine failed to alter either (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase activity or related respiration.     

Interaction ofH-2D b with mutant histocompatibility geneH (KH-11) in the mouse

The detectable presence ofH(KH-11)^b, a mutant non-H-2 histocompatibility gene, was previously shown to depend upon the simultaneous presence, in the skin-graft donor, of both the mutant gene and theH-2 ^b haplotype. The experiments reported here demonstrate thatH-2D ^b is the essential element ofH-2 ^b for this interaction. Of twoH-2D ^b histocompatibility mutations,H-2 ^bm13 can replaceH-2D ^b in this interaction, butH-2ibm14 cannot.     

Analysis of the Sequence and Phenotype of Drosophila Sex combs reduced Alleles Reveals Potential Functions of Conserved Protein Motifs of the Sex combs reduced Protein

The Drosophila Hox gene, Sex combs reduced (Scr), is required for patterning the larval and adult, labial and prothoracic segments. Fifteen Scr alleles were sequenced and the phenotypes analyzed in detail. Six null alleles were nonsense mutations (Scr², Scr⁴, Scr¹¹, Scr¹³, Scr^13A, and Scr¹⁶) and one was an intragenic deletion (Scr¹⁷). Five hypomorphic alleles were missense mutations (Scr¹, Scr³, Scr⁵, Scr⁶, and Scr⁸) and one was a small protein deletion (Scr¹⁵). Protein sequence changes were found in four of the five highly conserved domains of SCR: the DYTQL motif (Scr¹⁵), YPWM motif (Scr³), Homeodomain (Scr¹), and C-terminal domain (CTD) (Scr⁶), indicating importance for SCR function. Analysis of the pleiotropy of viable Scr alleles for the formation of pseudotracheae suggests that the DYTQL motif and the CTD mediate a genetic interaction with proboscipedia. One allele Scr¹⁴, a missense allele in the conserved octapeptide, was an antimorphic allele that exhibited three interesting genetic properties. First, Scr¹⁴/Df had the same phenotype as Scr⁺/Df. Second, the ability of the Scr¹⁴ allele to interact intragenetically with Scr alleles mapped to the first 82 amino acids of SCR, which contains the octapeptide motif. Third, Scr⁶, which has two missense changes in the CTD, did not interact genetically with Scr¹⁴.     

Reference Phase Analysis of Free and Bound Intracellular Solutes: II. Isothermal and Isotopic Studies of Cytoplasmic Sodium, Potassium, and Water

The intracellular reference phase (RP) method and ultra-low temperature micro-dissection were used for isothermal and isotopic phase distribution studies of Na⁺, K⁺, and water in amphibian oocyte cytoplasm. One-third of the cytoplasmic water is available as solvent for [³H]sucrose. This fraction, designated c1, quantitatively coincides with the water volume in which Na⁺ and K⁺ are freely diffusible. Two-thirds of the cytoplasmic water is inaccessible to sucrose and is designated c2. The Na⁺ and K⁺ associated with c2 are extremely slowly exchanging (bound) and at different concentrations than in c1. The cations in c1 are in mass-action equilibria with those in c2, each described by an equation of the form

C^c_i = C^c1_i + C^c2_i = q_i·C^RP_i + ^maxC^c2_i·f(C^RP_i

in which C^c_i is the cytoplasmic Na⁺ or K⁺ concentration, C^c1_i is the free, and C^c2_i the bound cation concentration averaged over the cytoplasmic water. q_i is the fractional free solute space, C^RP_i the RP concentration, ^maxC^c2_i the concentration of binding sites, and the function f is satisfied by the Langmuir isotherm. Numerical values for the variables of the isotherm are determined. Activity coefficients are calculated from RP data and provide a basis for generalizing the oocyte results to other cells. The conclusion is drawn that both c1 and c2 are widely distributed in cells, and that cellular ionic activities involve two distinct systems: the cell-membrane system and an adsorbed water ion-exchange-like buffering system. Alternative explanations for the two-component cytoplasm are considered. A model is proposed in which c1 is a normal intracellular aqueous phase controlled by the plasma membrane, whereas c2 consists of water and ions adsorbed in hydrate crystalline structures. In oocytes these structures are identified with yolk platelets.

     

Chiral spin crossover iron(II) complex, fac-Λ-[Fe(HL)3](ClO4)2·EtOH (HL = 2-methylimidazol-4-yl-methylideneamino-R-(+)-1-methylphenyl)

A chiral spin crossover iron(II) complex, fac-Λ-[Fe^II(HL^R)₃](ClO₄)₂·EtOH was synthesized and its crystal structures in both the high-spin (HS) and low-spin (LS) states were determined, where HL^R denotes 2-methylimidazol-4-yl-methylideneamino-R-(+)-1-methylphenyl. The complex assumes octahedral coordination geometry of N₆ donor atoms by three bidentate ligands HL^R. The complex exists as the facial-Λ-isomer of fac-Λ-[Fe^II(HL^R)₃]²⁺ of the possible geometrical fac- and mer-isomers and the Δ- and Λ-enantiomorphs. The X-ray structural analyses revealed that the R-form of the ligand (HL^R) induces the fac-Λ-isomer of fac-Λ-[Fe^II(HL^R)₃]²⁺ and the S-form of the ligand (HL^S) induces the fac-Δ-isomer of fac-Δ-[Fe(HL^S)₃]²⁺. The complex fac-Λ-[Fe^II(HL^R)₃](ClO₄)₂·EtOH shows a complete steep spin crossover between the HS and the LS states at T_1/2 = 195 K.     

Permeation of a β-heptapeptide derivative across phospholipid bilayers

Based on a number of experiments it is concluded that the fluorescein labeled β-heptapeptide fluoresceinyl-NH-CS-(S)-β³hAla-(S)-β³hArg-(R)-β³hLeu-(S)-β³hPhe-(S)-β³hAla-(S)-β³hAla-(S)-β³hLys-OH translocates across lipid vesicle bilayers formed from DOPC (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine). The conclusion is based on the following observations: (i) addition of the peptide to the vicinity of micrometer-sized giant vesicles leads to an accumulation of the peptide inside the vesicles; (ii) if the peptide is injected inside individual giant vesicles, it is released from the vesicles in a time dependent manner; (iii) if the peptide is encapsulated within sub-micrometer-sized large unilamellar vesicles, it is released from the vesicles as a function of time; (iv) if the peptide is submitted to immobilized liposome chromatography, the peptide is retained by the immobilized DOPC vesicles. Furthermore, the addition of the peptide to calcein-containing DOPC vesicles does not lead to significant calcein leakage and vesicle fusion is not observed. The finding that derivatives of the β-heptapeptide (S)-β³hAla-(S)-β³hArg-(R)-β³hLeu-(S)-β³hPhe-(S)-β³hAla-(S)-β³hAla-(S)-β³hLys-OH can translocate across phospholipid bilayers is supported by independent measurements using Tb³⁺-containing large unilamellar vesicles prepared from egg phosphatidylcholine and wheat germ phosphatidylinositol (molar ratio of 9:1) and a corresponding peptide that is labeled with dipicolinic acid instead of fluorescein. The experiments show that this dipicolinic acid labeled β-heptapeptide derivative also permeates across phospholipid bilayers. The possible mechanism of the translocation of the particular β-heptapeptide derivatives across the membrane of phospholipid vesicles is discussed within the frame of the current understanding of the permeation of certain oligopeptides across simple phospholipid bilayers.     

18O Labeling of Chlorophyll d in Acaryochloris marina Reveals That Chlorophyll a and Molecular Oxygen Are Precursors

The cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina was cultured in the presence of either H₂¹⁸O or ¹⁸O₂, and the newly synthesized chlorophylls (Chl a and Chl d) were isolated using high performance liquid chromatography and analyzed by mass spectroscopy. In the presence of H₂¹⁸O, newly synthesized Chl a and d, both incorporated up to four isotopic ¹⁸O atoms. Time course H₂¹⁸O labeling experiments showed incorporation of isotopic ¹⁸O atoms originating from H₂¹⁸O into Chl a, with over 90% of Chl a ¹⁸O-labeled at 48 h. The incorporation of isotopic ¹⁸O atoms into Chl d upon incubation in H₂¹⁸O was slower compared with Chl a with ∼50% ¹⁸O-labeled Chl d at 115 h. The rapid turnover of newly synthesized Chl a suggested that Chl a is the direct biosynthetic precursor of Chl d. In the presence of ¹⁸O₂ gas, one isotopic ¹⁸O atom was incorporated into Chl a with approximately the same kinetic incorporation rate observed in the H₂¹⁸O labeling experiment, reaching over 90% labeling intensity at 48 h. The incorporation of two isotopic ¹⁸O atoms derived from molecular oxygen (¹⁸O₂) was observed in the extracted Chl d, and the percentage of double isotopic ¹⁸O-labeled Chl d increased in parallel with the decrease of non-isotopic-labeled Chl d. This clearly indicated that the oxygen atom in the C3¹-formyl group of Chl d is derived from dioxygen via an oxygenase-type reaction mechanism.     

Critical function of RA-GEF-2/Rapgef6, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rap1, in mouse spermatogenesis

Small GTPase Rap1 has been implicated in the proper differentiation of testicular germ cells. In the present study, we investigated the functional significance of RA-GEF-2/Rapgef6, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rap1, in testicular differentiation using mice lacking RA-GEF-2. RA-GEF-2 was expressed predominantly on the luminal side of the seminiferous tubules in wild-type mice. No significant differences were observed in the body weights or hormonal parameters of RA-GEF-2^−/− and wild-type mice. However, the testes of RA-GEF-2^−/− male mice were significantly smaller than those of wild-type mice and were markedly atrophied as well as hypospermatogenic. The concentration and motility of epididymal sperm were also markedly reduced and frequently had an abnormal shape. The pregnancy rate and number of fetuses were markedly lower in wild-type females after they mated with RA-GEF-2^−/− males than with wild-type males, which demonstrated the male infertility phenotype of RA-GEF-2^−/− mice. Furthermore, a significant reduction and alteration were observed in the expression level and cell junctional localization of N-cadherin, respectively, in RA-GEF-2^−/− testes, which may, at least in part, account for the defects in testicular differentiation and spermatogenesis in these mice.     

亚热带4种森林凋落物量及其动态特征

通过对枫香林、樟树林、马尾松林、樟树—马尾松混交林4种森林生态系统的凋落物数量及组成进行为期1a的定位研究。结果表明,樟树—马尾松混交林的年凋落总量(4.30 t.hm^-2)＞枫香林(3.66 t.hm^-2)＞马尾松林(3.41 t.hm^-2)＞樟树林(3.26 t.hm^-2)。各组分凋落物中,凋落叶占绝对优势(70%以上),表现为樟树—马尾松混交林(3.09 t.hm^-2)＞枫香林(2.78 t.hm^-2)＞马尾松林(2.46 t.hm^-2)＞樟树林(2.32 t.hm^-2);凋落枝表现为樟树—马尾松混交林(0.73 t.hm^-2)＞樟树林(0.53 t.hm^-2)＞马尾松林(0.30 t.hm^-2)＞枫香林(0.22 t.hm^-2);凋落果表现为马尾松林(0.37 t.hm^-2)＞樟树—马尾松混交林(0.17 t.hm^-2)＞枫香林(0.12 t.hm^-2)＞樟树林(0.09 t.hm^-2);碎屑表现为枫香林(0.55 t.hm^-2)＞樟树林(0.33 t.hm^-2)＞樟树—马尾松混交林(0.31 t.hm^-2)＞马尾松林(0.27 t.hm^-2)。枫香和樟树林年凋落量的最大值分别在10月(1.22 t.hm^-2)和8月(0.58 t.hm^-2),而马尾松林和混交林年凋落量的最大值都在11月(分别为0.77 t.hm^-2和1.23 t.hm^-2)。     

Acidic Nα-acylarginine derivatives in apple and pear trees

The annual shoots of apple and pear trees which accumulated a high concentration of arginine during the dormant stage also contained N^α-acylarginine derivatives. N^α-(2-Hydroxysuccinyl)arginine, N^α-(3-hydroxysuccinyl)arginine and N^α-oxalylarginine were found in apple trees, and N^α-succinylarginine and N^α-(2-carboxymethyl-2-hydroxysuccinyl)arginine, besides the former three, were found in pear trees. N^α-(3-Hydroxysuccinyl)arginine, N^α-oxalylarginine and N^α-succinylarginine are new arginine derivatives.     

Synthesis and multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the novel ionic Pt(II) mixed-ligands complexes cis- and trans-[Pt(pyrazine)2(Ypy)2](NO3)2 where Ypy = pyridine derivative

Novel ionic mixed-ligands complexes of the types cis- and trans-[Pt(pz)₂(Ypy)₂](NO₃)₂ (where Ypy is a pyridine derivative and pz = pyrazine) were synthesized and studied mainly in the solid state by IR spectroscopy and in aqueous solution by multinuclear (¹⁹⁵Pt, ¹H and ¹³C) magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The trans isomers with ligands containing a methyl group in ortho position on the pyridine ring could not be synthesized. The results of the solution NMR characterization have shown that the isolated compounds are pure. In ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR, the cis complexes containing a methyl group in ortho positions were observed at lower field (average −2337 ppm) than the other cis compounds (average −2427 ppm), which is explained by the solvent effect. The trans isomers were observed at very slightly lower fields (average −2422 ppm) than the equivalent cis complexes (average −2427 ppm). In ¹H NMR, the coupling constants ³J(¹⁹⁵Pt-¹H_Ypy) and ³J(¹⁹⁵Pt-¹H_pz) are larger in the cis compounds (∼40 Hz) than in the trans complexes (∼31 Hz). A few ⁴J(¹⁹⁵Pt-¹H_pz) were observed (∼16 Hz). In ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, the coupling constants ³J(¹⁹⁵Pt-¹³C_pz) and ³J(¹⁹⁵Pt-¹³C_Ypy) are also larger in the cis configuration (∼30 and ∼38 Hz, respectively) than in the trans isomers (∼20 Hz). One ⁴J(¹⁹⁵Pt-¹³C_pz) could be calculated (17 Hz). The presence of the syn and anti rotamers were observed in all the cis complexes containing a pyridine derivative with a -CH₃ group in ortho position. They were observed in ¹⁹⁵Pt, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The proportion of the two rotamers is about 55% and 45%.     

Error-prone bypass of O6-methylguanine by DNA polymerase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage PaP1

O⁶-Methylguanine (O⁶-MeG) is highly mutagenic and is commonly found in DNA exposed to methylating agents, generally leads to G:C to A:T mutagenesis. To study DNA replication encountering O⁶-MeG by the DNA polymerase (gp90) of P. aeruginosa phage PaP1, we analyzed steady-state and pre-steady-state kinetics of nucleotide incorporation opposite O⁶-MeG by gp90 exo⁻. O⁶-MeG partially inhibited full-length extension by gp90 exo⁻. O⁶-MeG greatly reduces dNTP incorporation efficiency, resulting in 67-fold preferential error-prone incorporation of dTTP than dCTP. Gp90 exo⁻ extends beyond T:O⁶-MeG 2-fold more efficiently than C:O⁶-MeG. Incorporation of dCTP opposite G and incorporation of dCTP or dTTP opposite O⁶-MeG show fast burst phases. The pre-steady-state incorporation efficiency (k_pol/K_d,dNTP) is decreased in the order of dCTP:G > dTTP:O⁶-MeG > dCTP:O⁶-MeG. The presence of O⁶-MeG at template does not affect the binding affinity of polymerase to DNA but it weakened their binding in the presence of dCTP and Mg²⁺. Misincorporation of dTTP opposite O⁶-MeG further weakens the binding affinity of polymerase to DNA. The priority of dTTP incorporation opposite O⁶-MeG is originated from the fact that dTTP can induce a faster conformational change step and a faster chemical step than dCTP. This study reveals that gp90 bypasses O⁶-MeG in an error-prone manner and provides further understanding in DNA replication encountering mutagenic alkylation DNA damage for P. aeruginosa phage PaP1.     

Hormone-sensitive lipase deficiency suppresses insulin secretion from pancreatic islets of Lep mice

It has long been a matter of debate whether the hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL)-mediated lipolysis in pancreatic β-cells can affect insulin secretion through the alteration of lipotoxicity. We generated mice lacking both leptin and HSL (Lep^ob/ob/HSL^−/−) and explored the role of HSL in pancreatic β-cells in the setting of obesity. Lep^ob/ob/HSL^−/− developed elevated blood glucose levels and reduced plasma insulin levels compared with Lep^ob/ob/HSL^+/+ in a fed state, while the deficiency of HSL did not affect glucose homeostasis in Lep^+/+ background. The deficiency of HSL exacerbated the accumulation of triglycerides in Lep^ob/ob islets, leading to reduced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. The deficiency of HSL also diminished the islet mass in Lep^ob/ob mice due to decreased cell proliferation. In conclusion, HSL affects insulin secretary capacity especially in the setting of obesity.     

The effect of an Escherichia coli regulatory mutation on transfer RNA structure.

The trpX mutation in Escherichia coli reduces trp operon attenuation in strains carrying wild-type tRNA^Trp. The trpX^? phenotype is alleviated (attenuation is restored) in UGA-suppressor tRNA^Trp-carrying strains (Yanofsky &; Soll, 1977).The tRNA from various trpX^? strains was characterized biochemically. Sequence analyses of wild-type tRNA^Trp and UGA suppressor tRNA^Trp, both derived from trpX^? strains, reveal an unmodified A in the position (adjacent to the anticodon) normally occupied by the hypermodified base ms²i⁶A.In addition, several tRNAs from trpX^? cells were characterized by RPC-5 column chromatography. We find that only tRNAs normally having ms²i⁶A exhibit altered elution profiles when compared to the homologous tRNAs from trpX^? cells. Introduction of the UGA suppressor into trpX^? cells does not restore normal Chromatographic behavior. These results suggest that the trpX gene product is necessary for the synthesis of ms²i⁶A. Thus, we propose that miaA (for the first gene involved in ms²i⁶A synthesis) replaces the trpX designation.The results reported here are discussed with regard to a model proposed by Lee &; Yanofsky (1977) in which efficient translation of the tandem trp codons in the leader sequence RNA is required for normal attenuation of the trp operon.     

Genetic control of immune responses of inbred mice: Responses against terpolymers poly(glu57lys38ala5) and poly(glu54lys36ala10)

The immune response patterns of inbred and congenic strains of mice against terpolymers poly(glu⁵⁷lys³⁸ala⁵) and poly(glu⁵⁴lys³⁶ala¹⁰) have been studied. Initial recognition of the polymers is ascribed to ‘GA’ receptors (Ir-GA gene product) on T cells of mice ofH-2 haplotypes,a,b,f,k ands, and ‘GL’ receptors (Ir-GL gene product) of mice ofH-2 ^p,H-2 ^q andH-2 ^j haplotypes, and to GA and/or GL receptors of mice ofH- 2^d andH- 2^r haplotypes. The specificity of the antibody is directed predominantly against GL. The inability to elicit antibody with GA specificity has been ascribed to the lack of significant concentrations of GA sequences in the polymers to interact with appropriate receptors on B cells. The weakest responders were mice of H-2^b haplotype. F¹ hybrids (responders×nonresponders) were all responders demonstrating the dominant character of responsiveness. Wide variations in antibody levels produced among strains of mice of theH-2 ^k andH-2 ^b haplotypes are ascribed to genes not linked toH-2.     

Mitochondrial Genetics. VI the Petite Mutation in SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE: Interrelations between the Loss of the ρ+ Factor and the Loss of the Drug Resistance Mitochondrial Genetic Markers

The survival of the ρ⁺ factor and of Drug^R mitochondrial genetic markers after exposure to ethidium bromide has been studied. A technique allowing the determination of Drug^R genetic markers among a great number of both grande and petite colonies has been developed. The results have been analyzed by the target theory. The survival of the ρ⁺ factor is always less than the survival of any Drug^R genetic marker. The survivals of C^R and E^R are similar to each other, while that of O^R is greater than that of the other two Drug^R markers. All possible combinations of Drug^R markers have been found among the ρ^- petite cells induced, while the only type found among the grande colonies is the preexisting one. The loss of the C^R and E^R genetic markers was found to be the most frequently concomitant, while the correlation between the loss of the O^R marker and the other two Drug^R markers is less strong. Similar results have been obtained after U.V. irradiation. Interpretations concerning the structure of the yeast mitochondrial genome are given and hypotheses on the mechanism of petite mutation discussed.     

Hydrochlorothiazide enhances the apical Cl− backflux in rabbit gallbladder epithelium: Radiochemical analysis

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) was shown to inhibit the transepithelial NaCl transport and the apical Na⁺-Cl^? symport and to depolarize the apical membrane potential in the rabbit gallbladder epithelium. The depolarization was likely related to the opening of a Cl^? conductance. To better understand whether an apical Cl^? leak is involved in the mechanism of action of HCTZ, the transapical Cl^? backflux was measured radiochemically by the washout technique. The gallbladder wall, pretreated with pronase on the serosal side to homogenize the subepithelium, was loaded with ³⁶Cl^? on the luminal side; mucosal and serosal ³⁶Cl^? effluxes (J _m , J _s ) were then measured every 2 min. The pretreatment with pronase did not alter the membrane potentials and the selectivity of the epithelium. Under control conditions and the tissue in steady-state, J _m and J _s time courses were each described by two exponential decays (A,B); the rate constants, k ^A and k ^B , were 0.71 ±0.03 and 0.16±0.01 min^?1, respectively, and correspondingly the half-times (t ₁ ^2A , t ₁ ^2B ) were 1.01±0.05 and 5.00±0.44 min (n=10); these parameters were not significantly different for J _m and J _s time courses. J _s was always greater than J _m (J _s /J _m =2.02±0.22 and 1.43 ±0.17 for A and B decays). Under SCN^? treatment in steady-state conditions, both J _m and J _s time courses were described by only one exponential decay, the component B being abolished. Moreover t ₁ ^2A was similar to that predictable for the subepithelium. It follows that it is the component B which exits the epithelial compartment. Based on the intracellular specific activity and ³⁶Cl^? J _m ^B at 0 min time of the washout experiment, the cell-lumen Cl^? backflux in steady-state was calculated to be equal to about 2 μmol cm^?2hr^?1, in agreement with the value indirectly computable by other techniques. The experimental model was well responsive to different external challenges (increases in media osmolalities; luminal treatment with nystatin). HCTZ (2.5 · 10^?4 m) largely increased ³⁶Cl^? J _m ^B . The increase was abolished by luminal treatment with 10^?4 m SITS, which not only brought back the efflux time courses to the ones observed under control conditions but even increased J _s /J _m of the cellular component, an indication of a reduced J _m ^B . It is concluded that HCTZ opens an apical, SITS-sensitive Cl^? leak, which contributes to dissipate the intracellular Cl^? accumulation and to inhibit the NaCl transepithelial transport. Moreover, the drug is likely to reduce the basal electroneutral Cl^? backflux supported by Na⁺-Cl^? cotransport, in agreement with the inhibition of the cotransport itself.     

Mutations of the Calcium Channel Gene cacophony Suppress Seizures in Drosophila

Bang sensitive (BS) Drosophila mutants display characteristic seizure-like phenotypes resembling, in some aspects, those of human seizure disorders such as epilepsy. The BS mutant para^bss1, caused by a gain-of-function mutation of the voltage-gated Na⁺ channel gene, is extremely seizure-sensitive with phenotypes that have proven difficult to ameliorate by anti-epileptic drug feeding or by seizure-suppressor mutation. It has been presented as a model for intractable human epilepsy. Here we show that cacophony (cac^TS2), a mutation of the Drosophila presynaptic Ca⁺⁺ channel α₁ subunit gene, is a particularly potent seizure-suppressor mutation, reverting seizure-like phenotypes for para^bss1 and other BS mutants. Seizure-like phenotypes for para^bss1 may be suppressed by as much as 90% in double mutant combinations with cac^TS2. Unexpectedly, we find that para^bss1 also reciprocally suppresses cac^TS2 seizure-like phenotypes. The cac^TS2 mutant displays these seizure-like behaviors and spontaneous high-frequency action potential firing transiently after exposure to high temperature. We find that this seizure-like behavior in cac^TS2 is ameliorated by 85% in double mutant combinations with para^bss1.