Immunocytochemical study of seminal γ-glutamyltransferase using monoclonal antibodies

We produced three monoclonal antibodies, SG1, SG2 and SG3, specific for human seminal -glutamyltransferase when characterized by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting. Seminal -glutamyltransferase was localized, by immunostaining, to the epithelial cells of the ductus epididymidis, seminal vesicle and prostate gland with SG1, those of the prostate gland with SG2, and those of the seminal vesicle with SG3. Rabbit polyclonal anti-seminal -glutamyltransferase serum reacted with the proximal convolution of the kidney and the bile capillaries of the liver, and with the epithelial cells of the reproductive organs. However, immunoreactivity was not observed in the kidney or liver with the monoclonal antibodies. Thus, these monoclonal antibodies are probably all specific to seminal -glutamyltransferase but recognize different epitopes.     

Androgen Regulates Gene Expression of Cytoskeletal Proteins in Adult Rat Motoneurons

Expression of β-actin and β-tubulin mRNA was examined in androgen-sensitive motoneurons of the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB) in adult male rats by in situ hybridization histochemistry using complementary DNAs encoding chick β-actin and mouse β-tubulin, respectively. Both hybridizable β-actin and βtubulin mRNAs were localized in the somata and proximal dendrites of SNB motoneurons. Removal of androgen by castration significantly reduced the expression levels of both β-actin and β-tubulin mRNAs in the SNB motoneurons, whereas the changes were prevented by testosterone treatment. In contrast, castration or testosterone treatment induced little or no change in the expression levels of these mRNAs in the much less androgen-sensitive motoneurons of the retrodorsolateral nucleus (RDLN). These results suggest that androgen regulates the expression of β-actin and β-tubulin genes in the SNB motoneurons and may provide evidence for the molecular mechanisms of hormonally induced neuronal plasticity in the SNB motoneurons.     

Purification and characterization of periplasmic alpha-amylase from Xanthomonas campestris K-11151.

Xanthomonas campestris K-11151, isolated from soil, produced a periplasmic alpha-amylase of a new type. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity, as shown by several criteria. The purified enzyme showed almost the same activities on alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrins, soluble starch, and amylose. Moreover, it was active on branched cyclodextrins, pullulan, and maltose but not on glycogen. Kinetic analysis showed that alpha-cyclodextrin was the best substrate among the cyclodextrins. The substrate specificity suggested that this enzyme had the combined activities of alpha-amylase, cyclodextrinase, and neopullulanase.     

Identification of the duplicated segments in rice chromosomes 1 and 5 by linkage analysis of cDNA markers of known functions

We mapped two loci for ADP-ribosylation factor homologues (ARF1, ARF2) and two loci for cysteine proteinase inhibitors (oryzacystatin-I and -II: OCI, OCII) by linkage analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphism loci in rice (Oryza sativa L.) genomic DNAs using their cDNAs as probes.Oc-1 andArf-2 were found to be closely located to each other on chromosome 1, whileOc-2 andArf-1,both found on chromosome 5, were also located close to each other. The map distances are about 2 cM in both pairs. In each chromosome, theArf locus was located about 27 cM from that of the aldolase gene (Ald-2 in chromosome 1 andAld-1 in chromosome 5). These three genes are in the same order,Ald-Arf-Oc, but in opposite orientations relative to the distal ends of the linkage group. The presence of two sets of three linked genes on chromosomes 1 and 5 strongly suggests a structural similarity of the blocks of the two chromosomes, which probably reflects duplication of the segment. A recent investigation by other workers has shown that these rice blocks correspond to two regions in maize chromosomes 8 and 6, that have previously been shown to share many duplicated nucleotide sequences. It is therefore very likely that the duplication of the region occurred before the divergence of rice and maize during the evolution of the subfamilies of the grasses (Gramineae). In view of a recently discovered possible structural similarity between the small GTP-binding protein superfamily, which includesArf andras proteins, and the cystatin family, the close linkage ofOc andArf loci found in the present study suggests a possible cluster of genes related to the small GTP-binding proteins.     

Hepatocellular carcinoma associated with chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection in a chimpanzee

Hepatocellular carcinoma associated with chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection in a chimpanzee, estimated to be a 12-year-old and born in West Africa, is reported. The hepatic tumor appeared as a solitary firm nodule, and histological examination revealed well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma with a trabecular pattern. Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections were excluded by serological testing in that animal. This is the first report of hepatocellular carcinoma in the chimpanzee with schistosomiasis.     

Glycosphingolipids of Human Peripheral Nervous System Myelins Isolated from Cauda Equina

Abstract: Compositions of neutral and sulfated glucuronyl glycosphingolipids purified from human motor and sensory nerves and myelins were studied. Higher neutral glycosphingolipids (fraction B), which were separated from GazlCer (fraction A), were analyzed by TLC and TLC-immunostaining. Both nerve myelins contained paragloboside (nLc₄Cer) and nLc₆Cer dominantly as major higher glycosphingolipids and very little globoside (Gb₄Cer), whereas both nerves contained Gb₄Cer and nLc₄Cer. Besides these major glycosphingolipids, a neutral glycolipid containing asialoGMI (Gg₄Cer) epitope and other minor components such as ceramide trihexoside and ceramide dihexoside were detected in both nerves and their myelins. Furthermore, sulfated glucuronyl nLc₄Cer and n Lc₆Cer, which were monoclonal antibody HNK-1 reactive glycolipids, were detected in both nerves and myelins.