Thalidomide metabolite inhibits tumor cell attachment to concanavalin A coated surfaces

The inhibitory effect of drug treatment on tumor cell attachment to plastic surfaces coated with concanavalin A correlates well with the $\text{in}\text{vivo}$ teratogenicity of the drug. Using attachment as an assay, the effects of thalidomide and some of its metabolites have been examined for inhibitory activity. While thalidomide and its hydrolysis products did not alter attachment, metabolites of thalidomide produced by incubation of the drug with murine liver microsomes were inhibitory. Generation of inhibitory products required the presence of glucose-6-phosphate, NADP, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and magnesium chloride. The degree of inhibition was dependent on the duration of incubation at 37°C. These results suggest a model for the teratogenic action of thalidomide in which metabolites of the drug alter cell surface function leading to interference with normal morphogenic cell to cell interactions.     

Carettacola hawaiiensis n. sp. (Trematoda: Spirorchidae) from the green turtle, Chelonia mydas, in Hawaii.

Carettacola hawaiiensis n. sp. (Trematoda: Spirorchidae) is described from the hepatic vessels of the green turtle, Chelonia mydas (L.), in Hawaii. The new species differs from any previously described species of Carettacola in size, placement of vitellaria, and shape and placement of Laurer's canal. The genus Haemoxenicon Martin and Bamberger, 1952, becomes a synonym of Carettacola Manter and Larson, 1950. Haemoxenicon stunkardi Martin and Bamberger, 1952, is transferred to the genus Carettacola Manter and Larson, 1950, and becomes Carettacola stunkardi n. comb. An emended generic diagnosis for Carettacola is given along with a key to the species.     

Cytodiffrentiation in the accessory glands of Tenebrio molitor. VI. A congruent map of cells and their secretions in the layered elastic product of the male bean-shaped gland

The morphology of the bean-shaped accessory glands (BAGs) of males of Tenebrio molitor is described. All cells in the secretory epithelium are long and narrow (300–400 mμ × 5 mμ). The seven types of secretory cells are distinguished from one another by the morphology of their secretory granules. Granule substructure varies from simple spheres with homogeneous electrondense contents to complex forms with thickened exterior walls or with crystalline and membranous contents. Individual cell types were mapped by staining whole glands with Oil Red O, and the cell distributions were confirmed by wax histology and ultramicroscopy. The secretions of all seven cell types form a secretory plug composed of seven layers. During mating, the secretory plug from each BAG is forced into the ejaculatory duct by contractions of a sheath of circular muscle. The mirror image plugs from symmetrical BAGs fuse and are transformed into the wall of the spermatophore.     

Parasites and associated pathology observed in cetaceans stranded along the Oregon coast.

Ten stranded cetaceans, representing five species, from the Oregon Coast were examined between 1973-1977. Fourteen genera of parasites, together with the pathogenesis and pathology associated with the presence of some of these parasites are reported.