Elucidation and Characteristics of Non-opioid β-Endorphin Receptors in Rat Adrenal Cortex

beta-Endorphin-like decapeptide immunorphin (SLTCLVKGFY), a selective agonist of non-opioid beta-endorphin receptor, was labeled with tritium to specific activity of 24 Ci/mmol. It was used for the detection and characterization of non-opioid beta-endorphin receptors on rat adrenal cortex membranes (Kd1 = 39.6 +/- 2.0 nM, Bmax1 = 40.7 +/- 2.3 pmol/mg protein; Kd2 = 0.25 +/- 0.01 micro M, Bmax2 = 187.8 +/- 9.4 pmol/mg protein). beta-Endorphin was found to inhibit the [3H]immunorphin specific binding to membranes (Ki = 70.0 +/- 9.2 nM); naloxone, [Met5]enkephalin, and alpha- and gamma-endorphins tested in parallel were inactive. Immunorphin at concentrations of 10(-9)-10(-6) M was found to inhibit the adenylate cyclase activity in adrenocortical membranes, while intramuscular injection of immunorphin at doses of 10-100 micro g/kg was found to reduce the secretion of 11-oxycorticosteroids from the adrenals to the bloodstream.     

Flora Europaea Notulae Systematicae ad Floram Europaeam spectantes No. 20 Corrigenda et Addenda

Following the publication of the last of the series of Flora Europaea Notulae, No. 20 in the Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 76: 297–384 (1978), a number of additions or alterations have been drawn to our attention. These are published in continuation.     

Effect of small doses of ionizing radiation on the level of catecholamines and corticosteroids in mouse adrenals

Effects of 137Cs gamma-radiation (0.06-0.54 cGy, 0.06 cGy/day) on the levels of catecholamines and corticosteroids in mouse adrenals were investigated. There were observed increase of these parameters after mice irradiation during 1-2 days and their decrease after mice irradiation during 9 days.     

The model of resting forms of micobacteria for testing of chemodrugs for latent forms of tuberculosis

The new model of obtaining of ovoid resting forms of Mycobacterium smegmatis, which are morphologically different from vegetative (rod-like) cells, was developed. Ovoid forms were characterized by a drastically decreased level of metabolic activity, an increased stability to heat or antibiotics treatment, and also by prolonged (more than 2 months) storage time preserving colony-forming ability. Obtained resting forms of micobacteria may be used in test-systems for checking efficiency of new medical agents against latent forms of tuberculosis and determination of role of the genes in entering dormant state.     

Serological and epidemiological characteristics of acute pneumonias caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Belgorod

The etiology of the outbreaks of acute pneumonia in Belgorod was established and their epidemiological features were studied. The mycoplasmal etiology of all cases of acute pneumonia in children and adults, appearing alongside acute respiratory infections resulting from the preceding outbreaks caused by influenza viruses A/Prague/, B/Leningrad/369/75, and all types of parainfluenza viruses, was shown. The droplet mechanism of the transfer of infection was established, which was confirmed by the severity of the outbreak and a high rate of infection of the medical staff at hospitals for children and adults, where patients with mycoplasma-induced pneumonia were treated.     

Effect of 2-amino-2-thiazoline on the sulfhydryl group content of yeasts of various degrees of radiosensitivity

The influence of 2-amino-2-thiazoline on the level of total sulphydryl groups in the haploid and diploid yeast cells Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia guilliermondii has been studied. The increase of radioresistance of the yeast cells has been shown to be connected with the growing content of the endogenous thiols.     

Changes of glucocorticoid level in plasma and adrenal glands of pregnant rats and their offspring after antenatal stress of different etiology

We investigated the glucocorticoid level in plasma and adrenal glands of pregnant rats in the period of early organogenesis. Tests were performed 24 hours after stress of different etiology (acute hypobaric hypoxia, intermittent normobaric hypoxia, and immobilization) and then repeated in the adult offspring. There was a significant decrease in the glucocorticoid level in pregnant rats 24 hours after hypoxic stress. Various changes of the basal glucocorticoid level were found in the offspring after antenatal stress. Changes were mostly found in female offspring.     

Bacterial toxin-antitoxin systems and perspectives for their application in medicine

The structure of various toxin-antitoxin (TA) families and the principles of their action are reviewed. TA loci are widely distributed in the genomes of eubacteria and archaea. Most TA systems are two-component and function in a similar way: a stable toxin alters vitally important cell functions and can be inactivated by a labile antitoxin.