Sensory projections to the nucleus basalis prosencephali of the pigeon

Summary The afferent pathways to the nucleus basalis prosencephali of the pigeon were studied by use of the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) technique. It was confirmed that this nucleus receives a direct pathway from the nucleus sensorius principalis nervi trigemini and that, as in the starling, it receives a direct input from the nucleus lemnisci lateralis, pars ventralis, an auditory relay. Totally novel is the finding that the nucleus basalis prosencephali is the target of a direct pathway originating in the medullary nucleus vestibularis superior. All three pathways bypass the thalamus. From within the telencephalon the nucleus basalis prosencephali also receives fibres from the tuberculum olfactorium and the peri-ectostriatal belt, suggestive of olfactory and visual input. Marked cell bodies were also found in the neostriatum frontolaterale. It is assumed that these arose from HRP uptake by axons of the tractus fronto-archistriatalis that course through the nucleus basalis prosencephali to the anterodorsal archistriatum. Marked fibres and bouton-like formations were observed in the latter structure. The afferents to the nucleus basalis prosencephali are discussed in conjunction with the probable role of the nucleus as a sensorimotor coordinator of the pecking/feeding behaviour of the pigeon.     

Monoclonal antibodies to neurospora adenylate cyclase

A monoclonal antibody against $\text{Neurospora}$ soluble adenylate cyclase was obtained. The antibody inhibits cyclase activities from several lower eucaryotic organisms but not activities associated to testicular cytosol or turkey erythrocyte membranes.     

NADPH/NADP+ ratio: regulatory implications in yeast glyoxylic acid cycle

Summary The utilization by yeast of two carbon sources is carried out through the operation of the glyoxylic acid cycle. Kinetic data from the isocitrate transforming enzymes suggest that the flow of isocitrate through the glyoxylic acid cycle depends upon the inhibition of the isocitrate decarboxylating enzymes. Both isocitrate dehydrogenases are inhibited by a mixture of glyoxylate + oxaloacetate, but for the reasons described in the text we consider that this inhibition is of no physiological significance. On the other hand, we have found that NADPH is a competitive inhibitor of NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase with respect to NADP⁺, with a K_I similar to its K_M. It also produces an additive effect on the NADH-produced inhibition of NAD-isocitrate dehydrogenase. We propose NADPH as the compound that channels the utilization of isocitrate into the glyoxylic acid cycle. This is supported by the finding of an increased NADPH/NADP⁺ ratio in acetate grown yeast with respect to glucose grown cells.     

3-Hydroxypropyl amide formation from 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid by a cell-free ethylene-forming system from olive leaves

The low ethylene yield in a cell-free ethylene-forming system from olive tree leaves ( Olea europaea L. cv. Picual) was investigated. During the incubation, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) was extensively transformed into 3-hydroxypropyl amide (HPA). Enzyme extract, Mn²⁺ and oxygen are responsible for this reaction. Horseradish peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) can substitute for the enzyme extract in this reaction. HPA formation could be one reason for the poor in vitro conversion efficiency of ACC to ethylene.