Stream drift,size-specific predation,and the evolution of ovum size in an amphibian

Summary A stream-breeding race of small-mouthed salamanders (Ambystoma texanum) in central Kentucky produces ova that are twice as large as those of a pond-breeding race found nearby. Embryos of stream-breeders also hatch at a more advanced developmental stage than those of pond-breeders. Morphological evidence indicates that stream-breeders were derived from pond-breeding stock. Assuming that differences between stream and pond-breeders reflect evolutionary change, and that the ancestral pond stock that invaded streams was similar to extant pond-breeders, we examined three hypotheses that might explain changes in ovum size and stage at hatching following the invasion of streams. (1) Larger ovum size evolved indirectly as a consequence of selection for rapid development which minimizes mortality risk from stream drying. (2) Increased ovum (hatchling) size and stage at hatching of stream-breeders are adaptations to resist stream current. (3) Increased ovum (hatchling) size and stage at hatching are adaptations to reduce predation on hatchlings from stream invertebrates. The results of field and laboratory studies only support hypotheses (2) and (3). Hatchlings that were relatively large or at a more advanced developmental stage had slower drift rates and were less vulnerable to predation by Phagocata gracilis, a flatworm abundant in streams in central Kentucky. Developmental and growth parameters were not correlated significantly with ovum size in populations of either geographic race. Differences in degree of parental care among races also cannot explain variation in ovum size since both races abandon their eggs immediately after oviposition.     

A physical domain of herpes simplex virus ICP8 is expressed and active in Escherichia coli.

In this report, we describe a series of procedures to assay the function of fusion genes in Escherichia coli and the specific application to the carboxy-terminal third of the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) DNA-binding protein ICP8. E. coli cells containing the cloned HSV-1 BamHI G fragment with the HSV-1 BamHI-G-V site, map unit 0.388, nearest the tet promoter in pBR322 synthesized an active product containing a portion of ICP8. The new product induced phenotypic alterations in recipient hosts that were measurable and stable yet limited to the stability of the plasmid. The corresponding cloned DNA from the characterized HSV-1 DNA-binding protein mutant tsHA1 exhibited a predictable temperature-sensitive phenotype. Screening procedures based on the loss of induction of the parental plasmid-induced phenotype in E. coli cells allowed us to select additional mutations. One of these, which conferred a phenotype different from that of tsHA1, was transferred to the viral genome by marker transfer techniques. We suggest that any mutant could be isolated in any sequence, provided that the wild-type coding sequences induce alterations in E. coli cells. The observed alterations should have relevance in determining the mode of action of the protein in its normal environment.     

Effect of bromocriptine on prostacyclin release and cyclic nucleotides on rat aortic and uterine tissues

The effect of bromocriptine mesylate on cyclic nucleotides and PGI₂ release by rat aortic and uterine tissues was investigated. Treatment of rats with bromocriptine (10 mg kg⁻¹ I.P. daily for 14 days) increased PGI₂ release by the thoracic aorta from 0.67 ± 0.02 to 1.4 ± 0.03 ng/mg wet tissue (P < 0.001; n = 6). This increase was antagonized by treatment with sulpiride (15 mg kg⁻¹). Incubation of the arterial tissue with bromocriptive (50 ug ml⁻) in vitro also stimulated PGI₂ release. Mepacrine (160 μg ml⁻) significantly decreased both basal and stimulated PGI₂ release. Incubation of myometrial tissue from pregnant rats with bromocriptine (50 μg ml⁻¹) in vitro significantly decreased PGI₂ release from 1.25 ± 0.07 to 0.60 ± 0.08 ng/mg wet tissue (P < 0.05, n = 6).It also elevated uterine cAMP from 40 ± 2 to 64 ± 3 pmoles/100 mg wet tissue. Both effects were antagonized by sulpiride. Bromocriptine did not affect uterine cGMP or the cyclic nucleotides in the aorta. It is concluded that the increase in aortic PGI₂ was mediated via activation of dopamine D-2 receptors that stimulate phospholipase A₂ enzyme. The decrease in myometrial PGI₂ release may be related to the increase in uterine cAMP resulting from activation of dopamine D-1 receptors. Previous studies suggested a role for PGI₂ in implantation in the rat. The results suggest that the inhibitory effèct on uterine PGI₂ may underlie the reported inhibition of bromocriptine on implantation. On broad basis, the decrease in uterine PGI₂ together with the reported luteolytic effect of bromocriptine point to a potential role for the compound in postcoital contraception.     

Thiostrepton resistance mutations in the gene for 23S ribosomal RNA of halobacteria

Mutants of Halobacterium (H.) halobium and H. cutirubrum were isolated which are resistant to the 70S ribosome inhibitor thiostrepton. Using primer extension analysis, resistance was shown to correlate with base changes at position 1159, which corresponds to position 1067 of the E. coli 23S rRNA. In four mutants, A1159 was replaced by U, in one mutant by G. The results show that not only methylation (Cundliffe & Thompson (1979) Nature 278, 859-861) of A1067 (E. coli nomenclature), but also base changes at this position cause high-level resistance to thiostrepton.     

Structural requirements for diacylglycerols to mimic tumor-promoting phobol diester action on the epidermal growth factor receptor

The structural requirements for diacylglycerols to mimic the action of tumor-promoting phorbol diesters on the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor of A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells were investigated. Five biological effects were considered: inhibition of high affinity 125I-EGF binding, change in the phosphorylation state of the EGF receptor, inhibition of the EGF-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGF receptor, inhibition of [3H]phorbol 12 beta, 13 alpha-dibutyrate binding, and stimulation of calcium- and phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (C-kinase) in vitro. A marked effect of the acyl chain length, 3-10 carbons, of symmetric sn-1,2-diacylglycerols was observed on their ability to mimic the effect of 4 beta-phorbol 12 beta-myristate 13 alpha-acetate (PMA). sn-1,2-Dipropanoylglycerol did not mimic the effects of PMA, but sn-1,2-didecanoylglycerol potently mimicked PMA action. A correlation was found between the ability of these diacylglycerols to stimulate the activity of C-kinase in vitro and to mimic the effects of PMA on the EGF receptor in intact cells. Analogues of sn-1,2-dioctanoylglycerol in which the 3' hydroxyl group was substituted with hydrogen, thio or chloro moieties were inactive when assayed for their ability to stimulate C-kinase in vitro and mimic PMA action in intact cells. We conclude that the hydroxyl group of a diacylglycerol is vital for the interaction with the phorbol diester receptor. The stringent correlation between the potency of the 11 diacylglycerol analogues tested to modulate C-kinase in vitro and to mimic PMA action in vivo provides strong evidence for the hypothesis that C-kinase plays a central role in the regulation of A431 cell EGF receptors by tumor-promoting phorbol diesters.     

Modulation of ornithine decarboxylase activity in the normal and regenerating rat liver by different doses of hydra peptide morphogen

The authors studied the anabolic effect of peptide morphogen of the hydra undecapeptide on normal and regenerating rat liver. Ornithine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.17) activity served as a marker. Intraperitoneal injection of the peptide into intact animals stimulated ornithine decarboxylase activity in a dose-dependent manner. In partially hepatectomized rats the peptide stimulated ornithine decarboxylase activity in the dose of 20 micrograms/kg body weight while greater doses inhibited the enzyme activity.     

Immune deficiency in the X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome. I. Epstein-Barr virus-specific defects

Eleven males with XLP were evaluated for EBV-specific antibodies during periods of 2 to 7 yr. Variable responses to EBV-specific antigens were found. All 11 patients had subnormal anti-EBNA titers, which probably reflected a T cell deficiency. The patients showed four different patterns in their anti-VCA response: 1) two boys who had experienced malignant lymphoma mounted no antibodies at all; 2) two patients showed intermittent anti-VCA titers; 3) four males had persistently elevated anti-VCA titers; and 4) three patients showed normal anti-VCA titers. ADCC against EBV-infected cells was abnormally low in six patients and was elevated in two patients given gamma-globulin. ADCC titers did not correlate with anti-VCA titers. However, most patients with XLP failed to effect regression of autologous EBV-infected lymphoblastoid cell lines, indicating a deficiency in long-lived T cell-mediated immunity to EBV.