Soluble and particulate inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 5-phosphatases show common antigenic determinants

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 5-phosphatase catalyses the dephosphorylation of the phosphate in the 5-position from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate. One particulate and two soluble enzymes were previously described in bovine brain. In this study, we have obtained a precipitating antiserum against soluble type I inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 5-phosphatase. The particulate, but not the soluble type II enzyme, was immunoprecipitated by the serum. Inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate 5-phosphatase activity from crude extracts of rat brain, human platelets and rat liver were immmunoprecipitated by the same antibodies, suggesting the existence of common antigenic determinant among inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 5-phosphatases of diverse sources.     

UK-73,093: A non-peptide neurotensin receptor antagonist

UK-73,093 was identified in a screening program as a compound able to displace [³H]-neurotensin from its bovine brain receptor. We describe the discovery of this compound, species differences in receptor affinity and its characterization as a functional neurotensin antogonist in vitro and in vivo.     

Cellobiose metabolism in Erwinia: genetic study

Summary The study of mutants of Erwinia specifically unable to ferment cellobiose indicates that the mutations are clustered between arg and ile on the chromosome of this organism. In vivo cloning of the genes responsible for cellobiose utilization lead to a plasmid, pBEC2, which complements all Erwinia Clb^- specific mutants. When introduced into wild-type E. coli it allows this organism to use cellobiose, arbutin and salicin; it also complements bglB and bglC mutants of Escherichia coli indicating that arbutin and salicin utilization is due to the products of the pBEC2 cloned genes. From the characterization of mutants pleiotropically affected in the utilization of various carbon sources, including cellobiose, arbutin and salicin, it is proposed that the three--glucosides are substrates of the phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase system (PTS).     

Hydrolysis of bradykinin and its higher homologues by angiotensin-converting enzyme (Short Communication)

The hydrolysis of bradykinin and its higher homologues by angiotensin-converting enzyme has been investigated by using an automated ninhydrin technique. The results show an inverse relationship of hydrolysis rate with size and charge of the peptide, which parallels the inactivation in the pulmonary circulation and offers an explanation for the selectivity of metabolism of these kinins by the lungs.     

Mise en évidence de structures internes des chromosomes par une technique nouvelle (Scanning video)

The basic principle of the technique is the analysis of photomicrographs (light microscope) with a system of closed television chain. By suitable settings of the video scanning (e.g. black and white level, contrast) it is possible to bring out some particular structures of chromosomes, by a kind of optical density selection. — Chromosomes in mitosis and meiosis from different species (man, rat, sloth) have been studied up to now; all of them show a similar inner organization. The double spiralization of each chromatid appears clearly. Each chromonema contains a more or less dense heap of fine loops; these appear to be made of a folded fibril of 200–300 Å thickness. In less condensed zones of the chromonema, e.g. in uncoiled parts, four filaments arranged in two more or less twisted pairs are clearly distinguishable; these filaments seem to correspond to 1/8 chromatid. From our first investigations it seems that the inner fibrils of the chromosomes are organized according to one of the DuPraw's models (combined transverse and longitudinal folding with quaternary coiling). — Some arguments are proposed and discussed as to explain how it is possible to reach such a high resolution with a conventional light microscope.

---

---

Recherches effectuées avec l'aide du Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique Médicale (Belgique).     

Un cas de mosaïcisme avec grand chromosome surnuméraire

Sans résuméRecherches effectuées avec l'appui du Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique Médicale et du Fonds de la Recherche Fondamentale Collective (Belgique).     

Severe Metabolic Acidemia in Infants: Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects

A study of 10 infants in severe metabolic acidemia (pH below 7) led to the conclusion that the clinical signs—hyperventilation, coma or lethargy, peripheral vascular collapse, a significantly palpable liver, and abdominal distension—may all be directly related to the metabolic acidemia. In five of 10 infants, an initial erroneous diagnosis of congestive heart failure or pneumonia was made. Dramatic clinical improvement followed correction of the acidemia with rapid intravenous administration of sodium bicarbonate. This rapid administration of sodium bicarbonate was safe, provided hypocalcemia was recognized and treated in its early stages. In severe metabolic acidemia the measurement of blood bicarbonate alone does not reflect adequately the magnitude of the acid-base derangement and repeated measurements of hydrogen ion concentration, Pco₂ and bicarbonates are needed to evaluate and treat such infants correctly.