兔主动脉前庭自律细胞与窦房结电生理特性的比较

为进一步阐明左心室流出道(主动脉前庭)自律细胞的特性,及其与窦房结细胞的异同,本实验利用常规的玻璃微电极细胞内记录技术,观察了一些离子通道阻断剂分别对离体兔窦房结起搏细胞与左心室流出道慢反应自律细胞的电生理特性的影响,重点探讨了这两种自律细胞的0期、4期去极离子流的异同。结果表明:(1)用1μmol/L维拉帕米(verapamil,VER)灌流后,窦房结及主动脉前庭自律细胞的动作电位幅值(APA)、0相最大除极速率(V_(max))、最大舒张电位(MDP)绝对值、舒张期除极速率(VDD)、自发放电频率(RPF)均明显下降,复极90％时间(APD_(90))延长(P<0.05)。(2)用180μmol/L氯化镍(NiCl_2)灌流,两自律细胞的VDD均明显下降;APA、V_(max)和RPF也显著降低,且窦房结细胞的APD_(90)明显延长。(3)给予2 mmol/L 4-氨基吡啶(4-AP)后,窦房结及主动脉前庭自律细胞的VDD均明显增快,MDP绝对值、APA和V_(max)显著下降,APD_(90)明显延长(P<0.05)。(4)给予2 mmol/L氯化铯(CsCl),两自律细胞的VDD及RPF均明显变慢。结果提示:(1)主动脉前庭自发慢反应电位的0相、4相去极离子流及复极离子流均与窦房结优势起搏细胞相似。(2)主动脉前庭起搏细胞Ca~(2+)内流为其0相主要去极离子流,复极过程主要由K~+外流引起,4相自动除极以K~+外流衰减为主,另外     

Characterization of the interactions between the nucleoprotein and the phosphoprotein of Henipavirus

The Henipavirus genome is encapsidated by the nucleoprotein (N) within a helical nucleocapsid that recruits the polymerase complex via the phosphoprotein (P). In a previous study, we reported that in henipaviruses, the N-terminal domain of the phosphoprotein and the C-terminal domain of the nucleoprotein (N(TAIL)) are both intrinsically disordered. Here we show that Henipavirus N(TAIL) domains are also disordered in the context of full-length nucleoproteins. We also report the cloning, purification, and characterization of the C-terminal X domains (P(XD)) of Henipavirus phosphoproteins. Using isothermal titration calorimetry, we show that N(TAIL) and P(XD) form a 1:1 stoichiometric complex that is stable under NaCl concentrations as high as 1 M and has a K(D) in the μM range. Using far-UV circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance, we show that P(XD) triggers an increase in the α-helical content of N(TAIL). Using fluorescence spectroscopy, we show that P(XD) has no impact on the chemical environment of a Trp residue introduced at position 527 of the Henipavirus N(TAIL) domain, thus arguing for the lack of stable contacts between the C termini of N(TAIL) and P(XD). Finally, we present a tentative structural model of the N(TAIL)-P(XD) interaction in which a short, order-prone region of N(TAIL) (α-MoRE; amino acids 473-493) adopts an α-helical conformation and is embedded between helices α2 and α3 of P(XD), leading to a relatively small interface dominated by hydrophobic contacts. The present results provide the first detailed experimental characterization of the N-P interaction in henipaviruses and designate the N(TAIL)-P(XD) interaction as a valuable target for rational antiviral approaches.     

Message from the President of the Society

The circadian rhythm of locomotor activity of the field mouse Mus booduga was studied and single animal phase response curves (PRCs) (n = 8) were constructed for 15-min daylight pulses of 1000 lux intensity. The light pulses, presented at different phases of the circadian cycle, evoked advancing and delaying phase shifts (ΔPHs) depending on the circadian time (CT) of light pulse application. ΔPHs by light pulses applied at the same phase are strongly correlated with the animals' circadian period (τ). The results indicate a significant correlation between (i) τ and the area under the advance zone of the PRC (A) (r = +0.72, p > 0.05), (ii) τ and the area under the delay zone of the PRC (D) (r = -0.98, p > 0.00001), (iii) τ and the difference between the area under delay and advance zone of PRC (D-A) (r = -0.97, p > 0.00001), and (iv) between τ and ΔpHs (at various phases of the circadian cycle) and further suggest that the waveform and time course of PRC depend on the animals' endogenous period (τ). (Chronobiology International, 13(6), 401–409, 1996)     

Mechanisms mediating the oxygen-induced vasoreactivity of the ductus arteriosus in the chicken embryo

The avian embryo provides a novel model for studying the ductus arteriosus (DA) during the transition from in ovo to ex ovo life. Here we examined the mechanisms regulating the vasoreactivity of the two morphologically distinct portions of the chicken DA (proximal and distal) in response to O(2). Oxygen-induced contraction is redox sensitive and reversed by the reducing agent dithiothreitol and the H(2)O(2) scavenger N-mercaptopropionylglycine. As in the mammalian DA, inhibiting mitochondrion-derived reactive oxygen species production with rotenone and antimycin A relaxed the O(2)-constricted DA. The contractile response to O(2) matures during hatching and is mimicked by the K(v) channel inhibitor 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) on day 19 and externally pipped (EP) embryos. Together, O(2) and 4-AP significantly increase DA tone above that observed with either alone. The O(2)-induced contraction is mediated by influx of extracellular Ca(2+) through l-type Ca(2+) and store-operated channels. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive Ca(2+) stores play a minor role in the O(2)-induced contraction. The O(2)-induced contraction is mediated by the Rho kinase pathway, as fasudil and Y-27632 significantly relax the O(2) contracted DA. Prostaglandins E(2), F(2alpha), and D(2) produce significant contraction of the proximal DA. The O(2)-induced relaxation of the distal portion of the DA is mediated by an endothelial-derived nitric oxide/cGMP pathway. Both 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one and endothelial cell removal inhibit O(2)-induced relaxation in the distal segment. Mechanisms regulating O(2)-induced contraction in chicken proximal DA are similar to those found in mammalian DA, making the chicken a useful model for studying development of this O(2)-sensitive vessel.     

The nature of the acid-volatile selenium in the liver of the male rat

1. The properties of rat liver acid-volatile selenium have been compared with those of H(2)Se and (CH(3))(2)Se. 2. In model experiments oxidation-sensitive H(2) (75)Se was trapped quantitatively under anaerobic conditions in 0.1m-AgNO(3), and (CH(3))(2) (75)Se was trapped quantitatively in 8m-HNO(3). The acid-labile selenium of a liver homogenate, and of a microsomal fraction, was found to behave quite unlike (CH(3))(2) (75)Se and in a manner indistinguishable from H(2) (75)Se. 3. It was concluded that the acid-volatile material is certainly not (CH(3))(2)Se and that it is probably H(2)Se. 4. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to current knowledge about the metabolism and detoxication of selenium, and a scheme is proposed which incorporates this knowledge with recent observations on the interactions between trace amounts of selenium and tocopherol, and the production of acute selenium deficiency by Ag(+) in vitamin E-deficient rats.     

Changes in the histomorphology of the canine cervix through the oestrous cycle

The importance of canine reproduction is steadily increasing and little is known about the canine cervix so far. The aim of this study was to describe the histomorphology of the canine cervix and to determine its correlation to the stage of oestrous cycle and to circulating concentrations of progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17beta (E2), respectively. Ovariohysterectomy (OHE) was performed in 33 non-pregnant, healthy, intact bitches in defined stages of oestrous cycle (proestrus N = 5, estrus N = 7, early diestrus N = 5, late diestrus N = 11, anestrus N = 5). The entire cervix was collected for histological evaluation of the epithelial layer (number of layers, thickness), the stroma (number of layers, thickness, density, structure, and distribution of elastic fibres) and the average area and density of cervical glands as well as blood vessels. These parameters were evaluated in all the three parts of the cervix (cranial, middle, and caudal or vaginal part). The cervix showed the typical structure with a superficial epithelium, a lamina propria with cervical glands and vascular structures and a tunica muscularis below. Folds in the superficial epithelium were only observed in 54% females (N = 18). Epithelial thickness (P < 0.0001), number of glands (P < 0.05), mean area of glands (P < 0.0001), mean area of venous vessels (P < 0.0001), number of arterial vessels (P = 0.02), number of mast cells and number of eosinophilic granulocytes per mm² (P < 0.01) were significantly influenced by the stage of cycle. The following factors were significantly influenced by the localisation: number of epithelial layers (P < 0.0001), thickness of stroma (P < 0.0001) and mean number of glands (P < 0.01). Only mean area of venous vessels was significantly influenced by the stage of cycle and the localisation (P < 0.01). Besides, P4 was significantly correlated to number of glands per mm² (P < 0.0001), mean area of venous vessels (P < 000.1) and number of mast cells (P < 0.01).This study provided detailed information about the histomorphological structure of the cervix in non-pregnant bitches and showed that the cervix undergoes cyclic changes during the canine oestrous cycle, in particular in association with circulating progesterone concentration.     

Speculations on the evolution of the genetic code IV the evolution of the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases

An evolutionary scheme is postulated in which a primitive code, involving only guanine and cytosine, would code for glycine(GG.), alanine(GC), arginine(CG.) and proline(CC). There evolves from this primitive code families of related amino acids as the code expands. The evolution of the aminiacyl-tRNA synthetases are considered to be indicators for the evolution of the genetic code. The postulated model for the evolution of the genetic code is used to give an evolutionary interpretation to the recent work on the structure and sequences of the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases.     

A Contribution to the Study of the Social Behavior of the Wolf

Three wolf cubs ( and ) taken blind from their den were studiedin captivity. When the cubs were 20–22 weeks old, theirbehavior was studied in the presence of individuals of two breedsof dogs (German Shepherd and Samoyed). The wolf cubs had seenno canine individuals before the experiments and vice versa.The sexes and ages of the German Shepherds (they resemble Europeanforest wolves in appearance) tested were as follows: female(3 years), male (17 months), female (21 weeks; the same heightas the wolf cubs) and female (12 weeks). The two female Samoyedswere 2 years old. All the tests were performed in the pen ofthe wolf cubs and filmed. The main results are as follows: (1).Investigative behavior was observed during all the tests carriedout. (2). No aggressiveness was observed between the wolf cubsand those German Shepherds which were as tall as the wolf cubsor taller. By contrast, the wolf cubs tried to kill the smallestGerman Shepherd (12 weeks old). (3). Great aggressiveness wasobserved between the wolf cubs and the Samoyeds from the momentof confrontation. (4). No difference was observed in the movementsand behavior patterns of these two species. (5). The resultsare discussed.     

Studies on the molecular mechanism of the translocation of estrogen receptor from the cytoplasm into the nucleus

A detailed study of the molecular mechanism of the translocation of estrogen receptor (ER) from the cytoplasm into the nucleus was undertaken in an in vitro system of porcine uterus. The capabilities of vero-ER . E (basic ER molecular bound with estradiol) (sedimentation coefficient 4.5S; Stokes radius 44 A) and the complexes ["5S" ER . E, (vero-ER . E) . (component A); "6S" ER . E, (vero-ER . E) . (component B)6; "8S" ER . E, (vero-ER . E) . (component B)6 . (component A)] with ER-binding factors (ERBFs) to translocate into the isolated nuclei were estimated by subtracting the amounts of ER adsorbed by the nuclear envelopes from those of ER bound to the whole nuclei. The results strongly supported our previous assumption that vero-ER . E translocates into the nuclei, and the complexes with ERBFs do not. The results suggested also that the binding site of vero-ER to ERBFs is required to be unoccupied in the process of the translocation of ER from the cytoplasm into the nucleus. The presence of a cytoplasmic factor (component C) which binds specifically with "5S" ER . E under low salt conditions was indicated. The complex, ("5S" ER . E) . (component C), was shown to possess relatively high affinity towards nuclear envelopes, but not to translocate into the nuclei.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

On the relationship between the two branches of the kynurenine pathway in the rat brain in vivo

In the mammalian brain, kynurenine aminotransferase II (KAT II) and kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO), key enzymes of the kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan degradation, form the neuroactive metabolites kynurenic acid (KYNA) and 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), respectively. Although physically segregated, both enzymes use the pivotal KP metabolite l -kynurenine as a substrate. We studied the functional consequences of this cellular compartmentalization in vivo using two specific tools, the KAT II inhibitor BFF 122 and the KMO inhibitor UPF 648. The acute effects of selective KAT II or KMO inhibition were studied using a radiotracing method in which the de novo synthesis of KYNA, and of 3-HK and its downstream metabolite quinolinic acid (QUIN), is monitored following an intrastriatal injection of ³H-kynurenine. In naïve rats, intrastriatal BFF 122 decreased newly formed KYNA by 66%, without influencing 3-HK or QUIN production. Conversely, UPF 648 reduced 3-HK synthesis (by 64%) without affecting KYNA formation. Similar, selective effects of KAT II and KMO inhibition were observed when the inhibitors were applied acutely together with the excitotoxin QUIN, which impairs local KP metabolism. Somewhat different effects of KMO (but not KAT II) inhibition were obtained in rats that had received an intrastriatal QUIN injection 7 days earlier. In these neuron-depleted striata, UPF 648 not only decreased both 3-HK and QUIN production (by 77% and 66%, respectively) but also moderately raised KYNA synthesis (by 27%). These results indicate a remarkable functional segregation of the two pathway branches in the brain, boding well for the development of selective KAT II or KMO inhibitors for cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection, respectively.     

Structure of the carbohydrate portion of the sialo-glycopeptide isolated from the skin of the fish Mastacembalus armatus

The sialglycopeptide (PSGP-A), isolated from the degelled skin of the fish Mastacembalus armatus, contained sialic acids (NANA and NGNA, 13.5%), GlcNAc (19.3%), Gal (14.7%), Man (12.6%), Fuc (2.5%), and amino acids of which Asp, Ser, Thr, and Pro preponderated. Affinity chromatography showed that the two sialic acids were integral parts of the same glycopeptide molecule. The carbohydrate portion was linked through GlcNAc to Asn of the peptide core. Methylation analysis of PSGP-A and its degradation products and periodate-oxidation studies indicated a structure for the carbohydrate portion of PSGP-A which resembled those of other sialoglycopeptides having similar carbohydrate compositions.     

Participation of the C-terminal region of the D1-polypeptide in the first steps in the assembly of the Mn4Ca cluster of photosystem II

Amino acid residue D1-Asp(170) of the D1-polypeptide of photosystem II was previously shown to be implicated in the binding and oxidation of the first manganese to be assembled into the Mn(4)Ca cluster of the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC). According to recent x-ray crystallographic structures of photosystem II, D1-Glu(333) is proposed to participate with D1-Asp(170) in the coordination of Mn4 of the OEC. Other residues in the C-terminal region of the D1-polypeptide are proposed to coordinate nearby manganese of the cluster. Site-directed replacements in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 at D1-His(332), D1-Glu(333), D1-Asp(342), D1-Ala(344), and D1-Ser(345) were examined with regard to their ability to influence the binding and oxidation of the first manganese in manganese-depleted photosystem II core complexes. Direct and indirect measurements reveal in all mutants, but most marked in D1-Glu(333) replaced by His, an impaired ability of Mn(2+) to reduce Y(Z)., indicating a reduced ability (elevated K(m)) compared with WT to bind and oxidize the first manganese of the OEC. The effect on the K(m) of these mutations is, however, considerably weaker than some of those constructed at D1-Asp(170) (replacement by Asn, Ala, and Ser). These observations imply that the C-terminal residues ultimately involved in manganese coordination contribute to the high affinity binding at D1-Asp(170) likely through electrostatic interactions. That these residues are far from D1-Asp(170) in the primary structure of the D1-polypeptide, imply that the C terminus of the D1-polypeptide is already close to its mature conformation at the first stages of assembly of the Mn(4)Ca cluster.     

Open junctions in the endothelium of the postcapillary venules of the diaphragm

We have previously established that approximately 30% of the endothelial junctions in the pericytic venules of the mouse diaphragm are open to a gap of approximately 30--60 A, and are fully permeated by hemeundecapeptide (H11P) (mol diam approximately 20 A). To estimate the size limit for molecules that can permeate these junctions, we have administered graded tracers intravenously and studied their behavior at the level of pericytic venules in bipolar microvascular fields (BMFs) in the mouse diaphragm. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) (mol diam approximately 50 A) permeated only approximately 50% of the open junctions of the venular endothelium. Outflow through venular junctions appeared to be modest since the tracer remained restricted to the perivenular spaces. Hemoglobin (Hb, mol diam 64 x 55 x 50 A) permeated only a few (less than 5%), and ferritin (mol diam 110 A), practically none, of the endothelial junctions of the pericytic venules. The findings suggest that under normal conditions the size limit for permeant molecules for open venular junctions is approximately 60 A. Replicas of freeze-fracture preparations from appropriate regions in BMF showed that the intercellular junctions of the venular endothelium have the same organization as previously described for the corresponding segments of the microvasculature in the omentum and mesentery: discontinuous creases or grooves either free of or marked by few intramembrane particles only. Administration of histamine (topically or systemically) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) (topically) resulted in typical focal separations of the endothelial junctions and intramural deposits of large tracer particles (carbon black) in the postcapillary venules.     

Self-organization in the determination of the size of the axial structures in the embryogenesis of the clawed toad

Experiments were performed using X. laevis embryos during gastrulation and neurulation (stages 10, 11 1/2, 12 1/2, 13 1/2, 15 and 18). Part of presumptive epidermis and lateral plate mesoderm was removed, and embryos raised until stage 25. The size of axial structures (notochord, somite mesoderm, central nervous system) was determined using serial histological sections and compared with that of control embryos. In experimental embryos, the size of axial structures was decreased. Until a specific stage of development, close correlation was found between the volume of embryonic compartment corresponding to a particular, structure and the volume of presumptive epidermis and lateral plate mesoderm. This stage is individual for each axial organ: middle gastrula (stage 11 1/2) for notochord, late gastrula (stage 12 1/2) for somite mesoderm, and late neurula (stage 18) for central nervous system. This data suggest that differentiation pattern of ecto-mesodermal rudiment is subject to regulation during gastrulation-neurulation, and subdivision of ectoderm and mesoderm into axial and non-axial tissues is a self-organizing process.     

Neurotransmitters in the thalamus relaying visceral input to the insular cortex in the rat

Neurotransmitters relaying ascending visceral information were examined by comparing the response of neurons in the insular cortex to vagal stimulation (0.8 Hz, 2 mA) before and after neurotransmitter antagonist injections (200 nl) in the ventroposterior parvocellular nucleus of the thalamus (VPpc). Cobalt (10 mM; presynaptic blocker) and kynurenate (100 microM; nonspecific excitatory amino acid antagonist) injections in the VPpc resulted in an attenuation (73-100 and 38-98%, respectively) of the evoked cortical response. Injections of the specific N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist DL-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (200 microM and 2 mM) did not affect the vagally evoked response, whereas the nonspecific non-NMDA antagonist L-glutamic acid diethylester (200 microM) attenuated the vagally evoked response by 66-100%. Three concentrations of the DL-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA)-specific antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (20 and 200 microM and 2 mM) attenuated the vagally evoked cortical response by 29 +/- 9, 31 +/- 10, and 59 +/- 8%, respectively. The more selective AMPA antagonist 6-nitro-7-sulphamoylbenzo(f)quinoxaline-2,3-dione (200 microM and 2 mM) inhibited the vagally evoked cortical response by 53 +/- 8 and 52 +/- 3%, respectively. Phentolamine (0.1 and 1.0 microM), a general alpha-adrenergic antagonist, and picrotoxin (0.1 and 1.0 microM), a GABA(A) antagonist, did not affect the vagally evoked response. Atropine, a muscarinic cholinergic antagonist, decreased the vagally evoked response by 40 +/- 2% at a concentration of 0.1 microM, but a higher concentration of 1.0 microM had no effect. These results indicate that the non-NMDA excitatory amino acid receptor is necessary for the relay of visceral information in the VPpc. Muscarinic receptors may modulate visceral neuronal excitability in the VPpc, although the exact interaction between the inhibitory (m2) and excitatory (m3 or m5) muscarinic receptor types found in the thalamus is not known.     

Tubular networks in the terminal endings of the visual receptor cells in the human,the monkey,the cat and the dog

Summary A tubular network was found in the terminal endings of the visual receptor cells in the human, the monkey (Macaca mulatta), the cat and the dog. These tubules are arranged in close groups in the vicinity of the synaptic lamellae and the invaginated dendrites. According to the form, diameter, density of the tubules and to the consistence of the network formed by them one can distinguish at these places an initial type (type I), a transitory (type II) and a vesicular one (type III). In the the type III branching, bizarre forms are frequent. The diameter of all the tubules reaches 500–600 Å, their density and walls being the same as in the synaptic vesicles.Similar networks also occur in the axons of the visual receptor cells of the monkey.

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Zusammenfassung In den Endigungen der Photorezeptorzellen von Mensch, Affe (Macaca mulatta), Katze und Hund kommen aus Tubuli bestehende Komplexe vor. Organellenartig in geschlossenen Gruppen angeordnet, liegen sie in Nähe der synaptischen Lamellen und der invaginierten Dendriten. An diesen Stellen kann man nach Form, Durchmesser, Dichte und Konsistenz der von den Tubuli gebildeten Komplexe drei Typen unterscheiden: 1. einen initialen (Typus I), 2. einen Übergangstypus (Typus II) und 3. einen vesiculären Typus (Typus III). In letzterem kommen häufig verzweigte, bizarre Formen vor. Der Durchmesser sämtlicher Tubuli erreicht 500–600 Å. Ihre Dichte und ihre Wand gleicht denen der synaptischen Vesikel.Ähnliche Komplexe fanden wir auch in den Axonen der Photorezeptorzellen vom Affen.

     

Heterogeneity of purinergic P2 receptors at the level of the caudal artery of the rat and the saphenous vein of the dog

Phentolamine (10(-5) M) and an inhibitor of the lipoxygenase pathway, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (N. D. G. A.; 8 10(-6) M) antagonized the ATP induced contraction but not antagonized the UTP induced contraction on both rat tail artery and dog saphenous vein. We conclude that the receptors to ATP are distinct from receptors to UTP and that the P2 purinoceptors are an heterogeneous group.     

Analysis of the mechanisms determining the varying relationship of the sperm from the marine and freshwater forms of the three-spined stickleback to the salinity of the medium]

The causes of differences in the reaction of spermatozoa of the fresh-water (morpha leiurus) and marine (m. trachurus) forms of three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus to the high sea water salinity (the upper limit of spermatozoan motility being 18% and 52%, resp.) were investigated. The experiments with solutions of pure NaCl, CaCl2, MgCl2, KCl, LiCl (25 g/l) have shown that the movement of spermatozoa of m. leiurus is inhibited by NaCl only. The inhibition of chlorine channels of the plasma membrane by a specific inhibitor furosemide has shown that the activity of spermatozoa of m. leiurus is suppressed by the high Na+ concentrations. The experiments with ATP have revealed no differences in the activity of Na pump between the spermatozoa of mm. trachurus and leiurus. Amyloride, an inhibitor of Na channels, at a concentration of 1.10(-5) M relieved the inhibiting effect of the high Na+ concentrations on the activity of spermatozoa of m. leiurus. The differences in the reaction of spermatozoa of two forms of the stickleback appear, to be determined by differences in Na channels of the plasma membrane.     

Protein markers in the microcyst of the posteroventral cochlear nucleus of the gerbil

Microcysts are most evident in the posteroventral and anteroventral cochlear nuclei (PVCN and AVCN) of the Mongolian gerbil. The origin and contents of the microcyst are not elucidated at present. The present study investigated the possible inclusions in the microcyst by employing immunocytochemical labeling to localize the existence of various protein markers. Thirty and 100 microm thick sections were used to substitute and reconstruct between 6 and 20 paraffin serial sections, respectively. In 30-microm-thick slice sections, immunoreactivity of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP-IR), mitochondria inner membrane (MCA-In-IR), S-100 (S-100-IR), serotonin (5-HT-IR), myelin proteolipid protein (PLP-IR) and substance P (SP-IR) abutted on the perimeter of the microcyst. The immunolabeled SP-positive cells were adjacent to the evagination of the microcyst. In 100-microm-thick slice sections, immunoreactivity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS-IR) and somatostatin (SOM-IR) mainly precipitated as flocculent structures in the small to medium-sized microcysts. 5-HT-IR also precipitated as an elongated flocculent stalk adjacent to the large microcyst or randomly distributed in the neuropil. The findings suggest that GFAP, MCA-In, S-100, 5-HT, PLP, SP, NOS and SOM may be involved in modulating the physiological functions and maintaining micro-environmental homeostasis of the microcyst in the cochlear nucleus of the gerbil.     

Comprehensive assessment of the hemostasis system in the participants of the Mars-500 experiment

Hemostasis has been studied in the course of long-term (520 days) isolation in hermetic chamber. Measured parameters included activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), international normalized ratio (INR), thrombin time (ТT); concentrations of fibrinogen (FBG), plasminogen (PG), Willebrand factor (WF), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), and thrombomodulin (ТМ); activities of the coagulation cascade factors II, V, VII, X, VIII, IX, XI, and XII, antithrombin III (ATIII), protein С (PC), С1-inhibitor (С1), α₂-antiplasmin (АP), TPA and TFPI. The investigation revealed a diversity of changes in plasma FBG concentration, slower blood coagulation in the intrinsic pathway and in final stage, and a relative rise in the activities of ATIII and PC-inhibited factors. The remaining parameters exhibited different trends.