Nitric oxide effects on force-velocity characteristics of the rat diaphragm

The present experiments tested nitric oxide (NO) effects on shortening velocity and power production in maximally activated rat diaphragm at 37 degrees C. Diaphragm fiber bundles (n = 10/group) were incubated at 37 degrees C in Krebs-Ringer solution containing no added drug (control), the NO synthase inhibitor Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA; 10 mM), the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 1 mM), or a combination (L-NNA + SNP). Loaded shortening velocity was measured via the load-clamp technique over a range of afterloads. Unloaded shortening velocity (Vo) was measured in control and L-NNA-treated bundles (n = 12/group) by using the slack test. Force-velocity data fitted to the Hill equation determined a Vmax of 13.7+/-0.4 lengths/s, contradicting the notion that rat diaphragm Vmax declines at temperatures > 35 degrees C. In contrast, L-NNA decreased Vmax (P < 0.05), loaded shortening velocity (P < 0.001), and power production (P < 0.001), but did not change Vo or maximal isometric force. All L-NNA effects were prevented by coincubating fiber bundles with L-NNA + SNP. SNP alone had no effect on any variable. These data indicate that endogenous NO is essential for optimal myofilament function during active shortening.     

The maximum shortening velocity of muscle should be scaled with activation.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the maximum shortening velocity (Vmax) in Hill's mechanical model (A. V. Hill. Proc. R. Soc. London Ser. B. 126: 136-195, 1938) should be scaled with activation, measured as a fraction of the maximum isometric force (Fmax). By using the quick-release method, force-velocity (F-V) relationships of the wrist flexors were gathered at five different activation levels (20-100% of maximum at intervals of 20%) from four subjects. The F-V data at different activation levels can be fitted remarkably well with Hill's characteristic equation. In general, the shortening velocity decreases with activation. With the assumption of nonlinear relationships between Hill constants and activation level, a scaled Vmax model was developed. When the F-V curves for submaximal activation were forced to converge at the Vmax obtained with maximum activation (constant Vmax model), there were drastic changes in the shape of the curves. The differences in Vmax values generated by the scaled and constant Vmax models were statistically significant. These results suggest that, when a Hill-type model is used in musculoskeletal modeling, the Vmax should be scaled with activation.     

Studies of arterial smooth muscle relaxation in younger (16-18 week) and older (28-31 week) spontaneously hypertensive rats

Both isometric and isotonic relaxation rates have previously been reported to be decreased in caudal arterial and mesenteric resistance arterial smooth muscle from 16- to 21-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) compared with muscle from age-matched normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). An increased maximum velocity of shortening (Vmax) and an increased shortening ability (delta Lmax) have also been reported for arterial smooth muscle from 16- to 21-week-old SHR. It has been suggested that both increased narrowing and prolonged narrowing of arteries contribute to the development of hypertension. However, SHR Vmax is not different from WKY Vmax when studying arterial muscle from older (28- to 31-week-old) rats. Thus increased arterial narrowing ability cannot be a contributing factor to the maintenance of hypertension. In this study the role of relaxation rate in the maintenance of hypertension was examined by comparing the relaxation rates of isometric and isotonic contractions of caudal arterial strips from 16- to 21-week-old SHR (n = 9) and WKY (n = 8) and from 28- to 31-week-old SHR (n = 7) and WKY (n = 5). While relaxation rates were lower for 16- to 21-week-old SHR compared with age-matched WKY preparations for both isometric and isotonic contractions, only isometric relaxation rates were found to be different in 28- to 31-week-old SHR compared with 28- to 31-week-old caudal arterial muscle (p less than 0.05). Vmax tended to normalize from a once-elevated velocity, while isometric relaxation rate remained decreased in SHR with ageing and (or) with progression of the hypertensive condition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

宽体沙鳅的染色体核型与DNA含量分析

为了解宽体沙鳅(Sinibotia reevesae)的种质特征,以野生宽体沙鳅为材料,采用腹腔注射植物血球凝集素(PHA)和秋水仙素,肾组织细胞短期培养、常规空气干燥法制备染色体标本,并对其核型进行分析。以鸡(Gallus gallus)血细胞DNA含量(2.50 pg/2c,2c指二倍体)为标准,用流式细胞仪测定宽体沙鳅外周血细胞的DNA含量。结果表明:(1)宽体沙鳅的染色体数目为2n=96,核型组成公式为2n=36m+14sm+20st+26t,染色体总臂数NF=146;未发现与性别相关的异型染色体。(2)宽体沙鳅的DNA含量为(2.60±0.36)pg/2c。通过与其他26种鳅科鱼类核型进行比较,发现宽体沙鳅属于鳅科鱼类中的特化类群,其染色体核型经历了罗伯逊易位和染色体多倍化等过程。本研究结果可为宽体沙鳅种质资源保护和细胞遗传学研究提供基础资料。     

大鼠肥厚心肌缩短速度和肌凝蛋白重链同功酶谱的变化

用聚丙烯酰胺电泳分离并测定了大鼠左室肌凝蛋白ＡＴＰ酶活性依次降低的同功酶Ｖ_１,Ｖ_２和Ｖ_３的百分比（ＭＩ谱）,从乳头肌力－速度曲线读取心肌最大缩短速度（Ｖ_（ｍａｘ））,观察到：（１）正常大鼠出现增龄性Ｖ_１向Ｖ_３迁移和Ｖ_（ｍａｘ）下降,与８周龄组（Ｓ_０）相比,１６周和２４周龄组（Ｓ_８和Ｓ_（１６））的Ｖ_１／Ｖ_３比,分别下降３８．９％和６１．０％;Ｖ_（ｍａｘ）下降８．３％和１３．３％。（２）高血压肥厚心肌ＭＩ谱的迁移和Ｖ_（ｍａｘ）下降的程度大大超过增龄效应：高血压８周和１６周组（Ｈ_８和Ｈ_（１６））的Ｖ_１／Ｖ_３比值较术前对照Ｓ_０分别下降８４．４％和９３．５％,较同龄假手术对照Ｓ_８和Ｓ_（１６）组也分别低７４．５％和８３．３％,而Ｖ_（ｍａｘ）则比Ｓ_０组下降３３．３％和４８．３％。（３）６组４８只大鼠结果相关分析表明,Ｖ_（ｍａｘ）与Ｖ_１％高度正相关,与Ｖ_３％高度负相关。（Ｐ均小于０．０１）。上述结果提示：高血压肥厚心肌收缩速度明显下降,其主要生化机制似与同功酶谱由Ｖ_１优势向Ｖ_３迁移有关。     

Stereospecificity of the metal.ATP complex in flavokinase from rat small intestine.

Transfer of the gamma-phosphoryl group of ATP to riboflavin is catalyzed by flavokinase, which prefers Zn(II), and is essential in the biosynthesis of the flavocoenzyme, FMN. To study the mechanism and steric disposition of ATP binding, adenosine 5'-O-(2-thiotriphosphate) (ATP beta S) and adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATP gamma S) were tested in comparison to ATP with representative divalent metal ions. Activities with 0.1 mM Zn(II) for 1 mM ATP thio analogues compared to ATP with flavokinase were 60% for the S-isomer of ATP beta S, 312% for the R-isomer of ATP beta S, and 14% for ATP gamma S. With Mg(II), flavokinase showed stereospecificity for the R-isomer of ATP beta S with a Vmax ratio, S/R = 0.125. With Cd(II), the enzyme showed preference for the S-isomer of ATP beta S with a Vmax ratio, S/R = 1.261. The Vmax ratio progressively increases from Mg(II) to Cd(II) in the order of affinity for sulfur. The ratios, (Vmax/Km)Mg/(Vmax/Km)Cd, for the diastereomers of ATP beta S were expectedly greater than 1 for one diastereomer (R = 6.597) and less than 1 for the other (S = 0.292). Activities with ATP gamma S were much lower than with ATP or ATP beta S. With Mg(II), the gamma analogue was a good substrate; however, with Cd(II), it was hardly active. Altogether these results indicate that flavokinase uses the lambda, beta, gamma-bidentate Zn.ATP as a substrate.     

Finger Muscle Attachments for an OpenSim Upper-Extremity Model

We determined muscle attachment points for the index, middle, ring and little fingers in an OpenSim upper-extremity model. Attachment points were selected to match both experimentally measured locations and mechanical function (moment arms). Although experimental measurements of finger muscle attachments have been made, models differ from specimens in many respects such as bone segment ratio, joint kinematics and coordinate system. Likewise, moment arms are not available for all intrinsic finger muscles. Therefore, it was necessary to scale and translate muscle attachments from one experimental or model environment to another while preserving mechanical function. We used a two-step process. First, we estimated muscle function by calculating moment arms for all intrinsic and extrinsic muscles using the partial velocity method. Second, optimization using Simulated Annealing and Hooke-Jeeves algorithms found muscle-tendon paths that minimized root mean square (RMS) differences between experimental and modeled moment arms. The partial velocity method resulted in variance accounted for (VAF) between measured and calculated moment arms of 75.5% on average (range from 48.5% to 99.5%) for intrinsic and extrinsic index finger muscles where measured data were available. RMS error between experimental and optimized values was within one standard deviation (S.D) of measured moment arm (mean RMS error = 1.5 mm < measured S.D = 2.5 mm). Validation of both steps of the technique allowed for estimation of muscle attachment points for muscles whose moment arms have not been measured. Differences between modeled and experimentally measured muscle attachments, averaged over all finger joints, were less than 4.9 mm (within 7.1% of the average length of the muscle-tendon paths). The resulting non-proprietary musculoskeletal model of the human fingers could be useful for many applications, including better understanding of complex multi-touch and gestural movements.     

Chromosomal rearrangement in pectinidae revealed by rRNA loci and implications for bivalve evolution

Karyotype and chromosomal localization of major (18-5.8-28S) and minor (5S) ribosomal RNA genes were studied in two species of Pectinidae, zhikong (Chlamys farreri) and bay (Argopecten irradians irradians) scallops, using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). C. farreri had a haploid number of 19 with a karyotype of 3m + 4sm + 7sm-st + 4st + 1st-t, and A. i. irradians had a haploid number of 16 with a karyotype of 5st + 11t. In C. farreri, the major and minor rRNA genes had one locus each and were mapped to the same chromosome-Chromosome 5. In A. i. irradians, the major rRNA genes had two loci, located on Chromosomes 4 and 8, and the 5S rRNA gene was found at a third chromosome-Chromosome 10. Results of this and other studies indicate that karyotype of A. i. irradians (n = 16, 21 arms) is secondary and derived from an ancestral karyotype similar to that of C. farreri (n = 19, 38 arms) through considerable chromosomal loss and rearrangements. The ability to tolerate significant chromosomal loss suggests that the modal karyotype of Pectinidae and possibly other bivalves with a haploid number of 19 is likely tetraploid; i.e., at least one genome duplication has occurred during the evolution of Bivalvia.     

Physical mapping of 5S and 18S-25S rDNA and repetitive DNA sequences in Aegilops umbellulata.

An accurate physical map of the location of the 5S and the 18S-5.8S-25S rRNA genes and a repetitive DNA sequence has been produced on Aegilops umbellulata Zhuk., (2n = 2x = 14) chromosomes by in situ hybridization. Chromosome morphology together with the hybridization pattern of pSc119.2, a DNA sequence from rye, allowed identification and discrimination of different chromosomes; pSc119.2 hybridizes with all Ae. umbellulata chromosomes at the telomeres, except for the short arm of chromosome 6U, and shows intercalary sites on the long arms of chromosomes 6U and 7U. The 5S and 18S-25S rDNA have been mapped physically only on the short arms of chromosomes 1U and 5U. On chromosome 1U the order of the genes is 5S rDNA subterminal and 18S-25S rDNA more proximal, while on chromosome 5U the position of the genes is reversed. The relative order of the genes, together with the hybridization pattern of the pSc119.2, is useful in identifying whole chromosomes or chromosome segments from Ae. umbellulata in recombinant or addition lines with wheat. The data help link the physical organization of chromosomes to the genetic map. Other members of the Triticeae vary in the presence and order of the 5S and 18S-25S rDNA sequences on groups 1 and 5, indicating multiple and complex evolutionary rearrangements of the chromosome arms.     

Karyotypes of the Genus Fritillaria from South Anhui

This paper reports chromosome numbers and karyotypes of five species of the genus Fritillaria from south Anhui. The origin of the material used in this work is provided in Table 1, micrographs of mitotic metaphase in Plate 1,2, and the parameters of chromosomes in Table 2. Except F. thunbergii Miq., the karyotypes and chromosome numbers of all the species in this paper were studied for the first time. The results are shown as follows: 1. Fritillaria qimenensis D. C. Zhang et J. Z. Shao Collected from Qimen, Anhui, it has the karyotype formula 2n = 24+4Bs = 3m+lsm+8st (2sc)+12t (2sc)+4Bs (Plate 1:1, 2). The chromosomes range in length 8.72-19.13μm, with the ratio of the longest to the shortest 2.19. Therefore, the karyotype belongs to Stebbins’ (1971) 3B. The secondary constrictions are found on the long arms of 7th and 10th pairs. All the five B-chromosomes are of terminal centromeres. The two chromosomes of the second pair show heteromorphy (Fig. 1, E) with arm ratios 1.86 and 1.56 respectively. 2. Fritillaria monantha Miq. var. tonglingensis S. C. Chen et S. F. Yin Collected from Tongling, Anhui, this species is shown to have three chromosome numbers, 2n =24+5Bs, 2n=24+2Bs and 2n=24. This paper reports 2 cytotypes: Type I: 2n = 24+5Bs = 4m+8st (2sc) +12t (2sc) +5Bs (Plate 1: 3, 4). The chromosomes range in length from 10.40 to 22.19μm, with the ratio of the longest to the shortest 2.13. It belongs to 3B of stebbins’(1971) karyotypic symmetry. The secondary constrictions are found on the short arms of 7th and the long arms of 9th chromosome pairs. The metacentric B-chromosomes and the small satellites located on the short arms are major characters of this cytotype. Type II: 2n=24=2m+2sm+8st(2sc)+12t(2sc) (Plate 1:5, 6). The chromosomes range in length from 13.84 to 29.81μm, with the ratio of the longest to the shortest 2.15. The karyotype belongs to Stebbins’3B. The secondary constrictions are found on the long arms of 5th and 10th pairs. No B-chromosomes are found. 3. Fritillaria xiaobeimu Y. K. Yang, J. Z. Shao et M. M. Fang Collected from Ningguo, Anhui, it has karyotype formula 2n = 24 = 2m+2sm+10st (4sc) + 10t (Plate 2:7, 8). The chromosomes range in length from 13.86 to 26.27μm, with the ratio of the longest to the shortest 1.89. The karyotype belongs to stebbins’3A. The secondary constrictions are found on the long arms of 7th and 9th pairs. 4. Fritillaria ningguoensis S. C. Chen et S. F. Yin Collected from Ningguo, Anhui, it is of karyotype formula 2n = 24 = 2m+2sm+8st (2sc) +12t (Plate 2: 9, 10). The chromosomes range in length from 9.11 to 23.23μm, with the ratio of the longest to the shortest 2.55. The karyotype belongs to Stebbins’3B. The secondary constrictions are only found on the long arms of the 10 th pair. 5. Fritillaria thunbergii Miq. Collected from Ningguo, Anhui, it is of karyotype formula 2n = 24 = 2m+2sm+8st(2sc) +12t(2sc)(Plate 2:11, 12). The chromosomes range in length from 8.83 to 19.85μm, with the ratio of the longest to the shortest 2.25. The karyotype belongs to stebbins’3B. There are secondary constrictions on the long arms of 5th and 7th pairs. The karyotype of the Ningguo material is similar to that of the Huoqiu (Anhui) material reported by Xu Jin-lin et al. (1987), but it is obviously different from 2n=2m(sc)+2sm+4st(2sc)+16t (2sc) reported byZhai et al. (1985) for the material from Xingjiang, Northwest China.     

Kinetic studies of yeast polyA polymerase indicate an induced fit mechanism for nucleotide specificity

Polyadenylate polymerase (PAP) catalyzes the synthesis of 3'-polyadenylate tails onto mRNA. A comprehensive steady-state kinetic analysis of PAP was conducted which included initial velocity studies of the forward and reverse reactions, inhibition studies, and the use of alternative substrates. The reaction (A(n) + ATP <--> A(n+1) + PP(i)) is adequately described by a rapid equilibrium random mechanism. Several thermodynamic parameters for the reaction were determined or calculated, including the overall equilibrium constant (K(eq) = 84) and the apparent equilibrium constant of the internal step (K(int) = 4) which involves the rate-determining interconversion of central complexes. A large (100-fold) difference in Vmax accounts for nucleotide specificity (ATP vs CTP), despite an only 3-fold difference in Km. Comparison of the sulfur elemental effect on Vmax for ATP and CTP suggests that the chemical step is rate-determining for both reactions. Comparison of the sulfur elemental effect on Vmax/Km revealed differences in the mechanism by which either nucleotide is incorporated. Consistent with these data, an induced fit mechanism for nucleotide specificity is proposed whereby PAP couples a uniform binding mechanism, which selects for ATP, with a ground-state destabilization mechanism, which serves to accelerate the velocity for the correct substrate.     

Force-velocity shifts with repetitive isometric and isotonic contractions of canine gastrocnemius in situ.

The force-velocity (F-V) relationships of canine gastrocnemius-plantaris muscles at optimal muscle length in situ were studied before and after 10 min of repetitive isometric or isotonic tetanic contractions induced by electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve (200-ms trains, 50 impulses/s, 1 contraction/s). F-V relationships and maximal velocity of shortening (Vmax) were determined by curve fitting with the Hill equation. Mean Vmax before fatigue was 3.8 +/- 0.2 (SE) average fiber lengths/s; mean maximal isometric tension (Po) was 508 +/- 15 g/g. With a significant decrease of force development during isometric contractions (-27 +/- 4%, P < 0.01, n = 5), Vmax was unchanged. However, with repetitive isotonic contractions at a low load (P/Po = 0.25, n = 5), a significant decrease in Vmax was observed (-21 +/- 2%, P < 0.01), whereas Po was unchanged. Isotonic contractions at an intermediate load (P/Po = 0.5, n = 4) resulted in significant decreases in both Vmax (-26 +/- 6%, P < 0.05) and Po (-12 +/- 2%, P < 0.01). These results show that repeated contractions of canine skeletal muscle produce specific changes in the F-V relationship that are dependent on the type of contractions being performed and indicate that decreases in other contractile properties, such as velocity development and shortening, can occur independently of changes in isometric tension.     

Cytogenetic Analysis and Chromosomal Characteristics of the Polymorphic 18S rDNA of Haliotis discus hannai from Fujian,China

We report on novel chromosomal characteristics of Haliotis discus hannai from a breeding population at Fujian, China. The karyotypes of H. discus hannai we obtained from an abalone farm include a common type 2n = 36 = 10M + 8SM (82%) and two rare types 2n = 36 = 11M + 7SM (14%) and 2n = 36 = 10M + 7SM + 1ST (4%). The results of silver staining showed that the NORs of H. discus hannai were usually located terminally on the long arms of chromosome pairs 14 and 17, NORs were also sometimes located terminally on the short arms of other chromosomes, either metacentric or submetacentric pairs. The number of Ag-nucleoli ranged from 2 to 8, and the mean number was 3.61 ± 0.93. Among the scored interphase cells, 41% had 3 detectable nucleoli and 37% had 4 nucleoli. The 18S rDNA FISH result is the first report of the location of 18S rDNA genes in H. discus hannai. The 18S rDNA locations were highly polymorphic in this species. Copies of the gene were observed in the terminal of long or/and short arms of submetacentric or/and metacentric chromosomes. Using FISH with probe for vertebrate-like telomeric sequences (CCCTAA)₃ displayed positive green FITC signals at telomere regions of all analyzed chromosome types. We found about 7% of chromosomes had breaks in prophase. A special form of nucleolus not previously described from H. discus hannai was observed in some interphase cells. It consists of many small silver-stained nucleoli gathered together to form a larger nucleolus and may correspond to prenucleolar bodies.     

Maximum shortening velocity of smooth muscle: zero load-clamp vs. afterloaded method

Previous reports from this laboratory of force-velocity relationships of canine tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) have presented maximum shortening velocities (Vmax) mathematically derived from the linearized transformation of the Hill equation (A. V. Hill, Proc. Roy. Soc. London, Ser. B., 126:136-195, 1938). Recent technical advances enable us to measure Vmax directly using an electromagnetic lever system that can instantaneously clamp to a zero load, thus we compared values of Vmax derived mathematically and those directly measured on the same TSM strips. Derived Vmax values from afterloaded isotonic shortening curves for loads greater than preload were 0.328 +/- 0.021 optimal length (lO)/s and were not significantly different from zero load-clamp measurements of 0.301 +/- 0.022 lO/s from the same (n = 15) muscles. These data indicate that Vmax values mathematically derived for TSM from conventional isotonic afterloaded force-velocity curves are valid estimates of zero load velocity, because they were not significantly different from values obtained by direct measurement using the zero load-clamp technique.     

The karyotype of Nothoscordum arenarium Herter (Gilliesioideae, Alliaceae): A populational and cytomolecular analysis

The genus Nothoscordum Kunth comprises approximately 20 species native to South America. Karyologically, the genus is remarkable for its large chromosomes and Robertsonian translocations. Variation in chromosome number has been recorded in a few polyploid species and it is unknown among diploids. This study presents the chromosome number and morphology of 53 individuals of seven populations of N. arenarium Herter (2n = 10). In addition, karyotype analyses after C-banding, staining with CMA and DAPI, and in situ hybridization with 5S and 45S rDNA probes were performed in six individuals from one population. All individuals exhibited 2n = 10 (6M + 4A), except for one tetraploid (2n = 20, 12M + 8A) and one triploid (2n = 15, 9M + 6A) plant. C-banding revealed the presence of CMA(+) /DAPI (-) heterochromatin in the short arm and in the proximal region of the long arm of all acrocentric chromosomes. The 45S rDNA sites co-localized with the CMA (+) regions of the acrocentrics short arms, while the 5S rDNA probe only hybridized with the subterminal region of a pair of metacentric chromosomes. A change in the pattern of CMA bands and rDNA sites was observed in only one individual bearing a reciprocal translocation involving the long arm of a metacentric and the long arm of an acrocentric chromosome. These data suggest that, despite isolated cases of polyploidy and translocation, the karyotype of N. arenarium is very stable and the karyotypic instability described for other species may be associated with their polyploid condition.     

Nuclear genome size in Selaginella.

Estimates of nuclear genome size for 9 Selaginella species were obtained using flow cytometry, and measurements for 7 of these species are reported for the first time. Estimates range from 0.086 to 0.112 pg per holoploid genome (84-110 Mb). The data presented here agree with the previously published flow cytometric results for S. moellendorffii. Within the 9 species sampled here, chromosome number varies from 2n = 16 to 2n = 27. Nuclear genome size appears to be strongly correlated with chromosome number (Spearman's rank correlation; p = 0.00003725). Cultivated S. moellendorffii lacks sexual reproduction--manifest by the production of abortive megasporangia. Flow cytometric data generated from a herbarium specimen of a fertile wild-collected S. moellendorffii are virtually indistinguishable from the data generated from fresh material (0.088 vs. 0.089 pg/1C). Therefore, the limited fertility observed in cultivated plants is probably not the result of abnormal chromosome number (e.g., induced by interspecific hybridization).     

不同地域乌拉尔甘草基因组的FISH分析与染色体识别

在核型分析与染色体识别基础上,分别以番茄45S和5S rDNA为探针,对3种不同地域的乌拉尔甘草进行FISH分析.结果表明:内蒙古鄂托克前旗的乌拉尔甘草核型公式为2n=2x=16=6m+10sm (2SAT),新疆阿勒泰地区的乌拉尔甘草核型公式为2n=2x=16=4m+12sm(2SAT),内蒙古喀喇沁旗乌拉尔甘草核型公式为2n=2x=16=4m+12sm(2SAT);其第8染色体均带有随体.3种乌拉尔甘草基因组内均有1对5S rDNA和1对45S rDNA杂交位点.核型分析显示,5S rDNA杂交位点均位于第2染色体的短臂部位,45S rDNA杂交位点均位于第8染色体的次缢痕和随体部位.45S与5S rDNA在3种乌拉尔甘草中期分裂相上的位点数和分布情况高度一致,表明来自3种不同地域的乌拉尔甘草在染色体结构水平上没有较大的分化.     

Temperature dependence of the inhibitory effects of orthovanadate on shortening velocity in fast skeletal muscle.

We have investigated the effects of the orthophosphate (P(i)) analog orthovanadate (Vi) on maximum shortening velocity (Vmax) in activated, chemically skinned, vertebrate skeletal muscle fibers. Using new "temperature-jump" protocols, reproducible data can be obtained from activated fibers at high temperatures, and we have examined the effect of increased [Vi] on Vmax for temperatures in the range 5-30 degrees C. We find that for temperatures < or = 20 degrees C, increasing [Vi] inhibits Vmax; for temperatures > or = 25 degrees C, increasing [Vi] does not inhibit Vmax. Attached cross-bridges bound to Vi are thought to be an analog of the weakly bound actin-myosin.ADP-P(i) state. The data suggest that the weakly bound Vi state can inhibit velocity at low temperature, but not at high temperature, with the transition occurring over a narrow temperature range of < 5 degrees C. This suggests a highly cooperative interaction. The data also define a Q10 for Vmax of 2.1 for chemically skinned rabbit psoas fibers over the temperature range of 5-30 degrees C.     

Decreased velocity of shortening in arterial smooth muscle from older (28- to 31-week-old) spontaneously hypertensive rats

An increased maximum velocity of shortening (Vmax) and increased shortening ability (delta Lmax) have been reported for caudal arterial smooth muscle from 16- to 18-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) compared with age-matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) control rats. It is known that hypertension results in hypertrophy of vascular smooth muscle. It is plausible that the faster Vmax of 16- to 18-week-old SHR arterial smooth muscle may slow down with age due to hypertrophy. The force-velocity (F-V) study done previously on caudal arterial strips from 16- to 18-week-old SHR and WKY rats was repeated on preparations from 28- to 31-week-old rats. An electromagnetic muscle lever was employed in recording force-velocity data. Analysis of these data revealed that the 28- to 31-week-old SHR (n = 7) mean F-V curve was not different from the 28- to 31-week-old WKY (n = 5) mean F-V curve (p greater than 0.05), and the shortening ability of 28- to 31-week-old SHR arterial muscle was significantly depressed compared with 28- to 31-week-old WKY arterial muscle (p less than 0.01). In conclusion, (i) although Vmax is faster in younger (16- to 18-week-old) SHR compared with age-matched WKY caudal arterial smooth muscle, SHR Vmax is not different from WKY Vmax in the older (28- to 31-week-old) rats. (ii) Shortening ability is greater in 16- to 18-week-old SHR caudal arterial strips compared with 16- to 18-week-old WKY strips, but is significantly depressed in 28- to 31-week-old SHR compared with 28- to 31-week-old WKY preparations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Secondary Trisomics and Telotrisomics of Rice: Origin, Characterization, and Use in Determining the Orientation of Chromosome Map

Secondary trisomics and telotrisomics representing the 12 chromosomes of rice were isolated from the progenies of primary trisomics. A large population of each primary trisomic was grown. Plants showing variation in gross morphology compared to the primary trisomics and disomic sibs were selected and analyzed cytologically at diakinesis and pachytene. Secondary trisomics for both arms of chromosomes 1, 2, 6, 7 and 11 and for one arm of chromosomes 4, 5, 8, 9 and 12 were identified. Telotrisomics for short arm of chromosomes 1, 8, 9 and 10 and for long arms of chromosomes 2, 3 and 5 were isolated. These secondary and telotrisomics were characterized morphologically and for breeding behavior. Secondary trisomics 2n + 1S.1S, 2n + 1L.1L, 2n + 2S.2S, 2n + 2L.2L, 2n + 6S.6S, 2n + 6L.6L and 2n + 7L.7L are highly sterile, and 2n + 1L.1L, 2n + 2L.2L and 2n + 7L.7L do not set any seed even upon backcrossing. Telotrisomics are fertile and vigorous. Genetic segregation of 43 marker genes was studied in the F(2) or backcross progenies. On the basis of segregation data, these genes were delimited to specific chromosome arms. Correct orientation of 10 linkage groups was determined and centromere positions on nine linkage groups were approximated. A revised linkage map of rice is presented.