Distribution of MR-induced sex-linked recessive lethal mutations in Drosophila melanogaster

In the ‘doubling-dose’ method currently used in genetic risk evaluation, two principle assumptions are made and these are: (1) there is proportionality between spontaneous and induced mutations and (2) the lesions that lead to spontaneous and induced mutations are essentially similar. The studies reported in this paper were directed at examining the validity of these two assumptions in Drosophila. An analysis was made of the distribution of sex-linked recessive lethals induced by MR, one of the well-studied mutator systems in Drosophila.

Appropriate genetic complementation tests with 15 defined X-chromosome duplications showed that MR-induced lethals occurred at many sites along the X-chromosome (in contrast to the known locus specificity of MR-induced visible-mutations); some, but not all these sites at which recessive lethals arose in the MR-system are the same as those known to be hot-spots for X-ray-induced lethals. With in situ hybridization we were able to demonstrate that a majority of MR-induced lethals is associated with a particular mobile DNA sequence, the P-element, i.e. they arose as a result of transposition.

The differences between the profiles of MR-induced and X-ray-induced recessive lethals, and the nature of MR-induced and X-ray-induced mutations, thus raise questions about the validity of the assumptions involved in the use of the ‘doubling-dose’ method.     

The effect of two chemical mutagens ENU and MMS on MR-mediated reversion of an insertion-sequence mutation in Drosophila melanogaster

The effects of two mutagens ENU and MMS characterized by different alkylation patterns have been studied on the reversion of an MR-induced singed mutation to wild-type. Reversion of this unstable singed mutation under the influence of MR is assumed to represent the removal or transposition of an insertion element. Since MR acts primarily in spermatogonia, the mutagens were fed to 1st instar larvae. Recessive lethal tests were carried out simultaneously to calibrate for the mutagenic effectiveness of the chemicals. For both powerful mutagens, it was observed that the frequency of reversion remained far below of what would have been expected on the basis of the mutagenic effectiveness, as registered in the lethal tests. Thus 1 mM ENU, 5 mM and 10 mM MMS did not affect the reversion frequency at all, and with 3 mM ENU only a doubling of the reversion frequency was observed, despite a 5-fold increase in the lethal frequency. The threshold at 1 mM EMU and the low effectiveness of 3 mM on the reversion process are taken as an indication that ENU affected the transposition process in an indirect manner, rather than the excision events themselves. The data obtained with Drosophila are consistent with the microbial observations in that mutation involving removal or transposition of an insertion element is not affected by mutagenic treatments. This finding may have consequences for the evaluation of induced genetic damage on the basis of the spontaneous load of genetic detriment in man.

An incidental observation was that non-MR Cy larvae exhibited greater sensitivity to the induction of recessive lethals by MMS than MR-individuals.     

I−R hybrid dysgenesis in Drosophila melanogaster: nature and site specificity of induced recessive lethals

This paper presents results of the genetic and cytological analysis of 144 sex-linked recessive lethals, plus 1 non-lethal. All of them were induced by I−R hybrid dysgenesis. This collection of mutants was pooled from experiments involving inducer chromosomes that differ in the chrosomal position of their I elements. Our results show that 30% of the recessive lethals are associated with chromosomal rearrangements which depend on the strength of the I−R interaction. These lethals are induced on both inducer- and reactive-origin chromosomes, and their frequency is dependent on the structure of the inducer chromosome used. The I−R-induced lethals occur along the entire length of the X chromosome. These sites probably correspond to specific loci which are more or less homologous with I. The complementation relationshups showed that some specific loci were more frequently involved in all the lethal mutations tested. The most sensitive loci are, in order of observation: l(1)J1, ct, f, ma¹ and m. Among induced recessive lethals considered to be point mutation, complementation tests showed that many of them are in fact multilocius deficiencies which can be detected only at the molecular level.

It seems that the production of I−R rearrangements (cytologically visible or not) may be the most important mechanism leading to lethal mutations. These mutations probably occur during the transposition of I elements, hence their importance from an evolutionary standpoint.     

Synthesis of graft copolymer (k-carrageenan-g-N,N-dimethylacrylamide) and studies of metal ion uptake, swelling capacity and flocculation properties

Graft copolymer of k-carrageenan and N,N-dimethylacrylamide has been synthesized by free radical polymerization using peroxymonosulphate/glycolic acid redox pair in an inert atmosphere. The grafting parameters i.e. grafting ratio, add on and efficiency decrease with increase in concentration of k-carrageenan from 0.6 to 1.4 g dm⁻³ and hydrogen ion from 3 × 10⁻³ to 7 × 10⁻³ mol dm⁻³, but these grafting parameters increase with increase in concentration of N,N-dimethylacrylamide from 16 × 10⁻² to 32 × 10⁻² mol dm⁻³, and peroxymonosulphate from 0.8 × 10⁻² to 2.4 × 10⁻² mol dm⁻³. The metal ion sorption, swelling behaviour and flocculation properties have been studied. The intrinsic viscosity of pure and grafted samples has been measured by using Ubbelohde capillary viscometer. Flocculation capability of k-carrageenan and k-carrageenan-g-N,N-dimethylacrylamide for both coking and non-coking coals has been studied for the treatment of coal mine waste water. The graft copolymer has been characterized by Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis.     

Glutathione-proline activation of feeding behavior in the zoanthid Palythoa psammophilia Walsh & Bowers

Palythoa psammophilia Walsh & Bowers has a well coordinated, stereotyped feeding response, the culminating step of which is ingestion; this may be elicited by the synergistic effect of the tripeptide glutathione and the -imino acid, proline. Either activator acting separately causes responses only at high concentrations (above 10⁻⁵ M for glutathione; above 10⁻⁴ M for proline) in a reduced number of animals and at a low rate (5.00 ± 1.73 min in 5 × 10⁻³ M solutions of glutathione; 11.10±3.74 min in 5 × 10⁻³ M solutions of proline). Highest percentages of response were obtained in combinations where glutathione was at a concentration of 5 × 10⁻³ M and proline at 5 × 10⁻⁴ M or in combinations of glutathione at concentrations 5 × 10⁻⁶ M and proline at 5 × 10⁻⁵ M. The speed of ingestion is considerably enhanced when these activators are combined (1.17±1.18 min).     

Quantification of illegitimate V(D)J recombinase-mediated mutations in lymphocytes of newborns and adults

We used a direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for quantification of HPRT exons 2+3 deletions and t(14;18) translocations as a measure of illegitimate V(D)J recombination. We determined the baseline frequencies of these two mutations in mononuclear leukocyte DNA from the umbilical cord blood of newborns and from the peripheral blood of adults. In an initial group of 21 newborns, no t(14;18) translocations were detected (<0.049×10⁻⁷). The frequency of HPRT exons 2+3 deletions was 0.10×10⁻⁷ per mononuclear leukocyte, lower than expected based on the T-cell proportion of this cell fraction (55%–70%) and previous results using the T-cell cloning assay (2–3×10⁻⁷ per clonable T-cell). Phytohemagglutinin (PHA), as used in the T-cell cloning assay, was examined for its effect on the frequencies of these mutation events in mononuclear leukocytes from an additional 11 newborns and from 12 adults. There was no significant effect of PHA on t(14;18) translocations which were rare among the newborns (1 detected among 2.7×10⁸ leukocytes analyzed), and which occurred at frequencies from <1×10⁻⁷ (undetected) to 1.6×10⁻⁴ among the adults. The extremely high frequencies of t(14;18)-bearing cells in three adults were due mainly to in vivo expansion of two to six clones. However, PHA appeared to stimulate a modest (although not significant) increase in the frequency of HPRT exons 2+3 deletions in the leukocytes of the newborns, from 0.07×10⁻⁷ to 0.23×10⁻⁷. We show that both the direct PCR assay and the T-cell cloning assay detect similar frequencies of HPRT exons 2+3 deletions when calculations are normalized to blood volume, indicating that the apparent discrepancy is probably due to the different population of cells used in the assays. This direct PCR assay may have utility in characterizing the effects of environmental genotoxic agents on this clinically important recombination mechanism.     

Bradykinin dilates rat middle cerebral artery and its large branches via endothelial B2 receptors and release of nitric oxide

Ring segments of rat middle cerebral artery (MCA) were prepared for measurement of isometric force and precontracted with 10⁻⁴ M uridine triphosphate (UTP). Concentration-effect curves (CEC) were constructed for bradykinin (BK, 10⁻⁸–10⁻⁵ M) in segments with functionally intect (E+) or denuded (E−) endothelium. E− segments did not dilate to BK. The BK receptor was characterized by application of specific B₁ or B₂ antagonists [des-Arg⁹-Leu⁸] BK (10⁻⁵ M) and [ -Arg⁰-Hyp³-Thi⁵- -Tic⁷-Oic⁸] BK (HOE140,3 × 10⁻⁷ M), respectively, or B₁ agonist [des-Arg⁹] BK (10⁻⁸–10⁻⁴ M). Involvement of nitric oxide (NO) was tested with N^G-nitro- -arginine (LNNA, 10⁻⁴ M). BK induced concentration-dependent relaxation with a maximal effect (E_max) of 40.86 ± 1.50% at 10⁻⁶ M and a pD₂ (−log₁₀ EC₅₀) of 6.818 ± 0.044. This relaxation could be prevented with HOE140 or LNNA, but was not influenced by [des-Arg⁹-Leu⁸] BK. [des-Arg⁹] BK did not induce any effect. These results demonstrate that BK induced relaxation via endothelial B₂ receptors and release of NO in isolated rat MCA.     

Cortisol and testosterone: Inhibitory agents of the mineralocorticoid pathway. Is there a physiopathological meaning in adrenal tumors?

The authors incubated adrenal mitochondria to study the in vitro action of cortisol and testosterone on the transformation of corticosterone and 18-hydroxycorticosterone into aldosterone. The results show that cortisol at concentrations of 5 × 10⁻⁶ and 10⁻⁴ M inhibit the conversion of corticosterone into aldosterone by 23.6 to 90%; testosterone 5 × 10⁻⁵ and 10⁻⁴ M inhibit the reaction by 78.4 and 87.2%, respectively. The inhibition of the conversion of 18-hydroxycorticosterone into aldosterone is 12.5 to 91% by cortisol with concentrations ranging from 5 × 10⁻⁷ to 5 × 10⁻⁵ M and testosterone 5 × 10⁻⁵ and 10⁻⁴ M inhibits the reaction by 87.3 and 91%, respectively. Aldosterone (10⁻⁸ and 10⁻⁶ M) does not inhibit aldosterone biosynthesis from corticosterone or 18-hydroxycorticosterone. It thus appears that cortisol and testosterone have an effect on the aldosterone biosynthesis pathways in mitochondria. This action may be located at the binding site of the cytochrome P450 11β, which catalyzes all hydroxylation steps in the mineralocorticoid biosynthesis pathway. Because cortisol and testosterone may interfere with aldosterone biosynthesis, and since functional zonation is expected in adrenal carcinomas, the presence of these steroids in substantial amounts could explain the very low plasma aldosterone level usually observed, in adrenal carcinomas studies in our laboratory.     

Mutational spectrum of the lacI gene in Escherichia coli K12 induced by low-energy ion beam

The mutational spectrum of the genomic lacI gene induced by low-energy nitrogen ion irradiation in wild type Escherichia coli strain W3110 were compared with the spontaneous and the vacuum controls. The mutant frequency of irradiated group was dose-dependent and reached 26.3 × 10⁻⁶ at dose of 31.2 × 10¹⁴ ions/cm², which was about 18-fold over the background (1.5 × 10⁻⁶) and 10-fold over the vacuum controls (2.6 × 10⁻⁶). This result indicated that the low-energy ion irradiation was one of many effective mutagens, though the vacuum condition of low-energy ions contributed some low-level gene mutations. It was found that the difference between the spontaneous and the vacuum control was the increases of base-pair substitutions in the vacuum control group. The spectra of irradiated group were quite similar to that of oxygen free-radical induced in the same strain, suggesting free-radicals and other adducts generated by low-energy ions might play an important role in the mutagenesis in vivo. When the spontaneous and the vacuum control group were compared, base-pair substitutions, deletions and additions of the irradiated group were significantly increased, and the +TGGC or −TGGC at hot spot was decreased from 82 to 48%. But the remarkable increase in absolute MF of the +TGGC or −TGGC at hot spot in the irradiated group suggested that low-energy ions did induce the mutations of this type. The spectra of our irradiated group had relative low-level base-pair substitutions, high-level ±TGGC and high proportion additions than those of γ-radiation induced, implying there were some different effects or processes between them.     

Graft copolymerization of acrylic acid onto guar gum initiated by vanadium (V)–mercaptosuccinic acid redox pair

Guar gum has been modified by graft copolymerization with acrylic acid in aqueous medium using vanadium (V)–mercaptosuccinic acid redox system. The optimum reaction conditions affording maximum grafting ratio, efficiency, add on and conversion have been determined. The grafting parameters have been found to increase with increase in vanadium (V) concentration upto 1.0 × 10⁻² mol dm⁻³, but these parameters decrease on further increasing the vanadium (V) concentration. On increasing the mercaptosuccinic acid concentration from 1.0 × 10⁻² to 4.0 × 10⁻² mol dm⁻³ grafting ratio, efficiency and add on increase up to 2.0 × 10⁻² mol dm⁻³ but decrease with further increase in mercaptosuccinic acid concentration. On varying the acrylic acid concentration from 5.0 × 10⁻² to 30.0 × 10⁻² mol dm⁻³, maximum grafting ratio, efficiency and add on have been obtained at 20.0 × 10⁻² mol dm⁻³. The grafting ratio, add on and conversion increase, on increasing the H⁺ ion concentration from 1.5 × 10⁻¹ to 6.0 × 10⁻¹ mol dm⁻³. On increasing the guar gum concentration the grafting parameters increase. The grafting ratio, add on and conversion have been found to increase with time period while efficiency started decreasing after 120 min. It has been observed that %G increases on increasing the temperature up to 35 °C. The graft copolymer has been characterized by IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis.     

Differentiation induction of human leukemia cells (HL60) by a combination of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and retinoic acid (all trans or 9-cis)

1,25(OH)₂D₃ and two stereoisomers of retinoic acid, all trans and 9-cis retinoic acid, are regulators of cell proliferation and differentiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a combination of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and retinoic acid (all trans or 9-cis) on proliferation and cell differentiation of the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL60, and to test the reversibility of the induced differentiation. Cell proliferation was inhibited as expected by 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and all trans retinoic acid alone (IC₅₀ of cell survival was 4 × 10⁻⁷ M, 9 × 10⁻⁶ M and 9 × 10⁻⁷ M for 1,25(OH)₂D₃, all trans and 9-cis retinoic acid, respectively). Combination of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and either form of retinoic acid resulted in a partially additive decrease in cell proliferation. 1,25(OH)₂D₃ induced a monocytic differentiation (100% CD14+ cells with 10⁻⁷ M 1,25(OH)₂D₃), while retinoic acid led to a predominantly granulocytic differentiation (36 and 42% CD67+ cells with 10⁻⁶ M all trans and 9-cis retinoic acid, respectively). Additive effects on differentiation were observed upon combination of subtherapeutical doses of the drugs, achieving a mainly monocytic population, demonstrating the dominant role of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ in determining the direction of differentiation. The effects on proliferation and differentiation of the solitary drugs were reversible, while the proliferation arrest and differentiation induced by the combination persisted and even progressed after withdrawal of the drugs. We conclude that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and retinoic acid (all trans or 9-cis) exert additive effects on inhibition of proliferation and induction of cell differentiation of HL60 cells, leading to a persistent differentiation, even after drug withdrawal.     

Induction of specific-locus and dominant lethal mutations in male mice by 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea (MNU)

1-Methyl-1-nitrosourea (MNU) induced specific-locus mutations in mice in all spermatogenic stages except spermatozoa. After intraperitoneal injection of 70 mg/kg body weight of MNU a high yield of specific-locus mutations was observed in spermatids (21.8 × 10⁻⁵ mutations per locus per gamete). The highest mutational yield was induced in differentiating spermatogonia. In 1954 offspring we observed 5 specific-locus mutants (44.8 × 10⁻ mutations per locus per gamete). In addition, 2 mosaics were recovered, which gave a combined mutation rate of 62.7 × 10⁻⁵. In A_s spermatogonia the mutation rate was 3.9 × 10⁻⁵. The same dose of 70 mg/kg of MNU induced dominant lethal mutations 5–48 days post treatment, mainly due to post-implantation loss in spermatids and spermatocytes. It is interesting to compare the induction pattern of mutations by MNU with methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and ethylnitrosourea (ENU). Based on the different spermatogenic response of the induction of specific-locus mutations we can characterize the 4 mutagens in the following way: EMS = MMS ≠ MNU ≠ ENU.     

Effects of peptide YY and its analogues on chloride ion secretion in fed and fasted rat jejunum

The aim of our study was to determine whether a meal modifies the antisecretory response induced by PYY and the structural requirements to elicit antisecretory effects of analogue PYY(22–36) for potential antidiarrhea therapy. The variations in short-circuit current (Isc) due to the modification of ionic transport across the rat intestine were assessed in vitro, using Ussing chambers. In fasted rats, PYY induced a dose- and time-dependent reduction in Isc, with a sensitivity threshold at 5 × 10⁻¹¹ M (ΔIsc −2 ± 0.5 μA/cm²). The reduction was maximal at 10⁻⁷ M (Isc −23 ± 2 μA/cm²), and the concentration producing half-maximal inhibition was 10⁻⁹ M. At 10⁻⁷ M, reduction of Isc by PYY reached 90% of response to 5 × 10⁻⁵ M bumetanide. The PYY effect was partly reversed by 10⁻⁵ M forskolin (Isc +13.43 ± 2.91 μA/h·cm², p < 0.05) or 10⁻³ M dibutyryl adenosine 3′,5′ cyclic monophosphate (Isc +12 ± 1.69 μA/cm², p < 0.05). Naloxone and tetrodotoxin did not alter the effect of PYY. In addition, PYY and its analogue P915 reduced net chloride ion secretion to 2.85 and 2.29 μEq/cm² (p < 0.05), respectively. The antisecretory effect of PYY was accompanied by dose- and time-dependent desensitization when jejunum was prestimulated by a lower dose of peptide. The antisecretory potencies exhibited by PYY analogues required both a C-terminal fragment (22–36) and an aromatic amino acid residue (Trp or Phe) at position 27. At 10⁻⁷ M the biological activity of PYY was lower in fed than fasted rats (p < 0.001). Our results confirm the antisecretory effect of PYY, but show that the fed period is accompanied by desensitization, similar to the transient desensitization observed in the fasted period with cumulative doses. This suggests that PYY may act as a physiological mediator that reduces intestinal secretion.     

Two distinct types of cell surface folic acid-binding proteins in Dictyostelium discoideum

Folic acid is degraded too fast by Dictyostelium discoideum to study binding of this ligand to cell surface binding proteins. Folate deaminase activity was inhibited in the presence of 3.3 × 10⁻⁴ M 8-azaguanine. This inhibitor enabled us to detect two folate binding proteins. One type bound folic acid and deamino-folic acid with the same affinity (K_0.5 = 3–6 × 10⁻⁷ M) and apparently negative cooperativity. Binding to only this type was observed if 8-azaguanine was omitted. The second type bound folic acid noncooperatively with K_d = 7 × 10⁻⁷ M. Deamino-folic acid did not compete even at a 1000-fold excess. This type may correspond to the chemotactic receptor.     

Direct electrochemistry of cytochrome c at ordered macroporous active carbon electrode

Three-dimensionally (3D) ordered macroporous active carbon has been fabricated and used as electrode substrate for the direct electrochemistry of horse heart cytochrome c (Cyt c). The Cyt c immobilized on the surface of the ordered macroporous active carbon shows a pair of well-defined and nearly reversible redox waves at the formal potential of −0.033 V in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer solution. The interaction between Cyt c and the 3D macroporous active carbon makes the formal potential shift negatively compared to that of Cyt c in solution. Spectrophotometric and electrochemical methods have been used to investigate the interaction between Cyt c and the porous active carbon. The immobilized Cyt c maintains its biological activity, and shows a surface controlled electrode process with the electron-transfer rate constant (k_s) of 17.6 s⁻¹ and the charge-transfer coefficient (a) of 0.52, and displays the features of a peroxidase in the electrocatalytic reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). A potential application of the Cyt c-immobilized porous carbon electrode as a biosensor to monitor H₂O₂ has been investigated. The steady-state current response increases linearly with H₂O₂ concentration from 2.0 × 10⁻⁵ to 2.4 × 10⁻⁴ mol l⁻¹. The detection limit (3σ) for determination of H₂O₂ has been found to be 1.46 × 10⁻⁵ mol l⁻¹.     

Evaluation of chromosome painting to assess the induction and persistence of chromosome aberrations in bone marrow cells of mice treated with benzene

Intact pZ189 DNA was allowed to replicate in FL-FEN-1⁻ cell line that was established in this laboratory in which the expression of FEN-1 gene was blocked by dexamethasone-inducible expression of antisense RNA to FEN-1. E. coli MBM7070 was transfected with the replicated plasmid, and those with mutations in the supF gene were identified. The frequency of mutants that did not contain recognizable changes in the electrophoretic mobility of the plasmid DNA was scored. The frequency of such mutants was 19.1 × 10⁻⁴ (34/17781), significantly higher than those of 2.9 × 10⁻⁴ (4/13668) and 3.0 × 10⁻⁴ (3/9857) in the corresponding controls, respectively. Sequence analysis of the supF genes of these mutants showed that all (37/37) the base substitutions occurred at C:G base pairs; 68% (23/37) of the base substitutions were base transversions, while 32% (12/37) were transitions. Approximately 76% (23/37) of these base substitutions occurred frequently at nine positions; two of these sites contain triple pyrimidine (T or C) repeat upstream to the mutated base; four of these sites consist of 5′-TTN₁N₂ and mutations occurred at N₁ site sequence; another two sites have the characteristics of triple A flanked at both 5′ and 3′ side by TCT, with the base substitution occurring at C in the context sequence. These data suggested that these sites are the hot spot of mutagenesis in plasmid replicated in FEN-1-deficient cells. Besides the mutator phenotype of the FEN-1-deficient cell, it was also demonstrated that FEN-1-deficient cell exhibited an increased N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) sensitive phenotype.     

Epinephrine quantification in pharmaceutical formulations utilizing plant tissue biosensors

A plant tissue biosensor associated with flow injection analysis is proposed to determine epinephrine in pharmaceutical samples. The polyphenol oxidase enzymes present in the fibers of a palm tree fruits (Livistona chinensis), catalyses the oxidation of epinephrine to epinephrinequinone as a primary product. This product is then electrochemically reduced (at −0.10 V versus Ag/AgCl_sat) on the biosensor surface and the resulting current is used for the quantification of epinephrine. The biosensor provides a linear response for epinephrine in the concentration range from 5.0 × 10⁻⁵ to 3.5 × 10⁻⁴ mol l⁻¹. The limit of detection estimated for this interval was 1.5 × 10⁻⁵ mol l⁻¹ and the correlation coefficient of 0.998, working under a flow rate of 2.0 ml min⁻¹ and using a sample loop of 100 μl. The repeatability (R.S.D. for 10 consecutive determinations of a 3.0 × 10⁻⁴ mol l⁻¹ epinephrine solution) was 3.1%. The results obtained by the method here proposed were compared with the official UV spectrophotometric procedure and also using a plant tissue reactor. The responses obtained with the proposed strategies were in good agreement with both ways of analyses, whereas the values obtained by the official spectrophotometric method was strongly affected by benzoic acid, present in the formulation of pharmaceutical product utilized for inhalation. Such favorable results obtained with the carbon paste biosensor or utilizing the bioreactor, joined with the simplicity of its preparation turns these procedures very attractive for epinephrine quantification in pharmaceutical products.     

Nitric oxide stimulates prostaglandin synthesis in cultured rabbit gastric cells

Both prostaglandins (PGs) and nitric oxide (NO) have cytoprotective and hyperemic effects in the stomach. However, the effect of NO on PG synthesis in gastric mucosal cells is unclear. We examined whether sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a releaser of NO, stimulates PG synthesis in cultured rabbit gastric mucus-producing cells. These cells did not release NO themselves. Co-incubation with SNP (2 × 10⁻⁴, 5 × 10⁻⁴, 10⁻³ M) increased PGE₂ synthesis, and SNP (10⁻³ M) increased PGI₂ synthesis in these cells. Hemoglobin, a scavenger of NO, (10⁻⁵ M) eliminated the increase in PGE₂ synthesis by SNP, but methylene blue, an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase, (5 × 10⁻⁵ M) did not affect the increase in PGE₂ synthesis by SNP. 8-bromo guanosine 3′ : 5′-cyclic monophosphate (8-bromo cGMP), a cGMP analogue, (10⁻⁶, 10⁻⁵, 10⁻⁴, 10⁻³ M) did not affect PGE₂ synthesis. These findings suggest that NO increased PGE₂ and PGI₂ synthesis via a cGMP-independent pathway in cultured rabbit gastric cells.     

Hydrodynamic properties of the fractions of mannan formed by Rhodotorula rubra yeast

Aqueous solutions of fractions of an extracellular linear mannan formed by Rhodotorula rubra yeast have been investigated by hydrodynamic methods (high-speed sedimentation, translation isothermic diffusion and viscometry). The molecular weight was determined according to Svedberg ( ) and the polydispersity parameters of the initial sample were also determined (M_w/M_n = 1·20 and M_z/M_w = 1·21). Relationships between the molecular weight (M) and s_o, D_o and [η] in the range were: [η] = 2·33 × 10⁻² M^0.75, D_o = 1·65 × 10⁻⁴ M^0·58, s_o = 2·24 × 10⁻¹⁵ M^0·43. The equilibrium rigidity and hydrodynamic diameter of chains representing mannan molecules were evaluated.     

Induction of lacI mutations in Big Blue Rat-2 cells treated with 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-nitrosourea: a model system for the analysis of mutagenic potential of the hydroxyethyl adducts produced by 1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea.

We have investigated the genotoxic effects of 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-nitrosourea (HENU). We have chosen this agent because of its demonstrated ability to produce N7-(2-hydroxyethyl) guanine (N7-HOEtG) and O⁶-(2-hydroxyethyl) 2′-deoxyguanosine (O⁶-HOEtdG); two of the DNA alkylation products produced by 1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU). For these studies, we have used the Big Blue Rat-2 cell line that contains a lambda/lacI shuttle vector. Treatment of these cells with HENU produced a dose dependent increase in the levels of N7-HOEtG and O⁶-HOEtdG as quantified by HPLC with electrochemical detection. Treatment of Big Blue Rat-2 cells with either 0, 1 or 5 mM HENU resulted in mutation frequencies of 7.2±2.2×10⁻⁵, 45.2±2.9×10⁻⁵ and 120.3±24.4×10⁻⁵, respectively. Comparison of the mutation frequencies demonstrates that 1 and 5 mM HENU treatments have increased the mutation frequency by 6- and 16-fold, respectively. This increase in mutation frequency was statistically significant (P<0.001). Sequence analysis of HENU-induced mutations have revealed primarily G:C→A:T transitions (52%) and a significant number of A:T→T:A transversions (16%). We propose that the observed G:C→A:T transitions are produced by the DNA alkylation product O⁶-HOEtdG. These results suggest that the formation of O⁶-HOEtdG by BCNU treatment contributes to its observed mutagenic properties.