Release of serotonin from nerve endings byl-5-hydroxytryptophan,α-methyl-m-tyramine,and elevated potassium ions

The release of [³H]5-hydroxytryptamine ([³H]5-HT) byl-5-hydroxytryptophan (L-5-HTP),-methyl-m-tyramine (-MMTA), and elevated levels of K⁺ was studied using crude synaptosomal preparations (P₂) isolated from the telencephalon of the rat and pigeon. Studies were conducted in vitro in the presence of either 2×10^–5 M tranylcypromine, which inhibited the MAO activity of both the extrasynaptosomal mitochondria and the mitochondria contained within the nerve endings (intrasynaptosomal mitochondria), or 2×10^–5 M nialamide, which inhibited the MAO activity of the extrasynaptosomal mitochondria under the experimental conditions used. In the P₂ fraction isolated from the rat, either 55 mM K⁺, 0.10 mMl-5-HTP, or 0.03 mM-MMTA significantly increased the release of [³H]5-HT above control levels, regardless of which MAO inhibitor was present in the medium. In the presence of tranylcypromine, this increased release by 55 mM K⁺ or 0.10 mMl-5-HTP was partially suppressed if Ca²⁺ was omitted from the medium. In the presence of nialamide, the release by 55 mM K⁺ was completely prevented if Ca²⁺ was omitted; the release byl-5-HTP was only partially affected. The release of [³H]5-HT by-MMTA did not appear to be markedly affected by removal of Ca²⁺, regardless of which MAO inhibitor was present. Very similar data were obtained in the presence of nialamide using the P₂ fraction isolated from the telencephalon of the pigeon, with the exception that 0.10 mMl-5-HTP caused an increase in the release of [³H]5-HIAA (which was not calcium-dependent) instead of [³H]5-HT. The data are discussed in     

Effect of amino acids on glutathione production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Summary The constituent amino acids of the glutathione (GSH) tripeptide chain, glutamate, cysteine and glycine, were investigated for positive effects on GSH production in shake-flask cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with glucose as the carbon source. Cysteine was confirmed as the key amino acid for increasing the specific GSH production rate, g, but showed some growth inhibition, especially in the second growth phase (ethanol-assimilation phase). An intracellular cysteine delivery agent, thiazolidine, showed a similar pattern of increased GSH production and growth inhibition, but to a slightly lesser degree, compared with free cysteine. The initial cysteine concentration affected both the specific growth rate, µ, and g, up to about 5 mm for µ and about 2–3 mm for g. Results of the [³⁵S]cysteine-labelling experiments suggest a complicated role of cysteine in increasing GSH production and further investigation may be necessary. Offprint requests to: S. Shioya     

Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate levels in brain after treatments which impair cerebral glucose metabolism

Pyridoxal 5-phosphate (PLP) concentrations were measured in brains of rats to determine whether a deficiency of this coenzyme was a common feature in hepatic coma, ethanol intoxication, and in animals treated withl-dopa or with 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) alone or with inhibitors of MAO or ofl-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase. These treatments have been shown previously to be associated with reduced conversion of glucose to amino acids in brain. Cerebral PLP concentrations were reduced after some of these treatments, notably injection of ethanol, orl-dopa alone or with -phenylisopropylhydrazine, an inhibitor of MAO, or of 5-HTP together withN-[-(chlorophenoxy)ethyl]cyclopropylamine hydrochloride, Lilly 51641, another MAO inhibitor. However, in other circumstances where inhibition of conversion of glucose to amino acids has been shown {treatment with 5-HTP, or with Lilly 51641 or with [N-(d,l-seryl)-N-2,3,4-trihydroxybenzyl]hydrazine, an inhibitor ofl-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, together withl-dopa or with 5-HTP}, PLP levels in brain were unchanged, or were increased (in hepatectomized rats).     

Effect of administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan and an inhibitor ofl-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase on glucose metabolism in rat brain

The effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)—the precursor of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT)—and of an inhibitor,N-(dl-seryl)-N-(2,3,4-trihydroxybenzyl)hydrazine (Ro4-4602), ofl-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase on the metabolism of glucose to amino acids in brain tissue was investigated. Labeled glucose (20 Ci, 0.24 mg in 0.2 ml 0.9% saline) was injected intravenously into fed rats pretreated with Ro4-4602 (50 mg/kg intraperitoneally) either alone or in combination with 5-HTP (30 mg/kg intravenously) or with the appropriate vehicle. After the injection of Ro4-4602 plus 5-HTP, the concentrations of 5-HT and 5-HTP in brain were increased, but the increase of 5-HTP that Ro4-4602 slightly inhibits the reaction of decarboxylation in the brain, although at the dose used the drug is usually considered to act only peripherally. After administration of Ro4-4602 alone or combined with 5-HTP, the concentration of glucose in plasma was not significantly increased. However, the concentration of glucose in brain was markedly increased with such treatments. The administration of Ro4-4602 alone or combined with 5-HTP reduced the flux of¹⁴C from labeled glucose to amino acids in brain. The concentrations of amino acids in brain were little changed by these treatments.     

Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on serotonin in nerve endings

—Preparations of synaptosomes (P₂) from the telencephalon and from the diencephalon plus optic lobes of the pigeon and from the telencephalon of the rat were used to study the effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on (a) the levels of serotonin (5-HT) in nerve endings and (b) the release of 5-HT from nerve endings. The levels of 5-HT were significantly higher (3.21 × 0.35 nmol/g original tissue weight) in the P₂ fraction isolated from the telencephalon of pigeons given intramuscular injections of 50mg/kg of d ,l -5-HTP in comparison to control values (1.42 ± 0.07). A similar twofold increase was observed with the P₂ fraction isolated from the diencephalon plus optic lobes. In addition, the levels of 5-HTP and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid also increased significantly in these P₂ fractions isolated from pigeons given d ,l -5-HTP injections in comparison to values obtained for pigeons given saline injections. In vitro studies using preparations of synaptosomes (from both pigeon and rat) labelled with [³H]5-HT indicated that 0.10 mil l -5-HTP increased the release of [³H]5-HT twofold over control values. A concentration as low as 0.001 mm l -5-HTP was tested on the P₂ fraction from the telencephalon of the pigeon and was found to significantly increase the release of [³H]5-HT over control values. This effect by l -5-HTP was blocked if a decarboxylase inhibitor was added to the medium. l -5-HTP at a concentration of 1.5 mm had no apparent effect on the release of [³H]norepinephrine or [³H]dopamine from synaptosomes prepared from the telencephalon of the rat or pigeon. The results are discussed in terms of the role of serotonin in producing certain types of behavioral depressions exhibited by pigeons and rats given injections of 5-HTP.     

Rates of decay for the survival probability of a mutant gene II The multitype case

This paper extends the results of [1] to the multitype case. For a multitype branching process that is slightly supercritical, approximations for the survival probability in terms of the maximal eigenvalue of the mean matrix and a generalized variance ² are developed. Our results improve upon those of Hoppe [5] and Eshel [3] that seek to validate a conjecture of Ewens [4].Research supported in part by NSF grant DMS 9007182     

Oxygen mass transfer in a bubble column bioreactor containing lysed yeast suspensions

Summary Liquid-phase volumetric oxygen transfer coefficients were evaluated in a bubble column containing yeast suspensions, using the instationary oxygen absorption method and a polarographic oxygen electrode. The electrode time lag was found to be independent of both the system studied and the operating conditions. The volumetric oxygen mass transfer coefficients k _L a could be reasonably predicted by calculating k _L from the equation derived by Bhavaraju et al. or the empirical equation of Calderbank and Moo-Young and a from the experimental gas hold-up values.Nomenclature a Exponent in Eq.6 or specific gas-liquid interfacial area based on reactor volume m - b Exponent in Eq. 6 - C Constant in Eq 6 or oxygen concentration in the liquid phase g/ml - C ^* Equilibrium oxygen concentration g/ml - C ₀ Oxygen concentration in the liquid phase at t=0 g/ml - C _E Oxygen concentration as determined by the polarographic electrode g/ml - D _B Bubble equivalent diameter mm - D _l Oxygen diffusivity in the liquid phase m²/s - g Acceleration of gravity m/s² - K Consistency index Pasⁿ - K _L Liquid-phase mass transfer coefficient m/s - n Power law exponent - Pe _sw Peclet number based on bubble swarm velocity - S _C Schmidt number - Sh Sherwood number - i Time s - U _B Bubble rise velocity in infinite medium m/s - U _g Superficial air velocity based on column cross-sectional area m/s - U _sw Bubble swarm velocity defined by Eq.15 m/s - Y _MSW Mass transfer coeficient correction factor for mobile interfaces in pseudo-plastic fluids Eq. 7 - Y _MSW Mass transfer coefficient correction factor for immobile interface in pseudo-plastic fluids Eq. 8 Greek letters _l Density of liquid g/ml - _sus Density of unaerated suspension g/ml - _{wet cell} Density of yeast wet cells g/ml - _l Viscosity of the liquid Pas - _app Apparent viscosity of power law fluid Pas - _E Electrode time lag s - _l Time lag due to resistance of the gas-liquid interface s - _g Gas hold-up, volume fraction occupied by the gas phase - _l Liquid hold-up - _c Wet cell volume fraction     

A BIOCHEMICAL-BEHAVIORAL MODEL FOR STUDYING SEROTONERGIC SUPERSENSITIVITY IN BRAIN

Chronic treatment with p-chlorophenylalanine methylester (PCPA) resulted in enhanced sensitivity to D,L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) induced inhibition of response rates in rats working on a Variable Interval 1 min schedule of milk reinforcement. Marked depletions of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were found in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum, diencephalon, mesencephalon, and pons-medulla oblongata. Much smaller dopamine depletions were seen in some areas, particularly the hippocampus and pons-medulla oblongata. Analysis of the binding of [³H]5-HT to crude membrane fractions from the cerebral cortex of PCPA-treated animals indicated a significant decrease in the apparent dissociation constant (K_dAPP) for 5-HT, but no change in the maximum binding capacity. The increased behavioral sensitivity to 5–HTP does not seem to be due to increased conversion of 5-HTP to 5-HT, increased uptake of 5-HTP, or release of 5-HT by p-chlorophenylethylamine. However, the possibility that p-chlorophenylalanine or the metabolite p-chlorophenylacetic acid increased the binding of 5-HT, thus decreasing K_dAPP, cannot be ruled out. Some parallels between a recently proposed model of human depression and the observations of the present investigation are discussed.     

Application of fuzzy multiobjective optimization for self-sucking impellers in a bioreactor

For three types of self-sucking impellers (fourand six-pipe and disk impellers) mixing power, initial point, amount of gas leaving the impeller and mass transfer coefficient were determined experimentally. Investigations were performed for two systems: water and biomass solution.From the point of view of a minimum mixing power and maximum mass transfer coefficient the best impeller has been chosen. Fuzzy multiobjective optimization for determination of optimum operating conditions is proposed.List of Symbols c concentration of oxygen - D tank diameter - d impeller diameter - g acceleration of gravity - H height of liquid in the tank - H height of liquid above impeller, H=H-y - k consistency coefficient - k _L a volumetric mass transfer coefficient - N rotational speed of impeller - n flow behaviour index - P mixing power for pure liquid - P _G mixing power for aerated liquid - V _G volumetric air flow rate - y distance of impeller from the tank bottom - v _a apparent kinematic viscosity of liquid - density of liquid - time - gas hold-up - Eu=P/N ³ d ⁵ or Eu_G=P _G /N ³ d ⁵ Euler Number for non-gassed or aerated liquid - Fr=N ² d/g Froude Number - Fr^*=N ² d ² /g(H -y) modified Froude Number - K_G=V _G /N d ³ gas flow number - Re=N d ² /v _a Reynolds Number - Sh=k _K a/(g ² /v _a )^1/3 Sherwood Number     

Increase of plasma membrane oxidoreductase activity is not correlated with the production of extracellular Superoxide radicals in human Namalwa cells

Summary We have considered the regulatory interrelationship of the plasma membrane oxidoreductase (PMOR) system and the mitochondrial respiratory capacity of human Namalwa (lymphoblastoid) cells. To this end, we made use of mitchondrially respiratory competent (⁺) cells and ⁰ cells, which lack mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and consequently mitochondrial respiratory activity. NADH-fer-ricyanide reductase activity of the PMOR system is increased 3-fold in ⁰ Namalwa cells compared to ⁺ cells. It is also shown for the first time that addition of coenzyme Q₁₀ and coenzyme Q₁₀-ana-logues, which can rescue ⁰ Namalwa cells in the absence of pyravate, gives rise to a further 2–3-fold increase in plasma membrane NADH-ferricyanide reductase activity. These systems were examined to determine if there exists a correlation between the regulation of the PMOR system and extracellular Superoxide radical formation as measured with the fluorescence probe L-012. No correlation was found between NADH-ferricyanide reductase activity and extracellular Superoxide radical production. PMOR function in cellular proliferation appears therefore not to involve extracellular Superoxide radical production.Abbreviations CoQ₁₀ coenzyme Q₁₀ - EtBr ethidium bromide - HCO-60 polyoxyethylated hydrogenated castor oil - HEPES 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid - mtDNA mitochondrial DNA - L-012 8-amino-5-chloro-7-phenylpyrido(3,4-d)pyridazine-1,4(2H,3H)dione - SOD Superoxide dismutase     

Brain 5-hydroxytryptamine level,metabolism, and binding in E1 mice

Inbred E1 mice are highly susceptible to convulsive seizures upon “throwing” stimulation. The strain is known to have an abnormal 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) metabolism. In the study here 5-HT level, [¹⁴C]5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) metabolism, MAO activity and [³H]5-HT receptor binding were examined in the cortex, brainstem and cerebellum. In the interictal period cortical and brainstem 5-HT level and [³H]5-HT receptor binding were significantly lower. In the same period cortical biosynthesized [¹⁴C]5-HT from [¹⁴C]5-HTP taken up was higher, and MAO activity was not changed.L-DOPA with MK486 induced a low threshold of seizures and decreased cortical 5-HT level. Abnormally functioning 5-HT neurones may exist in the E1 mouse cortex.     

Transport of monoamine and amino acid neurotransmitters by primary astroglial cultures

The transport of [³H]l-glutamate, [³H]l-aspartate, [³H]-aminobutyric acid ([³H]GABA), [³H]dopamine, [³H]norepinephrine and [³H]5-hydroxytryptamine (³H-5-HT) was measured in primary astroglial cultures from newborn rat cerebral hemispheres. There was a high-affinity uptake with aK _m of 69.0 M for L-glutamate, 12.3 M forl-aspartate and 3.1 M for GABA. The uptake showed properties of high capacity with aV _max of 17.0 nmol·mg prot^–1·min^–1 forl-glutamate, 1.1 nmol·mg prot^–1·min^–1 forl-aspartate and 0.04 nmol·mg prot^–1·min^–1 for GABA. No high-affinity high capacity transport system was found for the monoamines studies. Autoradiographic examination demonstrated a heavy deposit of grains suggesting a prominent accumulation of [³H]l-glutamate and [³H]l-aspartate in the astroglial-like cells of the cultures, while the [³H]GABA accumulation was less intense. On the other hand, there was only a weak accumulation of grains after incubating the cultures with [³H]dopamine, [³H]norepinephrine or [³H]5-HT. Thus, astroglial cells in culture accumulate amino acid neurotransmitters and monoamines in different ways with a high-affinity high-capacity uptake of glutamate, aspartate and GABA and a diffusion-uptake of dopamine, norepinephrine and 5-HT.     

Methods for measuring the properties of the turbulence in bubble flow

Summary A constant temperature hot film anemometer has been used to evaluate mean liquid flow velocity, bubble frequency, turbulence scale and intensity, and the rate of energy dissipation by liquid phase bubble flow.Symbols M mass - L lenght - T time - a gas/liquid interfacial area L² - a=a/V_L specific gas/liquid interfacial area with regard to the volume of the liquid L^–1 - d bubble diameter L - d mean bubble diameter L - d_e dynamic equilibrium (maximum stable) bubble size L - d_p primary bubble diameter L - d_s Sauter bubble diameter L - E specific energy dissipation rate with regard to the volume of the liquid ML^–1T^–3 - E V_L energy dissipation rate ML²T^–3 - E=E/ since =1 g cm^–3, E has the same numerical value as E. Therefore, the symbol E is used everywhere in the present paper for E and called energy dissipation rate (S. s^–2=Stokes. s^–2) L²T^–3 - E_G or _G local relative gas hold up L²T^–3 - f() autocorrelation function [Eq. (10)] L²T^–3 - f(r) cross correlation function [Eq. (11)] L²T^–3 - g acceleration of gravity LT^–2 - k constant LT^–2 - k_L mass transfer coefficient LT^–1 - k_La volumetric mass transfer coefficient with regard to the volume of the liquid T^–1 - N₀ number of crossings of u and T^–1 - n_B bubble frequency T^–1 - r distance between two points 1 and 2 of the cross correlation function L - t time T - u momentaneous liquid velocity LT^–1 - mean liquid velocity LT^–1 - mean square fluctuation velocity L²T^–2 - intensity of turbulence LT^–1 - x position coordinate L - V volume of the bubbling layer in the column L³ - V_L volume of the bubble free layer in the column L³ - V electrical voltage (in Fig. 2) L³ - v velocity scale [Eq. (6)] LT^–1 - We_crit critical Weber number [Eq. (4)] LT^–1 - w_SG superficial gas velocity LT^–1 - w_SL superficial liquid velocity LT^–1 - _G or E_G local relative gas hold up LT^–1 - smallest scale [Eq. (6)] L - time delay in the autocorrelation function [Eq. (10)] T - energy dissipation scale [E. (15)] L - _f: Taylor's vorticity scale [E. (14)] L - kinematic viscosity of the liquid L²T^–1 - density of the liquid ML^–3 - surface tension MT^–2 - dynamic pressure of the turbulence [Eq. (8)] ML^–1T^–2 - p primary (at the aerator) - e equilibrium (far from the aerator)     

The effects of injections of D,L-5-hydroxytryptophan on the efflux of endogenous serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid from a synaptosomal fraction.

Abstract— The effects of i.p. injections of SO mg/kg d,l-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and saline alone on the in uitro release of endogenous serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were studied using preparations of axon terminals (P₂ isolated from the telencephalon of rats. The level of 5-HT was 2-fold greater and the level of 5-HIAA was 5-fold greater in the P₂ fraction isolated from rats given the d,l-5-HTP injection than from rats given saline injections. At 37°C the in vitro efflux of 5-HT and 5-HIAA from the P₂ fractions of animals injected with 5-HTP 30min before killing was approx 3 times higher than the saline control group. The amount of 5-HT and 5-HIAA released at 37°C was 3–5 times higher than the amount released at 0°C for both the 5-HTP and saline injected rats. Increasing the concentration of potassium ions in the media to 55 mm significantly increased the release of 5-HT but not 5-HIAA in both groups of animals. The amount of 5-HT released by 55mm-K⁺ was about 2-fold higher from the P₂ fraction isolated from rats given 5-HTP injections with respect to those given saline injections. The potassium stimulated release of 5-HT was calcium dependent. The data thus indicate that injection of 50 mg/kg d,l-5-HTP in rats can cause an increase in the level of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in a crude synaptosomal fraction and that as a result of this increase, there is a temperature dependent increased release of 5-HT and 5-HIAA under normal resting membrane conditions. There is also an increased release of 5-HT as a result of membrane depolarizing conditions induced by elevated potassium levels which is calcium dependent.     

Na+-dependent medium-affinity uptake of L-glutamate in the insect epidermis

It is proposed that the activity of an epidermal cotransport system for Na⁺ and dicarboxylic amino acids accounts for the small amounts of L-glutamate and L-aspartate in the otherwise amino-acid-rich blood plasma of insects. This Na⁺-dependent transport system is responsible for more than 95% of the uptake of these amino acids into the larval epidermis of the beetle Tenebrio molitor. Kinetic analysis of uptake showed that the Na⁺-dependent co-transporter has medium affinity for L-glutamate and L-aspartate. The K _m for L-glutamate uptake was 146 mol·l^-1, and the maximum velocity of uptake (V _max) was 12.1 pmol·mm^-2 of epidermal sheet per minute. The corresponding values for L-aspartate were 191 mol·l^-1 and 8.4 pmol·mm^-2·min^-1. The Na⁺/L-glutamate co-transporter has a stoichiometry of at least two Na⁺ ions for each L-glutamate-ion transported (n=217). The co-transporter has an affinity for Na⁺ equivalent to a K _m of 21 mmol · l^-1 Na⁺. Na⁺ is the only external ion apparently required to drive L-glutamate uptake. Li⁺ substitutes weakly for Na⁺. Removal of external K⁺ or addition of ouabain decreases uptake slowly over 1 h, suggesting that these treatments dissipate the Na⁺/K⁺ gradient by inhibiting epidermal Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase. Several structural analogues of L-glutamate inhibit the medium-affinity uptake of L-glutamate. The order of potency with which these competitive inhibitors block glutamate uptake is L-cysteatethreo-3-hydroxy-Dl-aspartate > D-aspartateL-aspartate> L-cysteine sulphinate > L-homocysteateD-glutamate. L-trans-Pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate, a potent inhibitor of L-glutamate uptake in mammalian synaptosomes, is a relatively weak blocker of epidermal uptake. The epidermis takes up substantially more L-glutamate by this Na⁺-dependent system than tissues such as skeletal muscle and ventral nerve cord. The epidermis may be a main site regulating blood L-glutamate levels in insects with high blood [Na⁺]. Because L-glutamate and L-aspartate stimulate skeletal muscle in insects, a likely role for epidermal L-glutamate/L-aspartate transporter is to keep the level of these excitatory amino acids in the blood below the postsynaptic activation thresholds.Abbreviation ac acetate - Ch choline - CNS central nervous system - cpm counts per minute - CDTA trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N,N-tetraacetic acids - HPLC high performance liquid chromatography - K _m Michaelis constant - n _app apparent number - NMG N-methyl-D-glucamine - Pipes Piperazine-N,N-bis-[2-ethanesulfonic acid] - SD standard deviation - TEA tetraethyl-ammonium - V velocity of uptake - V _max maximum velocity of uptake     

Vascular dynamics

A study, using the four-electrode impedance plethysmograph system, was completed to evaluate simultaneous variations in conduction of upper and lower body segments relative to displacement of blood volume during change in body position. Measurements of cardiac output were compared with simultaneous results by dye dilution methods as a means of assessing the use of impedance techniques to determine cardiac output during tilt table studies. Two groups, 48 healthy private pilots and 22 patients with diabetes mellitus, were tested and the results were compared.Control and test heart rate values were higher in the afternoon than in the morning for the same healthy subjects, and the blood pressure and heart rate changes paralleled the variations in stroke volume and calf blood pulse changes. The results in the patients with diabetes differed markedly in terms of the magnitude of the cardiovascular changes and indicated the value of the tilt table in assessing fatigue in the circulatory system as a result of metabolic disturbance. The change from horizontal to 65 degree head up position in the patients with diabetes showed a marked fall in thoracic stroke and conductive volume in contrast to the minimal decrease observed in healthy subjects.Symbols resistivity, ohm cm - L length or distance between detecting electrodesE ₁-E ₂, cm - E voltage, volts - I current, amps - R ₀ segmental resistance between detecting electrodesE ₁-E ₂, ohms - V ₀ segmental volume equivalent to (L ²/R ₀), ml - V change in volume, ml - R change in resistance, ohms Terms Impedance plethysmography Measurement of change in volume due to variation in electrical resistance of a segment to a 50 or 120 kHz signal. The impedance at these frequencies is primarily resistive - Four electrodes Two electrodes for introduction of the reference signal to the examined segment and two electrodes for detecting variation in conduction of the signal - Conduction The reciprocal of resistance measured in mohs. - Conductive volume The volume defined byV ₀=(L ²/R ₀) containing electrolytes including whole blood and plasma This project was supported by Contract NAS4-1321, NASA Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, U.S.A.     

Fluorescence microscopy of the 5-HTP turnover in the exocrine pancreas of mice and rats

Summary The turnover ofl-5-HTP,d-5-HTP and 5-HT in the exocrine pancreas have been studied by means of the fluorescence method ofFalck andHillarp. l- andd-5-HTP are easily taken up by the acinar cells, whereas 5-HT seems to pass into the cells only to a minor extent. After the administration ofl-5-HTP (and in some cases after 5-HT administration), specific fluorescence is seen in the form of apically located granules (probably identical with the zymogen granules) for a short period, which is prolonged, if the animals are pretreated with a MAO inhibitor. Decarboxylase inhibition prevents the appearance of these fluorescent granules. Administration ofd-5-HTP does not give rise to this granular fluorescence but to a diffuse fluorescence throughout the cells. Thus, there are reasons to assume that the granular fluorescence derives from 5-HT. The results obtained in this work correspond well with those from a similar study withl-DOPA and some of its analogues.abbreviations DOPA 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine - DA dopamine - NA noradrenaline - A adrenaline - 5-HTP 5-hydroxytryptophan - 5-HT 5-hydroxytryptamine - MAO monoamine oxidase This work was supported by grants from the Swedish Medical Research Council (B68-12X-712-03B and B68-14X-56-04B), the United States Public Health Service (06701-02) and the Faculty of Medicine, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden.     

Bacteriorhodopsin in a bloom of halobacteria in the Dead Sea

A dense bloom of red halobacteria developed in the Dead Sea in the summer 1980, bacterial densities of up to 1.9 x10⁷ cells ml^-1 were observed. The population consisted of two types: pleomorphic, cup-shaped cells and rod-shaped cells. A high content of bacteriorhodopsin was found in the bloom (up to 0.4 nmol per mg protein). The rod-shaped Halobacterium was isolated and was shown to contain bacteriorhodopsin.Abbreviations 20 specific gravity at 20°C - Tris Tris-(hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane     

Die optischen Übertragungseigenschaften der Komplexaugen von Drosophila

Summary The transfer properties of the optical system in the arthropod compound eye are determined by the interommatidial angle , influencing the resolving power, and by the width of the visual fields of single ommatidia , influencing the response at high spatial frequencies of brightness distributions in the object space. The energy transfer/ receptor is proportional to ( )² and decreases with in-inreasing approximation of the perfect-imaging condition: gD 0; 0. However, a value > 0 has to be maintained in order to overcome the threshold of nervous excitation at a certain minimum-brightness level. Theoretical treatment yields /=0.62 to 0.88 as the corresponding optimum-imaging relation. The actual ratio can be derived from measurements of the optomotor reactions to the movement of periodic brightness patterns. The approximate value 0.76 is obtained from the fruitfly Drosophila with normal and mutant eye pigmentation. As a result, the parameters of this imaging system are found to be established in a way that enables optimum performance at sufficient illumination. An dieser Stelle möchte ich Dr. W. Reichardt für sein eingehendes Interesse und manche anregende Diskussion über die Sehvorgänge im Komplexauge meinen Dank sagen. Dr. K. Kirschfeld verdanke ich ebenfalls wertvolle Hinweise. Herrn E. Freiberg bin ich für die Anfertigung der Abbildungen sehr verbunden.     

Evidence for a relationship between malate metabolism and activity of 1-sinapoylglucose: L-malate sinapoyltransferase in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cotyledons

The control of malate metabolism and stimulation of 1-sinapolyglucose: L-malate sinapoyltransferase (SMT) activity in radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. sativus) cotyledons has been studied. The light-induced and nitrate-dependent activity of SMT catalyzes the formation of O-sinapoly-L-malate via 1-O-sinapoyl--D-glucose. When dark-grown radish seedlings, cultivated in quartz sand with nutrient solution containing NO ₃ ^- as the sole N source, were treated with light, SMT activity increased concomitantly with free malate in the cotyledons. This light effect was suppressed in seedlings grown in a culture medium which contained in addition to NO ₃ ^- also NH ₄ ⁺ . However, treatment with methionine sulfoximine neutralized this ammonium effect, resulting again in both rapid accumulation of malate and rapid increase in SMT activity. When seedlings grown on NO ₃ ^- nitrogen were subsequently supplied with NH ₄ ⁺ nitrogen, the accumulated level of L-malate rapidly dropped and the SMT increase ceased. The enzyme activity decreased later on, reaching the low activity level of plants which were grown permanently on NO ₃ ^- /NH ₄ ⁺ -nitrogen. An external supply (vacuum infiltration) of malate to excised cotyledons and intact seedings, grown on NO ₃ ^- /NH ₄ ⁺ -nitrogen medium, specifically promoted a dose-dependent increase in the activity of SMT. In summary these results provide evidence indicating that the SMT activity in cotyledons of Raphanus sativus might be related to the metabolism of malic acid.Abbreviation MSO L-methionine sulfoximine - SinGlc 1-O-sinapoyl--D-glucose - SinMal O-sinapoyl-L-malate - SMT 1-O-sinapoyl--D-glucose:L-malate sinapolytransferase