The Distinctive Pattern of Photosystem 2 Activity,Photosynthetic Pigment Accumulation,and Ribulose-1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase Content of Chloroplasts along the Axis of Primary Wheat Leaf Lamina

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Sonalika) seedlings were grown in Hoagland solution. Primary leaves were harvested at 8, 12, and 15 d and cut into five equal segments. Contents of photosynthetic pigments and proteins, and photosystem 2 (PS2) activity increased from base to apex of these leaves. Chlorophyll (Chl) content was maximum at 12 d in all the leaf segments, but PS2 activity showed a gradual decline from 8 to 15 d in all leaf segments. In sharp contrast, the CO₂ fixation ability of chloroplasts increased from 8 to 15 d. CO₂ fixation ability of chloroplasts started to decline from base to apex of 15-d-old seedlings, where the content of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (RuBPCO-LSU) increased acropetally. RuBPCO-LSU content was maximum in all the leaf segments in 12-d-old seedlings. This shows a distinctive pattern of PS2, Chl, CO₂ fixation ability of chloroplasts, and RuBPCO-LSU content along the axis of leaf lamina during development and senescence. RuBPCO-LSU (54 kDa) degraded to fragments of 45, 42, 37, 19, and 16 kDa products which accumulated along the leaf axis during ageing of chloroplasts. Thus the CO₂ fixation ability of chloroplasts declines earlier than PS2 activity and photosynthetic pigment contents along the leaf lamina.     

Photosynthesis and associated metabolism during development of a Theobroma cacao hybrid with the lethal factor Luteus-Pa

The recessive lethal character Luteus-Pa, expressed as a yellowing of leaves of young seedlings and followed by death approximately 60 d after emergence, presents a 3:1 segregation in crosses and/or selfpollinated plants. We evaluated quantitatively the fluorescence emission of chlorophyll (Chl), gas exchange, and chemical composition of normal and recessive homozygous cacao seedlings of the cross Pa 121×Pa 169. The characteristics of Chl fluorescence kinetics were studied in stages B2, B3, C, D, and E of leaf development, corresponding to plant ages of 9 to 12, 13 to 15, 16 to 20, 21 to 30, and >30 d, respectively. Gas exchanges were measured in mature leaves of both seedlings. In regular intervals of 3 d beginning at 33 d after emergence, the seedlings were separated into roots, stems, leaves, and cotyledons to determine the contents of saccharides (SAC) and free amino acids (FAA) and variation of the leaf Chl content. The Chl distribution in complexes of the photosynthetic apparatus was analysed by SDS-PAGE in mature leaves of both normal and recessive 32-d-old seedlings. There were variations in Chl fluorescence, gas exchanges and chemical composition of different parts of both types of seedlings. However, no significant differences were found in the Chl distribution through photosynthetic complexes of 32-d-old normal and recessive homozygous seedlings. After that period a decrease in the Chl concentration was observed in the recessive seedlings, and only minimum fluorescence (F0) was found. The F0 values were higher in the recessive seedlings than in the normal ones. The net photosynthetic rate of mature leaves was negative in agreement with low conductance, transpiration rate, and high internal CO2 concentration. These factors might have contributed to a depletion in SAC in different plant parts. Although F0 partially reflects the Chl concentration in leaf tissue, the increase in its value was probably due to a damage in reaction centres of photosystem 2. Therefore, the growth and development of recessive homozygous seedlings depended exclusively on cotyledon reserves, the depletion of which leads to death.     

Tolerance Responses of Two Cotton Cultivars Exposed to Ultraviolet-A: Photosynthetic Performance and Some Chemical Constituents

Stress tolerance of two Egyptian cotton cultivars (Gossypium barbadense L.) (Giza 45 and Giza 86) exposed to various doses (40, 80, 160, and 320 min) of artificial ultraviolet-A (UV-A) radiation (366 nm) was investigated. Seed germination of cv. Giza 86 was promoted at 40 min, progressively inhibited at 80 and 160 min, and completely suppressed at 320 min irradiation. However, seed germination of cv. Giza 45 was not promoted but inhibited by UV-A light and stopped at the dose of 160 min. In contrast to seed germination, seedling growth of cv. Giza 86 was negatively stressed even at 40 min-dose. UV-A radiation reduced leaf carbohydrate content and shoot growth of both cultivars, but the response was comparatively higher in cv. Giza 45. UV-A radiation decreased chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoid contents in parallel with an increase in the Chl a/b ratio, diminished Hill reaction activity, and quenched Chl a fluorescence independent of the presence of 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea, suggesting an inhibitory effect on both the water-splitting system and electron transport from the primary to the secondary acceptors of photosystem II (PSII) (acceptor side). UV-A radiation also decreased the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids in thylakoid membranes, thus indicating that the inhibition of PSII activity was followed by lipid peroxidation and changes in thylakoid membrane fluidity. These changes reflect the disturbance of structure, composition, and functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus, as well as the sensitivity of PSII to UV-A stress. Both cultivars developed adaptive mechanisms for damage alleviation involving the accumulation of flavonoids, total lipids, and total soluble proteins, as well as development of smaller and thicker leaf blades. Since cv. Giza 86 showed comparatively higher level of adaptation, it tolerates UV-A stress more successful than cv. Giza 45.     

UV-B response of green and etiolated barley seedlings

7-d-old etiolated and green barley seedlings (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Alfa) were irradiated with UV-B for 30 min and then kept for 24 h in light or darkness. Chlorophyll (Chl) synthesis was inhibited by about 30 % as a result of UV-B irradiation, but there were no significant changes in photochemical activity measured by variable to maximum fluorescence ratio (F_v/F_m), quantum yield (Φ_PS2) and oxygen evolution rate. Electron transport of etiolated seedlings was similar to that of green ones, nevertheless, the Chl content was more then 2-fold lower. Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large and small subunits were diminished as a result of UV-B irradiation in etiolated and green plants, especially in those kept in the darkness. Catalase activity decreased and total superoxide dismutase activity increased in green and etiolated plants following UV-B treatment. When benzidine was used as a substrate, an isoform located between guaiacol peroxidases 2 and 3 (guaiacol peroxidase X) appeared, which was specific for UV-B treatment. As a result of irradiation, the contents of UV-B absorbing and UV-B induced compounds increased in green seedlings but not in etiolated seedlings.     

Activity of Photosystem 2, Lipid Peroxidation,and the Enzymatic Antioxidant Protective System in Heat Shocked Barley Seedlings

The impact of heat shock on minimising the activity of photosystem 2 (PS2) initiating high lipid peroxidation (POL) level and consequently changes in the enzymatic-antioxidant protective system was studied in seedlings of two Egyptian cultivars of barley (Giza 124 and 125). Heat doses (35 and 45 °C for 2, 4, 6, and 8 h) decreased chlorophyll (Chl) contents coupled with an increase in Chl a/b ratio, diminished Hill reaction activity, and quenched Chl a fluorescence emission spectra. These parameters reflect the disturbance of the structure, composition, and function of the photosynthetic apparatus as well as the activity of PS2. POL level, as dependent on the balance between pro- and anti-oxidant systems, was directly correlated with temperature, exposure time, and their interaction. Heat shock caused an increase in the electric conductivity of cell membrane, and malonyldialdehyde content (a peroxidation product) coupled with the disappearance of the polyunsaturated linolenic acid (C_18:3), reflecting the peroxidation of membrane lipids which led to the loss of membrane selective permeability. Moreover, it induced distinct and significant changes in activities of antioxidant enzymes. Superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities have been progressively enhanced by moderate and elevated heat doses, but the most elevated one (45 °C for 8 h) showed a decrease in activities of both enzymes. In contrast, catalase activity was reduced with all heat shocks.     

Sodium chloride induced changes in leaf growth, and pigment and protein contents in two rice cultivars

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings were grown under NaCl stress. The leaf growth of resistant cv. Damodar was less affected than that of the susceptible cv. Jaya. The leaf protein content showed no distinct cultivar or age dependent differences under NaCl salinity. There was a significant increase in chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoid (Car) contents of 25-d-oldseedlings of both cv. Jaya and cv. Damodar. However, Chl and Car content of 15-d-old seedlings of cv. Jaya decreased and that of cv. Damodar increased, under NaCl stress. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effect of Benzylaminopurine on Rehydration of Bean Plants after Water Stress

The possibility of improving the recovery of plant photosynthesis after water stress by cytokinin-induced stimulation of stomatal opening or delay of leaf senescence was tested. The 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) in concentrations 1 and 10 M was applied to the substrate (sand + nutrient solution) or sprayed on primary leaves of 14-d-old Phaseolus vulgaris L. plants sufficiently supplied with water or water-stressed for 4 d. The later ones having relative water content decreased to 69 % were fully rehydrated during the following three days. Parameters of photosynthesis and water relations were measured in primary leaves of 7-, 10-, 14-, and 17-d-old plants. Application of 1 M BAP slightly delayed leaf senescence: in 17-d-old control plants, net photosynthetic rate (P_N) and chlorophyll (Chl) content, and when sprayed on leaves also some of Chl a fluorescence kinetic parameters of BAP-treated leaves were slightly higher than those of untreated leaves. Both types of application of 1 M BAP slightly improved recovery of plants during rehydration after water stress in terms of increased g_ad, g_ab and P_N, i.e., parameters which were markedly decreased by mild water stress. However, contents of Chl a, Chl b and carotenoids and parameters of Chl a fluorescence kinetic were not markedly affected by mild water stress and after rehydration were not stimulated by 1 M BAP. 10 M BAP had mostly negative effects on the parameters measured.     

Cytokinin effects on tetrapyrrole biosynthesis and photosynthetic activity in barley seedlings

Cytokinin promotes morphological and physiological processes including the tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway during plant development. Only a few steps of chlorophyll (Chl) biosynthesis, exerting the phytohormonal influence, have been individually examined. We performed a comprehensive survey of cytokinin action on the regulation of tetrapyrrole biosynthesis with etiolated and greening barley seedlings. Protein contents, enzyme activities and tetrapyrrole metabolites were analyzed for highly regulated metabolic steps including those of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) biosynthesis and enzymes at the branch point for protoporphyrin IX distribution to Chl and heme. Although levels of the two enzymes of ALA synthesis, glutamyl-tRNA reductase and glutamate 1-semialdehyde aminotransferase, were elevated in dark grown kinetin-treated barley seedlings, the ALA synthesis rate was only significantly enhanced when plant were exposed to light. While cytokinin do not stimulatorily affect Fe-chelatase activity and heme content, it promotes activities of the first enzymes in the Mg branch, Mg protoporphyrin IX chelatase and Mg protoporphyrin IX methyltransferase, in etiolated seedlings up to the first 5 h of light exposure in comparison to control. This elevated activities result in stimulated Chl biosynthesis, which again parallels with enhanced photosynthetic activities indicated by the photosynthetic parameters F _V/F _M, J _CO2max and J _CO2 in the kinetin-treated greening seedlings during the first hours of illumination. Thus, cytokinin-driven acceleration of the tetrapyrrole metabolism supports functioning and assembly of the photosynthetic complexes in developing chloroplasts.     

Influence of irradiance on chlorophyll synthesis in Picea abies calli cultures

Dark-grown seedlings of Picea abies (L) Karst. are able to accumulate the highest amounts of chlorophyll (Chl) and its precursor protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) in all Pinaceae, but calli derived from 14-d-old green cotyledons of P. abies are completely white during the cultivation in the dark. Pchlide reduction is catalysed in the dark by light-independent protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (DPOR). This enzyme complex consists of three protein subunits ChlL, ChlN and ChlB, encoded by three plastid genes chlL, chlN and chlB. Using semiquantitative RT-PCR, we observed very low expression of chlLNB genes in dark-grown calli. It seems, that chlLNB expression and thus Chl accumulation could be modulated by light in P. abies calli cultures. This hypothesis is supported by the fact, that we observed low contents of glutamyl-tRNA reductase and Flu-like protein, which probably affected Chl biosynthetic pathway at the step of 5-aminolevulinic acid formation. ChlB subunit was not detected in dark-grown P. abies calli cultures. Our results indicated limited ability to synthesize Chl in callus during cultivation in the dark.     

The involvement of phytochrome in controlling chlorophyll and 5-aminolevulinate formation in a gymnosperm seedling (Pinus sylvestris)

Chlorophyll a (Chl a) accumulation in the cotyledons of Scots pine seedlings (Pinus sylvestris L.) is much higher in the light than in darkness where it ceases 6 days after germination. When these darkgrown seedlings are treated with continuous white light (3,500 lx) a 3 h lag phase appears before Chl a accumulation is resumed. The lag phase can be eliminated by pretreating the seedlings with 7 h of weak red light (0.14 Wm^-2) or with 14 red light pulses separated by relatively short dark periods (<100 min). The effect of 15s red light pulses can be fully reversed by 1 min far-red light pulses. This reversibility is lost within 2 min. In addition, the amount of Chl a formed within 27 h of continuous red light is considerably reduced by the simultaneous application of far-red (RG 9) light. It is concluded that phytochrome (P_fr) is required not only for the elimination of the lagphase but also to maintain a high rate of Chl a accumulation in continuous light. Since accumulation of 5-aminolevulinate (ALA) responds in the same manner as Chl a accumulation to a red light pretreatment it is further concluded that ALA formation is the point where phytochrome regulates Chl biosynthesis in continuous light. No correlation has been found between ALA and Chl a formation in darkness. This indicates that in a darkgrown pine seedling ALA formation is not rate limiting for Chl a accumulation.Abbreviations Chl chlorophyll(ide) - PChl protochlorophyll(ide) - ALA 5-aminolevulinate - P_r the red absorbing form of phytochrome - P_fr the far-red absorbing form of phytochrome - P_tot total phytochrome ([P_r]+[P_fr])     

Heat Shock Increases the Tolerance of Plants to UV-B Radiation: 1. Growth,Development, and Water Supply to Tissues

The effects of heat shock (HS); UV-B irradiation; and the consecutive action of these factors on the growth, development, and water supply of seven-day-old melon (Melo sativusSager., cv. Torpeda) seedlings were investigated. Depending on the HS severity, we observed growth stimulation (after treatment at 45°C for 1 h), growth retardation (after treatment at 45°C for 2 h or at 48°C for 1 h), or complete growth inhibition and cell death (after treatment at 45°C for 3 h or at 55°C for 1 h). UV-B irradiation (18.3 kJ/(m²h)), depending on its duration, stimulated (5–10 min), retarded (60 min), or resulted in complete growth inhibition and plant death (90 min). HS treatment (at 45°C for 1 h) prior to UV-B irradiation (for 1 h) favorably affected both the growth and water balance of seedlings. Apparently, the HS pretreatment increases the tolerance of seedlings to high doses of UV-B radiation.     

UV-B Induced Alterations in Composition of Thylakoid Membrane and Amino Acids in Leaves of Rhizophora Apiculata Blume

Seedlings of Rhizophora apiculata were exposed to UV-B radiation at four doses equivalent to 10, 20, 30, and 40 % ozone depletion. The seedlings irradiated with high doses of UV-B had characteristic decline in contents of specific proteins with molecular masses of 33, 23, and 17 kDa. On the contrary, proteins of 55, 33, 25, 23, and 17 kDa were accumulated in the seedlings exposed to low doses of UV-B. The UV-B, in general, enhanced formation of saturated fatty acids and reduced unsaturated fatty acids, to a maximum extent of 88 and 26 %, respectively. The low dose of UV-B increased content of oleic acid by 9 %, and the high dose reduced it by 34 %. The high dose of UV-B enhanced the lipid peroxidation by 48 %, whereas the low dose of UV-B did not show any significant effect. The contents of amino acids such as aspartate, glutamate, asparagine, serine, glutamine, threonine, and histidine were increased in low UV-B doses by 53, 86, 142, 72, 3, 119, and 32 %, respectively; while in high doses they were reduced significantly.     

Development of survivorship model for UV-B irradiated Catla catla larvae

A survivorship model was developed for UV-B irradiated Catla catla (17 days) larvae with the help of Kaplan and Meier Product-Limit (PL) method. Larvae were exposed to UV-B radiation (145 μW cm⁻²) for three different exposure times: 5, 10 and 15 min on every other day. The mean survival time of fish was calculated for each treatment using uncensored and censored survival data during 74 days study period. The mean uncensored and censored survival data for the 5-min exposed fish were 7 and 43, respectively. In 10-min exposure period, the uncensored and censored survival data were 19 and 31, respectively. During maximum exposure of 15 min, the uncensored survival data was 20 and censored data was 30. The mean survival time of fish calculated using PL estimate in 5, 10 and 15-min exposure treatments were 69.61 ± 0.50, 65.25 ± 0.96 and 60.60 ± 1.55 days, respectively. The mean survival time showed a decreasing trend with the increase of exposure period. The survival time was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in 5-min exposure treatment than others. This is clear from the present study that the exposure of UV-B radiation affects the survival rate of surface feeder catla larvae.     

Low doses of ultraviolet-B or ultraviolet-C radiation affect phytohormones in young pea plants

Pea (Pisum sativum L., cv. Scinado) seedlings were exposed to low doses of ultraviolet-B (UV-B; 4.4 and 13.3 kJ m⁻² d⁻¹) or UV-C (0.1 and 0.3 kJ m⁻² d⁻¹) radiation for 14 d. Aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid (ACC), indoleacetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) contents were quantified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The accumulation of ACC upon irradiation was dose-dependent. ABA content was reduced and IAA content increased upon UV-C treatment whereas the UV-B doses used did not cause significant changes in ABA and IAA contents.     

Accumulation of photosynthetic pigments in Larix decidua Mill. and Picea abies (L.) Karst. cotyledons treated with 5-aminolevulinic acid under different irradiation

European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) and Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] synthesize chlorophyll (Chl) in darkness. This paper compares Chl accumulation in 14-d-old dark-grown seedlings of L. decidua and P. abies after shortterm (24 h) feeding with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). We used two ALA concentrations (1 and 10 mM) fed to cotyledons of both species in darkness and in continuous light. The dark-grown seedlings of L. decidua accumulated Chl only in trace amounts and the seedlings remained etiolated. In contrast, P. abies seedlings grown in darkness were green and had significantly higher Chl content. After ALA feeding, higher protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) content was observed in L. decidua than in P. abies cotyledons incubated in darkness. Although short-term ALA feeding stimulated the synthesis of Pchlide, Chl content did not change significantly in cotyledons incubated in darkness. The Chl accumulation in cotyledons fed with ALA was similar to the rate of Chl accumulation in the controls. Higher Chl accumulation was reported in control samples after illumination: 86.9% in L. decidua cotyledons and 46.4% in P. abies cotyledons. The Chl content decreased and bleaching occurred in cotyledons incubated with ALA in light due to photooxidation. Analyses of Chlbinding proteins (D1 and LHCIIb) by Western blotting proved differences between Chl biosynthesis in L. decidua and P. abies seedlings in the dark and in the light. No remarkable increase was found in protein accumulation (D1 and LHCIIb) after ALA application. Our results showed interspecific difference in Chl synthesis between two gymnosperms. Shortterm ALA feeding did not stimulate Chl synthesis, thus ALA synthesis was not the rate-limiting step in Chl synthesis in the dark.     

Cardiac glucose uptake and suppressed expression/translocation of myocardium glucose transport-4 in dogs undergoing ischemia-reperfusion

Impaired glucose metabolism is implicated in cardiac failure during ischemia-reperfusion. This study examined cardiac glucose uptake and expression of glucose transport-4 (GLUT-4) in dogs undergoing ischemia-reperfusion. Cardiac ischemia was induced by cardiopulmonary bypass for 30 min or 120 min in dogs. Plasma insulin and glucose concentrations were measured at pre-bypass (control), and aortic cross-clamp off (ischemia-reperfusion) at 15, 45, and 75 min. At the same time, the left ventricle biopsies were taken for GLUT-4 immunohistochemistry and glycogen content analysis. In dogs receiving 120-min ischemia, coronary arterial and venous glucose concentrations were increased, but the net glucose uptake in ischemia-reperfusion heart were significantly decreased from 25% (control) to zero at 15 and 45 min of reperfusion, and recovered to only 7% after 75 min reperfusion. Myocardium glycogen contents were decreased by 65%. Plasma insulin levels and Insulin Resistant Index were markedly increased in dogs undergoing 120-min ischemia and reperfusion. These changes were relatively mild and reversible in dogs receiving only 30-min ischemia followed by reperfusion. Expression of total GLUT-4 in myocardium was decreased 40% and translocation of GLUT-4 from cytoplasm to surface membrane was decreased 90% in dogs receiving 120-min ischemia followed by 15-min reperfusion. Suppressed translocation of GLUT-4 was also evident in dogs receiving 30-min ischemia, but to a lesser extent. Reduced myocardium glucose uptake, utilization, and glycogen content are clearly associated with ischemia-reperfusion heart injury. This appears to be due, at least in part, to suppressed expression and translocation of myocardium GLUT-4.     

Developmental regulation of anoxic stress tolerance in maize

Anoxia associated with flooding stress is detrimental to plant growth and productivity. When maize seedlings 2 to 7 d old were exposed to anoxic stress, 3-d-old seedlings were found to have much lower tolerance than 2-d-old seedlings. Ninety per cent of 2-d-old seedlings survived 72 h of anoxic stress compared with 0% of the 3-d-old seedlings. Since 2-d-old isolated root tips survived anoxic stress better than 3-d-old tips, the anoxic tolerance of 2-d-old seedlings was independent of the translocation of nutrient reserves from the endosperm to the root. The addition of glucose to the medium improved the anoxia tolerance of 2-d-old seedlings by 25% but had no effect on 3-d-old seedlings. Acclimation by pre-cxposure to 4% oxygen and pre-treatment with 100mmol m^?1 abscisic acid (ABA) improved the anoxia tolerance of 3-d-old seedlings by 2- and 4-fold, respectively. However, acclimation and ABA treatment had no effect on 2-d-old seedlings. The results indicate that anoxia tolerance in maize is develop-mentally regulated. The mechanism of anoxia tolerance innate to 2-d-old seedlings was inducible in 3-d-old seedlings by acclimation or treatment with ABA.     

Acclimation and photoprotection of young gametophytes of Acrostichum danaeifolium to UV-B stress

The effect of ultraviolet B radiation (UV-B) on cellular ultrastructure, chlorophyll (Chl), carotenoids, and total phenolics of Acrostichum danaeifolium gametophytes was analyzed. The control group of spores was germinated under standard conditions, while the test group of spores was germinated with additional UV-B for 30 min every day for 34 d. The cell characteristics were preserved in gametophytes irradiated with UV-B, but the number of starch grains increased in the chloroplasts and the more developed grana organization in contrast to the chloroplasts of the control group. Chl a content decreased, while Chl b content increased in the gametophytes cultivated with UV-B for 34 d. Contents of lutein and zeaxanthin decreased and trans-β-carotene concentration was enhanced in the gametophytes irradiated with UV-B. The content of total phenolic compounds increased in the gametophytes cultivated with UV-B. Therefore our data suggest that the gametophytes of A. danaeifolium, a fern endemic to the mangrove biome, were sensitive to enhancement of UV-B radiation at the beginning of their development and they exhibited alterations in their ultrastructure, pigment contents, and protective mechanisms of the photosynthetic apparatus, when exposed to this radiation.     

Influence of CW microwave radiation on in vitro release of enzymes from retinol-treated hepatic lysosomes

Hepatic lysosomes were exposed in vitro to microwave radiation (2450 MHz) either prior to or simultaneously with treatment with retinol (vitamin A), and the release of the lysosomal enzymes, β-glucuronidase, acid phosphatase, and cathepsin D, determined. A 60-min microwave exposure (10 or 100 mW/g) of retinol-treated lysosomes had no effect on the amount of release of β-glucuroni-dase, cathepsin D, or acid phosphatase. In addition, 10 and 100 mW/g irradiation of lysosome fractions for 40 min prior to a 20-min retinol and microwave treatment, had no influence on the release of these enzymes. Finally, the effect of microwave radiation on the loss of latency of acid phosphatase and β-glucuronidase from retinol-treated lysosomes was determined. Microwave radiation had no influence on the rate of appearance of these enzymes in the suspending medium. The results indicate that microwave radiation had no effect on the retinol-induced lysosomal enzyme release.     

Influence of 2.45-GHz CW microwave radiation on spontaneously beating rat atria

The chronotropic and inotropic effects of 2.45-GHz continuous wave (CW) microwave radiation were investigated in the isolated spontaneously beating rat atria. Isolated atria were placed in specially designed tubes inserted into a waveguide exposure system. The atria were then irradiated for a period of 30 min, followed by a 30-min recovery period. The control atria were prepared simultaneously and sham exposed. Experiments were conducted at two temperatures, 22 and 37 °C, and two specific absorption rates, 2 mW/g and 10 mW/g. At both temperatures the rate of atrial contraction was not altered by a 30-min exposure at either 2 or 10 mW/g. The average rate (beats per min) was approximately 100 for both the control and exposed atria at 22 °C and 215 beats per min for both the control and exposed atria at 37 °C. In addition, no inotropic effects on the spontaneously beating atria were noted at any exposure level. These data suggest that 2.45-GHz CW microwave radiation at these intensities has no overt effect on these variables in isolated rat atria.