Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in the South American opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) from the city of São Paulo, Brazil

Antibodies to Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii were assayed in sera of 396 opossums (Didelphis marsupialis) from the city of S?o Paulo, Brazil. Antibodies to N. caninum were assayed using the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Antibodies (IFAT, approximately 1:25) to N. caninum were found in 84 opossums (D. marsupialis) in titers of 1:25 in 46, 1:50 in 20, 1:100 in 17, and 1:400 in 1. Antibodies to T. gondii were assayed with the modified agglutination test (MAT) and the IFAT. Antibodies to T. gondii (MAT, approximately 1:25) were found in 82 (20.4%) of the 396 opossums, in titers of 1:25 in 24, 1:50 in 26, 1:100 in 18, 1:200 in 13, and 1:800 in 1. The IFAT antibodies to T. gondii were found in 148 of 396 opossums, in titers of 1:16 in 41, 1:32 in 23, 1:64 in 13, 1:128 in 6, 1:256 in 20, 1:512 in 17, 1:1,024 in 10, 1:2,048 in 10, 1:4,096 in 7, and 1:8,192 in 1. This is the first report of N. caninum and T. gondii infections in D. marsupialis.     

广东大中型水库底泥重金属含量特征及潜在生态风险评价

广东省45宗大中型水库底泥重金属含量分析评价结果表明:除Cr外,广东省大中型水库底泥中Cu、Zn、Pb和Cd含量均高于广东省土壤重金属含量背景值.广东省四大地理区域中,粤北地区大中型水库底泥Cu、Zn、Pb和Cd平均含量均为最高,分别为89.71、321.21、154.95mg/kg和1.46mg/kg;其次是粤东和粤中地区;粤西大中型水库底泥Cu、Zn、Pb和Cd平均含量均为最低,但Cr平均含量居四大区域之首,为130.81mg/kg.粤东和粤北大中型水库底泥重金属富集系数以Cd最高;粤中和粤西大中型水库底泥重金属富集系数则以Cu最大.总体而言,粤北大中型水库底泥重金属具有很强的潜在生态风险,粤东和粤中大中型水库底泥重金属潜在生态风险程度为中等;粤西大中型水库底泥重金属属于轻微生态风险程度.结果说明,广东省大部分地区大中型水库底泥的重金属潜在生态风险主要是由于底泥中Cd的潜在生态风险系数过高所造成.人为生产活动,特别是矿产开采造成的污染是广东省大中型水库底泥重金属潜在生态风险等级提高的主要原因.     

REGIONAL ISOLATION PERFUSION IN THE TREATMENT OF ADVANCED MALIGNANT DISEASE

Regional isolation perfusion with an alkylating agent was carried out in a small community hospital, using readily available equipment, ten times in nine cases of advanced malignant disease. Visible regression of tumor, either grossly or histologically, occurred in seven patients and decided subjective improvement occurred in five patients.The long range effect of the procedure could not be determined in the present series, not enough time having elapsed.Side effects included jaundice in four patients, massive necrosis of the tumor in one patient, nausea and vomiting in three patients, postoperative edema in five patients, wound infection in two patients, Horner''s syndrome in one patient, temporary alopecia in three patients, and depression of hemoglobin level in seven patients, of the leukocyte count in four patients and of the platelet count in four patients.A feature of the procedure used in the present series was a system of monitoring the escape of alkylating agent into the systemic circulation.     

洪湖野菰及其化学成分分析

野菰(Zizania latifolia)是湖北省洪湖中优势水生维管束植物,其群落占全湖355平方公里面积的127平方公里。茎和叶的年生物量为4379克鲜重/平方米,全湖总年产量121700吨干重,目前未被利用。野菰各器官的蛋白质和氨基酸含量分别以百分干重表示:根,7.0和4.76;根状茎,11.3和8.85;茎,9.5和7.15;嫩茎梢,22.4和16.53;叶,16.8和14.61。500克干叶的必需氨基酸含量接近100克干重草鱼幼鱼背肌的必需氨基酸含量。脂肪:叶中3.4～4.2,茎中2.2;粗纤维:叶中26.8～28,茎中24.2;灰分:叶中10.0,茎中5.8。菰茎含可溶性糖类30％以上,其中葡萄糖,果糖、蔗糖和麦芽糖是主要成分。结果表明野菰是一种优质饲料。     

The effect of oestradiolum benzoicum and progesterone on AChE activity in the nerves of the female reproductive system of immature pigs

The present paper describes the effect of exogenous oestradiol and progesterone on the AChE activity in nerves of the ovary, oviduct, uterus, and vagina, and on morphological features of the AChE-positive nerves of these organs in sexually immature pigs. Studies were carried out on 30 sexually immature pigs, 37 to 43 kg in weight, at the age of 115 to 125 d, of the BWP (Big White Polish) race. The animals were divided into 4 groups. Group I (n = 6) constituted the control. Animals in group II (n = 8) received oestradiolum benzoicum. Those in group III (n = 8) were given progesterone, and in group IV (n = 8) oestradiol and progesterone. Oestradiol injections resulted in a 1.2-fold increase of AChE activity in the ovary, 1.3-fold in the oviduct, 1.7-fold in the uterine horn, and a 1.2-fold decrease of this activity in the cervix, while no differences were noted in the vagina. Progesterone injections did not affect AChE activity in the ovary, while a 1.1-fold increase was observed in the oviduct, 1.2-fold in the uterine horn and 1.1-fold in the cervix compared to the control. A 1.1-fold decrease of this activity was observed in the vagina. Joint injections of oestradiol and progesterone resulted in about a 1.4-fold increase of AChE activity in the ovary, 1.3-fold in the oviduct, 1.4-fold in the uterine horn, 1.6-fold in the vagina, while no changes were observed in the cervix. The results suggest the effect of the administered hormones upon AChE activity in the organs under study, mainly in the oviduct, uterine horn, and vagina. They also point to the possibility of a synergic effect of oestradiol and progesterone as regards to an increase of the activity.     

火烧及微地貌对高原湿草甸优势种华扁穗草地上部灰分含量及热值的影响

为探讨火烧干扰以及微地貌差异对高原湿草甸植被的影响,以高原湿草甸优势种华扁穗草( Blysmus sinocompressus Tang et F. T. Wang)为研究对象,分别在经历火烧干扰和未烧的湿地中选择平地和地垄作为样地,研究了不同生长期以及不同年份华扁穗草地上部的灰分含量和热值(包括干质量热值和去灰分热值)变化。结果表明：在火烧平地、火烧地垄、未烧平地和未烧地垄4类样地中,不同生长期以及不同年份间华扁穗草地上部的灰分含量和热值均有一定差异。在火烧平地、火烧地垄和未烧平地3类样地中,与生长初期相比,生长旺盛期华扁穗草地上部的灰分含量均降低,其干质量热值和去灰分热值均升高;而在未烧地垄样地中,与生长初期相比,生长旺盛期华扁穗草地上部的灰分含量显著升高,其干质量热值和去灰分热值则均略降低。从样地类型看,在生长旺盛期,平地样地中华扁穗草地上部的灰分含量均低于地垄样地,其干质量热值和去灰分热值均高于地垄样地,其中,其灰分含量在火烧平地样地中最低、在未烧地垄样地中最高;其干质量热值和去灰分热值在火烧地垄样地中均最低、在未烧平地样地中均最高,但总体无显著差异。随时间推移,火烧样地特别是火烧平地样地中华扁穗草地上部的灰分含量增加,而其干质量热值和去灰分热值则有所降低但总体上与未烧样地间无显著差异。总体上看,在火烧样地中,华扁穗草地上部的干质量热值和去灰分热值低于未烧样地;而在平地样地中,其干质量热值和去灰分热值高于地垄样地。研究结果显示：火烧干扰和微地貌差异对华扁穗草地上部的灰分含量和热值均有一定的影响,据此,建议将植物地上部的灰分含量和热值作为高原湿草甸植被优势种响应环境扰动的参考指标。     

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in cats and pigs from rural Western Amazon, Brazil

Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were assayed in sera of 63 cats and 80 pigs from 71 farms located at Rond?nia State, Western Amazon, Brazil, by the modified agglutination test (MAT) and the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Antibodies (MAT > or = 1: 25) were found in 55 of 63 cats (87.3%) with titers of 1:25 in 2, 1:50 in 2, 1:100 in 7, 1:200 in 1, 1:400 in 2, 1:800 in 9, 1:1,600 in 6, and 1:3,200 or higher in 26 cats. By IFAT, antibodies were found in 55 cats (87.3%) with titers of 1:25 in 2, 1:50 in 1, 1:100 in 4, 1:200 in 4, 1: 400 in 1, 1:800 in 13, 1:1,600 in 12, and 1:3,200 or higher in 18 cats. In pig sera, by MAT, antibodies were found in 30 of 80 pigs (37.5%) with titers of 1:25 in 2, 1:50 in 3, 1:100 in 2, 1:200 in 8, 1:400 in 3, 1:800 in 5, 1:1,600 in 3, and 1:3,200 or higher in 4 pigs. By using the IFAT (titers > or = 1:64), antibodies were found in 35 (43.7%) pigs. The ingestion of undercooked tissues of infected pigs can be a source of T. gondii infection for humans and cats. However, the high seroprevalence of T. gondii in cats from the Amazon seems most likely to be indicative of high contamination of the environment by oocysts.     

基于芽苗砧嫁接油茶砧穗创伤后内源激素动态变化分析

为研究油茶(Camellia oleifera A)嫁接时穗条和砧木创伤后内源激素动态变化规律,解析影响砧穗嫁接面愈合的生理机制,为油茶砧穗愈合生长机理提供理论支持。以树龄6年的长林18号和53号的穗条和实生砧木为材料,按照芽苗砧嫁接方法切割穗条S0(0 min)、S10(10 min)、S40(40 min)和砧木茎段Z0(0 min)、Z10(10 min)后,利用液质联用法(HPLC-MS)测定吲哚乙酸(IAA)、脱落酸(ABA)、反式玉米素(TZR)、玉米素(Zeatin)、水杨酸(SA)和茉莉酸(JA)含量,分析不同时间段内源激素变化及品种间差异的关系。结果显示:创伤后18号的TZR、Zeatin和SA含量总体高于53号;18号IAA、SA和JA逐渐下降;TZR和Zeatin分别在S10和S0达最高值后下降;ABA在S10达最高值。53号IAA和JA爱S10达最高值后下降;TZR、Zeatin和SA在S10达低值后逐渐上升;ABA在S0达高值后逐渐下降。砧木茎段创伤前后激素含量除JA外18号高于53号;两品种Z0时激素含量下降,Z10后上升,仅53号ABA和SA含量在Z0达高值后下降。砧木茎段和根部激素含量在品种间除JA外18号高于53号,茎段的IAA、ABA高于根部,其他激素为根部高于茎段。激素比值在品种间和部位间差异明显;IAA/ABA、IAA/TZR、IAA/Zeatin和IAA/JA、ABA/TZR、ABA/Zeatin和ABA/JA比值为53号高于18号;穗条内SA/IAA为18号高于53号,SA/JA和SA/ABA为53号高于18号;砧木茎段均为18号高于53号;TZR/SA、TZR/JA比值在穗条和砧木茎段为18号高于53号。两品种创伤后IAA与JA极显著正相关,而IAA与SA,SA与JA在18号极显著正相关,53号极显著或显著负相关;53号TZR、Zeatin、SA间极显著或显著正相关,JA与TZR、Zeatin和SA极显著负相关。砧木茎段创伤后18号激素间为极显著或显著正相关;53号TZR和Zeatin与IAA、JA极显著正相关,与SA存在显著负相关,SA与JA有显著负相关。砧木茎段和根部间品种间仅在SA与各激素间相关性存在差异,其他激素间存在极显著正相关或负相关。综上所述,砧穗创伤后激素水平上18号在创伤面易于愈伤组织发育,而53号抗逆激素水平较高且与细胞分裂增殖类激素负相关,可能影响53号嫁接后愈合生长;嫁接应在创伤后10 min内较为适宜;砧穗间激素含量及比值的差异可能会影响后期嫁接部位形态重建以及穗条生长。     

Identification of cells in rat brain and peripheral tissues expressing mRNA for members of the nerve growth factor family

Cells expressing mRNA for hippocampus-derived neurotrophic factor (HDNF/NT-3) or brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were identified by in situ hybridization. In the rat brain, HDNF mRNA was predominantly found in pyramidal neurons in CA1 and CA2 of the hippocampus. Lower levels of HDNF mRNA were found in granular neurons of the dentate gyrus and in neurons of the taenia tecta and induseum griseum. BDNF mRNA-expressing cells were more widely distributed in the rat brain, with high levels in neurons of CA2, CA3, and the hilar region of the dentate gyrus, in the external and internal pyramidal layers of the cerebral cortex, in the claustrum, and in one brainstem structure. Lower levels were seen in CA1 and in the granular layer of the hippocampus, in the taenia tecta, and in the mammillary complex. In peripheral tissues, HDNF mRNA was found in glomerular cells in the kidney, secretory cells in the male rat submandibular gland, and epithelial cells in secondary and tertiary follicles in the ovary. Cells expressing BDNF mRNA were found in the dorsal root ganglia, where neurons of various sizes were labeled.     

Complementation Analysis of Methyl Methane-Sulfonate-Induced Recessive Lethal Mutations in the Zeste-White Region of the X Chromosome of DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Recessive lethan mutations in the 3A1 to 3C2 region of the X-chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster were detected in 113 of 33,544 sperm treated by feeding 5 mM methyl methanesulfonate in 1% sucrose for 22 hours. Seven of the 113 lethans were sterile, leaving 106 for analysis by complementation tests. With only one exception, these mutants were found to have lesions restricted to single loci. One of these single-site mutations was in qt, 2 in tko, 18 in zw-1, 12 in zw-8, 6 in zw-4, 3 in zw-10, 3 in zw-13, 21 in zw-2, 7 in zw-3, 5 in zw-6, 6 in zw-12, 1 in zw-7, 12 in zw-5, 5 in zw-11, and 3 in zw-9. One of the lethals, m69, was non-complementary to two adjacent loci, zw-2 and zw-3, possible indicating a deletion encompassing two loci. The results confirm that there are at least 15 recessive lethal loci in the region and are consistent with the hypothesis of LIM and SYNDER (1968 and 1974) that inability of monofunctional alkylating chemicals to induce deletion associated mutations is a characteristic of the compounds.     

The influence of hepatoprotector 2-ethylthiobenzimidazole hydrobromide (bemithyl) on the content of glycogen in cirrhotic rat liver hepatocytes located in various microenvironments

Using absorption and fluorescent cytophotometry methods, glycogen contents were studied in hepatocytes located in liver lobules and in hepatocytes, which make the general population of these cells in normal and cirrhotic rat liver. In cirrhosis, the content of glycogen in hepatocytes located in lobules obviously rises in comparison with the norm, but to a lesser degree, than in hepatocytes making the general population of these cells in cirrhotic liver. The content of glycogen in hepatocytes, located in lobules of pathologically changed liver in bemithyl treated rats, did not differ from the norm. At the same time, the glycogen content in hepatocytes, representing the general population of these cells in cirrhotically altered bemithyl injected rat liver, remained higher than in the norm. The data obtained indicate that distinctions in particular cell microinvironment, obviously present in cirrhotic liver, render essential influence on hepatocyte functional activity.     

Immunohistochemical localization of a thyroid hormone-binding protein (p55) in human tissues

We have localized p55, a thyroid hormone-binding protein found in the endoplasmic reticulum in cultured cells, in samples of normal human and monkey tissues, using a monoclonal antibody with cryostat sections and immunoperoxidase histochemistry. Large amounts of p55 were found in many tissues, generally corresponding to the amount of endoplasmic reticulum contained in each cell type. Intense localization of p55 was found in cells of the anterior and intermediate pituitary lobes, in epithelial cells of thyroid follicles, in the glandular epithelium of mammary gland, in hepatocytes, in Paneth cells and Brunner's glands in duodenum, in acinar cells of pancreas, in adrenal cortical cells, and in scattered interstitial fibroblastic cells in many tissues. These results suggest a potential role for thyroid hormone and p55 in regulating protein synthesis or secretion in multiple organs.     

Histochemical, immunofluorescence, and ultrastructural differences in fetal cartilage among three genetically distinct chondrodystrophic mice

The severe lethal chondrodystrophies in man result in a common clinical syndrome including shortening of the face, mandible, and limbs. Studies of three lethal chondrodystrophic mutants in mice, viz., chondrodysplasia (cho), cartilage matrix deficiency (cmd), and disproportionate micromelia (Dmm), which share this syndrome, were performed with the aim of identifying histochemical, immunofluorescence, or ultrastructural differences which might exist among these hereditary cartilage disorders. We examined limb cartilage epiphyses from day 18 normal and mutant fetuses and observed repeatable, mostly qualitative differences. All observations were made relative to the normal control. Histochemical staining of matrix proteoglycan was moderately decreased in cho and Dmm cartilage and markedly decreased in cmd when compared to the normal control. Staining of matrix collagen was irregular in distribution in cho, increased in cmd, and decreased in Dmm. Immunofluorescence of proteoglycan was increased in the matrix of cho and Dmm and decreased in cmd. Immunofluorescence of type II collagen was heterogeneous and moderately decreased in the matrix of cho, increased in cmd, and markedly decreased in Dmm. Immunofluorescence of link protein in cho was localized in the cellular-pericellular region as in the normal and appeared increased in the matrix of cmd and Dmm. Immunofluorescence of chondronectin was localized in the cellular-pericellular region and appeared normal in all three mutants. Major differences in cellular and matrix ultrastructure were observed among the mutants, including a decreased frequency of small-diameter collagen fibrils in cho and Dmm, increased density of collagen fibrils in cmd, and dilated RER in Dmm. These observations demonstrate that distinct structural and possibly molecular differences exist among the chondrodystrophies. In the case of cmd, the differences correlated with a previously reported molecular defect, viz., absence of core protein of cartilage specific proteoglycan in the cartilage of this mutant. It is anticipated that the methods used in the present study can be applied to humans in case classification and in identifying potential mouse-human correlates.     

不同季节高原鼢鼠乳酸脱氢酶活力和同工酶谱

目的:探讨高原鼢鼠对洞道低氧高二氧化碳环境的代谢适应机制。方法:用酶活力分析法,分析春季、夏季和秋季高原鼢鼠血清乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)活力、乳酸含量和组织LDH活力,用聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳法分析血清和组织LDH同工酶谱。结果:高原鼢鼠血清LDH活力在春夏秋三季具有明显的差异,春季高于夏季,夏季高于秋季,血清乳酸含量表现出同样的变化趋势;春季血清中五种同工酶条带都清晰可见,夏季血清中LDH5和LDH4清晰可见,秋季血清中只能看见LDH5带。骨骼肌、心肌和脑组织LDH活力较高,而且从春季到秋季显著降低;肝、肾和肺组织LDH活力较低,肝组织LDH活力春季显著高于夏季和秋季,夏秋两季之间没有明显差异;肾和肺组织LDH活力在春季与夏季之间没有明显差异,但秋季明显降低。心、肝、肺、肾、脑和肌肉组织LDH同工酶谱,在春夏秋三季都显示出五条带,并表现出明显的组织差异;各组织同工酶含量也有不同程度的季节差异。结论:高原鼢鼠体内糖酵解过程具有明显的季节性变化,从春季到秋季依次降低,这与它们的季节性活动特点和洞道中氧气和二氧化碳的季节性波动有关。     

社鼠组织器官同工酶的研究

用聚丙烯酰胺凝胶等电聚焦电泳方法,分析了社鼠的肝、肾、心肌、骨骼肌、肺、脾和脑等多种组织器官的ＬＤＨ、ＡＤＨ、ＥＳＴ、和ＳＯＤ４种同工酶,对各组织器官的酶带数目和分布,以及酶活性进行了比较研究。结果表明,社鼠的ＬＤＨ同工酶、ＡＤＨ同工酶和ＥＳＴ同工酶具有比较明显的组织特异性,而ＳＯＤ同工酶的组织特异性较低。肺和脾除ＥＳＴ同工酶活性较高外,脑除ＬＤＨ同工酶活性较高外,其它３种同工酶的活性均较低;而肝和肾中４种同工酶的活性普遍很高。心肌和骨骼肌因氧张力不同而使ＬＤＨ同工酶酶谱存在明显差异,但其它３种同工酶酶谱却非常相似。同工酶的组织特异性与各组织器官所执行的生理功能是相一致的     

Density-dependent variation in lifetime breeding success and natural and sexual selection in Soay rams

Variation in male lifetime breeding success (LBS) is central to understanding selection, yet it has rarely been measured in natural populations of large mammals. Here, we first describe variation in the opportunity for selection in cohorts of Soay rams (Ovis aries) on the archipelago of St. Kilda, Scotland, that were born during years of varying population density. Variation in LBS is closely coupled with demography, as rams born in years of low density following population crashes enjoy greater LBS than do those born in high-density years. Paradoxically, the opportunity for selection was greatest in the largest cohorts, those born in years of high population density, owing to low juvenile breeding success and overwinter survival. Variation in longevity and the contribution of nonbreeders were the most important components of the total variance in LBS in cohorts born in years of high density, while variation in fecundity was more important in cohorts born in low-density years. The opportunity for sexual selection is thus stronger in cohorts born in low-density years, as many rams in these cohorts survive to compete for mates as adults in subsequent ruts. Variation in population density in the year of birth also influenced the intensity of selection. Individuals born in years of high population density underwent strong natural selection in favor of longer hindlimbs over their first winter. In contrast, in cohorts born in low-density years, there was no natural selection on hindlimb in the first year of life. Longer hindlimbs were associated with increased fecundity over the entire lifetime of individuals born in low-density years. Natural and sexual selection thus act on the same trait in the same direction at different life-history stages in Soay rams, depending on the population density experienced in the year of birth.     

Fetuin in human bone marrow: detection in foetal tissue and patients with mastocytosis

Fetuin, a foetal protein of unknown function, has been shown to be expressed in both the immune and nervous systems, especially during development. Here, we show for the first time, that fetuin is abundantly present in many cells of the foetal human bone marrow, but is restricted to cells of the monocytic lineage in the adult. Fetuin's immunoreactivity increased considerably in adult human bone marrow in some pathological conditions, particularly in mastocytosis and was also increased in bone marrows in some cases of acute leukaemias, especially in acute myeloid leukaemia. This increase in the presence of fetuin in neoplastic bone marrows is not reflected by an increased level of circulating fetuin. This last observation contradicts earlier suggestions that fetuin is specifically reduced in cancer patients. A consistent increase in fetuin immunoreactivity in bone marrow of most cases of mastocytosis, as demonstrated in this paper, could become a useful tool in the diagnosis of this disease.     

Morphological features of lipid droplet transition during porcine oocyte fertilisation and early embryonic development to blastocyst in vivo and in vitro

Lipid content in mammalian oocytes or embryos differs among species, with bovine and porcine oocytes and embryos showing large cytoplasmic droplets. These droplets are considered to play important roles in energy metabolism during oocyte maturation, fertilisation and early embryonic development, and also in the freezing ability of oocytes or embryos; however, their detailed distribution or function is not well understood. In the present study, changes in the distribution and morphology of porcine lipid droplets during in vivo and in vitro fertilisation, in contrast to parthenogenetic oocyte activation, as well as during their development to blastocyst stage, were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The analysis of semi-thin and ultra-thin sections by TEM showed conspicuous, large, electron-dense lipid droplets, sometimes associated with mitochondrial aggregates in the oocytes, irrespective of whether the oocytes had been matured in vivo or in vitro. Immediately after sperm penetration, the electron density of the lipid droplets was lost in both the in vivo and in vitro oocytes, the reduction being most evident in the oocytes developed in vitro. Density was restored in the pronculear oocytes, fully in the in vivo specimens but only partially in the in vitro ones. The number and size of the droplets seemed, however, to have decreased. At 2- to 4-cell and blastocyst stages, the features of the lipid droplets were almost the same as those of pronuclear oocytes, showing a homogeneous or saturated density in the in vivo embryos but a marbled or partially saturated appearance in the in vitro embryos. In vitro matured oocytes undergoing parthenogenesis had lipid droplets that resembled those of fertilised oocytes until the pronuclear stage. Overall, results indicate variations in both the morphology and amount of cytoplasmic lipid droplets during porcine oocyte maturation, fertilisation and early embryo development as well as differences between in vivo and in vitro development, suggesting both different energy status during preimplantation development in pigs and substantial differences between in vitro and in vivo development.     

Comparative analysis of allele polymorphism of three short tandem repeats in the Russian, Uzbek and Georgian populations

The allele polymorphism of the AGC short tandem repeat (STR) of exon 1 of the androgen receptor (AR) gene located in Xq11-12, ATCT STR of intron 40 of the von Willebrand factor (vWF) gene located in chromosome 12p12, and AGAT STR of an anonymous DNA sequence (STRX1) from the short arm of the X chromosome was analyzed in the Georgian, Uzbek, and Russian populations. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with DNA of unrelated persons revealed 14 AR, 7 vWF, and 7 STRX1 alleles in Georgians; 14, 8, and 6 alleles, respectively, in Uzbeks; and 16, 8, and 9 alleles, respectively, in Russians. The heterozygosity at these STR was 0.61, 0.78, and 0.46 in Georgians; 0.60, 0.83, and 0.44 in Uzbeks; and 0.80, 0.70, and 0.58 in Russians. The correspondence of genotype frequencies to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed with AR STR in Russians and Uzbeks, STRX1 STR in Georgians, and vWF in all three populations. A significant deviation from the equilibrium was found for STRX1 in Russians and Uzbeks and AR in Georgians. The potential of individualization was 0.05 for AR, 0.13 for vWF, and 0.18 for STRX1 in Georgians; 0.04, 0.09, and 0.13, respectively in Uzbeks; and 0.05, 0.14, and 0.07, respectively, in Russians. The allele and genotype frequency distributions of each STR were analyzed in all three populations. Allele frequencies in the populations were compared by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The Russian population significantly differed in allele frequencies of the three STR from Uzbeks and in those of STRX1 and AR from Georgians. Georgians and Uzbeks significantly differed in vWF and STRX1 frequencies. The possibility of using the three STR in molecular diagnosis of the corresponding monogenic diseases, population genetic studies, and personal identification is discussed.     

Circadian rhythms in catecholamine metabolites and cyclic nucleotide production

Circadian rhythms in noradrenergic (NE) and dopaminergic (DA) metabolites and in cyclic nucleotide production were measured in discrete regions of rat brain. A circadian rhythm was found in the concentration of the NE metabolite, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), in the hippocampus. No MHPG rhythm was found in frontal, cingulate, parietal, piriform, insular or temporal cortex, or in hypothalamus. Circadian rhythms in the concentration of the NE metabolite, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), occurred in occipital and parietal cortex and hypothalamus, with no rhythm observable in temporal or insular cortex, hippocampus, pons-medulla or cerebellum. The 24-hr mean concentration of MHPG varied 3.5-fold, highest in cingulate and lowest in parietal, temporal and occipital cortex. The 24-hr mean concentration of DHPG varied 6-fold, highest in hypothalamus and lowest in parietal cortex. Circadian rhythms in the concentration of the DA metabolite, homovanillic acid (HVA), were found in olfactory tubercle, amygdala and caudate-putamen, but not in nucleus accumbens. A circadian rhythm in the concentration of the DA metabolite, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), occurred in nucleus accumbens, but not in olfactory tubercle or caudate-putamen. The mean 24-hr concentration of HVA was highest in caudate-putamen, intermediate in nucleus accumbens, and lowest in olfactory tubercle and amygdala. The mean 24-hr concentration of DOPAC was highest in nucleus accumbens and lower in olfactory tubercle and caudate-putamen. Circadian rhythms were found in the concentration of cyclic GMP (cGMP) in all regions measured except parietal cortex. The mean 24-hr concentration varied 128-fold, highest in nucleus accumbens, frontal poles, and hypothalamus and lowest in cingulate cortex. Circadian rhythms in cyclic AMP (cAMP) concentration were found in piriform, temporal, occipital, cingulate, and parietal cortex, amygdala and nucleus accumbens. No rhythms were found in frontal or insular cortex, hypothalamus, hippocampus, caudate-putamen or olfactory tubercle. The 24-hr mean cAMP concentration varied 4-fold, highest in parietal cortex and lowest in caudate-putamen and amygdala. Norepinephrine metabolites and dopamine metabolites were rhythmic in few regions. It is, therefore, unlikely that the rhythmicity measured in adrenergic receptors is, in general, a response to rhythmic changes in adrenergic transmitter release. The putative second messenger response systems, especially cGMP, were more often rhythmic. The rhythms in cGMP are parallel in form and region to those in the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor and may act as 2nd messenger for that receptor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)