Central projections of campaniform sensilla on the cerci of crickets and cockroaches

Summary Campaniform sensilla associated with filiform hairs comprise an important receptor type of the multimodal sensory system of the cerci of crickets and cockroaches. Their axon projections were investigated using iontophoretic cobalt injection into single sensilla.In crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus, Acheta domestica), six different types of cereal campaniform sensilla projections can be distinguished on the basis of their axonal arborizations and terminations. Typically, a proportion of cereal campaniform sensilla, associated with long filiform hairs, give rise to axons that ascend as through fibres from the terminal ganglion to reach the sixth abdominal ganglion. Cereal campaniform sensilla associated with clavate hairs have projections restricted to the terminal ganglion alone.Whereas in crickets axons of cercal campaniform sensilla invade only certain segmental neuropils in the terminal ganglion, in cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) axons from cercal campaniform sensilla branch in every segmental neuropil. A proportion of cereal campaniform sensilla in this species also gives rise to through fibres to the fifth abdominal ganglion.We discuss morphological and functional interpretations of differences between crickets and cockroaches and consider the significance of this type of receptor in the context of previous studies of the cercal system.     

Morphogenesis of mechanoreceptor and epidermal cells of crickets during the last instar,and its relation to molting-hormone level

Summary (1) The fine structure of the cercal campaniform sensilla and epidermal cells of Gryllus bimaculatus Deg. (Saltatoria, Gryllidae) was examined, and the ecdysteroid level was monitored throughout the last larval instar. (2) The epidermal cells show changes in shape, cytoplasmic inclusions and differentiation of the apical cell membrane, coupled to the phases of buildup and breakdown of the (cercus) cuticle. (3) The imaginal epicuticle of the epidermal cells begins to form later (by about approximately 6 h) than that of the campaniform sensilla. (4) The campaniform sensilla were studied with respect to (a) the morphogenesis of the cuticular apparatus, (b) the inclusion of phenol oxidases in the cuticular apparatus, and (c) changes in the sensory apparatus preparatory to molting. (5) After apolysis the folding of the tormogen-cell wall into microvilli transiently disappears. Microvilli re-form shortly before imaginai ecdysis, and at the same time an outer receptor-lymph space develops. The role of the tormogen-cell plaques is discussed. (6) The levels of - and -ecdysone were determined separately by radioimmunoassay. (7) At the beginning of the instar the hormone level, especially that of -ecdysone, falls. Prior to apolysis, the concentration of -ecdysone rises, reaching an intermediate peak after apolysis is complete. The maximum hormone concentration (approximately 2,000 ng/g) is reached after the cuticulin layer is deposited, primarily due to the increase in -ecdysone. While the proecdysial cuticle is forming, the hormone titer is reduced; at this time -ecdysone is its chief component. (8) The identification of the ecdysteroids monitored by radioimmunoassay was confirmed by gas chromatography.This paper is dedicated to Professor H. Risler on the occasion of his 65th birthdaySupported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft     

Are the funnel-canal organs the “campaniform sensilla” of the shore crab Carcinus maenas (Crustacea,Decapoda)?

Summary The topography of the funnel-canal organs of Carcinus maenas (Decapoda, Crustacea) and their stimulus-receiving cuticular and sensory apparatus were studied in the light and electron microscopes.About 4000 funnel-canal organs are situated within the exoskeleton of Carcinus. Almost all of them are on the distal segments of the walking legs, in particular on the epicuticular cap at the tip of the dactyl. They were not found to be arranged in groups or sensilla fields, and no sex-specific differences were observed.Characteristic features of the funnel-canal organs are as follows: (a) There is a terminal pore (0.5×0.8 m diameter) in the cuticle, at the tip of a small projection. It is closed by a plug of electron-dense material. (b) The terminal sections of the dendrites are enclosed in a dendritic sheath up to ca. 10 m below the pore. (c) The dendrites, 3–24 in number, end below the plug; none of the dendrites exhibits a tubular body; two of the dendrites are distinguished from the others by the greater number of microtubules in their outer segments.The structural characteristics, in particular the gustatory pore and the number of dendrites, are typical of bimodal receptors in arthropods. In such receptors, as in the contact chemoreceptors of insects and arachnids, mechano-and chemosensitive sensory cells are combined.This interpretation of the function of the funnel-canal organs is supported by electrophysiological data of other authors.The morphological parameters we find for the funnelcanal organs, in comparison with those of insect campaniform sensilla, provide clear evidence against the reclassification of the funnel-canal organs as crustacean campaniform organs proposed by Shelton and Laverack (1968).Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (W.G., SFB 45/A1)We thank Professor Dr. F.G. Barth for valuable discussion and Mr. K. Grommet for drawing the Figs. 1 and 6c     

Sialidase of swine influenza A viruses: variation of the recognition specificities for sialyl linkages and for the molecular species of sialic acid with the year of isolation

The sialidase of swine influenza A viruses of N1 and N2 subtypes, isolated from 1930 to 1992, was studied for substrate specificity with ganglio-series, lacto-series type II and GM3 gangliosides containing Neu5Ac2-3Gal, Neu5Gc2-3Gal and Neu5Ac2-6Gal linkages. All viral sialidases tested showed that the activity for hydrolysing substrates with Neu5Ac2-3Gal was higher than the activities with Neu5Gc2-3Gal and Neu5Ac2-6Gal linkages. When GM1b, GM3 and sialylparagloboside were used as substrates, the earliest strain (A/Wisconsin/15/30 H1N1, isolated in 1930) showed the activity ratio of Neu5Ac2-6Gal to Neu5Ac2-3Gal to be 0.13:0.2, and the ratio Neu5Gc2-3Gal/Neu5Ac2-3Gal to be 0.19:0.37, while those strains isolated from 1978 to 1992 exhibited ratios of 0.29:0.58 for Neu5Ac2-6Gal/Neu5Ac2-3Gal and 0.51:0.76 for Neu5Gc2-3Gal/Neu5Ac2-3Gal. The above results indicate that the substrate specificities of sialidases from swine influenza A viruses towards sialyl linkages and the molecular species of sialic acid are related to the year of isolation, i.e. strains isolated after 1978 exhibited higher activity towards Neu5Ac2-6Gal and Neu5Gc2-3Gal linkages when compared with strains isolated in an earlier year, 1930.Abbreviation Neu5Ac 5-N-acetylneuraminic acid - Neu5Gc 5-N-glycolyneuraminic acid - Gal d-galactose - Glc d-glucose - Cer Ceramide - II³(Neu5Ac)Lac Neu5Ac2-3Gal1-4Glc - GM3(Neu5Ac2-3Gal) Neu5Ac2-3Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - GM3(Neu5Gc2-3Gal) Neu5Gc2-3Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - GM1b(Neu5Ac2-3Gal) Neu5Ac2-3Gal1-3GalNac1-4Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - GMlb(Neu5Gc2-3Gal) Neu5Gc2-3Gal1-3GalNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - IV³(Neu5Ac)nLc4Cer Neu5Ac2-3Gal1-3GlcNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - IV³(Neu5Gc)nLc4Cer Neu5Gc2-3Gal1-3GlcNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - IV⁶(Neu5Ac)nLc4Cer Neu5Ac2-6Gal1-3GlcNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - TDC taurodeoxycholate.     

Altered synthesis and stability of RNA polymerase holoenzyme subunits in mutants of Escherichia coli with mutations in the β or β′ subunit genes

Summary Bacteria with specific temperature sensitive lethal mutations in the gene for the subunit of RNA polymerase synthesize both the and subunits at a several fold higher rate at 42°C than wildtype cells relative to total protein. Synthesis of the and subunits proceeds at essentially the wild-type rates under these conditions. In contrast, a mutant with a temperature sensitive lethal mutation in the subunit gene synthesizes and at 42°C at slightly lower rates than wild-type, while and synthesis is not significantly altered. In all of the mutants at 42°C, newly synthesized subunits are stable, while the , and subunits are rapidly degraded. The apparent uncoupling of from subunit synthesis seen in the mutants at 42°C might suggest that the synthesis of these subunits is at least in part controlled by different mechanisms.     

Hexahydroindanone derivatives of steroids formed by Rhodococcus equi

Summary A mutant strain of Rhodococcus equi accumulates three metabolites from the androst-4-ene-3,17-dione or from its degradation intermediate, 3a-H-4(3'-propionic acid)-7a-methylhexahydro-1,5-indanedione (MEPHIP). These three metabolites are: 3a-H-4a(3'-propionic acid)-5-hydroxy-7a-methylhexahydro-1-indanone--lactone (HIL); 3a-H-4(3'-trans acrylic acid)-5-hydroxy-7a-methylhexahydro-1-indanone (^2'-5-hydroxy-MEPHIP); and 3a-H-4(3'-hydroxy-3'-propionic acid)-5-hydroxy-7a-methylhexahydro-1-indanone (3'-hydroxy-HIL). The behaviour of this mutant allows us to propose a pathway for degradation of the intermediates, methylperhydroindanone propionates. However, during this degradation, the side-chain propionate was eliminated by a-oxidation mechanism. Offprint requests to: A. Miclo     

External structure of the sensillum capitulum,a hygro- and thermoreceptive sensillum of the cockroach,Periplaneta americana

Summary The antennal hygro- and thermoreceptive sensillum (sensillum capitulum) of the cockraoch, Periplaneta americana, has been identified electrophysiologically and examined by scanning electron microscopy. It appears basiconic and has a characteristic cuticular apparatus; a mushroom-shaped inner stem and a non-perforated outer wall. The head of the inner stem, which is a cap of about 0.5 m diameter, protrudes from the distal margin of the outer wall. The inner stem is not perforated, though in some cases a tiny hollow is observed in the apex of the cap. This kind of cuticular apparatus is not found in other sensilla and may be modality-specific to hygro- and/or thermoreception. The sensillum capitulum occurs singly on the distal part of each alternating segment of the flagellum and on each segment of some distal meristal segments.Supported by Grant-in-Aid for Special Project Research Mechanism of animal behavior from the Ministry of Education (Japan)     

Comparative residual toxicities of pesticides to the predator Agistemus industani (Acari: Stigmaeidae) on citrus in Florida

Residual toxicities of registered and selected experimental pesticides used on citrus against Agistemus industani Gonzalez (Acari: Stigmaeidae) were compared. Pesticides considered highly toxic to A. industani were: abamectin 0.15 EC at 731ml/ha+FC 435-66 petroleum oil at 46.8l/ha, pyridaben 75WP at 469g/ha, ethion 4EC at 7.01l/ha+FC 435-66 petroleum oil at 46.8l/ha, propargite 6.55 EC at 3.51l/ha, chlorfenapyr 2SC at 1.46l/ha applied alone or in combination with FC 435-66 petroleum oil at 46.8l/ha, sulphur 80DF at 16.81kg/ha, dicofol 4EC at 7.01l/ha, fenbutatin oxide 50WP at 2.24kg/ha, benomyl 50WP at 2.24kg/ha, benomyl 50WP at 1.68kg/ha+ferbam 76 GF at 5.60kg/ha, ferbam 76GF at 11.21kg/ha, neem oil 90EC at 46.8l/ha, and copper hydroxide DF (40% metallic copper) at 4.48kg metallic copper/ha+FC 435-66 petroleum oil at 46.8l/ha. Pesticides that were moderately to slightly toxic included: copper sulphate 98% at 4.48kg metallic copper/ha+FC 435-66 petroleum oil at 46.8l/ha, fenbuconazole 2F at 280ml/ha+FC 435-66 petroleum oil at 46.8l/ha, FC 435-66 petroleum oil applied alone at 46.8l/ha or 23.4l/ha, and diflubenzuron 25WP at 1.40kg/ha. Pesticides that were non-toxic included: fenbuconazole 2F at 585ml/ha, malathion 57EC at 5.85l/ha, FC 435-66 petroleum oil at 46.8l/ha, carbaryl 80S at 3.36kg/ha, chlorpyrifos 4EC at 4.68l/ha, and formetanate 92SP at 1.12kg/ha. Understanding the toxic effects of field weathered pesticides against key predacious mite species is important for effective IPM. The results of this study provide a comparison of direct and indirect toxic effects of various pesticides to A. industani under field conditions.     

Morphology and structural organization of spiracles in femaleArgas (Persicargas) walkerae (Acari: Argasidae)

Scanning electron microscopical investigations of fractures and corrosion casts of the spiracles from femaleA. walkerae ticks revealed a four-part structure, consisting of spiracular plate, ostium and macula forming the external closure, followed by the subostial space and the vestibulum of regulable volume, as well as the atrial chamber as the innermost part from which the main tracheal trunks originate. On the average, the spiracular plate was 158 m long and 188 m at the broadest width. It consisted of a thin, highly perforated external and a thick internal layer, which enclosed the interpedicellar space with numerous stout pedicels. In its posterior region, the spiracular plate was covered by the macula, which was up to 80 m in length and 110 m in width. The interpedicellar cavity opened into the subostial space measuring 95.5 m in length and 159.6m in width, which proceeded into the 112-m long vestibulum. The roof of the vestibulum was flexible and could be everted and inverted. Inverted, the roof formed a quadratic bulge with numerous deep cuticular folds, which confined the lumen of the vestibulum either partially or completely. In corrosion casts, the roof was everted to a length of up to 89.3 m. In the posterior part of the vestibulum, as well as in the initial fourth of the artrial chamber, numerous anvil-, cone-or drop-like cuticular projections were arranged in wedge-like fashion. The atrial chamber was almost spherical with a diameter of 138.4 m. Five main tracheal trunks of different luminal diameter as well as numerous channels opened into the atrial chamber.     

Unique sequences for two HLA-DRB1 genes expressed on distinct DRw6 haplotypes

We have used restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and DNA sequencing to characterize two distinct DRB1 alleles expressed on DRw52 and DQw7-associated haplotypes but not readily defined by conventional DR serology. These two haplotypes, designated HLA-D HAG and PEV, react variably with DRw13(w6), DRw14(w6), and the more broad DR 3+6 antisera. Analysis of RFLP revealed that HLA-D HAG and PEV are associated with different DRw52 variants, and that HAG is indistinguishable from DRw18(3) haplotypes. Sequencing of the HAG and PEV DRB1 genes showed each to represent novel alleles. Nevertheless, these sequences show similarities with the other alleles of the DR5, w6, and w8 family. HAG (DRB1*1303) appears to have arisen either from two recombinational events involving at least three DRB1 sequences (DRB1*1101, DRB1*0803, DRB1*0401) or from a single recombinational event together with multiple point mutational events. PEV appears to represent a DRB1*1301-1302/DRB1*1101 recombinant allele, with recombination having occured in the region of bases 175 – 198. The results of this study suggest that the DRw52 family haplotypes is derived from a relatively restricted number of ancestral sequences, with diversity among DRB1 alleles within this family arising through gene conversion or recombination events.     

Binding of the galactose-specificPseudomonas aeruginosa lectin,PA-I,to glycosphingolipids and other glycoconjugates

The carbohydrate-binding specificity ofPseudomonas aeruginosa lectin I (PA-I) in iodinated or biotinylated form was studied. A large number of glycosphingolipids, as well as some glycoproteins and neoglycoproteins were used as ligands. Also, inhibition by free saccharides of PA-I binding to glycosphingolipids was tested. It was found that the lectin binds most strongly to terminal and nonsubstituted Gal3Gal- or Gal4Gal-structures.Abbreviations PA-I Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectin I - Cer ceramide - lactosylceramide Gal4GlcCer - iso globotriaosylcerami Gal3Gal4GlcCer - globotriaosylceramide Gal4Gal4GlcCer - globoside or globotetraosylceramide GalNAc3Gal4Gal4GlcCer - Forssman glycolipid GalNAc3GalNAc3Gal4Gal4GlcCer - P1 glycolipid Gal4Gal4GlcNAc3Gal4GlcCer - lactoneotetraosylceramide Gal4GlcNAc3Gal4GlcCer - B5 glycolipid Gal3Gal4GlcNAc3Gal4GlcCer - gangliotetraosylceramide Gal3GalNAc4Gal4GlcCer - GM1 Gal3GalNAc4(NeuAc3)Gal4GlcCer - RBC red blood cells - BSA bovine serum albumin - PBS phosphate-buffered saline - SDS sodium dodecyl sulfate - TLC thin-layer chromatography - HPLC high pressure liquid chromatography - MS mass spectrometry - FAB fast-atom bombardment - EI electron impact     

Die campaniformen Sensillen im Pedicellus der Florfliege (Chrysopa,Planipennia)

Zusammenfassung Der Pedicellus der Florfliege (Chrysopa) enthält an seinem Distalende fünf campaniforme Sensillen. Sie bestehen aus vier Zellen: einer Sinneszelle, einer trichogenen Zelle (= accessory supporting cell Stuart u. Satir, 1968) und zwei Hüllzellen. Im rezeptorischen Fortsatz der Sinneszelle wurzelt ein umgewandeltes Cilium, dessen Distalende von einer cuticularen Scheide umhüllt wird.

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On the campaniform sensilla of the pedicel of Chrysopa

Summary At the apex of the pedicel in Chrysopa there are five campaniform sensilla, which are arranged in a cycle. They are composed of four cells: two enveloping cells, a trichogen cell (= accessory supporting cell, Stuart and Satir, 1968) and one sense cell. The distal nerve process contains a transformed cilium. The tip of the cilium with the so called tubular body is enveloped by a cuticular sheath.

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Die Untersuchung wurde mit Unterstützung durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft durchgeführt.     

Excitatoren und paarungsverhalten mitteleuropäischer malachiiden (Coleopt., Malacodermata)

Ohne ZusammenfassungAlphabetisches Verzeichnis der im Text gebranchten Abkürzungen AK Anbieten der Kopfgrube () - AR-seitig außenrandseitig (auf Elytre bezogen) - EO Elytralorgan (EO-Arten = Arten mit Elytralorganen im männlichen Geschlecht) - f Flucht () - F Flucht () - FA, fa frontale Auseinandersetzung (, ) - FS, fs Fühlertrillern bzw. Frontalspiel (, ) - gk Grubenknabbern () - IR-seitig innenrandseitig (auf Elytre bezogen) - K Kopulation - KG Kopfgrube (KG-Arten = Arten mit Kopfgrube im männlichen Geschlecht) - KI Abdomenkitzeln () - KV Kopulationsversuch () - LP-Feld den weiblichen Labialpalpen korreliertes Drüsenporenfeld - MP-Feld den weiblichen Maxillarpalpen korreliertes Drüsenporenfeld - 180 Drehung des um 180° - ob Organbeißen () - ok Organknabbern () - OZ Organzuwendung () - P Prüfung der Kopulationsbereitschaft durch - RB rückwärtige Berührung durch - SLV Seitwärtslauf nach vorn () - SLH Seitwärtslauf nach hinten () - U Umrundung () - vl Vorwärtslauf () - 180 Drehung des um 180° Habilitationsschrift.     

Evidence,information, and surprise

A numerical measure for evidence is defined in a probabilistic framework. The established mathematical concept of information or entropy (as defined in ergodic theory) can be obtained from this definition in a special case, although in general information is greater than evidence. In another, somewhat complementary, special case a numerical measure for surprise is derived from the definition of evidence. Some applications of the new concept of evidence are discussed, concerning statistics in general and the special kind of statistics performed by neurophysiologists, when they analyze the response of neurons, and perhaps by the neurons themselves.     

Some observations on cyclodextrin-mediated boosting of secreted amylolytic enzymes byLactobacillus amylovorus

The amounts of a 160-kDa amylase and a 140-kDa -amylase (A. Burgess-Cassler and S. H. Imam, Curr. Microbiol. 23:207–213, 1991) secreted into culture medium by the starchutilizingLactobacillus amylovorus were enhanced by the use of cyclodextrin (CD) as the carbon source. The levels of total extracellular -amylase obtained with glucose as the carbon source could be boosted severalfold by use of CD. The best enhancer was -CD, and the rank order of best to least effective was -CD>-CD=-CD>glucose.Another amylase, a 65-kDa -amylase, which degraded para-nitrophenyl-(1,4)-d-glucopyranoside, was also detected in this study. The most effective enhancer in this case was -CD, and the rank order was -CD>-CD>-CD glucose. Despite its ability to degradep-nitrophenylated glucose, this enzyme did not convert maltose to glucose. It showed a cleared zone on starch zymograms and did degrade short maltodextrins to maltose. Neither this new -amylase nor the 140-kDa -amylase exhibited any detectable ring-decyclizing (cyclodextrinase) activity against -or -CD.Other extracellular amylases (not characterized here) appeared to be similarly enhanced by CDs. Although the precise mechanism by which this effect is accomplished remains undefined, CDs can be useful inducing agents, boosting the expression and/or secretion of otherwise low-level enzymes, either as additives to growth media or as sole carbon source.     

Action of rat liver Galβ1-4GlcNAc α(2-6)-sialyltransferase on Manβ1-4GlcNAcβ-OMe,GalNAcβ1-4GlcNAcβ-OMe,Glcβ1-4GlcNAcβ-OMe and GlcNAcβ1-4GlcNAcβ-OMe as synthetic substrates

Incubation of synthetic Man\1-4GlcNAc-OMe, GalNAc1-4GlcNAc-OMe, Glc1-4GlcNAc-OMe, and GlcNAc1-4GlcNac-OMe with CMP-Neu5Ac and rat liver Gal1-4GlcNAc (2-6)-sialyltransferase resulted in the formation of Neu5Ac2-6Man1-4GlcNAc-OMe, Neu5Ac2-6GalNAc1-4GlcNAc-OMe, Neu5Ac2-6Glc1-4GlcNAc-OMe and Neu5Ac2-6GlcNAc1-4GlcNAc-OMe, respectively. Under conditions which led to quantitative conversion of Gal1-4GlcNAc-OEt into Neu5Ac2-6Gal1-4GlcNAc-OEt, the aforementioned products were obtained in yields of 4%, 48%, 16% and 8%, respectively. HPLC on Partisil 10 SAX was used to isolate the various sialyltrisaccharides, and identification was carried out using 1- and 2-dimensional 500-MHz¹H-NMR spectroscopy.Abbreviations 2D 2-dimensional - CMP cytidine 5-monophosphate - CMP-Neu5Ac cytidine 5-monophospho--N-acetylneuraminic acid - COSY correlation spectroscopy - DQF double quantum filtered - HOHAHA homonuclear Hartmann-Hahn - MLEV composite pulse devised by M. Levitt - Neu5Ac N-acetylneuraminic acid - Neu5Ac2en 2-deoxy-2,3-didehydro-N-acetylneuraminic acid     

Protein synthesis in tissues cultured from the bovine hoof

Salmon gonadotropin (GTH II) is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone ( and II subunits), serving as a maturational GTH, and is produced in a specific gonadotropic cell-type (GTH II-cells) containing small granules and large globules. In trout GTH II-cells, double immunolabeling for the - and II-subunits shows that colocalization of the - and II-immunolabeling is confined to the small granules, indicating storage of functional GTH II. On the other hand, -immunolabeling is absent in the large globules, even though II labeling is abundant throughout the period of seasonal gametogenesis. The -specific antiserum recognizes the intact -subunit as well as the reduced and deglycosylated -subunits by immunoblotting. These results indicate that an accumulation of the II-subunit is specifically generated in the large globules of these cells. In fact, with sexual maturity, the quantity of II-subunits becomes elevated in the trout pituitary due to a marked increase in GTH II-cells containing many large globules. However, the derivation and function of the large globules and the fate of their contained II-subunits remains unknown.     

Über den Tentakelapparat der Edelkoralle (Corallium rubrum L.) und seine Funktion beim Beutefangverhalten

Zusammenfassung Die Tentakel der Edelkoralle vermögen sich an den Spitzen bis über die dreifache Länge der Normtentakel fadenartig zu verlängern (Fadententakel). Diese Tentakelfäden wickeln sich bei Berührung eines Nahrungsobjekts korkzieherartig auf und nähern dieses durch Kontraktion der Mundöffnung.Damit koordiniert führen die zugehörigen Basalabschnitte (Normtentakel) durch S-förmige Biegungen und eventuelle Verkürzungen die Stelle der gereizten Tentakelfadens präzise zum Mund.Werden die Normtentakel allein gereizt, so antworten sie mit raschem Einschlag zur Mundöffnung. Bei gleichzeitiger Reaktion aller Tentakel wird dadurch eine Tentakel-Faust oder ein Fangkorb gebildet. Bei schwachen Reizen antwortet der Normtentakel anstelle der schlagenden Reaktionen mit langsamen Krümmungen, die das Objekt zur Mundöffnung dirigieren. Unabhängig von der Reaktionsart der Tentakeln wird die Beute vor der Aufnahme stets geprüft und häufig abgelehnt. Ist der Polyp in Freßstimmung, so wird die Nahrung rasch durch das glockenartig erweiterte Schlundrohr geschleust und verschwindet nach wenigen Minuten im Coelenteron.

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The tentacle apparatus of the red coral (Corallium rubrum L.) and its role in feeding behaviour

Summary The tentacles of the octocoral Corallium rubrum may become extremely elongated (threadlike-tentacle) the apical part of the norm-tentacle becoming stretched more than three times as much as the base.The threadlike parts of the tentacles contract corcscrew-like when touched by food particles.The stimulated part of the tentacle is brought close to the mouth by coordinated movements of its basal portion. Very often both threadlike-tentacle and norm-tentacle shorten in order to carry the particle to the pharynx.When the norm-tentacles only are touched, they react with quick strokes towards the oral disc. This behaviour, when shown by all tentacles at the same time results in the formation of either a tentacle-fist or a basketlike structure. At slight irritations the norm-tentacle will respond with slow bending movements, which lead the particle towards the mouth. Independent of the type of tentacle reactions the prey is always checked before entering the pharynx, and very often refused.If the polyp decides to accept, food is transported quickly through the elongated pharynx and within a few minutes will have disappeared in the coelenteron.

     

Expression of α V-associated integrin β subunits in epithelial ovarian cancer andits relation to prognosis in patients treated with platinum-based regimens

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between the expression of v, 1, 3, 5, and 6, integrin subunits and clinical parameters in ovarian cancers. Ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) from five donors and tumour samples from 39 patients with an epithelial ovarian cancer (39 primary tumours and 21 associated peritoneal metastases) were analysed using immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded or frozen tissue sections. The v and 5 integrin subunits were always present in normal OSE and in tumours. 1 and 3 subunit expression was significantly less frequent in grade 3 than in grade 1–2 tumours. The proportion of stage IV tumours expressing 3 was significantly lower as compared to other stages. The 6 subunit was undetectable in OSE but was expressed in about 40% of primary tumours. For all integrin, there was a strong relationship between the expression in primary tumours and in associated peritoneal metastases. Survival analyses restricted to patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy did not reveal any relationship between integrin subunit expression and 3-year survival rate, in this limited series of patients. In conclusion, the expression of the various integrin subunits was differentially altered in ovarian carcinoma, evocative of complementary roles of v integrins during tumour development.     

On genetic components in autoimmunity: a critical review based on evolutionarily oriented rationality

The immune system furnishes the organism with the utmost effective defence mechanisms against foreign and changes in self without doing self-harm. However, optimized efficacy in the defence against the immense variety of foreign antigens generates a higher risk for inadvertent self challenge. Such inherent short-comings are the inevitable burden traded for the benefits of an optimally organized defence system. The central molecules involved in specific immune reactions include antigen receptors of B and T lymphocytes, and antigen-presenting proteins encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC; in man HLA). The genetics and evolution of these multigene families is discussed here with respect to their potential contributions to disturbances of self recognition. Simple molecular biological tools and procedures for efficiently screening the immunologically relevant genes are described.Dedicated to Professor Dr. U. Wolf on the occasion of his 60th birthday