Isolation of glycosaminoglycans and variation with age in the feline brain

M any laboratories have reported the presence of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in the brains of a variety of species, including monkey, man, cat, pig, rabbit, sheep, rat and chicken (C handrasekaran and B achhawat , 1969; C lausen and H ansen , 1963; C lausen and R osenkast , 1962; C ustod and Y oung , 1968; M argolis , 1967; O nodera , H irona , H oriuchi and K ashimura , 1966; S aigo and E gami , 1970; S ingh and B achhawat , 1965 , 1968; S ingh , C handrasekaran , C herian and B achhawat , 1969). Because of the interest of our laboratory in the GAG of the cat brain (C ustod and Y oung , 1968; Y oung , 1963), we initiated the present studies to quantify these various brain polysaccharides and to investigate their changes as a function of postnatal age.     

Besprechungen

Book reviewed in this article: Weintraub , Joel D. (1970): Homing in the Lizard Sceleporns orcntti (Heimfinden der Echse S. o.). Kurth , Gottfried ed. (1968): Evolution und Hominisation 2. Aufl. Rensch , B. (1970): Basale Prinzipien der Evolution mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der Psychogenese. Pribram , Karl H. ed. (1969): On the Biology of Learning (Zur Biologie des Lernens). Günter Altner (1970): Auf der Suche nach einer neuen Geschehenssprache. Ströker , E., A. Portmann , H. Dolch , W. Wieser: Naturwissenschaft als geschichtliches Phänomen Heitler , W., H. Zoller , H. Mohr , O. Loretz: Die Frage nach dem Sinn der Evolution. Illies , J.: Adams Handwerk. Betrachtungen eines Biologen. Thorpe , W. H.: Der Mensch in der Evolution. Kulp , M.: Menschliches und maschinelles Denken. Roe , A., u. G. G. Simpson ed: Evolution und Verhalten. Wickler , W.: Sind wir Sünder? Naturgesetze der Ehe. Wagner , F. ed.: Menschenzüchtung. Das Problem der genetischen Manipulierung des Menschen. Claessens , D. (1968): Instinkt — Psyche — Geltung. Johansson , I., J. Rendel und H. O. Gravert (1966): Haustiergenetik und Tierzüchtung. Meyer-Holzapfel , Monika (1969): Tierpark kleine Heimat. Gardner , Beatrice T., und R. Allen (1968): How a young Chimpanzee was toilet trained (Wie eine junge Schimpansin stubenrein wurde).     

Rat brain polysomal profiles: a study of their stability in vitro

M odifications of the profiles of brain polysomes have been interpreted as having pathological significance (A oki and S iegel , 1970; V esco and G iuditta , 1968). However, profiles of polysomes obtained from brains of healthy animals vary greatly with the method of extraction (R oberts and Z omzely , 1966) and we do not know whether they accurately reflect the distribution in oioo of polysomes and ribosomal subunits. In exponentially growing E. coli, the large proportion of 70s ribosomes found in polysomal profiles is an artifact resulting from the aggregation in vitro of ribosomal subunits (P hillips , H otham -I glewski and F ranklin , 1969a, b). In the present study we sought to determine whether similar changes reflecting instability of some components or in vitro aggregation are likely to occur in polysomes from rat brain. Initially we have investigated the effects of various monovalent cations on the profiles of brain polysomes and the aggregation in vitro of ribosomal subunits.     

The relative constancy of the glycogen content of guinea pig brain

U sing mice and rats as experimental animals, a variety of treatments have been reported which bring about a marked increase in the glycogen content of the brain. These treatments have included injections of phenobarbitone (N elson , S chulz , P assonneau and L owry , 1968), methionine sulphoxime (F olbergrová , P assonneau , L owry and S chulz , 1969), lithium (R afaelson , P lenge and M ellerup , 1969) and a glucocorticoid (T imiras , W oodbury and B aker , 1956), and also manipulation of the blood sugar level with and without concomitant administration of insulin (N elson et al. , 1968; P rasannan , R ajan and S ubraharyam , 1963; P rasannan and S ubrahmanyam , 1965). The present communication is concerned with the response of the guinea pig to these treatments and demonstrates that, in this animal, they are either totally without effect or are less effective than in mice and rats.     

Increase of brain tryptophan and stimulation of serotonin synthesis by salicylate

I ndirect evidence indicates that the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of brain 5-HT is the concentration of tryptophan in brain and not, as previously considered (G reen and S awyer , 1966), tryptophan hydroxylase. In fact this enzyme has a K_m for its substrate much higher than the concentration of tryptophan normally present in the mammalian brain (J equier , L ovenberg and S joerdsma , 1967; J equier , R obinson , L ovesberg and S joerdsma , 1969; M cgeer , P eters and M cgeer , 1968). Tryptophan is the only amino acid circulating in plasma which is highly bound to serum proteins (M cmenamy and O ncley , 1958). We have previously shown that the free fraction of serum tryptophan controls the concentration of brain tryptophan and, therefore, 5-HT synthesis as well (T agliamonte , B iggio and G essa , 1971d; G essa , B iggio and T agliamonte , 1972). Salicylate has been shown to displace tryptophan from its protein binding in plasma and to raise the free tryptophan concentration (M carthur and D awkins , 1969; S mith and L akatos , 1971). These considerations prompted us to study the effect of salicylate on tryptophan concentrations and 5-HT metabolism in brain.     

Besprechungen

Book reviewed in this article: Koopowitz , Harold (1970): Feeding behaviour and the role of the brain in the Polyclad Flatworm Planocera gilchristi (Nahrungssuche und -aufnähme bei der Seeplanarie P. g. mit und ohne Hirn). Reichenbach-Klinke , H.-H. (1969): Bestimmungsschlüssel zur Diagnose von Fischkrankheiten. Reichenbach-Klinke , H. H. (1966): Krankheiten und Schädigungen der Fische. Grzimeks Tierleben Band 4, Fische 1. Poduschka , Walter und Christi (1970): Geliebtes Stacheltier, Verhalten und Aufzucht von Igeln. Fossey , Dian (1970): Making friends with Mountain Gorillas. Stahl , F. W. (1969): Mechanismen der Vererbung. Brewbaker , James L. (1967): Angewandte Genetik. Die genetischen Grundlagen der Pflanzen- und Tierzüchtung. Zimmermann , W. (1969): Vererbung “erworbener Eigenschaften” und Auslese. Renner , E. (1970): Mathematisch-statistische Methoden in der praktischen Anwendung. Fortschritte der Zoologie , begründet von Max Hartmann, Band 18, 3. Kükenthal , Matthes, Renner (1967): Leitfaden für das zoologische Praktikum, 15. Schlieper , Carl (1964): Praktikum der Zoophysiologie Klopfer , Peter H. (1968): Ökologie und Verhalten. Freedman , D. G. (1969): Behavioural differences between Chinese-American and European-American newborns (Verhaltensunterschiede zwischen Neugeborenen von aus China und aus Europa eingewanderten Amerikanern). ed. Heberer , G. (1965): Menschliche Abstammungslehre, Fortschritte der Anthropo-genie 1863–1964. Koenig , Otto (1970): Kultur und Verhaltensforschung, Einführung in die Kulturethologie.     

Besprechungen

Book reviewed in this article: Blackford Cook , Susan (1969): Experiments on homing in the Limpet Siphonaria normalis (Versuche zum Heimfinden der Napfschnecke S. n.). Varnall , John L. (1969): Aspects of the Behaviour of Octopus cyanea Gray (Zum Verhalten des Tintenfischs O. c.). Szebenyi , Andrew L., S. J. (1969): Cleaning behaviour in Drosophila melanogaster (Putzverhalten bei der Taufliege). Bennet-Clark , H. C., und A. W. Ewing (1969): Pulse interval as a critical parameter in the courtship song of Drosophila melanogaster (Pausenlänge als entscheidendes Merkmal des Balzgesangs der Taufliege). Goodyear , C. Phillip, und Denzel E. Ferguson (1969): Sun compass orientation in the Mosquito Fish, Gambusia affinis (Sonnenkompaßorientierung beim Moskitofisch). Littlejohn , M. J., und A. A. Martin (1969): Acoustic interaction between two species of Leptodactylid Frogs (Rufwettstreit zwischen zwei dünnfingrigen Froscharten). Alcock , John (1969): Observational learning by fork-tailed Flycatchers (Muscivora tyrannus) (Gabelschwänzige Weißbauchtyrannen lernen vom Zusehen). Thompson , William L. (1969): Song recognition by territorial male Buntings (Passerina) (Erkennen des Artgesanges bei Farbfinken im Revier). Sielmann , H. (1968): 1. Scenopoeëtes dentirostris (Ptilonorhynchidae), Verhalten am Blätterteppich (E 1075). - 2. Ptilonorhynchus violaceus (Ptilonorhynchidae); Bauen an der Laube und Anstreichen' (E 1076), Balz und Kopulation (E 1077). - 3. Prionodura newtoniana (Ptilonorhynchidae), Behängen der Reisigtürme (E 1082). - 4. Amblyornis macgregoriae (Ptilonorhynchidae), Behängen des, Mai-baumes' und Balz (E 1083). - 5. A. subalaris (Ptilonorhynchidae), Schmücken der Laube (E 1084). - 6. Chlamydera lauterbachi (Ptilonorhynchidae); Bauen an der Laube (E 1080), Balz (E 1081). - 7. C. nuchalis (Ptilonorhynchidae); Verteilen von Sammlungsstücken an der Laube (E 1078), Balz und Kopulation (E 1079). Rosengren , Anita (1969): Experiments in colour discrimination in dogs (Versuche über Farbensehen von Hunden). Pickenhain , L., und F. Klingberg (1969): Hirnmechanismen und Verhalten: Elektro-physiologische und Verhaltensuntersuchungen an der Ratte. Giersberg , H., und P. Rietschel (1968): Vergleichende Anatomie der Wirbeltiere, Band 2: Ernährungs-, Atmungs-, Kreislauforgane, Leibeshöhlen, Ausscheidungsund Fortpflanzungsorgane. Lattin , Gustaf de (1967) ?: Grundriß der Zoogeographie. McKusick , Victor A. (1968): Humangenetik. Jaynes , Julian (1969): Historical Origins of “Ethology” and “Comparative Psychology” (Zur Geschichte der Begriffe Ethologie und Vergleichende Psychologie). Kalmus , H. (1969): Animal Behaviour and Theories of Games and of Language (Tierverhalten, Spiel- und Sprachtheorien). Eibl-Eibesfeldt , I. (1970): Liebe und Hass, zur Naturgeschichte elementarer Verhaltensweisen. Wickler , Wolfgang (1970): Stammesgeschichte und Ritualisierung. Kolar , Kurt (1965): (1) Kontinent voll Kuriositäten, Tiere, Menschen und Probleme in Australien. (2) Ders. (1967): Von Hund und Äff und Kind und Katz. (3) Ders. (1970): Australien neu entdeckt, ein Verhaltensforscher im fünften Kontinent. Wylie , Philip (1968): The Magic Animal (Das magische Tier). Laver , J. (1970): Die Mode.     

Besprechungen

Book reviewed in this article: Weygoldt , Peter (1970): Courtship behaviour and sperm transfer in the Giant Whip Scorpion, Mastigoproctus giganteus (Lucas) (Uropygi, Thelyphonidae) (Werben und Samenübertragung beim großen Geisseiskorpion). Warner , G. F. (1970): Behaviour of two species of Grapsid Crab during intraspecific encounters (Verhalten der grapsoiden Krabben Aratus pisoni und Goniopsis cruentata bei Kämpfen mit Artgenossen). Hazlett , Brian A. (1970): Tactile stimuli in the social behaviour of Pagurus bernhardus (Decapoda, Paguridae) (Sozial bedeutsame Berührungsreize beim Einsiedlerkrebs P. b.). Fox , M. W. (1970): A comparative study of the development of facial expressions in Canides; wolf, coyote and foxes (Eine vergleichende Untersuchung der Entwicklung des Gesichtsausdrucks bei Caniden: Wolf, Kojote und Füchse). Holcomb , Larry C. (1970): Prolonged incubation behaviour of redwinged Blackbird incubating several egg sizes (Längeres Brüten von Rotschulterstärlingen auf Eiern verschiedener Größen). Barlow , George W., und Richard F. Green (1970): The problems of appeasement and of sexual role in the courtship behavior of the Blackchin Mouthbreeder, Tilapia melanotheron (Pisces: Cichlidae) (Beschwichtigendes und werbendes Verhalten beim Senegalbarsch, T. m.). Slewing , R. (1969): Lehrbuch der vergleichenden Entwicklungsgeschichte der Tiere. Morrell , Gillian M., und John R. G. Turner (1970): Experiments on mimicry: I. The response of wild birds to artificial prey (Modellversuche im Freiland zur Mimikry-Frage. I. Verhalten von Vögeln vor künstlichen Beuteattrappen). Beach , Frank A. (1970): Coital behaviour in dogs. VIII. Social affinity, dominance, and sexual preference in the Bitch (Paarungsverhalten bei Hunden. VIII. Bekanntschaft und Ranghöhe; wen bevorzugt die Hündin?) Darchen , R. (1969): Sur la biologie de Trigona (Apotrigona) nebulata komiensis Cock. Pflugfelder , O. (1970): Lehrbuch der Entwicklungsgeschichte und Entwicklungsphysiologie der Tiere. Portmann , A. (1969): Einführung in die vergleichende Morphologie der Wirbeltiere, 4. Auflage. Schultz , A. H. (1969): The life of primates (Das Leben der Herrentiere). Matthews , L. H. (1969): The life of mammals I. (Das Leben der Säuger). Grzimeks Tierleben, Band 11: Säugetiere 2 (1969). ed. Fox , M. W. (1968): Abnormal behavior in animals (Abnormes Verhalten von Tieren). Frisch , Otto v. (1969): Über Länder und Meere, Geheimnis der Tierwanderung. Walsh , J. (1969): Die Wasser steigen. Reuter , Wolfgang (1969): Von Lippizanern und der Spanischen Reitschule. Glover , P. E. (1968): A list of mammals from the Mau-Mara area of Massailand. Wolf , G. (1967): Der wissenschaftliche Dokumentationsfilm und die Encyclopaedia Cinematographica.     

Besprechungen

Book Reviewed in this article: Pooley, A. C. (1969): Preliminary studies on the breeding of the Nile Crocodile, Crocodylus niloticus, in Zululand (Erste Studien über die Fortpflanzung des Nilkrokodils in Zululand). Ders. : Some observations on the rearing of Crocodiles (Einige Beobachtungen bei der Aufzucht von Krokodilen). Ders. : The burrowing behaviour of Crocodiles (Wie Krokodile sich eingraben). Brosset, A. (1968): Localisation écologique des oiseaux migrateurs dans la for?t équatoriale du Gabon (Die ökologische Einordnung der Zugvögel im äquatorwald Gabuns). Kulzer, E. (1969): Das Verhalten von Eidolon helvum (Kerr) in Gefangenschaft. Halafoff, K. E. (1968): A survey of birds's Music (über Vogelmusik). Brosset, A. (1969): Recherches sur la biologie des Chiroptères troglophiles dans le Nord-Est du Gabon (Zur Biologie höhlenbewohnender Fledermäuse im nordöstlichen Gabun). Jarman, P. J. (1966): The status of the Dugong, Dugong dugong Müller; Kenya 1961 (Der Dugong in Kenia). Andersen , H. T. ed. (1969): The biology of marine mammals (Die Biologie von Seesäugetieren). Gautier, J.-P. (1969): Emissions sonores d'espacement et de ralliement par deux cercopithèques arboricoles (Rufe zweier baumbewohnender Meerkatzen-Arten, die dem Zusammenhalt der eigenen Gruppe und dem Abstandhalten zu anderen Gruppen dienen). Holst ?, Erich von (1969): Zur Verhaltensphysiologie bei Tieren und Menschen. Gesammelte Abhandlungen Band 1. ed. Lockley, R. M. (1969): Animal navigation (Orientierung bei Tieren). Nachtsheim, H. (1969): Sind wir zu Familienplanung durch Geburtenkontrolle auf internationaler Ebene imstande? Weizsäcker, C. F. von (1969): Der ungesicherte Friede. Smith, F. V. (1969): Attachment of the young, imprinting and other developments (Kindverhalten, Prägung und anderes). Verlag Oliver u. Boyd, Edinburgh. Schulze, Helmut (1964): Der progressiv domestizierte Mensch und seine Neurosen.     

Turnover of brain adrenergic transmitters in Quaking mice

Q uaking mice, neurological mutants of the C57 BL/6J strain have a markedly deficient myelination of the CNS(S idman , D ickie and A ppel , 1964). Many studies have been carried out on their lipids (J acque , H arpin and B aumann , 1969; N eskovic , N ussbaum and M andel , 1969, 1970; K urihara , N ussbaum and M andel , 1970; S arlieve , N eskovic and M andel , 1971; S ingh , S pritz and G eyer , 1971) for this reason, but little attention has been paid to other aspects of their aminergic transmitters metabolism. During the course of our work, T illement , D ebarle , S imon and B oissier (1970) reported on the transmitter levels in Quaking mice. The reasons for thinking that the monoamine metabolism of these mice might be altered are as follows. The trembling might be associated with a change in the activity and therefore metabolism of dopaminergic structures. Chronic stress due to permanent tremor might induce changes in norepinephrine metabolism. Since there are changes in the sleep patterns of Quaking mice (V alatx and J ouvet , 1971), there might be changes in brain serotonin metabolism. This study of the turnover of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin in the whole brains of control and Quaking mice is the preliminary to detailed examination of the turnover of the transmitters in well-defined brain regions.     

Isolation of Bovine Adenovirus Type 1 from a Calf with Pneumo-Enteritis

During the last decade, an increasing number of bovine adenoviruses have been isolated from calves suffering from more, or less, well-defined syndromes. These have consisted of respiratory disorders of varying severity, enteritis, or a combination of both, which in typical cases has been termed “pneumo-enteritis”. These investigations have been reviewed by Darbyshire (1968). Wilcox (1969) isolated adenoviruses from kerato-conjunctivitis (KC) in cattle. Furthermore, strains have been isolated from apparently healthy animals (Darbyshire 1968), and from tissue cultures prepared from various organs from calves such as kidneys (Scho- pov et al. 1968), and testes (Rondhuis 1968, Bartha & Csontos 1969). At the present time 9 serotypes of bovine adenoviruses exist, as determined by neutralization tests, and these have recently been reviewed by Guenov et al. (1970). However, several strains, some from cases of pneumonia (Cole 1970, Lupini et al. 1970) and others from KC (Wilcox 1969) remain to be typed and compared with the known prototypes, thereby enabling possible new serotypes to be identified. So far, serotypes 1 and 2 (Darbyshire et al. 1969), serotype 3 (Darbyshire et al. 1966) and serotypes 4 and 5 (Aldasy et al. 1965) have been shown to cause pneumo-enteritis, and serotype 6 (Rondhuis 1970) a mild respiratory disease in experimentally infected calves. Similarly, KC has been produced experimentally by Wilcox (1970), while the pathogenicity for experimental animals of the other typed and untyped strains remains to be investigated.     

The influence of early protein-calorie malnutrition on neuronal and glial protein synthesis

The effect of pre- and postnatal undernutrition, produced according to the method of Chow and Lee (3), on the rate of protein synthesis in the brains of rats 11, 21, 34 and 90 days of age was studied by measuring the incorporation ofl-[¹⁴C]valine in vivo andl-[³H]lysine in vitro. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments were performed with high concentration of the precursor to decrease the effects of pool variations and protein degradation. Particular interest was given to the effects of this form of early protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) on neuronal and glial cells which were isolated from the brains by gradient centrifugation. Brain protein synthesis measured in vivo which showed a peak at 21 days in both animal series, was depressed by PCM at 11 days but stimulated at 34 days of animal age. Small effect was observed in the 90-day-old animals. A similar response as in whole brain was seen for neuronal cells, while glial cells showed a different reaction. Studies of in vitro protein synthesis did not reveal appreciable effects of undernutrition in whole brain. Both neuronal and glial cells showed a moderate but not statistically significant elevation of protein synthesis in animals subjected to early PCM.     

Besprechungen

Book reviewed in this article: Potash , Lawrence M. (1970): Vocalizations elicited by electrical brain stimulation in Coturnix coturnix japonica (Durch Hirnreizung bei Japanischen Wachteln ausgelöste Laute). Michael , Richard P., und D. Zumpe (1970): Sexual initiating behaviour by female Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) under laboratory conditions (Paarungsaufforderung von Rhesusäffinnen im Laboratorium). Davies , S. J. J. F. (1970): Patterns of inheritance in the bowing display and associated behaviour of some hybrid Streptopelia doves (Erbgänge des Dienerns und verwandter Verhaltensweisen bei Taubenbastarden). Dunford , Cristopher (1970): Behavioral aspects of spatial organization in the Chipmunk, Tamias striatus (Verhalten und Siedlungsweise beim Backenhörnchen, T.s.). Peeke , Harman V. S. und Shirley C. (1970): Habituation of conspecific aggressive responses in the Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) (Spezifisches Ermüden artgemäßer Angriffsweisen beim Kampffisch). Burghardt , Gordon M. (1970): Intraspecific geographical variation in chemical food cue preferences of newborn Garter Snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) (Unterartspezifisch angeborene Nahrungsbevorzugungen bei Strumpfbandnattern). Klingel , H. und U. (1968): Equus quagga (Equidae); Hautpflegeverhalten (E 1043), Paarungsverhalten (E 1044), Kampfverhalten (E 1045), Begrüßung (E 1390). Altevogt , R. (1968): Uca tangeri (Ocypodidae); Nahrungsaufnahme (E 691), Drohen und Kampf (E 692), Klopfen und Winken (E 693). Haefelfinger , H. R., und A. Kress (1967): Gasteropterum rubrum (Opisthobranchia), Kriechen und Schwimmen (E 945). Richter , I.-E. (1968): Limulus polyphemus (Xiphosura); Schwimmen (E 1031), Laufen (E 1032), Umdrehen und Eingraben (E 1033). Hinde , Robert A. (1966): Animal behaviour, a synthesis of ethology and comparative psychology (Tierverhalten, Zusammenschau von Ethologie und Vergleichender Psychologie). Tembrock , Günter (1968): Grundriß der Verhaltenswissenschaften. Kühnelt , W. (1965): Grundriß der Ökologie mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der Tierwelt.     

Besprechungen

Book Reviewed in this article: Spencer, Booth Y., und R. A. Hinde (1969): Tests of behavioral characteristics for Rhesus Monkeys (Tests für Verhaltensunterschiede bei Rhesusaffen). Vaidya, Viduadhar G. (1969): Form perception in Papilio demoleus L. (Formwahrnehmung bei P. d.). Rabinowitch, Viktor (1969): The role of experience in the development and retention of seed preferences in Zebra finches (Anteil der Erfahrung an der Futterwahl von Zebrafinken). Emlen, John T. , und Don E. Miller (1969): Pace-setting mechanisms of the nesting cycle in the ring-billed Gull (Über Mechanismen, die das Zeitmaß einzelner Phasen des Fortpflanzungszyklus von Larus delawarensis beeinflussen). Eisner, Erica (1969): The effect of hormone treatment upon the duration of incubation in the Bengalese Finch (Beeinflußbarkeit der Brutzeit des japanischen Mövchens). Marr, John N., und Lawrence G. Lilliston (1969): Social attachment in Rats by odor and age (Verhalten von Ratten zu Artgenossen abhängig von ihrem Geruch und Alter). Smith, W. J. (1969): Displays of Sayornis phoebe (Soziale Verständigungsweisen des Tyranniden S. p.). Denenberg, Victor H., Rhoda E. Taylor und M. X. Zarrow (1969): Maternal behaviour in the Rat; an investigation and quantification of nest building (Verhalten von Rattenmüttern: eine quantitative Untersuchung des Nestbauens). Abu Gideiri, Y. B. (1969): The development of behaviour in Tilapia nilotica L. (Die Verhaltensentwicklung bei T. n.). Stout, John F., Carl R. Wilcox und Lynn E. Creitz (1969): Aggressive communication by Larus glaucescens Part 1. Sound communication (Angriffsverhalten der Beringmöwe I. Laute). Stout, John F. , und Melvin E. Brass (1969): Aggressive communication by Larus glaucescens II. Visual communication (Angriffsverhalten der Beringmöwe. Visuelle Auslöser). Norton-Griffiths, M. (1969): Organisation, control, and development of parental feeding in the Oyster Catcher (Haematopus ostralegus) (Aufbau, Kontrolle und Entwicklung des Jungefütterns beim Austernfischer). Alexander, S. J. , und D. W. Ewer (1969): A comparative study of some aspects of the biology and ecology of Sesarma catenata Ort. and Cyclograpsus punctatus M. Eds., with additional observations on Sesarma meinerti De Man. (Vergleichend biologische und ökologische Untersuchungen an Krabben der Gattungen Sesarma und Cyclograpsus). Thinès, G. (1969): L'évolution régressive des poissons cavernicoles et abyssaux (Rudimentationen in der Evolution der Höhlen- und Tiefseefische). Milliard, N. A. H. (1966): Contributions to the functional morphology of fishes (Beiträge zur funktionellen Morphologie der Fische). I. Introduction. Field, J. G. (1966): Dasselbe II. The feeding mechanism of the angler-fish, Lophius piscatorius Linn (Die Freßweise des Anglerfisches). Branch, G. M. (1966): Dasselbe III. The feeding mechanism of Syngnathus acus Linn (Die Freßweise der Seenadel Syngnathus). Lamoral, B. H. , und N. A. H. Milliard (1967): Dasselbe IV. The locking mechanism of the dorsal spine of the catfish Synodontis zambesensis Peters (Die Arretierung des Rückenstachels beim Wels Synodontis). Vrba, E. S. (1968): Dasselbe V. The feeding mechanism of Elops saurus L. (Die Freßweise des “Tarpuns” Elops). Visser, J. (1966): Colour change in Leptotyphlops scutifrons (Peters) and notes on its defensive behaviour (Farbwechsel und Sich-Totstellen bei einer Schlankblindschlange). Brosset, A. (1969): La vie sociale des oiseaux dans une forêt équatoriale du Gabon (Das Zusammenleben der Vögel in einem Åquatorwald in Gabun). Rahm, U. (1969): Dokumente über Anomalurus und Idiurus des östlichen Kongo. Walther, Fritz (1968): Verhalten der Gazellen. Thorpe, W. H. (1969): Der Mensch in der Evolution, Naturwissenschaft und Religion. Übersetzt von Edith Zerbin-Rüdin. Bunak, V. V. (1968): Die Entwicklungsstadien des Denkens und des Sprachvermögens und die Wege ihrer Erforschung. Count, E. W. (1968): An essay on Phasia, on the Phylogenesis of Man's Speech Function (Ein Essay über Sprachfähigkeit und Stammesgeschichte der menschlichen Sprachleistung). Löbsack, Th. (1968): Die Biologie und der liebe Gott, Aspekte einer zukunftsreichen Wissenschaft. Sury, K. v. (1967): Wörterbuch der Psychologie und ihrer Grenzgebiete, 3. Aufl. Vogel, G. , und H. Angermann (1967 und 1968): dtv-Atlas zur Biologie, Tafeln und Texte.     

Regional distribution of homocarnosine and other ninhydrin-positive substances in brains of malnourished monkeys

—Eight male monkeys (Macaca nemestrina) aged 6–9 months were divided into two groups and fed either an adequate protein diet (20% casein) or a protein deficient diet (2% casein). After 3- 5 months of receiving the low protein diet, the malnourished monkeys showed extensive fatty metamorphosis of the liver cells, distorted patterns of plasma and hepatic free amino acid pools, and other features consistent with the diagnosis of protein-calorie malnutrition. Examination of the cerebrum, cerebellum and brain stem in the malnourished animals revealed profound accumulation of 3-methylhistidine, histidine and homocarnosine in all three regions. For histidine, the cerebral, cerebellar and brain stem levels in the protein deficient animals increased by 145, 104 and 101 per cent over levels observed in corresponding regions of the brain in well-fed monkeys. Similarly, there were significant elevations in homocarnosine contents of the cerebrum (+ 99 per cent), cerebellum (+ 140 per cent) and brain stem (+ 146 per cent) in comparison to levels in control animals. In contrast, the levels of valine, serine and aspartic acid were markedly reduced in all three brain areas in the malnourished animals. Protein-calorie deficiency also produced reductions in the brain levels of taurine, glutamic acid, isoleucine, leucine and threonine which varied in magnitude in the three major regions of the brain examined. These biochemical alterations which may in part underlie some of the psychomotor changes often observed in protein-calorie malnutrition, were discussed not only in relation to the role of amino acids as precursors for the synthesis of neuroregulatory substances but also with due regard to the possibility that some of these ninhydrin-positive substances such as GABA, homocarnosine, glycine and the dicarboxylic amino acids may possess neuroexcitatory or inhibitory properties in various parts of the central nervous system.     

Besprechungen

Book Reviewed in this article: Goodwin , Elisabeth Bird, und Eckhard H. Hess (1969): a) Innate visual form preferences in the pecking behavior of young Chicks (Dem pickenden Küken angeborene Formvorlieben). Clemens , Lynwood G. (1969): Experimental analysis of sexual behavior of the Deermouse Peromyscus maniculatus Gambeli (Experimentalanalyse des Geschlechtsverhaltens der Weißfußmaus). Assem , J. van den, und J. N. van der Molen (1969): Waning of the aggressive response in the Three-spined Stickleback upon constant exposure to a conspecific. I. A preliminary analysis of the phenomenon (Abnehmen der Angriffsbereitschaft des dreistachligen Stichlings- ♂ gegenüber einem ständig anwesenden zweiten. I. Vorläufige Analyse). Salomonsen , F. (1969): Vogelzug. W. Thiede übersetzte die 2. v. Holst, Dietrich (1969): Sozialer Stress bei Tupajas (Tupaia belangeri). Die Aktivierung des sympathischen Nervensystems und ihre Beziehung zu hormonal ausgelösten ethologischen und physiologischen Vorgängen. Z. vgl. Fortschritte der Zoologie, Band 16-Band 20, 1963. Verlag Gustav Fischer, Stuttgart. Schaller , G. (1969): Life with the King of Beasts (Leben mit dem König der Tiere). Zeeb , Klaus, und Ursula Guttmann (1964): Wildpferde in Dülmen. Hallwag-Verlag Stuttgart. 112 S., 71 Kunstdruckbilder, Preis 16,80 DM. Dolder , W. (1969): Ruf der Tiere. Auf Photosafari in Afrika. 22 S., eine Karte, 69 Photos auf Kunstdrucktafeln von Willi und Heinz Dolder. Jungk , R. ed. (1969): Menschen im Jahr 2000. Wickler , W. (1969): Sind wir Sünder? Naturgesetze der Ehe. Stern, Curt (1968): Grundlagen der Humangenetik. 2. Aufl. übersetzt von Dr. Elisabeth Wolf. Kontrollredakteur Prof. Dr. Hans Freye. Flückiger, A. (1968): Schneehasen, Gemsen und Berge. Schweizer Verlagshaus AG Zürich.     

Besprechungen

Book reviewed in this article: Manwell , Reginald D. (1968): Introduction to Protozoology Kugler , Hans (1970): Blütenökologie Hölldobler , Bert (1969): Orientierungsmechanismen dcs Ameisengastes Atemeles Grzimeks Tierleben Band 9, Vögel 3 Curry-Lindahl , Kai (1970): Breeding Biology of the Baltic Seal Le Boeuf , Burney J., und Richard S. Peterson Nachtsheim , Hans (1970): Vergleichende Betrachtungen zum Übervölkerungsproblem bei Säugetier und Mensch Hass , Hans (1970): Energon, das verborgene Gemeinsame Berggren , Sigvard (1969): Mein Tierparadies Grzimek , Hildegard (1970): In meinem Herzen haben viele Tiere Platz     

Besprechungen

Book reviewed in this article: Spradbery , J. P. (1970): Host finding by Rhyssa persuasoria (L.), an Ichneumonid parasite of Siricid woodwasps (Wie Schlupfwespen (Rh. p.) Holzwespenlarven finden). Butler , C. G., D. J. C. Fletcher und D. Watler (1970): Hive entrance finding by Honeybee (Apis mellifera) foragers (Wie Honigbienenarbeiterinnen ihr Flugloch finden). Swihart , C. A. und S. L. (1970): Colour selection and learned feeding preference in the Butterfly Heliconius charitonius Linné (Angeborene und erlernte Farbbevorzugungen des Tagschmetterlings H. c.). Grzimeks Tierleben, Band 3 (1970). Ray , A. Joseph jr. (1970) Instrumental avoidance learning by the Tiger Salamander Ambystoma tigrinum (Negativdressur des getigerten Querzahnmolches A. t.). Ferguson , Gary W. (1970): Mating behaviour of the side-blotched Lizards of the Genus Uta (Sauria: Iguanidae) (Paarungsverhalten von Leguanen der Gattung Uta). Stresemann , Erwin ed. (1969): Exkursionsfauna von Deutschland. Gauthier-Pilters , H. (1970): Atschana — das heißt Durst. Klös , Heinz-Georg (1969): Von der Menagerie zum Tierparadies. Rensch , B. (1968): Biophilosophie auf erkenntnistheoretischer Grundlage (Panpsy-chistischer Identismus). Vogt , Hans-Heinrich (1970): Fortschritt ins Chaos? Die Zukunft des Menschen. Walter , Roger O., und James P. Hamilton (1970): Head-up movements as an indicator of sexual unreceptivity in female Medaka (Oryzias latipes) (“Vorne-hoch” als Zeichen fehlender Paarungsbereitschaft beim Japanischen Medaka-Kärpflings-♀ O.l.).     

Eine Methode zur Prüufung innertherapeutisch wirkender Fungizide

Abstract

Burnett, J. H.: Fundamentals of Mycology. Edward Arnold, London, 1968. 546 S., 175 Abb., 96 Tab., 9 Taf., geb., £ 6 10 s. Reviewed by W. Kühnel.

Smith, R. F. (Ed.): Annual Review of Entomology. Vol. 14, Annual Reviews Inc., Palo Alto, 1969, 478 S., 6 Abb., 25 Tab., 6 Tafeln, geb. $ 9.00. Reviewed by R. Fritzsche.

Somogyi, J. C.; Francois, A. C.: Antibioties in Agriculture. Basel, S. Karger AG, 1968, 208 S., 28 Abb., 50 Tab., brosch., sF/DM 57,—. Reviewed by H. J. Müller.

Metlitskh, B. L.; Ozeretskovskaya, O. L.: Plant immunity: Biochemical aspects of plant resistance to parasitic fungi. Plenum Press, Now York, 1968, 114 S., 9 Abb., 18 Tab., geb., 12,50 $. Reviewed by H. Wolffgang.     

Lack of dihydrofolate reductase activity in brain tissue of mammalian species: possible implications

IT IS becoming increasingly clear that folates play a vital, yet until recently an unrecognized, role in the development and function of the brain. Thus several groups of patients have been found with severe maldevelopment of the brain and mental retardation associated with inborn errors of folate metabolism resulting from congenital deficiency in one or more enzymes involved in folate metabolism (ARAKAWA et al., 1965; 1966; 1967; MUDD, LEVY and ABELES, 1969; ARAKAWA, 1970). The presence of folate coenzymes in brain tissue has been reported by several investigators (ALLEN and KLIPSTEIN, 1970; MCCLAIN and BRIDGERS, 1969). MCCLAIN and BRIDGERS (1969) showed that much less of the folates in brain are in the form of the N5-methyl derivatives than is the case for folates in plasma, red blood cells and liver. Appreciable activity of several folate interconverting enzymes have been demonstrated in brain tissue; for example, N5-methyl tetrahydrofolate homocysteine methyl transferase has been found to exist in higher levels in brain than in liver or kidney (MANGUM, 1972); N5-methyl FH,N-dimethyl-dopamine methyl transferase (LADURON, 1972) and serine transhydroxymethylase (EC 2.1.1; L-Serine: tetrahydrofolate 5, 10-hydroxymethyl transferase) (BRIDGERS, 1968) have recently been detected in brain. The last enzyme is known to catalyse a reaction responsible for the generation of a major portion of one-carbon units. In mouse brain, the activity of this enzyme declines during the first 2 weeks of extra-uterine life (BRIDGERS, 1968). The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of dihydrofolate reductase(5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate:NADP+ oxidoreductase; EC 1.5.1.3) in mammalian brain tissues in comparison to the levels in other tissues. This enzyme occupies the first and key position in folate metabolism, reducing the metabolically inert vitamin, folic acid, to tetrahydrofolate. This enzyme also functions in thymidylate synthesis to regenerate tetrahydrofolate from dihydrofolate, a product of the reaction (HWHREYS and GREENBERG, 1958). In this reduced state the molecule can accept one-carbon units from various sources to give rise to metabolically active coenzyme forms of folate. This communication reports the complete absence of dihydrofolate reductase in brain tissue of several mammalian species.