Intra- and extraganglionic peripheral cholinergic neurons in the urogenital organs of the cat

Summary The distribution of cholinergic neurons in the urinary tract and male genital organs of the cat was studied by a histochemical method for acetylcholinesterase. In addition to cell clusters in autonomic ganglia (intraganglionic cells), isolated extraganglionic cholinergic cells were found within the innervated tissues, usually in association with nerve trunks and blood vessels. Smaller neural cells with multiple axonal processes, identical to Cajal's interstitial cells, were found in the meshes of the terminal nerve plexus in smooth muscle, lamina propria and vascular wall.It is concluded that peripheral cholinergic neurons, like their adrenergic analogues, are arranged as a short intraganglionic, a shorter extraganglionic, and a terminal system of neurons.Supported in part by grants 10465 and 11285 from the USPHS and the Henry C. Buswell Urology Research Fund.     

The localization of the β-subtype of protein kinase C (PKC-β) in rat sympathetic neurons

Summary The localization of PKC- was studied in rat sympathetic neurons using a polyclonal antibody specific for the ₁- and ₂-subspecies. The tissues studied included the superior cervical (SCG) and hypogastric (HGG) ganglia and the target tissues of the SCG and HGG neurons: the submandibular gland, iris, prostate and vas deferens. PKC--LI was found in nerve fibers in both ganglia. A proportion of the fibers in the SCG disappeared after decentralization, suggesting that the fibers were of both pre- and postganglionic origin. The somata of the HGG and SCG neurons expressed varying amounts of PKC--LI, the majority of SCG neurons being labelled only after colchicine treatment. In all target tissues there were PKC--immunoreactive nerve fibers in bundles, but the most peripheral branches of the fibers were negatively labelled. The results show that PKC--LI is widely present in sympathetic postganglionic neurons with mainly quantitative differences. The lack of PKC- in the most peripheral branches of nerve fibers might be a general feature of sympathetic postganglionic neurons, suggesting that the participation of PKC- in neurotransmitter release and in other functions in nerve terminals in sympathetic adrenergic neurons is unlikely.     

Morphology of enkephalin-immunoreactive myenteric neurons in the human gut

The aim of this study was the morphological and further chemical characterisation of neurons immunoreactive for leu-enkephalin (leuENK). Ten wholemounts of small and large intestinal segments from nine patients were immunohistochemically triple-stained for leuENK/neurofilament 200 (NF)/substance P (SP). Based on their simultaneous NF-reactivity and 3D reconstruction of single NF-reactive cells, 97.5% of leuENK-positive neurons displayed the appearance of stubby neurons: small somata; short, stubby dendrites and one axon. Of these leuENK-reactive stubby neurons, 91.3% did not display co-reactivity for SP whereas 8.7% were SP-co-reactive. As to their axonal projection pattern, 50.4% of the recorded leuENK stubby neurons had axons running orally whereas in 29.4% they ran anally; the directions of the remaining 20.2% could not be determined. No axons were seen to enter into secondary strands of the myenteric plexus. Somal area measurements revealed clearly smaller somata of leuENK-reactive stubby neurons (between 259±47 m² and 487±113 m²) than those of putative sensory type II neurons (between 700±217 m² and 1,164±396 m²). The ratio dendritic field area per somal area of leuENK-reactive stubby neurons was between 2.0 and 2.8 reflecting their short dendrites. Additionally, we estimated the proportion of leuENK-positive neurons in comparison to the putative whole myenteric neuron population in four leuENK/anti-Hu doublestained wholemounts. This proportion ranged between 5.9% and 8.3%. We suggest leuENK-reactive stubby neurons to be muscle motor neurons and/or ascending interneurons. Furthermore, we explain why we do not use the term Dogiel type I neurons for this population.     

On age morphological changes of males of Chydoridae (Cladocera)

Summary Young and adult males of 11 species of Chydoridae are studied, their figures being published here (fig. 1–15). The necessity is stressed to distinguish young forms of males and gynandromorphic individuals.Pleuroxus balatonicus is considered to be described from the population ofPleuroxus unicatus having under Balaton Lake conditions retarded transformation of young males into adult form, and accordingly having unusually numerous young males. \qO\qs\qn\qo\qv\qn\qy\ye \qr\ye\qz\qu\ql\Qj\qt\qa\qt\qy 11 (. 1–15). . , Pleuroxus uncinatus , Pleuroxus balatonicus.     

New genetic variants identified in donkey's milk whey proteins

Novel genetic variants for donkey milk lysozyme and -lactoglobulins I and II have been identified by the combined use of peptide mass mapping and sequencing by tandem mass spectrometry in association with database searching. The novel donkey lysozyme variant designated as lysozyme B (Mr 14,631 Da) differed in three amino acid exchanges, N⁴⁹ D, Y⁵² S, and S⁶¹ N, from the previously published sequence. Three novel genetic variants for donkey -lactoglobulins were identified. One of them is a type -lactoglobulin I with three amino acid exchanges at E³⁶ S, S⁹⁷ T, and V¹⁵⁰ I (-lactoglobulin I B, Mr 18,510 Da). The two others are type -lactoglobulins II with two amino acid exchanges at C¹¹⁰ P and M¹¹⁸ T (-lactoglobulin II B, Mr 18,227 Da) and with three amino acid exchanges at D⁹⁶ E, C¹¹⁰ P, and M¹¹⁸ T (-lactoglobulin II C, Mr 18,241 Da). All these primary structures are closely related to those of homologous proteins in horse milk (percent identity >96%).     

A simple method for the isolation and characterization of thymidylate uptaking mutants in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Summary The mutant tmp1–10 ^ts which confers thermosensitive auxotrophy for thymidylate is employed for the selection of 5-dTMP uptaking mutants. At the nonpermissive temperature yeast cells phenotypically wild type for thymidylate uptake can grow for only 3 to 4 generations in the presence of 10^–2 M 5-dTMP. Thymidylate utilizing mutants (tum mutants) were isolated which can grow in the presence of 12 to 24 g 5-dTMP/ml. Genetical analysis revealed one of these mutant strains to be a double mutant, tuml tum2. For normal growth haploid thymidylate auxotrophic strains require approximately 360 g 5-dTMP/ml when tum1 and 24 g 5-dTMP when tum2 is present, respectively. Cells prototrophic for thymidylate (TMP) harbouring tum1 tum2 will also take up 5-dTMP and incorporate it specifically into their DNA. Thymidylate utilization in such strains is independent of functional mitochondria, as similar incorporation of labelled 5-dTMP is found in isogenic strains with rho ⁺, rho ^– and rho ⁰ status. Optimal stimulation of the 5-dTMP uptaking principle in haploid TMP strains is found at 4 g 5-dTMP/ml when tum1 and tum2 are present.     

Dense-core vesicles in motor nerve terminals

Summary Motor nerve terminals on white and intermediate muscle fibers of the Atlantic hagfish (Myxine glutinosa, L.) contain translucent synpatic vesicles and about 1–2% dense-core vesicles. Terminals on red muscle fibers contain up to 40% dense-core vesicles with diameter 800–1100 Å. Examinations for formaldehyde-induced fluorescence indicate yellow fluorescence (5-HT ?) apparently corresponding with terminal axons on red muscle fibers in craniovelar muscles. Possibly red muscle fibers of Myxine receive monoaminergic innervation.The author is indebted to Dr. Finn Walvig, Biological station, University of Oslo, Drøbak, for supply of hagfishes.     

Ganglioside-cholera toxin interactions: a binding and lipid monolayer study

Summary On t.l.c. plates ¹²⁵I-cholera toxin binds to a disialoganglioside tentatively identified as GD_lb with about 10 times less capacity than to ganglioside GM₁. Binding of labeled toxin to both gangliosides was abolished in presence of excess amounts of unlabeled B subunit. Ganglioside extracts from human or pig intestinal mucosa showed toxin binding to gangliosides GM₁ and GD_1b. In ganglioside-containing lipid monolayers the penetration of the toxin was independent of the ganglioside binding capacity.Abbreviations GM₂ Gal-NAc14Gal(3-2NeuAc)14G1c1Cer - GM₁ Gal3Ga1-NAc14Gal(32NeuAc)14G1c11Cer - GD_1a NeuAc23Ga113Gal-NAc14Gal(32NeuAc)14G1c11Cer - GD1b Gall3Gal-NAcl4Gal(32NeuAc82NeuAc)14Glc11Cer - GT_1b NeuAc23Ga113Ga1-NAcal4Gal(3-2NeuAc82NeuAc)14G1c11Cer - dpPC 1,2-hexadecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine - dpPE 1,2-hexadecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine     

Bacterial regeneration of ammonium and phosphate as affected by the carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus ratio of organic substrates

The effect of carbonnitrogenphosphorus (CNP) ratio of organic substrates on the regeneration of ammonium and phosphate was investigated by growing natural assemblages of freshwater bacteria in mineral media supplemented with the simple organic C, N, and P sources (glucose, asparagine, and sodium glycerophosphate, respectively) to give 25 different substrate CNP ratios. Both ammonium and phosphate were regenerated when CN and NP atomic ratios of organic substrates were 101 and 161, respectively. Only ammonium was regenerated when CN and NP ratios were 101 and 10–201, respectively. On the other hand, neither ammonium nor phosphate was regenerated when CN and NP ratios were 151 and 51, respectively. In no case was phosphate alone regenerated. As bacteria were able to alter widely the CNP ratio of their biomass, the growth yield of bacteria appeared primarily dependent on the substrate carbon concentration, irrespective of a wide variation in the substrate CNP ratio.     

Synthesis of disaccharide derivatives employing β-N-acetyl- d-hexosaminidase, β-d-galactosidase and β-d-glucuronidase

-N-Acetyl-d-hexosaminidase from Aspergillus oryzae catalysed the stereo- and regiospecific formation of the 6-O-benzylated disaccharide derivatives GalNAc1-3(6- OBn)Gal-SEt and GlcNAc1-3(6-OBn)Gal-SEt, which were obtained in transglycosylation reactions employing ethyl 6- O-benzyl-1-thio--d-galactopyranoside as acceptor. Preparative amounts of the chitobiose derivative GlcNAc1- 3GlcNAc-OPhNO2-p was prepared as well. - N-Acetyl-d-hexosaminidase from bovine testes catalysed the specific synthesis of GlcNAc1-3(6-OBn)GlcNH2-SEt and GalNAc1-3(6-OBn)GlcNH2-SEt, employing ethyl 2-amino-6-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-1-thio--d-glucopyranoside as acceptor. -d-Glucuronidase from E. coli was found to catalyse the formation of GlcA1-3(6-OBn)GlcNH2- SEt employing the same acceptor.     

Protein kinase C (α, β, γ) in Pacinian corpuscle

Immunocytochemical demonstration of protein kinase C (PKC) subspecies (, , ) was carried out in Pacinian corpuscles of rat hind feet using monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against each of these subspecies. The inner core cells and lamellae and the Schwann cell cytoplasm of the nerve fiber innervating the corpuscle were strongly positive for PKC -immunoreactivity (IR). In contrast, the axon terminal and the outer core did not display any positive -IR. Very weak PKC -IR was detected in the ultraterminal region of the axon terminal, while the trunk region showed no immunoreactivity. Very faint PKC -IR was found also in the lamellar cells located at the periphery of the inner core and the endoneurial fibroblasts in the intermediate layer. PKC -IR was not detected in any part of the corpuscle. The strong PKC -IR in the inner core and the presence of absence of PKC -, -, and -IR in the axon terminal are discussed from the point of view of the functional aspects of each part.     

α-and β-Glycosidases in maize roots

Four glycosidases were analyzed in 10 mm apical segments prepared from growing roots (15 mm) of Zea mays L. The pH optima were found to be 5.8 for -glucosidase, 4.4 for -galactosidase, 6.4 for -glucosidase and 6.0 for -galactosidase. The -glucosidase showed 4-fold higher activity than the -galactosidase. The distribution of the -glucosidase activity was signifcantly different from that of the -galactosidase, -glucosidase and -galactosidase.Abbreviations -Glu -glucosidase - -Gal -galactosidase - -Glu -glucosidase - -Gal -galactosidase     

Partial mispairing and crossing-over between β0 and δ genes as the origin of the δ β0 thalassemia gene

Summary Two double heterozygous ⁰/⁰ thalassemic sibs of Mexican descent were studied. The father had a ⁰/⁰ genotype, while the mother, one sib and several maternal relatives were ⁰/⁰ heterozygotes. Parental consanguinity and an apparently low frequency of thalassemia among Mexicans suggested a possible common origin of both ⁰ and ⁰ genes. A hypothesis to explain such a possibility is proposed on the basis of a partial mispairing between ⁰ and genes followed by a crossing-over which would results in a ⁰ recombinant gene. This hypothesis could also be extended to explain the 22 gluala, 22 alaglu and 116 arghis Hb variants as recombinants from double crossing-over between and mispaired genes for which the name interstitial-Lepore is proposed.     

The cytology of phytophthora infestans

Summary Phytophthora infestans has three kinds of somatic nuclei: an oval shaped nucleus (approx. 3.1×2.7 ) which stains diffusely except for a crescent shaped Feulgen positive cap which stains intensely; a granular nucleus whose contents are organized into a fairly constant number of stained bodies, and, a deeply staining condensed nucleus. The capped nucleus is thought to be metabolic or resting and the granular nucleus is thought to be dividing as it is most commonly found in hyphal tips. Attenuated forms of all three kinds of nuclei are found.Nuclear division is mitotic and intranuclear. Eight—ten chromosomes are seen at metaphase.Sporangia have a mean of 6.3 nuclei which is constant for age and strain of culture. Sporangia become multinucleate as a result of nuclear migration and not by division in the developing sporangium. Zoospores are usually uninucleate.The nuclear cap is persistent throughout nuclear division when it also divides. It is associated with flagella production and nuclear migration and has some of the properties of a blepharoplast.     

Differing immunoreactivities of somatostatin in the cortex and the hypothalamus of the rat

Summary Using an antibody against somatostatin (antiserum F), two somatostatin-immunoreactive systems, (i) a hypothalamic and (ii) an extrahypothalamic cortical system, are demonstrated in the rat. Another antiserum raised against somatostatin (antiserum BS 102) stains only the axons but not the perikarya of the hypothalamic system; the cortical somatostatin system does not react with this antiserum. The electron microscopic findings do not allow decision whether the above-mentioned hypothalamic and cortical neurons possess a common prohormonal form of somatostatin, immunoreactive only with antiserum F. They show, however, that the granules in both neuronal systems differ considerably; in the cortical neurons they measure approximately 65 nm in diameter, in the hypothalamic neurons 90–120 nm in diameter. Thus, both somatostatin systems are different and independent from one another.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Grant Nr. Kr 569/3) and the Stiftung Volkswagenwerk     

Immunocytochemical analysis of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C in PC12 cells: predominance of the δ isoform during neural differentiation

The rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cell line, which differentiates into sympathetic neurons under nerve growth factor (NGF) treatment, contains at least three phosphoinositidase C (PIC) isozymes, PIC , PIC , PIC . These isozymes have been previously shown to display a different subcellular localization. To determine whether or not NGF induces changes in the presence and/or distribution of PIC isozymes during PC12 neural differentiation, studies were carried out by means of in situ immunocytochemistry. After NGF administration the proliferative activity was progressively reduced to very low levels, as measured by bromodeoxyUridine incorporation, and a neuron-like morphology was displayed by almost all cells. In unstimulated PC12 cells, PIC was detected in the nucleus whereas PIC was only cytoplasmic; PIC was found in both cell compartments. In cells treated with NGF for 3 days, neural processes extended to twice the diameter of the cell body; the isoform was concentrated near the nucleus, while the immunoreactivity of the form remained constant and the form was increased. After 10 days of treatment with NGF, PIC was hardly detectable and PIC immunostaining was considerably decreased. On the contrary, PIC progressively increased and, after 14 days of NGF exposure, fully differentiated cells displayed an intense labelling of cell body and neurites. In the same cells, PIC and PIC were almost negative. These results suggest that NGF dependent neural differentiation is related to the selective down regulation of PIC and and the increase of PIC isozyme associated with the decrease of cell proliferation.     

Sur l'ultrastructure des ≪corps de call et d'exner≫ dans l'ovaire du lapin

Résumé On a effectué une étude ultrastructurale sur les corps de Call et d'Exner. Ceux-ci se montrent constitués, sous leur aspect le plus typique, par une couronne de cellules de la granulosa disposées autour d'une cavité pleine d'un liquide semblable au liquor folliculi .Les cellules, de forme irrégulière, accolées dans leur partie proche du corps et écartées dans celle éloignée, déterminent des fentes dans lesquelles s'insinuent des groupes d'autres cellules voisines; la membrane cytoplasmique, parfois présente sous forme de microvilloités, parfois incisée, montre de fréquentes interruptions; le cytoplasme riche en ribosomes libres et adhérant aux parois du réticule endoplasmique (ergastoplasme), possède en outre un appareil de Golgi modérément développé et de nombreuses mitochondries; le noyau, très volumineux, présente à l'intérieur un nucléole grossièrement réticulé.Le corps de Call et d'Exner proprement dit est, au contraire, constitué par une cavité unitaire d'aspect à peu près sphérique d'environ 15–30 de diamètre, pleine d'un liquide dont les caractéristiques sont comparables à celles du liquor folliculi; dans cette cavité on voit un fin réseau à mailles irrégulières, tandis que sa surface montre une mince zone de condensation.L'aspect ultrastructural des cellules disposées autour des corps de Call et d'Exner est caractérisé par des cellules en élaboration, ce qui laisse penser qu'une partie de cette élaboration peut être versée à l'intérieur du corps, en contribuant ainsi à l'augmentation de son volume.En ce qui concerne, enfin, le réticule que l'on voit à l'intérieur du corps il est vraisemblable qu'il soit du à des phénomènes de condensation et consécutif à un état physicochimique particulier du liquide endocavitaire.

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Summary The so-called Call-Exner bodies have been found to be formed, in their most typical shape, by a ring of granulosa cells enclosing a cavity filled with a fluid comparable to the liquor folliculi. The cells, irregular in shape, lying side by side in their portions closer to the body and far apart in their distal portions leave open spaces which are occupied by prolongations of adjacent cells. The cytoplasmic membrane, sometimes forming mierovilli, sometimes incisions, presents a discontinuous aspect; the cytoplasm is very rich in ribosomes which can be free or sticking to the walls of the endoplasmic reticulum (ergastoplasm). It has a fairly developed Golgi's apparatus and numerous mitochondria, sometimes open. The very voluminous nucleus shows internally a roughly reticulated nucleolus.The Call-Exner body, on the other hand, is a unitary cavity approximately spherical in shape, having about a 15–30 micron diameter filled with a fluid characteristically similar to the liquor folliculi, which shows internally a fine reticulation of irregular meshwork, while a thin condensation zone can bee seen peripherically.The ultrastructural aspect of the cells radiating from the Call-Exner bodies is typical of cells in formation. Therefore we cannot exclude the possibility that a portion of the substances elaborated by the cells may be thrown into the center of the body, thus contributing to its increase in volume. The mesh-like structure visible inside the body may be due to condensation phenomena following a particular physico-chemichal change in the endocavitary luid.

     

Histochemical investigations on the human fetal subcommissural organ

Summary A histochemical and ultrastructural study was carried out on subcommissura organs from 42 human embryos and fetuses in order to characterize some large granulesTypical granules make their appearance in the rostral hypendymal region of the subcommissural organ (SCO) in fetuses of about 50 mm CRL. Although they appear in other SCO-regions later, the highest number of granules is always located towards the pineal gland.Typical granules are of spherical shape with a diameter of about 2 microns. The various histochemical reactions reveal a reactivity which differentiates the shell of the granules from the granule interior. Nucleoproteins are present in the shell together with phospholipids and/or lipoproteins. The interior of the granules can contain different materials such as glycogen or lipid or neurosecretory substance. Ultrastructural observations show that a granule consists of whorls of endoplasmic reticulum sparsely studded with ribosomes surrounding an interior containing either lipid or lipoprotein inclusions, large amounts of glycogen or simply cytoplasm.It is suggested that the concentric lamellar organelle (CLO) is a morphological entity that might be involved in secretory processes rather than being the secretory granules themselves.This work was supported by a grant from Statens almindelige Videnskabsfond, Copenhagen.     

17 β-Estradiol Enhances the Outgrowth and Survival of Neocortical Neurons in Culture

Results of this investigation demonstrate that exposure to 17 -estradiol differentially and significantly regulates cortical nerve cell outgrowth depending on the cortical region. Parietal and occipital neurons treated with 1 nM 17 -estradiol showed a greater magnitude of neuronal outgrowth whereas outgrowth of temporal cortex neurons was decreased in the presence of 1 nM 17 -estradiol. Frontal cortex neurons showed a consistent enhancement of neuronal outgrowth that did not reach statistical significance. The dose response profile for 17 -estradiol regulation of the macromorphological features exhibited a bimodal dose response relationship whereas the dose response profile for 17 -estradiol regulation of the micromorphological features exhibited a dose response more characteristic of an inverted V-shaped function. An antagonist to the NMDA receptor antagonist, AP5, abolished the growth promoting effect of 17 -estradiol whereas the nuclear estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 did not. Lastly, neocortical neurons exposed to 17 -estradiol exhibited greater viability and survival than control neurons over a two week period. These data indicate that 17 -estradiol can enhance the growth and viability of select populations of neocortical neurons and that the growth promoting effects of 17 -estradiol can be blocked by an antagonist to the NMDA glutamate receptor and not by an antagonist to the estrogen nuclear receptor.     

Evolution of parallel β/α-barrel enzyme family lightened by structural data on starch-processing enzymes

The parallel /-barrel domain consisting of eight parallel -sheets surrounded by eight -helices has been currently identified in crystal structures of more than 20 enzymes. This type of protein folding motif makes it possible to catalyze various biochemical reactions on a variety of substrates (i.e., it seems to be robust enough so that different enzymatic functionalities could be designed on it). In spite of many efforts aimed at elucidation of evolutionary history of the present-day /-barrels, a challenging question remains unanswered: How has the parallel /-barrel fold arisen? Although the complete sequence comparison of all /-barrel amino acid sequences is not yet available, several sequence similarities have been revealed by using the highly conserved regions of -amylase as structural templates. Since many starch-processing enzymes adopt the parallel /-barrel structure these enzymes might be useful in the search for evolutionary relationships of the whole parallel eight-folded /-barrel enzyme family.