Nonspecific Urethritis in Females

The possibility of nonspecific urethritis must be considered in females with persistent irritative symptoms of the lower urinary tract despite “negative” urine cultures. The diagnosis can be made only by the proper collections of urine specimens from both the urethra and the bladder. These specimens will reveal the presence of white blood cells in the urethral washings, while the midstream (bladder) specimen will be free of cells.     

Nonspecific photophysiological immunization]

A hypothesis is suggested on the positive effect of light radiation on the formation of protective immune mechanism related to the photophysiological destruction of porphyrins. References to experimental data are given which illustrate the possibility for existence of such a mechanism.     

Nonspecific esterases of mammalian testis

Summary Ten different nonspecific esterases in both mouse (Mus musculus) and rat (Rattus norvegicus) testis were identified following the analysis of electrophoretic patterns using genetic, developmental, and biochemical criteria. None of the enzymes were unique to testis, although the pattern of activity was testis specific. The enzymes comprised, in each species, six carboxylesterases (EC 3.1.1.1), one arylesterase (EC 3.1.1.2), one acetylesterase (EC 3.1.1.6), and two butyrylesterases (tentative designation). Cholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8) was not detected. Individual homology relationships were recognized between the two species for all of these activities, except three of the carboxylesterases; however, these were coded for by homologous gene clusters. Similarities between the two species extended to the developmental course of expression and the modulation of the pattern of activity by the testicular feminization (Tfm) mutation. We describe the effects of the sex reversal (Sxr) mutation in the mouse, as well as the distribution of individual activities between Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules. The results of earlier histochemical studies are interpreted in the light of the present investigation. The correspondence between mouse- and rat-testis esterases suggests that the results could serve as a basis for mammalian testis esterase systems in general.This is communication no. 47 of a research program devoted to the cellular distribution, genetics, and regulation of nonspeific esterases. This work was supported by the Dcutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft     

Nonspecific esterases of Mus musculus

Seventeen genes controlling the expression of carboxylic ester hydrolases, commonly known as esterases, have been identified in the mouse Mus musculus. Seven esterase loci are found on chromosome 8, where two clusters of esterase loci occur. It seems probable that the genes within these clusters have arisen from a common ancestral gene by tandem duplication. Close linkage of esterase genes is also found in the rat, rabbit, and prairie vole. Some mouse esterases appear to be homologous with certain human esterases. The function of these nonspecific enzymes is still unknown.     

Nonspecific arousal with noloxone.

The use of naloxone, the first narcotic antagonist devoid of agonist properties, has become the standard way of treating narcotic-induced coma and respiratory depression. This report concerns a patient in whom a narcotic effect was unlikely, but who nevetheless showed arousal after naloxone administration.     

Chemical Bases of Nonspecific Immunity

Our knowledge on the nature and quantity of reactive O₂forms generated in phagocytes, particularly in neutrophil leucocytes, and their role in nonspecific immunity is reviewed. In thermodynamical terms, oxygen is a very reactive molecule and, hence, can react with most chemical elements and many organic molecules. In kinetic terms, O₂is rather inert. Its reactivity can be increased either by reduction or excitation. After accepting four electrons, O₂is finally reduced to H₂O. Partial reduction resulting in highly reactive intermediates, namely, superoxide anion (O₂ ^·–), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and hydroxyl radical (^·OH), is possible. Singlet oxygen (¹O₂) is the product of O₂excitation. Phagocytes acting like agents of nonspecific immunity generate such reactive forms of O₂.     

Gene insertion into Hevea brasiliensis

A transformation system has been developed for Hevea brasiliensis using the particle gun method. Anther derived calluses were transformed with vectors harbouring the ß-glucuronidase (gus) gene, the neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII) gene, and the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (cat) gene. Gene transfer was determined by histochemical staining and fluorometric assay for ß-glucuronidase activity, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for detecting neomycin phosphotransferase II gene and direct enzyme assay for detection of expression of the cat gene. These independent assays all showed a several-fold increase, compared to control values, in gene product level and enzyme activity in extracts from transformed callus and embryoids of Hevea. These results were confirmed using polymerase chain reaction with primers designed to amplify an internal gus fragment. Together, the results show the feasibility of the particle gun method for the introduction of foreign genes into Hevea.Abbreviations BSA bovine serine albumin - CAT chloramphenicol acetyl transferase - ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay - GUS ß-glucuronidase - kb kilobase - MU 4-methyl-umbelliferyl-ß-D-glucuronide - NPT-II neomycin phosphotransferase II - PCR polymerase chain reaction - Tris Trizma base - X-gluc 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl glucuronide     

A Cellulase in Hevea Latex

Using a viscometric method the latex of Hevea brasiliensis was found to contain a highly active cellulase capable of hydrolysing carboxymethyl cellulose. The enzyme has a pH optimum of around 6.3. It is present in the serum of the latex and is not membrane-bound to any significant extent. Similar cellulase activities were detected in latex from old and new latex vessel rings and also in latex from regularly tapped vessels and newly tapped vessels. The possible role of the enzyme in the removal of cell wall material during the differentiation of latex vessels is discussed.