Ultrastructure of the pituitary gland (pars distalis) in sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) during gonad maturation

Summary The fine structure of the various hormone-producing cell types (with the exclusion of the prolactin cells) in the pituitary gland (pars distalis) of migratory sockeye salmon is described. All fish were in an advanced stage of sexual maturation. In the proximal pars distalis five cell types were distinguished: growth hormone cells, ACTH cells, gonadotrops, vesicular cells, and chromophobe cells. Gonadotrops were also found throughout the rostral pars distalis. A conspicuous feature of the gonadotrops was the presence of two kinds of secretory inclusions: small electron-dense granules (200–375 m) and large, relatively electron-translucent globules (400–2 000 m). The large vesicular cells, so called because of their conspicuous vesicular endoplasmic reticulum, were numerous and often appeared to contain some small granules. It is argued that they may represent a second type of gonadotropic cell, which, in earlier stages of gonad development, contains many granules but becomes largely degranulated near the time of reproduction when the other gonadotrops (globular gonadotrops) abound. The chromophobes, which were smaller and far less abundant than the vesicular cells, also appeared to contain small granules (120–280 m). They are probably thyrotrops.The assistance of Mr. S. Killick, of the International Pacific Salmon Fisheries Commission, who helped in the collection of salmon, is gratefully acknowledged.     

Fine structure of abscission zones

Summary Electron micrographs of the zone of separation in flower pedicels of Lycopersicon esculentum and Nicotiana tabacum are presented with particular reference to the indentation of epidermal tissue in the abscission zone, subcellular organelles, and the cell wall. The indentation or groove which delineates the abscission zone extends some distance into the pedicel with branchings off the main groove. These branches are approximately 20 m in width while the main groove averages approximately 200 m in width. Invaginations of the plasmalemma are observed with considerable frequency. within these invaginations one observes a material of about the same density as the cell wall except that it is more fibrillar. Plasmodesmata are also observed, with considerable branching into middle lamellae of cells comprising the abscission zones. Microbodies with crystalloid cores appear with considerable frequency in cells of the abscission zone. The crystalloids appear to be cubical in shape and are composed of parallel sheets of osmiophilic material. The sheets average about 6 m in thickness and are spaced at 4 m intervals. The microbodies with crystalloid cores are observed to be characteristically of two size groupings. In tobacco the microbodies average 900 m and 1,500 m in profile. In tomato they average 300 m and 500 m. Chloroplasts contain a granular component which is membrane-enclosed. The component is large in comparison with the plastid in which it occurs, averaging 1.2–1.4 in diameter in chloroplasts ranging from 1.6 to 2.2 in diameter. The inner membrane of the chloroplast is highly invaginated, and DNA- and phytoferritin-like materials are observed within the plastids. Microtubules with an average diameter of 20 m are observed adjacent and parallel to the plasmalemma, primarily in the corners of the cells. Micrographs of other normally occurring cytoplasmic inclusions are also presented.     

Decay of γ particles in germinating zoospores of Blastocladiella emersonii

Summary The breakdown and disappearance of particles was followed by electron microscopy on synchronously germinating populations of B. emersonii zoospores. The sequence of morphological changes, unaffected by the method used to induce germination, was divided into four stages. Initially, the particle's surrounding unit membrane becomes amorphous and buds off vesicles that fuse with the plasma membrane. Simultaneously, ca. 80 m vesicles are visible either partially embedded in, or lying free along, the inner surface of the electron dense matrix. These small vesicles seem to originate from a newly detected membrane system in the electron dense matrix. In the next stage, particles characteristically adhere to various organelles, especially the nuclear cap. In subsequent stages the particles continue to decay by releasing 80 m vesicles from their matrices and by budding off vesicles from their surrounding membranes. Often, multivesicular bodies are formed when the 80 m vesicles become enclosed by the particle's budding outer membrane. In the final stage, the surrounding membranes of the different particles fuse and produce large vacuoles containing many of the electron dense matrices which, though by now partially fragmented, continue to release 80 m vesicles. The relationship of the above events to the formation of the cell wall is discussed.     

Osmotic measurements on stomatal cells ofCommelina communis L.

Summary Observations of aperture changes as sucrose is added to the solution bathing epidermal strips ofCommelina communis L. allow calculation of the osmotic changes required to open or close the stomatal pore, for comparison with changes in potassium content. With isolated guard cells, in strips in which all cells other than guard cells have been killed, the internal osmotic changes required are 83 mosmol kg^–1 m^–1 below 10m aperture, 129 mosmol kg^–1 m^–1 in the range 10–15 m, and 180 mosmol kg^–1 m^–1 above 15 m. For opening against subsidiary cell turgor in addition to guard cell turgor, in intact strips with live subsidiary and epidermal cells, these figures should each be increased by about 33 mosmol kg^–1 m^–1. A change in subsidiary cell turgor is magnified in its effects on the water relations of the guard cell by a factor greater than 3.7 for equal changes in the water potential of the two cells, or greater than 4.7 at constant volume of the guard cell.     

Ultrastruttura della Pars distalis dell'ipofisi di Lacerta s. sicula Raf., nei maschi in attività sessuale ed in quelli castrati

Riassunto Facendo seguito ad uno studio in microscopia ottica sull'ipofisi della Lacerta s. sicula Raf. durante vari periodi dell'anno, gli AA. espongono, per la stessa specie, i dati ultrastrutturali per le cellule adenoipofisarie, di maschi ancora in periodo di attiva spermatogenesi e di accoppiamento, e di altri castrati e sacrificati dopo 3–4 mesi. In base alla localizzazione nella ghiandola ed alle variazioni dopo castrazione, si distinguono cellule del 1 tipo (STH) con granuli rotondeggianti ed uniformi (circa 310 m ), cellule del 2 tipo (gonadotrope) a granuli polimorfi, cellule del 3 tipo (pure gonadotrope) a granuli tondi e piccoli (150–270 m) e a globuli di 700–800 m, e cellule del 4 tipo a granuli piccoli ed uniformi (100–200 m), di dubbio significato. Presentano dati a favore dell'ipotesi che la condensazione del secreto in forma di granuli avvenga nelle cisterne del Golgi. Osservano fenomeni di degenerazioni cellulari ed aspetti di distruzione citoplasmatica con liberazione di granuli negli spazi tra le cellule. Negli animali castrati notano degranulazione e segni di intensa attività delle cellule del 2 e del 3 tipo, oltre alla comparsa di cellule vacuolizzate, per dilatazione del reticolo endoplasmico ruvido.

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The ultrastructure of the pars distalis of the hypophysis in sexually active and castrated males of Lacerta s. sicula Raf

Summary In addition to light microscopic studies on the hypophysis of the lizard, Lacerta s. sicula Raf., during different periods of the year, the authors of this paper explain the ultrastructure of the adenohypophysial cells of normal sexually active male lizards and of castrated lizards. On the basis of the location and the structural variations after castration several hypophysial cell types can be distinguished: Type 1 (STH) with spheroid granules (about 310 m diameter); type 2 with polymorphous glycoprotein granules; type 3 with small round granules (150–270 m diameter) and globules of about 700–800 m diameter (both gonadotropes). A fourth cell type with small uniform granules (diameter about 100–200 m has also been observed; its function is uncertain. A condensation of secretory granules in the Golgi complex and phenomena of cellular degeneration and cytolysis followed by a release of granules into the cellular interstices have been observed. In castrated animals degranulation and signs of an increased activity in the cell types 2 and 3 have been shown. In these animals the cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum become greatly distended.

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Lavoro eseguito con il contributo del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Impresa Endocrinologia, e svolto, per le osservazioni, presso il Centro di Studio di Microscopia Elettronica della Facoltà di Scienze dell'Università di Napoli; ringraziamo il Prof. Gianfranco Ghiara per la continua critica costruttiva e il dott. Carlo Taddei per i suggerimenti nelle tecniche di microscopia elettronica.     

Methylobacterium rhodesianum MB 126 possesses two acetoacetyl-CoA reductases

Two constitutive acetoacetyl-CoA (AcAc-CoA) reductases were purified from Methylobacterium rhodesianum MB 126, an NADPH-linked d(-)--hydroxybutyryl-CoA forming reductase (enzyme A) and an NADH-and NADPH-linked l(+)--hydroxybutyryl-CoA forming reductase (enzyme B). Enzyme A and B give apparent K _m values of 15 M and 30 M for AcAc-CoA, 18 M for NADPH and 30 M for NADH, respectively. They are inhibited by AcAc-CoA at concentrations higher than 25 M and 50 M, respectively. The contribution of the two reductases to poly--hydroxybutyrate synthesis is discussed.     

Electron microscopic studies on the adenohypophysis of the White-Crowned sparrow,Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii

Summary The pars distalis of the adenohypophysis of normal (78), thyroideotomized (6), adrenalectomized (6), and castrated (14) White-crowned Sparrows were observed with the electron microscope. Six types of glandular cells were identified and the ultrastructural characteristics of each have been described. To each has been assigned tentatively an endocrine function.STH cells are characterized by the presence of large, dense secretory granules ranging from 220–280 m, a poorly developed endoplasmic reticulum, and a fragmented Golgi apparatus; they occur only in the caudal lobe. They show no remarkable changes after adrenalectomy, castration, and thyroidectomy.Prolactin cells, whose identity is suggested by their responses to photostimulation and surgical experiments, are characterized by large, polymorphic, dense secretory granules; they have been found mainly in the cephalic lobe.ACTH cells, whose function is confirmed by their cytological responses to adrenalectomy, have a peculiar type of secretory granule (220 m) with high and low phases of electron density. They occur exclusively in the cephalic lobe and are transformed, after adrenalectomy to large, vacuolated adrenalectomy cells.TSH cells are so designated by their response to thyroidectomy. After thyroidectomy, they lose their specific fine secretory granules and are transformed into large, vacuolated thyroidectomy cells. We have found TSH cells and thyroidectomy cells only in the cephalic lobe.Two types considered to be gonadotropic cells from their responses to gonadectomy, occur in both the cephalic and caudal lobes. One of them contains spherical, dense secretory granules (180–220 m), prominent rough endoplasmic reticulum and a well developed Golgi apparatus; the other type contains dense secretory granules of variable size (150–350 m), a less extensively developed Golgi apparatus, and sac-like endoplasmic reticulum. Both types of gonadotropic cells show extreme enlargement and vacuolization after castration. However, they retain differences in appearance in the structure of cytoplasmic organelles and vacuolization.Dedicated to Professor Dr. H. Grau in honor of his 70th birthday.The investigation reported herein was supported by a research grant (HE 07240 NEUA) from the National Institutes of Health to Professor Vitums, by a research grant (5R01 NB 06187) from the National Institutes of Health to Professor Farner, and by a scientific research grant (No. 91049) from the Ministry of Education of Japan to Professor Mikami. The authors wish to thank Professor James R. King for his assistance in obtaining and maintaining the birds, and for his helpful advice concerning the experiments.     

Immunohistochemical localization of neuropeptide Y in the guinea pig medulla oblongata

Summary The immunohistochemical localization of neuropeptide Y (NPY) was correlated with those of dopamine--hydroxylase (DBH) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) by mapping serial 7 m paraffin sections at three levels of the guina pig lower brainstem: a) area postrema, b) dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, and c) nucleus prepositus of the hypoglossal nerve. Based on differences in transmitter expression, three populations of NPY-immunoreactive (IR) neurons were distinguished: NPY-IR catecholaminergic cells (NPY/CA), NPY-IR VIP-ergic cells (NPY/VIP), and NPY-IR cells which were not reactive to either DBH or VIP. Within these populations, size differences among neurons in characteristic locations allowed differentiation among the following subpopulations: NPY/CA neurons in the lateral reticular nucleus — magnocellular part (mean neuronal size 538 m²) and parvocellular part (318 m²)-, in the vagus-solitarius complex (433 m²), and in the dorsal strip (348 m²); NPY/VIP neurons in the vagus-solitarius complex (368 m²) and in the nucleus ovalis (236 m²). Apart from scattered NPY-IR cell bodies in the regions listed above, NPY-IR cell bodies in the lateral portion of the nucleus solitarius and in the caudal part of the spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve did not exhibit IR to either DBH or VIP. NPY-IR neurons in the area postrema occurred too infrequently for co-localization studies. The differential distribution of heterogeneous NPY-IR cell subpopulations may reflect the involvement of NPY in a variety of neuronal functions.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, grant He 919/6-1     

Mitochondria in fine afferent nerve fibres of the knee joint in the cat: a quantitative electron-microscopical examination

The distribution of mitochondria, their content and concentration (expressed as the ratio of the mean volume of mitochondria and the surface of the sensory axon) were determined in group-III and-IV nerve fibres innervating the knee joint capsule in the cat. Mitochondria mainly accumulated in axonal swellings (beads) and end bulbs of the terminal branches. Between single nerve fibres, marked differences in the content and the concentration of mitochondria were obtained in proximal portions (inside of the perineurium) and in distal portions (unmyelinated sensory endings). In group-III nerve fibres, the mitochondrial concentration ranged from 0.005 to 0.030 m³/m² (proximal portion) and from 0.016 to 0.080 m³/m² (distal portion). In unmyelinated group-IV nerve fibres, the values also showed a broad variation ranging from 0.001 to 0.011 m³/m² (proximal portion) and from 0.003 to 0.019 m³/m² (distal portion). The wide range of mitochondrial concentrations may reflect different energy consumption during receptive processes: nerve fibres with a low mechanical threshold and a high probability of excitatory events may be rich in mitochondria, whereas fibres with a high mechanical threshold and a low probability of excitatory events may be poor in mitochondria.     

The Effect of Phenylalanine on DOPA Synthesis in PC12 Cells

DOPA synthesis from phenylalanine was studied in PC12 cells incubated with m-hydroxybenzylhydrazine, to inhibit aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase. DOPA synthesis rose with increasing concentrations of either phenylalanine or tyrosine; maximal rates (~55 pmol/min/mg protein for tyrosine; ~40 pmol/min/mg protein for phenylalanine) occurred at a medium concentration of ~10 M for either amino acid. The K_m for either amino acid was about 1 M (medium concentration). At tyrosine concentrations above 30 M, DOPA synthesis declined; inhibition was observed at higher concentrations for phenylalanine (300 M). These effects were most notable in the presence of 56 mM potassium. Measurements of intracellular phenylalanine and tyrosine suggested the K_m for either amino acid is 20–30 M; maximal synthesis occurred at 120–140 M. In the presence of both phenylalanine and tyrosine, DOPA synthesis was inhibited by phenylalanine only at a high medium concentration (1000 M), regardless of medium tyrosine concentration. The inhibition of DOPA synthesis by high medium tyrosine concentrations was antagonized by high medium phenylalanine concentrations (100, 1000 M). Together, the findings indicate that for PC12 cells, phenylalanine can be a significant substrate for tyrosine hydroxylase, is a relatively weak inhibitor of the enzyme, and at high concentrations can antagonize substrate inhibition by tyrosine.     

The ultrastructure of the pars distalis of the hypophysis in males of Triturus cristatus carnifex Laur., treated with the antiandrogen cyproterone acetate

Summary The adenohypophysis of the newt Triturus cristatus carnifex Laur. shows three types of cells: 1) cells with granules of about 350–550 m in diameter, 2) cells with small granules of 200–250 m in diameter and globules with a cristal-like arrangement containing cylinders with a diameter of about 960 Å and 3) cells containing small granules only.The AA. discuss the ultrastructural changes of the gland and the modifications of sexual secondary characters (S.S.C.) in animals given Cyproterone acetate (1/2 mg every three days). The animals have been treated for a period of time varying between 3 and 5 months, starting in October-November, when S.S.C. begin to develop again.At the end of the treatment the newths showed a loss of S.S.C., and the ultrastructure of the adenohypophysis resembled that of castrated animals, i.e.: great swelling of R.E.R. and partial degranulation of glycoprotein secreting cells which contain the 200 m granules and the globules. The S.E.R. showed also swelling and hyperactivity.A preliminary communication of this paper has been presented at the Sixth conference of European Comparative Endocrinologists (Montpellier, August 8, 1971).This work has been supported by the Italian National Research Council (grant n° 115–1121). The E. M. observations have been performed in the Centro di Studio di Microscopia Elettronica of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Naples, directed by Prof. G. Ghiara.We thank Schering AG, Berlin, and in particular Drs. Brunnemann and Merz, for the generous donation of Cyproterone-acetate.     

Identification of the LH and TSH-secreting cells in the pituitary gland of the rhesus monkey

Summary Pituitary glands from juvenile (pre-pubertal) and adult male and female rhesus monkeys were examined following immunocytochemical staining with antisera to the beta subunits of ovine luteinizing hormone (LH) and of human thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The LH antiserum reacts with a cell that is PAS-positive, occurs singly and is randomly distributed throughout the pars distalis. The diameter of these cells is approximately 11.5 m. They do not seem to vary in number in either juveniles (pre-pubertals) or adults, or in males or females. There appears to be fewer LH cells in the pituitary glands of pregnant and lactating females. In addition to staining cells in the pars distalis, the antiserum also reacts with a population of cells located in the pars tuberalis.The cells that stain with the anti-TSH serum are confined primarily to the pars distalis. They are approximately 15.8 m in diameter and are generally found in groups or clusters located in the anterior and medial regions of the gland. The TSH cells vary in number from one animal to another; however, this variability is unrelated to the age or the sex of the animals. No demonstrable changes occur in the number of TSH cells during pregnancy or lactation.Supported by NIH General Research Support Grant RR05654The author wishes to express appreciation to the Hormone Distribution Program of NIAMDD for the preparations of ovine FSH, TSH and human TSH, and to Drs. H. Papkoff for the ovine LH and LH, L. Reichert for the human FSH, J. Vaitukaitis for the anti-human TSH, and L.A. Sternberger for the PAP complex     

Karyometry of nuclei in liver cells

Summary In untreated adult male albino rats nuclear volume and the percentage of binucleate cells were determined in the first layer of hepatocytes adjacent to hepatic venous branches of varying diameters (<40 m, 40 m–80 m, 80 m–120m, 120 m–160 m, >160 m), and in the third and fourth layer of hepatocytes in the remainder of the perivenous parenchyma. In the first layer of hepatocytes adjacent to the vascular structures means of nuclear volume are significantly lower and percentage of binucleate cells significantly higher than in the cells of the remainder of the perivenous parenchyma. Within each area measured distribution curves of nuclear volume classes were homogeneous but showed heterogeneity in comparison with each other. The morphometric data presented in this study strongly support the opinion of the heterogeneity of liver cells in the perivenous zone, as previously postulated on the basis of histochemical investigations.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Hi 318/2-1)     

Comparative structure of the gas-vacuoles of blue-green algae

Summary An investigation was made of 5 species of blue-green algae reported to contain gas-vacuoles. All organisms were grown and harvested under standard conditions. Gas-vacuoles were characterised as reddish structures which are destroyed by applying pressure. Using a simple direct preparation technique gascylinders were observed with the transmission electron microscope in gas-vacuolate cells. Gas-vacuoles were present in the strains of Anabaena flos-aquae, Gloeotrichia echinulata and Oscillatoria agardhii studied and absent from Microcystis aeruginosa and Nostoc linckia. The reddish, refractile central area of N. linckia and M. aeruginosa cells was tentatively identified as nucleoplasm. Gas-vacuoles are collections of gas-cylinders 70 m wide, which in A. flos-aquae and G. echinulata are clearly bounded by photosynthetic lamellae and associated with -granules. The presence of bounding photosynthetic lamellae in these species is suggested as a causal factor of the unusual optical properties of their gas-vacuoles. The range of lengths of gas-cylinders in G. echinulata and O. agardhii is from 100 m to 500 m and in A. flos-aquae it is from 100 m to 1300 m. The percentage of cell volume occupied by gas-vacuoles was estimated by direct measurement. In A. flos-aquae and G. echinulata it was 22%. In O. agardhii gas-cylinders were not clearly associated with photosynthetic lamellae and -granules and occupied 39% of cell volume. Gascylinder membranes showed reasonable preservation in KMnO₄ and excellent preservation in OsO₄. The widths of membranes after treatment with these two fixatives was 3 m and 2 m respectively.     

The Sertoli cell of the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) during the spermatogenic cycle

Summary Ultrastructural features and morphometric evaluations of buffalo Sertoli cells are reported for the six phases of the spermatogenic cycle. The phases of the tubular seminiferous epithelium are identified according to characteristic cellular associations with completed spermiation as demarcation between two cycles. Average tubular diameter (245 m) and epithelial height (61 m) do not vary significantly during the cycle. The relative Sertoli cell volume in the seminiferous epithelium varies between 30% (phase 4) and 39% (phase 8). The calculated volume of a single Sertoli cell increases from a nadir of 7118 m³ in phase 3 abruptly to a maximum of 8968 m³ in phase 4 and is then gradually reduced during the following phases. The Sertoli cell surface area shows a similar trend: it amounts to 11105 m² in phase 3 and to 14260 m² in phase 4. The contact area of the Sertoli cell with adjacent cells and structures is subject to characteristic changes; from the expansion of basal Sertoli-Sertoli contacts it is concluded that the blood-testis barrier in the buffalo is particularly tight during phases 8, 1 and 2. The irregularly contoured nucleus contains a vesicular nucleolus, has a calculated volume from 465 m³ to 543 m³ and occupies 5 to 7% of the cell. Volume percentages of mitochondria (4%), Golgi apparatus and lysosomal bodies are rather constant during the cycle. Whorls and orderly arranged aggregates of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum occur in basal location as well as in close association with elongating spermatids. Smooth ER is the organelle that exhibits the most prominent changes during the Sertoli cell cycle: it occupies 5.79% in phase 3 and 20.9% in phase 4 of the total cellular volume. Phagocytosis of residual bodies is insignificant in this species and a lipid cycle is absent in buffalo Sertoli cells.     

Plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis in Styrian pumpkin: cytological and biochemical investigations

Somatic embryo formation was induced from cotyledon explants of Styrian pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L. subsp. pepo var. styriaca Greb.) by using a solid MS medium supplemented with 16.11M NAA and 4.44M BA or 26.85M NAA and 13.32M BA. The callus proliferation was more efficient on medium supplemented with 26.85M NAA and 13.32M BA. In contrast, the embryogenic response was higher on medium with lower concentrations of growth regulators (16.11M NAA and 4.44M BA). The time needed for embryo induction did not depend on medium composition. Embryos in globular stage were transferred to three different maturation media, containing 2.89M GA₃ in combination with 0.54M NAA, 11.42M IAA and growth regulator-free medium. The germination rate was the highest when embryos were cultured on medium with 11.42M IAA. Plantlets grown on this medium achieved maturity suitable for transplantation into soil within 9 to 10weeks. The regenerated plants were successfully transferred into field and developed fertile flowers and set fruits. Biochemical analysis showed significant lower total glutathione levels among in vitro grown plantlets compared to seedlings grown in soil. When the plantlets were transferred into soil, they reached a normal size within a month and the glutathione concentration was comparable to seed-derived plants at the same developmental stage. Transmission electron microscopy was used to investigate possible differences in the ultrastructure of cells from callus cultures, and leaf cells of regenerated and seed-derived plants. Differences in the ultrastructure were found within chloroplasts which contained only single thylakoids, large starch grains and small plastoglobuli in callus cells in comparison to leaf cells, which possessed a well developed thylakoid system, small starch grains and large plastoglobuli.     

Regeneration from long-term cell suspension cultures of tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius)

Plant regeneration has been achieved from long-term cell suspension cultures established from leaf derived callus of tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius). The proportion of densely cytoplasmic cells in suspension culture increased when cultured in the L-6 medium with 54 M NAA and 2 M KN. Filtration of the cells at each of five consecutive subcultures resulted in the isolation of a plant regenerating cell line (TB 686), which is being maintained in L-6 medium with 4.5 M 2,4-D and 2.3 M zeatin. Differentiated green cell aggregates were obtained when cells from maintenance medium were transferred to the same medium with 10 M BA. Embryo-like structures developed from these aggregates on L-6 medium with 2.3 M zeatin, 0.69 M GA₃ and 1.5 M NAA. Plantlets regenerated from these structures when they were cultured on L-6 medium with 7.0 M NAA and 1.0 M KN. Plant regeneration from the cell line remained relatively constant for 270 days. Regenerated plants were grown to maturity in the greenhouse.Abbreviations BA Benzyladenine - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - GA₃ Gibberellic acid - IPA Isopentenyladenine - KN Kinetin - NAA Naphthaleneacetic acid - AA Amino acid medium (Toriyama and Hinita, 1985) The research was sponsored by United States Agency for International Development, Washington D.C., Cooperative Agreement DAN-4137-A-00-4053-00     

Effect of culture medium ions on chromate reduction by resting cells of Agrobacterium radiobacter

The influence of some ions in pre-growth culture medium on chromate reduction by resting cells of Agrobacterium radiobacter strain EPS-916 was investigated. The reduction was dependent on the Fe²⁺ content of the culture medium: the higher the iron content, the lower the reduction rate. The cells showed maximum chromate reduction when pre-grown in the presence of 0.243 m Mg²⁺, 20 m Ca²⁺ and 3.6 m Mn²⁺. Chromate reduction was not affected by the addition of MgCl₂, CdCl₂, ZnCl₂, MnCl₂, Na₂SO₄ (1000 m), and Na₂MoO₄ (100 m) to the activity assays. However, activity was inhibited by the presence of Na₂SO₄ (10 mm), Na₂MoO₄ (200 m) and ferric citrate.     

Uptake and Retention of Selenite and Selenomethionine in cultured K-562 cells

The selenium uptake and retention have been studied in K-562 cells exposed to selenite or selenomethionine. In the uptake experiments the cells were exposed to two doses of selenite (5 or 50 M) or selenomethionine (10 or 50 M). In the retention study the cells were treated for 2 h with the above mentioned doses of the selenocompounds before being observed at different times. The selenium uptake in cells exposed to selenite 5 M began to saturate at 8 h, but increased again between 48 and 96 h. In cells exposed to selenite 50 M the selenium uptake never reached a maximum, however, at 48 and 96 h the cell viability decreased strongly. The two doses of selenite showed different retention patterns, with a relatively small cellular decrease of selenium after treatment with selenite 5 M compared to treatment with 50 M of selenite. The selenium uptake in cells exposed to selenomethionine 10 M or selenomethionine 50 M began to saturate at 24 h and 48 h, respectively. The retention patterns were similar for both selenomethionine doses with a continuous decrease of the selenium concentration during the whole observation period. The results indicated a more controlled uptake and retention pattern of selenomethionine compared to selenite.     

Coccidia of Brazilian edentates: Eimeria cyclopei n.sp. from the silky anteater,Cyclopes didactylus (Linn.) and Eimeria choloepi n.sp. from the two-toed sloth,Choloepus didactylus (Linn.)

Summary Eimeria cyclopei n.sp. is described from the silky anteater, Cyclopes didactylus, from Pará State, north Brazil. Undifferentiated oocysts, passed in the faeces, complete sporulation in seven days at 26 to 28°C. Oocysts are ellipsoidal to sub-spherical, with a mean size of 28.1 × 23.6 m: the wall is 1.5 to 2.0 m thick, apparently with an outer thin, colourless membrane and two inner, thicker, striated and yellowish layers. There is no micropyle, oocyst residuum or polar body. The mean measurements of sporocysts are 19.0 × 9.0 m, and they are slightly asymmetrical, elongate pear-shape, with a plug-shaped Steida body projecting beyond the end of the sporocyst. Sporozoites are as long as or longer than the sporocysts: The sporocyst residuum is scattered between sporozoites in younger specimens and becomes condensed into rounded mass in older ones. The endogenous stages occur in the epithelial cells of the ileum, on the lumenal side of the host-cell nucleus. Uninucleate meront, microgamont and macrogamont precursors are recognizable morphologically. Mature meronts are 20.0 × 15.7 m some produce 12 to 20 merozoites which are 8.7 × 2.0 m, and others 10 to 26 merozoites which are 11.4 × 2.0 to 15.0 × 3.0 m. Mature microgamonts which are 27.5 × 24.1 m, produce from 150 to 170 microgametes of 7.1 × 1.0 m: microgametes have two flagella of unequal length. Mature macrogamonts are 28.4 × 24.5 m Eimeria choloepi n.sp. is recorded from the two-toed sloth, Choloepus didactylus, from the same area of Brazil. Undifferentiated oocysts, passed in the faeces, complete sporulation in 23 days at 26 to 28°C. Oocysts with a mean size of 23.0 × 20.3 m, have a wall 2.0 to 2.5 m thick which is composed of two thick, yellowish and striated outer layers and a delicate, colourless inner one. There is no micropyle, oocyst residuum or polar granule. Mature sporocysts with a mean size of 11.3 × 7.1 m, are ellipsoidal to egg-shaped and have a poorly developed Steida body. The sporocyst residuum is composed of a small number of large globules: The sporozoites are longer than the sporocyst and strongly recurved. The endogenous stages occur in epithelial cells of the ileum, on the lumenal side of the host-cell nucleus. Dimorphic meronts produce 8 to 18 merozoites which are either 13.0 × 2.0 m or 13.0 × 3.0 m. Microgamonts produce 50 to 80 microgametes of 8.0 × 1.0 m. Mature macrogamonts are 18.3 × 17.9 m. ac]19820212