Die Hypokotylfarbe als Markierungsfaktor von Genomstufen der Zuckerrübe

Zusammenfassung In zunehmendem Maße werden anisoploideBeta-Rübensorten angebaut, deren zytologische Kontrolle zwecks Feststellung der Genomstufenprozentanteile recht arbeitszeitaufwendig ist. Übereinstimmend mit polnischen Autoren wurde festgestellt, daß die Hypokotylfarbe ein geeigneter Markierungsfaktor für die einzelnen Genomstufen darstellt. Kreuzt man tetraploide Pflanzen, die ein grünes Hypokotyl besitzen, mit diploiden Pflanzen, die ein rosa Hypokotyl aufweisen, so erhält man von dem tetraploiden Partner tetraploide grüne und triploide hellbraune, von dem diploiden Partner diploide rosa und triploide hellbraune Nachkommenschaften. Die in bezug auf die Hypokotylfarbe heterozygoten Pflanzen kann man demnach von den homozygot grünen und homozygot rosa Individuen unterscheiden. Die Kreuzung diploid grünxtetraploid rosa ist für diese Zwecke nicht brauchbar, da sich die triploiden Heterozygoten mit einem grünen und zwei rosa Allelen in der Hypokotylfarbe nicht deutlich von den homozygoten rosa Pflanzen abheben. Auf die Bedeutung dieser Markierungsmöglichkeit für bestimmte Forschungsprobleme, die Züchtung und die Saatgutkontrolle wird hingewiesen.     

6-Methylpurine-induced inhibition of sclerotia morphogenesis in Sclerotium rolfsii and its reversal by adenosine

In liquid synthetic medium inoculated with Sclerotium rolfsii (SR), addition of 6-methylpurine (MP, 50g/ml) immediately after inoculation led to approximately 100% reduction in sclerotia production. Adenosine, and to a lesser extent guanosine, each at final concentration of 100g/ml significantly reduced inhibition of sclerotia formation by SR in presence of 50g/ml MP. Uridine and cytidine each at 100g/ml had no such effect. The inhibition of sclerotia morphogenesis could be prevented by addition of 800g/ml of adenosine together with 50g/ml MP. Reversal by adenosine of MP-induced inhibition of sclerotia development was concentration dependent.     

Histoenzymatic characterization of sub-types of Type I fibres in fast muscles of rats

Summary The histochemical activities of succinic dehydrogenase (SDH), myofibrillar Adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and alpha glycerophosphate dehydrogenase were studied in serial sections of rat vastus lateralis (red) (RVL), gastrocnemius and diaphragm muscles. Three main fibre-types were distinguished. The Type I fibres of RVL and gastrocnemius muscles fell into two distinct groups: one category-Type IA showed very low ATPase activity. The second category of Type IB fibres displayed moderate ATPase reaction. The Type IA fibres were divisible into two sub-groups when tested for SDH reaction. Type IA₁ fibres possessed a homogenous distribution of diformazan·granules throughout the fibre: Type IA₂ fibres displayed characteristic moth-eaten pattern of diformazan localization. The diaphragm muscle did not show either Type IB or Type IA₂ varieties. The great majority of Type I fibres were sub-type IA₁ in the three fast muscles studied. It is also demonstrated here that an inherent heterogeneity exists between Type I fibres of diaphragm and leg muscles in regard to -GPD localization. This histochemical data emphasizes the fact that subdivision of Type I striated muscle fibres of mammalian animals into two sub-types is only approximate and that a further subcategorization is possible.     

Genetic characterization of a new splice variant of the β2 subunit of the voltage-dependent calcium channel

This study reports a novel splice variant form of the voltage-dependent calcium channel ₂ subunit (_2g). This variant is composed of the conserved amino-terminal sequences of the _2a subunit, but lacks the -subunit interaction domain (BID), which is thought essential for interactions with the ₁ subunit. Gene structure analysis revealed that this gene was composed of 13 translated exons spread over 107 kb of the genome. The gene structure of the ₂ subunit was similar in exon-intron organization to the murine ₃ and human ₄ subunits. Electrophysiological evaluation revealed that _2a and _2g affected channel properties in different ways. The _2a subunit increased the peak amplitude, but failed to increase channel inactivation, while _2g had no significant effects on either the peak current amplitude or channel inactivation. Other subunits, such as ₃ and ₄, significantly increased the peak current and accelerated current inactivation.     

Comparative Modulation by 3α,5α and 3β,5β Neurosteroids of GABA Binding Sites During Avian Central Nervous System Development

Neurosteroids are endogenous Central Nervous System (CNS) compounds which act mainly by allosteric modulation of the GABA_A receptor complex. The presence of a 3-hydroxyl group and a 5-hydrogen atom have been found to be essential structural requirements for biological activity in mammals. In the present work we report the enhancing activity on [³H]GABA binding to its receptor sites in chick optic lobe produced by progesterone metabolites 3-hydroxy,5-pregnan-20-one (3,5-P) and 3-hydroxy,5-pregnan-20-one (3,5-P). Both steroids were found able to enhance [³H]GABA binding along ontogeny, displaying a similar profile at early developmental stages, while in adulthood 3,5-P had greater potency (EC₅₀ 0.22 M) and enhancing effect (E_max: 122%). In adult synaptic membranes, the two compounds displayed a complex interaction with the GABA_A receptor, disclosed by a Schild plot with slope below one and an incomplete displacement of 3,5-P by its 3,5 isomer. Such complexity could be related to the steroidogenic profile in avian CNS, with 5-reduced progesterone metabolites present since early development, while 3,5-P is found only in adulthood. Bearing in mind differences between avian and mammalian steroidogenic profiles and the relevance of 5-steroids in early avian development, we propose that 3,5-P, instead of the classical potent 3,5-steroids, may be the endogenous modulator of GABAergic activity in developing avian brain.     

Die Richtungen des Nahrungsflusses im Darmtrakt der Kleinzikade Euscelidius variegatus KBM. (Jassidae)

Zusammenfassung Der Verlauf des Nahrungsflusses im Darmtrakt der Kleinzikade Euscelidius variegatus wird nach Verfütterung von farbstoffhaltiger Nährlösung ermittelt. Es wird der Beweis erbracht, daß die aufgenommene Nahrungsmenge in der Filterkammer geteilt wird und die beiden Anteile den Darmtrakt auf zwei verschiedenen Wegen in Richtung Rektalblase passieren. Ein Anteil der aufgenommenen Nährlösung wird über einen Kurzschlußweg in der Filterkammer sowohl über den Filterkammerdarm als auch über die Kryptonephridien direkt in den Enddarm gepumpt, während die in der Magentasche der Filterkammer verbleibenden Nahrungsanteile über einen langen Verdauungsweg zum After gelangen. Hierbei wird der Magentascheninhalt in den Magen gedrückt. Von dort aus passiert er den Mitteldarm und erreicht über den Enddarm den After. Der Kurzschlußweg und der Verdauungsweg können gleichzeitig benutzt werden. Der Kurzschlußweg wird von der Nahrung jedoch in viel kürzerer Zeit durchströmt als der längere Verdauungsweg.

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The directions of the flow of food in the alimentary trad of the leafhopper Euscelidius variegatus KBM. (Jassidae)

Summary The leafhopper Euscelidius variegatus is fed with synthetic food, coloured with 1% Azorubin-S. Its flow in the alimentary tract has been studied. It has been found that the sucked-in food is divided into two parts in the filter chamber, each taking different way in the alimentary tract for its flow. One part of the food is pumped into the hindgut via the short circuit way going through the filter chamber once over the Filterkammerdarm and also over the kryptonephries. That part of the food, which remains in the pocket of the filter chamber takes the long digestion way to the anus over stomach, midgut and hindgut. Both the ways could be used at the same time. But the food takes much shorter time for its passage through the short circuit way as compared to the time needed for the long digestion way.

     

Photoreversion und Photoprotektion bei UV-induzierten Mutationen des nichtphotoreaktivierbaren Bacteriums E.coli phr?

Summary Stationary phase cells of strain phr^–/MC 2 ofE. coli are not photoreactivable but the frequency of UV-induced mutations to low Streptomycine-resistance (S 3, 3/ml) is decreased strongly by illumination with light of fluorescence tubes (310 to 500 nm) after UV-irradiation. Also dark-reversion (DRM) of these mutations due to keeping UV-irradiated cells in saline is observed. Illumination before UV-irradiation decreases the frequency of the mutations (photoprotection against mutation=PPM) to the same extent as the combined action of photoreversion (PRM) and DRM. The lag-phase of cell division is prolonged strongly by illumination from 80 min without light to 150 min by the light-dose of highest activity. The additional lag is nearly the same if the illumination is done before, after or without UV-irradiation; this lag is about additive to the small lag caused by UV. Pre-illumination of the stationary-phase cells does not cause photoprotection against killing (PP), it even decreases the survival after high UV-doses. The observations support the hypothesis that PRM in this strain may be indirect, i.e. caused by the light-induced additional division lag which enhances the dark repair of UV-premutations. Also spontaneous premutations which are apparently present in the stationary-phase cells seem to be influenced by the light in this way.     

A fluorometric assay for γ-glutamyl transpeptidase: Demonstration of enzymatic activity in cultured cells of neural origin

A new fluorometric assay was developed for the measurement of -glutamyl transpeptidase (-GTP). The assay utilizes as a substrate the synthetic compound 7--glutamylamido-4-methyl coumarin which is cleaved by -GTP to yield the highly fluorescent product 7-amino-4-methyl coumarin. Optimal excitation and emission wavelengths for the assay are 345 nm and 470 nm, respectively, and the sensitivity of the assay is greatly enhanced by the high-pressure liquid chromatographic separation of the product from the substrate. The assay is minimally 25 times more sensitive than the conventional spectrophotometric assay and permits analysis of as little as 5000 cultured cells of neuronal and glial origin. Analysis of a variety of cultured cells of neuronal and glial origin with this assay suggests that -GTP is largely present in glia and to a lesser extent in neurons.     

A sequential response to growth substances in coleoptiles from γ-irradiated wheat

Summary -irradiated wheat seed (500 kr) produces coleoptiles that grow without cell division or DNA synthesis. Apart from an initial 24-hr delay in growth, intact coleoptiles have a pattern of cell elongation similar to normal coleoptiles. The elongation of coleoptiles excised at a size of 2 mm, when the cells are small and just prior to entering a rapid elongation phase, is promoted by kinetin and gibberellic acid (GA₃). Elongation of coleoptiles excised at 8 mm, when the cells are larger and in the rapid elongation phase, is promoted by indoleacetic acid (IAA). This sequential response to growth substances in coleoptiles is remarkably similar to that in normal coleoptiles. The GA₃ response in excised coleoptiles is not inhibited by FUDR, confirming that DNA synthesis is not required for GA₃-induced elongation in coleoptiles.     

Retention of lead within the digestive vacuole inTetrahymena

Summary The ciliateTetrahymena pyriformis was exposed to lead acetate. Cell proliferation in the presence of 0.1% lead salt (with or without EDTA) equaled, after a variable lag period, that of the control cells. The lead (550 ppm) forms a fluffy precipitate with the organic growth medium; this was in part prevented by addition of EDTA. The cells primarily ingested the fluffy precipitate whereby they became exposed to large amounts of lead. Within the digestive vacuole, the fluffy precipitate became converted into refractile structures (3 m in diameter) which were egested and accumulated at the bottom of the culture flask. The lead content of these defecation balls was higher than that of the fluffy precipitate. In addition to the lead-containing vacuoles, the cells contained small, refractile granules. The apparent, high tolerance ofTetrahymena towards lead is believed to be due in part to the low ionic concentration of lead under the present conditions and in part to a detoxication mechanism consisting of retention of lead within the digestive vacuoles and perhaps of accumulation of lead within the small, refractile granules.     

Excitatoren und paarungsverhalten mitteleuropäischer malachiiden (Coleopt., Malacodermata)

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

Effect of Intercalators on the Properties of Liquid-Crystalline Dispersions of Nucleic Acid–Chitosan Complex

Molecules of deoxyribonucleic acid and synthetic polydeoxyribonucleotides (NA) in the particles of liquid-crystalline dispersions resulting from interaction with chitosan are accessible to interaction with intercalators. The intercalation is accompanied by alteration in the direction of spatial twist of cholesterics of NA–chitosan complexes. This effect is absent in the case of classical cholesterics produced from NA molecules via phase exclusion, i.e., the cholesteric structure of NA–chitosan complex is very labile as distinct from classical cholesteric NA.     

Design of superactive and selective integrin receptor antagonists containing the RGD sequence

Summary Integrins play a major role in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. The majority of the different types of integrins recognize the tripeptide sequence arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD). To explore the spatial requirements of the pharmacophore for receptor selectivity and high activity, a new procedure, spatial screening, was used. The procedure is based on the experience that the conformation of small cyclic peptides is mainly determined by the chirality of the amino acids (and glycine or proline). For example, cyclic pentapeptides with one d and four l amino acids prefer a II'/ conformation. The sequence RGDFV was shifted around this spatial II'/ template by synthesis of five peptides in which one of the amino acids was used in d-configuration. It turned out that cyclo(-RGDfV-) is a selective inhibitor for the _v3 integrin, which is strongly expressed in cancer cells. Systematic variations with different turn mimetics, retro-inverso structures, modified peptide bonds and sugar amino acids are discussed.     

Current chemical concepts of acids and bases and their application to anionic (“acid”) and cationic (“basic”) dyes

Summary In biomedical studies, dyes are divided into acid and basic dyes. This classification cannot be reconciled with current chemical definitions of acids and bases. Brönsted-Lowry acids are compounds that can donate protons; bases are proton acceptors. The definition of acids and bases is independent of the electric charge, i.e. acids and bases can be neutral, anionic or cationic. Reactions between acids and bases result in formation of new acid-base pairs. Lewis acids and bases do not depend on a particular element, but are characterized by their electronic configurations. Lewis bases are electron donors; Lewis acids are electron acceptors. This classification is also unrelated to the electric charge. Lewis acids and bases interact by formation of coordinate covalent bonds.In histochemistry and histology, dyes containing SO ₃ ^– , –COO^– and/or –O^– groups are classified as acid dyes. However, such compounds are electron pair donors and hence Brönsted-Lowry and Lewis anionic bases. Dyes carrying a positive charge are termed basic dyes. Chemically, many cationic dyes are Lewis acids because they can add a base, e.g. OH^–, acetate, halides. The hypothesis that transformation of –NH₂ into ammonium groups imparts basic properties to dyes is untenable; ammonium groups are proton donors and hence acids. Furthermore, conversion of an amino into an ammonium group blocks a lone electron pair and the color of the dye changes drastically, e.g. from violet to green and yellow. It appears therefore highly unlikely that ammonium groups are responsible for binding of cationic (basic) dyes. In histochemistry, it is usually not of critical importance whether anionic or cationic dyes are chemically acids or bases. It is therefore suggested to substitute the terms anionic for acid and cationic for basic dyes; this nomenclature will always be chemically correct.     

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.     

Identification and DNA sequence analysis of a γ-type gliadin cDNA plasmid from winter wheat

Summary Recombinant cDNA plasmids possessing the coding sequences for the -type gliadins were isolated from a cDNA library prepared from wheat seed poly (A⁺) RNA. One of these plasmids, pGliB48, specifically hybridizes to poly (A⁺) RNA molecules 1 400–1 500 bases in length that direct the synthesis of polypeptides at 38 Kd and 46 Kd, the latter size characteristic of the -type gliadins. The cDNA sequence of pGliB48 was determined and encompasses the 3 untranslated region as well as 245 amino acids from the C-terminus of the -type gliadin polypeptide. The 5-end of the DNA coding sequence consists of a tandem repeat unit composed of eight amino acids. Localized regions of homology are observed for the /-type and -type gliadin cDNA sequences.     

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.     

Psychological changes associated with self-regulatory treatments of irritable bowel syndrome

The psychological side effects of self-regulatory treatment (a combination of relaxation, thermal biofeedback, and cognitive therapy) for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were compared among 20 successfully treated patients, 12 unsuccessfully treated patients, and 9 patients who merely monitored symptoms for 12 weeks. Pretreatment and posttreatment scores on the Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Psychosomatic Symptom Checklist were examined. Successfully treated patients had significant (p<.01) reductions on all measures and significantly greater reductions on depression and state anxiety than the symptom monitoring group. Interestingly, the failures also showed a significant (p=.027) reduction in trait anxiety and no significant increases on other measures.     

The response of the antioxidant defense system in rat hepatocytes challenged with oxysterols is modified by Covi-ox

Suspension cultures of isolated rat hepatocytes were used to investigate whether 7-ketocholesterol and cholestane-3,5,6-triol exert oxidative stress in cells as manifested by increased lipid peroxidation and the induction of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. The oxysterols were found to increase the levels of both superoxide dismutase and catalase and to have variable effects on glutathione peroxidase activity. Increased lipid peroxidation was not observed, indicating that the endogenous antioxidant defense system was capable of protecting against any oxidative stress that might otherwise by exerted by 7-ketocholesterol or cholestane-3,5,6-triol. Covi-ox, a natural tocopherol blend reduced the effects of both oxysterols on the antioxidant enzymes. A concurrent reduction in the production of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in Covi-ox-treated cells is indirect evidence that reactive oxygen species were produced by oxysterols in hepatocyte suspension cultures.