Acetone-regulated synthesis and degradation of cytochrome P450E1 and cytochrome P4502B1 in rat liver [corrected

The regulation of CYP2E1 and 2B1 was studied by following mRNA levels, catalytic activities and the subcellular distribution of the apoproteins in rat liver 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 h after a single intragastric dose of acetone. No changes were observed in hepatic CYP2E1 mRNA levels at any time after acetone treatment, whereas rapid rises were observed in the microsomal amount of CYP2E1 protein and CYP2E1-catalyzed 4-nitrophenol hydroxylase and carbon-tetrachloride-initiated lipid-peroxidation activities. However, CYP2E1-dependent catalytic activities declined much faster than the immunodetectable CYP2E1 protein, suggesting that this cytochrome P-450 is inactivated prior to degradation. Similar results were seen in primary hepatocyte cultures. By contrast, concomitant changes in levels of CYP2B1 and CYP2B1-dependent O-depentylation of pentoxyresorufin were observed in the same microsomal preparations. Investigation of the degradative mechanism of both CYP2E1 and CYP2B1 by immunoquantitation of the proteins in lysosomes and by immunohistochemistry indicated their degradation via an autophagic-lysosomal pathway. The data suggest that CYP2E1 is acutely inactivated in the endoplasmic reticulum and that degradation of this isozyme occurs, at least in part, by the lysosomal route. By contrast, CYP2B1 is principally controlled at the level of synthesis.     

A linkage group on pig chromosome 4 comprising the loci for blood group L, GBA, ATP1B1 and three microsatellites

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) were described for the porcine loci for β-glucosidase (GBA) and the β-polypeptide 1 of the Na⁺, K⁺-transporting ATPase (ATP1B1). Linkage analyses using a three-generation pedigree provided evidence for the assignment of ATP1B1, GBA and two microsatellite loci (S0001 and S0067) to a previously described linkage group comprising the loci for blood group L (EAL) and an anonymous microsatellite (S0097). The linear order of the six markers was determined with confidence by multipoint analyses and the length of the linkage group was estimated at 88 CM. This linkage group was assigned to pig chromosome 4 on the basis of a previous physical localization of the ATP1B1 gene. In situ hybridization data for S0001 presented in this study were consistent with a localization on chromosome 4 and suggested a regional localization to 4pl2-pl3. The present study reveals conflicting data concerning the genetic localization of the K88 loci controlling the expression of the receptors for the E. coli pilus antigens. One group has reported data suggesting a loose linkage between K88 and EAL, now mapped to chromosome 4, whereas two other groups have found linkage between K88 and the transferrin locus (TF), mapped to chromosome 13 by in situ hybridization.     

Does a torn anterior cruciate ligament lead to change in the central nervous drive of the knee extensors?

Integrated surface electromyograms of the three superficial parts of the quadriceps and isokinetic knee extensor maximum torque and power production were recorded simultaneously and at different angular velocities in both legs in 11 male subjects with unilateral tear of the anterior cruciate ligament. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the thigh and its muscular components were measured by computerized tomography. The principal findings were a small but significant decrease in quadriceps CSA on the affected side; a decreased active, but not passive, range of movement; decreased mechanical output, whether or not corrected for differences in CSA; and decreased electromyographic activity--particularly in rectus femoris. These findings suggest that the reason for the decreased maximum and total knee extensor performance seen in these patients is a change in knee joint receptor afferent inflow.     

Hypothermic effects on action potential and force production of hedgehog and guinea pig papillary muscles

Action potentials and isometric force were recorded in papillary muscles from guinea pigs and summer hedgehogs at different temperatures between 37 and 0 degrees C. The action potential of the hedgehog was of a lower amplitude (mean 83 +/- 6 mV) than that of the guinea pig (mean 110 +/- 5 mV). The action potential duration at 50% repolarization was 22 +/- 2 msec in the hedgehog as compared to 105 +/- 11 msec in the guinea pig. Moreover, there was no distinct plateau phase of the hedgehog action potential. Lowering temperature prolonged the action potential duration in the two preparations by about the same percentage. However, the guinea pig preparation became progressively less excitable below 20 degrees C. Lowered temperature produced a positive inotropic effect in the guinea pig, whereas this effect was very slight in the hedgehog heart. Postextrasystolic potentiation was seen in the guinea pig but not in the hedgehog preparation. It is suggested that this difference between the preparations may be due to a greater relative amount of activator calcium in the hedgehog heart. The difference in cold tolerance between the preparations may reflect a difference in chemical composition of the sarcolemma.     

The incorporation of selenium and alterations of macro- and trace element levels in individual blood cells following supplementation with sodium selenite and vitamin E

Significant alterations in the selenium content of erythrocytes, thrombocytes, and neutrophil granulocytes were observed following a daily supplementation of 200 μg Se + 100 mg vitamin E during a period of 2 months. The neutrophil granulocytes incorporated more selenium than the thrombocytes. The iron content of the thrombocytes decreased on selenium supplementation, while the opposite was noted for the neutrophil granulocytes. The glutathione peroxidase activity was not significantly changed during the period of observation.