The bovine and ovine genomes contain multiple sequences homologous to the alpha-lactalbumin-encoding gene

Bovine and ovine (pseudo)genes homologous to the alpha-lactalbumin-encoding gene are described. In both cases, sequence analysis reveals homology extending downstream from exon 2. Southern analysis indicates the presence of a family of alpha-lactalbumin-related sequences in the bovine genome.     

A recessive mutation causing imperforate vagina in mice

A recessive mutation (ipv) causing imperforate vagina was discovered in a line of mice selected for low lean tissue mass as a proportion of body weight. Two full sisters were found to have marked swelling of the perineum and complete closure of the vagina. Crosses of heterozygotes identified by progeny testing produced a female progeny ratio not different from the 3 normal: 1 affected (chi 2 = 0.695; p less than .3) expected on the basis of a recessive allele at a single autosomal locus. As a consequence of the imperforate vagina, the uterus and vagina were greatly distended by fluid. The uterus of affected females displayed a swollen uterine lumen and thin endometrial stroma and muscularis. Ovarian tissue of affected females was similar to that of normal mice, and affected females produced ova that were normal in appearance. The mutation causing an imperforate vagina may present a useful model for studying the basis of abnormal vaginal development in other species and increasing the understanding of normal vaginal development in the mouse.     

Establishment of a leukemic cell model for studying human pre-B to B cell differentiation

Reproducible models for examining early stages of human B cell differentiation are poorly developed. We now describe the establishment and characterization of a novel human leukemic cell line that recapitulates the pre-B to B cell stage of differentiation. This cell line, designated BLIN-1, was initially established in tissue culture medium containing low m.w. B cell growth factor, and consistently shows a dependency on this cytokine for optimal growth at low density. BLIN-1 cells have a 9p chromosomal abnormality, identical to the abnormality present in the leukemic blasts from the patient's original bone marrow aspirate. The immunologic phenotype of BLIN-1 is consistent with a cell arrested at the pre-B cell stage of development. Analysis of Ig gene rearrangement and Ig expression in a series of BLIN-1 subclones show that the cells spontaneously rearrange kappa light chain genes, leading to the differentiation of surface kappa-negative pre-B cells into surface kappa-positive B cells. The BLIN-1 cell line is, to our knowledge, the first defined human model for examining this critical developmental stage in human B cell ontogeny. As such, it offers a unique resource for examining variables influencing onset of kappa L chain gene rearrangement and expression.     

Serotonin in human lumbar cerebrospinal fluid: a reassessment

An inter-laboratory comparison study was carried out in order to ascertain mean levels of serotonin (5-HT) in human lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Analyses were performed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with either electrochemical (LC-EC) or fluorometric (LC-F) detection. With the detection limits obtained (7-8 pg/ml for LC-EC, 7-15 pg/ml for LC-F) 5-HT was not usually detected in human lumbar CSF. The findings indicate that the true mean concentration of CSF 5-HT is less than 10 pg/ml. This upper limit is substantially lower than all previous reports of 5-HT concentrations in normal human lumbar CSF. The extremely low concentrations of 5-HT present in CSF make it unlikely that CSF 5-HT will be of clinical utility in assessing central serotonergic function.     

Trade-off among antiherbivore defences in a south american blackberry (Rubus bogotensis)

Summary The idea of trade-offs among antiherbivore defences in plants is examined using data from a South American blackberry (Rubus bogotensis). Two distinct morphs of R. bogotensis, one with glandular trichomes and one without, were compared with respect to leaf toughness, number of prickles and prickle length. The two morphs were sympatric and grew under similar environmental conditions. The morph lacking trichomes had significantly tougher leaves and also tended to have more and longer prickles. Bioassay showed that Ithomiid larvae fed to a lesser extent on tough leaves than on more tender ones. Correlations between antiherbivore defences within each phenotype revealed three significant or almost significant negative relationships. The comparisons support the hypothesis that trade-offs exist among antiherbivore defences.