Segments of Djungarian hamster chromosomes, specific for translocation of integration of amplified mdr1 genes, do not possess increased instability]

Earlier we have revealed in Djungarian hamster DM-15 cells three chromosomal segments (2p22, 5p1, 7q23-25) that are specific for transposition of amplified mdr1 genes from the site of location of resident gene copy (it was mapped to 4q21-23). In situ hybridization revealed in wild type cells no mdr1 homologous sequences in all these three segments. In this work we studied distribution of chromosomal breakages induced in DM-15 cells by aphidicolin, 5-fluorodeoxyuridine or N-phosphonacetyl-L-aspartate. The data obtained indicate that two of above mentioned segments. 2p22 and 7q23-25, contain no fragile sites. So, specificity of these segments for the transposition of amplified mdr1 genes is not due to their particular instability or to the presence in them of sequences homologous to amplifiable selectable gene.     

Anatomical observations on the bill of the Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus occidentalis) in relation to feeding behaviour

Oystercatchers have recently increased as inland breeders in Northern Britain. Concurrently, they have been observed feeding in coastal fields in winter. It is suggested that the bill of this species possesses dual characteristics enabling them to feed on shellfish adn also to probe in the soil for terrestrial invertebrates.
The gross internal morphology of the bills of adults and young is described. A bony core contains large nerves running the length of the bill. These break up towards the tip where numerous sensory corpuscles are seen. It is concluded that the possession of a strong bone core together with numerous sense organs at the tip has been of considerable importance in enabling the Oystercatcher to exploit inland situations.     

The aggressive behaviour of individual male polecats (Mustela putorius, M. furo and hybrids) towards familiar and unfamiliar opponents

Experiments are described which were designed to investigate the significance of individual differences in aggressiveness between polecats and the relation between the familiarity of the opponent and the pattern and outcome of fighting.
The behaviour of Mustela putorius, M. furo and hybrids between the two species was investigated in an indoor arena of 16 m².
Two kinds of fighting between male polecats were recorded, "companion fighting" between cage mates, in which biting was inhibited and neither of the opponents became intimidated and "uninhibited fighting" between unfamiliar individuals from which a winner and loser generally emerged and a rank order formed.
Individual differences in aggressiveness were assessed by means of a scoring system which statistical analysis showed, generally, to be consistent for any one individual. The rank of an animal, however, was found not to be invariably related to its aggression score.
A number of other factors influencing fighting were investigated, the earlier introduction of one individual into the arena increases its chances of winning a fight; when offered a choice, male polecats fight strangers in preference to cage mates; and the separation of a group of cage mates for as little as 48 hours induces them to behave towards one another like strangers with the result that a rank order is formed. Factors which had no apparent effect on fighting between males were the weight of the individual or the presence of females.
The attributes of familiar and unfamiliar opponents are discussed in the light of these findings.     

Regulation of natural killer cell activity by macrophages in the rheumatoid joint and peripheral blood

Recently, in another study, we observed that indomethacin, a prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor, significantly increased NK activity in both normal and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) peripheral blood (PB) but not in RA synovial fluid (SF). Because macrophages are a major source of prostaglandins, we examined the effect of macrophage-enriched adherent cells (AC) on NK activity as measured by a 3-hr Cr-release assay with K 562 cells. The removal of AC resulted in increased (p less than 0.01) NK activity in both normal and RA PB. In contrast, the removal of AC from RA SF resulted in a significant decrease (p less than 0.001) of NK activity. By using only nonadherent cells (NAC), NK activity in RA SF and synovial tissue (ST) was significantly reduced when compared to autologous RA PB (p less than 0.001). Enhancement of NK activity of SF NAC by both poly I:C and IL 2 was not dependent on AC. Mixing experiments demonstrated that the addition of synovial AC for 16 hr increased NK activity of synovial NAC to a level similar to that of unseparated mononuclear cells, whereas autologous PB AC suppressed NK activity of PB NAC. PB AC, when added to SF NAC, also increased NK activity. Supernatants from synovial mononuclear cells were stimulatory of synovial NAC NK activity, whereas normal PB mononuclear supernatants were suppressive. These observations document 1) a significant reduction of NAC-mediated NK activity in the rheumatoid joint as compared to PB from the same patient, and 2) that AC modulate NK activity differently in the rheumatoid joint as compared to RA or normal PB.