Immunoaffinity purification of the lipid transfer protein complex directly from human plasma

The human cholesteryl ester (CE) and triglyceride (TG) exchange protein (denoted LTC or lipid transfer complex) was isolated in a single step from plasma using immunoaffinity batch extraction. Antibodies were raised against two preparations of conventionally purified LTC. LTC-I and LTC-II (purified 20,000-fold and 3500-fold, respectively) were used as immunogens. The antiLTC antibodies were isolated by anion-exchange chromatography and coupled to Affi-Gel 10. Chromatography of plasma on antiLTC Affi-Gel removed all of the CE and TG transfer activity. Moreover, LTC prepared from both antiLTC-I and antiLTC-II-Affi-Gel matrices were identical when analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel LTC electrophoresis. LTC exhibited two protein bands of Mr (apparent) 67,000 and 58,000 and a broad, faintly staining region at greater than 150,000. Analysis of LTC by immunoblotting indicated that both antiLTC-I and antiLTC-II antibodies recognized the same LTC proteins. Isoelectric focussing of LTC gave two pI values, 5.2 and 8.7. These data suggest that LTC is a complex of specific proteins and perhaps lipid. Specific CE and TG exchange activities of immunoaffinity-purified LTC were comparable, although the activities were low with respect to that of the antigen used to generate antiLTC-I. This is not due to contamination of LTC by albumin, lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase, or apolipoproteins AI, AII, B, CIII, D, or E.     

A new internal perfusion method for transport studies in squid giant axons

A new internal perfusion method has been developed which allows control of the internal solute composition in squid axons. The superiority of this technique compared to the old perfusion methods is shown by the experiments performed which have reproduced, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the Na+ and Ca2+ fluxes observed in intact and dialyzed axons. Compared with the internal dialysis, the perfusion method has the advantage that the permeability barrier give by the porous capillary has been eliminated. This allows the introduction into the axon of solutes with very high molecular weight, at the same time that a fast and reliable internal control can be achieved.     

Enhanced activation of a T cell line specific for acetylcholine receptor (AChR) by using anti-AChR monoclonal antibodies plus receptors

Immune complex-mediated regulation of the immune response has been studied by using T cell lines and monoclonal antibodies (MAb), both specific for the acetylcholine receptor (AChR). Rat T lymphocytes bearing the W3/25 phenotype and specific for AChR from Torpedo californica have been propagated in vitro for nearly 1 yr. These T cells proliferate in response to optimal concentrations of AChR presented by irradiated syngeneic thymus cells. At suboptimal concentrations of antigen there is little activation of the T cell line. We report here that the addition of small amounts of anti-AChR MAb produces dramatic stimulation of the T cell lines at suboptimal doses of AChR. Enhanced activation depends on the isotype and not the fine specificity of the MAb that are used. The observed phenomenon is antigen specific, and in fact, the immune complexes may actually suppress the proliferative response of irrelevant T cells to some extent. The MAb plus antigen are rapidly bound to the surface of the antigen-presenting cell, which we have shown is the dendritic cell.     

Effects of seed-irradiation on meiosis in M1 plants of Lactuca and related plants

Meiosis was studied in control and seed-irradiated materials of Lactuca sativa, cultivars Tom, Cos and Webbs, L. serriola from the wild, and Cichorium intybus. In meiosis of the M₁ plants from irradiated seed, observations of univalent and multivalent formation, bridge formation at Anaphase I and II, micronucleus formation and persistence, and pollen fertility, were carried out, and compared with controls. Quantitative estimations of bridge formation were made in L. sativa Tom and Cos and in L. serriola, at anaphase I only. It was found that the frequency of anaphase I bridges and reduction of pollen fertility in the M₁ and also M₂ generation, were different for each variety or species; these could be sequenced radiation-resistant to sensitive in the order Tom, Cos and L. serriola.     

Low degree of ubiquitination of histone 2A in the dipteran Chironomus tentans

A polyclonal antibody to ubiquitin has been prepared and shown to react with both ubiquitin and ubiquitinated histone 2A (uH2A). Applying this antibody in Western blotting experiments, we have observed that the salivary glands of Chironomus tentans contain an unusually low amount of uH2A (1% of histone 2A), while the amount of free ubiquitin is as abundant as in other animal cells, e.g. HeLa cells. The same low content of uH2A was also found in diploid epidermal cells of Chironomus origin suggesting that the low amount is not a characteristic of the polytene state of chromatin in salivary gland cells but rather a property of C. tentans as a species. The significance of the low degree of ubiquitination is discussed in relation to the information available on the organization of Chironomus chromatin into unusually large chromomeric entities.     

Intramuscular loading dose of quinine for falciparum malaria: pharmacokinetics and toxicity.

In a study of intramuscular injection of quinine eight adults with moderately severe falciparum malaria resistant to chloroquine were treated with quinine dihydrochloride, being given a loading dose of 20 mg salt (16.7 mg base)/kg followed by three or four eight hourly maintenance doses of 10 mg salt (8.3 mg base)/kg injected into the anterior thigh. All patients responded to treatment. Fever and parasite clearance times (mean (SD) 60 (23) h and 53 (22) h respectively) were comparable with those obtained with intravenous quinine. The mean peak plasma quinine concentration of 11.0 mg/l (34.4 mu mol/l) [corrected] was reached a median of five hours after administration of the loading dose. In all patients plasma quinine concentrations exceeded the high minimum inhibitory concentration for Plasmodium falciparum malaria prevalent in Thailand within four hours of the start of treatment but did not cause toxicity other than mild cinchonism. When intravenous infusion is not possible an intramuscular quinine loading dose is an effective means of starting treatment in patients with moderately severe falciparum malaria who cannot swallow tablets.     

The increased population of the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa L.) in Europe

In this paper the recent population changes of the Wild Boar in different European countries is analysed through the study of hunting statistics. A simultaneous increase in numbers is observed throughout the whole area during the period 1965–1975. From 1975 onwards the population stabilizes itself apart from in peripheral areas like Finland. Potentially favourable factors which play a part in this process are discussed and certain reproductive and dispersive characteristics which favour its invasive behaviour are discussed.     

"Pertussis toxin induces tachycardia and impairs the increase in blood pressure produced by alpha 2-adrenergic agonists"

Administration of purified pertussis toxin to rats induced persistent tachycardia, (observed in conscious rats but not after pithing); as little as 0.05 microgram/100 g produced a significant effect. Pertussis toxin-treatment did not affected the pressor response produced in the pithed rats by the alpha 2-adrenergic agonist methoxamine but markedly diminished the pressor effect of the alpha 2-adrenergic agonists clonidine and azepexole. A role of adenylate cyclase inhibition in the action of postsynaptic vascular alpha 2-adrenergic receptors is suggested.