The giant (gt) mutants of Drosophila melanogaster alter DNA metabolism

Summary Abnormalities in DNA metabolism have been found in third-instar females of Drosophila melanogaster that are heteroallelic or homoallelic for X-chromosomal giant (gt) mutations. Analysis of DNA metabolism in larval brain ganglia was carried out using alkaline sucrose gradient centrifugation, incorporation assays and a neutral filter elution assay. These analyses show that gt stocks synthesize DNA of a reduced molecular weight, have an unusually high frequency of spontaneous single and doublestrand breaks, and exhibit a reduction in the normal inhibition of DNA synthesis following treatment with UV and the carcinogen AAAF. These phenomena are not associated with a defect in the repair of X-ray induced DNA breaks nor are they accompanied by any alterations in chromosome stability. Analysis of homozygous 1(2)gl larvae also reveal that these phenomena are specific to the gt locus and are thus not attributable solely to an extended developmental program. These findings strengthen the suggestion that the genetic instability associated with gt is related to perturbations in chromosome metabolism (Green 1982).Abbreviations used UV ultraviolet radiation-principal wavelength 313 nm - AAAF N-acetoxy-2-acetylaminofluorene     

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone facilitates the display of sexual behavior in male voles (Microtus canicaudus)

To investigate whether luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) influences the sexual behavior of male gray-tailed voles (Microtus canicaudus), subcutaneous injections of LHRH (500 ng) were given to intact males and to castrated males with different levels of testosterone replacement. Intact voles, as well as castrated voles with Silastic capsules of testosterone propionate, showed significant facilitation of several parameters of masculine sexual behavior 2 hr after LHRH injection, compared to saline controls. Castrated voles without testosterone replacement showed no sexual behavior, even when injected with LHRH. These results support the hypothesis that LHRH regulates sexual behavior in M. canicaudus and that the behavioral response to LHRH is dependent on testosterone. The specific behavioral parameters affected suggest that LHRH changes the arousal component of masculine behavior in voles.     

Pregnancy and ovulation rates in Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) on the British coast

This study determined the pregnancy and ovulation rates in two stocks of Grey seals from Britain and described changes in pregnancy and ovulation rate with age. Seals sampled from the Hebrides during August 1978 and from the Fame Islands between March 1979 and October 1981 were used. Adult female pregnancy rate in the stock from the Fame Islands was estimated to be 94–29%, compared with 82–95% for seals from the Hebrides. These values were not significantly different. Pregnancy rate estimated by direct observation of a conceptus was comparable with an estimate from the presence or absence of corpora albicantia in the ovaries. By the age of four years and over (4 +), i.e. at maturity, 50% of females became pregnant. Pregnancy rate remained constant from age 5 + onwards. Pregnancy rate amongst females which became sexually mature at a younger than average age was lower than in older age classes.     

Effects of temperature and CO2 enrichment on kinetic properties of phospho-enol-pyruvate carboxylase in two ecotypes of Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv., a C4 weed grass species

Summary Two populations of Echinochloa crus-galli (Québec, Mississippi) were grown at the Duke University Phytotron under 2 thermoperiods (28°/22°C, 21°/15°C day/night) and 2 CO₂ regimes (350 and 675 l l^-1). Thermostability, energy of activation (E _a ),K _m (PEP), K _m (Mg⁺⁺), and specific activity of phospho-enol-pyruvate carboxylase (PEP_c) were analyzed in partially purified enzyme preparations of plants grown for 5 weeks. Thermostability of PEP_c from extracts (in vitro) and leaves (in situ) was significantly higher in Mississippi plants. In vitro denaturation was not appreciably modified by thermal acclimation but CO₂ enrichment elicited higher thermostability of PEP_c. In situ thermostability was significantly higher than that of in vitro assays and was higher in Mississippi plants acclimated at 28°/22°C and in plants of the two ecotypes grown at 675 l l^-1 CO₂. E _a (Q ₁₀ 30°/20°C) for PEP_c was significantly lower in Québec plants as compared to Mississippi and no acclimatory shifts were observed. Significantly higher K _m's (PEP) in 20°C assays were obtained for Mississippi as compared to Québec plants but values were similar at 30°C and 40°C assays. K _m (Mg⁺⁺) decreased at higher assay temperatures and were significantly lower for PEP_c of the Québec ecotype. No significant changes in K _m (Mg⁺⁺) values were associated with modifications in temperature on CO₂ regimes. PEP_c activity measured at 30°C was significantly higher for Québec plants when measured on a leaf fresh weight, leaf area or protein basis but not on a chlorophyll basis. Significantly higher PEP_c activity for both genotypes was observed for plants acclimated at 21°/15°C or grown at 675 l l^-1 CO₂. Net photosynthesis (Ps) and net assimilation rates (NAR) were higher in Québec plants and were enhanced by CO₂ enrichment. NAR was higher in plants acclimated at low temperature, while an opposite trend was observed for Ps. PEP_c activities were always in excess of the amounts required to support observed rates of CO₂ assimilation.     

Complete reductive dechlorination and mineralization of pentachlorophenol by anaerobic microorganisms

Anaerobically digested municipal sewage sludge which had been acclimated to monochlorophenol degradation for more than 2 years was shown to degrade pentachlorophenol (PCP). Di-, tri-, and tetrachlorophenols accumulated when PCP was added to the individual acclimated sludges. When the 2-chlorophenol- (2-CP), 3-CP-, and 4-CP-acclimated sludges were mixed in equal volumes, PCP was completely dechlorinated. The same results were obtained in sludge acclimated to the three monochlorophenol isomers simultaneously. With repeated PCP additions, 3,4,5,-trichlorophenol, 3,5-dichlorophenol, and 3-CP accumulated in less than stoichiometric amounts. All chlorinated compounds disappeared after PCP additions were stopped. All chlorinated compounds disappeared after PCP additions were stopped. Incubations with [14C]PCP resulted in 66% of the added 14C being mineralized to 14CO2 and 14CH4. Technical-grade PCP was found to be degraded initially at a rate very similar to that of reagent-grade PCP, but after repeated additions, the technical PCP was degraded more slowly. Pentabromophenol was also rapidly degraded by the mixture of acclimated sludges. These results clearly show the complete reductive dechlorination of PCP by the combined activities of three chlorophenol-degrading populations.     

A comparison of anionic sites in the glomerular basement membranes from different classes of fishes

Summary Cationized ferritin was injected into the circulatory system of teleosts, the sea raven and Atlantic eelpout, and into elasmobranchs, the spiny dogfish and the skate, to determine if the glomerular basement membranes (GBM) from these different groups of fishes possess anionic binding sites similar to those present in the GBM of mammals. The distribution of cationized ferritin was the same in all fishes listed. Cationized ferritin was localized only in the GBM and the mesangial matrix. The regular distribution of cationized ferritin within the laminae rarae (60 nm intervals) was taken as evidence of the presence of anionic binding sites. Cationized ferritin did not bind to the glomerular capillary endothelium, nor was any of it localized at the base of the slit diaphragms of the foot processes of the podocytes. The distribution of binding sites in the GBM of these fishes is similar to that in another teleost, the winter flounder, and in a cyclostome, the hagfish.     

Localization of a substance P-like material in the central and peripheral nervous system of the snail Helix aspersa

Summary A monoclonal antibody against substance P was used for immunocytochemical staining of the central ganglia of the snail Helix aspersa and several peripheral tissues including the gut, reproductive system, cardiovascular system, tentacle and other muscles.Within the central ganglia many neurones, and many fibres in the neuropile and the nerves entering the ganglia, were stained for the SP-like material. The largest numbers of reactive cell bodies were in the pleural ganglia and on the dorsal surfaces of the pedal ganglia. A group of cells was also found, surrounding the right pedal-cerebral connective, that did not fluoresce, but were enveloped by reactive processes terminating directly onto the neurone somata.Specific staining was observed in all peripheral tissues examined and always appeared to be concentrated in nerve terminals. Most particularly these occurred in the heart and aorta, the pharyngeal retractor muscle and the tentacle. Although mostly present in muscular tissues, some fluorescence was also observed in the nervous layer surrounding the retina. The tentacular ganglion also contained immunoreactive cell bodies.     

Electron microscopy of phages for Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Summary Bacteriophages for three strains of A. tumefaciens were concentrated by ultracentrifugation, stained with 1% phosphotungstic acid (PTA), or 0.5% uranyl acetate, and examined with the electron microscope. Phage PT11 was a bacillary-shaped particle with a whip-like tail containing a knob at its distal end. Phage PIIBNV6 appeared to have an icosahedral head. The wide non-contractile tail terminated in a plate with pegs. Phage PIIBNV6-C was an icosahedral particle with a short, spike-like tail. Host cells of A. tumefaciens were encapsulated rods bearing polar or lateral flagella.Published with approval of the Director, Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station, Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A. 53706.