Differential effects of metal-binding agents on the D-glucose-6-phosphate phosphohydrolase activity of the rat liver.

The metal-binding agents (citrate, oxalate, bicarbonate, EDTA) exert dual effects on D-glucose-6-phosphate phosphohydrolase activity in the homogenate as well as in the subcellular fractions. The important differences of the effects are associated with the concentration of the chelator and with time of its addition. The small (appropriate) concentrations of the metal-binding agents stimulate and stabilize the enzyme activity. However, chelators used in higher concentrations exert the inhibitory influence on the activity of glucose-6-phosphatase. Stimulation of the reaction was observed only if the chelator was added before the enzyme-substrate complex formation has been started. The formation of the ternary complex: the enzyme(metal)-chelator substrate exerting a protective influence on the active centre has been suggested. The hypothesis of a similar action of the metal-binding agents and Pi on the glucose-6-phosphatase as a metaloproteid has been proposed.     

Synthesis and storage of a neurohormone in insect brains in vitro

The build-up of neurosecretory material in the median neurosecretory cells and fibre tracts of cultured cockroach brains was demonstrated by staining and bioassay. Examination of the cultured brains by electron microscopy showed active production of neurosecretory granules after 3 days in vitro. The close correlation of the results obtained by these different methods of assay leaves little doubt that a neurohormone is being synthesized and stored.     

THE UTILIZATION OF GUM TREES BY BIRDS IN AFRICA

The changes brought about by the introduction of Eucalyptus into Africa on the ecology of birds are outlined, in so far as its contribution as a habitat, as a food-source, and for other uses is concerned. Species known to breed in gums are listed, together with notes on habitat preference, and its limitations in comparison with the indigenous resources are discussed.