The lysis of Gram-negative Alcaligenes eutrophus by enzymes from Cytophaga

Summary The use of Cytophaga lysing enzymes was investigated for the liberation of poly--hydroxybutyrate (PHB) granules from the Gram-negative bacterium Alcaligenes eutrophus. Complete cell lysis was approached within a 60 minute period. Contrary to previous findings for the lysis of Gram-negative bacteria, prior removal of the outer membrane was not essential for enzymic lysis. The destabilisation of the outer membrane by the removal of divalent cations resulted in no significant improvement in the disruption process.     

CHROMOSOME NUMBERS IN SOUTH AMERICAN HAPLOPAPPUS CASS. (COMPOSITAE)

Chromosome counts are reported for 33 species from all four sections of the genus Haplopappus in South America. These include first reports for 28 species and two putative hybrids. All chromosome numbers reported herein are 2n = 5_II, with the exception of H. prunelloides with 2_n = 6_II. Unlike the North American species, the morphological diversity of South American taxa is not concomitant with chromosomal variation.     

Detection of microgram quantities of carrier ampholytes in electrofocused proteins by thin-layer chromatography

A rapid and sensitive method for the detection of carrier ampholyte contamination in electrofocused proteins is described. Samples containing proteins and carrier ampholytes were applied to cellulose thin-layer chromatographic sheets and developed in 10% trichloroacetic acid. Proteins and large-molecular-weight carrier ampholytes were precipitated at the origin while 10% trichloroacetic acid-soluble carrier ampholytes migrated as a diffuse ninhydrin (nitrogen)-positive area at an R_f greater than 0.50. We found that 1.25 μg of carrier ampholytes contained enough 10% trichloroacetic acid-soluble components to be detected by thinlayer chromatography. Using this assay, we investigated techniques designed to remove carrier ampholytes from an electrofocused protein. Removal of large-molecular-weight components from carrier ampholytes by dialysis through a 3500 M_r cutoff membrane did not facilitate separation of carrier ampholytes from streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin type C by dialysis or gel chromatography. Also, this protein binds irreversibly to mixed-bed ion-exchange resin. The best method for separating carrier ampholytes from streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin type C was by electrodialysis at pH 4.0. Following electrodialysis, estimated carrier ampholyte contamination in this protein was less than 1 part in 500 parts (by weight).     

DNA polymerase activity in developmental stages of Drosophila melanogaster

An assay procedure was developed that allowed the first reproducible measurement of DNA polymerase activity in all developmental stages of Drosophila melanogaster. Evidence is presented that the same enzymatic species is present in extracts of embryos, pupae, and adults of both sexes and that this activity has many properties similar to vertebrate α-polymerases. Polymerase activity per individual is low in embryos and rises steadily through larval instars, reaches a peak in early pupae, declines through the late pupal period, and remains low in newly eclosed adults of both sexes. A dramatic increase is observed in adult females as mature oocytes are formed. This pattern of enzyme activity is completely coincident with changes in DNA levels during development, and suggests that the Drosophila enzyme, like vertebrate α-polymerases, functions in cellular DNA replication. Two mutagen-sensitive mutants, deficient in both replication on undamaged templates and postreplication repair, were found to have normal levels of this α-polymerase activity. Our results suggest that a single enzymatic species of α-polymerase holoenzyme exists in Drosophila and is common to all developmental stages of this organism.     

Selective killing of Leishmania infected mouse macrophages by 6-methylpurine 2′-deoxyriboside

6-methylpurine 2′-deoxyriboside killed mouse macrophages infected with amastigotes of $\text{Leishmania donovani}$ and $\text{Leishmania mexicana}$, but did not affect the growth of non-parasitized cells. $\text{Leishmania}$ extracts cleaved the non-toxic 6-methylpurine 2′-deoxyriboside to 6-methylpurine, a potent adenine antimetabolite for mammalian cells. By eliminating macrophages latently infected with $\text{Leishmania donovani}$ amastigotes, 6-methylpurine 2′-deoxyriboside could augment the effects of leishmanicidal agents $\text{in vivo}$.     

The value of electrocardiographic R-wave changes in exercise testing: Preexercise versus postexercise measurements

To determine the usefulness of R-wave amplitude changes during exercise testing for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) and to understand the discrepancies that have been described in the literature regarding their value, we studied two groups of patients by means of electrocardiographic (EKG) treadmill testing and coronary arteriography. Group I was composed of 149 patients who were studied prospectively. The specificity of R-wave changes measured from preexercise to immediately postexercise (SRV(5)) was 81%, but that of R-wave changes measured from preexercise to peak exercise (URV(5)) was 46%. A group of 156 patients (Group II) evaluated retrospectively showed a high specificity for the SRV(5) (84%) and poor specificity for the URV(5) (39%). The sensitivity of the SRV(5) was 38% in Group I and 42% in Group II. Therefore, if measured during the immediate postexercise period and not at peak exercise, changes in R-wave amplitude may be of value in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease by electrocardiographic exercise testing.     

Isolation of selective 3H-chlornaltrexamine-bound complexes,possible opioid receptor components in brains of mice

The nonequilibrium narcotic antagonist, chlornaltrexamine (CNA) was used to bind selectively and covalently pioid specific sites on brain membrane preparations. Selective binding of [³H]CNA occured with a saturation maximum of 185 fmol/mg protein. Bound [³H]CNA was extracted with Triton X-100, dialyzed against Brij 36T, precipitated with trichloroacetic acid and chromatographed on an ultrogel AcA 22 column. The elution profile suggests that this extract contains a minimum of four selective [³H]CNA complexes. At least two of these complexes migrate in a single large peak. Column calibration showed that this peak eluted at 590,000 daltons. One of these specific [³H]CNA complexes elutes at the elution volume of the column and is dialyzable. Finally, putative aggregate of these complexes elutes with the void volume.     

Lipoxygenase from cucumber fruit: Localization and properties

The subcellular localization of lipoxygenase (LOX) from cucumber fruit has been studied. Two methods have been employed to obtain organelles; (1) maceration of the tissue, followed by separation on a linear sucrose gradient and (2) release from protoplasts by osmotic shock, followed by a discontinuous Ficoll gradient. It was possible to obtain high LOX activity in the intact protoplasts from both peel and flesh tissue. However, fewer intact vacuoles were obtained following osmotic rupture than from macerated tissue. Both methods produced more particulate LOX activity from the peel than from flesh tissue, and both showed that this activity was associated with the vacuoles. The cucumber LOX enzyme was similar to the potato and tomato enzymes, both in pH characteristics and substrate specificity.     

Development of transmitter secretory mechanisms by adrenergic neurons in the embryonic chick heart ventricle

Developmental changes in the function of adrenergic axons within the right ventricle of the chick embryo were assessed by measuring the ability of these axons (1) to release endogenous transmitter, and (2) to transport, retain, and release tritiated norepinephrine ([³H]NE). The release of endogenous catecholamines was assayed indirectly by measuring the increase in the twitch tension of ventricular muscle evoked by electrical stimulation of intramural nerves. The release of endogenous transmitter, which acted via β-adrenergic receptors, was first detected by this method on the 16th embryonic day. A cocaine-sensitive uptake of [³H]NE was first observed on the 12th embryonic day. At this time, elevated potassium first evoked a calcium-sensitive release of [³H]NE. Electrical stimulation of intramural axons first evoked a tetrodotoxin-sensitive release of [³H]NE on the 14th embryonic day. It is concluded that the axons of developing adrenergic neurons are capable of releasing transmitter soon after they contact their target tissue.     

The α-keto acids of branched-chain amino acids: Simplified derivatization for physiological samples and complete separation as quinoxalinols by packed column gas chromatography

By use of a relatively new mixed stationary phase, complete separation of the branched-chain α-keto acids as O-trimethylsilyl-quinoxalinol derivatives is achieved within 10 min by packed column gas chromatography. Precise quantification of less than 5 nmol of α-keto acids in biological samples is possible. In small aqueous samples the α-keto acids are directly derivatized without prior purification. Plasma need only be deproteinized by perchlorate and neutralized before derivatization. Average relative precision for determination of the three main branched-chain α-keto acids is ± 5.8%.