Carbocyclic phosphonate analogs of 2′,3′-dideoxyadenosine-5′-monophosphate as substrates of 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate (PRPP) synthetate

Several carbocyclic phosphonate analogs of 2′,3′-dideoxyadenosine-5′-monophosphate (ddAMP) were pyrophosphorylated by E. coli 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate (PRPP) synthetase in the presence of PRPP. Structure-activity relationships are discussed.     

Co-distribution of annexin VI and actin in secretory ameloblasts and odontoblasts of rat incisor

Summary Annexin VI and actin were detected by immunoblot analysis in the enamel- and dentin-related portions of dental tissues. Annexin VI was found mainly in the particulate fraction whereas actin was detected in both the soluble and particulate fractions. By immunoelectron microscopy, annexin VI antibodies conjugated with colloidal gold were seen to label the mitochondria, the cytosol and the nucleus of secretory ameloblasts and odontoblasts of rat incisor. In the processes of these cell, the plasmalemmal undercoat was labeled. Antiactin antibodies labeled the desmosome-like junctions, the cytosol, and the mitochondria of the cell bodies. Extensive labeling was seen at the periphery of the Tomes' processes and odontoblast processes. These results suggest that annexin VI may play a role in Ca²⁺-regulation in the cell bodies, especially as a calcium receptor protein in the mitochondria. Moreover, annexin VI and actin seem to be co-distributed in secretory processes. Thus, these proteins might be both involved in exocytotic and endocytotic events.     

Spectrum of phenylketonuria mutations in Western Europe and North Africa,and their relation to polymorphic DNA haplotypes at the phenylalanine hydroxylase locus

Summary A total of 252 chromosomes from 126 patients with phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiencies were analyzed for both mutant genotypes and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) haplotypes at the PAH locus. The mutant genes studied originated either from Western Europe (116 alleles) or from Mediterranean countries (136 alleles). Only 27% of all mutant alleles were found to carry identified mutations, particularly mutations at codon 252 (2.3%), 261 (7.5%), 280 (6.3%), 408 (3.5%) and at the splice donor site of intron 12 (6.3%). The mutant genotypes were associated with RFLP haplotypes 7, 1, 38, 2 and 3 at the PAH locus respectively. Except for the splice mutation of intron 12, these associations were preferential, but not exclusive, since the other four mutations were found on the background of at least two RFLP haplotypes. These results, together with the observation that 85% of PAH deficient patients are heterozygotes for their mutant genotypes, emphasize the great heterogeneity of PAH deficiencies in Mediterranean countries and hamper systematic DNA testing for carrier status in this population.     

Spring and summer hosts for Pieris rapae in Southern Spain with special attention to Capparis spinosa

The suitability of different host plants for Pieris rapae L. in the South of the Iberian Peninsula, was studied in relation to host plant phenology, female behaviour, and larval development. Capparis spinosa is the only host plant available during the dry season of the year in the area studied. D. virgata, R. raphanistrum, H. incana and S. alba being suitable spring hosts. Comparative studies on mortality, larval development and larval growth between C. spinosa and the spring hosts revealed no significant differences.

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Résumé L'adéquation de différentes plantes comme hôtes de P. rapae a été examinée en fonction de la phénologie des végétaux, du comportement de la femelle et du développement larvaire dans le sud de la péninsule ibérique. Pendant la saison sèche, C. spinosa est la seule plant convenable dans la zone étudiée. Diplotaxis virgata, Raphanus raphanistrum, Hirschfeldia incana et Sinapis alba sont des hôtes printaniers convenables. La mortalité, le développement et la croissance larvaires ne sont pas différentes sur C. spinosa et sur les hôtes de printemps.

     

Sequential study of the synaptonemal complex in rat (Rattus norvegicus) oocytes by light and electron microscopy

The progression of first meiotic prophase and synaptonemal complex (SC) formation in female rats, Rattus norvegicus S.D., is described through the analysis of the different stages of the first meiotic prophase, and confirms the high synchrony of the process in this species. Leptotene is a stage of very short duration and since pairing of the homologues begins very early, only a leptotene-zygotene stage can be distinguished. The progression of pairing during zygotene is asynchronous. The morphology of the SCs is similar to that described in other species. During diplotene and before desintegration of the lateral elements, desynapsis takes place.In some oocytes a double or even multiple nature of lateral elements was seen. Associations between SCs and nucleoli or nucleolar filaments are frequent. The presence of fragmented SCs can be interpreted as a technical artifact.     

Targets for calcium channel blockers in mammalian skeletal muscle and their respective functions in excitation-contraction coupling

The L-type Ca2+ channel is blocked by 1,4-dihydropyridines (DHP), by phenylalkylamines, by diphenylbutylpiperidines or by benzolactams. We first show with mouse muscle cells in culture that all these L-type Ca2+ channel blockers block contraction. However, voltage-clamp analysis associated to contraction measurements also clearly show that Ca2+ influx through L-type Ca2+ channels is not required for contraction. Therefore, there is a need for a voltage-sensor which would be responsible for the excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling. We are showing here that the voltage-sensor involved in E-C coupling and the L-type Ca2+ channel have a similar pharmacology. Some of the blockers used are more active on the voltage sensor, others on the L-type Ca2+ channel.     

Searching for autolysin functions. Characterization of a pneumococcal mutant deleted in the lytA gene

The first mutant of Streptococcus pneumoniae showing a complete deletion in the lytA gene coding for the N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanine amidase has been isolated and characterized. This amidase was previously the only autolysin detected in this species. This mutant shows a normal growth rate and can be transformed using either chromosomal or plasmid DNA. The most remarkable biological consequences of the absence of the amidase are the formation of small chains (six to eight cells) and the absence of lysis in the stationary phase of growth. In addition, this mutant exhibits a tolerant response against the beta-lactam antibiotics.     

Characterization of kinetochores in multicentric chromosomes

Long-term cultures of certain rat and mouse cell lines carry several dicentric and some multicentric chromosomes. Using antikinetochore antibodies obtainable from serum of scleroderma (var. CREST) patients we studied the number of kinetochores formed along the length of these chromosomes. The rat cells displayed as many kinetochores as there were centromeres. However, mouse cells showed the synthesis of only one kinetochore in dicentric and multicentric chromosomes which had been in the culture for a period of 1 year or more. When translocations were induced by bleomycin in mouse L cells, the newly formed dicentric chromosomes showed the formation of two kinetochores. It is not known when the accessory centromeres lose their capacity to assemble kinetochore proteins. Possibly, in the rat the latent kinetochores lack a specific component which renders them ineffective for microtubule binding. The reason for the formation of only one kinetochore in mouse multicentric chromosomes is not clear. It may be due to the accumulation of mutations, modification of the kinetochore protein so that it lacks the antibody binding component, or a more effective regulatory gene than in the rat.