Stimulation of pancreatic secretory process in the rat by low-molecular weight proteinase inhibitor

Oral application of a single dose of a new synthetic proteinase inhibitor Camostate (Foy-305) in male Wistar rats was carried out together with studies of in vitro amino acid incorporation followed by separation of proteins by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The aim of this experiment was to analyze changes produced by the inhibitor in total protein and individual enzyme biosynthesis. Administration of 100 mg/kg Foy-305 resulted in significant inhibition of total pancreatic protein synthesis, without changes in fractional rates for individual enzymes. 50 mg/kg Foy-305 induced a 10-fold elevation of cholecystokinin (CCK) levels in serum; this persisted for 3 h and led to a significant increase in the total rate of protein synthesis with peak values at 6 and 9 h (78% and 84% above control levels, respectively), returning to control by 15 h. Changes in fractional rates of synthesis occurred with a latency of 6 h and were restricted to amylase and the anionic form of trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen. Amylase biosynthesis decreased by about 40% from control levels at 9 h to return to control levels by 15 h. Increased synthesis of trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen was observed; this was also phasic. The results show similar enzyme-specific regulation as previously described for exogenous CCK stimulation and for the adaptation of the pancreas to diets enriched in protein. They demonstrate the effectiveness of pulsatory endogenous hormone release in the regulation of protein synthesis.     

Evidence for two newVibrio anguillarum K antigens

Surface polysaccharides from five strains ofVibrio anguillarum were studied by means of immunoelectrophoretic procedures. The study suggested existence of two new K antigens, displaying cross-reactivity, in strains derived from diseased feral fish. The importance of a detailed serologic characterization of isolates for ecologic and epidemiologic studies ofV. anguillarum is considered.     

Biochemical characterization of glutamine synthetase from the diazotrophic cyanobacterium,Anabaena doliolum

In cyanobacteria, the glutamine synthetase-L-glutamine-2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase (GS-GOGAT) pathway is the major ammonia-assimilating route. The GS ofAnabaena doliolum was synthesized more under N₂-fixing conditions, followed by ammonium, nitrate, and nitrite as nitrogen sources. The activities of both the glutamine synthetase, Mg²⁺-dependent biosynthetic and Mn²⁺-dependent -glutamyl transferase were optimum at pH 7. The active site of the enzyme bears sulfhydryl (-SH) groups; this was confirmed with the-SH group inhibitors, para-chloromercuribenzoate (pCMB) and N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). The biosynthetic and -glutamyl transferase activities showed specificity for the divalent cations, Mg²⁺ and Mn²⁺, respectively. The other divalent cations Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Ni²⁺ were poor substitutes. This enzyme also required these divalent cations to stabilize its structure and function under extreme conditions such as high and low temperatures and urea denaturation. The glutamate analogl-methionine-d,l-sulfoximine, inactivated the enzyme, whereas the GOGAT inhibitor, azaserine, had no effect on the enzyme activity. The GS enzyme required de novo protein synthesis.     

Age at menopause of Tamang women tea-labourers of Jalpaiguri district,West Bengal,India

The Tamang women tea-labouren of Jalpaiguri district show no significant difference in age at menopause among their three «migration status» groups, viz., MO, M1 and M2+. The mean age at menopause is 47.3±4.26 and the median age is 47.68 years. A significant difference occurs between the observed mean age at menopause and 45 years, which is generally taken to be the menopausal age by convention. These Tamang women seem to be similar to other hill women in respect of age at menopause.     

Characteristics of the relative maximum in the decay of delayed light emission from Pothos leaf following far-red excitation

Following illumination with wavelengths longer than 700 nm, the intensity of light emission from Pothos aurea leaf falls for 1 min and then increases to a maximum after 2 min in the dark. The spectrum of this minute-range liminescence matches that of prompt fluorescence excited at the same wavelength, but differs from that of prompt or minute-range delayed emission excited by wavelengths shorter than 700 nm. This emission is less sensitive to heat damage than millisecond delayed emission, and may originate from photosystem I.     

Implementation of periodic acid-thiosemicarbazide-silver proteinate staining for ultrastructural assessment of muscle glycogen utilization during exercise

Summary Distribution of glycogen particles in semithin and ultrathin sections of biopsy samples from human muscles subjected to either short- or long-term running were investigated using PAS and Periodic Acid-ThioSemiCarbazide-Silver Proteinate (PA-TSC-SP) staining methods. Glycogen particles were predominantly found immediately under the sarcolemma or aligned along the myofibrillar Iband. After long-term exhaustive exercise type-1 fibers with a few or no glycogen particles in the core of the fibers were frequently observed. The subsarcolemmal glycogen stores of these depleted type-1 fibers were about three times as large as after exhaustive short-time exercise. Another indication of utilization of subsarcolemmal glycogen stores during anaerobic exercise was that many particles displayed a pale, rudimentary shape. This observation suggests fragmental metabolization of glycogen. Thus, depending on type of exercise and type of fiber differential and sequential glycogen utilization patterns can be observed.     

Reduction in headache patients' medical expenses associated with biofeedback and relaxation treatments

Comparisons are made of self-reported medical costs from a sample of headache patients who underwent various combinations of relaxation training and biofeedback training. The average costs for the 2 years prior to self-regulatory treatment were $955±480 (3 SEM) for 45 patients; for the 2 years after completing treatment the average costs were $52±28 (3 SEM) for patients. Within the limitations of the study, medical costs do seem to have been markedly reduced.This research was supported by a grant from NINCDS, NS-15235.     

Genetic aspects of ethanol tolerance and production bySaccharomyces cerevisiae

We developed a method of hybrid selection between homothallic wild-type and heterothallic strains. The hybrids obtained were used to study the heredity of ethanol tolerance and production. Both characters segregated independently, but no ethanol-sensitive strains were able to produce high levels of ethanol. At least four genes are implicated in ethanol tolerance.