Uptake and utilization of14C-glycine by embryos ofSebastes melanops

Synopsis The ability of embryos of the viviparous scorpaenidSebastes melanops to take up nutrients from an exogenous substrate was demonstrated by incubating embryos at various stages of development (18–30 days after fertilization) in¹⁴C-labeled glycine for 24 h. Uptake was highest for embryos at the latest stages (28–30 days) and increased at a linear rate during the incubation period. Nutrient uptake was not time dependent in embryos at the early stages (18–22 days). Nutrient utilization byS. melanops embryos was measured by the oxidation of¹⁴C-labeled glycine to¹⁴CO₂. The amount of respired¹⁴CO₂ by the oldest embryos increased significantly at a linear rate over the 24 h incubation period. There was no evidence of nutrient utilization by the youngest embryos. The developmental changes we observed in the uptake and utilization of exogenous glycine are supported by our previous findings that the oldest embryos have fully developed mouths and guts, and require additional nutrition from intraovarian sources at this stage of development.     

Identification of a cysteine residue as the binding site for the dipyrromethane cofactor at the active site of Escherichia coli porphobilinogen deaminase

The dipyrromethane cofactor of Escherichia coli porphobilinogen deaminase was specifically labelled with 13C by growth of the bacteria in the presence of 5-amino[5-13C]levulinic acid. Using 13C-NMR spectroscopy, the structure of the cofactor was confirmed as a dipyrromethane made up of two linked pyrrole rings each derived from porphobilinogen. The chemical shift data indicate that one of the pyrrole rings of the cofactor is covalently linked to the deaminase enzyme through a cysteine residue. Evidence from protein chemistry studies suggest that cysteine-242 is the covalent binding site for the cofactor.     

The use of the rat hepatoma cell line MH1C1 to investigate the stimulus-secretion response of hepatic acute phase proteins

The rat hepatoma cell line MH1C1 has been characterized to show a stimulated secretion of C-reactive protein in response to both leukocyte supernatant and a purified human interleukin-1 preparation. The time-dependency and dose-response relationship of CRP secretion were comparable to and somewhat more sensitive than the effects of leukocyte supernatant and purified human interleukin-1 on the proliferative rate of murine thymocytes; the proliferative rate of the hepatoma cell line MH1C1 was unchanged under these conditions. Agents which affect the thymocyte bioassay response to interleukin-1 namely interleukin-2, lipopolysaccharide, concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin showed no effect on the C-reactive protein release of the MH1C1 cell line. These data strongly support the suitability of this cell line for the in vitro study of the hepatic acute phase stimulus-secretion response.     

Isolation of a New Polysaccharide-Digesting Bacterium from a Salt Marsh

A new marine bacterium that digested a variety of storage and structural polysaccharides, including agar, was isolated. Strain 2-40 is a nonfermentative gram-negative, polarly flagellated rod that sometimes grew as a filamentous helix and secreted a melaninlike pigment. Its characteristics conform to those of no previously described species.     

Microbially Mediated Mn(II) Oxidation in an Oligotrophic Arctic Lake

Rates of oxidation of Mn(II) were measured by an in situ incubation technique in the water column of Toolik Lake, Alaska. Measured rates were lower than those observed in other aquatic systems but were sufficient to oxidize all Mn(II) in the lake within a 3-month period. Measured rates compared favorably with rates estimated from a previous study of the geochemical cycling of Mn in Toolik Lake. The Mn(II) oxidation was largely microbially mediated, as indicated by inhibition of oxidation rates by sodium azide. Azide had been previously demonstrated to be a suitable microbial poison for studying Mn(II) oxidation in seawater. This study demonstrates that azide is also a suitable poison for freshwaters and that it inhibits microbial but not abiotic oxidation of Mn(II). Manganese(II) oxidation rates were similar during cold, under-ice conditions in early spring and during warmer summer conditions. This observation suggests that Mn(II) concentration, rather than temperature or oxygen concentration, is the most important factor regulating Mn(II) oxidation rates in Toolik Lake.     

A new subspecies and new combinations in Comarostaphylis (Ericaceae)

Comarostaphylis spinulosa subsp.glandulifera is described from the mountains of Oaxaca and Puebla, Mexico. Four new combinations inComarostaphylis are also made:C. arbutoides subsp.costaricensis, C. discolor subsp.rupestris, C. polifolia subsp.minor, andC. spinulosa.Arctostaphylos glabrata, A. rupestris, andA. spinulosa are lectotypified and the status ofC. polifolia is discussed.     

Purification and characterization of an inhibitor of plasminogen activator released by rat mammary adenocarcinoma cells

An inhibitor of plasminogen activator (PA) secreted by a tumorigenic, but non-metastatic, rat mammary adenocarcinoma cell line has been purified to apparent homogeneity and characterized. It strongly inhibited human urokinase, but was 100 times less potent in inhibiting bovine trypsin and had no effect on plasmin or thrombin. A secreted, urokinase-type PA (Mr 48 000) and a cell-associated PA from a metastatic rat adenocarcinoma cell line were also strongly inhibited. In contrast, a tissue-type PA (Mr 66 000), secreted by human melanoma cells, was only slightly inhibited. Purified inhibitor showed a band of Mr 66 000 in sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and an isoelectric point of 4.5 after chromatofocusing. The inhibition of human urokinase was non-competitive.     

The influence of subterranean termites on the hydrological characteristics of a Chihuahuan desert ecosystem

Summary Rainfall simulation at an average intensity of 124 mm·h^-1 was used to compare infiltration and run off on arid areas where subterranean termites had been eliminated four years prior to the initiation of the study (termite free) with adjacent areas populated by subterranean termites (termites present). Infiltration rates on termite free plots with less than 5% perennial plant cover were significantly lower 51.3±6.8 mm·h^-1 than rates on comparable termites present plots 88.4±5.6 mm·h^-1. On plots centered on Larrea tridentata shrubs, there were no differences in infiltration rates with or without termites. Plots with shrub cover had the highest infiltration rates 101±6 mm·h^-1. Highest run-off volumes were recorded from termite free <5% grass cover plots and the lowest from plots with shrubs. There were no differences in suspended sediment concentrations from termites present and termite free plots. Average bed load concentration was more than three times greater from termite free, <5% cover plots than from termites present, <5% cover plots.The reduction in infiltration, high run-off volumes and high bedloads from termite free areas without shrub cover is related to increased soil bulk density resulting from the collapse of subterranean galleries of the termites that provide avenues of bulk flow into the soil. Subterranean termites affect the hydrology of Chihuahuan desert systems by enhancing water infiltration and retention of top soil. The presence of a shrub canopy and litter layer cancels any effect of subterranean termites on hydrological parameters. Since approximately 2/3 of the area is not under shrub canopies, subterranean termites are considered to be essential for the maintenance of the soil water characteristics that support the present vegetation.     

Reaction of acetaldehyde with hemoglobin

Acetaldehyde reacted with hemoglobin at neutral pH and 37 degrees C to form adducts that were stable to dialysis and that were not reduced by sodium borohydride. Hemoglobin tetramers having 2, 3, and probably 4 molar eq of bound aldehyde were isolated by cation exchange chromatography. The sites of attachment of the aldehyde were the free amino groups of the N-terminal valine residues of the alpha and beta chains of hemoglobin. Derivatization of the beta chains caused a greater increase in the acidity of the hemoglobin than did derivatization of the alpha chains. Derivatization of the beta chains was also preferred over that of the alpha chains. Acetaldehyde derivatives of the N-terminal octapeptide of hemoglobin S (beta sT-1 peptide), Val-Gly-Gly, and tetraglycine were formed readily, contained 1 M eq of acetaldehyde/mol of peptide, and were not reduced by sodium borohydride. In contrast, Ala-Pro-Gly failed to form a 1:1 adduct with acetaldehyde. 13C NMR analysis of the peptide adducts formed with [1,2-13C]acetaldehyde indicated that tetrahedral diastereomeric derivatives were produced. The 13C chemical shifts of the adducts formed between hemoglobin and [1,2-13C]acetaldehyde were identical to those of the peptide adducts although resonances from the individual diastereomeric adducts at each hemoglobin site could not be resolved. The results cited above as well as other evidence indicate that acetaldehyde reacts with the amino termini of hemoglobin to form stable cyclic imidazolidinone derivatives. An exchange of acetaldehyde residues between peptides was also documented.