A Simple Method for Isolating DNA of High Yield and Quality from Cotton (shape Gossypium hirsutum L.) Leaves

An easy, reproducible and fast procedure to isolate DNA from cotton leaves is described. The addition of 0.5 M glucose in the extraction buffer avoids browning by polyphenolic compounds and improves the quality of DNA for molecular analysis. The DNA yield ranged between 150–400 mg per gram of fresh tissue. The DNA was suitable for digestion by restriction enzymes and amplificatiion by Taq DNA polymerase.     

Expression of a lipocalin in prokaryote and eukaryote cells: quantification and structural characterization of recombinant bovine beta-lactoglobulin.

In this paper we quantify and characterize the expression of recombinant beta-lactoglobulin (rBLG) in prokaryote and eukaryote cells. In Escherichia coli we used the pET26 vector, which permits the secretion of rBLG in periplasm. We studied the expression of rBLG in COS-7 cells and in vivo in mouse tibialis muscle. The expression of rBLG was measured by two immunoassays specific, respectively, for BLG in its native and denatured conformation. We observed that rBLG was essentially expressed in a denatured form in E. coli even in the periplasm, whereas rBLG in eukaryote cells was found in its native conformation.     

Im-trityl protection of histidine.

A rational attempt to prepare FmocHis(piTrt)OH regiospecifically gave in fact the well-known tau-trityl isomer, and experiments with model systems indicate that the prospects for access to pi-trityl histidine derivatives, which would be of great value for the racemization-free synthesis of histidine-containing peptides, are poor.     

Pharmakogenetik der oralen Antikoagulation mit Cumarinen

The recent identification of VKORC1 has made important contributions to our understanding of the vitamin K cycle. The VKORC1 enzyme was shown to be the molecular target of coumarin drugs. Mutations and polymorphisms in coding and noncoding regions of the VKORC1 gene have been shown to cause both a partial to total coumarin resistance and coumarin sensitivity. Availability of molecular diagnostics (VKORC1, CYP2C9) and drug monitoring by HCPLC (determination of coumarin, vitamin K, and vitamin K epoxide levels) is helpful for detecting hereditary and acquired factors influencing coumarin therapy. In the future, these tools may be instrumental in designing individualized oral anticoagulation therapy regimens.     

A new internal perfusion method for transport studies in squid giant axons

A new internal perfusion method has been developed which allows control of the internal solute composition in squid axons. The superiority of this technique compared to the old perfusion methods is shown by the experiments performed which have reproduced, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the Na+ and Ca2+ fluxes observed in intact and dialyzed axons. Compared with the internal dialysis, the perfusion method has the advantage that the permeability barrier give by the porous capillary has been eliminated. This allows the introduction into the axon of solutes with very high molecular weight, at the same time that a fast and reliable internal control can be achieved.     

Enhanced activation of a T cell line specific for acetylcholine receptor (AChR) by using anti-AChR monoclonal antibodies plus receptors

Immune complex-mediated regulation of the immune response has been studied by using T cell lines and monoclonal antibodies (MAb), both specific for the acetylcholine receptor (AChR). Rat T lymphocytes bearing the W3/25 phenotype and specific for AChR from Torpedo californica have been propagated in vitro for nearly 1 yr. These T cells proliferate in response to optimal concentrations of AChR presented by irradiated syngeneic thymus cells. At suboptimal concentrations of antigen there is little activation of the T cell line. We report here that the addition of small amounts of anti-AChR MAb produces dramatic stimulation of the T cell lines at suboptimal doses of AChR. Enhanced activation depends on the isotype and not the fine specificity of the MAb that are used. The observed phenomenon is antigen specific, and in fact, the immune complexes may actually suppress the proliferative response of irrelevant T cells to some extent. The MAb plus antigen are rapidly bound to the surface of the antigen-presenting cell, which we have shown is the dendritic cell.     

Olfactory deprivation in pigeons: examination of methods applied in homing experiments

1. Effectiveness of three methods of olfactory deprivation or impairment was tested by means of unconditioned cardiac acceleration in response to odorous stimuli. 2. Occlusion of nostrils reduced stimulus intensity to approx. 20-30% of the level in unimpeded state. Capability of stimulus quantification remained unimpaired. 3. Bilateral olfactory nerve section and backward bending of the nerve stumps irreversibly eliminated responses to weaker stimuli. With higher concentrations of the odorant, pigeons responded at a reduced level, most likely due to trigeminal reception. 4. Spraying the nasal cavities with an anaesthetic largely abolished sensitivity to odorous stimuli. However, its effect was quite variable depending on the kind of application (which cannot be fully standardized). The time course of effectiveness is shown. 5. The relevance of these findings to experiments on pigeon homing is discussed. Conclusions on involvement of unspecified non-olfactory stimuli can only be drawn if methods are applied that reliably isolate the birds from airborne environmental odours.