Synthesis of 2-O-benzyl- and 2,3- and 2,6-di-O-benzyl-D-galactose

The following ethers, of potential value for the synthesis of α-D-galactopyranosides, were prepared: 2-O-benzyl-D-galactose, 2,6-di-O-benzyl-D-galactose, and 2,3-di-O-benzyl-D-galactose. Isopropylidenation of methyl α-D-galactopyranoside in the presence of phosphorus pentaoxide gave its 3,4-, and 4,6-O-isopropylidene derivatives. Treatment of the 3,4-acetal with trityl chloride in pyridine produced the 6-trityl ether, which was benzylated with benzyl chloride and sodium hydride in N,N-dimethylformamide to yield the 2-benzyl ether. Acid hydrolysis of this product gave 2-O-benzyl-D-galactose. Benzylation of methyl 3,4-O-isopropylidene-α-D-galactopyranoside, followed by hydrolysis, gave 2,6-di-O-benzyl-D-galactose. Similarly, 2,3-di-O-benzyl-D-galactose was obtained by acid hydrolysis of methyl 2,3-di-O-benzyl-4,6-O-isopropylidene-α-D-galactopyranoside and of methyl 2,3-di-O-benzyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-β-D-galactopyranoside.     

PGF2α-induced loss of corpus luteum gonadotrophin receptors

In experiments and we have previously shown that PGF_2α directly antagonized the action of gonadotrophins on the corpus luteum. To determine if this action of PGF_2α may occur as a consequence of an induced loss of gonadotrophin receptors, binding of hCG to rat luteal tissue was measured following PGF_2α treatment . In immature rats which were treated with exogenous gonadotrophin to luteinize the gonads, PGF_2α produced a marked and highly significant decrease in circulating progesterone when administered 24 hours before sacrifice. Although the affinity constant (Ka; 1.2-2 × 10¹⁰ L/M) of the luteal receptor to hCG was not affected, PGF_2α treatment produced a marked fall in the binding capacity of the luteal tissue to hCG. This response was absent, however, when PGF_2α was incubated directly with luteal receptor or administered during early pseudopregnancy when corpora lutea are more resistant to luteolysis. Experiments are in progress to determine if the decrease in capacity of luteal receptors to bind hCG is the mechanism or a consequence of luteolysis produced by PGF_2α.     

Evidence for the Regulation of Phytochrome-mediated Processes in Bean Roots by the Neurohumor, Acetylcholine

Using pharmacological and chromatographic techniques, it was shown that acetylcholine was present in all organs of both light- and dark-grown mung bean seedings (Phaseolus aureus). The highest concentrations were found in tissues containing active growing points: buds and secondary roots. Within 4 minutes, red light caused an increase in the efflux of acetylcholine from secondary root tips as well as a significant increase in the endogenous titer. Four minutes of subsequent far red light reduced the latter to a level comparable to that in the dark.     

Cytochemical Localization of Certain Phosphatases in Escherichia coli

Cytochemical studies of Escherichia coli at the light and electron microscopic levels have revealed alkaline phosphatase, hexose monophosphatase, and cyclic phosphodiesterase reaction products in the periplasmic space and at the cell surface. In preparations for both light and electron microscopy, reaction product filled polar caplike enlargements of the periplasmic space, such as those described in plasmolyzed cells, indicating significant terminal concentrations of these enzymes; dense substance was often seen within these polar caps in morphological specimens. Staining of the bacterial surface was commonly encountered, but could represent artifactual accumulation of precipitate along the cell wall. Alkaline phosphatase was demonstrated with several substrates (ethanolamine phosphate, glycerophosphate, p-nitrophenylphosphate, and glucose-6-phosphate) over a wide pH range in a bacterial strain (C-90) known to be constitutive for this enzyme, whereas strains deficient in this enzyme (U-7, repressed K-37), showed no activity with these substrates. Hexose monophosphatase and cyclic phosphodiesterase activities were characterized by reaction-product deposition with specific substrates at acid or neutral, but not at alkaline, pH in strains of E. coli lacking alkaline phosphatase (U-7 and repressed K-37). Fixation in Formalin or the use of calcium as a capture reagent seemed to interfere with periplasmic staining in cells prepared for electron microscopy. Formalin fixation had little effect on biochemical assays of the phosphatase activity of intact cells in suspension, but partially reduced the activity evident in sonically treated extracts or in suspensions of dispersed cryostat sections. Glutaraldehyde treatment impaired enzyme activity more drastically.     

Effect of d-Penicillamine on Poliovirus Replication In HeLa Cells

A series of mercaptan compounds were studied with respect to their ability to inhibit the growth of poliovirus in cultured cells. Of the compounds tested only d-penicillamine possessed antiviral activity. There was no direct effect on the virus itself, nor were the processes of adsorption, penetration and uncoating, or virus-induced "shut-off" of host cell protein synthesis inhibited. At concentrations where there was no effect on host cell RNA or protein synthesis, d-penicillamine caused a marked inhibition of virus-specific RNA and protein synthesis. Although much reduced, the relative concentrations of single-stranded and double-stranded viral RNA synthesized in the presence of d-penicillamine was unchanged. Similarly, all apparent precursor and cleavage product proteins could be synthesized in the presence of the drug. The inhibitory effect was reversible, after a lag of 1.5 to 2 h after removal of the drug, and normal yields of virus could be obtained. The structural and functional properties of d-penicillamine are discussed in relation to requirements for anti-polioviral activity.     

Group responses to parturition inMacaca arctoides

The birth of an infant to the highest ranking female in a captive social group of stumptail macaques (Macaca arctoides) is described. Along with certain details of delivery behavior, the responses of group members to the birth are given. The alpha male and two juvenile males were sexually aroused just prior to and during parturition. Adult females paid no special attention to the birth. A subadult nulliparous female and a young adult primiparous female showed interest in the eating of the placenta by the female. The new mother's juvenile son was the monkey closest to her for about two hours after the birth; approaches by other monkeys, especially adult males were avoided. Time of delivery, signs of labor, and the behavior of the mother are also included.     

Adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate and guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate: concentrations in Morris hepatomas of different growth rates

Cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP levels were examined in Morris hepatoma explants in vivo. All eight tumor lines examined had significantly elevated cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP levels when compared to normal liver from tumor-bearing rats. No apparent correlation was observed between the rates of tumor growth and cyclic nucleotide levels; however, two tumor lines (3924A and 7288ctc) had very high levels of cyclic GMP.     

Characterization of the plasma membrane of Mycoplasma laidlawii: IX. Isolation and characterization of the membrane polyhexosamine

1.

1. A simple method is described for extracting and purifying the hexosamine component from membranes of Mycoplasma laidlawii B.     

EFFECTS OF PUROMYCIN ON THE STRUCTURE OF RAT INTESTINAL EPITHELIAL CELLS DURING FAT ABSORPTION

This report provides information on the morphology of rat intestinal epithelial cells during fat absorption. In addition, the role of protein metabolism in this process has been evaluated by blocking its synthesis with puromycin and studying the fine structure of mucosal cells from rats at various times after fat intubation. The results indicate that SER-derived vesicles, containing fat droplets, migrate from the apical cytoplasm of the absorptive cell and fuse with saccules or vacuoles of the Golgi complex. Arguments are made that the Golgi complex is important in completing chylomicron formation and in providing appropriate enveloping membranes for the chylomicron. Such membranes may be necessary for Golgi vacuoles to fuse with the lateral cell membranes and release chylomicra. Puromycin treatment causes the absorptive cell to accumulate increased quantities of lipid that are devoid of membrane during fat absorption. In addition, puromycin-treated cells contain much less RER and Golgi membranes are strikingly decreased in number. In this paper we discuss the consequences of these abnormalities and suggest that continued protein synthesis by the RER is required in order to generate Golgi membranes. If such membranes are absent the cell's ability to discarge chylomicra is impaired and lipid accumulates.