Viscometric characterization of pennisetin from pearl millet

Pennisetin, the alcohol soluble storage protein of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum), was isolated in a homogeneous state. The intrinsic viscosity [n] of this protein was found to be in the range of 16.5-17.7 ml/g in 70% (v/v) aqueous ethanol. The [eta] changed marginally when temperature was increased from 20 to 70 degrees C and also in the presence of 10 mM NaCl. The data indicated that pennisetin was a rigid, rod shaped asymmetric hydrodynamic particle with molecular dimensions in the range of 301 x 14.4 A - 317.7 x 14.2 A. During denaturation with guanidine hydrochloride (Gdn.HCl), the intrinsic viscosity of pennisetin increased from 16 to 25ml/g with a mid point at 3.6 M of the denaturant. The native protein structure was unfolded in 6 M Gdn.HCl as shown by the exposure of aromatic amino acid residues buried in the native state and this transition was found to be reversible. The intrinsic viscosity of pennisetin in 5.9 M Gdn.HCl corresponded to Mr 25,000 which was comparable to that determined by SDS-PAGE.     

Stable paper indicator systems for rapid identification of microorganisms]

The authors prepared under experimental-industrial conditions paper indicator systems for the express identification of microbes, including carbohydrate discs (by the method of Nikitin et al.), and newly worked out types for the determination of the activity of cytochromoxidase, urease, indol formation, and indicator amino acid decarboxylases (lysin, ornithin, arginine). The use of paper indicator discs proved to be expedient for rationalization of laboratory diagnosis of bacterial intestinal infections.     

Characteristics of the normal gluconeogenesis effect of prostaglandin F2 alpha and in myocardial infarct

The effect of PGF2 alpha on glucose synthesis de novo in a healthy rat organism and those with coronary occlusion-myocardial infarction was studied. There was observed prostaglandin's metabolic action simultaneously at one direction: there was increased the concentration of non-nitric precursors of gluconeogenesis in blood of animals of both groups, final disintegration product of tissue proteins, the gluconeogenic activity of key enzymes and therefore the concentration of newly formed glucose went up as so as glycogen in liver, cardiac and skeletal muscle. Seemingly, PGF2 alpha stimulates the intensity not only of gluco-, but glyconeogenesis having cardioprotective action. At the same time metabolic effect of PGF2 alpha is strongly marked in coronary occlusion rat with myocardial infarction.