Characterization of Newly Formed and Aged Granules in the Neurohypophysis

Neurosecretory granules from the rat and bovine neurohypophysis were isolated and some of their biochemical and biophysical properties studied. Neurosecretory granules (NSG) from rat neurohypophysis were labeled, in vivo, with [35S]cysteine and isolated on isoosmotic gradients. Whereas 1 day after labeling most of the radioactivity was found in the lower part of the gradient, 35 days later the isotope was also located in the lighter NSG-containing fraction. Different analytical procedures showed that the lighter fraction, both in bovine and rat NSG, contain more subpopulations of neurophysin-like material than the heavier fraction. The first material to be released during stimulation of secretion, in vivo or in vitro, is mobilized from the heavy NSG. Isolation of rat NSG, at different times during and after dehydration of the animals, reveals that the newly synthesized material is found in the heavy NSG-containing fraction. Furthermore, the results indicate that the newly synthesized NSG are more resistant to lysis than the lighter granules. The results are discussed in relation to the maturation and degradation processes of the granule content and to the functional state of the NSG.     

Are There Circadian Variations of Polymorphonuclear Phagocytosis in Man?

Eleven male subjects were investigated to detect a possible circadian rhythm of the polymorphonuclear phagocytosis. Both cell activity and serum opsonins were studied for numerical detection of granulocytes having ingested at least one particle and for the mean number of ingested particles per cell. No significant temporal differences (ANOVA and cosinor) were found.