Chemoreceptor function and metabolism of the carotid body in the rat

Using fluorimetric and polarographic determination of cell respiration, metabolic reactions of the carotid body of rats to adequate stimulation have been revealed. Functional relationships of the dose--effect type, which were found for these reactions, may be approximated by equations which are similar to those describing the unconditioned reflexes from the carotid chemoreceptors. However, reactions of the metabolics systems of the carotid body account for the perception of not all chemical stimuli, but only of acids and some alkaloids. These data reveal the heteregeneity of the carotid chemosensory system not only in the amphibians (which was known earlier), but in mammals as well.     

Biosensors for assay of glycoalkaloids in potato tubers

The possibility of practical application of biosensors based on pH-sensitive field-effect transistors and butyrylcholinesterase to glycoalkaloid analysis in potato tubers was studied. The main analytical features of the designed biosensors and measurement conditions were optimized. The biosensor was applied to quantitative analysis of glycoalkaloids in tubers of different potato varieties. The results proved to be in good agreement with those obtained by conventional protocols. Experiments on glucose assay were performed. An inverse correlation between the contents of glucose and glycoalkaloids in potato tubers was demonstrated.     

Immunity to Epstein-Barr virus in Hodgkin's disease preceded by infectious mononucleosis

A patient who developed Hodgkin''s disease four years after infectious mononucleosis had elevated serum antibody titres to Epstein-Barr virus and delayed hypersensitivity reactions to membrane antigens prepared from fresh autologous spleen, from spleen cells of another Hodgkin''s patient, and from cell lines known to carry the Epstein-Barr virus genome. Additional studies in more lymphoma patients will be needed to determine the significance of the reactivity against tumour and virus-associated antigens which has been documented in this patient.