Structural studies of the antigenic polysaccharide of Eubacterium saburreum, strain S29

The antigenic polysaccharide produced by Eubacterium saburreum, strain S29, is composed of (1→6)-linked β-d-glycero-d-galacto-heptopyranosyl residues, all of which are substituted with 6-deoxy-α-d-altro-heptofuranosyl groups at O-2.     

Zinc deficiency states and carbonic anhydrase isozyme in experimental hemolytic and bleeding anemia of rabbits

Zinc deficiency states were produced in rabbit erythrocytes by experimentally induced bleeding anemia and hemolytic anemia. Parallel decreases in total zinc levels and the contents for major zinc protein, carbonic anhydrase I and II isozymes were observed in the erythrocytes. During the process of the anemias the zinc status in the erythrocytes varied remarkably and the relative increase of zinc ions other than that derived from carbonic anhydrase was observed, suggesting that the former zinc ions play an important role in forming a zinc pool in the erythrocytes under the anemic conditions.     

Central hypertensive actions of angiotensin I, II and III in conscious rats

The effects of intracerebroventricular administrations of three natural angiotensins, angiotensin I (ANG I 3.8 X 10-11-9.4 X10-10 mol/kg body weight), II (9.6 X 10-12-2.4 X 10-10 mol/kg body weight) and III (2.7 X 10-10 2.5 X 10-9 mol/kg body weight) on systemic blood pressure were investigated in conscious rats. Angiotensin II (ANG II), ANG I and angiotensin III (ANG III), increased blood pressure in a dose-related manner. The order of potency of angiotensins was ANG II greater than ANG I greater than ANG III. The intraventricular administration of a converting enzyme inhibitor (SQ 14225, 6.9 X10-8 mol/kg) abolished the central effect of ANG I, while an angiotensin II analogue ([Sar1-Ala8]ANG II, 1.1 X 10-8 mol/kg) administered intraventricularly inhibited the central pressor effects of these three angiotensins. These results suggest that ANG II is a main mediator of the renin-angiotensin system in the central nervous system.     

Ultrastructural changes in the alveolar epithelium in response to mycobacterial infection.

Electron microscopic examination of the lung of mice infected with a virulent strain of M. bovis (Ravenel) revealed marked alterations in the alveolar epithelial cells, particularly Type 2 cells (granular pneumocytes), in addition to the development of interstitial and intra-alveolar granuloma. Unlike the feature in uninfected mice, more than one Type 2 epithelial cells were often found adjacent to one another within a single alveolus. Some of these cells showed mitotic figures. Their characteristic lamellar inclusions were morphologically altered.     

Ultrastructural study of mycobacteria in experimentally produced lung lesions of mice.

Mice were infected by iv injection with a virulent strain of Mycobacterium bovis, Ravenel strain, to prepare specimens for electron microscopical observation of their intracellular morphology. Observation was made with ultra-thin sections of the granulomatous lungs at an advanced stage of infection. Many apparently intact bacterial cells were found intracellulary, and the majority of them had lipoidal inclusions enclosed by a membranous structure. Several layers of mycobacterial cell wall were discernible, including a fairly wide space of the electron-transparent zone just beneath the electrondense outmost layer. Mesosomes, nuclear material, small dense granules and cross wall were found in almost the same appearance as those reported of mycobacteria grown in vitro. The bacilli were located mainly within intact or damaged phagosomes which were often filled with amorphous material of various electron densities.     

Non-polyadenylated 22 s ribonucleoprotein particle is insensitive to translational inhibitor RNA of cryptobiotic gastrulae of Artemia salina.

A free cytoplasmic 22 S ribonucleoprotein particle exhibiting a major template activity in rabbit reticulocyte system has been identified in the cryptobiotic gastrulae of Artemia salina. This particle contains non-polyadenylated 9 S messenger RNA which codes primarily for a non-histone basic protein with an apparent molecular weight of 26 000 daltons. We have previously demonstrated the presence of a translational inhibitor RNA which is apparently responsible for transforming polyadenylated messenger (Slegers et al., FEBS Letters 80, 390-394, 1977). This inhibitor RNA was found to be completely ineffective on the template activity of non-polyadenylated 22 S messenger ribonucleoprotein, confirming the specificity of this regulatory RNA for polyadenylate sequences.     

Trisomy 12p syndrome

Summary The first case of trisomy of probable 12p mosaicism originated de novo is presented. Comparison of the clinical findings of this patient with those of previously described cases of 12p trisomy derived from translocated chromosomes indicates that the symptoms of 12p trisomy are: (1) normal birth weight and physical development, (2) severe psychomotor retardation and generalized hypotonia, (3) peculiarly round face with prominent cheeks, hypertelorism, epicanthus, broad, flat nasal bridge, short nose with anteverted nostrils, large philtrum, broad, prominent lower lip, and (4) poly(syn)dactyly of feet.