Association of sexual hormones with nucleobases in water: NMR-investigations.

The mixed association of testosterone-sulfate and estradiol-sulfate with several derivatives of nucleobases in D2O has been investigated by means of nuclear magnetic resonnance spectroscopy. From the differences among the chemical shifts of the hormone-protons it is concluded, that the nucleobases in the complexes are located above the center of the steroid molecule. The beta-side of the steroid which is characterized by the axial methyl-groups is directed towards the bases. The enthalpies of mixed association of the hormones with a certain nucleobase of the same order of magnitude as the enthalpy of selfassociation of this nucleobase (Schimmack et al., to be published). It is suggested that the complexes are stabilized by van-der-Waals forces. This stacking-like interaction is not specific for the male or female sex hormones: no qualitative or quantitative differences have been observed among the complexes of the two hormone-sulfates with the nucleobases.     

Postgraduate studies in radiation biology in Europe

The present system of radiobiological research in universities and research centres is no longer able to train radiobiologists who have a comprehensive understanding of the entire field of radiation biology including both `classical' and molecular radiation biology. However, such experts are needed in view of the role radiation protection plays in our societies. No single institution in Europe could now run a 1-year, full-time course which covers all aspects of the radiobiological basis of radiation protection. Therefore, a cooperative action of several universities from different EU member states has been developed and is described herein. Received: 12 January 1998 / Accepted in revised form: 16 June 1998     

Tissue-specific changes in nuclear RNA content during early development of Triturus vulgaris

Summary During early development of Triturus vulgaris, as a measure for nuclear activity in neuroectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm, nuclear RNA content was determined by cytochemical methods. In the first stages of gastrulation, that is to say during the early phase of neural induction, the RNA content of the inducing system is considerably higher than in the reacting system. Then, with a phase-shift of about 10 h, the RNA content of the neuroectoderm increases quickly also. In the following stages the nuclear RNA content of both regions is reduced. A second continuous increase in the RNA amount coincides with the formation of the neural tube. In the mesoderm, enhancement of RNA content correlates with cytodifferentiation of the chorda. In all stages the RNA content of the endoderm is higher than in the other tissues and it becomes successively diminished from the early gastrula to the tailbud stage.