UDP-Gal: <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-acetylglucosamine β 1–4 galactosyltransferase expressing live attenuated parasites as vaccine for visceral leishmaniasis

As compared to cutaneous leishmaniasis, vaccination against visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has received limited attention. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that an UDP-Galactose: N-acetylglucosamine β 1–4 galactosyltransferase (GenBank Accession No. EF159943) expressing attenuated LD clonal population (A-LD) is able to confer protection against the experimental challenge with the virulent LD AG83 parasite. A-LD was also effective in established leishmania infection. The vaccinated animals showed both cell mediated (in vitro T-cell proliferation, and DTH response) and humoral responses (Th1 type). These results demonstrate the potential of the attenuated clones as an immunotherapeutic and immunoprophylactic agent against visceral leishmaniasis.     

Improved synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotide using 3-methoxy-4-phenoxybenzoyl group for amino protection.

3-Methoxy-4-phenoxybenzoyl group has been used for the protection of exocyclic amino group of nucleosides. In case of 2'-deoxycytidine it has been found to be highly selective under controlled conditions. The N-protected derivatives of 2'-deoxyadenosine and 2'-deoxyguanosine have been found to be sufficiently stable towards acids minimising depurination under conditions of synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotide on solid support via phosphotriester approach. The high lipophilicity of the group and milder deprotection conditions are additional advantages.     

Constituents of roots of Boerhaavia diffusa

Hentriacontane, β-sitosterol and ursolic acid have been isolated from roots of Boerhaavia diffusa (Linn).     

Isozymic pattern of lactate dehydrogenase in cases of bancroftian filariasis.

Isozymic patterns of lactate dehydrogenase (E.C. 1.1.1.27) by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) were observed in various categories of filariasis and controls, i.e. asymptomatic microfilaraemia and symptomatic amicrofilaraemia, endemic normal and non-endemic normal. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was also observed amongst the above categories of patients. An increase in enzyme activity and change in the isozymic pattern was observed in the above categories of filaria infected serum. LDH activity doubled in asymptomatic microfilaraemia whereas in symptomatic amicrofilaraemia the increase in LDH activity was thirtyfold. The isozymic pattern of microfilaraemic cases showed the presence of three bands B4, A1B3, A2B2, which are quite thick as compared to normal healthy subjects, whereas the patients with symptomatic amicrofilaraemia showed marked elevation of serum LDH-4 or A3B1. The LDH was partially purified by combined treatment of (NH4)2SO4 fractionation and gel filtration. The isozymic pattern of purified LDH showed a similar pattern.