Seasonal changes of the ultrastructure of the pars tuberalis of the hypophysis of Rana temporaria

Summary In the pars tuberalis of the hypophysis of Rana temporaria, which shows the ultrastructural characteristics of a polypeptide hormone secreting endocrine gland, seasonal changes of the ultrastructure are described. In accordance with the literature, these seasonal changes of ultrastructure are interpreted as the morphological expression of seasonal changes of endocrine activity of the pars tuberalis.     

Shape and location of eukaryotic initiation factor eIF-2 on the 40S ribosomal subunit of rat liver. Immunoelectron-microscopic and hydrodynamic investigations

The location of initiation factor eIF-2 and of its subunits in quaternary initiation complexes (40S-ribosomal-subunit.eIF-2. GuoPP[CH2]P.Met-tRNAf) was investigated by immunoelectron microscopy. Quaternary complexes were fixed with glutaraldehyde and reacted with affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies against eIF-2 alpha, eIF-2 beta or eIF-2 gamma. The dimeric immune complexes obtained by sucrose gradient centrifugation were investigated electron microscopically after negative staining. Antibody-binding sites were observed on the interface side of the 40S ribosomal subunit in the region between the 'head' and the 'body' (neck region) of the 40S ribosomal subunit. Within this region, eIF-2 alpha points to the rear side, whereas eIF-2 beta and eIF-2 gamma point to the frontal side of the 40S subunit indicating an elongated shape of eIF-2 about 15 nm long. By analytical ultracentrifugation of isolated eIF-2 the sedimentation and diffusion coefficients were determined to be 6.54 S and 4.74 x 10(-7) cm2/s respectively. From these data, a molar mass of 122.4 kg/mol and a dry volume of 147.4 nm3 were calculated. For the shape of eIF-2 a prolate ellipsoid of revolution is assumed with a maximal length of about 15 nm and with an axial ratio of about 1:3.5. This conclusion is further confirmed by a calculated frictional ratio of 1.37 and a Stokes radius of about 4.54 nm.     

Immunoenzyme analysis of adenovirus hexons. Indication and characteristics of rabbit and mouse antibodies against hexons

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for analysis of rabbit and mouse IgG antibodies specific to adenoviral hexon. The anti-hexon antibodies were detected by capture with purified hexon coated onto polystyrene microtiter plates and visualizing them by respective anti-IgG horseradish peroxidase conjugates. In the sera from hyperimmunized rabbits and mice as well as in the mouse ascite fluids the ELISA procedure revealed primarily type-specific (epsilon) and genus-specific (alpha) antigenic determinants in hexon but not those of intermediate specificities.     

Reproduction mode of European Bitterling (Rhodeus amarus,Bloch, 1782) determined through rapid oocyte counts and size determination using digital imaging

This study focuses on assessing the reproduction mode of an important model species for evolutionary and behavioural ecology by using digital image analysis: the European bitterling Rhodeus amarus (Bloch, 1782). Specifications of mode of reproduction were determined using oocyte size distribution, seasonal dynamics in mean oocyte diameter and total number of oocytes in ovary samples gained from April to July 2007. The rapid oocyte count was enabled by using lucia image analysis software, which also provided measurement and colour estimations of oocytes. Bitterling ovaries showed features typical for indeterminate spawners, i.e. a continuous distribution of oocyte size over the reproductive season and recruitment of new pre‐vitelogenic oocytes in the second half of the reproductive season. These results are consistent with the view that the European bitterling is a batch spawning fish with indeterminate fecundity.     

Clinical Problems: Progressive Neurological Deficits in Primary Polycythaemia

Patients with primary polycythaemia may present clinical features which lead to an erroneous diagnosis of intracerebral neoplasm. Three such cases are described in detail in this report.     

Effects of changes in circulating volume and in arterial pressure on plasma renin activity in the intact rat

The effects of changes in arterial pressure and in circulating volume on Plasma Renin Activity (PRA) in the intact rat were compared by two experimental procedures. Gradual volume depletion was induced by intraperitoneal injection of a hyperoncotic polyethyleneglycol solution (PEG) in absence of acute changes in Systolic Arterial Pressure (SAP). SAP was measured in the conscious state by the tail cuff technique. Plasma Protein Concentration (PPC) and Hematocrit (Hct) increases after PEG injection were compared as the index for measuring the Plasma Volume Reduction (PVR). PRA showed a significant (p less than 0.001) linear relationship with PPC, suggesting a direct dependence of renin secretion on volume depletion. Acute changes in the circulating volume were induced by controlled hemorrhages of 5.0, 10.0, 15.0 and 20.0 ml of blood/kg body weight. The increase in PRA showed a significant relationship with the changes in circulating volume, but it did not show any dependence on the changes in Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP). Our results suggest that, in the intact and conscious rat, renin secretion responds to the information from the cardiopulmonary volume receptors rather than to that from the high pressure receptors.