Mating structure and genetic relatedness among gynes in the primitively eusocial wasp Polistes snelleni (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Mating structure and genetic relatedness among gynes (potential reproductive females) of the paper wasp Polistes snelleni were investigated using DNA microsatellite markers. All colonies had one foundress inseminated by a single male, and no sign of inbreeding was detected. The mean genetic relatedness among gynes was 0.734 ± 0.028 (SE), which is not significantly different from the expected value of 0.75 for full sisters.     

Structure of the “Peroxy-Y Base” from Liver tRNA<Superscript>Phe</Superscript>

WE wish to report that reconstituted sperm whale myoglobin prepared by the method of Breslow¹ (except that pH 2 was found sufficient to remove all the haem) (I) crystallizes² in a different habit from those prepared by the method of Rossi-Fanelli et al.³ (II) using haemin of Sigma lot 77B-0220 and our own ⁵⁷Fe photoporphyrin preparation and the native myoglobin (III). Although all three form type A³ monoclinic prisms, the best developed plane is [001] for II and III, it is [100] for I. There seems to be great interest in reconstituted haemoproteins^4,5, so it is important that crystallization habit may be a sensitive test for subtle changes in protein structures.     

Fourteen polymorphic microsatellite loci in the field gudgeon,Gnathopogon elongatus elongatus

We isolated and characterized 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the field gudgeon, Gnathopogon elongatus elongatus, a popular freshwater species in streams including agricultural canals in Japan. The number of observed alleles for each locus ranged from 9 to 24, and the values of observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.750 to 1.000 and from 0.832 to 0.953, respectively. These microsatellite markers will be useful for studies of population genetic structure and genetic variability of the field gudgeon.     

Macrophage Migration Inhibition by Serum from Desensitized Animals Previously Sensitized with Tubercle Bacilli

MIGRATION of peritoneal exudate cells removed from guinea-pigs or mice exhibiting delayed hypersensitivity is inhibited by specific antigen^1–3. This in vitro macrophage migration inhibition has been regarded as a useful immunological test for delayed skin hypersensitivity^4,5. Studies of the mechanism of this phenomenon revealed that, in contact with specific antigen, lymphocytes from sensitized animals released into the medium a specific substance (migration inhibitory factor; MIF) capable of inhibiting the migration of normal macrophages^6,7. When injected intradermally into normal guinea-pigs, MIF elicits inflammatory reactions characterized by induration, erythema and mononuclear cell infiltration⁸.     

Reactivity of a Monoclonal Antibody Raised against Human Leukemic Cells to Embryonic and Adult Tissues of the Mouse and Teratocarcinomas

C-9-1, a monoclonal IgM antibody raised against human null cell acute lymphocytic leukemia cells reacted with restricted regions of embryonic and adult tissues of the mouse. The antigen positive sites in the embryos included embryonic ectoderm, visceral endoderm, trophoblastic cells invading the maternal decidua of 5∼7-day embryos, primordial germ cells of 10∼12-day embryos, epithelium of nasal chamber, the bronchus, Mullerian duct, epididymis and bladder of 12∼17-day embryos. In the adult mice, C-9-1 antigen was detected in renal tubules, a part of stomach, bladder, endometrium and epididymal sperm. Embryonal carcinoma cells, but not endodermal cells of teratocarcinoma expressed the antigen. Thus, C-9-1 antigen showed distribution similar to SSEA-1. However, C-9-1 antigen was not detected in preimplantation embryos, nor in oviduct, both of which are positive for SSEA-1.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers in the Japanese eight‐barbel loach,Lefua echigonia

We isolated and characterized 17 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Japanese eight‐barbel loach, Lefua echigonia, an endangered freshwater species in streams including agricultural canals in Japan. The number of observed alleles for each locus ranged from two to nine, and the values of observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.125 to 0.844 and from 0.148 to 0.876, respectively. All loci conformed to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Genetic linkage disequilibrium analysis between all pairs of the loci showed no significant departure from the null hypothesis between any of the loci.     

Release of a Gonad-Stimulating Substance from the Radial Nerves of the Cushion Star,Asterina pectinifera,in response to Excess Potassium*

The release of a gonad-stimulating substance (GSS) from radial nerves stimulated by a K⁺-rich solution was examined in the cushion star, Asterina pectinifera. The threshold concentration of K⁺necessary for the release of a sufficient amount of GSS to induce shedding of mature oocytes from ovarian fragments was 50 to 75 mM. The minimal amount of fresh nerve required for this release was 3 mg per ml of medium. The time of K⁺stimulation necessary to induce maximal GSS release was about 20 min. Repeated stimulations of radial nerves with 100 mM K⁺caused repeated release of GSS.     

Changes of Starch Synthetase Activity of Cucumber Leaves during Ammonium Toxicity

The changes of granule bound starch synthetase activity in cucumber leaves (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Suisei No. 2) were investigated during ammonium toxicity. Generally speaking the quantity of starch granules of injured plants were less than that of normal plants. ADPG is a more effective glucose donor to starch synthesis than UDPG. It was found that the starch synthetase activity of injured plants was decreased compared to the normal plants. This variation of enzyme activity was higher when UDPG was used as glucose donor. The addition of K⁺ and NH₄⁺ generally inhibited the enzyme activity when UDPG was used as glucose donor, but stimulated it when ADPG was used. This stimulation was found to be more effective in enzymes prepared from injured plants than from normal plants. The level of potassium bound to starch granules was not changed markedly between normal and injured plants.