Different forms of a lipopolysaccharide-protein complex from Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

Two forms of lipopolysaccharide-protein complex with buoyant densities of 1,43 and 1,40 g/cm3 were found in the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis cell wall. These forms have the similar monosaccharide, fatty acid and polypeptide compositions, but differ in the length of O-specific chains. The differences in density are stipulated by the different contents of the main components of the complex. Both forms contain the related antigenic determinants but have some differences in the antigenic structure. The ability of the two forms to produce a hybrid form with the intermediate density of 1,41 g/cm3 has been shown.     

laminin alpha 1 gene is essential for normal lens development in zebrafish

Background  

Laminins represent major components of basement membranes and play various roles in embryonic and adult tissues. The functional laminin molecule consists of three chains, alpha, beta and gamma, encoded by separate genes. There are twelve different laminin genes identified in mammals to date that are highly homologous in their sequence but different in their tissue distribution. The laminin alpha -1 gene was shown to have the most restricted expression pattern with strong expression in ocular structures, particularly in the developing and mature lens.     

The temperature-induced early and late development of resistance to the bactericidal action of blood serum in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis]

Y. pseudotuberculosis strains were grown at 6 degrees-8 degrees C and then incubated at 37 degrees C. 3-6 hours later serum resistance appeared in the strains having plasmid virulence and producing outer membrane polypeptide with a molecular weight of 120 kD, known as P1. 10-12 hours later serum resistance appeared in the strain having the virulence plasmid, but not producing P1, as well as in strains in which the plasmid was eliminated.     

Lake Ladoga: chemical pollution and biochemical self-purification

In order to evaluate the current state of Lake Ladoga a comprehensive investigation of its pollution by metals, oil products, phenols, anionic detergents and 3,4-benzopyrene was carried out in July 1993. The results indicate a considerable pollution of the lake waters by metals and phenols. High degree of pollution of sediments by oil products and 3,4-benzopyrene was detected in the northern archipelago and bays (Impilahti, Hiidenselka, Pitkäranta) and in the area of Priozersk. A new index (I _t ) is suggested for the estimation of biochemical self-purification capacity of freshwaters. Values of the index obtained for different parts of Lake Ladoga led us to the conclusion that at the present time the lake's capability for biochemical self-purification is relatively low. This situation is caused by strong anthropogenic impact on the lake. The approximate pollutant loads to Lake Ladoga were estimated on the basis of our 1991–1993 monitoring survey and from literature data.     

Regeneration of the epithelial lining of the stomach after autotomy of a disk in the brittle star Amphipholis kochii (Lütken) (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea)

The regeneration of the epithelial lining of the stomach of the brittle star Amphipholis kochii after autotomy of the aboral part of the disk was studied. It was shown that a part of the stomach epithelium remained after autotomy. Its cells participated in regeneration of the epithelium during restoration of the lost digestive system. There was a partial dedifferentiation of the epithelium cells of stomach, their migration and proliferation; cells of the stomach retained some specialized cytoplasmic structures, secretory vacuoles, and pinocytic vesicles. Migration of ectodermal cells of the esophagus in the damaged area was also recorded.     

Morphofunctional changes of the digestive gland in the bivalve mollusk Crenomytilus grayanus (Dunker, 1853) in normal conditions and after parasitic invasion by trematodes

Specifics of the digestive cycle were studied in normal individuals of Gray’s mussel Crenomytilus grayanus and in those infested by trematodes from an unpolluted area of the sublittoral zone of Peter the Great Bay in May (during the day), June, July, and August. Four types of tubules corresponding to four phases of the digestive cycle were identified, and three varieties of destructing tubules were distinguished. It was shown that normally phases of absorption and digestion prevailed in the digestive gland. The portion of absorptive tubules (type II) was 95% in spring and 79% in summer. The total portion of destructing and restoring tubules (types III and IV) did not exceed 10% in spring and 20% in summer, and portion of tubules at the initial condition (type I) was 4% in spring and 2% in summer. During the day, insignificant variations in the ratio of different type tubules were recorded. It was revealed that, normally, granulocytomes were formed during utilization of necrotic tubules. Parasitic invasion of trematodes entailed swelling of the gland and a change in the proportion of tubules: the number of absorptive tubules decreased to 20%, the number of destructing and restoring tubules increased up to 60% and 12%, respectively.     

Lymphocyte reactions at early periods after heart transplantation]

The authors determined the quantitative and qualitative composition of the white blood and dehydrogenase activity of lymphocytes in the blood from the afferent and afferent vessels of the transplanted heart at the early postoperative periods in dogs. There was noted a reduction of the lymphocyte count in the blood flowing from the transplanted heart on account of retention of these cells in the transplant, and also an inversion of the mitochondrial dehydrogenases activity due to the lymphocyte contact with foreign antigens of the transplanted heart. A hypothesis is put forward that the inversion mechanism was connected with the lymphocyte functions in the capacity of immunocompetent cells.