Chemical taxonomy of the hinge-ligament proteins of bivalves according to their amino acid compositions.

The proteins in the hinge ligaments of molluscan bivalves were subjected to chemotaxonomic studies according to their amino acid compositions. The hinge-ligament protein is a new class of structure proteins, and this is the first attempt to introduce chemical taxonomy into the systematics of bivalves. The hinge-ligament proteins from morphologically close species, namely mactra (superfamily Mactracea) or scallop (family Pectinidae) species, showed high intraspecific homology in their compositions. On the other hand, inconsistent results were obtained with two types of ligament proteins in pearl oyster species (genus Pinctada). The results of our chemotaxonomic analyses were sometimes in good agreement with the morphological classifications and sometimes inconsistent, implying a complicated phylogenetic relationship among the species.     

An apparatus to measure in vivo biomechanical behavior of dorsi- and plantarflexors of mouse ankle.

We developed an apparatus to quantify the biomechanical behavior of the dorsi- and plantarflexor muscles of the ankle of an anesthetized mouse. When the dorsi- or plantarflexor muscle group is activated by electrical stimulation of either the peroneal or tibial nerve, the apparatus measures the moment developed about the ankle during isometric, isovelocity shortening, or isovelocity lengthening contractions. Displacements may be performed over the full 105 degrees range of ankle motion with an angular resolution of 0.09 degrees. Bidirectional isovelocity ramps in ankle angle up to 1,100 degrees/s are possible and are equivalent to maximum velocities of 2.3 fiber lengths/s (Lf/s) for the fibers in tibialis anterior muscle and 11.9 Lf/s for those in gastrocnemius muscle. During single contractions of the dorsi- and plantarflexor muscle groups at 37 degrees C and with both knee and ankle joint at 90 degrees neutral position, the isometric tetanic force developed was 1.4 and 3.3 N, power output at 2.2 Lf/s was 3.1 and 5.9 mW, and power absorption at 0.5 Lf/s was 4.9 and 9.0 mW, respectively. These values are in reasonable agreement with data from the same muscle groups tested in situ. We conclude that the apparatus provides valid measurements of force and power of the dorsi- and plantarflexor muscle groups.     

Relation between D-glucose and L- and D-alanine in the initiation of germination of Bacillus subtilis spore

The rate of L-alanine-initiated germination of Bacillus subtilis spore was measured by both loss of heat resistance and loss of turbidity, and the effect of glucose on the germination response to a wide range of concentrations of the germinant was analyzed in the presence and absence of D-alanine, an inhibitor. Glucose stimulated L-alanine germination by means of a cooperative effect: glucose increased the affinity of L-alanine by about 3-fold and the rate of germination by about 1.3-fold. However, glucose had little effect on the binding affinity of D-alanine. The apparent binding constant of L-alanine to the spore, which was determined by the next measurable event in the trigger reaction, was 1.2 X 10(-5), that of D-alanine was 6 X 10(-6), and that of glucose was 5 X 10(-5). The relation between the binding site for glucose and those for L- and D-alanine on the spore is discussed. Effect of glucose analogs was also examined.     

Effect of strontium and magnesium on blood calcium]

Twenty four male Wistar rats weighing 250 +/- 10 g, in three groups of 8 rats each, were used. Group A was used as control and the content of its drinking water was 6.5 mg/l Ca; 2.4 mg/l Mg. The drinking water of groups B and C was supplemented with 20 mM (SrCl2) and 20 mM (MgCl2), respectively. Once the 20 days of mineral supplementation had passed, arterial blood was extracted by puncture in the abdominal aorta. In the serum obtained after centrifugation, Ca, Mg, Sr and the total proteins (TP) were determined. Afterwards the serum was subjected to ultrafiltration. Concentrations of Ca, Mg and TP were measured in the obtained ultrafiltrates (u), with the above described techniques. The pH was measured before and after the ultrafiltration. The TP decreased significantly both in group B (supplemented with Sr), and in group C (supplement with Mg). Increases in Ca were found in group B and in Mg in group C. The Mg/Ca ratio increased 10% after the supplementation with Mg. At the ultrafiltrate a significant increase in Cau after supplementation with Sr and with Mg was observed. The Mgu/Cau ratio decreased 14% in the group supplemented with Sr and 38% after the supplementation with Mg. In conclusion, the supplementation with Sr (20 mM) in rats increases the Cau and could have the effect of reducing protein synthesis. These facts should be borne in mind when Sr is used for therapeutical purposes.     

Determination of duodenogastric reflux by quantification of bile acids in the gastric juice

The existence of duodeno-gastric reflux was evaluated in a group of 15 healthy subjects, in fasting and for 24 hours. The assessment of duodeno-gastric reflux was made by quantitation of the bile acids (BA) present in the gastric juice. The individual free and conjugated BA were separated and quantified by means of thin-layer chromatography and in situ spectrofluorometry. In 7 of the subjects studied no BA were detected, and in the other 8 subjects the BA levels were below 6 mumol reflux/hour. There were no free BA detected in any of the subjects. The levels of BA in gastric juice increased progressively with age, but there were no differences between sex. The chromatographic technique used is highly sensitive for the analysis of BA in biological samples. The study of BA in the gastric juice provides a quantitative and reliable assessment of the degree of duodeno-gastric reflux.