Comparative effects of a highly specific protein kinase C inhibitor, calphostin C and calmodulin inhibitors on angiotensin-stimulated aldosterone secretion

We have examined the relative roles of the calcium-calmodulin system and protein kinase C in angiotensin-mediated aldosterone secretion. We used a highly specific protein kinase C inhibitor, calphostin C and two well-accepted calmodulin inhibitors, W-7 and calmidazolium. Although both types of inhibitors affected angiotensin-induced aldosterone secretion, as judged by the inhibitory doses of these compounds, angiotensin-evoked aldosterone secretion was more sensitive to calmodulin inhibition than protein kinase C inhibition. Manipulation of intracellular calcium by dantrolene and thapsigargin also modified aldosterone secretion significantly.     

Types of interaction of meso‐tetraphenylporphyrin with alkali and alkaline‐earth metal ions

The cavity in a porphyrin can accommodate metal ions through electron donor–acceptor (EDA) interaction in acetonitrile media without any specially designed fabrication with the porphyrin subunit. Alkali metal ion forms a complex with meso‐tetraphenylporphyrin (TP) in 2:1 stoichiometry, while the bivalent Mg²⁺ ion follows a 1:1 stoichiometry. A fluorescence interaction study indicated that TP can behave like a chemosensor for these ions present in the blood electrolytes. Specifically, for the alkali metal ions intensity‐based sensing was observed, due to inhibition of photoinduced electron transfer (PET), entailing enhancement of fluorescence intensity, and for the alkaline‐earth Mg²⁺ a mixed quenching was observed. Na⁺ and K⁺ ions can be differentiated depending upon the extent of fluorescence enhancement. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Prevalence of haemolytic streptococcal infection in rhesus monkeys.

Seventy-six monkeys arriving in 10 batches were investigated within a day or two of their arrival for beta-haemolytic streptococcal infections. 10.53 per cent of monkeys yielded group A beta haemolytic streptococcus. Majority of the isolates were T pattern I. With ASO test, 44.7 per cent monkeys had low titres while with A-DNase 'B' 'test, 64.5 per cent of the monkeys had low titres.     

Steroid saponins

Steroid saponins isolated from various plants are reviewed. The newer techniques used in their isolation and structure elucidation are discussed. A compilation of the saponins isolated up to 1980 along with their available physical data is included. The basic steroidal saponins isolated after 1972 are also compiled.     

Vertical transmission of hepatitis B in north India.

A total of 2337 mother-baby paired sera were screened for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen. Fifty eight mothers (2.48 per cent) were positive for HBsAg. Six babies (10.3 per cent) were positive for HBsAg at birth. The risk of the babies acquiring the infection during the first year of life varied with the serological status of the mothers. In HBeAg positive mothers the babies were at the greatest risk, with 11/15 (73.3 per cent) babies acquiring the infection by twelve months. If the mothers were only HBsAg positive the risk was lower (17.3 per cent), and if the mother was anti-HBe positive also then the baby had the least chance of becoming infected (9 per cent).     

Identification of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase gene from enteroaggregative Escherichia coli.

We describe here the identification of sodC gene from enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAggEC). A 294 bp gene-specific fragment was amplified from the organism by DNA as well as RT-PCR using primers from bacterial sodC sequences. The metal co-factor present in the protein was confirmed by running samples in native gels and inhibiting with 2 mM potassium cyanide. However, the nonpathogenic E. coli possesses the gene but does not express it. Thus, the presence of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase encoded by sodC was demonstrated for the first time in EAggEC, which means it could be a novel candidate for a virulence marker.