Lipolytic and Esterolytic Activities in Posterior Lingual Glands of Rat: A Histochemical Study

Catalytic activities of lingual lipase were investigated by enzyme histochemistry in post-mortem tongues from male rats. Sections of fresh-frozen or formalin-calcium fixed tissue were incubated with naphthol-AS-nonanoate and α-naphthyl acetate substrate mixtures. The effects of pH level, sodium taurocholate activator and E600 inhibitor were also examined. The use of cryostat sections of tissues fixed in formalin-calcium and of nonanoate substrate within the range of pH 4.4–6.4, were optimal for localizing maximum reaction product, captured by Fast Blue BB, in acini and demilunes of the posterior deep and superficial lingual glands respectively. The reaction product corresponded with the distribution of secretory granules and failed to develop when taurocholate was omitted from the incubation medium. Similarly localized E600-resistant reaction product occurred with the acetate substrate and hexazotized New Fuchsin at pH 7.4, in the absence of taurocholate. Lipase and conventional esterase activities appear to be superimposed in posterior lingual glands of rat. The ability of their acini and demilunes to hydrolyse nonanoate substrate at an acidic pH optimum, when activated by sodium taurocholate, seems attributable to lipase destined for secretion into saliva – hence convenient for routine histochemical identification of the enzyme.     

Demonstration of prolactin messenger RNA after amplification in the brain in rats]

By means of immunocytochemistry, a central neuronal network containing a prolactin-like substance has been described in the rat. In order to demonstrate the synthesis of this peptide in these cells, we examined the presence of prolactin messenger RNA (PRL mRNA) in several brain samples including the pituitary gland. Amplification of the PRL mRNA was performed by the polymerase chain reaction technique, followed by southern blotting and hybridization with a specific oligonucleotide. Results showed the presence of the expected cDNA (468 bp) in the hypothalamus. Another cDNA with a lower molecular weight was also observed.     

New records for prehistoric introduction of Neotropical mammals to the West Indies: evidence from Carriacou,Lesser Antilles

Aim This paper investigates the prehistoric introduction of five mammalian taxa to Carriacou (Lesser Antilles) and refines the known anthropogenic ranges for these fauna in the pre‐Columbian West Indies. The importance of such records for understanding the region’s historical biogeography and ecology is considered. Location Carriacou Island, Grenada (12°28′ N, 61°26′ W). Methods Zooarchaeological assemblages from Carriacou’s earliest documented prehistoric sites, Grand Bay and Sabazan, were analysed, and exotic taxa were identified and quantified. The timing of introductions was established based on multiple radiocarbon assays, including three new accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) direct dates obtained on the bone of exotic taxa. Source species and location(s) are considered and compared with known prehistoric records for the Caribbean to synthesize anthropogenic distributions for the pre‐Columbian period. The contexts of the zooarchaeological remains are evaluated to better understand the nature and purpose of introductions. Results Zooarchaeological investigation on Carriacou reveals the occurrence of multiple mammal introductions from South American between c. ad 700 and ad 1400. This paper presents the first records for guinea pig (Cavia sp.), armadillo (Dasypus sp.), peccary (Tayassu/Pecari sp.), opossum (Didelphis sp.) and agouti (Dasyprocta sp.) from the island. Human‐mediated transport of these taxa is indicated by their absence from the record prior to human settlement of Carriacou. Several translocated species are either rare or entirely unknown for the region, and overall West Indian distributions are temporally and spatially discontinuous. Archaeological contexts indicate that mammalian introductions arose from human subsistence needs, but other social factors may have shaped the dispersal of these fauna. Main conclusions The taxonomic combination and richness of Carriacou’s introduced fauna are unusual within the region. Importantly, the new records significantly improve the known pre‐Columbian geographic range for peccary, guinea pig and armadillo. Integrated with regional records, these data augment our understanding of the Caribbean’s historical biogeography, and have the potential to improve our understanding of human mobility and anthropogenic environmental impacts in the West Indies prior to the arrival of Europeans.     

Further evidence for a cell surface proteinase essential to the growth of cultured fibroblasts

Specific antibodies and protein proteinase inhibitors will inhibit cell-surface proteinase activity on human fibroblasts and cause a concomitant inhibition of DNA synthesis and of cell multiplication. An insolubilized proteinase inhibitor also inhibits cell multiplication. The same reagents partially inhibit the multiplication of mouse L cells, both in monolayer and suspension culture, and inhibit the mitogenic effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on both types of cell.