Platelet serotonergic mechanisms and glomerulonephritis

Proven cases (28) of glomerulonephritis (GN) were evaluated for clinico-biochemical profile, bleeding time, platelet count, platelet aggregation and platelet serotonergic mechanisms. Inordinate increase in platelet aggregation and altered platelet serotonergic mechanisms (reduced 5-HT, uptake, reduced intraplatelet 5-HT and increased plasma 5-HT) were demonstrated in some histopathological types of GN. The mechanisms and importance of these alterations have been discussed.     

Red cell carbonic anhydrase polymorphism in Indian zebu cattle and their crossbreds

Red cell carbonic anhydrase (Ca) types were investigated in 750 animals from three zebu, two exotic and three crossbred breeds. A Ca isozyme of slower mobility than the S isozyme was observed in four Sahiwal animals. The gene frequency of CaS, which was the predominant allele in all the breeds investigated ranged from 0.88 to 1.0.     

Polymorphisms involving the transmembrane domains of human TAP2

Correspondence to: S. Pillai.     

Solubilization of low-grade Indian rock phosphates and inorganic phosphates byBacillus licheniformis

Bacillus licheniformis solubilized a range of inorganic phosphates and five different Indian rock phosphates (low grade) to varying extent in broth culture and in soil. Statistical evaluation indicated that broth cultures alone were inadequate indicators of the potential for microbial solubilization of rock phosphates.     

Purification and some properties of L-alanine:4,5-dioxovaleric acid transaminase from rat liver mitochondria

L-alanine:4,5-dioxovalerate transaminase (EC 2.6.1.44) has been purified to homogeneity from rat liver mitochondria. Molecular weight of the native enzyme is estimated to be 230,000 +/- 3000 by gel filtration. Under denaturing condition, the dissociated enzyme has a subunit of approximately 41,000 +/- 2000, indicating the enzyme apparently is composed of six identical subunits. The enzyme is heat stable and has optimal activity at pH 6.9. Km values for L-alanine and 4,5-dioxovalerate are 3.3 X 10(-3) M and 2.8 X 10(-4) M respectively. Excess dioxovalerate inhibits the enzyme activity. Pyridoxal phosphate and dithiothreitol also inhibit the enzyme activity.     

A new antioxidant compound H-290/51 attenuates heat shock protein (HSP 72 kD) response, edema and cell injury following acute heat exposure. An experimental study using light and electron microscopy in the rat

Rats exposed to 4 h heat stress at 38°C exhibited upregulation of heat shock protein (HSP 72 kD) expression in several brain regions associated with brain edema and cell injury. Pretreatment with a new anti-oxidant compound H-290/51 (50 mg/kg, per os, 30 min before stress) significantly attenuated HSP expression, brain edema and cell injury. These results suggest that oxidative stress associated with brain edema plays important roles in HSP expression, not reported earlier.