The production of hematopoietic growth factors by endothelial accessory cells

Monocytes are known to produce both hematopoietic growth factors and other factors, monokines, which do not directly stimulate hematopoiesis. Monokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) may indirectly stimulate mesenchymal cells to produce hematopoietic growth factors. The identity of all the factors produced by monocytes or mesenchymal cells has not been established because of overlapping activities on biologic assay. The purpose of this study was to identify the individual growth factors produced by endothelial cells before and after stimulation with various monokines. We prepared conditioned media and extracted RNA from endothelial cells before and after stimulation with monokines. The results show that immortalized endothelial cells produce maximal detectable amounts of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) constitutively. In contrast, GM-CSF production by primary endothelial cells requires induction with either IL-1 or TNF.     

Alpha-endorphin-like immunoreactivity in plasma cells of the canine colonic mucosa

During immunocytochemical investigations on the presence of opioid peptides in gastrointestinal endocrine cells it was found that a subpopulation of plasma cells located in the lamina propria of the canine colonic mucosa showed immunoreactivities for alpha-endorphin. All immunohistochemical specificity controls proved the specificity of the reaction. Circumstantial evidence suggest, however, that no authentic alpha-endorphin is present within this cell type. Possibly sequence homologies between alpha-endorphin and the amino acid composition of a certain immunoglobulin are responsible for the immunocytochemically specific alpha-endorphin-like immunoreactivity of plasma cells.     

Studies in parasitic watermolds of Kumaun Himalayas: The host range of five species of olpidiopsis

The host range of five species of Olpidiopsis in some species of Achlya, Aphanomyces, Brevilegnia, Isoachlya, Saprolegnia, Thraustotheca and Pythium was studied. Species were different in their host range.     

A simple, sensitive and reliable assay for serotonin and 5-HIAA in brain tissue using liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

An extremely sensitive and simple method for simultaneously measuring both serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) has been developed using liquid chromatography (LC) and electrochemical detection. Assay conditions are described which resolve and measure as little as 22 picograms of serotonin and its deaminated metabolite in deproteinated brain samples.     

Effect of sodium and chloride depletion on urinary prostaglandin F2α excretion in potassium loaded rats

Previous studies have shown that the urinary excretion of prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha is stimulated by potassium (K) loading. Because changes of sodium chloride (NaCl) intake also affect renal PG production, in this study we investigated the interaction between the effect of K and that of concomitant reduction of Na and Cl intake. The urinary excretion of PGF2 alpha and PGE2 was measured in 12 groups of female rats on normal, high or low K intake. Na and Cl intake were adjusted so that rats had normal intake (controls, C), were selectively Cl depleted (CD), selectively Na depleted (ND) or Na and Cl depleted (NCD). In rats with normal K intake, urinary PGF2 alpha was not modified by changes of Na or Cl intake, whereas PGE2 was increased in by Cl depletion (in both NCD or CD groups). Potassium chloride loading increased urinary PGF2 alpha and selective Na depletion (ND group) induced a further increase. On the other hand, PGF2 alpha was not stimulated when K load was associated with Cl depletion. Urine PGF2 alpha was directly correlated with plasma aldosterone and urinary kallikrein. Urinary PGE2 did not change with K-loading. The results suggest that PGF2 alpha participates in the renal adaptation to KCl-loading but not when K is accompanied by non-Cl anions.     

Concerning the intermediacy of organic radicals in vitamin B12-dependent enzymic reactions

The vitamin B12 coenzyme adenosylcobalamin assists the enzymic catalysis of molecular rearrangements of the type (formula; see text) in which the migrating group X can be OH, NH2 or a suitable substituted carbon atom such as C(=CH2)CO2H. This paper discusses evidence for the participation of organic radicals as intermediates in these reactions. Theoretical and model studies supporting the intermediacy of radicals in the reactions catalysed by the enzymes diol dehydratase and alpha-methyleneglutarate mutase are described. For the model studies, alkyl radicals, alkylcobaloximes (alkyl represents, for example, ethoxycarbonyl substituted, but-3-enyl and cyclopropylmethyl) and also dihydroxyalkylcobalamins have been investigated. The Co-C alpha-C beta angle of 125 degrees in adenosylcobalamin is shown to be an 'especial' angle by analysis of the crystal structures of R- and S-2,3-dihydroxypropylcobalamin.