Characterization of proteins and immunogens released by adult Schistosoma mansoni

The proteins released in vitro by metabolically radiolabeled adult Schistosoma mansoni were identified by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis. To determine the origin of these proteins, adult worms were fractionated into surface membrane, tegument, and remaining body components, and the electrophoretic patterns of the proteins in the 3 fractions were compared to those of the released proteins. The immunogens present in these fractions then were identified by immunoprecipitation with sera from humans infected with S. mansoni. This analysis indicated that essentially all of the proteins released from the worm were immunogenic, whereas most of the major membrane and tegumental proteins were not reactive with the immune sera. Thus, it appears that the adult worm is defended against immune attack by detection of the host's antibody response against released proteins rather than against proteins-exposed on the worm's surface.     

Preferential infectivity of entomopathogenic nematodes in an envenomed host

Entomopathogenic nematodes and parasitoid wasps are used as biological control agents for management of insect pests such as the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella. The parasitoid wasp Habrobracon hebetor injects a paralytic venom into P. interpunctella larvae before laying eggs. A previous study reported that the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis indica preferentially infects P. interpunctella that have been envenomed by H. hebetor while results in this study showed a similar preference by the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema glaseri. We therefore tested four hypotheses for why nematode infection rates are higher in envenomed hosts: (1) elevated CO₂ emission from envenomed hosts attracts nematodes, (2) paralysis prevents hosts from escaping nematodes, (3) volatile chemicals emitted from envenomed hosts attract nematodes and increase infection, and (4) reduced immune defenses in envenomed hosts increase nematode survival. Results showed that envenomed P. interpunctella larvae emitted lower amounts of CO₂ than non-envenomed larvae. Physical immobilization of P. interpunctella larvae did not increase infection rates by S. glaseri but did increase infection rates by H. indica. Emissions from envenomed hosts were collected and analyzed by thermal desorption gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The most abundant compound, 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol, was found to be an effective cue for S. glaseri attraction and infection but was not an effective stimulus for H. indica. Envenomed P. interpunctella exhibited a stronger immune response toward nematodes than non-envenomed hosts. Altogether, we conclude that different mechanisms underlie preferential infection in the two nematode species: host immobilization for H. indica and chemical cues for S. glaseri.     

ACTH accelerates recovery of neuromuscular function following crushing of peripheral nerve

Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-treated adrenalectomized rats subjected to crush denervation recover sensation and functional movement sooner than saline-treated rats. Axonal regeneration is accelerated, the number of large endplates and the frequency of preterminal branching are increased. ACTH has no effect on either intact or denervated muscles. The ameliorative action of ACTH during regeneration is apparently neurogenic and independent of corticoids.     

Preliminary X-ray analysis of crystals of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1

Crystals of bacterially expressed plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) suitable for X-ray diffraction analysis have been obtained from 8% (w/v) PEG 1500, pH 8.25. The space group is P1, and the lattice constants are a = 82.17 A, b = 47.82 A, c = 62.89 A, alpha = 90.00 degrees, beta = 106.90 degrees, gamma = 106.84 degrees. The diffraction limit is 2.3 A, and the unit cell contains two molecules of PAI-1. The crystals contain latent PAI-1 which can be partly reactivated by exposure to denaturants.     

A Rapid Method for the Determination of Radioactive Caesium in Live Animals and Carcasses,and its Practical Application in Norway after the Chernobyl Nuclear Reactor Accident

A technique was developed for the measurement of levels of caesium radionuclides (137Cs+134Cs) in live reindeer, cattle, and sheep and in carcasses from these species. The instrument used was a sodium iodide scintillation detector coupled to a portable multi-channel analyser. Based on a combination of background measurements and measurements of impulses from animals with the detector in different anatomical positions we recommmend the following procedures: Lamb: The detector placed on os sacrum (standing animal). Reindeer: The detector placed between the hind legs (animal lying on its side). Cattle: The detector placed on the back of the standing animal, midway between os sacrum and trochanter major. Average geometrical factors for live animals were estimated. It was a linear correlation between measured activity levels in meat samples and counted impulses per sec in live animals. Geometrical factors were estimated at 95% confidence level with uncertainty between 6–14%. The detection limits varied between 50–200 Bq (becquerel)/kg in areas with ground depositions between 5–200 kBq/m2. Since the winter 1986/87 the technique has been the standard procedure for monitoring slaughter animals and carcasses for radiocaesium activity concentrations.