Plating Isolation of Various Catalase-Negative Microorganisms from Soil

A procedure using nutritionally minimal media is presented for the plating isolation, but not enumeration, of various catalase-negative microorganisms from soil.     

The monoclonal antibodies Elec-39, HNK-1 and NC-1 recognize common structures in the nervous system and muscles of vertebrates

The IgM monoclonal antibodies, Elec-39, HNK-1 and NC-1, recognize the same subset of Torpedo electric organ acetylcholinesterase (AChE). We show that they react against a glycosphingolipid (SGPG) containing a sulfated glucuronic acid (SGA). The three antibodies appear essentially identical in their specificity but differ in their affinity for the antigens. We have examined their binding in the CNS, nerves and muscles of several vertebrate species, at the optical and in some cases at the electron microscope level. All three antibodies label the same structures: they show diffuse staining around neuromuscular endplates and label the plasma membrane of the Schwann cells, surrounding the outer layer of myelin sheaths. In the adult rat CNS, the antibodies label certain defined structures, notably extracellular material in the habenula and in the CA2 layer of the hippocampus. In the cortex and cerebellum, they label the surface of neural processes and terminals apposed to large multipolar neurons and Purkinje cells, as well as membranous material contained in inclusions dispersed in the cytoplasm of these neurons. These localizations are consistent with the suggestion that the SGA-antigens may be involved in cellular interactions.     

Possible "accelerated striatal aging" induced by 56Fe heavy-particle irradiation: implications for manned space flights.

The present experiments were carried out to determine the effects of energy deposition from energetic iron (56Fe particles, an important component of cosmic rays) on motor behavioral performance and to determine if the observed deficits were caused by alterations in the neostriatum (an important motor control area). Neostriatal function was assessed with two correlated parameters, i.e., motor behavioral performance (wire suspension task), and oxotremorine-enhanced K(+)-evoked release of dopamine from perifused striatal slices. Rats were exposed to one of several doses of 56Fe-particle irradiation (0.10-1.0 Gy) and tested on a wire suspension task at 3-180 days postirradiation. Results indicated that profound decrements occurred in both of these indices. The effects on K(+)-evoked release of dopamine were evident for as long as 180 days after irradiation, and a subsequent experiment indicated that these effects appeared as early as 12 h postirradiation. Since similar findings have been observed in aged rats, the results are discussed in terms of these particles producing a possible accelerated striatal aging effect.