Functional compartmentation of the translation apparatus and channeling of tRNA/aminoacyl-tRNA in cells of higher eukaryotes

Literature data and authors' results in the field of structure-function organization of the translation apparatus in higher eukaryotes are considered. Proof is presented of the channeling of tRNA/aminoacyl-tRNA in the course of eukaryotic protein synthesis. The concept of the shuttle role of elongation factor eEF1A is grounded; the factor, being in a GTP-bound form, delivers aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosome and then, in the GDP form after hydrolysis of GTP on the ribosome, forms a complex with the deacylated tRNA and delivers it to the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase. The notion of translational compartment is defined.     

Calculation of DNA condensation, caused by adsorption of ligands

A method for calculating the curves of DNA transition from linear to condensed state upon binding of condensing ligands has been developed. The character of the transition and ligand concentration necessary for condensation have been shown to be governed by the length of DNA molecule, energy and stoichiometry parameters of DNA-ligand complex (equilibrium constant between linear and condensed form in the absence of ligands, constants for ligand binding to linear and condensed forms, the number of base pairs covered by one ligand, etc.). The results of the calculations indicate that only slight difference in the free energies of these states in free DNA (less than 6 cal/mole(bp) for DNA of 500 bp long) is sufficient for the existence of stable linear state in the absence of ligands (in free DNA) and the formation of stable condensed state upon complexation.     

Construction of peptide mimetics of an epitope of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) gp41 protein, recognized by virus-neutralizing antibodies 2F5

A phase peptide library was screened with virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MCA) 2F5 which recognize a conserved epitope of HIV-1 gp41. Phages that expose peptides specifically binding with MCA 2F5 were selected by ELISA. Amino acid sequence analysis revealed a homology to region 662-671 of HIV-1 HB10 gp160 for most peptides. The major role in recognition was ascribed to Asp-664, Lys-665, and Trp-666. The epitope-mimicking peptides were tested for immunogenicity. Antibodies to gp41 were detected in serum of immunized rabbits.     

Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of Borrelia indication in ixodes ticks (Ixodidae) using dark field microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Indication of Borrelia (B. burgdorferi sensu lato) in 205 adult unfed I. persulcatus ticks from a natural focus was carried out simultaneously by methods of PCR and dark-field microscopy of vital preparations. PCR method revealed Borrelia prevalence in considerable number of ticks, in which Borrelia were not found by microscopy of 250 microscopic fields in a preparation from each individual tick. At the same time, PCR method didn't give positive results for approximately 8% of ticks, which contained rather high concentration of Borrelia (more than 10 per 100 microscopic fields). In general, PCR method doesn't have advantages in comparison with a microscopy of vital preparations for study the Borrelia prevalence in ticks.     

On the development of body-wall musculature Diplostomum chromatophorum metacercariae (Trematoda: Diplostomidae)

The body-wall musculature of invasive cercariae and metacercariae of Diplostomum chromatophorum at different intervals after the penetration into the experimental intermediate host Cyprinus carpio (1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 20, 34, 40 days) has been investigated with the help of TEM technique. During the first 10 days after the invasion (in conditions of our experiment), the cercarial subtegumental muscle fibres degenerate. These muscles are replaced by newly formed ones. Mass differentiation of myoblasts beneath the tegument was observed in 7-10-day-old metacercariae. Obtained data indicate the metamorphosis of body-wall musculature during the morphogenesis in Diplostomum chromatophorum metacercariae.     

Asymmetric responses of epicardial and endocardial fibers of the dog atrium to cholinergic effects

The ACh shortened the AP in canine epicardial and endocardial cells, the effect being more obvious in the latter. The findings suggest that 4-aminophyridine-sensitive transient outward current is expressed in canine atrial epicardial and endocardial cells, that the ACh exerts direct effects on epicardial and endocardial AP duration, that differential responses of epicardial and endocardial AP duration to the ACh may alter the gradient of repolarisation across the atrial wall and contribute to the vagus-indoced atrial flutter and fibrillation.     

Atropine effect on physostigmine- and stress-induced secretion of catecholamines by adrenal gland: microdialysis study in awake rats

Physostigmine and an 1-hour immobilisation stress similarly affected functions of the sympatho-adrenal and cardiovascular systems activating the catecholamine secretion and increasing the blood pressure. Yohimbine potentiated the secretory effect but did not change the pressor effect. Intermediate administration of atropine completely eliminated both effects of physostigmine but, being administered prior to the immobilisation, it potentiated the secretory response without affecting the pressor response. The findings reveal a difference in central cholinergic mechanisms of neurohumoral and haemodynamic responses to physostigmine and stress.     

Types of the peptide modulation of the vagus nerve effect on the heart rhythm

In anaesthetised cats, effects of 24 regulatory peptides upon inhibitory tonic and synchronizing components of vagal chronotropic action, were studied. The findings allowed to divide the peptidergic vagotropic activity into three types: (1) a selective action upon inhibitory tonic vagal effect; (2) a selective modulation of synchronizing vagal effect; (3) opposite changes in the vagal chronotropic effect components. The peptides seem to be able to modulate both the vagal bradycardia and the functional structure of parasympathetic chronotropic effect.     

Physiologo-biochemical properties of a strain of Beijerinckia mobilis 1phi Phn+--a degrader of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Beijerinckia mobilis 1f capable of degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was isolated from a soil contaminated with creosote. Strain 1f could utilize phenanthrene and naphthalene as the sole sources of carbon. The mean rate of phenanthrene degradation during culture growth was 7-8 micrograms/(ml h). After cultivation under nonselective conditions, strain 1f retained its ability to degrade phenanthrene. Cometabolism considerably widened the range of PAHs that could be transformed by strain 1f. The strain was able to grow in a mineral medium with creosote as the sole source of carbon. After 30 days of cultivation in this medium, the total concentration of PAHs decreased from 665.5 mg/l to 170 mg/l.