Fine structure of the granulocytes occurring in the hypothalamic-hypophyseal ventricle and neurohypophysis of the hagfish,Paramyxine atami

Strange granulated cells in the hypothalamic-hypophyseal ventricle and neurohypophysis of the hagfish,Paramyxine atami, were examined under light and electron microscope. Based on pleomorphic electron dense granules scattered in the entire cytoplasm and eccentrically shifted nucleus, the cells in question were diagnosed as the extravascular granulocytes.     

Histology of the ink tube and its associated organs in a unicornfish,Eumecichthys fiskii (Lampridiformes)

Histological examination of the ink tube (=sac) and melanoid ink production in the unicornfish,Eumecichthys fiskii (Taeniosomi), were conducted on a female specimen, 1050 mm in total length, caught off Sado Island. Sea of Japan, on 16 December, 1996. The ink tube, apparently derived from a primitive gut, was constructed from the connective tissue capsule, muscularis, submucosa and a single layer of cuboidal cells reminiscent of an intestinal villus. Although the site and process of differentiation of melanoid granules could not be determined. variously-sized melanoid clumps were detect-ed between the spaces of the villus-like cell cords. Melanoid ink excreted from the ink tube was attached to the surfaces of the latter, the intestine and the pouch associated with swim bladder. No ink was encountered in the intestinal canal.     

Effects of culture conditions on molecular weights of poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) produced byPseudomonas putida from octanoate

Summary Time-dependent changes in the molecular weights of poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) (P(3HA)) produced byPseudomonas putida from octanoate were investigated. The mole ratio of carbon to nitrogen sources (C/N), incubation temperature, concentration of octanoate, and pH of culture solution were varied to study the effects of culture conditions on the yield and molecular weights of P(3HA). The molecular weights of P(3HA) decreased with time to reach a constant value during incubation. When the incubation temperature and the concentration of octanoate were low, P(3HA) polymers of high molecular weights were produced.     

Stability analysis of commensal and mutual relations with competitive assimilation in continuous mixed culture

The population dynamics of continuous mixed cultures with pure commensalism, commensalism plus competitive assimilation, pure mutualism, and mutualism plus competitive assimilation was disused. The population does not display oscillatory phenomena where there is a single interaction of commensalism or mutualism. Damped oscillations take place when two interactions (such commensalism and competitive assimilation or mutualism and competitive assimilation) coexist in the continuous mixed culture. The stability of these systems was discussed in detail.     

Fluorescence quenching immunoassay of serum cortisol

Fluorescence quenching immunoassay of serum cortisol was established. The minimal amount of cortisol detected was 3.1 ng/tube and serum concentration of 3.1 μg/dl to 100 μg/dl of cortisol could be measured. Intra- and inter-assay coefficient of variation were 7.7–10.5% and 10.7–13.3%, respectively. Cortisol values determined by the present method correlated well with those determined by radioimmunoassay (r = 0.97, y = 0.89 x + 0.88, n = 33). This fluorescence quenching immuno-assay satisfied the standard criteria of dilution and accuracy, and is a rapid and simple method requiring no antibody-bound and free separation.