Collagen receptors mediate early events in the attachment of epithelial (MDCK) cells

Summary Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells kept in suspension culture for 12–15 hr displayed high-affinity binding sites for¹²⁵I-lathyritic (soluble) collagen (120,000/cell,K _D =30nm) and preferred collagens types I and IV over laminin or fibronectin as substrates during the first hour of attachment. On the other hand, after 4 hr, attachment to all four substrates was equally efficient. Upon challenge with a collagen substrate, the high-affinity sites were rapidly recruited on it (T1/2=6 min). Their occupancy by soluble collagen triggered the exocytosis of a second large population of low-affinity collagen binding sites that included laminin and seems to be involved in a second cell-attachment mechanism. These results are compatible with a twostep model of MDCK cell attachment to the substrate: first, via high-affinity collagen binding sites, and second, via laminin of cellular origin.     

Prophylactic and curative effects of Bacopa monniera in gastric ulcer models.

Bacopa monniera Wettst. (BM, syn. Herpestis monniera L; Scrophulariaceae), is an Ayurvedic drug used as a rasayana. Its fresh juice was earlier reported to have significant antiulcerogenic activity. In continuation, methanolic extract of BM (BME) standardized to bacoside-A content (percentage-38.0 ± 0.9), when given in the dose of 10–50 mg/kg, twice daily for 5 days, showed dose-dependent anti-ulcerogenic on various gastric ulcer models induced by ethanol, aspirin, 2 h cold restraint stress and 4 h pylorus ligation. BME in the dose of 20 mg/kg, given for 10 days, twice daily showed healing effects against 50% acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers. Further work was done to investigate the possible mechanisms of its action by studying its effect on various mucosal offensive acid-pepsin secretion and defensive factors like mucin secretion, mucosal cell shedding, cell proliferation and antioxidant activity in rats. BME 20 mg/kg showed no effect on acid-pepsin secretion, increased mucin secretion, while it decreased cell shedding with no effect on cell proliferation. BME showed significant antioxidant effect per se and in stressed animals. Thus, the gastric prophylactic and curative effects of BME may be due to its predominant effect on mucosal defensive factors.     

Alterations in high-affinity binding characteristics and levels of opioids in invertebrate ganglia during aging: Evidence for an opioid compensatory mechanism

In Mytilus and Leucophaea the high-affinity binding site density is significantly lower in old animals than in young animals, whereas the low-affinity site density remains unchanged. In Mytilus the estimated met-enkephalin and met-enkephalin-Arg6-Phe7 levels are significantly higher in old than in young animals. In Leucophaea only the met-enkephalin level can be determined, and it is also higher in old animals. The decrease in the high-affinity binding site density and the corresponding increase in endogenous enkephalin levels suggest the existence of an opioid compensatory mechanism associated with the aging process. In Mytilus there is a demonstrated decrease with age in intraganglionic dopamine levels in response to applied opiates. In addition, the inhibition of dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity by opiates also decreases in older animals. In Leucophaea the sex difference in opioid binding densities diminishes with age.     

Germinal and non-germinal lines in the ovotestis of Helix aspersa: a survey

Summary The study of gonadal organogenesis and differentiation by means of light and electron microscopy suggested the following in Helix aspersa: (1) the distal parts of the acini have components of mesodermal origin, whereas the neck and efferent duct comprise ectodermal elements; (2) a segregation of a germinal line occurs early, during the embryonic life; (3) in juvenile and adult animals, male and female cells arise from a germinal ring located at the base of the acinar neck. Apart from developing oocytes, the epithelium lining the distal region of the acini consists of somatic cells (Sertoli and follicle cells).     

Mouse Chromosome 7

Chair of Committee for Mouse Chromosome 7     

Carboxylierungsreaktionen in Agaricus bisporus III. Pyruvat und Phosphoenolpyruvat als CO2-Acceptoren

Zusammenfassung Zellfreie Extrakte aus Agaricus bisporus bilden Malat, Fumarat und Aspartat einerseits aus Pyruvat und CO₂ in Gegenwart von Mn²⁺ und andererseits aus Phosphoenolpyruvat und CO₂ in Gegenwart von Mg²⁺.Die Carboxylierung von Pyruvat wird durch ATP und NADPH₂ deutlich gefördert, ist aber unabhängig von der Anwesenheit von CoA-Estern. Die Reaktion erfährt durch pCMB, Oxalat und Avidin eine Hemmung.Die Carboxylierung von Phosphoenolpyruvat wird durch ADP, nicht aber durch GDP und IDP gefördert.Aus den Ergebnissen wird geschlossen, daß bei der Carboxylierung von Pyruvat sowohl Pyruvatcarboxylase als auch Malatenzym wirksam sind, während für die Oxalacetatsynthese aus Phosphoenolpyruvat PEP-Carboxykinase verantwortlich ist.Die Bedeutung der drei Enzyme im Zusammenhang mit der Ernährung des Kulturchampignons aus dem natürlichen Substrat, mit der Glucogenese und der Steuerung des Citronensäurecyclus wird diskutiert.

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Carboxylation reactions in Agaricus bisporus III. Pyruvate and phosphoenolpyruvate as CO₂-acceptors

Summary Cell-free extracts from Agaricus bisporus catalyze the synthesis of malate, fumarate and aspartate from pyruvate and CO₂ in the presence of Mn²⁺, and from phosphoenolpyruvate and CO₂ with Mg²⁺ (partially replaceable by Mn²⁺).The carboxylation of pyruvate is highly stimulated by ATP and NADPH₂, but is not affected by CoA-esters. The reaction is inhibited by pCMB, oxalate and avidin.The carboxylation of phosphoenolpyruvate is stimulated by ADP, but not by IDP and GDP.From cofactor-requirement and inhibitor studies it is concluded, that there are two enzymes, pyruvatecarboxylase and malic enzyme, which catalyze the carboxylation of pyruvate. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase is responsible for the CO₂-fixation into oxaloacetate.The significance of these three enzymes is discussed in connection with the nutrition of the fungus from its natural growth substrate and with the regulation of glycogenesis and the citric acid cycle.

     

Hyperosid,das Hauptflavonolglykosid von Davidia involucrata Baill.

Summary Hyperosid (quercetin-3-galactoside) was isolated from the bracts of the dove tree and identified by paper chromatography, melting point determinations, UV- and IR-spectroscopy. The yield of crystalline hyperosid was approximately 1% of the dry weight. It is the main glycoside of the bracts and also appears in the green leaves, but is absent in the bark, wood and fruit. Quercitrin (quercetin-3-rhamnoside) is also present, in minor amount. No other flavonol glycoside could be detected. The analytical results are discussed in relation to their possible taxonomic and physiological implications.