Sexually dimorphic expression of myosin heavy chains in the adult mouse masseter.

Little is known regarding the role of androgenic hormones in the maintenance of myosin heavy chain (MHC) composition of rodent masticatory muscles. Because the masseter is the principal jaw closer in rodents, we felt it was important to characterize the influence of androgenic hormones on the MHC composition of the masseter. To determine the extent of sexual dimorphism in the phenotype of masseter muscle fibers of adult (10-mo-old) C57 mice, we stained tissue sections with antibodies specific to type IIa and IIb MHC isoforms. Females contain twice as many fibers containing the IIa MHC as males, and males contain twice as many fibers containing the IIb MHC as females. There is a modest amount of regionalization of MHC phenotypes in the mouse masseter. The rostral portions of the masseter are composed mostly of type IIa fibers, whereas the midsuperficial and caudal regions contain mostly type IIb fibers. Using immunoblots, we showed that castration results in an increase in the expression of type IIa MHC fibers in males. Ovariectomy has no effect on the fiber type composition in females. We conclude that testosterone plays a role in the maintenance of MHC expression in the adult male mouse masseter.     

Cycling of nutrients from dying roots to living plants,including the role of mycorrhizas

This paper presents information about the release of nitrogen and phosphorus from dying grass roots and the capture of phosphorus by other, living plants. We have paid particular attention to the part played by mycorrhizas in this phosphorus capture, and the possible importance of mycorrhizal links between dying and living roots.WhenLolium perenne plants were grown with ample nutrients and their roots then detached and buried in soil, about half the nitrogen and two-thirds of the phosphorus was lost in three weeks, but only one-fifth of the dry weight. The C:N and C:P ratios suggest that microbial growth in the roots would at first be C-limited but would become N- and P-limited within three weeks.Rapid transfer of³²P can occur from dying roots to those of a living plant if the two root systems are intermingled. The amount transferred was substantially increased in two species-combinations that are known to form mycorrhizal links between their root systems. In contrast, in a species-combination where only the living (receiver) plant could become mycorrhizal no significant increase of³²P transfer occurred. This evidence, although far from conclusive, suggests that mycorrhizal links between dying and living roots can contribute to nutrient cycling. This research indicates a major difference in nutrient cycling processes between perennial and annual crops.     

Rapid loss of phosphorus from dying ryegrass roots: the chemical components involved

Summary Lolium perenne was grown in solution culture with either ample or deficient phosphate supply (high-P and low-P plants). The concentration in the roots of phosphorus as water-soluble compounds, phospholipid and insoluble residue was measured. A supplementary experiment showed that the concentration of each component in the roots of low-P plants was similar to that in plants grown in P-deficient soil. The time-course of the decline of each P component was determined in roots detached from the shoot and left hanging in solution. During the three weeks residue P concentration in the roots declined little. In contrast, both types of root lost about three-quarters of their lipid P in the first week. Low-P roots lost little of their water-soluble P. High-P roots contained much more water-soluble P and lost much of it during the first two weeks. By the end of three weeks their water-soluble P content was levelling out at a value similar to that in low-P roots, suggesting a non-labile pool. The rapid loss of lipid P from low-P roots comprised more than half of their total loss, and the possible ecological significance of this is discussed.     

Simultaneous coupling of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors to two G-proteins with opposing effects. Subtype-selective coupling of alpha 2C10, alpha 2C4, and alpha 2C2 adrenergic receptors to Gi and Gs.

Coupling of the three alpha 2-adrenergic receptor (alpha 2AR) subtypes to Gi and Gs was studied in membranes from transfected CHO cells. We observed that in the presence of low concentrations of the alpha 2AR agonist UK-14304, alpha 2C10 mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity, whereas at high concentrations of agonist, alpha 2C10 mediated stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity. We considered that this biphasic response was due to the coupling of alpha 2C10 to both Gi and Gs. To isolate functional Gs and Gi coupling, cells were treated with pertussis toxin or cholera toxin in doses sufficient to fully ADP-ribosylate the respective G-proteins. Following treatment with cholera toxin, agonists elicited only alpha 2C10-mediated inhibition (approximately 50%) of adenylyl cyclase while after pertussis toxin treatment, agonists elicited only alpha 2C10-mediated stimulation (approximately 60%) of adenylyl cyclase. Incubation of membranes with antisera directed against the carboxyl-terminal portion of Gs alpha blocked this functional alpha 2AR.Gs coupling to the same extent as that found for beta 2AR.Gs coupling. In addition to functional Gs coupling, we also verified direct, agonist-dependent, physical coupling of alpha 2AR to Gs alpha. In agonist-treated membranes, an agonist-receptor-Gs alpha complex was immunoprecipitated with a specific alpha 2C10 antibody, and the Gs component identified by both western blots using Gs alpha antibody, and cholera toxin mediated ADP-ribosylation. Due to the differences in primary amino acid structure in a number of regions of the alpha 2AR subtypes, we investigated whether G-protein coupling was subtype-selective, using UK-14304 and cells with the same alpha 2AR expression levels (approximately 5 pmol/mg). Coupling to Gi was equivalent for alpha 2C10, alpha 2C4, and alpha 2C2: 53.4 +/- 8.8% versus 54.9 +/- 1.0% versus 47.6 +/- 3.5% inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, respectively. In marked contrast, distinct differences in coupling to Gs were found between the three alpha 2AR subtypes: stimulation of adenylyl cyclase was 57.9 +/- 6.3% versus 30.7 +/- 1.1% versus 21.8 +/- 1.7% for alpha 2C10, alpha 2C4, and alpha 2C2, respectively. Thus, alpha 2AR have the potential to couple physically and functionally to both Gi and Gs; for Gi coupling we found a rank order of alpha 2C10 = alpha 2C4 = alpha 2C2, while for Gs coupling, alpha 2C10 greater than alpha 2C4 greater than alpha 2C2.     

Molecular weight and amino acid composition of purified spinach beet phenolase

The purification of spinach beet phenolase has been modified to include equilibration of the crude macerate with 0.5% cetyl-trimethylammonium bromide a     

Slow response of soil organic matter to the reduction in atmospheric nitrogen deposition in a Norway spruce forest

Global nitrogen (N) deposition rates in terrestrial environments have quadrupled since preindustrial times, causing structural and functional changes of ecosystems. Different emission reduction policies were therefore devised. The aim of our study was to investigate if, and over what timescale, processes of soil organic matter (OM) transformation respond to a decline in atmospheric N deposition. A N‐saturated spruce forest (current N deposition: 34 kg ha^?1 yr^?1; critical N load: 14 kg ha^?1 yr^?1), where N deposition has been reduced to 11.5 kg ha^?1 yr^?1 since 1991, was studied. Besides organic C and organic and inorganic N, noncellulosic carbohydrates, amino sugars and amino acids were determined. A decline in organic N in litter indicated initial effects at plant level. However, there were no changes in biomarkers upon the reduction in N deposition. In addition, inorganic N was not affected by reduced N deposition. The results showed that OM cycling and transformation processes have not responded so far. It was concluded that no direct N deposition effects have occurred due to the large amount of stored organic N, which seems to compensate for the reduction in deposited N. Obviously, the time span of atmospheric N reduction (about 14.5 years) is too short compared with the mean turnover time of litter to cause indirect effects on the composition of organic C and N compounds. It is assumed that ecological processes, such as microbial decomposition or recycling of organic N and C, react slowly, but may start within the next decade with the incorporation of the new litter.     

Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Latency Locus Compensates for Interleukin-6 in Initial B Cell Activation

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is considered a proliferation and survival factor for B cells. To assess the role of IL-6 in Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) latency, KSHV latency locus-transgenic mice (referred to as latency mice) lacking IL-6 were evaluated. IL-6^−/− latency mice had the same phenotypes as the latency mice, i.e., increased frequency of marginal zone B cells, hyperplasia, and hyperglobulinemia, indicating that the KSHV latency locus, which includes all viral microRNAs (miRNAs), can compensate for lack of IL-6 in premalignant B cell activation.     

Synthesis and methemoglobinemia-inducing properties of analogues of para-aminopropiophenone designed as humane rodenticides

A number of structural analogues of the known toxicant para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) have been prepared and evaluated for their capacity to induce methemoglobinemia—with a view to their possible application as humane pest control agents. It was found that an optimal lipophilicity for the formation of methemoglobin (metHb) in vitro existed for alkyl analogues of PAPP (aminophenones 1–20; compound 6 metHb% = 74.1 ± 2). Besides lipophilicity, this structural sub-class suggested there were certain structural requirements for activity, with both branched (10–16) and cyclic (17–20) alkyl analogues exhibiting inferior in vitro metHb induction. Of the four candidates (compounds 4, 6, 13 and 23) evaluated in vivo, 4 exhibited the greatest toxicity. In parallel, aminophenone bioisosteres, including oximes 30–32, sulfoxide 33, sulfone 34 and sulfonamides 35–36, were found to be inferior metHb inducers to lead ketone 4. Closer examination of Hammett substituent constants suggests that a particular combination of the field and resonance parameters may be significant with respect to the redox mechanisms behind PAPPs metHb toxicity.     

Diphacinone with cholecalciferol for controlling possums and ship rats

ABSTRACT

Potent second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides such as brodifacoum have been used as more effective alternatives to first-generation anticoagulants, such as warfarin. A combination of diphacinone at 0.005% and cholecalciferol at 0.06% produces a slow-acting bait that is effective at killing possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) and rodents. Cage trials with groups of possums and ship rats (Rattus rattus) achieved a mortality of 87% and 86% for possums and ship rats, respectively. Two field trials, each 200 hectares in size, targeting possums, ship rats and mice achieved an average reduction in the abundance of 94% for possums, 94% for ship rats and 80% for mice. The combination of diphacinone and cholecalciferol appears effective and has a favourable risk profile compared with second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, such as brodifacoum. Approval of this new bait by the New Zealand Environmental Protection Agency was granted in 2018 and final registration obtained from the Ministry of Primary Industries in 2019.