Cytochemistry of dipeptidylaminopeptidase IV and II in normal and neoplastic lymphoid cells

Cytochemical methods were used to determine the distribution of dipeptidylaminopeptidase IV (DAP IV) and II (DAP II) in lymphoid cell populations from patients with lymphoproliferative diseases. Special attention was paid to unusual intracellular distribution patterns which might correlate with the presence of various membrane markers. In healthy patients, about 50% of the circulating lymphocytes were found to be positive to both reactions, the intracellular distribution patterns being variable. The DAP IV reaction was negative in all B-CLL cases. In 2 cases of T-CLL with phenotype E+ OKT3+T4-T8+ one was negative and one was weakly positive, while two cases of T-CLL with phenotype E+ OKT3+T4+T8- were both strongly positive. The other non-T lymphoproliferative diseases studied were negative for DAP IV, while one T-ALL and three T-lymphoma cases showed a strong granular or diffuse distribution. The DAP II reaction was strongly positive in all the T lymphoproliferative diseases studied, irrespective of their immunological phenotype. This reaction was also weakly positive in some cases of plasmocytoma and lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma.     

Ultrastructural patterns of the alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase activity in normal and leukaemic peripheral blood leucocytes

Summary The activity of -naphthyl butyrate esterase was investigated at the ultrastructural level in normal human peripheral blood and in a few cases of hairy cell leukaemia, B-chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and acute monocytic leukaemia. A membrane reactivity was detected in most normal monocytes and lymphocytes. The activity in monocytes was very strong and was inhibited by NaF. It was NaF-resistant and less intense in lymphocytes. The reaction product was localized in the cytoplasm only in a small percentage of lymphocytes.In lymphocytes and monoblasts from pathological samples the pattern of reactivity was similar to that found in their normal counterparts, except for a lower intensity. The hairy cells showed a discrete distribution of the NaF-resistant reaction product on their cell surface.The different patterns of enzyme distribution are discussed critically.     

Effect of neurotensin on pancreatic function in man

The effect of neurotensin on submaximally-stimulated hepatobiliary and pancreatic secretion was studied in 6 healthy subjects. An intravenous infusion of neurotensin 1.4 ± 0.3 pmol/kg/min, designed to reproduce plasma neurotensin immunoreactivity levels within the physiological range, produced a significant increase in pancreatic bicarbonate output. Plasma concentrations of pancreatic polypeptide rose by 83 ± 16 pmol/l and were associated with a small reduction in trypsin, but no significant change in bilirubin outputs.     

Effect of Metalaxyl on the incidence and severity of Pearl millet downy mildew disease in Northern Nigeria

Pearl millet downy mildew (DM) incidence, severity and yield losses of two pearl millet varieties (local and improved) due to the disease were determined in the field. Significant differences in the disease incidence and severity were recorded in the plots sown with metalaxyl-treated seeds and those sown with non-treated seeds, indicating the efficacy of the fungicide on the fungus. Yield losses due to non-treatment of seeds with metalaxyl was 40.88 and 45.39% in a local variety and 43.00 and 18.60% in an improved variety in the 2000 and 2001 cropping seasons respectively. Significant differences between plots sown with metalaxyl-treated and those sown with non-treated seeds were obtained for other yield components such as 1000-grains weight, panicle length and weight.     

Bovine fetal microchimerism in normal and embryo transfer pregnancies and its implications for biotechnology applications in cattle

Fetal cells and DNA have been detected in the maternal circulation during and after pregnancy in a few mammalian species. The incidence of similar microchimerism in cattle could have repercussion for the application of modern biotechnologies such as the transfer of transgenic embryos. To determine if feto-maternal leakage can occur in pregnant cows, we have analyzed maternal blood samples for the presence of fetal DNA during gestation and post-partum periods. Y chromosome-specific DNA was detected in up to 73% of blood samples from naturally mated heifers carrying conventional bull calves and a transgene-specific sequence in up to 50% of recipient cows carrying transgenic fetuses. These findings document for the first time that transplacental leakage of fetal DNA into the maternal circulation can occur in cattle despite the epitheliochorial placenta of ruminants, with potential implications for the utilization of recipient cows in the food chain.