Effects of ACTH and diabetes on phospholipid metabolism in adrenal mitochondria.

Incorporation of 32P into adrenal mitochondrial phospholipids (PL) incrased in ACTH-treated rats, but it decreased in diabetics, inspite of the fact that these animals showed adrenal overacity. Since diabetics did not show increased 11 beta-hydroxylation. as opposed to ACTH-treated rats, it is suggested that the stimulation of this enzyme activity by exogenous ACTH is related to an increased turnover of PL at the mitochondrial membrane. The process is impaired in diabetics and prevents the stimulation of 11 beta-hydroxylation.     

A centrally induced vasodepressor response after intravenous administration of whole venom ofNaja mossambica pallida in cats

Summary Naja mossambica pallida venom administered i.v. (300 /kg) produces an initial brief fall in blood pressure, due to a direct myocardial depressant effect, and a sustained fall due to central depressant effect.This study was supported by University of Nairobi research grants (670–376). We also thank Mr E. Njogu for photographic assistance.     

Metabolism of the snailCryptozona ligulata during regeneration of optic tentacles

Summary The biochemical changes in the hemolymph and tissues were followed during regeneration of the optic tentacles of the snailCryptozona ligulata (Pulmonata-Stylommatophora). There is a remarkable increase in total carbohydrates in hemolymph and tissues and glycogen in tissues at the expense of free amino acids and fatty acids. It is clear that ablation of the optic tentacles stimulates carbohydrate synthesis through glyconeogenic routes. The optic tentacles regenerate completely in 18–21 days.     

High-performance reversed-phase liquid chromatography (HPLC) of favism-inducing factors inVicia faba L.

Summary A HPLC assay for L-Dopa, convicine, and vicine in broad-bean extracts has been developed. The distribution of these compounds in the different organs of the plant has been studied, especially in the seeds, where their presence may cause favism if the beans are used as food.Work supported by C.N.R. through Progetto Finalizzato Miglioramento delle produzioni vegetali per fini alimentari ed industriali mediante interventi genetici. Sottogrogetto leguminose da granella. Paper No. 200.     

Structure specificity of some immunoadjuvant synthetic glycopeptides

Summary The immunoadjuvant activity of muramyl dipeptide seems to be critically dependent on the type of substitution of the -carboxyl group of the D-isoglutamine residue. Moreover the nonapeptide L-Ala-D-isoGlu-L-Lys-D-Ala-(Gly)₅-OME also shows a definite effect.     

Effect of X-537A on the phosphorylated protein in sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles

Summary The effect of the antibiotic X-537A on the phosphorylated ATPase (EP) was investigated. The results show that X-537A depresses the level of EP which is dependent on the Ca²⁺ gradient, while the Ca²⁺-independent EP is not affected. Acknowledgments. This work was supported by grants from the Instituto de Alta Cultura of the Portuguese Ministry of Education (No. CB/2) and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.     

聚焦光束钎焊接头的力学性能及变形行为

研究了光束钎焊获得的对接和搭接钎焊接头的力学性能及其在拉伸载荷作用下的变形行为。光束钎焊对接接头的断裂强度σb、相对延伸率δ、断面收缩率ψ均低于被钎焊母材。同质接头的弹性极限σ0.01、屈服极限σ0.2与母材相当，而异质接头的σ0.01、σ0.2值仅取决于低屈服极限的母材，与高屈服极限的母材无关。对接接头在拉伸载荷作用下的变形是非均匀的，同质接头中的钎缝和近缝区的塑性变形量最小，而异质接头中屈服极限较高的母材一侧几乎无塑性变形。搭接接头在拉伸载荷作用下下会产生“折弯效应”，折弯程度随被钎焊母材屈服极限的增加而减小。对接接头的断裂是由纯拉应力导致的，而搭接接头的断裂是剪应力和拉应力综合作用的结果。