The contents of the pygidial gland of the primitive antNothomyrmecia macrops (Hymenoptera:Formicidae)

Summary The principal constituent of the pygidial gland ofNothomyrmecia macrops is 3,7-dimethyloct-6-en-2-one, a substance not previously identified in insects. Also identified were 2,6-dimethylhept-5-enal, 2-nonanone, indole, -dodecalactone, and the hydrocarbons pentadecane, heptadecane, heptadecene and heptadecadiene, all in low nanogram quantities.     

Pharmacodynamic profile of CQP 201-403, a novel 8α-amino-ergoline

Summary The profile of action in animals of CQP 201-403, a novel 8-amino-ergoline, is in most aspects that of a very potent dopaminomimetic, both as a prolactin secretion inhibitor, and at the levels of the CNS and the cardiovascular system. Qualitatively CQP 201-403 differs slightly from bromocriptine and apomorphine in its effects on the CNS (no influence on serotonin metabolism in the rat cortex; induction of masculine mounting behavior in rats) and the cardiovascular system of the dog (reflex tachycardia in response to a blood-pressure fall). In man the new compound proved to be highly active in lowering prolactin serum levels and to be more potent than bromocriptine (Parlodel^®).In memory of Dr Annemarie Closse, who died 14 June 1987.     

MNT和DNT同分异构体的偶极矩实测和计算

用“溶液法”实测了o-、m-、p-MNT和2,3-、2,4-、2,5-、2,6-、3,4-以及3,5-DNT共9个化合物在CCl_4溶液中的偶极矩;用MINDO/3法计算了它们的气相偶极矩。二者符合良好,线性相关系数为0.996。     

Proopiomelanocortin expression in the skin during induced hair growth in mice

We demonstrate for the first time a hair cycle-dependent gene and protein expression of proopiomelanocortin in mouse skin in vivo. Northern blot detected POMC mRNA with an apparent size of 0.9 kb in anagen but not telogen skin. Western blot emphasized a specific protein of 30–33 kDa recognized by anti -endorphin in late but not early anagen or telogen skin. By immunocytochemistry, -endorphin antigen was localized in the sebaceous gland in a hair cycle dependent manner.     

Preferential excretion of glycated albumin in C57BL-Ks-J mice: Effects of diabetes

Urinary excretion of glycated albumin was quantitated in genetically hyperglycemic mice (C57BL-Ks-J, db/db mice), a model for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and compared with their non-diabetic littermates. The data indicated a preferential excretion of glycated albumin in non-diabetic mice. This phenomenon of editing of glycated albumin is decreased significantly in diabetic mice. Quantitative measurements of overall excretion of glycated albumin suggested that the loss of editing in diabetic mice is due to the dilution of glycated albumin by the unmodified albumin which is excreted in large amounts in diabetic mice. Therefore, the loss of editing observed in this model resembled the one we characterized in insulin-dependent diabetic humans and a streptozotocin-diabetic rat model³.     

Purification of platelet-derived endothelial cell growth inhibitor and its characterization as transforming growth factor-β type 1

In 1986, Brown and Clemmons (Proc. natl Acad. Sci. USA83 (1986) 3321) showed that platelets contain a substance, platelet-derived growth inhibitor (PDGI), that inhibits in vitro endothelial cell replication. Although platelets are rich in transforming grwoth factor (TGF-), PDGI was considered not to be related to TGF-, on the basis of its reported properties (extraction from platelets at neutral pH, binding to heparin-Sepharose). However, we purified PDGI to near homogeneity and showed that on the basis of HPLC retention behavior, in vitro growth inhibitory activities with several cell types, receptor binding, and immunoneutralization of growth inhibitory activity with specific anti-TGF- type 1 antibodies, PDGI is most probably identical with TGF- type 1.     

Evaluation of the hepatotoxicological effects of a drug in an in vivo/in vitro model

Both in vivo and in vitro models have certain disadvantages for the study of the chronic hepatotoxicity of drugs. The aim of this work was to evaluate a new approach based on an in vivo/in vitro model. After chronic in vivo treatment of rats with Vincamine and Vindeburnol (an eburnamenine derivative which exhibits hepatotoxic properties in man) liver cells were isolated, and functional and metabolic disorders (metabolic utilization of fructose and protein biosynthesis) were studied to determine injury. The results showed no modification of blood parameters, but a direct relationship between the dose of Vindeburnol administered in vivo and the metabolic disorders observed in vitro, evidencing the high sensitivity and reliability of this model.     

Flow-induced release of adenosine 5′-triphosphate from endothelial cells of the rat mesenteric arterial bed

Adenosine 5-triphosphate (ATP) was released into the perfusate of rat isolated mesenteric arterial beds during each of two consecutive increases in flow. There was no significant difference between the amounts of ATP released on each occasion. Substance P was also released into the perfusate by increased flow, although its release was more variable. Removal of the endothelium of the mesenteric vessels with sodium deoxycholate led to a significant reduction (74%) in the amount of ATP released compared with the release before the endothelium had been removed. This suggests that the ATP released into the mesenteric arterial perfusate during increased flow arises from endothelial cells.     

In vitro protein synthesis and α amylase activity in F cells from hepatopancreas ofPalaemon serratus (Crustacea; Decapoda)

In crustaceans, all the steps in the assimilation of food take place in the hepatopancreas. To facilitate the study of this organ, a method for the dissociation of cell types was developed. The hepatopancreas of the prawnPalaemon serratus was mechanically dissociated and the cells separated by Percoll density-gradient centrifugation. The E and R cells had similar densities of around 1.05 g/ml. The F cells were separated into two distinct fractions with densities of 1.075 and 1.082 g/ml. The B cells sedimented at a density of 1.12 g/ml. The ratio between the two populations of F cells was found to vary during the intermolt cycle while B cells disappeared after the molt. When the density gradient fractions were incubated with³H-leucine, incorporation was highest in the F cell fractions. Measurements of -amylase activity, indicated that the two populations of F cells may be derived from the same cell type.