Immunohistochemical localization fo galactocerebroside in kidney,liver, and lung of golden hamster

Summary Localization of galactocerebroside in kidney, liver, and lung of hamster was studied by the immunoperoxidase method using an affinity-purified specific antibody. Epithelial cells of the following anatomical sites were labelled with the antibody: distal tubuli, ascending limbs of Henle's loops, and collecting tubuli in kidney; periportal bile ducts and hepatic parenchyma in liver; bronchioli and alveoli in lung. The existence of galactocerebroside in these 3 organs was also confirmed by chemical analysis.This study was supported in part by grants from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture of Japan, a Research Grant for Intractable Diseases from the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan, and a grant from the Mitsubishi Foundation.     

Molecular aspects of 2 human urinary glycoproteins with histocompatibility antigen (HLA) serological activity]

Two serologically active urinary glycoproteins (HLA-A 9 and HLA-B 12) were isolated from urine provided by a patient suffering from tubular proteinuria. Their N-terminal sequences were automatically determined. The latter were identical with the sequence of another urinary glycoprotein (protein HC). The relationship between protein HC and the serological activity is discussed.     

Zur Kenntnis des lamellaren Musters in ausgewachsenen und der Kristallgitterstruktur in jungen Chloroplasten

Summary (1) It is shown that in the chloroplasts ofChlamydomonas andAnthoceros thick, dense lamellae and thin, less dense lamellae alternate. (2) In the chloroplasts of many phanerogame plants with grana, thin less dense lamellae limit the parcel of thick grana-lamellae above and below. Since the differentiations 1 and 2 are present in the photographs of many publications (although not mentioned), it is suggested that this kind of lamellarmodel has often been overlooked until now. — The « Kristallgitterstruktur » has been found in a cryptogamous plant,Selaginella, in young chloroplasts, for the first time. The connection between the elementary particles of the crystal-lattice and the young lamellae has been verified again. — The possibility of formation of double lamellae by fusion of blastulae or tubuli is discussed in detail.     

Releasable GABA in tubular epithelium of rat kidney

The distribution of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the rat kidney was examined by immunocytochemical techniques. GABA-like immunoreactivity (GABA-LI) was predominantly confined to the renal tubules, including the ascending parts of the distal tubules, and the loops of Henle, the collecting tubules and ducts, and the connective parts of the convoluted tubules. In GABA-positive cortical tubules, about half of the epithelial cells were labelled. The labelled cell type showed the ultrastructural features of principal cells. Depolarizing stimulation by ouabain and high K+ concentration evoked the efflux of endogenous GABA from kidney slices. The present findings, along with previous results, suggest that GABA released from renal tubular epithelium, and transported with the urine, might be involved in the modulation of contractility in the urinary tract.     

Releasable GABA in tubular epithelium of rat kidney

Summary The distribution of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the rat kidney was examined by immunocytochemical techniques. GABA-like immunoreactivity (GABA-LI) was predominantly confined to the renal tubules, including the ascending parts of the distal tubules, and the loops of Henle, the collecting tubules and ducts, and the connective parts of the convoluted tubules. In GABA-positive cortical tubules, about half of the epithelial cells were labelled. The labelled cell type showed the ultrastructural features of principal cells. Depolarizing stimulation by ouabain and high K⁺ concentration evoked the efflux of endogenous GABA from kidney slices. The present findings, along with previous results, suggest that GABA released from renal tubular epithelium, and transported with the urine, might be involved in the modulation of contractility in the urinary tract.     

Lipid droplets of neuroepithelial cells are a major calcium storage site during neural tube formation in chick and mouse embryos

In situ precipitation of calcium (Ca²⁺) with fluoride and antimonate shows that Ca²⁺-specific precipitate is localized almost exclusively within lipid droplets of neuroepithelial cells during neural tube formation in chick and mouse embryos. The density of Ca²⁺ precipitate within lipid droplets is generally greater in the apical ends of cells situated in regions of the neuroepithelium that are actively engaged in bending. These findings suggest that lipid droplets, in addition to providing a source of metabolic fuel for developing neuroepithelial cells, also serve as Ca²⁺-storage and-releasing sites during neurulation.This study was supported by grants from the NIH (NS23200), the BRSG fund of UMDNJ, and the Busch Fund of Rutgers University. Dr Bush was supported by a New Jersey State Postdoctoral Fellowship.     

Experimentelle Untersuchungen zur Steigerung der Laktatdehydrogenase-Aktivität des Harnes

Summary In rat urine, determinations of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were performed. Normal values ranged between 94 and 140 mU/24 h urine specimens. Experimentally induced renal damage (anaphylactic or anaphylactoid shock; administration of sodium tetrathionate; potassium depletion) provoked a statistically significant increase in urinary LDH-activity. The 3 mechanisms by which such an increase might occur are briefly discussed.     

Die Wirkung von synthetischem Oxytocin (Syntocinon) und Acetazolamid auf die Ausscheidung von Wasser,Natrium und Kalium

Summary Changes in water, sodium, and potassium excretion following administration of synthetic oxytocin (Syntocinon)—alone or in combination with acetazolamide— resemble the changes that occur after an equivalent dose of neurohypophysial extract containing oxytocin. Since the action of Syntocinon on water and sodium excretion is manifest when carbonic anhydrase in kidney tissue is fully inhibited by acetazolamide, it may be assumed that the mechanism whereby Syntocinon increases sodium excretion is independent of carbonic anhydrase. Oxytocin does not affect ultrafiltration in the glomeruli (Krause ⁴) and would therefore appear to modify the reabsorption or excretion process in the tubuli.     

Of volatiles and peptides: in search for MHC-dependent olfactory signals in social communication

Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which play a critical role in immune recognition, are considered to influence social behaviors in mice, fish, humans, and other vertebrates via olfactory cues. As studied most extensively in mice, the polymorphism of MHC class I genes is considered to bring about a specific scent signature, which is decoded by the olfactory system resulting in an individual-specific reaction such as mating. On the assumption that this signature resides in volatiles, extensive attempts to identify these MHC-specific components in urine failed. Alternatively, it has been suggested that peptide ligands of MHC class I molecules are released into urine and can elicit an MHC-haplotype-specific behavioral response after uptake into the nose by sniffing. Analysis of the urinary peptide composition of mice shows that MHC-derived peptides are present, albeit in extremely low concentrations. In contrast, urine contains abundant peptides which differ between mouse strains due to genomic variations such as single-nucleotide variations or complex polymorphisms in multigene families as well as in their concentration. Thus, urinary peptides represent a real-time sampling of the expressed genome available for sensory evaluation. It is suggested that peptide variation caused by genomic differences contains sufficient information for individual recognition beyond or instead of an influence of the MHC in mice and other vertebrates.     

Lipid sensing and lipid sensors

Lipid droplets have been considered for a long time as inert intracytoplasmic deposits formed within cells under various conditions. Recently, new tools and new approaches have been used to visualize and study these intracellular structures. This revealed new aspects of lipid droplets biology and pointed out their organized structure and dynamic composition. In adipocytes, the specialized cell type for the storage of energy as fat, lipid droplets are particularly well-developed organelles and exhibit unique properties. Also discussed in this paper is the view that lipid droplets, through specific candidate constituents, can play a role in sensing the level of their lipid stores by adipocytes.     

The central tubuli in distal segments of olfactory cilia lack dynein arms

Summary By means of the tannic acid-glutaraldehyde fixation method, the lack of dynein bridges between the central two tubuli in distal segments of mouse olfactory cilia is demonstrated. Consequently, these organelles are supposed to be unable to beat actively, in contrast to the proximal ciliary shafts.Supported by grant Nr. 2099 from Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung.     

Die Aktivität der alkalischen Phosphatase im Rattenharn nach Mastzelldegranulierung

Summary Alkaline phosphatase activity was determined in rat urine under normal conditions (80 animals) and following mast cell depletion (30 animals). A statistically significant increase in urinary APA was found after administration of the mast-cell depleting compound 48/80. This fourfold increase over normal activity is due to renal changes caused by shock.     

Ultrastructural changes in dog thyroid follicular cells elicit by concanavalin A in vitro

Summary Dog thyroid follicular cells exposed to concanavalin A (Con A) in vitro showed changes in cell shape, induction of colloid droplets and alterations in the distribution of microvilli. Cells exposed to Con A plus suboptimal concentrations of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) showed pseudopods and their cytoplasm was virtually occupied with colloid droplets. This findings suggest that Con A potentiated pseudopod and colloid droplet formation induced by TSH.Acknowledgments. The authors gratefully acknowledge the expert technical assistance of J. M. Greco. Supported by V. A. Research Funds.     

Chemistry of male dominance in the house mouse, Mus domesticus

Two terpenic constituents, E,E,-alpha-farnesene and E-beta-farnesene, were found to be elevated in dominant male urine when compared to subordinate or control males. These two urinary compounds were absent in the bladder urine of males; however, they were the most prominent constituents of the perputial gland's aliquots. The results of a two-choice preference test, conducted on ICR/Alb subordinate males, gave a strong indication that these two terpenic constituents introduced into the previously attractive stimulus significantly discouraged prolonged investigations by male mice. The compounds, whether present in the urine matrix or water, rendered the stimulus with a quality behaviorally similar to the urine of dominant males. It appears that they may be synonymous with the previously described aversion signal produced by dominant males. We suggest that these compounds may play a wide-ranging role in the territorial marking behavior of male mice.     

Ein neuer Weg zur Gewinnung von Zellen- und Gewebebestandteilen

Summary A new method to obtain cells and tissue ingredients almost unalterated is described. The tissue is emulsified in an indifferent oil in which process the different histological structures are separated into the different droplets. Separating similar droplets, it is possible to gain single cells and tissue components.     

Darstellung doppelbrechender Lipoidtropfen aus dem Serum

Summary (1) Doubly refracting lipoid droplets can be demonstrated in normal and pathological sera by means of alcohol ether extraction. This is not possible with ether extraction alone.(2) These lipoid droplets can be demonstrated only, or almost only, when they are precipitated out of alcohol or ether alcohol     

Die Leucinaminopeptidaseaktivität des Rattenharnes nach Verabreichung einer mastzellerschöpfenden Substanz

Summary LAP activity was determined in rat urine under normal conditions and following mast cell depletion by compound 48/80. A statistically significant increase in urinary LAP activity is found after administration of compound 48/80. This increase is due to mast cell depletion and the resulting anaphylactoid reaction.     

Inhibition of the ureteral contractions induced by rat urine with kallikrein antibodies

Summary Purified urinary kallikrein induces contractions of the rat ureter in vitro. Antibodies against kallikrein block the contractile response of the isolated ureter to rat urine.This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 90). The technical assistance of J. Kopatsch, R. Marpoder and H. Seeger is gratefully acknowledged.     

Excretion of sialoglycopeptides in mucolipidosis I]

Mucolipidosis I involves a tremendous increase of the urinary excretion of sialoglycopeptides and sialyloligosaccharides. This enhancement is due to the excretion of O- and N-glycosidic peptides and oligosaccharides, which normal urine is devoid of as shown by the chemical composition and electrophoresis or thin-layer analysis. This finding is in agreement with the recent finding of an alpha-neuraminidase deficiency for this disease.     

Die Urokinase des Meerschweinchens

Summary In contrast to the urinary fibrinolysokinase (=urokinase) of other species, the urokinase in guineapigs reveals a most peculiar behaviour. A significant and well reproducible activation of fibrinolysin is obtainable only when guinea-pig fibrinolysin is used. Fibrinolysin of other species is only slightly activated. This fact is most important in investigations on the increased fibrinolytic activity of guinea-pig urine.