Renal tubular transport of sodium during sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate loadings in the normal dog

Résumé La réabsorption tubulaire des ions sodium, chlore et bicarbonate a été étudiée au cours de perfusions de NaCl et de NaHCO₃ chez le chien normal. 61 expériences, comportant un ensemble de 295 récoltes urinaires, ont été pratiquées sur 21 animaux.A filtration constante, la réabsorption du sodium exprimée enmM/l de filtrat glomérulaire demeure constante lorsque la natrémie est accrue par l'infusion de NaHCO₃. Elle est, au contraire, une fonction linéaire de la natrémie lorsque celle-ci est élevée par des perfusions de NaCl.Dans le premier cas, la réabsorption du sodium s'effectue par un double mécanisme: l'un, lié à la réabsorption du bicarbonate, est fixé par un Tm constant, l'autre, lié à la réabsorption du chlore, dépend de la chlorémie. Lorsque la natrémie est accrue par l'infusion de NaCl, le second mécanisme l'emporte nettement sur le premier. Il apparaît alors une relation évidente entre la natrémie (ou la chlorémie) et la quantité de sodium (ou de chlore) réabsorbée par les tubes rénaux.     

Model systems demonstrating the volatile mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of sodium nitrite in rats

Summary Volatile mutagens derived from sodium nitrite buffered at various pH values or in the presence of human feces were detected using AmesSalmonella tester strain TA 1535 on petrie plates inverted over samples. Volatile mutagenicity increased as the pH decreased and was primarily a function of the nitrous acid produced from sodium nitrite and hydrogen ions. Sodium nitrite administered intracecally to 3 Wistar rats through surgically implanted cannula caused tumors (fibrosarcoma: 1/3 and squamous cell, 2/3). The possible role of nitrite-derived mutagens in GI cancer is discussed.The authors are grateful to Dr A. Carl MacDonald of the Dept. of Surgery, Dalhousie University for his advice and encouragement in this project.This work was supported by the National Cancer Institute of Canada.     

Infecundity and dominant lethal mutations induced inMusca domestica L. by sodium azide (NaN3)

Summary Results of our study suggest that sodium azide is effective in the induction of sterility and dominant lethal mutations in both sexes ofM. domestica L. When treated males were crossed with nontreated females, 100% dominant lethal mutations and 72.3% infecundity were found, whereas in the crosses of nontreated males and treated females, 82.5% dominant lethal mutations and 33.1% infecundity were found. This showed that males are more sensitive to sodium azide than females.     

Effect of sodium chloride on the respiratory function ofStaphylococcus aureus

Summary Sodium chloride at concentrations below 0.5 M, enhanced the respiratory activity (O₂-consumption) ofStaphylococcus aureus under endogenous and sugar-supported conditions, but did not overcome the inhibitory action of sodium azide. Several sugars, including the glucose analoguea-methylglucoside, and their metabolites enhanced bacterial O₂-consumption, but acetylmethylcarbinol was ineffective.     

Voltage-gated sodium channel-associated proteins and alternative mechanisms of inactivation and block

Voltage-gated sodium channels mediate inward current of action potentials upon membrane depolarization of excitable cells. The initial transient sodium current is restricted to milliseconds through three distinct channel-inactivating and blocking mechanisms. All pore-forming alpha subunits of sodium channels possess structural elements mediating fast inactivation upon depolarization and recovery within milliseconds upon membrane repolarization. Accessory subunits modulate fast inactivation dynamics, but these proteins can also limit current by contributing distinct inactivation and blocking particles. A-type isoforms of fibroblast growth factor homologous factors (FHFs) bear a particle that induces long-term channel inactivation, while sodium channel subunit Navβ4 employs a blocking particle that rapidly dissociates upon membrane repolarization to generate resurgent current. Despite their different physiological functions, the FHF and Navβ4 particles have similarity in amino acid composition and mechanisms for docking within sodium channels. The three competing channel-inactivating and blocking processes functionally interact to regulate a neuron’s intrinsic excitability.     

Interaction between bradykinin and voltage-sensitive sodium channels in myelinated nerve fibers

The effects of externally and internally applied bradykinin on the excitability of single myelinated nerve fibers were studied. External bradykinin (10 microM) slightly prolongs the action potential of a single myelinated nerve fiber; hence, when the fibers are stimulated by long-lasting pulses, this raises the frequency of repetitive firing in sensory fibers and evokes repetitive activity in motor fibers. Under voltage-clamp conditions, sodium channel inactivation is slowed, while sodium channel activation remains unaffected. Prolonged depolarization of the membrane leads to a maintained sodium current. The voltage dependence of the steady-state sodium current inactivation (h infinity) is shifted in the depolarized direction by approximately 10 mV. Internally applied bradykinin produces a frequency-dependent block of the sodium current. The phenomena described here imply that more than one site on the sodium channel is modified by bradykinin.     

Interaction between bradykinin and voltage-sensitive sodium channels in myelinated nerve fibers

Summary The effects of externally and internally applied bradykinin on the excitability of single myelinated nerve fibers were studied. External bradykinin (10 M) slightly prolongs the action potential of a single myelinated nerve fiber; hence, when the fibers are stimulated by long-lasting pulses, this raises the frequency of repetitive firing in sensory fibers and evokes repetitive activity in motor fibers. Under voltage-clamp conditions, sodium channel inactivation is slowed, while sodium channel activation remains unaffected. Prolonged depolarization of th membrane leads to a maintained sodium current. The voltage dependence of the steady-state sodium current inactivation (h ) is shifted in the depolarized direction by 10 mV. Internally applied bradykinin produces a frequency-dependent block of the sodium current. The phenomena described here imply that more than one site on the sodium channel is modified by bradykinin.     

Effet du ribonucléate de sodium sur la croissance et l'activité hémolytique deTreponema hyodysenteriae

Summary Liquid cultures of different strains ofTreponema hyodysenteriae, when supplemented with sodium ribonucleate show an increase in the hemolytic activity titers while the number of colony forming units remain constant.     

Involvement of a Na-K-ATPase in sodium transport by fish urinary bladder

Résumé La Na–K-ATPase sensible à l'ouabaine diminue parallèlement au transport du sodium in vitro dans la vessie urinaire de la truite (Salmo irideus) au cours de l'adaptation des animaux aux milieux salés et semble directement impliquée dans le mécanisme de ce transport.

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This work is supported by the Délégation Gélérale à la Recherche Scientifique et Technique (Contrat No. 71.7.3180).     

Thioglycolate de sodium et hormones hypothalamo-neurohypophysaires

Summary A kinetic study of hormonal inactivation in the presence of sodium thioglycolate was carried out using the rat uterus bioassay. In all cases we observed a total inactivation of the hormonal activities, whether the uterine horn is in the presence or not of magnesium. The hormones under consideration divide into 2 groups: the arginine-vasotocin group (rapidly inactivated), and the ichtyotocin and oxytocin group (more slowly inactivated). But, in all cases the rate of inactivation is linear.

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Avec la collaboration technique de Mr.G. Hoeltzel.     

Regulation of the cardiac sodium pump

In cardiac muscle, the sarcolemmal sodium/potassium ATPase is the principal quantitative means of active transport at the myocyte cell surface, and its activity is essential for maintaining the trans-sarcolemmal sodium gradient that drives ion exchange and transport processes that are critical for cardiac function. The 72-residue phosphoprotein phospholemman regulates the sodium pump in the heart: unphosphorylated phospholemman inhibits the pump, and phospholemman phosphorylation increases pump activity. Phospholemman is subject to a remarkable plethora of post-translational modifications for such a small protein: the combination of three phosphorylation sites, two palmitoylation sites, and one glutathionylation site means that phospholemman integrates multiple signaling events to control the cardiac sodium pump. Since misregulation of cytosolic sodium contributes to contractile and metabolic dysfunction during cardiac failure, a complete understanding of the mechanisms that control the cardiac sodium pump is vital. This review explores our current understanding of these mechanisms.     

The karyotype and genome structure of the pirate perchAphredoderus sayanus (Aphredoderidae: Teleostei)

Summary The standard karyotype, genome size (DNA content), and genomic DNA base composition and distribution of the relict paracanthopterygian fish,Aphredoderus sayanus, were investigated. Several features of theA. sayanus genome appear to be derived rather than primitive conditions. These include a large number (at least 10 pairs) of bi-armed chromosomes, a low genome size, and high DNA asymmetry. This may indicate thatA. sayanus is not a typical paracanthopterygian fish in terms of its genome structure.     

On the renal inner medullary concentration of sodium

Summary The principle of central volume is applied to the sodium and water contents of the inner medulla of the mammalian kidney. The analysis raises questions about the possibility of concentrating sodium ions in the inner medulla by a mechanism that postulates, in the same tissue segment, water withdrawal from the descending thin limb of the loop of Henle and sodium entry from the ascending thin limb.     

Some features of base pair mismatch repair and its role in the formation of genetic recombinants

For the formation of recombinants involving closely linked markers, two distinct processes play a role. The recombinational interaction between homologous DNA molecules results in the presence of heteroduplex DNA joining the parental components of the recombinant. The presence of markers distinguishing the parents in the region of heteroduplex DNA can result in base pair mismatches. The post recombination repair of such mismatches can contribute to the separation of closely linked markers. The processes responsible for such repair also play roles in mutation avoidance. The specificities, functions and contribution to the formation of recombinants for closely linked markers of the processes inEscherichia coli are described.     

Plasma aldosterone in newborn and adultVipera aspis

Summary In the venomous viviparous snakeVipera aspis, plasma aldosterone concentration shows significant seasonal changes mainly related to temperature-dependent behavior. A difference is also present between newborns and adults. A correlation between sodium and potassium status and aldosterone plasma level in active and inactive life is suggested.     

Surface morphology of the subfornical organ: Effects of low and high sodium chloride diet

Summary Ependymal cells found in the subfornical organ of the rat were counted. Cells covered by small microvilli, small protrusions and smooth cells were frequently found. Also present were cells with long or short cilia, cels with large protrusions and supraependymal cells. High and low sodium diets reduced the number of cells with large protrusions. Microvilli-covered cells increased after a low sodium diet.Acknowledgments. We thank Dr A. C. Taquini for his helpful discussions and Servicio de Microscopía Electrónica de Barrido, Conicet, and Facultad de Odontologia for technical assistance.     

Spectral properties of methemoglobins prepared by the action of sodium nitrite and potassium ferricyanide

Summary Methemoglobin was prepared by the addition of sodium nitrite or potassium ferricyanide to oxy or deoxyhemoglobin. The spectral properties of these methemoglobins were studied before and after extensive dialysis. It is shown that the methemoglobin formed by sodium nitrite has substantial spectral differences in visible and Soret band compared to that formed by potassium ferricyanide. These differences are proportional to the excess of sodium nitrite only. This suggests that both methemoglobins are similar compounds.Supported by NIH grant No. 5R01AM 20181-03 and VA grant No. 5455-003.Acknowledgments. The technical assistance of Ms Carol A. Perry and the secretarial assistance of Ms Wanda Stewart are highly appreciated.     

Propionic acidemia and sodium dipropylacetate]

After administering sodium dipropylacetate to normal rats and biotin-deficient rats, we observed a slight hyperglycinemia, significant constant hyperglycinuria, but no accumulation of propionic acid in the blood or significant urinary elimination. Hepatic propionyl-CoA carboxylase activity, in vivo and in vitro, did not change, neither did sodium dipropylacetate inhibit propionyl-CoA carboxylase nor induce propionic acidemia resulting from a deficiency in this enzyme.     

Satellite DNA from the beetleTenebrio molitor

Summary A 142 base-pair satellite DNA from the mealworm beetle,Tenebrio molitor, has been cloned and sequenced. The satellite DNA is revealed by making a restriction digest of genomic DNA with either EcoRI or Hinfl, and constitutes approximately 49% of the genomic DNA. The presence of huge amounts of satellite DNA correlates well with the prominent blocks of heterochromatin found in tenebrionid beetles. A similar restriction digest ofXanthogaleruca luteola genomic DNA does not release a prominent satellite component.     

The application of sodium deoxycholate and Sephacryl-200 for the delipidation and separation of high density lipoprotein

Summary A method to remove lipids from human plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was developed. The procedure required column chromatography on Sephacryl-200 in the presence of the bile salt sodium deoxycholate. The lipid free protein obtained retained the immunological properties of the native HDL.The author is grateful to Ms L. Gray for her excellent technical assistance and Dr M. Fainaru of the Hadassah Medical Organization, Jerusalem, and Dr C. Heuck of the Klinisches Institut für Herzinfarktoforschung of Heidelberg, for kindly supplying purified apo-A, apo-A antiserum and apo-B antiserum.