Phosphodiesterase I. Spezifischer Nachweis nach Disk-Elektrophorese und Vorkommen in Pflanzen

Summary The -naphthylester of uridine-5-phosphate was synthesized as a specific substrate for phosphodiesterase I which allows the identification of the enzyme after disc electrophoresis. Thus, phosphodiesterase I was shown to be present in several plants, in some of which it occurs in multiple forms.

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Herrn Dr.H. Stegemann sei für sein ständiges Interesse an dieser Arbeit gedankt, Herrn Dr.C.-E. Büchting (Kleinwanzlebener Saatzucht AG, Einbeck) für finanzielle Unterstützung, FräuleinF. Hollensen und HerrnK. Massie für gute Mitarbeit.     

The occurrence of arachidonic and related acids in plants

Zusammenfassung Im Gegensatz zu der allgemeinen Auffassung, dass Arachidonsäure nur in Tieren und den niedrigsten Formen des Pflanzenreiches vorkomme, konnte diese Säure in mehreren Arten Farn und Moos nachgewiesen und identifiziert werden. Die relative Menge der Arachidonsäure beträgt in den bisherigen Beispielen zwischen 10 und 35% der Fettsäurekomponenten.

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This work has been supported by a research grant from the National Institutes of Health (USPHS AM-05165) and by The Hormel Foundation.     

Loss of redundant gene expression after polyploidization in plants

Summary Based on chromosomal location data of genes encoding 28 biochemical systems in allohexaploid wheat,Triticum aestivum L. (genomes AABBDD), it is concluded that the proportions of systems controlled by triplicate, duplicate, and single loci are 57%, 25%, and 18% respectively.     

Fluid and protein clearance in the rat endometrium. Part I: Ultrastructural proof of the absence of an intrinsic lymphatic system from the rat endometrium

Summary An integrated histological and ultrastructural study of the endometrial microcirculation in rats reveals that lymphatic capillaries are absent from the superficial uterine mucosa. Blood capillaries are fenestrated, and their basement membrane may be poorly developed.Supported by a grant from the Nationaal Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek-Fonds voor Geneeskundig Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (Belgium).     

Fluid and protein clearance in the rat endometrium. Part I: Ultrastructural proof of the absence of an intrinsic lymphatic system from the rat endometrium

An integrated histological and ultrastructural study of the endometrial microcirculation in rats reveals that lymphatic capillaries are absent from the superficial uterine mucosa. Blood capillaries are fenestrated, and their basement membrane may be poorly developed.     

The identification of dansyl sarcosine and its occurrence in molluscs.

An unknown dansyl derivative was identified as dansyl sarcosine. In molluscs, sarcosine was found to be largely localized to the nervous system. Examination of individual snail neurones, regions of the octopus brain and the squid giant synapse showed dramatic variations in sarcosine levels.     

On reproduction studies and the occurrence of cataracts in rats after long-term feeding of the insecticide hepatchlor

Zusammenfassung In langfristigen Fütterungsversuchen über die Wirkung von Heptachlor auf Ratten wurde eine Beeinträchtigung der Reproduktionsfunktion, der Lebensfähigkeit der Nachkommen und das Auftreten von Katarakten beobachtet.     

The relative facts interpretation and Everett's note added in proof

In the published version of Hugh Everett III's doctoral dissertation, he inserted what has become a famous footnote, the “note added in proof”. This footnote is often the strongest evidence given for any of various interpretations of Everett (the many worlds, many minds, many histories and many threads interpretations). In this paper I will propose a new interpretation of the footnote. One that is supported by evidence found in letters written to and by Everett; one that is suggested by a new interpretation of Everett, an interpretation that takes seriously the central position of relative states in Everett's pure wave mechanics: the relative facts interpretation. Of central interest in this paper is how to make sense of Everett's claim in the “note added in proof” that “all elements of a superposition (all “branches”) are “actual,” none any more “real” than the rest.”     

Isoenzymes of some oxido-reductases in theCandida genus as a basis of species identification after electrophoresis

Zusammenfassung Nach Elektrophorese in Agargel wurden die Isoenzyme von G-6-PDH, LDH und MDH in Extrakten vonCandida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. pseudotropicalis, C. crusei undC. utilis untersucht. Es liessen sich diverse Isoenzyme von unterschiedlichem Aktivitätsgrad und wohl auch verschiedener Lage in den Isozymogrammen nachweisen, was bestimmte Schlüsse auf betreffendeCandida-Arten erlaubt.     

Cell kinetic studies in the epidermis of the mouse. I. Changes in labeling index with time after tritiated thymidine administration

The changes in the labeling index (LI) with time after a single injection of tritiated thymidine (3HTdR) at each of 4 different times of the day have been studied. Slight differences occur in the shape of these LI curves, (e.g. in the timing of the peaks) depending on the time of day when the initial injection was given. Thus, the time of day influences not only the number of cells in DNA synthesis but also determines the subsequent behavior of the labeled cells. The curves show 3 distinct peaks from which estimates of the cell cycle time can be made. The technique permits the cell cycle time to be estimated. From the data as a whole a minimum cell cycle time of 90 h for basal cells in the epidermis on the back of a mouse is obtained. The technique also provides estimates for the duration of S + G2 + M which varies depending on the time of day that the label is given. The LI curves can best be understood if the basal layer is assumed to contain 2 cell populations with differing cell cycle times; one having a long cell cycle (about 180 h) but short S-phase and containing the stem cells, the other having a short cell cycle (about 90 h) and a long S-phase duration and consisting of transit cells.     

Phosphodiesterase: overview of protein structures, potential therapeutic applications and recent progress in drug development

Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are essential regulators of cyclic nucleotide signaling with diverse physiological functions. Because of their great market potential and therapeutic importance, PDE inhibitors became recognized as important therapeutic agents in the treatment of various diseases. Currently, there are seven PDE inhibitors on the market, and the pharmacological and safety evaluations of many drug candidates are in progress. Three-dimensional (3D) structures of catalytic domains of PDE 1, -3, -4, -5 and -9 in the presence of their inhibitors are now available, and can be utilized for rational drug design. Recent advances in molecular pharmacology of PDE isoenzymes resulted in identification of new potential applications of PDE inhibitors in various therapeutic areas, including dementia, depression and schizophrenia. This review will describe the latest advances in PDE research on 3D structural studies, the potential of therapeutic applications and the development of drug candidates.Received 30 November 2004; received after revision 24 January 2005; accepted 5 February 2005