The localization of kallikrein in the dog and guinea-pig submandibular glands

Summary In the dog and guinea-pig submandibular glands kallikrein seems to be present in the striated duct cells. Following sympathetic nerve and in vivo isoproterenol stimulation of the dog and guinea-pig submandibular gland respectively, there is a reduction of kallikrein concentration. Ultrastructurally this reduction corresponds to the decrease of straited duct secretory granules in both species. Parasympathetic stimulation also causes some release of kallikrein from both species.Supported by Dean's M.R.C. grant to the College of Dentistry.     

On the distribution of plasma L-asparaginase

The guinea-pig, Cavia porcellus, is unusual in possessing plasma L-asparaginase, an enzyme with anti-tumor activity, 21 additional species have been examined as to the presence of this enzyme: the results confirm and extend its remarkably limited species distribution.     

Elastase digested urokinase (ED-UK)

Summary Elastase digested urokinase (ED-UK) was prepared from human high mol. wt urokinase (HMW-UK). It resembled low mol. wt urokinase (LMW-UK) in its mol. wt, specific activity, and active sites. The steady-state kinetic parameters of each enzyme for the activation of human Glu-plasminogen also resembled each other, as did their amidase parameters (with pyro-Glu-Gly-Arg-pNA).     

Elastase digested urokinase (ED-UK)

Elastase digested urokinase (ED-UK) was prepared from human high mol. wt urokinase (HMW-UK). It resembled low mol. wt urokinase (LMW-UK) in its mol. wt, specific activity, and active sites. The steady-state kinetic parameters of each enzyme for the activation of human Glu-plasminogen also resembled each other, as did their amidase parameters (with pyro-Glu-Gly-Arg-pNA).     

Does the urokinase receptor exist in a latent form?

Multiple cellular functions of urokinase and its receptor are associated with the receptor’s capability to interact with a number of ligands at the molecular level. The presence of urokinase is generally needed for the urokinase receptor to acquire this capability. Recent X-ray studies of the structure of the urokinase receptor in complex with either its ligand or peptide inhibitors demonstrate the flexibility of the domain organization of the receptor, suggesting that unliganded urokinase receptor may exist in a latent form that has a conformation different from its ligand-binding form. Received 22 November 2006; received after revision 8 January 2007; accepted 7 February 2007     

The effect of toxin II isolated from sea anemones (Anemonia sulcata) on the isolated guinea pig ileum]

When the guinea-pig isolated ileum is treated with the Toxin II from Anemonia sulcata, it releases not only acetylcholine but also serotonin. These transmitters are both involved in the spasmogenic action of the toxin.     

Multiple prismatic calcium phosphate layers in the jaws of present-day sharks (Chondrichthyes; Selachii)

Jaws of large individuals, over 2 m in total length, of the shark species Carcharodon carcharias (great white shark) and Isurus oxyrinchus (mako shark) of the family Lamnidae, and Galeocerdo cuvieri (tiger shark) and Carcharhinus leucas (bull shark) of the family Carcharhinidae were found to have multiple, up to five, layers of prismatic calcium phosphate surrounding the cartilages. Smaller individuals of these species and other known species of living chondrichthyans have only one layer of prismatic calcium phosphate surrounding the cartilages, as also do most species of fossil chondrichthyans. Two exceptions are the fossil shark genera Xenacanthus and Tamiobatis. Where it is found in living forms, this multiple layered calcification does not appear to be phylogenetic, as it appears to be lacking in other lamnid and carcharhinid genera and species. Rather it appears to be functional, only appearing in larger individuals and species of these two groups, and hence may be necessary to strengthen the jaw cartilages of such individuals for biting.     

Lipoperoxidation rates and drug-oxidizing enzyme activities in the liver and placenta of some mammal species during the perinatal period.

Lipoperoxidation and drug-metabolizing enzymes were measured in livers and placentas of different mammal species during the perinatal perios. In placentas and fetal livers of rat, rabbit and guinea-pig, cofactor-supported lipoperoxidation was negligible, as were the activities of drug-oxidizing enzymes. Human fetal liver contained an intact drug-oxidizing electron transport chain, and lipoperoxidation activity was accordingly abserved. It is suggested that lesions mediated by lipoperoxidation may be possible in human fetus, but they are less probable in animal fetuses.     

Effects of [N-(2-oxo-3,5,7-cycloheptatrien-1-yl)] aminooxoacetic acid ethyl ester (AY-25,674) on cyclic 3',5'-nucleotide formation and phosphodiesterase activity.

The orally-effective antiallergic compound [N-(2-oxo-3,5,7-cycloheptatrien-1-yl)] aminooxoacetic acid ethyl ester (AY-25,674) exhibited a potency equivalent to or 3 times less than theophylline in inhibiting guinea-pig lung and beef heart PDE, respectively, AY-25,674 did not affect the basal activity of guinea-pig lung adenyl cyclase. Although part of the antiallergic activity of AY-25,674 may be due to the ability to elevate cyclic AMP levels by PDE inhibition, other modes of action appear to be of greater relevance.     

The urokinase receptor and integrins in cancer progression

Enhanced levels of expression of urokinase receptor (uPAR) and certain integrins have been linked to cancer cell progression. This has classically been attributed to matrix degradation via the activation of the urokinase (uPA)/plasmin system and modulation of cell motility and survival through integrin engagement. More recently, uPAR has been shown to play multiple roles independent of protease activity. Specifically, uPAR has been shown to be intimately involved in the regulation of cell adhesion, migration and proliferation in part through interactions with other membrane partners, including integrins. The goal of this review is to summarize recent insights in the function of uPAR/integrin interactions, to provide a framework for understanding the importance of these interactions in the context of cancer, and to highlight its potential as a target for therapeutic intervention.     

On the distribution of plasma L-asparaginase

Summary The guinea-pig,Cavia porcellus, is unusual in possessing plasma L-asparaginase, an enzyme with anti-tumor activity. 21 additional species have been examined as to the presence of this enzyme: the results confirm and extend its remarkably limited species distribution.This work was supported in part by grant GM/CA 25378 from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health.We are grateful to dr Hanna Hensch, Philadelphia Zoological Garden, and Ms Joan Whitla and Dr Richard J. Montali, National Zoological Park/Smithsonian Institution, for samples of frozen serum.To whom correspondence should be addressed.     

Effects of [N-(2-oxo-3,5,7-cycloheptatrien-1-yl)] aminooxoacetic acid ethyl ester (AY-25,674) on cyclic 3′,5′-nucleotide formation and phosphodiesterase activity

Summary The orally-effective antiallergic compound [N-(2-oxo-3,5,7-cycloheptatrien-1-yl)] aminooxoacetic acid ethyl ester (AY-25,674) exhibited a potency equivalent to or 3 times less than theophylline in inhibiting guinea-pig lung and beef heart PDE, respectively. AY-25,674 did not affect the basal activity of guinea-pig lung adenyl cyclase. Although part of the antiallergic activity of AY-25,674 may be due to the ability to elevate cyclic AMP levels by PDE inhibition, other modes of action appear to be of greater relevance.The authors acknowledge the excellent technical assistance of Ms M.T. Silvestre.     

Morphological evidence for the presence of the endogenous guinea-pig retravirus in the lymphoblasts of L2C leukemia.

Peripheral blood samples of a transplantable guinea-pig leukemia revealed that, only during the terminal stages of the disease, leukemic cells produce virus particles indistinguishable from the RNA tumor viruses of the Retraviridae family genus Oncorna virus B.     

Multiple prismatic calcium phosphate layers in the jaws of present-day sharks (Chondrichthyes; Selachii)

Summary Jaws of large individuals, over 2 m in total length, of the shark speciesCarcharodon carcharias (great white shark) andIsurus oxyrinchus (mako shark) of the family Lamnidae, andGaleocerdo cuvieri (tiger shark) andCarcharhinus leucas (bull shark) of the family Carcharhinidae were found to have multiple, up to five, layers of prismatic calcium phosphate surrounding the cartilages. Smaller individuals of these species and other known species of living chondrichthyans have only one layer of prismatic calcium phosphate surrounding the cartilages, as also do most species of fossil chondrichthyans. Two exceptions are the fossil shark generaXenacanthus andTamiobatis. Where it is found in living forms, this multiple layered calcification does not appear to be phylogenetic, as it appears to be lacking in other lamnid and carcharhinid genera and species. Rather it appears to be functional, only appearing in larger individuals and species of these two groups, and hence may be necessary to strengthen the jaw cartilages of such individuals for biting.     

The 'mauve factor' of schizophrenia and porphyria, 5-hydroxyhaemopyrrole lactam, has low pharmacological potency on guinea-pig ileum.

5-Hydroxyhaemopyrrole lactam, the 'mauve factor' reported in the urine of schizophrenics and porphyrics was found to inhibit electrically-stimulated contractions of guinea-pig ileum only at high concentrations (ID50 = 8.5 mM). This low potency makes it unlikely that the compound can account for neurotoxic effects in human porphyria.     

Ketoconazole -- a new broad spectrum orally active antimycotic.

Oral treatment with ketoconazole prevented and cured artificial crop candidosis of the turkey, vaginal candidosis of the rat and skin candidosis of the guinea-pig. It was also highly effective against artificial systemic candidosis of the guinea-pig and chicken as well as against dermatophytoses of the guinea-pig.     

Close relation between hypothalamic and cardiac norepinephrine during stress and its role in acute myocardial infarction disrhythmias

Summary The decrease of the norepinephrine levels in hypothalamus and heart caused by stress is prevented by pargyline and imipramine. Such a decrease in spleen and adrenals is not affected. Chlorpromazine and lithium only prevent the norepinephrine decrease in the spleen. The uptake of H³norepinephrine by isolated atria of guinea-pig increases during anoxia; the change to a normal oxygen situation decreases these norepinephrine levels by more than 50%.     

Effects of CO2 exposure on distribution of various forms of iron and copper in guinea-pig tissues

The effects on iron and copper distribution and metabolism of exposure to high levels of CO2 were studied in the guinea-pig. Mature, male animals were placed in an atmosphere of 15% CO2, 21% O2 (balance N2), and sacrificed from 1 h to 1 week thereafter. Total iron and copper concentrations of blood, liver, spleen and bone, as well as concentrations of heme and ferritin iron, were measured together with blood hematocrit, reticulocytes, plasma hemoglobin, plasma ceruloplasmin and copper concentrations. The results show clearly that rapid and sustained red cell damage or hemolysis ensued several h from the start of CO2 treatment. This resulted in loss of iron and copper from the blood, an influx of both elements into liver, spleen and bone, and a rise in plasma ceruloplasmin. Influx of iron into liver and spleen caused an accumulation of ferritin, the main site for iron storage in cells. Following the effect on red cells, there was an accumulation of heme iron, and a decreased hematocrit, best explained by a depressed activity of the reticuloendothelial and erythropoietic systems. A period of adaptation succeeded these events, in which all blood parameters and most tissue values returned to normal, despite the continuing presence of high CO2. The only changes not reversed were the elevations in liver, spleen and bone iron stores. These remained high, with a net accumulation of greater than 2 mg iron, or 3-4 times more than originally present. The results indicate that at least in the guinea-pig, high CO2 exposure results in red cell damage and other events leading to an accumulation of additional iron in the body; also, that iron accumulated as ferritin and hemosiderin in liver and spleen may not be readily available to restore blood hemoglobin concentrations on an acute basis.     

Morphological evidence for the presence of the endogenous guinea-pig retravirus in the lymphoblasts of L2C leukemia

Summary Peripheral blood samples of a transplantable guinea-pig leukemia revealed that, only during the terminal stages of the disease, leukemic cells produce virus particles indistinguishable from the RNA tumor viruses of the Retraviridae family genusOncorna virus B.This study was supported partly by the Israel Cancer Association.     

Effect of (+)-catechin on renal and intestinal transport.

The ability of dog renal cortex slices to accumulate beta-methyl-glucoside or glycine is enhanced by the flavonoid (+)-catechin at a concentration of 3.5 mM. This stimulatory effect is apparently due to a decreased rate of efflux of either substrate. On the other hand, the uptake of p-amino-hippuric acid and N1-methyl-nicotinamide is inhibited by (+)-catechin. The drug at the same concentration is without action on amino-acid transport by guinea-pig intestine in vitro.