Uterine fluid from progesterone treated rabbits contains subcellular membranes

Uterine fluid from progesterone treated rabbits was shown to be rich in subcellular membrane components consisting of vesicles and cilia-like fragments. In contrast, uterine fluid from untreated does lacked subcellular membranes. Thus, they arise when uterine sperm capacitation ability is suppressed.     

Colchicine-estrogen interactions

Summary Colchicine does not block estrogen-induced recognition of uterine blood vessel surface by eosinophils, but interfers with their migration through endothelial lining and therefore blocks estrogen-induced uterine eosinophilia and edema.Acknowledgments. This work was supported by grant 4002 from the Servicio de Desarrollo Científico y Creación Artística of the University of Chile. Technical help of Mr D. Sáez is appreciated.     

The localization of [3H]-desipramine in central nerve terminals studied with electron microscope autoradiography and subcellular fractionation

Summary The cellular and subcellular distribution of [³H]-desipramine (DMI) in rat brain was studied by electron microscope (EM) autoradiography and by subcellular fractionation. A considerable proportion of label was found to be bound to the membranes of presynaptic nerve terminals, as well as to sites inside those terminals.Acknowledgment. The authors are most grateful to Mr and Mrs Gudelsky for their generous support.     

A simple and versatile apparatus for the continuous superfusion of nervous tissue preparations

Summary A bimodal apparatus for the continuous superfusion of both subcellular particles and whole tissue slices is described.The authors wish to thank Mr W. Maddison and the Physiology Department workshop for manufacture of this apparatus. Research was supported by the South African Medical Research Council and the Atomic Energy Board of South Africa.     

Computer-compatible system for continuous volumetric measurement of water consumption

Summary An inexpensive drinkometer system is described that is compatible with most data acquisition systems and can be used for continuously monitoring the drinking pattern of laboratory animals. The change in electrical inductance resulting from the descent of a free-floating ferrite unit through a drinking tube, surrounded by a double coil, is converted to a signal proportional to the volume of fluid consumed.The authors gratefully acknowledge the technical assistance of Mr C. Friedinger, Mr V. Studer and Mr J. Wespi. This research was supported by a grant from the Swiss Association of Cigarette Manufacturers to K. Bättig and a predoctoral fellowship from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology to W. Classen.     

Uterine fluid proteins bind sperm cholesterol during capacitation in the rabbit

Summary Cholesterol from rabbit sperm cells was bound by uterine fluid proteins following intrauterine insemination into ovulating does. Serum albumin has been identified as a uterine sterol acceptor. Progesterone administration suppressed binding and elevated the concentration of cholesterol, phospholipid, and protein. Uterine fluid cholesterol affinity, therefore, correlated with sperm capacitation activity in utero.I thank N. V. Davis for her assistance during this study. Financial support was received from N.I.H. grant HD 16238.     

Ultrastructural studies of Morris hepatoma cells reversely transformed by ginsenosides

Summary Ginsenosides, which were extracted from Panax ginseng, C. A. Meyer, induced well the development of subcellular organelles in cultured Morris hepatoma cells (MH₁C₁).Acknowledgments. We wish to thank Mr H. Konishi, Mrs H. Makino, Mrs Y. Nakayabu and Miss N. Honjo for their excellent technical assistance.     

Uterine secretion during the sexual cycle in the rat and its capacity to disperse corona cells in vitro.

It was found that closure of the uterus disturbed the first 2 cycles after the operation; thereafter the normal cycle was resumed. The quantity of uterine fluid was increased at pro-oestrus and oestrus and reduced at met-oestrus and di-oestrus. Slight inverse changes in viscosity were observed. There was no significant difference in the pH. The corona-cell dispersing factor seems to be an oestrogen-dependent constituent of uterine secretion.     

Uterine secretion during the sexual cycle in the rat and its capacity to disperse corona cells in vitro

Summary It was found that closure of the uterus disturbed the first 2 cycles after the operation; there-after the normal cycle was resumed. The quantity of uterine fluid was increased at pro-oestrus and oestrus and reduced at met-oestrus and di-oestrus. Slight inverse changes in viscosity were observed. There was no significant difference in the pH. The corona-cell dispersing factor seems to be an oestrogen-dependent constituent of uterine secretion.     

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.     

Changes in cholinesterase activity of muscle after crushing the sciatic nerve of rats

Summary The subcellular distribution of cholinesterase (ChE) was studied in the gastrocnemius muscle of rats after strong or weak nerve crushing. The ChE activities of muscle were decreased to a greater extent by strong crushing than by weak crushing. In particular, the ChE activity of the fraction containing sarcoplasmic reticulum was most greatly decreased. These results suggest that the change in the ChE activity of the microsomal fraction most finely reflects the strength of nerve crushing.Acknowledgments. This study was accomplished in Central Research Laboratories, Sankyo Co. Ltd. The authors wish to thank Prof. Tsuneyuki Nakazawa, Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Fujita-Gakuen University, and Dr Yutaka Sakai for their valuable advice and support, Sr Jean M. Michalec for her critical comments, and Miss Hamako Katano, Mr Naoji Mikuni and Miss Yoshie Ishii for their skillful technical assistance.     

Endogenous inhibitor of ecdysone synthesis in crabs

Summary Attempts to isolate the molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH) of crustaceans from crab eyestalks (ES) resulted in the characterization of xanthurenic acid as an inhibitor of ecdysone biosynthesis in the cultured Y-organ-complex (YOC) homogenate. It was also found that 3-hydroxyl-l-kynurenine present in the ES is transformed into xanthurenic acid in the YOC and body fluid. Its mode of inhibitory action in ecdysone biosynthesis is probably inactivation of cytochrome P-450.Acknowledgments. We thank Prof. M. Oka (Nagasaki University) and Dr J. Cappuzo (Oceanographic Inst.) for information on Y-organ and molting stages, Dr J. Termini and Mr J. Cesarelli (Columbia University) for organ excision of blue crabs and experiments in the early stage of this study, the Japan Sea Farming Association for aqua culture of crabs, Prof. Y. Umebachi (Kanazawa University) for a gift of 3-OH-l-Kyn, and Mr J. Rudloe (Gulf Specimen Co.) for collection and shipping of some selected crabs. This study was partially supported by NIH grant AI 10 187 (to K. N., at Columbia University).     

Membrane damage by coelomic fluid fromHolothuria polii (Echinodermata)

Summary Rabbit erythrocyte membranes lyzed byHolothuria polii coelomic fluid, observed under the electron microscope, present lesions consisting of irregular holes which are heterogeneous in size (ranging from 50 Å to 250 Å) and ultrastructurally different from the ring-like structure produced by human complement. The protein pattern associated with the lyzed membrane was also examined.Acknowledgments. I wish to thank Mr F. Veuthey for his excellent technical assistance. I express also my appreciation to Prof. N. Parrinello for advice and discussion. This work was supported partly by grant 3.083-0.84 from the Swiss National Science Foudation and partly (60%) by grant 1984 from Ministero Pubblica Istruzione, Italy.     

Preparation of isolated cells from rat heart

Summary Suspensions of isolated cells from rat heart were prepared and the data for viability and yield are given. Glucose uptake by the cells was mediated by a carrier system.The technical assistance of Mr.E. T. Potter, Mr.K. D. Patel and Mr.M. Griffin is gratefully acknowledged.     

Sperm activation inBalanus balanoides (Crustacea: Cirripedia)

Summary Ammonium ions alone will activate both vesicula and inseminated spermatozoa ofBalanus balanoides. Maximum activity, however, occurs when inseminated spermatozoa are treated with the blood and oviducal gland fluid ofB. balanoides.Acknowledgments. I should like to thank Mr K. White for the ammonia determinations and Prof. D. J. Crisp and Dr P. A. Gabbott for useful discussions.     

Structure and function of a calmodulin-dependent smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase

In smooth muscle the Mr 20,000 light chain of myosin is phosphorylated by a calmodulin-dependent protein kinase. It consists of 2 subunits: calmodulin, an acidic protein of Mr 17,000 that binds 4 moles of Ca2+; and a larger protein of Mr circa 130,000. Activation of the kinase is dependent upon their association in the presence of Ca2+. Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylation of the myosin light chain kinase occurs at 2 sites. It decreases the affinity of the kinase for calmodulin and a reduction in the rate of light chain phosphorylation occurs. The kinase has an overall asymmetric shape composed of a globular head and tail region for the skeletal muscle enzyme. Trypsin digestion of this kinase releases a fragment of Mr 36,000 from the globular region that contains the catalytic and calmodulin binding sites. Chymotrypsin digestion of the kinase from smooth muscle generates a fragment of Mr 80,000 that does not contain the calmodulin binding or cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylation sites. It is a Ca2+-independent form of the kinase that phosphorylates the light chain of myosin. These structural features indicate a regulatory role for the kinase in smooth muscle phosphorylation and contraction.     

The effect of nicotine on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats

Summary Nicotine, in concentrations of 5 and 25 g/ml drinking water, given ad libitum for 10 days, dose-dependently increased lesion formation and worsened ethanol-induced ulceration in rat stomachs. Daily fluid intake and b.wt gain were not adversely affected by nicotine pretreatment.The authors are grateful to Mr C.T. Luk for his skilled technical assistance.     

The chromosomes of the southern hemispheric lamprey,Geotria australis Gray

Summary Approximately 180 small and mainly acrocentric chromosomes are present inGeotria australis (Geotriidae) from the southern hemisphere. This is closer to the situation found in northern hemispheric species (Petromyzonidae) than in other southern hemispheric lampreys (Mordaciidae).We wish to express our gratitude to Mr R. W. Hilliard and Mr D. J. Bird for technical help. Financial assistance was provided by the Australian Research Grants Committee.     

Na,K-ATPase in the salivary gland of the ixodid tickAmblyomma hebraeum (Koch) and its relation to the process of fluid secretion

Summary Total and ouabain-sensitive ATPase activities were determined in the salivary glands of ticks throughout the feeding cycle. Activities were very low in unfed specimens. In the glands of feeding females, the activities rose until a maximum was reached for both ATPase components at approximately 200 mg. The activities remain low in males throughout the feeding period. These findings are discussed in relation to the fluid secretory process of the salivary glands.Generously supported by the Swiss National Fund for Scientific Research, request No. 3.3460.74 We are also very grateful to Mr.H. Bouvard, Ciba-Geigy Ltd., Les Barges, Vouvrey, VS, for supplying us with ticks.     

Biotin-binding proteins in eggs of oviparous vertebrates

Summary Biotin-binding was found in the egg whites and yolks of all 23 avian species studied, and in a turtle, but the amount varied considerably even in related species. There was no clear correlation in biotin-binding between egg white and yolk in various species. Antigenic determinants of avidin in different species have changed in the course of evolution as compared with those of chicken egg white avidin.We thank Mr Jukka Peltonen and Mr Antti Karlin for the collection of the avian eggs with permission obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, and Mr Reino Saarinen for the turtle eggs. The authors are indebted to Mrs Outi Kurronen Miss Riitta Mero and Miss Tiina-Maija Mattila for technical assistance. This work was supported by the Ford Foundation Grants No. 760-0526 and No. 790-0665.