Induction of uncoiled chromosomes by vibration

Summary Chromatin condensation during metaphase can be removed by simple vibration of metaphase cells prior to fixation. Uncoiled chromosome arms consist of long threads with dense regions at irregular distances each from the other.Acknowledgment. This work is supported by the Hellenic Anticancer Institute.     

Induction of a special Balbiani ring by position effect in the salivary gland chromosomes ofAcricotopus lucidus

Summary Chromosome mutations were induced by X-ray treatment of males ofAcricotopus lucicus. One of the larvae of the F₁-generation showed a dislocation of a segment of the centromeric region into an euchromatic part of the same chromosome as a consequence of mutation. In the new position, in some salivary gland cells, this segment expressed a distinct Balbiani ring. In other cells this Balbiani ring regressed, probably through the influence of ecdysone.     

Induction of microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes caused by hexobarbital.

Hexobarbital was given to anaesthetized mice for a period of 7 h by repeated i. p. injection, first of 100 mg/kg,then several times of 50 mg/kg. A high level of hexobarbital was maintained in the liver. The activity of microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes was induced by this treatment with hexobarbital. 30 min after a single i. p. injection of 100 mg/kg of hexobarbital, there was a significant inhibition of aminopyrine N-demethylase but none of cytochrome c and neotetrazolium reductases. Hexobarbital in vitro inhibits aminopyrine N-demethylase but not cytochrome c reductase.     

Ring chromosomes and leukaemia.

The observation of 2 leukaemic patients with ring chromosomes, and their comparison with a few previously reported cases, suggests a close association between this rare chromosomal abnormality and erythroleukaemia and indicate a poor prognostic significance of this finding.     

Induction of deoxyribonucleic acid degradation in Escherichia coli by ozone.

Cell survival and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) degradation wave measured for wild-type Escherichia coli B251 cells after exposure to different concentrations of ozone. The results show that extensive breakdown of DNA occurs after ozonation and that the extent of ozone-induced DNA degradation generally correlates with the colony-forming ability of the cells.     

Induction of delayed hypersensitivity by carrageenan

Zusammenfassung Nachweis einer Sensibilisierung des Meerschweinchens durch intradermale Injektion von Carrageenan, was zu «passiv übertragbaren» Spätreaktionen führte.

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The authors wish to thank to MissI. Kawana, MissA. Saito and MissA. Chida for their technical assistance and Prof.Y. Horiuchi for his advice.     

The perception of vibration by the subgenual organ inZootermopsis angusticollis Emerson andPeriplaneta americana L.

Zusammenfassung Aus den Ergebnissen einer elektrophysiologischen Untersuchung des Subgenualorgans zweier Insekten lässt sich ableiten, dass eine Erregung der Sensillen nur nach einer plötzlichen Störung des Beines aus der Ruhe oder dem Gleichgewichtszustand auftritt.Es wird angenommen, dass eine plötzliche Verlagerung der Stiftzellen und der distalen akzessorischen Zellen des Subgenualorgans aus der Ruhe oder dem Gleichgewichtszustand sie während einer sehr kurzen Periode in Eigenschwingung versetzt. In Abhängigkeit von ihrem Bau dürfte die Frequenz der Eigenschwingung bei jeder der zwei Zellengruppen verschieden sein. Infolgedessen wird es, bis zur Einstellung eines neuen Gleichgewichtszustandes, zu einer schnellen Veränderung der Kräfte an der Verbindung zwischen Stiftzellen und akzessorischen Zellen kommen, was Nervenimpulse auslösen könnte.     

Induction of lymphomas by urethane in combination with diethylstilboestrol in CFLP mice.

The combination of urethane and the non-steroidal oestrogen diethylstilboestrol induced lymphomas in CFLP mice.     

Induction of neovascularization in vivo by glycerol

Glycerol, injected into a site between the femoral vessels of the rat, induced neovascularization, both from the preexisting microcirculation and from the side of the femoral vein facing the artery-vein interstitium where the glycerol was administered. The use of glycerol together with a known angiogenic substance (PGE₂) did not modify the neocapillary density (NCD) obtained with glycerol alone. In contrast, the lower level of NCD achieved with an acylglycerol (triacetylglycerol) was increased when the latter was associated with PGE₂. Values reached were similar to, but never higher than, those for glycerol alone, or combined with PGE₂. The results suggest that glycerol and some substances containing glycerol, amongst which 1-butyrylglycerol has been previously considered¹, may stimulate angiogenesis by a direct or indirect mechanism of action.     

Visualization of centromeric spots in the chromosomes by UV-light exposure

Summary When exposed to UV-light in the presence of Hoechst 33258, chromosomes ofAllium cepa were progressively photolyzed with increasing length of exposure; they retained their delineated contours, centromeric spots and sometimes secondary constriction bands.     

Giemsa centromere staining ofHumulus lupulus L. Metaphase chromosomes

Summary Giemsa staining of hop (Humulus lupulus L.) chromosomes at metaphase revealed kinetochore-like structures in the centromeric region.The authors are grateful to Dr C. K. Atal, for his keen interest and constant encouragement in the present study.     

Cordycepin inhibits induction of puffs by ions inChironomus salivary gland chromosomes

Zusammenfassung In 80–85% aller Speicheldrüsenzellen vonChironomus thummi bewirkt 100 g/ml Cordycepin: 1. Fast vollständige Hemmung des³H-Uridin-Einbaues in Chromosomen und Nukleolen. 2. Rückbildung aller vorhandenen Puffs und Kollaps der Balbiani-Ringe und 3. Hemmung der Puff-Induktion durch anorganische (K/Mg) und organische (Tryptophan) Ionen.