Effect of bromocriptine on the "prolactin-like cell" of Nectophrynoides occidentalis (Amphibia, viviparous Anura): optical and electronic microscopical studies]

Bromocriptin has an effect on prolactin-like cells of Nectophryno?des occidentalis. 16 days after delivery, these cells are fully active in normal animals. Retention of secretory granules and myelinic formations have been observed in the prolactin-like cells of females treated by CB 154.     

Quelques exemples de l'utilisation des rayons de Rœntgen pour des recherches biologiques ultramicroscopiques

Summary The principle of the statistical method of radiolesions as a means of the ultramicrometric study of elementary living formations is briefly described. Certain results obtained in recent years by means of this method in respect of bacteriophages, virus, and cellular parts of bacilli and yeasts are reported.     

Does tenotomy of skeletal muscle alter Z-line width in older animals?

Summary Results of unilateral achilles tenotomy on older (350–410 g) male rats, showed that the general width of Z-lines in the tenotomized muscles was not significantly altered by this procedure. Streaming of the Z-lines and rod formations was still present, as in younger rats.This investigation was supported in part by NIH grants 1-RO1-NS-14033 and 1-T32-07224.     

Electron microscopic study of secretion of chylomicrons in the rat by enterocytes in lymphatic capillary lumen]

Rats were fed on a 20% fat diet; 30 min. or 2 hrs later intestinal jejunal cells were fixed in situ; samples were taken and processed for subsequent study by electron microscopy. Chylomicron secretion was followed from the enterocyte to the lymphatic capillary lumen. Chylomicrons entered the lamina propria through breaks in the basal membrane at intercellular space level. Their penetration into the lymphatic capillary lumen occurred through the open junctions of the endothelial cells normally kept closed by desmosomal formations.     

Evolution chromosomique chez genre Sorex: nouvelle information

Summary InSorex unguiculatus, a species closely related to the common shrew, 41 chromosomes were observed in the spermatogonia of two male specimens. The meiotic cells show about 21 formations at diakinesis and first maturation division metaphase. The mode of sex determination still remains unsatisfactorily clarified. However, the species investigated is of interest as a further instance of the very complex chromosomal evolution characterizing the genus Sorex. Within this genus, the observed variation in chromosome numbers now ranges from 21 to 41 at the diploid level.     

Microbiology of subteranean waste sites

Summary Excavated repositories for radioactive waste in deep and shallow geological formations will be subject to microbial contamination; therefore, a number of groundwater environments have been examined in Europe for the presence and activity of microorganisms. Common soil bacterial isolates were found to predominate in the groundwaters. Their activity is curtailed by the oligotrophic conditions encountered. It still remains to be demonstrated whether waste and waste isolation materials such as cellulose and bitumen will provide an exogenous nutrient source for the microorganisms and whether microbial activity will compromise nuclear waste immobilisation. A further constraint to the microorganisms is the high pH near-field environment generated by cement/concrete barriers.     

Giemsa `and formation in M-chromosomes of Vicia faba

Summary Various alterations in Giemsa banding technique have been introduced to observe their influence on band formations in M-chromosome of Vicia faba root tip dividing cells. With the introduction of some minor alterations in the technique, revelation of a large number of classes of constitutive heterochromatin has been made possible. Apparently such Giemsa banding pattern is comparable to the ones observed in a routine way amongst mammalian chromosomes.Acknowledgments. This study was supported by a grant from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi (No. 7/13 [619]/72 GAU. I), to JPG and from the Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi (No. 31/BS/323), to SKS.     

Microbial activity in the terrestrial subsurface

Summary Little is known about the layers under the earth's crust. Only in recent years have techniques for sampling the deeper subsurface been developed to permit investigation of the subsurface environment. Prevailing conditions in the subsurface habitat such as nutrient availability, soil composition, redox potential, permeability and a variety of other factors can influence the microflora that flourish in a given environment. Microbial diversity varies between geological formations, but in general sandy soils support growth better than soils rich in clay. Bacteria predominate in subsurface sediments, while eukaryotes constitute only 1–2% of the microorganisms. Recent investigations revealed that most uncontaminated subsurface soils support the growth of aerobic heteroorganotrophic bacteria, but obviously anaerobic microorganisms also exist in the deeper subsurface habitat. The microorganisms residing below the surface of the earth are capable of degrading both natural and xenobiotic contaminants and can thereby adapt to growth under polluted conditions.     

Longitudinal stress relaxation in the canine aorta

Résumé On a mesuré chez le chien la relaxation de la tension longitudinale en fonction de la déformation dans l'aorte, l'artère rénale et l'artère mésentérique supérieure. Dans les déformations équivalent à celles du vaisseau in vivo, la relaxation de la tension longitudinale est mise en relation avec les effets combinés de la teneur en collagène et des muscles lisses.

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This work was supported by Program Project Research Grant No. HL 07762 from the Public Health Service.     

3-Methylcholanthrene-induced embryonic deformities in the chick: Prevention by the antioxidant,N,N′-diphenyl-p-phenylene diamine (DPPD)

Résumé Les embryons de poulet traités au préalable par du N,N-diméthyl-p-phénylène diamine sont immunisés contre les déformations que produit le 3-méthylcholranthrène. Il est possible que cette protection soit due à une action neutralisante des radicaux libres formés par le 3-méthylcholranthrène avec l'oxygène.

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Fellowship support from the Tobacco Research Council.     

Effects of paradimethylaminoazobenzene and the antioxidant N,N′-Diphenyl-p-phenylene diamine in developing chicks

Résumé Les embryons de poulet traités au paradiméthylaminoazobenzène (PDAB) sont déformés. Le traitement au N,N-diméthyl-p-phénylène diamine (DPPD) n'immunise pas contre ces déformations, car dans ce cas, les radicaux libres formés par le PDAB n'entrent pas en jeu.

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Supported in part by a grant from the Forsyth Cancer Service.

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Summer Research Fellow, Bowman Gray School of Medicine     

SV40 association with human malignancies and mechanisms of tumor immunity by large tumor antigen

SV40 was discovered as a contaminate of poliovirus vaccine lots distributed to millions of individuals in the United States between 1955 and 1963 while contaminated vaccine batches were later circulated worldwide. After SV40 was observed to cause in vitro animal and human cell transformations and in vivo tumor formations in animals, the search for a connection between the virus and human malignancies has continued to the present day. Different molecular methods have been used to detect SV40 gene products in a variety of human cancers, though SV40 causality in these tumor types has yet to be established. These data, however, are not without controversial issues related to inconclusive SV40 serological and epidemiological evidence alongside tools and methodologies that may contribute to false-positive results in human specimens. This review will also explore how vaccination against SV40 protein products may be used to help prevent and treat individuals with SV40-expressing cancers. Received 19 September 2006; received after revision 8 November 2006; accepted 13 December 2006     

Does nitrogen mustard affect the foetus directly or secondarily by its effect on the mother ?

Résumé On a analysé l'action locale de l'ypérite nitrée sur le développement embryonaire du rat blanc. Cet agent a été administré par voie intrautérine et seulement dans une corne de l'utérus le 14ème jour de gravidité. A la base des déformations obtenues du ftus provenant de la corne traitée on peut conclure que l'agent affecte directement les ftus sans jamais porter atteinte à ceux de la corne non traitée.     

Experimentelle Untersuchungen über eine röntgenkymographische Methode zur Messung der Strömungsgeschwindigkeit des Blutes

Summary The röntgenokymographical measurement of the speed of flow of the blood is based on the observation that, with the Stumpf kymograph, progressive movements taking place longitudinally can be recorded with the same ease as periodically recurrent, sinusoid movements. From the time during which the kymograph operates, which can be read off the time relay, and a few measurable stretches of the kymogram defined in detail in the text, the speed of propagation of a directed process of movement can be calculated. If a drop of iodized oil traverses the vessel at the same speed as the blood, the speed of flow of the blood can be ascertained. In numerous tests on models not only was the practicability of the method as such proved, but more specialized conditions of flow in tubes of irregular lumen or having aneurysmal sacculations were examined. In this connection vortical formations are very clearly shown. The particular merit of this new röntgenokymographical method (flow kymography) is seen to reside in the fact that the cycle of speeds can be followed along a considerable length of vessel, and also that circumscribed alterations in speed within the part-sections examined can be anatomically localized. Experiments in the use of the method on human subjects are in preparation.     

Spontaneous release and during metrazol convulsions of 5-hydroxytryptamine in some brain regions of conscious cat

Résumé Nous avons étudié par la technique pushpull sur des chats non anesthésiés, la libération du 5-HT dans les formations souscorticales et mésencéphaliques du cerveau, et y avons trouvé deux types. Dans le premier, nous avons pu constater la présence de la 5-HT par les méthodes biologiques, mais dans le second, cette amine manquait. Le métrazol (60–90 mg/kg) n'eut pas d'effet significatif sur la libération de la 5-HT.

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This work was supported in part by National Science Foundation Grant No. N00014-67-A-0226-0003. We thankP. Curzon for his valuable technical assistance.     

Les bases cytologiques de l'hérédité «relativement» liée au sexe chez les mammifères

Summary The author shows that the conception of an incomplete sex-linkage in mammals must be discarded on cytological grounds. There is either (general case) pre-reduction of theX andY chromosomes at the first metaphase, or post-reduction (Apodemus) but never facultative post-or pre-reduction.During the growth period, from the Zygoteny to the Diacinesis, the occurrence ofc -o is made highly improbable, owing to the heteropycnotic state of the sexchromosomes, and has never been observed with accuracy. The revision of the literature shows that such an hypothesis is not tenable.The obligatory post-reduction byApodemus can be interpreted in the concept of anticipation centromérique.In a very few cases, formations like chiasmas occur as linking theX andY chromosomes at the first metaphase. It is possible that these exceptional configurations might be explained by a translocation of the sex-chromosomes on a pair of autosomes.From a more general standpoint, it would be desirable that geneticians should have more confidence in the results of pure cytologists rather than in the work of cytogeneticians who wish to find an explanation for every genetical hypothesis.

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Institut de Zoologie et d'Anatomie comparée.     

Beobachtungen an rezenten und fossilen (kaltzeitlichen) Strukturböden

Summary The shape and structure of stone rings and polygons on level ground and of the stone strips on slopes correspond closely in Spitzbergen and the Alps. Moreover, in both areas the frostsoil or permafrost, which must have remained frozen for several years at a time, undergoes the same changes at the surface during the annual thaw: it is always the pocket of finer soil or, in the case of sloping ground, the deposit of soil between the stone strips which thaws first. Figure 6 shows how, in an alpine stone strip rock structure, the level of the frostsoil sinks in the course of summer and rises again in late summer and early autumn.A study of the positions of the encased stones shows that about 50% of them lie with their longitudinal axes in the direction of the strips or parallel to the nearest edge of the polygons. Tabulation of our measurements (cf. table of results in Figures 8 and 9) indicates another but lower peak in the figures for stones lying at right angles to these directions.The establishment of these facts enables us to prove the existence of fossilized stone rings in boulders out-side the terminal moraines of the Würm period. Fossil formations developed when this period of the Ice Age was nearing its end. Since no other cause of preventing the water from permeating can be traced, we assume the existence of permafrost as responsible for the formation of boulders. This assumption allows us to establish a decrease in the average annual temperature of the Würm period. In the Rhine glacier area this decrease amounted to 12 °C.

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Den Herren cand. phil. F.Bachmann und H.Elsasser danke ich für rege Mitarbeit in Feld und Laboratorium sowie meiner Gattin und F.Bachmann für die Ausführung der Zeichnungen.     

Die Regeneration heteroplastischer chimärischer Extremitäten beiTriturus vulgaris undTriturus cristatus

Résumé Au stade «bourgeon de queue» (Harrison, 27, 28), les ébauches des extrémités antérieures deTr. vulgaris et deTr. cristatus sont échangées et greffées hétéroplastiquement. Ces greffons se développent et donnent des membres dont la forme et les dimensions sont conformes à leur origine. Après section de ces pattes, chez la larve, le type donneur se manifeste au cours de la régénération, dans la vitesse de celle-ci, dans la taille et la conformation des extrémités régénérées. Par contre, les cellules de la crête ganglionnaire de l'hôte (mésectoderme) pénètrent dans le greffon et assurent à celui-ci le type de pigmentation de l'hôte, ce type étant maintenu lors d'une régénération ultérieure. L'action du système nerveux de l'hôte n'exerce aucune action morphogénétique. Il est donc manifeste que le régénérat n'est pas un massif cellulaire homogène mais qu'il provient de deux catégories d'éléments juxtaposés, les cellules de chacune d'entre elles évoluant selon ses potentialités génétiques propres; le mésectoderme, en particulier, ne donne que des formations mésectodermiques.

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Die vorliegenden Untersuchungen sind auf Anregung vonE. Rotmann begonnen worden und wurden nach dessen Tod im September 1950 unter der Förderung vonO. Kuhn weitergeführt.     

Evidence for the metabolism of phospholipids and triacylglycerols in humanAscaris lumbricoides

Summary HumanAscaris lumbricoides has the necessary mechanism for the biosynthesis and degradation of phospholipids and triacylglycerols, as in most other species. Piperazine decreases the level of triacylglycerols of this parasite by stimulating the activity of lipase and partially inhibiting the activity of phosphatidate phosphatase.Acknowledgments. Thanks are due to the University of Kerala for facilities provided, Dr T. Ramasarma of the I.I. Sc., Bangalore for help in the labelling studies, Dr. G. D. Cain of the University of Iowa for valuable comments and Dr P. Vijayagopal of ANU for the gift of CDP-choline.