Mise en évidence de l'excrétion urinaire d'antigènes de la membrane basale glomerulaire (MBG) dans l'urine de 3 rongeurs (rat,souris et cobaye)

Summary Immunodiffusion technique, with rabbits antibodies against rat glomerular basement membrane (GBM), permits to evidence the presence of GBM antigens into normal urines of 3 rodents (rat, mouse and guinea-pig). These results confirm the earlier works in human and rabbit urines and show the antigenic communauty existing between the 3 rodents GBM, since we can evidence antigens of 3 different mammals with the same antibody. The origin and the nature of this patterns and the signification of this presence into mammalian urines are discussed.

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Nous remercions sincèrement le Docteur Mahieu (Laboratoire de Clinique et Séméiologie Médicales, Institut de Médecine de l'Hôpital Universitaire de Bavière à Liège, Belgique) de l'aide précieuse qu'il a bien voulu nous accorder.     

Sterilization by irradiation of Cadra coutella (Wlk.) (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) males increased by female sex pheromone

Sterilization by irradiation was studied in 0-24 hour old males of Cadra cautella (Ephestia cautella) exposed to 40 Krad of gamma radiation from a 60 cobalt source at a rate of 2250-2200 rad/minute in the presence of female sex pheromone. This radiation dose failed to induce the desired degree of sterility in the absence of pheromone. Pheromone was extraced from the virgin females and applied to filter paper at doses of .1, .5, and 1 female equivalent which was then introduced into containers containing 15-18 males 3 minutes prior to irradiation. Excitation and increased activity of the insects was observed when compared to the controls without the pheromone. The proportion of low percentage hatch increased with increased pheromone presence. The difference between absence and presence of pheromone was marked. It is concluded that these results are evidence of the value of this approach of preconditioning to irradiation when induction of sterility is the objective.     

Pathological changes in the heterologous phase of antibasement membrane antibody mediated disease in the rat

Summary The immunological and structural changes during the heterologous phase of experimental antibasement membrane antibody mediated disease was sequentially studied in the rat following single i.v. injections of rabbit antibodies to basement membrane antigens prepared from kidney, lung and salivary gland tissues. Although each of the anti-bodies bound strongly to GBM, structural changes were initially subtle accompanied by proteinuria and hematuria. More severe structural changes related to dose and duration of the disease did not appear for several weeks.     

Time and theophylline influence on the quantitative variations of the glomerular basement membrane ferritin pathway (author's transl)

A fine quantitative evaluation of ferritin aggregates in rat GBM permits to counts 5.08 +/- 1.51 and 18.30 +/- 3.21 g/cm2, respectively 30 and 60 min after ferritin injection; likewise, 30 min after ferritin administration, 5.08 +/- 1.51 and 17.11 +/- 3.9 g/cm2, respectively in normal and theophylline-treated animals.     

Glucose does not influence the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding to carrier proteins (IGFBPs): Analysis of rat and human serum by western ligand blotting

The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) circulate bound to specific proteins (termed IGFBP-1 through IGFBP-6) that modulate IGF bioactivity in tissues. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of glucose on IGF binding to IGFBPs in rat and human serum by means of western ligand blotting. Serum samples were incubated with increasing concentrations of glucose (0 to 50 mmol/l), and EDTA (25 mmol/l) was added to inhibit protease activity. To analyse the effect of glucose on protection of IGFBPs from protease activity, serum from pregnant women (reported to be very rich in proteolytic activity against IGFBPs) was added to rat serum previously incubated with glucose. Glucose did not affect the¹²⁵I-IGF binding to rat and human serum IGFBPs. The intensity of IGFBP-3 bands decreased considerably during the incubation. This appeared to be due to endogenous protease activity, since the decrease was blocked by addition of EDTA. The incubationi of rat serum with pregnant human serum produced a marked attenuation of IGFBP-3 and disappearance of IGFBP-4 bands. In conclusion, our study shows that glucose does not influence the IGF binding to IGFBP-3 either in rat or in human serum, confirms the presence of endogenous proteolytic activity in normal non-pregnant serum, and demonstrates that glucose has no protective action against protease activity.     

Phenotypic expression of colon polymorphic antigens (WZ) in human colon adenocarcinomas]

Human colon adenocarcinomas from 52 patients were investigated for the presence of the colon polymorphic antigens WZ. The patients were typed for their WZ phenotype, using the immunofluorescence method on non tumoral colon mucosa sections: 27 patients were found W+ Z+, 18 W- Z+, and 7 W- Z-. The tumors were tested for the presence of the WZ phenotypes, using the immunofluorescence method and a radio-immunoassay. The WZ phenotypes were not expressed in the non secreting tumors, whatever the patient's phenotype. They were expressed in the secreting tumors and had the same phenotype as found in the corresponding normal mucosa. The WZ phenotypes were present in human developed into "nude" Mice inoculated either with differentiated colon carcinomas, or with a human colon carcinoma cell line (HT-29).     

Upregulation of rat P23 (a member of the YjgF protein family) by fasting, glucose diet and fatty acid feeding

In a previous study, we identified and purified a 99-amino-acid rat liver-kidney perchloric-acid-soluble 23-kDa protein (P23) which displays 30% identity with a highly conserved domain of heat shock proteins (HSPs), as well as an AT-rich 3 untranslated region, which has also been described to play a role in H70 mRNA life span and protein expression. An identical perchloric-acid-soluble protein inhibiting protein synthesis in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system was also found 2 years later by another group. More recently, the novel, the YjgF, protein family has been described, comprising, 24 full-length homologues, including P23, highly conserved through evolution, and consisting of approximately 130 residues each and sharing a common ternary structure. Independent studies from different laboratories have provided various hypothetical functions for each of these proteins. The high degree of evolutionary conservation may suggest that these proteins play an important role in cellular regulation. Although the function of none of these proteins is known precisely, we present experimental evidence which, combined with the relationship to glucose-regulating protein revealed here, and the relationship to fatty-acid-binding protein revealed by others, allow us to propose a role for P23. In rat liver, P23 expression is developmentally regulated and modulated by dietary glucose, and its mRNA is induced by starvation, in the presence of fatty-acids and in 3-MeDAB-induced hepatomas. The mRNA encoding mouse liver P23 is also hormonally modulated in a mouse line AT1F8. These data indicate that P23 protein might be a key controller of intermediary metabolism during fasting.Received 7 June 2003; received after revision 8 September 2004; accepted 10 October 2004     

Presence of serum proteins in submaxillary duct perfusate

The secretory activity of the main excretory duct of rat submaxillary gland was investigated by the technique of luminal perfusion. Immunologic studies of the perfusate revealed the presence of serum antigens and the absence of intrinsic submaxillary gland antigens. It is suggested that the submaxillary duct permits passive transport of serum proteins to saliva from serum.     

Presence of serum proteins in submaxillary duct perfusate

Summary The secretory activity of the main excretory duct of rat submaxillary gland was investigated by the technique of luminal perfusion. Immunologic studies of the perfusate revealed the presence of serum antigens and the absence of intrinsic submaxillary gland antigens. It is suggested that the submaxillary duct permits passive transport of serum proteins to saliva from serum.     

Toxicokinetic study of vanadium after intramuscular and intratracheal administration to rats]

The toxicokinetic study, made in the rat with 48V under VOCl2, shows that vanadium does not accumulate in the system. 66% of the radioactivity is found in urines 24 hrs. after the inoculation by intramuscular method. After intratracheal deposit, a part of the vanadium is eliminated very rapidly. The other which is lower is fixed on the pulmonary tissues.     

Etude immuno-électrophorétique de l'uromucoïde

Summary Concentrated normal urines were investigated by an immuno-electrophoretic technique using specific antiserum directed against uromucoid (=Tamm andHorsfall's urinary mucoprotein).A single precipitation line was observed, which, however, presented two distinct maxima. The faster antigen appeared to be situated between albumin and ₁-globulin, while the slower antigen seemed to be ana ₂-globulin. Both antigens were immunologically identical with uromucoid, although the latter had been eliminated by salt precipitation from the urines used in this experiment.The above findings can best be explained by assuming the occurrence of a polymer series of uromucoid, of which the lower members would be soluble in 0.58M NaCl, while the higher terms would representTamm andHorsfall's mucoproteinsensu stricto. It is suggested that cylindroids and nubecula represent visible forms of uromucoid.     

Presence of benzodiazepine binding sites (receptors) and amplification thereof by imprinting in Tetrahymena

Live Tetrahymena cells bound 3H-diazepam specifically, as demonstrated by autoradiographic evidence of displacement of about 25% of labeled diazepam in the presence of a 1000-fold amount of cold diazepam. The 3H-diazepam bound to membrane preparations isolated from untreated (control) cells was not displaced by cold diazepam, whereas cells involved in primary interaction (imprinting) with diazepam showed amplification and specificity of diazepam binding in both in vivo (cell suspension) and in vitro (pellicle) systems, as well as displacement of bound label in the presence of 1000-fold cold diazepam. It appears that diazepam induced imprinting and, consequently, also the formation of specific receptors in Tetrahymena.     

Clomiphene citrate can mimic the augmentative (positive) but not the depressing (negative) effect of estradiol on the LHRH-stimulated release of LH and FSH by the pituitary gland of the long-term ovariectomized rat

Summary In the long-term ovariectomized rat, both estradiol benzoate (EB) and clomiphene citrate enhance the release of LH induced by luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). EB also enhances the release of FSH. In rats pretreated with LHRH, EB strongly depresses the LHRH-induced LH/FSH release, but clomiphene enhances this release, regardless of the presence of EB.     

Clomiphene citrate can mimic the augmentative (positive) but not the depressing (negative) effect of estradiol on the LHRH-stimulated release of LH and FSH by the pituitary gland of the long-term ovariectomized rat

In the long-term ovariectomized rat, both estradiol benzoate (EB) and clomiphene citrate enhance the release of LH induced by luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). EB also enhances the release of FSH. In rats pretreated with LHRH, EB strongly depresses the LHRH-induced LH/FSH release, but clomiphene enhances this release, regardless of the presence of EB.     

Notes on the sperm morphology ofCtenomys maulinus (Rodentia,Octodontidae)

A morphometric study of the sperm ofCtenomys maulinus Philippi 1872 was carried out. A process of the postacrosomic region that probably correponds to a permanent structure in the sperms of these rodents, and is characteristic of the genus, was observed.     

Endocannabinoids and β-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity in vivo: effect of pharmacological elevation of endocannabinoid levels

We investigated the involvement of endocannabinoids in the control of neuronal damage and memory retention loss in rodents treated with the β-amyloid peptide (1–42) (BAP). Twelve days after stereotaxic injection of BAP into the rat cortex, and concomitant with the appearance in the hippocampus of markers of neuronal damage, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, but not anandamide, levels were enhanced in the hippocampus. VDM-11 (5 mg/kg, i.p.), an inhibitor of endocannabinoid cellular reuptake, significantly enhanced rat hippocampal and mouse brain endocannabinoid levels when administered sub-chronically starting either 3 or 7 days after BAP injection and until the 12–14th day. VDM-11 concomitantly reversed hippocampal damage in rats, and loss of memory retention in the passive avoidance test in mice, but only when administered from the 3rd day after BAP injection. We suggest that early, as opposed to late, pharmacological enhancement of brain endocannabinoid levels might protect against β-amyloid neurotoxicity and its consequences. Received 26 January 2006; received after revision 24 March 2006; accepted 12 April 2006     

Presence of benzodiazepine binding sites (receptors) and amplification thereof by imprinting inTetrahymena

Summary LiveTetrahymena cells bound³H-diazepam specifically, as demonstrated by autoradiographic evidence of displacement of about 25% of labeled diazepam in the presence of a 1000-fold amount of cold diazepam. The³H-diazepam bound to membrane preparations isolated from untreated (control) cells was not displaced by cold diazepam, whereas cells involved in primary interaction (imprinting) with diazepam showed amplification and specificity of diazepam binding in both in vivo (cell suspension) and in vitro (pellicle) systems, as well as displacement of bound label in the presence of 1000-fold cold diazepam. It appears that diazepam induced imprinting and, consequently, also the formation of specific receptors inTetrahymena.     

Localization of bovine pancreatic polypeptide (BPP)-like immunoreactivity in rat pancreatic monolayer culture.

Antiserum to bovine pancreatic polypeptide (BPP) has been used for immunofluorescent staining in the light microscope. With this technique it is possible to detect the presence of specific cells in monolayer culture from neonatal rat pancreas which contain BPP or a closely related peptide.     

Characterization of tumor differentiation factor (TDF) and its receptor (TDF-R)

Tumor differentiation factor (TDF) is an under-investigated protein produced by the pituitary with no definitive function. TDF is secreted into the bloodstream and targets the breast and prostate, suggesting that it has an endocrine function. Initially, TDF was indirectly discovered based on the differentiation effect of alkaline pituitary extracts of the mammosomatotropic tumor MtTWlO on MTW9/PI rat mammary tumor cells. Years later, the cDNA clone responsible for this differentiation activity was isolated from a human pituitary cDNA library using expression cloning. The cDNA encoded a 108-amino-acid polypeptide that had differentiation activity on MCF7 breast cancer cells and on DU145 prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Recently, our group focused on identification of the TDF receptor (TDF-R). As potential TDF-R candidates, we identified the members of the Heat Shock 70-kDa family of proteins (HSP70) in both MCF7 and BT-549 human breast cancer cells (HBCC) and PC3, DU145, and LNCaP human prostate cancer cells (HPCC), but not in HeLa cells, NG108 neuroblastoma, or HDF-a and BLK CL.4 cells fibroblasts or fibroblast-like cells. Here we review the current advances on TDF, with particular focus on the structural investigation of its receptor and on its functional effects on breast and prostate cells.     

Chromosomal polymorphism caused by supernumerary chromosomes inRattus rattus ssp.frugivurus (Rafinesque, 1814) (Rodentia,Muridae)

Summary A chromosomal numeric polymorphism 2n=38, 39, 40 and 41 in the speciesRattus rattus ssp.frugivurus (Rafinesque, 1814) is reported for the first time for this subspecies. The numbers 2n=39, 40 and 41 are new for the species. The polymorphism is due to the presence of 1, 2 or 3 B-chromosomes, which are all small metacentrics of the size and shaped very close to the other autosomes of the normal complement, and whose character of being supernumeraries is shown in Meiosis.