Potentiation of immunologic memory by Corynebacterium parvum and its mechanism]

Immune response to bovine serum albumin (BSA) at dose of 2,50 mg/kg which is rather a weak immunogen in Rabbits, when given intravenous was highly potentiated when the animals received a previous single intravenous infection of 2 mg/kg of C. parvum, followed by subsequent BSA anamnestic challenges for several months. Thus, the antibody amounts synthesized following the 1st anamnestic injection (3 weeks) were 0,260 mg/ml in the control versus, 0,800 mg/ml in the C. parvum pretreated groups; following the 2nd anamnestic challenge (12 weeks afterwards) 1 mg/ml in the control versus, 2,50 mg/ml in the treated groups following the 3rd anamnestic challenge (28 weeks afterwards) 1,3 mg/ml in the control versus 5 mg/ml in the C. parvum pretreated groups; following the 4th anamnestic challenge (52 weeks afterwards) 0,300 mg/ml in the control versus 0,800 mg/ml in the C. parvum treated groups. On the whole for the four first anamnestic challenges the differences at peak levels between the control and C. parvum treated groups were about to 4. Furthermore, the antibody molecules synthesized by the C. parvum treated animals were found to belong to IgG class. The results suggest that the immunological mechanisms mobilized are peculiar to C. parvum since they could not be reproduced either by BCG or by Freun'd adjuvant under similar conditions.     

Inhibition of antigenic competition by immunostimulants]

The diminution of immune response against SRBC induced in mice, by a prior injection of HRBC was counteracted by addition of certain immunostimulants to SRBC. The intensity of inhibition of antigenic competition was related to the quantity of immunostimulant added to SRBC. Some immunostimulants (B. abortus, lipopolysaccharide) were more active than others (C. parvum, Poly I : C). To inhibit antigenic competition immunostimulant had to be injected after or in mixture with SRBC never before.     

Encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus-induced diabetes mellitus prevented by Corynebacterium parvum in mice

Corynebacterium parvum prevented the development of encephalomyocarditis virus-induced diabetes in mice, when it was given 3-14 days before the virus infection. This treatment inhibited virus replication in the pancreas of the infected mice at an early stage of the infection.     

Action of Corynebacterium parvum on the activity of glycosidases and proteases of peritoneal macrophages in the mice]

Glycosidase and peptidase of non-treated Mouse peritoneal macrophages were characterized. The enzymatic activities of Corynebacterium parvum stimulated Mouse macrophages were compared to those of macrophages obtained from non-treated animals. All the enzymatic activities, but beta-C-galactosidase, were higher in stimulated Mouse macrophages.     

The effect of BCG-vaccination on vaccinia virus infections in mice.

Pretreatment with BCG yielded a high degree of protection against experimental vaccinia virus infections in mice. Corynebacterium parvum and Aristolochia acid were less protective; other immunostimulants were ineffective.     

Effect of Corynebacterium parvum on serum lysozyme (muramidase) levels (author's transl)]

An i.v. injection of 548 microgram of killed Corynebacterium parvum into C57B1 mice leads to significant changes in serum lysozyme (muramidase) levels. After an initial fall at 24 h, the activity of the enzyme increased progressively, reached a peak on the 9th day and returned to control range after the 15th day.     

Control of the cardiovascular system of Aplysia by identified neurons.

The neural network that controls the cardiovascular system of Aplysia adapts cardiovascular function to a variety of different physiological and behavioral situations. It (1) coordinates the cardiovascular system with the renal and respiratory systems; (2) modifies both systemic and regional blood flow during food-elicited arousal and feeding; and (3) changes the tension of longitudinal vascular muscle to adapt the arterial tree to changes in body shape. Indirect evidence suggests that the cardiovascular control circuit may also play a role in maintaining homeostasis during egg laying. Several putative neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, serotonin, R15 alpha 1 and R15 alpha 2 peptides, have been localized to identified neurons in this circuit.     

Hsp27 suppresses the formation of inclusion bodies induced by expression of R120G alpha B-crystallin,a cause of desmin-related myopathy

The R120G mutation in the small heat shock protein (sHSP) alpha B-crystallin has been identified in a family suffering from desmin-related myopathy. In this study, we characterized the features of transiently expressed R120G alpha B-crystallin in mammalian cells. In addition, we examined interactions of this mutant alpha B-crystallin with Hsp27, another representative sHSP. In HeLa cells, transiently expressed R120G alpha B-crystallin was mainly fractionated in the insoluble fraction, although wild-type alpha B-crystallin was predominantly found in the soluble fraction. In immunofluorescence studies, we found 15-25% of R120G alpha B-crystallin-expressing cells to contain multiple cytosolic inclusion bodies, in which Hsp27 was also localized. When R120G alpha B-crystallin and Hsp27 were transiently co-expressed in HeLa cells, the amount of R120G alpha B-crystallin in the soluble fraction was greater than with expression of R120G alpha B-crystallin alone. Moreover, co-expression resulted in reduced formation of inclusion bodies, suggesting that Hsp27 acts as a molecular chaperone for R120G alpha B-crystallin.     

Comparison of the inhibition of avian and mammalian bone alkaline phosphatases by levamisole and compound R8231

Summary Alkaline phosphatases from mammalian bone are inhibited much more than chick bone alkaline phosphatase by levamisole and compound R8231. Doses of R8231 (10^–4 to 10^–5 M) that almost completely inhibit mammalian alkaline phosphatases do not inhibit the growth of embryonic rat femurs in vitro. R8231 should be an excellent biological probe for the function of alkaline phosphatase in bone metabolism.Acknowledgments. This work has been supported by funds from the Medical Research Council.     

Detection, by direct lymphocyte immunocytotoxicity, of antigens in cells transformed by Rous virus]

The hamster cells transformed by the Rous Sarcoma Virus (V.S.R.) evidenced surface antigenic alterations that were detected by a method of cellular mediated immunocytotoxicity. Immune hamster lymphocytes were added to tritiated proline prelabeled target cells. These lymphocytes were able to lyse specifically the V.S.R. transformed cells.     

Control of the cardiovascular system ofAplysia by identified neurons

The neural network that controls the cardiovascular system ofAplysia adapts cardiovascular function to a variety of different physiological and behavioral situations. It (1) coordinates the cardiovascular system with the renal and respiratory systems; (2) modifies both systemic and regional blood flow during food-elicited arousal and feeding; and (3) changes the tension of longitudinal vascular muscle to adapt the arterial tree to changes in body shape. Indirect evidence suggests that the cardiovascular control circuit may also play a role in maintaining homeostasis during egg laying. Several putative neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, serotonin, R151 and R152 peptides, have been localized to identified neurons in this circuit.     

Cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2: modulation by arterial pressure

Cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2 (CO2R), measured in halothane-anesthetized rabbits, decreased as arterial pressure was increased either pharmacologically or mechanically. On the other hand, hypotension, induced by bleeding, led to an increase in CO2R. These responses were unaffected by denervation of baroreceptors.     

Inhibition of the ureteral contractions induced by rat urine with kallikrein antibodies

Summary Purified urinary kallikrein induces contractions of the rat ureter in vitro. Antibodies against kallikrein block the contractile response of the isolated ureter to rat urine.This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 90). The technical assistance of J. Kopatsch, R. Marpoder and H. Seeger is gratefully acknowledged.     

Changes induced by Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in hepatic fumarase and aconitase activities

Summary Ehrlich ascites carcinoma induced significant changes in liver fumarase (activation) and aconitase (inhibition). A significant increase in hepatic fumarase specific activity was also observed in mice inoculated with Ehrlich ascites fluid after centrifugation of cells (EAF). Hepatic aconitase was not significantly influenced by EAF.R.R.A. is working with a research grant from the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Brazil.     

Evaluation of participation of glucose in elevation of glycemia of scorpion (Heterometrus fulvipes) caused by the hyperglycemic principle of the scorpion and crab

Summary A single injection of the hyperglycemic principle obtained from scorpion cephalothoracic ganglionic mass causes an elevation of glycemia in the scorpionH. fulvipes in which little glucose is involved (10.8%). With the crustacean hyperglycemic principle, the elevation of glycemia is initially almost exclusively contributed by glucose (glucose is 92% of total carbohydrate at 2 h post injection); 6 h after treatment, non-glucose carbohydrates appear to participate in the elevation of glycemia.Acknowledgments. We wish to express our gratitude to CSIR, New Delhi for providing financial support to P.S.R., Reprint requests should be addressed to Prof. R. Ramamurthi.     

XY females caused by X-irradiation

Zusammenfassung BeiP. maculatus werdenXY-Embryonen durch Röntgenstrahlenbehandlung (1000 bis 2500 R) physiologisch zu normalen Weibchen umdeterminiert.     

Cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2: Modulation by arterial pressure

Summary Cerebrovascular reactivity to CO₂ (CO₂R), measured in halothane-anesthetized rabbits, decreased as arterial pressure was increased either pharmacologically or mechanically. On the other hand, hypotension, induced by bleeding, led to an increase in CO₂R. These responses were unaffected by denervation of baroreceptors.This work was supported by grants from NIH (HL 17903) and American Heart Association — Greater Los Angeles Affiliate (437IG). To whom requests for reprints should be sent.     

Gastric mucus effusion elicited by oral copper compounds: Potential anti-ulcer activity

Summary In rats, both Cu(I) and Cu(II) show an irritancy profile not shared with Cu^o or Zn(II) or Ni(II). The gastric response to Cu(II), i.e. copius fluid and mucus secretion, can protect the stomach from the acute ulcerative effects of aspirin or physical stress administered subsequently.to whom all enquiries should be addressed, Supported by grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council (Austr.) and University of Tasmania Research Commitee.Acknowledgments: ProfessorsW. R. Walker (Newcastle, Austr.) andL. Field (Nashville, Tenn.) for gifts of Cu(I) and Zn complexes;Dr. J. R. J. Sorenson (Cincinnatti, Ohio) for illuminating discussion; Drs.D. D. Perrin (Canberra) andR. P. Agarwal (Washington D. C.) for providing stability constants and much helpful advice.     

Increased radiation mortality by lead acetate

Summary The mortality of X-irradiated rats and mice was increased if a nontoxic dose of lead acetate was given i.v. 3 and 7 days following radiation. The increase was equivalent to 100 R for X-ray doses between 790 and 540 R.The basic experiments have been carried out 1967/1968 in the Heiligenberg-Institut.We are indebted to Mr Sunil Chaudhuri and Mr Thomas Beck for their technical assistance.