An improved method for estimating the activity of a mouse with the photoswitch

A new method for estimating the activity of a mouse by means of the photoswitch is contrived. This device can follow the activity with high fidelity and notable sensitivity, as compared with the conventional method.     

A rapid method for measuring the phospholipid synthetic activity of incubated lymphocytes

Summary A rapid and simple method for estimating the phospholipid synthetic activity of incubated lymphocytes by a Florisil column technique following the uptake of¹⁴C-oleic acid was established. Stimulation of phospholipid synthesis by PHA and inhibitions caused by Tween 20 or Tween 80 and heating were evaluated easily with this method.     

Superoxide dismutase activity in the Spanish population

Superoxide dismutase is an enzyme that catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide radicals to hydrogen peroxide and molecular oxygen. This superoxide radical is produced by all aerobic cells as a normal metabolic intermediate of molecular oxygen, and is dangerous for the cell because it induces the inactivation of various enzymes, lipid peroxidation and mutations. Superoxide dismutase can therefore be considered as a protective enzyme. The purpose of this work was to determine the level of superoxide dismutase activity in the Spanish population, and to study the factors that influence this activity. The superoxide dismutase activity of 2397 individuals was determined using the method described by Minami and Yoshikawa. The superoxide dismutase activity level in the adult Spanish population was found to be 4.16 +/- 0.89 Units/ml of blood. No significant variations with respect to sex were detected. But it was observed that the superoxide dismutase activity level was 9% higher in the young urban Spanish population.     

Superoxide dismutase activity in the Spanish population

Summary Superoxide dismutase is an enzyme that catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide radicals to hydrogen peroxide and molecular oxygen. This superoxide radical is produced by all aerobic cells as a normal metabolic intermediate of molecular oxygen, and is dangerous for the cell because it induces the inactivation of various enzymes, lipid peroxidation and mutations. Superoxide dismutase can therefore be considered as a protective enzyme. The purpose of this work was to determine the level of superoxide dismutase activity in the Spanish population, and to study the factors that influence this activity. The superoxide dismutase activity of 2397 individuals was determined using the method described by Minami and Yoshikawa. The superoxide dismutase activity level in the adult Spanish population was found to be 4.16±0.89 Units/ml of blood. No significant variations with respect to sex were detected. But it was observed that the superoxide dismutase activity level was 9% higher in the young urban Spanish population.     

A method for automatic recording of serum lysozyme activity with the fragiligraph.

A quick and simple method for the estimation of lysozyme activity using the Fragiligraph, was described. Diminution of turbidity in a suspension of Micrococcus lysodeikticus produced by the addition of standard lysozyme (hen egg white) or serum sample, was continuously recorded for 5 min by the Fragiligraph. The normal mean serum lysozyme activity value obtained by this method is 6,80 mug/ml +/- 1.85.     

Immunological studies on the key enzyme of arginine biosynthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

A method to manufacture specific antisera with a minute amount of prue enzyme is presented. The influence of antibodies on activity and inhibition of an allosterically regulated enzyme was studied.     

Changes in the level of ACTH in the fetal hypophysis. A study in the rat toward the end of gestation]

The isolated adrenal cell method for bioassay of ACTH was employed in order to determine the ACTH content of the hypophysis of the rat foetus, in late pregnancy. The ACTH concentration decreases between 17 days 8 h and 17 days 15 h, then it increases regularly until the term. This evolution is correlated with the change in the fluorescence intensity of the corticotrophs and with the modification of the adrenocortical activity.     

Comparative study of the 3 beta-hydroxy-delta 5-steroid dehydrogenase activity of the mitochondrial and microsomal fractions of human and cat placentas

Delta 5, 3 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was studied on mitochondrial and microsomal fractions of human and cat placentas. This activity was assessed by measuring the rate of [3H] progesterone formation from [3H] pregnenolone and of [3H] delta 4-androstenedione from [3H] dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA), by a double isotope dilution method. Specific activities measured under initial velocity conditions were similar in both human and cat placentas. However, the kinetics of the reaction with DHA as substrate exhibit a zoological specificity.     

Adenyl cyclase activity of the cell membrane throughout the cell cycle: ultrastructural study of the cell line BHK 21/C 13]

Adenylate cyclase activity in the surface membrane of baby Hamster kidney (BHK 21/C13) cells is ultrastructurally studied as a function of the cell cycle. Cells are synchronized by a physical method suited to structural and functional investigations. The activity is highest through G1, decreases in S, markedly drops as cells traverse G2 and is very low or often seems not present at all in M.     

三种方法测定碱性磷酸酶对肝疾病的诊断价值

目的研究血清碱性磷酸酶检测临床肝疾病时的方法学,提高临床诊断价值。方法收集临床不同肝疾病病人的血清,分别用3种方法测定其碱性磷酸酶的活性,并与健康对照组比较作诊断性能分析。结果各肝疾病组血清碱性磷酸酶的活性与对照组相比有极显著差异（P〈0．001）;3种方法分别测定各组之闻的血清碱性磷酸酶活性无显著性差异（P〉0．05）。2．乙基氨基乙醇、2-氨基-2-甲基-1-丙醇、二乙醇胺3种缓冲液测定试剂盒方法测定的灵敏度分别为55．20％、47．96％、51．13％,特异度分别为100％、100％、93．75％。结论血清碱性磷酸酶可以作为各类肝病的临床诊断指标;对肝疾病血清碱性磷酸酶测定用2,乙基氨基乙醇缓冲液的试剂方法测定效果较好。     

Comparison of retinal pigment epithelium cell preparations from the bovine eye

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells were collected from bovine eyes using a new method. The cells were harvested by vortexing the RPE and underlying choroid in 0.05 M citrate phosphate buffer, pH 5. RPE cells recovered by this method were compared to a standard method by microscopic examination of cell integrity, estimation of total protein, and assay of 11-cis and all-trans retinyl ester hydrolase (REH) activities. Results suggest that this method collects RPE cells of good integrity and with a significantly higher protein yield than the conventional method. Additionally, a much higher retinyl ester hydrolase activity was noted. Therefore we propose that this procedure offers a new and convenient method in the collection of RPE proteins for certain purposes such as enzyme purification.     

Effects of precocene II and juvenile hormone III on the activity of neurosecretory A-cells inOncopeltus fasciatus

Summary Application of precocene II, topically or by contact method, appears to inhibit the synthetic activity of neurosecretory A-cells of the pars intercerebralis ofOncopeltus fasciatus. Treatment of precocene-treated insects with JH III apparently stimulates the secretory activity of these cells.Supported by National Research Council of Canada grant No. A4669.We thank Dr G. B. Staal, Zoecon Corporation, Palo Alto, California, for the gift of precocene II.     

Monoamine oxidase activity of the brain of Locusta migratoria in normal conditions and after intoxication by two insecticides: chlordimeform and dieldrin]

Our investigations have shown up an MAO activity in locust brain, by the use of a radio-isotopic method, as much at larval as at adult stage. This MAO activity is in a sample of 34,3 dpm/mg of brain tissue (wet weight). Investigations have also been undertaken on effects of dieldrin and chlordimeform poisoning on this MAO activity. Even at sublethal dosages, chlordimeform causes a significant inhibition of MAO activity in vivo. This finding is in accordance with Beeman and Matsumura's work in vitro. Moreover, acute poisoning by dieldrin produces more than 60% of inhibition of MAO, 3 hours after administration of 115 microng of this insecticide by injection in the hoemocelian cavity.     

Comparison of retinal pigment epithelium cell preparations from the bovine eye

Summary Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells were collected from, bovine eyes using a new method. The cells were harvested by vortexing the RPE and underlying choroid in 0.05 M citrate phosphate buffer, pH 5. RPE cells recovered by this method were compared to a standard method by microscopic examination of cell integrity, estimation of total protein, and assay of 11-cis and all-trans retinyl ester hydrolase (REH) activities. Results suggest that this method collects RPE cells of good integrity and with a significantly higher protein yield than the conventional method. Additionally, a much higher retinyl ester hydrolase activity was noted. Therefore we propose that this procedure offers a new and convenient method in the collection of RPE proteins for certain purposes such as enzyme purification.     

Immunological studies on the key enzyme of arginine biosynthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Summary A method to manufacture specific antisera with a minute amount of pure enzyme is presented. The influence of antibodies on activity and inhibition of an allosterically regulated enzyme was studied.Acknowledgments. I wish to thank Prof. Th. Leisinger for helpful discussions. The skilful technical assistance of Miss Ursula Bodmer is acknowledged.     

A method for automatic recording of serum lysozyme activity with the fragiligraph

Summary A quick and simple method for the estimation of lysozyme activity using the Fragiligraph, was described. Diminution of turbidity in a suspension ofMicrococcus lysodeikticus produced by the addition of standard lysozyme (hen egg white) or serum sample, was continuously recorded for 5 min by the Fragiligraph. The normal mean serum lysozyme activity value obtained by this method is 6,80 g/ml±1.85.We gratefully acknowledge the excellent technical assistence of MissM. Touma.     

Ultrastructural localization of 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in the glandular tissue cells of the testis of Pleurodeles waltlii Michach. (Amphibia, Urodela)]

With the potassium ferricyanide method, the localization of the sites of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity has been investigated in the glandular tissue cells, previously fixed, of the Pleurodeles testis. An abundant copper ferrocyanide precipitate, the final reaction product, is observed in the vicinity of the external faces of the membranes of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, or in contact with them. A very weak reaction occurs in mitochondrial cristae.     

A preparation for the study of muscle metabolism during rest and activity.

A method for the investigation of metabolism in the isolated rat extensor digitorum longus muscle has been described. This muscle was shown to be suitable for investigations of skeletal muscle metabolism during rest and activity.     

A method for the determination of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase in sperm plasma from boars and bulls.

A method is described for the determination of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) activity in sperm plasma from boars and bulls as a test for fertilizing ability.