The genome sequence and structure of rice chromosome 1

The rice species Oryza sativa is considered to be a model plant because of its small genome size, extensive genetic map, relative ease of transformation and synteny with other cereal crops. Here we report the essentially complete sequence of chromosome 1, the longest chromosome in the rice genome. We summarize characteristics of the chromosome structure and the biological insight gained from the sequence. The analysis of 43.3 megabases (Mb) of non-overlapping sequence reveals 6,756 protein coding genes, of which 3,161 show homology to proteins of Arabidopsis thaliana, another model plant. About 30% (2,073) of the genes have been functionally categorized. Rice chromosome 1 is (G + C)-rich, especially in its coding regions, and is characterized by several gene families that are dispersed or arranged in tandem repeats. Comparison with a draft sequence indicates the importance of a high-quality finished sequence.     

Tissue-specific induction of intestinal glutathione S-transferases by αβ-unsaturated carbonyl compounds

Summary Glutathione S-transferase activity in rat intestinal mucosa was increased by the injection of -unsaturated carbonyl compounds such as phorone and diethylmaleate, but that in the liver and kidney was not. Since the administration of cycloheximide completely blocked the increase of the enzyme activity by phorone, the increase of the activity may be due to de novo synthesis rather than enzyme activation.     

Protective effect of selenite on nitrite toxicity

Summary Selenite was found to decrease nitrite-induced mortality in a dose-dependent manner. Its effect seems to be due to its action in reducing methemoglobin formed by nitrite.     

Stimulation of methemoglobin reduction by selenium: A comparative study with erythrocytes of various animals

Summary The extent of stimulation of methemoglobin (metHb) reduction by selenite depends upon the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) in the erythrocytes. The reason for the species difference in the effect of selenite was discussed with respect to species differences in the GSH levels in erythrocytes.     

Acceleration of methemoglobin reduction in erythrocytes by selenium

Summary Selenium accelerated the reduction of methemoglobin in erythrocytes. Its mode of action is suggested as a catalysis of the methemoglobin reduction by glutathione.     

Impaired metabolism of arachidonate in selenium deficient animals

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences - Arachidonate-induced respiratory distress in mice was aggravated in a selenium deficient group as compared with a selenium supplemented one. The aggravation...     

Anti-arthritic activity of bredinin,an immunosuppressive agent

Summary Bredinin has been found to have an inhibitory effect upon the secondary lesions occurring from adjuvant injection in rats.Acknowledgment. We thank Mr Clark Briggs for correction of the print.     

Stimulation of methemoglobin reduction by selenium: a comparative study with erythrocytes of various animals

The extent of stimulation of methemoglobin (metHb) reduction by selenite depends upon the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) in the erythrocytes. The reason for the species difference in the effect of selenite was discussed with respect to species differences in the GSH levels in erythrocytes.     

Protective effect of selenite on nitrite toxicity.

Selenite was found to decrease nitrite-induced mortality in a dose-dependent manner. Its effect seems to be due to its action in reducing methemoglobin formed by nitrite.