Myocardial dystrophin immunolocalization at sarcolemma and transverse tubules.

Using monoclonal antibodies against two different regions of the helical rod part of dystrophin, we have localized dystrophin on both plasma membrane and transverse tubules in cardiac muscle of man and several animal species. The staining persisted after experimental ischaemia, and was observed in long-standing heart disease. No immunostaining was seen at the intercalated discs. In skeletal muscle the same two antibodies stained only the plasma membrane.     

Renin in mouse but not in rat submandibular glands

Summary Renin was found in the submandibular glands of male Quackenbush mice in concentrations higher than has been reported for any tissue of any strain or species. However, no renin-like activity could be detected in glands from male and female Wistar rats using either pH 5.8 or 7.4 for assay and a radioimmunoassay specific for renin's reaction product, angiotensin I. Rabbit submandibular glands contained renin.We wish to express our sincere thanks to Dr E. Hackenthal for his suggestions. This study was supported by the National Heath and Medical Research Council of Australia.     

Convergent evidence for impaired AKT1-GSK3beta signaling in schizophrenia

AKT-GSK3beta signaling is a target of lithium and as such has been implicated in the pathogenesis of mood disorders. Here, we provide evidence that this signaling pathway also has a role in schizophrenia. Specifically, we present convergent evidence for a decrease in AKT1 protein levels and levels of phosphorylation of GSK3beta at Ser9 in the peripheral lymphocytes and brains of individuals with schizophrenia; a significant association between schizophrenia and an AKT1 haplotype associated with lower AKT1 protein levels; and a greater sensitivity to the sensorimotor gating-disruptive effect of amphetamine, conferred by AKT1 deficiency. Our findings support the proposal that alterations in AKT1-GSK3beta signaling contribute to schizophrenia pathogenesis and identify AKT1 as a potential schizophrenia susceptibility gene. Consistent with this proposal, we also show that haloperidol induces a stepwise increase in regulatory phosphorylation of AKT1 in the brains of treated mice that could compensate for an impaired function of this signaling pathway in schizophrenia.     

Glutamine synthetase,an enzyme characteristic of vertebrate systems in invertebrate tissues

Zusammenfassung Nachweis eines Invertebraten-Enzyms, das bei Vertebraten insbesondere im Nervengewebe eine wichtige Rolle spielt. Diese Glutamin-Synthetase wurde vor allem im optischen Ganglion in der Retina und im Gehirn zweier Tintenfischarten gefunden und überdies in sehr geringer Menge bei Crustaceen und Echinodermen.

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We wish to acknowledge the support of NSF Grant No. GE-19211 to J.E.M. during this study.     

Some aspects of novobiocin action onEscherichia coli andStaphylococcus aureus

Résumé La novobiocine a rendu impossible la croissance des organismesEscherichia coli etStaphylococcus aureus, mais n'a pas produit de lyse. Le taux de mortalité de ces 2 organismes a été lent. La novobiocine n'agit guère sur les bactéries en suspension dans l'eau. Nous en concluons que dans ces 2 organismes la novobiocine empèche la synthèse macromoléculaire.