Electrophysiological characteristics ofBombyx mori L. ventral nerve cord (effect of sodium and potassium on the membrane potential)

Summary Na⁺ and K⁺ effects on the resting cellular membrane potential of desheathed ganglia of theBombyx mori L. ventral nerve cord have been studied. The cells are depolarized by high concentrations of external potassium ions in the same way as in vertebrates, mollusca and crustacean cells. The possibility that the behaviour of the resting potential is not only influenced by the potassium equilibrium potential, but also by the conductances to other ions, is discussed.The authors are indebted to Prof V. Capraro, Drs B. Giordana and F. Sacchi for helpful comments and criticism.     

RNA polymerase activities in the isolated perfused rat liver

Summary The routine procedure for the isolation of rat liver induces a significant fall in RNA polymerase I and II activities which are rapidly restored to the control levels during perfusion.     

Anticonidiogenic effect of hydroxyurea on Neurospora crassa]

Conidiation induced in a low sugar-ammonium medium (or by other means such as full starvation or heat shock) is almost fully prevented by hydroxyurea. In a parallel manner the DNA/RNA and DNA/protein ratios are prevented from increasing.     

Variation of the inflammatory response of an autologus implant function and viability: mixed and unilateral inflammatory response]

The behaviour of an autologous grafted implant depends upon its viability. In our study, pericardial implants were used as cardiac valves. Results showed that when using fresh live pericardium, an inflammatory response developed destroying it within 8 days. When implants cells were killed without alteration of their antigenicity--in order to prevent rejection--cellular growth and neovascularisation from implantation site occurred leading to a secondary live graft. Controlled killing of the implant seems to be an essential step in order to get live grafts.     

Synthesis and properties of benzo [d,e]estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17β-diol 17-acetate

Summary A new pentacyclic analogue of estradiol, benzo[d, e]estradiol 17-acetate, has been prepared and investigated for its hormonal and antitumor activity. Unlike related testosterone derivatives, the new compound did not display any interesting property.     

Riboflavin in the blood serum,the skin and the venom of some snakes of Burma

Zusammenfassung Es wurden sowohl giftige als auch ungiftige Schlangen aus Burma auf den Gehalt an Flavinen in Blut und Haut untersucht.     

The importance of autoplastically transplanted pituitaries for survival and for regeneration of adultTriturus

Résumé Une hypophyse greffée autoplastiquement dans la chambre antérieure de l'il, dans lemanus ou dans letarsus s'est avérée capable de remplacer l'hypophysein situ dans son action sur la régénération et la survie chez le Triton, à condition que s'établisse une vascularisation satisfaisante du greffon et que la durée de l'expérience ne dépasse pas plusieurs mois.     

Resistance of cold-exposed rats to aflatoxin

Summary Male rats kept at a temperature of 4°–5°C were refractory to a lethal dose of aflatoxin compared to animals at 20°–21°C which exhibited a high mortality and marked liver damage. It is suggested that this decreased susceptibility is mediated through a stimulated microsomal drug-metabolizing system in cold environment.