Mite parasitism of moths: Examples of paleosymbiosis in Dominican amber

Summary Two adult moths (families Gracillariidae and Tineidae) in Dominican amber each contained a pair of larval parasitic mites attached to their bodies. The larval mites were identified as belonging to the family Erythraeidae and represent the first fossil evidence of moths parasitized by mites. Phylogenic and evolutionary implications of this find are discussed in light of similar extant associations.     

Stimulation of sodium transport by antidiuretic hormone in bullfrog intestine.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) increased the potential difference (PD) and shortcircuit current (SCC) across the small intestine of the bullfrog. This effect was independent of those produced by amiloride or high calcium but was masked by a theophylline-induced effect. Net active sodium (Na+) absorption accounted for the observed electrical changes.     

Defensive alkaloid in blood of Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis)

The blood of the Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis) contains a homotropane alkaloid, euphococcinine (1). The beetles 'reflex bleed' when disturbed, thereby deploying the alkaloid, which is provenly deterrent to spiders and ants. Newly emerged adults lack the alkaloid, but the compound builds up to deterrent levels in their blood within days. Eggs and larvae of Epilachna are devoid of the compound.     

Relations phénétiques entre les familles d'Hamamelididae

Summary The phenetic relationships between the families of the Hamamelididae subclass were studied by using the following multifactorial analytical methods: principal components analysis (PCA) and reciprocal averaging (RA). The results obtained agree appreciably with Takhtajan's classification system.

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Remerciements. Nous remercions Mlle Sylvie Laliberté, Institut botanique de l'Université de Montréal, pour sa révision du manuscrit; M. Michel Labrecque, Institut botanique de l'Université de Montréal, pour avoir dessiné les figures; de même que M. André Bouchard, Jardin Botanique de Montréal et Institut botanique de l'Université de Montréal, de nous avoir permis d'utiliser les programmes dont il se sert pour ses travaux d'écologie.     

Acute effects of tolamolol on renal function in hypertensive patients.

The renal heamodynamic effects of a single i.v. administration of tolamolol were studied in 9 hypertensive subjects. No change of GFR and ERPF was observed after tolamolol, while urine output decreased and urine creatinine concentration increased. A reduction of the heart rate was confirmed. Blood pressure was unchanged.