Physiological state of submitochondrial particles and their susceptibility to Triton X-100

Summary The solubilizing effect of Triton X-100 on beef heart submitochondrial particles (ETP_H) has been studied under various physiological conditions. Coupled, uncoupled and azide-inhibited ETP_H particles have been studied. Quantitative and qualitative differences are found in the proteins solubilized by the detergent from ETP_H particles under the various conditions tested.Acknowledgments: This work was supported in part by a grant from a Spanish Comisión Asesora para la Investigación Cientifica y Técnica. M.C. Barbero was recipient of a scholarship from the Basque Government.     

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone does not inhibit lysine vasopressin-induced growth hormone secretion in normal men

Summary In order to establish whether thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) inhibits lysine-vasopressin (LVP)-induced growth hormone (GH) release, six normal men were tested with LVP alone or in combination with TRH. LVP strikingly increased serum GH levels; this response was not altered by TRH. These results indicated that in man TRH is not involved in the control of GH secretion in response to LVP.     

Serum-induced stimulation of snRNA synthesis in mouse 3T3 fibroblasts

Summary Small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) from quiescent and serum-stimulated 3T3 cultures, labeled with [³H]uridine ([³H]U), were electrophoresed in polyacrylamide-urea slab gels and revealed by staining with ethidium bromide and by fluorography, Judged by labeling with [³H]U, synthesis of 7S and U1-U6 RNAs was very low or absent in quiescent cultures. The serum-induced transition of 3T3 cells from a resting to a growing state was accompanied by an early, apparently sequential stimulation of snRNA synthesis; stimulated synthesis of 7S, U1, U2, U3, U4 and U6 RNAs coincided in time with serum-induced stimulation of 45S pre-ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) and heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA) synthesis.     

Immunocytochemical localization of GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone) systems in the brain of a marine teleost fish,the sole

Summary The GnRH system was studied in the brain of the sole by immunocytochemistry (peroxidase-antiperoxidase method) (PAP) using antibodies to synthetic salmon GnRH (s-GnRH). Two centers containing immunoreactive cell bodies were observed in the forebrain, one located at the junction between the olfactory bulbs and the telencephalon and the other in the preoptic area. Numerous immunoreactive fibers were found, especially in the telencephalon, hypothalamus, pituitary, optic tectum and retina.     

Dendritic reticulum cells in AIDS-related lymphadenopathy

Summary One of two cases of acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related persistent generalized lymphadenopathy revealed a profoundly altered pattern of dendritic reticulum cells as demonstrated by immunoreactive acid cysteine proteinase inhibitor. The alterations could be related to totally or partially destructed lymphoid secondary follicles.Acknowledgments. This work has been partially supported by the grant from the Sigrid Juselius Foundation, Finland.     

Regional distribution of thiamin pyrophosphokinase in rat brain

Summary The highest specific activity of thiamin pyrophosphokinase was found in the cerebellum, and lower activity in cerebral cortex and midbrain. The regional difference in the enzyme activity was similar to that in thiamin content and the influx rate in rat brain, suggesting that the enzyme is involved in the thiamin transport.     

Isoprenaline-like effects of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine on mechanical, biochemical and electrophysiological parameters in the mammalian heart

The phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) mimicked the effects of isoprenaline on the force of contraction, the cAMP content and the slow Ca++ inward current (Isi) in isolated guinea pig papillary muscles. The results support the hypothesis that phosphodiesterase inhibitors and beta-adrenoceptor agonists exert their positive inotropic effects by increasing Isi via the common mediator cAMP.     

Enhanced expression of Epstein-Barr virus early antigens by antitubulin agents in a latently infected human lymphoblastoid cell line

28 anticancer agents have been surveyed for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) activating potency. Two vinca alkaloids with antitubulin activity, vinblastine (VLB) and vincristine (VCR), enhanced the expression of EBV early antigens (EA) in a latently infected human lymphoblastoid cell line (Raji), when used in combination with n-butyrate. Other antitubulin agents, colchicine, colcemid, and podophyllotoxin, had the same effect, although their effects were less than that of the potent tumor promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA).