Evidence for two distinct c-src loci on human chromosomes 1 and 20

A number of proto-oncogenes have recently been localized to the chromosomal segments that are the breakpoints in the specific rearrangements noted in human malignant diseases. Moreover, rearranged forms of several proto-oncogenes have been identified in malignant cells; in several instances, the proto-oncogene has undergone an alteration as a result of a nonrandom chromosomal rearrangement. One proto-oncogene that has yet to be associated with human neoplastic disease is c-src, the cellular homologue of the transforming sequence of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV). By somatic cell hybridization, c-src has been mapped to chromosome 20, but its precise location was not determined. We have now mapped this gene by using in situ hybridization of the cloned human c-src probe to human mitotic chromosomes. We report here that the human genome contains two loci with strong homology to the coding regions of this oncogene, at 1p34-p36 and 20q12-q13. It is noteworthy that these chromosomal regions are frequently involved in the structural rearrangements observed in haematological malignant diseases.     

Composition and novel pattern of emission of defensive scent oils in the larva of the contton seed bugOxycarenus hyalinipennis (Costa) (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae)

Summary differences in composition and pattern of eiission in the scent oils from the two abdominal scent glands in the larva ofOxycarenus hyalinipennis are reported. The scent oils contain hex-2-enal, oct-2-enal, dec-2-enal and 4-oxo-oct-2-enal.We thank D. E. Games for access to mass spectral facilities, M. Rossiter for recording the mass spectra, the Bayero University Higher Degrees Committee for providing funds to T. O. Olagbemiro and PPF International for supply of sample materials.     

Impaired amylase release from the parotid gland of rats treated with reserpine

Summary Using an automated system for the analysis of amylase, the release of this enzyme was compared in superfused parotid gland segments from control and reserpine treated rats. Stimulant-evoked amylase release was delayed and of smaller magnitude in the glands of the treated animals and a reduction of the transmembrane K⁺ gradient caused a smaller and short lasting reduction in Ach-evoked release of amylase in the glands from these animals.This work was supported by grants from the Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust (U.K.), Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (USA) and University of Missouri.     

Antiviral activity of glycyrrhizic acid

Summary Glycyrrhizic acid inhibits the growth of several DNA and RNA viruses in cell cultures and inactivates Herpes simplex 1 virus irreversibly.This work has been supported by a grant of Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (progetto finalizzato Virus) Rome.     

Linkage of an X-chromosome cleft palate gene

Many congenital malformations, such as cleft palate and neural tube defects, have a multifactorial origin involving both environmental and genetic factors. Conditions such as these may be exclusively monogenic, polygenic or environmental, but in most cases both genetic and environmental factors are involved. This study describes the sub-chromosomal localization of a single gene defect causing cleft palate and ankyloglossia (tongue-tied) in a large Icelandic family. This defect is a model for the analysis of other neural-crest malformations that show a more complex multifactorial inheritance pattern.     

New evidence of a 38-chromosomes karyotype in South American populations of the roof rat,Rattus Rattus L. (rodentia,muridae)

Resumen En dos poblaciones deRattus rattus, una de Mehuin (Valdivia, Chile) y otra de Capripe (Monagas, Venezuela), se encontró un cariotipo de 2n=38 cromosomas en todos los individuos estudiados. Este cariotipo corresponde al que presentan en forma monomórfica otras poblaciones de la rata negra de América del Sur y de Italia, y diffiere del cariotipo normal de la especie, que es de 42 cromosomas. Se postula que las distintas poblaciones sudamericans deRattus rattus deben haber invadido el Continente, acompañando al hombre, en distintas irrupciones, a partir de una forma de 38 cromosomas de origen mediterráneo.     

Two-dimensional electrophoresis of rat serum esterases in cellulose acetate and acrylamide gradient gel

Zusammenfassung Isoenzyme von Serumesterasen wurden zuerst mit Zelluloseazetat und dann mit einem Gradientgel von Polyakrylamid mit zweidimensionaler Elektrophorese bei der Ratte untersucht. Ein neues Band, das eine starke Albuminesteraseaktivität aufweist und unempfindlich gegen 10^–3 M Physostigmin ist, wurde somit gefunden. Von 17 Esterasebändern waren 7 empfindlich auf Physostigmin, und 3 wurden auch durch Iso-OMPA gehemmt, während 284-C-51 gar keinen Effekt zeigte.

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Supported by a grant from the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation, Finland.     

Hemodynamic studies in acute venous stasis edema in rats

Summary An increase in venous pressure in the rat tail is known to result in acute edema. Acute venous stasis edema of the rat tail was induced by applying a force-controlled banding of standard tension (200 g) proximally for a period of 6–12 h. The hemodynamic changes of acute venous stasis edema were evaluated using non-invasive plethysmography, fluorescence angiography, computer thermography and invasive radioactive microsphere techniques. It is shown here that reduction of tail circulation to 40% of the control value is followed by prolonged vascular disorder characterized by genesis of reversible edema, increased total blood flow to the tail and decreased local cutaneous blood flow, without affecting the general hemodynamics. The cutaneous circulation (decreased blood flow) seems to be principally involved in the edemogenic response, whereas the deeper vessels (hyperemia) may or may not play a determinant role in acute experimental venous stasis edema in rats.Acknowledgment. The authors thank Mr G. Ponard for his technical assistance.