Molecular structure of r(GCG)d(TATACGC): a DNA--RNA hybrid helix joined to double helical DNA

The molecule r(GCG)d(TATACGC) is self-complementary and forms two DNA--RNA hybrid segments surrounding a central region of double helical DNA; its molecular structure has been solved by X-ray analysis. All three parts of the molecule adopt a conformation which is close to that seen in the 11-fold RNA double helix. The conformation of the ribonucleotides is partly determined by water molecules bridging between the ribose O2' hydroxyl group and cytosine O2. The hybrid-DNA duplex junction contains no structural discontinuities. However, the central DNA TATA sequence has some structural irregularities.     

Melatonin antagonizes colchicine-induced mitotic arrest

Summary Melatonin, in concentrations up to 10^–3 M, showed no effect on mitosis in cultures of HeLa or KB cells. However, when melatonin at 10^–4 M was preincubated with HeLa cells prior to addition of 10^–7 M colchicine, a reduction in the mitotic index, in comparison to colchicine alone, was observed.This work was supported by PHS Grant No. CA 16425.     

Effect of cholinesterase inhibitors on differentiation of cultured sympathicoblasts

Summary The 2 cholinesterase inhibitors, eserine and BW 284 C 51, inhibited the nerve fibre growth and differentiation of immature sympathicoblasts at low concentrations. The effect was nerve cell-specific and appeared in the course of the in vitro development, indicating that cholinesterases might play an important role in the early differentiation of sympathicoblasts.     

Pseudotumoral uterine reaction in the rat treated with a benzofuro-benzoxepin

When orally administered, 5-(3-diméthylamino propyliden)-benzofuro [2,3-c] benzoxepin-1, which antagonizes several biogenic amines, is slightly sedative and has also endocrinological properties in the Rat, induces the appearance of localized lesions of uterine stroma in 2 to 16% of the animals. The cytological picture could suggest a tumorogenesis. In fact, these lesions represent a non-tumoral reactional hyperplasia with nuclear abnormalities due to a hormonal stimulation.     

Frequency-domain study of the mechanical response of living striated muscle

Summary Small-amplitude sinusoidal displacements, in the frequency rang 4–100 Hz, were applied to intact whole frog sartorius muscle whilst in a state of tetanus. At low frequencies the muscle, was observed to do oscillatory work, while at higher frequencies it tended towards elastic behaviour. Frequency-response plots obtained were compared with those from other muscle preparations. Results were interpreted in terms of mechano-chemical transduction properties of muscle.The authors wish to thank the Australian Research Grants Commission for provision of the laser, and L. I. Patterson for construction of the mechanical apparatus.     

Retroviral antigens on gs- chf- leukocytes

It has recently been suggested that the endogenous retroviruses present in many different species might be involved during stimulation of the immune system of their hosts. We have now studied the expression of two avian retroviral antigens p27 and gp85 in chicken lymphoid cells by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and by complement-dependent microcytotoxicity (CDM). We have now found that these viral antigens are expressed in peripheral blood leukocytes of adults and embryos and in splenic and bursal lymphocytes of Spafas gs- chf- chickens but they are not expressed in fibroblasts cultured from the feather follicles of the same individual adult birds nor in fibroblasts cultured from embryos of the same flock. The differential expression of viral antigens in leukocytes may be related to a specific property or function of these cells.     

Radiation-released histamine in the rhesus monkey as modified by mast-cell depletion and antihistamine

Summary 4000 rads of mixed gamma neutron radiation administered to rhesus monkeys released a significant amount of histamine into their circulation. When the monkeys were treated with a mast-cell histamine depleter (compound 48/80) for 4 days and then irradiated, no increase in circulating histamine was seen. When 48/80 was given 20 min after irradiation, only a slight increase in histamine was seen, indicating that 4000 rads had released most of the mast-cell histamine.