Role of the anomeric centre in sugar sweetness

Intensity-time studies of the sweetness of D-glucose solutions show that there are no major differences between alpha- and beta-anomers. Nor do the alpha- and beta-anomers exhibit any differences in apparent molar volumes. Contrary to previous reports, the anomeric centre of D-fructose may play no direct role in the sweetness response.     

Transglutaminase induction by various cell death and apoptosis pathways

Clarification of the molecular details of forms of natural cell death, including apoptosis, has become one of the most challenging issues of contemporary biomedical sciences. One of the effector elements of various cell death pathways is the covalent cross-linking of cellular proteins by transglutaminases. This review will discuss the accumulating data related to the induction and regulation of these enzymes, particularly of tissue type transglutaminase, in the molecular program of cell death. A wide range of signalling pathways can lead to the parallel induction of apoptosis and transglutaminase, providing a handle for better understanding the exact molecular interactions responsible for the mechanism of regulated cell death.     

Leydig cell function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Summary Streptozotocin diabetic rats were infertile as a result of decreased Leydig cell function of the testes. The major changes found were: decreased number of Leydig cells and their spontaneous secretion of testosterone. No change in the receptors to LH on the Leydig cells was observed. LH was found to be obligatory for the regulation of Leydig cell function and fertility.     

UV-induced increase in number of periventricular ‘Gomori-positive’ glial cells in brains of mice

Zusammenfassung Im vorderen Teil des 3. Ventrikels wurden periventrikuläre «Gomori-positive» Glizellen bei normalen und UV-bestrahlten weissen Mäusen gezählt und eine statistisch signifikante Erhöhung der Zellen nach 14, 21 und 28 Tagen täglicher UV-Bestrahlung festgestellt.     

Yolk protein differences between species ofDrosophila

Summary 1–3 major proteins considered as vitellins or yolk proteins are detected in mature eggs from differentDrosophila species by gel electrophoresis on gradient slab gels. Qualitative and quantiative differences are found even between closely related species. In heteroplastic transplantations, no correlation was found between the similarity or dissimilarity of the protein pattern on the one hand, and success of failure of egg development and vitellogenesis on the other hand.We thank Mr B. Barandun for excellent technical assistance. This investigation was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation, grant No. 3.792.76.     

Hybridization studies in the further characterization of erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase

Zusammenfassung Die Hybridisierung von Ratten- und Rinder-Glukose-6-Phosphat Dehydrogenase ergibt 2 Hybride, was darauf hindeutet, dass das Enzym in beiden Gattungen ein Polymer von verschiedenen Aminosäureketten ist.