Regulation of non-muscle myosin assembly by calmodulin-dependent light chain kinase

The presence of actin and myosin in non-muscle cells suggests that they may be involved in a wide range of cellular contractile activities. The generally accepted view is that interaction between actin and myosin in these cells and in vertebrate smooth muscle, is regulated by the level of phosphorylation of the 20,000-molecular weight (MW) light chain. In the absence of calcium, this light chain is not phosphorylated and the myosin cannot interact with actin. Calcium activates a specific calmodulin-dependent kinase which phosphorylates the light chain, initiating actin-myosin interaction. Although most studies on the role of phosphorylation have concentration on the regulation of actin-activated myosin Mg-ATPase activity, phosphorylation of the light chain also seems to control the assembly of smooth muscle myosin into filaments. Using purified smooth muscle light chain kinase, we have confirmed this observation. We report here studies of myosins isolated from the two non-muscle sources, thymus cells and platelets. We observed that these myosins are assembled into filaments at physiological ionic strength and Mg-ATP concentrations, only when the 20,000-MW light chain is phosphorylated.     

Characterization of the domestic horse (Equus caballus) karyotype using G-and C-banding techniques

Summary Giemsa banding techniques have been used to identify the chromosomes of the domestic horse.     

Dialyzable serum factors alter cellular immunity in pregnancy

Summary Lymphocyte responsiveness was found to be decreased in pregnant and increased in habitually aborting women. This is attributed to a dialyzable serum factor(s), that can be removed from the surface of lymphocytes by repeated washing.     

Effect of biogenic amines on γ-amylase (acid α-glucosidase)

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Glycopeptides from normal and ulcered gastric mucosae of pig

Zusammenfassung Die Zusammensetzung der aus normalen und ulzerösen Magenschleimhäuten von Zwergschweinen isolierten Glykopeptide ergibt 50% Sulfat-Ionen weniger als aus denjenigen gesunder Magenschleimhäute.

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This work was supported by the grant No. 70.00079/03 115.1927 from Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (C.N.R.), Italy.     

On theβ-adrenergic receptors in salivary glands of rat and dogs

Zusammenfassung Nachweis an Ratten und Hunden, dass Salbutamol, ähnlich wie Noradrenalin, nur in höherer Dosierung, die Speichelsekretion der Submaxillaris, nicht aber die der Parotis erhöhen kann. Diese Wirkung kann durch Propanolol aufgehoben werden, was zeigt, dass sich in der Submaxillaris offenbar ₁-Rezeptoren befinden.