Levamisole inhibits mineral mobilisation, lactate production and lysosomal enzyme release from cultured bones.

Levamisole added to cultured calvarial bones inhibited spontaneous bone resorption, as indicated by reduced release of calcium and inorganic phosphate to the medium. In addition, levamisole reduced lactate production and release of lysosomal enzymes.     

Evidence that superoxide radicals are involved in the hemolytic mechanism of phenylhydrazine

Summary Phenylhydrazine produces in the red blood cell the same effect as the enzymic system xanthine oxidase-xanthine, a superoxide radical generator system. Both effects are inhibited by the enzyme superoxide dismutase.This work was supported in part by grants Nos. 1045 and 3243 of Oficina Técnica de Desarrollo Científico y Creación Artística de la Universidad de Chile.     

Electrophysiological characteristics ofBombyx mori L. ventral nerve cord (effect of sodium and potassium on the membrane potential)

Summary Na⁺ and K⁺ effects on the resting cellular membrane potential of desheathed ganglia of theBombyx mori L. ventral nerve cord have been studied. The cells are depolarized by high concentrations of external potassium ions in the same way as in vertebrates, mollusca and crustacean cells. The possibility that the behaviour of the resting potential is not only influenced by the potassium equilibrium potential, but also by the conductances to other ions, is discussed.The authors are indebted to Prof V. Capraro, Drs B. Giordana and F. Sacchi for helpful comments and criticism.     

RNA polymerase activities in the isolated perfused rat liver

Summary The routine procedure for the isolation of rat liver induces a significant fall in RNA polymerase I and II activities which are rapidly restored to the control levels during perfusion.     

Anticonidiogenic effect of hydroxyurea on Neurospora crassa]

Conidiation induced in a low sugar-ammonium medium (or by other means such as full starvation or heat shock) is almost fully prevented by hydroxyurea. In a parallel manner the DNA/RNA and DNA/protein ratios are prevented from increasing.     

Variation of the inflammatory response of an autologus implant function and viability: mixed and unilateral inflammatory response]

The behaviour of an autologous grafted implant depends upon its viability. In our study, pericardial implants were used as cardiac valves. Results showed that when using fresh live pericardium, an inflammatory response developed destroying it within 8 days. When implants cells were killed without alteration of their antigenicity--in order to prevent rejection--cellular growth and neovascularisation from implantation site occurred leading to a secondary live graft. Controlled killing of the implant seems to be an essential step in order to get live grafts.     

Detection and distribution of "rutinase+, an enzyme hydrolyzin; rutoside]

125 species were investigated for rutinase. A high enzyme activity was found only in a few genera: Fagopyrum, Rhamnus, Berchemia, Sophora, Datisca and Danae. Lower activity was detected in several Lichens (Parmeliaceae) and diverse plants but is lacking in some specimens. In a number of species containing 3- or 7-rutinosides, no enzyme able to hydrolyse the latter seems to be present.     

Synthesis and properties of benzo [d,e]estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17β-diol 17-acetate

Summary A new pentacyclic analogue of estradiol, benzo[d, e]estradiol 17-acetate, has been prepared and investigated for its hormonal and antitumor activity. Unlike related testosterone derivatives, the new compound did not display any interesting property.