Regulation of the mevalonate pathway

The mevalonate pathway produces isoprenoids that are vital for diverse cellular functions, ranging from cholesterol synthesis to growth control. Several mechanisms for feedback regulation of low-density-lipoprotein receptors and of two enzymes involved in mevalonate biosynthesis ensure the production of sufficient mevalonate for several end-products. Manipulation of this regulatory system could be useful in treating certain forms of cancer as well as heart disease.     

Comparative ontogenesis of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in rat tissues

Summary In rats, placental gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) specific activity declined linearly during the last third of gestation. In contrast, the kidney enzyme activity progressively increased 15-fold. In the gut, peak activity was reached at mid-lactation (age 12 days). Hepatic GGTP levels were maximal during the foetal stage. Brain GGTP was negligible at birth and attained its highest specific activity at weaning.This work was supported in part by USPHS NIH SO8 RR-09128-03.     

A method for demonstrating acetylcholinesterase and choline acetylase in foetal brain

Résumé Une méthode est décrite qui permet la mesure de l'activité de la choline acétylase dans des régions localisées de sections en congélation de cerveau embryonnaire, activité qui est comparée à celle de l'acétylcholinesterase dans la mÊme région sur des coupes adjacentes. Des résultats obtenus à l'aide de cette méthode sur le cervelet embryonnaire de mouton sont présentés.     

关于人类大脑进化的新观点

2002年4月10～14日,在纽约的布法罗举行了约1200名研究人员参加的美国体质人类学家协会第71届年会。大脑进化是这次会议的最热门话题,内容包括供给脑进化所必需的饮食和采用先进的技术检查进化中大脑形状的改变。