Novel mechanism of voltage-dependent gating in L-type calcium channels

Activation of voltage-dependent calcium channels by membrane depolarization triggers a variety of key cellular responses, such as contraction in heart and smooth muscle and exocytotic secretion in endocrine and nerve cells. Modulation of calcium channel gating is believed to be the mechanism by which several neurotransmitters, hormones and therapeutic agents mediate their effects on cell function. Here we describe a novel type of voltage-dependent equilibrium between different gating patterns of dihydropyridine-sensitive (L-type) cardiac Ca2+ channels. Strong depolarizations drive the channel from its normal gating pattern into a mode of gating characterized by long openings and high open probability. The rate constants for conversions between gating modes, estimated from single channel recordings, are much slower than normal channel opening and closing rates, but the equilibrium between modes is almost as steeply voltage-dependent as channel activation and deactivation at more negative potentials. This new mechanism of voltage-dependent gating can explain previous reports of activity-dependent Ca2+ channel potentiation in cardiac and other cells and forms a potent mechanism by which Ca2+ uptake into cells could be regulated.     

Transfilter associations of nonleguminous plants with rhizobia: Channelling of N2 fixed by rhizobia into the nitrogen-metabolism ofPortulaca grandiflora callus tissues

Summary In transfilter associations ofPortulaca grandiflora callus tissues withRhizobium sp. cowpea 32H1 the nitrogenium fixed by the bacteria was channelled into the normal pathway of nitrogen metabolism of higher plants. In associations kept in an¹⁵N₂ containing atmosphere 10% of the¹⁵N taken up into the plant cells was incorporated intoPortulaca proteins. The results demonstrate that cells of nonleguminous plants are profiting from the quasi-symbiotic situation.     

Immunofluorescent localization of β-Corticotropin in the rat pituitary

Zusammenfassung Unter Verwendung eines spezifischen Anti-^1–24-Corticotropin-Serums vom Kaninchen wurde -Corticotropin immunhistologisch in der Rattenhypophyse nachgewiesen. Neben den Epithelien der Pars intermedia konnte kortikotropes Hormon in einem besonderen, mukoiden Zelltypus der Adenohypophyse lokalisiert werden.     

Prenatal development in the rat following administration of cyclamate,saccharin and sucrose

Zusammenfassung Studien über die Keimentwicklung bei der Ratte nach hoher Dosierung mit Na-Cyclamat, Na-Saccharin oder Saccharose während der organogenetischen Phase ergaben keine embryotoxischen oder teratogenen Effekte.     

Untersuchungen zur Klärung der Funktion des Reissnerschen Fadens. In-vitro-Bindung von Noradrenalin,Adrenalin und Serotonin

Summary The glycoprotein of Reissner's fibre is able to bind norepinephrine, epinephrine and serotonin. Bound amines can be demonstrated at the RF, even after washing with artificial cerebrospinal fluid for some, hours. It is discussed whether it is a function of the RF to remove substances, for instance biogenic amines, from the cerebrospinal fluid.