The role of endosomal-recycling in long-term potentiation

Long-term potentiation (LTP) defines persistent increases in neurotransmission strength at synapses that are triggered by specific patterns of neuronal activity. LTP, the most widely accepted molecular model for learning, is best characterised at glutamatergic synapses on dendritic spines. In this context, LTP involves increases in dendritic spine size and the insertion of glutamate receptors into the post-synaptic spine membrane, which together boost post-synaptic responsiveness to neurotransmitters. In dendrites, the material required for LTP is sourced from an organelle termed the endosomal-recycling compartment (ERC), which is localised to the base of dendritic spines. When LTP is induced, material derived from the recycling compartment, which contains α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs), is mobilised into dendritic spines feeding the increased need for receptors and membrane at the spine neck and head. In this review, we discuss the importance of endosomal-recycling and the role of key proteins which control these processes in the context of LTP.     

Paspalum distichum L. var. indutum Shinners (Poaceae)

Glabrous Paspalum distichum, pubescent var. indutum, and pubescent plants of P. distichum from the western United States were compared. No morphological differences other than pubescence exist between the three forms. Plants from the eastern United States are generally more glabrous than those from western regions. The var. indutum represents an extreme pubescent form and is reduced to synonymy under P. distichum.     

Amino acid excretion patterns in the offspring of a ‘doubly-heterozygous’ cystine stone former

Résumé L'analyse des acides aminés de la cystinurie du type I-III dans l'urine de deux enfants d'un hétérozygote double a révélé que les quantité d'acides aminés dibasiques excrétées en 24 h sont celles qui furent trouvées chez les hétérozygotes de la cystinurie du type III. Les données expérimentales s'accordent sur ce point que les types biochimiquement hétérogènes de la cystinurie sont règiés par des allèles.     

The effect of sodium nitrite on red cell GSH

Zusammenfassung Bei der Nachuntersuchung der Nitritwirkung auf das GSH der unversehrten Erythrocyten konnte nur ein geringfügiger Effekt festgestellt werden. Die früher mitgeteilte totale Zerstörung der GSH wurde auf einen Artefakt zurückgeführt, der während der Eiweissfällung mit Metaphosphorsäure auftrat.

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Supported in part by U.S.P.H.S. Grants H-5313 and H-5292.     

The insect gut: A new source of ecdysiotropic peptides

Summary Proctodaea of European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) and gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) last instars (larvae) contain prothoracicotropic factors that stimulate the prothoracic glands (PGs) of the gypsy moth to produce both ecdysone and 3-dehydroecdysone (precursors to the insect molting hormone) in a dose-dependent manner. In a separate in vivo assay, injections of proctodaeal extracts into gypsy moth larvae that were head-ligated before the release of the molt-stimulating brain hormone, PTTH, resulted in a pupal molt.