Effects of anaesthesia and chronic catheterization on circulating levels of prostaglandins (PGE2 and PGF2a in dogs

Summary Chronic catheterization of aorta and inferior vena cava in dogs did not significantly affect circulating levels of prostaglandins (PGE₂ and PGF_2a ). Pentobarbital (30 mg/kg i.v.) anaesthesia produced a significant decrease in PGF_2a .This work was supported by INSERM (grant No. 76.5.183.5).We wish to thank Miss Laure Eloy and Mrs Annick Soubrier for their technical assistance.     

The effects of intraventricular injection of 6-hydroxydopamine on the sleep of kittens during development]

Intraventricular injection of 6-hydroxydopamine does not modify the states of alertness in the Kitten, if it is performed in the first week of postnatal life. At three weeks of age, it induces the same sleep impairments as those observed in the adult Cat. Therefore, in the immediate postnatal period, sleep control is not achieved through the monoaminergic systems.     

Degradation of type I collagen fibrils synthesized by human dental pulp cells in explant culture exposed toActinomyces viscosus. Electron microscope immunotyping

Summary Actinomyces viscosus Be 66, added to pulpal cells in culture, does not cause apparent cellular damage. The extracellular matrix consists of altered collagen fibrils and thin filaments, immunochemically identified as type I collagen. They probably represent the first steps of collagen degradation.This work was supported by INSERM (ATP: 77-85) and CNRS (RCP: 533).     

delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) inhibition of the membrane transport system for thymidine]

THC decreases 3H-thymidine uptake within 15 sec. after addition of the drug to the culture (L1210 murine lymphoma cells and human lymphocytes). Experiments performed at 0 degrees C indicate that THC has no action on thymidine binding to the carrier. THC in micromolar concentration inhibits DNA synthesis through a alteration of membrane configuration.     

Inclusion of Gross virus cell surface associated antigen in liposomes]

The Gross virus associated cell surface antigen GCSAa was extracted from (C58NT)D cells by solubilization of membranes with detergent and partially purified. This antigen was entraped in liposomes. Absorption experiments of the cytotoxic activity towards EmaleG2 cells of a W/Fu anti (C58NT)D serum showed the presence of the antigen at the surface of sensibilized liposomes.     

On the formation of the myotomes in avian embryos. An experimental and scanning electron microscope study

Summary The formation of the myotomes to chick embryos was studied by using experimental and scanning electron microscope techniques. With the aid of the quail-chick marker system, it was demonstrated that the dermatome gives rise to the myotome plate. SEM studies support the conclusion that the myotome cells originate only from the edges of the dermatome.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Ch 44/2).     

Dissolution of gallstones in hamsters by 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid

Summary Addition of 0.05–0.20% of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid to a lithogenic hamster diet resulted in a marked reduction in the incidence of gallstones in hamsters.Supported, in part, by grants HL-03299, AG-00076 and T32 CA-09171 and a Research Career Award, HL-0734 from the National Institutes of Health.     

Respiratory function of blood and relative weight of certain organs in two species of shrew: Crocidura russula and Suncus etruscus (Soricidae mammals)]

A high oxygen capacity combined with a low oxygen affinity and a large Bohr effect achieve a high oxygen transport capacity in small shrews. The high metabolic rate (Suncus estruscus: 100 to 350 ml O2/kg. min) can be explained by the combination of the favorable blood parameters with a high relative heart weight (1,2% of body weight) and heart frequencies of 1,000 to 1,350 per minute.