A possible genetic component of obesity in childhood. Observations on acid phosphatase polymorphism

Summary Phenotypes of acid phosphatase with low enzymatic activity (ACP₁ A and BA) are correlated with the highest degree of body mass increase observed in a sample of obese children. Since acid phosphatase probably functions as a flavin-mononucleotide phosphatase, differential modulation of flavo-enzyme activity and energy metabolism due to acid phosphatase genetic variability may explain the observed association.     

Effect of steviol and its structural analogues on glucose production and oxygen uptake in rat renal tubules

The effect of several natural products of Stevia rebaudiana on glucose production and oxygen uptake in rat renal cortical tubules was investigated. Steviol, isosteviol and glucosilsteviol decreased glucose production and inhibited oxygen uptake. The sweet principle stevioside, and steviolbioside, however, were without effect on gluconeogenesis and oxygen uptake.     

Membrane resting potentials in cultured mouse neuroblastoma cells

Summary Membrane resting potentials (MRP) were measured systematically in cultured mouse N₂A neuroblastoma cells: 1) in the logarithmic growth phase; 2) in subconfluent cultures; 3) in confluent cultures; 4) after dBcAMP had induced morphological differentiation. Neurite extension was accompanied by a significant increase in MRP as compared to the appropriate controls. No significant differences in MRP were observed with regard to the different growth phases.     

Interaction between the effects of centrally administered arecoline and leucocyte pyrogen on the activity of posterior hypothalamic neurons in the rabbit

Summary In experiments with urethane-anesthetized rabbits, the alteration in the activity of posterior hypothalamic neurons resulting from intracerebroventricular injection of leucocyte pyrogen was attentuated by subsequent administration of arecoline. Atropine failed to alter the neuronal response to leucocyte pyrogen but abolished the effect of arecoline. The neuronal response to arecoline was reversed in the absence of leucocyte pyrogen.     

Supernumerary chromosomes inDrosophila nasuta albomicana

Summary Supernumerary chromosomes have been detected in the karyotype ofD.n. albomicana. Their number varies from one to three. They are the smallest elements in the karyotype. Karyotypes ofD.n. albomicana with and without supernumerary chromosomes have been presented.     

Gradient distribution pattern of muscarinic receptors in N1E 115 mouse neuroblastoma cells

The distribution pattern of muscarinic receptors in N1E 115 mouse neuroblastoma cells after linear and non-linear gradient centrifugation was investigated. In untreated cells, at least two forms of the receptors, with different densities, were found.     

Number of glucocorticoid receptors in lymphocytes and their sensitivity to hormone action

The study demonstrated a decreased level of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in peripheral blood lymphocytes from hypercholesterolemic subjects, and an elevated level in patients with acute myocardial infarction. In the lymphocytes with a high GR number, dexamethasone inhibited [3H]-thymidine and [3H]-acetate incorporation into DNA and cholesterol, respectively, in the same manner as in the control cells. On the other hand, a decreased GR number resulted in a less efficient dexamethasone inhibition of the incorporation of labeled compounds. These data showed that the sensitivity of lymphocytes to glucocorticoids changed only with a decrease of GR level.     

Latent iron deficiency alters gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate metabolism in rat brain

Summary A diet containing 18–20 mg iron/kg to young weaned rats for 8 weeks altered the metabolism of gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate in the central nervous system without affecting blood hemoglobin. Subsequent rehabilitation with 390 mg iron/kg diet for 2 weeks normalized these changes.