Peripheral neuropathy associated with inhalation of methyl-n-butyl ketone

Résumé Dix-sept rats sont exposés pendant 6 semaines 5 jours par semaine, 8 h par jour, à une atmosphère contenant soit du méthyl-n-butyl kétone seul soit un mélange de MnBK et de méthyl-éthyl kétone. Tous les rats présentèrent une faiblesse musculaire généralisée après l'inhalation qui dura de quelques h à 24 h avec récupération motrice totale. En dépit de cette apparence normale, l'examen histologique révéla une hypertrophie, un ballonement en grains de chapelet, et une dégénérescence des axones, associée à une démyélination secondaire, habituellement située dans la région des nodes de Ranvier. La toxicité du MnBK est prouvée, celle du MEK est encore à l'étude.     

Nonsense mutation in the glucokinase gene causes early-onset non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a form of non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) which is characterized by an early age at onset and an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Except for these features, the clinical characteristics of patients with MODY are similar to those with the more common late-onset form(s) of NIDDM. Previously we observed tight linkage between DNA polymorphisms in the glucokinase gene on the short arm of chromosome 7 and NIDDM in a cohort of sixteen French families having MODY. Glucokinase is an enzyme that catalyses the formation of glucose-6-phosphate from glucose and may be involved in the regulation of insulin secretion and integration of hepatic intermediary metabolism. Because the glucokinase gene was a candidate for the site of the genetic lesion in these families, we scanned this gene for mutations. Here we report the identification of a nonsense mutation in the gene encoding glucokinase and its linkage with early-onset diabetes in one family. To our knowledge, this result is the first evidence implicating a mutation in a gene involved in glucose metabolism in the pathogenesis of NIDDM.     

Acid phosphatase activity of cytolytic T cells during cytolysis].

The localization of Golgi areas, particularly lysosomal bodies detected by their acid phosphatase activities, has been determined in the cytotoxic lymphocytes conjugated to their target cell. The study points out the preferential situation of these organelles close to the contact area between the two cells during the target cell lysis.     

The effect of heat on rat pineal hydroxyindole-O-methyl transferase activity

Summary Exposure of adult male rats to continuously elevated temperature of 32–34°C caused a significant decrease of HIOMT activity involved in the specific metabolic process of production of melatonin, considered an active pineal hormone. The effect was already evident after 24 h exposure and increased further during the next 48 h. The results obtained substantiate previous data that the pineal gland may be involved in the system regulating adaptation to extreme temperature changes.Acknowledgment. The authors are indebted to MissUte Schmidt for her excellent technical assistance.     

Sorbitol dehydrogenase in Anas platyrhynchos and Zenaida auriculata auriculata during development.

Sorbitol dehydrogenase (E.C.N. 1.1.1.14) was studied in liver, kidney and gonads of Zenaida auriculata auriculata (golden pigeon) and of Anas platyrhynchos (creole domestic duck) from South American faunes. The specific activity of SDH increased from embryonic to adult stage and is higher in the Anas platyrhynchos tissues. The electrophoretic studies performed in liver and kidney of both species during development showed variations in the number and intensity of the bands in accordance with the age and the species.     

Synapse-like profiles in regenerating sensory nerve fibres of Herbst corpuscles.

During regeneration sequences of Herbst corpuscles, the synapse-like structures are described between pairs of non-myelinated sensory profiles. The probable significance of this unusual for sensory corpuscles finding is discussed.     

Colchicine-estrogen interactions

Summary Colchicine does not block estrogen-induced recognition of uterine blood vessel surface by eosinophils, but interfers with their migration through endothelial lining and therefore blocks estrogen-induced uterine eosinophilia and edema.Acknowledgments. This work was supported by grant 4002 from the Servicio de Desarrollo Científico y Creación Artística of the University of Chile. Technical help of Mr D. Sáez is appreciated.