Differentiation antigens in keratinocytes]

By means of indirect immunofluorescence with human sera it has been demonstrated that cytoplasmic components of the basal cell layer showed antigenic differences as compared to the upper cell layers. Moreover there were differences whether the cells were involved in a mucous, a parakeratinized or an orthokeratinized differentiation.     

Molecular aspects of 2 human urinary glycoproteins with histocompatibility antigen (HLA) serological activity]

Two serologically active urinary glycoproteins (HLA-A 9 and HLA-B 12) were isolated from urine provided by a patient suffering from tubular proteinuria. Their N-terminal sequences were automatically determined. The latter were identical with the sequence of another urinary glycoprotein (protein HC). The relationship between protein HC and the serological activity is discussed.     

Antifertility activity of trimethylphosphate in male rats

Summary The toxic effect of trimethylphosphate on rat testes was investigated after oral dosing with 250 mg/kg for either 5 days/week for 30 days or 6 days/week for 60 days. After these prolonged treatments azoospermia resulted.Acknowledgments. The authors wish to thank Ms M. Michelles, Ms A. Murray and Ms R. Peake for their technical support.     

HLA-restricted T-cell recognition of Epstein-Barr virus-infected B cells

In mice the cytotoxic T-cell response to several types of virus is influenced by genes within the major histocompatibility complex; in particular, genetic control is exercised at the effector cell level through a requirement that virus-specific cytotoxic T cells recognise viral antigens in association with H-2K and H=2D region gene products on the surface of infected cells. In man the restriction which the analogous HLA-A, -B and -C-region gene products might place on virus-specific T-cell function is still in dispute. The earliest and most controversial evidence concerns the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a B lymphotropic agent which causes infectious mononucleosis (IM) and which induces an unusually vigorous T-cell response; cytotoxic T cells from IM patients' blood were shown to be EBV-specific yet, in contrast to mouse systems, apparently free of any obvious HLA restriction. Since then T-cell recognition of EBV-infected B cells has assumed particular significance as a model system for the study of cytotoxic T-cell function in man. This report describes the results of a new approach clearly indicating that HLA-A and -B region products do indeed have a role in this system.     

Intrauterine device increases the fibrinolytic activity of the rat endometrium at deciduation, a new aspect of its contraceptive effect.

The fibrinolytic activity of the endometrium of the two uterine horns in the rat was histochemically determined. One of the horns contained a plastic-IUD, the other served as control. The endometrium of the control horn was almost inactive in contrast with that of the IUD-horn in which fibrinolytic activity was apparent. The fibrinolytic activity induced by the IUD might be involved in the prevention of ova implantation.     

Effect of chronic hypo and hypervitaminosis C on the brush border enzymes and the intestinal uptake of glucose and alanine

Summary Brush border sucrase and alkaline phosphatase activities are considerably enhanced in the intestine of ascorbic acid deficient guinea-pigs. Similar increase in the uptake of D-glucose and L-alanine also occurs in chronic vitamin C deficiency. However the permeability of D-glucose and L-alanine in the intestine of animals fed with large doses of vitamin C is severely depressed, with a reduction in the levels of sucrase and alkaline phosphatase activities.     

Effect of lesions of the locus coeruleus complex on the circadian rhythm of plasma corticosterone in the mouse

Summary An apparently transient elevation of basal morning (08.00 h) plasma corticosterone levels in male mice was found 48 h after bilateral electrolytic lesions of the brainstem locus coeruleus complex but was not observed 6 weeks after lesioning.Supported by Alfred P. Sloan Foundation research fellowships awarded to W.G. Luttge and S.F. Zornetzer.     

125I-Insulin is preferentially internalized in regions of the hepatocytes rich in lysosomal and Golgi structures

Summary ¹²⁵I-Insulin initially localizes to the plasma membrane of isolated rat hepatocytes but is subsequently internalized and preferentially associates with lysosomal structures. In the present study, we show that this preferential association to lysosomes occurs in regions of the cell rich in lysosomal and Golgi structures.This work was performed while Dr Gorden was visiting professor of the Institute of Histology and Embryology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.This work was supported by grant No. 3.120.77 from Swiss National Science Foundation. We thank M.M. Sidler-Ansermet, O. Jerotic and N. Maalaoui for their valuable help.     

The effects of oxamate on the contractility of isolated rat atria

Zusammenfassung Oxamat, das die Lactat-Dehydrogenase hemmt, erniedrigt die Kontraktionsfähigkeit des Vorhofs mit und ohne Anwesenheit von Glucose im Medium und bei Hinzufügung von 2-DG oder Atropin. Hohe Konzentration von Pyruvat erhöht die Depression von Oxamat auf den Vorhof im Glucose-Milieu. Oxamat sensibilisiert das Gewebe für funktionellen Abbau durch Glycolyse.

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This research was supported by grants No. 1441 and No. HE-994801 from Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones de la República Argentina, and from the National Institute of Health, respectively.

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Research Fellow from the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones de la República Argentina.

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Established Investigator from the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones de la República Argentina.