An isoprenaline activated sodium-dependent inward current in ventricular myocytes

In the heart, catecholamines affect pacemaker activity by shifting the activation curve for the nonspecific inward current and increasing both the calcium current, and the delayed potassium current. We report here that in mammalian ventricle there is another mechanism that seems to involve a sodium-dependent inward current. This is elicited by agents that increase intracellular cyclic AMP concentration, such as the beta-adrenergic agonist isoprenaline, and is unaffected by agents which block the three currents listed above, but is absent when external sodium is replaced with tetramethylammonium. Most interestingly, the intracellular pathway(s) linking the beta-receptor(s) to activation of the Ca current and the Na-dependent current, which in both cases presumably involves the intracellular concentration of cAMP, differ, as isoprenaline causes a persistent augmentation of the calcium current whereas the Na-dependent current often fades. These effects of isoprenaline are antagonized by acetylcholine. In unclamped cells, the Na-dependent current depolarizes the membrane to the potential range at which repetitive firing occurs. It may therefore be involved in the generation of ventricular arrhythmias.     

Improved conversion of methanol to single-cell protein by Methylophilus methylotrophus

The glutamate dehydrogenase gene of Escherichia coli has been cloned into broad host-range plasmids and can complement glutamate synthase mutants of Methylophilus methylotrophus. Assimilation of ammonia via glutamate dehydrogenase is more energy-efficient than via glutamate synthase, thus the recombinant organism converts more growth substrate, methanol, into cellular carbon.     

Dithyreanitrile: an unusual insect antifeedant fromDithyrea wislizenii

Summary Dithyreanitrile, a novel sulfur-containing indole alkaloid, was isolated from the seeds ofDithyrea wislizenii (Cruciferae). Dithyreanitrile inhibits feeding of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) larvae. Dithyreanitrile, the first natural product with two sulfur atoms and a nitrile attached to the same carbon, was characterized by X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, and chemical synthesis.