Ferredoxin reductase catalyzes styrene oxidation to styrene oxide

Summary The flavoprotein ferredoxin reductase catalyzed the oxidation of styrene to styrene oxide in the presence of NADPH. This reaction was inhibited by the addition of catalase and superoxide dismutase. The addition of the nonheme iron protein ferredoxin partially inhibited styrene oxidation. H₂O₂ was also able to catalyze this reaction when added to the enzyme in the absence of NADPH.Acknowledgments. This work was supported by C.N.R. (National Research Council), Rome, Italy contract No. 79.03197.04.     

Cyclic AMP concentration in the rat's preoptic region

Summary In rats adapted to a 1212 h light-dark (LD) schedule, cyclic AMP concentration in the preoptic region showed a L minimum and D maximum. No significant fluctuations were observed in the parietal cortex.Supported by grant No. 79.01946.04 awarded by the National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy.     

Captopril (SQ 14,225): In vitro and in vivo influence on the proliferative response of rat lymphocytes

Summary Captopril in vitro (50–500 g/ml) increased³H-TdR incorporation in unstimulated and mitogen-stimulated cultures of rat lymphocytes. Unseparated spleen and lymph node cells of rats orally treated with captopril (50 mg/kg/day×4) showed decreased basal and mitogen stimulated³H-TdR incorporation. The removal of macrophages abrogated this inhibitory effect. Leucine aminopeptidase activity of macrophages was reduced — in vivo and in vitro — by captopril.Acknowledgments. The authors thank the Squibb Institute for Medical Research for the gift of Captopril. The excellent technical assistance of Ms B. Hasselriis, Ms B. Rumler and Ms E. Greve Petersen is gratefully acknowledged.     

The identification of ecdysterone (20-hydroxyecdysone) in 3 species of molluscs (Gastropoda: Pulmonata)

Summary Ecdysterone has been identified in the schistosomiasis vectorBiomphalaria glabrata Say and inHelix aspersa Müller as well as inLymmaea stagnalis L. by chromatography, bioassay, radioimmunoassay, derivatization and by mass spectroscopy. Analysis of the food, faeces and hepatopancreas suggest that the sterol is derived from the diet. The probable function of ecdysterone in relation to calcification of the shell is discussed in this paper.We wish to thank Professor P. Karlson and Dr J. Koolman (Phillips University, Marburg-Lahn, FRG) for providing facilities for RIA. The initial study was begun at the University of Sussex and continued at the Courtauld Institute of Biochemistry, Middlesex Hospital Medical School, London, while D.L.W. was supported by the Ministry of Overseas Development. London and the Medical Research Council of Great Britain (grant G974/525/T). We thank Mr P. Mellon for the mass spectrum and Dr G.B. Russell for his interest in the earlier part of this study. We also thank Professor E. Scherer and Dr Q. Uwe (University of Essen, FRG) for their help in the irradiation ofL. stagnalis.Gauss Str. 82, D-4630 Bochum 5 (Federal Republic of Germany). Research results usingL. stagnalis were submitted for the Philips Europa Wettbewerb für junge Forscher und Erfinder (1979) in a thesis entitled Zur Frage der Existenz von Steroiden und Gonadoliberin bei der Grossen Schlammschnecke (Lymmaea stagnalis L.): ein Beitrag zur Evolution der Insekten- und Wirbeltierhormone.     

Structural transformation reactions of anthocyanins

Summary Spectroscopic evidence shows that the flavylium cation (1) undergoes hydroxylation to form the carbinol base (2) and can also deprotonate to form the anhydro (quinonemethane) bases (3a and3b). The anhydro bases hydrate to the carbinol base. The carbinol base above pH 6, or the ionzed carbinol base (2a), undergoes diring fission to produce the cischalcone (4).The editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed in the authors' brief reports. — Les auteurs sont seuls responsables des opinions exprimées das ces brèves communications. — Für die Kurzmitteilungen ist ausschliesslich der Autor verantwortlich. — Per le brevi comunicazioni è responsabile solo l'autore. — ë . — Solo los autores son responsables de las opiniones expresadas en estas comunicationes breves.Acknowledgment. This research was supported by a grant from the Welch Food Co., Westfield, NY.     

Marine diatoms affecting the stability of oil-in-water emulsions and hydrocarbon distribution in sea water

Summary The importance of phytoplankton in stabilizing oil-in-water emulsion and affecting hydrocarbon distribution in the sea was studied by using marine diatoms. All microalgae tested increased emulsion stability and favored the presence of polycyclic aromatics in the sea water.     

A new chalcone glucoside and cernuoside from the flowers ofAcacia dealbata

Summary A new chalcone glucoside has been isolated from the flowers ofAcacia dealbata and shown to be 4,2,4,6-tetrahydroxy-3-methoxychalcone 2-O--D-glucoside (1) by chemical degradations and spectroscopic methods. Cernuoside (4,6,3,4-tetrahydroxyaurone 4-O--D-glucoside), (2) has also been found in this plant material.Acknowledgments. The author thanks Prof. H. Wagner, Institut für pharmazeutische Arzneimittellehre der Universität München, for a sample of homoeriodictyol, and Prof. J.B. Harborne, University of Reading, for a sample of aureusidin.     

Leydig cell andΔ 5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in the testis of toad (Bufo melanostictus) following cold exposuredehydrogenase activity in the testis of toad (Bufo melanostictus) following cold exposure

Summary Leydig cell nuclear area and ⁵-3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity were increased in the testis ofBufo melanostictus 2 days after a single short-term cold exposure. Both parameters returned to normal values 4 days later.     

Metabolism of the snailCryptozona ligulata during regeneration of optic tentacles

Summary The biochemical changes in the hemolymph and tissues were followed during regeneration of the optic tentacles of the snailCryptozona ligulata (Pulmonata-Stylommatophora). There is a remarkable increase in total carbohydrates in hemolymph and tissues and glycogen in tissues at the expense of free amino acids and fatty acids. It is clear that ablation of the optic tentacles stimulates carbohydrate synthesis through glyconeogenic routes. The optic tentacles regenerate completely in 18–21 days.