Isolation of peptides blocking the function of anti-apoptotic Livin protein

Livin (ML-IAP) is a cancer-associated member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family. By yeast two-hybrid screening of a randomized peptide expression library, we isolated short linear peptides that specifically bind to Livin, but not to other IAPs. Intracellular expression of the peptides sensitized livin-expressing cancer cells toward different pro-apoptotic stimuli. The bioactive peptides neither showed sequence homologies to Smac-derived IAP inhibitors, nor did they interfere with the binding of Livin to Smac. Intracellular expression of the peptides did not affect the levels or the subcellular distribution of Livin. Growth of livin-expressing tumor cells was inhibited in colony formation assays by the Livin-targeting peptides. These findings provide evidence that the targeted inhibition of Livin by peptides represents a viable approach for the apoptotic sensitization and growth inhibition of tumor cells. The inhibitory peptides isolated here could form a novel basis for the development of therapeutically useful Livin inhibitors.     

Scanning electron microscope observations of the canaliculi in the rat pineal gland

Summary The scanning electron microscope has shown rich ramifications of the parenchymal canaliculi forming a three-dimensional network of anastomosing intercellular spaces in the rat pineal gland. Every pineal cell seems to be in contact with this channel system. An abundance of cellular processes can be found within the canaliculi which may play an important role in the histophysiology of the pineal body. Dedicated to Prof. Dr. med.W. Bargmann on the occasion of his 70th birthday.     

Adrenergic blocking action of cysteamine

Résumé Il a été démontré que la cystéamine provoque une activation centrale adrénergique accompagnée par une libération des catécholamines de la surrénale. Plus tard cet effet est suivi par un blocage périférique des recepteurs adrénergiques.     

35S-Sulphate incorporation into myelin sulphated mucopolysaccharides during rat brain development

Summary Rat brain myelin acid mucopolysaccharides (AMPS) incorporate 15%, 8%, 5.5% and 4% of tojtal associated³⁵S-sulphate, 14, 21, 30 and 75 days after birth, respectively. The course of³⁵S-sulphate incorporation into total rat brain mucopolysaccharides, as well in those from myelin, had a similar feature with peak on the 2nd week and a significant decrease on the 3rd and 4th week postnatally.     

The influence of histone fraction F1 and ATP on the amplitude of contractions of the isolated right ventricle of rats

Résumé L'action de la fraction F₁ des histones et de l'ATP sur l'amplitude des contractions a été examinée sur le ventricule droit des rats blancs. On a constaté que l'ATP appliqué après l'arrêt des contractions dû à l'histone F₁ provoquait la reprise de celles-ci. La présence de l'ATP avant l'application des histones F₁ abaisse seulement l'amplitude, mais les contractions persistent jusqu'à la fin de l'expérience. L'application simultanée de l'ATP et des histones F₁ provoque une inhibition irréversible des contractions ventriculaires.     

Inheritable precocious opening of the vagina in laboratory rats exposed to 300 R and 200 R of X-rays on day 6 of their intrauterine life

Summary A highly significant inheritable advancement in opening of the vagina in laboratory rats has been induced by the X-ray application to pregnant females of different filial generations originating from the X-irradiated F₀ embryos. The reaction to X-rays has so far been followed through 9 filial generations.     

The effect of X-irradiation on the amount of dopamine in corpus striatum of the rat

Summary The effect of ionizing radiation on the amount of dopamine in corpus striatum was investigated in rats exposed to 650 or 850 R of X-rays. The amount of dopamine in the corpus striatum was measured fluorimetrically in various periods of time after irradiation. It was found that, irrespective of the dose applied, the ionizing radiation caused a significant depletion of dopamine in the striatum.     

A histochemical demonstration of the Na++K+-ATPase activity in the thyroid and the effect of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (c-AMP)

Summary With a suitable modification of the Farquhar and Palade technique the Na⁺+K⁺-ATPase activity in guineapig thyroid is demonstrated. The addition of c-AMP (5×10^–6 M or 1.5×10^–5 M) to the incubation media produced an apparent intensification of the Na⁺+K⁺-ATPase activity in the thyroid.This work was supported by a grant from ZMNU of Serbia.