Molecular organisation of an A mating type factor of the basidiomycete fungus Coprinus cinereus

Summary The A3 and A3 genes, which together constitute the A42 mating type factor of Coprinus cinereus, were isolated from a cosmid genomic library by walking 50 kb, a map distance of 0.5 units, from the closely linked metabolic gene pab-1. Cosmid clones having A gene function were identified by transformation into compatible A6 (22) and A5 (11) host cells where either 3 or 3 was expected to elicit the A factor — regulated development of unfused clamp cells. DNAs were digested with various enzymes before transformation in order to identify the smallest fragments containing an active 3 or 3 gene. Two non-overlapping fragments were identified as containing the 3 and 3 genes respectively. Southern hybridisation analyses showed that these two cloned genes had no detectable sequence homology, and that there was little or no hybridisation to the and gene alleles that constitute the A5 and A6 factors. 3 and 3 were shown to be less than 2.0 kb apart and embedded in a DNA sequence extending over 9.0 kb which was unique to our A42 strain and may contain a third A factor gene.     

Analysis of T cell clones in rheumatoid arthritis

Conclusions While it is apparent that much more needs to be learnt about T cells in RA, it seems evident that because of their central role in the immunoregulation their study will provide a lot of valuable information concerning the pathogenesis and perhaps even the aetiology of RA. Two areas of particular importance are the investigation of epitopes recognised on autoreactive T cells, e. g., on collagen type 11, but also on other T cells, and those expressing the receptor. Knowing which cells are regulating the production of mediators in the RA joint and which mediators are of fundamental importance in perpetuation of the disease process may permit the development of new therapeutic strategies.Abbreviations AMLR Autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction - BSF-2 B-cell stimulatory factor-2, also known as IFN2 or IL-6 - GM-CSF granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor - IFN interferon- - IFN interferon- - IL-1 interleukin-1 - IL-2 interleukin-2 - LT lymphotoxin or TNF - PBL peripheral blood lymphoid cells - RA rheumatoid arthritis - TFC thyroid follicular cells - TGF transforming growth factor - TNF tumour necrosis factor     

The control of cell proliferation by preformed purines: A genetic study II. Pleiotropic manifestations and mechanism of a control exerted by adenylic purines on PRPP synthesis

When plated in medium containing 0.5 g/ml coformycin and adenosine (or adenine) fibroblasts were killed, even if pyrimidines were supplied. Measurements of N-formylglycine amide ribonucleotide synthesis showed that lethality is a manifestation of purine starvation. In the case of adenosine kinase deficient cells, growth was restored by hypoxanthine. The adenylic derivatives block only purine biosynthesis, presumably by inhibition of PRPP-amidotransferase. In this same medium, wildtype cells exhibited symptoms of PRPP deprivation: purine and pyrimidine syntheses were both shut off and HGPRT was simultaneously inactivated. The pleiotropic control by adenosine was abolished in adenosineresistant mutants that behaved as PRPP overproducers. These mutations conferred partial resistance to various toxic purine and pyrimidine analogs and preserved HGPRT activity in adenosinecontaining medium. This permits selection against these mutants. Evidence suggesting that adenosine kinase products may fulfill a specific function in the regulation of PRPP synthesis is discussed.Abbreviations AK adenosine kinase - APRT adenine phosphoribosyltransferase - HGPRT hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase - AD adenosine deaminase - OPRT orotate phosphoribosyltransferase - PRA phosphoribosylpyrophosphate amidotransferase - A adenine - rA adenosine - Hx hypoxanthine - dA 2-deoxyadenosine - rU uridine - dT thymidine - PRPP phosphoribosylpyrophosphate - Pala N(phosphonacetyl)-l-aspartate - FGAR -N-formyl-glycinamide ribonucleotide - Amp aminopterin - Amp + dT medium standard ERH medium supplemented with Amp and dT - HC-medium ERH supplemented with 0.5g coformycin/ml.     

The assay on a defined medium of the effects of β-2-thienylalanine on the growth of anaerobic bacterial isolates from phenylketonuric patients

Faecal samples were taken from three diet-managed phenylketonuric children to determine effects of-2-thienylalanine (-2-t) on indigenous bacteria. From sample swabs, 127 anaerobes were identified and tested for-2-t inhibition on a phenylalanine (Phe)-free medium, Anaerobe Inhibition Test (AIT) agar. Of the isolates, 77.9% grew sufficiently to assay reactions on at least 25% of AIT plates. Using Phe-containing Columbia agar, 86.5% of the strains could be assayed. None of 28Bacteroides cultures was inhibited by-2-t on AIT. Of the genera,Bifidobacterium, Eubacterium, Lactobacillus, Peptostreptococcus, andPropionibacterium, no isolates which would grow on AIT were inhibited. At least one isolate of each of the generaPeptococcus, Fusobacterium, andClostridium was inhibited. Of 127 total isolates, only nine were inhibited by-2-t on AIT, and inhibition was abolished on Columbia agar.Thirty-nine aerobes were isolated from the same patients. Strains of the genera tested reacted similarly to previously tested strains from non-PKU sources. Also, anaerobically isolatedEscherichia coli were inhibited, whileStreptococcus faecalis cultures were not, confirming results on aerobically-isolated non-PKU cultures of the same species.These studies, the first dealing with-2-t and anaerobic bacteria, suggest that little change in intestinal bacterial populations might be expected during in vivo-2-t treatment.     

Theβ−tubulin genes ofDrosophila auraria are arranged in a cluster

When the 1-, 2- and 3-tubulin-specific DNAs fromDrosophila melanogaster were used as probes to recognize tubulin-specific sequences in the chromosomes ofDrosophila auraria, they were found to hybridize to the same polytene band in region 32C of the 2L polytene chromosome. Three overlapping clones were isolated from a EMBL 3 genomic library ofD. auraria, and they all contain -tubulin-specific sequences based on hybridization and partial-sequencing experiments of subcloned fragments. These clones hybridize in situ to the same polytene chromosome band in region 32C and they represent an approximately 35-kb fragment of genomic DNA.     

Normal antibodies during regeneration in invertebrate animals

Summary The possibility of detection of specific autoantibodies to the regenerating tissue was studied. Experiments were carried out onAsterias rubens with employment of the ring precipitation tests. Cavital fluids with their cellular elements of intact and regeneratingAsterias rubens served as sera and tissue extracts of their tissues as antigens. The results of experiments have demonstrated that in the cavital fluid of the starfish with regenerating ray there are antibodies to their own regenerating tissues or those of otherAsterias rubens. No such antibodies were revealed in the cavital fluids of intact starfish.(Presented by Active Member AMN SSSR N. N. Zhukov-Verezhnikov) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 51, No. 2, pp. 100–102, February, 1961     

Candida albicans induces the release of inflammatory mediators from human peripheral blood monocytes

Candida albicans (C. albicans) is a major nosocomial pathogen. We examined arachidonic acid (AA) and cytokine production by monocytes stimulated with C. albicans. [¹⁴C]-AA labeled monocytes released 8.9 ±2.3% of the incorporated AA following stimulation with live C. albicans (C. albicans: monocyte of 161) (P=0.0002). Prior studies indicate that soluble-mannans and-glucans antagonize mannose and-glucan receptors, respectively. Preincubation of monocytes with-mannan (100g/ml) caused 45.8 ±5.7% inhibition of [¹⁴C]-AA release, whereas-glucan (100g/ml) yielded 43.7 ±6.0% inhibition (P<0.05 for each compared to control). Additionally, monocytes stimulated with C. albicans also released interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor- (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8). However, a-mannan or-glucan failed to inhibit IL-1 release. These data indicate that C. albicans induces monocytes to release AA and inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, AA, but not cytokine liberation, is partially mediated by a-mannan and-glucan components of the fungus.     

Nachweis von 6 neuen Steroiden im Plasma von menschlichem Placentablut (Nabelsehnurblut)

Zusammenfassung 16-Hydroxyprogesteron, 17-Hydroxyprogesteron, ⁴-Pregnen-20-ol-3-on, ⁴-Pregnen-17, 20-diol-3-on, Adrenosteron und 11-Hydroxyandrostendion wurden in Extrakten von Plasma des menschlichen Placentablutes (Nabelschnurblut) nachgewiesen.     

Kinetic and pharmacological properties of high- and low-threshold calcium channels in primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons

The kinetic, permeability and pharmacological properties of Ca currents were investigated in primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons. The low-voltage-activated (LVA) Ca current turned on positive to –60mV and fully inactivated in a voltage-dependent way. This current was depressed by nickel (Ni, 40 M) and amiloride (500 M) and was insensitive to -conotoxin (-CgTx) (4 M) and to the Ca agonist Bay K 8644 (5 M). The high-voltage-activated (HVA) Ca current turned on positive to –40 mV and inactivated slowly and incompletely. This current was much less sensitive than the LVA current to Ni and amiloride but more sensitive to cadmium. CgTx blocked only partially this current (about 50%) in an irreversible way. Bay K 8644 had a clear agonistic action almost exclusively on the -CgTx-resistant HVA current component. The present results suggest that the HVA channels, quite homogeneous for their kinetic properties and sensitivity to holding potentials, can be pharmacologically separated in two classes: (i) -CgTx-sensitive and Bay-K-8644-insensitive (-S/BK-I) and (ii) -CgTx-insensitive and Bay-K-8644-sensitive (-I/BK-S), the latter displaying a stronger Cadependent inactivation.     

Expression of surface membrane IgG on pokeweed mitogen-reactive anti-tetanus toxoid antibody-producing cells

Anti-tetanus toxoid antibody-producing cells, differentially expressing surface membrane IgM, were analyzed for the additional expression of surface membrane IgG. ⁺ and ^– cells were rosetted with anti--ox red blood cells and separated by density centrifugation into fractions enriched or depleted or ⁺ cells. These B-cell subsets were assayed for the production of IgM and IgG anti-tetanus toxoid antibody and total IgM and IgG. The results indicated that the majority of anti-tetanus toxoid antibody synthesis in the ^– fraction was by ⁺ cells. In the ⁺ fraction, however, both IgM and IgG anti-tetanus toxoid antibody production was detected in the ^+– and ⁺⁺ fraction. The inclusion of isotype-specific antisera during the first 2 days of culture further established that was expressed on the surface of the majority of the precursors for IgG anti-tetanus antibody productionin vitro. Studies performed to determine the culture requirements of ^– and ⁺ cells revealed that production of IgG anti-tetanus toxoid antibody by both cell subsets was dependent on T cells and pokeweed mitogen. However, some ^– cells could produce IgG in the presence of T cells alone.     

Synaptic interactions involving acetylcholine,glutamate, and GABA in rat auditory cortex

Using electrophysiological techniques in the in vitro rat auditory cortex, we have examined how spontaneous acetylcholine (ACh) release modifies synaptic potentials mediated by glutamate and -aminobutyric acid (GABA). Single stimulus pulses to lower layer VI elicited in layer III a four-component (A-D) extracellular field response involving synaptic potentials mediated by glutamate and GABA. The cholinesterase inhibitor eserine (10–20 M) or the cholinergic agonist carbachol (25–50 M) depressed by 10–50% the glutamatergic components A and C, and the GABAergic components B and D. Atropine reversed the depressive effects of eserine and carbachol. A novel finding was that the degree of depression of component A varied inversely with stimulus intensity. However, during partial pharmacological antagonism of GABA_A receptors, depression of A varied directly, not inversely, with stimulus intensity. Normally, then, depression of A is offset by reduced GABAergic inhibition of A. We also tested for differential depression of responses mediated by N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) versus non-NMDA glutamate receptors. Following physiological and pharmacological isolation of the responses, eserine depressed the non-NMDA, but not the NMDA, receptor-mediated potential. Since the isolated NMDA potential still could be depressed by carbachol, the data suggested that activation of NMDA receptors may reduce spontaneous ACh release. In support of this, preincubation of slices in NMDA (10–20 M) largely prevented eserine's, but not carbachol's, depression of components A and B.These results permit three conclusions of relevance to cortical information processing: (1) spontaneous ACh release tonically depresses synaptic potentials mediated by glutamate and GABA; (2) ACh depresses responses to weak inputs to a greater degree than responses to strong inputs; (3) activation of NMDA receptors may feed-back to reduce ACh release, a mechanism that could place regulation of local ACh release under glutamatergic afferent control.     

Translation enhancer in the 3′-untranslated region of rotavirus gene 6 mRNA promotes expression of the major capsid protein VP6

Summary. The eleven rotavirus mRNAs contain 5-cap structures and most end with the 3-consensus sequence 5-UGACC-3. The UGACC functions as a common translation enhancer (3-TE-con) that upregulates viral protein expression through a process mediated by the nonstructural protein NSP3. To address the possibility that gene-specific enhancers are also contained in the untranslated regions (UTRs) of the rotavirus mRNAs, we used rabbit reticulocyte lysates to investigate the translation efficiencies of analog RNAs containing viral-specific 5-and 3-UTRs and the open reading frame for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase. These experiments combined with the analysis of full-length viral RNAs and RNAs containing 3-truncations showed that a highly active enhancer was present near the 5-end of the 139-nucleotide 3-UTR of the gene 6 mRNA (3-TEg6). The 3-TEg6 represents a functionally independent enhancer, as no other portion of the gene 6 mRNA was required for its activity. The 3-TEg6 differs significantly from the 3-TE-con in that the gene 6-specific enhancer does not require viral protein for activity and is formed by a sequence unique to only one of the eleven viral mRNAs. Together, our findings suggest that the 3-UTR of the gene 6 mRNA contains two TEs, one is gene-specific (3-TEg6) and the other is common to nearly all rotavirus genes (3-TE-con). The activity of the 3-TEg6 is likely important for directing the efficient translation of the gene 6 mRNA at levels sufficient to provide the 780 copies of VP6 necessary for the assembly of each progeny virion.     

Harnsteroidprofile bei Cushing Syndrom und Tumoren der Nebennierenrinde

Summary The analysis of 24-h excretion profiles of urinary steroids in 18 patients suffering from Cushing's syndrome or adrenocortical tumors revealed typical patterns when compared to 37 healthy control persons, 24 patients with obesity, and 6 patients with hirsutism. The validation of eight criteria — increased excretion of free cortisol, 6-hydroxycortisol, 20-dihydrocortisol, 11-hydroxyandrosterone, and 3-hydroxy-5-en steroids, decreased ratio of tetrahydrocortisone (THE) to tetrahydrocortisol (THF), and increased ratios of THF to allotetrahydrocortisol (a-THF) and metabolites of androgens (AM) to metabolites of cortisol (CM) — afforded reliable detection of disorders in steroid biosynthesis. The analysis of urinary steroid profiles can therefore be recommended as a screening procedure in patients with clinical symptoms of disorders in steroid production and/or metabolism.

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Abkürzungen An Androsteron - Aet Aetiocholanolon - AM Androgenmetaboliten: An plus Aet - 11-O-An 11-Ketoandrosteron - 11-OH-An 11-Hydroxyandrosteron - 11-OH-Aet 11-Hydroxyaetiocholanolon - DHEA Dehydroepiandrosteron - 16-OH-DHEA 16-Hydroxydehydroepiandrosteron - 16-OH-DHEA 16-Hydroxydehydroepiandrosteron - A⁵T-16 Androsten-3,16,17-triol - P⁵T Pregnentriol-3-hydroxy-5-en Steroide: DHEA plus Androstendiole plus 16-OH-DHEA plus 16-OH-DHEA plus - P⁵D Pregnendiol plus A⁵T-16 plus 16-Hydroxypregnenolon plus P⁵T - THE Tetrahydrocortison - THF Tetrahydrocortisol - a-THF Allotetrahydrocortisol - CM Cortisolmetaboliten: THE plus THF plus a-THF. - -C,-C Cortole - -CL,-CL Cortolone - 6-OH-F 6-Hydroxycortisol - 20-OH-F 20-Dihydrocortisol - NNR Nebennierenrinde - CRF Corticotropin Releasing Hormon - ACTH Adrenocorticotropes Hormon - CPB Competitive Protein Binding - RIA Radioimmunoassay - HPLC High Pressure Liquid Chromatography - DHEAS Dehydroepiandrosteron-Sulfat. Mit Unterstützung der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft, Ho-471/5-1     

Enhancement by TNF-α of reactivation and replication of latent herpes simplex virus from trigeminal ganglia of mice

Summary The influence of tumor-necrosis-factor- (TNF-), granulocytemacrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukine-1 (IL-1) and IL-3 on the in vitro reactivation frequency and replication rate of trigeminal ganglia of mice latently infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV) strain KOS was studied. It could be demonstrated that TNF- and possibility GM-CSF, but not IL-1 and IL-3, enhanced the reactivation frequency and replication of HSV. Interferon / (IFN/) prevented reactivation and replication.     

Anti-CD3-induced changes in protein kinase C isozymes expression in human CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes

In order to determine whether there is a differential expression and activation of PKC isozymes between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (moAb) for various time intervals and the expression of calcium-dependent PKC isozymes (, , ) and calcium-independent PKC isozymes (, , ) was analyzed with dual color flow cytometry, using anti-PKC isozyme antibodies and anti-CD4 or anti-CD8 antibodies. The basal fluorescence intensity of all PKC isozymes was comparable between CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. Following activation with anti-CD3 moAb a marked increase in the fluorescence intensity of all PKC isozymes in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, albeit to a different extent and with different kinetics was observed. Among all PKC isozymes studied, the least striking changes were observed in PKC isozyme and the most striking changes were observed in PKC- isozyme. Laser-based confocal microscopic studies confirmed that the increase in fluorescence intensity of PKC isozymes following anti-CD3 moAb stimulation, as measured by flow cytometry was accompanied by the translocation of PKC isozymes from cytosol to the plasma membrane. This study demonstrates a differential effect of anti-CD3 moAb on the expression of PKC isozymes between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and suggests that flow cytometry can be used to study the translocation of PKC isozymes from cytosol to the plasma membrane.     

Sensitivity to dihydropyridines, ω-conotoxin and noradrenaline reveals multiple high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels in rat insulinoma and human pancreatic β-cells

High-voltage-activated (HVA) Ba²⁺ currents of rat insulinoma (RINm5F) and human pancreatic -cells were tested for their sensitivity to dihydropyridines (DHPs), -conotoxin (-CgTx) and noradrenaline. In RINm5F cells, block of HVA currents by nimodipine, nitrendipine and nifedipine was voltage- and dose-dependent (apparent K _D<37 nM) and largely incomplete even at saturating doses of DHPs (mean 53%, at 10 M and 0 mV). Analysis of slow tail currents in Bay K 8644-treated cells indicated the existence of Bay K 8644-insensitive channels that turned on at slightly more positive voltages and deactivated more quickly than Bay K 8644-modified channels. DHP Ca²⁺ agonists and antagonists in human -cells had similar features to RINm5F cells except that DHP block was more pronounced (76%, at 10 M and 0 mV) and Bay K 8644 action was more effective, suggesting a higher density of L-type Ca²⁺ channels in these cells. In RINm5F cells, but not in human -cells, DHP-resistant currents were sensitive to -CgTx. The toxin depressed 10–20% of the DHP-resistant currents sparing a residual current (25–35%) with similar voltage-dependent characteristics and Ca²⁺/Ba²⁺ permeability. Noradrenaline (10 M) exhibited different actions on the various HVA current components: (1) it prolonged the activation kinetics of -CgTx-sensitive currents, (2) it depressed by about 20% the size of DHP-sensitive currents, and (3) it had little or no effects on the residual DHP- and -CgTx-resistant current although intracellularly applied guanosine 5-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP--S) prolonged its activation time course. The first action was clearly voltage-dependent and most evident in RINm5F cells that displayed neuronal-like processes. The second was observed more frequently, was voltage-independent and fully blocked by saturating doses of nifedipine (10 M). Both actions were prevented by intracellular perfusion with guanosine 5-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP--S). Our data suggest that beside a majority of L-type channels, RINm5F and human pancreatic -cells may express a variable fraction of DHP-insensitive channels that may be involved in the control of insulin secretion during -cell activity.     

Two advanced glycation molecules, carboxymethyllysine and pentosidine, and dialysis membrane in dialysis-related amyloidosis

Studies on advanced glycation end products will provide new scientific clues to the pathogenesis of dialysis-related amyloidosis, a crucial problem in dialysis patients. We previously reported our data onN -(carboxymethyl)lysine-hemoglobin from maintenance hemodialysis patients. Further detailed data onN -(carboxymethyl)lysine-hemoglobin and serum pentosidine are presented herein and discussed in relation to dialysis-related amyloidosis and dialysis membranes.Clinical features of dialysis-related amyloidosis and the history of the dialysis membrane used were thoroughly reviewed in 66 patients undergoing hemodialysis. Circulating levels ofN -(carboxymethyl)lysine-hemoglobin were assayed by the dot-blotting method, and serum levels of pentosidine were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Circulating concentrations ofN -(carboxymethyl)lysine-hemoglobin were increased to about twice those present in healthy persons, and serum levels of pentosidine were elevated to as high as 2402.8±1132.1 pmol/ml in 66 patients, as compared with 220.0±39.4 pmol/ml in healthy persons. Circulating levels ofN -(carboxymethyl)lysine-hemoglobin correlated significantly with both the total length of dialysis history and the severity of the clinical features of dialysis-related amyloidosis. On the other hand, serum levels of pentosidine showed no correlation with either of them.These results strongly suggest that cellulosic dialysis membranes have a critical role in the development of dialysis-related amyloidosis. In addition, quite a large difference in the circulating levels of two advanced glycation end-product molecules,N -(carboxymethyl)lysine-hemoglobin and pentosidine, was found in the clinical setting of dialysis, and thus difference deserves further investigation.     

Adaptation and habituation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex in intact and inferior olive-lesioned rats

Summary The gain of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) of intact pigmented rats was adaptively modified by training protocols that created a visual-vestibular conflict. For training, head restrained animals were oscillated on a turntable in front of an optokinetic pattern projected onto a cylindrical wall. The optokinetic pattern either moved the same amplitude with the animal (in-phase: 0.05 Hz ± 20°/s) or opposite in direction (out-of-phase: turntable and pattern 0.05 Hz ± 10°/s each). VOR responses were tested in darkness before and after each 8 min training period for a duration of 40 min. During out-of-phase training the gain of compensatory eye movements measured in light was close to 2 from the beginning on and the VOR tested in darkness increased in gain progressively from 0.48 (±0.12) to 0.9 (±0.3; P < 0.05) in 5 out of 7 rats. Two rats did not adapt their VOR gain. Phase values decreased slightly by about 10°. During in-phase stimulation compensatory eye movements were almost completely suppressed (gain close to 0) from the beginning on and the VOR tested in darkness decreased gradually in gain from 0.62 (±0.17) to 0.13 (±0.1; P<0.001) in all 6 trained rats. Phase values decreased in parallel from 151° to 119° (P< 0.01). The effectiveness of the in-phase training paradigm in the absence of compensatory eye movements indicates that retinal image slip is the relevant signal for adaptation. In seven rats with histologically verified almost complete inferior olive (IO) lesions (chemically induced at least 45 days prior to training), out-of-phase and in-phase stimulation evoked compensatory eye movements with gains comparable to those in intact rats. VOR parameters measured in darkness were altered with respect to those of control rats. Gain differed extremely between individuals and phase lag re acceleration was in all IO-lesioned rats larger than in intact rats. The time constant of the VOR in response to table velocity steps was significantly longer (17 s ±4) than in intact rats (11 s ± 3). Training did not alter the gain of the VOR in 5 out of 7 IO-lesioned rats. One rat increased its gain during out-of-phase training in the first, but not during a second training session (and not during in-phase training) and another rat decreased its gain during in-phase training (but not during out-of-phase training). These changes in VOR gain might have occurred by chance rather than by learning. The absence of adaptation in IO-lesioned rats can be explained either by the absence of climbing fiber mediated slip signals in the cerebellar cortex or by lesion-induced secondary changes which result in a long-term reduction of the inhibitory efficacy of Purkinje-cells. In the absence of arousing stimuli VOR responses of intact rats exhibit a strong decrement during table oscillations in darkness. Between trials, with the rat at rest, response magnitude recovered spontaneously. Six out of 8 IO-lesioned rats expressed a very similar modification of their VOR gain. These results indicate that the neural mechanisms responsible for adaptive gain decrease during in-phase training and those responsible for a gain decrease during short-term habituation are different.     

Untersuchungen zur Bedeutung des β1C/1A-Gehaltes im Serum von Patienten mit sog. „lupoider“ Hepatitis

Zusammenfassung 111 Patienten mit chronischentzündlichen Lebererkrankungen, darunter 13 Kranke mit sog. lupoiden Verlaufsformen (12 Frauen und 1 Mann), wurden auf mögliche Zusammenhänge zwischen dem Auftreten und dem Titer antinucleärer Faktoren (ANF) und der _1C/1A-Globulinkonzentration im Serum untersucht. Die Titer der ANF des lupoiden Kollektivs (N=13) lagen zwischen 1:8 und 1:512. Der Mittelwert der _1A-Globulinkonzentration betrug 91,9±26,8 mg/100 ml. Für die negative Kontrollgruppe ohne ANF (N=98) wurde die _1A-Globulinkonzentration im Mittel mit 91,1±29,92 mg/100 ml bestimmt. Bei einem Korrelationskoeffizienten von 0,0916 bot das Verhalten der C3-Komponente somit keinen Hinweis auf eine besondere immunologische Reaktionsweise sog. lupoider Hepatitiden bzw. Cirrhosen.

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Summary 111 patients suffering from chronic-inflammatory liver disease, including 13 individuals with lupoid hepatitis or cirrhosis (12 female, 1 male), were studied for a possible relationship between the occurrence and the titier of antinuclear factors (ANF) and the concentration of the _1C/1A-globulin in the serum. The titers of the ANF in the lupoid group (N=13) varied between 1:8 and 1:512. The mean value of the _1A-globulin was 91.9±26.8 mg/100 ml. For the ANF-negative group (N=98) the mean value of _1A-globulin was determined as 91.1±29.92 mg/100 ml. The calculated correlation coefficient was 0.0916. Thus, using the content of the C3-component of serum as a parameter there was no evidence of a particular immunologic reactivity of patients with lupoid hepatitis resp. cirrhosis.

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Mit Unterstützung durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.     

Comparative Characterization of Cytokine Production by Concanavalin A-Activated Splenocytes from BALB/c and C57Bl/6 Mice after Cold Exposure

The level of cytokines produced by ConA activated splenocytes was studied in male BALB/c and C57Bl/6 mice after single and repeated cold exposure (–20°C, 3 min). Single cold exposure significantly decreased IL-2, -3, -4, -5, -10, -12, IFN- production in BALB/c mice and decreased IL-2 content and increased TNF- level in C57Bl/6 mice. Repeated cold exposure normalized the content of IL-2, -4, -10, -12, and IFN- in BALB/c mice, which reflects the development of adaptive immune reactions. In C57Bl/6 mice IL-2, -3, -5, -10, -12, and IFN- production remained significantly decreased, which attested to dysadaptive processes.__________Translated from Byulleten Eksperimentalnoi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 139, No. 2, pp. 188–190, February, 2005