Role of H+ ions in volume and voltage of epithelial cell nuclei

Condensation of chromatin depends upon the ion composition in the cell nucleus. We tested in isolated nuclei of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells the influence of various ions on nuclear volume (i. e. DNA packing) and intranuclear voltage. After isolation, nuclei were superfused with cytosolic solutions in which Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺ and H⁺ ions were varied. With video-imaging and microelectrode techniques nuclear volume and intranuclear potential were measured in response to the various ions. In control cytosolic solution, isolated nuclei exhibited an intranuclear electrical potential of –6.5±0.5 mV (relative to a reference electrode in the cytosolic solution) corresponding to a nuclear volume of 250±10 fl (n=104). Changing the Na⁺, K⁺ or free Ca²⁺ concentration in the superfusate in the physiological range resulted in minor changes of volume and intranuclear potential whereas pH altered both parameters dramatically. Nuclear swelling and intranuclear negative voltage increased with alkalinization and decreased when pH was reduced. An intact nuclear envelope was found to be no prerequisite for maintaining intranuclear negativity, indicating that the composition and functional state of nuclear chromatin rather than specific ion permeabilities of the nuclear envelope determine nuclear electrical potential. We present a model that explains nuclear volume and voltage on the basis of interaction between negatively charged DNA and positively charged histones of the nuclear chromatin.     

Basics of the virology of HIV-1 and its replication.

Human immunodeficiency virus is undoubtedly the causative agent of AIDS. The understanding of HIV-1 pathogenesis is essential to develop and maintain antiretroviral treatment and vaccination. Since the first isolation of HIV-1 in cell culture, thousands of publications dealing with HIV and/or AIDS per year were released. In this review we give a basic overview of the virology of HIV-1 including the functions of the different HIV-1 proteins required for effective viral replication. Moreover, we summarize the interactive processes between HIV-1 and its target cells. Finally, the HIV-1 specific immune response and the current status of antiretroviral therapy are briefly described in this review.     

Cushing's Syndrome Secondary to Olfactory Neuroblastoma

A case of olfactory neuroblastoma in a 36-year-old woman who presented with florid Cushing's syndrome is reported. A nasal polyp, which proved to be an olfactory neuroblastoma, was resected. The procedure was followed by complete remission from the endocrinologic abnormalities. Postoperatively, the patient was well for 5 years until recurrence of both Cushing's syndrome and the nasal polyp was noted. Following combined transnasal-transcranial resection of the tumor, which extended into the anterior cranial fossa, the patient again experienced complete remission of Cushing's syndrome. Immunohistochemistry showed the tumor to be positive for neuron-specific enolase, synaptophysin, chromogran-in, adrenocorticotropic hormone, (J-endorphin, and S-100 protein. Electron microscopy revealed neuritic processes containing microtubules and neurosecretory granules. This is the first reported case of Cushing's syndrome secondary to olfactory neuroblastoma.     

Scalp topography of the spontaneous K-complex and of delta-waves in human sleep

Objective: Together with spindles, K-complexes are well known hallmarks of stage 2 sleep (S2). However, little is known about their topographical distribution in comparison to delta-waves and to K-complexes superimposed by spindles. Patients and methods: In this study, the topographical distribution of spontaneous K-complexes and delta-waves in S2 and delta-waves in stage 4 sleep (S4) in 10 healthy young adults (aged 20 to 35 years, 7 female) was investigated. K-complexes with and without spindles in S2, delta-waves with and without spindles in S2, and delta-waves in S4 distributed all over the night were visually selected. EEG power maps and statistical parametric maps were calculated. Results: Absolute delta power of S2 K-complexes appeared to be significantly higher than of S2 delta-waves and delta power of S4 delta-waves was higher than of S2 delta-waves. In K-complexes and delta-waves, power was found to be highest over medio-frontal regions in the delta frequency band (0.5 - 4.0 Hz) with a second maximum occipitally in delta-waves, no matter whether superimposed by a spindle or not. Conclusion: K-complexes and delta-waves in S2 differ in topographical distribution. Even though in S2 delta-waves have less power, they have a similar topographical distribution in S2 and S4, supporting the hypothesis that delta-waves in S2 further develop towards delta-waves in slow wave sleep. The delta frequency components of K-complexes and delta-waves are unaffected by spindles.