Roles of rDNA spacer and transcription unit-sequences in X-Y meiotic chromosome pairing in Drosophila melanogaster males

Meiotic pairing of the X and Y chromosomes in Drosophila melanogaster males is mediated by the rDNA repeats, which are present in two tandem clusters, one in the centric X heterochromatin and the other near the base of the short arm of the Y chromosome. Deletion of the X chromosomal rDNA cluster disrupts X-Y pairing and causes high frequences of X-Y nondisjunction. Pairing can be partly restored by insertions of cloned complete rRNA genes or by rDNA fragments that include the intergenic spacer (IGS) region. A 240 bp repeated sequence in the IGS was shown to be effective in promoting pairing when present at copy numbers above five. This study further defines the rDNA sequences involved in mediating pairing. Germline insertions of a P element construct containing most of the rDNA transcription unit but no promoter or IGS region were obtained. Two single-copy insertions and four two-copy insertions proved unable to stimulate X-Y disjunction when located on an rDNA-deficient X chromosome. In addition, three insertions of a P element construct consisting of the IGS and promoter regions of the rDNA were characterized molecularly. These three insertions had previously been shown to range in pairing ability from very weak to quite strong. Molecular analysis revealed that the three insertions also vary in copy number of the 240 bp IGS repeat and that these structural differences correlate with the differences in pairing ability. These data indicate that 240 bp repeats are considerably more effective than other regions of the rDNA in stimulating chromosome pairing.

[The mutiplication of Sindbis virus and host BHK-21 cell apoptosis]

The process of apoptosis of BHK-21 cells induced by Sindbis virus (SbV) infection is reported here in details. The nuclear DNA cleavage can be first detected at 6 h after SbV infection, followed by the chromatin margination and condensation at 12 h and the DNA ladder can be detected at 24 h after infection. The details of apoptosis body's formation can be revealed by electron microscopy: First, the outer nuclear membrane protrudes where the condensed chromatin accumulates, then the chromatin get into the budding area with the inner nuclear membrane and separate from the nuclear. Progressively, we cloned the gene of SbV nonstructure protein 2 (nsP2) into the eukaryotic expression vector pMAMneo, and it can be expressed transiently. The DNA cleavages, the basic characteristics of apoptosis also can be detected in some cells. Together with the sequence analysis of nsP2 and the other former results, we conclude that the nsP2 may have direct relation with the SbV-induced apoptosis.

[FT-IR study of Ce3+-doped calcium phthalate phosphor]

FT-IR of the CaC8H4O4 : Ce phosphor prepared by the solution reaction method were determined. Bands of their spectra were assigned. Some structure information about these compounds were given.

[Identification of G6PD gene mutations in several nationalities from Yunnan province]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the G6PD gene mutations in several nationalities from Yunnan province.

METHODS

G6PD gene mutation of 29 samples from G6PD deficient patients were analyzed by using common and mis-matched primering PCR followed by restriction enzyme digestion. The samples were collected from Yunnan province among several nationalities.

RESULTS

In these 29 cases, 20 were of two known mutations, including 19 of 1388 (G-->A) and 1 of 1376 (G-->T) mutation. The 7 cases of national minorities, including 3 of Yi ([symbol: see text]), 2 of Bai ([symbol: see text]), 1 of Dai ([symbol: see text]), and 1 of Naxi ([symbol: see text]), were all 1388 mutations. No report of the G6PD gene 1388 mutation in these ethnic groups was published excepting for Dai.

CONCLUSION

The mutation probably had been prevalent before the emergence of these national minorities. The approximate rate of G6PD gene mutations provided in Yunnan province may, in some respects, help to interpret the molecular evolution.

[Study on the orientation of PET three-dimensional crimp hollow fiber by IR-ATR]

The variations of structure and orientation of poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) three-dimensional crimp hollow fiber were investigated by infrared attenuated total reflection (IR-ATR) method. It was found that the carbonyl group of this PET hollow fiber orientates vertically to the fiber surface.

Mutations in the Cacnl1a4 calcium channel gene are associated with seizures, cerebellar degeneration, and ataxia in tottering and leaner mutant mice

Tottering and leaner, two mutations of the mouse tottering locus, have been studied extensively as models for human epilepsy. Here we describe the isolation, mapping, and expression analysis of Cacnl1a4, a gene encoding the alpha subunit of a proposed P-type calcium channel, and also report the physical mapping and expression patterns of the orthologous human gene. DNA sequencing and gene expression data demonstrate that Cacnl1a4 mutations are the primary cause of seizures and ataxia in tottering and leaner mutant mice, and suggest that tottering locus mutations and human diseases, episodic ataxia 2 and familial hemiplegic migraine, represent mutations in mouse and human versions of the same channel-encoding gene.

Role of intracardiac angiotensin II in cardiac dysfunction of rat during septic shock

OBJECTIVE

To observe changes in the content of myocardial angiotensin II and its role in cardiac dysfunction of rat during septic shock.

METHODS

Septic shock model was produced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) operation on rats. Experimental rats were given captopril 15 mg.kg-1/d per os for 3 days before CLP operation. Mean blood pressure and left ventricular pressure were recorded. Myocardial angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activities were determined by a fluorometric assay and myocardial angiotensin II content was measured by radioimmunoassay. Highly purified membrane of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) was prepared from rat hearts. Assays were made of ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake by cardiac SR and (3H) ryanodine binding to SR.

RESULTS

Myocardial angiotensin II content increased by 51.5% (P < 0.01) at the 18th hour post CLP, meanwhile there was a decrease in left ventricular +/- dp/dtmax value and the impairment in Ca2+ uptake and (3H) ryanodine binding to cardiac SR. Preliminary administration of captopril reduced myocardial ACE activity and angiotensin II content, but increased left ventricular +/- dp/dtmax value. In comparison to shock group, the initial rate and the capacity of SR Ca2+ uptake were increased by 120% (P < 0.01) and 33.9% (P < 0.05), the Bmax value of (3H) ryanodine binding to SR was also elevated, while the Kd value remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

The elevated intracardiac angiotensin II, resulting from the activation of myocardial ACE during sepsis, probably serves as one of the important mediators participating in the pathogenesis of heart failure: the effects of angiotensin II may be associated with the disturbance of Ca2+ transport function of cardiac SR.

Chronic lead exposure alters transthyretin concentration in rat cerebrospinal fluid: the role of the choroid plexus

The choroid plexus, which is responsible for the maintenance of the biochemical milieu of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), avidly sequesters Pb. In order to test the hypothesis that chronic Pb exposure may impair choroid plexus function, male weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to Pb in drinking water at doses of 0, 50, or 250 micrograms Pb/ml (as Pb acetate) for 30, 60, or 90 days. The function of the choroid plexus was assessed as reflected by CSF concentrations of transthyretin (TTR, a major CSF protein manufactured by brain choroid plexus) and CSF essential metal ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and Na+). TTR concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay using a monospecific rabbit anti-rat TTR polyclonal antibody, and CSF metal ions analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Two-way ANOVA of CSF TTR concentrations revealed highly significant dose (p < 0.0001), time (p < 0.0223), and dose-by-time effects (p < 0.0379). Moreover, the percentage of reduction of CSF TTR was directly correlated with Pb concentrations in the choroid plexus (r = 0.703, p < 0.05). Pb exposure significantly increased CSF concentrations of Mg2+, but did not markedly altered CSF concentrations of Ca2+, K+, and Na+. Histopathologic examination under the light microscope did not show distinct alterations of plexus structure in Pb-treated rats. Since TTR is responsible for transport of thyroid hormones to the developing brain, we postulate that the depression of choroid plexus TTR production (and/or secretion) by Pb may impair brain development in young animals by depriving the CNS of thyroid hormones.

[A study of the relevant factors of removal of common bile duct stones with endoscopic mechanical lithotripsy]

Endoscopic mechanical lithotripsy (EML) was attempted in 41 patients with common bile duct stones unable to be removed by endoscopic sphincterotomy. These patients had altogether 89 stones with stone size ranged from 5 to 30 mm (mean transverse diameter 16.6 +/- 6.0 mm and mean longitudinal diameter 20.0 +/- 7.1 mm). 31 patients had 34 stones greater than or equal to 20 mm in transverse diameter. The overall stone removal rate was 97.6%. The rate of complete removal of the stone fragments with EML at one time was 78.6% (11/14) for large, 58.8% (10/17) for middle and 0 (0/5) for small incision of the sphincter. In patients with diameter of the distal common bile duct greater than or equal to 14 mm and less than 9 mm the rate was 83.3% and 30.8% respectively and the difference was of significance (P < 0.05). The rate of complete removal for using basket and balloon catheter was 6/10 and 4/9 separately and that for combined used of these two methods 83.3% (10/12). The rate of spontaneous passage of the stone (within one week) was 1/5. It is concluded that complete removal of the stone fragments was related mainly to the length of the incision, diameter of distal common bile duct and methods of removing stone fragments after the crush with lithotripsy basket; when the stone is large and there is the no space around the stone for lithotripsy basket manipulation, a large amount of diluted contrast material is injected into the bile duct so as to increase the space and facilitate the ensonaring of the stone with lithotripsy basket. Hard stones can not be crushed easily, so they constitute one of the reasons of failure.

A recA-like gene in Drosophila melanogaster that is expressed at high levels in female but not male meiotic tissues

The RecA protein is the central enzyme in prokaryotic recombination. It catalyzes pairing and strand exchange between homologous DNA molecules, and functions in both DNA repair and genetic recombination. The RecA-like proteins Rad51 and Dmc1 of yeast are both required for meiotic recombination and the former is also necessary for repair of double-strand breaks in vegetative cells. Genes encoding Rad51 homologs have been isolated recently from several higher eukaryotes. This paper describes the isolation and molecular characterization of a genomic DNA fragment from Drosophila melanogaster containing the coding sequence for a RecA-like protein. This protein exhibits strong sequence homology with the Rad51 proteins of budding yeast, fission yeast, chickens, mouse and humans, and slightly less (but still strong) homology with yeast Dmc1. Both in situ hybridization and Southern analysis indicate that the Rad51 gene is present only once per genome in Drosophila (at 99D on chromosome arm 3R). However, there are at least three other fragments that cross-hybridize strongly at low stringency. RNA blotting analysis detects a single transcript of about 1.35 kb that is present throughout development at low levels. Transcript levels are induced at least tenfold in ovaries, as measured by RNase protection analysis, suggestive of a role in female meiosis. Transcript levels are significantly lower in testes than in bulk RNA of adult males, however, indicating that Rad51 may be repressed in meiosis of Drosophila males.

[The disturbance of calcium homeostasis in vascular smooth muscle proliferation after balloon denudation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the changes of calcium homeostasis in smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and the role of disturbance of calcium homeostasis in VSMC proliferation after balloon denudation.

METHODS

Assay of the cellular incorporation of 3H-leucine and measurement of 45Ca transport were done on the model of balloon-denuded aorta in rat.

RESULTS

Endothelial injury induced VSMC proliferation, intimal thickening. After balloon denudation, VSMC calcium influx increased (3 days after balloon denudation, 3.28 +/- 0.14 vs 4.12 +/- 0.28, P < 0.05; 10 days 3.31 +/- 0.09 vs 4.09 +/- 0.21 nmol/10(6) cells, P < 0.01), and calcium efflux decreased, and calcium content increased (3 days after balloon denudation 695 +/- 33 vs 995 +/- 54, P < 0.01; 10 days 709 +/- 32 vs 1022 +/- 94 nmol/10(6) cell, P < 0.01). SR and mitochondria calcium uptake increased. Calcium antagonist, verapamil not only regulated the disturbance of calcium homeostasis, but also inhibited endothelium injury-induced VSMC proliferation.

CONCLUSION

The disturbance of calcium homeostasis is probably one of the underlying mechanisms of VSMC proliferation induced by balloon denudation.

Assessment of acute pulmonary edema in dogs by electrical impedance imaging

Acute pulmonary edema was assessed quantitatively in 12 experiments on six anesthetized dogs. Thirty-two copper foil electrodes were placed around each animal's thorax at the level of the third intercostal space. A real-time electrical impedance tomograph was used to form images of the electrical admittivity of the thorax in and near the plane of these electrodes. The lungs were identified by studying the change in admittivity associated with inspiration. Mean admittivity in these lung regions was assessed at 40-min intervals for the next 3-6 hours. In six control experiments, each having a duration of 200 min, the initial admittivity of the lung regions was 102 +/- 16(SD) mS/m. Lung admittivity usually increased during the first 80 min, and then remained within 2 mS/m of its value at 80 min for the remaining 120 min. In six experiments with pulmonary edema, an initial period of change followed by stability was observed. When stability had been attained, 0.07 ml/kg of oleic acid was injected slowly into a central venous site. Five animals received oleic acid, the sixth received a sham injection of saline. In the five receiving oleic acid, lung admittivity rose steadily for the remainder of the experiment. The increase in lung admittivity in these five animals was between 4 and 16 mS/m. In the sham injected experiment, the lung admittivity changed by 1 mS/m. We conclude that impedance imaging can provide semiquantitative assessment of the development of acute pulmonary edema.

A flow cytometric study on giant cell tumor of bone

OBJECTIVE

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) is a comparatively common bone tumor in Chinese. Though GCT is generally considered as a benign tumor, it can pursue an aggressive course. The present study attempts to clarify whether the flow cytometric study can be an useful tool for prognosis of GCT patients.

METHODS

DNA content and cell cycle studies on 96 pathologically confirmed GCT specimens and anti-GCT monoclonal antibody (GCF-5 McAb) labeling study on 30 GCTs were made by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

29 GCTs (30.2%) exhibited aneuploid and 67 (69.8%) diploid. Of 71 primary tumors, 16 (22.5%) exhibited aneuploid. The DNA index was 0.97+0.15, and the average S, G2/M phase cells 15.23+6.15%. Of 25 recurrent tumors, 13 (52%) were aneuploid, with an average DI of 1.08+0.17. The average S, G2/M phase cells was 19.56+7.12%. Between the primary and recurrent tumor groups, there was significant statistical difference both in S, G2/M phase cell percentage (P < 0.05) and DNA content (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between Jaffe's grade I and grade II groups in DNA content or in S, G2/M phase cell percentage. GCF-5 McAb could combine with almost all cells of S, G2/M phase and part of the cells in G0/G1 phase. Significant relationship existed (r=0.468, P < 0.05) between the percentages of S, G2/M phase cells and GCF-5 positive cells. Between the primary and the recurrent tumor groups, there was a significant difference in the percentage of both S, G2/M phase cells and GCF-5 positive cells.

CONCLUSION

Apparently flow cytometric study is of value in the evaluation of the biological behavior of GCT as well as the prognosis of the patients.

[Molecular weight determination and protein analysis of GCF-5 antigens of giant cell tumor of bone]

In order to understand the tumor antigen(s) of giant cell tumor of bone (GCT), monoclonal antibody GCF-5 developed in this laboratory was employed. GCF-5 reacted specifically against the tumor cell associated antigens of GCT. The membrane proteins of tumor cell were extracted by high concentration of SDS, followed by a series of treatment processes, including SDS-PAGE, western blotting and some staining methods, such as Periodic-Schiff for glycoprotein and oil red O for lipoprotein. The molecular weight and chemical characteristics of GCF-5 antigens were analysed. The preliminary results indicated that the main GCF-5 antigens were two glycoproteinis containing few saccharide chains, one of which was 13.5KD and the other 17.4KD.

Change of water-soluble-protein, urea-soluble-protein and membrane intrinsic protein in human senile cataract

PURPOSE

To analyze the change of water-soluble-protein (WSP), urea-soluble-protein (USP) and membrane intrinsic protein (MIP) in human senile cataract.

METHODS

The water-soluble-fractions (WSF) were prepared basically according to the method of Kibbelear, et al. But in this study, 5 mmol/L B-mercaptoethanol was added to the buffer solution. The urea-soluble-fractions (USF) were prepared basically according to the method of Kibbelear, et al. Lens fiber cell membranes were purified basically according to the method of Russell, et al. SDS-PAGE were performed according to the procedure of Laemmili, et al. using resolving gel 13% and 3% stacking gel.

RESULTS

The WSP was fractionated into HM+ alpha-, beta(1-3)- and gamma-crystallin components. In nuclear cataractous lenses HM+ alpha- and B-crystallin increase, while r-crystallin decrease. The USP from clear lenses contains mainly alpha beta chains of 22KD, whereas in cataractous lenses, especially in nuclear cataractous lenses, the relative amount of the 28- and 23KD polypeptide (the components of beta-crystallin) increased markedly. Lens fiber cell MIP, clear lens and cataract lens contained the main polypeptide of 27KD (MIP) and 23KD (MP23).

CONCLUSION

The water-insoluble protein, whether in quantity or in quality, plays an important role in cataract formation.

Proton transfer by histidine 67 in site-directed mutants of human carbonic anhydrase III

The ability of a histidine residue at position 67 in human carbonic anhydrase III to transfer protons in the catalytic pathway for the hydration of CO2 was investigated for a series of site-specific mutants. Wild-type carbonic anhydrase III has an arginine at this position with the C alpha of residue 67 about 9.4 A from the zinc. The active-site cavity contains no other residues capable of facile proton transfer. Rate constants for proton transfer from His 67 to the zinc-bound hydroxide were determined from the rate constants for the exchange of 18O between CO2 and water measured by mass spectrometry. A range of values for the pKa of zinc-bound water was achieved by replacement of phenylalanine with leucine and aspartate at position 198 adjacent to the zinc. Application of Marcus rate theory showed that intramolecular proton transfer involving His 67 had an intrinsic energy barrier of 1.3 +/- 0.3 kcal/mol and a thermodynamic work function for a preceding unfavorable equilibrium of 10.9 +/- 0.1 kcal/mol. We previously showed that proton transfer from histidine 64 in carbonic anhydrase III could be described by Marcus rate theory [Silverman, D. N., Tu, C. K., Chen, X., Tanhauser, S. M., Kresge, A. J., & Laipis, P. J. (1993) Biochemistry 32, 10757-10762]. In comparison, proton transfer from His 67 must overcome a more unfavorable preceding equilibrium (a larger work function) that probably represents an energy requirement for proper alignment of donor and acceptor groups plus the intervening hydrogen-bonded water. Once this alignment is achieved, the intrinsic energy barrier appears the same for His 67 or His 64.

Beta-adrenergic receptor subtypes in stress-induced behavioral depression

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of beta-adrenergic receptors in an animal model of stress-induced behavioral depression. beta-Adrenergic receptors in several brain regions and leukocytes of rats were determined by receptor binding techniques using 125I-cyanopindolol (cyp) as ligand and propranolol as displacer for total beta-adrenergic receptors, and ICI 86,406 for beta 1- and ICI 118,551 for beta 2-adrenergic receptors. We observed that the maximum number of binding sites (Bmax) and the apparent dissociation constant (Kd) of 125I-cyp binding to total beta-adrenergic receptors were increased in hippocampus of stressed rats with escape deficits (48 h after training) as compared to control rats. This increase was due to an increase in Bmax and Kd of 125I-cyp binding to beta 1-adrenergic receptors but not to beta 2-adrenergic receptors. There was no significant difference in beta 1-adrenergic receptors in cortex and cerebellum or beta 2-adrenergic receptors in hippocampus, cortex, cerebellum, or leukocytes of stressed (48 h after training) rats with escape deficits as compared to control rats. Interestingly, it was observed that beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors in various brain regions (cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus) and beta 2-adrenergic receptors in leukocytes of stressed rats (10 days after training) were not significantly different from control rats, although escape deficits were still present. These results suggest that abnormalities in adrenergic neurotransmission are associated with an upregulation of beta 1-adrenergic receptors, which in turn may be involved in the early stages of behavioral deficits caused by uncontrollable shock.

Interactions of active-site residues and catalytic activity of human carbonic anhydrase III

To elucidate the interactions between residues found in the active-site cavity of human carbonic anhydrase III, we have prepared a series of single and double mutants with Lys-64, Arg-67, and Phe-198 replaced with Ala, Asp, Glu, His, and Leu. Rates of catalysis were determined using 18O exchange between CO2 and water measured by mass spectrometry and initial velocity measured by stopped-flow spectrophotometry. Replacement of these residues resulted in increases in kcat/Km for CO2 hydration as much as 200-fold and increases in the pKa of the zinc-bound water by as much as 3.5 units. We conclude that the effect of replacements made at positions 64, 67, and 198 were in general additive for kcat/Km for CO2 hydration, indicating that there is no interaction between these sites that affects the catalytic interconversion of CO2 and HCO3-. One notable exception is the antagonism exhibited by the double mutant of human carbonic anhydrase III containing Glu-64 and Leu-198. The data also show that one source of the large enhancement of kcat/Km for the mutant containing Asp-198 in human carbonic anhydrase III is the presence of both Asp-198 and Lys-64; when Lys-64 was replaced with Ala, a reduction of catalytic activity was observed. These results provide an additional view of the independent interactions of amino acids that affect the catalytic pathway of isozyme III, the least active of the known carbonic anhydrase isozymes.

[The effect of medical treatment on hypertension community control--a follow-up study of more than one thousand hypertensives in East City Proper, Beijing]

Hypertension exerts a great threat on human health. Although most of countries promote the management of hypertension in communities, the role of treatment of hypertension is still controversial, it directly influences the strategy of hypertension community control. This study was based on the survey of essential and borderline hypertension in Gu-lou District of East City Proper, Beijing in 1981, and the management of 1339 hypertensives in the follow-up from 1982 to 1985, and the mortality registration in the district by Disease Surveillance System. By observing the prognosis within one year among different treatment groups (nonusers, less than 9 months and more than 9 months within one year), 1289 patients were followed up for a total of 4283 person-years. Crude analyses, stratified and logistic analyses with multi-variables adjustment of age, sex, blood pressure, with or without end-organ damage, etc. could not find that treatments had obvious effects on the reduction of incidence and mortality of stroke, mortality of CVD and all-cause in hypertensives except severe cases. The stratified analyses dy smoking also showed that smoking had a disadvantageous effects for treated hypertensives. Based on our results, we suggest that health education should be a major part of hypertension management program in community; treatments of hypertension should consider the flexible situation of patients and may not be a priority in hypertension community control program.

Mutagenesis of structural half-cystine residues in human thioredoxin and effects on the regulation of activity by selenodiglutathione

A human thioredoxin cDNA was modified to optimize Escherichia coli expression and subcloned into the plasmid pACA, a vector for T7 RNA polymerase-directed expression. The substitution of structural (noncatalytic) half-cystines in human thioredoxin (hTrx) was made by site-directed mutagenesis. The recombinant wild-type (wt) hTrx and its mutant C61S, C72S, and C61S/C72S were expressed and purified to homogeneity. Characterization of the wt and mutant hTrx was done with respect to redox activity with thioredoxin reductase (TR), tryptophan fluorescence, and effects of incubation with GS-Se-SG, which is believed to be the major metabolite of inorganic selenium compounds in mammalian tissues. The Km and kcat of wild-type hTrx for human placenta thioredoxin reductase (HP-TR) at pH 7.0 were 2.0 microM and 2800 min-1, respectively. The mutant proteins C61S, C72S, and C61S/C72S had Km and kcat values similar to those of the wt thioredoxin. Tryptophan fluorescence measurements showed that the wt and mutant proteins had similar stability to a denaturing agent. Incubation of fully reduced thioredoxin with 0.1 molar equivalent of GS-Se-SG resulted in continued oxidation of SH groups. After 3.5 h only 0.5 of initially 4.6 SH groups/thioredoxin remained. With the oxidized protein, a pronounced lag phase in thioredoxin reductase-dependent insulin disulfide reduction was present. Disulfide-linked dimers of the protein were present. The results clearly showed that noncatalytic cysteine residues in hTrx were oxidized accompanied by dimerization and inactivation. The activities of the mutant proteins C72S and C61S/C72S were unchanged after 3 h of incubation with GS-Se-SG. No dimer appeared of the C72S thioredoxin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alteration of crystallin polypeptides in rat lenses during the development of galactose-induced cataract

Some striking differences in relative polypeptide abundance of crystallins were observed in normal and galactose-induced cataractous lenses of rat by means of SDS-PAGE. In the cataractous lenses a prominent band appeared at about 25 kDa and the aA chain increased markedly, whereas the relative amount of the 31 kDa band decreased substantially. These alterations are similar to the changes observed during the incubation of young mouse lenses in glucose-free medium.

In vivo animal models of body composition in aging

We developed several techniques that provide data on body elemental composition from in vivo measurements in rats. These methods include total body potassium by whole-body counting of endogenous 40K; total body calcium (TBCa), sodium and chloride by in vivo neutron activation analysis and total body phosphorus (TBP) and nitrogen (TBN) by photon activation analysis. These elements provide information on total body fat, total body protein and skeletal mass. Measurements were made in 6-, 12- and 24-month-old rats. TBN increased slightly between 6 and 12 months but was significantly lower by 24 months, indicating a substantial loss in total body protein. Working at the National Synchrotron Light Source, we studied rat femurs by computed microtomography (CMT), and the elemental profile of the femur cortex by synchrotron-radiation induced X-ray emission (SRIXE). Although there were no significant changes in TBCa and TBP, indices of skeletal mass, CMT revealed a marked increase in the size and number of cavities in the endosteal region of the femur cortex with increasing age. The SRIXE analysis of this cortical bone revealed a parallel decrease in the endosteal Ca/P ratio. Thus, there are major alterations in bone morphology and regional elemental composition despite only modest changes in total skeletal mass.

High-energy x-ray beam characterization using photonuclear reaction

Spectral changes in the primary photon beam of a high-energy medical electron accelerator have been monitored using photonuclear reactions. The beam across the radiation field was measured using induced activity in Teflon cylinder and copper foil samples at several off-axis angles, at different SSDs in air and in a solid water phantom. The induced activities of the positron emitters were measured using a coincidence detection system. The experimental results are in agreement with Monte Carlo calculations and Schiff's theory.

Buffer dependence of CO2 hydration catalyzed by human carbonic anhydrase I

The steady-state kinetics of CO2 hydration catalyzed by human carbonic anhydrase I (carbonate hydro-lyase, EC 4.2.1.1) has been investigated at three pH values corresponding to different parts of the pH-rate profile. Two buffer systems with similar pKa values were used at each pH. The results show that the catalyzed rates depend on the buffer concentration but also on the chemical nature of the buffer. For example, at pH 8.8 the buffer 1,2-dimethylimidazole behaves formally as a second substrate in a 'ping-pong' mechanism yielding a maximal kcat value of 2.2 x 10(5) s-1, whereas much lower rates were obtained with Taps buffers. Similarly, at pH 7.3 1-methylimidazole yields higher rates than Mops and at pH 6.3 3,5-lutidine is more efficient than Mes. Non-Michaelis-Menten kinetics were observed with all buffers except 1,2-dimethylimidazole. In addition, while the apparent buffer activation by 1,2-dimethylimidazole can be described by a single Km value of 26 mM, the Mes concentration dependence is consistent with the presence of two components of similar magnitudes with Km values of 45 mM and 0.15 mM. These results are interpreted within the framework of the 'zinc-hydroxide' mechanism in terms of multiple pathways for the rate-contributing transfer of a proton from the zinc-bound water molecule, formed during CO2/HCO3- interconversion, to the reaction medium, thus, regenerating zinc-bound OH-.