Sequential bilateral isolated lung perfusion in the rat: an experimental model

BACKGROUND

A model of isolated single-lung perfusion in the rat has been established in our laboratory to study the chemotherapeutic treatment of pulmonary metastases. A sequential bilateral isolated lung perfusion model was designed to investigate the feasibility of staged perfusions in the rat.

METHODS

Twenty-four Fischer rats were randomized into three experimental groups of 8 rats each. All rats underwent left isolated lung perfusion. One, 2, or 3 weeks later, the rats in groups I, II, and III, respectively, underwent contralateral (right) perfusion. Five control animals (group IV) underwent sequential bilateral sham thoracotomies 1 week apart. Arterial blood gas analysis was performed 1 week after the second operation in the rats in groups I and IV.

RESULTS

All animals survived the first operation, with 100% (8/8), 75% (6/8), and 100% (8/8) of the animals in perfusion groups I, II, and III, respectively, surviving the second operation. All control animals (group IV) survived the second sham thoracotomy. Arterial blood gas analysis did not show a significant difference in the oxygen or carbon dioxide partial pressure or the pH between group I and IV (p = 0.32, 0.96, and 0.76, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our experiments demonstrate that sequential bilateral isolated lung perfusion is safe in and well tolerated by the rat. This model can be used to investigate the safety and efficacy of staged perfusions with chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of bilateral pulmonary metastases in the rat.

Somatic gene transfer approaches to manipulate neural networks

Gene transfer methods can be exploited to create somatic mosaic tissues to elucidate gene product action in cells comprising a network. This article describes the evolution of approaches beginning from herpes amplicon vectors with constitutive gene expression to herpes vectors with regulated gene expression and concludes with the development of a combined germline/somatic gene transfer method that allows for highly versatile spatial and temporal control of in vivo gene expression. Where possible examples of each approach are provided. In addition, the advantages and limitations of the approaches are discussed.

Regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in IFN-gamma-treated murine macrophages cultured under hypoxic conditions

We recently reported that a hypoxia-responsive element mediates a novel pathway of transcriptional activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) promoter in murine macrophages treated with IFN-gamma plus hypoxia (1% O2). In this study, we investigated the expression of NOS activity and the regulation of NOS induction in IFN-gamma treated ANA-1 murine macrophages or thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages cultured under hypoxic conditions. We found that murine macrophages stimulated with IFN-gamma plus hypoxia, despite a significant accumulation of iNOS mRNA, did not release nitrite into culture supernatant. However, cytosol from macrophages treated with IFN-gamma plus hypoxia contained significant levels of iNOS protein and enzymatic activity. Experiments in which cells were treated with IFN-gamma plus hypoxia and then cultured in normoxic conditions (20% O2) demonstrated that reoxygenation was required to achieve detectable accumulation of nitrite in the culture supernatant. Furthermore, we demonstrated that IL-4 inhibited IFN-gamma plus hypoxia-dependent induction of iNOS mRNA expression, iNOS protein, and enzymatic activity. Experiments in which ANA-1 macrophages were transfected transiently with the full-length iNOS promoter linked to a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene demonstrated that IL-4 also down-regulated the IFN-gamma plus hypoxia-induced activation of the iNOS promoter. These data establish that hypoxia is a costimulus with IFN-gamma for the induction of iNOS activity in ANA-1 macrophages as well as in murine peritoneal macrophages, and they provide the first evidence that IL-4 inhibits hypoxia-inducible gene expression. In addition, our results suggest that hypoxia, which occurs in many pathologic conditions, may play an important role in the activation of murine macrophages.

Regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in IFN-gamma-treated murine macrophages cultured under hypoxic conditions

We recently reported that a hypoxia-responsive element mediates a novel pathway of transcriptional activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) promoter in murine macrophages treated with IFN-gamma plus hypoxia (1% O2). In this study, we investigated the expression of NOS activity and the regulation of NOS induction in IFN-gamma treated ANA-1 murine macrophages or thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages cultured under hypoxic conditions. We found that murine macrophages stimulated with IFN-gamma plus hypoxia, despite a significant accumulation of iNOS mRNA, did not release nitrite into culture supernatant. However, cytosol from macrophages treated with IFN-gamma plus hypoxia contained significant levels of iNOS protein and enzymatic activity. Experiments in which cells were treated with IFN-gamma plus hypoxia and then cultured in normoxic conditions (20% O2) demonstrated that reoxygenation was required to achieve detectable accumulation of nitrite in the culture supernatant. Furthermore, we demonstrated that IL-4 inhibited IFN-gamma plus hypoxia-dependent induction of iNOS mRNA expression, iNOS protein, and enzymatic activity. Experiments in which ANA-1 macrophages were transfected transiently with the full-length iNOS promoter linked to a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene demonstrated that IL-4 also down-regulated the IFN-gamma plus hypoxia-induced activation of the iNOS promoter. These data establish that hypoxia is a costimulus with IFN-gamma for the induction of iNOS activity in ANA-1 macrophages as well as in murine peritoneal macrophages, and they provide the first evidence that IL-4 inhibits hypoxia-inducible gene expression. In addition, our results suggest that hypoxia, which occurs in many pathologic conditions, may play an important role in the activation of murine macrophages.

From frustration to red fury: a description of work-related anger in male registered nurses

This article is Part II of a three part article. Part I described work-related anger experiences of female registered nurses, and in this article findings from a companion study of male RNs are presented. In phenomenological interviews, male nurses describe their work environment as hostile, causing them to be on the defensive and less productive. Sources of angle included attacks from physicians, coworkers, and managers; lack of assistance and support from peers; and differential treatment based on gender. The men stated they were called upon for physical tasks rather than for their nursing knowledge. Severed relationships and feelings of guilt, powerlessness, isolation, humiliation, and incompetence were concomitant with, or consequences of, anger. Part III provides recommendations for channeling anger constructively.

Effect of radon on the immune system: alterations in the cellularity and functions of T cells in lymphoid organs of mouse

Exposure to radon and its progeny induces significant damage to the cells of the respiratory tract and causes lung cancer. Whether a similar exposure to radon would alter the functions of the immune system has not been previously investigated. In the current study, we investigated the effect of exposure of C57BL/6 mice to 1000 or 2500 working-level months (WLM) of radon and its progeny by inhalation, on the number and function of T lymphocytes in lymphoid organs. The control mice received uranium ore dust carrier aerosol by inhalation. Exposure to radon induced marked decrease in the total cellularity of most lymphoid organs such as thymus, peripheral lymph nodes (PLN), and lung-associated lymph nodes (LALN), when compared to the controls. The percentage of T cells increased, while that of non-T cells decreased, in all peripheral lymphoid organs at both the doses of radon. In the thymus, particularly at 2500 WLM of radon exposure, there was a marked decrease in CD4+CD8+ T cells and an increase in the immature CD4-CD8- T cells. Such alterations in both the numbers and percentages of lymphocytes and macrophages in radon-exposed mice may have resulted from the cell killing by the alpha particles as the immune cells were migrating through the lungs, or it may have been caused by altered migration of cells, inasmuch as expression of CD44, a molecule involved in migration and homing of immune cells, was significantly altered on cells found in different lymphoid organs. In the LALN, where one would predict the largest number of damaged cells to be present, there was a significant decrease in the T-cell responsiveness to mitogens while the B-cell response was not affected. Such alterations may have resulted from the direct effect of alpha-particle exposure on the migrating lymphocytes, altered percentage of lymphocytes as seen in secondary lymphoid organs, or altered expression of adhesion molecules involved in cell activation such as CD44 and CD3. Interestingly, radon exposure caused and increase in the T- and B-cell responsiveness to mitogens in the spleen and PLN. Since there is little evidence of direct radiation dose from radon in lymphoid organs, our studies demonstrating immunological alterations suggest an indirect effect of radon exposure that may have significant repercussions on the development of hypersensitivity and increased susceptibility to infections and cancer in the lung.

Mapping quantitative trait loci affecting life history traits in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

We have identified chromosomal regions containing quantitative trait loci (QTLs) specifying life history traits in recombinant-inbred strains of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. This approach also allows us to examine epistatic interactions between loci and pleiotropic effects on different traits at specific loci. QTLs for mean life span were identified on chromosomes II (near stP101), IV (stP5) and the X (stP61), and QTLs for fertility were identified on II (maPI), III (stP19) and IV (stP51). The QTLs for mean life span accounted for 90% of the genetic component of variance. The loci for mean fertility accounted for 88% of the genetic component of variance. Additional QTLs for temperature-sensitive fertility [II (stP36) and V (stP6)] and internal hatching [IV (stP5)] were also mapped in these crosses. We found evidence for epistatic effects on mean life span between maP1 and bP1 (V), and for epistatic effects on mean fertility between stP36 and stP6, between stP98 (II) and stP192 (V), between maP1 and stP127 (III), between maP1 and stP103 (X), and between stP5 and stP6. Negatively correlated, pleiotropic effects on mean life span and internal hatching were found linked to stP5.

Antigen processing and presentation by a murine myoblast cell line

The ability of non-professional antigen-presenting cells (APC) to process and present antigen to the immune system has been the subject of debate in autoimmunity and tumour immunology. The role of muscle cells in the processing and presentation of antigen to T cells via class I and class II MHC pathways is of increasing interest. Muscle cells are the targets of autoimmune attack in the inflammatory muscle diseases, and direct intramuscular injection of antigen-expressing DNA constructs is under scrutiny as a means of vaccination. Furthermore, the immunological properties of muscle cells are of relevance in attempts to transfer myoblasts as replacement cells in dystrophic diseases or as depot cells for the secretion of certain molecules in deficiency states. Using class I and class II MHC transfectant clones of the C2C12 myoblast cell line, myoblasts have been shown to be capable of presenting antigen to, and stimulating secretion of IL-2 by, T cell hybridomas via both of these pathways. The epitopes which are dominantly presented by professional APC after processing of native antigens were also presented by the myoblast cell line after processing of either ovalbumin (class I) or hen egg lysozyme (class II). Further, antigen processing and presentation via the class II pathway were enhanced by pretreatment of the myoblasts with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). Up-regulation of invariant chain expression by this treatment may have contributed to this enhanced presentation, but an effect of IFN-gamma on the expression of other molecules such as H-2 DM may have also played a role. The demonstration of the antigen-presenting properties of these myoblasts is of relevance to all three areas mentioned above. In each situation myoblasts comprise a significant population within muscle. In the case of inflammatory muscle diseases the process of muscle degeneration and regeneration is on-going, while in the vaccination procedure some muscle damage occurs, and vaccination is more effective when muscle damage has preceded inoculation.

Fractures of the coracoid process

We have reviewed 12 fractures of the coracoid process. In two of these patients the fracture extended into the body of the scapula and resulted in displacement of the glenoid. In some cases, there were associated acromioclavicular and glenohumeral dislocations or fractures of the clavicle and the acromion. Two patients required internal fixation to restore congruence of the glenoid; the others were treated conservatively with success. We present a new classification of coracoid fractures which helps in their management.

Fractures of the coracoid process

We have reviewed 12 fractures of the coracoid process. In two of these patients the fracture extended into the body of the scapula and resulted in displacement of the glenoid. In some cases, there were associated acromioclavicular and glenohumeral dislocations or fractures of the clavicle and the acromion. Two patients required internal fixation to restore congruence of the glenoid; the others were treated conservatively with success. We present a new classification of coracoid fractures which helps in their management.

Treatment of Vietnam War veterans with PTSD: a comparison of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, biofeedback, and relaxation training

Analyses of scaled self-report data from Vietnam War veterans receiving inpatient treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder drawn during a program evaluation study suggested inpatient treatment as provided by the program resulted in significant improvement in the areas of Anxiety, Anger, Depression, Isolation, Intrusive Thoughts (of combat experiences), Flashbacks, Nightmares (of combat experiences), and Relationship Problems. Comparing the relative effects of the incremental addition of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Relaxation Training, and Biofeedback found that EMDR was for most problems the most effective extra treatment, greatly increasing the positive impact of the treatment program.

Peptide binding to MHC class I molecules: implications for antigenic peptide prediction

The human mayor histocompatibility complex class I molecule HLA-A2 preferentially binds peptides that contain Leu at P2 and Val or Leu at the C terminus. The other amino acids in the peptide also contribute to binding positively or negatively. It is possible to estimate the binding stability of HLA-A2 complexes containing particular peptides by applying coefficients, deduced from a large amount of binding data, that quantify the relative contribution of each amino acid at each position. In this review, we describe the molecular basis for these coefficients and demonstrate that estimates of binding stability based on the coefficients are generally concordant with experimental measurements of binding affinities. Peptides that contained cysteine were predicted less well, possibly because of complications resulting from peptide dimerization and oxidation. Apparently, peptide binding affinity is largely controlled by the rate of dissociation of the HLA/peptide/beta 2-microglobulin complex, whereas the rate of formation of the complex has less impact on peptide affinity. Although peptides that bind tightly to HLA-A2, including many antigenic peptides bind much more weakly. Therefore, a full understanding of why certain peptides are immunodominant will require further research.

Experience with lower urinary tract disruptions associated with pelvic fractures: implications for emergency room management

A retrospective review of prospectively gathered data from 249 trauma patients was undertaken to study the association of lower urinary tract disruptions with pelvic fractures and to confirm guidelines for the initial investigation and management of such patients in the emergency room. Of 249 patients with pelvic fractures, 124 (50%) had haematuria and 17 (7%) had lower urinary tract disruptions (7 urethral ruptures, 9 bladder ruptures and 1 patient with both bladder and urethral ruptures). Gross haematuria or blood at the urethral meatus was noted in 16 of 17 patients with urological injuries. Twenty-five per cent of patients with unstable pelvic fractures had lower urinary tract disruption compared to 6% of patients with stable fractures (P < 0.05). Retrograde urethrography followed by cystography is indicated in all cases of pelvic fractures with blood at the urethral meatus, macroscopic haematuria or associated signs such as inability to void and perineal haematoma. Urinary diversion alone was used in partial urethral ruptures while surgical exploration and repair were performed in complete urethral ruptures and in most cases of bladder ruptures.

Interleukin-4 inhibits indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase expression in human monocytes

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), a flavin-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of tryptophan to kynurenine, is induced in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by interferon-gamma (IFN gamma). Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a cytokine that modulates the functional properties of monocytes/macrophages, and we investigated the effects of IL-4 on IDO. We showed that IL-4 inhibited the induction of IDO mRNA and IDO activity by IFN gamma in human monocytes. The inhibitory effect was evident with as little as 2 U/mL of IL-4. These results provide the first evidence that a cytokine can provide a negative signal for IDO expression and that IL-4 can influence the catabolism of tryptophan.

Mortality rates in a genetically heterogeneous population of Caenorhabditis elegans

Age-specific mortality rates in isogenic populations of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans increase exponentially throughout life. In genetically heterogeneous populations, age-specific mortality increases exponentially until about 17 days and then remains constant until the last death occurs at about 60 days. This period of constant age-specific mortality results from genetic heterogeneity. Subpopulations differ in mean life-span, but they all exhibit near exponential, albeit different, rates of increase in age-specific mortality. Thus, much of the observed heterogeneity in mortality rates later in life could result from genetic heterogeneity and not from an inherent effect of aging.

Effects of IL-4 depletion on the antibody response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide in mice

These studies were done to examine the role of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in the generation of isotype specific antibody responses of mice to Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide (PALPS) by neutralization of IL-4 in vivo using anti-IL-4 antibody (11B11). We found that the administration of anti-IL-4 antibody (11B11) 24 h before immunization with PALPS resulted in a decreased PALPS-specific antibody response for all isotypes examined (IgM, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgG3). By contrast, we observed that the non-antigen-specific (polyclonal) IgM response of mice following treatment with 11B11 antibody and PALPS was increased while the polyclonal responses for the other isotypes were unaffected. When mice were given recombinant IL-10 at the time of immunization with PALPS there was a decrease in the PALPS-specific antibody response but an increase in the polyclonal IgM, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgG3 response whereas the polyclonal IgG1 response was decreased by a five-fold margin. The results of these studies suggest that both the antigen-specific and the polyclonal response can be influenced in a different manner by IL-4 or by IL-10.

Identification of endogenous electrophiles by means of mass spectrometric determination of protein and DNA adducts

Monitoring exposure to alkylating agents may be achieved by quantitatively determining the adduct levels formed with nucleic acids and/or proteins. One of the most significant results arising from the application of this approach has been the discovery in control populations of "background" levels of alkylated nucleic acid bases or alkylated proteins, in particular hemoglobin (Hb). In the case of Hb, a wide variety of such adducts have been detected and quantitated by mass spectrometric techniques, with methylated, 2-carboxyethylated, and 2-hydroxyethylated modifications being most abundant. Although the source of these alkylation products is unknown, both endogenous and exogenous sources may be proposed. We have recently confirmed the presence of the N-terminal hydroxyethylvaline adduct in control human Hb using tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS) and have now established background levels using GC-MS in more than 70 samples. Smoking raises the levels of the adduct up to 10-fold and occupational exposure to ethylene oxide up to 300-fold. Background levels of alkylated nucleic acids may be studied by analysis of N7-alkylated guanine or N3-alkylated adenine, which are excised from nucleic acids after their formation and are excreted in urine. Although the presence of some of these urinary constituents may be accounted for by their natural occurrence in RNA or diet, the endogenous or exogenous source of others is unknown. Quantitative methods using MS-MS have now been developed for five of the observed urinary alkylguanines [N7-methyl-, N2-methyl-, N2-dimethyl-, N7-(2-hydroxyethyl)-, and N2-ethylguanine].(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Serum placental protein 14 concentrations in the first trimester of ovum donation pregnancies

The concentration of the endometrial glycoprotein placental protein 14 (PP14) has been measured at weekly intervals during the first trimester in serum obtained from women who had become pregnant naturally (n = 15, all singleton) or following ovum donation (n = 16, 15 singleton and one twin) after ovarian failure (n = 13), Turner's syndrome (n = 2) or post-chemotherapy (n = 1). The concentration of PP14 failed to rise in ovum donation pregnancies, and was significantly reduced compared to the concentration in natural conceptions from 5 to 13 weeks gestation (P < 0.05-0.01). These findings demonstrate that the corpus luteum is essential for the normal increase in serum PP14 in the first trimester. Furthermore, they suggest that progesterone is not the major stimulus to PP14 synthesis in early pregnancy.

Genetic specification of life span and self-fertility in recombinant-inbred strains of Caenorhabditis elegans

The genetic basis of life-span and age-specific fertility has been analysed using recombinant-inbred strains of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Estimates of narrow-sense heritability range from 0.05 to 0.36 for life span and from 0.36 to 0.49 for total self-fertility. Positive phenotypic and genetic correlations for life span and total fertility were also observed, although in most cases the correlations were not significant. In general, age-specific hermaphrodite fertility was positively correlated with fertility on contiguous days but was negatively correlated with fertility on more distant days. We estimate that a minimum of two to three genes specify each of these traits in this genetic background. Three single-gene markers were used to generate strain distribution patterns, and two of these were found to be linked with loci that specify life span and/or fertility. We also saw evidence for a significant environmental component affecting self-fertility.

Class II-restricted presentation of an endogenously derived immunodominant T-cell determinant of hen egg lysozyme

An in vitro model was used to investigate the potential for different structural forms of endogenous antigen to be processed and presented by major histocompatibility complex class II molecules. For this purpose the class II-restricted presentation of an immunodominant epitope of hen egg lysozyme [HEL-(46-61)] was studied in class II-positive B-lymphoma cells (M12.C3) transfected with genes encoding HEL molecules either (i) secreted in high (hi) or low (lo) amounts as soluble antigen [sHEL(hi/lo)], (ii) localized within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/salvage compartment (ER-HEL), or (iii) anchored on the cell surface as an integral membrane protein (mHEL). The corresponding sHEL, ER-HEL, and mHEL gene products were expressed as predicted except that HEL determinants accumulated in the culture supernatant as well as on the cell membrane of mHEL-transfected cells. Class II-positive cells endogenously expressing all three forms of HEL antigen constitutively presented the immunodominant HEL-(46-61) determinant with differential efficiency (mHEL, sHEL greater than ERHEL) to a class II-restricted T hybridoma. A second T hybridoma recognized endogenous HEL-(46-61) determinants constitutively presented on sHEL(hi) and mHEL transfectants but not on sHEL(lo) or ERHEL transfectants. The formation of HEL-(46-61)/I-Ak complexes in the ERHEL and sHEL(lo) transfectants was therefore limiting. Mixing experiments with different antigen-presenting cells indicated that the HEL-(46-61) determinant was derived from endogenous antigen rather than by reuptake of shed or secreted HEL determinants. We conclude that MHC class II molecules can present some antigenic determinants derived from endogenous proteins that are sequestered in the ER/salvage compartment as well as distally transported in the form of secretory or membrane antigens.

Phasic volumetric coronary venous outflow patterns in conscious dogs

We performed the present study to characterize phasic venous outflow patterns in conscious chronically instrumented dogs. An implantable ultrasonic transit-time flow probe capable of measuring volumetric venous outflow was placed on the coronary sinus (n = 9) and/or great cardiac vein (n = 5). Under resting conditions, great cardiac vein flow was predominantly systolic [systolic index 61 +/- 6%/beat (means +/- SD), diastolic index 39 +/- 6%/beat]. In contrast, coronary sinus volumetric flow was predominantly diastolic (systolic index 36 +/- 13%/beat, diastolic index 64 +/- 13%/beat). During adenosine vasodilation both great cardiac vein and coronary sinus flow patterns were predominantly systolic (systolic index 58 +/- 12%/beat for the coronary sinus and systolic index 75 +/- 6%/beat in great cardiac vein flow). In addition, the time at which peak venous flow occurred shifted from end systole to midsystole after vasodilation. The variation in coronary venous flow patterns with position suggests that outflow patterns are significantly influenced by a venous compliance between the great cardiac vein and distal coronary sinus. The lack of a predominantly systolic outflow pattern in the coronary sinus under resting conditions contrasts with previous findings in open-chest anesthetized animals and raises the possibility that cannulation of the coronary sinus and/or changes in vasomotor tone caused by anesthesia alter resting venous flow patterns.

The electrophysiological effects of melatonin and a putative melatonin antagonist (N-acetyltryptamine) on rat suprachiasmatic neurones in vitro

Several studies have implicated the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) as a target for the action of melatonin in its regulation of seasonal and circadian behaviour. Single-unit activity from the SCN and adjacent paraventricular area and anterior hypothalamus was recorded using the in vitro rat hypothalamic slice preparation. Neurones were tested for responses to iontophoresed or pressure ejected melatonin (n = 62) and serotonin (5-HT, n = 80). The majority (n = 24-26) of melatonin-sensitive SCN neurones were inhibited by melatonin in a dose-dependent manner during the latter portion of the projected light phase of the circadian light-dark cycle. A putative melatonin antagonist, N-acetyltryptamine, exhibited concentration dependent mixed agonist-antagonist effects on melatonin-evoked responses.

Effects of Irradiance and Methyl Viologen Treatment on ATP, ADP, and Activation of Ribulose Bisphosphate Carboxylase in Spinach Leaves

Since activation of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (rubisco) by rubisco activase is sensitive to ATP and ADP in vitro, we aimed to test the correlation between ATP level and rubisco activation state in intact leaves of Spinacia oleracea L. in response to changes in irradiance and after feeding the electron acceptor methyl viologen. Leaves were exposed to various irradiances for 45 minutes at atmospheric partial pressures of CO(2) and O(2). After measuring the rate of CO(2) assimilation, leaves were freeze-clamped in situ and the punched discs assayed for rubisco activity, and amounts of ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP), ATP, and ADP. The photosynthetic rate and the activation state of rubisco increased with increasing irradiance but the levels of RuBP, ATP, and ADP were not greatly affected. Methyl viologen fed leaves under low irradiance had rubisco activation states of 93% compared to 51% in control leaves. The ATP content of the leaves was also significantly higher and the ratio of ATP to ADP was 4.1 in methyl viologen fed leaves compared to 2.2 in control leaves. From these results and other published results we conclude that a correlation between ATP level and rubisco activation can be observed in intact leaves, but that during changes in irradiance some additional factors are involved in regulating rubisco activation.

Protein-bound ribulose bisphosphate correlates with deactivation of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase in leaves

Previous reports indicate that ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) binds very tightly to inactive ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (rubisco) in vitro. Therefore, we decided to investigate whether there was evidence for tight binding of RuBP associated with deactivation of rubisco in vivo. We modified a technique for rapidly separating ;free' metabolites from those bound to high molecular compounds. Arabidopsis thaliana plants were illuminated at various irradiances before freezing the leaves in liquid N(2) and assaying rubisco activity and RuBP. The percentage activation of rubisco varied from 37% at low irradiance (45 micromoles quanta per square meter per second) to 100% at high irradiance (800 micromoles quanta per square meter per second). The total amount of RuBP did not vary much with irradiance, but bound RuBP changed from 36% of the total at low irradiance to none at high irradiance. Bound RuBP was significantly correlated with the estimated number of inactive rubisco sites, with a ratio of about 1:1. After a step increase in irradiance, rubisco activation increased and total RuBP increased transiently, but steady levels of both occurred by 10 minutes. The amount of bound RuBP decreased with a similar time course to the estimated decrease in inactive rubisco sites. After a step decrease in irradiance, rubisco deactivated slowly for at least 25 minutes. Bound RuBP increased gradually but did so more slowly than the estimated increase in inactive rubisco sites.

Effects of phosphorus nutrition on the response of photosynthesis to CO2 and O 2, activation of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase and amounts of ribulose bisphosphate and 3-phosphoglycerate in spinach leaves

Phosphorus-deficient spinach plants were grown by transferring them to nutrient solutions without PO4. Photosynthetic rates were measured at a range of intercellular CO2 partial pressures from 50-500 μbar and then the leaves were freeze-clamped in situ to measure ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco) activity and metabolite concentrations. Compared with control leaves, deficient leaves had significantly lower photosynthetic rates, percentage activation of Rubisco, and amounts of ribulose bisphosphate and 3-phosphoglycerate at all CO2 partial pressures. After feeding 10 mM PO4 to the petioles of detached deficient leaves, all these measurements increased within 2 hours. At atmospheric CO2 partial pressure the photosynthetic rate was stimulated in 19 mbar O2 compared with 200 mbar. At higher CO2 partial pressures this stimulation was less but the percentage stimulation in deficient leaves was no different from controls in either CO2 partial pressure. It was concluded that phosphorus deficiency affects both Rubisco activity and the capacity for ribulose bisphosphate regeneration, and possible causes are discussed.

Algal and Bacterial Activities in Acidic (pH 3) Strip Mine Lakes

Reservoir 29 and Lake B are extremely acid lakes (epilimnion pHs of 2.7 and 3.2, respectively), because they receive acidic discharges from coal refuse piles. They differ in that the pH of profundal sediments in Reservoir 29 increased from 2.7 to 3.8 during the period of thermal stratification, whereas permanently anoxic sediments in Lake B had a pH of 6.2. The pH rise in Reservoir 29 sediments was correlated with a temporal increase in H 2 S concentration in the anaerobic hypolimnion from 0 to >1 mM. The chlorophyll a levels in the epilimnion of Reservoir 29 were low, and the rate of primary production was typical of an oligotrophic system. However, there was a dense 10-cm layer of algal biomass at the bottom of the metalimnion. Production by this layer was low owing to light limitation and possibly H 2 S toxicity. The specific photosynthetic rates of epilimnetic algae were low, which suggests that nutrient availability is more important than pH in limiting production. The highest photosynthetic rates were obtained in water samples incubated at pH 2.7 to 4. Heterotrophic bacterial activity (measured by [ 14 C]glucose metabolism) was greatest at the sediment/water interface. Bacterial production (assayed by thymidine incorporation) was as high in Reservoir 29 as in a nonacid mesotrophic Indiana lake.

Effect of temperature on the CO2/O 2 specificity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase and the rate of respiration in the light : Estimates from gas-exchange measurements on spinach

Responses of the rate of net CO2 assimilation (A) to the intercellular partial pressure of CO2 (p i ) were measured on intact spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) leaves at different irradiances. These responses were analysed to find the value of p i at which the rate of photosynthetic CO2 uptake equalled that of photorespiratory CO2 evolution. At this CO2 partial pressure (denoted Г), net rate of CO2 assimilation was negative, indicating that there was non-photorespiratory CO2 evolution in the light. Hence Г was lower than the CO2 compensation point, Γ. Estimates of Г were obtained at leaf temperatures from 15 to 30°C, and the CO2/O2 specificity of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylase/oxygenase (E.C. 4.1.1.39) was calculated from these data, taking into account changes in CO2 and O2 solubilities with temperature. The CO2/O2 specificity decreased with increasing temperature. Therefore we concluded that temperature effects on the ratio of photorespiration to photosynthesis were not solely the consequence of differential effects of temperature on the solubilities of CO2 and O2. Our estimates of the CO2/O2 specificity of RuBP carboxylase/oxygenase are compared with in-vitro measurements by other authors. The rate of nonphotorespiratory CO2 evolution in the light (R d ) was obtained from the value of A at Г. At this low CO2 partial pressure, R d was always less than the rate of CO2 evolution in darkness and appeared to decrease with increasing irradiance. The decline was most marked up to about 100 μmol quanta m(-2) s(-1) and less marked at higher irradiances. At one particular irradiance, however, R d as a proportion of the rate of CO2 evolution in darkness was similar in different leaves and this proportion was unaffected by leaf temperature or by [O2] (ambient and greater). After conditions of high [CO2] and high irradiance for several hours, the rate of CO2 evolution in darkness increased and R d also increased.

Photosynthetic responses to light in seedlings of selected Amazonian and Australian rainforest tree species

Seedlings of the Caesalpinoids Hymenaea courbaril, H. parvifolia and Copaifera venezuelana, emergent trees of Amazonian rainforest canopies, and of the Araucarian conifers Agathis microstachya and A. robusta, important elements in tropical Australian rainforests, were grown at 6% (shade) and 100% full sunlight (sun) in glasshouses. All species produced more leaves in full sunlight than in shade and leaves of sun plants contained more nitrogen and less chlorophyll per unit leaf area, and had a higher specific leaf weight than leaves of shade plants. The photosynthetic response curves as a function of photon flux density for leaves of shade-grown seedlings showed lower compensation points, higher quantum yields and lower respiration rates per unit leaf area than those of sun-grown seedlings. However, except for A. robusta, photosynthetic acclimation between sun and shade was not observed; the light saturated rates of assimilation were not significantly different. Intercellular CO₂ partial pressure was similar in leaves of sun and shade-grown plants, and assimilation was limited more by intrinsic mesophyll factors than by stomata. Comparison of assimilation as a function of intercellular CO₂ partial pressure in sun- and shade-grown Agathis spp. showed a higher initial slope in leaves of sun plants, which was correlated with higher leaf nitrogen content. Assimilation was reduced at high transpiration rates and substantial photoinhibition was observed when seedlings were transferred from shade to sun. However, after transfer, newly formed leaves in A. robusta showed the same light responses as leaves of sun-grown seedlings. These observations on the limited potential for acclimation to high light in leaves of seedlings of rainforest trees are discussed in relation to regeneration following formation of gaps in the canopy.

Activation of antigen-specific suppressor T cells by B cells from mice immunized with type III pneumococcal polysaccharide

The transfer of B lymphocytes from mice immunized with type III pneumococcal polysaccharide (SSS-III) results in antigen-specific suppression of the antibody response of recipients immunized with SSS-III. Such suppression shares many features associated with low-dose paralysis, a phenomenon mediated by suppressor T cells; it reaches maximal levels 3 d after the transfer of viable or irradiated immune B cells and can be eliminated by the depletion of SSS-III-binding cells from spleen cell suspensions before transfer. In a two-step cell transfer experiment, purified T lymphocytes, isolated from recipients previously given immune B cells, caused suppression upon transfer to other mice immunized with SSS-III. Also, B-cell-induced suppression could be abrogated in a competitive manner by the infusion of amplifier T lymphocytes, as was previously demonstrated in the case of low-dose paralysis. These findings suggest that B cell surface components, presumably the idiotypic determinants of cell-associated antibody specific for SSS-III, are instrumental in activating suppressor T cells involved in regulating the magnitude of the antibody response to SSS-III.

Determination of water soluble imidazo-1,4-benzodiazepines in blood by electron- capture gas--liquid chromatography and in urine by differential pulse polaragraphy

A sensitive and specific electron-capture gas--liquid chromatographic (GLC--ECD) assay was developed for the determination of 8-chloro-6-(2'-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-4H-imidazo(1,5a)(1,4)benzodiazepine (I) or 8-chloro-1,4-dimethyl-6-(2'-fluorophenyl)-4H-imidazo (1,5a)(1,4)benzodiazepine (II) in blood. The assay for both compounds involves extraction into benzene--methylene chloride (9:1) from blood buffered to pH 12.6 The overall recovery of I and II from blood is 86% +- 5.0 (S.D.) and the sensitivity limit of detection is of the order of 2 to 3 ng of I or II per milliltre of blood. The major urinary metabolite of I is 8-chloro-6-(2'-fluorophenyl)-1-hydroxymethyl-4H-imidazo(1,5a)(1,4)benzodiazepine, (IA) present as a glucuronide conjugate while 8-chloro-6-(2'-fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxyl-1-methyl-4H-imidazo(1,5a)(1,4)benzodiazepine, (IB) and 8-chloro-6-(2'-fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-hydroxymethyl-4H-imidazo(1,5a)(1,4) benzodiazepine, (IC) are minor metabolites. The major metabolite IA is extracted into benzene--methylene chloride (9:1) from urine buffered to pH 11.0 (after incubation with glucuronidase--sulfatase as pH 5.0), and analyzed by differential pulse polarography (DPP) in 0.1 M phosphate buffer PH 3). The overall recovery of IA is 84 +- 3.0% (S.D.) with a sensitivity limit of 50 ng per millilitre of urine. The metabolites of compound II have not as yet been elucidated. The GLC--ECD and DPP assays were applied to the determination of blood levels and urinary excretion in dogs following single 10 mg/kg intravenous and oral doses of I and following single 6 mg/kg intravenous and 10 mg/kg oral doses of II. Blood levels of compound I were also evaluated in man following intravenous infusion of single 10 mg doses.