Molecular cytogenetic detection of paternal chromosome fragments in allogynogenetic gibel carp, Carassius auratus gibelio Bloch

In gynogenesis, sperm from related species activates egg and embryonic development, but normally does not contribute genetically to the offspring. In gibel carp, Carassius auratus gibelio Bloch, however, gynogenetic offspring often show some phenotypes apparently derived from the heterologous sperm donor. This paternal effect of allogynogenesis is outstanding in an artificial clone F produced by cold treatment of clone E eggs after insemination with blunt-nose black bream (Megaloabrama amblycephala Yin) sperm. Karyotype analysis revealed 5-15 supernumerary microchromosomes in different individuals of clone F in addition to 156 normal chromosomes inherited from the maternal clone E. A painting probe was prepared from the microdissected microchromosomes, and used to investigate the origin of these microchromosomes. Strong positive signals were detected on each microchromosomes of clone F and on 4 pairs of chromosomes in blunt-nose black bream, whereas no signals were detected on the chromosomes of clone E. This result indicates that some paternal chromosome fragments of blunt-nose black bream have been incorporated into the artificial clone F. Therefore, the manipulation of allogynogenesis may provide a unique method to transfer DNA between diverse species for fish breeding.

[Effects of anti-idiotypic antibody NP30 on modulation of egg granuloma formation and hepatic fibrosis of schistosomiasis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of the monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody NP30 active immunization on egg granuloma formation and hepatic fibrosis in Schistosoma japonicum infection.

METHODS

ICR mice were actively immunized with NP30 100 micrograms x 3 i.p. every 10 days while the mice in control group were injected with SP2/0 ascites i.p. simultaneously. After cercariae challenging, the mice were killed at the 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, 20th and 24th week, respectively. Mouse livers were removed and stained histochemically with VG and subjected to immunohistochemical assay of collagen type I, III and fibronectin(FN). The volume of egg granulomas and the content of collagen type I, III and FN were determined quantitatively by NYD-1000 Image Analysis System.

RESULTS

The volume of egg granulomas in NP30 immunized group was much smaller than that of control group from the 12th week after cercariae challenge. The cellular components of egg granulomas in NP30 immunized group were significantly different from those of the control group, exhibiting two types of atypical egg granulomas were found. VG stain revealed that the average optical density of collagen in hepatic granulomas of experimental group was lower than that of control group. Immunohistochemical assay revealed that the contents of collagen type I, III and fibronectin in egg granulomas of experimental group were lower than those of control group.

CONCLUSION

NP30 vaccination may induce both cellular and humoral protective immunity to modulate egg granulomas and suppress liver fibrosis of schistosomiasis japonica.

[Cloning and sequence analysis of the light chain variable region gene of monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody NP30 of Schistosoma japonicum]

OBJECTIVE

To amplify and sequence the light chain of anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody NP30 of Schistosoma japonicum.

METHODS

By comparing the conserved regions at each end of the nucleotide sequences of murine germ-line genes encoding FR1 and FR4 regions of immunoglobulin light chain variable regions, we designed a set of primers for amplification of VL gene. The hybridoma cells secreting anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody NP30 of Schistosoma japonicum were cultured and their genome DNAs were extracted and used as templates for PCR. The PCR product was then cloned into pUC19 vector. The recombinants were sequenced by Sanger's method. The VL gene was compared with GenBank and published mouse VL genes.

RESULTS

The full-length of VL gene was 318 bp. The VL gene was a member of mouse Ig kappa light chain subgroup IV and generated from rearrangement of germ line V and J kappa 4 genes. The VL gene sequence has been registered by GenBank(accession No. AF206720).

CONCLUSION

The obtained VL gene was a potentially functional gene of anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody NP30 of Schistosoma japonicum.

Restoration of teeth with more-viscous glass ionomer cements following radiation-induced caries

OBJECTIVE

To assess the suitability of more-viscous conventional restorative glass ionomer cements (GICs) in a high-caries risk group of patients.

METHODS

Fifteen adult patients with radiation-induced caries were treated at a dental hospital by one dentist. Two encapsulated aesthetic GICs were used in each patient to restore 146 carious lesions in the exposed dentine and cementum of 93 teeth. The restorations were assessed directly over two years for their retention, secondary caries, anatomic form, marginal integrity, marginal discolouration, and surface texture.

RESULTS

Both GICs were placed in similar sized cavities (P = 0.63). After two years, although 30.0% of Ketac-Molar Aplicap and 12.5% of Fuji IX GP restorations had been lost (P = 0.01), there were no instances of secondary caries. The remaining GICs showed ongoing marginal deterioration, but there were very few instances where this required the repair or replacement of the restorations. No restorations failed from surface erosion.

CONCLUSIONS

In these high-caries risk patients the placement of more-viscous GICs appeared to prevent secondary caries, even when the restorations were subsequently lost.

C-fos antisense oligodeoxynucleotide decreases subcutaneous bee venom injection-induced nociceptive behavior and fos expression in the rat

Oligodeoxynucleotide complementary to c-fos mRNA was applied to characterize its effect on the spinal cord Fos expression and relevant nociceptive behaviors challenged by subcutaneous injection of bee venom to the rat hind paw. Nociceptive behavioral responses (spontaneous pain and hyperalgesia) following bee venom (0.2 mg/50 microl) injection were assessed in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats receiving intrathecal administration of c-fos antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ASO, 50 microg/10 microl), sense oligodeoxynucleotide (SO, 50 microg/10 microl) and saline (10 microl) 4 h prior to bee venom injection. The lumbar spinal cord expression of Fos protein 2 h after bee venom injection in the ASO-, SO- and saline-treated animals was observed by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that pretreatment of c-fos ASO markedly reduced the flinching response and primary thermal hyperalgesia, but without significant effects on mechanical hyperalgesia and secondary thermal hyperalgesia. At the same time, ASO treatment also significantly decreased the expression of Fos protein within the lumbar region of the spinal cord ipsilateral to the injection. The results provide further evidence that Fos protein contributes to the activation of the spinal dorsal horn neurons and the generation and/or maintenance of spontaneous pain and primary thermal hyperalgesia induced by subcutaneous injection of bee venom.

Synaptic connections between trigemino-parabrachial projection neurons and gamma-aminobutyric acid- and glycine-immunoreactive terminals in the rat

The synaptic connections between gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)- and glycine-immunoreactive terminals and neurons projecting to the lateral parabrachial region were examined by a combination of retrograde tracing and immunohistochemical staining in the rat medullary dorsal horn. After injection of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into the right lateral parabrachial region, HRP retrogradely labeled neurons were observed bilaterally in laminae I, II and III of the medullary dorsal horn with an ipsilateral predominance. GABA- and glycine-like immunoreactive terminals were found in laminae I, II and III. Some of these GABA- and glycine-like immunoreactive terminals were observed chiefly to make symmetric synapses with HRP-labeled neuronal cell bodies and dendritic processes. The present results indicate that neurons in the medullary dorsal horn projecting to the lateral parabrachial region might be modulated by GABAergic and glycinergic inhibitory intrinsic neurons, which might be significantly involved in the regulation of the noxious information transmission.

[Repair of facial soft tissue defect using temporal flap pedicled with orbicularis oculi muscle]

OBJECTIVE

To probe into the methods and effects of small soft tissue defect of facial area, nose and eyelid repaired by temporal island flap pedicled with orbicularis oculi muscle.

METHODS

From 1994 to 1999, 12 cases with cicatricial ectropion of eyelid, scar in nose and facial area or facial mole were repaired by temporal flap pedicled with orbicularis oculi muscle. The maximal area of skin flap was 3 cm x 5 cm.

RESULTS

All the skin flaps were survived after operation. Six cases were followed up from 6 months to 4 years, the results were satisfied. There were no secondary deformity or scar formation in the donor site.

CONCLUSION

The blood supply of orbicularis oculi muscle is plentiful. It is a reliable method to repair of small facial tissue defect using temporal island flap pedicled with orbicularis oculi muscle. But in bigger facial soft tissue defect, it should be cautious.

Protein kinase C gamma-like immunoreactivity in the substantia gelatinosa of the medullary dorsal horn of the rat

We examined protein kinase C gamma-immunoreactivity (PKCgamma-IR) in the substantia gelatinosa (SG) of the rat medullary dorsal horn (MDH). The density of PKCgamma-IR in the MDH was most intense in the SG. The number of neurons with PKCgamma-IR were also much larger in the SG than in the other layers of the MDH. Double-immunohistochemical studies indicated light and electron microscopically that substance P-containing fibers and I-B4 (isolectin from Bandeiraea simplicifolia)-labeled fibers made synapses on SG neurons with PKCgamma-IR, indicating that SG neurons with PKCgamma might receive nociceptive primary afferent fibers. The results support the notion that PKCgamma in the MDH may contribute to the regulation of the nociception.

LFA-1 and ICAM-1 antibody-idarubicin conjugates separately prolong murine cardiac allograft survival

Drug antibody conjugates can enhance the activity of monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) and idarubicin-MoAb conjugates have led to tolerance induction with antibodies which are inactive when used alone. It has been reported that, in mice, antibodies to ICAM-1 and LFA-1 have to be used together to induce tolerance to cardiac allografts; here we show that these monoclonal antibodies, conjugated to idarubicin, can lead to tolerance induction to cardiac allografts when used alone.

Protein kinase C gamma-like immunoreactivity of trigeminothalamic neurons in the medullary dorsal horn of the rat

We examined protein kinase C gamma-like immunoreactivity (PKCgamma-LI) of trigeminothalamic neurons in the rat medullary dorsal horn (MDH) after injecting a retrograde tracer, Fluoro-Gold (FG), into the thalamus. Over 90% of FG-labeled neurons in the marginal layer (lamina I) and a few FG-labeled neurons in the superficial part of the magnocellular layer (lamina III) showed PKCgamma-LI. No PKCgamma-neurons in the substantia gelatinosa (lamina II) were labeled with FG. PKCgamma-mediated regulation of trigeminothalamic neurons may contribute to the changes in MDH activity during persistent pain.

Rigorous results for a hierarchy of generalized Heisenberg models

The Lieb-Schultz-Mattis theorem is extended to generalized Heisenberg models related to unexceptional Lie algebras. It is shown that there are no energy gaps above the ground states for SO(4), Sp(2), and SU(4) Heisenberg models; but gaps are suspected to occur in SO(5) and SO(6) models. The nondegenerate ground state for these models is rigorously proven.

[Analgesic mechanisms of noradrenaline in the spinal dorsal horn]

The superficial laminae of the spinal dorsal horn play important roles in nociceptive transmission and modulation. Noradrenergic fibers originated from brainstem pain-control system terminate and release noradrenaline (NA) in the superficial dorsal horn. The released NA might take part in the modulation of nociceptive transmission through the following pathways: (1) inhibits the glutamate and substance P release from primary afferent terminals; (2) increases the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters from lamina II (substantia gelatinosa) neurons. Morphological findings also raise the possibility that NA directly inhibits projection neurons in laminae I/III which convey the nociceptive information to the thalamus, thus inhibit nociceptive transmission at spinal level.

Distribution and depression of the GABA(B) receptor in the spinal dorsal horn of adult rat

gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in vertebrate nervous system. The metabotropic receptor for GABA, GABA(B) receptor, is characterized as a G protein-coupled receptor subtype. In the present study, GABA(B) receptor-like immunoreactivity (GABA(B)R-LI) in the rat spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion (DRG), as well as GABA(B) receptor-mediated depression in the spinal dorsal horn were examined by using immunohistochemistry and whole-cell voltage-clamp recording technique, respectively. Under light microscope, GABA(B)R-LI was densely found in laminae I and II of the dorsal horn. DRG cells of various diameters also showed GABA(B)R-LI. Electron microscopy further revealed that GABA(B)R-LI was also localized in terminals of myelinated, unmyelinated fibers as well as the somatodendritic sites of dorsal horn neurons. Bath application of a GABA(B) receptor agonist, baclofen (10 microM, 30 s), induced a slow outward (inhibitory) current in dorsal horn neurons. This slow current was depressed when the postsynaptic G protein-coupled receptor was inhibited, indicating the postsynaptic action of baclofen. Under the condition of postsynaptic GABA(B) receptor being inhibited, baclofen (10 microM, 60 s) depressed large (Abeta) and fine (C, Adelta) afferent fiber-evoked monosynaptic excitatory postsynaptic currents, indicating presynaptic inhibition of GABA(B) receptor on elicited neurotransmitter release. Taken together, the results suggest that baclofen-sensitive GABA(B) receptor is expressed pre- and postsynaptically on primary afferent fibers and neurons in the spinal dorsal horn; activation of GABA(B) receptor in the dorsal horn postsynaptically hyperpolarizes dorsal horn neurons and presynaptically inhibits primary afferents.

Chiral recognition by CD-sensitive dimeric zinc porphyrin host. 1. Chiroptical protocol for absolute configurational assignments of monoalcohols and primary monoamines

A general microscale protocol for the determination of absolute configurations of primary amino groups or secondary hydroxyl groups linked to a single stereogenic center is described. The chiral substrates are linked to the achiral trifunctional bidentate carrier molecule (3-aminopropylamino)acetic acid (1, H(2)NCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)NHCH(2)COOH) and the resultant conjugates are then complexed with dimeric zinc porphyrin host 2 giving rise to 1:1 host/guest sandwiched complexes. These complexes exhibit exciton-coupled bisignate CD spectra due to stereodifferentiation leading to preferred porphyrin helicity. Since the chiral sense of twist between the two porphyrins in the complex is dictated by the stereogenic center of the substrate, the sign of the couplet determines the absolute configuration at this center. The twist of the porphyrin tweezer in the complex can be predicted from the relative steric sizes of the groups flanking the stereogenic center, such that the bulkier group protrudes from the complex sandwich. In certain alpha-hydroxy esters and alpha-amino esters, electronic factors and hydrogen bonding govern the preferred conformation of the complex, and hence the CD spectra.

Chiral recognition by CD-sensitive dimeric zinc porphyrin host. 2. Structural studies of host-guest complexes with chiral alcohol and monoamine conjugates

A structural study of complexes formed between a dimeric zinc porphyrin tweezer (host) and chiral monoalcohols and monoamines derivatized by a bidentate carrier molecule (guest) confirmed that their CD couplets arise from the preferred porphyrin helicity of 1:1 host-guest complexes. NMR experiments and molecular modeling of selected tweezer complexes revealed that the preferred conformation is the one in which the L (larger) group protrudes from the porphyrin sandwich; this preferred helicity of the complex determines the CD of the complexes. It was found that the porphyrin ring-current induced (1)H chemical shifts and molecular modeling studies of the complex lead to the assignments of relative steric size of the L (large)/M (medium) substituents attached to the stereogenic center. The assignments, in turn, are correlated with the sign of the CD exciton couplet that establishes the absolute configuration at the stereogenic center. Variable-temperature NMR experiments proved that the observed increase in CD amplitude at lower temperatures derives from conformational changes in the preferred offset geometry between two porphyrin rings.

Prostaglandin EP3 receptor protein in serotonin and catecholamine cell groups: a double immunofluorescence study in the rat brain

Prostaglandin E(2) exerts diverse physiological actions in the central nervous system with unknown mechanisms. We have reported the immunohistochemical localization of the EP3 receptor, one of the prostaglandin E receptor subtypes, in various brain regions including many monoaminergic nuclei. In the present study, a double immunofluorescence technique with an antibody to EP3 receptor and antibodies to markers for monoamine neurons was employed to examine the expression of the receptor in serotonin and catecholamine neurons, and to reveal the distribution of the receptor-expressing monoamine neurons in the rat brain. Almost all serotonergic cells in the medulla oblongata (B1-B4) exhibited EP3 receptor-like immunoreactivity, whereas mesencephalic and pontine serotonergic cell groups (B5-B9) contained relatively small populations of EP3 receptor-immunoreactive cells. In the catecholaminergic cell groups, many of the noradrenergic A7 cells in the subcoeruleus nucleus showed immunoreactivity for the receptor. The locus coeruleus exhibited EP3 receptor-like immunoreactivity densely in the neuropil and occasionally in neuronal cell bodies, all of which were immunopositive for dopamine beta-hydroxylase, as observed by confocal laser microscopy. Many of the other noradrenergic and adrenergic cell groups contained small populations of EP3 receptor-like immunoreactive cells. In contrast, no EP3 receptor-like immunoreactivity was detected in the noradrenergic A2 and A4, the adrenergic C2, and all the dopaminergic cell groups. The expression of EP3 receptor by most of the serotonergic, noradrenergic and adrenergic cell groups suggests that prostaglandin E(2) modulates many physiological processes mediated by widely distributed monoaminergic projections through activation of the EP3 receptor on the monoaminergic neurons; for instance, it may modulate nociceptive and autonomic processes by affecting the descending serotonergic pathway from the raphe magnus nucleus to the spinal cord.

Effect of two conserved amino acid residues on DREB1A function

Transcription factors of the DREBP subgroup and the EREBP subgroup contain conserved DNA-binding domains called AP2/EREBP domains, which specifically bind to DRE cis-element and GCC-box, respectively. The 14th and 19th amino acid residues of AP2/EREBP domains are absolutely conserved in the transcription factors of the DREBP subgroup as well as in the EREBP subgroup. However, these two residues of transcription factors of the DREBP subgroup are different from those of the EREBP subgroup. To assess the functional significance of these two residues in binding to the target sequence, the Val (14th residue) and Glu (19th residue) of the AP2/EREBP domain of DREB1A (a transcription factor of the DREBP subgroup) were mutated individually or doubly to Ala and Asp, respectively. This made the 14th and 19th amino acid residues of mutant DREB1A identical to the corresponding residues of transcription factors of the EREBP subgroup. Yeast in vivo analysis showed that: 1) on a selective medium plate of SD/His- Ura- Trp- + 30 mM approximately 60 mM 3-AT, the growth of yeast cells containing HIS and lacZ double reporter genes was normal in the transformation of the 19th singly mutated DREB1A, obviously inhibited in the transformation of the 14th singly mutated DREB1A, and seriously inhibited in the transformation of the 14th/19th doubly mutated DREB1A; 2) quantitative assay of beta-galactosidase activity showed that the intensities of lacZ expression decreased in the transformations of the 14th singly mutated and 14th/19th doubly mutated types. The experimental results revealed that the 19th site mutation did not affect the binding of the DREB1A transcription factor to the DRE cis-element; the 14th site mutation obviously inhibited their binding; and the double mutation of the 14th/19th sites seriously inhibited their binding. This suggests that the conserved Val (14th) and Glu (19th) residues are crucial in the regulation of the binding activity of DREB1A to the DRE cis-element.

Morphological features and electrophysiological properties of serotonergic and non-serotonergic projection neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus. An intracellular recording and labeling study in rat brain slices

The morphology and electrophysiological properties of serotonergic and non-serotonergic projection neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) of the rat were examined in frontal brain slices. Biocytin was injected intracellularly into the intracellularly recorded neurons. Then the morphology of the recorded neurons was observed after histochemical visualization of biocytin. The recorded neurons extending their main axons outside the DRN were considered as projection neurons. Subsequently, serotonergic nature of the neurons was examined by serotonin (5-HT) immunohistochemistry. The general form of the dendritic trees is radiant and poorly branching in both 5-HT- and non-5-HT neurons. However, the dendrites of the 5-HT neurons were spiny, whereas those of the non-5-HT neurons were aspiny. The main axons of both 5-HT- and non-5-HT neurons were observed to send richly branching axon collaterals to the DRN, ventrolateral part of the periaqueductal gray and the midbrain tegmentum. In response to weak, long depolarizing current pulses, the 5-HT neurons displayed a slow and regular firing activity. The non-5-HT neurons fired at higher frequencies even when stronger current was injected. Some other differences in electrophysiological properties were also observed between the 5-HT-immunoreactive spiny projection neurons and the 5-HT-immunonegative aspiny projection neurons.

Hypoxia in radiation-induced blood-spinal cord barrier breakdown

The vascular endothelial cell is believed to be a major target cell of radiation-induced injury to the central nervous system. Dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier is associated with radiation-induced white matter lesions. The aim of this study was to determine the role of hypoxia in radiation-induced blood-brain barrier disruption. Adult rats were irradiated with graded single doses of 0-22 Gy to the cervical spinal cord. At various times up to 28 weeks after radiation, blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) permeability was assessed using immunohistochemistry with antialbumin antibody and gamma counting of (99m)Tc-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was assessed using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Hypoxia was assessed using two 2-nitroimidazole markers, [(125)I]iodoazomycin arabinodise and 2-(2-nitro-1H-imidazol-l-yl)-N-(2,2,3,3,3,-pentafluoropropyl) acetamide (EF5), with binding in the rat spinal cord measured using gamma counting and immunohistochemistry, respectively. In the nonirradiated rat spinal cord, there was no evidence of BSCB disruption or VEGF expression. After 16-22 Gy, there was a dose-dependent increase in albumin staining and (99m)Tc-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid activity beginning at 16 weeks, consistent with barrier breakdown. A similar dose-dependent increase in white matter astrocytes that showed immunoreactivity and in situ hybridization signals for VEGF was observed. No increase in VEGF-positive cells was observed in gray matter. By 20 weeks after 20-22 Gy, animals developed white matter necrosis associated with diffuse albumin staining. Irradiated rat spinal cord showed a dose (16-22 Gy)- and time-dependent (16-20 weeks after 22 Gy) increase in [(125)I]iodoazomycin arabinodise accumulation compared to nonirradiated controls. A similar pattern of dose- and time-dependent EF5 immunoreactivity was also observed in white matter. Areas of EF5 expression and VEGF in situ signals colocalized with areas of albumin immunoreactivity. It is concluded that there is a dose-dependent temporal and spatial association of hypoxia, VEGF up-regulation, and radiation-induced BSCB dysfunction. Hypoxia may provide the signal for VEGF up-regulation and perpetuate endothelial permeability damage in the central nervous system after ionizing radiation.

Epidemic of Potato virus Y and Cucumber mosaic virus in Henan Province Tobacco

Flue-cured tobacco is an important crop in Henan Province, China. During the 2000 growing season, many tobacco plants showed various degrees of mottling, mosaic, vein clearing, or vein necrosis in most of the counties. Some plants even died at an early stage of growth. A survey was conducted in May-June in several tobacco-growing counties, and the incidence of symptomatic plants in individual fields ranged from 10 to 85%. The most widely planted tobacco varieties, NC89, K326, and K346, were highly susceptible. Symptomatic plants were collected from Jiaxian and Xiangcheng counties and samples were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Potato virus Y (PVY), and Potato virus X (PVX). Of 65 samples tested, 21 were positive for only PVY, 16 positive for only CMV, one each was positive for only TMV or PVX. Nineteen samples were doubly infected with various combinations of these viruses and six were infected with combinations of three viruses. The causal agent(s) in the remaining sample could not be determined. In total, CMV was detected in 40 samples, PVY in 38, PVX in 10, and TMV in 7 samples. TMV and CMV used to be the most important viruses and PVY occurred only rarely. But PVY has become prevalent in Henan and in neighboring Shandong province (2). CMV and TMV were reported to be the most prevalent viruses in Shanxi (1) and Fujian Provinces (3). Because resistant varieties are not available, and mixed infections are more common, the results presented here explain why huge damage is occurring in tobacco crops in recent years. Some varieties are partially resistant to TMV and CMV but the varieties commonly grown are highly susceptible to PVY. Therefore, breeding for resistance to viruses, especially to PVY, is urgent to control the occurrence of tobacco viral diseases. References: (1) J. L. Cheng et al. Acta Tabacaria Sin. 4:43, 1998. (2) J. B. Wang et al. Chinese Tobacco Sci. 1:26, 1998. (3) L. H. Xie et al. Acta Tabacaria Sin. 2:25, 1994.

[Prediction and evaluation of heterosis of beef cattle and their application]

The genetic structure and genetic variation of eight beef cattle cross parents populations were analyzed by six microsatellite loci, and heterosis of beef cattle was predicted. On the basis of microsatellite analysis, the effect of 18 cross combinations was estimated by the method of individual animal model BLUP. A new method of molecular quantitative genetics that select best of all cross combination was submitted. The results showed that the combinations with Hereford Limousine and Charolais as paternal parent are better than others in Fengning and Longhua regions; the combinations with Limousine Angus and Hereford as paternal parent are better than others in Zanhuang regions; the combinations with Hereford Limousine and Piemontese as paternal parent are better than others in Funing regions. Effect of three breeds cross is better than two breeds.

Collateral projections of nucleus raphe dorsalis neurones to the caudate-putamen and region around the nucleus raphe magnus and nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis pars alpha in the rat

It was examined whether or not the nucleus raphe dorsalis (RD) neurons projecting to the caudate-putamen (CPu) might also project to the motor-controlling region around the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) and nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis pars alpha (Gia) in the rat. Single RD neurons projecting to the CPu and NRM/Gia by way of axon collaterals were identified by the retrograde double-labeling method with fluorescent dyes, Fast Blue and Diamidino Yellow, which were injected respectively into the CPu and NRM/Gia. Then, serotonin (5-HT)-like immunoreactivity of the double-labeled RD neurons was examined immunohistochemically; approximately 60% of the double-labeled RD neurons showed 5-HT-like immunoreactivity. The results indicated that some of serotonergic and non-serotonergic RD neurons might control motor functions simultaneously at the levels of the CPu and NRM/Gia by way of axon collaterals.

Origins of spontaneous and noxious stimuli-evoked miniature EPSCs in substantia gelatinosa

The origins of spontaneous and noxious stimuli-evoked glutamatergic miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons were investigated by using whole-cell voltage-clamp technique on adult rat spinal cord slice. The properties of mEPSCs of SG neurons from rats either neonatally capsaicin-treated or sciatic nerve ligated showed no difference from those of intact SG neurons, indicating independence of spontaneous mEPSCs on primary afferent fibers. In the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX), capsaicin, which noxiously stimulated fine primary afferent fibers, caused increase of the mEPSCs frequency, but did not affect the amplitude profiles or mean amplitudes. TTX affected neither the spontaneous mEPSCs nor capsaicin-induced mEPSCs frequency increase. The results suggest that spontaneous mEPSCs in SG are mediated by presynaptic spontaneous glutamate release predominantly originating from interneuron terminals rather than from primary afferent terminals; under noxious stimulation, however, mEPSCs frequency increase is mediated by primary afferent excitation.

Derivative matrix isopotential synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy for the direct determination of 1-hydroxypyrene as a urinary biomarker of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene is a biomarker in the measurement of human exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. A rapid and simple derivative isopotential synchronous fluorescence method was developed for the direct determination of 1-hydroxypyrene in urine. A length of iso-intensity route was scanned on the three-dimensional fluorescence spectrum of urine and this result was combined with that from derivative technique. Thus the strong background signals of urine were removed and the 1-hydroxypyrene can be determined directly in urine without tedious pre-separation. The derivative isopotential synchronous fluorescence spectrum was directly obtained from a single scan on a spectrofluorometer, which further simplified isopotential synchronous fluorescence technique. The recoveries of 93% to 115% were obtained for 1-hydroxypyrene added to urine.