Separation and determination of strychnine and brucine in Strychnos nux-vomica L. and its preparation by capillary zone electrophoresis

A capillary zone electrophoresis method was developed for the separation and determination of strychnine and brucine in Strychnos nux-vomica L. and its preparation. The factors that could affect the separation were studied, such as the types and concentrations of electrolytes, pH, ionic strength and organic modifier. The optimum running buffer was 20 mmol/L of ammonium acetate containing 0.2 mol/L of glacial acetic acid (pH 3.64). The applied voltage was 25 kV and the wavelength of the UV detector was set at 214 nm. The established method with dopamine hydrochloride as internal standard was linear in the range of 5-100 microg/mL for both strychnine and brucine. The recovery was 102.96% for strychnine and 98.56% for brucine. The extracts of Strychnos nux-vomica and its preparation could be directly injected for analysis.

[Graf's ultrasound examination method in assessment of dysplasia and congenital dislocation of infant hip]

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the application of Graf's sonographic method in assessment of developmental dysplasia and dislocation of infant hip.

METHODS

2258 infants (4516 hips) were examined and evaluated by Graf's method.

RESULTS

The analysis of data showed that type I hip accounted too 78.99%, type II 20.56%, and type III and type IV 0.45%.

CONCLUSION

Graf's method can provide qualitative and quantitative evaluation for hips of infants in 3 months after birth. It is an effective in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and is also useful for early treatment and follow-up of DDH.

Human glioma cell BT325 expresses a proteinase that converts human plasminogen to kringle 1-5-containing fragments

Angiostatin, a specific angiogenesis inhibitor, is an internal fragment of plasminogen, and can be generated in many systems mediated by different enzymes in vitro. The mechanism of angiostatin generation in vivo has not been well defined. Here we demonstrated that human glioma cell line BT325 can express an enzyme that can convert purified plasminogen to angiostatin-like fragments with molecular masses of 65, 60, and 58 kDa, respectively. These fragments have an identical N-terminal as KVYLS, which starts from Lys(98) of the plasminogen precusor. According to their molecular mass, the three fragments should comprise kringle domain 1 to kringle domain 5 (kringle 1-5). The proteolytic fragments obtained as above can inhibit the growth of bovine aortic endothelial (BAE) cells specifically. The proteolysis process can be completely inhibited by serine proteinase inhibitors, and partially inhibited by EDTA. The molecular weight of the peptide, which contains an enzymatic activity responsible for the proteolysis, was 13 kD determined by gel filtration and SDS-PAGE. The present data suggest that glioma cell BT325 can produce a novel proteinase to generate kringle 1-5 of plasminogen as an angiogenesis inhibitor.

Electronic and vibrational spectra of a series of substituted carbazole derivatives

The FTIR and FTR spectra of halogen (Cl, Br, I) substituted carbazole and their N-acetic and propionic acids have been recorded. A number of lines have been assigned on the basis of previous studies on the parent compound and by comparisons with the characteristic vibrations of their constituent structural units as well as comparing the spectra from FTIR and FTR. Some substituent-sensitive bands and characteristic bands were found. The electronic absorption spectra of these compounds in acetonitrile were also measured and are briefly discussed.

Neural electrophysiological studies on the external anal sphincter in children with anorectal malformation

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Abnormality of innervation of external anal sphincter is one of the most important factors affecting postoperative anorectal function. The abnormalities of lumbosacral nerves have been reported in many radiological and histopathologic studies. There are few reports on the neurophysiological changes in children with anoractal malformation. The aim of this study was to examine the functional changes of nerves to the external anal sphincter in anorectal malformation.

METHODS

Forty-five patients with anorectal malformation underwent studies of latencies of pudendo-anal reflex, spinoanal response, and evoked potential of cauda equine simultaneously. The conduction time of afferent nerve, efferent nerve, and sacral spinal center of pudendo-anal reflex arc were analyzed quantitatively.

RESULTS

The latencies of pudendo-anal reflex, spino-anal response, and conduction time of sacral spinal center significantly are prolonged in patients with anorectal malformation (P< .05). There was significant difference between rectourethral fistula group and vestibular fistula group as well as low-type deformity group. The patients with lumbosacral anomalies such as lumbosacral spinal bifida or absence of S4 or S5 had prolonged latencies, especially the pudendo-anal reflex latency. There was significant negative correlation between the latencies and clinical scores. Although pudendoanal reflex latency was longer in patients who had posterior sagittal anorectoplasty than those who had abdominoperineal pull-through procedure, the difference was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The abnormality of nerves to external anal sphincters is one of the important causes for clinical outcome. The neural lesions vary in each type of anal and lumbosacral deformity.

Free energy and information contents of conformons in proteins and DNA

Sequence-specific conformational strains (SSCS) of biopolymers that carry free energy and genetic information have been called conformons, a term coined independently by two groups over two and a half decades ago [Green, D.E., Ji, S., 1972. The electromechanochemical model of mitochondrial structure and function. In: Schultz, J., Cameron, B.F. (Eds.), Molecular Basis of Electron Transport. Academic Press, New York, pp. 1-44; Volkenstein, M.V., 1972. The Conformon. J. Theor. Biol. 34, 193-195]. Conformons provide the molecular mechanisms necessary and sufficient to account for all biological processes in the living cell on the molecular level in principle--including the origin of life, enzymic catalysis, control of gene expression, oxidative phosphorylation, active transport, and muscle contraction. A clear example of SSCS is provided by SIDD (strain-induced duplex destabilization) in DNA recently reported by Benham [Benham, C.J., 1996a. Duplex destabilization in superhelical DNA is predicted to occur at specific transcriptional regulatory regions. J. Mol. Biol. 255, 425-434; Benham, C.J., 1996b. Computation of DNA structural variability--a new predictor of DNA regulatory regions. CABIOS 12(5), 375-381]. Experimental as well as theoretical evidence indicates that conformons in proteins carry 8-16 kcal/mol of free energy and 40-200 bits of information, while those in DNA contain 500-2500 kcal/mol of free energy and 200-600 bits of information. The similarities and differences between conformons and solitons have been analyzed on the basis of the generalized Franck-Condon principle [Ji, S., 1974a. A general theory of ATP synthesis and utilization. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 227, 211-226; Ji, S., 1974b. Energy and negentropy in enzymic catalysis. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 227, 419-437]. To illustrate a practical application, the conformon theory was applied to the molecular-clamp model of DNA gyrase proposed by Berger and Wang [Berger, J.M., Wang, J.C., 1996. Recent developments in DNA topoisomerases II structure and mechanism. Curr. Opin. Struct. Biol. 6(1), 84-90], leading to the proposal of an eight-step molecular mechanism for the action of the enzyme. Finally, a set of experimentally testable predictions has been formulated on the basis of the conformon theory.

Growth hormone regulates leptin gene expression in bovine adipose tissue: correlation with adipose IGF-1 expression

Leptin, the product of the ob gene, is secreted from white adipocytes and regulates food intake and whole-body energy metabolism. In rodents and humans, leptin gene expression is under complex endocrine and metabolic control, and is strongly influenced by energy balance. Growth hormone (GH) has myriad effects on adipose tissue metabolism. The primary aim of this study was to determine the ability of GH to regulate leptin mRNA expression in bovine adipose tissue in vitro and in vivo. Incubation of subcutaneous adipose tissue explants for 24 h with GH alone had no effect on bovine leptin gene expression, whereas high concentrations of insulin or dexamethasone (DEX) potently stimulated bovine leptin mRNA abundance. GH, in combination with high concentrations of insulin, DEX, or both, attenuated the ability of insulin or DEX to stimulate leptin expression in vitro. These data indicate that GH can indirectly regulate leptin expression in vitro by altering the adipose tissue response to insulin or DEX. We extended these studies to examine the ability of GH to regulate leptin expression in vivo, using young castrate male cattle treated with no hormone (control) or GH (200 micrograms/kg body weight per day) for 3 days. GH increased plasma GH and insulin concentrations, but not those of cortisol or non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations. GH treatment increased adipose tissue leptin and IGF-1 mRNA concentrations (n=9, P>0.001). In addition, leptin abundance was highly correlated with adipose tissue IGF-1 mRNA in GH-treated animals (P>0.001). The timing of GH-induced changes in leptin gene expression preceded measurable GH effects on adiposity.

[Neural electrophysiological observations on the external anal sphincter in patients with anorectal malformation]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the functional damage of the nerves controlling external anal sphincter in patients with congenital anorectal malformation and to design a new method for measuring the conductive time of sacral spinal center in the pudendo-anal reflex arc.

METHODS

45 patients with anorectal malformation and 20 normal subjects were subjected to detect the latency for pudendo-anal reflex, spinal-anal response and evoked potential of caude equine simultaneously. The conduction time of afferent motor nerve, efferent sense nerve and sacral spinal center in the pudendo-anal reflex arc were quantitatively analyzed.

RESULTS

The normal latency for pudendo-anal reflex was 23.3 +/- 6.9 ms, for spinal-anal response was 4.6 +/- 1.9 ms, and for evoked potential of caude equine was 3.8 +/- 0.9 ms. The conduction time of sacral spinal center was 14.8 +/- 6.6 ms. In patients with anorectal malformation, the latencies were prolonged obviously, especially the conduction time of sacral spinal center. There was a significant negative correlation between the latency and clinical scores. The correlation coefficient for pudendo-anal reflex was -0.68, for spinal-anal response was -0.64, and for conduction time of sacral spinal center was -0.60.

CONCLUSIONS

The abnormality of nerves serving anal sphincters was one of the important causes for postoperative fecal incontinence. The neural lesions are specially serious in the sacral spinal center.

The cell as the smallest DNA-based molecular computer

The pioneering work of Adleman (1994) demonstrated that DNA molecules in test tubes can be manipulated to perform a certain type of mathematical computation. This has stimulated a theoretical interest in the possibility of constructing DNA-based molecular computers. To gauge the practicality of realizing such microscopic computers, it was thought necessary to learn as much as possible from the biology of the living cell--presently the only known DNA-based molecular computer in existence. Here the recently developed theoretical model of the living cell (the Bhopalator) and its associated theories (e.g. cell language), principles, laws and concepts (e.g. conformons, IDS's) are briefly reviewed and summarized in the form of a set of five laws of 'molecular semiotics' (synonyms include 'microsemiotics', 'cellular semiotics', or 'cytosemiotics') the study of signs mediating measurement, computation, and communication on the cellular and molecular levels. Hopefully, these laws will find practical applications in designing DNA-based computing systems.

Determination of icariin in Chinese traditional medicine by capillary zone electrophoresis

Icariin in Chinese traditional medicine was determined by an accurate and simple capillary zone electrophoresis method which used 30 mmol/L of borate solution containing 10% of acetonitrile as running buffer and needed no pretreatment.

Soybean isoflavones, genistein and genistin, inhibit rat myoblast proliferation, fusion and myotube protein synthesis

The isoflavones, genistein and genistin, are cytotoxic in vitro (e.g. , inhibition of cell proliferation), due in part to inhibition of protein tyrosine kinase and DNA topoisomerase activities. Normal cell functions associated with these enzymatic activities could potentially be impaired in animals through ingestion of soybean products. In this study, cultured rat myogenic cells (L8) were used to determine whether genistein or genistin influences myoblast proliferation and fusion, and myotube protein synthesis and degradation. Genistein or genistin was dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide and included in the culture medium at 0, 1, 10 or 100 micromol/L. Myoblast proliferation was measured by methyl-3H-thymidine incorporation over 48 h. Myoblast differentiation was evaluated by the number of nuclei in multinucleated myotubes. Myotube protein synthesis was measured by 2-h 3H-amino acid incorporation into the myosin and total protein pools after acute (2 h) or chronic (24 h) exposure to similar treatments; protein degradation was measured by measuring radioactivity in protein pools following a time course of protein breakdown after myotube proteins were prelabeled with 3H-amino acids. Genistein or genistin strongly inhibited in vitro myoblast proliferation (P < 0.001) and fusion (P < 0.001) in a dose-dependent manner with effective genistein concentration as low as 1 micromol/L. Genistein or genistin inhibited protein accretion in myotubes (P < 0.001). Decreased protein accretion is largely a result of inhibition on cellular (myofibrillar) protein synthesis rate. No adverse effect on protein degradation was observed. Results suggest that if sufficient circulating concentrations are reached in tissues of animals consuming soy products, genistein/genistin can potentially affect normal muscle growth and development.

[A series of clinical study on netilmicin]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical effects, pharmacokinetics, post-antibiotic effect (PAE) and toxicity of netilmicin as a single daily dose in the treatment of lower respiratory tract infection.

METHODS

48 cases were divided into 3 groups: In the first group, Netilmicin(6 mg.kg-1.d-1) was administered in a single daily dose; in the second group, netilmicin (200 mg/d) was combined with cefazolin (3 g, Q12 h); and in the third control group, the combination of cefazolin and Amikacin was used. Pharmacokinetics were studied in 7 patients using the TDX system, and PAE induced by Netilmicin was determined by the Avantage microbiologic system. Clinical symptoms, laboratory studies, chest X-rays, and side effects were observed.

RESULTS

The overall clinical effects of the first group were better than those of the third group. The mean serum concentration of netilmicin was 27.23 mg/L, the valley serum concentration was 0.23 mg/L, T1/2 beta was 5.059 h, AUC was 70 micrograms.h-1.ml-1.netilmicin at concentrations 0.5, 1.0 and 4 times the MIC showed different degrees of PAE against 4 strains of bacterium. Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity were not found in the treatment group.

CONCLUSIONS

Netilmicin in a single daily dose resulted in a high peak serum concentration and big AUC. As a concentration-dependent bactericidal agent, netilmicin showed a longer PAE and better therapeutic effects.

Insulin inhibits growth hormone signaling via the growth hormone receptor/JAK2/STAT5B pathway

Insulin is important for maintaining the responsiveness of the liver to growth hormone (GH). Insulin deficiency results in a decrease in liver GH receptor (GHR) expression, which can be reversed by insulin administration. In osteoblasts, continuous insulin treatment decreases the fraction of cellular GHR localized to the plasma membrane. Thus, it is not clear whether hyperinsulinemia results in an enhancement or inhibition of GH action. We asked whether continuous insulin stimulation, similar to what occurs in hyperinsulinemic states, results in GH resistance. Our present studies suggest that insulin treatment of hepatoma cells results in a time-dependent inhibition of acute GH-induced phosphorylation of STAT5B. Whereas total protein levels of JAK2 were not reduced after insulin pretreatment for 16 h, GH-induced JAK2 phosphorylation was inhibited. There was a concomitant decrease in GH binding and a reduction in immunoreactive GHR levels following pretreatment with insulin for 8-24 h. In summary, continuous insulin treatment in rat H4 hepatoma cells reduces GH binding, immunoreactive GHR, GH-induced phosphorylation of JAK2, and GH-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT5B. These findings suggest that hepatic GH resistance may develop when a patient exhibits chronic hyperinsulinemia, a condition often observed in patients with obesity and in the early stage of Type 2 diabetes.

Metabolism of [14C]phenol in the isolated perfused mouse liver

A previous report from this laboratory focused on the metabolism of [14C]benzene (BZ) in the isolated, perfused, mouse liver (C. C. Hedli, et al., 1997, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 146, 60-68). Whereas administration of BZ to mice results in bone marrow depression (R. Snyder et al., 1993, Res. Commun. Chem. Pathol. Pharmacol. 20, 191-194), administration of phenol (P), the major metabolite of BZ, does not. It was, therefore, of interest to determine whether the metabolic fate of P produced during BZ metabolism differed from that of P metabolized in the absence of BZ. Mouse livers were perfused with a solution of [14C]P in both the orthograde (portal vein to central vein) and retrograde (central vein to portal vein) direction to investigate the metabolic zonation of enzymes involved in P hydroxylation and conjugation. Perfusate samples were collected, separated by HPLC, and tested for radioactivity. Unconjugated metabolites were identified by comparing their retention times with nonradiolabeled standards, which were detected by UV absorption. Conjugated metabolites were identified and collected on the basis of radiochromatogram results, hydrolyzed enzymatically, and identified by co-chromatography with unlabeled BZ metabolites. The objective was to compare and quantify the metabolites formed during the perfusion of P in the orthograde and retrograde directions and to compare the orthograde P-perfusion results with the orthograde BZ results reported previously. Regardless of the direction of P perfusion, the major compounds released from the liver were P. phenylgucuronide, phenylsulfate, hydroquinone (HQ), and HQ glucuronide. A comparison of the results of perfusing P in the orthograde versus the retrograde direction showed that more P was recovered unchanged and more HQ was formed during retrograde perfusion. The results suggest that enzymes involved in P hydroxylation are generally closer to the central vein than those involved in conjugation, and that during retrograde perfusion, P metabolism may be limited by the sub-optimal conditions of perfusion. Comparison of the orthograde perfusion studies of P and BZ revealed that a larger percentage of the radioactivity released from the liver was identified as unconjugated HQ after BZ perfusion than after P perfusion. In addition, the amount of radioactivity covalently bound to liver macromolecules was measured after each perfusion and determined to be proportional to the amount of HQ and HQG detected in the perfusate samples.

[A novel rotavirus causing large scale of adult diarrhea in Shi Jiazhuang]

An outbreak of adult diarrhea causing more than 1,000 hospitalized cases among graduates in a university in Shi Jiazhuang city (Hebei province), occurred in 10-28, April, 1997. The non-bacterial pathogenic agent is confirmed as Rotavirus first by PAGE. Forteen samples have been demonstrated sharing the same nucleic acid electrophoresis pattern of 4-2-1-1-1-1-1. The positive rate was 47% (thirty samples have been checked) with no other RV pattern. Dada showed that RV with this kind of nucleic acid electrophoresis pattern were responsible for the outbreaks acute diarrhea in adults. The novel RV and known ADRV was RT-PCR with end-primers 5, 9 of typical ADRV, the positive control typical ADRV's results are positive, the novel RV's are negative. Experimental results showed that the novel RV did not belong to group B RV, totally different from all the known ARDV. This case was the first reported one in Hebei province with an outbreak of adult diarrhea not by any known ADRV.

Leptin expression in porcine adipose tissue is not increased by endotoxin but is reduced by growth hormone

The physiologic response to infection includes reductions in tissue concentrations of anabolic growth factors as a means of reducing growth and conserving nutrients for immunologic processes. This repartitioning of nutrients is accompanied by anorexia, which has been linked to increased leptin expression. Furthermore, leptin and growth hormone (GH) concentrations are inversely related, with leptin being required for normal GH release. The objective of this study was to determine if pretreatment with GH would influence endotoxin-induced changes in leptin expression or attenuate endotoxin-induced reductions in serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-1 expression in liver and longissimus muscle. In experiment 1, 40 pigs were assigned to four treatments (n = 10 per treatment) arranged as a 2x2 factorial with GH (s.c. injection, 2 mg 1 h before challenge and 2 mg 2 h after challenge) and endotoxin (single i.m. injection, 25 microg/kg body weight) as main effect variables. Pretreatment with GH resulted in a marked increase (p<0.001) in serum GH within 1 h that was sustained throughout the study. Endotoxin challenge reduced (p<0.003) serum IGF-1 independent of GH (GH x endotoxin, p>0.682), and reduced (p<0.05) IGF-1 expression in longissimus muscle but not liver. Leptin mRNA abundance was reduced 56% (p<0.005) by GH but was not affected by endotoxin (p>0.81). In experiment 2, 36 pigs (n = 12 per treatment) were either allowed ad libitum feed consumption with no injection or deprived of feed and injected twice with either saline or endotoxin 24 h apart. Feed deprivation reduced leptin expression (p<0.05). However, endotoxin did not change leptin expression but markedly increased (p<0.05) serum haptoglobin. These data indicate that changes in IGF-1 status in endotoxin-challenged pigs are independent of serum GH and that leptin expression is not increased by endotoxin challenge in the pig. These data also indicate a regulatory linkage between GH and leptin in vivo.

Clinical features of the femoral head necrosis caused by gross teres ligament after reduction for the developmental dislocation of the hip

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical features of the femoral head necrosis caused by a gross teres ligament after reduction of developmental dislocation of the hip and study its pathological causes.

METHODS

Ten hips with necrosis of the femoral head after reduction of developmental dislocation of the hip were observed. X-ray images of the hip were retrospectively reviewed with regard to the acetabular index, the acetabular-head index, the shapes and the development of the femoral heads. The operative findings were analyzed.

RESULTS

No growth or delayed growth of the femoral head and the acetabular index was found after reduction. The recovery of acetabulum was very slow. All of the cases showed the same features: femoral head necrosis, subluxation, and acetabular dysplasia. A gross teres ligament was proved during surgical operation. The femoral head recovered gradually after the operation.

CONCLUSIONS

The gross tissue interposed (a gross teres ligament) is another important pathogenesis of femoral head necrosis after the reduction of developmental dislocation of the hip. It is necessary to recognize it before reduction by imaging examinations.

24-hour gastroesophageal double pH monitoring acid and alkaline gastroesophageal and duodenogastric refluxes in pediatric patients

OBJECTIVE

To study the pathophysiologic significance of gastroesophageal and duodenogastric-esophageal refluxes in pediatric patients.

METHODS

Gastroesophageal double pH monitoring was performed on 68 children with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) diseases and 39 normal children. The pH shifts in the intra-gastric and esophageal lumina were recorded for a total of 24 hour period (P1) and for the period of gastric empty (P2) in supine and upright body postures.

RESULTS

The following reflux types were identified: acid GER in 40 cases (58.8%), alkaline GER (AGER) in 8 cases (11.8%), mixed GER (MGER) in 14 cases (20.6%) and silent GER (SGER, i.e., reflux with normal pH values in P1) in 6 cases (8.8%) as well as duodenogastric reflux (DGR). The results showed a number of transient GER and DGR (19 of 39 children) in the control group, recorded mainly in the upright position at meal times and 2 hours postprandially. All pH variables for acid reflux were higher in the acid GER and MGER groups than those in the control group (P < 0.01). The alkaline episode was significantly noted in cases with AGER and MGER in the supine position during P2. There was no significant difference in terms of incidence of esophagitis between GER groups. The gastroesophageal double pH monitoring produces the higher positive diagnostic rate of 91.2% than single esophageal pH testing (79.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Transitory GER and DGR at meal times and 2 hours later might be a physiologic phenomenon. Acid and alkaline reflux occurring in the supine position during P2 should be considered of pathologic significance. This combined gastroesophageal pH monitoring is used not only to improve the diagnostic rate but also to guide clinicians to choose efficient anti-reflux therapy based on the type of reflux as well as to provide refined information for the further study of the pathophysiology of duodenogastroesophageal reflux.

Myostatin expression in porcine tissues: tissue specificity and developmental and postnatal regulation

The objective of this study was to establish the developmental pattern and tissue specificity of porcine myostatin expression and to evaluate expression in skeletal muscle during circumstances in which muscle growth was altered. Northern blot analysis revealed two transcripts (1.5 and 0.8 kb). Myostatin mRNA was detected in whole fetuses at 21 and 35 days and was markedly increased (P < 0.05) by 49 days. At birth, mRNA abundance in longissimus muscle had declined significantly (P < 0.05) from that at day 105 of gestation and continued to decrease (P < 0.05) to its lowest level 2 wk postnatally (4 kg body wt). Myostatin expression was higher (P < 0. 05) at 55, 107, and 162 kg body wt than at 4 kg body wt. Postnatally, myostatin mRNA was detected in skeletal muscle and mammary gland. Expression at birth was 65% higher (P < 0.04) in longissimus muscle of low-birth-weight piglets (0.57 +/- 0.052 kg body wt) vs. normal (1.37 +/- 0.077 kg body wt) littermates, irrespective of gender. However, suppression of longissimus muscle growth by food deprivation (3 days) did not alter (P > 0.15) myostatin expression in either 4- or 7-wk-old piglets. Additionally, myostatin mRNA abundance was not changed by porcine growth hormone administration in growing animals. These data indicate that myostatin expression in skeletal muscle peaks prenatally and that greater expression is associated with low birth weight. Expression in mammary gland indicates a possible role for myostatin in mammary gland development and/or lactation.

Partial cloning and expression of the bovine leptin gene

The product of the leptin (i.e., obese) gene may be an important regulator of energy metabolism, adiposity, and reproduction, and is perhaps linked to meat quality determinants such as marbling. Molecular probes were developed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to evaluate leptin expression in adipose depots and to evaluate the tissue-dependent nature of expression reported in other species. A 438 bp fragment representing the coding region of the bovine leptin gene excluding the N-terminal secretory signal was amplified, cloned into a plasmid vector (pASK75), and expressed in E. coli. Sequence analysis of the cDNA and the corresponding polypeptide indicate that, overall, both share approximately 87% homology with the mouse and human leptin genes and polypeptides. Amino terminal sequencing (30 amino acid residues) of the recombinant bovine leptin (rBL) protein revealed 100% homology with mouse and human leptin. The bovine leptin gene is expressed as a 3,090 nt mRNA which is detected in adipose tissue, but is not found in brain (despite the appreciable fat content and lipid metabolism) or other tissues. Leptin gene expression in several adipose depots (subcutaneous, renal, and omental) was similar (P = .73) in finished cattle.

[Preliminary study on determination methods of respiratory muscle functions]

Attention has been paid to the research of respiratory muscle functions recently. In this paper some lung function indices concerning respiratory muscle functions, such as maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure at mouth, inspiratory and expiratory tolerance time, transdiaphragmatic pressure and maximal transdiaphragmatic pressure and diaphragmatic electromyogram etc, were determined in 24 healthy young men and the normal values were obtained. They were important in the study of respiratory muscle functions in hard physical labours, especially in divers, pilots and sportsmen etc. These indices were also useful for evaluating convalescent therapy chronic lung diseases, respiratory muscles training programs or the drug effects on respiratory muscle fatigue etc.

[Studies on infrared spectra of Schiff base ligands and Mn(III) complexes with methylene bridge]

The FTIR spectra (3800-150cm(-1)) of Schiff base ligands and Mn(III) complexes with methylene bridge were measured and investigated. The major bands have been empirically assigned in comparison with a large number of previous results. The characteristic absorption bands of intra-molecular hydrogen bond of ligands were found at ca. 3438cm(-1). The vC=N of ligands and complexes were found at ca. 1630cm(-1). The characteristic absorption bands of the phenyl ring of ligands and complexes were found at ca. 1630cm(-1). The characteristic absorptin bands of the phenyl ring of ligands and complexes were found at ac. 1598, 1469 and 755cm(-1). The vibrations coupling between the M-N stretching modes and the phenyl ring deformation were found at ca. 369cm(-1). The vibrations coupling between the M-N deformation modes and the phenyl ring deformation modes were found at ca. 247cm(-1). The vibrations coupling between the M-O stretching modes and the phenyl ring deformation were found at ca. 329cm(-1). The vibrations coupling between the M-N deformation modes and the phenyl ring deformation modes were found at ca. 275cm(-1). The vMn-Cl of the complexes were found at ca. 303cm(-1). The vMn-N of the complexes shift to higher wavenumbers and the vMn-Cl shift to lower wavenumbers than of the phenylporphyrin Mn(III) complexes.

[A study of genetic heterogeneity in Pfeiffer syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the molecular pathology of Pfeiffer syndrome.

METHODS

DNA from peripheral blood was examined in 4 families with Pfeiffer syndrome by SSCP-sequence analyses and PCR-restriction enzyme digestion.

RESULTS

The authors found the mutations of FGFR2 gene in two families, an A to G transition in the 3' acceptor splice site of intron 8 in a family, and Asp321 Ala substitution in exon 9 in another family. In addition, the mutation in exon 5 of FGFR1 gene (Pro252Arg) was found in a family.

CONCLUSION

These findings reveal the genetic heterogeneity of Pfeiffer syndrome and can help one understand the molecular mechanism of the disease.

Obese gene expression in porcine adipose tissue is reduced by food deprivation but not by maintenance or submaintenance intake

The relationship between obese gene expression and energy intake was determined in pigs of various body weights. With ad libitum consumption, expression increased (P < 0.001) with body weight from 55 to 163 kg. Obese mRNA relative abundance was correlated with fat mass (r = 0.74, P < 0.0001) and percentage of fat (r = 0.72, P < 0. 0001). Obese expression was also evaluated at 159 kg (initial weight) and ad libitum, maintenance or 23% of maintenance intake for 28 d. Obese mRNA was independent of treatment (P > 0.78) despite considerable weight differences. Obese mRNA abundance was then compared at 136 kg (initial weight) and ad libitum or maintenance intake for 3 or 28 d. Abundance was not influenced by either duration of treatment or intake, despite a small increase (P < 0.01) in serum nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and a reduction (P < 0.02) in insulin attributable to maintenance intake. Finally, mRNA abundance was determined at 60 and 136 kg and conditions of food deprivation or ad libitum intake for 3 d. Food deprivation reduced (P < 0.01) serum insulin and increased (4- to 5-fold) NEFA concentrations. Obese mRNA abundance was greater (P < 0.01) in the heavier pigs and was reduced (P < 0.01) by food deprivation. We conclude that obese mRNA abundance in pigs correlates with fat mass and percentage of body fat under conditions of ad libitum intake. Furthermore, obese mRNA abundance is reduced by food deprivation, whereas lesser degrees of intake restriction do not change obese mRNA abundance, even when accompanied by appreciable weight loss.