A linkage map of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.)

We have established a first linkage map for beets based on RFLP, isozyme and morphological markers. The population studied consisted of 96 F2 individuals derived from an intraspecific cross. As was expected for outbreeding species, a relatively high degree of polymorphism was found within sugar beet; 47% of the DNA markers were polymorphic for the chosen population. The map consists of 115 independent chromosomal loci designated by 108 genomic DNA probes, 6 isozyme and one morphological marker. The loci cover 789 cM with an average spacing of 6.9 cM. They are dispersed over nine linkage groups corresponding to the haploid chromosome number of Beta species. Eighteen markers (15.4%) showed distorted segregation which, in most instances, can be explained by gametic selection of linked lethal loci. The application of the linkage map in sugar beet breeding is discussed.

Multichannel circular dichroism investigations of the structural stability of bacterial cytochrome P-450

The thermal unfolding of cytochrome P-450 LIN and P-450 CAM measured in presence and absence of their specific substrates was analyzed by circular dichroism (CD) and the alpha-helix content was estimated. Both proteins show, independent of the presence or absence of the substrates, nearly the same amount of loss of the CD in the peptide region. The comparison of the half transition temperatures determined from different chromophores and different methods indicates a non-two-state transition of the thermal unfolding. For such analysis we developed a new spectrometer, which is capable of measuring the CD simultaneously at all wavelengths in a limited wavelength region.

DNA markers closely linked to nematode resistance genes in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) mapped using chromosome additions and translocations originating from wild beets of the Procumbentes section

Genes conferring resistance to the beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii Schm.) have been transferred to sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) from three wild species of the Procumbentes section using monosomic addition and translocation lines, because no meiotic recombination occurs between chromosomes of cultured and wild species. In the course of a project to isolate the nematode resistance genes by strategies of reverse genetics, probes were cloned from DNA of a fragmented B. procumbens chromosome carrying a resistance gene, which had been isolated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. One probe (pRK643) hybridized with a short dispersed repetitive DNA element, which was found only in wild beets, and thus may be used as a molecular marker for nematode resistance to progeneis of monosomic addition lines segregating resistant and susceptible individuals. Additional probes for the resistance gene region were obtained with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based strategy using repetitive primers to amplify DNA located between repetitive elements. One of these probes established the existence of at least six different chromosomes from wild beet species, each conferring resistance independently of the others. A strict correlation between the length of the wild beet chromatin introduced in fragment addition and translocation lines and the repeat copy number has been used physically to map the region conferring resistance to a chromosome segment of 0.5-3 Mb.

Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the skin of patients with systemic scleroderma

The expression and tissue distribution of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in skin biopsies from 12 patients with systemic (SSc) and localized (LS) scleroderma was studied and compared to the biopsies from patients with lupus erythematosus (LE) and normal individuals. In normal human skin ICAM-1 expression was restricted to the vascular endothelium, infiltrating mononuclear cells (MNC), and to few individual keratinocytes. In the inflammatory stage of SSc, however, the expression of ICAM-1 was dramatically increased at the site of MNC infiltrates and could also be detected on fibroblast-like cells lying well apart from these infiltrates in the deep dermis. In contrast, in LS ICAM-1 was expressed mainly at the sites of MNC infiltrates. In LE ICAM-1 expression was confined to the keratinocytes, endothelial cells, and mononuclear cells in the upper parts of the dermis. Analysis of serial tissue sections from patients with SSc demonstrated also colocalization of staining of ICAM-1 around blood vessels with LFA-1-positive lymphocytes. Increased expression of ICAM-1 in the dermis of patients with SSc may represent an important mechanism by which MNC become localized and retained at a site of connective tissue inflammation, leading to the activation of fibroblasts.

Distribution and evolution of two satellite DNAs in the genus Beta

EcoRI monomers of a highly repetitive DNA family of Beta vulgaris have been cloned. Sequence analysis revealed that the repeat length varies between 157-160 bp. The percentage of AT-residues is 62% on average. The basic repeat does not show significant homology to the BamHI sequence family of B. vulgaris that was analyzed by us earlier. Both the EcoRI and BamHI sequences are investigated and compared to each other with respect to their genomic organization in the genus Beta. Both repeats were found to be tandemly arranged in the genome of B. vulgaris in a satellite-like manner. The EcoRI satellite DNA is present in three sections (Beta, Corollinae and Nanae) of the genus, whereas the BamHI satellite DNA exists only in the section Beta. The distribution of the EcoRI and BamHI satellite families in the genus is discussed with respect to their evolution.

[The 32P-test in the diagnosis of intraocular melanoma--an obsolete study method?]

Results of the 32P uptake test for the diagnosis of choroidal melanoma in 41 patients are reported. The sensitivity was 80%, the specificity 86%, if a count rate ratio of more than 1.4 between tumor and normal tissue was considered as pathological. Ratios between 1.4 and 1.6 ought to be considered as equivocal in which case specificity increases to 90%. The 32P uptake test still remains a method of clinical relevance in the diagnosis of choroidal melanoma.

Binding sites of pyridine in cytochrome P-450cam

Careful titration of oxidized cytochrome P-450cam from Pseudomonas putida with pyridine revealed deviations of the Eadie plot from linearity in the substrate-bound as well as in the substrate-free protein. A binding model which assumes two binding sites for pyridine--the iron and the camphor binding site--is able to describe completely the nonlinear Eadie plot.

The high-spin/low-spin equilibrium in cytochrome P-450--a new method for determination of the high-spin content

A new method for determination of the population of the high-spin state (high-spin content) in ferric cytochrome P-450 is presented. Based on curve fitting the electronic absorption spectra with a linear combination of gaussian bands analytical functions for the pure high-spin and pure low-spin states were constructed. These functions were used to fit the high-spin/low-spin mixed spectra. A good fit of the absorption spectra of six different cytochrome P-450 proteins in the presence and absence of substrates was found, indicating a similar pi-electron structure of the porphyrin and a similar chemical nature of the nearest coordination sphere of the iron in all cytochrome P-450 proteins.

Ribonucleoparticle-independent transport of proteins into mammalian microsomes

There are at least two different mechanisms for the transport of secretory proteins into the mammalian endoplasmic reticulum. Both mechanisms depend on the presence of a signal peptide on the respective precursor protein and involve a signal peptide receptor on the cis-side and signal peptidase on the trans-side of the membrane. Furthermore, both mechanisms involve a membrane component with a cytoplasmically exposed sulfhydryl. The decisive feature of the precursor protein with respect to which of the two mechanisms is used is the chain length of the polypeptide. The critical size seems to be around 70 amino acid residues (including the signal peptide). The one mechanism is used by precursor proteins larger than about 70 amino acid residues and involves two cytosolic ribonucleoparticles and their receptors on the microsomal surface. The other one is used by small precursor proteins and relies on the mature part within the precursor molecule and a cytosolic ATPase.

Mapping of B-cell epitopes of the human hepatitis B virus X protein

The immune response to the X protein of human hepatitis B virus (HBV) was studied by epitope mapping by using a set of MS2-HBx fusion proteins and synthetic peptides. Antibodies in sera of patients with acute and chronic HBV infection showed a multispecific immune response. Each serum contained antibodies to a different set of epitopes, which taken together cover most of the HBx sequence. Some of the epitopes were detectable only by immunoblotting with fusion proteins; others were detectable only by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with synthetic peptides. The carboxy-terminal half of the HBx protein was preferentially recognized by antibodies from patients with chronic hepatitis and contained a short immunodominant antigenic region with at least two major nonoverlapping epitopes. Anti-HBx antibody titers as revealed by peptide ELISAs were highest and most frequent in patients with chronic hepatitis and usually low in acutely infected patients and asymptomatic carriers. The data demonstrate a remarkable qualitative and quantitative heterogeneity of the humoral HBx immune response which can be monitored by HBx-specific peptide ELISAs. Such tests may become useful diagnostic tools.

Analysis of DNA from a Beta procumbens chromosome fragment in sugar beet carrying a gene for nematode resistance

We have begun to apply techniques for the preparation and anaylsis of large DNA segments from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) addition lines carrying a mitotically stable chromosome fragment from B. procumbens that confers monogenic resistance to the nematode Heterodera schachtii, with a view towards isolating the resistance gene. DNA probes specific for this chromosome fragment were selected, and various methods for cloning genome-specific fragments, including probes from megabase DNA separated in pulsed-field slab gels, are compared. Probes that display high homology to B. procumbens have been used for hybridization of a representative genomic library and for initial step in mapping the chromosome fragment via pulsed-field gel electrophoresis after restriction with infrequently cutting enzymes. Our data indicate that DNA molecules from the entire chomosome fragment can be separated from protoplast DNA lysates.

Evidence for high molecular weight Na-Ca exchange in cardiac sarcolemmal vesicles

Cardiac sarcolemma (SL) vesicles were subjected to irradiation inactivation-target sizing analyses and gel permeation high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to ascertain the weight range of native Na-Ca exchange. Frozen SL vesicle preparations were irradiated by electron bombardment and assayed for Na-Ca exchange activity. When applied to classical target sizing theory, the results yielded a minimum molecular weight (Mr) of approximately 226,000 +/- 20,000 SD (n = 6). SL vesicle proteins were solubilized in 6% sodium cholate in the presence of exogenous phospholipid and fractionated by size on a TSK 30XL HPLC column. Eluted proteins were mixed 1:1 with mobile phase buffer containing 50 mg/ml soybean phospholipid and reconstituted by detergent dilution. The resulting proteoliposomes were assayed for Na-Ca exchange activity. Na-Ca exchange activity eluted in early fractions containing larger proteins as revealed by SDS-PAGE. Recovery of total protein and Na-Ca exchange activity were 91 +/- 7 and 68 +/- 11%, respectively. In the peak fraction, Na-Ca exchange specific activity increased two- to threefold compared to reconstituted controls. Compared to the elution profile of protein standards under identical column conditions, sodium cholate solubilized exchange activity had a minimum Mr of 224,000 Da. Specific 45Ca2+-binding SL proteins with Mr of 234,000, 112,000, and 90,000 Da were detected by autoradiography of proteins transferred electrophoretically to nitrocellulose. These data suggest that native cardiac Na-Ca exchange is approximately 225,000 Da or larger. The exact identification and purification of cardiac Na-Ca exchange protein(s) remains incomplete.

p-Nitrophenetole deethylase activity of rat liver microsomes entrapped in polyelectrolyte capsules

Liver microsomes from phenobarbital induced rats are entrapped in capsules prepared from polyelectrolytes. A comparative analysis of the deethylase activity against p-nitrophenetole by encapsulated and freely suspended microsomes is carried out. The pH optimum occurs at about 7.2 for encapsulated as well as free microsomes. The pH activity profile of encapsulated microsomes, however, is strongly flattened. The maximal velocity of entrapped microsomes is about a quarter of that of free microsomes. The Michaelis-Menten constants are virtually equal. Despite of the lowered activity of encapsulated microsomes this kind of immobilization of enzymes may be useful in biotechnology and medicine because mild immobilization conditions like room temperatures and aqueous solutions are realized.

[Cutaneous side effects of gold therapy. Clinical and histologic results]

Based on our own observations in 40 patients and a review of the literature the clinical and histological aspects of dermatitis caused by gold therapy are discussed. There is a broad spectrum of cutaneous side effects following gold therapy. In most of the patients a nonspecific dermatitis can be observed. The skin lesions may also mimic lichen planus, pityriasis rosea or various forms of eczema, obscuring early diagnosis. Histologically four types of reactions can be differentiated including a dermatitis type, vasculitis type, a lichenoid and an urticarial type.

Target size of 5'-nucleotidase in smooth muscle

Target size of the 5'-nucleotidase in six different smooth muscles was determined by radiation inactivation. The enzyme in the soluble fraction of rat myometrium and vas deferens gave a target size of approximately 80,000 daltons. The plasma membrane bound 5'-nucleotidase however, gave target size of 80,000 to 110,000 daltons in rat gastric fundus and vas deferens and dog stomach and ileum, 135,000 daltons in rat mesenteric artery and 210,000 daltons in rat myometrium.

Studies on cellular tandemization of herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase DNA

The cellular tandemization of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) thymidine kinase (tk) gene was studied in tk- mouse fibroblasts after gene transfer by microinjection into the nucleus or by calcium phosphate-mediated transfection. Three different DNA substrates, designed to yield simple integration patterns, were used: a gel-purified 3.6-kb Bam HI fragment containing the HSV tk gene; the same fragment self-ligated; and the 3.6-kb fragment ligated to a Bam HI-cleaved subset of genomic mouse DNA. The genomic DNA of six independently isolated transformed cell lines was analyzed by Southern blotting and the structure of the tk-specific DNA was studied. The data suggest that modifications (mutations, deletions, recombination events, and recircularization, etc.) of the input DNA fragment occur early after its introduction into the cell. Subsequently these structures are multiplied in a directional manner, generating larger arrays of DNA with distinct and regularly repeated areas. These concatemers can eventually be integrated into the host genome.

Genetic interactions between wheat and rye genomes in triticale : 2. Morphological and yield characters

Six primary triticale lines were produced from two advanced breeding lines of Triticum durum and three inbred genotypes of Secale cereale. The wheat and rye parents as well as the triticale derivatives were then crossed each within the same group of species in all possible combinations. Parents, F1s, and F2 populations were used to study the inheritance of a set of morphological and yield characters. The results suggest that, in general, in triticale allelic interactions within the wheat and the rye components are suppressed in favour of intergenomic interactions. Heterozygosity in the rye genome appeared to be detrimental for triticale, whereas heterozygosity in the wheat genome only resulted in positive interactions between certain characters. The retention of a high level of heterosis for kernels per spike in the F2 generation of such hybrids indicates interactions between genes which are in the homozygous state in the rye but remain in the heterozygous state in the wheat genome. If heterozygosity in the wheat component occurs between genes in the A and B genomes (homoeoalleles), it can be fixed in true breeding lines. This condition may ultimately lead to the fixation of their benefical effect on the interaction between wheat and rye genome. Aneuploidy caused a significant decline in performance for most of the investigated characters.

Genetic interactions between wheat and rye genomes in triticale : 2. Morphological and yield characters

Six primary triticale lines were produced from two advanced breeding lines of Triticum durum and three inbred genotypes of Secale cereale. The wheat and rye parents as well as the triticale derivatives were then crossed each within the same group of species in all possible combinations. Parents, F1s, and F2 populations were used to study the inheritance of a set of morphological and yield characters. The results suggest that, in general, in triticale allelic interactions within the wheat and the rye components are suppressed in favour of intergenomic interactions. Heterozygosity in the rye genome appeared to be detrimental for triticale, whereas heterozygosity in the wheat genome only resulted in positive interactions between certain characters. The retention of a high level of heterosis for kernels per spike in the F2 generation of such hybrids indicates interactions between genes which are in the homozygous state in the rye but remain in the heterozygous state in the wheat genome. If heterozygosity in the wheat component occurs between genes in the A and B genomes (homoeoalleles), it can be fixed in true breeding lines. This condition may ultimately lead to the fixation of their benefical effect on the interaction between wheat and rye genome. Aneuploidy caused a significant decline in performance for most of the investigated characters.

Contraception with an LHRH agonist: effect on gonadotrophin and steroid secretion patterns

Chronic treatment with the LHRH agonist D-Ser(TBU)6-LHRH (1-9)-EA (buserelin) has been suggested as a contraceptive method since it has been shown to inhibit ovulation. To elucidate the mechanism of this paradoxical action, we investigated the pattern of gonadotrophin and steroid secretion after the daily intranasal application of 300 micrograms of the agonist. Ten volunteers with ovulatory cycles received the analogue from Day 1 to Day 22 and 5 mg norethisterone acetate from Day 16 to Day 22. Blood samples were taken on Day 1, 15, and 21 every 15 min for 6 h after the application of the agonist. LH secretion was increased nine-fold on the first treatment day as compared to Day 2 of the preceding control cycle. Thereafter, it decreased slowly but was still elevated five-fold on Day 21 of treatment. FSH release increased three-fold on Day 1 but decreased thereafter to values similar to those of the controls. During treatment with the analogue, the LH/FSH ratio changed from 1.3 (controls) to 3.8 on Day 1 and to 5.5 on Day 15 and 21 of treatment. Although the ovary retained follicular activity, ovulation was inhibited in every treatment cycle. This seemed to be due to an impairment of follicular steroid synthesis as indicated by a significant increase of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and testosterone levels for several hours after the application of the analogue. It appears that at least during the first treatment cycle of daily administration of buserelin the abolishment of pulsatile gonadotrophin release, and the abnormally increased ratio of LH/FSH secretion may possibly impair follicular maturation and thus contribute to the inhibition of ovulation.

[The use of neuroleptanesthesia in adenotonsillectomy in children]

Two groups of 100 children each who underwent adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy were anaesthetised by halothane 1% or by a neuroleptic technique (NLA) using fentanyl 0.0025 mg/kg and droperidol 0.125 mg/kg as a fixed combination (Thalamonal). Both techniques were supplemented with nitrous oxide/oxygen 4/2 l. All children were premedicated with atropine 0.015 mg/kg, fentanyl 0.0025 mg/kg and droperidol 0.125 mg/kg i.m. Quality of premedication and postoperative behaviour and analgesia were assessed by standardised criteria. 93% of the patients arrived at the theatre sleeping or detached, 75% showed almost no reactions to venipuncture. Heart rate during surgery in both groups increased by 13%, mean arterial blood pressure in the NLA group increased by 9% and in the halothane group dropped by 5%. Postoperatively blood pressure in NLA patients returned to normal, while in the halothane group there was a transient rise by 10%. Protective reflexes and consciousness were restored in the NLA group earlier. After halothane, stridor occurred in eight cases upon extubation. Postoperative analgesia scores in NLA patients were double those in the halothane group. Moderate metabolic acidosis and slight hypercapnia were postoperatively present in both groups twice. Modified neuroleptanaesthesia proved equal to halothane anaesthesia for ENT surgery. No respiratory depression was seen. Advantages like uncomplicated quick recovery and protracted postoperative analgesia are opposed by disadvantages like inferior vegetative blockade and inferior pharmacokinetics. Close postoperative supervision in a recovery room is a prerequisite to using this NLA technique.

Tumor blood flow and O2 availability during hemodilution

Experiments were performed to study the influence of localized and systemic hemodilution on tumor blood flow and on O2 availability in the tumor tissue. The results obtained clearly show that both localized and systemic hemodilution can distinctly improve nutritive blood flow through solid tumors. This can be utilized to enhance pharmacokinetics of antitumor drugs. Due to the improved metabolic status, the pharmacodynamics of some antitumor drugs should also be enhanced. To achieve a maximum improvement of the oxygen supply to the tumor, hematocrit values should not be decreased below 0.20 in localized hemodilution, and 0.30 in systemic hemodilution.

Study of H2O2-supported N-demethylations catalyzed by cytochrome P-450 and horseradish peroxidase

H2O2-supported oxidative demethylation reactions catalyzed by cytochrome P-450 and horseradish peroxidase have been compared. In contrast to peroxidase catalyzed reactions no free substrate radicals could be detected by EPR stopped flow measurements in demethylation reactions catalyzed by highly purified cytochrome P-450 although the rate of product formation for both enzyme systems was identical. These findings cause doubts in a general peroxide dependent demethylation mechanism valid for all hemoproteins and in the hypothesis that free substrate radicals are principally formed during cytochrome P-450 catalysis.

[Epidemiology of hepatitis A: serological study among a French population (author's transl)]

To investigate the prevalence and distribution of antibodies to hepatitis A antigen (anti HAV Ab) we tested 848 French people living mainly but not exclusively in Franche-Comté (East of France). In Franche-Comté, 76 per cent of all the subjects studied were found to be anti-Hav ab positive, as determined by specific radio-immuno-assay. The rate of antibody detection was correlated with age; the prevalence was low (38 per cent) in childhood and adolescence, gradually increasing throught adulthood, and reaching its peak level (greater than 95 per cent) in people aged 40 and above. Anti-HAV Ab was detected more frequently in farmers (89 per cent), factory workers (87 per cent) and office employees (80 per cent) than in hospital personnel (53 per cent). Socioeconomic differences were found to be important in young people but tended to disappear at about 40 years of age. No difference was found in the prevalence of anti-HAV Ab between national servicemen from Franche-Comté and those from other regions. In 3 per cent of cases anti-HBs Ab was associated with the presence of anti HAV Ab. The subject possessing anti HBS Ab had the same prevalence of anti-HAV Ab (75 per cent) as those without (76 per cent).