Showing papers by "University of Turku published in 1972"

Identification and enzyme quantitation of the stages of the seminiferous epithelial wave in the rat.

Abstract: Based on differences in light absorption the stages of the rat seminiferous epithelial wave were identified by a transillumination technique. The most marked difference was encountered in the boundary between stages VIII and IX where the mature spermatozoa are released into the tubular lumen. Other characteristic transitions were observed between stages VI and VII as well as stages XII and XIII. All stages could be divided into four major, easily recognizable zones. Within the zones the stages could be identified with an accuracy of ± 1 stage. The characteristic changes take place in the tubular center and are due to the development of the acrosome in the spermatid. The acrosome appears to contain material with a strong light absorption capacity. Based on these observations a method was developed to isolate identified fragments of the rat seminiferous tubule in native condition. These fragments were used to quantify the activity of three previously described enzymes: specific tubular acid phosphatase III and IV as well as aminopeptidase III. The tubular acid phosphatase IV showed a high activity in stages corresponding to the final maturation process of the spermatid, whereas acid phosphatase III was evenly active in the different stages. Also aminopeptidase III showed a peak of activity during stages V-VII coincident with that of acid phosphatase IV, The possible role of these enzymes in the morphological maturation of spermatid and the destruction of the residual body is discussed.

Identification of Different Measles Virus-Specific Antibodies in the Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid from Patients with Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis and Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract: Matched serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from eight cases of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) and 15 cases of multiple sclerosis (MS) were characterized in neutralization, hemolysis-inhibition (HLI), hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) with Tween 80-ether-treated antigen, complement-fixation (CF), and immunodiffusion tests. CF tests were carried out with crude virus material, purified nucleocapsids, and small particle hemagglutinin as antigens. A certain diversity in the relative content of antibodies against different virus products in various sera was found. There was a high degree of correlation between titers of neutralizing and HLI antibodies, but a less strict correlation between titers of HLI and HI antibodies. Serum samples from two cases of MS and one case of SSPE contained high titers of HLI and neutralizing antibodies in the presence of only low titers of HI antibodies demonstrable with Tween 80-ether-treated antigen. The major fraction of antibodies detected in CF and immunodiffusion tests reacted with nucleocapsids. There was a tendency of nucleocapsid CF antibody titers, as compared to neutralization and HLI antibody titers, to be higher in samples from patients with SSPE than from cases of MS. No significant differences were found between antibody titers recorded in neutralization, HLI, and HI tests carried out with two different measles virus strains, Edmonston and a strain (LEC) derived from a case of SSPE. Comparison of antibodies against measles virus products and, as a reference, against a group-specific vertex capsomer antigen of adenovirus in matched serum and CSF samples revealed a production of measles virus-specific antibodies within the central nervous system of all cases of SSPE and 8 out of 15 cases of MS.

In Vivo Measurements of Oxygen Tension in the Cornea, Aqueous Humor, and Anterior Lens of the Open Eye

Abstract: Measurements of oxygen profiles across the cornea, aqueous humor, and anterior lens differed from previously calculated values. The aqueous humor oxygen tension in paiticular also differed from previously measured values, being approximately 20 mm. Hg higher. Reasons for these differences are discussed. The tissue oxygen gradients measured confirm the high Qos of lenticular and corneal epithelium and cornea! endothelium. The steady itate Pot in stroma and anterior nucleus reflects the low Qos of these tissues. The profiles reaffirm the atmospheric source of oxygen to the corneal epithelium and stroma of the open eye and suggest that the corneal endothelium and anterior lens are completely nourished by the aqueous humor oxygen.

Ultrastructural studies on the hypothalamic neurosecretory neurons of the rat. II. The hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system in rats with hereditary hypothalamic diabetes insipidus.

Abstract: The general ultrastructural features of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system in rats with hereditary hypothalamic diabetes insipidus (DI-rats, Brattleboro strain) are described. There is no decisively distinguishing difference between the neurons of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei. The neurons of both nuclei show signs of active protein synthesis. The perikarya of the neurons are markedly hypertrophic, the nuclei are large and the nucleoli prominent. In the cytoplasm there are numerous ribosomes, abundant rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and extensive Golgi complexes. However, very few neurosecretory granules are to be seen. The axons of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial tract are likewise enlarged and the paucity of neurosecretory granules is a striking feature also in the area of the tract. The majority of nerve endings in the posterior pituitary of DI-rats are devoid of neurosecretory granules. Microvesicles are abundant in the nerve endings and there are findings which suggest that microvesicles are involved either in endoor exocytosis. The signs of active protein synthesis and the concomitant paucity of neurosecretory granules are interpreted to imply transportation of the secretory proteins in an extragranular phase. The possible mode of release of the secretory proteins from the nerve endings and the role of microvesicles therein are discussed.

Relationship between malalignment of the teeth and periodontal disease.

Abstract: – The occurrence and degree of displacement and rotation was recorded in the 4,316 fully erupted teeth of 154 Army recruits aged 19–22 years. Of the different teeth, it was the maxillary laterals and the mandibular second premolars which were most often found to be malaligned. In the maxillary anterior tooth areas, which had been fairly well brushed by the subjects, both the degree of oral cleanliness and the extent of periodontal disease were worse around the malaligned than around the aligned teeth. In the premolar areas the difference was less marked and it became non-existent in the molar regions. The results indicated that malalignment of the teeth, as such, does not enhance periodontal breakdown but that it decreases the effect of average oral hygiene measures. Exceptionally good oral hygiene measures or, on the other hand, no oral hygiene measures at all, are thus less likely to reveal an association between malalignment and periodontal disease.

Specific receptor for LH in the ovary: evidence by autoradiography and tissue fractionation.

Abstract: Autoradiographic studies showed a specific uptake of 125I-LH in the corpus luteum of pregnancy and in the theca cell layer of the follicle in the rat and murine ovary. Both autoradiographic and quantitative studies indicated that the luteal receptor(s) for LH can be blocked by unlabeled LH, HCG and anti-LH serum, but not with FSH. The luteal LH-receptor was found in the particle preparation, presumably in the plasma membrane fraction. Intact luteal cells also showed specific binding of LH. After sonication of the membrane fraction the LH-receptor complex could be separated from the free hormone by gel filtration and DEAE-cellulose chromatography. Also the proximal tubule of the kidney markedly concentrated both 125I-LH and 125I-FSH and may actively participate in the metabolism and excretion of these hormones. The Kupffer cells of the liver were also active in the hormone uptake especially when bound to the specific antibody. In both tissues the labeled hormones were not, however, bound to any particulate...

The problem of defining myth

Abstract: The first thing that one realises in trying to grasp the semantic implications of myth is that myth can cover an extremely wide field. The way in which the term myth is commonly used reveals, too, that the word is loaded with emotional overtones. These overtones creep not only into common parlance but also, somewhat surprisingly, into scientific usage. That myth does, in fact, carry emotional overtones in this way is perhaps most easily seen if we think of terms such as prayer, liturgy, ritual drama, spell: they are all used for different religious genres but would seem to be more neutral than myth. It appears to be difficult for many scholars to discuss myth simply as a form of religious communication, as one genre among other genres. If one differentiates between four levels, namely, form, content, function and context, it is much easier to encounter the varied uses which the concept has acquired in scientific literature. By this it is possible to delimit and yet be flexible at the same time. There is no need to welcome with open arms just any traditions into the fold of myth research: but nor is it necessary to exclude, for example, studies of myth where the context criterion, i.e. a context of ritual, is not fulfilled. The degree of flexibility that can be achieved is dependent on the approach that the scholar has chosen.

Fluoride release by silicate cements and composite resins.

Abstract: – The purpose of the study was to determine the fluoride content of acrylic and composite resins and to study the release of fluoride from these materials in comparison to the release from silicates. The analytical results showed that one composite contained approximately the same amount of fluoride as is generally reported for silicates. The other resins contained none or only minimal amounts of fluoride. The release of fluoride was studied by measuring the uptake of fluoride by synthetic hydroxylapatite. Rectangular test specimens, 2 × 2 × 12 mm, made of the fluoride-containing resin were shaken in a neutral (pH 6.8) and an acidic (pH 5.8) solution with the hydroxylapatite for 7 weeks. The apatite was analyzed for fluoride each week and the test specimens were then transferred to a fresh solution with new apatite. As a control, a composite without fluoride was studied in the same way. For comparison two silicate cements were also included in the study. The results show that, during the first week, the uptake of fluoride by the apatite was greater from the silicates than it was from the composite. After that period the uptake continued at a lower level and did not show any marked decrease during the observation period. This continued uptake was about the same from both the silicates and the composite.

Effect of Physical Activity on the Metabolism of Collagen in Aged Mice

Abstract: Male mice, 12–14 months old, were exercised on a treadmill daily for an average of 4 weeks. Another group of mice were kept in small cages, in which their motility was considerably limited. A third group served as controls under normal laboratory conditions. Tritiated proline was injected intraperitoneally into the mice at the end of the experimental period, where upon die turnover of collagen and other proteins was measured and the contents of hexosamine, hydroxyproline, nitrogen, calcium, potassium and sodium were determined in various tissues. Metabolism of collagen was increased by exercise and decreased by physical inactivity especially in Achilles tendons and long bones. The ratio of hydroxyproline to nitrogen was highest in the Achilles tendons of the exercised mice. The content of hexosamine was increased by exercise in the skin and decreased by physical inactivity in long bones. No significant differences in the concentrations of calcium, potassium and sodium ions in long bones and in the heart and skeletal muscles were observed. The results show that the metabolism of connective tissues is influenced by degree of physical activity even in relatively old animals.

Laser-induced effects on tooth structure. IV. A study of changes in the calcium and phosphorus contents in dentine by electron probe microanalysis.

Abstract: The changes in the mineral contents of lased dentine were studied by microradiography and electron probe microanalysis. Irradiation with a CO2-laser caused the formation of a crater in the wall of which were two radiopaque layers. The calcium and phosphorus contents of these layers were clearly higher than those of normal dentine. The contents were higher in the layer closer to the crater. The changes in mineral contents were considerably greater at the mouth of the crater, close to the surface of the tooth, than in the lower depths in the dentine.

Enhancement of aniline p-hydroxylation by acetone in rat liver microsomes.

Abstract: 1. Acetone (0.8 M) enhanced the p-hydroxylation of aniline about 3-4 fold when added to the incubation mixture. Only inhibition in hydroxylation of 3,4-benzpyrene or N-demethylation of ethylmorphine was observed.2. Phospholipase C treatment of rat liver microsomes decreased aniline p-hydroxylation about 20%. The enhancing action of acetone vanished after such a treatment.3. Acetone diminished the type II binding of aniline. In the presence of acetone, low concn. of aniline produced a type I difference spectrum with rat hepatic microsomes. With higher concn. of aniline a type II spectral change was obtained. This indicates that aniline, a well-known type II substrate, can also interact with the type I binding site of cytochrome P-450. Correlation between the type I spectral change and activation of aniline p-hydroxylation is suggested. Acetone itself elicited a spectral change with rat liver microsomes resembling a type II difference spectrum.4. Acetone partly reversed the inhibition produced by aniline on...

Laser-induced effects on tooth structure. V. Electron probe microanalysis and polarized light microscopy of dental enamel.

Abstract: The changes in the calcium and phosphorus contents of enamel which had been irradiated with a laser were studied by X-ray microanalysis and polarized light microscopy. Zonal changes were observed in the mineral concentration of the enamel. The changes were seen to take the form of a pressure-wave moving in the direction of the propagation of the laser beam. A similar zone formation was apparent in polarized light micrographs of the sections which were examined. A comparison was made between the results obtained by these two methods.

Excretion of free and conjugated 5-HIAA and VMA in urine and concentration of 5-HIAA and HVA in CSF during migraine attacks and free intervals.

Abstract: The DIAGNOSIS OF migraine is still based on clinical findings. However, everyday practice has forced us to check our attitude to old ideas. According to Water's study only half of migraine patients are releaved by ergotamine in their headache attacks (Waters, Brit. Med. J. 1970, 2, 325). Blau, again, has found that in one half of the patients the conjunctival blood vessels contract during attacks. Contraction and dilatation remain the same in successive attacks and support the view that also intracranial vessels take part in the headache stage (Blau, Lancet 1970, 10, 740). Anthony and Lance have shown by biochemical methods that migraine and cluster headache are two different forms of headache (Anthony and Lance, Arch. Neurol. 1971, 25, 225).

Aspartylglucosaminuria. II. Biochemical studies on brain, liver, kidney and spleen.

Abstract: Brain, liver, kidney and spleen biopsy and autopsy specimens were taken from patients with aspartylglucosaminuria for biochemical investigations Total cholesterol values for brain and liver were normal as were also the values for N-acetylneuraminic acid in brain Lipid phosphate was slightly increased both in the brain and liver The thin-layer chromatographic patterns of brain gangliosides and phospholipids were normal In the group of fourteen different lysosomal enzymes the activity of N-aspartyl-β-glucosaminidase was markedly decreased in the brain, liver and spleen but not in the kidney The activities of a number of other enzymes, especially those of N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase and N-acetyl-β-d-galactosaminidase were high in the same three tissues and again normal in the kidney No consistent abnormalities were recorded in the groups of three microsomal and three other enzymes The biochemical findings seem to be characteristic to aspartylglucosaminuria and delineate it as a special disease entity

Histochemical observations on the role of ferric chloride in the high-iron diamine technique for localizing sulphated mucosubstances.

Abstract: The binding of ferric ions to tissue sites, other than those containing sulphated mucosubstances, in sections subjected to the high iron diamine technique was followed by the Prussian blue reaction in order to throw new light on the role of ferric chloride in the high-iron diamine dye bath. From experiments involving enzyme digestions in particular, evidence was obtained that ferric ions bind to ribonucleic acid (in chief cells of the rabbit stomach), deoxyribonucleic acid (in nuclear chromatin granules), and, under certain conditions, to sialic acid residues (e.g. in mucous acini of the mouse sublingual gland) and protein carboxyl groups (in smooth muscle cells) as well. With a few exceptions, the binding of ferric ions to nucleic acids was not affected by changes in the ferric chloride concentration, pH or magnesium chloride concentration in the dye bath; the bond thus formed was very stable. It is possible that the initial linkage is not an electrostatic one. Under all the conditions investigated, it was found that the diamine complexes have a greater affinity for sulphated mucosubstances than ferric ions, but ferric chloride, by lowering the pH of the dye bath, excludes the carboxyl groups from reacting with the positively-charged diamine polymer molecules. It is possible that a high concentration of ferric ions in the high-iron diamine dye bath inhibits the binding of some diamine complexes to nuclei and gastric chief cells, i.e. sites where no sulphated mucosaccharides are present, although this conclusion needs further substantiation.

Matrix Grammars with a Leftmost Restriction

Abstract: The family of languages generated by matrix grammars with context-free (context-free λ -free) core productions and with a leftmost restriction on derivations equals the family of recursively enumerable (context-sensitive) languages.