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Biomedical subjects

A Aoki

Publications and source records attributed to A Aoki.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

Ontogenesis of alpha-amylase in rat parotid gland during postnatal development.

Changes in alpha-amylase (alpha-1,4-glucan-4-glucanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.1) of parotid gland were investigated during postnatal development of the rat. Modifications in amylase activity after birth allow the distinction of three stages which can be correlated with the morphologic development of the parotid gland. Significant sexual differences in the evolution of alpha-amylase activity were found. During the first stage (from birth to the 20th day) there is a higher increase in females, while males have a more pronounced increment in the second stage (from the 20th to the 30th day). By means of gel electrophoresis of parotid extracts, four molecular forms of amylase can be separated. The slowest migrating band (Form 1) is not detected at the initial stage.

Amylases↗

Prolactin content in rat pituitary gland. RIA of prolactin after different extraction procedures.

The prolactin content of rat pituitary varies considerably when determined by RIA, due to incomplete solubilization of prolactin secretory granules with standard procedures for tissue homogenization and centrifugation. Freezing and thawing, Triton X-100 and ultrasonic treatments increased the yield of prolactin significantly but electron microscopy of pellets revealed numerous unmodified secretory granules. Addition of 2.5 M urea produced complete extraction of tissue prolactin confirmed by RIA of supernatants and electron microscopy of pellets.

Animals↗

Expression of lactate dehydrogenase isozyme X in haploid cells of pigeon testis.

Electrophoretic patterns of lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27) from adult testes show the existence of three different phenotypes for the isozyme X or C4 in populations of racing homer pigeons. These phenotypes are the expression of two different alleles at the Ldh c locus. Analysis of electrophoretic patterns of lactate dehydrogenase from lysates of mature spermatozoa isolated from pigeons heterozygous at the Ldh c locus indicates that the two different alleles are expressed in haploid cells. It is concluded that transcription of the gene coding for isozyme X must occur only in pre-meiotic cells.

Animals↗

Milbemycins, a new family of macrolide antibiotics: fermentation, isolation and physico-chemical properties.

A search for novel insecticides has yielded the milbemycins, a new family of macrolide antibiotics with insecticidal and acaricidal activity. They are produced in submerged cultures of Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. aureolacrimosus. Fermentation studies on the strain were conducted in shaken flasks and 30-liter jar fermentors. From the culture broth 13 milbemycins were purified to homogeneity by column and thin-layer chromatography on silica gel and alumina. Physico-chemical data, such as mass spectra, UV and IR absorption spectra, optical rotations and melting points of the milbemycins are described.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Studies on the ultrastructure and permeability of the hemotrichorial placenta. I. Intercellular junctions of layer I and tracer administration into the maternal compartment.

The distribution of lanthanum chloride and horseradish peroxidase within the full-term chorioallantoic placenta of the rat was investigated 1 to 20 min after administration of these tracers into the maternal blood circulation. Both tracers rapidly penetrate trophoblastic layer I and diffuse into the interspace between layers I and II. They are localized in extensive infoldings and caveolae of the outer surface of layer II. The syncytial character of layer II is confirmed at this development stage of the placenta. There is no vesicular uptake or penetration beyond layer II until 20 min after tracer administration. Our results indicate that trophoblastic layer II is the main barrier in the chorioallantoic rat placenta preventing the permeation of macromolecules from maternal to fetal compartments. With freeze-fracturing, particulate strutures of variable arrangement and size are found between adjacent cells of layer I. With goniometric analysis small gaps between the appositions of the membrane are observed. These structures are interpreted as tight and/or gap junctions during stages of assembly or disassembly.

Animals↗

Studies on the ultrastructure and permeability of the hemotrichorial placenta. II. Fetal capillaries and tracer administration into the fetal blood circulation.

The distribution of horseradish peroxidase and lanthanum chloride within the full term chorioallantoic placenta of the rat was examined after administration of these tracers into the umbilical artery. Both tracers rapidly traverse the capillary endothelium. Transendothelial channels, fenestrations and micropinocytotic vesicles provide the main pathways. Intercellular clefts which are either patent or interrupted by leaky intercellular junctions, also contribute to a rapid passage of low and high molecular weight substances. Deep channel-like invaginations, effecting an increase of the exchange area of layer III, are freely accessible to the tracers from the interspace between the capillary endothelium and trophoblastic layer III. The invaginations, however, are not in continuity with the interspace between layers II and III, verifying the syncytial character of layer III. Neither an uptake of the tracers nor a passage across layer III is observed. The main permeability barrier to feto-maternal transfer within the chorioallantoic placenta is localized in the syncytiotrophoblastic layer III. This layer controls the passage of low molecular weight substances and restricts the penetration of high molecular weight substances.

Animals↗

Morphological alterations and functional changes of interhepatocellular junctions induced by bile duct ligation.

The effect of bile duct ligation on the intercellular junctions of hepatocytes was investigated. The features and the arrangement of the bile canaliculi and the zonulae occludentes alter concomitant to the increase of the intracanalicular pressure. The lumen of the bile canaliculi enlarges and the microvilli disappear. The array of the zonulae occludentes becomes irregularly shaped, the number of strands diminishes and interruptions of the strands occur. With peroxidase a leakage in the bile-blood barrier is detected. Furthermore a disappearance of gap junctions between the hepatocytes after bile duct ligation is observed. The present investigation shows that the zonulae occludentes are mobile structures which are changed by increased unilateral pressure. Due to their ultrastructural alterations, a leakage of the permeability barrier between physiological compartments is found.

Animals↗

An improved perfusion fixation method for the testis.

A reliable and uniform vascular perfusion fixation method for the testis has been developed by using an initial washout solution containing a vasodilator and an anticoagulant. This is followed by a brief fixation with a sodium phosphate buffered formaldehyde-glutaraldehyde solution of conventional strenght, and then a second more concentrated aldehyde fixative solution containing picric acid. The method takes into account some of the unique features of the vascular supply of the male genital tract for its favorable perfusion and fixation. The advantages of this method are: (1) consistently favorable preservation of the testis; (2) simple and inexpensive apparatus; and (3) stable and relatively innocuous stock solutions.

Animals↗