Biotinylated indoles were prepared for application as bifunctional probes for the detection of indole-binding proteins which participate in the life processes of humans, animals, plants, and bacteria. The indole nucleus was functionalized, at ring positions 3, 5, or 6, by attachment of a 2-aminoethyl group, which was then coupled to the carboxyl moiety of biotin, via a spacer composed of 3 or 4 concatenated beta-alanine residues. The constructs thus obtained were able to inhibit tryptophanase activity, similarly to indole in a concentration-dependent manner. They also bound strongly to lysozyme and weakly to bovine and human serum albumins, in accordance with the known affinities of these proteins for indole and 3-(2-aminoethyl)indole (tryptamine). The biotin end of the protein-bound bifunctional probes could then be detected by coupling to (strept)avidin conjugated to alkaline phosphatase or horseradish peroxidase, followed by incubation with substrates which are converted by these enzymes to intensely colored or chemiluminescent products.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Psychosomatic reactions to a stressful environment and an attempt at pharmacological modification.

BACKGROUND: Extreme environmental conditions significantly influence the functioning of the human organism and trigger distinct stress reactions. In our study we attempted to create an experimental model of complex stress conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Healthy male volunteers were isolated, deprived of food and sleep, and exposed to extreme temperatures for 5 consecutive days. Physical fitness and selected somatic parameters and biochemical stress markers were measured in the tested subjects. In addition, changes in behavior and mental status were assessed by means of a set of psychological tests. Finally, the effects of pharmacological modification (administration of clobazam and tramadol) on psychosomatic stress reactions were tested. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that our experimental stress conditions slightly altered the mental functions of the subjects, increased their anxiety level, hampered their physical efficiency, and led to weight loss. The administration of the drugs beneficially influenced the subjects' memory and physical efficiency.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of atropine and mecamylamine given locally into periaqueductal gray on bioelectrical activity of chosen brain structures of the rabbit.

Atropine (Atr) or mecamylamine (MeC) were administered locally into the periaqueductal gray (PAG) of rabbits with chronically implanted electrodes into the motor-sensory cortex (MSC) ventro-posterolateral thalamic nuclei (NVPL), PAG and midbrain reticular formation (MRF). Bioelectrical responses in the cortex and subcortical structures were analyzed automatically by means of Fast Fourier Transform and Autoregressive Method. Both Atr and Mec modified the activity in PAG, Atr had also the influence in MRF and MSC.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Influence of thymus factor (TFX "Polfa") on the ability of granulocytes to absorb neutral latex particles and Staphylococcus aureus in patients treated for long-time periods with corticosteroids.

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Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Syntactic analysis of the experimental epileptic EEG.

A new assay of afterdischarge pattern evaluation is presented, using computerized automatic analysis where procedure of data reduction, known as syntactic analysis, was involved. Effects of phenobarbital and diazepam on afterdischarge pattern were also studied. Adopting Kalman filters technique and Markov chain midel a multi-channel analysis was performed. Significant differences between effects of two tested drugs on seizure activity propagation were found.

Animals↗