Mapping QTLs for resistance against Globodera pallida (Stone) Pa2/3 in a diploid potato progeny originating from Solanum spegazzinii.

A "F1" diploid population between Solanum tuberosum 2 x and the wild Solanum spegazzinii was studied. It segregated for resistance against the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida derived from the wild species. The inheritance had a quantitative nature. Linkage maps of AFLP and RFLP markers were constructed for both parents. Three QTLs were identified on the map of the resistant parent on chromosomes V, VI and XII, respectively. The first one had a major effect and explained more than 50% of the total variance of resistance. It is located in a cluster of resistance genes and may be the same locus as Gpa which has been described formerly. The two others explained about 20% of the total variance each. The QTL on chromosome XII is also in a cluster of resistance genes, and in an orthologous position with resistance genes against nematodes in tomato and pepper.

The effect of various types of portocaval anastomoses and hepatic artery ligation on the metabolism of hepatic mitochondria in rats.

The results of investigations are presented concerning the disorders of metabolism of mitochondria isolated from the liver of rats after various operations on the portal vein and hepatic artery. The mitochondria were studied after end-to-side portocaval anastomosis (PCA), end-to-side anastomosis of the mesenteric vein to the inferior caval vein (M-PCA) and after hepatic artery ligation. The investigations were carried out 3.5 months after these operations. The obtained results showed that the greatest and most significant statistically dissociation of oxidative phosphorylation and reduction of oxygen uptake developed in the mitochondria isolated from rats after M-PCA anastomosis. Simultaneously conducted investigations of citrulline production by suspension of mitochondria failed to demonstrate any changes in the urea cycle.

The effects of a single dose and prolonged benzene administration on 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid content in rat brain.

The contents of serotonin (5-HT) and its major metabolite, 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA), in the hypothalamus, the striatum and the remainder of the brain, after a single dose and prolonged administration of benzene were studied in rats. Benzene was injected s.c. in doses of 1/20-1/5 LD50 for single administration and in doses of 1/80-1/20 LD50 daily six days a week during four weeks of prolonged administration. Single administration produced a decrease in the 5-HT content of the hypothalamus and striatum, accompanied by an increase of the 5-HIAA level in the striatum. The highest contents of both 5-HT and 5-HIAA in the hypothalamus and the striatum were seen 45 min after benzene injection and lasted for at least 180 min. After prolonged benzene administration increases of both 5-HT and 5-HIAA contents were observed, particularly with striatum. The accelerated 5-HT turnover in rat brain after acute and prolonged administration of benzene indicates an effect of the hydrocarbon on the metabolism of 5-HT.

Effects of auxiliary liver transplantation on oxygen consumption in the graft and recipient's liver mitochondria. Possible inter-liver regulating mechanism.

Studies were made on inbred rats of Lewis strain with heterotopically transplanted syngeneic liver to assess the effect of this type of liver transplantation on the liver mitochondria. Mitochondria were isolated from own and transplanted liver in 1 and 3.5 months after auxiliary liver transplantation. They showed a progressive decrease in oxygen uptake and citrulline production accompanied by an increase in ATP-ase activity in mitochondria of the recipient's liver and of the graft, as well as diminution in their sensitivity to dinitrophenol, especially in the transplant mitochondria. The results suggest an existence of inhibitory factors transferred by the serum bringing the energetic function in recipient and auxiliary liver mitochondria to a similar level.

Administration of iduronate sulfatase by plasma exchange to patients with the Hunter syndrome: a clinical study.

The Hunter syndrome (MPS II) is the only mucopolysaccharidosis in which there is appreciable activity of the deficient enzyme in normal plasma. We performed enzyme-replacement treatment by plasma exchange in five Hunter syndrome children. Carefully monitoring the cardiovascular status, we administered monthly single plasma volume exchanges for a 3 to 8 mo period. The results indicate a substantial gain of enzyme activity, persisting with a t50% = 19 +/- 5 hr. The maximal level and persistence of increased enzyme activity did not change after repeated exchanges, suggesting that immune responses were not elicited. Despite this, no demonstrable clinical benefit was apparent when the study group was compared with an age-matched control group of Hunter syndrome patients.

[Analysis of the methods of evaluation of occupational exposure to benzene and phenol of petrochemical industry workers]. / Analiza metod oceny narazenia zawodowego na benzen i fenol pracowników przemyslu petrochemicznego.

209 workers exposed to airborne benzene and phenol at the Mazovian Refining Petrochemical Works, at three different plants, i.e. of Phenol, Gasoline Composing and Water -- Wastes, have been examined. It has been demonstrated that urine phenol content in workers working in an open plant area is very often inadequate to the airborne time-weighted averaged concentration of benzene and phenol. It has been shown more advisable to determine urine phenol concentrations twice: before and after the work shift. At the same time some specific methods have been recommended for determining phenol concentrations in urine. These are: gas chromatographic method of Dirmikis and Darbre, modified in this laboratory, and Gibbs' colorimetric method modified by Bardodej with 4-amino-antipyrine or Gibbs' colorimetric method with 2,6-dibromoquinone-4-chloroimide modified by Hanke et al. The Theis-Benedict method should not be applied in medical analytical laboratory because of its low specificity to phenol.