007820   Demir Y;Yildirim S;Demir N (Dep Chem Fac Sci, Ataturk University, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey, Email: demirn@yahoo.com) : Characterization and purification of alkaline phosphatase from Elephas trogontherri (Steppe elephant) bone. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2005, 42(3), 182-5.

Four isozymes of alkaline phosphatase (AP) were purified from Elephas trogontherii (Steppe elephant) from different locations in the bone (outer and inner peripheral, cytosolic, and integral) using Sephadex G-200 gel filtration and TEAE-cellulose anion-exchange chromatography. The specimen was obtained from Erzurum Museum and its age was approx. 0.3-0.5 million years old. No fungi or bacteria were present in the bone sample. The enzyme activity was determined by using p-nitrophenylphosphate as a substrate. SDS-PAGE of all the isozymes gave a single band at the same location. The molecular mass of the four isozymes as determined by using gel filtration was about 60 kDa. Optimum pHs for the four isozymes were between 8-8.5. The optimum temperatures of the isozymes were: outer peripheral, 37.5°C, cytosolic, 37.5°C, inner peripheral, 35°C and integral, 40°C. The values of V_max and K_m, as well different optimum temperatures indicated that isozymes were structurally different.

3 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

007819   Das D K;Chakraborty I;Biswas A B;Sarkar G N; Shrivastava P;Sen S (Dep Community Med, R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, Email: dilip_shampa@hotmail.com) : Iodine deficiency disorders among school children of Dakshin Dinajpur district, West Bengal. Indian J Publ Hlth 2005, 49(2), 67-72.

Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) are major public health problems in India, including West Bengal. Existing programme to control IDD needs to be continuously monitored through recommended methods and indicators. Thus undertook the study to assess the prevalence of goiter, status of urinary iodine excretion (UIE) level and to estimate iodine content of salts at the household level in Dakshin Dinajpur district, West Bengal. Conducted a community-based, cross-sectional study in 2004; among 2250 school children, aged 8-10 years. The '30 cluster' sampling methodology and indicators for assessment of IDD, as recommended by the joint WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD consultation, were used for the study. Goitre was assessed by standard palpation technique, UIE was analyzed by wet digestion method and salt samples were tested by spot iodine testing kit. Of the 2250 children, 419 (18.6%) had goitre (95% Cl = 17.0 - 20.2%). Total goitre rate (TGR) was not significantly different in respect of gender, age and religion. Visible goitre rate was 2.5%. Median urinary iodine excretion level was 16 mcg/dL (normal: ≥ 10 mcg/dl.) and 16.5% children had value less than 5 mcg/dL. Only 67.4% of the salt samples tested had adequate iodine content of œ 15 ppm, with significant difference between Hindus and Muslims (χ²=12.68, d.f.=1, p<60>0.01). TGR of 18.6% indicate the district is still endemic for IDD, but median urinary iodine within normal range reflects no current iodine deficiency. The district is in the transition phase from iodine-deficient to iodine-sufficient. Measures are to be sustained for successful transition towards elimination.

4 tables, 19 ref

007818   D'Costa P M;Kalekar S;Bhosle S (Dep Microbiol, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau- 403 206, Email: saroj@yahoo.co.in) : Diversity of free-living and adhered bacteria from mangrove swamps. Indian J Microbiol 2004, 44(4), 247-50.

Mangrove samples revealed the presence of large number of adherent bacteria compared to free-living forms. Isolates were able to grow on plant polymers, xylan and cellulose. Most of the adhering bacteria were pigmented, while only 25% of the free-living bacteria were pigmented. Among the pigments produced by Pseudomonas and Serratia species, prodigiosin and phenazines were detected and characterized. The adherent isolates showed 1.11 -13.04% adherence to hexadecane with some showing 90% adherence to plant litter. Two isolates showing highest adherence to plant litter were identified as Staphylococcus.

2 tables, 30 ref

007817   Ciana A;Balduini C;Minetti G (Universita di Pavia, Dipartimento di Biochimica "A. Castellani", via Bassi, 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy) : Detergent-resistant membranes in human erythrocytes and their connection to the membrane-skeleton. J Biosci, Bangalore 2005, 30(3), 317-28.

In cell membranes, local inhomogeneity in the lateral distribution of lipids and proteins is thought to exist in vivo in the form of lipid 'rafts', microdomains enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids, and in specific classes of proteins, that appear to play specialized roles for signal transduction, cell-cell recognition, parasite or virus infection, and vesicular trafficking. These structures are operationally defined as membranes resistant to solubilization by nonionic detergents at 4°C (detergent-resistant membranes, DRMs). This definition appears to be necessary and sufficient, although additional manoeuvres, not always described with sufficient detail, may be needed to ensure isolation of DRMs, like mechanical homogenization, and changes in the pH and/or ionic strength of the solubilization medium. Human erythrocyte that the different conditions adopted may lead to the isolation of qualitatively and quantitatively different DRM fractions, thus contributing to the complexity of the notion itself of lipid raft. A significant portion of erythrocyte DRMs enriched in reported lipid raft markers, such as flotillin-1, flotillin-2 and GM₁, is anchored to the spectrin membrane-skeleton via electrostatic interactions that can be disrupted by the simultaneous increase in pH and ionic strength of the solubilization medium.

5 illus, 52 ref

007816   Chopra P;Singh D;Verma V;Puniya A K (Inst Genomics Integrative Biol, Delhi University Campus, Mall Road, Near Jubilee Hall, Delhi-110 007, Email: puneetchopra25@rediffmail.com) : Bioremediation of melanoidin containing digested spent wash from cane-molasses distillery with white rot fungus, Coriolus versicolor. Indian J Microbiol 2004, 44(3), 197-200.

Digested spent wash (DSW) from cane-molasses based distilleries contains a brown coloured recalcitrant polymer, melanoidin, which if disposed untreated poses a great threat to environment. In this study, white rot fungus, Coriolus versicolor was found to decolorize and reduce COD of DSW. Decolorization activity of fungus was dependent on the carbon source in DSW, as no activity was observed in the absence of carbon. Addition of nitrogen either organic or inorganic failed to accelerate decolorization and COD reduction. Maximum decolorization and COD reduction (52%) occurred after 8 d at 35°C and pH 5 when 10% diluted DSW was treated with C. versicolor.

1 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

007815   Chede V B;Ali Y A (P.G Dept. Microbiol, Shri Shivaji College, Akola-444 001) : Isolation of Halomonas salina from saline belt in Akola region, Maharashtra. J microbial Wld 2005, 7(1), 121-3.

Akola is a district place of central Maharashtra (India), East-West of Akola district are commonly called as saline belt due to presence of high salt concentration in soil and water. The soil samples were collected from the saline belt area mentioned above. The bacteria were isolated on Halophilic agar with percentage of sodium chloride varying from 15-20. The Halophile isolated and was found to be predominant in this area is Halomonas salina. This was confirmed by its morphology, biochemical and cultural characteristics. The very important feature being it is salt tolerant upto 20 percent of sodium chloride.

^ssc1 table, 9 ref

007814   Chakradhar T;Jauhri K S (Div Microbiol, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: ks_jauhri@yahoo.co.in) : Development and evaluation of bioorganic fertilizer. Indian J Microbiol 2004, 44(4), 291-4.

Enrichment of organic manures like pressmud compost, vermicompost, farmyard manure with Mesorhizobium ciceri resulted in a value added product, the bioorganic fertilizer. Pressmud compost as a substrate supported maximum growth and survival of M. ciceri. Nodulation, growth and yield of chickpea increased with application of bioorganic fertilizer, and physicochemical and biological properties of soil also commensurated with the increase in the quantity of bioorganic fertilizer application. The investigation opens the possibility of developing a bioorganic fertilizer at village level.

^ssc4 tables, 4 ref

007813   Bhoosreddy G L;Wadher B J;Bardhan N (Postgrad Dep Micorbiology, D.B. Science College, Gondia-441 614) : Production of a thermostable alkaline protease by Bacillus sp. PML -1. J microbial Wld 2005, 7(1), 32-40.

Thermo-stable alkaline protease producing strain of Bacillus sp PML-1 was isolated from dairy soil. The cultural conditions optimized for Bacillus PML-1 showed maximum enzyme production at temperature 37°C, pH 9.0 after 72 h of incubation. The optimum pH and temperature for activity of protease was 9.0 and 55°C, respectively. Glucose 0.5%, peptone (0.5%) and yeast extract (0.5%) were significant in improving the yield of protease. The enzyme exhibited a high salt tolerance at 0.2 M concentration and was inhibited in presence of metal ions and EDTA.

6 illus, 4 tables

007812   Bhatia S;Lodha M L (Div Biochem, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: mll_bio@yahoo.co.in) : RNase and DNase activities of antiviral proteins from leaves of Bougainvillea xbuttiana. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2005, 42(3), 152-5.

Antiviral proteins (AVPs) purified from the leaves of Bougainvillea xbuttiana cv Mahara exhibited RNase activity against viral RNA of the tobamoviruses, Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and Sunnhemp rosette virus (SRV). They caused complete degradation of viral RNAs in a concentration-dependent manner; RNase activity gel assay ruled out the possibility of the presence of contaminating nucleases. AVPs also showed DNase activity, as indicated by conversion of supercoiled form of plasmid DNA into relaxed and linear forms. The implications of these activities in controlling plant viruses are discussed.

3 illus, 27 ref

007811   Behl J D;verma N K;Behl R;Singh S;Bajaj R; Ahlawat S P S (NO, National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, P. Box. No. 129, G. T. Bypass Road, Karnal-132 001) : Purification, characterization and the immunomodulatory effects of the T-cell activated bovine interleukin-2 from the sahiwal cattle. Indian J Dairy Sci 2005, 58(2), 96-104.

Bovine interleukin-2 was isolated and purified from the culture supernatants of the activated T- lymphocytes isolated from the blood of the Sahiwal breed of the Indian Zebu cattle, by ammonium sulphate precipitation, passage through the centricon ultrafiltration assemblies of the cut-off molecular weights of 3 KD, 10 KD and 30 KD and gel filtration through Sephadex G-100. The protein had a molecular weight of approximately 30,000 D when passed through Sephadex G-100 column and it got separated into two bands of approximate molecular weights of 14,000 D and 28,000 D, when run on a 5-15% gradient SDS-PAGE gel. When heated to 50°C for 15 min., about 35% reduction in the activity of the IL-2 was observed. Optimum pH of the molecule was around 7-7.8. Trypsin destroyed the activity completely. Other inhibitors like PMSF, β mercapto-ethanol and N-ethylmaleimide had no effect on the activity of the molecule. When added to the in vitro lymphocyte cultures, interleukin-2 increased the activity of the nitrogen oxide synthase enzyme, which is microbicidal in nature.

5 illus, 1 table, 49 ref

007810   Baslar S;Dogan Y;Yenil N;Karagoz S;Bag H (Fac Educ Dep Biol, Dokuz Eylul University, Buca-lzmir, Turkey, Email: suleyman.baslar@deu.edu.tr) : Trace element biomonitoring by leaves of Populus nigra L. from Western Anatolia, Turkey. J envir Biol 2005, 26(4), 665-8.

The West Anatolian Region is one of the most important areas for industrialization, population density and traffic in Turkey. Therefore, the leaves of Populus nigra L. (Salicaceae), which are used as biomonitor to investigate the levels of the trace elements Cd, Pb, Fe, Zn and Cu, were sampled at 30 locations having different pollution levels in the region. The concentrations of elements were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The samples were collected at both reference and contaminated locations where iron was found as the priority element. The strong association between a gradient of contamination and concentration in all samples tested indicates that they are reflecting well the environmental changes, and that they appear as appropriate biological indicators of heavy metal contamination.

1 llus, 1 table, 24 ref

007809   Ahlada Rao M R;Victor R;Rao P A;Pushpa Vasudev;Prasanna Kumari;Rao A (CryoStemCell (Karnataka) (Private) Ltd, , Bangalore 41, Karnataka) : Slide making and prototype of a dropper device for chromosomal preparations. Int J Hum Genet 2005, 5(3), 213-16.

Slide making is the most critical aspect of good banding preparations. Slide making is best done after the cells have been in fixative at 4°C overnight. Variables affecting preparation includes relative humidity, room temperature, drying time and number of cells per slide. Increased height is often used to increase spreading. Designes a simple Dropper device for our slide preparations. This facilitates easy operation and well spread chromosomes are obtained. This device is made of stainless steel with a broad base where a main rod is fixed. Two side rods arc fixed with clamps, attached to the main rod. Both can be raised or lowered according to the requirement. The upper one is provided with a pipette-holder where the pipette with the material can be inserted. The lower one is provided with a grooved plate with a ball and a socket to adjust the angle. The slide is pushed gently from the plate lengthwise as the material is dropped from the pipette. It has been used for our lymphocyte culture slide preparations and we are quite satisfied of its use.

2 illus, 68 ref

007808   Aggarwal S;Saraswathy K N;Kalla A K (Fac Dep Anthrop, University of Delhi, Delhi) : Haptoglobin polymorphism among the Jats and the Ahirs of Haryana. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2005, 24(1), 65-7.

Paper reports the distribution of Haptoglobin types among Jats and Ahirs of district Jhajjar, Haryana. Blood samples were collected from 50 individuals of each population group. Serum was separated from blood and haptoglobin typing was done using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The frequency of HP*1 allele is found to be lower in both the populations (0.216 and 0.230 in the Jats and Ahirs respectively).

1 table, 7 ref

007807   Acharya S;Dutta T;Das M K (Cent Inld Fish Res institute, (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), Barrackpore-700 120, Email: mkdas412@rediffmail.com) : Influence of sublethal ammonia toxicity on some physiyological parameters of Labeo rohita (Hamilton-Buchanan) fingerlings. J envir Biol 2005, 26(4), 615-20.

Fingerlings of Labeo rohita subjected to sublethal unionized ammonia (0.132mg/l) for 30 days exhibited significant changes. Increase in haemoglobin, haematocrit, plasma cortisol, plasma glucose, plasma cholesterol and plasma lactic acid levels whereas, decrease in plasma chloride, liver and muscle glycogen, hepatosomatic index and DNA/RNA ratio of muscles with stable plasma protein was observed. Metabolic recovery was not observed within 30 days of exposure.

11 illus, 23 ref

006814   Srivastava P (Pharmacokinetics Metabolism Div, Cent Drug Res Inst, Chattar Manzil Palace, P.O. Box 173, Lucknow-226 001, Email: pratimacdri@yahoo.com) : Heme metabolism: An innovative approach to harness resistance malaria*. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2004, 27(11-12), 387-93.

Complex pathophysiology and the increasing severity of malaria infection as well as fast emergence of relapse cases in malaria and parasite strains (plasmodia) resistant to chloroquine and other new generations of antimalarials (ROLLING BACK OF MALARIA) necessitate the integrated work in the field of malariology. The work considered for Prof. B.K. Bacchawat Memorial Young Scientist Award Lecture is maiden report for the presence of heme oxygenase and biliverdin reductase in different species and strains viz. Plasmodium knowlesi (simian) P. berghei/P. yoelii (rodent) and P. falciparum/P. vivax (human) of malarial parasites. Initial studies revealed that Heme oxygenase of the parasite has 67% and 85% nucleic- and amino acid sequences homology with the heme oxygenase gene of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Also, heme biosyn-thetic enyzmes viz. 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase, 5-aminolevulinic acid dehydrase, ferrochelatase and tryptophan pyrrolase were studied in rodent, primate and human malaria parasites. Detailed study of different enzymatic properties, show dissimilarities between the parasite and corresponding hepatic host enzymes. The activities of heme biosynthetic enzymes were elevated in the resistant strains of P.berghei and P.falciparum, thus responsible for increased hemoprotein cytochrome P-450 in some resistant strains. Heme oxygenase, biliverdin reductase activites were found to be in accordance with the degree of resistance experienced/acquired by the parasite, (P. falciparum /P.berghei /P.yoelii) i.e. in case of resistant parasites (acquired or field isolates) the activity of the enzymes were higher, which can be taken as resistance marker. Resistant modulators synthesized by CDRI as well as others were found to be selective inhibitors of Heme oxygenase of the parasites in vitro and in vivo, resulting in increased retention of heme and thus chloroquine required for reversal of resistance of the malarial parasites. Therapeutic dose of Chloroquine was able to kill the chloroquine resistant Plasmodium berghei as well as multidrug resistant Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis infection in Mastomys coucha and Swiss albino mice respectively, in conjunction with the resistant reversal agents (inhibitors of parasitic heme oxygenase.

s, 13 ref

006813   Singh J N (Bot Surv India, , Howrah-711 103) : Assessment of chemical characteristics of natural waters of Dudhawa National Park-its possible utility in wildlife management. Indian J For 2005, 28(1), 1-4.

Results reveal that the water-chemistry of Nalas and Rivers is superior to that of the Tals on account of their cations, anions and other properties. The calcium ions dominate within cations and bicarbonates within anions in all the waters irrespective of their sources and locations. Calcium and magnesium ions show a lose resemblance in their concentration but sodium ions exhibit an erratic variation. Seasons too play a vital role on chemical characteristics/composition of the waters.

1 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

006812   Siddique Y H;Afzal M (Dep Zool Sect Genet, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002) : Antigenotoxic effect of allicin against methyl methanesulphonate induced genotoxic damage. J envir Biol 2005, 26(3), 547-50.

Allicin, one of the sulfur compounds especially thiosulphonates of garlic, (Allium sativum), possesses antioxidant and thioldisulphide exchange activity and is also shown to cause a variety of actions potentially useful for human health. The investigation determines its antigenotoxic potential using chromosomal aberrations (CAs)and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) induced by methyl methanesulphonate (MMS) as genotoxic end points both in the presence as well as absence ofrat liver microsomal activation system (S9 mix) in cultured human lymphocytes. Author has tested the effect of 5, 10 and 20 μ.M of allicin on the damage exerted by 60 μM of MMS. The levels of CAs and SCEs were lowered suggesting an antigenotoxic role of allicin against genotoxic damage both in the presence as well as absence of metabolic activation.

3 tables, 17 ref

006811   Sharma R;Bhalaik R R (NO, Himalayan For Res Inst, Panthaghati, Shimla-171 009) : Genetic analysis of cone and seed characters among seed sources of deodar (Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) G. don). Indian J For 2005, 28(1), 17-21.

Materials used in this study were obtained from 19 seed sources selected from different geographical areas under the species in the state of Himachal Pradesh. These 19 seed sources were evaluated for variability studies in cone and seed characters. Significant differences (p=0.05) were observed among provenances for cone length, cone diameter and seed weight indicating that a significant amount of genetic variation exists among provenances for these traits. Wide ranges in the means were exhibited for cone weight (79.4- 314.40 g), No. of seed (124-230), seed weight 15.5.5 g) and No. of scale (120-215). In all cases the standard error were lower than their respective means. All characters were found to have positive and highly significant genetic correlation except cone length and seed weight (0.39). In all the cases genotypic correlations were larger than the phenotypic correlations. The heritability estimates were high for all traits except seed weight (16.26%). The highest values were obtained for cone weight 66.43% followed by cone length 56.73 % and cone diameter 53.04 %. Cone weight, which recorded highest estimate of heritability also recorded highly significant genetic correlation with all traits. Although heritability estimates in broad sense may give useful indication about the relative value of selection in the materials, heritability along with genetic gain is more useful than the heritability alone in predicting the resultant effect for selecting the best genotypes for a given trait.

6 tables, 15 ref

006810   Ravikumar S;Srikumar K (Dep Biol Sci, Pondicherry Univ, Pondicherry-605 014) : Metabolic dysregulation and inhibition of spermatogenesis by gibberellic acid in rat testicular cells. J envir Biol 2005, 26(3), 567-9.

Enzymatic and histological change in the testicular cells of rats treated orally and intradermally for 45 days with gibberellic acid (GBA)in independent studies is reported. Assay of hexokinase (HK), acid phosphalase (AcP) and alkaline phosphatase (AkP) in rat testicular tissue homogenate preparations yielded results that suggested changes in these enzyme activities relative to their respective controls. Histological studies showed loss of germ cells, derangement of the germinal cells, and reduction in the size of the seminiferous tubules and dystrophy of Leydig cells. More importantly decreased sperm count in the lumen was observed. A dysregulatory role isthus established for GBA in rat testicular cell function. The compound may serve as an inhibitor of testicular cell function.

3 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

006809   Ravikumar S;Kathiresan K;Shanthy S; Ignatiammal S T M;Prakash S (Dep Mar Biotechnol, Cent for Mar Sci and Technol Manonmaniam Sundaranar Univ, Rajakkamangalam-629 502) : Quantification ofAzotobacters from semi- intensive prawn culture system and theire possible utility as marine biofiertilizer. Appl Fish Aquacult 2004, 4(1), 1-4.

Total heterotrophic bacterial counts and Azotobacter counts in Penaeus indicus semi-intensive culture pond were found higher by 9.3 x 10⁵ CFU g^-1 and 90 x 10³ CFU g^-1 respectively in sediment than in water. Inoculation of free living, nitrogen - fixing Azotobacter chroococcum in the culture medium enhanced the phytoplankton production (Chlorophyll - a), improved the water quality parameters (Oxygen and Ammonia), increased the linear growth and biomass of Penaeus indicus.

4 tables, 14 ref

006808   Rahiman M;Manoj K M;Haseeb P M;Thomas A P; Hatha A A M (Sch Envir Sci, Mahatma Gandhi Univ, Gandhinagar, P.O., Kottayam-686 008) : Microbial ecology of the natural environment of Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Appl Fish Aquacult 2004, 4(1), 12-18.

Microflora associated with the natural environment of Macrobrachium resenbergii has been characterised with an objective of finding any potential strains from the natural environment to be developed as a probiotic in the hatchery <47> culture operations of this important aquaculture species. The total viable count (TVC) of water and sediment from the natural habitat is estimated at different temperatures such as 20°C, 30°C and 37°C as well as the coliform, Vibrio and Pseudomonas counts were also determined. Thirteen different genera were encountered in the sediment and 10 in the water samples. Acinetobacter was the predominant genera in the water samples while Bacillus dominated the sediment flora. The physiological characteristics revealed that some of them could be further studied to evaluate their potential as probiotic in the hatchery<47>culture operations of M. rosenbergii.

4 tables, 30 ref

006807   Perez-perez E;Rodriguez-Malaver J (Laboratorio de Bioquimica Adaptativa Departamento de Bioquimica Facul, Universidad de Los Andes, Merida 5101, Venezuela) : Antioxidant capacity of kraft black liquor from the pulp and paper industry. J envir Biol 2005, 26(3), 603-8.

Effect of Kraft black liquor on the lipid peroxidation of rat homogenates was examined. The lipid peroxidation of homogenates from different organs (kidney, brain, lung, and liver) was induced by Fenton's reagent. The products of lipid peroxidation, lipid hydroperoxides and TBARS weremeasured by FOX method and TBA assay, respectively. It was found that black liquor significantly reduced the concentration of TBARS, but not the concentration of lipid hydroperoxides. This inhibition was directly proportional to the concentration of Kraft black liquor and the incubation temperature. Conclusively, the black liquor from pulp and paper industry exhibited an antioxidant activity.

1 illus, 7 ref, 23 ref

006806   Pati A K (NO, , , Email: akpatil9@hotmail.com) : Chronobiology: Implications of circadian rhythms. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2004, 27(7-8), 233-48.

Article outlines the concepts and current developments in the field of chronobiology with a reference to research on circadian rhythms. It also discusses the implications of circadian rhythms in the optimization of treatments in the clinics and in the management of problems in shift.

8 illus, 85 ref

006805   Murugan K;Saravanababu S;Udayshankar K; Arunachalam M (PG Res Dep Microbiol, Cent for Biol Sci K S Rangasamy Coll of Arts and Sci, Tiruchengode-637 209) : Tannery effluent isolates- potential sources of tannin acyl hydrolase enzyme. J Ecobiol 2005, 17(3), 287-91.

Tannase producing fungi were isolated from tannery effluent. All the isolates were screened for their ability to produce tannase enzyme using simple agar plate method. The analytical method of tannase assay was based on decrease in the absorbance value of the substrate tannic acid at 310 nm. The tannase productions by these isolates were tested using shake flask culture and were compared with the reference strain Aspergillus niger MTCC 2425 isolated from hill cattle faeces fed with tannin rich materials. The isolates A. niger, A.flavus, Fusarium sp, Penicillium sp, and Trichoderma sp are known to produce tannase. The enzyme production by the isolates range from 2.27U/ml (A. niger) to 0.33U/ml (Trichoderma sp). The colony diameter varies from 0.17 mm to 0.04 mm. A high correlation co. efficient is observed between the colony diameter and enzyme production. The results suggest that the tannery effluent isolates can be used as a reliable source for mass production of the industrially important tannase enzyme.

1 table, 17 ref

006804   Monsefi M Z;Talaei T (Dep Biol Sch Sci, Univ of Med Sci Shiraz Univ, Shiraz, Iran, Email: monsefi@biology.susc.ac.ir) : Changes of heart glycoconjugates by noise stress in mouse as an experimental model. J appl Anim Res 2005, 27(2), 121-4.

Determines if glycoconjugates of a developing heart would change after noise exposure, forty-eight pregnant mice were exposed to the noise (100 dB) for 150 minutes per day from 2nd day of gestation to 7th day after birth. The new borns were sacrificed at deep anesthesia at the first, 7th and 14th days of their lives and their hearts were removed and stained with lectins (BSA₁-B₄, DBA, PNA and WGA). The mice with the same ages were also elected as control group. No histological changes were observed by light microscope, but some changes were noticed in the intensity of the reactions only to BSA₁ -B₄ in endocardium, myocardium and pericardium of one and seven days old mice. This may be related to the increase in expression of galactose containing glycoconjugates when exposed to noise and these alterations in carbohydrates may lead to physiological malfunction during their life.

2 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

006803   Kumar S;Jacob R R;Tiwari M (Dep Pharmacy, Shri Govindram Seksaria Inst of Technol and Sci, 23, Park Road, Indore-452 003, Email: Surendramph@indiatimes.com) : 3D-QSAR study of some 5,6-dihydropyran-2-ones as protease inhibitors. Indian J pharm Sci 2005, 67(1), 30-6.

In the study three dimensional quantitative structure activity relationship studies were performed on a series of 5,6-dihydropyran-2-ones as HIV protease inhibitors using CS Chem Office Version 6.0. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to derive quantitative structure activity relationship models which were further evaluated internally as well as externally for the prediction of activity. The best quantitative structure activity relationship model was selected having a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.8285 and cross-validated correlation coefficient (Q₂) of 0.5169. The study indicates that thermodynamic descriptors (torsion energy, total energy, molar refractivity and Vander Waals energy) and electronic descriptor (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) play an important role for the HIV Protease binding affinities. The information generated from the study may be useful in the design of more potent protease inhibitors as antiHIV agents.

4 illus, 5 tables, 16 ref

006802   Krupanidhi S;Venkata Arunachalam V; Chakravarthi M A (Dep Biosci, Sri Sathya Sai Inst of Higher Learning, Prasanthinilayam-515 134, Email: krupanidhi_srirama@yahoo.com ) : Electrophoretic protein profiles of a few selected congenital cardiac tissues. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2004, 27(11-12), 429-33.

SDS PAGE protein profiles of normal and congenital cardiac tissues reveal that TOF tissue protein retention is low. This situation may possibly be the reason for its spatial and temporal abnormalities. The molecular weights of protein profiles of cardiac tissues vary between 125 to 14 KDa with a prominent band in the range of 43 KDa. The variations in their spectral profiles, including profile heights and area under the peaks, have been analysed in the light of electrophoretic behaviour of proteins associated with cardiomyopathy.

^ssc4 illus, 4 tables, 11 ref

006801   Khaniki G B (Dep Biol, Payame Noor Univ, P.O.Box 19395-4697, Tehran, Iran*, Email: bakhshi@pnu.ac.ir) : Giemsa C-banding and karyological studies in species of Rhinopetalum (Liliaceae). Natn Acad Sci Lett 2004, 27(11-12), 399-411.

C-band patterns and karyology are described for three Old World Rhinopetalum species. All species have a similar basic karyotype (n=12), consisting of large symmetric (m, sm) and smaller asymmetric (t, st) chromosomes, but C-bands differ between them. The bands are rather few, located at intercalary, telomeric, centromeric and rarely secondary constriction regions. The genus Rhinopetalum, is comparatively richer in heterochromatin. The patterns are characterized by the occurrence of thick telomeric/subtelomeric heteromorphic bands in the second pair of m-chromosomes. Presence of a distinct centromeric band in the short arms of these m-chromosomes in Rh. bucharicum discriminate it from the two allied species. A certain level of banding heteromorphy was observed mostly in term of bands size. It is obvious from the study that diversity exists between individual species studied both in the dispersion and quantity of detectable heterochromatin and chromosome morphology. Further aspects of banding patterns, band heteromorphy, chromocenters, equilocal position of bands and the role of C-banding in taxonomy are discussed.

s, 8 tables, 28 ref

006800   Kale A A;Munjal S V (Dep Biochem, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722) : Molecular analysis of mitochondrial DNA of lines representing a specific CMS-fertility-restorer system of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L) R.Br.] by RAPD markers. Indian J Genet Pl Breed 2005, 65(1), 1-4.

Molecular characterization of the mitochondrial DNA [mtDNA] from the etiolated pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] seedlings of cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) line having A1 cytoplasm alongwith its maintainer, restorer and restored lines of hybrid RHRBH-8609 (Shradha)revealed polymorphism by 10 RAPD primers. Only four primers showed polymorphism between a CMS, RHRB-1A and its fertile isonuclear line, RHRB-1B. However, 5 primers showed polymorphism between the CMS line and its restorer line, RHRB-138R. The primers OPC15, OPC16 and IPG13 generated fragments of -3.90 kb, 1.59 kb and 1.02 kb size only in the mtDNA of a male sterile line which might be associated with the CMS phenotype of RHRB-1A in pearl millet.

3 illus, 17 ref

006799   Govil G (Dep Chem Sci, Tata Inst of Fundamental Res, Mumbai- 400 005, Email: govil@tifr.res.in) : Metabonomics: A new frontier of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)*. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2004, 27(9-10), 289-99.

The functional information of living systems is coded in their genome. However, its expression in the form of metabolism is controlled by a number of factors. Metabolism is therefore the final frontier towards understanding the function of a cell, organ or an individual. Such studies are crucial in understanding human behavior, health and diseases. Metabolic studies at the level of cells, tissues and whole organs have become an important field of biological and biomedical research. A new term metabonomics has been coined for such studies. Fourier Transform (FT) NMR has made a major impact in metabonomics. This powerful and emerging technology characterizes the complex time-dependent metabolic profiles in bio-fluids, cells, tissues and organs and helps in following dynamic chemical changes in organisms. It has been used to provide information on drug toxicity and efficacy, clinical diagnostics, reproductive biology, and gene function. Among the NMR active nuclei useful in biological research, ¹H has the highest sensitivity and detects simultaneously a large number of metabolites, which may be present in living systems. ³¹P spectra show resonances of energy rich phosphates and are used as measures of the energy-state, intra- and inter- cellular pH, as well as in identifying precursors and catabolic products of membrane lipids. In combination with isotope labeling, ¹³C NMR plays an important role in identification and quantification of metabolic products. Use of enriched substrates allow measurement of ¹³C spectra within short time and with good spectral resolution and has the advantage of elucidating location of the label within metabolites, and verifying unusual metabolic pathways. Isotopic data may be obtained from excreted products, cytoplasmic fluids, and from macromolecular cell constituents after prolonged incubation with the ¹³C-labelled substrates. Several key studies have demonstrated the potential of ¹³C labeling and NMR spectroscopy for determination of metabolic fluxes in the pathways of primary metabolism. Using sophisticated computation methods, complete metabolic networks can be analyzed from NMR data sets. High resolution, magic angle spinning and in-vivo localized ¹H NMR spectroscopy provide methods for characterizing and quantifying a wide range of metabolites in biological tissues, intact cells, and biofluids involving hundreds of endogenous metabolites, as a function of time.

3 illus, 9 ref

006798   Gogoi M;Singh B;Rethy P;Mishra A K (Dep For, North East Regional Inst of Sci and Technol, Nirjuli-791 109) : Cytological studies in some citrus species of Arunachal Pradesh. Indian J Genet Pl Breed 2005, 65(1), 70-2.

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006797   Das S;Lyla P S;Ajmal Khan S (Cent Advd study Mar Biol, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: surajit_cas@yahoo.com) : Variation in micorbial population in a mangrove ecosystem in Parangipettai coast (Southeast coast of India): effect of tsunami?. Res J Chem Envir 2005, 9(3), 46-9.

Microbial population in the developing mangrove ecosystem along the Parangipettai coast was studied. Sediment samples were collected three days after the tsunami disaster. Total heterotrophic bacteria and actinomycetes count were estimated and compared with the previous data available. Two fold increase in total heterotrophic bacterial count and one fold increase in actinomycetes count were observed.

2 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

006796   Dangi B S;Agarawal B K;Qureshi R (Dep Biochem, Gandhi Med Coll, Bhopal-462 001) : Comparative study of lipid profile in smokers and nonsmokers MI patients. Oriental J Chem 2005, 21(1), 153-4.

In study smoking emerged as a significant modifiable risk factor in Ml patients. There were 41.46 percent patients were smokers with high total cholesterol (<62>200 mg/dl). The total cholesterol was found to be statistically significant when smokers and nonsmokers were compared in different age group (P<60>0.05) in urban, rural and slum population of M.P.

1 table, 6 ref

006795   Boboye B;Ajayi J O (Dep Microbiol, Ferdral Univ of Technol, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Odno State, Nigeria) : Bacteria and nutritional changes associated with natural fermentation of cassava (Manihot escolenta) peels. Oriental J Chem 2005, 21(1), 39-42.

Tubers of cassava (Manihot esulenta) was naturally fermented at room temperature of 28°C to 30°C for four days. Liquor was expressed from the fermented cassava and used to ferment ground cassava peels as 28 to 30°C. Bacteria associated with the fermentation of the cassava were isolated. Identities of these microbes are a member of Enterobacteria, Corynebacterium, Micrococcus, Staphylcoccus and Aerococcus species. Nutritional quality of the unfermented peels changed during the natural fermentation. Cyanide and carbohydrate contents of the peels decreased by 25.8% and 57.1% respectively. Amounts of moisture, mineral, protein, fibre and fat of the peels increased after fermentation.

1 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

006794   Bhattacharyya N (Univ Burdwan, Inst of Sci, Burdwan, West Bengal) : Ecology of Burdwan (West Bengal). Ecol Envir Conserv 2004, 10(4), 557-62.

The climates in Burdwan is not ecologically disturbed. Rainfall is moderate to high. No major ecological disbalance has been observed in fauna. In future, like other town, Burdwan will be under pollution pressure. The growth of industries may cause a detrimental effect on the environment of Burdwan.

1 table, 5 ref

006793   Bhatia R;Saxena A;Mishra D P (Nutr Biochem Unit, Coll of Fishery Sci G.B.P.U.A.& T., Pantnagar - 263 145) : Protein profile of fishes on PAGE. Aquacult 2005, 6(1), 69-75.

Fish proteins from different species vary insignificantly. The protein content varies from 15 to 19 percent, but the calories in different fishes ranges from 21-95. Protein extracted from different organs of fishes give a pattern of such protein bands which are species specific detailed study of protein fractions are rather limited. Six genera Catla catala, Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala, Cyprinus carpio, Heteropneustes fossilis and Channa punctatus were taken and analysed for proteins. The protein profiles of above said fishes had been compared and discussed.

2 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

006792   Ahmad M S;Sinha K K (Univ Dep Bot, T M Bhagalpur Univ, Bhagalpur - 812 007) : Aflatoxin induced changes in protein and nucleic acid contents of germinating mustard seeds (variety Varuna). Natn Acad Sci Lett 2004, 27(9-10), 347-50.

Five different concentrations (viz., 100, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 μg/l) of aflatoxin B₁, significantly lowered the levels of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) as well as protein (both quantitative and qualitative) in germinating mustard seeds (variety Varuna). The extent of inhibition depended on the concentration of toxin treatment.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

005713   Zargar M Y;Khan M A;Abrak Khushid;Ahmed M I R;Saima Khurshid (Div of Environmental Sci, S K Univ of Agric Sci and Technol of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar) : Impact of degradation on physicochemical characteristics and microbial status of forest soils dominated by fir and spruce. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(1), 45-8.

Forest areas of Gulmarg, Khilanmarg, Yousmarg, Shopian and Verinag in Jammu and Kashmir State relatively aundant in Fir and Spruce trees, were selected for the collection of rhizosphere soil. Soil sample were also collected from degraded sites of these areas. The samples were analyzed for physicochemical viz. texture, colour, pH and available N, P, and K. Total viables population of bacteria, fungi, Azotobacter and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) were also assessed. The result show considerable difference in physico-chemical characteristics and microbial status of soil of established and degraded forest sites.

4 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

005712   Yousufi M K;Saeed Khan S (Dep of Microbiology, Saifia Coll of Sci and Educ, Bhopal-462 001) : Study of inoculum size, incubation temperature and nucleic acid concentration on the single cell protein produced by using soymilk residue (Okara). Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(1), 165-8.

Okara, a soymilk residue is produced in huge quantities in soymilk industries. Three combinations of Okara and wheat grits were prepared in the raio of 3:1 (60% moisture content), 1:1 (40% moisture content) and 1:3 (25% moisture content) respectively. The combinations were incubated with two fungal species viz. Rhizopus oligosporus and Aspergillus oryzae, with an inoculum size of 1.0 x 10³, 1.0 x 10⁴ and l.0 x 10⁵ cfu per g substrate. The combinations were incubated at different temperatures i.e. 20°C, 25°C and 30°C. The combinations were finally analysed for the effective inoculum size, incubation temperature and nucleic acid concentration. The results obtained depict that the effective incubation temperature for maximum SCP yield was 25°C and the effective inoculum size for maximum SCP yield was determined to be l.0 x 10³ cfu per g substrate. The maximum nucleic acid concentration was found to be 249 mg for R. oligosponts and 260 mg for A. oryzae.

1 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

005711   Vivek Vihwal (B E (Civil) IT, BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) : Matching CDS or strings of DNA : a simple algorithm. Mendel int J 2005, 22(3-4), 97-8.

Algorithm was developed for writing a simple programme for matching CDSs or strings of DNA. The programme can be used to align sequences and find out consensus bases in two or more CDSs for similarity search among related genes of the same species or of different species.

4 ref

005710   Vimala Y (Dep of Microbiology, Coll of Sci GITAM, Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam-530 045) : Bacterial flora of stored seeds. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(1), 91-7.

India is a country of farming community, the harvest that is produced is stored as seed for the next growing season. These lead to the post harvest losses. Storage lossess of food grains are 15% as determined by FAO. A large number of pathogens belonging to ninety fungal genera and five bacterial genera are seed transmitted. The site of location of seed borne fungi, bacteria, viruses are distributed from seed coat to embryo. Emphasis should be given on seed treatments, storage, processing and viability of the seeds. Chemical and Biological seed treatment formulations are used. The seeds that are treated should be retained during the storage period.

4 tables, 10 ref

005709   Venu D K;Munjal S V;Waskar D P;Patil S R;Kale A A (Dep of Biochem, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722, Email: shivarajimunjal@redffmail.com) : Biochemical changes during growth and development of fig (Ficus carica L.) fruits. J Fd Sci Technol 2005, 42(3), 279-82.

With the advancement of maturity and ripening, the biochemical and mineral constituents changed significantly at 30, 60 and 105 days after fruit set in 'Poona' and 'Conadria' fig varieties. The contents of curde protein, crude fat, crude fibre and the total phenols decreased, whereas moisture, ash, calcium, potassium, iron, total soluble solids (TSS), sugars, carotenoids, pectic substances and the activities of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase increased significantly with fruit development.

^ssc1 table, 26 ref

005708   Venkatesalu V;Sundaramoorthy P;Anantharaj M; Gopalakrishnan M;Chandrasekaran M (Dep of Bot, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002) : Studies on the fatty acid composition of marine algae of Rameswaram coast. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 83-6.

Ulva lactuca, Caulerpa chemnitzia, Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassum longifolium, Acanthophora spicifera and Gelidium micropterum collected from Rameswaram coast were investigated for their fatty acid composition. The analysis of fatty acids (as methyl esters) by gas chromatography revealed the presence of lauric acid, tridecanoic acid, myristic acid pentadecanoic acid, palmitic acid, heptadecanoic acid, stearic acid, nonadecanoic acid, arachidic acid, heneicosanoic acid, behinic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid. Among the fatty acids, palmitic acid was predominant in all the seaweeds studied.

1 table, 12 ref

005707   Vasanthi H;Rajamanickam G V;Saraswathy A; Jaswanth A (Cent for Advd Res in Indian System of Med, SASTRA Deemed Univ, Thanjavur-613 402) : Tumoricidal effect of the red alga Acanthophora spicifera on Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma cells. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 217-23.

Alcholic extracts of the red alga Acanthophora spicifera from the vicinity of Mandapam coast was tested for its tumoricidal effect in Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma cells developed in mice. Acanthophora spicifera exhibited tumoricidal activity at a dose of 20 mg/kg b.w as compared to the standard drug, 5-flurouracil. This was evidenced by the increase in the mean survival time, decrease in tumor volume and viable cell count. The smear study exhibited membrane blebbing, vacuole formation and reduction in staining intensity, which further ascertained the tumoricidal activity.

005706   Tyagi M G;Namboodri K V (Dep of Pharmacology, Christian Med Coll, Vellore-632 002, Email: tyagi243@yahoo.co.in) : Evaluation of vasopressin mediated effects on hemostatic mechanisms Relationship with aquaporins and caveolin proteins. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(8), 710-14.

With a view to evaluate the role of AQP-1 and caveolin proteins in the hemostatic actions of vasopressin, hemostasis was evaluated by bleeding and clotting time respectively. Groups of mice and guinea pigs were treated with arginine vasopressin (AVP) and l-deamino-8D-AVP (DDAVP) to evaluate their effects on the hemostasis. DDAVP and AVP were able to appreciably reduce the bleeding and clotting time after sodium thiopentone, but not effectively after TEA treatment. Animal groups were pretreated with aquaporin-1 (AQP-1) blockers or water deprived to enhance the expression of AQP-1 water channels. Another group of animals were treated with caveolin protein modulators, cholera toxin (CTX) and the effect of vasopressin analogues evaluated. The results suggest that AQP-1 water channels and caveolin proteins contribute to modulate the hemostatic mechanisms of vasopressin.

3 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

005705   Thomas L;Prabha Devi L (Sch of Appl Life Sci, M G Univ Regional Cent, Pathanamthitta) : Seaweeds and the associated fauna of the Thirumullavaram coast, Kerala. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 23-8.

The occurrence of seaweeds in relation to the level of distribution, relative abundance and seasonal variation along with the physico-chemical parameters influencing the growth and distribution and associated fauna at Thirumullavaram coast, Kerala have been studied for a period of eight months from February to September, 2002. Totally 8 species of Chlorophyceae, 3 species of Phaeophyceae and 9 species of Rhodophyceae were collected. The algae showed definite levels of zonation. They also showed seasonal changes in growth pattern in relation to the changes in physico-chemical parameters. All the groups of algae showed a sharp decline in the months of April and May. The percentage occurrence of members of Rhodophyceae as well as Chlorophyceae increased during the monsoon season due to regeneration of the algae. Among the seaweeds, Ulva fasciata, Valoniopsis pachynema, Gracilaria sp. and Caulerpa sp. harboured many species of foraminiferans, amphipods, isopods, polychaetes and molluscs. The fauna density was high on seaweeds distributed at the midite level. The fauna are attached to the sediment laden fronds which are comparatively short and tufted. The study area is found to be free from pollution and the water quality parameters are favourable for survival and existence of different biotic communities in the intertidal region.

1 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

005704   Thirumal Thangam R;Maria Victorial Rani S; Peter Marian M (Dep of Bot, Vivekananda Coll, Agasteeswaram-629 701) : Seaweed liquid fertilizer (SLF) : Pot culture manurial experiments on bhendi. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 161-6.

The effect of SLF (Padina pavonia) on the uptake of nutrients applied as inorganic form as evidenced by the yield and biochemical characteristics was made on bhendi crop grown in pots. The performance of SLF is better than the recommended rate of inorganic fertilizers.

2 tables, 16 ref

005703   Taneja S K;Rakha A (Dep of Zool, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: sktaneja@hotmail.com) : Influence of low cholesterol eggs enriched with vitamin-E and omega-3 fatty acid on blood lipid profile of wistar rats. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(7), 601-5.

In the recent past, low cholesterol eggs enriched with vitamin-E and omega-3 fatty acid have been developed and are marketed under different brands claiming them as heart friendly. The influence of these eggs (smart eggs) on lipid profile of rats was evaluated in comparison to that of the standard eggs. Data of 4 week dietary treatment revealed that total plasma cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol increased only 22% in rats fed on diet containing 4 smart eggs per kg of semi-synthetic diet in contrast to the increase of more than 100% when fed on diet containing standard eggs. The results suggest that it is not the low cholesterol content alone but also vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids present in smart eggs that act synergically to prevent a substantial change in blood lipid profile and impose no serious risk to the health of the consumers.

3 tables, 28 ref

005702   Taheri R A;Nouhi A;Hamedi J;Javaherdashti R (Dep of Biol Fac of Sci, Univ of Tehran, Tehran, Iran) : Comparison of corrosion rates of some steels in batch and semi-continuous cultures of sulfate reducing bacteria. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(1), 5-8.

Corrosion behaviour of three types of most applicable steels in industries (St 37, Ck 75 and stainless steel 302) was investigated by isolated Desulfovibrio strains, one of the most famous sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB). Weight loss experiments were performed in batch and semi-continuous cultures. Also, H₂S production rate by the isolated strains was measured by ion selective electrodes (Ag/AgCl and Ag/S_2-). The results showed that corrosion rates of these steels in semi-continuous cultures were higher than those of batch cultures. Extent of this increase varied between 40%-90% in 12 tested SRB strains. These suite showed no relationship between sulfide production by the strains in the culture media and corrosion rate. However, the experiments showed a direct relation between extra cellular polymeric substances production and increase of corrosion in terms of pitting.

7 illus, 14 ref

005701   Swamy R K;Manickam J;Adhikari J S;Dwarakanath B S (Inst of Med Radiology and Cell Res, Univ of Wurzburg, Germany) : Glycolytic inhibitor, 2-deoxy-D-glucose, does not enhance radiation-induced apoptosis in mouse thymocytes and splenocytes in vitro. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(8), 686-92.

Earlier studies have shown that 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), a glucose analogue and inhibitor of glycolytic ATP production selectively enhances radiation-induced damage in cancer cells by inhibiting the energy (ATP) dependent post-irradiation DNA and cellular repair processes. A reduction in radiation induced cytogenetic damage has been reported in normal cells viz., peripheral blood lymphocytes and bone marrow cells. Since induction of apoptosis plays a major role in determining the radiosensitivity of some most sensitive normal cells including splenocytes and thymocytes, the effects of 2-DG on radiation induced apoptosis the investigated in these cells in vitro. Thymocytes and splenocytes isolated from normal Swiss albino mouse were irradiated with Co⁶⁰ gamma-rays and analyzed for apoptosis at various post-irradiation times. 2-DG added at the time of irradiation was present till the termination of cultures. A time dependent, spontaneous apoptosis was evident in both the cell systems, with nearly 40% of the cells undergoing apoptosis at 12 hr of incubation. The dose response of radiation-induced apoptosis was essentially similar in both the cell systems and was dependent on the incubation time. More than 70% of the splenocytes and 60% of the thymocytes were apoptotic by 12 hr following an absorbed dose of 2 Gy. Presence of 2-DG marginally reduced the fraction of splenocytes undergoing apoptosis at all absorbed doses, while no change was observed in thymocytes. Presence of 2-DG did not significantly alter either the level or the rate of induction of spontaneous apoptosis in both these cell systems. These results are consistent with the earlier findings on radiation-induced cytogenetic damage in human PEL in vitro and mouse bone marrow cells and lend further support to the proposition that 2-DG does not enhance radiation damage in normal cells, while radiosensitizing the tumors and hence is an ideal adjuvant in the radiotherapy of tumors.

5 illus, 1 table, 40 ref