Carbohydrates regulate the dimerization of angiotensin-converting enzyme

Regulation of the catalytic activity and supramolecular structure of angiotensin-converting enzyme was studied in reverse micelles of Aerosol OT in octane as biomembrane model. The kinetic experiments and the sedimentation analysis demonstrated that the enzyme can function both in monomeric and dimeric form. The degree of dimerization was strongly dependent on the concentration and structure of mono- and disaccharides added to the media, indicating the specific role of carbohydrates in forming the supramolecular structure of angiotensin-converting enzyme. The existence of carbohydrate-binding center on the enzyme molecule is proposed.     

Measurement of allergen-specific IGG for diagnosis of atopic diseases in children]

The concentrations of allergen-specific IgE were measured in 146 children with respiratory, skin, and mixed forms of allergic diseases. The spectrum of the allergens was determined and specific features for each of the studied patient populations defined.     

Reinforcing effect of stimulation of the mesocerebral region of the brain of the edible snail

Two regions of the brain of the edible snail were stimulated. The spontaneous movements, either opening or closing, of the opening of the mantle cavity served as the signal for the stimulation. The stimulation of the region of the mesocerebrum of the edible snail in a semi-intact preparation may serve as a positive reinforcement of intercurrent behavior, while stimulation of the rostral portion of the parietal ganglia may serve as a negative reinforcement. Depending upon whether the movement itself or its absence is reinforced, the change in the intercurrent behavior may change sign.     

Methylmalonic acidemia with a severe chemical but benign clinical phenotype

A 5-year-old boy of West African origin had methylmalonic acidemia with a mut- enzyme phenotype, no clinical response to hydroxycobalamin, and metabolite measurements indicative of the severe form of mutase deficiency. His development, both mental and physical, was satisfactory and he had no episodes of metabolic decompensation. The explanation for the neurotoxic effects and metabolic decompensation in typical methylmalonic acidemia and the (allelic) genotype that explains this patient's phenotype are uncertain.