Activity of biotin-dependent and gaba metabolizing enzymes in chorionic villus samples: Potential for 1st trimester prenatal diagnosis

We have documented the presence of five mitochondrial enzymes in samples of chorionic villus tissue and measured the levels of activity. Three of the enzymes catalyse biotindependent reactions. These are propionyl-CoA carboxylase, 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase and pyruvate carboxylase. the other enzymes. 4-aminobutyric acid aminotransferase and succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, are involved inthe degradation of the central inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Distinct diseases in whichthere is deficiency of each of these enzymes have been documented in man. Significant levels of activity were observed for all five enzymes in chorionic villus tissue. This methodology should permit early prenatal diagnosis of deficiencies of these enzymes by chorionic villus biopsy in the first trimester.     

The cerebro-hepato-renal (Zellweger) syndrome: Prenatal detection based on impaired biosynthesis of plasmalogens

Prenatal diagnosis of the cerebro-hepato-renal (Zellweger) syndrome has been performed in 10 pregnancies at risk by measuring both the activity of acyl CoA: dihydroxyacetonephosphate acyltransferase (DHAP-AT) and the de novo plasmalogen biosynthesis, either in cultured amniotic fluid cells or in fibroblasts cultured from a chorionic villus biopsy. In 7 of the pregnancies both tests indicated no abnormality. All 7 continued to term and normal infants were delivered. However, in amniotic fluid cells from 2 fetuses affected by Zellweger syndrome unequivocal differences from control values were found. The activity of DHAP-AT was clearly deficient and the de novo plasmalogen biosynthesis was impaired. In one pregnancy at risk prenatal diagnosis was performed during the first trimester by measuring both the DHAP-AT activity and the de novo plasmalogen biosynthesis in fibroblasts cultured from a chorionic villi biopsy. From the deficient DHAP-AT activity and the impaired de novo plasmalogen biosynthesis it was concluded that the fetus was affected. This was confirmed biochemically after induced abortion. It can be concluded that measurement of the DHAP-AT activity and the de novo plasmalogen biosynthesis provides convenient methods for the early prenatal detection of Zellweger syndrome.     

土壤中过量铜对水稻叶片光谱反射特性的影响

水稻移栽于添加不同量铜(分别为50、100、400ppm)的土壤上,叶片光谱反射特性发生规律性变化。在可见光部分反射率提高;在近红外部分反射率下降;在光谱反射率曲线的微分图上显示出蓝移。这些变化在分蘖期最为显著。从几个波段可以看出,正常的与铜毒害的水稻的光谱反射特性有较大差异。     

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The Science of Nature -     

Leaf and fruit necroses associated with vanadium-rich ash emitted from a power plant burning fossil fuel

Necrotic brown lesions developing on leaves and fruits of lemon, and other plants, near fossil-fuel-burning power plants emitting vanadium-rich ash, were reproduced experimentally by inoculating leaves with this type of ash, which is strongly acidic. Comparable lesions were formed when drops of vanadium oxide, dissolved in NaOH, were put on leaves and fruits. Neutralizing, or adding excess H₂SO₄ (to pH 3), did not alter lesion formation. The histology of these lesions was similar to that of lesions attributed to vanadium-rich ash.