The polyphosphate component in 31P NMR spectra of the Gram-positive Propionibacterium acnes increased after hyperthermia treatment. The cells were exposed to temperatures in the interval from 15 degrees C to 45 degrees C. The amount of polyphosphate increased with increasing temperature. There were no temperature induced changes in the other phosphorous components seen in the spectra with excep...

Five representative terrestrial analogs of lunar craters are detailed relevant to Precambrian fumarolic activity. Fumarolic fluids contain the ingredients for protolife. Energy sources to derive formaldehyde, amino acids and related compounds could be by flow charging, charge separation and volcanic shock. With no photodecomposition in shadow, most fumarolic fluids at 40 K would persist over ge...

Phenol-chloroform extraction of [(32)P]orthophosphate-labeled Escherichia coli cells followed by alkaline gel electrophoresis revealed, besides the expected chromosomal DNA, two non-DNA species that we have identified as lipopolysaccharides and polyphosphates by using a combination of biochemical and genetic techniques. We used this serendipitously found straightforward protocol for direct poly...

The effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) on prolactin (PRL) secretion from pituitary cells is reviewed and compared to the effect of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH). These two peptides induced different secretion profiles from parafused lactotrophs in culture. TRH was found to increase PRL secretion within 4 s and induced a biphasic secretion pattern, while VIP induced a monophasic...

During the last few years a growing amount of data has accumulated showing phospholipid participation in nuclear signal transduction. Very recent data strongly support the hypothesis that signal transduction in the nucleus is autonomic. Local production of inositol polyphosphates, beginning with the activation of phospholipase C is required for their specific function in the nucleus. Enzymes wh...

Dinucleoside polyphosphates are well described as direct vasoconstrictors and as mediators with strong proliferative properties, however, less is known about their effects on nucleotide-converting pathways. Therefore, the present study investigates the effects of Ap(4)A (diadenosine tetraphosphate), Up(4)A (uridine adenosine tetraphosphate) and Ap(5)A (diadenosine pentaphosphate) and the non-se...