gamma aminobutyrate (gaba) is a non-protein amino acid that is thought to play an important role in the modulation of the central response to stress. mechanisms by which gaba may facilitate these responses to stress are metabolic and/or mechanical disruptions. environmental stresses increase gaba accumulation through cytosolic acidification, induce an acidic ph-dependent activation of glutamate...

We have investigated the effects of hypotonic stress on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in bovine aortic endothelial cells. Reducing extracellular osmolarity by 5% to 40% elicited a steep Ca(2+) transient both in normal Krebs and Ca(2+)-free solutions. The hypotonic stress-induced Ca(2+) transient was inhibited by phospholipase C inhibitors (neomycin and U-73122), a P(2)-recep...

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has a limited life span that can be measured by the number of times individual cells divide. Several genetic manipulations have been shown to prolong the yeast life span. However, environmental effects that extend longevity have been largely ignored. We have found that mild, nonlethal heat stress extended yeast life span when it was administered transiently ea...

Regression models are proposed for predicting conception rate in a dairy herd under South African and especially Natal conditions. Conception rate (CR%) was related to mean monthly temperature-humidity index (THI) by curvilinear regression equation model; CR% = 812.7 +/- 28.61 THI - 0.2322THI2 (P = 0.061), and by linear regression equation model; CR% = 188.0 - 1.906THI (P = 0.023). Conception r...