[Effect of conditioned-reflex bilateral avoidance learning on lipid components of the rat brain].

The active avoidance training of rats resulted in a depletion of lipid peroxidation (LPO) products in cerebral cortex. LPO inhibition was also shown in cerebral cortex of "active control" group receiving +non-combined stimuli (the effect of short-term stress). LPO inhibition was more pronounced in rats staining a training criterion compared to rats which received combined stimuli but did not reach the criterion.

[The mechanism of superoxide dismutase functioning: a multicenter model].

A new model of superoxide dismutase (SOD) functioning has been proposed on the basis of recent data. This model takes into account both experimental data and results of quantum mechanics calculations. One substrate molecule (superoxide radical) binds copper ion in active center of SOD, and the second superoxide radical interacts with a peripheral region of the enzyme.

[Can the function of the extirpated amygdaloid complex be compensated for by the transplantation of embryonic nerve tissue?].

In 20 white rats bilateral coagulation of the amygdalar complex was produced; on the fifth day to one half of them transplantation was performed by introducing stereotaxically on the left side 0.2-0.5 mm3 of the brain embryonal tissue from the corresponding area of the amygdala of 20-days embryo; in control saline was administered.

[Carnosine prevents the activation of free-radical lipid oxidation during stress].

Carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) injected to intact albino rats (20 mg/kg body weight) induces depletion of lipid peroxidation (LPO) products in brain and blood serum, an increase of superoxide scavenging activity in brain and serum, decrease of cholesterol: phospholipid ratio and increase of easy oxidizable phospholipid portion in brain lipid extracts. After painful stress (footshock during 2 hours) LPO products are accumulated in brain and serum, cholesterol: phospholipid ratio increases and the portion of easy oxidizable phospholipids decreases. Carnosine given before stress prevents LPO activation.