Identification of two arylalkylamine N-acetyltranferase 1 genes with different developmental expression profiles in the flatfish Solea senegalensis.

The existence of two arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 (Aanat1) genes in the genome of some teleosts has been reported recently by in silico analysis. However, there are no data concerning the similarities and/or differences between them and many questions remain to be answered, such as their expression sites, development, or kinetics. Here, we report the cloning of Aanat1a and Aanat1b cDNAs from the sole retina and show for the first time that at least three Aanat genes are expressed in a vertebrate species.

Physico-chemical properties and DPPH-ABTS scavenging activity of some local pomegranate (Punica granatum) ecotypes.

Peels and fresh pomegranate extracts were used in the present study for the determination of the physic-chemical properties and DPPH-ABTS scavenging activities. Total sugars of juice are fructose (ca. 7 g/100 ml) and glucose (ca.

Daily behavioral rhythmicity and organization of the suprachiasmatic nuclei in the diurnal rodent, Lemniscomys barbarus.

Wheel-running activity was recorded in Lemniscomys barbarus exposed to different lighting conditions. This rodent shows rhythmic locomotor activity under natural twilight-light/dark (LD) as well as squared-LD cycles. A mean of 77% of the activity occurred during the light phase.

Cloning and expression of arylalkylamine N-acetyltranferase-2 during early development and metamorphosis in the sole Solea senegalensis.

The arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) is a key enzyme in the rhythmic production of melatonin. Two Aanats are expressed in teleost fish, one retinal specific, Aanat1, and the other one pineal specific, Aanat2, being the latter the main enzyme responsible of the plasma nocturnal melatonin increase in fish. In anurans melatonin has been involved in metamorphosis through antagonizing thyroid hormone function; however, no available data reports a relationship between melatonin system and metamorphosis in fish.

[Pseudo-polymyositic aspect of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis].

The causes of skeletal muscle weakness are multiple and their diagnosis is difficult, particularly in atypical myopathy. We report the observation of 58-old woman, who presents a muscle weakness of lower limbs with elevation of muscle's enzymes. These symptoms were bound initially to polymyosistis.