Effect of n-Alkanols on G-Protein α Subunits.

Guanine nucleotide binding (G)-proteins are GTP-driven allosteric proteins consisting of a single α subunit and a β and γ heterodimer. Gα subunits function as on/off switches based on the occupancy of the nucleotide-binding site, GTP or GDP, such that any alteration in nucleotide exchange modulates signal output. Our previous work has shown that haloalkanes and ethers inhibit GDP/GTP exchange on αi1, αi2 and αi3 subunits, but not the closely related αo.

Microsomal Ca2+ flux modulation as an indicator of heavy metal toxicity.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphatee (IP3), an intracellular messenger, releases Ca2+ from microsomes. Ca2+ plays a major role in regulating various cellular events like neural transmission and regulation of hormones and growth factors. Aluminum (Al), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) were reported to alter Ca(2+)-regulated events thereby causing neurotoxicity.

Current perspectives on pyospermia: a review.

Pyospermia is an abnormal laboratory finding of high concentration of white blood cells in human ejaculates during infertility workup. The role of pyospermia and its impact on fertility is an important consideration in the management of infertility. Etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic modalities and the management of pyospermia are reviewed in this paper.