Myogenic Classical Endocannabinoids, Their Targets and Activity.

This review focuses on the recently discovered specific action of two classical endocannabinoids (ECs), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA), in the case of their synthesis and degradation in skeletal muscles; in other words, this review is dedicated to properties and action of the myoendocannabinoid (myoEC) pool. Influence of this pool is considered at three different levels: at the level of skeletal muscles, motor synapses, and also at the level of the whole organism, including central nervous system. Special attention is paid to the still significantly underestimated and intriguing ability of ECs to have positive effect on energy exchange and contractile activity of muscle fibers, as well as on transmitter secretion in motor synapses.

Novel convenient 2-step synthesis of pyrido[1,2-]indoles from pyrylium salts and -bromoanilines.

A novel convenient 2-step synthesis of substituted pyrido[1,2-]indoles is developed starting from easily available pyrylium tetrafluoroborates and -bromoanilines. A conversion of the pyrylium tetrafluoroborates to pyridinium ones followed by their palladium catalyzed intramolecular cyclization allows the formation of 24 examples of N-fused heterocycles. A one-pot two-stage cyclization procedure was developed.

Quantal size increase induced by the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol requires activation of CGRP receptors in mouse motor synapses.

In mouse motor synapses, the exogenous application of the endocannabinoid (EC) 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) increases acetylcholine (ACh) quantal size due to the activation of CB1 receptors and the stimulation of ACh vesicular uptake. In the present study, microelectrode recordings of miniature endplate potentials (MEPP) revealed that this effect of 2-AG is independent of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling but involves the activation of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors along with CB1 receptors. Potentiation of MEPP amplitude in the presence of 2-AG was prevented by blockers of CGRP receptors and ryanodine receptors (RyR) and by inhibitors of phospholipase C (PLC) and Ca /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII).

Actinomycetes as Producers of Biologically Active Terpenoids: Current Trends and Patents.

Terpenes and their derivatives (terpenoids and meroterpenoids, in particular) constitute the largest class of natural compounds, which have valuable biological activities and are promising therapeutic agents. The present review assesses the biosynthetic capabilities of actinomycetes to produce various terpene derivatives; reports the main methodological approaches to searching for new terpenes and their derivatives; identifies the most active terpene producers among actinomycetes; and describes the chemical diversity and biological properties of the obtained compounds. Among terpene derivatives isolated from actinomycetes, compounds with pronounced antifungal, antiviral, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and other effects were determined.

Landmark native breed of the Orenburg goats: progress in its breeding and genetics and future prospects.

This paper reviews information about a unique and iconic breed of the Orenburg Oblast, the homeland and the only place where the best herds of Orenburg down-hair goats in Russia are concentrated. Three types of these small ruminant animals are widespread on the territory of the region: Orenburg purebred gray goats, Orenburg purebred white goats, as well as crossbred white goats of F White Don × White Orenburg. Currently, at the farms of the Orenburg region, animals are selected according to their phenotype, with selected traits being color, weight and length of down hair.

Microbial Conversion of Toxic Resin Acids.

Organic wood extractives-resin acids-significantly contribute to an increase in the toxicity level of pulp and paper industry effluents. Entering open ecosystems, resin acids accumulate and have toxic effects on living organisms, which can lead to the ecological imbalance. Among the most effective methods applied to neutralize these ecotoxicants is enzymatic detoxification using microorganisms.

Regulation of Acetylcholine Quantal Release by Coupled Thrombin/BDNF Signaling in Mouse Motor Synapses.

The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of thrombin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on spontaneous miniature endplate potentials (MEPPs) and multiquantal evoked endplate potentials (EPPs) in mouse neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) of m. diaphragma and m. EDL.

Protonophoric action of triclosan causes calcium efflux from mitochondria, plasma membrane depolarization and bursts of miniature end-plate potentials.

The formerly widely used broad-spectrum biocide triclosan (TCS) has now become a subject of special concern due to its accumulation in the environment and emerging diverse toxicity. Despite the common opinion that TCS is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria, there have been so far no studies of protonophoric activity of this biocide on artificial bilayer lipid membranes (BLM). Yet only few works have indicated the relationship between TCS impacts on mitochondria and nerve cell functioning.