Structural differences in the two major wheat germ agglutinin isolectins.

We have combined amino acid sequence data with x-ray diffraction results to determine differences in structure of wheat germ agglutinin isolectin 1 (WGA1) relative to the known structure of wheat germ agglutinin isolectin 2 (WGA2). Electron density difference maps computed at 2.2 A resolution with coefficients [2F(WGA1) - F(WGA2)] and [F(WGA1) - F(WGA2)] and based on refined model phases of the WGA2 structure have revealed that the largest differences in the two isolectin structures are localized in the B-domain of the molecule.

Extracellular calcium protects isolated rat hepatocytes from injury.

The incubation of isolated rat hepatocytes in calcium-free medium resulted in a pronounced increase in lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial and cytoplasmic glutathione depletion, glutathione disulfide formation and efflux of reduced glutathione as compared with hepatocytes incubated in calcium containing medium. These data suggest that extracellular calcium ions serve a protective role in isolated rat hepatocytes against cell injury.

An unusual Rhesus haplotype, --D--, in Iceland.

Two female patients are described who were, following difficulties in blood cross matching, found to be homozygous for the rare Rhesus --D-- gene complex. Both patients had formed Rh antibodies, one provoked by transfusions and the other by three pregnancies. The parents' relationship of one could easily be traced.

Normalization of the dexamethasone suppression test at discharge from hospital. Its prognostic value.

Fourteen patients with RDC diagnosis of primary, endogenous, major depressive disorder were studied in an inpatient setting. All were non-suppressors on the Dexamethasone Suppression Test on admission to hospital and were retested at discharge. Over 70% of patients continued to be non-suppressors at discharge, when in clinical remission.