[Influence of radiation on survivability, behavior and neurochemical correlates of rats].

The aim of the work was to study the dependence of individual radiosensitivity of white and black rats on radiation. The rats under study were derived from a cross between black and white rats and called Ratus Ratus-Georgia. Comparative radiosensitivity of white (Wistar) and black rats was studied at a total exposure with sublethal and lethal doses (5, 7 and 9 Gy).

Physical predictors, behavioural/emotional attributes and neurochemical determinants of dominant behaviour.

Significant differences in physical and behavioural/emotional/cognitive predictors and attributes, as well as of neurochemical inducers of behaviour, between dominant and subordinate animals are discussed. It is still unknown whether these factors are the causes of differences between dominants and subordinates, or vice versa whether the differences between dominants and subordinates are the origin of differences in these factors. The possibility is discussed that no differences exist among juveniles in the concentrations of neurochemical agents (known in the literature as determinants of dominance) between the brains of future dominants and future subordinates.

[New class of RNA and centrosomal hypothesis of cell aging].

The recent discovery of a new class of RNA in a centrosome may be an indirect evidence of the centrosomal hypothesis of cellular ageing and differentiation. The presence of a reverse transcriptase domain in this class of RNA, together with its specificity to this organelle, makes the centrosome a place of information memorizing and reproduction. This feature of centrosome is one of the main points of centrosomal hypothesis of cell aging and differentiation.

RNA in centrosomes: structure and possible functions.

A novel RNA was detected in the centrosomes of Spisula solidissima mollusk oocytes in 2006. This RNA was named centrosomal RNA (cnRNA); five different cnRNAs were described. During the sequencing of the first transcript, cnRNA 11, it was discovered that the transcript contained a conserved structure--a reverse transcriptase domain.

[A new model of depression induced by psychogenenic stress].

A new depression model has been obtained, based on use of stressors of the psychogenic nature. The laboratory rats in a special stress-camera turned out to be unable to induce the bilateral reaction of active avoidance, with subsequently led to formation of depression in the animals. Analysis of the tests sensitive to depression--a forceful swimming and a hanging by tail as well as of dynamics of the animals' body mass and of the behavior on the whole confirms development of their depression.