[Antibodies to morbilli virus of the Baikal seal in its natural host]. / Antitela k morbillivirusu baikal'skoi nerpy u prirodnogo khoziaina.

Morbillivirus of Baikal seal (BSM) was isolated from organs of a dead animal during 1987-1988 epizootic of Baikal seal (Phoca sibirica). A method of cellular enzyme immunoassay for testing for virus-specific antibodies was developed using BSM. The method was used for antibody detection in sera of 115 apparently normal seals collected in the spring of 1989. Antibody to BSM were found in sera from 75 animals. Examinations of seropositive animals of different age and sex were carried out. The results obtained indicate a possible role of BSM in the epizootic.

[Phenylalanyl-tRNA-synthase from human placenta: isolation and characteristics]. / Fenilalanil-tRNK-sintetaza iz platsenty cheloveka: vydelenie i kharakteristika.

Phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase (EC 6.1.1.20) from human placenta was isolated and purified using fractionation with polyethyleneglycol and chromatography on hydroxylapatite, heparin-Sepharose and mono-S. The enzyme purified 14800-fold with a 8% yield had a specific activity of 260 U./mg. The molecular mass of the native enzyme as determined by gel filtration was 270 +/- 13 kDa. The molecular masses of the enzyme subunits according to SDS-PAGE data were 74 +/- 4 kDa (alpha-subunit) and 63 +/- 3 (beta-subunit). The Km values for tRNA, ATP and phenylalanine in the aminoacylation reaction were 6.6 X 10(-8) M, 8.3 X 10(-5) M and 5.8 X 10(-6) M, respectively.