SATURATION ANALYSIS OF D2 DOPAMINE RECEPTORS EXPRESSES IN RECOMBINANT Essay

SATURATION ANALYSIS OF D2 DOPAMINE RECEPTORS EXPRESSES IN RECOMBINANT CHO CELLS - Essay Example The experiment was successful in the sense that the inhibition constant for [3H]-spiperone at around 0.5 nM corresponded with that quoted in literature available on the subject. The experiment demonstrated that [3H]-spiperone is a very efficacious antagonist of dopaminergic activity in specific relation to receptor subtypes with very specific inhibition capabilities and very low inhibition constant. This may later prove valuable to drug development against disorders like schizophrenia that is caused by excessive dopaminergic activity. The variations in physiologic actions of dopamine are mediated by at least five distinct G protein coupled receptor types (Missale, C., et al, 1998). Kebabian and Calne (1979) distinguished two dopamine receptor types - and - that can be differentiated ‘pharmacologically, biologically, physiologically and by their anatomical distribution’ (Civelli, O., 2000). Since the analysis is on receptors only they are being discussed here. Subsequent cloning of receptors revealed that they belonged to the supergene family of the G-protein coupled receptors (Civelli, O., 2000). The three subtypes belonging to the -like sub-family are the, and ones that inhibit adenylyl cyclase and activate channels (Missale, C., et al, 1998). The genetic structure of the and vary by tissue types and species’ through alternative splicing. The subtype is highly polymorphic. Since the analysis is on receptor activity on recombinant CHO (Chinese hamster ovary) cells it is necessary to point out that-like receptor activity in the peripheral regions is evident mostly in the kidney, vasculature and pituitary where they affect sodium homeostasis, vascular tone and hormone secretion (Missale, C., et al, 1998). More specifically the analysis of the gene structure of the subtype reveals that there are six introns in the receptor-coding region. This generates two main variants – the (short) and (long) receptors – in turn

Death penalty Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Death penalty - Research Paper Example Opponents also assert that the practice is overtly costly and racially biased while not realizing the intended outcome. Proponents think it is neither cruel nor unusual, quite the opposite, they think it fair and just. The objective of this study is to discuss the moral and legal concerns that literally are a life and death issue and is a key barometer when measuring a cultures collective conscience. The ‘eye for an eye’ faction not only accepts but insists that the death penalty be sustained and has supporting rational to back up their argument which will be covered comprehensively in this discussion. It will also take into account the opponents’ reasoning concerning why it should be eliminated along with the legal precedents concerned in an effort to achieve a comprehensive view of the capital punishment debate. Legal speaking, capital punishment is not unusual, by definition, unless one acknowledges the racial bias that exists throughout the justice system. The law cannot define whether it is cruel or not. Cruelty can be defined only by the collective social conscious of a society. The legal interpretation of the combined ‘cruel and unusual’ is open to debate, to some extent but the general usage of the word ‘cruel’ refers to vicious punishments that cause extreme pain. Most legal scholars agree that punishments that include body dismemberment or torture are unquestionably classified as cruel. The term torture was evidently open for debate during the past decade but the word means essentially the same universally; causing unwanted physical or mental anguish. The word ‘unusual’ is normally understood to mean going beyond what is an equitable application of punishment for an offense. For instance, if ten people were ticketed for a traffic violation and judge fined nine of them $150 but one was charged $1500, this punishment would be considered ‘unusual.’ Taken together in the phrase, †˜prohibiting cruel and unusual punishment’ signifies that the penalty should be apportioned equitably according to the specific offense committed. A ‘life’ prison sentence is an acceptable punishment but not if this punishment was imposed for jaywalking, that would be an obviously unacceptable sentence imposition because it is considered excessive and extreme given the nature of the offense. Excessive is a term that is also open to broad interpretation in both the legal and public realm. Some would contend, for example, that any amount of time imposed for ‘crimes’ such as the possession of drugs, prostitution and gambling should be interpreted as excessive consequently ‘unusual.’ The Supreme Court has on many occasions judged the merits of the death penalty and this action is interpreted as punishment which is cruel and unusual by the Constitution. The Court has consistently ruled the language of the Eighth Amendment does not prohibit t he death sentence as punishment. The Constitution was meant to be and is a malleable document, however. The judicial interpretation of the Eighth Amendment has evolved to some extent throughout the years. Therefore the Court could potentially reverse this standpoint at a future time as result of changing societal values. For instance, whipping convicted criminals was routine until the late Eighteenth Century. This practice is now considered to be inappropriate because society’s attitude changed to define it as a ‘cruel’ punishment. With respect to capital punishment, however, â€Å"