Innexins are the proposed structural components of gap junctions in invertebrates. Antibodies that specifically recognize the Caenorhabditis elegans innexin protein INX-3 were generated and used to examine the patterns of inx-3 gene expression and the subcellular sites of INX-3 localization. INX-3 is first detected in two-cell embryos, concentrated at the intercellular interface, and is expressed ubiquitously throughout the cellular proliferation phase of embryogenesis. During embryonic morphogenesis, INX-3 expression becomes more restricted. Postembryonically, INX-3 is expressed transiently in several cell types, while expression in the posterior pharynx persists throughout development. Through immuno-EM techniques, INX-3 was observed at gap junctions in the adult pharynx, providing supporting evidence that innexins are components of gap junctions. An inx-3 mutant was isolated through a combined genetic and immunocytochemical screen. Homozygous inx-3 mutants exhibit defects during embryonic morphogenesis. At the comma stage of early morphogenesis, variable numbers of cells are lost from the anterior of inx-3(lw68) mutants. A range of terminal defects is seen later in embryogenesis, including localized rupture of the hypodermis, failure of the midbody to elongate properly, abnormal contacts between hypodermal cells, and failure of the pharynx to attach to the anterior of the animal.

Anatomical dissections of fresh canine hindlimb specimens were carried out on the femoral region and crus and cross sections of the crus to identify the location of safe corridors for external skeletal fixator pin insertion. Safe, hazardous and unsafe corridors were defined and measured along the canine hindlimb. Recommendations are made on the safe and effective use of fixator frames in the canine femur and tibia, in order to avoid potentially serious complications. No safe corridors were identified in the canine femoral region. The canine tibia is an eccentric bone and its entire medial aspect and part of its cranial aspect lie in a subcutaneous position. These areas are identified as safe for external skeletal fixator pin insertion.

A review of 20 consecutive cases of intercondylar humeral fracture in dogs referred to Glasgow University Veterinary School (GUVS) was made. The majority of fractures followed apparently minimal trauma to adult animals. All cases were managed by open reduction and internal fixation. Some aspects of the authors preferred surgical technique are discussed. Long term outcome was assessed by owner questionnaire and, or, examination at GUVS. Satisfactory results were seen in 64 per cent of cases with follow up.

Anatomical dissections of fresh canine fore‐limb specimens were carried out on the brachium and antebrachium and cross sections of the antebrachium to identify the location of safe corridors for external skeletal fixator pin insertion. Those areas and lines for safe, hazardous and unsafe corridors were defined and measured along the canine forelimb. Recommendations are made on the safe and effective use of fixator frames in the canine humerus and radius. The canine humerus was considered a concentric bone and no safe corridors could be identified. However, safe areas and lines are described. The distal two‐thirds of the medial aspect of the canine radius represents a safe corridor.

Because of the presence of a low-permeability cuticle covering the animal, fixation of C. elegans tissue for immunoelectron microscopy has proved very difficult. Here we applied a microwave fixation protocol to improve penetration of fixatives before postembedding immunogold labeling. Using this technique, we were able to successfully localize several components of yolk (YP170) trafficking in both wild-type and transgenic strains expressing a vitellogenin::green fluorescent protein fusion (YP170::GFP). Green fluorescent protein (GFP) and its variants are commonly used as markers to localize proteins in transgenic C. elegans using fluorescence microscopy. We have developed a robust method to localize GFP at the EM level. This procedure is applicable to the characterization of transgenic strains in which GFP is used to mark particular proteins or cell types and will undoubtedly be very useful for high-resolution analysis of marked structures.