Propantheline as an adjuvant to weight loss after vertical gastroplasty

Studying peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) has become an important diagnostic tool in lysosomal storage diseases. Previous studies revealed that B and subclasses of T lymphocytes participate in the storage process, whereas the role of circulating monocytes was not clear. In this study, the involvement of CD14+ monocytes in lysosomal diseases was investigated. Blood samples from six patients with different lysosomal storage disorders were studied, including one with late--infantile and three with juvenile neuronal ceroid--lipofuscinoses, and two with mucopolysaccharidosis type VI. CD14+ cells were separated immunomagnetically from PBMCs and studied by light and electron microscopy. In all investigated disorders, disease-specific lysosomal storage material could be found in monocytes. The ratio of affected to non-affected cells did not differ from previously reported data on lymphocytes and their subforms in these diseases. Our data were obtained by studying a small number of different lysosomal storage disorders. Nevertheless, they suggest that lysosomal storage in the monocyte-macrophage system might also be found in other forms of lysosomal diseases.     

A T42A Ran mutation: differential interactions with effectors and regulators, and defect in nuclear protein import

Ran, the small, predominantly nuclear GTPase, has been implicated in the regulation of a variety of cellular processes including cell cycle progression, nuclear-cytoplasmic trafficking of RNA and protein, nuclear structure, and DNA synthesis. It is not known whether Ran functions directly in each process or whether many of its roles may be secondary to a direct role in only one, for example, nuclear protein import. To identify biochemical links between Ran and its functional target(s), we have generated and examined the properties of a putative Ran effector mutation, T42A-Ran. T42A-Ran binds guanine nucleotides as well as wild-type Ran and responds as well as wild-type Ran to GTP or GDP exchange stimulated by the Ran-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor, RCC1. T42A-Ran.GDP also retains the ability to bind p10/NTF2, a component of the nuclear import pathway. In contrast to wild-type Ran, T42A-Ran.GTP binds very weakly or not detectably to three proposed Ran effectors, Ran-binding protein 1 (RanBP1), Ran-binding protein 2 (RanBP2, a nucleoporin), and karyopherin beta (a component of the nuclear protein import pathway), and is not stimulated to hydrolyze bound GTP by Ran GTPase-activating protein, RanGAP1. Also in contrast to wild-type Ran, T42A-Ran does not stimulate nuclear protein import in a digitonin permeabilized cell assay and also inhibits wild-type Ran function in this system. However, the T42A mutation does not block the docking of karyophilic substrates at the nuclear pore. These properties of T42A-Ran are consistent with its classification as an effector mutant and define the exposed region of Ran containing the mutation as a probable effector loop.     

The L5178Y/tk+/- mouse lymphoma specific gene and chromosomal mutation assay a phase III report of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Gene-Tox Program

The L5178Y/tk+/- (-)3.7.2C mouse lymphoma assay (MLA) which detects mutations affecting the heterozygous thymidine kinase (tk) locus is capable of responding to chemicals acting as clastogens as well as point mutagens. Improvements in the assay to enhance detection of this spectrum of genetic events are summarized, and criteria for evaluating the data are defined. Using these criteria, the Phase III Work Group reviewed and evaluated literature containing MLA results published from 1976 through 1993. The data base included 602 chemicals of which 343 were evaluated as positive, 44 negative, 18 equivocal, 54 apparently inappropriate for evaluation in this test system with the published protocols, and 142 that were inadequately tested, and thus a definitive call could not be made. The overall performance of the assay is summarized by chemical class, and the outcome of testing 260 chemicals in the MLA is compared with Gene-Tox and National Toxicology Program evaluations of rodent carcinogenesis bioassay results for the same chemicals. Based on the Work Group's evaluation of published MLA data for chemicals that were considered adequately tested, it is concluded that for most chemicals the L5178Y/tk+/- mouse lymphoma assay is eminently well suited for genotoxicity testing and for predicting the potential for carcinogenicity.     

Cervicovaginal foetal fibronectin in the prediction of preterm labour in a low-risk population

Ten groups of 14 immunosuppressed NMRI-mice (nu/nu) were raised and kept under germ-reduced conditions. The control animals were fed a germ-reduced diet, nine other groups received the same diet with selegiline (CAS 14611-51-9, Deprenyl) or lipoic acid (thioctic acid, CAS 62-46-4) admixed at various amounts. The 50% survival rate, the total life span of each group and the areas under the curves were determined to evaluate life expectancy as compared to the controls. The racemate of lipoic acid at high dosage (350 mg/kg body weight) reduced the life span significantly. The S(-)-enantiomer of lipoic acid (75 mg/kg body weight) increased the 50% survival rate, whereas the physiologic R(+)-enantiomer (9 mg/kg body weight) expanded the total life span of its group. Alteration of only one out of three parameters was not considered significant. All other groups except for one did not differ from controls: only animals which obtained 75 micrograms selegiline per kg of body weight and per day exerted increased life expectancies by all three parameters. This group exhibited also in statistical evaluation a significantly (p < 0.05) prolongated survival time up to about 200% as compared to the control animals.     

The beta 1 integrin, very late activation antigen-4 on human neutrophils can contribute to neutrophil migration through connective tissue fibroblast barriers

Polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMNL) accumulation in extravascular tissues and inflammatory exudates is dependent on their migration through blood vessel endothelium and then through connective tissue. Previously we utilized a barrier of human synovial and dermal fibroblasts (HSF or HDF) grown on microporous filters, as a model of PMNL migration through connective tissue. Those studies showed that beta 2 (CD18) and the beta 1 integrins, very late activation antigen-5 (VLA-5) and VLA-6, in part mediate this PMNL migration. Here we report that VLA-4, which can also be expressed at low levels on activated PMNL, is also involved in PMNL migration induced by C5a through fibroblast (HSF and HDF) barriers, because monoclonal antibody (mAb) to VLA-4 significantly inhibited (by 20-30%) PMNL migration. Blocking the function of CD18, VLA-5 or VLA-6 was not required for detection of the VLA-4-mediated migration. Combination treatment with mAb to VLA-4 and with mAb to VLA-5 or to VLA-6 further inhibited PMNL migration, irrespective of whether CD11/CD18 mechanisms were blocked with anti-CD18 mAb or not. Treatment of PMNL with a peptide based on the VLA-4-binding domain in the CS-1 fragment of fibronectin, but not a control peptide, inhibited PMNL migration to a comparable extent to treatment with mAb to VLA-4. A low level of VLA-4 was expressed on C5a-activated PMNL, detected by immunofluorescence flow cytometry. These results suggest that VLA-4 can be mobilized by human peripheral blood PMNL and can, in addition to VLA-5, VLA-6 and CD11/CD18 integrins, mediate PMNL migration through connective tissue. This is in marked contrast to PMNL transendothelial migration, where beta 1 integrins appear to play no significant role.     

Effect of crosslinking agent content, monomer functionality, and repeat unit chemistry on properties of unfilled resins

Seven mechanical/physical properties were used to evaluate 10 unfilled resins: eight aromatic dimethacrylates and two urethane dimethacrylates. Physical property tests included compressive strength, Young's modulus in compression, uniaxial tensile strength, intrinsic yield point, toothbrush abrasion, Knoop hardness, and water sorption. Controlled changes were made in the following four material parameters: amount of crosslinking diluent present in the uncured monomer, functionality of the monomer, repeat unit chemistry of the monomer (urethane vs. aromatic structure) and mode of activation (chemical vs. visible light). Polymers containing a high concentration of crosslinking agent (50 wt%) were found to be tougher and to possess lower hardness than materials containing lesser amounts of crosslinking agent. This was attributed to the flexible nature of the triethylene glycol dimethacrylate crosslinking molecule. Exposure to water plasticized the highly crosslinked materials to the degree that the yield point and elastic modulus were effectively lowered. Most of the tested properties were unaffected by differences in functionality except resistance to toothbrush abrasion, which was enhanced for polymers derived from high functionality monomers. The urethane-based polymers sorbed substantially more water than the aromatic-based materials, which presumably resulted in lower values for surface hardness. However, the urethane resins were very tough, and excellent resistance to toothbrush abrasion was observed. Property differences caused by differences in activation mode were small, although the visible light materials did sorb more water.     

Nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive neurons in human and porcine respiratory tract

The presence of nitric oxide synthase (NO-synthase), the enzyme responsible for the production of nitric oxide (NO) from L-arginine, is shown immunocytochemically in the intrinsic neurons of the human and porcine respiratory tract. NO-synthase immunoreactivity is demonstrated in a subpopulation of neurons of the microganglia present in the wall of the extra- and intrapulmonary bronchi as well as in the hilar region of the lung in relation to blood vessels. The immunostaining was also found in some nerve fibers of the respiratory nervous system. Human and porcine lung gave similar results. The possible involvement of NO in the nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) nervous regulation of the lung is discussed.     

Disappearing subdural hematomas in children

Serum glucose and plasma C-peptide response to i.v. glucagon administration was evaluated in 24 healthy dogs, 12 dogs with untreated diabetes mellitus, 30 dogs with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus, and 8 dogs with naturally acquired hyperadrenocorticism. Serum insulin response also was evaluated in all dogs, except 20 insulin-treated diabetic dogs. Blood samples for serum glucose, serum insulin, and plasma C-peptide determinations were collected immediately before and 5, 10, 20, 30, and (for healthy dogs) 60 minutes after i.v. administration of 1 mg glucagon per dog. In healthy dogs, the patterns of glucagon-stimulated changes in plasma C-peptide and serum insulin concentrations were identical, with single peaks in plasma C-peptide and serum insulin concentrations observed approximately 15 minutes after i.v. glucagon administration. Mean plasma C-peptide and serum insulin concentrations in untreated diabetic dogs, and mean plasma C-peptide concentration in insulin-treated diabetic dogs did not increase significantly after i.v. glucagon administration. The validity of serum insulin concentration results was questionable in 10 insulin-treated diabetic dogs, possibly because of anti-insulin antibody interference with the insulin radioimmunoassay. Plasma C-peptide and serum insulin concentrations were significantly increased (P < .001) at all blood sampling times after glucagon administration in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism, compared with healthy dogs, and untreated and insulin-treated diabetic dogs. Five-minute C-peptide increment, C-peptide peak response, total C-peptide secretion, and, for untreated diabetic dogs, insulin peak response and total insulin secretion were significantly lower (P < .00l) in diabetic dogs, compared with healthy dogs, whereas these same parameters were significantly increased (P < .01) in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism, compared with healthy dogs, and untreated and insulin-treated diabetic dogs. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend for higher plasma C-peptide concentrations in untreated diabetic dogs compared with insulin-treated diabetic dogs during the glucagon stimulation test. Baseline C-peptide concentrations also were significantly higher (P < .05) in diabetic dogs treated with insulin for less than 6 months, compared with diabetic dogs treated for longer than 1 year. Finally, 7 of 42 diabetic dogs had baseline plasma C-peptide concentrations greater than 2 SD (ie, > 0.29 pmol/mL) above the normal mean plasma C-peptide concentration; values that were significantly higher, compared with the results in healthy dogs (P < .001) and with the other 35 diabetic dogs (P < .001). In summary, measurement of plasma C-peptide concentration during glucagon stimulation testing allowed differentiation among healthy dogs, dogs with impaired beta-cell function (ie, diabetes mellitus), and dogs with increased beta-cell responsiveness to glucagon (ie, insulin resistance). Plasma C-peptide concentrations during glucagon stimulation testing were variable in diabetic dogs and may represent dogs with type-1 and type-2 diabetes or, more likely, differences in severity of beta-cell loss in dogs with type-1 diabetes.