Linkage analysis of HSP70 genes and historecognition locus in botryllus schlosseri

The protochordate allorecognition system has long invited comparison with the vertebrate major histocompatibility complex (MHC). In the colonial species Botryllus schlosseri, a rapid fusion or rejection response resembling graft acceptance or rejection in vertebrates is controlled by a single highly polymorphic genetic region. Because linkage between heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) genes and the MHC appears to be conserved within the vertebrate lineage, linkage relationships between two HSP70 genes (HSP70.1 and HSP70.2) and the historecognition locus (FuHC) have been analyzed in B. schlosseri. Segregation patterns of restriction fragment length polymorphisms located in the 3' flanking regions of HSP70.1 and HSP70.2 were determined for progeny of defined crosses. These progeny were also analyzed for fusibility type by an in vivo cut colony assay. No close linkage was detected between any of the three loci. These results do not support the hypothesis that the allorecognition response in B. schlosseri is determined by an MHC homologue. However, it remains a possibility that orthologues of other MHC-linked genes will be linked to the B. schlosseri FuHC.     

RU-486 (Mifepristone) ameliorates diabetes but does not correct deficient beta-adrenergic signalling in adipocytes from mature C57BL/6J-ob/ob mice

HIV-1 RNA dimerization involves at least two key regions, one located upstream from the splice donor (SD) site, and the other located downstream from the SD site. To determine the precise location and the mechanism of action of the downstream region, we constructed a model system using a synthetic HIV-1 RNA fragment (HXB2, 455-1146), which dimerized at relatively low salt concentrations (100 mM KCl, 1 mM MgCl2). We tested in this system antisense DNAs that are complementary to both the upstream and downstream regions of HIV-1 RNA for their possible inhibitory effects on dimerization. Antisense DNAs complementary to nucleotides 773-789 located downstream from the SD site effectively inhibited dimerization of HIV-1 RNA. These inhibitory antisense DNAs hybridized with the dimer form of HIV-1 RNA, and dissociated the dimer into monomers. However, antisense DNAs complementary to the region upstream from the SD site did not hybridize with the dimer, although they inhibited RNA dimerization and also dissociated the preformed dimer.     

Musculoskeletal health surveillance. Eight simple, self-administered tests to add to symptom registration: a preliminary report

STUDY DESIGN: A population-based evaluation including cross-sectional comparisons of eight simple function tests (mobility and strength) and answers on questions concerning lifestyle factors, work environment, and health. The study population was randomly selected among people 35-45 years old. OBJECTIVES: To construct a simple, self-administered surveillance system to test musculoskeletal function to be mailed to a sample population along with a questionnaire. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: A surveillance system should be easy to use, detect treatable symptoms at an early stage, and detect change of function or symptoms. METHOD: Questionnaires, which also contained instructions in performing the eight tests of musculoskeletal function, were sent to a randomly selected sample population. The questionnaire covered type and level of musculoskeletal problems, and lifestyle and occupational factors. RESULTS: The questionnaire and the self-administered test were completed by 834 people. The test movements could be performed and the questions answered by the study population. The tests discriminated between those with and without moderate or severe problems. Performance of physically heavy work did not significantly correlate with the test results. The results of the physical function test discriminated significantly between those with different levels of fear of movement (odds ratio, 2.2) and the degree of current somatic distress (odds ratio, 5.9). CONCLUSION: The test of physical function could be performed and the questionnaire completed by this randomly selected cohort, and the results discriminated significantly between groups.     

Truncated glucagon-like peptide-1 and oxyntomodulin stimulate somatostatin release from rabbit fundic D-cells in primary culture

OBJECTIVE: To create a neovagina using a combined laparoscopic and ultrasonographic technique in Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome by modification of Vecchietti's operation. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Division of Physiopathology of Reproduction, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The advancement of the needle from the pseudohymen, through the vesicorectal space using a triple contrast ultrasonographic technique. RESULT(S): The ultrasonographic scanning guides the accurate transit from external genitalia to the peritoneal cavity. CONCLUSION(S): This original approach allowed a safe and rapid creation of a neovagina in a case of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome.     

Alterations of benzodiazepine receptors in type II alcoholic subjects measured with SPECT and [123I]iomazenil

OBJECTIVE: Alterations in cortical benzodiazepine receptor density have been described in postmortem and in vivo studies of alcoholic subjects. The authors attempted to replicate these findings using single photon emission computed tomography and the benzodiazepine receptor radiotracer [123I]iomazenil. METHOD: They measured the distribution volume of benzodiazepine receptors in 11 recently detoxified patients with type II alcoholism and 11 healthy comparison subjects. The tracer was given as a bolus followed by a continuous infusion to achieve sustained binding equilibrium at the benzodiazepine receptors. Data were analyzed by using a region of interest method (regions of interest were identified on coregistered magnetic resonance imaging scans) and by a pixel-by-pixel method (distribution volume maps were analyzed with statistical parametric mapping for between-group differences). RESULTS: The region of interest analysis revealed that alcoholic patients had significantly lower benzodiazepine distribution volume than comparison subjects in the frontal, anterior cingulate, and cerebellar cortices. Statistical parametric mapping revealed two large excursions in which the distribution volume in alcoholic patients was significantly lower than in comparison subjects: the anterior cingulate, extending into the right middle frontal gyrus, and the left occipital cortex. CONCLUSIONS: Benzodiazepine receptor distribution volume is significantly lower in several cortical regions and the cerebellum in alcoholic subjects than in healthy comparison subjects. These results are consistent with previous reports and might indicate either a toxic effect of alcoholism on benzodiazepine receptors or a vulnerability factor for developing alcoholism.     

Cyclophosphamide/granulocyte colony-stimulating factor induces hematopoietic stem cells to proliferate prior to mobilization

We isolated hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) from mice treated with cyclophosphamide (CY) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). All mobilized multipotent progenitor activity was contained in two populations: Thy-1(lo) Sca-1+ Lin- Mac-1- CD4- c-kit+ long-term reconstituting progenitors and Thy-1(lo) Sca-1+ Lin- Mac-1(lo) CD4- transiently reconstituting progenitors. CY/G-CSF treatment drove both long-term and transient multipotent progenitors into cycle, leading to a more than 12-fold expansion in the number of long-term self-renewing HSC prior to mobilization. After CY and 2 days of G-CSF treatment the number of bone marrow HSC began to decline and the number of blood and splenic HSC increased. HSC continued to proliferate in the bone marrow and spleen through 8 days of G-CSF treatment, but HSC released into the blood tended to be in G0/G1 phase. Mobilized multipotent progenitors isolated from the spleen were less efficient than normal bone marrow multipotent progenitors in engrafting irradiated mice but did not differ in colony forming unit-spleen (CFU-S) activity or single cell in vitro assays of primitive progenitor activity. The data suggest that mobilized HSC isolated from the spleen are less efficient at homing to and engrafting the bone marrow of irradiated recipient mice.