ERICE, a novel FLICE-activatable caspase

Programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is a process of fundamental importance to cellular homeostasis in metazoan organisms (Ellis, R. E., Yuan, J., and Horvitz, H. R. (1991) Annu. Rev. Cell Biol. 7, 663-698). The caspase family of mammalian proteases, related to the nematode death protein CED-3, plays a crucial role in apoptosis and inflammation. We report here the isolation and characterization of a new caspase, tentatively termed ERICE (Evolutionarily Related Interleukin-1beta Converting Enzyme). Based on phylogenetic analysis, ERICE (caspase-13) is a member of the ICE subfamily of caspases which includes caspase-1 (ICE), caspase-4 (ICErel-II, TX, ICH-2), and caspase-5 (ICErel-III, TY). Overexpression of ERICE induces apoptosis of 293 human embryonic kidney cells and MCF7 breast carcinoma cells. Like other members of the subfamily, ERICE is not activated by the serine protease granzyme B, a caspase-activating component of cytotoxic T cell granules. Therefore, ERICE most likely does not play a role in granzyme B-induced cell death. ERICE, however, was activated by caspase-8 (FLICE, MACH, Mch-5), the apical caspase activated upon engagement of death receptors belonging to the tumor necrosis factor family. This is consistent with a potential role for ERICE in this receptor-initiated death pathway.     

Influence of the subesophageal ganglion on the electrical activity of neurons of the metathoracic ganglion of the cockroach Periplaneta americana

Studies have been made of non-specific effect of suboesophageal gnaglion on excitability of the segmental centers in the cockroach P. americana. It was shown that the electrical stimulation of the ganglion increases the frequency of the spontaneous activity and decreases the threshold of the evoked reactions in neurons of the metathoracic ganglion. The level of activation depends on the intensity of stimulation. Application of GABA (0.1 M) to the suboesophageal ganglion decreases the frequency of the background activity in the segmental neurons, this effect being presumably due to activation of the inhibitory structures. The descending influences from the suboesophageal ganglion may spread to centers of the metathoracic ganglion along monosynaptic pathways.     

Inversio uteri puerperalis

Uterine inversion is a rare condition that occurs in various degrees. Predisposing and etiologic factors are discussed, as are therapy and prophylaxis. These points are illustrated by 4 own cases and by 172 cases collected from literature.     

Seroepidemiologic investigations of human hepatitis caused by A, B, and a possible third virus

The results of magnet implantation in the upper and lower eyelids of 29 patients suffering from Keratopathia due to lagophthalmos due to facial palsy as well as the surgical techniques involved are described. Contrary to a lateral tarsorrhaphy - still popular today - this method does not alter the form or the size of the palpebral fissure nor does it hinder the visual field. It is technically simple to perform and easily reversible should nerve function recover. The subjective results were also good.