Localization and characterization of epidermal growth-factor receptors in the developing rat medial septal area in culture

The presence and binding properties of epidermal growth-factor receptors (EGF-Rs) in different cell types purified from the rat medial septal area in culture were investigated. We report that astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and neurons from this area possess EGF-Rs while microglia do not. EGF-binding sites are detectable on astrocytes derived from the medial septum of both embryonic and neonatal rats. Scatchard analysis of the data for astrocytes from the fetal rats show that EGF specifically binds to both high- (K_d = 7.21 × 10⁻¹⁰ M, B_max = 3602 receptors/cell) and low-affinity (K_d = 3.99 × 10⁻⁸ 10⁻⁸ M, B_max = 6,265 receptors/cell) receptors on these cells. On the other hand, astrocytes purified from neonatal tissue possess a greater number of high-affinity receptors (B_max = 10,938 receptors/cell) when compared with the embryonic astroglia. With time in culture, the number of both types of receptors on neonatal astrocytes decreases. Oligodendrocytes also possess high- and low-affinity EGF-Rs with dissociation constants of 3.25 × 10⁻¹⁰ M and 3.85 × 10⁻⁸ M, respectively. The number of receptors on oligodendrocytes is significantly lower than those on neonatal astrocytes (B_max = 1185 and 25,081 receptors/cell for high- and low-affinity binding sites, respectively). Finally, neurons from this area also exhibit two different EGF-R types with dissociation constants similar to those described for astrocytes. As the number of receptors/neuron (B_max = 136 and 1159 receptors/cell for high- and low-affinity binding sites, respectively) appears to be extremely low, it is possible that EGF specifically binds only to a subpopulation of neurons from this area. These studies demonstrate which cell types in the developing medial sepal area posses EGF-Rs and provide a detailed characterization of these binding sites. These EGF-R-bearing cells may be potential targets for this growth factor or for transforming growth factor α in this brain area.     

Kynurenine aminotransferase activity in human liver: identity with human hepatic C-S lyase activity and a physiological role for this enzyme

The C-S lyase enzymes are responsible for the generation of mutagenic and cytotoxic metabolites via aberrant drug-metabolising pathways in mammalian tissues. We have examined human hepatic cytosolic, mitochondrial and microsomal fractions for evidence of C-S lyase activity. The cytosolic enzyme was purified using fast protein liquid chromatography over FFQ Sepharose, Mono P and Superose 12. An homogeneous protein (monitored by SDS-PAGE) was obtained following purification, and an 11-fold increase in C-S lyase specific activity was observed. The molecular weight of the enzyme was found to be 37 kDa in denaturing conditions, 82.3 kDa in non-denaturing conditions, and the C-S lyase activity was shown to co-purify with kynurenine aminotransferase activity when the transaminase activity of the enzyme was examined with kynurenine as the substrate.     

Dopamine transporter density is decreased in parkinsonian patients with a history of manganese exposure: What does it mean?

Manganese (Mn) exposure can cause parkinsonism. Pathological changes occur mostly in the pallidum and striatum. Two patients with a long history of occupational Mn exposure presented with Mn-induced parkinsonism. In one patient, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed findings consistent with Mn exposure, and Mn concentration was increased in the blood and urine. However, this patient's clinical features were typical of idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD). Previous pathological and positron emission tomography studies indicate that striatal dopamine transporter density is normal in Mn-induced parkinsonism, whereas it is decreased in PD. Therefore, we performed [(123)I]-(1r)-2 beta-carboxymethoxy-3beta-(4-iodophenyl)tropane ([(123)I]-beta-CIT) single-photon emission computed tomography. Severe reduction of striatal beta-CIT binding was indicated, which is consistent with PD. We propose three interpretations: (1) the patients have PD, and Mn exposure is incidental; (2) Mn induces selective degeneration of presynaptic dopaminergic nerve terminals, thereby causing parkinsonism; or (3) Mn exposure acts as a risk of PD in these patients. Our results and careful review of previous studies indicate that the axiom that Mn causes parkinsonism by pallidal lesion may be over-simplified; Mn exposure and parkinsonism may be more complex than previously thought. Further studies are required to elucidate the relationship between Mn and various forms of parkinsonism.     

T Cell Receptor Vβ Repertoires of Angioimmunoblastic Lymphadenopathy-like T Cell Lymphoma

To elucidate the pathogenesis of angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy-like T cell lymphoma (AILD-T) we investigated the T cell receptor Vβ gene repertoires of four AILD-Ts and compared them with those of other histological types of lymphomas and three cases with reactive disorders. All lymphoma patients had rearrangement bands detected by Southern blot analysis. Only 1 of the 4 cases of AILD-T showed a single predominant usage of Vβ 20 gene by PCR with 20 different Vβ specific primers and the others had repertoires somewhat restricted but similar to reactive lesions. Subsequent sequencing of this PCR product revealed that only 2 of 7 clones were identical. These results suggest the monoclonal malignant cells in AILD-T are scant and that the infiltrating T cells show a reactive pattern. In the only AILD-T case with a single dominant Vβ usage, the relationships of this repertoire and lymphoma cells seems to be of some consequence.     

Circling behavior in honey bees

Unilateral microinjections of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), acetylcholine (ACh) and related substances into central parts of the brain of the honey bee elicit a quantifiable circling behavior. GABA (40 nl, 10(-2) M, muscimol (40 nl, 10(-4) M) and flaxedil (10(-3) M, 40 nl) induce contralateral circling whilst ACh (40 nl, 10(-2) M), nicotine (40 nl, 10(-4) M) and picrotoxin (40 nl, 10(-3) M) induce ipsilateral circling if injected in the proximity of the alpha-lobe (50-100 microns) of the of the mushroom body. Mechanical lesions of the pedunculus induce ipsilateral circling. This can be reversed by ipsilateral injections of GABA and flaxedil. Intracellular recordings demonstrate a hyperpolarizing effect of GABA and a depolarising effect of ACh on individual neurons in this region. These results suggest that circling behavior in the bee is controlled by the balance of GABA in the alpha-lobes and mediated by acetylcholinergic neurons.     

细胞色素b在早产新生大鼠高氧肺损伤肺组织中的表达和意义

目的探讨细胞色素b（cytochrome b，Cytb）与高氧肺损伤发生、发展的关系。方法早产新生SD（Sprague-Dawley）大鼠生后1d随机分为空气组、高氧组，高氧组持续暴露于常压氧舱中，氧浓度〉85％；空气组置于同一室常压空气中。两组分别于高氧或空气暴露后1、4、7、10和14d时提取肺组织RNA，采用半定量逆转录聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）测定CytbmRNA表达；同时应用免疫组化方法检测肺组织切片中Cytb蛋白表达；应用Western-blot检测高氧肺损伤肺组织中Cytb蛋白水平的表达变化。结果与空气组相比，高氧暴露1d、4d CytbmRNA含量及其表达显著增强（P〈0．05）；7d后Cytb呈下降趋势，其表达较空气组减弱，但两者相比差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。高氧暴露后，随日龄变化肺组织Cytb免化结果与CytbmRNA表达相似；与空气组相比，高氧暴露1d、4d肺组织Cytb表达显著增强（P〈0．05）；7d后Cytb呈逐渐下降趋势，其表达较空气组减弱，但7、10d两组相比差异无统计学意义，14d极显著减弱（P〈0．01）。Western-blot实验结果：与空气组相比，高氧暴露1d、4dCytb蛋白水平表达增强但两组相比差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）；7d后Cytb呈下降趋势，其表达较空气组减弱，但7、10d两组相比差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05），而14d显著减弱（P〈0．05）。结论85％高浓度氧暴露诱导早产新生大鼠线粒体编码的Cytb异常表达，这种变化可能参与高氧肺损伤的发生。     

SLE小鼠高IgG血症Fcgr2b基因序列分析

目的: 测定系统性红斑狼疮(SLE)小鼠模型-NZB/WF1双亲NZB,NZW小鼠 Fcgr2b基因启动子区核酸序列,明确Fcgr2b基因启动子区的突变性质.方法:扩增NZB,NZW小鼠Fcgr2b基因启动子DNA进行核酸序列分析.采用ELISA法测定、比较(NZB×NZW )F1×NZW回交小鼠Fcgr2b基因B/W型与W/W型组间血清总IgG 水平.结果:NZB小鼠Fcgr2b基因启动子区与正常鼠Balb/C相比存在2个部位碱基缺失,分别为13 bp及3 bp.NZW小鼠除有3个碱基置换外,与Balb/C鼠该基因启动子区序列相同.回交小鼠Fcgr2b基因B/W型组血清总 IgG水平明显高于W/W型组(P<0.0001).结论:NZB小鼠Fcgr2b基因启动子区存在碱基缺失,且该缺失突变可能与血清总IgG水平升高有关.     

Interferon-induced depressive illness in hep C patients responds to SSRI antidepressant treatments

This paper examines the role of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment of hepatitis-C virus (HCV) patients who have developed interferon-α induced depression. A 2-year data analysis of HCV psychiatric liaison clinic has been undertaken. The diagnosis, treatment, and progress of those patients who were treated with interferon-α (INF-α) are reported. 53 of the 78 patients enrolled at the HCV Clinic and treated with INF-α were referred for psychiatric consultation. Six patients developed major depressive illness following INF therapy. They were all treated with SSRIs and they made full recovery. This is a significant observation and is concordant with other studies. Its biochemical ramifications are presented. It is concluded that INF-induced depression is fully reversible. A hypothesis is proposed that SSRIs modulate the neuro-protective neurotoxic ratio by possibly inhibiting the indole-2,3-dioxygenase induction of the kynurenine pathway.     

IQ200全自动尿液分析仪与人工镜检法测定尿中红细胞的比较

目的比较IQ200全自动尿液分析仪与人工镜检法检测尿中红细胞的结果。方法用IQ200全自动尿液分析仪与人工镜检法对100份尿标本平行测定并观察草酸钙和霉菌孢子对尿中红细胞检测结果的影响。结果草酸钙和霉菌孢子可影响IQ200全自动尿液分析仪对尿中红细胞的测定结果。结论对IQ200全自动尿液分析仪检测出的高红细胞值,建议用人工镜检法确认,避免出现检测误差。