Small G-protein RhoE is underexpressed in prostate cancer and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis

BACKGROUND: RhoE/Rnd3, a recently described novel member of the Rho GTPases family, was discussed as a possible antagonist of the RhoA protein that stimulates cell cycle progression and is overexpressed and/or overactivated in prostate cancer. We investigated the expression of RhoE and its role in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis in the human prostate. METHODS: RhoE expression in cell lines and tissue specimens was assessed by immunoblot analysis, real-time PCR (RT-PCR), and immunohistochemistry. To elucidate RhoE effects on the prostate, RhoE was cloned and overexpressed in DU-145 prostate cancer. Cell cycle modulation and apoptosis was investigated by immunoblot and FACS analysis. RESULTS: Immunoblot analysis showed a strong RhoE signal in both, benign epithelial and stromal cells. In contrast, almost no protein was detected in various prostate cancer cells. On RT-PCR and microarray analysis, RhoE mRNA expression was significantly reduced in malignant tissue when compared to benign samples. RhoE immunostaining was strong in benign tissue, especially in prostate epithelial cells, whereas it was minimal or absent in malignant tissue. Forced RhoE overexpression in a prostate cancer cell line inhibits the expression of two proteins essential for G2/M transition, namely CDC2 and cyclin B1, and induces G2/M arrest. In addition, apoptotic cell death as measured by a cleavage product of caspase 3 is significantly increased in RhoE-overexpressing cells. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our findings suggest RhoE as a tumor suppressor gene that is downregulated early in the development of prostate cancer.     

n-3多不饱和脂肪酸对人结肠癌细胞增殖与凋亡的影响

目的探讨n-3多不饱和脂肪酸（n-3PUFA）对人结肠癌细胞HT．29的作用及其机制。方法应用MTT比色法、细胞的形态学观察（Hochest33258染色）、DNA凝胶电泳、流式细胞技术检测二十二碳六烯酸（DHA）对HT．29增殖和凋亡的影响：气相色谱分析的方法检测DHA对HT-29细胞n-3PUFA和n．6PUFA含量及n-6／n-3PUFA比例的影响。结果DHA在体外对HT．29有明显的增殖抑制作用,10、20、40和80mg儿DHA作用24h时的细胞增殖抑制率分别为16．8％、24．7％、50．0％和60．1％。40mg／LDHA作用24、48和72h的细胞增殖抑制率分别为50．0％、69．9％和77．0％：呈现明显的剂量和时间效应关系。荧光染色可观察到细胞核染色质浓集,核浓缩核碎裂．并出现典型的凋亡小体：DNA凝胶电泳呈现特征性的梯形条带（DNALadder）：流式细胞仪检测显示经DHA处理后HT-29DNA合成前期（G,期）细胞比例较对照组增加（72．1％比51．3％）,DNA合成期（S期）细胞比例明显减少（19．9％比38．9％）,细胞呈现明显的G,期阻滞;气相色谱分析显示．DHA可以降低HT-29细胞内n-6PUFA而提高n-3PUFA含量,降低n-6／n-3PUFA比率。结论n-3PUFA通过抑制细胞增殖和诱导细胞凋亡来阻遏结肠癌细胞的生长．这种作用的机制可能为降低了细胞的n-6／n-3PUFA的比例。     

膳食摄入n-3脂肪酸与结直肠癌发生风险的Meta分析

目的探讨n-3脂肪酸的膳食摄入量与结直肠癌发生风险的关系。 方法计算机检索PubMed、EMBASE、CNKI数据库和Cochrane图书馆已发表的相关研究文献。由2名评价者独立筛选文章、提取数据及评价纳入研究的质量,采用STATA11.0软件完成Meta分析。 结果最终共纳入7项病例对照研究和4项前瞻性队列研究,共253 479名研究对象。n-3脂肪酸膳食摄入最高量部分的人群相比摄入最低量部分的人群发生结直肠癌的风险是0.88（95% CI：0.68~1.13;P = 0.316,4分类,6项研究）和1.03（95% CI：0.92~1.16;P = 0.606,5分类,5项研究）。 结论n-3脂肪酸的摄入量与结直肠癌的发生没有显著相关性,膳食摄入n-3脂肪酸与结直肠癌的发生风险之间的关系尚需进一步研究证实。     

Induction of mitotic arrest and apoptosis in human prostate cancer pc-3 cells by evodiamine

PURPOSE: Although evodiamine, an alkaloid isolated from Evodiae fructus, has been reported to exert anticancer activities, to our knowledge its target and mechanism of action have not yet been explored. We examined the anticancer activities and action mechanism of evodiamine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human prostate cancer PC-3 cells were used in this study. The cytotoxic effect and cell growth inhibition were examined using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and sulforhodamine B assay, respectively. The apoptotic effect was determined using TUNEL assay and the progression of cells through the cell cycle and cell apoptosis were examined by FACScan flow cytometry (Becton Dickinson, Sunnyvale, California). In situ mitotic spindle detection and in vitro tubulin polymerization assay were performed by immunofluorescence staining for beta-tubulin and CytoDYNAMIX ScreenTM3 (CDS-03) kits (Cytoskeleton, Denver, Colorado). RESULTS: It was found that treatment of PC-3 cells with evodiamine decreased the cell number in a concentration and time dependent manner, and effectively inhibited PC-3 cell growth via the induction of cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and subsequent apoptosis. In an in situ assay we found that evodiamine inhibited microtubule spindle formation. In a cell-free assay system of tubulin polymerization evodiamine inhibited the polymerization of microtubules in a concentration dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that evodiamine shows anticancer activity through inhibition of tubulin polymerization. This antitubulin activity might make evodiamine a potential anticancer drug.     

胰腺癌中bcl-2的表达与细胞凋亡及癌基因c-myc表达的关系

目的：探讨人胰腺癌中bcl-2的变化情况与细胞凋亡及c-myc表达的关系。方法：采用免疫组织化学（SP法）和分子原位杂交法检测bcl-2及c-myc在胰腺癌病人癌组织（50例）和胰腺癌转移灶组织（15例）中的表达。采用TUNEL法检测细胞凋亡。结果：细胞凋亡的变化规律与胰腺癌的发生发展和临床病理特征有着内在联系。在mRNA和蛋白水平上bcl-2基因和c-myc基因分布一致。bcl-2蛋白的表达影响胰腺癌中细胞凋亡,并与c-myc蛋白在胰腺癌和胰腺癌转移灶组中的表达协同关系。结论：bcl-2和c-myc基因在胰腺癌发生和发展过程中发挥着重要作用。     

Dietary omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids induce plasminogen activator activity and DNA damage in rabbit spermatozoa

The aim of this study was to determine the effect(s) of dietary omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω‐3 PUFA) on rabbit semen. Adult rabbit bucks were assigned to two groups that were given two diets, a standard diet (control) and a diet supplemented with ω‐3 PUFA. Sperm samples were collected from all bucks with the use of an artificial vagina in 20‐day intervals, for a total period of 120 days. The enrichment of membranes in ω‐3 PUFA was manifested by the elevation of the 22:5 ω‐3 (docosapentaenoic acid [DPA]) levels within 40 days. This increase in DPA content did not affect semen characteristics (i.e., concentration, motility and viability). However, it was associated with the induction of lipid peroxidation in spermatozoa, as determined on the basis of the malondialdehyde content. Lipid peroxidation was associated with DNA fragmentation in ω‐3 PUFA‐enriched spermatozoa and a concomitant increase in plasminogen activator (PA) activity. The effects of ω‐3 PUFA on sperm cells were evident within 40 days of ω‐3 PUFA dietary intake and exhibited peack values on day 120. Our findings suggest that an ω‐3 PUFA‐rich diet may not affect semen characteristics; however, it may have a negative impact on the oxidative status and DNA integrity of the spermatozoa, which was associated with an induction of PAs activity.     

Antitumor activity and downregulation of pro-angiogenic molecules in human prostate cancer cells by a novel thiazolidione compound

BACKGROUND: Current treatments for prostate cancer are effective in many patients with locally advanced disease, but many of these patients eventually have recurrence. It is therefore important to develop alternative therapeutic agents with improved efficacy and tolerability. We recently identified a synthetic thiazolidin compound, 5-(2,4-dihydroxybenzylidene)-2-(phenylimino)-1,3-thiazolidione (DBPT), that induces apoptosis in human colon cancer cells, independent of p53 and P-glycoprotein status. Here, we investigated the antitumor properties and mechanisms of action of this compound in human prostate cancer cell lines. METHODS: The effect of DBPT on cell-cycle progression and apoptosis in LNCaP and DU145 cells was examined by flow cytometry and Western blotting. The effect of DBPT on pro-angiogenic molecules was analyzed by Western blotting and by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: DBPT inhibited the growth of LNCaP and DU145 cells with 50% inhibitory concentrations ranging from 1.6 to 5.9 microM. Treating LNCaP and DU145 cells with DBPT led to a time-dependent cell-cycle arrest in the G(2)/M phase and increased levels of G(2)/M checkpoint proteins, such as cyclin B1, cdc25C, phosphorylated histone H(3), and MPM-2. DBPT induced the phosphorylation of Bcl-xL and Bim, and induced apoptosis, as evidenced by cleavage of caspase and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. DBPT also effectively induced apoptosis in Bcl-2-overexpressing DU145 cells. Furthermore, DBPT decreased hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in LNCaP cells under both normoxia and hypoxia. CONCLUSIONS: DBPT can suppress proliferation, induce apoptosis, and down regulate pro-angiogenic molecules in prostate cancer cells, and might be useful in treating prostate cancer.     

Protective effects of fish omega‐3 fatty acids on doxorubicin‐induced testicular apoptosis and oxidative damage in rats

The aim of this study was to examine the protective effects of fish omega‐3 (n‐3) fatty acids on acute doxorubicin (DOX)‐induced testicular apoptosis and oxidative damage. 24 male rats were divided into three groups: control, DOX‐treated and DOX+fish n‐3 fatty acids. Fish n‐3 fatty acids (400 mg kg^?1) were given for 30 days by intragastric gavage. The rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of DOX (30 mg kg^?1) and were sacrificed after 48 h. The DOX+fish n‐3 fatty acids group showed a decrease in malondialdehyde levels and increased activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in comparison with the DOX‐treated group. Acute DOX treatment caused severe damage such as disorganisation and separation of germ cells. The fish n‐3 fatty acids‐pretreated rats showed an improved histological appearance in the DOX‐treated group. Our data indicate a reduction in the activity of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labelling; there was a rise in the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in testis tissues of the DOX+fish n‐3 fatty acids group compared with DOX‐treated group. These data suggested that fish n‐3 fatty acids pre‐treatment may be beneficial for spermatogenesis following acute DOX‐induced testicular damage by decreasing germ cell apoptosis and oxidative stress.     

Selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor rofecoxib (vioxx) induces expression of cell cycle arrest genes and slows tumor growth in human pancreatic cancer

Recent studies indicate that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is overexpressed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and may play a critical role in this rapidly progressing form of cancer. A human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line, Mia PaCa-2, was incubated for 18 hours with 5μ mol/L of rofecoxib (Vioxx), a selective COX-2 inhibitor. Total RNA was isolated and gene expression analyzed by DNA microarray chips. In a separate experiment, athymic mice were orthotopically injected with 7.5 x 10⁵ Mia PaCa-2 cells through a minilaparotomy. After 1 month, laparotomy was repeated to measure tumor size, and mice were randomized to receive reformulated rodent chow containing either 12.5 mg/kg/day of rofecoxib or no drug for 21 days. Tumor growth was assessed by comparing volume before and after treatment. In vitro, rofecoxib decreased gene expression of cyclin D1/PRAD1, a key component of cell cycle progression, while increasing expression of several cell cycle arrest genes, including p21/WAF1, p33/ING, GADD34, and GADD45 (Pμ0.05). In vivo, tumor growth was significantly reduced in treated vs. control mice (Pμ0.05). No systemic toxicity was observed in mice receiving rofecoxib. These data suggest that rofecoxib slows the growth of human pancreatic cancer through changes in gene expression that favor cell cycle arrest. Presented at the Forty-Third Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, San Francisco, California, May 19–22, 2002 (oral presentation).     

Bcl 2和Caspase 3调控他莫昔芬诱导的ER阴性乳腺癌细胞凋亡

目的研究Bcl-2和Caspase-3在他莫昔芬（TAM）诱导ER阴性乳腺癌细胞凋亡中的调控作用。方法在体外培养条件下，用浓度为10μmol／L的TAM作用于雌激素受体（ER）阴性的MDA-MB-231人乳腺癌细胞株12，24，36，48，60h；流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡率及Bcl-2和Bax的蛋白表达，荧光分光光度仪检测Caspase-3活性，以及加入Caspase-3活性抑制剂Ac—DEVD—CHO后凋亡百分率的变化。结果TAM作用ER阴性乳腺癌细胞后，Bcl-2表达下调，Caspase-3活性增强，细胞凋亡率增加．且有时间依赖性，细胞凋亡在48h达高峰。Bcl-2表达水平与Caspase-3活性变化成负相关（r=-0．921，P〈0．05），但Bax蛋白在药物处理前后无明显变化。加入Ac—DEVD—CHO后，能阻断Caspase-3活化而抑制TAM诱导细胞凋亡。结论TAM通过下调Bcl-2表达而经线粒体途径诱导ER阴性乳腺癌细胞凋亡，Caspase-3的激活在此过程中发挥重要作用。     

BNIP3在胰腺癌中的表达及其与术后吉西他滨化疗敏感性的关系

目的 探究胰腺癌Bcl-2/腺病毒E1B-19k相关蛋白3(Bcl-2/E1B-19k-interacting protein 3,BNIP3)的蛋白表达水平及其与术后吉西他滨化疗敏感性的关系。方法 回顾性分析2016年7月至2021年8月内蒙古医科大学附属医院58例胰腺癌根治术,并在术后规律应用吉西他滨辅助化疗或以吉西他滨为主的联合化疗患者的临床资料,选取胰腺癌术后组织切片,对其进行BNIP3免疫组织化学检测,通过实验染色强度及范围进行评分,并分析其与胰腺癌患者预后的关系。结果 与BNIP3低表达组比较,BNIP3高表达组的总生存时间(OS)[13(95%CI 11.378～14.622)个月 vs 18(95%CI 16.592～19.408)个月]和无病生存时间(DFS)[7(95%CI 4.082～9.938)个月 vs 14(95%CI 12.936～15.064)个月]均降低(P<0.05)。BNIP3的蛋白表达水平及淋巴转移情况是OS的独立预后因素,而BNIP3的蛋白表达水平及分化程度是DFS的独立预后因素。结论 胰腺癌组织中BNIP3的蛋白表达水平可能与应用吉西他...     

Prognostic significance of platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor/thymidine phosphorylase expression in stage pT1 G3 bladder cancer

BACKGROUND: The management of patients with pT1 G3 bladder cancer remains controversial because of the high incidence of recurrence with muscle invasion. Thymidine phosphorylase (dThdPase) is identical to platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF) and has angiogenic activity. The aim of this study was to determine whether the expression of PD-ECGF/dThdPase in bladder cancer tissue was associated with tumor progression and recurrence in patients with pT1 G3 bladder cancer. METHODS: Fifteen patients who were pathologically diagnosed as having pT1 G3 transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder were treated with transurethral resection. Sections of paraffin-embedded bladder tissue were immunohistochemically stained with either mAb654-1, a monoclonal antibody against human PD-ECGF or anti-CD34 monoclonal antibody, respectively. When more than 10% of tumor cells were positively stained with mAb654-1, this section was defined as positive in this study. RESULTS: Eight of 15 sections from patients with pT1 G3 bladder cancer (53%) were positive with PD-ECGF/dThdPase. During follow up, patients in the negative group had no disease progression and only two patients had local recurrence. In contrast, seven of eight positives had recurrence (P < 0.05) and progression was also observed in four recurrent patients. However, there was no statistical relationship between PD-ECGF and CD34 expression in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: The expression of PD-ECGF/dThdPase appears to be an important prognostic factor of pT1 G3 bladder cancer and did not show any significant relationship between PD-ECGF/dThdPase expression and vascular density.     

Synergy is achieved by complementation with Apo2L/TRAIL and actinomycin D in Apo2L/TRAIL-mediated apoptosis of prostate cancer cells: role of XIAP in resistance

BACKGROUND: Tumors have an inherent immunogenicity that can be exploited by immunotherapy. However, often tumors develop mechanisms that render them resistant to most immunologic cytotoxic effector mechanisms. This study examines the underlying mechanism of resistance to Apo2L/TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand)-mediated apoptosis. METHODS: We studied prostate tumor cell lines for their sensitivity to Apo2L/TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in the presence and absence of the sensitizing agent actinomycin D (Act D). Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and signaling for apoptosis by Western blot. RESULTS: Treatment with subtoxic concentrations of Act D significantly sensitizes the tumor cells (CL-1, DU-145, and PC-3 prostate tumor cells) to Apo2L/TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. The cytotoxicity of Act D-sensitized prostate tumor cells was a result of synergistic activation of caspases (caspase-3, -9, and -8), detectable after 6 hr of treatment. Treatment with Apo2L/TRAIL alone, although it was insufficient to induce apoptosis, resulted in the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm in the absence of significant caspases activation. These findings suggested that a major apoptosis resistance factor blocking the Apo2L/TRAIL apoptotic signaling events is present downstream of the mitochondrial activation. The expression of receptors and anti-apoptotic proteins were examined in Act D-sensitized CL-1 cells. The earliest and the most pronounced change induced by Act D was down-regulation of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) and up-regulation of Bcl-xL/-xS proteins. The role of XIAP in resistance was demonstrated by overexpression of Smac/DIABLO, which inhibited inhibitors of apoptosis (IAPs) and sensitized the cells to Apo2L/TRAIL. Apo2L/TRAIL receptors (DR4, DR5, DcR1, and DcR2), c-FLIP, Bcl-2, and other IAP members (c-IAP1 and c-IAP2) were marginally affected at later times in the cells sensitized by Act D. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the combination of Act D-induced down-regulation of XIAP (Signal I) and Apo2L/TRAIL-induced release of cytochrome c (Signal II) leads to the reversal of resistance to Apo2L/TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in the tumor cells. The sensitization of tumor cells to Apo2L/TRAIL by Act D is of potential clinical application in the immunotherapy of drug/Apo2L/TRAIL refractory tumors.     

3,3'-diindolylmethane and paclitaxel act synergistically to promote apoptosis in HER2/Neu human breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND: HER2/neu positive breast tumors are difficult to treat. About 25 to 30% of invasive breast tumors overexpress the HER2/neu oncogene. These tumors are aggressive and become resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs. 3'3'-diindolylmethane (DIM), the active metabolite of indole-3-carbinol, a naturally occurring compound found in cruciferous vegetables, has been found to have anti-cancer properties in both humans and animals. DIM has been shown to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in animal breast cancer models. Because HER2/neu overexpression confers resistance to paclitaxel, and DIM has anti-tumor effects, we hypothesized that DIM will enhance the cytotoxic effects of paclitaxel, a common taxane drug, on human Her2/neu breast cancer cells by potentiating its effect on cell cycle and stimulating apoptosis. METHODS: The MDA-MB-435eB1 human Her2/neu breast cancer cells were treated with varying concentrations of DIM and paclitaxel. The cells were analyzed at different time points (24, 48, and 72 h). Proliferation was measured by a commercial cell proliferation assay (Promega Procheck Assay). Cell-cycle analysis and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was performed on to determine the effect of DIM and/or paclitaxel on the proteins involved in apoptosis, and epidermal growth factor-induced activation of HER2/neu and ERK1/2 signaling proteins. RESULTS: Both DIM and paclitaxel exhibited time and concentration dependent inhibition of cell proliferation. TUNEL assay indicated that the combination also increased the number of apoptotic cells more than either agent alone. The presence of cleaved poly (ADP-Ribose) polymerase (PARP) significantly increased in the combination treatment, whereas Bcl-2 is decreased. DIM alone decreased the activation of the Her2/neu receptor; the combination decreased the activation of ERK1/ERK2. CONCLUSIONS: DIM in combination with paclitaxel synergistically inhibits growth of Her2/neu human breast cancer cells through G2M phase cell-cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis/necrosis. The Her2/neu receptor and its downstream signaling protein ERK1/2 appear to be involved in DIM's affect on cell growth and differentiation, whereas apoptosis appears to be mediated through the mitochondrial pathway (Bcl-2/PARP). It appears DIM, a naturally occurring, nontoxic compound, may be a beneficial addition to a traditional (taxane-based) chemotherapy regimen.     

神经节甘脂预处理对布比卡因诱导N2a神经细胞凋亡后caspase-3表达的影响

目的探讨神经节甘脂(gangliosides,GM-1)预处理对布比卡因诱导的N2a神经细胞凋亡后caspase-3表达的影响。方法采用小鼠神经母细胞瘤细胞N2a细胞,进行实验一:将对数生长期N2a细胞随机分为:对照组(C组),N2a细胞不进行任何干预;布比卡因组,N2a神经细胞与不同浓度布比卡因600μmol/L(B1组)、900μmol/L(B2组)、1 200μmol/L(B3组)、1 500μmol/L(B4组)、2 000μmol/L(B5组)分别培养6、12、24和36h,以CCK-8法评价N2a神经细胞存活率,每组实验重复3次,观察布比卡因对N2a神经细胞最低有效损伤浓度和时间,结束后行实验二。实验二:将N2a神经细胞分为:对照组(A组),无布比卡因损伤及GM-1预处理;布比卡因组(B组),在布比卡因最低有效损伤浓度和时间前24h,不进行GM-1预处理;不同浓度的GM-1预保护组,在布比卡因最低有效损伤浓度和时间前24h,培养液加入不同浓度GM-1 0.1μmol/L(BG1组)、1.0μmol/L(BG2组)、10μmol/L(BG3组)进行预处理,以CCK-8法评价N2a细胞存活率,每组实验重复3次。以Western Blot法检测损伤细胞caspase-3的表达,每组实验重复3次,并进行N2a神经细胞形态学观察。结果实验一:选择布比卡因诱导致N2a神经细胞损伤的最低有效浓度900μmol/L和培养时间为12h。实验二:B组caspase-3蛋白表达明显高于A、BG1、BG2和BG3组,A组和BG3组caspase-3蛋白表达明显低于BG1和BG2组(P0.05)。结论布比卡因对N2a细胞有损伤作用,呈剂量和时间双重正性相关,而经GM-1预处理可显著下调布比卡因所致的神经细胞凋亡时caspase-3的表达。     

Coordinate regulation of PSP/reg and PAP isoforms as a family of secretory stress proteins in an animal model of chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: PSP/reg and PAP are secretory stress proteins (SSP) and may be part of a protective mechanism. They share structural homologies and form insoluble fibrils after tryptic activation. To further explore the regulation of these proteins, we investigated the male WBN/Kob rat, a model of pancreatic inflammatory and fibrotic disease similar to chronic pancreatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Expression of PSP/reg and PAP I, II and III in the WBN/Kob rat pancreas was evaluated on the mRNA and protein level, by immunohistochemistry and by highly sensitive isoform specific ELISAs. RESULTS: The SSPs are constitutively secreted, PAP in nanomolar, PSP/reg in micromolar concentrations. Before conventional morphological changes are detectable in the WBN/Kob rat, focally increased expression of secretory stress protein is visible. SSP levels in pancreatic juice of WBN/Kob rats reach peak values 10- to 50-fold higher than in Wistar control rats. The highest expression was localized to acini with inflammatory infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: There is a tight spatial and temporal association between pre-inflammatory changes or inflammation and SSP-expression. These results support our concept that PSP/reg and PAP are coordinately regulated SSP.