Overshoot phenomenon of oxygen uptake during recovery from maximal exercise in patients with previous myocardial infarction

The overshoot in oxygen uptake ([(V)\dot] \dot{\rm{V}} O₂ overshoot) during recovery from maximal exercise is thought to reflect an overshoot in cardiac output. We investigated whether this phenomenon is related to cardiopulmonary function during exercise in cardiac patients. A total of 201 consecutive patients with previous myocardial infarction underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX). An apparent [(V)\dot] \dot{\rm{V}} O₂ overshoot during the recovery from CPX (6.5 ± 8.1% increase relative to the peak [(V)\dot] \dot{\rm{V}} O₂) was observed in ten patients. A comparison of patients with the [(V)\dot] \dot{\rm{V}} O₂ overshoot to those without the [(V)\dot] \dot{\rm{V}} O₂ overshoot revealed that the former had a significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction (40.1 ± 19.1 vs. 55. 2 ± 14.9%, respectively, p = 0.002) and larger left ventricular diastolic and systolic dimensions. Patients with the [(V)\dot] \dot{\rm{V}} O₂ overshoot also had a significantly lower peak [(V)\dot] \dot{\rm{V}} O₂ (13.1 ± 6.1 vs. 18.1 ± 4.5 ml/min/kg, p < 0.001), lower Δ[(V)\dot] \dot{\rm{V}} O₂/ΔWR (work rate) (6.6 ± 3.8 vs. 9.5 ± 1.7 mL/min/W, p < 0.0001), and a higher [(V)\dot] \dot{\rm{V}} E (minute ventilation)/[(V)\dot] \dot{\rm{V}} CO₂ (carbon dioxide output) slope (45.0 ± 18.6 vs. 32.6 ± 6.6, p < 0.0001) than those without the overshoot. A [(V)\dot] \dot{\rm{V}} O₂ overshoot during recovery from maximal exercise was found in 5% of patients with previous myocardial infarction. This condition, which suggests a transient mismatch between cardiac contractility and afterload reduction, was found to be related to impaired cardiopulmonary function during exercise.     

Oligoclonality of T cells in salivary glands of autoimmune MRL/lpr mice.

The aim of this study was to obtain further information about exocrine glandular immunopathology and the potential of the MRL/lpr strain as a model of Sjögren's syndrome. Immunoenzyme staining (ABC technique) and monoclonal antibodies defining CD3 T-cell receptor (TcR) alpha beta, gamma delta and TcR V beta 2, V beta 4, V beta 6, V beta 7, V beta 8.1,2, V beta 10b and V beta 11 were used to identify the mononuclear cells (MNC) in salivary gland infiltrates and lymph nodes of 2- and 4-5-month-old female MRL/lpr mice. TcR alpha beta + cells dominated clearly over TcR gamma delta + cells in both salivary glands and lymph nodes. In addition, to be expressed on lymphocyte-like cells, TcR gamma delta + cells also had a dendritic appearance. The frequency pattern of TcR expression in early inflammation (2 months) was V beta 8.1, 2 > V beta 6 > V beta 4 > V beta 10b > V beta 2 > V beta 7 > V beta 11. Clear differences in frequencies could be found between salivary glands and lymph nodes in established sialadenitis (4-5 months). Particularly V beta 4, V beta 8.1,2 and V beta 10b showed expansion in salivary glands at > or = 4 months. In conclusion, this study shows a diverse repertoire of TcR at local sites of MNC infiltration in autoimmune MRL/lpr mice. However, with increasing age it also shows a preferential utilization of certain V beta gene products.     

MSCT后处理技术在左肺上叶肺段划分中的应用

目的：探讨左肺上叶肺段在CT图像上的划分。方法：利用Volume Wizard图像后处理工作站对160例成年男性肺部多层螺旋CT图像进行重建,分析左肺上叶肺段及亚段静脉的属支数目类型、配布特点,并依此探寻左肺上叶肺段在CT图像上的划分方法。结果：1.V1+2存在率约为71.2%,V2+3出现率约为28.8%;V4 和V5共干形成V4+5,占61.2%,38.8%的V4与V5单独汇入左肺上静脉。2.V1+2干、V1、V2外支、低位V2支、V2上支及V2尖支都可成为前段与尖后段的段间支;V3下部前支、中支、后支、前内支和前外支为上舌段与前段的段间支;V3尖支为前段与尖后段的段间支;V4和V4+5干为上、下舌段的段间支。结论：利用MSCT后处理技术,能够有效辨识肺段静脉及其属支的配布情况,该技术可为肺段的划分提供帮助。     

Duplication of the V3 domain in hepatitis C virus (1b) NS5A protein: Clonal analysis and physicochemical properties related to hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence

BackgroundHepatitis C virus non-structural protein 5A is known to play a role in development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via interactions with host cell pathways.ObjectivesHepatitis C virus genotype 1b strains presenting a wide insertion of 31 amino acids in the non-structural protein 5A V3 domain (V3 DI) were studied to determine whether this V3-like additional domain (V3 DII) was associated with HCC occurrence.Study designSeventy-four patients’ sera were screened for V3 DII presence regarding clinical status.ResultsThree strains with duplicated V3 were detected among patients with progression to HCC (n = 28), two strains among patients with liver cirrhosis (Ci, n = 27) and none among patients with chronic hepatitis (Chr, n = 19). Phylogenetic trees built from V3 DI and V3 DII sequences indicated that the latter clustered separately. In between-group clonal analysis, V3 DII sequences from the HCC group were found to be more distant from HCV-J than V3 DI sequences (p < 0.0001). Between-group comparisons showed significant differences in genetic distances from HCV-J, in HCC V3 DI and HCC V3 DII compared to Ci V3 DI and Ci V3 DII sequences (p < 0.0001). HCC V3 DII domain and its junction with V3 DI exhibited higher Shannon entropy values and enrichment in disorder-promoting residues.ConclusionsTaken together, our results suggest that V3 DII evolution may differ in strains associated with HCC occurrence. The presence of an intrinsically “disordered” V3 duplicate may alter the NS5A protein network. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the potential impact of V3 duplication in the context of carcinogenesis.     

Incomplete response to colchicine in M694V homozygote FMF patients

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that with prophylactic colchicine 65% of the patients suffering from Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) will show a complete response, 30% a partial response and about 5% will show minimum or no response. These studies were performed before the isolation of the disease gene. Genotyping enables us to study the response rates according to specific mutations. We have witnessed a large number of M694V homozygotes who do not respond well to colchicine despite being treated with maximal sustained doses.AimTo assess the response rates to colchicine in M694V homozygote FMF patients in comparison to other prevalent genotypes.MethodsWe conducted a telephonic survey which included 112 FMF patients: 40 M694V homozygotes, and 2 comparison groups of 41 M694V/V726A compound heterozygotes and 31 V726A homozygotes. The questionnaire included demographic, social and clinical features, colchicine dose, response rates and reported side effects.ResultsM694 homozygotes showed a more severe disease, and were treated with higher doses of colchicine (average dose 1.98 ± 0.56 compared to 1.47 ± 0.58, p = 0.0001 and 1.13 ± 0.41, p < 0.001 in the M694V/V726A compound heterozygotes and the V726A homozygotes, respectively); Colchicine related side effects were noted in 40% of the M694V homozygotes. The average rate of attacks in treated M694V homozygotes (0.70 ± 1.06) was higher compared to the two other groups (0.14 ± 0.26, p = 0.002 and 0.08 ± 0.20, p = 0.0009, respectively) and only 25% of them reported no attacks in the last year. None of the patients who took part in this study had amyloidosis. Side effects limiting the dose of colchicine were noted in 40% of the M694V homozygotes.ConclusionsDespite receiving higher doses of colchicine the prevalence of complete responders among M694V homozygotes is much lower than previously appreciated. The results highlight the need for additional treatment modalities for these patients.     

V2 protein encoded by Tomato yellow leaf curl China virus is an RNA silencing suppressor

The V2 protein of Tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNV) was identified as an RNA silencing suppressor by Agrobacterium-mediated co-infiltration. The V2 protein could inhibit local RNA silencing, systemic RNA silencing of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene and the spread of a systemic GFP RNA silencing signal. However, the V2 could not interfere with the cell-to-cell spread of RNA silencing. Subcellular localization assay indicated that the V2 protein was distributed in the cytoplasm of Nicotiana benthamiana cells, and accumulated in irregular cytoplasmic bodies. The V2 bound 21 nt and 24 nt small interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes and 24 nt single-stranded (ss)-siRNA but not 21 nt ss-siRNA in electrophoresis mobility shift assays. Expression of the V2 protein via the Potato virus X (PVX) vectors heterogenous system induced severe symptoms in N. benthamiana. In a yeast two-hybrid system, TYLCCNV V2 could interact with itself, but not with SlSGS3, which is known to been involved in RNA silencing pathway and to interact with a closely related Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) V2. These results indicate that TYLCCNV V2 is an RNA silencing suppressor, possibly through sequestering siRNA molecules.     

Development of glycopeptide-intermediate resistance by Staphylococcus aureus leads to attenuated infectivity in a rat model of endocarditis

Glycopeptide-intermediate resistant Staphylococcus aureus (GISA) are characterized by multiple changes in the cell wall and an altered expression of global virulence regulators. We investigated whether GISA are affected in their infectivity in a rat model of experimental endocarditis. The glycopeptide-susceptible, methicillin-resistant S. aureus M1V2 and its laboratory-derived GISA M1V16 were examined for their ability to (i) adhere to fibrinogen and fibronectin in vitro, (ii) persist in the bloodstream after intravenous inoculation, (iii) colonize aortic vegetations in rats, and (iv) compete for valve colonization by co-inoculation. Both GISA M1V16 and M1V2 adhered similarly to fibrinogen and fibronectin in vitro. In rats, GISA M1V16 was cleared faster from the blood (P < 0.05) and required 100-times more bacteria than parent M1V2 (10⁶ versus 10⁴ CFU) to infect 90% of vegetations. GISA M1V16 also had 100 to1000-times lower bacterial densities in vegetations. Moreover, after co-inoculation with GISA M1V16 and M1V2Rif, a rifampin-resistant variant of M1V2 to discriminate them in organ cultures, GISA M1V16 was outcompeted by the glycopeptide-susceptible counterpart. Thus, in rats with experimental endocarditis, GISA showed an attenuated virulence, likely due to a faster clearance from the blood and a reduced fitness in cardiac vegetations. The GISA phenotype appeared globally detrimental to infectivity.     

Cell behavior on a CCN1 functionalized elastin-mimetic protein polymer

We report the design of an elastin-mimetic triblock copolymer with the ability to guide endothelial cell adhesion, spreading, and migration while maintaining the elastomeric properties of the protein polymer. The V2 ligand sequence from matricellular protein CCN1 (cysteine-rich 61, CYR61) was multimerized and cloned into elastin polymer LysB10, creating LysB10.V2. Cell adhesion studies demonstrated that a LysB10.V2 surface density of at least 40 pmol/cm² was required to elicit cell attachment. Peptide blocking studies confirmed V2 specific engagement with integrin receptor α_vβ₃ (P < 0.05) and we observed the formation of actin stress fiber networks and vinculin clustering, characteristic of focal adhesion assembly. Haptotatic migration assays demonstrated the ability of LysB10.V2 surfaces to stimulate migration of endothelial cells (P < 0.05). Significantly, we illustrated the ability of LysB10.V2 to support a quiescent endothelium. The CCN1 molecule functions to support many key biological processes necessary for tissue repair and thus presents a promising target for bioengineering applications. Collectively, our results demonstrate the potential to harness CCN1 specific function in the design of new scaffold materials for applications in regenerative medicine.     

Effects of digital resolution on characterisation of cardiac late potentials

The effects of amplitude resolution in the signal-averaged ECG are studied in relation to the analysis of cardiac late potentials. The statistical properties of ECG signals from 22 patients after myocardial infarction were investigated in terms of amplitude distribution and noise level for the material. It was found that unbiased averaging could be achieved using a resolution greater than 10 μV. The noise levels of the bandpass-filtered individual X, Y and Z leads (range of 1–10 μV) and the vector magnitude were also investigated. Marked intra-lead differences in noise level were found, indicating that analysis based on individual leads is preferable. The effects of quantisation noise on the vector magnitude were negligible for amplitude resolutions below 5 μV. However, the additional noise contribution at 5 μV could be compensated by a moderate increase in acquisition time. The sensitivity to noise was considered when determining the endpoint of the filtered QRS complex using the vector magnitude.     

A single point mutation in HIV-1 V3 loop alters the immunogenic properties of rgp120

Summary.  The results of the study presented in this report show that clones of env derived from genetically divergent HIV-1 field isolates fall into two major subsets based on the predicted secondary structure of the V3 region in gp120. One subset exemplified by the clones A-UG06c, B-RT3.12 and C-UG045 is predicted to assume a β-turn conformation in the V3 loop and comprises the GPG residues. The other subset exemplified by the clones D-UG23c and D-UG042 (G) are deficient in the expression of the β-turn in the loop. Since secondary conformations are highly likely to confer antigenic properties in a protein backbone at least for B cells, we have used nucleic acid immunization to test the effect of the β-turn deficiency on the immunogenic potential of rgp120 encoded in these field isolates. As hypothesized, inoculation of BALB/c mice with the env plasmid encoding the β-turn expressing rgp120 molecules resulted in the development of a vigorous antibody response to the homologous V3 loop peptides. In contrast, immunization with an rgp120 clone deficient in the β-turn in the V3 loop showed no evidence of antibody development to the V3 loop. Instead, the latter clones triggered T cell proliferative responses and markedly increased the level of IL-2 and IFN-γ production by T cells. Significantly, reconstitution of the β-turn conformation by site-directed mutagenesis of a single V3 loop residue yielded rgp120 molecules which restored antibody production while diminishing the cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses to the V3 residue. These observations demonstrate the marked impact of a single amino acid substitution on the immunogenic properties of V3 region in gp120 encoded by divergent HIV-1 field isolates. Received January 31, 2000 Accepted May 3, 2000     

Development of glycopeptide-intermediate resistance by Staphylococcus aureus leads to attenuated infectivity in a rat model of endocarditis

Glycopeptide-intermediate resistant Staphylococcus aureus (GISA) are characterized by multiple changes in the cell wall and an altered expression of global virulence regulators. We investigated whether GISA are affected in their infectivity in a rat model of experimental endocarditis. The glycopeptide-susceptible, methicillin-resistant S. aureus M1V2 and its laboratory-derived GISA M1V16 were examined for their ability to (i) adhere to fibrinogen and fibronectin in vitro, (ii) persist in the bloodstream after intravenous inoculation, (iii) colonize aortic vegetations in rats, and (iv) compete for valve colonization by co-inoculation. Both GISA M1V16 and M1V2 adhered similarly to fibrinogen and fibronectin in vitro. In rats, GISA M1V16 was cleared faster from the blood (P < 0.05) and required 100-times more bacteria than parent M1V2 (10⁶ versus 10⁴ CFU) to infect 90% of vegetations. GISA M1V16 also had 100 to1000-times lower bacterial densities in vegetations. Moreover, after co-inoculation with GISA M1V16 and M1V2Rif, a rifampin-resistant variant of M1V2 to discriminate them in organ cultures, GISA M1V16 was outcompeted by the glycopeptide-susceptible counterpart. Thus, in rats with experimental endocarditis, GISA showed an attenuated virulence, likely due to a faster clearance from the blood and a reduced fitness in cardiac vegetations. The GISA phenotype appeared globally detrimental to infectivity.     

Impact of JAK2V617F Mutation Burden on Disease Phenotype in Chinese Patients with JAK2V617F-positive Polycythemia Vera (PV) and Essential thrombocythemia (ET)

Most patients with polycythemia vera (PV) and half of essential thrombocythemia (ET) possess an activating JAK2V617F mutation. The objective of this study was to better define the effect of JAK2V617F mutant allele burden on clinical phenotypes in Chinese patients, especially thrombosis. By real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the JAK2V617F mutation burden was detected in 170 JAK2V617F-positive patients, including 54 PV and 116 ET. The results showed that JAK2V617F allele burden was higher in PV than in ET (P< 0.001). Higher percentage of patients had JAK2V617F allele burden over 20% in PV than in ET (68.5% VS 26.7%) (P< 0.001). In PV patients, higher JAK2V617F allele burden was observed in female (P< 0.05) and leukocytosis patients (WBC above 10×10⁹/L) (P< 0.001). Meanwhile, ET patients showed increased JAK2V617F allele burden in the group with higher hemoglobin (HGB above 150g/L) (P< 0.05), leukocytosis (WBC above 10×10⁹/L) (P< 0.001), splenomegaly (P< 0.05) and thrombosis (P< 0.05). In conclusion, the JAK2V617F mutation allele burden is higher in Chinese patients with PV than ET. In PV patients, JAK2V617F mutation burden had influence on WBC counts. And the clinical characteristics of ET patients, such as WBC counts, hemoglobin level, splenomegaly and thrombosis, were influenced by JAK2V617F mutation burden. Male, high hemoglobin (HGB above 150g/L), and increased JAK2V617F mutation burden (JAK2V617F allele burden ≥16.5%) were risks of thrombosis (P< 0.05) for ET patients by Logistic Regression.     

Esophageal pressure as an estimate of average pleural pressure with lung or chest distortion in rats

Pressure–volume curves of the lungs and chest wall require knowledge of an effective ‘average’ pleural pressure (Ppl_av), and are usually estimated using esophageal pressure as Pl_es–V and Pw_es–V curves. Such estimates could be misleading when Ppl becomes spatially non-uniform with lung lavage or shape distortion of the chest. We therefore measured Pl_es–V and Pw_es–V curves in conditions causing spatial non-uniformity of Ppl in rats. Pl_es–V curves of normal lungs were unchanged by chest removal. Lung lavage depressed PL_es–V but not Pw_es–V curves to lower volumes, and chest removal after lavage increased volumes at PL ≥ 15 cmH₂O by relieving distortion of the mechanically heterogeneous lungs. Chest wall distortion by ribcage compression or abdominal distension depressed Pw_es–V curves and Pl_es–V curves of normal lungs only at Pl ≥ 3 cmH₂O. In conclusion, Pes reflects Ppl_av with normal and mechanically heterogeneous lungs. With chest wall distortion and dependent deformation of the normal lung, changes of Pl_es–V curves are qualitatively consistent with greater work of inflation.     

Peristaltic piezoelectric micropump system for biomedical applications

This study presents a peristaltic piezoelectric micropump system to transport deionized water and whole blood, and deliver phosphated buffered saline (PBS) into the vein of a rat, thus simulating insulin injections for diabetes. The proposed system comprises a micropump, a 12 V battery, an ATmega 8535 microprocessor, a 12–180 V DC-to-DC converter based on transformerless technology, three differential amplifiers, an IC 7805, a phase controller, an A/D converter, a keyboard and an LCD module. The system can generate step-function signals of the 3-, 4-, and 6-phase actuation sequences with voltages of up to 228 V_pp (± 114 V) and frequencies ranging from 10 Hz to 100 kHz, as the inputs for the pump. It is portable and programmable with a package size of 22 × 12.8 × 9 cm. Additionally, a protocol of the PEOU (N-(triethosilylpropyl)-O-polyethylene oxide urethane) coating is developed to form a self-assembly monolayer, thus increasing the hemocompatibility of the micropump, and keeping blood flowing smoothly through the micropump without blocking. This study performs the circuit testing and fluid pumping, and reveals the effects of actuation sequences and liquid on pump performance. The flow rates for pumping DI water and whole blood are 16.6–121.6 μl/min and 8.6–50.2 μl/min, respectively when the voltages are changed from 80 V_pp (± 40 V) to 140V_pp (± 70 V). And the maximum backpressures are 3.2 and 1.8 kPa for DI water and whole blood at 150 V_pp (± 75 V), respectively. The mean artery pressure (MAP) and heart rates of the rate are 63–69 mmHg and 266–279 beats/min, respectively, throughout the injection process, indicating an insignificant change in physiological reactions of rats.     

A single amino acid substitution in 126-kDa protein of <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Pepper mild mottle virus</Emphasis> associates with symptom attenuation in pepper; the complete nucleotide sequence of an attenuated strain,C-1421

Summary.  The complete nucleotide sequence of an attenuated Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV C-1421) RNA genome has been determined. There were two differences from the type isolate in Japan (PMMoV-J). The mutations were located in the middle of the 126-kDa protein (126 K) gene; one mutation influenced amino acid substitution at 649th Val to Ala (V649A), and the other was silent. The analyses using the reverse genetic system of PMMoV-J revealed that symptom attenuation on pepper related to V649A. Accumulations of 126 K and coat protein (CP) in V649A mutant-infected pepper were lower than those of PMMoV-J in immunoblotting. These results suggest that V649A substitution in 126 K affects the accumulation of 126 K leading to a limitation of CP accumulation. Received September 26, 2001 Accepted December 3, 2001     

Cognitive defense style and WISC-R P > V sign in juvenile recidivists

Investigated the relationship of WISC-R, P > V sign and cognitive defense style to juvenile recidivism. Sixty-eight male juvenile recidivists and 68 nonrecidivists were administered the WISC-R and Byrne's R-S scale as part of a standard diagnostic battery. Although recidivists were found to have significantly higher P > V differences than non-recidivists, presence of P > V sign did not distinguish recidivists from non-recidivists. While recidivists were found to be significantly more sensitizing than non-recidivists, R-S scores were not found to be related to magnitude of P > V sign. Two separate classes of behaviors were suggested as increasing the probability of recidivism.     

A combination of polymorphic mutations in V3 loop of HIV-1 gp120 can confer noncompetitive resistance to maraviroc

Maraviroc binds to the pocket of extracellular loops of the cell surface CCR5 and prevents R5 HIV-1 from using CCR5 as a coreceptor for entry into CD4-positive cells. To evaluate the contribution of the V3 loop structure in gp120 to maraviroc resistance, we isolated maraviroc-resistant variants from the V3 loop library virus (HIV-1_V3Lib) containing a set of random combinations of 0-10 polymorphic mutations in vitro. HIV-1_V3Lib at passage 17 could not be suppressed even at 10 μM (> 1400-fold resistance), while HIV-1_JR-FL at passage 17 revealed an 8-fold resistance to maraviroc. HIV-1_V3Lib-P17 contained T199K and T275M plus 5 mutations in the V3 loop, I304V/F312W/T314A/E317D/I318V. The profile of pseudotyped virus containing I304V/F312W/T314A/E317D/I318V in V3 loop alone revealed a typical noncompetitive resistance, although T199K and/or T275M could not confer noncompetitive resistance. This type of library virus is useful for isolation of escape viruses from effective entry inhibitors.     

Impact de la diversité génétique des erythrovirus humains sur la sécurité infectieuse des médicaments dérivés du sang

The B19 Parvovirus (B19V) has for a long time been considered as the unique human virus belonging to the genus Erythrovirus. The genetic diversity of B19V isolates has been shown to be very low. The isolation of a variant (V9 strain), with a sequence markedly distinct from that of B19V which led to attributing this classification to this family of viruses. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences of V9-related isolates indicates an organization into three well-individualized genotypes. The B19V infection can be transmitted by transfusion. In immunocompetent recipients, B19V exposure by transfusion is most often inconsequential, since a large proportion is immunized. Such an infection may have serious clinical outcome in not immunized patients with shortened red cell survival, seronegative pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. In cellular products, viral DNA detection is not performed, but a preventive strategy could be discussed for at-risk recipients. Whereas in plasma derivatives, B19V screening is performed with a threshold of 10⁴ IU/ml using molecular assays. With recent data of a new classification of three genotypes within human erythrovirus, nucleic acid testing assays would be validated in accordance with the genetic variability, in order to guarantee optimal safety. Recently, a new human parvovirus (PARV4) has been discovered. The consequences on blood transfusion of this blood-borne agent and its pathogenicity are still unknown.     

Projections from the claustrum to the prelunate gyrus in the monkey

 In order to determine whether the cells in the monkey claustrum which project to visual area V4 are found in the same territory as cells projecting to other visual areas, we made injections of the retrograde fluorescent tracer diamidino yellow into area V4 in two monkeys. Injections of a second tracer, fast blue, were also made in area PM, an area just medial to area V4 on the prelunate gyrus, in one animal. Area V4 injections labeled cells in ventral claustrum over about 5–6 mm of its anterior-posterior extent. The more medial prelunate injection labeled cells in adjacent dorsal and more lateral claustrum. These results, together with data from other studies, suggest that in the monkey, as in the cat, there is a ”visual” region of claustrum that is interconnected with multiple visual areas including V1, V2, V4, MT, FST, MST, TEO and TE. The data also suggest that dorsal and lateral to this region is another zone which is connected with different visual areas, including several in posterior parietal cortex. Received: 10 April 1996 / Accepted: 3 September 1996