Peptide synthesis on SepharoseTM beads

NHS-activated Pharmacia HiTrap Sepharose^TM was modified with 1,3-diaminopropane to give an amino-functionalized support suitable for solid-phase peptide synthesis. The amide linker p-[(R,S)-α-[1-(9H-fluoren-9-yl)-methoxyformamido]-2,4-dimethoxybenzyl]phenoxyacetic acid was incorporated and the acyl carrier protein sequence 65-74 was synthesized manually on this support by the Fmoc procedure under controlled conditions with monitoring of the coupling reactions. The performance of the support in automated multiple synthesis in open reactors, with an Abimed AMS 422 according to standard protocols, was evaluated by the synthesis of the acyl carrier protein sequence 65-74 and two other 15-mer and 18-mer peptides. The quality of the resulting crude peptides was determined by HPLC and MALDI-MS, and compared with the same sequences synthesized in parallel on the commercial peptide synthesis resin TentaGel S RAM. The modified HiTrap material was found to be particularly suited for Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis and should be advantageous for the utilization of immobilized peptides and peptide libraries in biological assays. © Munksgaard 1997.     

Liver Abscess

A patient with liver abscess in association with regional enteritis is reported. Liver abscess should be suspected in patients with regional enteritis who present with fever, elevated serum alkaline phosphatase, liver tenderness, right upper quadrant pain or hepatomegaly.     

THE DERMOSTRATION OF HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASE ACTIVIY IN HUMAN FOETAL SKIN IN THE FIRST 32 WEEKS OF GESTATION

SUMMARY.— Specimens of skin of 25 human foetuses from 8 to 32 weeks gestation were incubated to demonstrate the presence of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases by histochemical methods. 17β-HSD was demonstrated at 16 weeks gestation, when fully differentiated sebaceous glands were first visualized. 3β-HSD and 16β-HSD were recognized at a later stage. These enzymes were found only in sebaceous glands and in no other appendages. A comparison between the human foetal and adult pattern of enzyme activity has been drawn, and the significance of the results discussed.     

Balloon Angioplasty and Endoluminal Stenting of Clinically Significant Human Carotid Artery Occlusive Lesions: A New Model for Ex Vivo Morphological Analysis

The successful use of balloon angioplasty and intravascular stenting for the treatment of atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary and peripheral arteries has recently led to the application of these techniques to the management of carotid artery stenosis. We have, therefore, attempted to determine the local consequences of these interventions in the carotid circulation by developing an ex vivo model of simultaneous balloon angioplasty and endoluminal stenting of clinically significant human internal carotid artery occlusive lesions. The following report describes this model and discusses the related clinical issues.