Angiotensin AT1 receptor signalling pathways in neurons

1. The aim of the present article is to review the intracellular signal transduction pathways that are influenced by the peptide angiotensin (Ang) II, acting via its type 1 (AT1) receptor, in neurons. 2. The AT1 receptors couple to a wide variety of signalling pathways in peripheral tissues, such as kidney, heart and vascular smooth muscle. A similar diversity of signalling mechanisms exists for AT1 receptors in neurons. 3. We outline the known neuronal AT1 receptor signalling pathways as they relate to function. Pathways that couple activation of AT1 receptors to short-term changes in neuronal membrane ionic currents and firing rate will be reviewed. These are different from the pathways that elicit longer-term changes in enzyme activity and gene expression and, ultimately, increases in noradrenaline synthesis. 4. Novel AT1 receptor signalling pathways discovered through gene expression profiling and their potential functional significance have been discussed.     

Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis of Acinetobacter species isolated from worn contact lenses

The purpose of this study was to explore the genotypes of Acinetobacter species and to compare the genotypes and phenotypes of the Acinetobacter isolated from contact lens wearers. Nineteen strains were used in the study, 13 were isolated from patients experiencing an adverse response event, and six strains were isolated from asymptomatic contact lens wearers. Random amplified polymorphic DNA and phenotypic analyses were carried out using commercially available kits. Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis showed a higher discrimination power compared with the phenotypic analysis. The test strains were loosely clustered into six genotypic groups with no definite relation to any clinical events. These results indicate that many genotypes of Acinetobacter can cause adverse responses, and the initial source of the microorganisms rather than their clinical sequelae may determine classification.     

Lacryglobin in human tears, a potential marker for cancer

Lacryglobin has been identified in human tears. This protein has high sequence homology to the mammaglobins, proteins upregulated in breast cancer and in breast cancer metastasis. In order to investigate the utility of tear screening for cancer, tear samples were collected from patients with different types of cancer and compared to controls. Tear samples were taken from five controls and eight breast, six lung, five colon, one prostate and three ovary cancer patients. Tears were analysed using 2‐D gel electrophoresis (n = 25) and 1‐D electrophoresis (n = 3). Lacryglobin was present in the following percentage of patients: breast cancer (88%), lung (83%), colon (100%), ovary (33%), prostate (100%) and controls (60%). Two control patients with lacryglobin had a family history of breast and prostate cancer. Lacryglobin was detected in some but not all tear samples and further studies are warranted to investigate its potential as a marker for cancer.     

感染模型家兔体内莫西沙星的药动学

目的研究莫西沙星在感染家兔模型中的药物动力学。方法8只家兔经埴入高尔夫练习球并用肺炎链球菌感染3d后,用多剂量口服莫西沙星治疗,第5天进行药动学试验。用高效液相色谱法测定血药浓度。结果莫西沙星在家兔体内属线性药物并符合二房室模型;达峰时间为(1.2±0.6)h,峰浓度为(13.2±4.0)μg.ml