Cytokine gene polymorphism in human disease: on-line databases

The pathologies of many infectious, autoimmune and malignant diseases are influenced by the profiles of cytokine production in pro-inflammatory (TH1) and anti-inflammatory (TH2) T cells. Interindividual differences in cytokine profiles appear to be due, at least in part, to allelic polymorphism within regulatory regions of cytokine gene. Many studies have examined the relationship between cytokine gene polymorphism, cytokine gene expression in vitro, and the susceptibility to and clinical severity of diseases. A review of the findings of these studies is presented. An on-line version featuring appropriate updates is accessible from the World Wide Web site, http://www.pam.bris.ac.uk/services/GAI/cytokine4.htm.     

Projection neurons in the rat dorsolateral septal nucleus possess recurrent axon collaterals

Projection neurons in the rat dorsolateral septal nucleus (DLSN) were labeled intracellularly with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in an in vitro slice preparation. The labeled neurons exhibited widespread 'isodendritic' type dendritic fields. Each of the neurons was identified as a projection neuron by the tracing of its main axon out of DLSN. The axons of these neurons gave rise to intrinsic collaterals which branched to form an extensive axon plexus which was confined to DLSN. These axon collaterals exhibited numerous en passant swellings suggestive of boutons. It is proposed that the recurrent axon collaterals of DLSN projection neurons may form an anatomical substrate for local inhibition within DLSN.     

Isolation of immunogenic neuraminidases of human influenza viruses by a combination of genetic and biochemical procedures.

Neuraminidases were purified from reassortant viruses (H6N1 and H6N2) containing the two antigenic subtypes (N1 and N2) found in human influenza viruses. Surface glycoproteins were solubilized with octylglucoside, and the neuraminidase was isolated by chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex. Neuraminidase isolated by this technique coeluted with viral lipids and spontaneously formed liposomes on dialysis. The purified neuraminidase was immunogenic in rabbits, producing a significant antibody response at dose levels as low as 1 microgram.