SSeCKS immunolabeling in rat primary sensory neurons

SSeCKS (src suppressed C kinase substrate) is a protein kinase C substrate that may play a role in tumor suppression. Recently described in fibroblasts, testes and mesangial cells, SSeCKS may have a function in the control of cell signaling and cytoskeletal arrangement. To investigate the distribution of SSeCKS throughout the nervous system, representative sections of brain, spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia were processed using immunofluorescence. Labeling of central axonal collaterals of primary sensory neurons was observed in the dorsal horn at all spinal levels. SSeCKS-immunoreactivity was also observed in the cerebellum, medulla and sensory ganglia (including trigeminal ganglia). The pattern and distribution of anti-SSeCKS labeling in dorsal root ganglia and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord was similar to that observed for other markers of small primary sensory neurons. Therefore, the coexistence of SSeCKS with substance P, CGRP and acid phosphatase was examined in sections of sensory ganglia, spinal cord and medulla using double immunofluorescent labeling for SSeCKS and substance P/CGRP or sequential SSeCKS immunofluorescence and acid phosphatase/fluoride-resistant acid phosphatase enzyme histochemistry. A small portion of the SSeCKS-labeled cell bodies appeared to represent a subpopulation of substance P (4.8%) and CGRP (4.7%) containing neurons, while 45.0% contained fluoride-resistant acid phosphatase reactivity. These results indicate that SSeCKS has a restricted distribution within the nervous system and that expression of this protein may reflect the specific signaling requirements of a distinct population of nociceptive sensory neurons.     

Localization and phosphorylation of Abl-interactor proteins, Abi-1 and Abi-2, in the developing nervous system

Abl-interactor (Abi) proteins are targets of Abl-family nonreceptor tyrosine kinases and are required for Rac-dependent cytoskeletal reorganization in response to growth factor stimulation. We asked if the expression, phosphorylation, and cellular localization of Abi-1 and Abi-2 supports a role for these proteins in Abl signaling in the developing and adult mouse nervous system. In mid- to late-gestation embryos, abi-2 message is elevated in the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS). Abi-1 mRNA is present, but not enhanced, in the CNS, and is not observed in PNS structures. Abi proteins from brain lysates undergo changes in apparent molecular weight and phosphorylation with increasing age. In the postnatal brain, abi-1 and abi-2 are expressed most prominently in cortical layers populated by projection neurons. In cultured neurons, Abi-1 and Abi-2 are concentrated in puncta throughout the cell body and processes. Both Abi and Abl proteins are present in synaptosomes and growth cone particles. Therefore, the Abi adaptors exhibit proper expression patterns and subcellular localization to participate in Abl kinase signaling in the nervous system.     

Effects of short-term exposure to high-dose inhaled corticosteroids on novel markers of bone metabolism

Objectives: Novel assays have been developed for markers of type 1 collagen turnover. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of short-term exposure to inhaled corticosteroids on both the novel and conventional markers of bone metabolism. Methods: Nine healthy subjects received 2 weeks treatment with inhaled budesonide 800 μg per day in week 1, and 1600 μg per day in week 2, or fluticasone 750 μg per day in week 1 and 1500 μg per day in week 2, with a 1-week washout in between. Measurement of carboxy-terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen (PICP), carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (ICTP), plasma alkaline phosphatase bone isoenzyme, and 24-h urinary calcium excretion were made at baseline and at the end of each 2-week treatment period. Results: ICTP was significantly reduced following treatment with budesonide but not fluticasone compared with baseline: baseline 4.2 μg⋅1⁻¹ budesonide 3.0 μg⋅1⁻¹, fluticasone 3.6 μg⋅1⁻¹. There were no significant changes in PICP compared with baseline after treatment with budesonide or fluticasone. The ratio of PICP:ICTP increased significantly after treatment with both budesonide and fluticasone compared with baseline: baseline 27.4, budesonide 43.7, t 42.6. There were no significant differences between the two treatments for any of the measured parameters. Conclusions: Thus, when using sensitive markers of collagen turnover, short-term inhaled corticosteroid therapy was found paradoxically to reduced bone resorption. Received: 26 June 1995/Accepted in revised form: 14 November 1995     

Lactate and Pyruvate Levels in the Testicular Vein of Subfertile Males with Varicocele as a Test for the Theory of Underlying Hypoxia

Lactat- und Pyruvat-Werte in der Vena testicularis von subfertilen Männern als Test für die Theorie der vorhandenen Hypoxie
Um die These von der testikulären Hypoxie bei subfertilen Männern mit Varikocele zu überprüfen wurden die Blutwerte von Lactat und Pyruvat aus der Vena testicularis mit denen einer Kontrollgruppe verglichen. Statistisch ergab sich ein niedrigerer Mittelwert für Lactat und Pyruvat bei den Varikocele-Patienten. Daraus wird die Schlußfolgerung gezogen, daß bei Varikocele keine Akkumulation von Milchsäure erfolgt und daß damit eine Hypoxie ausgeschlossen werden kann. Als die Mittelwerte der Konzentrationen für Lactat und Pyruvat in der Vena testicularis miteinander korreliert wurden, deutete sich an, daß bei Vorhandensein einer Varikocele eine gestörte Glykolyse besteht, die dem Stadium der Pyruvatbildung vorhergeht.