Expression mapping of tetracycline-responsive prion protein promoter: digital atlasing for generating cell-specific disease models

We present a digital atlas system that allows mapping of molecular expression patterns at cellular resolution through large series of histological sections. Using this system, we have mapped the distribution of a distinct marker, encoded by the LacZ reporter gene driven by the tetracycline-responsive prion protein promoter in double transgenic mice. The purpose is to evaluate the suitability of this promoter mouse line for targeting genes of interest to specific brain regions, essential for construction of inducible transgenic disease models. Following processing to visualize the promoter expression, sections were counterstained to simultaneously display cytoarchitectonics. High-resolution mosaic images covering entire coronal sections were collected through the mouse brain at intervals of 200 microm. A web-based application provides access to a customized virtual microscopy tool for viewing and navigation within and across the section images. For each section image, the nearest section in a standard atlas is defined, and annotations of key structures and regions inserted. Putative categorization of labeled cells was performed with use of distribution patterns, followed by cell size and shape, as parameters that were compared to legacy data. Among the ensuing results were expression of this promoter in putative glial cells in the cerebellum (and not in Purkinje cells), in putative glial cells in the substantia nigra, in pallidal glial cells or interneurons, and in distinct cell layers and regions of the hippocampus. The study serves as a precursor for a database resource allowing evaluation of the suitability of different promoter mouse lines for generating disease models.     

Erythema nodosum arising during everolimus therapy for tuberous sclerosis complex

Indications for everolimus and other drugs within the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor class have recently expanded to include tuberous sclerosis complex. Everolimus is generally well tolerated, but it is important for physicians to identify and manage associated cutaneous adverse effects. We report the first case of a child developing erythema nodosum while undergoing everolimus therapy.     

Training induced effects on blood volume,erythrocyte turnover and haemoglobin oxygen binding properties

Summary The effect of three weeks ergometer training (Tr) 5 times a week for 45 min at 70% by 6 subjects on erythrocyte turnover and haemoglobin O₂ affinity has been studied. Increased reticulocytosis could be observed from the second day after beginning Tr until a few days after its end, probably caused by increased erythropoietin release by the kidney. Erythrocyte destruction was most pronounced in the first and markedly reduced in the third week of Tr. Elevated glutamate oxalacetate transaminase activity and creatine as well as lowered mean corpuscular haemoglobin indicate a younger erythrocyte population in the first week of recovery. Total blood volume increased during the course of Tr by 700 ml, mainly caused by a raised plasma volume (74%). Red cell volume increased later with maximal values one week after Tr (+280 ml). In this week the standard oxygen dissociation curve was most shifted to the right (P₅₀ increased from 3.77±0.05 kPa to 3.99±0.07 kPa) and the Bohr coefficients had their lowest values. Both effects are completely explainable by the haemoglobin O₂ binding properties of young erythrocytes.After training, all parameters of physical performance ( , maximal workload, heart rate during rest and exercise) were markedly improved, indicating fast adaptation mechanisms. The increased erythrocyte turnover, including higher erythropoiesis, seems to be one important part of these effects.A preliminary report was presented at the National Congress of Sports Medicine in Cologne, 1982. Furthermore, the content of this paper was part of the doctoral thesis of the first author     

Characterization of fragmented heavy-ion beams using a three-stage telescope detector: detector configuration and instrumentation

Accelerated heavy-ion beams used in biological and medical research are often utilized in conjunction with absorbers which lead to the fragmentation of the beam. The BERKLET, initially a two-stage solid-state telescope detector, was designed to make rapid, on-line energy and linear energy transfer (LET) measurements of individual particles in a heavy-ion beam, thus allowing characterization of fragmented beams. From data collected with the BERKLET, one is able to determine a number of important parameters. These include: residual energy and LET histograms for the full beam and for the individual Z components, relative number of particles with a given Z, and dose and track average LET's for the full beam and for the individual Z's. Improvements to the BERKLET design and changes in data analysis are discussed and contrasted with the results of an earlier BERKLET configuration. The most notable improvements are the addition of a thin scintillation detector for improved LET measurement, a tenfold improvement in the dynamic range of the event discriminator, reported here as 1:2000, and dual high-and low-gain amplification of the LET signals, permitting the identification of particles with Z's ranging from 12 down to 1.     

Paraganglioma of the spermatic cord. Report of a case with immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies

We describe a case of paraganglioma arising in the spermatic cord, which is an extremely rare location. Immunohistochemical studies characterized two types of cells: (1) polygonal cells expressing neuron-specific enolase, chromogranin A, and synaptophysin and (2) S100 protein-positive sustentacular cells. Electron microscopy revealed that within the cytoplasm of the polygonal cells, there were electron-dense granules whose morphological appearance was consistent with that of neurosecretory granules. Paraganglioma of the spermatic cord may originate from embryonic chromaffin cells that have followed the testis into the scrotum.     

The Effect of an Academic Examination on Salivary Norepinephrine and Immunoglobulin Levels

Abstract

Forty-six college students provided saliva samples just after taking an examination, one hour and 45 minutes later, and several days later, at a period of rest. As compared with baseline levels, the power stress of an examination was associated with an increase in salivary immunoglobulin A (S-IgA), a measure of B-cell immune function, and with an increase in norepinephrine (NE) concentrations in the saliva. The increase in NE was greater for those for whom n power was greater than n affiliation rather than for those for whom the reverse was true. Greater increases in, and levels of, NE at the examination and after were associated with greater subsequent drops in S-IgA, which reached below baseline levels for those for whom n power was stronger. The examination stimulated adrenergic activity, which in the long run depressed immune function for those with a strong power motive who had been most aroused adrenergically by the examination.     

Immunogenicity and antigenicity of human coronaviruses 229E and OC43.

The immunogenicity and antigenicity of human coronaviruses 229E and OC43 were studied by quantitative immunoelectrophoresis. Three distinct antigens were recognized in both coronavirus strains when T-100-solubilized whole virus was tested by two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis against homologous rabbit antiserum. No antigens cross-reacted between strains, but the electrophoretic patterns against homologous antiserum were highly similar in that both strains had one electrophoretically fast antigen, one of intermediate mobility, and one of slow mobility. Immunization of rabbits with 10(9) plaque-forming units of virus was required for production of antiserum which recognized the three antigens; lesser amounts gave rise to antisera which recognized only one or two components. Precipitin lines excised from two-dimensional immunoelectropherograms were used successfully as immunogens to prepare monospecific antiserum to each of the antigens of OC43 and 229E. Monospecific antiserum to the slow component of 229E neutralized 229E only, and monospecific antiserum to the slow component of OC43 both neutralized and inhibited hemagglutination of OC43 virus. Human convalescent sera which possessed both complement-fixing and neutralizing antibody also recognized the slow-moving component.