Androgen receptors in colorectal adenomas

Summary To evaluate the potential effect of androgens on the development and growth of human colorectal adenomas, the prevalence and concentration of cytosolic androgen receptors (AR) were analysed in 26 adenomas and 19 samples of normal colonic mucosa by a hybrid ligand receptor-binding assay. AR were detected in 7 of the adenomas (26.9%), and in 6 of the normal mucosa samples (31.6%). In the adenomas, AR levels demonstrated were low, ranging from 6 to 31 fmol/mg cytosol protein, and dissociation constants (Kds) ranged from 0.17–2.7x10^-9 M. Of 13 adenomas excised from men, 6 (46%) had positive receptor activity, whereas only 1 of 13 (7.7%) from women was positive (P=0.03, Fisher's exact test). There was no correlation between AR titre and patient age, or between adenoma size and histological type or degree of dysplasia. In normal mucosa, AR levels ranged from 7 to 33 fmol/mg and Kds ranges from 0.24–3.1x10^-9 M. There was no significant difference between either AR prevalence or levels in the adenomas and normal mucosa. The sex difference was exclusive to the adenoma. Endogenous androgen may play a role in adenoma development early in the promotional process.     

Cytokines and oncogene activity

Cytokines play a part in the control of cellular growth, differentiation and development. Given such pleiotropic activities, it is not unexpected that the expression of the cytokines is tightly regulated. When cytokine-mediated processes are altered by mutation and/or overexpression of some cytokine or cytokine receptor genes, oncogenic transformation can occur. Oncogenes which derive their transforming potential through this mechanism include sis, which represents the activated form of the platelet-derived growth factor B chain, hst1/K-fgflint-2, which share appreciable homology with the gene family of fibroblast growth factors, fms, which is related to the cell surface receptor for macrophage-colony stimulating factor, and erbB-1, which encodes a truncated form of the epidermal growth factor receptor. Cytokine treatment has resulted in modulation of aberrant oncogene activity in some model systems.     

The clinical relevance of t(14; 18)/BCL-2 rearrangement and DEL 6q in diffuse large cell lymphoma and immunoblastic lymphoma

Background: t(14; 18)/bcl-2 gene rearrangement (R) is claimedto impart a worse rate of complete remission and disease-freesurvival in diffuse large cell lymphoma (DLCL). DEL 6q has alsobeen associated with poor outcome. Design: Retrospective studyof 54 patients with either diffuse large cell or immunoblasticlymphoma who had cytogenetics and/or molecular studies performed.Results: Patient characteristics, complete remission rate, andtime to treatment failure (TTF) were similar at three year follow-upfor groups with and without t(14; 18)/BCL-2R Survival was worsefor the former but the difference was not statistically significant.For DEL 6q, patient characteristics and survival rates weresimilar at three year follow-up for patients with and withoutthe abnormality. TTF was worse for the former but this was notstatistically significant. Conclusion: This study, with equalor greater number of patients with t(14; 18) than previous reports,fails to show a worse prognosis for patients with the t(14;18) chromosomal abnormality. A definite association will awaitfurther accrual of patients and a meaningul multivariate analysis. lymphoma, BCL-2, cytogenetics, DEL 6q     

Innervation of the sheep adrenal cortex: an immunohistochemical study with rat corticotrophin-releasing factor antiserum

Using indirect immunohistochemistry and an antiserum raised against rat corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) we have outlined an asymmetric network of cells and varicose fibers in sheep adrenal cortex. This network was not associated with the larger splanchnic nerves, but was occasionally found in small bundles or with blood vessels; in most instances fibers were found weaving independently through cortical parenchyma. A plexus of fibers was found in the zona reticularis, with a few fibers ramifying into adjacent medulla. Uni or bipolar cells were found throughout the cortex, with the greatest frequency at the corticomedullary junction; a multipolar-type cell was also found in this area. Staining of varicose structures and most cells was abolished by incubation with excess rat CRF 1-41, but not by ovine CRF or a range of other peptides. Though the immunoreactive species has not as yet been identified, it may thus share homology with sequences present in rat but not ovine CRF.     

Effects of focusing attention on breathing with and without apparatus on the face

In an attempt to identify a cause for the alteration in breathing pattern seen when conventional respiratory apparatus is applied to the face, we have studied the effects of causing the subject to focus attention on breathing by counting breaths in threes for 5 min. We used the respiratory inductance plethysmograph in 18 naive subjects who were unaware that their breathing was being measured. In the control periods, distraction was provided by a recorded story played through head-phones. The experiment was repeated with the rim of a facemask applied to the face. Focusing attention on breathing caused a prolongation of inspiration at a constant mean inspiratory flow, and lengthening of expiration. Tidal volume but not ventilation was increased. The facemask rim caused no significant change. It is concluded that conscious awareness of breathing could account for a major part of the effect of conventional respiratory apparatus.