The 2,4-dinitrophenyl group for protection of hydroxyl function of tyrosine during solid-phase peptide synthesis

The facile thiolytic cleavage of the O-2,4-dinitrophenyl (Dnp) tyrosine bond was applied to the solid-phase synthesis of the 22-amino acid residue peptide H-Asp-Ala-Val-Tyr -Thr-Gly-Leu-Asn-Thr-Arg-Asn-Gln-Glu-Thr-Tyr -Glu-Thr-Leu-Lys-His-Glu-Lys-OH, corresponding to positions 62-83 in the chain of the type 1 receptor for Fc_ε, domains expressed on the rat mucosal-type mast cells (line RBL-2H3). A method for the spectrophotometric determination of insoluble O-Dnp as well as of unprotected phenolic moieties of tyrosine was developed. It is based on monitoring S-Dnp-2-mercaptoethanol, produced upon O-Dnp thiolysis by 2-mercaptoethanol. © Munksgaard 1995. Dedicated to the memory of Dr. Susumu Funakoshi, a dear friend and a leader in peptide chemistry.     

Distinct Expression of Cytokines and Mitogenic Inhibitory Factors in Semen of Fertile and Infertile Men

PROBLEM: To assess the effect of seminal plasma (SP) of fertile and infertile men on leukocyte mitogenic response, and the capability of sperm cells to produce IL-1. METHODS: This study included four groups: fertile men (donors, normal), infertile men with azoospermia (azoo), oligo-terato-asthenozoospermia (OTA), and OTA with genital infection (OTA-inf). Mouse spleen cell proliferation in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or Concanavalin-A (Con-A) was examined in the presence of SP from the above four groups. Supernatants (sup) and lysates (lys) of sperm cells from fertile and oligoteratoasthenospermic (OTA) men were evaluated for IL-1 bioactivity by specific bioassay. RESULTS: Seminal plasma (SP) of the four groups were shown to inhibit the mitogenic response of mouse spleen cells to LPS and Con-A. SP of fertile men was significantly more inhibitory than SP from infertile men. Sperm cells from fertile and OTA infertile men constitutively produced IL-1. Sperm cells of both groups produced similar levels of IL-1 as examined in the supernatants and lysates. CONCLUSIONS: Seminal plasma of fertile men had more inhibitory mitogenic activity than that of OTA. Sperm cells constitutively produce IL-1. It is possible that the factors involved in this inhibition are not only anti-proliferative immune factors. Cytokines and inhibitory factors of mitogenesis in the seminal plasma may be involved in the physiology and pathophysiology of sperm functions and thus affect male fertility.     

Neutrophil superoxide release and interleukin 8 in acute myocardial infarction: distinction between complicated and uncomplicated states

Superoxide release in neutrophils and sera levels of interleukin 8 (IL-8) were determined in 15 patients with complicated acute myocardial infarction (MI) and 15 patients with uncomplicated MI. All patients showed increased superoxide release in unstimulated and stimulated neutrophils compared with healthy control subjects, indicating priming of these cells. Superoxide release of unstimulated or stimulated neutrophils was found to be significantly higher in patients with complicated MI than in patients with uncomplicated MI. Thrombolytic therapy did not affect the rates of superoxide release. The neutrophil chemoattractant/activator IL-8 was detected in the sera of all patients, with significantly higher levels in those with complicated MI. The highest levels of IL-8 were detected at admission to the Coronary Care Unit and significantly decreased thereafter, suggesting its contribution to neutrophil-mediated tissue injury. The high levels of IL-8 may be one of the major contributors to the priming of neutrophils in these patients.     

Working alongside the general practitioner: a child psychiatric clinic in the general practice setting

A monthly child psychiatric clinic was established in a primary health care centre in order to offer a more accessible service to patients, and to improve liaison with primary health care professionals. Compared with the base child guidance unit, at the health centre there was a better first attendance rate, a much higher proportion of referrals from health professionals especially general practitioners, and an increased proportion of younger children referred. If further follow-up was necessary at the child guidance unit the attendance rate was very good. The service provided, although not reducing the need for a main multidisciplinary base, offered an acceptable and accessible opportunity for children with psychological problems to be assessed and treated, and for the referring professionals to have easy communication with the child psychiatrist.