Outcomes of surgical management of total colonic aganglionosis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term clinical outcomes and bowel function of patients with total colonic aganglionosis (TCA) after surgery.

METHODS

The hospital records of 17 TCA patients treated surgically during 1985 to 2004 were reviewed. Long-term follow-up was done by telephone interviews with the parents.

RESULTS

Primary enterostomy was performed in 13 (76%) patients. In three (17%) patients, TCA was not suspected initially. They underwent conservative surgery primarily, which required a second operation soon after. One had transverse colectomy with ileostomy. By pathologic review, nine (53%) patients had small bowel involvement of aganglionosis. Six (35%) patients died before corrective surgery. They all had extensive small bowel involvement. Among 11 patients who had a corrective operation, 10 were treated with Martin's procedure. Long-term (mean 74 months) follow-up was available in seven patients, and the mean weight-for-age percentiles was 27.1% (range 5-50%), the frequency of defecation was three to five times a day in four patients (57%), one or two times a day in two patients (28%), and more than five times a day in one patient (15%).

CONCLUSIONS

TCA is difficult to diagnose; but once it is diagnosed correctly and treated by corrective surgery, outcomes seem promising. Martin's operation brought about a good outcome and enabled patients to have acceptable bowel habits. The prognosis is highly dependent on the extent of aganglionosis.

Prognostic model to predict survival following first-line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

This study was to devise a prognostic model for metastatic gastric cancer patients undergoing first-line chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was carried out on 1455 gastric cancer patients, who received first-line chemotherapy from September 1994 to February 2005.

RESULTS

At multivariate level, poor prognostic factors were no previous gastrectomy [P = 0.003; relative risk (RR), 1.191; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.061-1.338], albumin < 3.6 g/dl (P = or <0.001; RR, 1.245; 95% CI 1.106-1.402), alkaline phosphatase > 85 U/l (P = or <0.001; RR, 1.224; 95% CI 1.092-1.371), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of two or more (P = or <0.001; RR, 1.690; 95% CI 1.458-1.959), the presence of bone metastases (P = 0.001; RR, 1.460; 95% CI 1.616-1.836), and the presence of ascites (P = or < 0.001; RR, 1.452; 95% CI 1.295-1.628). Of 1434 patients, 489 patients (34.1%) were categorized as low-risk group (zero to one factors), 889 patients (62.0%) as intermediate-risk group (two to four factors), and 56 patients (3.9%) as high-risk group (five to six factors). Median survival durations for low, intermediate, and high-risk groups were 12.5 months, 7.0 months, and 2.7 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This model should facilitate the individual patient risk stratification and thus, more appropriate therapies for each metastatic gastric cancer patient.

Staurosporin induces neurite outgrowth through ROS generation in HN33 hippocampal cell lines

Staurosporin, a specific inhibitor of PKC, is widely used in studies of signal transduction pathways. Previous studies have shown that staurosporin induces neurite outgrowth, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we report that staurosporin induces neurite outgrowth in HN33 hippocampal cells. Two other PKC inhibitors, Go 6976 (specific for alpha- and beta-isoforms) and rotterlin (a selective inhibitor of PKC delta), have no neuritogenic effect. In addition, staurosporin specifically increases ROS generation. NAC, which inhibits the generation of ROS, suppresses the staurosporin-induced neurite outgrowth in HN33 cells. Further, H(2)O(2) causes neurite outgrowth. Taken together, these results confirm a neuritogenic effect of staurosporin and point to ROS as the signal mediator of staurosporin-induced neurite outgrowth in HN33 hippocampal cells. Theme: Development and regeneration Topic: Neurotrophic factors: receptors and cellular mechanisms.

Changes in the structure of nuclei after transfer to oocytes

Nuclear transfer and the potential for cloning animals have refocused attention on the oocyte. This focus is not limited to the use of the oocyte as a recipient in nuclear transfer procedures, but more broadly in terms of what factors are present in the oocyte that are responsible for establishing the developmental pattern of RNA synthesis and subsequent protein production. Deviations in the pattern of RNA synthesis can result in abortions, as well as abnormalities at birth. This paper will focus on the changes to nuclear structure that result from transfer to the cytoplasm of an oocyte, as well as some of the changes in the patterns of RNA synthesis that have been described.

Neuroprotective role of microglia expressing interleukin-4

Little is known about the underlying mechanisms responsible for the death of activated microglia and the functional consequences of the death of these cells, especially in vivo. We show here that intracortical injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) led to upregulation of interleukin-4 (IL-4) immunoreactivity, followed by a substantial loss of microglia 3 days later, as visualized by complement receptor type 3 (OX-42) immunostaining and tomato lectin staining. Cells positive for caspase-3 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated fluorescein-dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) were also localized within LPS-activated microglia. IL-4 immunoreactivity was detected as early as 12 hr post-LPS, disappearing at 72 hr. Surprisingly, IL-4 immunoreactivity was detected exclusively in microglia, but not in astrocytes or neurons. In addition, IL-4-neutralizing antibodies markedly increased the survival of activated microglia at 3 days post-LPS. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha was sustained in parallel in activated microglia, consequently increasing neuronal cell death. To our knowledge, this study is the first to show the endogenous expression of IL-4 in LPS-activated microglia in vivo. Our findings suggest that IL-4 may regulate brain inflammation by inducing the death of activated microglia in vivo and increasing neuronal survival.

Nasal-type NK/T cell lymphoma: clinical features and treatment outcome

Nasal-type NK/T cell lymphoma is an increasingly recognised disease entity of aggressive clinical behaviour. The objective of this study was to investigate clinical features and treatment outcomes in patients with nasal-type NK/T cell lymphoma. From January 1991 to December 2003, 26 patients diagnosed as nasal-type NK/T cell lymphoma were included in the analysis. One half of patients presented with poor performance status (ECOG ⩾2); 46% of patients were categorised as high intermediate or high-risk group according to IPI; and 46% of patients were diagnosed at advanced stage. The median survival for 26 patients with nasal-type NK/T cell lymphoma was 7.4 months (95% CI, 0.1, 16.9). The treatment outcome of primary anthracycline-based chemotherapy was poor: 60% CR rate in localised disease and 0% CR rate in advanced disease. After a median follow-up of 24.4 months (range 3.1–99.0) in patients with localised disease who had achieved a CR (range 29.6–165.7), three patients (50.0%) developed disease recurrence at 6.1, 21.8, and 52.1 months, respectively, and all patients presented with locoregional failure. The predictive factors for poor survival were of age greater than 60, advanced stage and poor performance in multivariate analysis. In conclusion, Nasal-type NK/T cell lymphomas showed a poor response to the conventional anthracycline-based chemotherapy, and thus an investigation for an innovative therapy is urgently needed to improve survival in these patients.

Salvage chemotherapy with irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin for taxane- and cisplatin-refractory, metastatic gastric cancer

We performed a phase II study of combination chemotherapy with irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin in metastatic gastric cancer patients who were previously treated with taxane and cisplatin, to evaluate the antitumour activity and toxicity of the combination chemotherapy. The metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma patients who were previously treated with taxane and cisplatin combination as first line, and had at least one measurable lesion, 0-2 ECOG performance status and adequate organ functions, were considered eligible. They received irinotecan (150 mg m(-2), day 1) and leucovorin (100 mg m(-2), day 1), followed by continuous infusion of 5-FU (1000 mg m(-2) day(-1), days 1 and 2) every 2 weeks. Treatment was continued until progression of disease was observed. In all, 64 patients were treated with this combination chemotherapy. The median age of the patients was 55 years (range, 33-74 years), and the median ECOG performance status was 1 (0-1, 61 (95%)). Out of 64 patients, 57 were assessable for response. Among 57 assessable patients, no complete response and 12 partial responses were observed (overall response rate, 21%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 10-32%). Stable disease was observed in 14 patients (25%) and progressive disease in 31 patients (54%). The median time to progression was 2.5 months (95% CI, 1.6-3.4) and the median overall survival since the start of the second-line modified FOLFIRI was 7.6 months (95% CI, 6.5-8.7). Grade 3-4 haematologic toxicities included neutropenia in seven patients (11%) and thrombocytopenia in five patients (8%). Grade 3-4 nonhaematologic toxicities included diarrhoea in two patients (3%) and vomiting in two patients (3%). There were no treatment-related deaths. The combination of irinotecan, 5-FU and leucovorin showed moderate activity and favourable toxicity profile as a second-line treatment in metastatic gastric cancer patients, who were previously treated with taxane and cisplatin.

Lesional location of lateral medullary infarction presenting hiccups (singultus)

BACKGROUND

Hiccups are an infrequent result of lateral medullary infarction. Their importance may be underestimated and they can cause distress, exhaustion, and aspiration. Hiccups in lateral medullary infarction remain poorly understood

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relation between the lesional loci of lateral medullary infarction and hiccups.

METHODS

51 patients with lateral medullary infarction were investigated by magnetic resonance imaging within three days of the onset of infarction. Seven of the 51 patients developed hiccup.

RESULTS

All patients with hiccups had middle level lateral medullary lesions, including two with lower level lesions and four with upper level lesions. In the middle level lateral medullary lesions, dorsolateral lesions were most often involved. All patients with lateral medullary infarction presenting with hiccups also had vertigo, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and dysphagia.

CONCLUSIONS

The observations suggest that middle level and dorsolateral lesion locations in lateral medullary infarction frequently induce hiccups.

Timing of high-risk vascular surgery following coronary artery bypass surgery: A 10-year experience from an academic medical centre

Major non-cardiac surgery within 40 days of coronary angioplasty with stenting has high cardiac complication rates. We have performed a case-control study to determine whether the risk of vascular surgery might have increased in recent survivors of coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Using our vascular database from 1990 to 1999, we matched the cases who had vascular surgery within a month of CABG with controls by pre-operative comorbidities of diabetes mellitus, history of myocardial infarction (MI), history of congestive heart failure (CHF), and chronic renal insufficiency and compared the incidence of peri-operative MI, CHF, death, and other complications. Compared to case-matched controls, patients who underwent vascular surgery within a month of CABG suffered significantly greater mortality (20.6% vs. 3.9%, p < 0.005). The incidence of non-fatal cardiac complications was not significantly different between the groups. We conclude that the risk of mortality may be significantly greater in patients undergoing major vascular surgery within a month of CABG.

Effect of epidermal growth factor on preimplantation development and its receptor expression in porcine embryos

The present study aimed to determine the influence of exogenous epidermal growth factor (EGF) on in vitro preimplantation porcine embryo development and its mRNA expression for EGF receptor (EGFR). Oocytes were aspirated from abattoir ovaries, selected and cultured in defined, protein-free media for 44 hr before in vitro fertilization (IVF). Thirty-six hours after IVF, two-cell stage embryos were selected and treated or cultured until embryo treatment. In experiment 1, compact morulae were selected on day 4 after IVF and randomly allocated into 5 groups: NCSU 23 with PVA as group 1; NCSU 23 with PVA and 0.1 ng/ml, 1.0 ng/ml, 10.0 ng/ml EGF as group 2, 3, 4, respectively; NSCU 23 with 0.4% BSA as group 5. In experiment 2, treatment groups were the same as in experiment 1 except that 0.1% crystallized BSA was added to both washing media and all treatment groups instead of PVA. In experiments 3 and 4, two-cell stage embryos were treated and cultured in the same experimental design as experiments 1 and 2, respectively. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of EGF receptor in compact morulae and blastocysts. The PCR products were subjected to direct DNA sequencing. There was no significant improvement in the development rate of embryos from compact morulae to blastocysts in the presence of various EGF concentrations (0.1, 1.0, 10.0 ng/ml) versus without EGF addition. They were all significantly lower than those embryos cultured in the continuous presence of 0.4% BSA. However, when a reduced concentration (0.1%) of crystallized BSA was added to all the treatment groups, a significantly lower rate of embryo development was observed in control media (NCSU23 with 0.1% crystallized BSA) compared with those developed in culture media with 0.4% BSA. With the addition of EGF at 10 ng/ml (with 0.1% BSA), embryo development rates were significantly improved over the control group (P < 0.05) and were as good as those rates in 0.4% BSA culture group. When embryos were selected and treated from the 2-cell stage, they did not develop to blastocyst stages after five more days' culture without any protein (BSA) or growth factor addition. When 0.1% BSA was included in the media, blastocyst formation rates were significantly improved by EGF addition at the concentration of both 1.0 or 10 ng/ml (P < 0.05) as compared to 0.0 or 0.1 ng/ml. EGFR mRNA was detected in both compact morulae and blastocyst stages of porcine embryos and confirmed by direct DNA sequencing. Our results indicate that IVM-IVF porcine embryo developmental rates could be improved by the addition of EGF in the culture media with the presence of a reduced amount of defined BSA (>97% albumin). However, EGF alone was not able to elicit any stimulatory effects on embryo development in the absence of protein supplementation. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential synergistic factors in embryo culture media to eventually define the porcine embryo culture media.

Microtubule assembly after treatment of pig oocytes with taxol: correlation with chromosomes, gamma-tubulin, and MAP kinase

In this study, taxol was used as a tool to study the correlation of microtubule assembly with chromosomes, gamma-tubulin and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in pig oocytes at different maturational stages. Taxol treatment did not affect meiotic resumption and chromosome condensation but inhibited/disrupted chromosome alignment at the metaphase plate and bipolar spindle formation and thus meiotic progression. Microtubules were co-localized with chromosomes and were found to emanate from the chromosomes in taxol-treated oocytes, suggesting that chromosomes may serve as a source of microtubule organization. In addition, the concentric emanation of microtubules within the chromosome-surrounded area in taxol-treated oocytes suggests that microtubule emanation from the chromosomes may be directed by other microtubule-organizing material. The formation of one large spindle or >/=2 spindles in oocytes after taxol removal shows that minus end microtubule-organizing material can be normally located on both sides of chromosomes only when the chromosomes are aligned on the metaphase plate. The co-localization of gamma-tubulin and phosphorylated MAP kinase with microtubule assembly in both control and taxol-treated oocytes suggests that these two proteins are associated microtubule-nucleating material in pig oocytes. However, Western blot analysis showed that neither cytoplasmic microtubule aster formation nor extensive microtubule assembly in the chromosome region induced by taxol was caused by super-activation of MAP kinase. Taxol also induced microtubule assembly depending on chromosome distribution in the first polar body. The results suggest that chromosomes are always co-localized with microtubules and that emanation of microtubules from the chromosomes may be regulated/directed by microtubule-organizing material including gamma-tubulin and phosphorylated MAP kinase in pig oocytes.

Developmental potential of porcine nuclear transfer embryos derived from transgenic fetal fibroblasts infected with the gene for the green fluorescent protein: comparison of different fusion/activation conditions

The in vitro developmental potential of porcine nuclear transfer (NT) embryos was evaluated. Oocytes were matured for 42-44 h, and metaphase II-oocytes were enucleated. Fetal fibroblasts infected with the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene were serum-starved for 3-5 days. A single cell was injected into the perivitelline space of the enucleated oocytes. The reconstructed oocytes were allocated to different fusion and activation conditions. In experiment 1, two different fusion/activation conditions were compared: two pulses of 1.2 kV/cm for 30 microsec (group A), or one pulse of 1.6 kV/cm for 30 microsec followed in 30 min by one pulse of 1.2 kV/cm for 30 microsec (group B). Parthenogenetic controls were created by using the group A parameter. The fusion rate in group A (mean +/- SEM, 68.4% +/- 3.9%) was higher (P < 0.05) than in group B (59.4% +/- 2.3%). The rates of cleavage (50.1% +/- 4.6% to 62.8% +/- 5.5%) were not different among control and treatment groups. However, the rate of parthenogenetic control embryos developing to the blastocyst stage (18.1% +/- 3.1%) was higher (P < 0.05) than the rate of NT embryos (5.9% +/- 1.7% and 4.9% +/- 2.5%). In experiment 2, we compared two pulses of 1.2 kV/cm (group C) versus two pulses of 1.3 kV/cm (group D). For two control groups, the same pulses as those given to group C or D, respectively, were supplied. The fusion rate in group D (70.6% +/- 4.2%) was higher (P < 0.05) than in group C (58.9% +/- 2.7%). The cleavage rates were not different among control and treatment groups (58.1% +/- 8.1% to 73.6% +/- 6.0%). However, the rate of embryos developing to the blastocyst stage in group D (3.5% +/- 1.7%) was lower (P < 0.05) than in controls and group C (11.4% +/- 2.0% to 16.4% +/- 1.1%). In experiment 3, we examined whether the presence of cytochalasin B (CB) during donor cell injection affects the development of NT embryos. The fusion rate of oocytes in the group with CB (78.4% +/- 1.4%) was higher (P < 0.05) than in the group without CB (70.9% +/- 0.2%). The cleavage rate of the control group (85.5% +/- 4.9%) was higher (P < 0.05) than those of the treatment groups (61.6% +/- 2.7% and 63.9% +/- 4.3%). However, the rates of embryos developing to the blastocyst stage (8.1% +/- 2.5% to 19.1% +/- 6.0%) and the mean cell number of blastocysts (29.4 +/- 5.2 to 45.7 +/- 6.4) were not different among control and treatment groups. Green fluorescence was observed at all stages in NT embryos. These results indicate that two pulses of 1.2 kV/cm are enough for fusion/activation of NT embryos to develop to the blastocyst stage, and that the presence of CB during donor cell injection is not necessary for early development of NT embryos.

Feasibility of producing porcine nuclear transfer embryos by using G2/M-stage fetal fibroblasts as donors

The type of donor cell most suitable for producing cloned animals is one of the topics under debate in the field of nuclear transfer. To provide useful information to answer this question, G2/M- and G0/G1-stage fetal fibroblasts were used as donor cells for nuclear transfer. In vitro-matured oocytes derived from abattoir ovaries were used as recipient cytoplasts. In both groups, nuclear envelope breakdown and premature chromosome condensation were completed within 1-2 h after donor cells were injected into the cytoplasm of oocytes. Microtubules were organized around condensed chromosomes and formed a spindle within 1-1.5 h after activation. Decondensation of chromosomes could be seen within 2-4 h after activation. Reformation of the new nuclear envelope occurred 4-6 h after activation and was followed by nuclear swelling and formation of a pronucleus-like structure (PN) 8-12 h after activation. Most (80.6%) of the reconstructed oocytes derived from G2/M cells extruded polar body-like structures (PB). However, a much lower frequency of PB (21.7%) was observed in the reconstructed oocytes derived from G0/G1 donors. A variety of PN and PB combinations were observed in reconstructed oocytes derived from G2/M-stage donors, including 1PN+0PB, 1PN+1PB, 1PN+2PB, 2PN+0PB, 2PN+1PB, 2PN+2PB, and 3PN+1PB. Chromosomes of most embryos (10/13) derived from G2/M stage were diploid. The percentage of cleavage and blastocysts and the average nuclear number of blastocysts in the G2/M and G0/G1 groups were not different. These results demonstrate that the G2/M stage can be morphologically remodeled by cytoplasm of MII oocytes in pigs. To maintain normal ploidy, the extra chromosomes derived from G2/M-stage cells could be expelled by oocytes as a second polar body. G2/M-stage fibroblast nuclei could direct reconstructed embryos to develop to the blastocyst stage.

Production of nuclear transfer-derived swine that express the enhanced green fluorescent protein

The ability to add or delete specific genes in swine will likely provide considerable benefits not just to agriculture but also to medicine, where pigs have potential as models for human disease and as organ donors. Here we have transferred nuclei from a genetically modified fibroblast cell line to porcine oocytes, matured in vitro under defined culture conditions, to create piglets expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein. The nuclear transfer-derived piglets were of normal size, although some mild symptoms of "large offspring syndrome" were evident. These experiments represent a next step towards creating swine with more useful genetic modifications.

Transgenic pigs produced using in vitro matured oocytes infected with a retroviral vector

Here we report the production of transgenic pigs that express enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP). Porcine oocytes were matured in vitro in a serum-free, chemically defined maturation medium, subsequently infected with a replication deficient pseudotyped retrovirus, fertilized and cultured in vitro before being transferred to a recipient female. Two litters were born from these embryo transfers; one pig from each litter was identified as transgenic and both expressed eGFP. From a tool in basic research to direct applications in production agriculture, domestic livestock capable of expressing foreign genes have many scientific applications.

Development of porcine embryos and offspring after intracytoplasmic sperm injection with liposome transfected or non-transfected sperm into in vitro matured oocytes

The objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro and in vivo development of porcine in vitro matured (IVM) porcine oocytes fertilised by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and the possibility of producing transgenic embryos and offspring with this procedure. Activated ICSI oocytes had a higher pronuclear formation than non-activated ICSI oocytes (mean 64.8+/-17.3% vs 28.5+/-3.4%, p<0.05). When the zygotes with two pronuclei were cultured to day 2, there was no difference (p<0.05) in the cleavage rate (mean 60.0+/-7.0% vs 63.3+/-12.7%) between the two groups. The blastocyst rate in the activation group was significantly higher than that in the non-activation group (mean 30.0+/-11.6% vs 4.6+/-4.2%, p<0.05). After injection of the sperm transfected with DNA/liposome complex, destabilised enhanced green fluorescent protein (d2EGFP) expression was not observed on day 2 in either cleaved or uncleaved embryos. But from day 3, some of the embryos at the 2-cell to 4-cell stage started to express d2EGFP. On day 7, about 30% of cleaved embryos, which were in the range of 2-cell to blastocyst stage, expressed d2EGFP. However, for the IVF oocytes inseminated with sperm transfected with DNA/liposome complex, and for oocytes injected with sperm transfected with DNA/liposome complex, and for oocytes injected with DNA/liposome complex following insemination with sperm not treated with DNA/liposome complex, none of the embryos expressed d2EGFP. Sixteen day 4 ICSI embryos derived from sperm not treated with DNA/liposome complex were transferred into a day 3 recipient. One recipient delivered a female piglet with normal birthweight. After transfer of the ICSI embryos derived from sperm transfected with DNA/liposome complex, none of the four recipients maintained pregnancy.

Development and expression of the green fluorescent protein in porcine embryos derived from nuclear transfer of transgenic granulosa-derived cells

Nuclear transfer (NT) techniques have advanced in the last few years, and cloned animals have been produced from somatic cells in several species including pig. In this study we examined the feasibility of using granulosa-derived cells (GCs) as donor cells combined with a microinjection procedure to transfer those nuclei. In vitro matured oocytes were enucleated by aspirating the first polar body and adjacent cytoplasm. Mural GCs infected with an enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) gene were serum-starved (0.5% serum, 7 days), injected directly into cytoplasm of enucleated oocytes and the oocytes were electrically activated. The reconstructed embryos were cultured for 7 days and stained with Hoechst 33342 to determine the number of nuclei. Non-manipulated oocytes were electrically activated and cultured as controls. At 9 h post-activation, the pronuclear formation rates were 78.7+/-3.7% in NT and 97.4+/-4.4% in controls at 9 h post-activation. After 7 days culture, the cleavage rates were 24.5+/-7.2% in NT and 79.3+/-5.6% in controls. The blastocysts formation rates were 4.9+/-2.4% in NT and 26.8+/-3.8% in controls. To examine the effect of activation time on development of NT embryos, oocytes were activated at 0-0.5, 1-2, or 3-4 h post-injection. At 18 h post-activation the pronuclear formation rates were higher (62.5+/-7.3%) in the 3-4 h group as compared to the 0-0.5 h (22.0+/-12.5%) or 1-2h (44.5+/-6.3%) groups (P<0.05). However, the cleavage rates (9.6+/-4.6 to 10.7+/-4.2%) and the blastocysts formation rates (1.2+/-2.4 to 4.9+/-3.7%) were not different among treatments (P>0.05). The mean cell number of blastocysts was 15.7+/-5.7 in NT and 25.3+/-24.7 in controls. Green fluorescence was observed in roughly half of the embryos from the one-cell to the blastocyst stage. These results indicate that granulosa-derived cell nuclei can be remodeled in the cytoplasm of porcine oocytes, and that the reconstructed embryos can develop to the blastocyst stage. In addition, EGFP can be used as a marker for gene expression of donor nuclei.

The induction of BDNF and c-fos mRNA in the hippocampal formation after febrile seizures

In this study we investigated the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and c-fos mRNA in the hippocampal formation after febrile seizures (FSs) with in situ hybridization histochemistry using riboprobes. The induction of BDNF mRNA was firstly observed in the dentate gyrus at 30 min after FSs. The expression in the dentate gyrus peaked at 3 h and returned to basal level at 24 h. It was also observed in the CA3 of hippocampus from 2 to 3 h. The induction of c-fos mRNA was observed in the dentate gyrus at 30 min and 1 h. These observations suggest that BDNF and c-fos are the genes whose expression can be altered by FSs and might be related to pathologic alterations after FSs.