Effect of fatty acids on the permeation of melatonin across rat and pig skin in-vitro and on the transepidermal water loss in rats in-vivo

Transdermal delivery of melatonin would be advantageous in the treatment of sleep disorders considering the short biological half-life of melatonin and its variable bioavailability via the oral route. This study looked at suitable penetration enhancers for the transdermal permeation of melatonin. The permeation of melatonin was enhanced by all saturated and unsaturated fatty acids across both rat and porcine skin. There was a parabolic relationship between the carbon chain length of saturated fatty acids and the enhancement of melatonin permeation across rat and porcine skin. For rat skin, the maximum flux was observed with undecanoic acid (45.33 microg cm(-2) h(-1)) which enhanced the flux of melatonin 8.6 times compared with the control, whereas lauric acid produced the maximum flux of melatonin (24.98 microg cm(-2) h(-1); 4-7 times) across porcine skin. An increase in the number of double bonds in cis-9-octadecanoic acid increased the flux of melatonin across rat skin. In contrast, with porcine skin, the flux of melatonin decreased as the number of double bonds increased, although the flux values were not statistically significant. Treatment of rats with undecanoic acid, oleic acid and linolenic acid for 3 h using Hill top chamber enhanced the transepidermal water loss significantly. The maximum transepidermal water loss was observed with undecanoic acid and linolenic acid among saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, respectively. Nonanoic acid and myristic acid did not cause a significant change in the transepidermal water loss. The enhancement effect of saturated fatty acids on the permeation of melatonin was dependent on the chain-length of the fatty acid in both rat and porcine skin. While an increase in the number of double bonds in the fatty acid increased the flux of melatonin in rat skin, no significant difference in the flux was observed with porcine skin. The permeation enhancement of melatonin by saturated and unsaturated fatty acids across rat skin was significantly higher than that of porcine skin. A positive correlation was observed between the permeation enhancement effect of the fatty acids across rat skin in-vitro and the transepidermal water loss in rats in-vivo, suggesting that there is a similarity in the mechanism by which fatty acids enhance the permeation of melatonin and in the enhancement of transepidermal water loss. We conclude that saturated fatty acids such as undecanoic acid or lauric acid which showed maximum permeation across rat and porcine skin, respectively, may be used as potential penetration enhancers in the development of a transdermal delivery system for melatonin.

Completing visual contours: the relationship between relatability and minimizing inflections

Visual completion is a ubiquitous phenomenon: Human vision often constructs contours and surfaces in regions that have no sharp gradients in any image property. When does human vision interpolate a contour between a given pair of luminance-defined edges? Two different answers have been proposed: relatability and minimizing inflections. We state and prove a proposition that links these two proposals by showing that, under appropriate conditions, relatability is mathematically equivalent to the existence of a smooth curve with no inflection points that interpolates between the two edges. The proposition thus provides a set of necessary and sufficient conditions for two edges to be relatable. On the basis of these conditions, we suggest a way to extend the definition of relatability (1) to include the role of genericity, and (2) to extend the current all-or-none character of relatability to a graded measure that can track the gradedness in psychophysical data.

Diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration biopsy of palpable colonic masses

OBJECTIVE

To assess the role of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in patients with palpable colonic masses.

STUDY DESIGN

FNAB was performed on 32 patients with palpable colonic masses before subjecting them to colonoscopic examination. Smears prepared from the material obtained by aspiration biopsy were examined. The results of aspiration biopsy were confirmed by histopathologic examination of the tissue obtained on colonoscopy or surgery or by a salutory response to antituberculous therapy in patients with tuberculosis of the colon.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients had carcinoma of the colon, and three had ileocecal tuberculosis. Aspiration biopsy could correctly diagnose all the cases with malignancy and two of the three cases with colonic tuberculosis. Colonoscopy could not be performed on two patients with cancer of the colon. However, a barium enema examination revealed evidence of cecal malignancy in both patients. In the two patients diagnosed as having colonic tuberculosis by FNAB, colonoscopic biopsies revealed only nonspecific changes. There were no false positive results or complications of the procedure.

CONCLUSION

FNAB is a simple, rapid and accurate method of diagnosing palpable colonic masses.

A comparison of antigen dipstick assays with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and blood film examination in the rapid diagnosis of malaria

Early diagnosis of malaria for military personnel training in the field is crucial in providing proper treatment for the infected and in taking appropriate preventive measures for the non-infected. Present preliminary diagnosis of malaria in the field depends on the clinical symptoms of the patients and there is a need for rapid diagnosis of malaria in the field. The presence of drug-resistant strains of the Plasmodium species in the region also increases the urgency of finding a quick and sensitive way of identifying the different strains. This study evaluated current methods available for the diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. The dipstick assays, the ParaSight F test and the OptiMAL malaria rapid test were compared with the methods of microscopic examination of blood film and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). On comparison to the blood film and PCR methods, the ParaSight F test has specificity of 98.6% and sensitivity of 91% for P. falciparum detection. The OptiMAL malaria rapid test has a specificity of 100% and 98.6% and sensitivity of 92.8% and 92.6% for P. vivax and P. falciparum detection respectively. We conclude that both tests are suitable for use for rapid malaria diagnosis in the field but the OptiMAL rapid malaria test, which can detect both vivax and falciparum malaria, would be more useful.

Double blind clinical trial of a remineralizing dentifrice in the prevention of caries in a radiation therapy population

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy and safety of a specially formulated remineralizing toothpaste in controlling caries in a group of high risk, head and neck radiation patients.

DESIGN

The study compares the performance of the remineralizing toothpaste with a leading conventional fluoride dentifrice using double-blind randomization. TEST PRODUCTS: The products compared both contain equivalent quantities of fluoride (1150 ppm). The remineralizing toothpaste also delivers soluble calcium and phosphate ions, the essential components of teeth.

SUBJECTS

On completion, 50 subjects who received > 50 Gy of radiation to the head and neck.

MEASUREMENTS

Examinations include coronal and root caries using the Pitts Diagnostic Criteria, salivary flow rate, plaque and gingival indices and microbiological counts over one year.

RESULTS

At this point subjects are enrolled in the study at various phases. However, the current average for the net increment per month per subject is -0.12 (+/- 1.30) for coronal caries and 0.06 (+/- 0.73) for root caries in subjects using the remineralizing toothpaste and 0.53 (+/- 1.62) for coronal caries and 0.45 (+/- 0.98) for root caries in subjects using the conventional fluoride dentifrice. Non-parametric analysis of rank scores for net root surface increments/month was statistically significant (p = 0.02), suggesting lower net root surface increment/month for the remineralizing toothpaste relative to the conventional toothpaste. No significant differences were noted on coronal surfaces.

CONCLUSIONS

The results to date indicate that the remineralizing toothpaste is significantly superior to the conventional fluoride dentifrice in preventing root caries in high risk patients.

Mouse ATF-2 null mutants display features of a severe type of meconium aspiration syndrome

Mouse null mutants of transcription factor ATF-2 were generated by the gene targeting method. They died shortly after birth and displayed symptoms of severe respiratory distress with lungs filled with meconium. These features are similar to those of a severe type of human meconium aspiration syndrome. The increased expression of the hypoxia inducible genes suggests that hypoxia occurs in the mutant embryos and that it may lead to strong gasping respiration with consequent aspiration of the amniotic fluid containing meconium. A reduced number of cytotrophoblast cells in the mutant placenta was found and may be responsible for an insufficient supply of oxygen prior to birth. Using the cDNA subtraction and microarray-based expression monitoring method, the expression level of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha gene, which plays an important role in the proliferation of trophoblasts, was found to be low in the cytotrophoblasts of the mutant placenta. In addition, ATF-2 can trans-activate the PDGF receptor alpha gene promoter in the co-transfection assay. These results indicate the important role of ATF-2 in the formation of the placenta and the relationship between placental anomalies and neonatal respiratory distress. The ATF-2 null mutants should enhance our understanding of the mechanism of severe neonatal respiratory distress.

Transferrin As A Targeting Ligand for Liposomes and Anticancer Drugs

Abstract:

In cancer treatment, one of the approaches is targeting of the drug to tumor cells via receptor specific ligands. Transferrin (molecular weight 80,000) has been used as a ligand for delivering anticancer drugs or drug containing liposomes mostly due to the increased number of transferrin (trf) receptors found on tumor cells as compared to normal cells. Transferrin was linked to methotrexate (MTX) containing small unilamellar liposomes and its activity was compared to antitransferrin receptor antibody (7D-3) linked to MTX liposomes. In each of these conjugates, the method of coupling was the same and a disulphide linkage was fanned between the ligand and MTX liposomes. No significant differences in the potency of 7D-3 conjugate or trf conjugate with MTX liposomes were observed in studies performed in vitro against various human tumor cell lines (Hela, KB and Colon). Trf was also linked to adriamycin via a schiff base which was formed by using glutaraldehyde. This conjugate was found to be effective in vitro against various human tumors (Lovo, HL-60, SW 403 and Hep2) and also in vivo against H­ mesothelioma tumors. Transferrin receptor has also been used for gene delivery. Gene delivery to K562 haematopoietic leukaemic cells was achieved by using a transferrin-polycation (poly-L-lysine or protamine) conjugate. This review will cover the various important applications of transferrin based drug delivery formulations in the chemotherapy of cancer and the related work performed in our and other laboratories.

Bilateral ovarian stromal hyperplasia concealing a nonhilar, pure stromal-Leydig cell tumor. A case report

BACKGROUND

Of ovarian stromal tumors containing Leydig cells, nonhilar, pure stromal-Leydig cell tumor is rare.

CASE

An obese, diabetic, borderline hypertensive 41-year-old woman with a five-year history of oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea presented with complaints of masculinization. Physical examination revealed hirsutism and an enlarged clitoris. The only abnormal serum marker was elevated testosterone. At laparotomy both ovaries were enlarged and suspected to have bilateral stromal hyperthecosis. Histology revealed stromal hyperplasia along with a 1.5-cm, testosterone-producing pure stromal-Leydig cell tumor of the right ovary.

CONCLUSION

Bilateral ovarian enlargement secondary to stromal hyperplasia in patients with masculinizing signs can conceal a small, unilateral pure stromal-Leydig cell tumor.

Transferrin As A targeting ligand for liposomes and anticancer drugs

In cancer treatment, one of the approaches is targeting of the drug to tumor cells via receptor specific ligands. Transferrin (molecular weight 80,000) has been used as a ligand for delivering anticancer drugs or drug containing liposomes mostly due to the increased number of transferrin (trf) receptors found on tumor cells as compared to normal cells. Transferrin was linked to methotrexate (MTX) containing small unilamellar liposomes and its activity was compared to antitransferrin receptor antibody (7D-3) linked to MTX liposomes. In each of these conjugates, the method of coupling was the same and a disulphide linkage was formed between the ligand and MTX liposomes. No significant differences in the potency of 7D-3 conjugate or trf conjugate with MTX liposomes were observed in studies performed in vitro against various human tumor cell lines (Hela, KB and Colon). Trf was also linked to adriamycin via a schiff base which was formed by using glutaraldehyde. This conjugate was found to be effective in vitro against various human tumors (Lovo, HL-60, SW 403 and Hep2) and also in vivo against H-mesothelioma tumors. Transferrin receptor has also been used for gene delivery. Gene delivery to K562 haematopoietic leukaemic cells was achieved by using a transferrin-polycation (poly-L-lysine or protamine) conjugate. This review will cover the various important applications of transferrin based drug delivery formulations in the chemotherapy of cancer and the related work performed in our and other laboratories.

SPET brain perfusion imaging in mild traumatic brain injury without loss of consciousness and normal computed tomography

We present SPET brain perfusion findings in 32 patients who suffered mild traumatic brain injury without loss of consciousness and normal computed tomography. None of the patients had previous traumatic brain injury, CVA, HIV, psychiatric disorders or a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Their ages ranged from 11 to 61 years (mean = 42). The study was performed in 20 patients (62%) within 3 months of the date of injury and in 12 (38%) patients more than 3 months post-injury. Nineteen patients (60%) were involved in a motor vehicle accident, 10 patients (31%) sustained a fall and three patients (9%) received a blow to the head. The most common complaints were headaches in 26 patients (81%), memory deficits in 15 (47%), dizziness in 13 (41%) and sleep disorders in eight (25%). The studies were acquired approximately 2 h after an intravenous injection of 740 MBq (20.0 mCi) of 99Tcm-HMPAO. All images were acquired on a triple-headed gamma camera. The data were displayed on a 10-grade colour scale, with 2-pixel thickness (7.4 mm), and were reviewed blind to the patient's history of symptoms. The cerebellum was used as the reference site (100% maximum value). Any decrease in cerebral perfusion in the cortex or basal ganglia less than 70%, or less than 50% in the medial temporal lobe, compared to the cerebellar reference was considered abnormal. The results show that 13 (41%) had normal studies and 19 (59%) were abnormal (13 studies performed within 3 months of the date of injury and six studies performed more than 3 months post-injury). Analysis of the abnormal studies revealed that 17 showed 48 focal lesions and two showed diffuse supratentorial hypoperfusion (one from each of the early and delayed imaging groups). The 12 abnormal studies performed early had 37 focal lesions and averaged 3.1 lesions per patient, whereas there was a reduction to--an average of 2.2 lesions per patient in the five studies (total 11 lesions) performed more than 3 months post-injury. In the 17 abnormal studies with focal lesions, the following regions were involved in descending frequency: frontal lobes 58%, basal ganglia and thalami 47%, temporal lobes 26% and parietal lobes 16%. We conclude that: (1) SPET brain perfusion imaging is valuable and sensitive for the evaluation of cerebral perfusion changes following mild traumatic brain injury; (2) these changes can occur without loss of consciousness; (3) SPET brain perfusion imaging is more sensitive than computed tomography in detecting brain lesions; and (4) the changes may explain a neurological component of the patient's symptoms in the absence of morphological abnormalities using other imaging modalities.

A recombinant measles virus expressing hepatitis B virus surface antigen induces humoral immune responses in genetically modified mice

It has been shown previously that measles virus (MV) can be successfully used to express foreign proteins (M. Singh and M. A. Billeter, J. Gen. Virol. 80:101-106, 1998). To develop an inexpensive MV-based vaccine, we generated recombinant MVs that produce structural proteins of hepatitis B virus (HBV). A recombinant virus that expressed the HBV small surface antigen (HBsAg) was analyzed in terms of its replication characteristics, its genetic stability in cell culture, and its immunogenic potential in genetically modified mice. Although this virus showed a progression of replication slightly slower than that of the parental MV, it appeared to stably maintain the added genetic information; it uniformly expressed the appropriately glycosylated HBsAg after 10 serial passages. Genetically modified mice inoculated with this recombinant MV produced humoral immune responses against both HBsAg and MV proteins.

Refined crystal structure (2.3 A) of a double-headed winged bean alpha-chymotrypsin inhibitor and location of its second reactive site

The crystal structure of a double-headed alpha-chymotrypsin inhibitor, WCI, from winged bean seeds has now been refined at 2.3 A resolution to an R-factor of 18.7% for 9,897 reflections. The crystals belong to the hexagonal space group P6(1)22 with cell parameters a = b = 61.8 A and c = 212.8 A. The final model has a good stereochemistry and a root mean square deviation of 0.011 A and 1.14 degrees from ideality for bond length and bond angles, respectively. A total of 109 ordered solvent molecules were localized in the structure. This improved structure at 2.3 A led to an understanding of the mechanism of inhibition of the protein against alpha-chymotrypsin. An analysis of this higher resolution structure also helped us to predict the location of the second reactive site of the protein, about which no previous biochemical information was available. The inhibitor structure is spherical and has twelve anti-parallel beta-strands with connecting loops arranged in a characteristic beta-trefoil fold common to other homologous serine protease inhibitors in the Kunitz (STI) family as well as to some non homologous functionally unrelated proteins. A wide variation in the surface loop regions is seen in the latter ones.

Multi-layer imaging of human organs by measurement of laser backscattered radiation

Laser backscattered radiations from tissue phantoms and human forearms are measured by a reflectance imager. Laser radiations are guided by an optical fibre, and the backscattered radiations are collected by three optical fibres in the measurement probe assembly, placed at distances of 2 mm, 4 mm and 6 mm from the input fibre. By placing the measurement probe on the phantom or tissue surface and matching the outline on the computer monitor, the reflectance data from the organ or the phantom are collected. These data, after digitisation, interpolation and filtering, are colour coded and displayed on the computer monitor. Using this imaging procedure, the abnormalities embedded at different depths in the phantoms are located. The structural changes due to colour, composition and blood flow in the multi-layer of human forearms of various subjects are qualitatively shown in reflectance images obtained by this procedure.

Mutational pattern of the nurse shark antigen receptor gene (NAR) is similar to that of mammalian Ig genes and to spontaneous mutations in evolution: the translesion synthesis model of somatic hypermutation

The pattern of somatic mutations of shark and frog Ig is distinct from somatic hypermutation of Ig in mammals in that there is a bias to mutate GC base pairs and a low frequency of mutations. Previous analysis of the new antigen receptor gene in nurse sharks (NAR), however, revealed no bias to mutate GC base pairs and the frequency of mutation was comparable to that of mammalian IgG. Here, we analyzed 1023 mutations in NAR and found no targeting of the mechanism to any particular nucleotide but did obtain strong evidence for a transition bias and for strand polarity. As seen for all species studied to date, the serine codon AGC/T in NAR was a mutational hotspot. The NAR mutational pattern is most similar to that of mammalian IgG and furthermore both are strikingly akin to mutations acquired during the neutral evolution of nuclear pseudogenes, suggesting that a similar mechanism is at work for both processes. In yeast, most spontaneous mutations are introduced by the translesion synthesis DNA polymerase zeta (REV3) and in various DNA repair-deficient backgrounds transitions were more often REV3-dependent than were transversions. Therefore, we propose a model of somatic hypermutation where DNA polymerase zeta is recruited to the Ig locus. An excess of DNA glycosylases in germinal center reactions may further enhance the mutation frequency by a REV3-dependent mutagenic process known as imbalanced base excision repair.

Stealth monensin liposomes as a potentiator of adriamycin in cancer treatment

Small unilamellar stealth monensin liposomes (SMLs) were prepared from multilamellar liposomes (MLVs). The MLVs were prepared by using dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), cholesterol, distearoyl glycerophosphoethanolamine coupled to poly(ethylene glycol) (DSPE-PEG) and stearylamine in the molar ratio of 10:5:1.4:1.4 (32.8 mM total lipid). The encapsulation efficiencies of monensin in MLVs and small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) was 6x10++(-6) and 10(-7) M, respectively. The stability of SMLs was studied at 4 degrees C. The amount of leakage of monensin from SMLs was less than 20% after four weeks of storage. The in vitro release of monensin from SMLs in human serum was determined, and t1/2 was found to be 10 h. Pharmacokinetic studies on SMLs were carried out in BALB/c mice. More than 20% of SMLs remained in blood circulation after 24 h. SMLs increased the uptake of adriamycin (AM) in HL-60-resistant cells by more than two fold, compared to monensin in solution. SMLs potentiated the effect of AM against both sensitive and resistant HL-60 cells (six- and tenfold potentiation, respectively) and human LOVO tumor cells (four- and 200-fold potentiation, respectively). However, the highest potentiation was observed against resistant human breast tumor MCF7 cells, and was found to be 2400 times in comparison to AM alone. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies carried out with HL-60-resistant tumor cells incubated with SMLs showed that SMLs caused dilation of the golgi of tumor cells within 10 min. The dilation of golgi was reversible after reincubation of the cells in fresh medium. SMLs showed considerable potential as a potentiator in combination with AM in overcoming drug resistance.

Possible role of cardiac mast cells in norepinephrine-induced myocardial preconditioning

The present study was designed to investigate the role of cardiac mast cells in the cardioprotective effect of norepinephrine-induced preconditioning. Isolated rat heart was subjected to 30 min of global ischemia followed by 30 min of reperfusion. Both ischemic and norepinephrine (100 microM) preconditioning markedly reduced ischemia-reperfusion-induced release of lactate dehydrogenose (LDH) in the coronary effluent and the incidence of ventricular premature beats (VPBs) and ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF) during the reperfusion phase. Ischemic and norepinephrine preconditioning also significantly reduced ischemia-reperfusion-induced release of mast cell peroxidase (MPO), a marker of mast cell degranulation. However, MPO release increased immediately after ischemic or norepinephrine preconditioning. Histological study with ruthenium red (0.005%) staining confirmed cardiac mast cell degranulation in ischemic and norepinephrine preconditioned isolated rat hearts. These findings tentatively suggest that pharmacological preconditioning with norepinephrine produces a cardioprotective and antiarrhythmic effect similar to ischemic preconditioning through degranulation of resident cardiac mast cells.

Role of angiotensin in cardioprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning

This study was designed to investigate the role of angiotensin (Ang II) in the cardioprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning. Isolated perfused rat heart was subjected to global ischemia for 30 min followed by reperfusion for 120 min. Coronary effluent was analyzed for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) release to assess the degree of cardiac injury. Myocardial infarct size was estimated macroscopically by using triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Four episodes of ischemic/Ang II preconditioning markedly reduced LDH and CK release in the coronary effluent and decreased myocardial infarct size. The cardioprotective effect of Ang II preconditioning was abolished by CV 11974, AT1-receptor antagonist, whereas no such effect was noted with CV 11974 in ischemic preconditioning. PD 123319, AT2-receptor antagonist, produced no marked effect on Ang II preconditioning and ischemic preconditioning induced reduction in myocardial injury. On the basis of these results, it may be concluded that activation of AT1 receptors may be involved in angiotensin-induced pharmacologic preconditioning. But it may not be involved in the cardioprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning in isolated rat heart.

Parsing silhouettes: the short-cut rule

Many researchers have proposed that, for the purpose of recognition, human vision parses shapes into component parts. Precisely how is not yet known. The minima rule for silhouettes (Hoffman & Richards, 1984) defines boundary points at which to parse but does not tell how to use these points to cut silhouettes and, therefore, does not tell what the parts are. In this paper, we propose the short-cut rule, which states that, other things being equal, human vision prefers to use the shortest possible cuts to parse silhouettes. We motivate this rule, and the well-known Petter's rule for modal completion, by the principle of transversality. We present five psychophysical experiments that test the short-cut rule, show that it successfully predicts part cuts that connect boundary points given by the minima rule, and show that it can also create new boundary points.

Oligonucleotide inhibition of the interaction of HIV-1 Tat protein with the trans-activation responsive region (TAR) of HIV RNA

The interaction of HIV-1 Tat protein with its recognition sequence, the trans-activation responsive region TAR is a potential target for drug discovery against HIV infection. We show by use of an in vitro competition filter binding interference assay that synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotides complementary to the HIV-1 TAR RNA apical stem-loop and bulge region inhibit the binding of Tat protein or a Tat peptide (residues 37-72) better than two small molecules that have been shown to bind TAR RNA, Hoechst 33258 and neomycin B. The inhibition is not sensitive to length between 13 and 16 residues or precise positioning but shorter oligonucleotides are less effective. Enhanced inhibition was obtained for a 16-mer 2'-O-methyl oligoribonucleotide but not for C5-propyne pyrimidine-substituted oligonucleotides. Control non-antisense oligonucleotides were occasionally also effective in filter binding interference but only the complementary antisense 2'-O-methyl oligoribonucleotide was effective in gel mobility shift assays in direct TAR binding or in interference with Tat peptide binding to the TAR stem-loop. This is the first demonstration of effective inhibition of the Tat-TAR interaction by nuclease-stabilized oligonucleotide analogues.

Induction of cellular immunity to a mycobacterial antigen adsorbed on lamellar particles of lactide polymers

Microspheres prepared from synthetic, biodegradable poly (L-lactide) [PLA] and copolymers of lactide and glycolide such as poly (DL lactide co-glycolide) [PLG] have been widely investigated for controlled delivery of encapsulated vaccine antigens. In this study we describe novel lamellar microparticles produced from PLA to which protein antigens can be adsorbed. These particles when administered to mice, induced strong Th1-type T cell responses to the adsorbed 38 kDa protein antigen from M. tuberculosis characterised by high levels of Interferon-gamma. In addition to proteins, we were also able to adsorb synthetic peptides resulting in specific T cell proliferation. Induction of strong cellular immunity together with the versatility of antigen adsorption to these particles should make such lamellae a useful tool to deliver protective antigens from intracellular pathogens.

Characterization of protein profiles and cross-reactivity of Blastocystis antigens by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblot analysis

The protein profiles of Blastocystis hominis, B. lapemi, and B. ratti were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and species could be differentiated by this means as well as by Western-blot analysis with polyclonal antibodies. No intraspecies difference could be distinguished between the two B. hominis isolates or the three B. ratti isolates. Western-blot analysis showed extensive cross-reactivity of B. lapemi and B. hominis antigens with anti-B. ratti serum. Some of the cross-reactive antigens were glycoproteins as determined on the basis of their sensitivity to periodate treatment.