Weight reduction increases plasma levels of an adipose-derived anti-inflammatory protein, adiponectin

Adiponectin, an adipose tissue-specific plasma protein, was recently revealed to have anti-inflammatory effects on the cellular components of vascular wall. Its plasma levels were significantly lower in men than in women and lower in human subjects with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or coronary artery disease. Therefore, it may provide a biological link between obesity and obesity-related disorders such as atherosclerosis, against which it may confer protection. In this study, we observed the changes of plasma adiponectin levels with body weight reduction among 22 obese patients who received gastric partition surgery. A 46% increase of mean plasma adiponectin level was accompanied by a 21% reduction in mean body mass index. The change in plasma adiponectin levels was significantly correlated with the changes in body mass index (r = -0.5, P = 0.01), waist (r = -0.4, P = 0.04) and hip (r = -0.6, P = 0.0007) circumferences, and steady state plasma glucose levels (r = -0.5, P = 0.04). In multivariate linear regression models, the increase in adiponectin as a dependent variable was significantly related to the decrease in hip circumference (beta = -0.16, P = 0.028), after adjusting body mass index and waist circumference. The change in steady state plasma glucose levels as a dependent variable was related to the increase of adiponectin with a marginal significance (beta = -0.92, P = 0.053), after adjusting body mass index and waist and hip circumferences. In conclusion, body weight reduction increased the plasma levels of a protective adipocytokine, adiponectin. In addition, the increase in plasma adiponectin despite the reduction of the only tissue of its own synthesis suggests that the expression of adiponectin is under feedback inhibition in obesity.

Prevention of perinatally transmitted hepatitis B virus infections with hepatitis B immune globulin and hepatitis B vaccine

A randomised blind controlled trial of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) plus hepatitis B vaccine for the prevention of the perinatally transmitted HBsAg carrier state was conducted in Taipei. Infants of e-antigen-positive HBsAg carrier mothers were given HBIG immediately after birth, and then one of three schedules of vaccination. There was no difference in efficacy between the three schedules; the combined efficacy was 94%, compared with that of HBIG alone (71%) or of vaccination alone (75%). Persistent HBs antigenaemia developed in only 9 (6%) of the 159 infants receiving prophylaxis, but in 88% of the controls. Antibodies developed in all those who did not become antigenaemic and presumably will provide long-term protection from hepatitis B virus infection. HBIG should be given as soon as possible after birth and need not be given again if the infant is subsequently vaccinated. With HBIG coverage from birth, the timing of the start of vaccination does not seem to be of importance within the first month of life, but to maximise compliance and minimise costs hepatitis B vaccination should be initiated during the confinement.

Weight reduction increases plasma levels of an adipose-derived anti-inflammatory protein, adiponectin

Adiponectin, an adipose tissue-specific plasma protein, was recently revealed to have anti-inflammatory effects on the cellular components of vascular wall. Its plasma levels were significantly lower in men than in women and lower in human subjects with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or coronary artery disease. Therefore, it may provide a biological link between obesity and obesity-related disorders such as atherosclerosis, against which it may confer protection. In this study, we observed the changes of plasma adiponectin levels with body weight reduction among 22 obese patients who received gastric partition surgery. A 46% increase of mean plasma adiponectin level was accompanied by a 21% reduction in mean body mass index. The change in plasma adiponectin levels was significantly correlated with the changes in body mass index (r = -0.5, P = 0.01), waist (r = -0.4, P = 0.04) and hip (r = -0.6, P = 0.0007) circumferences, and steady state plasma glucose levels (r = -0.5, P = 0.04). In multivariate linear regression models, the increase in adiponectin as a dependent variable was significantly related to the decrease in hip circumference (beta = -0.16, P = 0.028), after adjusting body mass index and waist circumference. The change in steady state plasma glucose levels as a dependent variable was related to the increase of adiponectin with a marginal significance (beta = -0.92, P = 0.053), after adjusting body mass index and waist and hip circumferences. In conclusion, body weight reduction increased the plasma levels of a protective adipocytokine, adiponectin. In addition, the increase in plasma adiponectin despite the reduction of the only tissue of its own synthesis suggests that the expression of adiponectin is under feedback inhibition in obesity.

XUTs are a class of Xrn1-sensitive antisense regulatory non-coding RNA in yeast

Non-coding (nc)RNAs are key players in numerous biological processes such as gene regulation, chromatin domain formation and genome stability. Large ncRNAs interact with histone modifiers and are involved in cancer development, X-chromosome inactivation and autosomal gene imprinting. However, despite recent evidence showing that pervasive transcription is more widespread than previously thought, only a few examples mediating gene regulation in eukaryotes have been described. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the bona-fide regulatory ncRNAs are destabilized by the Xrn1 5'-3' RNA exonuclease (also known as Kem1), but the genome-wide characterization of the entire regulatory ncRNA family remains elusive. Here, using strand-specific RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we identify a novel class of 1,658 Xrn1-sensitive unstable transcripts (XUTs) in which 66% are antisense to open reading frames. These transcripts are polyadenylated and RNA polymerase II (RNAPII)-dependent. The majority of XUTs strongly accumulate in lithium-containing media, indicating that they might have a role in adaptive responses to changes in growth conditions. Notably, RNAPII chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by DNA sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis of Xrn1-deficient strains revealed a significant decrease of RNAPII occupancy over 273 genes with antisense XUTs. These genes show an unusual bias for H3K4me3 marks and require the Set1 histone H3 lysine 4 methyl-transferase for silencing. Furthermore, abolishing H3K4me3 triggers the silencing of other genes with antisense XUTs, supporting a model in which H3K4me3 antagonizes antisense ncRNA repressive activity. Our results demonstrate that antisense ncRNA-mediated regulation is a general regulatory pathway for gene expression in S. cerevisiae.

Identification of proopiomelanocortin neurones in rat hypothalamus by in situ cDNA-mRNA hybridization

Ardrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), beta-endorphin and the melanotropins (MSHs) are all derived from a single large precursor molecule, proopiomelanocortin (POMC) by individual processing through a series of co- and post-translational modifications. Although the primary site of synthesis is in the pituitary, POMC-derived peptides have been identified in various tissues, notably the brain (see refs 6, 7 for review). A major question concerning brain POMC is whether it is synthesized within the central nervous system (CNS) itself or whether it is taken up from plasma flowing in a retrograde fashion from the pituitary. POMC peptides have been detected immunohistochemically and biochemically in the medial basal hypothalamus, the amygdala and throughout the brain stem. POMC peptide-containing cell bodies have been identified only in two cell groups, however, principally in the periarcuate region of the hypothalamus and to a lesser extent in the nucleus of the tractus solitarius. These and other observations have suggested that POMC peptides are synthesized locally in the medial basal hypothalamus and reach other regions of the CNS by axonal transport. Civelli et al. identified POMC mRNAs in nucleic acid extracts of rat and bovine hypothalami by solution hybridization as well as Northern gel blot analysis, but because of the close proximity of the hypothalamus to the pituitary and the extremely low amounts of POMC mRNA being measured in the hypothalamus, the possibility of tissue contamination during dissection could not be ruled out. We report here the anatomical co-localization of POMC-related peptides and POMC-specific mRNAs to a single major cell group in the medial basal hypothalamus. The presence of POMC-specific mRNA in a POMC peptide-containing cell in the brain is strong support for POMC biosynthesis within brain tissue.

A large subpopulation of avian T cells express a homologue of the mammalian T gamma/delta receptor

This report describes an avian TCR molecule, TCR1, whose molecular characteristics, signal-transducing property, and tissue distribution suggest that it is a homologue of the mammalian TCR-gamma/delta. TCR1+ cells are the first to be generated in the thymus during ontogeny, preceding other T3+ cells by approximately 3 d. Unlike their mammalian counterpart, TCR1+ cells constitute a relatively large subpopulation of peripheral T cells in mature chickens. These results suggest a phylogenetically important role for this receptor in T cell development and function.

Europium adsorption on multiwall carbon nanotube/iron oxide magnetic composite in the presence of polyacrylic acid

This paper examines the interaction between Eu(III) and a multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/iron oxide magnetic composite in the absence and presence of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). PAA was used as a surrogate for natural organic matter. The effects of pH, initial Eu(III) concentration, and PAA on Eu(III) adsorption on the magnetic composite were investigated using a batch technique. Percentage adsorption of Eu(III) on the magnetic composite increased with increasing pH and decreased with initial Eu(III) concentration. PAA adsorption on the magnetic composite decreased with increasing pH and was not obviously affected bythe presence of Eu(III). The presence of PAA resulted in strong enhancement of Eu(III) adsorption below pH 4.5. However, above pH 5, an increase in soluble Eu-PAA complexes resulted in a decrease in Eu(III) adsorption on the magnetic composite. With increasing PAA concentrations, maximum adsorption of Eu(III) decreased and the adsorption "edge" shifted toward a lower pH range. Obvious difference of Eu(III)/PAA addition sequences on Eu(III) adsorption was observed above pH 4. The Freundlich model fitted Eu(III) adsorption isotherms very well in the absence and presence of PAA. These results are important for estimating and optimizing the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants by the magnetic composite.

Identification of a T3/T cell receptor complex in chickens

A mouse mAb, CT-3, recognizes on chicken T cells a complex of three polypeptides, Mr 20,000, 19,000, and 17,000, two of which are N-glycosylated. The CT-3 antibody is mitogenic for chicken T cells, and it coprecipitates two additional polypeptides of Mr 49,000 and 38,000 in lysates of T cell membranes. Ontogeny studies revealed that 5-6 d after thymic influx of hemopoietic stem cells, their thymocyte progeny begin to express the T3/TCR complex. After hatching 1 wk later, the CT-3+ cells begin splenic migration in large numbers.

Electron microscopic observations of a marine fish iridovirus isolated from brown-spotted grouper, Epinephelus tauvina

The morphogenesis and the ultrastructure of a marine fish iridovirus isolated from diseased grouper, Epinephelus tauvina were studied by electron microscopy. The virus was grown on a marine fish cell line (GP) at 25 degrees C. After appearance of advanced cytopathic effect (CPE), various morphogenetic stages of virus amplification, maturation and assembly were detected in the cytoplasm of virus-infected cells. The matured nucleocapsids were probably formed by insertion of electron-dense core material into a partly forming empty capsid just before completely sealed. The nucleocapsids were located at the assembly sites as pseudocrystalline arrays or scattered individually. In the late phase of infection, the nucleocapsids were enveloped and released by budding from the plasma membrane. The budding virus particles could directly enter neighbouring cells by endocytosis to start the next round infection. Ultrastructure of the grouper iridovirus was studied using the methods of enzymatic digestions and detergent degradations. The purified iridovirus particles showed a three-layered membrane including an external lipoprotein envelope, an inner periodic protein capsid and a lipid-containing membrane. The regular array of surface capsid subunits was observed after degradation with detergent.

Simultaneous characterization of glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction in American whites and blacks

Human glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1 and T1 enzymes exhibit genetic polymorphism, with a percentage of normal individuals exhibiting a homozygous deletion of the relevant genes. We established a differential polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to simultaneously characterize inactivating mutations responsible for the null alleles of GSTM1 and GSTT1. Primers for GSTM1,GSTT1,and for beta-globin (as a positive control) were used to simultaneously amplify all three gene products from leukocyte DNA from 416 normal healthy human volunteers. Identical GSTM1 and CSTT1 genotypes were obtained using nine samples processed either separately or simultaneously for GSTM1 and GSTT1. The frequency of the null genotype for GSTM1 was higher in whites (114/213 or 53.5% vs 56/203 or 27.6%, p < 0.001) and for GSTT1 was higher in blacks (49/203 or 24.1% vs 32/213 or 15.0%, p = 0.019). The observed frequency of the 'double null' genotype for both GSTM1 and GSTT1 was not significantly different from that predicted if both polymorphisms were independent (p = 0.102) and did not differ by race (p = 0.120) or sex (p = 0.800). There was a higher frequency of the GSTM1 null genotype among females than males (92/202 or 45.5% vs 78/214 or 36.4%, p = 0.049). These results demonstrate that this PCR method is a simple and reliable tool to simultaneously characterize both GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes.

Differential expression of two T cell receptors, TcR1 and TcR2, on chicken lymphocytes

A monoclonal antibody, TcR2, has been shown to recognize an avian homologue of the mammalian alpha/beta T cell receptor (TcR). The TcR2-reactive molecule was found to be a T3-associated heterodimer with relative molecular mass of 90-kDa consisting of disulfide-linked 50-kDa and 40-kDa polypeptides. The sizes of the deglycosylated TcR2 polypeptides differed from those of TcR1, an avian homologue of the mammalian gamma/delta T cell receptor. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that TcR1 and TcR2 are expressed on separate populations of T cells during their development first in the thymus and then in the periphery. Ontogenetic studies revealed that the TcR1+ thymocytes are generated first and the generation of TcR2+ cells begins approximately 3 days later. While most TcR2+ cells in the thymus expressed both CT4 and CT8, TcR2+ cells in blood and the spleen were either CT4+ or CT8+. The TcR1+ cells in blood and thymus were CT4-CT8-, but the majority of TcR1+ cells in the spleen surprisingly expressed the CT8 marker. The data suggest that TcR1 and TcR2 cells are generated in the thymus as separate T cell sublineages.

Age, gender, and local geographic variations of viral etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma in a hyperendemic area for hepatitis B virus infection

BACKGROUND

There are etiologic variations of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in different geographic areas. Taiwan is a hyperendemic area for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection also plays an important role in HCC development in Taiwan. Identification of local HCV-endemic areas is important to keep HCV from spreading. This study investigated the etiologic variations of HCC in different geographic areas of Taiwan.

METHODS

The authors evaluated the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) status of 284 patients (232 male, 52 female) with HCC. They also evaluated the gender ratio and mean age of these patients.

RESULTS

The mean age of HBsAg positive patients was significantly lower than the mean age of HBsAg negative patients (52.6 +/- 12.3 vs. 61.3 +/- 11.2 years) (P < 0.05). The male-to-female ratio was 4.5:1 for all HCC patients, 7:1 for HBsAg positive HCC patients, and 2.8:1 for anti-HCV positive HCC patients. In Chaiyi County in southern Taiwan, the prevalence of anti-HCV in male HCC patients was 52%, significantly greater than that of Taiwan as a whole (27.6%) (P = 0.07). However, the prevalence of anti-HCV in male HCC patients in Taipei County in northern Taiwan was 8.7%, significantly less than that of Taiwan as a whole (P = 0.043). Of a total of 65 Chiayi-based HCC patients, 55.4% were anti-HCV positive and 46.2% were HBsAg positive. In the Chiayi area, results of multiple logistic regression showed that the HCC patients who were age 60 years or older or who were living in the city area both had highly HCV-related disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The mean age of patients with HBV-related HCC was significantly lower than that of patients with non-HBV-related HCC. The male-to-female ratio for patients with HBV-related HCC was significantly higher than that of patients with HCV-related HCC. The authors identified an area of Taiwan in which HCV-related HCC was prevalent.

Brain lesion size and location: effects on motor recovery and functional outcome in stroke patients

OBJECTIVE

To investigate effects of brain lesion profiles that combined sizes and locations on motor recovery and functional outcome after stroke in hemiplegic patients.

DESIGN

Delimiting sizes (a threshold lesion size) of 5 primary locations were identified to establish brain lesion profiles based on magnetic resonance imaging findings 1 month after stroke. Motor and functional outcome were correlated with brain lesion profiles and other brain lesion factors to identify the most dominant factor.

SETTING

Medical center, rehabilitation department.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty-five hemiplegic patients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Brunnström's stages and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores were assessed 1 and 6 months after stroke.

RESULTS

With delimiting sizes for the cortical, corona radiata, internal capsule, putaminal, and thalamic regions set at 75, 4, .75, 22, and 12cm3, respectively, brain lesion profiles play a dominant role in determining final Brunnström's stages (Spearman's rho = .861, p < .01) and FIM score (Spearman's rho = .571, p < .01). Brunnström's and FIM scores had no or only weak negative relationship with either absolute or relative lesion size.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings may suggest that motor and functional outcomes after stroke correlate with brain lesion profiles (a combination of delimiting sizes and primary locations) more than with absolute or relative lesion sizes only. Delimiting sizes in determining final outcomes varied markedly according to the primary lesion locations.

Effects of probiotic on intestinal mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis

AIM: To investigate the effects of probiotic on intestinal mucosae of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and to evaluate the role of probiotic in preventing the relapse of UC.

METHODS: Thirty patients received treatment with sulphasalazine (SASP) and glucocorticoid and then were randomly administered bifid triple viable capsule (BIFICO) (1.26 g/d), or an identical placebo (starch) for 8 wk. Fecal samples were collected for stool culture 2 wk before and after the randomized treatments. The patients were evaluated clinically, endoscopically and histologically after 2 mo of treatment or in case of relapse of UC. p65 and IκB expressions were determined by Western blot analysis. DNA-binding activity of NF-κB in colonic nuclear extracts was detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). mRNA expressions of cytokines were identified by semi-quantitative assay, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS: Three patients (20%) in the BIFICO group had relapses during 2-mo follow-up period, compared with 14 (93.3%) in placebo group (P < 0.01). The concentration of fecal lactobacilli, bifidobacteria was significantly increased in BIFICO-treated group only (P < 0.01).The expressions of NF-κB p65 and DNA binding activity of NF-κB were significantly attenuated in the treatment group than that in control (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines was elevated in comparison with the control group.

CONCLUSION: The probiotic could impede the activation of NF-κB, decrease the expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β and elevate the expression of IL-10. These results suggest that oral administration of this new probiotic preparation is effective in preventing flare-ups of chronic UC. It may become a prophylactic drug to decrease the relapse of UC.

T cell receptor gene deletion circles identify recent thymic emigrants in the peripheral T cell pool

Progenitor cells undergo T cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangements during their intrathymic differentiation to become T cells. Rearrangements of the variable (V), diversity (D), and joining (J) segments of the TCR genes result in deletion of the intervening chromosomal DNA and the formation of circular episomes as a byproduct. Detection of these extrachromosomal excision circles in T cells located in the peripheral lymphoid tissues has been viewed as evidence for the existence of extrathymic T cell generation. Because all of the T cells in chickens apparently are generated in the thymus, we have employed this avian model to determine the fate of the V(D)J deletion circles. In normal animals we identified TCR Vgamma-Jgamma and Vbeta-Dbeta deletion circles in the blood, spleen, and intestines, as well as in the thymus. Thymectomy resulted in the gradual loss of these DNA deletion circles in all of the peripheral lymphoid tissues. A quantitative PCR analysis of Vgamma1-Jgamma1 and Vbeta1-Dbeta deletion circles in splenic gamma delta and Vbeta1(+) alphabeta T cells indicated that their numbers progressively decline after thymectomy with a half-life of approximately 2 weeks. Although TCR deletion circles therefore cannot be regarded as reliable indicators of in situ V(D)J rearrangement, measuring their levels in peripheral T cell samples can provide a valuable index of newly generated T cells entering the T cell pool.

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) regulates proliferation and branching in mouse mammary epithelium

The nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) family of transcription factors has been shown to regulate proliferation in several cell types. Although recent studies have demonstrated aberrant expression or activity of NF-kappaB in human breast cancer cell lines and tumors, little is known regarding the precise role of NF-kappaB in normal proliferation and development of the mammary epithelium. We investigated the function of NF-kappaB during murine early postnatal mammary gland development by observing the consequences of increased NF-kappaB activity in mouse mammary epithelium lacking the gene encoding IkappaBalpha, a major inhibitor of NF-kappaB. Mammary tissue containing epithelium from inhibitor kappaBalpha (IkappaBalpha)-deficient female donors was transplanted into the gland-free mammary stroma of wild-type mice, resulting in an increase in lateral ductal branching and pervasive intraductal hyperplasia. A two- to threefold increase in epithelial cell number was observed in IkappaBalpha-deficient epithelium compared with controls. Epithelial cell proliferation was strikingly increased in IkappaBalpha-deficient epithelium, and no alteration in apoptosis was detected. The extracellular matrix adjacent to IkappaBalpha-deficient epithelium was reduced. Consistent with in vivo data, a fourfold increase in epithelial branching was also observed in purified IkappaBalpha-deficient primary epithelial cells in three-dimensional culture. These data demonstrate that NF-kappaB positively regulates mammary epithelial proliferation, branching, and functions in maintenance of normal epithelial architecture during early postnatal development.

Expression and regulation of proopiomelanocortin-like gene in the ovary and placenta: comparison with the testis

Proopiomelanocortin (POMC), a precursor protein for ACTH, beta-endorphin, and the MSHs, has been identified in the reproductive tracts of both male and female. With rat pituitary POMC complementary DNA (cDNA) as a hybridization probe, POMC-like messenger RNA (mRNA) was identified in the ovaries of rat, mouse, and monkey. The molecular size of POMC-like mRNA in the ovary was 150-200 bases smaller than in the pituitary and hypothalamus but identical to that in the testis and epididymis. The size heterogeneity of POMC mRNA observed in various tissues is not due to differences in the lengths of the poly(A) tail, as measured by RNase H digestion. S1 nuclease mapping analysis revealed that POMC mRNAs isolated from pituitary, testis, or ovary share the nucleotide sequences coding for ACTH, beta-lipotropin, and the 3'-untranslated region. The regulation of ovarian POMC-like mRNA was also investigated. Treatment of 25-day-old immature female rats with PMSG resulted in profound increases in the ovarian content of total RNA, poly(A) RNA, and POMC-like mRNA. The concentration of ovarian POMC-like mRNA during pregnancy increased increased to 3-4 times that in immature or normally cycling animals. POMC-derived peptides are present in the human placenta and are synthesized de novo in cultured placental cells. In this report we also demonstrate POMC-like mRNA in the placenta of rat, mouse, and human. The size of POMC-like mRNA in the placenta was similar to that observed in the testis, epididymis, and ovary and different from that found in the pituitary or hypothalamus. The concentration of placental POMC-like mRNA did not change throughout pregnancy. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that 1) POMC-like mRNA is present in the ovary and placenta of rodents and primates; 2) the size of POMC-like mRNA in the ovary and placenta, like that in the testis and epididymis, is smaller than that in the pituitary and hypothalamus, probably owing to a shortening of the 5'-ends; and 3) the expression of this gene is regulated by gonadotropins in the ovary but probably not in the placenta.

Multiorgan nuclear factor kappa B activation in a transgenic mouse model of systemic inflammation

We utilized a line of transgenic mice expressing Photinus luciferase complementary DNA (cDNA) under the control of a nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB)-dependent promoter (from the 5' human immunodeficiency virus-1 [HIV-1] long terminal repeat) to examine the role of NF-kappaB activation in the pathogenesis of systemic inflammation induced by bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]). After intraperitoneal injection of E. coli LPS, these mice displayed a time- and dose-dependent, organ-specific pattern of luciferase expression, showing that NF-kappaB-dependent gene transcription is transiently activated in multiple organs by systemic LPS administration. Luciferase expression in liver could be specifically blocked by intravenous administration of replication-deficient adenoviral vectors expressing a dominant inhibitor of NF-kappaB (IkappaB-alphaDN), confirming that luciferase gene expression is a surrogate marker for NF-kappaB activation in this line of mice. After treatment with intraperitoneal LPS, the mice were found to have increased lung tissue messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of a variety of cytokines that are thought to be NF-kappaB-dependent, as well as elevated serum concentrations of presumed NF-kappaB-dependent cytokines. In lung tissue homogenates, a close correlation was identified between luciferase activity and KC levels. These studies show that systemic treatment with LPS orchestrates a multiorgan NF-kappaB-dependent response that likely regulates the pathobiology of systemic inflammation.

Formation of brainstem (nor)adrenergic centers and first-order relay visceral sensory neurons is dependent on homeodomain protein Rnx/Tlx3

Brainstem visceral sensory and (nor)adrenergic neurons play crucial roles in modulating cardiovascular and respiratory functions. The origins and formation of these neurons are poorly understood. Here we show that these two classes of neurons are derived from Mash1-positive precursor cells, and can be prospectively identified by combinatorial expression of two homeobox genes, Rnx and Phox2 (Phox2a or Phox2b). It was previously shown that Rnx-deficient mice die from respiratory failure. Here we show that Rnx function is required for formation of first-order relay visceral sensory neurons in the brainstem. In addition, as in Phox2b-deficient mice, the development of most (nor)adrenergic centers is compromised in Rnx mutants. We also provide genetic evidence to show that Rnx and Phox2 proteins may function independently to specify the (nor)adrenergic phenotype. Our studies reveal a surprising ontogenetic relationship between relay visceral sensory and (nor)adrenergic neurons, and suggest that it may be a common theme in the developing nervous system that the same set of transcriptional regulators is associated with formation of multiple components within a neuronal network.

Regulation of the pro-opiomelanocortin mRNA levels in rat pituitary by dopaminergic compounds

Dopamine-containing neurons directly innervate the intermediate lobe of the pituitary and dopaminergic compounds exert inhibitory effects on the secretion and the content of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and beta-endorphin in this tissue. In this study, we have investigated the effects of dopamine receptor agonists and antagonists on the level of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA in rat pituitary. RNAs isolated from neurointermediate pituitary (NIP) or anterior pituitary were spotted on nitrocellulose filters and the levels of POMC mRNA were quantified by hybridization to a POMC-specific complementary DNA probe coupled with autoradiography and densitometry. Administration of a dopamine receptor antagonist, haloperidol (2 mg/kg per day), to adult female rats resulted in a 3- to 5-fold increase in POMC mRNA level in the NIP. Treatment with the dopamine agonist 2-Br-alpha-ergocryptine (1 mg/kg per day) decreased significantly the content of POMC mRNA in the NIP. These drugs had no apparent effect on the POMC mRNA levels in the anterior pituitary. The effect of haloperidol and ergocryptine on POMC mRNA in the NIP is time- and dose-dependent. The elevation of POMC mRNA content in the NIP by haloperidol can be observed as early as 6 hr after treatment. These effects of dopaminergic compounds can also be demonstrated in adult male and ovariectomized female rats. The beta-endorphin content of the NIP, as measured by radioimmunoassay, and the de novo synthesis of POMC, as determined by radioactive amino acid labeling and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis, also show negative regulation by dopaminergic compounds.

Transformation of T-lymphocyte subsets by Marek's disease herpesvirus

Marek's disease herpesvirus (MDV)-transformed lymphoblastoid tumor cell lines were characterized for the presence of the surface markers. Monoclonal antibodies were used for CD3 (T-cell receptor [TCR] complex), TCR1, TCR2, and TCR3, CD4, CD8, and Ia antigen by indirect fluorescence staining followed by microscopic examination or flow cytometry. The lymphoblastoid cell lines were obtained from tumors from chickens infected with MDV (n = 44) or from local lesions induced by inoculation of allogeneic, MDV-infected chick kidney cells (n = 56). Lymphocytes were harvested from these lesions between 4 and 16 days postinoculation and cultured in vitro to establish cell lines. All cell lines expressed Ia antigen and CD3 and/or TCR and thus are activated T cells. Most of the cell lines developed from tumors were CD4+ CD8-; only one cell line was negative for both markers. Sixteen percent of the cell lines were TCR3+, while the remainder were TCR2+. The cell lines developed from local lesions were much more heterogeneous: 45% were CD4- CD8+, 34% were CD4- CD8-, and only 21% were CD4+ CD8-. The number of TCR3+ cell lines was larger than expected for the CD4- CD8+ and CD4- CD8- cell lines, as judged from the presence of these cells in the blood. These results indicate that several subsets of T lymphocytes can be transformed by MDV, depending on the pathogenesis of infection. Activation of T cells as a consequence of the normal pathogenesis or by allogeneic stimulation seem to be a first important step in the process of transformation.

Neutralizing antibody provided protection against enterovirus type 71 lethal challenge in neonatal mice

Experimental infection with enterovirus type 71 (EV71) induced death in neonatal mice in an age- and dose-dependent manner. The mortality rate was 100% following intraperitoneal inoculation 1-day-old ICR mice and this gradually decreased as the age at the time of inoculation increased (60% in 3-day-old mice and no deaths occurred in mice older than 6 days of age). A lethal dose greater than 10(8) PFU was necessary. Lethargy, failure to gain weight, rear limb tremors and paralysis were observed in the infected mice before death. EV71 was isolated from various tissues of the dead mice. Using a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction technique with a specific primer pair, a 332-bp product was detected in the tissues that produced a culture positive for EV71. Protection against EV71 challenge in neonatal mice was demonstrated following passive transfer of serum from actively immunized adult mice 1 day after inoculation with the virus. Pups from hyperimmune dams were resistant to EV71 challenge. Additionally, maternal immunization with a formalin-inactivated whole-virus vaccine prolonged the survival of pups after EV71 lethal challenge.