Evidence that matrix recognition contributes to stabilization but not induction of LTP

Slices of hippocampus were incubated with Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptides known to block members of the integrin class of matrix receptors. Though the peptides caused no detectable difference in the amount of long-term potentiation (LTP) expressed in the CA1 field 1-2 min after induction with high frequency stimulation, they did produce a reversible, dose dependent decay of LTP over a period of 40 min. This effect was not obtained with various non-RGD control peptides. These results suggest that stabilization of LTP requires adhesive interactions via specific matrix recognition sites, whereas induction and expression do not.

A cellular factor binds to the herpes simplex virus type 1 transactivator Vmw65 and is required for Vmw65-dependent protein-DNA complex assembly with Oct-1

The herpes simplex virus transactivator Vmw65 assembles into a multicomponent protein-DNA complex along with the octamer binding protein Oct-1. Using affinity chromatography on columns conjugated with purified Vmw65 fusion protein expressed in Escherichia coli, we demonstrate that a cellular factor, distinct from Oct-1, binds to Vmw65 in the absence of target DNA and is necessary for Vmw65-mediated complex assembly with Oct-1.

[History and prospects of application of traditional Chinese drug beimu]

This paper deals with the history of the traditional Chinese drug Beimu and the emergence of Chuan Beimu and Zhe Beimu. The prospects of these drugs are also discussed in the light of their actual application in China.

Intervention trial with selenium for the prevention of lung cancer among tin miners in Yunnan, China. A pilot study

This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of conducting a double-blind clinical trial for the prevention of lung cancer with selenium (Se) in Yunnan Tin Corporation, the People's Republic of China, where the incidence rates of lung cancer are extraordinarily high among the miners. Forty healthy miners were randomized to either 300 micrograms of Se in high Se malt cakes or an identical placebo of malt cakes daily for one year. Subjects consumed their usual daily diet. The low Se concentrations in plasma (0.05 +/- 0.008 microgram/mL) and hair (0.442 +/- 0.085 microgram/g) reflected their low dietary Se intake in the control subjects. In Se-supplemented group, the Se status was increased by 178% for serum and 194.8% for hair. The serum GSHpx activity was increased by 155.7%, whereas the lipid peroxide level was reduced by 74.5% compared to the placebo. The results of UDS assay indicated that the lymphocyte DNA damage induced by ultraviolet irradiation and carcinogen 3,4-benzpyrene could be protected by Se supplementation. Se-supplementation did not affect the liver function test (SGPT), as well as the concentrations of hemoglobin, albumin, and cholesterol. Thus, daily intake of 300 micrograms Se in form of Se-malt as a chemopreventive measure is safe and effective to humans with low Se status.