Increase of galanin-like immunoreactivity in rat dorsal root ganglion cells after peripheral axotomy

The L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia were studied in untreated rats and rats subjected to unilateral transection of the sciatic nerve, using the indirect immunofluorescence technique and antibodies to the peptide galanin (GAL). In control rats only low numbers of small ganglion cells contained GAL-like immunoreactivity (LI). After axotomy a marked increase in the number and intensity of GAL-immunoreactive ganglion cell bodies was seen on the lesion side. Thus, some primary sensory neurons react to transection of their peripheral branches by expressing increased GAL levels. A similar reaction has been described by other groups for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide.

Nitric oxide synthase in the rat anterior pituitary gland and the role of nitric oxide in regulation of luteinizing hormone secretion

By using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, we have demonstrated that the nitric oxide (NO)-synthesizing enzyme NO synthase is present in gonadotrophs and in folliculo-stellate cells of the anterior pituitary gland of male and female rats. A marked increase in levels of NO synthase protein and mRNA was observed after gonadectomy. In vitro studies on dispersed anterior pituitary cells suggest that NO inhibits gonadotropin-releasing-hormone-stimulated luteinizing hormone release. An inhibitory effect of NO has also been shown on growth-hormone-releasing-hormone-stimulated release of growth hormone [Kato, M. (1992) Endocrinology 131, 2133-2138]. Thus these findings support a dual mechanism for NO in the control of anterior pituitary hormone secretion, an autocrine mediation of luteinizing hormone release on gonadotrophs, and a paracrine effect on growth hormone secretion involving folliculo-stellate cells closely related to somatotrophs. We speculate that NO may participate in producing the pulsatile secretion patterns of these two pituitary hormones.

Effect of resveratrol administration on metabolic syndrome, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion

AIM

This study evaluated the effect of resveratrol administration on metabolic syndrome, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion.

METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in 24 patients with diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in accordance with the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Glucose and insulin levels were measured after a 75-gram dextrose load. Triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations at baseline were also evaluated. Twelve patients received trans-resveratrol (500 mg) three times per day before meals for 90 days. The remaining 12 patients received placebo at the same dose. The area under the curve (AUC) values of glucose and insulin, total insulin secretion, first-phase of insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity were calculated.

RESULTS

After resveratrol administration, there were significant differences in total weight (94.4±13.2 vs. 90.5±12.3 kg, P=0.007), body mass index (BMI) (35.6±3.2 vs. 34.3±3.0 kg/m(2), P=0.006), fat mass (41.2±7.9 vs. 38.8±6.0 kg, P=0.001), and waist circumference (WC) (109±9 vs. 105±10 cm, P=0.004). There were also significant differences in AUC of insulin (48,418±22,707 vs. 26,473±8,273 pmol/L, P=0.003) and insulinogenic index (0.48±0.22 vs. 0.28±0.08, P=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of resveratrol significantly decreases weight, BMI, fat mass, WC, AUC of insulin, and total insulin secretion.

European union standards for tuberculosis care

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) jointly developed European Union Standards for Tuberculosis Care (ESTC) aimed at providing European Union (EU)-tailored standards for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tuberculosis (TB). The International Standards for TB Care (ISTC) were developed in the global context and are not always adapted to the EU setting and practices. The majority of EU countries have the resources and capacity to implement higher standards to further secure quality TB diagnosis, treatment and prevention. On this basis, the ESTC were developed as standards specifically tailored to the EU setting. A panel of 30 international experts, led by a writing group and the ERS and ECDC, identified and developed the 21 ESTC in the areas of diagnosis, treatment, HIV and comorbid conditions, and public health and prevention. The ISTCs formed the basis for the 21 standards, upon which additional EU adaptations and supplements were developed. These patient-centred standards are targeted to clinicians and public health workers, providing an easy-to-use resource, guiding through all required activities to ensure optimal diagnosis, treatment and prevention of TB. These will support EU health programmes to identify and develop optimal procedures for TB care, control and elimination.

Mortality and prognostic factors in Spanish patients with systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To determine survival and mortality in a cohort of Spanish patients with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis, SSc) and to analyse whether survival is influenced by demographic, clinical or immunological variables or the extent of skin involvement.

METHODS

The study included 79 patients diagnosed with SSc and taking part in a study to determine the extent of sclerosis, visceral involvement and immunological alterations. We studied the number of observed and expected deaths (the expected number being based on age- and sex-specific rates in the background population) and derived standardized mortality ratios with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Cumulative survival after onset of the first symptom was estimated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox method was used to identify the prognostic factors.

RESULTS

The mortality rate was 0.0249 deaths per person-year. Survival at 15 yr was 0.62 (95% CI 0.410-0.778). The standardized mortality ratio was 429.4% (95% CI 222-750). On crude analysis, lung involvement [forced vital capacity (FVC) <70%, pulmonary hypertension], SSc renal crisis, an active capillaroscopic pattern, pericardial effusion and age over 60 yr at diagnosis were associated with shorter survival. On multivariate analysis, only age at diagnosis over 60 yr, FVC <70% and SSc renal crisis were independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The mortality rate associated with SSc showed a four-fold increase compared with the background population. Lung involvement and sclerodermal renal crisis were found to be independently associated with reduced survival.

Expression of heat shock proteins and subolesin affects stress responses, Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection and questing behaviour in the tick, Ixodes scapularis

We characterized the effects of subolesin and heat shock protein (HSP) expression on Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae) stress responses to heat shock and feeding, questing behaviour and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) infection. Ticks and cultured tick cells were analysed before and after subolesin, hsp20 and hsp70 gene knock-down by RNA interference. The results of these studies confirm that HSPs are involved in the tick cell response to heat stress and that subolesin and HSPs are both involved in the tick response to blood-feeding stress and A. phagocytophilum infection. Subolesin and hsp20 are involved in the tick protective response to A. phagocytophilum infection and hsp70 expression may be manipulated by the pathogen to increase infectivity. Importantly, these results demonstrate that subolesin, hsp20 and hsp70 expression also affect tick questing behaviour. Overall, this research demonstrates a relationship between hsp and subolesin expression and tick stress responses to heat shock and blood feeding, A. phagocytophilum infection and questing behaviour, thereby extending our understanding of the tick-host-pathogen interface.

Neuropeptide Y and galanin binding sites in rat and monkey lumbar dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord and effect of peripheral axotomy

Using monoiodinated peptide YY (PYY) and galanin as radioligands, and neuropeptide Y (NPY) fragments, the distribution of NPY binding sites and its subtypes Y1 and Y2, and of galanin binding sites, was investigated in rat and monkey lumbar (L) 4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal cord before and after a unilateral sciatic nerve cut, ligation or crush. Receptor autoradiography revealed that [125I]PYY bound to some DRG neurons and a few nerve fibres in normal rat DRG, and most of these neurons were small. NPY binding sites were observed in laminae I-IV and X of the rat dorsal horn and in the lateral spinal nucleus, with the highest density in laminae I-II. [125I]PYY binding was most strongly attenuated by NPY13-36, a Y2 agonist, and partially inhibited by [Leu31,Pro34]NPY, a Y1 agonist, in both rat DRG and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. These findings suggest that Y2 receptors are the main NPY receptors in rat DRG and dorsal horn, but also that Y1 receptors exist. After sciatic nerve cut, PYY binding markedly increased in nerve fibres and neurons in DRG, especially in large neuron profiles, and in laminae III-IV of the dorsal horn, as well as in nerve fibres in dorsal roots and the sciatic nerve. Incubation with NPY13-36 completely abolished PYY binding, which was also reduced by [Leu31,Pro34] NPY. However, the increase in PYY binding seen in laminae I-IV of the ipsilateral dorsal horn after axotomy was not observed after coincubation with [Leu31,Pro34] NPY. NPY binding sites were seen in a few neurons in monkey DRG and in laminae I-II, X and IX of the monkey spinal cord. The intensity of PYY binding in laminae I-II of the dorsal horn was decreased after axotomy. Galanin receptor binding sites were not observed in rat DRG, but were observed in the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord, mainly in laminae I-II. Axotomy had no effect on galanin binding in rat DRG and dorsal horn. However, galanin receptor binding was observed in many neurons in monkey L4 and L5 DRG and in laminae I-IV and X of monkey L4 and L5 spinal cord, with the highest intensity in laminae I-II. No marked effect of axotomy was observed on the distribution and intensity of galanin binding in monkey DRG or spinal cord.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

First data on Eurasian wild boar response to oral immunization with BCG and challenge with a Mycobacterium bovis field strain

The Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa) is considered a reservoir for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) caused by Mycobacterium bovis and closely related members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in south-central Spain. The vaccination of wildlife with BCG offers an alternative to culling and to movement restriction for the control of bTB among wildlife reservoirs. In this study, we hypothesized that oral BCG immunization of wild boar would affect the expression of immunoregulatory genes and confer protection against M. bovis. Three groups were used to describe the infection, pathological findings and gene expression profiles in wild boar: BCG-vaccinated and M. bovis-challenged (vaccinated challenged group; N=6), non-vaccinated and M. bovis-challenged (non-vaccinated challenged group; N=4), and non-vaccinated and mock-infected (control group; N=2) animals. M. bovis was isolated from 50% (3/6) and 75% (3/4) of vaccinated challenged and non-vaccinated challenged animals, respectively. All four wild boar from the non-vaccinated challenged group developed bTB-compatible lesions 114 days after challenge. In contrast, only 50% of vaccinated challenged wild boar developed lesions. The PBMC mRNA levels of IL4, RANTES, C3, IFN-gamma and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MUT) were analyzed at several days post-vaccination (dpi). When vaccinated challenged animals were compared to controls, all five genes were significantly upregulated at the time of M. bovis infection at 186dpi but IFN-gamma levels were also upregulated at 11 and 46dpi. The C3 and MUT mRNA levels were higher at 46dpi, and 11 and 186dpi, respectively, in vaccinated protected wild boar when compared to non-vaccinated challenged animals. At the end of the experiment (300dpi), the mRNA levels of selected genes were lower in non-vaccinated challenged animals when compared to control wild boar. Exposing wild boar to a dose of 10(4)cfu of M. bovis by the oropharyngeal route is an adequate protocol to produce an infection model in this species. Our results suggested that oral BCG immunization of wild boar results in the upregulation of immunoregulatory genes that may be associated with protective response to M. bovis infection in this species. More studies on vaccine efficacy, delivery, and safety will be needed to confirm if oral vaccination with BCG could be used in bTB control programs for reducing M. bovis infection and clinical disease in wild boar.

Molecular genetics of rust resistance in poplars (Melampsora larici-populina Kleb/Populus sp.) by bulked segregant analysis in a 2 x 2 factorial mating design

With random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, we have tagged a genomic region in Populus sp. involved in qualitative resistance to Melampsora larici-populina. Our approach was based on three steps: use of RAPD markers that can be quickly and efficiently researched: application of "bulked segregant analysis" technique on individuals of one interspecific family P. trichocarpa x P. deltoides to search for RAPD markers linked to resistance; and validation of these markers in two other families linked with the first one in a 2 x 2 factorial mating design. Of five detected markers, only one marker M03/04_480 was polymorphic in the three segregating families, involving 89 individuals and four different parents. We have estimated the recombination value of 1 cM with 1 cM sampling error.

Peripheral neuropathy in essential mixed cryoglobulinemia

Sixteen patients with essential mixed cryoglobulinemia were studied and followed up clinically and electrophysiologically for 4.2 years. Peripheral neuropathy was diagnosed in seven cases. Five of these patients had distal symmetrical sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Nerve conduction velocities were normal and therefore indicative of pure axonal neuropathy. Sural nerve biopsy showed moderate loss of myelinated axons in two patients and severe loss in one. This patient also had necrotizing arteritis. The remaining two had both clinical and electrophysiologic signs of overlapping mononeuritis multiplex with severe denervation in the territory of the involved nerves, but normal conduction velocities. Sural nerve biopsy in one of these two patients showed marked loss of myelinated fibers and signs of vasculitis. Two types of neuropathy were noted: (1) a mild distal neuropathy with relatively minor neurologic deficit, probably due to vasa nervorum microcirculation occlusion caused by intravascular deposits of cryoglobulins and (2) a severe distal symmetrical sensorimotor neuropathy or overlapping mononeuritis multiplex, associated with necrotizing vasculitis.

TB and MDR/XDR-TB in European Union and European Economic Area countries: managed or mismanaged?

In spite of the growing awareness of emerging drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the extent of inappropriate tuberculosis (TB) case management may be underestimated, even in Europe. We evaluated TB case management in the European Union/European Economic Area countries, with special focus on multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR)-TB, using a purposely developed, standardised survey tool. National reference centres in five countries representing different geographical, socioeconomic and epidemiological patterns of TB in Europe were surveyed. 40 consecutive, original clinical TB case records (30 MDR/XDR-TB cases) were reviewed in each of the five countries. The findings were recorded and, through the survey tool, compared with previously agreed and identified international standards. Deviations from international standards of TB care were observed in the following areas: surveillance (no information available on patient outcomes); infection control (lack of respiratory isolation rooms/procedures and negative-pressure ventilation rooms); clinical management of TB, MDR-TB and HIV co-infection (inadequate bacteriological diagnosis, regimen selection and treatment duration); laboratory support; and diagnostic/treatment algorithms. Gaps between present international standards of care and the management of MDR/XDR-TB patients were identified. Training, increased awareness, promotion of standards and allocation of appropriate resources are necessary to ensure appropriate care and management as well as to prevent further emergence of drug resistance.

Isolation and characterization of Pediococcus halophilus from salted anchovies (Engraulis anchoita)

The presence of bacteria in salted anchovies during and at the end of the curing process was investigated. Attempts to isolate bacteria under aerobic or anaerobic conditions led to the isolation of only bacteria of the genus Pediococcus which were identified as Pediococcus halophilus. The isolates correspond to a rather heterogeneous group in which some of the members differ in some biochemical tests from the types described in the literature.

Differential gene expression of insulin receptor isoforms A and B and insulin receptor substrates 1, 2 and 3 in rat tissues: modulation by aging and differentiation in rat adipose tissue

The insulin receptor (IR) occurs as two alternatively spliced isoforms, IR-A (exon 11-) and IR-B (exon 11+), which exhibit functional differences and are expressed in a tissue-specific manner. The IR substrate (IRS) proteins 1, 2 and 3 also differ in function and tissue distribution. Here we show the differential gene expression of IRs and IRSs in several rat target tissues of insulin action. IR-B is significantly higher than IR-A in epididymal white adipose tissue and adipogenesis induces a shift in the alternatively spliced species of IR from the A to the B isoform. Moreover, since aging in the rat is associated with the development of insulin resistance we looked for alterations of expression of these proteins in adipocytes from old rats. Our results reveal that there is a specific decrease in the expression of the IR-B isoform, as well as both mRNA and protein levels of IR, IRS-1 and IRS-3 being significantly decreased, in epididymal adipose tissue from old compared with adult rats. It is concluded that the down-regulation of early components of the insulin transduction pathway in a primary insulin target tissue could be related to the insulin resistance of aging.

The neuropeptide tyrosine Y1R is expressed in interneurons and projection neurons in the dorsal horn and area X of the rat spinal cord

The localization of the neuropeptide tyrosine Y1 receptor was studied with immunohistochemistry in parasagittal and transverse, free-floating sections of the rat lumbar spinal cord. At least seven distinct Y1 receptor-positive populations could tentatively be recognized: Type 1) abundant small, fusiform Y1 receptor-positive neurons in laminae I-II, producing a profuse neuropil; Type 2) Y1 receptor-positive projection neurons in lamina I; Type 3) small Y1 receptor-positive neurons in lamina III, similar to Type 1 neurons, but less densely packed; Type 4) a number of large, multipolar Y1 receptor-positive neurons in the border area between laminae III-IV, with dendrites projecting toward laminae I-II; Type 5) a considerable number of large, multipolar Y1 receptor-positive neurons in laminae V-VI; Type 6) many large Y1 receptor-positive neurons around the central canal (area X); and Type 7) a small number of large Y1 receptor-positive neurons in the medial aspect of the ventral horns (lamina VIII). Many of the neurons present in laminae V-VI and area X produce craniocaudal processes extending for several hundred micrometers. Retrograde tracing using cholera toxin B subunit injected at the 9th thoracic spinal cord level shows that several Type 5 neurons in laminae V-VI, and at least a few Type 2 in lamina I and Type 6 in area X have projections extending to the lower segments of the thoracic spinal cord (and perhaps to supraspinal levels). The present results define distinct subpopulations of neuropeptide tyrosine-sensitive neurons, localized in superficial and deep layers of the dorsal, in the ventral horns and in area X. The lamina II neurons express somatostatin [The neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor is a somatic receptor on dorsal root ganglion neurons and a postsynaptic receptor on somatostatin dorsal horn neurons. Eur J Neurosci 11:2211-2225] and are presumably glutamatergic [Todd AJ, Hughes DI, Polgar E, Nagy GG, Mackie M, Ottersen OP, Maxwell DJ (2003) The expression of vesicular glutamate transporters VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 in neurochemically defined axonal populations in the rat spinal cord with emphasis on the dorsal horn. Eur J Neurosci 17:13-27], that is they are excitatory interneurons under a Y1 receptor-mediated inhibitory influence. The remaining Y1 receptor-positive spinal neurons need to be phenotyped, for example if the large Y1 receptor-positive laminae III-IV neurons (Type 5) are identical to the neurokinin (NK)1R-positive neurons previously shown to receive neuropeptide tyrosine positive dendritic contacts [Polgár E, Shehab SA, Watt C, Todd AJ (1999) GABAergic neurons that contain neuropeptide Y selectively target cells with the NK1 receptor in laminae III and IV of the rat spinal cord. J Neurosci 19:2637-2646]. If so, neuropeptide tyrosine could have an antinociceptive action not only via Y1 receptor-positive interneurons (Type 1) but also projection neurons. The present results show neuropeptide tyrosine-sensitive neuron populations virtually in all parts of the lumbar spinal cord, suggesting a role for neuropeptide tyrosine signaling in many spinal functions, including pain.

Molecular genetics of growth and development in Populus. III. A genetic linkage map of a hybrid poplar composed of RFLP, STS, and RAPD markers

We have evaluated three DNA-based marker types for linkage map construction in Populus: RFLPs detected by Southern blot hybridization, STSs detected by a combination of PCR and RFLP analysis, and RAPDs. The mapping pedigree consists of three generations, with the F1 produced by interspecific hybridization between a P. trichocarpa female and a P. deltoides male. The F2 generation was made by inbreeding to the maximum degree permitted by the dioecious mating system of Populus. The applicability of STSs and RAPDs outside the mapping pedigree has been investigated, showing that these PCR-based marker systems are well-suited to breeding designs involving interspecific hybridization. A Populus genome map (343 markers) has been constructed from a combination of all three types. The length of the Populus genome is estimated to be 2400-2800 cM.

Plasticity of NO synthase expression in the nervous and endocrine systems

Using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization the effect of nerve injury and of hormones was analysed in sensory and hypothalamic systems and in the pituitary gland. After peripheral axotomy a marked increase in NOS protein and mRNA levels was observed in dorsal root ganglia, the trigeminal ganglion and a less dramatic effect in the nodose ganglia. This effect lasted in the dorsal root ganglion neurons for at least 10 weeks. In the hypothalamic magnocellular neurons a transient increase was observed in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. A similar effect was also seen after salt loading. In the anterior pituitary gland NOS was expressed in gonadotrophs and folliculo-stellate cells. Castration markedly increased NOS levels in the anterior lobe, and this could be counteracted by steroid hormone replacement. Thus, the present results show that the constitutive, neuronal NOS can be dramatically regulated in response to various manipulations, suggesting an important involvement of NO in these situations.

Optimization and validation of a new method for analysis of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates in sewage sludge by liquid chromatography after microwave-assisted extraction

A new approach has been developed for the monitoring of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) (C10-C13) in sewage sludge. It is based on microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) prior to high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array (HPLC-DAD) and fluorescence (HPLC-FL) detectors. Column Zorbax XDB-C8, 150 mm x 4.6 mm i.d., 5 microm particle size was used as well as acetonitrile-water containing 0.1 M NaClO4 (65:35) and isocratic elution. Compounds were isocratically eluted over 6 min runtime at a flow rate of 1 mL min(-1). Since polar interferences are eluted between 0 and 2 min, they do not interfere in the analysis. The column was thermostated at a temperature of 25 degrees C. For the determination of LAS, DAD-UV (lambda(ex) = 225 nm) and fluorescence (lambda(ex) = 225 nm, lambda(em) = 295 nm) detectors were employed. The main factors affecting the extraction efficiency (extractant volume, microwave power and irradiation time) were optimized using a compost sludge. The detection limit for total LAS in the sludge was < 5 mg kg(-1). The extraction of C10-C13 homologues is carried out by using an extraction time of 10 min and 5 mL of methanol; whereas Soxhlet needs a 12 h extraction. The method did not require clean-up or preconcentration steps. Concentration levels of LAS were between 13,037 mg kg(-1) for digested sludge and 2492 mg kg(-1) for compost sludge.

New resources for genetic studies in Populus nigra: genome-wide SNP discovery and development of a 12k Infinium array

Whole genome resequencing of 51 Populus nigra (L.) individuals from across Western Europe was performed using Illumina platforms. A total number of 1 878 727 SNPs distributed along the P. nigra reference sequence were identified. The SNP calling accuracy was validated with Sanger sequencing. SNPs were selected within 14 previously identified QTL regions, 2916 expressional candidate genes related to rust resistance, wood properties, water-use efficiency and bud phenology and 1732 genes randomly spread across the genome. Over 10 000 SNPs were selected for the construction of a 12k Infinium Bead-Chip array dedicated to association mapping. The SNP genotyping assay was performed with 888 P. nigra individuals. The genotyping success rate was 91%. Our high success rate was due to the discovery panel design and the stringent parameters applied for SNP calling and selection. In the same set of P. nigra genotypes, linkage disequilibrium throughout the genome decayed on average within 5-7 kb to half of its maximum value. As an application test, ADMIXTURE analysis was performed with a selection of 600 SNPs spread throughout the genome and 706 individuals collected along 12 river basins. The admixture pattern was consistent with genetic diversity revealed by neutral markers and the geographical distribution of the populations. These newly developed SNP resources and genotyping array provide a valuable tool for population genetic studies and identification of QTLs through natural-population based genetic association studies in P. nigra.

Genetic analysis of phenotypic variation for ectomycorrhiza formation in an interspecific F1 poplar full-sib family

A plant's capability to develop ectomycorrhizal symbiosis is under the control of both genetic and environmental factors. In order to determine the roles played by these different factors, we have performed a quantitative genetic analysis of the ability of poplar trees to form ectomycorrhizas. Quantitative genetics were applied to an interspecific family of poplar for which the two parental genetic maps had already been described, and for which data analyses concerning fungal aggressors were obtained. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) related to ectomycorrhiza formation were identified and located in the genetic maps of the two parents. One QTL was located at a linkage group of the genetic map of Populus trichocarpa showing a high concentration of several QTL involved in the pathogenic interaction with the fungus Melampsora larici-populina, the causal agent of leaf rust.

Effects of some adenosine analogs on morphine-induced analgesia and tolerance

1. The analogs of adenosine D- and L-phenylisopropyladenosine (D- and L-PIA) and chloroadenosine (CADO) induced analgesia in mice (hot-plate test). 2. The antinociceptive effects of the three adenosine agonists were antagonized by caffeine but were unaffected by naloxone. 3. Morphine-induced antinociception was increased by pretreatment with adenosine agonists. 4. Whereas CADO significantly attenuated the induction of morphine tolerance, D- and L-PIA did not affect the process.

Evidence for upregulation of galanin synthesis in rat glial cells in vivo after colchicine treatment

The localization of galanin (GAL) and GAL mRNA was studied in rat brain after colchicine or vinblastine treatment using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. GAL-like immunoreactivity was found in glial cells, presumably activated microglia, in the cortex, caudate nucleus and septum, mainly on the injection side. GAL mRNA expression was found in small cells in the same areas with an overlapping distribution, including the adjacent white matter. The results suggest that the glial cells initiate synthesis of the peptide GAL in response to intraventricular injection of high doses of the 2 mitosis inhibitors.

Hepatitis C virus reactivation in anti-hepatitic C virus-positive renal transplant recipients

From 1992 to 2001 hepatitis C virus (HCV) viremia was studied in 53 renal transplant recipients anti-HCV+ with at least 3 months follow-up posttransplant using a quantitative retrotranscriptase-PCR method. HCV-RNA was detected in 45 (85%): 29 of the 34 recipients treated with azathioprine-based therapy and 15 of 18 treated with mycophenolate mofetil. Immunosuppressive therapy type did not affect HCV replication. Three different patterns of HCV-RNA evolution were detected: 13 (28.8%) patients with high RNA-HCV levels; 21 (46.7%) patients with low levels; and 11 (24.4%) patients with viremia elevation. In 10 (90%) of 11 of the last group, HCV viremia was detected before 15 days posttransplantation, significantly earlier than in the other two groups. Thus, replication during the first 15 days after transplantation leads to a high RNA-HCV viral load. No clinical symptoms were related to HCV.