Pericentric inversion of chromosome 19 in three families

Summary Pericentric inversion of chromosome 19 has been found in several members of three unrelated families from a restricted geographical region. In one of the families, an additional pericentric inversion of chromosome 9 was observed. Reproductive problems, multiple abortions in two families and a neonatal death in the third, were present. A review of previously described cases is included, and the genetic risk connected with this type of rearrangement is also discussed.     

Definition by CB12 monoclonal antibody of a differentiation marker specific for human monocytes and their bone marrow precursors

The CB12 monoclonal antibody, which reacts with a molecule expressed on monocytes, was characterized using human embryonic material as immunizer. Analysis of the monoclonal antibody at the phenotypic, molecular, and functional levels indicates that its reactivity is restricted to circulating monocytes and their precursors in the bone marrow, whereas it is undetectable on tissue macrophages. CB12 displays a pattern of reactivity compatible with that of a marker of monocyte differentiation. Preliminary data indicate a possible receptor role for the CB12 molecule.     

Synergism between gangliosides and basic fibroblastic growth factor in favouring survival, growth, and motility of capillary endothelium

The experiments reported were motivated by the observation that in vivo gangliosides promoted angiogenesis when the dose of the angiogenic factor was too low to be effective (Ziche et al.: Laboratory Investigation 61:629-634, 1989). As an approach to understanding the mechanism of this modulatory effect, we analysed the influence that gangliosides have on survival, growth, and migration of capillary endothelium when an angiogenesis factor like basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was present in the culture medium. Clones of bovine capillary endothelium were cultivated in media unable to sustain survival over a 72 h period. With this experimental approach, cell survival was evaluated after addition of either bFGF or gangliosides or both to the medium. The Boyden chamber procedure was utilized to measure the influence of bFGF or gangliosides on cell mobilization across a micropore filter. Low doses of both molecules, ineffective when added singly to the culture media, improved all three parameters when added in combination. A synergic effect between bFGF and the gangliosides (GM1, GD1b, GT1b) was observed for the improvement of survival or growth and for the acceleration of endothelial cell migration. The removal of sialic acid from the ganglioside molecule prevented any effect on all three parameters. The addition of sialic acid alone to cultures was also totally ineffective. In the adult organism most angiogenic events occur under conditions of tissue damage. The synergism between gangliosides and bFGF can be interpreted as the initial phase of a process for which endothelial cell survival is the indispensable first step in the formation of a new vascular network.     

PGE2 involvement in experimental infection with Trypanosoma cruzi subpopulations

PGE₂ involvement in experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection depends on the lethal capacity of the parasite subpopulation used. Mice acutely infected with non-lethal K98 displayed an enhancement in PGE₂ serum levels during the acute period, while those infected with lethal T. cruzi subpopulations (RA or K98-2) showed levels not different from normal mice. The enhancement detected in K98 group could be related both to an increased number of CD8+ T cell number and to enhanced PGE₂ release per cell by CD8+; values of PGE₂ release by adherent cells were not altered in this group. Treatment with cyclooxygenase inhibitors enhanced mortality rates of mice infected with K98, and administration of 16,16-dimethyl PGE₂ (dPGE) reversed this effect. However, mice infected with RA did not reduce their mortality rates by administration of diverse doses of dPGE. These findings suggest that PGE₂ could play a role in resistance in mice infected with K98.     

A new biallelic DNA polymorphism of the human COL5A1 gene

A cDNA probe of the human COL5A1 gene detects a frequent biallelic PstI polymorphism. Allele A has a frequency of 54% whereas that of allele B is 46%. This restriction fragment length polymorphism provides a useful marker for linkage analysis in 9q34.3.