Evaluation of lung maturity by amniotic fluid analysis in equine neonate

The aim of this study was to gather useful new data for evaluation of lung maturity in the neonatal foal. Because equine neonatal intensive therapy is very expensive, a precocious diagnosis could help to express a prognosis and to offer a respiratory support early after birth, increasing the survival rate and reducing complications. Amniotic fluid was collected at parturition on n=18 mares. Lamellar bodies were isolated in the amniotic fluid and measured with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore two tests on amniotic fluid that are commonly used in humane medicine were utilized: lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio (L/S) and lamellar body count (LBC). L/S ratio was determined using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and, for the first time in equine amniotic fluid, with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). LBC was performed with an automated blood cell counter. The mean of the L/S ratio obtained in mature foals was 2.5 with TLC and 2.7 with HPLC. The mean LBC in the same group was 48x10(3)/microL. The Spearman's Rank correlation test found a significant correlation between TLC and Apgar score (R=0.66, p<0.01), between TLC and cord pH (R=0.65, p<0.05), between HPLC and Apgar score (R=0.63, p<0.01) and between cord pH and Apgar score (R=0.82, p<0.01). The Student's t-test did not found a significant difference between L/S ratio performed with TLC and with HPLC. These methods may be useful for evaluation of lung maturity in the equine species, but further studies on a large number of mature and premature foals are necessary to establish equine pulmonary maturity standards.     

Lipid biosynthesis in seeds of mustard (Brassica juncea) influenced by zinc and sulphur deficiency

In developing seeds of mustard ( Brassica juncea L. cv. RLM 198) the period between 20 and 30 days after fertilization (DAF) was identified as the period of active lipid biosynthesis, although dry matter continued to accumulate until maturity. The period of lipid synthesis was associated with a decrease in starch, soluble sugars and protein, thus, giving rise to precursors for the biosynthesis of lipids. Besides decreasing the dry matter content (on both % and seed basis), Zn and S deficiency caused a significant ( P > 0.05) reduction in oil content. As compared to control, the decrease in oil content was 11, 12 and 18% at 30 DAF and 4, 9 and 16% at maturity in Zn, S and (Zn+S) deficient treatments, respectively. Throughout the period of seed development, a significant decrease in starch and protein with a slight accumulation of soluble sugars was observed due to deficiency of Zn or S. The rate of [l-¹⁴C]-acetate incorporation into total lipids, which was maximal at 30 DAF, also displayed a significant decrease due to the abovementioned mineral deficiencies. Addition of Zn or S in vitro, enhanced the lipid synthesis at all stages of seed development. Under Zn and S deficiency, the phospholipids increased from 10 to 30 DAF and then declined until maturity. However, the proportion of glycolipids and free fatty acids increased, with a corresponding decrease in total glycerides. Further, in deficiency treatments, there was an increase in 22:1 with a corresponding decrease in 18:1, 18:2 and 18:3 in developing and mature mustard seeds.     

Pulmonary microcirculatory responses to leukotrienes B4, C4 and D4 in sheep

The pulmonary microvascular responses to leukotrienes B4, C4, and D4 (total dosage of 4 micrograms/kg i.v.) were examined in acutely-prepared halothane anesthetized and awake sheep prepared with lung lymph fistulas. In anesthetized as well as unanesthetized sheep, LTB4 caused a marked and transient decrease in the circulating leukocyte count. Pulmonary transvascular protein clearance (pulmonary lymph flow X lymph-to-plasma protein concentration ratio) increased transiently in awake sheep, suggesting a small increase in pulmonary vascular permeability. The mean pulmonary artery pressure (Ppa) also increased. In the acutely-prepared sheep, the LTB4-induced pulmonary hemodynamic and lymph flow responses were damped. Leukotriene C4 increased Ppa to a greater extent in awake sheep than in anesthetized sheep, but did not significantly affect the pulmonary lymph flow rate (Qlym) and lymph-to-plasma protein concentration (L/P) ratio in either group. LTD4 increased Ppa and Qlym in both acute and awake sheep; Qlym increased without a significant change in the L/P ratio. The LTD4-induced rise in Ppa occurred in association with an increase in plasma thromboxane B2 (TxB2) concentration. The relatively small increase in Qlym with LTD4 suggests that the increase in the transvascular fluid filtration rate is the result of a rise in the pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pressure. In conclusion, LTB4 induces a marked neutropenia, pulmonary hypertension, and may transiently increase lung vascular permeability. Both LTC4 and LTD4 cause a similar degree of pulmonary hypertension in awake sheep, but had different lymph flow responses which may be due to pulmonary vasoconstriction at different sites, i.e. greater precapillary constriction with LTC4 because Qlym did not change and greater postcapillary constriction with LTD4 because Qlym increased with the same rise in Ppa.     

Relation of amniotic fluid lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio and fetal asphyxia to respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants.

In a group of 81 prematurely delivered infants the amniotic fluid lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio was related to functional fetal lung maturity. Intrapartum fetal asphyxia occurred in 33% of the group. An association between fetal asphyxia and the development of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the infant was observed. When pulmonary maturity was borderline according to the amniotic fluid assessment, intrapartum fetal asphyxia was associated with an increased risk for development of RDS in the infant.     

Timing of sexual reproduction and reproductive success in the high-mountain plant Saxifraga bryoides L

SAXIFRAGA BRYOIDES L. is one of the plant species reaching the upper limits of distribution for flowering plants in the European Alps. Because of its abundance in the subnival and nival zones, we expected S. BRYOIDES to reproduce efficiently in the highly stochastic climate at higher altitudes. Investigations were carried out at two subnival sites (2650 m and 2880 m a.s.l.) in the Austrian Alps. We studied flowering phenology, dynamics of seed development, and reproductive success in the climatically different years from 2001 - 2004. For a nival plant species, S. BRYOIDES showed a particularly long prefloration period (6 - 9 weeks). From onset of anthesis until seed maturity took an individual flower another 6 - 7 weeks and all individuals at a site 9 - 10 weeks. The length of the prefloration period and seed histogenesis was temperature-dependent, whereas seed maturation seemed to be endogenously controlled. Only in the exceptionally long and warm growing season of 2003 did all fruits mature at a site. In the other years, the onset of winter conditions halted development in many fruits before maturity. The seed/ovule ratio of mature fruits was around 0.7 in all years. The relative reproductive success (RRS) ranged from zero to 0.7, depending on the site and year. In conclusion, S. BRYOIDES needs an unexpectedly long time to undergo reproductive development. Though fruit maturation is uncertain, the high S/O ratio of single intact fruits results in at least a small seed crop in most years. This seems to be sufficient to assure the spread and maintenance of S. BRYOIDES at higher altitudes. As a seed-risk strategist (Molau,1993), S. BRYOIDES would clearly benefit from a prolonged growing season, which might occur more often if climate warming continues.     

Changes in the gamma chain heterogeneity of hemoglobin F of the baboon (Papio cynocephalus) postnatally and after partial switching to hemoglobin F production by various stimuli

The postnatal switch from hemoglobin (Hb) F to Hb A in the baboon (Papio cynocephalus) occurs somewhat more rapidly than in humans. Minor components which are related to Hb F and Hb A are also present and show reciprocal rise and fall. The baboon produces two types of gamma chain presumably from nonallelic genes. These have either an isoleucyl (I gamma) or a valyl (V gamma) residue in position 75. As in the human case with G gamma and A gamma chains, the ratio I gamma to V gamma chains changes during the postnatal switch. Production of Hb F in the baboon may be stimulated by phenylhydrazine or more effectively by 5-azacytidine. With phenylhydrazine, the ratio of I gamma to V gamma chains in the Hb F is the same as in the traces of Hb F in the juvenile or adult baboon. However, with 5-azacytidine, at least some of the Hb F that is produced probably has been synthesized with an I gamma to V gamma ratio that is present prenatally and in the newborn baboon.     

Inhaled NO improves early pulmonary function and modifies lung growth and elastin deposition in a baboon model of neonatal chronic lung disease

Nitric oxide (NO) serves multiple functions in the developing lung, and pulmonary NO production is decreased in a baboon model of chronic lung disease (CLD) after premature birth at 125 days (d) gestation (term = 185d). To determine whether postnatal NO administration alters the genesis of CLD, the effects of inhaled NO (iNO, 5 ppm) were assessed in the baboon model over 14d. iNO caused a decrease in pulmonary artery pressure in the first 2d and a greater rate of spontaneous closure of the ductus arteriosus, and lung compliance was greater and expiratory resistance was improved during the first week. With iNO, postmortem pressure-volume curves were shifted upward, lung DNA content and cell proliferation were increased, and lung growth was preserved to equal that which occurs during the same period in utero. In addition, the excessive elastin deposition characteristic of CLD was normalized by iNO, and there was evidence of stimulation of secondary crest development. Thus, in the baboon model of CLD, iNO improves early pulmonary function and alters lung growth and extracellular matrix deposition. As such, NO biosynthetic pathway dysfunction may contribute to the pathogenesis of CLD.     

The Influence of Liquid to Soil Ratios on Arsenic and Lead Bioaccessibility in Reference and Field Soil

In vitro bioaccessibility testing is gaining popularity as a tool to estimate the oral bioavailability of contaminants in soil for human health risk assessment (HHRA). Bioaccessibility tests are used to measure the bioaccessible fraction of a contaminant in soil, which can then be used to estimate the bioavailable fraction. Inherent uncertainties are associated with bioaccessibility tests. Various test parameters need to be carefully considered in their development, including the liquid to soil (L/S) ratio employed. We used L/S ratios (v:wt) ranging from 25 ml:1 g to 1,000 ml:1 g in a modified relative bioaccessibility extraction procedure to investigate the effects on bioaccessibility of lead and arsenic in field and reference soils. General trends of increased percent bioaccessibility of lead and arsenic with increasing L/S ratio were observed in the reference soil. A similar positive relationship was observed for lead in the field soil; soluble arsenic concentrations were below the detection limit and data were insufficient to observe a trend. Percent bioaccessibility was significantly affected at each extreme of the L/S ratios tested (p < .05). Biological relevance, technical feasibility, and mathematical relationships with in vivo results should be considered when selecting an appropriate L/S ratio for bioaccessibility testing.     

Reproductive aspects of the yellowtail snapper Ocyurus chrysurus from the southern Gulf of Mexico

In this study, sex ratio, spawning season, fork length (L(F)) at maturity (L(F50)), batch fecundity and spawning frequency were characterized for the continental population of Ocyurus chrysurus from the Campeche Bank, in the southern Gulf of Mexico. A total of 1657 specimens were collected from February 2008 to January 2009. The overall sex ratio (male:female) and sex ratios by size-class showed no significant differences from an expected 1:1 ratio. The Campeche Bank population did not conform to the reproductive seasonality pattern characteristic of a continental population. A protracted spawning season that extended from January to September with peaks occurring mainly between April and May and additionally in September was observed. The population conformed, however, to the sexual maturity pattern observed for populations and species associated with a continental margin. Fish of both sexes reached the onset of sexual maturity at a similar and small L(F) of c. 14 cm, and L(F50) (L(F) at which 50% of females and males become mature) was 21·3 and 19·4 cm. Asynchronous-type ovarian development was observed for this species and batch fecundity estimates ranged from 14,102 to 164,756 oocytes (mean ±S.D. = 43,852 ± 32,684 oocytes). The overall spawning frequency estimate was once every 8·3 days or 26 times during the 9 month spawning season.     

Standardization criteria for the study of fetal lung maturity by means of gas-liquid chromatography of the fatty acid content of the amniotic fluid]

Gas-chromatographic analysis of the fatty acids (P/S ratio) in 10 samples of amniotic fluid and 10 samples of the pellets obtained after centrifugation of amniotic fluid at 3500 X g for 60 minutes were carried out to evaluate the effects of contaminants that might be present in amniotic fluid. The P/S ratio is used as an index of the degree of maturity of the fetal or neonatal lung. We propose a standard procedure of centrifugation for 60 minutes at 3500 X g followed by extraction and gas-chromatography as a rapid, valid way to measure the P/S ratio.     

Pueraria mirifica extract and puerarin enhance proliferation and expression of alkaline phosphatase and type I collagen in primary baboon osteoblasts

Phytoestrogen-rich Pueraria mirifica (PM) tuberous extract is a promising candidate for the development of anti-osteoporosis drugs for postmenopausal women, but its action has never been validated in humans or in non-human primates, which are more closely related to humans than rodents. In vitro study of non-human primate osteoblasts is thus fundamental to prepare for in vivo studies of phytoestrogen effects on primate bone. This study aimed to establish a culture system of baboon primary osteoblasts and to investigate the effects of PM extract and its phytoestrogens on these cells. Primary osteoblasts from adult baboon fibulae exhibited osteoblast characteristics in regard to proliferation, differentiation, mineralization, and estrogen receptor expression. They responded to 17β-estradiol by increased proliferation rate and mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type I collagen, and osteocalcin. After being exposed for 48 h to 100 μg/ml PM extract, 1000 nM genistein, or 1000 nM puerarin, primary baboon osteoblasts markedly increased the rate of proliferation and mRNA levels of ALP and type I collagen without changes in Runx2, osterix, or osteocalcin expression. PM extract, genistein, and puerarin also decreased the RANKL/OPG ratio, suggesting that they could decrease osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. However, neither PM extract nor its phytoestrogens altered calcium deposition in osteoblast culture. In conclusion, we have established baboon primary osteoblast culture, which is a new tool for bone research and drug discovery. Furthermore, the present results provide substantial support for the potential of PM extract and its phytoestrogens to be developed as therapeutic agents against bone fragility.     

The origin and pattern of distribution of the posterior intercostal arteries in the baboon (Papio ursinus)

The posterior intercostal arteries of six female and four adult male baboons (Papio ursinus) were investigated by latex injection and subsequent dissection to determine their origin and pattern of distribution. Basic morphological and functional similarities with that of man could provide some base-line data pertinent to future experimental studies in the areas of thoracic aortic aneurysm and aortic atherosclerotic lesion in man. Basic similarities were observed between the baboon and man in the number of intersegmental arteries, the origin of the first two pairs of posterior intercostal arteries, and the anastomosis between the superior intercostal and the third posterior intercostal arteries. However, the baboon showed a craniocaudal sequence of paired orifices giving rise to paired arteries; orifices with incompletely divided septum giving rise to paired arteries; single orifices leading to a common trunk, which finally gives rise to paired arteries; and single orifices opening into single arteries. In addition, there was a craniocaudal decrease in the distance between any given pair of intercostal arteries and an increase in the spacing between adjacent pairs of intercostal arteries. Where a single artery supplied one side of the intercostal space, the contralateral side received a collateral branch, either from the preceding or succeeding intercostal artery. Though the basic organisation of the origin and distribution of the posterior intercostal arteries in the baboon is similar to that of man, the differences observed in the baboon might be attributed to factors such as body size, mode of activity, and even the phylogenetic level of development of the baboon.     

Time-dependent distribution of sulphur, sulphate and glutathione in wheat tissues and grain as affected by three sulphur fertilization levels and late S fertilization

Sulphur (S) fertilization has beneficial effects on yield and protein composition of mature wheat kernels. However, to understand the impact of S fertilization on storage protein composition, synthesis of S-containing compounds and their distribution during grain development has to be examined. A pot experiment with Triticum aestivum cultivar Türkis under three S fertilization levels (0 g, 0.1 g und 0.2 g S per pot) and a late S fertilization level at ear emergence was carried out. Stalk and leaves, flag leaves, ears and kernels were harvested separately during grain development at ear emergence, milk ripeness and maturity, and analyzed for elemental S, sulphate, glutathione, and protein concentration. Sulphate is the major S compound in stalk, leaf and ears at the start of grain development, whereas glutathione is more important for synthesis of S-containing proteins in the grain. The discrepancy of S concentration comparing low and high S fertilization became obvious after milk ripeness. The N/S ratios in ears at ear emergence and milk ripeness reflected the later N/S ratio in mature grain. Late S fertilization increased sulphate concentrations in the flag leaf within a short period of about two weeks at ear emergence. Late S fertilization prevented S deficiency in late stages of wheat growth and further enabled equal concentrations of S, glutathione and protein in all wheat organs compared to an S application only at sowing.     

Susceptibility of baboon aorta elastin to proteolysis

Elastin was purified from baboon aorta using Achromobacter collagenase and its susceptibility to proteolysis by various enzymes was studied. Human leukocyte elastase (HLE) hydrolysed baboon aortic elastin 8 times faster than human cathepsin G. Bovine chymotrypsin had virtually no activity against this substrate. The kinetic constants V and [S50] of aortic elastin hydrolysis by HLE (0.15 microM) were 0.00286 mg x ml-1 x min-1 and 0.158 mg x ml-1, respectively. One mg of this elastin could be saturated with 5.6 micrograms of HLE. As with elastins isolated from other sources, the hydrolysis of baboon aortic elastin by HLE was highly sensitive to ionic strength, and a biphasic effect was obtained with increasing NaCl concentrations. A nearly 2-fold stimulation of elastolysis was observed at a 0.15M NaCl concentration. Further increase in ionic strength led to a continuous decrease of the rate of elastolysis which paralleled the decrease of adsorption of elastase to baboon aortic elastin. Cathepsin G, but not bovine alpha-chymotrypsin, was able to stimulate the rate of hydrolysis of baboon aortic elastin by HLE. A 1.7 fold stimulation was observed for a 1:1 molar ratio of the two proteinases and rose to 2.1 for a HLE/Cat. G ratio equal to 8.     

Estimation of gestational age from study of amniotic fluid and clinical assessment.

Study of 108 samples of amniotic fluid obtained between 28 and 42 weeks'' gestation from 101 patients revealed that in normal pregnancies the creatinine concentration, lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio and percentage of fat cells correlated better with the gestational age of the newborn--assessed by clinical criteria--than did the bilirubin and sodium concentrations. A creatinine concentration of 1.75 mg/dL or more, an L/S ratio of 4 or more and a fat cell percentage of 10 or more correlated significantly with a gestational age of 37 weeks or more. In abnormal pregnancies (those with obstetric or medical complications, or both) the mean creatinine concentration in the amniotic fluid was significantly less than expected for gestational age in fetal dysmaturity and greater than expected when the mother had diabetes. The mean L/S ratio in the amniotic fluid was elevated when the mother had hypertension or smoked and in cases of fetal dysmaturity or long interval between rupture of the membranes and delivery, whereas it was significantly lower than normal when the mother had diabetes. The mean bilirubin concentration in the amniotic fluid was significantly lower than normal when the mother had hypertension. When the mother had diabetes, maturity of the fetal lung, liver, skin and brain appeared to be delayed, according to the values for the amniotic fluid constituents.     

In vitro pollination fertilization of maize: influence of explant factors on kernel development

The influence of donor plant genotype, ear maturity, explant size, and the ratio of ovule-to-cob tissue on kernel development from in vitro pollinated ovules was examined. All genotypes evaluated in this study were capable of in vitro pollination/fertilization, however, significant differences were observed for the responses measured. Genotype means for complete kernel formation ranged from 1.5% to 25.4% with B73 exhibiting the highest response. Averaged over all genotypes, ear maturity effects were not significant, however, the genotype x ear maturity mean square was significant for swelling percentage. Explant size had a profound effect on in vitro kernel development. Averaged over all genotypes and ear maturities, 30-ovule explants resulted in more than twice as many ovules classified as complete kernels when compared to 10-ovule explants. Ovule-to-cob tissue ratio was also found to have highly significant effects on all three variables measured. An ovule-to-cob tissue ratio of 4:24 resulted in the highest percentages of swelling, embryos with incomplete embryos, and complete kernels.     

Associations between endothelial nitric oxide synthase A/B, angiotensin converting enzyme I/D and serotonin transporter L/S gene polymorphisms with pulmonary hypertension in COPD patients

Different biochemical pathways and cellular mechanisms play role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Alveolar hypoxia is not the only determinant of vascular remodeling, genetic factors are thought to have additive effects. We aimed to investigate the effects of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS A/B), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE I/D) and serotonin transporter (5-HTT L/S) gene polymorphisms on development and severity of PH in COPD patients. 50 COPD patients without PH (group 1); 30 COPD patients with PH confirmed with echocardiography (group 2) and 49 healthy subjects (group 3) as control group were included to the study. eNOS A/B, ACE I/D and 5-HTT L/S gene polymorphisms and allele frequencies of COPD patients with and without PH and healthy subjects were determined. Functional parameters and echocardiographic measurements were recorded. Patients with PH were also assessed in two subgroups according to the severity of pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP). Significant differences among three groups in the distribution of 5-HTT genotype and allele frequency were present (respectively p = 0.002; p = 0.021). In group 2, LL and LS genotype rate was 93.3 % with a frequency of 71.2 % L allele and 28.3 % of S allele. 5-HTT LL genotype was present in 88.9 % of patients with PAP ≥50 mmHg significantly (p = 0.012). Other genotype distributions were not significantly different between two subgroups. The results of this study can suggest that COPD patients with L allele of 5-HTT may have higher risk for the development of PH and patients with LL genotype of 5-HTT may present higher PAP. We also demonstrated that eNOS and ACE gene polymorphisms were not associated with the development and severity of PH in our study population. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to explore these relationships.     

CO2浓度升高和不同氮肥水平下源库处理对粳稻茎鞘非结构性碳水化合物积累和转运的影响

为探究CO₂浓度升高和不同氮肥水平下源库处理对粳稻茎鞘非结构性碳水化合物(NSC)积累和转运的影响,利用开顶式气室(OTC),设置2个CO₂浓度([CO₂]):对照(背景大气,a[CO₂])和在背景大气[CO₂]基础上升高200μmol·mol^-1(e[CO₂])。以常规粳稻"南粳9108"为试验材料,在OTC内采用盆栽方式,设置低N(N1,10 g N·m^-2)、中N(N2,20 g N·m^-2)和高N(N3,30 g N·m^-2)3个施N水平。抽穗期源库改变设剪叶(LC)和疏花(SR)处理,以不处理为对照。测定并计算了抽穗期和成熟期叶片N含量、茎鞘NSC积累量(TM_NSC)、NSC表观转运量(ATMNSC)及其对籽粒产量的表观贡献率(AC_NSC)。采用方差分析、相关分析和逐步回归方法对上述观测数据进行分析。结果表明,[CO₂]升高显著降低抽穗期叶片N含量,显著促进中N水平的NSC积累。在不同[CO₂]和N水平下,SR处理均导致成熟期茎鞘TM_NSC显著升高,ATM_NSC和AC_NSC显著降低;在背景大气和不同N水平下,LC处理均显著降低成熟期TM_NSC,显著提高ATM_NSC,但[CO₂]升高下LC处理对成熟期TM_NSC和ATM_NSC均无显著影响。LC处理对籽粒产量及其构成未产生显著影响。粒叶比越高,成熟期TM_NSC和千粒重越低,ATM_NSC、AC_NSC、籽粒产量和收获指数越高。综合影响AC_NSC的因素为粒叶比、抽穗期和成熟期TM_NSC;综合影响籽粒产量的因素为粒叶比、成熟期叶片N含量和TM_NSC,这些综合影响均可用多元回归模型定量表述。     

Interleukin-1 from baboon peripheral blood monocytes: altered response to endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) and Staphylococcus aureus stimulation compared with human monocytes.

The baboon Papio ursinus does not elicit a febrile response upon injection with endotoxin, but fever is produced when injected with Staphylococcus aureus particles (Zurowsky, Y., H. Laburn, D. Mitchell, Can. J. Physiol. Pharmacol. 65, 1402-1407 (1987)). We address the question whether baboon peripheral blood monocytes produce interleukin-1 (IL-1) when stimulated with endotoxin or S. aureus particles in culture. Results show that little IL-1 biological activity was produced from endotoxin-stimulated baboon peripheral blood monocytes, compared with S. aureus-stimulated cells. Measurements of IL-1 beta by radioimmunoassay supported these data. This is contrary to data from human monocytes, which show greater sensitivity to endotoxin. Examination of IL-1 beta mRNA from endotoxin-stimulated and S. aureus-stimulated baboon monocytes, however, showed that more mRNA for IL-1 beta was present in endotoxin-stimulated monocytes than in cells stimulated with S. aureus. This illustrates the possibility that the production and/or the secretion of IL-1 beta is not as efficient in baboon monocytes as it is in human monocytes.