Effect of the number of rol genes integrations on phenotypic variation in hairy root-derived Hypericum perforatum L. plants

The extent of phenotypic variation of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) plants transformed with wild agropine ATCC 15834 Agrobacterium rhizogenes plasmid was evaluated with respect to the number of rol genes integrations. The transfer of T(L)-DNA to plant explants during each transformation event was incomplete with different rolA, rolB, and rolC copy numbers. Along with typical features representing the hairy root syndrome, an altered size, number and density of dark and translucent glands, changes in ability to synthesize secondary metabolites, and reduced fertility were observed. The highest copy number of transferred rol genes resulted in weak expression of transgenic character and comparable quantitative parameters with the controls. Only 1 out of 11 transgenic clones was able to produce seed progeny and not more than 4 out of its 35 offsprings were positive for rolC gene integration. Sterility of the clones was due to retarded development of both gametophytes.     

Chromium-induced lymph node histiocytic proliferation after hip replacement. A case report

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic joint replacement is frequently used for the treatment of degenerative joint disease, rheumatoid arthritis, bone tumors and traumatic lesions. The prostheses contain such materials as titanium, cobalt and chromium. We describe a patient who, after total hip arthroplasty, developed an inguinal-pelvic mass. Fine needle aspiration revealed metallic particles, also seen on light microscopy in reactive pelvic lymph nodes. Ultrastructure was consistent with the presence of foreign particles, while energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis established the presence of chromium. To our knowledge, this is the first report of chromium-related lymph node metallosis diagnosed by fine needle aspiration. CASE: Eight years after total hip arthroplasty, a 78-year-old woman developed a right pelvic cystic mass. Aspiration drainage was performed. Smears from fine needle aspiration showed numerous macrophages with abundant, foamy cytoplasm and round nuclei without atypia. Small, birefringent particles were seen in the cytoplasm. Histopathology showed fibroconnective tissue with chronic inflammation and marked lymph node sinus histiocytosis. Within histiocytes, numerous particles were present, identical to those seen in the smears. Their nature as "foreign bodies" was confirmed by electron microscopy, and the presence of chromium was shown by energy dispersive x-ray analysis. CONCLUSION: Fine needle aspiration and polarized microscopy are excellent techniques to evaluate foreign materials in lymph nodes draining the sites of joint prostheses, thus precluding confusion with other conditions, such as metastatic carcinoma.     

Characterization of hairy root-phenotype in transgenic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hypericum perforatum</Emphasis> L. clones

Hairy root-regenerated clones of Hypericum perforatum L. grown in vitro similarly to those successfully adapted to ex vitro conditions showed phenotype features typical for plants transformed with Agrobacterium rhizogenes T-DNA. These included reduced apical dominance, increased branching, dwarfing and reduced fertility. Transgenic clones differed in ability to develop root system as a necessary condition for transfer to the soil. One of the profiling characters, capability of hypericin biosynthesis was altered as well. Dark glands as the sites of hypericin accumulation and/or synthesis exhibited significantly higher densities on both, leaves and petals of transgenic clones comparing to controls. In the genome of transgenic clones, rolABC genes were detected. Both clones harboured similar copy number of individual rol genes. However, copy numbers descended from rolA to rolC gene in both clones.