Bombesin impairs spindle function in mitotic V79 Chinese hamster cells by a receptor-dependent mechanism

Bombesin belongs to a family of peptides acting as local hormones with roles in growth regulation, neural function and secretion. Upon binding to its receptor bombesin primarily elicits an increase of inositolphosphates and diacylglycerol, events leading to increased [Ca²⁺]_i and activation of protein kinase C. When asynchronously growing V79 Chinese hamster cells were treated with bombesin in the 10⁻⁹−10⁻⁷ M concentration range their content of inositolphosphates increased and so did the frequency of mitotic cells with abnormal chromosomal arrangements (c-mitoses). Both effects were abolished by simultaneous addition of the synthetic peptide antagonist D-Arg¹,D-Phe⁵,D-Trpu⁹-Leu¹¹-substance P that binds to certain bombesin receptors. These results demonstrate that the V79 cells most probably have receptors for bombesin and that the weak but significant c-mitotic effect is mediated by such receptors.     

Luminol-amplified chemiluminescence activity in human monocytes: A comparison with the activity induced in granulocytes

The characteristics of the luminol-amplified chemiluminescence (CL) induced in mononuclear phagocytes interacting with PMA, FMLP or ionomycin were determined. Azide reduced the CL activity by more than 80%, while superoxide dismutase and catalase had minor effect on the monocyte CL response. The sensitivity of the monocyte CL response, to the addition of extra peroxidase differed depending on the stimulus used. Furthermore, no direct correlation was obtained between the CL response and superoxide anion or hydrogen peroxide production. In comparison with the response in granulocytes, minor quantitative differences were observed. The mechanism for the light-generating reaction, seems to be the same in both cell types.     

A new variant translocation (19q plus, 22q minus) in chronic myelocytic leukemia

A translocation between chromosome 19 and chromosome 22 was found in one out of nine patients with CML. All the remaining eight patients demonstrated a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22. The clinical pattern of the disease was similar in the patient with the translocation between chromosomes 19 and 22 and in the other CML patients. Thus the presence of the Ph¹ chromosome appears to be more important for the course and pattern of the disease than the location of the translocated fragment.     

Validation of computerized diagnostic information in a clinical database from a national equine clinic network

Background  

Computerized diagnostic information offers potential for epidemiological research; however data accuracy must be addressed. The principal aim of this study was to evaluate the completeness and correctness of diagnostic information in a computerized equine clinical database compared to corresponding hand written veterinary clinical records, used as gold standard, and to assess factors related to correctness. Further, the aim was to investigate completeness (epidemiologic sensitivity), correctness (positive predictive value), specificity and prevalence for diagnoses for four body systems and correctness for affected limb information for four joint diseases.