Activation of p38MAPK in Microglia After Ischemia

Abstract: p38^MAPK has been implicated in the regulation of proinflammatory cytokines and apoptosis in vitro. To understand its role in neurodegeneration, we determined the time course and localization of the dually phosphorylated active form of p38^MAPK in hippocampus after global forebrain ischemia. Phosphorylated p38^MAPK and mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein 2 activity increased over 4 days after ischemia. Phosphorylated p38^MAPK immunoreactivity was observed in microglia in regions adjacent to, but not in, the dying CA1 neurons. In contrast, neither c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 nor p42/p44^MAPK activity was altered after ischemia. These results provide the first evidence for localization of activated p38^MAPK in the CNS and support a role for p38^MAPK in the microglial response to stress.     

Space use and proximity of captive chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) mother/offspring pairs

This pilot study considers space use and behavior patterns for nine chimpanzee mother-offspring pairs. Observations were conducted using instantaneous scan sampling, four times daily, five days a week, for four weeks. Mother-offspring use of vertical space and horizontal space and mother-offspring proximity were observed and analyzed using a Chi Square test. Results suggest mother-offspring pairs use levels above the enclosure floor, spending a majority of time in areas near horizontal bench substrates placed 1.2–2.5 m above the floor. Findings provide information that will assist managers in providing appropriate housing for chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) mothers and their offspring. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The "soluble" adenylyl cyclase in sperm mediates multiple signaling events required for fertilization

Mammalian fertilization is dependent upon a series of bicarbonate-induced, cAMP-dependent processes sperm undergo as they "capacitate," i.e., acquire the ability to fertilize eggs. Male mice lacking the bicarbonate- and calcium-responsive soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), the predominant source of cAMP in male germ cells, are infertile, as the sperm are immotile. Membrane-permeable cAMP analogs are reported to rescue the motility defect, but we now show that these "rescued" null sperm were not hyperactive, displayed flagellar angulation, and remained unable to fertilize eggs in vitro. These deficits uncover a requirement for sAC during spermatogenesis and/or epididymal maturation and reveal limitations inherent in studying sAC function using knockout mice. To circumvent this restriction, we identified a specific sAC inhibitor that allowed temporal control over sAC activity. This inhibitor revealed that capacitation is defined by separable events: induction of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and motility are sAC dependent while acrosomal exocytosis is not dependent on sAC.