Use of Synthetic Peptides to Study the Function of GTPases Regulating Vesicular Traffic

We describe the application of synthetic peptides to explore the function of GTPases regulating vesicular traffic through the constitutive and regulated exocytic pathways. The utility of the approach is discussed in the context of the parameters that limit or enhance the effectiveness of these reagents in eliciting a biologically relevant response.     

Hepatic changes during a carrageenan induced granuloma in rats

Hepatic changes during inflammation were studied in rats bearing a carrageenan induced granuloma. In spite of a decrease in the metabolic capacity of microsomes to induce lipid peroxidation during inflammation, the endogenous lipid peroxidation remained unchanged and unrelated with the hepatic activities measured. The continuous increase in hepatic cAMP observed during acute and chronic phases could be related to adenylate cyclase stimulation by mediators, and could be an initial step in the hepatocyte adaptation leading to the increased level of hepatic caeruloplasmin, to the reduction of cytochrome P-450 level and to the modifications of Ca(2+) sequestration by microsomes.