Involvement of Kv1.3 and p38 MAPK signaling in HIV-1 glycoprotein 120-induced microglia neurotoxicity

Inflammatory responses mediated by activated microglia play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-associated neurocognitive disorders. Studies on identification of specific targets to control microglia activation and resultant neurotoxic activity are imperative. Increasing evidence indicate that voltage-gated K⁺ (K_v) channels are involved in the regulation of microglia functionality. In this study, we investigated K_v1.3 channels in the regulation of neurotoxic activity mediated by HIV-1 glycoprotein 120 (gp120)-stimulated rat microglia. Our results showed treatment of microglia with gp120 increased the expression levels of K_v1.3 mRNA and protein. In parallel, whole-cell patch-clamp studies revealed that gp120 enhanced microglia K_v1.3 current, which was blocked by margatoxin, a K_v1.3 blocker. The association of gp120 enhancement of K_v1.3 current with microglia neurotoxicity was demonstrated by experimental results that blocking microglia K_v1.3 attenuated gp120-associated microglia production of neurotoxins and neurotoxicity. Knockdown of K_v1.3 gene by transfection of microglia with K_v1.3-siRNA abrogated gp120-associated microglia neurotoxic activity. Further investigation unraveled an involvement of p38 MAPK in gp120 enhancement of microglia K_v1.3 expression and resultant neurotoxic activity. These results suggest not only a role K_v1.3 may have in gp120-associated microglia neurotoxic activity, but also a potential target for the development of therapeutic strategies.     

Congenital dyserytropoietic anaemia, type II (HEMPAS) in three siblings

These siblings of a Czech family aged 21, 19 and 6 years, respectively, with congenital dyserythropoietic anemia, type II, (HEMPAS) are reported. In two elder siblings ferrokinetic studies revealed a rapid plasma 59Fe clearance, markedly decreased erythrocyte incorporation and shortened 51Cr red-cell survival. Direct anti-globulin test was found positive in one of them. Further investigations revealed low values of blood plasma cholesterol, total lipids, beta-lipoproteins, beta-carotine and vitamin E and A as well as low values of the prothrombin complex. Liver biopsy demonstrated siderosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation in the liver in both patients. The possible reasons for these humoral aberrations are discussed.     

The interpretation of a moving retinal image

It is shown that from a monocular view of a rigid, textured, curved surface it is possible, in principle, to determine the gradient of the surface at any point, and the motion of the eye relative to it, from the velocity field of the changing retinal image, and its first and second spatial derivatives. The relevant equations are redundant, thus providing a test of the rigidity assumption. They involve, among other observable quantities, the components of shear of the retinal velocity field, suggesting that the visual system may possess specialized channels for computing these components.     

Localization of ribosomal genes and nucleolar activity in lymphocytes of swine (Sus scrofa domestica) stimulated by phytohemagglutinins

The Pig chromosomes that contain rDNA sites displayed a polymorphism in the distribution of the genes among the nucleolar organizers located on pairs Nos. 8 and 10. Two, or more often three, active sites were observed in the chromosomes of lymphocytes stimulated with phytohemagglutinin. Only 5% of the metaphases showed a 4th small active site. At the onset of stimulation most cells contained one-two nucleoli; four nucleoli were never observed. After prolonged stimulation, the number of nuclei containing three nucleoli increased. A 4th small nucleolus appeared in a few cells, presumably formed by activation of the smallest rDNA site.     

An investigation of the prolactin-thyroxine synergism in newt limb regeneration

The use of hormone replacement to support limb regeneration in hypophysectomized newts has been the subject of many investigations. Growth hormone, as well as prolactin (PL) in combination with exogenously supplied thyroxine, have all been shown to he effective. However, the bovine growth hormone used to support limb regeneration was contaminated by prolactin and thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH). The present investigation evaluates the significance of (1) prolactin contamination and (2) endogenous thyroxine synthesis resulting from TSH contamination on limb regeneration in hypophysectomized newts. The effect of supplying exogenous thyroxine was also evaluated. Our studies showed that when hypophysectomized newts were injected with contamination levels of PL and TSH, regeneration occurred, suggesting that the newt's thyroid synthesized sufficient thyroxine to support a prolactin-thyroxine synergism. The endogenous thyroxine was synthesized by thyroid glands that were indistinguishable from those of saline-injected, hypophysectomized controls.     

Substratum topography and cell traction on sulphuric acid treated bacteriological-grade plastic

Treatment of bacteriological-grade plastic with concentrated sulphuric acid is a well known technique which increases the wettability of the surface and renders it suitable for eukaryotic cell adhesion. We have noticed that these substrata present a distinctive surface topography in the presence of a serum supplement under normal culture conditions. The adsorbed serum layer is comprised of fine furrows and ridges and the influence of adherent cells on this layer leads to minute tears and distortions in the direction of the corrugations. This provides a novel system for the investigation of cell spreading and locomotion by scanning electron microscopy.