Specific MIF release by rat lymphocytes following incubation with syngeneic anti-tumor “Immune” RNA

Other investigators have previously shown that normal nonimmune lymphoid cells, after incubation with “Immune” RNA, will release MIF when these cells are incubated with the specific antigen used to immunize the RNA donor. This conversion can be detected with the macrophage migration inhibition assay. These observations have been confirmed in a system involving the transfer of immune response to tumor associated antigens with syngeneic “Immune” RNA. Syngeneic “Immune” RNA was extracted from the spleens of Fischer 344/N rats bearing growing transplants of one or another of two syngeneic chemically induced sarcomas. Normal, nonimmune Fischer 344/N spleen cells were incubated with these RNA preparations. When these RNA-incubated spleen cells were exposed to solubilized antigens from that particular tumor used to immunize the RNA donor, MIF was released. RNAse treatment of the “Immune” RNA abrogated the response, while DNAse or pronase treatment did not.     

Atrial natriuretic peptides: receptors and second messengers

Atrial natriuretic peptides appear to elicit their actions in some target tissues by binding to a novel cell-surface transmembrane protein which possesses both peptide binding and guanylate cyclase activities. Ligand binding stimulates enzyme activity to produce increased intracellular concentrations of cyclic GMP which, in turn, mediates the cell's physiological response.     

A simple rapid method for the removal of leukocytes from human blood

Filtration of human blood cells through lamb''s wool columns removed more than 96% of all leukocytes in a series of experiments, while the retention of erythrocytes by the column averaged 6.4%. This method should prove extremely useful for obtaining pure erythrocyte preparations for use in biochemical and physiological studies, and for removing leukocytes from blood prior to transfusion.     

Conflict of interest,physicians and physiotherapy.

Since Ontario introduced auto-insurance legislation that guaranteed extensive physiotherapy treatment for people who have been in car accidents, the cost of outpatient claims to insurance companies has skyrocketed. However, there has not been a measurable improvement in patient outcomes. At the same time, the average in-hospital stay for patients receiving hip and joint replacements has decreased greatly. Dr. Murray Waldman thinks these divergent trends in rehabilitation can be attributed to physician self-interest.