Cortical surface patterns in human and nonhuman primates

An analysis of skulls from several primate species shows that a “worm-track” surface pattern, first identified in the brow region in fossil adult hominids and subsequently in olive baboons, chimpanzees, and macaques, is also present in numerous other species. Fine cancellous bone and its attendant vermiculate surface pattern have been observed in subadult and adult gelada baboons, gibbons, gorillas, and orangutans as well as in modern Homo sapiens and several Plio-Pleistocene fossil hominids. In contemporary primates, fine cancellous bone has been identified not only in the brow region, but also along the zygomatic arch, on the pterygoid plates, on the maxilla, along the temporal line, on the mastoid process, and in the region of inion. Given the widespread distribution of this trait, caution is advised when using it as a diagnostic indicator of the evolutionary or functional significance of craniofacial morphology.     

Phosphoprotein intermediate in the ca2+-dependent atpase reaction of macrophage plasma membrane

ATPase activity and phosphorylation by [γ-³²P] ATP of isolated plasma membrane of alveolar macorphages are stimulated in a parallel fashion by physiologic concentrations of Ca²⁺, with half-maximal activating effect of this ion at (3–7) × 10^?7 M. For various membrane preparations, a direct proportionality exists between Ca²⁺-dependent ATPase activity and amount of ³²P incorporated. Labeling of membrane attains the steady-state level by 10 sec at 0°C, and is rapidly reversed by adenosine diphosphate (ADP). K⁺ decreases the amount of membrane-bound ³²P, mainly by enhancing the rate of dephosphorylation of the ³²P-intermediate. Hydroxylamine causes a release of about 90% of ³²P bound to the membrane, thus indicating that the ³²P-intermediate contains an acyl-phosphate bond. When the labeled plasma membrane is solubilized and electrophoresed on acrylamide gels in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate, the radioactivity appears to be largely associated with a single protein fraction of 132,500 ± 2,000 apparent molecular weight. These features of the macrophage Ca²⁺-ATPase suggest that the enzyme activity might be part of a surface-localized Ca²⁺-extrusion system, participating in the regulation of Ca²⁺-dependent activities of the macrophage.     

A comparative study of the temporal bone in three populations of man

A comparative study was made to determine race and sex differences in the temporal bone, to investigate growth relationships, and to establish a basis for phylogenetic studies of the temporal bone and the temporal lobe of the brain. Data on Eskimo, Indian, and white crania were collected from radiographs and directly from the skulls. Of the 25 variables studied, only the minimum diameter of porus failed to demonstrate some difference among the races. Variation between sexes was found for all measurements except the cranial base angle (of deflection) and three angles related to the petrous pyramids. Correlation coefficients indicated that none of the angles are related in any consistent manner to the other variables studied. This is interpreted as further evidence of cranial base stability. The Indians have the lowest, longest squamae, differing most from the whites. The position of squama is more anterior in the Eskimos. Females of each race possess more anteriorly positioned squamae than males. When the squama is more anteriorly located, the porus is in a more posterior position within the squama itself. Strong race variation exists in the shape of porus. In order to establish a basis for phylogenetic studies of the temporal lobe of the brain better reference points for reflecting its size and shape must be found.     

NUCEL (Cell and Molecular Therapy Center): A Multidisciplinary Center for Translational Research in Brazil

Social and economical development is closely associated with technological innovation and a well-developed biotechnological industry. In the last few years, Brazil’s scientific production has been steadily increasing; however, the number of patents is lagging behind, with technological and translational research requiring governmental incentive and reinforcement. The Cell and Molecular Therapy Center (NUCEL) was created to develop activities in the translational research field, addressing concrete problems found in biomedical and veterinary areas and actively searching for solutions by employing a genetic engineering approach to generate cell lines over-expressing recombinant proteins to be transferred to local biotech companies, aiming at furthering the development of a national competence for local production of biopharmaceuticals of widespread use and of life-saving importance. To this end, mammalian cell engineering technologies were used to generate cell lines over-expressing several different recombinant proteins of biomedical and biotechnological interest, namely, recombinant human Amylin/IAPP for diabetes treatment, human FVIII and FIX clotting factors for hemophilia, human and bovine FSH for fertility and reproduction, and human bone repair proteins (BMPs). Expression of some of these proteins is also being sought with the baculovirus/insect cell system (BEVS) which, in many cases, is able to deliver high-yield production of recombinant proteins with biological activity comparable to that of mammalian systems, but in a much more cost-effective manner. Transfer of some of these recombinant products to local Biotech companies has been pursued by taking advantage of the São Paulo State Foundation (FAPESP) and Federal Government (FINEP, CNPq) incentives for joint Research Development and Innovation partnership projects.     

Bronchioalveolar morphogenesis of human bronchial epithelial cells depending upon hepatocyte growth factor

Lung alveolar regeneration occurs in adult human lungs as a result of proliferation, differentiation and alveolar morphogenesis of stem cells. It is increasingly being believed that bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) have a potential as stem cells, because they are potent to differentiate into multiple central and peripheral lung cell types in three‐dimensional (3D) cultures, and they develop multiple foci with well‐differentiated histogenesis after transformed into neoplastic cells. In this study, we investigated morphogenic abilities of HBE135 human BECs immortalized by E6/E7 oncogene in 3D cultures. When HBE135 cells were cultured alone or co‐cultured with endothelial cells, the cells formed spherical colonies without branching. However, in co‐culture with lung fibroblast MRC‐9 cells, HBE135 cells formed colonies with bronchioalveolar‐like complex branching, suggesting that MRC‐9‐derived soluble factor(s) are responsible for the branching formation. MRC‐9 cells, not endothelial cells, were found to highly express hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a soluble molecule involved in liver and kidney regeneration. An anti‐HGF neutralizing antibody severely suppressed the complex branching formation, but addition of HGF could not sufficiently compensate the morphogenic effects of MRC‐9 cells, suggesting that MCR‐9‐derived HGF was necessary but insufficient for the bronchioalveolar structure formation. Immunohistochemistry revealed that Met, a cognate receptor for HGF, was highly expressed and phosphorylated in neoplastic BECs from lung adenocarcinomas with well‐differentiated, not poorly differentiated, histogenesis. These results are consistent with the notion that BECs have an aspect of stem cells. This aspect appears to become manifest through HGF–Met signalling pathway activation.     

Fish models in prion biology: Underwater issues

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), otherwise known as prion disorders, are fatal diseases causing neurodegeneration in a wide range of mammalian hosts, including humans. The causative agents - prions - are thought to be composed of a rogue isoform of the endogenous prion protein (PrP). Beyond these and other basic concepts, fundamental questions in prion biology remain unanswered, such as the physiological function of PrP, the molecular mechanisms underlying prion pathogenesis, and the origin of prions. To date, the occurrence of TSEs in lower vertebrates like fish and birds has received only limited attention, despite the fact that these animals possess bona fide PrPs. Recent findings, however, have brought fish before the footlights of prion research. Fish models are beginning to provide useful insights into the roles of PrP in health and disease, as well as the potential risk of prion transmission between fish and mammals. Although still in its infancy, the use of fish models in TSE research could significantly improve our basic understanding of prion diseases, and also help anticipate risks to public health. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Zebrafish Models of Neurological Diseases.     

Human endothelial cell growth and phenotypic expression on three dimensional poly(lactide-co-glycolide) sintered microsphere scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Bone tissue engineering offers promising alternatives to repair and restore tissues. Our laboratory has employed poly(lactide-co-glycolide) PLAGA microspheres to develop a three dimensional (3-D) porous bioresorbable scaffold with a biomimetic pore structure. Osseous healing and integration with the surrounding tissue depends in part on new blood vessel formation within the porous structure. Since endothelial cells play a key role in angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature), the purpose of this study was to better understand human endothelial cell attachment, viability, growth, and phenotypic expression on sintered PLAGA microsphere scaffold. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination showed cells attaching to the surface of microspheres and bridging the pores between the microspheres. Cell proliferation studies indicated that cell number increased during early stages and reached a plateau between days 10 and 14. Immunofluorescent staining for actin showed that cells were proliferating three dimensionally through the scaffolds while staining for PECAM-1 (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule) displayed typical localization at cell-cell contacts. Gene expression analysis showed that endothelial cells grown on PLAGA scaffolds maintained their normal characteristic phenotype. The cell proliferation and phenotypic expression were independent of scaffold pore architecture. These results demonstrate that PLAGA sintered microsphere scaffolds can support the growth and biological functions of human endothelial cells. The insights from this study should aid future studies aimed at enhancing angiogenesis in three dimensional tissue engineered scaffolds.     

Bone marrow stromal cells produce nerve growth factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factors

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) have attracted interest through their possible use for cell therapy in neurological diseases. Recent reports demonstrated that these cells are able to migrate and have potential for neuronal differentiation after transplantation into brain parenchyma. The objective of this work was determine whether rat BMSC express NGF and GDNF, in order to study its potential application for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. BMSC were harvested from male rats and cultured in DMEM supplemented with 20% fetal bovine serum. At passage 6 the total RNA was isolated using TriZol reactive. RT-PCRs to evaluate the expression of NGF and GDNF using specific primers were carried out. Our results indicate that rat BMSC have potential to produce NGF and GDNF. We have not found any report in favor of GDNF or NGF production from rat BMSC.     

人骨髓基质细胞的长期培养及其对病毒的敏感性

为了长期培养骨髓基质细胞和研究其对病毒的敏感性,我们采用静置贴壁培养法,体外长期培养了胎儿、儿童和成人骨髓基质细胞,并将传至５代以上的肌样骨髓基质细胞采用微量细胞病变（ＣＰＥ）法,开展了对５种病毒的敏感性试验。结果表明,人骨髓基质肌样细胞对滤泡性口腔炎病毒,脊髓灰质炎病毒、Ⅰ型和Ⅱ型单纯疱疹病毒均敏感,能产生明显的ＣＰＥ,其效价（ＴＣＩＤ５０）可达１０＾－３～１０＾－４,其中胎儿骨髓基质肌样细胞对     

正常小鼠骨髓血红蛋白含量的测定

小鼠骨髓血红蛋白含量的变化可以间接地反映骨髓微循环系统形态和功能的状况。按Burger and Knyszynski(1969)方法操作繁复,限制了它的推广应用及正常值的问世。最近,我们建立的简易测定方法,为成批标本的测定和正常值的确定创造了条件。 正常小鼠骨髓血红蛋白含量测定的目的:1)在较大量标本的测定中进一步验证该方法的可靠性;2)确定青、成年小鼠骨髓血红蛋白的正常值范围;3)分析其可能的影响因素,以便更好地控制实验条件和判断骨髓微循环障碍的程度。