The haplotype distribution of the ΔF508 mutation in cystic fibrosis families in Scotland

Summary The gene defective in cystic fibrosis (CF) has recently been isolated and the major mutation identified. The haplotype distribution of this mutation (ΔF508) has been determined for 215 CF chromosomes in the Scottish population. ΔF508 represents 73% of all CF mutations in this group. There remains considerable linkage disequilibrium between XV2c and KM19 and other mutations in the CF gene.     

Chromium content in human milk,Cow's milk,and infant formulas

Chromium was measured by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry in human milk, cow's milk, and infant formulas. The mean levels found were 1.56, 0.83, and 4.84 (13%) μg/L, respectively. According to our data, the daily intake for the Spanish neonates is lower than the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) (10–40 μg/d) for this element.     

Proliferative generation of mammalian auditory hair cells in culture

Hair cell (HC) and supporting cell (SC) productions are completed during early embryonic development of the mammalian cochlea. This study shows that acutely dissociated cells from the newborn rat organ of Corti, developed into so-called otospheres consisting of 98% nestin (+) cells when plated on a non-adherent substratum in the presence of either epidermal growth factor (EGF) or fibroblast growth factor (FGF2). Within cultured otospheres, nestin (+) cells were shown to express EGF receptor (EGFR) and FGFR2 and rapidly give rise to newly formed myosin VIIA (+) HCs and p27(KIP1) (+) SCs. Myosin VIIA (+) HCs had incorporated bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) demonstrating that they were generated by a mitotic process. Ultrastructural studies confirmed that HCs had differentiated within the otosphere, as defined by the presence of both cuticular plates and stereocilia. This work raises the hypothesis that nestin (+) cells might be a source of newly generated HCs and SCs in the injured postnatal organ of Corti.     

Are laminin binding sites on tumor cell surface involved in the indomethacin-induced sensitivity to natural cytotoxic cells?

Prostaglandins are secreted by a variety of tumor cell lines. The prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor indomethacin (IND) inhibits 3LL tumor growth after both intramuscular or intrasplenic transplantation (45 and 72%, respectively). Moreover, when tumor cells were cultured with IND, the sensitivity of 3LL cells to natural cytotoxic (NC) effector cells was increased (30%) and a higher cytotoxicity was reached when both target and effector cells were treated. This effect was reversed partially or totally when the assay was performed in the presence of laminin or an octapeptide from the laminin B1 chain. In addition, we correlate the increased cytotoxicity mediated by IND with an enhanced ability of 3LL tumor cells to bind labeled laminin (55%). In summary, our results show that the blockage or modulation of cell surface laminin binding components could be directly correlated with the sensitivity of tumor target cells to be eliminated by way of natural cytotoxicity.     

Orcokinins in insects and other invertebrates

Orcokinin (NFDEIDRSGFGFN) and orcokinin homologues are crustacean peptides eliciting potent myotropic effects in gut tissues. Through HPLC purification of brain extract of the cockroach Blattella germanica, we isolated the first insect orcokinin (NFDEIDRSGFNS). This insect orcokinin-like peptide do not show myotropic properties in B. germanica gut tissues. Gene database search using orcokinin precursor sequences of the crustacean Procambarus clarkii led to putative homologues found in non-crustacean groups, including the mosquito Anopheles gambiae and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.