Galectin 1 (Gal-1), a lactose-binding lectin, is a component of vascular extracellular matrix and secreted by human vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The purpose of this study was to investigate a possible role of Gal-1 in controlling adhesion and migration of cultured human vascular SMCs. Gal-1 co-localised with laminin and cellular fibronectin in extracellular matrix (ECM) secreted by cultured human vascular SMCs. Recombinant glutathione S-transferase (GST)-Gal-1 fusion protein bound to laminin and cellular fibronectin in ELISA. GST-Gal-1 inhibited SMC attachment to laminin via interactions with both SMCs and laminin. GST-Gal-1 inhibited SMC spreading on plastic or on laminin, but not on cellular fibronectin. GST-Gal-1 modulated SMC migration on laminin and inhibited migration on cellular fibronectin. GST-Gal-1 bound to several 35S-labelled proteins in SMC extracts including laminin and alpha1beta1 integrin, identified by depletion of SMC protein extracts with respective antibodies. We conclude that Gal-1 is able to modulate SMC attachment, spreading and migration via interactions with ECM proteins and alpha1beta1 integrin.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Campylobacter pyloridis in the upper gastrointestinal tract: a Brazilian study.

The successful isolation of C. pyloridis from human gastric mucosa has renewed interest in these bacteria and their role as a causative agent for gastritis, and possible causal relationship between chronic gastritis and peptic ulceration. To determine the incidence of C. pyloridis in gastric biopsies we studied 51 consecutive Brazilian patients with a wide range of alimentary disorders presenting for endoscopy. At least three biopsies were taken from each site: antrum, any ulcer or cancer. Microbiological and histological studies were performed to identify the bacteria. The organism was found in 40/51 (78%) of patients. These was a close correlation between culture (100%), Gram (90%) and Gimenez staining (80%) in identifying the bacteria. All C. pyloridis positive patients had histological evidence of antral chronic gastritis (active or quiescent) even if the endoscopic appearance looked normal. All peptic ulcer patients (n = 17) showed C. pyloridis in the antrum. In the duodenum the bacteria were mainly seen in gastric type of mucosa. Our findings support the hypothesis that C. pyloridis is etiologically related to gastritis and possibly peptic ulceration.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied