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At least 271 records · Page 15Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

Insulin therapy is associated with platelet dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on dual oral antiplatelet treatment.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess the influence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the impact of hypoglycemic treatment (insulin vs. noninsulin) on platelet function profiles in patients treated with dual oral antiplatelet therapy. BACKGROUND: Insulin inhibits platelet aggregation by suppressing the P2Y12 pathway. However, T2DM patients have a loss of responsiveness to insulin that leads to upregulation of the P2Y12 pathway, increased platelet reactivity, and reduced responsiveness to antiplatelet agents. Patients with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) have a more advanced disease status and higher atherothrombotic risk compared with non-ITDM (NITDM). However, the impact of insulin therapy on platelet dysfunction in patients treated with P2Y12 antagonists is unknown. METHODS: A total of 201 T2DM and 65 nondiabetic patients with coronary artery disease in a steady phase of aspirin and clopidogrel treatment were studied. Platelet aggregation was assessed using agonists specific (6 and 20 microM adenosine diphosphate [ADP]) and nonspecific (6 microg/ml collagen and 20 microM epinephrine) for the P2Y12 pathway. High shear-induced platelet reactivity was assessed by means of the PFA-100 system (Dade-Behring International, Miami, Florida). RESULTS: The T2DM patients had platelet aggregation and shear-induced platelet function significantly increased compared with nondiabetic patients using all assays. Platelet aggregation was increased in ITDM (n = 68) compared with NITDM (n = 133) patients after P2Y12-specific stimuli. Insulin treatment was the strongest predictor of ADP-induced aggregation. Platelet function profiles were similar between ITDM and NITDM using assays nonspecific to the P2Y12 pathway. Platelet dysfunction was independent of glycemic control and inflammatory status. CONCLUSIONS: The P2Y12-dependent and -independent pathways of platelet reactivity are altered in T2DM compared with nondiabetic patients, and ITDM have greater ADP-induced platelet aggregation compared with NITDM.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Characterisation of the immune response to type I collagen in scleroderma.

This study was conducted to examine the frequency, phenotype, and functional profile of T lymphocytes that proliferate in response to type I collagen (CI) in patients with scleroderma (SSc). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SSc patients, healthy controls, and rheumatoid arthritis disease controls were labeled with carboxy-fluorescein diacetate, succinimidyl ester (CFSE), cultured with or without antigen (bovine CI) for 14 days, and analysed by flow cytometry. Surface markers of proliferating cells were identified by multi-color flow cytometry. T-cell lines were derived after sorting for proliferating T cells (CFSElow). Cytokine expression in CI-responsive T cells was detected by intracellular staining/flow cytometry and by multiplex cytokine bead assay (Bio-Plex). A T-cell proliferative response to CI was detected in 8 of 25 (32%) SSc patients, but was infrequent in healthy or disease controls (3.6%; p = 0.009). The proliferating T cells expressed a CD4+, activated (CD25+), memory (CD45RO+) phenotype. Proliferation to CI did not correlate with disease duration or extent of skin involvement. T-cell lines were generated using in vitro CI stimulation to study the functional profile of these cells. Following activation of CI-reactive T cells, we detected intracellular interferon (IFN)-gamma but not interleukin (IL)-4 by flow cytometry. Supernatants from the T-cell lines generated in vitro contained IL-2, IFN-gamma, GM-CSF (granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating factor), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha, but little or no IL-4 and IL-10, suggesting that CI-responsive T cells express a predominantly Th1 cytokine pattern. In conclusion, circulating memory CD4 T cells that proliferate to CI are present in a subset of patients with SSc, but are infrequent in healthy or disease controls.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Expression profiling reveals functionally important genes and coordinately regulated signaling pathway genes during in vitro angiogenesis.

Angiogenesis is a complex multicellular process requiring the orchestration of many events including migration, alignment, proliferation, lumen formation, remodeling, and maturation. Such complexity indicates that not only individual genes but also entire signaling pathways will be crucial in angiogenesis. To define an angiogenic blueprint of regulated genes, we utilized our well-characterized three-dimensional collagen gel model of in vitro angiogenesis, in which the majority of cells synchronously progress through defined morphological stages culminating in the formation of capillary tubes. We developed a comprehensive three-tiered approach using microarray analysis, which allowed us to identify genes known to be involved in angiogenesis and genes hitherto unlinked to angiogenesis as well as novel genes and has proven especially useful for genes where the magnitude of change is small. Of interest is the ability to recognize complete signaling pathways that are regulated and genes clustering into ontological groups implicating the functional importance of particular processes. We have shown that consecutive members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase and leukemia inhibitory factor signaling pathways are altered at the mRNA level during in vitro angiogenesis. Thus, at least for the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, mRNA changes as well as the phosphorylation changes of these gene products may be important in the control of blood vessel morphogenesis. Furthermore, in this study, we demonstrated the power of virtual Northern blot analysis, as an alternative to quantitative RT-PCR, for measuring the magnitudes of differential gene expression.

Bayes Theorem↗
PubMed2005

Hepatitis G virus infection in hemodialysis patients from urban Delhi.

This study was designed to evaluate the seroprevalence of hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection, its impact, and its relationship with other hepatotropic viruses among chronic renal failure patients undergoing hemodialysis at the Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi. The study group consisted of 100 consecutive cases of patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis and equal healthy controls matched for age and sex. The patients were included on the basis of detailed history, clinical examination, and liver function profile. HGV RNA was detected in serum samples of all patients as well as of healthy controls using nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The primers used were derived from the NS3 helicase region of the viral genome. Serological assay was used for screening the viral markers for hepatitis B and C (HbsAg and Anti HCV). A history of blood transfusion was recorded in 65% of the cases. HGV RNA was detected in only six out of 100 (6%) cases of chronic renal failure. The seroprevalence of HCV infection was detected in 27 (27%), while HBV infection was seen in 10 (10%) out of 100 cases. The mixed infection of HGV and HCV was seen in 33.3% (two out of six) of the chronic renal failure cases, while the coinfection between HGV and HBV was not observed. In the 100 cases of healthy controls, HGV RNA was detected in only three (3%) subjects. Serological markers for Anti HCV antibody and HbsAg were positive in only one (1%) and two (2%) of the subjects, respectively. The seroprevalence of HGV infection in chronic renal failure was found to be statistically nonsignificant when compared to that of healthy controls. Also, there was no difference in clinical course and liver function profile of HGV-positive and HGV-negative cases. However, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was significantly out of range in HCV-positive patients compared with HCV-negative patients. The presence of HGV infection reflected a postparental exposure to blood and blood-contaminated products in hemodialysis patients. It is suggested that HGV infection in cases of chronic renal failure is unlikely to influence the course of the disease and may be considered an innocent bystander.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Molecular cloning, expression profile and functional implications of clusterin in the pituitary gland of helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris).

Clusterin is shown to contain putative amphipathic alpha-helices that mediate hydrophobic interactions with numerous types of molecules and may be involved in clearance of cellular debris caused by cell injury or death. To assess this function in vivo, we have cloned the full-length cDNA encoding guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) clusterin and studied its synthesis and expression pattern in specific cell types in pituitary. Quantity of clusterin mRNA expressed in pituitary and endocrine tissues was quantified by real-time PCR. Highest levels were detected in gonads. In situ hybridization showed clusterin mRNA in endocrine cells and folliculostellate cells. Clusterin protein detected by immunohistochemistry was observed in endocrine cells, folliculostellate cells and in colloid. The expression pattern suggests that clusterin is produced by endocrine cells for cytoprotection. Degenerating endocrine cells are phagocytosed by folliculostellate cells and digested by their lysosomal enzymes. In folliculostellate cells clusterin interacts and aggregates with by-products of digestion that subsequently become stored in colloid.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2002

Stimulation by antipsychotic agents of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) coupled to cloned, human (h)serotonin (5-HT)(1A) receptors.

RATIONALE: There is evidence that serotonergic mechanisms contribute to the functional profiles of antipsychotic drugs, several of which display affinity for human (h)5-HT(1A) receptors. OBJECTIVE: Here, we compared the interaction of several antipsychotic agents at h5-HT(1A) receptors employing mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), an intracellular marker. METHODS: The influence of antipsychotics on MAPK phosphorylation was quantified in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells stably transfected with h5-HT(1A) receptors by use of a highly selective antibody. RESULTS: The novel antipsychotic agent, S16924, concentration-dependently (pEC(50), 8.10) stimulated the phosphorylation of MAPK. Its maximal effect (96%) was similar to that of the prototypical 5-HT(1A) agonist, (+)8-OH-DPAT (pEC(50), 8.54) (defined as 100%). The selective 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist WAY100,635, which was inactive alone, abolished stimulation of MAPK by S16924 with a pK(b) of 9.66. This stimulatory influence of S16924 on MAPK was potently mimicked by the benzoisoxazole, antipsychotic ziprasidone (pEC(50), 7.25; 93%). The atypical antipsychotic clozapine also activated MAPK, albeit with lower potency and efficacy (pEC(50), 5.43 and 43%). These actions of ziprasidone and clozapine were also blocked by WAY100,635. Evaluated at a single, high concentration, several other antipsychotics stimulated MAPK phosphorylation with variable efficacy: quetiapine (75%), ocaperidone (74%), tiospirone (57%), olanzapine (54%) and risperidone (21%). In all cases, their actions were abolished by WAY100,635. In contrast, haloperidol, thioridazine and sertindole did not stimulate MAPK. CONCLUSIONS: Antipsychotics display contrasting efficacies in modulating MAPK phosphorylation at h5-HT(1A) receptors, ranging from high (e.g. S16924 and ziprasidone), via intermediate (e.g. clozapine) to low (e.g. haloperidol). Differential modulation of 5-HT(1A) receptor-coupled MAPK may contribute to their contrasting functional profiles.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Expression profiles and functional analyses of Wnt-related genes in human joint disorders.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are joint disorders that cause major public health problems. Previous studies of the etiology of RA and OA have implicated Wnt genes, although the exact nature of their involvement remains unclear. To further clarify the relationship between RA, OA, and the Wnt gene family, gene expression analyses were performed on articular cartilage, bone, and synovial tissues in knee joints taken from RA, OA, and nor-mal/control patients. Cytokine assays were also performed in cells transfected with Wnt-7b, a member of the gene family most closely linked to RA and OA. Of the human Wnt genes, real-time PCR analysis revealed significant up-regulation of Wnt-7b in OA cartilage and RA synovium. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry also revealed that Wnt-7b was present in articular cartilage, bone, and synovium of RA samples and in osteophytes, articular cartilage, bone marrow, and synovium of OA samples. The levels of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, and interleukin-6 were significantly increased in RA synovium and Wnt-7b-transfected normal synovial cells when compared with normal samples. These results point to the potential involvement of Wnt signaling in the pathobiology of both RA and OA.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed1998

Arrhythmic profile, ventricular function, and histomorphometric findings in patients with idiopathic ventricular tachycardia and mitral valve prolapse: clinical and prognostic evaluation.

BACKGROUND: In patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT) and apparently normal hearts, mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is discovered fairly often, raising the question of whether or not it is an occasional finding. HYPOTHESIS: This issue was analyzed in a series of patients with VT and apparently normal hearts in order to define the prevalence of MVP in this condition, the existence of specific diagnostic features suggesting a nonrandom association between idiopathic VT and MVP, and the prognostic implications of this finding. METHODS: We studied 28 consecutive patients with documented VT and no history of heart disease. Two-dimensional (2-D) echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, morphometric examination of endomyocardial biopsy and arrhythmologic evaluation (24-h Holter monitoring, electrophysiologic study, and signal-averaged electrocardiogram) were performed. Inclusion criteria for all patients were angiographically normal coronary arteries, normal biventricular function, and absence of histologic evidence of myocarditis. Data obtained in patients found to have MVP at 2-D echo were compared with those of the remaining patients. Long-term follow-up data were also collected. RESULTS: The prevalence of MVP in our study group was 25% (7 patients). It was not associated with leaflet dysplasia or significant regurgitation. Biventricular function (ventricular volumes and ejection fraction) was comparable in patients with and without MVP. Patients with MVP had a significantly higher prevalence of ventricular late potentials at signal-averaged electrocardiogram (86 vs. 29%, p = 0.027), more interstitial fibrosis at morphometry (8.5 +/- 3.7 vs. 5.4 +/- 2.7% p = 0.028), and VT of right bundle-branch block morphology (100 vs. 48%; p = 0.044). Other arrhythmologic findings were similar in the two groups. After a mean follow-up of > 5 years, no patient in either group died, and none developed heart failure or severe mitral regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: Mitral valve prolapse is frequently detected in idiopathic VT. The distinguishing features of this association are (1) VT of right bundle-branch block morphology, (2) high prevalence of ventricular late potentials, and (3) increased fibrosis on endomyocardial biopsy. Ventricular function and other arrhythmologic findings are not specific of this association. Prognosis remains substantially benign, as is true for most cases of idiopathic VT.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2026

Dietary Polyphenol Acteoside-Related Molecular Signatures in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Multi-Omics Profiling and Functional Validation of IMPDH1.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is characterized by substantial metabolic and molecular heterogeneity, but the disease-relevant programs associated with acteoside, a dietary polyphenol, remain poorly understood. We integrated predicted acteoside targets with bulk, single-cell, and spatial transcriptomic data from ccRCC and combined molecular subtyping with cross-cohort machine-learning analysis. Acteoside-related signatures were preferentially enriched in malignant compartments and increased with tumor grade and stage. Consensus clustering identified two molecular subtypes with distinct biological and clinical features. C1 was associated with immune activation, metabolic activity, and more favorable survival, whereas C2 showed greater genomic instability, reduced renal epithelial differentiation, and poorer outcomes. We further benchmarked multiple machine-learning strategies and established a 10-gene prognostic model that retained predictive performance across independent cohorts, with IMPDH1 emerging as the strongest risk-associated feature. Functional experiments confirmed the biological relevance of IMPDH1: its knockdown suppressed ccRCC cell proliferation, DNA synthesis, colony formation, and migration, whereas overexpression produced the opposite effects. Together, these findings indicate that acteoside-related molecular signatures capture clinically relevant heterogeneity in ccRCC and provide a framework for linking dietary-polyphenol-related molecular space with tumor biology. The identification and functional validation of IMPDH1 further highlight its potential importance in ccRCC progression.

IMPDH1↗
PubMed2004

Profiling and functional annotation of mRNA gene expression in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma.

Using Affymetrix oligonucleotide microarrays, we analyzed mRNA gene expression patterns of 12 primary pediatric rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) and 11 Ewing's sarcomas (EWS), which belong to the small round blue cell tumors (SRBCTs). Diagnostic classification of these cancers is frequently complicated by the highly similar appearance in routine histology, and additional molecular markers could significantly improve tumor classification. A combination of three independent statistical approaches (t-test, SAM, k-nearest neighborhood analysis) resulted in 101 highly significant probe sets that clearly discriminate between EWS and RMS. We identified novel marker transcripts that have not been previously associated with either RMS or EWS yet, including CITED2, glypican 3 (GPC3), and cyclin D1 (CCND1). Expression levels for selected candidate genes were validated by quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR. Furthermore, to identify biologically meaningful trends, functional annotations were assigned to 946 genes differentially expressed between EWS and RMS (t-test). Genes involved in protein biosynthesis (n = 28) and complex assembly (n = 9), lipid metabolism (n = 23), energy generation (n = 22), and mRNA processing (n = 11) were expressed significantly higher in EWS. Thus, functional annotation of tumor-specific genes reveals detailed insights into tumor biology and differentiation-specific expression patterns and gives important clues related to the possible cellular origin of these pediatric tumors. Supplementary material for this article is available at the International Journal of Cancer website at http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0020-7136/suppmat/index.html.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed2004

Convenient and versatile subcellular extraction procedure, that facilitates classical protein expression profiling and functional protein analysis.

Standardized sample preparation to reduce proteome complexity facilitates subsequent proteome analysis. Here we describe a robust sequential extraction method that enables simple fractionation of proteins in their native state according to their subcellular localization, yielding four subproteomes enriched in (a) cytosolic; (b) membrane and membrane organelle-localized; (c) soluble and DNA-associated nuclear and (d) cytoskeletal proteins. Efficiency and selectivity is demonstrated by morphological-, two-dimensional electrophoresis image-, immunological- as well as enzymatic-analysis. In pilot studies, subcellular redistribution of regulatory proteins was successfully measured.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed1996

Measuring health status? A review of the sickness impact and functional limitations profiles.

Recent years have witnessed a growing interest in the measurement of health status. One of the most well-known health status instruments is the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP). This paper examines the nature, development and testing of the SIP (and its UK equivalent the FLP). The practical merits of these instruments are explained, and some cautionary remarks are offered about their limitations.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗
PubMed2004

Paradoxical results of psychophysiological stress profile in functional somatic syndrome: correlation between subjective tension score and objective stress response.

Mind-body interactions are important in functional somatic syndromes (FSS). Therefore, in the assessment of the psychophysiological stress response in patients with FSS, both subjective feelings and psychophysiological activity should be simultaneously measured. In this study, "Objective Tension Score" (OTS) was defined as an objective parameter of tension; it consisted of surface electromyography and skin conductance level as indicators of muscle and mental tension, respectively. "Subjective Tension Score" (STS) was defined as a subjective parameter of tension. Changes in OTS and STS in response to the stress task were investigated in 30 FSS patients and 28 controls. Objective tension was significantly hyporeactive to the stress task and STS was significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group. There was a significant negative correlation between OTS response and STS in the patient group, but no significant correlation in the control group. Our results suggested the existence of dissociation between subjective and objective responses in FSS patients. This may indicate that FSS patients had difficulty with the awareness of bodily feelings, thus supporting the concept of "alexisomia" or "escaped bodily feelings" in FSS patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Chemical composition, mineral profile, and functional properties of Canna (Canna edulis) and Arrowroot (Maranta spp.) starches.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate some chemical and mineral characteristics and functional and rheological properties of Canna and Arrowroot starches produced in the Venezuelan Andes. Canna starch showed a higher (P < 0.05) moisture, ash, and crude protein content than arrowroot starch, while crude fiber, crude fat, and amylose content of this starch were higher (P < 0.05). Starches of both rhizomes own phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, and zinc in their composition. Phosphorus, sodium, and potassium are the higher in both starches. Water absorption, swelling power, and solubility values revealed weak bonding forces in Canna starch granules; this explained the lower gelatinization temperature and the substantial viscosity development of Canna starch during heating. Arrowroot starch showed a higher gelatinization temperature measure by DSC, than Canna starch and exhibited a lower value of DeltaH. Both starches show negative syneresis. The apparent viscosity of Canna starch was higher (P < 0.05) than the Arrowroot starch values. The size (wide and large) of Canna starch granules was higher than arrowroot starch. From the previous results, it can be concluded that Canna and Arrowroot starches could become interesting alternatives for food developers, depending on their characteristics and functional properties.

Dietary Fiber↗
PubMed1983

Acceptor activity, isoacceptor profiles and function in protein synthesis of transfer RNAs from regenerating skeletal muscle.

Transfer RNAs have been prepared from control and regenerating rat skeletal muscle. The yield of tRNA is highest during the early stages of the regeneration process (5 and 8 days following the induction of regeneration) and decreases to near control values thereafter. The amino acid acceptor activity (extent of aminoacylation) of tRNA from regenerating muscle was also found to be higher for some amino acids than the activity of control tRNA, and the maximum increase in activity was observed between 5 and 8 days following the initiation of regeneration with a decrease to control levels through 15 and 30 days. The isoacceptor pattern, determined by RPC-5 chromatography, for methionyl-tRNAs from control muscle and 5-day regenerating muscle were essentially indistinguishable, while a minor peak of prolyl-tRNA was observed in the population from 5-, 8- and 15-day regenerates which was apparently absent from the control tRNA. Lysyl-tRNAs from control muscle contain two major isoacceptors while a third isoacceptor is observed in the tRNA preparations from 5-, 8- and 15-day regenerating muscle. The relative amount of this third isoacceptor is highest in the 8-day population and decreases in amount in tRNAs from 15- and 30-day regenerates. Control muscle also contains two major glutamyl-tRNA species while a third isoacceptor can be detected in regenerates. The relative amount of this species increases during the early course of the regeneration process but is present at near control levels by 30 days following Marcaine injection. Cell-free protein synthesis using muscle polyribosomes showed that tRNAs from regenerating muscle were more effective in stimulating [35S]methionine incorporation than tRNAs from control muscle.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed2004

Brain microglia and blood-derived macrophages: molecular profiles and functional roles in multiple sclerosis and animal models of autoimmune demyelinating disease.

Microglia and macrophages, one a brain-resident, the other a mostly hematogenous cell type, represent two related cell types involved in the brain pathology in multiple sclerosis and its autoimmune animal model, the experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. Together, they perform a variety of different functions: they are the primary sensors of brain pathology, they are rapidly recruited to sites of infection, trauma or autoimmune inflammation in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis and they are competent presenters of antigen and interact with T cells recruited to the inflamed CNS. They also synthesise a variety of molecules, such as cytokines (TNF, interleukins), chemokines, accessory molecules (B7, CD40), complement, cell adhesion glycoproteins (integrins, selectins), reactive oxygen radicals and neurotrophins, that could exert a damaging or a protective effect on adjacent axons, myelin and oligodendrocytes. The current review will give a detailed summary on their cellular response, describe the different classes of molecules expressed and their attribution to the blood derived or brain-resident macrophages and then discuss how these molecules contribute to the neuropathology. Recent advances using chimaeric and genetically modified mice have been particularly telling about the specific, overlapping and nonoverlapping roles of macrophages and microglia in the demyelinating disease. Interestingly, they point to a crucial role of hematogenous macrophages in initiating inflammation and myelin removal, and that of microglia in checking excessive response and in the induction and maintenance of remission.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Effect of the preweaning nutritional state on the cardiac protein profile and functional performance of the rat heart.

The aim of the study was to find out whether the changes in nutritional status induced by different litter size during early postnatal development can influence quantitative and qualitative protein remodeling and contractile performance of the myocardium. Male Wistar rats born at the same day were pooled together at 2 days postbirth and assigned by random selection to dams in groups of 4, 8 or 16 rats/litter. The animals were investigated at the age of 4 and 16 weeks. The results revealed that the early postnatal nutritional modification altered weight parameters: whereas lower heart weight persisted in slow-growing rats until 16 weeks, higher body weight of fast-growing rats returned to the control level at the age of 16 weeks. Altered nutritional status influenced also protein remodeling of the myocardium: the concentration of all noncollagenous proteins (fractions of metabolic and contractile proteins) significantly increased in slow-growing rats, on the other hand, the concentration of collagenous proteins (pepsin-soluble and -insoluble fractions) was higher in fast-growing animals. The changes were, however, only transitional: three months after the end of the weaning period most protein changes returned to the control level. However, higher concentration of total blood lipids and triglycerides in fast-growing rats persisted until adulthood. Nutritional changes had, however, only minor effect on ventricular performance. No differences among groups were observed in basal values of the left ventricular pressure, while the maximum pressure attained after an acute ventricular loading and the contractile reserve were significantly decreased in slow-growing 4 week old rats. The functional consequence of altered nutritional status during weaning was only transitional, in agreement with the transient character of most structural and biochemical markers of myocardial remodeling.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗
PubMed2003

Phenotypic profile and functional characterization of rat lymph node-derived gammadelta T cells: implication in the immune response to cytomegalovirus.

Gammadelta T cells are unique, and their localization at sites of infection is considered critical in immune defence. We demonstrate the accumulation of gammadelta T cells in rat regional popliteal lymph nodes (PLNi) starting 2 days after inoculation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) into the footpad. Early-appearance PLNi gammadelta T cells significantly inhibited plaque development and the spread of CMV infection. These gammadelta T cells were negative for CD4 and CD8beta receptors, proliferated in response to interleukin-2 (IL-2) and contained high levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), the appearance of which correlated with the curing of fibroblasts from virus infection. The addition of anti-IFN-gamma abolished the ability of fibroblast monolayers to be cured from CMV infection. In contrast, this protection was not abolished by the addition of anti-rat IL-2 or anti-rat TNF-alpha, or by the depletion of NKR-P1-bearing cells within gammadelta T cells. In addition, the present study shows that while gammadelta T cells derived from naive and CMV-infected rats are able to kill both YAC-1 targets and CMV-infected syngeneic fibroblasts in vitro, only the latter are able to clear CMV-infected fibroblast monolayers. Finally, our data suggest that the expression of NKR-P1 by gammadelta T cells is critical for cytotoxicity, but its contribution to the curing from CMV infection was limited.

Animals↗