Removal of polyethylene glycols from immunoglobulin samples by adsorption chromatography on polystyrene beads

Summary A chromatographic method is described for 80% removal of polyethylene glycol of different types, 600–6000, from human immunoglobulin preparations. Bio-beads SM-2 were used in batch procedures or packed on a 16×100 mm column. The polyethylene glycols were desorbed with 75% ethanol.     

Biased binding of class IA phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase subunits to inducible costimulator (CD278)

To better understand T lymphocyte costimulation by inducible costimulator (ICOS; H4; CD278), we analyzed proteins binding to ICOS peptides phosphorylated at the Y₁₉₁MFM motif. Phosphorylated ICOS binds class IA phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) p85α, p50-55α and p85β regulatory subunits and p110α, p110δ and p110β catalytic subunits. Intriguingly, T cells expressed high levels of both p110α or p110δ catalytic subunits, yet ICOS peptides, cell surface ICOS or PI3-kinase class IA regulatory subunits preferentially coprecipitated p110α catalytic subunits. Silencing p110α or p110δ partially inhibited Akt/PKB activation induced by anti-CD3 plus anti-ICOS antibodies. However, silencing p110α enhanced and silencing p110δ inhibited Erk activation. Both p110α- and p110δ-specific inhibitors blocked cytokine secretion induced by TCR/CD3 activation with or without ICOS costimulus, but only p110α inhibitors blocked ICOS-induced cell elongation. Thus, p110α and p110δ are essential to optimal T cell activation, but their abundance and activity differentially tune up distinct ICOS signaling pathways.     

Type I phosphoinositide 3-kinases: potential antithrombotic targets?

Arterial thrombosis is the single most common cause of death and disability in industrialized societies and is the primary pathogenic mechanism underlying acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. Platelets play a central role in this process, and as a consequence, a great deal of effort has gone into identifying the mechanisms regulating the adhesive function of platelets. Platelet adhesion is controlled by intracellular signaling pathways, with growing evidence for a major role for phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) in this process. Platelets express all type I PI3K isoforms, including p110α, p110β, p110δ and p110γ, with recent evidence suggesting important roles for p110γ and p110β in regulating distinct phases of the platelet activation process. Deficiency of p110 γ or inhibition of p110β produces a marked defect in arterial thrombosis without a corresponding increase in bleeding time, raising the possibility that inhibition of one or more PI3K isoforms may represent an effective antithrombotic approach. Received 3 January 2006; received after revision 20 February 2006; accepted 20 February 2006     

Measurement of polyethylene glycol 4000: Effect of storage and freeze thawing in biological fluids

Summary The effects of storage and freeze-thawing on polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) and¹⁴C PEG 4000 in a solution of NaCl (150 mmoles/l) containing varying amounts of human albumin were studied. Results showed that the analysis of both PEG 4000 and¹⁴C PEG 4000 is likely to be inaccurate in these fluids if the specimens have been freeze-stored, thawed and refrozen several times during a period of several weeks. This seems to be due to the freeze-thawing process itself rather than the actual storage. The amount of protein in the samples may increase the fall in estimated levels of polyethylene glycol observed.     

Isolation of pathogenic treponemes from hare.

A presumably new species of pathogenic treponemes was isolated from a lesion on the male organs of hare (Lepus sp.) and the scrotum of a rabbit (Oryctolagus sp.) was infected with this treponeme. Lesion developed on the scrotum after a 110-day incubation.     

X-irradiation of mice in early fetal period influences dose-dependently sex ratio of offspring until weaning.

Fractionated X-irradiation of mouse fetuses on gestation days 11-13 resulted in a significantly increased postnatal mortality of female litters. This occurred only at 3 x 110 rad, which was the threshold for the formation of typical neuroepithelial, rosette-like malformations.     

Notiz zur Vermehrungsrate der stabilen Bevölkerung

Summary A method for the calculation of the approximate value of the natural rate of increase is presented, when the maternity frequency of females is varied.     

Isolation of pathogenic treponemes from hare

Summary A presumably new species of pathogenic treponemes was isolated from a lesion on the male organs of hare (Lepus sp.) and the scrotum of a rabbit (Oryctolagus sp.) was infected with this treponeme. Lesion developed on the scrotum after a 110-day incubation.     

A simple method for the verification of a successful cannulation of the rat cerebral ventricles

Summary A simple and inexpensive method for the cannulation of the cerebral ventricles of the rat is described. The required tools consist of a stereotaxic instrument, a standard steel injection cannula and a polyethylene tube.This work was done under a contract with the Association of Finnish Life Insurance Companies.     

Decreased cyclic GMP levels in rat cecum mucosa during adaptive stimulation of Na-K-ATPase.

In rat cecal mucosa, Na-K-ATPase specific activity and sodium and fluid absorption were increased by giving polyethylene glycol administration with the drinking water. Whereas cyclic AMP levels were unchanged, cyclic GMP was reduced by about 50%. This finding suggests a regulatory role of cyclic GMP in intestinal sodium and fluid absorption.