Endogenous retroviruses

The genomes of vertebrates contain sequences that are similar to present-day exogenous retroviruses. Such sequences, called endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), have resulted from ancestral germ line infections by exogenous retroviruses which have thereafter been transmitted in a Mendelian fashion. By analogy to exogenous tumorigenic retroviruses, ERVs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer. Cumulative evidence from animal models indicates that ERVs may participate in the process of malignant transformation or promote tumor growth, e.g. through insertional mutagenesis or via counteracting tumor immunosurveillance. Here, we review the role of ERVs in tumorigenesis with focus on human ERVs (HERVs) in human cancer. Although available data suggest a potential role of HERVs in human cancers, in particular germ cell tumors, the contributions of HERVs to human tumorigenesis warrant further elucidation. (Part of a Multi-author Review)     

Expansion of the bile acid pool changes the biliary transport characteristics of centrizonal hepatocytes

We investigated whether acinar differences in taurocholate transport are responsible for the increased maximal secretory rate observed after expansion of the bile acid pool. The bile acid pool was expanded by cholate feeding for four days. Periportal and centrizonal hepatocytes were then probed by ante- and retrograde liver perfusion, respectively. In control animals, secretory rate constant (alpha 1) averaged 0.439 +/- 0.123 and 0.104 +/- 0.035 min-1 during ante- and retrograde perfusion, respectively, in the absence of exogenous taurocholate. These values did not significantly change when taurocholate was infused. In cholate-fed animals, alpha 1 was comparable during antegrade perfusion but was significantly reduced (0.038 +/- 0.035, p less than 0.05) during retrograde perfusion in the absence of exogenous taurocholate, presumably owing to induction of cytosolic bile acid binding proteins. During loading with exogenous taurocholate, by contrast, alpha 1 was significantly accelerated (0.252 +/- 0.026; p less than 0.01) in centrizonal hepatocytes from bile-acid fed rats. Expansion of the bile acid pool is able to change the bile salt secretory characteristics of centrizonal hepatocytes toward those of periportal ones.     

Consistent forecast intervals when the forecast-period exogenous variables are stochastic

Derivation of prediction intervals in the k-variable regression model is problematic when future-period values of exogenous variables are not known with certainty. Even in the most favourable case when the forecasts of the exogenous variables are jointly normal, the distribution of the forecast error is non-normal, and thus traditional asymptotic normal theory does not apply. This paper presents an alternative bootstrap method. In contrast to the traditional predictor of the future value of the endogenous variable, which is known to be inconsistent, the bootstrap predictor converges weakly to the true value. Monte Carlo results show that the bootstrap prediction intervals can achieve approximately nominal coverage.     

外源性细胞色素C对脓毒症小鼠心肌TGF-β1和Smad1/5/8影响的实验研究

目的 探讨外源性细胞色素c (Cytc)对脓毒症小鼠心肌TGF-β1和Smad1/5/8的作用及影响.方法 雄性昆明小鼠78只,随机分为假手术组( Sham)、脓毒症组(CLP)、细胞色素C处理组(T).CLP组和T组用盲肠结扎穿孔法造模,Sham组仅开腹翻动盲肠.24 h造模成功后,T组经尾静脉注射外源性Cyt c(20 mg/kg)、Sham组和CLP组分别经尾静脉注射150(1生理盐水.30 min后以0、6h、12 h点取材,每个时间点5只小鼠,测左心室收缩压(LVSP)、左心室舒张末期压(LVEDP)、左室内压力变化最大上升和下降速率(LV±dp/dt-max);取心肌组织分别做组织学检查、RT-PCR和Western-Blot检测TGF-β1和Smad1/5/8蛋白的表达;24h点留取电镜标本,余下的小鼠观察生存率.结果 与CLP组比较,T组一般情况好转,生存率提高,病理学改善;LVSP、LVEDP和LV±dp/dt-max提高(P＜0.05);各组TGF-β1和Smad1/5/8蛋白均有表达,CLP组表达明显增加,经外源性Cytc干预后蛋白表达减少,CLP组与其它组比较差别有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 外源性Cytc逆转脓毒症小鼠心肌线粒体功能抑制和心肌抑制,改善心功能.     

The processing and presentation of endogenous and exogenous antigen by Schwann cells in vitro

The expression of major histocomatibility complex class II in vitro and in vivo by Schwann cells indicates a potential facultative role of Schwann cells in the presentation of antigen to neuritogenic T cells during inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies. Using a T cell proliferation assay, this study demonstrated that processing and presentation of endogenous and exogenous antigen by Schwann cells influences T cell proliferation. Statistical analysis of proliferation and its relation to processing and presentation of antigen by Schwann cells had not been previously addressed. Different combinations of factors including treatment of cultures (untreated, irradiated or fixed), concentration of exogenous antigen (0 or 40 μmg/ml), the presence of interferon-γ and the timing of exogenous antigen addition influence the proliferation P₂-specific, non-mammalian protein ovalbumin-specific T cell lines and naive T cells. Received 25 July 2002; received after revision 9 September 2002; accepted 7 October 2002     

The islet-acinar axis of the pancreas: Is there a role for glucagon or a glucagon-like peptide?

Intravenous glucagon inhibits exocrine pancreatic secretion in vivo, but exogenous glucagon does not affect exocrine secretion in vitro. Recent work, however, suggested that endogenous glucagon may be involved in the regulation of exocrine secretion even in vitro. We therefore investigated the effects of exogenous and endogenous glucagon on exocrine secretion by the isolated perfused rat pancreas in the presence of 1.8 mM glucose. Exogenous glucagon did not affect CCK-stimulated amylase output. 20 mM arginine stimulated glucagon release, but did not affect basal enzyme secretion. CCK-stimulated amylase output, however, was significantly inhibited in the presence of arginine. This inhibitory effect of arginine on exocrine pancreatic secretion could be blocked by glucagon antibodies, but not by nonspecific gammaglobulins. Thus exogenous glucagon failed to affect exocrine pancreatic secretion in vitro, but endogenously released glucagon or a glucagon-like peptide inhibited amylase release in the isolated perfused pancreas. We conclude that glucagon or a glucagon-like peptide may be a mediator in the islet-acinar axis.     

A flexible model of technological diffusion incorporating economic factors with an application to the spread of colour television ownership in the UK

In this paper a new encompassing flexible diffusion model of the epidemic type is proposed and its properties explored. Economic factors are incorporated directly into the model. The new model allows freer interaction between exogenous and endogenous factors in the diffusion process than existing models of this type. The model is applied to the diffusion of colour television ownership in the UK and outperforms the existing models in the literature. The exogenous factors are shown to play a more dominant role in the diffusion of colour television in the UK than existing models allow.     

Metallothionein promotes regenerative axonal sprouting of dorsal root ganglion neurons after physical axotomy

Prior studies have reported that metallothionein I/II (MT) promote regenerative axonal sprouting and neurite elongation of a variety of central nervous system neurons after injury. In this study, we evaluated whether MT is capable of modulating regenerative axon outgrowth of neurons from the peripheral nervous system. The effect of MT was firstly investigated in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) explants, where axons were scratch-injured in the presence or absence of exogenous MT. The application of MT led to a significant increase in regenerative sprouting of neurons 16 h after injury. We show that the pro-regenerative effect of MT involves an interaction with the low-density lipoprotein receptor megalin, which could be blocked using the competitive antagonist RAP. Pre-treatment with the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor PD98059 also completely abrogated the effect of exogenous MT in promoting axonal outgrowth. Interestingly, we only observed megalin expression in neuronal soma and not axons in the DRG explants. To investigate this matter, an in vitro injury model was established using Campenot chambers, which allowed the application of MT selectively into either the axonal or cell body compartments after scratch injury was performed to axons. At 16 h after injury, regenerating axons were significantly longer only when exogenous MT was applied solely to the soma compartment, in accordance with the localized expression of megalin in neuronal cell bodies. This study provides a clear indication that MT promotes axonal regeneration of DRG neurons, via a megalin- and MAPK-dependent mechanism.     

Effect of vitamin A on tumor development in burned, unburned, and glucocorticoid-treated mice inoculated with an oncogenic virus.

High doses of vitamin A decreased the severity of tumor development in mice inoculated with a murine sarcoma virus; the same doses of vitamin A had no effect on the increased tumorigenesis seen in animals severely stressed with thermal injury or the increased tumorigenesis induced by exogenous glucocorticoid administration.     

外源性H2S通过调节β-位淀粉样前体蛋白裂解酶1表达对PC12细胞APP／Aβ代谢的影响

目的观察外源性硫化氢对嗜铬细胞瘤细胞β-位淀粉样前体蛋白裂解酶1（BACE1）的调节作用,进而探讨其对淀粉样前体蛋白／β-位淀粉样蛋白代谢途径的影响。方法用硫氢化钠作外源性H2s供体,实验设空白对照组、NaHs50μmol／L组、NaHS100μmol／L组和NariS200μmol／L组,按分组浓度处理PC12细胞24h后,RT-PCR和Western blot法检测细胞内BACE1 mRNA及蛋白表达,并用Western blot法继而检测APP代谢过程中关键蛋白APP、C99、C83表达变化,EusA法检测细胞培养液中AB40和AB42水平。结果NaHS在实验浓度范围内从基因与蛋白两个水平上呈剂量依赖性下调BACE1表达,并下调C99、Ap40和Ap42蛋白表达,上调C83蛋白,各NaHS组分别与对照组比较,差别均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）,而对APP蛋白表达没有影响,各组间比较差别无显著性（P〉0．05）。结论外源性H2s具有通过调节PC12细胞BACE1表达下调APP／Aβ代谢的作用。     

A pesticide-resistant mutant of the N2-fixing blue-green algaNostoc muscorum

Summary The fungicide dithane Z-78 (zinc ethylene bisdithiocarbamate) has been found to be an inhibitor of growth and heterocyst differentiation inNostoc muscorum. Its inhibitory effect has been reversed by exogenous glucose. A spontaneous mutant resitant to a toxic concentration of the fungicide grows in the presence of dithane at a dose normally applied in fields and does not require an exogenous carbon source for its growth.Thanks are due to Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Govt. of India, New Delhi-110001, for providing financial assistance to A.V. in the form of a Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship.     

Effect of the inhibition of "NADH-diaphorase" activity on the ultrastructural localization of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase]

The NADH-ferricyanide oxidoreductase ("NADH-diaphorase") activity can be inhibited selectively with 0.5 mM p-chloromercuribenzoate, and the reduction of the potassium ferricyanide can be restored with an exogenous electron carrier (PMS). These operations do not affect the localization of the final precipitate of copper ferrocyanide which results from 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity.     

Hormonal induction of steroid sulphatase in the mouse

By comparing steroid sulphatase levels per se, and also ratios to alpha-galactosidase, in 6 sets of mice - normal females, entire and castrated males both with and without exogenous testosterone administration - we obtained support for the contention that induction of this enzyme is in part controlled by male hormones.     

Sphingosine 1-phosphate antagonizes human neutrophil apoptosis via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (SPP) is associated with the regulation of apoptosis, although its role in neutrophil apoptosis remains poorly investigated. Here, we show that exogenous SPP antagonizes spontaneous and anti-Fas-induced apoptosis in neutrophils. Pre-treatment with pertussis toxin clearly reduced the apoptosis-inhibiting capacity of SPP. Consequently, we investigated the involvement of potential modulators of apoptosis that are activated downstream of Gi/G0-coupled receptors. Neither Akt activity nor change in basal activity of c-Jun N-terminal kinases was detected during apoptosis or after adding SPP. In contrast, there was a transient decrease in phosphorylation of both extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) during both spontaneous and anti-Fas-induced apoptosis. Although exogenous SPP reversed these reductions in kinase activity, experiments with inhibitors of ERK (PD98059) and p38 MAPK (SB203580) revealed that only SB203580 counteracted the effect of SPP. Thus, SPP counteracts neutrophil apoptosis via a Gi/G0 protein survival-signalling pathway that includes modulation of p38 MAPK activity.     

Effects of aresenite and oxamate on the in vitro functional activity of estrogen-dominated rate uterine horns.

Arsenite but not oxamate produce in vitro a distinct depression of estrogen-dominated uterine motility, both in the absence of substrate as well as in the presence of exogenous glucose or lactate. The addition of oxamate to preparations suspended in a medium with lactate as the sole external substrate ameliorates the depression of uterine motility elicited by arsenic.     

Evidence of protein kinase activity in 2 murine oncornaviruses]

A protein kinase activity has been detected in two strains of murine Oncornaviruses, MSV/MLV and EFV. This activity phosphorylates not only endogenous viral proteins but also exogenous substrates (histones and phosvitin). The stimulation of enzyme activity by detergents along with the increase of specific activity in viruses treated with trypsin during purification suggest that the enzyme is located in the viral particle.     

Beiträge zum Stickstoffmetabolismus in grünen Pflanzen. I. Die reversible Plastidenumwandlung in glucosestimulierten Kulturen vonSpirodela oligorrhiza,eine Folge von Stickstoffmangel

Summary The regeneration of plastids ofSpirodela oligorrhiza grown on a glucose-containing nutrient was investigated. Yellow leaflets transferred to a fresh nutrient turn green again and the lamellar system of their plastids regenerates within 2 days, whether or not exogenous glucose is present in the medium. Green leaflets of the same plant transferred weekly to a fresh nutrient containing glucose keep their green coloration over a period of at least 32 days. It is concluded that in glucose-stimulated plants changes of color and of chloroplast ultrastructure are exclusively induced by a nitrogen deficiency and not by the exogenous glucose itself.

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Verstorben am 31. Mai 1972.     

Quercetin enhances water transport in toad bladder

A highly significant enhancement of the hydrosmotic actions both of vasopressin and of exogenous cAMP was seen in the presence of quercetin. The hypothesis is advanced that quercetin affects the intracellular coupling between Ca++ in cAMP.     

Effect of prostaglandin E1 on rat gastric motility and cyclic nucleotide content.

Administration of exogenous prostaglandin E1 resulted in an increase in contractility of rat fundic muscle measured in vivo; a significant decrease in fundic tissue levels of cyclic- adenosine monophosphate and a significant increase in cyclic-guanosine monophosphate.