Mechanism of membrane damage mediated by human eosinophil cationic protein

Recent evidence suggests a role for eosinophil granule proteins in contact-dependent antibody-mediated cytotoxicity. Cytolysis may involve a secretory phenomenon whereby granule proteins are released at the site of contact between eosinophil and target cells. Several basic proteins have been isolated from eosinophil granules, including the major basic protein, eosinophil cationic protein, eosinophil protein-X and eosinophil peroxidase. One of the major granule proteins of human eosinophils is the eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) which has been shown to damage schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni at concentrations as low as 10(-7). Here, we describe the formation of functional channels by purified human ECP. The transmembrane pores formed by ECP are relatively voltage-insensitive and non-ion-selective, suggesting a role for channel formation by ECP in target cell damage mediated by eosinophils. Channel formation by granule proteins of immune effector cells may represent a general and effective mechanism of target cell killing.     

Behaviour of the Khapra beetleTrogoderma granarium towards the assembling scent released by the female

Zusammenfassung Es wird nachgewiesen, dass der Duft virginer Käfer der GattungTrogoderma granarium als hetero- und homosexuelles Attraktans, als Arrestans sowie bei den Männchen als Aphrodisiacum wirkt. Die Weibchen werden weniger stark angelockt und überdies wirken taktile Stimuli synergistisch zum olfaktorischen Stimulus. Lockstoffe verschiedenerTrogoderma-Arten werden nur von weiblichen und nicht von männlichen Käfern abgegeben und sind höchstwahrscheinlich gattungsspezifisch.     

A system in the mammalian skin sensitive to X irradiation and insensitive to the oxygen effect

Résumé La chute de pression sous l'influence des rayons X dans une poche de solution saline injectée dans la peau du rat (phénomène décrit parBrinkman etLamberts) se produit aussi en l'absence d'oxygène. L'action de certains radioprotecteurs, mise en évidence par cette technique, est donc également indépendante de l'oxygène.

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Fellow of the Belgo-Italian Commission for Cultural Relations.