Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa in Sprague Dawley Rats Caused by a Frameshift Mutation of Col17a1 Gene.

Junctional epidermolysis bullosa is an intractable cutaneous disorder in humans causing skin fragility and blistering due to mutations in genes encoding essential molecules adhering epidermis and dermis including collagen XVII. However, the pathogenesis still remains to be not fully understood perhaps because of a lack of appropriate animal models. In this study, we report novel mutant rats experiencing junctional epidermolysis bullosa, which was confirmed to be caused by a frameshift mutation of Col17a1 gene, as a rat model for investigating the underlying mechanism of pathogenesis.

Smooth muscle hamartoma of the lungs in a Wistar Hannover rat.

Hamartomas are tumor-like masses comprising disorganized normal tissue elements. To date, spontaneous hamartomas have been reported in several organs and tissues in rodents but not in the lungs. Here, we report the first case of a hamartoma in the lungs of a 108-week-old female Wistar Hannover rat.

Ectopic pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma in the thoracic cavity of F344 rat.

Ectopic pancreatic tissue can occasionally cause inflammation, hemorrhage, stenosis, and invagination, similar to normal pancreatic tissue; however, tumorigenesis is rare. This case report describes an ectopically observed pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma in the thoracic cavity of a female Fischer (F344/DuCrlCrlj) rat. Histopathologically, polygonal tumor cells with periodic acid-Schiff-positive cytoplasmic eosinophilic granules showed solid proliferation and infrequently formed acinus-like structures.

Efficient Endocytosis of the Human Lactoferrin N-Lobe Enhances Its Antiproliferative Activity against Human Cancer Cells.

Human lactoferrin (hLF) is a glycosylated globular iron-binding protein with high functional versatility that elicits anticancer, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects. Some of the diverse functions of hLF are induced after its internalization into various cells via cell surface endocytosis receptors, such as proteoglycans, which contain glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains. We have previously demonstrated that an hLF derivative comprising the N-terminal half of hLF (referred to as the N-lobe) is internalized by intestinal enterocyte Caco-2 cells.

Association of urinary free cortisol with bone formation in patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion.

Context: Mild autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) is associated with an increased risk of vertebral fractures (VFx). However, the influence of this condition on bone turnover or its association with mild ACS is still controversial.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mild ACS on bone quality among patients living with the disease.