Metallothionein induction by restraint stress: role of glucocorticoids and IL-6.

Restraint stress increased liver metallothionein-I (MT-I) mRNA and MT-I+II protein levels. The glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU 486 decreased this response. In contrast, adrenalectomy only decreased MT-I+II protein levels.

Cloning of ARE-containing genes by AU-motif-directed display.

A procedure suitable for cloning labile mRNAs that contain AU motifs is presented (AU-DD). These motifs are regulatory sequences within the so-called AU-rich elements (AREs) often found in 3' untranslated regions of genes such as cytokines, proto-oncogenes, and transcription factors. AU-DD is an AU-motif-directed differential display that permits the identification of ARE-containing genes differentially expressed after cell activation.

Role of Glucocorticoids on Rat Brain Metallothionein-I and -III Response to Stress.

The metallothionein (MT) gene family consists of four members (MT-I through -IV) that are tightly regulated during development. Whereas MT-I and MT-II are widely expressed isoforms, MT-III has been found to be mainly expressed in the central nervous system in adult animals, and is the only isoform that inhibits survival and neurite formation of cortical neurons in vitro. A number of models of brain injury have been shown to affect MT-III mRNA levels, which has been suggested to be related to the putative neurotrophic role of this protein.

Effect of stress on mouse and rat brain metallothionein I and III mRNA levels.

The effect of immobilization stress on brain and liver metallothionein (MT) mRNA levels has been studied in mice and rats. Stress increased brain and liver MT-I mRNA levels in mice in a time-dependent manner, in agreement with the MT-I+II protein levels, suggesting an increased gene transcription during stress. In contrast, the brain-specific isoform, MT-III, tended to decrease during stress.

Interactions between metallothionein inducers in rat liver and primary cultures of rat hepatocytes.

The interaction of Zn, stress and endotoxin on liver metallothionein (MT) regulation has been studied in the rat. Zn, stress and endotoxin increased liver MT levels significantly, by 12-, 5- and 8-fold, respectively. The previous administration of Zn to stress or endotoxin treatments increased MT levels by 35- and 42-fold, respectively, indicating a synergistic effect in both cases.

[Sarcoma of the larynx].

The soft-tissue sarcomas are rarely encountered in the larynx. A case the undifferentiated soft-tissue sarcoma of the larynx is presented, analyzing, the clinical features, the diagnosis and incidence into the laryngeal carcinoma. The prognosis and therapeutic measures are also discussed.