Cyclophosphamide-Induced Inflammation of Taste Buds and Cytoprotection by Amifostine.

Taste buds in the oral cavity have a complex immune system regulating normal functions and inflammatory reactions. Cyclophosphamide (CYP), a chemotherapy drug, has wide-ranging disruptive effects on the taste system including loss of taste function, taste sensory cells, and capacity for taste cell renewal. In bladder epithelium, CYP also induces inflammation.

Glutathione S-transferase-dependent conjugation of leukotriene A4-methyl ester to leukotriene C4-methyl ester in mammalian skin.

The glutathione S-transferase (GST)-dependent conjugation of reduced glutathione (GSH) with leukotriene A4 (LTA4)-methyl ester in rodent and human skin was investigated. Incubation of [3H]LTA4-methyl ester (1 nmole, approximately 200,000 dpm) with cytosol prepared from rat, mouse and human skin or with affinity purified GST from rat skin cytosol in the presence of GSH resulted in the formation of LTC4-methyl ester. Maximum enzyme activity was observed in rat skin followed by mouse and human skin.

Presterilization counseling and women's regret about having been sterilized.

A study was designed to assess satisfaction with presterilization counseling, contentment with being sterilized and the effect of variables, such as age, number of children at the time of surgery and ethnic background, on the level of contentment with being sterilized. A total of 1,716 questionnaires were distributed at various hospitals and clinics. Questionnaires were collected from 492 women, who had ranged from 17 to 46 years of age at the time of sterilization.